MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Cyclonus (Animated)

2010-07-16T18:51:46Z

71.59.153.16: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Cyclonus}}
:''Cyclonus is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:TranswarpedCyclonus.jpg|thumb|right|350px|He's from the future and knows a lot about hysteria.]]

The other members of [[Team Chaar]] don't know what to make of '''Cyclonus'''. A few centuries ago, he fell out of the sky over [[New Kaon]], and the dark warrior isn't the type for exposition. A nihilist, Cyclonus cares for little and his expressions run cold and dispassionate. During the few occasions in which he speaks, he mentions only the imminent end of all things, and insists that all creation is ultimately doomed. He seems to long for this future apocalypse to come to pass and for this current age to be over, finished.

He waits for a being called "[[Megatron (Animated)|Galvatron]]," to whom he begs forgiveness.

In battle, Cyclonus is a warrior unequaled. He carries twin Bleedblack blades that can sap the energy out of his opponents. He wages war tirelessly, thanks to a reactor linkage that seemingly draws strength from an [[Unicron|unknown, limitless source of energy]] via [[transwarp]] circuitry. Perhaps most peculiar of all is the circuitry he seems to share with [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], specifically the deleted "self preservation" algorithms.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
[[Image:TranswarpedCyclonusAutobots.jpg|thumb|left|250px|I don't care how cool I look.]]

''Cyclonus appeared out of nowhere in a storm of light and tachyons over New Kaon. As [[Scalpel (Animated)|Scalpel]] reassembled him, he noted his immense power, that his internal chronometer was off by megacycles, and that he constantly muttered about someone named "Galvatron." Cyclonus soon swore allegiance to [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], but seemingly in the abstract. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac Volume 2‎}}''

Battling for the control of a [[space bridge]] with [[Team Chaar]], Cyclonus strafed [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus]] before using his twin swords to disable [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]] and [[Brawn (Animated)|Brawn]] with the help of [[Oil Slick (Animated)|Oil Slick]]. Silently accepting [[Strika (Animated)|Strika]]'s orders to secure the area, he ignored the stoic defiance of the Autobot he had strafed before, not even watching it get disabled. It didn't matter to him. When the [[Elite Guard]] arrived and he was given the order to retreat, he did so without complaint. It's not like he cared anyway. {{storylink|TransWarped}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
* ''Animated'' Cyclonus was designed by [[Irineo Maramba]].<ref>[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2008/12/marty-isenberg-interview.html Marty Isenberg Interview comments section.]</ref>
* Due to the great similarity between this incarnation of Cyclonus and his ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' counterpart, [[Hasbro]] announced that it will not be designing an ''Animated'' version of the toy.
* ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac Volume 2‎]]'' strongly suggests that Cyclonus is from a dark future of the Animated universe, in which Megatron has become Galvatron. It also hints that Cyclonus is the future version of [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] or one of [[Starscream clone|his clones]], since Scalpel believes he located within Cyclonus's code some of "Starscream's 'self preservation' algorithms commented out". Because of that last bit, our bets are on [[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]], the cowardly clone. It probably wouldn't be Bombshell.
* He sometimes speaks in [[Furmanism]]s.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Cartoon-only characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]

The Dweller in the Depths

2010-07-10T15:09:54Z

71.59.153.16: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|ep=87
|series2=2010
|ep2=18
|prev2=Webworld
|next2=The Quintesson Journal
|image=DwellerDepths Dweller surface.jpg
|caption=Cthulhu f'taghn!
|title="The Dweller in the Depths"
|production code=700-107
|airdate=[[October 30]], 1986
|written by=[[Paul Dini]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Quintessons, as part of a new attempt at regaining Cybertron, unleash the most dangerous creature known.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の吸血鬼 (''Cybertron-sei no Kyūketsuki'', "The Vampires of Planet Cybertron")
:''German title:'' '''Der Moloch der Tiefe''' (''The Dweller in the Depths'')
:''Latin American title:'' '''El Morador de las Profundidades''' (''The Dweller in the Depths'')
==Synopsis==
[[Image:QuintessonDepth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|We'll avoid the obvious two-faced jokes here.]]

On Cybertron, the [[Autobot]]s have just successfully activated [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s new power core, which should be able to triple the planet’s energy reserves. A short distance away in their ship, the Quintessons watch, disgusted by the success and progress of their creations. One Quintesson unveils a plan to release the [[Dweller]], one of the early biomechanical experiments called [[Trans-Organics]] that were developed by the Quintessons that predate the creation of the Transformers. Unable to even perform rudimentary assignments, the Trans-Organics were unstable monsters that were eventually sealed away in a hibernation chamber deep within Cybertron.

[[Image:ArceeDepth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In true horror movie style, the girl grabs the most phallic weapon she can to defend herself.]]

On [[Chaar]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] is lamenting his [[Decepticon]] troops' incompetence when the Quintessons beam down to talk. The Quintessons inform Galvatron about the Autobots' new power core but purposely give him the wrong location. Galvatron, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweeps]] arrive on Cybertron, and break into the tunnel that leads below, soon pursued by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]. The Decepticons uncover the storage chamber of the Trans-Organics, and accidentally release them from their stasis pods. The creatures soon attack both the Decepticons and the Autobots. In trying to escape, the Decepticons open another chamber and release the most powerful of the monstrous experiments: The Dweller, a giant energy leech that drains their energy and turns the Transformers into [[energy vampire]]s. Running and fighting through the maze of chambers and tunnels in the dark depths of Cybertron, The Dweller quickly whittles down the Decepticon and the Autobot forces, leaving only Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Arcee to escape. Of course, many of the Decepticon losses can be attributed to Galvatron throwing his own soldiers at the Dweller to buy himself time.

[[Image:VampireDepth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|That container on the Dweller's back? Full of Worcestershire sauce.]]

The two Autobots make it back to headquarters where they update [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and Perceptor on the situation, the energy vampires bursting in right behind them. Perceptor determines that the vampires are suffering from a unique form of energy depletion and that a power surge should restabilize their levels. The Autobots form a chain with Perceptor at the end, who plugs himself into the console and they inject the crowd of vampire with an [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] surge. The surge returns the Autobots and Decepticons to normal. Cyclonus, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and the other Sweeps quickly escape and rejoin Galvatron.

Meanwhile, The Dweller is breaking free to the surface, getting bigger from its energy absorption, and heading for Perceptor’s generator. Knowing that it will be unstoppable once it has attached itself to the generator, Perceptor uses the emergency eject switch to launch both the generator and The Dweller on top of it into space. Floating far away from Cybertron, The Dweller instead attaches itself to the ship of the Quintessons who started everything in the first place.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (1)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (3)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (4)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (11)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (12)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (15)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (7)
*[[Sweep|Sweeps]] (8)
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (9)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Quintesson]]s (6)
*[[Trans-Organic]]s (13)
*[[Dweller]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:GalvatronDepth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why can't I get any loyalty out of my troops that I'm always shooting at or throwing at big, slobbering monsters?!]]

"You cringy, cowardly, weak-willed fools! Why am I still stuck on this worthless, cosmic trash bin! Why have I not retaken Cybertron?! And most importantly, why have I been saddled with such a useless pile of junk for followers!" 
"But, mighty Galvatron, we humble Sweeps need energon to—" 
"It's power you want?! I will give you power!"
:—'''Galvatron''' in his rage demands to know from '''Scourge''' and the Sweeps why he isn't victorious. He takes out his frustrations on them until the Quintessons arrive.

"Quintesson! You have betrayed us to the Autobots once before. Why should I trust you?" 
"Heh heh. Please, Galvatron, you can't lay one bad experience on the doorstep of the whole Quintesson race. Besides, how can you be so certain that we were the ones who betrayed you?" 
"Well...you all do look alike."
:—'''Galvatron''' and the '''Quintessons''' as the latter manipulate the Decepticon leader as part of their new plan to retake Cybertron

"YO, JOE! Here I come to save the day. Ayay-yaya-yai! Can this be...the end...of little Wreck-Gar? Oh, no!"
:—'''Wreck-Gar''' saves Ultra Magnus from the Dweller's energy-draining web, only to get trapped in it himself and be drained.

[[Image:DwellerDepth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cybertron has a C.H.U.D. problem too.]]

"Come on, Wreck-Gar, buddy! They haven't canceled your series yet!"
:—'''Springer''' frees the energy-drained Wreck-Gar from the Dweller's rear pouch.

"Be a good soldier and help him." 
"Galvatron, NO! I beg you!"
:—'''Galvatron''' sacrifices another '''Sweep''' to the energy vampires that are approaching.

"I don't know what that thing is back in the tunnels, but even if it gets me as well, I'll die with the satisfaction that the universe will have two more Autobots to mourn!"
:—'''Galvatron''' as he is about to attack Ultra Magnus and Arcee, not realising that the Dweller is fast approaching.

==Notes==
*This isn’t the only energy leech to plague the Transformers, as a few episodes later, [[Tornedron]] will make an appearance in "[[Call of the Primitives]]".

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Dwelleroptimusgeneric.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Maybe our disguises will fool him!]]
* Perceptor's cannon is on the wrong shoulder in the first shot he's in.
* When the Dweller reaches Cybertron's surface, Hot Spot and Groove are seen shooting at it, but Hot Spot is colored like Optimus Prime and Groove is colored like Wheelie.
* When Galvatron and the sweeps are entering the abandoned shaft Galvatron has his face drawn little

===Transformer references===
* The Quintessons remark on the Autobots' ancestors being the ones responsible for their exile from Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
* This episode is heavily influenced by the writings of [[wikipedia:H.P._Lovecraft|H.P. Lovecraft]].
* Wreck-Gar quotes the catchphrases of both the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] team and [[wikipedia:Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]].
**While "Ai-yai-yai" is a fairly generic cry of distress, his TV-mania almost certainly makes it a quote from Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) in ''[[wikipedia:I Love Lucy|I Love Lucy]]''.
**"Can this be...the end...of little Wreck-Gar?" parodies the dying words of Edward G. Robinson's title character in ''[[wikipedia:Little Caesar|Little Caesar]]''.

===Trivia===
* When Cyclonus calls for help from Galvatron after the Dweller grabs him, Galvatron turns and...actually ''hesitates'' for a moment before moving on. Clearly he has ''some'' regard for Cyclonus, despite his usual disgust and abuse.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_dweller_in_the_depths.html Dossier on the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dweller in the Depths}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Dweller in the Depths

2010-07-10T15:09:19Z

71.59.153.16: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|ep=87
|series2=2010
|ep2=18
|prev2=Webworld
|next2=The Quintesson Journal
|image=DwellerDepths Dweller surface.jpg
|caption=Cthulhu f'taghn!
|title="The Dweller in the Depths"
|production code=700-107
|airdate=[[October 30]], 1986
|written by=[[Paul Dini]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Quintessons, as part of a new attempt at regaining Cybertron, unleash the most dangerous creature known.'''

:''Japanese title:'' セイバートロン星の吸血鬼 (''Cybertron-sei no Kyūketsuki'', "The Vampires of Planet Cybertron")
:''German title:'' '''Der Moloch der Tiefe''' (''The Dweller in the Depths'')
:''Latin American title:'' '''El Morador de las Profundidades''' (''The Dweller in the Depths'')
==Synopsis==
[[Image:QuintessonDepth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|We'll avoid the obvious two-faced jokes here.]]

On Cybertron, the [[Autobot]]s have just successfully activated [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s new power core, which should be able to triple the planet’s energy reserves. A short distance away in their ship, the Quintessons watch, disgusted by the success and progress of their creations. One Quintesson unveils a plan to release the [[Dweller]], one of the early biomechanical experiments called [[Trans-Organics]] that were developed by the Quintessons that predate the creation of the Transformers. Unable to even perform rudimentary assignments, the Trans-Organics were unstable monsters that were eventually sealed away in a hibernation chamber deep within Cybertron.

[[Image:ArceeDepth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In true horror movie style, the girl grabs the most phallic weapon she can to defend herself.]]

On [[Chaar]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] is lamenting his [[Decepticon]] troops' incompetence when the Quintessons beam down to talk. The Quintessons inform Galvatron about the Autobots' new power core but purposely give him the wrong location. Galvatron, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweeps]] arrive on Cybertron, and break into the tunnel that leads below, soon pursued by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]. The Decepticons uncover the storage chamber of the Trans-Organics, and accidentally release them from their stasis pods. The creatures soon attack both the Decepticons and the Autobots. In trying to escape, the Decepticons open another chamber and release the most powerful of the monstrous experiments: The Dweller, a giant energy leech that drains their energy and turns the Transformers into [[energy vampire]]s. Running and fighting through the maze of chambers and tunnels in the dark depths of Cybertron, The Dweller quickly whittles down the Decepticon and the Autobot forces, leaving only Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Arcee to escape. Of course, many of the Decepticon losses can be attributed to Galvatron throwing his own soldiers at the Dweller to buy himself time.

[[Image:VampireDepth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|That container on the Dweller's back? Full of Worcestershire sauce.]]

The two Autobots make it back to headquarters where they update [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and Perceptor on the situation, the energy vampires bursting in right behind them. Perceptor determines that the vampires are suffering from a unique form of energy depletion and that a power surge should restabilize their levels. The Autobots form a chain with Perceptor at the end, who plugs himself into the console and they inject the crowd of vampire with an [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] surge. The surge returns the Autobots and Decepticons to normal. Cyclonus, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and the other Sweeps quickly escape and rejoin Galvatron.

Meanwhile, The Dweller is breaking free to the surface, getting bigger from its energy absorption, and heading for Perceptor’s generator. Knowing that it will be unstoppable once it has attached itself to the generator, Perceptor uses the emergency eject switch to launch both the generator and The Dweller on top of it into space. Floating far away from Cybertron, The Dweller instead attaches itself to the ship of the Quintessons who started everything in the first place.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (1)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (3)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (4)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (11)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (12)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (15)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (16)

|c2=
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (7)
*[[Sweep|Sweeps]] (8)
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (9)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Quintesson]]s (6)
*[[Trans-Organic]]s (13)
*[[Dweller]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:GalvatronDepth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why can't I get any loyalty out of my troops that I'm always shooting at or throwing at big, slobbering monsters?!]]

"You cringy, cowardly, weak-willed fools! Why am I still stuck on this worthless, cosmic trash bin! Why have I not retaken Cybertron?! And most importantly, why have I been saddled with such a useless pile of junk for followers!" 
"But, mighty Galvatron, we humble Sweeps need energon to—" 
"It's power you want?! I will give you power!"
:—'''Galvatron''' in his rage demands to know from '''Scourge''' and the Sweeps why he isn't victorious. He takes out his frustrations on them until the Quintessons arrive.

"Quintesson! You have betrayed us to the Autobots once before. Why should I trust you?" 
"Heh heh. Please, Galvatron, you can't lay one bad experience on the doorstep of the whole Quintesson race. Besides, how can you be so certain that we were the ones who betrayed you?" 
"Well...you all do look alike."
:—'''Galvatron''' and the '''Quintessons''' as the latter manipulate the Decepticon leader as part of their new plan to retake Cybertron

"YO, JOE! Here I come to save the day. Ayay-yaya-yai! Can this be...the end...of little Wreck-Gar? Oh, no!"
:—'''Wreck-Gar''' saves Ultra Magnus from the Dweller's energy-draining web, only to get trapped in it himself and be drained.

[[Image:DwellerDepth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Cybertron has a C.H.U.D. problem too.]]

"Come on, Wreck-Gar, buddy! They haven't canceled your series yet!"
:—'''Springer''' frees the energy-drained Wreck-Gar from the Dweller's rear pouch.

"Be a good soldier and help him." 
"Galvatron, NO! I beg you!"
:—'''Galvatron''' sacrifices another '''Sweep''' to the energy vampires that are approaching.

"I don't know what that thing is back in the tunnels, but even if it gets me as well, I'll die with the satisfaction that the universe will have two more Autobots to mourn!"
:—'''Galvatron''' as he is about to attack Ultra Magnus and Arcee, not realising that the Dweller is fast approaching.

==Notes==
*This isn’t the only energy leech to plague the Transformers, as a few episodes later, [[Tornedron]] will make an appearance in "[[Call of the Primitives]]".

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Dwelleroptimusgeneric.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Maybe our disguises will fool him!]]
* Perceptor's cannon is on the wrong shoulder in the first shot he's in.
* When the Dweller reaches Cybertron's surface, Hot Spot and Groove are seen shooting at it, but Streetwise is colored like Optimus Prime and Groove is colored like Wheelie.
* When Galvatron and the sweeps are entering the abandoned shaft Galvatron has his face drawn little

===Transformer references===
* The Quintessons remark on the Autobots' ancestors being the ones responsible for their exile from Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
* This episode is heavily influenced by the writings of [[wikipedia:H.P._Lovecraft|H.P. Lovecraft]].
* Wreck-Gar quotes the catchphrases of both the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] team and [[wikipedia:Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]].
**While "Ai-yai-yai" is a fairly generic cry of distress, his TV-mania almost certainly makes it a quote from Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) in ''[[wikipedia:I Love Lucy|I Love Lucy]]''.
**"Can this be...the end...of little Wreck-Gar?" parodies the dying words of Edward G. Robinson's title character in ''[[wikipedia:Little Caesar|Little Caesar]]''.

===Trivia===
* When Cyclonus calls for help from Galvatron after the Dweller grabs him, Galvatron turns and...actually ''hesitates'' for a moment before moving on. Clearly he has ''some'' regard for Cyclonus, despite his usual disgust and abuse.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_dweller_in_the_depths.html Dossier on the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dweller in the Depths}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

In Darkest Knight

2010-07-06T20:49:30Z

71.59.153.16: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=BMtoon
|ep=17
|image=Silverboltbm.jpg
|caption=I'm Batman.
|title="In Darkest Knight"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[March 1]], 2000
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[George Samilski]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''Blackarachnia is finally able to revive Silverbolt, but he doesn't seem too happy about it.'''

:''French title:'' '''Une Sombre Nuit''' ("A Dark Night")
:''French-Canadian title:'' '''Sombre Chevalier''' ("Dark Knight")
:''Japanese title:'' 野獣の恩返し (''Yajū no Ongaeshi'', "The Beast's Gratitude")
:''Spanish title:'' '''El Caballero en la Oscuridad'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Grand Mal|big floating head]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s newest body, drifts overhead, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] searches through a derelict region of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for his former friend, the organic [[Noble|Savage/Noble]]. However, his search is cut short by [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] and [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]].

[[Image:DarkestKnight Rattrap's invention.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Back at the Maximal base, [[Rattrap]] talks to [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] about his newest invention, combining a [[spark extractor]] with a [[DNA scanner]]. This process, he hopes, could someday be used to restore any of the captured sparks they recover into Transformer bodies. [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] arrive, wondering what's happened to Nightscream. Nobody has seen him for a while, so the team head aboveground to find out where he's gone. However, Blackarachnia has a lingering fascination with Rattrap's new device.

The Maximals find Nightscream surrounded by a back of [[Motorcycle Drone|cycle drones]] and other [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s. A fight to rescue their young member begins. Cheetor uses his blades to glide through the air, fighting the [[Sonic Attack Jet]]s all the while. Rattrap outraces several more cycle drones. Cooking up her own plot, Blackarachnia places Rattrap's device on Jetstorm, hoping to free his spark and reformat him.

Megatron, in his gigantic head, uses his gravity beams to capture Optimus and Cheetor, ending the conflict quickly. Nightscream is left behind, at the mercy of Thrust. Luckily, he is protected by Savage/Noble, who uses both of his tails to damage Thrust. Rattrap sees the strange dragon haul Nightscream's unconscious body away and, suspecting Savage intends to consume the younger Maximal, follows.

[[Image:DarkestKnight Silverbolt reflection.jpg|right|thumb|200px|"Kermit, I would like to have a word about injecting some culture into this show."]]
Blackarachnia leads Jetstorm deeper underground. The jet crashes through one of her webs and into a pool of [[organic goo|organic fluid]]. With the general restrained, the DNA scanner Blackarachnia placed onto him activates and begins to detect local fossils. The scanner passes by several other bones before locking onto a suitable candidate: a skeleton of a prehistoric, condor-like creature. After a painful metamorphosis, the Vehicon once known as Jetstorm is destroyed, and the [[Maximal]] [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] is reborn. He becomes aware of himself and is surprised by his new, [[technorganic]] form. Shocked, disgruntled, and angry, he flies out of the cave in which he was brought back, leaving a confused Blackarachnia behind.

Confronting the renegade Maximal atop a skyscraper, Blackarachnia discovers a change in her lover. Instead of the corny, phrase-spouting 'bot of prehistoric Earth, this new, angry Silverbolt loathes himself. Blackarachnia tries to remind the Maximal of the heroic personality he used to be, but Silverbolt (who is no longer silver) no longer has any connection to those ideals that once defined him. He comes along with Blackarachnia on a trip to rescue Optimus Primal and Cheetor not out of concern for his Maximal pals, but only as a way to confront his former master, Megatron.

Nightscream awakens in an abandoned warehouse, now serving as Savage/Noble's "den". The creature, in his "Noble" form, provides a metallic apple for Nightscream to feed on. Noble has lost his former mental skills, but still seems to like Nightscream and remember him. Rattrap tries to rescue Nightscream quietly but catches Noble's attention. Confused, Noble shifts into his Savage form, causing Nightscream and Rattrap to cheese it.

[[Image:DarkestKnight Optimus Cheetor interrogation.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"I'm a pepper! Don't you want to be a pepper, too?"]]
Inside of the Grand Mal, Cheetor and Optimus are interrogated for information on the Oracle and how Megatron can use it to manipulate the Sparks he holds captive. Blackarachnia and Silverbolt arrive in the same chamber, where Megatron manifests an image of himself, a hologram of the Grand Mal made out of floating masses of data. He explains why he selected Silverbolt's spark to be made into a new general: He believed Silverbolt's sense of honor would let him stay true to Megatron's Vehicon ideology. Blackarachnia argues, hoping Silverbolt understands that friendship and love are more important.

Silverbolt rejects Megatron's dogma and transforms into his new robot mode. His throwing blades heavily damage Megatron's insides. Freed, Primal orders a retreat, but Silverbolt feels it would be better to [[Furmanism|fight and die]]. Blackarachnia uses one of her abilities to stun him so she can drag him out.

[[Image:Blackarachniasilverboltdarkestknight.jpg|right|300px|thumb|A sunset on Cybertron? Crazy!]]
Rattrap and Nightscream are still running from Savage when they find Thrust and his drones standing in their way. The Maximals let Savage take care of the drones, while Silverbolt tosses away Thrust into the water. Primal welcomes Silverbolt back into the Maximals, but the bird just leaves the Maximals, not yet ready to be part of the team. Nightscream argues that Savage/Noble still has the qualities of a good guy inside of him, and Primal decides that the best thing to do is to wait.

That morning, sitting on a skyscraper, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt have another discussion, in which he reveals how he enjoyed being a Vehicon, without having to follow his code of honor. Despite this, Blackarachnia is still ready to reach out to him, and together they return to the Maximals.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] (2)
*[[Rattrap]] (5)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (6)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (7)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (8)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] (11)

|h2=[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s
|c2=
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] (3)
*[[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] (4)
*[[Motorcycle Drone|Motorcycle Drones]] (9)
*[[Sonic Attack Jet|Sonic Attack Jets]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Noble]] (11)

}}

==Quotes==
"Nothing noble about us!" 
"But savage? We can do that!"
:—'''Thrust''' and '''Jetstorm'''

"I thought you losers were out of business!" 
"Guess again, bat brain! We're back on the winning team!"
:—'''Nightscream''' and '''Jetstorm'''

"You broke 'em, you bought 'em, kittycat!"
:—'''Jetstorm'''

"What do you want from us?" 
"Oh, nothing much. Just every bit of data on the Oracle to better understand how I can fully exploit the precious sparks in my possession. I anticipate that extracting this information will be slow, painful, and, regrettably...fatal."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Megatron'''

"How can you stand the sight of me? Look at what I've become!"
:–'''Silverbolt''' doesn't like his new design any more than the rest of us.

"Where do you think you're going? Do you have any idea what I went through to get you back again?"
:—The answer, '''Blackarachnia''', is, "You stole hardware from Rattrap, then kidnapped Jetstorm and brainwashed him."

"You helped me find the light once." 
"I was a fool back then. I ''believed'' in things."
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Silverbolt'''

"Don't listen to him, Silverbolt! He turned you into a monster!" 
"I gave you strength. I gave you power." 
"We gave you friendship! I gave you my heart." 
"I gave you purpose. I gave you ''life!''" 
"''You... gave... me... '''NOTHING!!!'''''"
:-'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Megatron''' play Loyalty-tug-of-war with '''Silverbolt'''.

"Nobody's judging you. You were under Megatron's control. Join us, and you can avenge yourself." 
"You still don't get it, do you? I don't hate Megatron for what he made me do. He freed me from my code of honor, and I revelled in it. Don't you see? I… enjoyed it. I don't know what I am anymore." 
"You are what you've always been – honest, pure, virtuous to a fault." 
[''Blackarachnia takes Silverbolt's hand''] 
"You're taking a huge risk." 
"Considering how well I know the goodness in your heart, it really isn't a risk at all."
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Silverbolt'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical errors===
* The fossil scanned by Silverbolt is clearly a bat, not a condor, and is a reuse of the CGI model of the fossil Nightscream found in "[[Survivor]]".

===Continuity errors===
* Also, seeing as how Silverbolt looks virtually ''nothing'' like his previous form, it seems somewhat odd that [[Rattrap]] would instantly recognise him without being introduced.
* Remember how in "[[Revelations Part III: Apocalypse]]", Optimus said that changing Rhinox against his will is no better than Megatron? Or in "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]", when he said much the same thing about Blackarachnia herself? Well, either Blackarachnia [[Fallout|''doesn't'' remember]] or it's okay when Jetstorm/Silverbolt has a [[To sell toys|new toy]] out. Then again, going behind everyone's back to do her own thing is possibly the only in-character action she made in the entire show.
* Previously it was a major plot point to maintain robot mode. Now Nightscream is able to maintain robot form while unconscious. Good focus kid.

===Trivia===
* Vehicons are a superstitious and cowardly lot.
* Regrettably, this episode has nothing to do with Green Lantern. Or Batman.
* This is one of only two episodes in the entire series to feature sunlight. Every other episode happens entirely at night. Wouldn't it be awesome if they did [[wikipedia:Ben_10:_Alien_Force|Ben 10]] that way?
*This is the last episode to show Jetstorm but Silverbolt would be called that name in the remaining episodes by Thrust

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Returns'' — Volume 5 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Geneon Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Beast Machines: Transformers'' — The Complete Series ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season Two: Volume One ([[Sony]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Complete Season Two (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Intégrale Saison 2 (Sony) — French audio only.

[[Category:Beast Machines episodes]]

Bumblebee (Movie)

2010-06-28T01:12:53Z

71.59.153.16: /* Transformers: The Game */

{{factions|autobotfilm|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Bumblebee}}
:''Bumblebee is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''N.B.E.-02'''.''

[[Image:TF-Alliance03 Cover Nizzi.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Groovy, bee-otch!"]]
'''Bumblebee''' is one of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most trusted lieutenants. Although he is not the strongest or most powerful of the Autobots, Bumblebee more than makes up for this with a bottomless well of luck, determination and bravery. He would gladly give his life to protect others and stop the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]].

Badly damaged in battle, Bumblebee lost the ability to speak verbally, though he can still communicate over inter-Autobot frequencies (in a fashion that seems somewhat akin to instant messaging, a usable but more distant and less personal means of interaction).

{{quote|[[William Lennox|You]] wanna lay the fate of the world on [[Sam Witwicky|the kid]]'s Camaro? That's cool.|[[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]]|[[Transformers (2007)]]}}

:''Spanish name:'' '''Abejorro''' ("Bumblebee")
:''Mandarin name:'' '''Dà Huáng-fēng''' (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Daai Wong Fung''' (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Űrdongó''' ("Space Bumblebee")

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance1_Cliffjumper_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"Tell Hasbro that [[Cliffjumper (disambiguation)|I]] don't want to be a [[repaint]] of [[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|you]] anymore!"]]

Many years in the past, Bumblebee and [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] were guardians of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] at the Temple of [[Simfur]]. One day, Bumblebee wondered aloud why Optimus and Lord High Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] were out investigating the nearby excavation site when the All Spark was "freaking" out with energy spikes. Cliffjumper assured him that whatever Optimus and the others were investigating, it must have been important, then reminded his colleague that they had their duties. When Bumblebee admitted nerves, Cliffjumper said that the two of them could handle anything, and just to let trouble come to them. He would soon regret those words when aliens attacked Simfur. They were seeking cover inside the temple when Lord Megatron swooped in, berated them for not taking the fight to the enemy and destroyed their opponent. He then told commander [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] to keep the lowly security guards out of the way of the military. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1}}

Bumblebee was concerned this was the start of something ''big'', to which Cliffjumper agreed, but he felt that as little cogs in the great machine, all they needed to do was stand guard. [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] advised them to stay at their posts and report to him of any unusual activity from the All Spark during the battle. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2}}

[[Image:Defiance3_Optimus_Bumblebee_orders.jpg|thumb|300px|Well, that's one way to make a first impression.]]

After [[The Fallen|the relic]] informed Megatron of Optimus' break and enter of his personal quarters, Bumblebee, [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]], Cliffjumper, [[Camshaft (Movie)|Camshaft]], [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and Prowl were sent to the ruins near [[Burthov]] to arrest Optimus ''Prime's'' party on trumped-up charges of treason. When Optimus angrily demanded to know just what he had done to be charged with treason, Bumblebee pointed his weapon at the science leader and said they were just following orders, which seemed to satisfy Optimus. What the security officers didn't know was they were being led into a trap, and soldiers loyal to Megatron were under orders to eliminate all but Optimus. After being hit by an explosive round, the group banded together, realising they had all been marked for death. Optimus ordered them to flee to Burthov while he took care of Starscream's group personally. {{storylink|Defiance issue 3}}

[[Image:Defiance_Bumblebee_vehiclemodes.jpg|thumb|left|300px|My alt-mode is Pac-Man!]]

While on an apparent scouting mission, Bumblebee and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] discovered the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'' while it was under construction and reported their findings back to Prowl. Then Bumblebee transformed into a ball and Arcee transformed into a hover-bike and they both headed back to base. When the ''Nemesis'' was completed, Bumblebee and Arcee were there once again to witness the majority of the Decepticon forces board and take off for parts unknown to them.

With the bulk of the war-like Decepticons gone into space, the Autobots were able to hold their own in their resistance to Megatron's rule, but the war was ever-escalating in intensity, leading to increasing casualties and devastation to Cybertron. When it was clear to Optimus Prime that the conflict was locked in a stalemate, he made the desperate decision to capture the All Spark and launch it into space. This decision took Bumblebee by surprise, but he supported Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}

[[Image:MovieMegatron Bumblebee torture comic.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Megatron's attempt at a "Give me your arm!" meme didn't really take off...]]

During the raid to capture the All Spark, Bumblebee commanded the Autobot forces at [[Tyger Pax]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] attempting to hold the [[Decepticon]]s off while the All Spark was launched off-planet. He succeeded, but Megatron crushed his voice box, and he lost his ability to speak in the process. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4}}{{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Prime Directive issue 1}} [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] has been having trouble fixing it ever since. Bumblebee was declared a hero for his actions, but he feared that all they had done was potentially spread their war to other worlds. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 1|Prime Directive issue 1}}

Later, he was the first to track the All Spark to [[Earth]], making planetfall in 2003. Here, he learned to express his emotions by tuning in appropriately emotive music on his car radio. Though the clandestine [[human]] organization [[Sector Seven]] tracked his descent and secured the area in [[Virginia]] where he landed, his quick assumption of a local alternate mode disguise allowed him to escape via Interstate 64. Bumblebee's search for the All Spark began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he used a remote link to a coffee shop computer to search [[Shwiggle]] for any signs of extra-terrestrial sightings. There, he discovered the legend of the [[Ice Man]], and the story of Captain [[Archibald Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Prime Directive issue 3}}

Bumblebee's quest took him to [[Baton Rouge]], Louisiana, where Captain Witwicky had been committed. First he visited the ruins of the long-abandoned [[Psychopathic Institute for the Long-Term Insane]], Witwicky's final home. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive issue 4}} From there, Bumblebee headed into downtown, where he scanned the records of Captain Witwicky from an unnamed [[asylum]]. This action unfortunately put Sector Seven onto his trail.

The Baton Rouge clues led Bumblebee to [[Springfield]], Missouri, in search of Witwicky's son [[Clarence Witwicky|Clarence]]. En route, he evaded the first of several attacks by Sector Seven. In Springfield, he found records of Clarence's descendants, and started out to track them down. The oldest son, [[Ben Witwicky|Ben]], had resided in Denver, Colorado, but the trail ended there. En route to his next stop in Tucson, Bumblebee was again attacked by Sector Seven, evading their helicopters by blinding them and rocketing off at high speed. Not long after, he was attacked by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] in the desert. {{storylink|Interlude}}

Damaged and smoking, Bumblebee stopped by the roadside to rest and recover. Suddenly detecting a burst of All Spark energy, he continued onwards out of Colorado. In New Mexico, as he approached the source of the All Spark energy, he came under attack once again from Barricade. Other Decepticons, meanwhile, attacked the energy source and found it to be a Sector Seven ruse. Bumblebee managed to escape Barricade again, though unbeknownst to him the Decepticons let him go so that they could track him. Eventually, his search took him to [[Tranquility]], [[Nevada]], {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Prime Directive issue 4}} where he would soon encounter [[Sam Witwicky]].

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]]

[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] entrusted Bumblebee with the secret that the All Spark would be sent into deep space to prevent Lord Megatron from possessing and corrupting it. Just after the launch, Megatron attacked Bumblebee in rage at losing the All Spark and shattered the Autobot's voice capacitor beyond repair.

Bumblebee arrived on Earth and, sensing the AllSpark was near, took on local camouflage to search for the artifact. He immediately attracted the attention of Sector Seven agents and the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW]] [[Prime Directive (IDW)|Prime Directive]] Movie Prequel that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
Between Tyger Pax and his arrival on Earth, Bumblebee and the rest of the [[Ark (Movie)|''Ark'']] crew encountered some humans in deep space and got their first clues to where Megatron and the All Spark rested. Bumblebee discovered a human shuttle, the Ghost 1, which had been made by reverse-engineering from Megatron's body. He was attacked by Starscream and escaped. Attacked by giant, metal-eating worms, he was ultimately saved by Optimus Prime. Bumblebee participated in the final battle against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (English), [[Hiroshi Iwasaki]] (Japan radio voice) [[Akio Kato]] (Japan normal voice), [[Helmut Gauß]] (German), [[Eduardo Borgerth]] (Brazil)

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee dealership.jpg|left|250px|thumb|The old old and the new old.]]
Bumblebee, having made his way to a second-rate car dealership, became [[Sam Witwicky]]'s first car. Sam's father promised his son a car if Sam paid half of the money and achieved three A's in school. After doing so with the help of his genealogy project, Sam rode with [[Ron Witwicky|his father]] to [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|a car lot with an exceedingly long name]]. Following them to the lot, Bumblebee quietly placed himself among the other cars. To prevent Sam from having to choose another car, he used a high-frequency sound wave to blow out the windows of every other car in the lot, leaving [[Bobby Bolivia]] with no choice but to sell Bumblebee to the Witwickys.

The next day, Sam and his friend [[Miles Lancaster]] drove Bumblebee down to the lake in a misguided attempt to impress the popular girls at a party. Observing the exchange of thinly veiled insults between Sam and the football jocks, Bumblebee decided to help out Sam when the boy noticed [[Mikaela Banes]] walking home after a falling-out with her now ex-boyfriend. Playing "Drive" on his radio, Bumblebee inspired Sam to kick Miles out and drive Mikaela home. As the two awkwardly chatted, Bumblebee suddenly turned off his engine when they neared a romantic spot overlooking the city, this time playing "Sexual Healing" and "I Feel Good". Not knowing his car has a mind of its own, Sam misinterpreted this as a breakdown. Mikaela attempted to fix Bumblebee with her mechanical know-how, only to leave after Sam asked her why she tolerated jerks like her ex-boyfriend. Trying to help as much as he could, Bumblebee allowed Sam to start up his engine as she walked away, this time playing "Baby, Come Back". Arriving at Mikaela's house, Sam advanced a step towards her by stating that he didn't believe her to be shallow at all, that there was "more than meets the eye" with her. After she left, Sam quietly enthused that he loved his car.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee firstsighting.jpg|right|250px|thumb|One of the clearer shots in the film.]]
Later that night, Bumblebee drove off by himself with Sam in hot pursuit, believing it to be a car theft. Unwittingly leading his human owner to a junkyard, Bumblebee transformed and activated his communications beacon, requesting assistance from Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Unknown to him, Sam had seen his robot form and run off, and was now being being pursued by the junkyard's two guard dogs. Bumblebee came to Sam's aid, scaring off the dogs, but had to escape when the police (whom Sam had previously summoned when Bumblebee drove away from his house) arrived to arrest Sam for breaking into the junkyard.

The next day, Bumblebee drove back to the Witwicky house sometime after Sam had been bailed out by his dad. Frightened and confused, Sam rode away from what he dubbed "[[Unicron|Satan]]'s Camaro", ending up in the city and encountering Mikaela in front of a Burger King. Bumblebee followed Sam towards an industrial area, not realizing that the Decepticon [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] was stalking the boy, intent on finding glasses belonging to [[Archibald Witwicky|Sam's ancestor]], which Sam had been auctioning on [[eBay]] Sam ran away from the attacking Decepticon and literally ran into Mikaela after she had followed him. As Barricade bore down on the pair, Bumblebee suddenly appeared, knocking the Decepticon off his feet, then drove the humans away as Barricade gave chase.

[[Image:Movie Bumblebee winner.jpg|left|250px|thumb|YOU BIG WINNER, HAHAHA.]]
Racing through dilapidated factories and warehouses, Bumblebee eventually arrived at a deserted chemical plant on the outskirts of town. There he waited until Barricade's back was turned before dumping Sam and Mikaela out of his passenger side door, then transforming into robot mode to protect his friends. Barricade transformed and attacked, hitting Bumblebee with his tire spikes and knocking the Autobot into a chemical tank. In retaliation, Bumblebee grabbed Barricade and threw him into an electrical substation, seriously damaging the Decepticon and putting him into stasis lock. After Sam and Mikaela took care of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], Bumblebee introduced himself to them entirely through the use of his radio, explaining that it was the only way he could communicate, that he was an alien, and that Sam had witnessed him calling to his friends the previous night. Transforming back into vehicle mode, Bumblebee invited his friends to enter (which they did after a brief hesitation) and began to drive them to nearby [[Griffith Observatory]].

[[Image:Movie Bumblebee Mikaela observatory.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Still think I'm a piece of crap, lady?]]
On the way, Mikaela (who had refused to sit in the driver's seat, as Bumblebee was driving), rhetorically asked Sam that if Bumblebee was a super-advanced robot, why did he turn into a piece-of-crap Camaro? Mildly insulted, Bumblebee stopped in the middle of a packed tunnel and forced the humans out, then drove away. As Sam lamented the fact that "four thousand dollars just drove away", Bumblebee passed another car and scanned it, driving back to the pair as a sleek and shiny 2009 Camaro. Amazed and impressed, Sam and Mikaela got back in, and Bumblebee continued their journey to the observatory. Arriving, the humans observed as the other Autobots entered the Earth's atmosphere and crash-landed in various parts of the city.

Bumblebee then took his friends to a secluded alleyway, where Sam and Mikaela met the other Autobots. Introducing themselves, Sam learned that Bumblebee was his guardian and that the Autobot's vocal processors had been damaged in battle. [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was still working on them as he fired a regenerative plasma beam<ref name="Orci">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showthread.php?t=12054 Post-movie Q&A with screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman]</ref> at the damaged area. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] explained that their mission was to find the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]], and that Sam Witwicky was the key due to his grandfather discovering [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] on an Arctic voyage.

[[Image:Movie BumblebeeCC guardian.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I may be your guardian, but I will not carry you through a crowd to the music of Whitney Houston.]]
Arriving at the Witwicky residence, Bumblebee attempted to convince his comrades to remain out of sight while Sam was talking to his father. When Sam and Mikaela were captured by [[Sector Seven]], Bumblebee helped rescue them. The interrogation of [[Seymour Simmons|Agent Simmons]] went nowhere, however, and Bumblebee became so annoyed with his attitude that he released lubricant onto the agent. Soon, Sector Seven reinforcements arrived, intent on recapturing the kids and any "N.B.E.s" they could get their hands on. Optimus Prime tried to protect Sam and Mikaela as they hid under a bridge, but both almost fell to their deaths when they slipped. Bumblebee raced forward, transforming and catching them in mid-air. Unfortunately, this also gave Sector Seven a clear and obvious target for them to attack. Firing harpoon cables from helicopters, the clandestine human organization dragged Bumblebee to the ground, and its soldiers began to freeze the helpless Autobot, who reached out to Sam. The boy broke free from an agent's grip, pushing the soldiers aside until he was tackled by several agents and taken away. Though [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] objected to allowing Sector Seven to leave with their friend, Optimus Prime ordered his troops to stand down, as there was no way to save the prisoners without incurring human casualties.

[[Image:Movie2007 Bumblebee AllSpark.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Also available in pocket size.]]
Taken to [[Hoover Dam]], Bumblebee was continually doused with cryoblasts to keep him docile and inert as Sector Seven performed experiments on him. Sam and Mikaela (with some armed persuasion from [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]]) convinced Sector Seven to release Bumblebee. Upon his release, Bumblebee converted to battle mode and almost lashed out at his human oppressors until Sam calmed him down, informing him of the presence of the All Spark and Megatron in the facility, and that the Decepticons were coming for both. Following the humans to the All Spark's chamber, Bumblebee hesitantly reached out to the life source of his people and reformatted it, shrinking the cube until it was a size that the humans could manipulate. Bumblebee and a military escort fled to [[Mission City]], meeting the Autobots en route.

Soon after they arrived at the city, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] appeared. Recognizing the Decepticon, [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and Bumblebee lifted up an abandoned truck in order to shield the humans from any collateral damage Starscream's attack would inevitably bring. One of the Decepticon's missiles struck the truck, sending both Autobots flying, with Bumblebee landing in a store front. The attack tore off Bumblebee's legs and left him barely functional, as Sam discovered to his horror when Bumblebee crawled from the wreckage. Soon, the other Decepticons arrived, led by Megatron, and the remaining Autobots were engaged. Mikaela and Sam hoisted Bumblebee onto a abandoned tow truck, but refused to leave his side. The Autobot silently handed his friend the All Spark, trusting the fate of his people into the boy's hands, and urged him to run while he still could. As Sam ran off, Mikaela drove Bumblebee away from the fighting to relative safety.

[[Image:Movie2007_Sam_Mikaela_makingoutonBumblebee.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Why? Just.....why?]]

However, she was soon overcome with guilt for leaving Sam and the battle. With Bumblebee's assent, she turned the truck around and headed back in. As Mikaela drove down the street in reverse, Bumblebee activated his weapon systems, then fired his [[plasma cannon]] and missiles at [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]], who was pinning down Captain Lennox and the rest of the combined Ranger/Sector Seven soldiers. His contribution was the deciding factor, confusing Devastator enough for the soldiers to counterattack, and the Decepticon was destroyed at last when Bumblebee's final cannon blast pierced his spark. Bumblebee was rather pleased with himself, and Mikaela complimented his shooting.

After the destruction of Megatron and the All Spark, Bumblebee (who had regained his voice<ref name="Orci">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showthread.php?t=12054 Post-movie Q&A with screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman]</ref> requested permission to remain with Sam, to which the young man agreed. After his legs were repaired, he allowed Sam and Mikaela to make out on top of him as the other Autobots watched. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}

It was the best day ever. Well, maybe not for Jazz.
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}
In an alternate reality, it was the crappiest day ever because Sam failed and was killed, and Megatron went on to conquer much of the Earth. Bumblebee liked to believe that there was a universe out there in which Megatron lost.

[[Image:Titan MikaelaBumblebee.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Why is he apologizing, you ask? Look where his left hand is.]]

Bumblebee and Mikaela went on to become old comrades in guerrilla warfare, and in 2008 went on a mission to rescue Optimus Prime from a Decepticon bunker in Denver. Bumblebee, now with missile launchers in car mode and increased physical strength, took out the bunker guard, [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]], (nearly crushing Mikaela by accident—"My bad.") and found Prime...or what was left of him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}} Now stuck in the base, Bumblebee was being hunted by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 2}}, and baited into revealing himself when the tyrant threatened to kill Mikaela. Bumblebee made a desperate attack, only to be beaten aside with ease. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 11|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3}}

Despite his defeat, he remained defiant to the end and refused to beg for mercy. Luckily the Autobot reinforcements arrived; unluckily, they couldn't stop Megatron; luckily again, Mikaela had revived Optimus Prime to save them {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 12|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}} and arrived with Phase Two of their plan, a Sector Seven nanovirus that targeted All Spark energy. Plugging it to himself, Bumblebee charged at the super-powered Megatron and forcibly uploaded the nano-virus, killing the tyrant once and for all. Not that he patted himself on the back over this, for he knew too well that this just left a [[Starscream (Movie)|power vacuum]]... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

Still partnered with Mikaela near the Savannah, Georgia refugee camp post-occupation, Bumblebee appeared frustrated with how the humans were frightened of him and, to be listened to, Mikaela had to do the talking for him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14}} They went back into battle again to end a [[NATO]] bombardment of the Autobots in Savannah, running a gauntlet of tanks and [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercrackers]] before freeing the NATO field commander from Decepticon mind control. During the course of the battle he roasted a drone with fiery exhaust. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}}

Following this battle, Bumblebee was involved in many clashes with Decepticons to protect human infrastructure, including leading a small group to protect an oil pipeline in Alaska. [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]] did not follow orders well. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}}

[[Image:Bumblebeehandlesthis.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yes, you ''did'' see this happen.]]

Following ''that'', he was sent with Arcee and Armorhide to Cybertron, under Ironhide's command. The mission was to retrieve [[Nucleon]]. Bumblebee was ordered to do recon and discovered a strange satellite dish, but investigating it saw the team jumped by [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]]. Then a strange energy anomaly appeared in orbit, and when Bumblebee asked what it was, Stockade babbled "BLBLBLBLBBL!". {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Return to Cybertron: Part 1}} Bumblebee's subsequent attempt at dialogue (after first convincing Ironhide to stop throwing his face at Stockade's fists) was more successful, finding out the anomaly was a living entity the Decepticons had deliberately summoned, believing it would rejuvenate Cybertron.

Not trusting this entity and wanting to stop all the Nucleon being used up, Bumblebee organised the Autobots to create a distraction while he snuck around and turned the Nucleon transfer off. He also intended to send a message to Optimus, and considering [[Unicron|the entity was Unicron the Anti-Life]], it's a good thing he did. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|Return to Cybertron: Part 2}} In the resulting chaos, Bumblebee had [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]] barge past him, had to rescue Ironhide from rubble, and found out the guy wanted to stop Unicron by destroying the world. He wasn't having a good day. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}}

The day improved when Optimus arrived with a better plan: Cut off the Nucleon that Unicron's body was using for power. Bumblebee and Armorhide were dispatched to drain the Nucleon seam. This took too long, though, so Ratchet came up with a quicker alternative. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}}

[[Image:Titan MikaelaBumblebeereunion.jpg|left|200px|thumb|OTP!]]

Upon returning to Earth, the Autobots found the Decepticons had pinched their base and all 600 square miles around it. They retreated, leaving Mikaela in Decepticon hands; Bumblebee was distraught over this. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}} He would be part of the raid to get her back, knowing and ignoring that it was an obvious trap due to how much they owed Mikaela. The raid was successful and the two were reunited, awwww! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

It didn't last long, with the Decepticon-blackmailed American government ordering the Autobots out; Bumblebee got dispatched with Ironhide on a mission related to this. The next day, Bumblebee got one last hour with Mikaela (and to beat up [[Dropkick]] as an "up yours" gesture) before joining the Autobots in departing... ''and then they got nuked!'' {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}}

Optimus had anticipated this though, and the Autobots faked their deaths with a decoy ship. Bumblebee, however, couldn't tell Mikaela this due to a decision to minimise any possible exposure. He was part of the spearhead team on return to Earth, intended to raise the Decepticon Heartland and teleport all the enemy there to the dead Cybertron. Mikaela was ''not'' happy to see him back, feeling they'd kept the plan from her because they didn't fully trust her to not be captured; Bumblebee tried to deny this.

In the final battle, Bumblebee 'tagged' Megatron and so is responsible for the tyrant being exiled forever—third time lucky!

In the aftermath, after it became clear the Autobots had just exiled ''themselves'' to Earth forever—"Hey, there are worse fates," said Bumblebee—Mikaela forgave Bumblebee. Both had a lot of clean-up work to do, but also a brave new world to explore together...!{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part 3}}

===Real World===
At some point, Bumblebee let his guard down and the Decepticons took advantage by taking out an Autobot communications hub. He apologized for his lapse. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Chevy Autobots}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

Bumblebee and [[Hardtop (Movie)|Hardtop]], as two opposing elite spies, have crossed paths many times across the galaxy in a grueling test of endurance. Lately Hardtop has been taking this rivalry very personally, turning it into a vendetta. It was a crack shot by Hardtop that damaged Bumblebee's vocal processors, causing the Autobot pain when he tries to speak. {{storylink|Hardtop (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Hardtop}}

During the [[Mission City]] battle, Bumblebee required assistance and had to be towed to safety by [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Towed to Safety}}

With the initial threat over, Bumblebee decided to kick back and relax. Transcanning a rally car, he began hanging around at race tracks, pitting himself against the human racers. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Rally Rocket Bumblebee}}

He would later be sent on a mop-up duty, hunting [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] across the [[Middle East]]. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legend Class toys|Bumblebee vs. Scorponok}}

Eventually, with pictures of him all over the internet, Bumblebee found to his discomfort that ''everyone'' recognised him... including newly arriving Decepticons, which put Sam and others in danger! With Mikaela's help, Bumblebee recoloured himself to help restore his disguise and make it easier to sneak up on the enemy. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Stealth Bumblebee}}

===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===
[[Image:Alliance2_Bumblebee_takecove-rrk.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Why do they always aim for the throat!?"]]

Shortly after the battle in [[Mission City]], Bumblebee's injuries were tended to by Ratchet while Ironhide and Captain Lennox's men searched for the creatures inadvertently created by the All Spark's energy. After his legs were attached, he rolled out with the Autobots to escape Sector Seven's inquiries. A month later, when asked by Lennox, Optimus Prime informed the human that Bumblebee had resumed his role as Sam Witwicky's protector. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1}}

[[Image:Alliance3_Ironhide_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|200px|"I see dead people, I mean it, look there's one right over there."]]

Bumblebee accompanied the other Autobots to escort the convoy transporting the dead Decepticons to a navy base in [[California|San Diego, California]], where they would be taken out to sea and dumped. Optimus Prime gave the surviving All Spark sliver to [[Professor Vine]] of Sector Seven, but after deciding this was a bad idea later on, he sent Ironhide and Bumblebee back to the [[Nevada]] facility to retrieve it. Bumblebee raced ahead and arrived to inadvertently save [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s life by disarming the revived [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]]. A grateful Starscream shot Bumblebee as he was protecting the humans, {{storylink|Alliance issue 2}} leaving his vocal processor damaged. Though Ironhide praised him for his bravery and selflessness, Bumblebee regretted not being able to save everybody. By the time the Navy and the Autobots were out at sea to bury Jazz and dump the Decepticon corpses, Ratchet had repaired Bumblebee's body (giving him a modified vehicle mode in the process), but was evidently unable to fully restore his vocal processor. In an effort to prevent mistakes of the past occurring again and to protect Earth, the Autobots and the United States Military formed a special unit under Major Lennox and Optimus Prime's command. When the Decepticon [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] was detected in [[San Francisco]], Bumblebee and the others rolled out from [[Diego Garcia]]. {{storylink|Alliance issue 3}}

After Optimus Prime destroyed a surprised [[Dead End (Movie)|Dead End]], Bumblebee chased Swindle onto the deserted Golden Gate Bridge. Though cornered, the Decepticon was amused that they had sent his old nemesis Bumblebee against him, and quickly set to clobbering the Autobot. Major [[William Lennox|Lennox]] distracted the Decepticon, allowing Bumblebee to pay Swindle back for his inept attempt to torture him thousands of years ago. On the plane trip back to Diego Garcia, Lennox and Optimus agreed that Sam Witwicky would become the target of the Decepticons again, and that he ''must'' be protected. Bumblebee was chosen to act as Sam's guardian again, and before he left, Prime pressed upon him that the protection of the boy was his first priority. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4}}

Bumblebee's attempts to integrate himself into Sam's life were not as smooth as he had hoped. Without the team structure of the Autobots, Bumblebee tended to act upon instinct, taking revenge on Mikaela's ex-boyfriend [[Trent DeMarco]] for his previous humiliations of Sam by wrecking his truck, smashing a would-be car thief with the door he was attempting to unlock, and inadvertently giving Sam traffic tickets by not observing the rules of the road. When Bumblebee was alone, he attempted to learn as much as he could about human culture, feeling that he owed it to his friend. Soon, Sam came to the question of what Bumblebee would do when Sam went to college after the summer. 'Bee intended to follow Sam wherever he went, but Sam feared that he might not be able to bring his car along with him. Unfortunately, Sam's parents were less than thrilled with the idea of having an alien robot live with them while Sam was away, especially after what the Autobots had done to their beloved yard. [[Ron Witwicky|Sam's father]] decreed that while Bumblebee could stay for the rest of the summer, once Sam has gone to school, the Autobot was out the door. However, unexpectedly, Ron Witwicky came to Bumblebee seeking aid when Mikaela reported that Sam had never made a rendezvous with her. Speeding out of the garage without Ron (and without waiting for the garage door to open), Bumblebee searched for clues to Sam's whereabouts and eventually found a message from his old foe Barricade, who demanded the All Spark in exchange for the boy. Finding the pair at an car wrecking yard, Bumblebee attacked Barricade, but was considerably outmatched, with the Decepticon gloating that Earth had made the Autobot soft, and their last encounter was down to pure luck. Eventually, with a distraction from Sam, Bumblebee was able to force Barricade into a pool of gasoline. With the Decepticon hardly down for the count, Bumblebee told Sam to run and ignited the gasoline, causing a tremendous explosion that sent both Transformers flying. In the aftermath, Bumblebee told Sam he had a feeling they hadn't seen the last of Barricade. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 1}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}

Bumblebee does not appear in the novel, but NEST personnel mention that he is guarding Sam Witwicky.

{{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan2_BumblebeePOV.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Robo-Vision]]!]]

His voice gone again, Bumblebee communicated by playing snippets of Earth songs.

Bumblebee was driven by the Witwickys to [[Princeton University|Sam's college]], where he quietly endured their bickering while scanning everything around him for potential threats. When he picked up radio transmissions from two new Autobots, he drove off into battle, and saved [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] from being slaughtered by [[Ransack (ROTF)|the Decepticon Ransack]]. But with the villain threatening a long game, Bumblebee knew that here came trouble... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

Speaking of trouble, poor Bumblebee ended up as the twins' minder. You can guess how well ''that'' went... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

[[Image:Titan2-6_aimedatyourheart.jpg|right|thumb|There's only room for ''one'' kid-appeal character...]]

Some time later, Bumblebee was hanging out in Sam's garage when he received an emergency call from [[Diego Garcia]]: the twins, now dangerous Decepticon turncoats, had abducted Sam! He tore out of the garage, tracked down the twins, and demanded they stop immediately. When they didn't, he launched suppressive fire and began ramming Skids, yelling ''"let my people go-go!"''. He soon had Sam free and the twins at gunpoint, ready to eliminate if necessary. However, partway into Mudflap's claims that they'd been framed and there was a bigger threat coming, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] got the drop on Bumblebee and gunned him down... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

Clearly he got better, because he was around for the Fallen (see below) and later was sent back into the field to capture [[Reverb (ROTF)|Reverb]]. When Jolt messed the mission up, Bumblebee saved the day by ''ramming'' the bike head-on. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.9|Culture Shock}}

[[Image:Titan10_Eppsandbee.jpg|left|thumb|210px|]]

Later, with Lennox and his crew searching for [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], Bumblebee was left with only [[Robert Epps]] to to investigate an attack on Malmstrom Air Force Base and the disappearance of Optimus Prime. Epps worked out that Optimus had been victim of an electromagnetic bomb, and Bumblebee tracked his leader to where he was being held. (Poor Epps had to ride in Bumblebee jumping a ravine, and almost spewed up his breakfast) After locating Prime, they found he was a captive of the [[Free Men]] militia. At Epps command, Bumblebee hit the Free Men compound with his full firepowered, swiftly defeating the militia. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.10| Bring Me the Head of Optimus Prime}}

He despatched three raw cadets (Jolt, [[Rollbar (ROTF)|Rollbar]], and [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]]) to [[Death Valley]] for a survival exercise. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.11|Spare Parts!}} Later, he was summoned as back-up by NEST [[South Africa]] due to a Decepticon jailbreak, but Optimus ordered him to let the Decepticons leave to prevent civilian casualties. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.13|Inside Out!}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (dialogue cut from final movie)

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee overkill.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Hey, you're lucky. Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], I had to blow up ''whole [[city-state]]s'' to achieve objectives.]]
Bumblebee was dozing in the Witwicky garage the day Sam was packing for [[Princeton University]] when he heard the boy scream out his name. Bumblebee drove through, transformed and started blasting away at [[Allspark Mutation|Allspark Mutations]] of the Witwicky kitchen appliances. [[Judy Witwicky]] was horrified that Bumblebee blew up much of their house, but he shrugged her off and went back into the garage. As firefighters and local police arrived, Sam and [[Mikaela Banes]] went inside the garage. Mikaela asked whether Bumblebee was still having voice problems, to which Sam replied the Autobot was just playing it up. Sam revealed he did not want Bumblebee to come to college as he wanted a normal life, and he couldn't do that with Bumblebee watching over him. Bumblebee was heartbroken and began crying, refusing to listen anymore.

[[Image:ROTF Sam Bumblebee cry.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Humanization]] included.]]
However, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was having difficulties with [[NEST]] director [[Theodore Galloway]], who believed protecting the human race required drawing away the Decepticons from Earth by making the Autobots leave. Optimus believed Sam would be a worthy ambassador to convince the [[President of the United States]] otherwise. Bumblebee picked up Sam from a frat party, only to get an unwanted passenger in [[Alice]]. Bumblebee knew something wasn't right about the girl interested in Sam, smashing her head against his dashboard, and dousing her in liquid to get rid of her. Bumblebee dropped Sam off to meet Optimus at a graveyard, where the boy turned down Optimus' offer.

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee vs Starscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bring it, bee-yotches!]]
When [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] returned from the dead, Bumblebee was deployed to rescue Sam, Mikaela and [[Leo Spitz]], driving away with the latter two while Optimus drove off with Sam. Optimus died protecting the boy, and Bumblebee took him with [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] to an abandoned prison where they would be safe. Following Optimus' death, [[The Fallen]] and a new army of Decepticons struck out across Earth and announced their existence, promising to leave if they were given Witwicky. Galloway shut down NEST and had the other Autobots placed under guard with orders to ship them back to [[Diego Garcia]], while a manhunt began for Sam. Bumblebee was now protecting a fugitive.

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee soar.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Team Autobot's blasting off again!]]
That evening, Sam told Bumblebee he was responsible for Optimus's death, and would understand if Bumblebee hated him, but the little Autobot bore Sam no grudge, and promised that he would help in any way he could. When Sam announced that he would turn himself in, Bumblebee insisted that it would not help matters. Under Leo's suggestion, the group came to [[New York City]] to meet his internet rival, the Robo-Warrior. As it turned out, the Robo-Warrior was none other than Bumblebee's former lubrication post, [[Seymour Simmons]], who elaborated on evidence of the [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] that came to Earth before Megatron and the All Spark. Bumblebee watched from the sideline as the humans and [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] awoke [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], who transported them to [[Egypt]], which unfortunately sent Bumblebee crash landing near Sam. Jetfire explained the origins of the [[Seven Primes]] and the treasons of [[The Fallen]], mentioning the [[Matrix of Leadership]], which Sam believed could be used to resurrect Optimus Prime.

[[Image:ROTF Bumblebee twin bash.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Respect my authoritah!]]
Bumblebee continued his role as chauffeur, transporting the humans to [[Petra]], the supposed location of the [[Tomb of the Primes]]. However, Petra appeared to be a dead end, and the Twins got into an argument of why they were following Sam around, which, knowing the Twins, got violent. As their brawl threatened to crush the humans in the close quarters, Bumblebee picked his two subordinates up in each hand, slammed them together, and threw them out of the temple. However, the Twins' brawl had managed to unearth the Tomb of the Primes, and Bumblebee further opened the hole with his plasma cannon, where they found the Matrix...which instantly turned to dust. Oops.

[[Image:ROTF movie BumblebeevsRampage.jpg|thumb|200px|Move your body Rampage! Yeah, like that, gymnastics are really easy when you have two legs. Oh wait...]]

While heading back to Egypt, the Autobots came under [[Operation: Firestorm|assault]] by Starscream, and it was decided that Sam and Mikaela would take the Matrix dust to Prime's body while Bumblebee, Simmons, Leo, and the Twins would lead Starscream and the Decepticons away. When it became apparent that Starscream was no longer pursuing them, Bumblebee left to rejoin Sam. Heading to the abandoned town where Sam and Mikaela were, Bumblebee found that [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]] had been captured by the Decepticons, and were being held by [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]]. Noticing Bumblebee, Sam distracted the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicon]] long enough for Bumblebee to jump him. While Bumblebee had Rampage on the ropes, [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] jumped Bumblebee, but the plucky Autobot managed to fight off Ravage and ''rip out his spine''. Ouch. With Ravage dispatched, Bumblebee managed to tear off Rampage's arms and distend his head. Bumblebee then tried to escort his charges to NEST's positon, but the heavy amount of fire convinced Sam to have Bumblebee to take his parents to safety, while he continued his quest to save Optimus.

However, during Sam's flight to Optimus's body, Megatron caught up and blasted the boy, evidently killing him. Bumblebee returned to the scene with Sam's parents, and broke down in grief. However, the human miraculously survived the attack, and with the reformed Matrix of Leadership, resurrected Optimus Prime. Together, the assembled Autobots and humans watched as Optimus combined with the remains of Jetfire, destroyed the harvester and killed The Fallen. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===

{{notemoviebio}}

After the discovery of new Decepticons on Earth, Bumblebee decided to upgrade his arsenal and modified his vehicle mode so he could use weaponry in it, deciding he'd been caught off guard too many times before. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 2|Cannon Bumblebee}}

Following this, he volunteered to be Sam's guardian, It was a pretty swank deal: he got to hang with Sam and Mikaela all the time, got lots of [[oil]], and could join Ironhide in killing Decepticons whenever he wanted. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 2|Bumblebee}} But when the battle shifted to the deserts, he threw himself into the fray, upgrading himself for desert combat and wielding the mighty ''sand blast''! {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers 2|Sand Attack Bumblebee}}

===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actors:'' [[Tom Anderson]], [[David Kledzik]], [[Tony Gialluca II]], [[Bronco D. Jackson]]

Bumblebee and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] were reviewing some [[data tracks]] that Optimus Prime had made for preservation in [[Vector Sigma]] when they detected an explosion outside their base. Bumblebee remained to lock down the most important data tracks while Ironhide went to investigate [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|the cause]] of the explosion. However, that is what the Decepticons wanted, as moments later, [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] burst into the base, overwhelming Bumblebee with a sonic attack, and mocking Bumblebee for being the smallest Autobot. Bumblebee countered that he wasn't as small as Soundwave thought, but in the battle that followed, Soundwave was able to physically overpower Bumblebee. Bumblebee fired a shot from his shoulder cannon, but Soundwave absorbed the sonic boom and sent the acoustic energy back at him. Bumblebee decided to use a more ingenious method: fire automatic weaponry at Soundwave, giving too many sonic booms for Soundwave to absorb, defeating the Decepticon. Bumblebee then tried to inform Ironhide of what had happened, but he had unfinished business with Bludgeon.{{storylink|Cyber Missions 1}} Following this, Bumblebee placed Soundwave in an electromagnetically sealed bubble, leaving him unable to absorb any sonic booms to escape. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 2}}

After Ironhide went missing in the jungle, Bumblebee reported the problem to Optimus, who was luckily in the area. Prime asked him to conduct a scan of the area in which Ironhide went missing, and Bumblebee discovered that the rocks in the area had an unusually high concentration of [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposits. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 5}}

==Games==
==="Flight of the Bumblebee" online game===
At some point in time Bumblebee was trapped in a canyon with several Decepticons, among them Brawl, Barricade, Wreckage, and Scorponok. He valiantly fought through them all to make it to the other side. He did it without even bending a fender. {{storylink|Flight of the Bumblebee|Flight of the Bumblebee}}

===''Transformers: The Game''===
(No voice actor, considering the fact that his voice box got blown before the events of the game)

[[Image:TransformersTheGame wallpaper BumblebeeVsBarricade.jpg|left|300px|thumb|You got the touch!]]

Bumblebee landed in Tranquility while being briefed by Optimus Prime on his mission to find clues on the All Spark. While on Earth, he took the form of a beat-up 1976 Chevrolet Camaro in possibly a dump or a demolitions bay. Some Decepticon drones were also in Tranquility at a nearby construction site, so Bumblebee confronted and destroyed the drones before any civilian casualties could ensue.<ref>Even though in the game, you actually can't step on or run over civilians.</ref> Prime detected a Cybertronian code matching that on an artifact owned by a boy named Sam Witwicky, who was reported to be buying a car at Bobby Bolivia's. Unfortunately, some more drones heard of Prime's report, so Bumblebee had to get involved in a high-speed car chase and defeat the drones.

With Sam buying the Camaro-ed Bumblebee, the first phase of finding the All Spark was complete. The next day, Prime warned Bumblebee that the Decepticon named Barricade was also on Earth and threatening to take Sam and his new female friend, Mikaela. So the Autobot had to incapacitate the arm-spinning, spike-punching, tantrum-throwing Decepticon while the humans escaped. Now that Bumblebee knew of the Decepticons' growing involvement in finding the All Spark's location, he obviously needed help. The only problem now with the Autobots' landing was their radar systems. The Decepticons had hacked radio towers throughout Tranquility to mess up any aircraft radar. Naturally, Bumblebee went to the scene and destroyed the towers. With the Autobots having landed, it was time to find the All Spark.

Optimus Prime explained to Sam and Mikaela about the All Spark, the importance of the glasses, and Humanity's fate. Before moving on the matter at hand, Mikaela questioned Bumblebee's alt-mode being such a beater. The mildly insulted Autobot then copied a more current version of the Camaro (2009 Concept). Later, a government group called Sector Seven went after the Autobots with their helicopters and cars. After Jazz's successful distraction, Sector Seven then switched their sights to Bumblebee, who got captured, but then got away with the efforts of Prime.

Sector Seven sent Bumblebee to Hoover Dam. The Autobot immediately saw the All Spark and a frozen Megatron. After a mysterious blackout, Bumblebee got free and started to shut down the power faster by ripping out the mainframe, blowing up the cooling fans, and removing nuclear canisters from their generators. The All Spark was his, but he had to wait for it to shrink while fending off Sector Seven troops, a lot of Energon drones, and a defrosting Megatron. (Oy!) Eventually, Sam and Mikaela got to the dam and fled with Bumblebee to Mission City before Megatron could get his huge, pointy clutches near the cube.

The Autobots' first priority was then keeping the cube from Megatron. Unfortunately for Bumblebee, he crashed into a building due to interference from energon drones generated by the cube's radiation. Ironhide came in and helped. While the rest of the Autobots fought the Decepticons, Bumblebee had one final showdown with Barricade. After a lot of punches, blasts, and car chases, Barricade finally went down for good. Megatron then went to the scene and incapacitated the wounded Autobot with one shot from his fusion cannon. Bumblebee urged the two humans to take the cube to Optimus for he could not go on any longer.

After the battle was won by the Autobots, Bumblebee struck a pose with the other remaining four as they listened in on Prime's final speech. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===''Transformers: Autobots''===
Bumblebee arrived in Tranquility to meet up with [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]], and after a short discussion created from radio sound clips, instructed Create-a-Bot to scan a number of vehicles, the last of which was a Decepticon. After a short battle, Bumblebee then used Create-a-Bot's mad h4x0r skills to break into the internet and find the location of [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s glasses, which turned out to be conveniently in Tranquility. Going to retrieve them, Bumblebee arrived at the Witwicky house to find [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], who then blew up a car and ran, blaming the explosion on the yellow car now chasing him down the highway. Meeting on a bridge, they fought. Once Bumblebee won, Barricade once again ran.

Later, Bumblebee received a mission to destroy several [[Sector Seven]] turrets designed to shoot down the reported [[Non-Biological Extraterrestrial|N.B.E.s]] seen around the city. Afterward, he served as a distraction, driving to various markers to fight off the police while the other Autobots did their thing. Once that task was completed, he got captured by S7 forces and taken to Hoover Dam, where he had to be rescued by the others. Once free of his restraints, he searched the base for the All Spark, finding it in the deepest part of the dam. Upon being discovered, the All Spark turned the site's computers into mechanical scorpions...to defend itself. From the good guys. After retrieving the All Spark, Bumblebee had to escape in under 30 seconds to avoid getting locked in. After a quick getaway with Create-a-Bot providing cover fire, they met with Optimus. Following another quick gun-and-cover mission, a drone and Barricade were waiting for a two-on-two battle, in which Prime had to keep both Bumblebee and himself alive.

Finally, Bumblebee's last mission once again took place in Tranquility. All Spark in hand, he had to run to meet up with the Autobots, avoiding as many Decepticons as possible, within a time limit. Blackout was gunning for him the entire time, and lots of Decepticons were in the way. Once there, Create-a-Bot needed to keep Bumblebee from being [[Blastification|blasted]] into [[Slag (slang)|slag]] as they raced to meet up with Optimus. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

===''Transformers: Decepticons''===
After sending troops to slow down Barricade and the Decepticon [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Create-A-Bot]], Bumblebee showed up in person to take care of business himself, serving as little more than a distraction. After running away, Bumblebee later acquired the All Spark, transporting it across Tranquility while [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] gave chase. Stopping in the suburbs, Starscream pounded Bumblebee's face to custard and pried the All Spark from his cold, non-functioning fingers. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Ryan]] (English)
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Autobot campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_BumblebeeVsCombaticonWarrior.jpg|thumb|250px|Bumblebee decided to learn from a [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|different Prime]].]]

Bumblebee was the Autobots' high speed recon soldier. In combat mode, he possess a [[plasma cannon|solar plasma cannon]] firing rapid energy bursts, which could shift into a missile launcher that fired six missiles at a time. In melee combat, he could deploy an [[axe]] from his left hand. Finally, he possessed the ability to emit a localized [[electromagnetic pulse]]wave, which would temporarily stun enemy Decepticons.

Since he hadn't seen combat in some time, Bumblebee was sent through some retraining under Ironhide. Despite being fully combat certified, Bumblebee was not deployed during the [[Shanghai]] mission. When the Decepticons learned of the AllSpark shard Sam had left with Mikaela, Bumblebee was sent to rescue the girl and protect her from the drones dispatched to capture the shard. After a vicious fight, Mikaela was air lifted to safety.

After Megatron was reborn and kidnapped Sam, Bumblebee was sent to an industrial sector near his college to rescue the boy. He fought through twenty eight Decepticons while [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] hacked their processors to learn Sam's location. Once he found Sam at [[Broadwater Metal Works|an abandoned foundry]], Bumblebee raced Sam to the extraction point. However, the Decepticons sent reinforcements under [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. Bumblebee was able to fight off the Decepticons and defeat Grindor, saving Sam. However, it was learned that some knowledge from the AllSpark had been absorbed into the boy when he killed Megatron. Sam was forced to go seek out [[Seymour Simmons]] to learn what was going on. Bumblebee protected the boy while talked at the deli Simmons' mother owned. Sam than told Bumblebee that he needed to get to the museum nearby to speak with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], an ancient Decepticon defector. Bumblebee fought off the Decepticons sent to destroy the museum long enough for Jetfire to open a [[space bridge]] and take him and Sam to [[Egypt]].

Once there, Jetfire explained what was going on: thousands of years ago, the [[Dynasty of Primes]] came to Earth to build a [[solar harvester]] to convert Earth's sun into Energon. When they discovered the humans, twelve of the [[Thirteen original Transformers|original Primes]] upheld the sanctity of life, but one Prime, forever known as [[The Fallen]], betrayed and slaughtered his brothers. The machine was hidden from the Fallen, who went on to become the master of the Decepticons. The machine was hidden within the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], and [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] was sent to destroy it and expose the harvester. On the way, he decided to terrorize the city of [[Cairo]]. Faced with the largest Decepticon ever seen, the Autobots decided that Bumblebee, the smallest of the Autobots, would be a good choice to help [[NEST]] counter Devastator's rampage. Surprisingly enough, it worked: Bumblebee was able to whittle down Devastator's cannons and missile launchers before finally defeating the beast.
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Decepticon campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_BumblebeeVsCombaticonScout.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Little bot in little China]]
It is believed that Bumblebee was behind the reasons why the Decepticons failed numerous times to capture Sam or Mikaela. Once Megatron went to Cairo to find Sam and destroy numerous Autobots, Bumblebee and Jetfire came out of hiding with NEST forces and attacked Megatron. They were both killed.
{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
{{main|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Merchandise}}

==''Second Life''==
In the online virtual world simulation/game ''Second Life'', there is a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contains a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board. This room contains a giant frozen Megatron replica and free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebies are non-transforming. Also, the Bumblebee avatar has his battle mask down and it can't be raised. However, some sellers have created a transforming version.

==Trivia==
* According to an article on [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=121138?imw=Y#12 Edmunds.com], the film makers wanted Bumblebee's original Earth form to be the 1976 iteration of the Camaro because it was the worst Camaro possible that also had chrome bumpers.

* The same article indicates that the 1976 Camaros used in the film were all purchased via online auction for under $6000 each, one for less than $2000. That one didn't run.

* One of the 1976 Camaros was sold on eBay. The bidding ended on July 18, 2007; the final price was $40,100.01.

* The Bumblebee computer-generated model consisted of 7608 individual parts, 1,511,727 polygons, 19,722 rig nodes, and 8094 texture maps. The volume of all the pieces came to 1069.01 cubic feet.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. ''Computer Graphics, 30''(7), 12-17.</ref>

* Bumblebee stands approximately 16 feet tall, according to the [[Transformers The Game|official game]] strategy guide.

* Bumblebee's character animation is based on the performance of [[wikipedia:Michael_J._Fox|Michael J. Fox]] in the ''[[wikipedia:Back_to_the_Future|Back to the Future]]'' movies.<ref>From ''Cinefex'' magazine, issue number 111, published October 2007.</ref>

* The 2008 Concept Camaro used for Bumblebee in the first movie was built by Saleen in 30 days, using a heavily modified 2006 Pontiac GTO body as the basis. The '08 Camaro was not in production at the time that the first film was being made, hence an identical mock-up was needed to fill the role.<ref>[http://www.saleen.com/transformers.htm Saleen article about the construction of the Barricade and Bumblebee vehicles]</ref>

[[Image:MovieBumblebeeStinger.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He uses it once, then dies.]]
* Bumblebee is equipped with a pair of arm-mounted electrical "[[stinger]]s."<ref>Bumblebee's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Battle Bio] at Hasbro.com</ref> While designed, the stingers were ultimately not featured in the movies, though they may influenced [[Bumblebee (Animated)|other media]].

* Speaking of weapons, for someone whose main job is being subtle, Bumblebee is quite well armed, with a cannon powerful enough to rattle [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] and a ring-shaped light missile launcher in either shoulder. He is also a capable close-combat fighter, as seen in his fight against [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]].

* According to the [[Movie Prequel issue 1|prequel comic]] by IDW Publishing, Megatron ripped out and crushed Bumblebee's voice capacitor during the battle at [[Tyger Pax]] back on Cybertron. [[Hardtop (Movie)|Hardtop]]'s toy bio claims the damage came from a shot fired by Hardtop. In the film itself, Ratchet only states to Sam that Bumblebee's "vocal processors were damaged in battle" and he was "still working on them" after firing a single plasma beam at Bumblebee's throat; by the end of all the conflict (the climax of the film proper), Bumblebee has regained his ability to speak. Although it was not confirmed on-screen, screenwriter Roberto Orci did confirm ''off''-screen<ref name="Orci"/> that Ratchet's (regenerative) beam was indeed the reason. It could be that the doc didn't have enough time/resources, what with all the war and inter-stellar space travel, to fully perfect the healing plasma early enough. And even if he did, 'Bee took off for the Cube after only a marginal amount of repairs were performed on him after his encounter with Megs, so a vial of even faster-acting plasma could be sitting in Ratchet's lab back on ol' Cybertron, if the 'Cons didn't trash it of course.

* Just as well, Roberto Orci ''also'' admitted that Bumblebee's brief contact with the All Spark would be an equally valid (and an even more "in-continuity") explanation.<ref name="Orci"/>

* Bumblebee's license plate number is 4NZ2454, registered in [[California]].<ref>''[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe]]''</ref>

* In [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' (2007)]], Bumblebee scans a working, driveable new generation Camaro — conveniently with the same paint job as his classic Camaro disguise at that time — that wouldn't be released until some time in the year 2009. However, it is possible that the Camaro in question was being road-tested by GM engineers, like they are doing in the real world.

* Although unexplained in the films, Bumblebee's vehicle mode changes appearance subtly between [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' (2007)]] and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. This is probably because of product placement: Bumblebee's old [[alternate mode]] was an unavailable concept Camaro, while in ''Revenge'' he uses what seems to be the new Z/28 Camaro... whose mass production has since been canceled. Oops.

[[Image:ROTFBumblebeeAltColorsConcept.jpg|thumb|250px|But will we ever '''get''' an orange Bumblebee? No, we'll just keep getting slightly different yellow ones.]]

*According to designer [[Paul Ozzimo]] on his website, at one point there were plans to make Bumblebee into a Z/28 convertible for ''Revenge of the Fallen'', and the possibility of changing his color to orange or black with yellow was also discussed. While none of these alterations happened, concept art for both appeared on the "25 Years of Transformers" feature on the ''Revenge'' DVD... though the black version is only seen from behind.

* Screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], when asked, admitted there had been plans to have Bumblebee speak in ''Revenge of the Fallen''; however, ultimately they liked his "musical ability" too much, and [[Michael Bay]] wanted to focus more on [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], since he thought kids would like the two characters.<ref name="orci">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-283.html#post3785383 Q&A with Roberto Orci at TFW2005]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm Bumblebee at TFU.info]
* [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/index.php?f_series=40&f_name=bumblebee&f_type=exact&Submit=Search Galleries of various different Bumblebee toys from the Movie]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Live-action film ARG characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Transformers 2010 toyline characters]]

Starscream (G1)

2010-06-27T23:57:53Z

71.59.153.16: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{disambig3|Starscream}}{{suite}}
:''Starscream is a [[Decepticon]] and briefly a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Starscreamg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Let me guess. You're gonna attempt to overthrow Megatron, fail, cry, then repeat the cycle.]]
'''Starscream''' is the treacherous Decepticon [[Air Commander]] and the deadliest of the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The self-proclaimed pride of the [[Cybertron War Academy]], he's famous not only for his incredible skill, but also for his limitless (and troublesome) ambition. Starscream believes that he is more suited for command than [[Decepticon leader]] [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Thankfully for Megatron, Starscream's mutinous, power-grabbing plots are almost always transparent, and he can never muster up enough patience to complete a grandiose power play. Even on the few times he has taken control of the Decepticons, he quickly loses control of a situation, but is too arrogant to realize when he's in over his head. He never learns from his mistakes, but then again, Megatron doesn't either, seeing as how he's never turned Starscream into [[Slag (slang)|slag]]. Despite his constant failures, Starscream believes it is only a matter of time before he prevails—his destiny is inevitable.

Starscream's never give up attitude extends even to the afterlife: unlike most Transformers, he has a mutant, indestructible [[Spark]]. His life-force cannot be destroyed and can persist even without a body to contain it. However, there is no indication that Starscream (or anybody else) was aware of this fact prior to his destruction.

{{bigquote|''Why?'' That's what they ''all'' asked me. Why him... why ''Starscream''? Why, of all the Decepticons, did I decide to revitalize the one whose record of deceit and betrayal is ''legend''? Because I'm an ''idiot'', that's why!|Megatron on Starscream|"[[Total War!]]"}}

:''Alternate names:'' '''Pretty Poison, The Silver Snake''' <ref>Bob Budiansky's notes; "The origins of the Transformers" featurette, [[Shout! Factory]]'s Transformers: Season 1 DVD set</ref>
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Égo'''
:''Czech name:'' '''Hvězdolam''' ("Starbreak")
:''Euskera (Basque) name:'' '''Izaroihu'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Üstökös''' ("Comet")
:''Italian name:'' '''Astrum'''
:''Italian name (Beast Wars):'' '''Scintillor'''
:''Polish name ("Cosmic Rust"):'' '''Gwiazdowrzask'''
:''Polish name (Beast Wars):'' '''Gwiezdny Krzyk''' ("Stellar Cry")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Cometa''' ("Comet")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Estrela-Estridente''' ("Shrill Star")
:''Russian TV dub name:'' '''Scandalist''' (Скандалист, "Brawler")
:''Spanish name:'' '''Grito de Estrella''' ("Star Cry")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hǒu Hsīng''' (吼星, "Roaring Star")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Hong Zhizhu''' (紅蜘蛛, "Red Spider")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Seng Seng Giu''' (星星叫, "Star Shouting")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|left|300px|thumb|He's the nigh-identical jerk on the right.]]
''Millions of years ago, on the troubled planet Cybertron, Starscream acted as the figurehead leader for the controlling dictators of the city-state of [[Vos]]. Following a botched attempt at igniting war between [[Iacon]] and [[Tarn]], Vos itself went to war with Tarn, and both cities were destroyed by an exchange of [[Photon missile|photon missiles]]. The survivors of both cities—presumably including Starscream—were gathered together by the ex-gladiator [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who used their bitterness towards Iacon to unite them under his control as the Decepticons. {{storylink|State Games}}''

Four million years ago, Starscream was part of Megatron's attack raid on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. After its crashlanding on [[Earth]], Starscream was revived and rebuilt into an Earthern form in 1984, along with the other survivors. After a Decepticon roll-call, they fled the Ark. When the Autobots were spotted near a native settlement, aka a drive-thru movie theater, Starscream and the other Decepticons were commanded to attack. While Starscream extolled the use of guile and stealth, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] saturated him with his [[glass gas]] gun, which coated Starscream, making his metal brittle and breakable as glass. As his chassis shattered, Starscream ordered his fellow jets to flee. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

Megatron led his Decepticons to a perch above the half-constructed [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]], with intent to take it with brute force. Starscream suggested that [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] scout the area first. Megatron reluctantly agreed with Starscream, choosing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to scout in Buzzsaw's stead. It wasn't until Ravage's report that Megatron realized it was the [[human]]s who created the machines in their midst, and thus they must have the technology to convert their fuel to a form they could use. Starscream quietly acknowledged Megatron's shrewdness, and felt that he must never let his eagerness to take over the Decepticons blind him to Megatron's cunning. The Decepticons attacked, and when they had achieved victory, Starscream and the others each hauled off chunks of the plant's machinery to construct their own [[Fortress Sinister|base of operations]] atop a harsh cliffside. Starscream and the other Decepticons next attacked the auto repair shop of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], a friend of the Autobots whom the Decepticons suspected could convert fuel for them. Once Starscream abducted Sparkplug, the Decepticons retreated. {{storylink|Power Play!}}

[[Image:Addstarscreamtothedamagereport.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He'd better get used to this.]]
Starscream and the others returned to their cliffside headquarters with Sparkplug Witwicky, as Starscream found humor in the role reversal of this planet's human domination over machines. He continued to boast of his successful kidnapping in front of Megatron and the others, a ploy that did not go unnoticed by Megatron. Their captive, Sparkplug, needed materials to aid him in converting Earth fuel to Transformer fuel, so Starscream and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] were dispatched to bring back a tanker truck full of fuel for Sparkplug to work on. The Decepticons' actions did not go unnoticed, and the human media and military crowded around their headquarters. But it wasn't until the Autobots arrived that Starscream and the other two jets were unleashed upon the crowd. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} Though the human escaped, it was not before he had successfully done their work for them. Regardless, Starscream berated Megatron for allowing the human to be rescued, to which Megatron responded with a blast from his [[fusion cannon]]. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Starscream was one of a group of Decepticons who were sent to the [[United Kingdom]] to investigate tales of the [[Man of Iron (Autobot)|Man of Iron]], who was in reality an Autobot sent from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to Earth to look for the missing Ark. Starscream destroyed him. {{storylink|Man of Iron (story)|Man of Iron}} ''Meanwhile, Megatron had begun to grow weary of Starscream's constant attempts to undermine his authority, and he sent Ravage to follow Starscream, hoping he would uncover enough damning evidence to permit Megatron to destroy Starscream once and for all. But when Starscream failed to rally the Decepticons behind him by staging a conflict with the Autobots, he tried to kill [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to keep this secret. When caught, he demanded a trial-by-combat and was pitted against [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], a fight which he won, until Starscream was shot down and deactivated by Ravage. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}''

When it was discovered that Sparkplug had failed to convert fuel for the Autobots, Megatron ordered an attack on the Ark to destroy them once and for all, showing them what lay in wait for those who dared to defy him. Starscream meekly agreed. Despite the Autobots' dangerously low fuel levels, Starscream was amazed at [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s commanding power. But just as victory was about to be handed to the Decepticons, Starscream and the others doubled over in pain. Sparkplug Witwicky had poisoned their converted fuel. If not for the sudden appearance and intervention by the long-lost [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the Decepticons surely would have been defeated. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} Shockwave, having defeated the entire Autobot army, save the Autobots' medic [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], set up a base of operations inside the Ark and began rehabilitating Starscream and the others. {{storylink|The New Order}} When Megatron awoke and rebelled against Shockwave, the former Decepticon leader was humiliated in his still-weakened state, and paraded in front of Starscream and the others as a warning to those who would cross Shockwave. The Decepticons hailed Shockwave as their new leader. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}}

[[Image:Starscreamdisintegratedcircuits.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Starscream's treachery is a little more subtle when he's allowed to have thought balloons.]]
When Megatron went missing, leaving control of the Ark back in the hands of the Autobots, Starscream disparaged Megatron's failure in front of Shockwave. The Decepticons had in the meantime taken control of one of [[Blackrock Industries]]' aerospace plants, and [[G.B. Blackrock]] had constructed a superweapon to retaliate. Starscream convinced Shockwave to let him and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] destroy the weapon to boost morale (or maybe allow him to steal the superweapon and use it to destroy Shockwave and take command). There, Starscream and Frenzy not only encountered the Autobots [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] but also a super-powered human who was determined to destroy all robots, [[Circuit Breaker]]. Starscream suffered few injuries, but had to drag Frenzy's body from the conflict. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

''Shockwave went missing as well, and with both him and Megatron gone, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] assumed command. Soundwave wasted no time in telling Starscream why he would never lead the Decepticons—he's just "a missile with a mouth". Soundwave orchestrated [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s capture, and challenged Optimus Prime to fight his way through the Decepticons to rescue him. Although Starscream loudly boasted of being a "leader killer", once he faced Optimus Prime alone, he stammered and hesitated, and was quickly defeated. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}}''

Shockwave returned, and none too soon! Starscream and the other jets had been standing watch over their captured Blackrock Industries oil rig for weeks. Shockwave unveiled the [[power siphon]] he had built during his absence, which Starscream and the others would soon use to convert sound energy from a [[Brick Springstern]] concert into [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]]. Their plot was stopped abruptly when they were defeated by Bumblebee and a group of new Autobot recruits. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} Starscream soon agreed with Shockwave that Bumblebee would be a perfect candidate for them to add to their own ranks. They waited until Bumblebee was alone, and then hunted him relentlessly. It wasn't until human authorities and the Autobots arrived to rescue Bumblebee did the Decepticons abandon their hunt. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

Starscream, among others, escorted Megatron to the Space Bridge, where they were expecting reinforcements from Cybertron. Though only a team of Autobots had made it through the Space Bridge to Earth, their disappointment was brief. The Autobots had in the meantime launched a full-scale attack on the Decepticons' base, which Megatron reckoned meant that the Ark was unguarded. Indeed, the sole obstacle in their way to the entrance was a tank and a rocket. However, these elements soon combined into the impressive super robot [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. One by one, Megatron's troops fell before the titan, including Starscream. Only Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] survived. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

[[Image:Target 2006 fake Starscream dies.jpg|right|250px|thumb|*Contains 100% genuine Starscream substitute.]]
''The Autobots gathered up Starscream and the other deactivated Decepticons and placed them in life support capsules within the Ark, holding them imprisoned in stasis. Not long afterward, the Autobots were plunged into a state of disarray by the violent arrival of the enigmatic time-travelling Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Grapple]] was in such a rush to depart the medical bay and attend a mission briefing that he failed to notice an alert signifying the malfunction of Starscream's capsule. Starscream awoke and punched his way out of the capsule, and proceeded to steal out of the medical area and listen in on the Autobots' briefing. He was shocked to overhear that the Autobots had teamed up with Megatron to defeat Galvatron, and Starscream immediately decided to sneak off to join forces with this powerhouse from the future. Galvatron went along with Starscream's toadying, as the irony amused him; Galvatron was, in fact, a recreated future incarnation of Megatron, and would go on to kill Starscream twenty years in the future! When Galvatron and his men faced Megatron once again, Starscream shot Megatron in the back, but had to be stopped short of killing him by Galvatron himself, who knocked Starscream unconscious in order to secure his own future existence. Starscream's body was placed back into its stasis capsule by the future Autobots [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], who then proceeded to trick Galvatron into returning to the future through a complicated plan that involved painting Skywarp to look like Starscream, and then duping Galvatron into destroying him. After killing "Starscream", Galvatron rationalized that he must have travelled back to a parallel timeline, since Starscream was not supposed to die until 2006, and returned to the future with his men. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

[[Image:Starscreammerrychristmas.jpg|left|150px|thumb|His heart grew three sizes that day.]]
''Rather than do the smart thing and return Starscream the Ark, the future Autobots rather unwisely left his capsule lying in the middle of a field. As happenstance would have it, Starscream lay there, undisturbed, until he awoke at [[Christmas]] the following year. Desolate, he wished he could go home again, and was in mid-mope when he was chanced upon by a [[Christmas kid|a human]] who sought to inform him of the meaning of Christmas. Urged to help a busload of elderly humans who had become stuck in a snowdrift, Starscream wanted to know what would be in it for him. As Starscream debated this good deed, he was suddenly attacked by [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]], who suspected him to be up to his usual do-baddery. After a brief battle, the human intervened to chastise Streetwise, and Starscream proceeded to show up the Protectobot by saving the bus, purely out of spite. {{storylink|Stargazing}}''

{{note|Starscream never awoke in the American stories—his deactivated body remained captive within the Ark for years, and was not rescued until the events of "[[Totaled!]]", when [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s forces saved all the Decepticons aboard the craft. When this story was reprinted in the UK, Starscream's name was erased from the artwork. As far as the UK stories were concerned, Starscream sought out Ratbat's Decepticons to join up with them.}}

Starscream quickly ingratiated himself with Ratbat and helped run [[Club Con]], a human island resort that covered their attempt to uncover subterranean information on the legendary [[Underbase]]. {{storylink|Club Con!}} When a pair of Autobot audio and video tapes recording the loss of the Underbase were found, Starscream convinced Ratbat to let him watch the tapes with him. In the "[[Realvision]]" playback, he witnessed a young Optimus Prime thwart Megatron's early attempts to possess the Underbase by shooting the legendary database into space. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}} Starscream then set about a chain of systematic betrayals in order to gain access to that power. He set loose [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], whom the Decepticons had been holding prisoner, with equipment that would lure the Autobots to the Decepticon's Antarctic base. The ensuing battle served to distract his fellow Decepticons as he then stole a ship from [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] to look for the Underbase. {{storylink|Cold War!}}

[[Image:Underbaseallmine.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This is way more graphic than was needed.]]
Upon finding the ancient database, Starscream began absorbing its power but was unable to finish the task as he was blasted by Ratbat's ship, piloted by a temporary Autobot/Decepticon alliance. However, while the light of the Underbase had only shone on Starscream for a moment, that moment had been enough to fill him with its awesome power, and the now-cosmically-powered Air Commander survived the attack. Growing to monumental proportions, Starscream hurled his ship at Ratbat's craft, and promptly headed for Earth with the intention of proving his power by destroying [[New York City|New York]], [[Tokyo]] and [[Buenos Aires]]. The Autobots and Decepticons traveled to those locations to try and stop Starscream, but they ultimately failed, as a massive amount of the Transformers active on Earth were badly damaged and incapacitated by Starscream's Underbase-powered rampage. Starscream only stopped after intercepting a radio transmission between [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and Optimus Prime, and realized that the great Autobot leader was elsewhere, plotting against him. Starscream fled back out into space to find Prime, and rediscovered the Underbase. Starscream attempted to finish absorbing its power, only to have the absolute knowledge overwhelm him, which resulted in his destruction. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:ZombieScream1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Braaaiiiinnnssss!]]
''Starscream's corpse crashed in South America, but the Decepticon still clung to some semblance of life, as his shattered husk was reanimated by the residual energy of the Underbase that still saturated it, and driven by Starscream's own muderderous impulses into an insane rampage. After nearly killing [[Susan Hoffman]] and [[Susan Hoffman#Related characters|her Assistants]], the [[zombie]]-like Starscream was confronted by [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing]], who had been sent by Megatron to recover Starscream's body, and the Autobot [[Triggerbot|Triggerbots]]. Triggerbot [[Backstreet]] was able to appeal to the fraction of the Underbase that was still within Starscream and convinced it to try and regain control of itself, but as soon as it did, Dreadwind and Darkwing had their [[Powermaster]] partners [[Hi-Test]] and [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] siphoned all the Underbase's remaining power from the walking cadaver. Starscream's corpse returned to being an inanimate pile of scrap, which the pair quickly collected.'' {{storylink|Race with the Devil}}

Starscream's remains were delivered to Megatron [[Megatron's base|in his Cybertronian base]], who kidnapped [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and forced him to rebuild Starscream with a powerful [[Pretender]] shell. Ratchet was shown three different shell prototypes, and a final design meant for Starscream. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} As Ratchet worked on repairing Starscream, he feigned a friendly attitude towards Megatron, but this was a facade to cover Ratchet's true motives. Though Megatron had some tweaks in mind for Starscream's personality, Ratchet had something else in mind. After the Pretender shell had finished healing the body inside, Megatron sent Starscream to Earth, where Scorponok and Optimus Prime had clashed over a misunderstanding. As they were about to peacefully discuss the machinations that had gathered them there, Starscream's shell appeared! The Transformers and Nebulans below gaped in horror as the shell opened up to reveal the treacherous Starscream! {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}}

[[Image:Starscreamskindeep.jpg|right|300px|thumb|These are the Delboest panels ever.]]
Starscream's new form was powerful, but what gave him his true edge was how much he spooked his victims. He was believed to be a ghost, an invincible force of revenge, and most of Scorponok's troops quickly fled the battlefield. It wasn't until Hot Rod manned up and shot their attacker did they realize that this was no ghost at all, but rather a physical being that could [[Furmanism|feel pain and be destroyed.]] This was further sold by Starscream's sudden display of cowardice. Ratchet had arranged for Starscream's true personality to eventually surface, and Hot Rod's blast had knocked it free. Completely outmatched, he surrendered and begged Scorponok for forgiveness. {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

''Briefly after becoming a Pretender, Starscream began to wallow in self-pity, believing that all the other Decepticons considered him a joke for his many failed takeover attempts and defeats. His self-esteem crumbled every time the other Decepticons refused to speak to him or spoke about him behind his back. In reality, the other Decepticons were terribly frightened of Starscream (thanks to that whole Underbase thing) and were avoiding him so they wouldn't be killed. Starscream sulked about it for a while until he defeated and captured a few Autobots and his confidence began to return.'' {{storylink|Fallen Star!}}

[[Image:Ratchetjollies.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Ooooh, better leave this one off the resume.]]
Starscream was a source of dissention among the Decepticons, who were angry with Scorponok for letting him back in {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}}—and it ''was'' pretty dumb, as Starscream tried to capture the mutant [[Dynamo]] and use him as a [[Powermaster]] so he could challenge Scorponok. He failed, but was then met by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], then believed to be dead. {{storylink|The Human Factor!}} Starscream joined his gang in a [[Decepticon Civil War]] against Scorponok, and pressganged [[Triggerhappy]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] into the group. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}} Thanks to the Autobots and [[Neo-Knights]], it was a bust. {{storylink|Out of Time!}}

Starscream was transported to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to take part in the fight against [[Unicron]]. "Take part" as in "ran away". Along with Shockwave, he hijacked and repaired the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] so they could escape the dying planet. Shockwave and Starscream found Megatron and Ratchet awakening from the [[Nucleon]] on board the ship, both very confused and addled due to their mind-link. Starscream tried to kill Ratchet and got [[:Image:Ratchetjollies.jpg|totally beaten up]], before the medic directed one of Starscream's null-rays into the Nucleon storage tanks, causing enough of a chain reaction to send the Ark into a crash-landing on Earth, once again resulting in Starscream's deactivation. {{storylink|A Savage Circle}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''In an alternate series of events, Starscream and Shockwave's army grew much larger, and their main competition was not Scorponok, but a revived Megatron and his group of Decepticons. As Shockwave's second-in-command, Starscream had few responsibilities, and even less power. The final indignity came when he was assigned to mere monitor duty at their undersea base. Still, even that ignoble assignment presented an opportunity, as Starscream caught Megatron's spies, the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], trying to tune in to Shockwave's war room. After incapacitating the bugs, Starscream surprised them by offering to let them go free, if they would report back to Megatron that Shockwave would be alone at a certain spot the next day, ensuring that Megatron would go out to battle him alone. {{storylink|Bugged!}} With the trap baited, Starscream contacted his opposite number, Megatron's second-in-command Soundwave, and proposed an alliance. Soundwave had already been playing both sides by feeding information to him, and so the two of them conspired to join the Decepticon factions under their joint rule. Sure enough, after Megatron and Shockwave's private battle came under Autobot fire (Autobots who had been anonymously tipped off by Starscream), they radioed their respective bases only to hear that the Decepticons no longer considered the two of them leaders. {{storylink|Internal Affairs!}}''

''Starscream's first major action as Decepticon leader was the ol' "bait and switch"—sending Soundwave and a Decepticon strike force to keep the Autobots busy at their Earthbase, while he personally attended to stealing a supply of oil from a tanker in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. It seemed, however, that Starscream's plan hadn't accounted for Earthforce's newest recruits: the [[Survivors]]. A quick 1-2-3 by [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] took the fight out of Starscream, and so he retreated, radioing his troops to do the same. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}''

''Sometime later, returning to the Decepticon base in the Louisiana bayous, Starscream suddenly found himself fighting for his life against several mismatched bounty hunters and mercenaries. Believing his co-commander Soundwave must have been responsible for the contract, Starscream stormed back to their headquarters to confront him. {{storylink|Assassins}} He wasted no words in confronting his "treacherous" partner, but fortunately Soundwave had had the foresight to prerecord an explanation. While trading blows and dodging laser fire in person, Soundwave's recording outlined how the situation was clearly a set-up to make them fight each other. Fortunately, Starscream believed him. Unfortunately, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] stormed in at that moment, having been paid by the true contractors, Megatron and Shockwave, to eliminate anyone left standing. {{storylink|External Forces!}} The two Decepticons would have been overwhelmed if they hadn't received aid from an unlikely source: Earthforce. It seemed the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] was dying of [[Corrodia Gravis]], a wasting disease which required an energy transfer from a compatible Transformer, and Starscream fit the bill. After driving off Megatron, Shockwave and the Mayhems, Starscream made a deal with Earthforce to help Snarl in exchange for their aid against any future uprising by the former Decepticon leaders. {{storylink|The Lesser Evil}}''

''Soon afterwards, Starscream and Soundwave engaged in Project: Smear, a campaign to ruin the Autobots' good name among the humans, and ensure they received no additional aid in the war. A straight-forward attempt to brainwash [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] into wrecking a human settlement didn't pan out, {{storylink|Inside Story!}} so a more subtle plan was engineered. Starscream had [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] use his [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]] to subvert the will of a human reporter, [[Irwin Spoon]], and compel him to write a story bashing the Autobots and portraying them as kidnappers, or worse. {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}''

====''Generation 2''====
[[Image:Starscreamtongue.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Who have you been talking to, Starscream?]]
Starscream had been damaged to the point of stasis lock when the Ark crashed on Earth for a second time. Megatron, apparently the only one to recover from the crash more or less unscathed, decided to revive Starscream. {{storylink|All or Nothing!}} He would later question his own judgement in doing so, but in his defense, the only other Decepticons involved in the crash had been Shockwave and Galvatron (and Galvatron had walked away from the crash anyway), so his options for loyalty were slim.

[[Image:Starscream uscomics.png|right|150px|thumb|"I am only saving you so that I may punish you later."]]
Predictably, though, Starscream would indeed betray Megatron and the Decepticons once again, this time by giving [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his troops information that allowed them to take control of the Decepticon flagship ''[[Warworld]]''. {{storylink|Total War!}} Starscream then doublecrossed Jhiaxus, stole the [[Creation Matrix]] (which Megatron had stolen from Prime earlier) and used its powers to merge himself with the ''Warworld'', becoming an unstoppable force of destruction. As Optimus Prime and Megatron entered the possessed ship to try and stop him, Starscream exhibited a startling control over the physical nature of the vessel, turning the ''Warworld'' into an ever-shifting maze of horrors to torment the two leaders. {{storylink|Dark Shadows!}} But when they confronted him face-to-face, he found that the Matrix was having a disagreeable effect on his own mind. He found himself wanting to be, in his own words, "good". He desperately gave the Matrix back to Prime in the hopes that the effect would be temporary. This reverted Starscream to his ordinary form, presumably severing his connection with the ship. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

====''Classics''====
{{note|The ''Classics'' comic takes place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a new timeline that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or ''Generation 2''.}}
Starscream reappears alongside several other Decepticons restored by Megatron fifteen years after the Ark crash-landed. He still appears to enjoy making snide remarks at Megatron's expense.

{{storylink|Crossing Over}} {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

When Megatron prepared his final strike against the pretender to his throne, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], he sent out three warships to menace the skeletal warrior, commanded by Starscream, Thundercracker and [[Octane]]. Somewhat reluctantly, Starscream did nothing but languish in his command chair in space above Bludgeon's headquarters, as the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s acted on Megatron's order to betray and eliminate Bludgeon from within. Starscream just waited for Astrotrain and Soundwave to inform him the deed was done, and the Decepticons below were surrendering and powering down their weapons. A bit cleaner than he would've liked it, but Starscream still had to admire Megatron's skill at deception. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
{{main|Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}
[[Image:Tud3_starscream_smirkiest.jpg|left|thumb|220px]]
A former scientist who joined the Decepticons with gusto after the loss of his friend [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], Starscream quickly decided that Megatron's leadership was old and outdated, and that he was the one who should be in charge. Cue nine million years of backstabbing, treachery, cowardice, coups and general disobendience, which continued when the war moved from Cybertron to Earth. In fact, it was Starscream's refusal to listen to Megatron that kept the war going, when a petty parting blast that he delivered to the Autobot's crashed starship jostled the body of Optimus Prime into the path of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]'s restoration beam. Starscream's scheming was a constant throughout the Earth conflict, and culminated in his expulsion from the Decepticon ranks, following which he created the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] to serve as his personal army, only to have them turn on him, forcing him to rejoin Megatron's ranks.

Even in death, Starscream was unstoppable. Following Megatron's climactic battle with Optimus Prime in 2005, Starscream set his commander's battered body adrift in space, and promptly appointed himself the new Decepticon leader. In the midst of a grandiose coronation ceremy, however, Megatron returned, recreated as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] by the power of [[Unicron]], and promptly blasted Starscream to ashes. Surprisingly, Starscream's lifeforce persisted as a ghost, which continued to bedevil the Transformers, even across the gulf of time.
{{--}}

===Big Looker storybooks continuity===
[[Image:DecepticonsCarShow.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I have no idea what colors I am!]]
Starscream and his fellow Seekers performed a threatening flyby over the Autobots' headquarters in order to distract the heroic robots while the other Decepticons stole a tanker of oil that would give them the power to rule the world. Thanks to [[Shooting Star]], the Autobots got wise to the Decepticons' tactics and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] blew up the villains by dropping missiles on them. Starscream arrived on the scene to spitefully blow up the oil tanker so that no one could have it, then he and his fellow airborne Decepticons carried off the remains of their fallen comrades. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}

Starscream was part of the battle that resulted when the Autobots came to rescue the mind-controlled [[Grapple]] from the Decepticons' clutches. When Grapple was freed from the effects of the [[cerebro-shell]] controlling him, he kicked Megatron over on top of Starscream and Skywarp, winning the day. {{storylink|Insecticon Attack!}}

At some point in the future, when Galvatron had taken leadership of the Decepticons, Starscream suggested to his leader that he create a city of his own to gather energy, as the Autobots did with their Autobot City. Galvatron decided to go about it in the most circular way possible, by stealing a robot car on display at a car show that night and duplicating its circuitry to create an army of drones to build said city. While investigating the Decepticons' presence at the show, Kup was captured by Starscream. When the Autobots arrived in response, Starscream threatened Kup's life to stay their hands, but luckily, Hot Rod soon saved Kup, and the Decepticons were defeated. {{storylink|Car Show Blow Up}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
[[Image:Starscream ladybird books.jpg|right|215px|thumb|Toy-accurate art makes Starscream ANGRY!]]
A brash and aggressive character, Starscream is constantly running up against the older, smarter Megatron. He once convinced Rumble to help him attack and destroy an Autobot tower (believed to be for communications) against Megatron's orders. In the process, he caused Megatron and the other Decepticons to come get him back. (They arrived ''just'' as he was slagging off Megatron.) Since that tower was actually used for channeling lightning storms into power, the entire Decepticon team was viciously injured by an electric surge due to his disobedience. {{storylink|Autobots' Lightning Strike}}

Starscream later tried to overthrow Megatron when the commander was off on a mission and requested the other Decepticons rendezvous with him. Starscream's act of rebellion was to blow up the building he thought Megatron was in and declare himself leader. Megatron turned out to be standing behind him, and he gave Starscream a valuable lesson on leadership (i.e., told him how dumb that was whilst punching him). {{storylink|Megatron's Fight for Power}}

When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] time-travelled to the 20th Century and took command, Starscream served under him. He'd learnt his lesson since the early days, not trying to overthrow his commander ''once''. {{storylink|Galvatron's Air Attack}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers PD Type''===
[[Image:Starscream pd type.jpg|left|190px|thumb|HaHA! I have caught the Golden Snitch!]]
As various [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] from across the timestream joined forces to track down the all-powerful [[Blackball|Blackballs]], Starscream proved most effective at the hunt. Discovering a Blackball, he immediately carried it over to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] for some praise. Unfortunately, the "Blackball" turned out to be a cartoon bomb, which promptly exploded in their faces. From a distance, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] were astounded that their plan actually worked. Inside the smoking crater, a badly singed Megatron strangled Starscream, frustrated at his consistent failures. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##3 "Don't Cry! Megatron!!"|Don't Cry! Megatron!!}}

Later, Starscream uncovered another Blackball. For a moment he considered giving it to Megatron, but then decided that if he kept it for himself, he could use the power to seize command of the Decepticons. He then immediately became suspicious that the Blackball might be another bomb, but dismissed the suspicion just as quickly. Then it exploded. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##10 "Good Luck! Starscream!!"|Good Luck! Starscream!!}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Doug Parker]] (English), [[Kazuki Yao]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Starscream ghost BW.jpg|right|250px|thumb|EBENEZER SCROOGE...!]]
After the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] Crashed on [[Earth]] Starscream's body lay in [[stasis lock]] next to his [[Megatron (G1)|leader]] along with [[Soundwave (G1)|the other]] [[Skywarp (G1)|Decepticons]].{{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Little was known about Starscream among the [[Maximal|Maximals]], as the [[Maximal Elder|Maximal Elders]] had classified most of his information. At some point in time the Elders had attempted to duplicate Starscream's mutant indestructible spark effect, which led to the origin of the monstrous [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]].{{storylink|Bad Spark}} [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], a student of military history, was familiar with Starscream's record of deceit and betrayal. It is possible that [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] was also aware of his history, as he ordered [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] to keep an eye on Starscream when he arrived on Earth.

Starscream's ghost traveled through time and space to the prehistoric earth of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], where he possessed [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s body during an electrical storm. He ingratiated himself with Megatron, claiming that he had been destroyed by [[Unicron]] while protecting [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. After leading a successful raid on the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], he was left in command of the captured Maximal ship, along with Scorponok and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]—the latter having sufficiently impressed Starscream by seeing through his historical deception that he took her on as a "protégé". When the defeated Maximals surrendered to him, he took Dinobot and [[Optimus Primal]] hostage and ordered the remaining Maximals to attack the ''[[Darksyde]]''. Scorponok objected, but he was very forcefully overruled. Shortly after the attack began, the two captive Maximals broke out and drove the Predacons out of the ''Axalon''. Starscream fled, pursued by Primal, and abandoned Blackarachnia to her fate. After a spirited chase, Primal cornered Starscream at an [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] deposit, paralyzing him. As he tried to bargain his way out of his predicament, his vengeful ex-partner Blackarachnia detonated the energon, blowing Waspinator to scrap and forcing Starscream's spark out of his body. Waspinator is restored back to normal by Megatron, and Blackarachnia explains her betrayal as an attempt to find Starscream's true motives, and at that point, Megatron pardons her.

Adrift in space once more, Starscream's ghost screamed vengeance into the void. {{storylink|Possession}}

====IDW Beast Wars Comics====
After his defeat at the hands of the Maximals, Starscream's immortal spark wandered through space and time, until it found an alternate timeline with another Waspinator to possess. When the quantum surge hit prehistoric earth in this timeline, Waspinator was transmetalized, and Starscream, still inhabiting the Predacon's body, was somehow able to influence Waspinator's metamorphosis, giving him a third fighter jet mode resembling Starscream's own old alternate form. Although the two of them bicker over control of the body constantly, their two separate voices audible to whoever hears them argue, Waspinator secretly enjoys the enhanced skills Starscream grants him. {{storylink|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
While Starscream lay [[stasis lock]]ed in the Ark, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] broke in and implanted a fraction of the original Megatron's spark into the Air Commander, allowing the two Megatron's to control him. The Decepticon leader, whose spark had been implanted into Megatron, attempted to use Starscream to return to his own body, but was subdued in a battle of wills with beast Megatron. Starscream's services ultimately went unused until the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] ended, at which point the [[Maximal]]s were able to extract the spark fragment. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

After a particularly harrowing fight with Megatron, Starscream went mountain climbing, and accidentally fell on his head. In this injured state, he was found by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], who took him back to the Ark. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] made repairs, having persuaded Prime to let them fiddle with Starscream's logic circuits if they found anything wrong. Starscream woke with amnesia.

As he slowly learned about the war and experienced the welcoming and forgiving nature of the Autobots, he found himself siding with his former foes. When Megatron turned up to reclaim his former lieutenant, Starscream refused to go, and was surprised when Optimus and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] moved to protect him. Despite all this, the sight of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] finally restored his memory, and he returned to the Decepticons, claiming that he had been faking amnesia as a ruse to gain access to the Autobot base. He later reflected that he had learned something from the Autobots — that a leader like Prime who could pull together the Decepticons as a team could lead more effectively than Megatron had, and Starscream could be that leader. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Starscreamwarwithin.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Smirkier-than-thou.]]
Starscream was a competitor in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s underground gladiatorial matches, the breeding ground for what would eventually become the Decepticons. He enjoyed baiting his fellow combatant, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]; in fact, he was a master at it. Once war broke out, he kept taunting his old friend, which eventually backfired when he told Grimlock exactly where the Seekers were going to attack, giving Grimlock time to set a massive bomb. Starscream's life was saved only by the fast action of Skywarp. {{storylink|The War Within Preview}}

In typical fashion, Starscream tried to seize power. While Megatron was deep within the bowels of Cybertron, Starscream instructed [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] to initiate the planet's long-hidden transformation sequence, hoping Megatron would be crushed in the process. Some people never learn. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}}

[[Image:Predaconstww.jpg|left|200px|thumb|My... people.]]
A few millennia later, after the apparent death of Megatron, Starscream created a splinter group of Decepticons called [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. However, when your smartest subordinates are [[Motormaster]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Octane]], you can't expect much of your forces. {{storylink|Fragmentation}}

Starscream was among the Decepticon boarding party that attacked the Autobot flagship Ark, causing its crash-landing on Earth and putting all Autobots and Decepticons alike in emergency stasis. In 1984 a volcanic eruption awakened the Ark's computer, Teletraan-I, and it repaired all on board. Starscream's actions over the next fifteen years are largely unrecorded, but he probably did what he did best: strafe the Autobots and fleshlings and attempt to betray Megatron, smirking all the while. In 1998, the combined forces of the Autobots and Earth defeated and captured the Decepticons. Starscream was secured on board the ''[[Ark II]]'' along with the other Decepticons when the ship exploded, killing the human crew and scattering the Transformers across the ocean. Arms dealer Adam Rook (aka. [[Lazarus]]) recovered several of the Autobots and Decepticons and used them as a reprogrammed weapons for hire for terrorists and despots. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1|Prime Directive #1}} As part of a demonstration to prospective buyers, Rook had Starscream join an assault against the Smitco Oil Refinery alongside half a dozen Transformers. When Megatron eventually broke free of Rook's control, he freed the other Decepticons. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}}

The reactivated Starscream, along with his Seeker brothers Thundercracker and Skywarp, took a particular pleasure in dismantling the Autobot Minicars. When Megatron complained that he didn't rewire them so they could sit around and do nothing, Starscream playfully said they were only having some fun with their new "toys". Megatron ordered the three Decepticons to follow him, and when Skywarp asked Starscream what their leader's plan was this time, the air commander casually tossed [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s head over his shoulder and said that he didn't care, as it was going to be evil, and evil is ''always'' fun. Soon afterwards, the Autobots arrived and attacked. As Starscream attempted to choke [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] paid him back with a nice throat punch. All the combatants were then bombed by rogue members of the U.S. military. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}}

The Decepticons escaped and attacked [[San Francisco]]. When [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] appeared to stop [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], Starscream led the other Seekers in bombing the Autobot giant, forcing the Aerialbots into their component team member forms and putting them at the mercy of Devastator. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} Starscream and the other Decepticons secured the Autobots after Optimus Prime defeated Devastator. The Autobot leader managed to free his comrades after humans distracted the Decepticons, and the battle was rejoined. Fellow F-15 [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] punched Starscream in the face, repaying him for the earlier defeat. After the Aerialbots, as Superion, sacrificed their lives to save San Francisco from [[Robert Hallo|General Hallo's]] unauthorized nuclear strike, Starscream and the other Decepticons escaped. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

[[Image:Starscreamshhhhhh.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Holy crap! Expressions!]]
Starscream led the Decepticons in joining Shockwave's Cybertronians after Megatron was defeated and was the first to recognize the mind-altering techniques being employed. Starscream escaped the CR chambers long enough almost to succeed in assassinating Megatron. Punishment didn't deter him, and Starscream was almost immediately creating a small sect of separatist Decepticons on Cybertron. He used the cover of Menasor's release to steal the incapacitated Combaticons to form his own army. If only he hadn't tried to hijack [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Yet another rebellion defeated by bad planning. Some people never learn. {{storylink|War and Peace|War and Peace}}

[[Image:Starscreamdaydream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There but for the grace of a fusion cannon go I.]]
After returning to Earth, Starscream unleashed the Decepticons on the Autobots under the leadership of [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. Unfortunately, most of the Decepticons were incapacitated. Worse, Starscream's clone [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] arrived on some bizarre mission. Starscream was forced to ally with the Autobots in exchange for getting his forces freed. After the misadventure, Starscream took the Combaticons for some practice against Sky Lynx. This also ended in disaster, for [[Predaking]] soon arrived, and Starscream discovered that Soundwave, his cassettes, and the other Seekers had allied with Predaking's master... Megatron! Starscream was again forced into a subservient position, with Megatron preparing to lead the Decepticons in the conquest of Earth... {{storylink|Generation One (Dreamwave comic)|Generation One (ongoing)}}

{{note|...at which point [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] self-destructed.}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:JoeVsTF1 Starscream transforms.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Even when Starscream's nothing more than a mindless drone, he still manages to smirk.]]
When the nascent terrorist organization known as [[Cobra]] uncovered the buried hulk of the Ark, they removed the bodies of numerous Transformers with the intention of using them as weapons of war to threaten America. Cobra scientist [[Doctor Mindbender]] hacked the brain functions of the captive Transformers, reducing them to the level of remote-controlled drones, and dubbed them "[[Battle Android Trooper|Battle Android Troopers]]". Starscream was reconfigured to transform into a jet plane known as a "Night Raven", and was selected for use by the [[Cobra Commander]] as his personal aircraft.

Starscream was among the Transformers deployed during Cobra's opening attack on world freedom, when they targeted the [[United Nations]] Headquarters. Starscream transformed to robot mode and was punching his way through the building when a U.S. Military soldier code-named [[Snake-Eyes]] opened fire on him with a machine gun. Although unharmed by the attack, Starscream returned fire with his lasers, blowing up the missile tank upon which the soldier was perched and horribly scarring his face. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1}} Returning to Cobra's island base, Cobra Commander began his meeting with [[Destro]] by having Starscream dramatically fly by overhead and transform, for no reason other than to impress the arms dealer. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}}

Meanwhile, Autobot scientist Wheeljack had been able to avoid capture by Cobra, and had allied himself with America's newly-formed special mission force [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. Hacking into Cobra's system, he was able to shut off the terrotists' control of the Transformers, liberating their minds and bodies. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3}} Naturally, the first thing Starscream did once he was free was to interrupt a battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron by shooting Megatron in the chest in a bid for leadership. Megatron returned the sentiment, blasting him with his fusion cannon, and Starscream slunk away as Megatron returned to more important matters. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}}

[[Image:Starscream snakeeyes eye gouge.jpg|right|350px|thumb|"You've got something in your eye. Let me get it out."]]
Lurking in the island's jungle, Starscream crossed paths with Snake-Eyes, who took revenge for his disfigurement by shattering the unsuspecting Starscream's eye with his sword and shoving a grenade into the socket. Clawing at his face, Starscream tumbled over a cliff and was badly damaged in the fall. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}} His still-operational body was soon happened across by Cobra Commander, who was attempting to flee the escalating battle between the Autobots, Decepticons, Joes and Cobras that was engulfing the island, and Starscream made the human proposition: help him remove the grenade, and he would get him off the island. Naturally, the commander agreed. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6}}

[[Image:Starscream gijoe energyropes.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Starscream is allergic to glow stick ropes.]]
Starscream and Cobra Commander resurfaced two years later, when Cobra Commander learned that human scientists had created an interstellar wormhole to Cybertron. With Starscream forced to do his bidding (via unspecified means), he used the portal to travel to Cybertron with the intention of gaining control of the wormhole technology by stealing the super-computer [[Teletran 3]]. However, a G.I. Joe ambush that struck just as they were carrying out their plan caused a catastrophic malfunction in Teletran 3, scattering numerous Transformers through the wormhole network across space and time. Starscream was not among those scattered, but he was promptly bound with energy ropes by Perceptor and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] while they assessed the severity of the situation. It transpired that the chronal disruption caused by the time-lost Transformers would dsestroy the Earth, and teams of Joes and Cobras were soon dispatched through the timestream to retrieve the robots and save the planet. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1}}

While the Joes and Cobras were off on their time-tossed mission, the forcefield protecting Magnus, Perceptor and Teletran 3 collapsed, at which point Decepticon commander Shockwave struck. Shockwave freed Starscream and reprogrammed Teletran 3 to prevent Transformers from being able to return to their proper times, so that Earth would be destroyed and he could invade it, as he had always planned to—it was Shockwave who had leaked the wormhole technology to humans in the first place. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3}} When a small team of Joes and Cobras that remained on Cybertron tried to undo his programming, Starscream spotted [[Lady Jaye]] modifying Teletran 3 and shouted a warning, but it came too late. The Transformers were returned, and Starscream escaped in the midst of the chaotic battle that resulted.

In the aftermath of the battle, Shockwave accused Starscream of deliberately trying to foil his scheme by trying to steal Teletran 3. Starscream denied any treacherousness on his part, and Shockwave was just starting to come around when a recording Cobra Commander had programmed into Starscream began to play, informing the Decepticon leader of Starscream's general uselessness. At that point, Starscream promptly exploded, taking out the Decepticon headquarters in the process, courtesy of forty-five pounds of plastic explosives that Cobra Commander had lined his housing with, in case the Decepticon had ever escaped his clutches. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[Image:Starscream gijoe ww2.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"Pathetic fools! There's no escape!"]]
When the foundling terrorist organization known as Cobra discovered the Ark buried in the [[Fera Islands]] in 1938, they inadvertently awoke the Decepticons from their stasis. The evil robots entered into an alliance with the organization's leader, Cobra Commander, to conquer the world and strip it of its energy, but Megatron's true goal was to take the Matrix of Leadership—stolen from the body of Optimus Prime—from around Cobra Commander's neck. Starscream adopted the alternate form of a P-51 Mustang aeroplane.

One year later, in 1939, the American military formed a special mission force to counter the Cobra-Decepticon alliance named "G.I. Joe". Laserbeak spied upon the first meeting of this team and reported the information to Cobra; Starscream stood nearby as Cobra Commander vowed to kill the Joes, and opined that heroes were ''born'' to die. G.I. Joe's first attack came soon after, and Starscream distracted their aircraft in his jet mode while Megatron attacked them from above and downed them. {{storylink|The Line|The Line}} As it happened, the Joes bailed out and landed near to the buried Ark, where they wound up awakening the Autobots within the craft. Starscream watched as the ship sent out a repair drone to scan for alternate modes, aware of what it meant and seeing it as a threat to Megatron's leadership that he could exploit. Megatron happened upon Starscream as he was monologuing about taking the power of the Matrix for himself, and witnessed the drone going about its business. Knowing he would need the scheming Starscream for the coming battle, he ordered the Air Commander to help him move their stockpiled energon cubes to safer location. {{storylink|Transformed|Transformed}}

Megatron proceeded to mass the Decepticons for a major battle with the Autobots, save for Starscream, who was left to languish within their base. Unfortunately for Megatron, this merely left Starscream with an opportunity to conspire with Cobra Commander's own traitorous second, [[Destro]], and together the pair prepared to unleash the newly-constructed giant robot, Bruticus, upon everyone. {{storylink|Wolves|Wolves}}

[[Image:Starscream gijoe ww2 weakspot.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"I...will...keep reaching...uuuhh."]]
Even this conspiracy proved to be a deception on Destro's part, however, when he had his lover, the [[Baroness]], shoot Starscream in his weak spot: an inch below his right ear, just behind his jaw hinge. Starscream's head flared with electricity and he collapsed, while Destro loosed Bruticus upon all his assembled enemies. G.I. Joe member Snake-Eyes ended the threat when he plucked the Matrix from Cobra Commander's clutches, and at Optimus Prime's direction, hurled it at Bruticus. The resultant explosion of creation energy destroyed Bruticus, but apparently killed all the Transformers in the process. {{storylink|The Iron Fist|The Iron Fist}}

Forty-six years later, in 1985, Starscream was revealed to have survived his injuries and the destruction of the Matrix through unexplained means. Discarding his archaic alternate mode for the form of an F-15, Starscream was performing a flyby over Cobra Island, seeking a means to return to Cybertron, when he intercepted a communication about an alien starship (actually a Cybertronian craft containing Blaster and Perceptor) crashing in [[Oregon]]. Starscream saw the craft as his ticket home, and while he was too low on energon to claim the ship for himself, he was content to let Cobra take it and then steal it from them later. {{storylink|Targets of Opportunity|Targets of Opportunity}}

{{note|Due to Dreamwave's bankruptcy, how Starscream survived, and his subsequent actions, remain a mystery.}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Starscream and his comrades, Skywarp and Thundercracker, were recruited by Soundwave when Megatron requested fliers. They believed they had been called to join Megatron's gladiatorial team, but accepted the offer to join the Decepticons. Starscream immediately proclaimed his allegiance and declared how much of an honor fighting alongside Megatron would be. After going through some upgrades to boost their firepower, the Seekers' first duty was to capture a senator, who would be executed at Megatron's recruitment rally. He was also informed by Megatron of confidential plans in which he would play a key role. When the security forces intervened, Starscream was captured, and—surprise, surprise—offered to reveal Megatron's plans to save his own neck. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} However, this turned out to have ''been'' Megatron's plan—Starscream, together with Soundwave, executed the council questioning him, then freed every prisoner in the building, solidifying his loyalty to Megatron... until such time as Starscream felt like betraying his leader. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

Starscream ended up as Megatron's bodyguard, a position largely for show, and developed a mutual hatred with Sixshot. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}} He would also appear to settle with Megatron instead of carrying on being an attempted traitor. Megatron viewed this as them moving on from such things but it was actually because Starscream feared him—a fear he initially thought was respect. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

Another one of his duties appears to have been recruitment, as he made a very pointed effort to convince [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] to join the team {{storylink|Spotlight: Blurr}}

[[Image:Infiltration6 takeyourpunishment.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Starscream, seen here actually getting off easy!]]

{{bigquote|Thanks to Ore-13, Megatron, I have evolved... beyond you! I am the ''future!''|Starscream|[[Infiltration issue 6]]}}

Millions of years later, Starscream was the leader of a Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|insurgent cell]] that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. However, since the discovery of the mysterious, Energon-like substance known as [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]], Starscream had stepped outside standard procedure, establishing a second command bunker in [[Oregon]] above a richer seam of the ore than the one in [[Nebraska]]. Unfortunately, the abandoned Nebraska bunker had been infiltrated by a human named [[Stoker]], who had managed to obtain data on Starscream's operations, forcing Starscream to have the human eliminated, though he didn't count on [[Verity Carlo|another human]] obtaining Stoker's [[SM-40]] computer and an [[Ratchet (G1)|Autobot counter-insurgency agent]] bringing the evidence to the Autobots. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 1|Infiltration #1}} Meanwhile, Starscream had ordered [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to cover his tracks by destroying all evidence of Stoker's travels and what remained of the Nebraska bunker. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5|Infiltration #5}} Starscream intended to use Ore-13 to challenge [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] for leadership of the Decepticons, but when the moment of truth finally arrived, the energy source proved insufficient to destroy the Decepticon leader, and Megatron blasted Starscream with his fusion cannon at point-blank range, virtually obliterating him. Megatron told the other Decepticons, "See to the remains. If he lives, then I'll decide what to do with him." {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

[[Image:Starcasm idw dev6.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Sarcasm from Starscream?? NO!]]
As it turns out, Starscream survived and was placed in a [[CR chamber]] for extensive repairs. The other Decepticons were worried that Megatron was jumping the gun by calling in [[Sixshot]] early, and Astrotrain realized Starscream might be the only one of them willing to tell Megatron this. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} During an attack on Decepticon headquarters by the [[Reaper|Reapers]], Starscream completed his recovery and was confident that he would prevail in the upcoming battle. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}}

[[Image:AHM3Starscream.JPG|right|150px|thumb|Hey, I just spotted the janitor from Futurama!]]
When [[Sixshot]] arrived, he initially attacked the Reapers, but they insisted he join them or die. Starscream then emerged from base calling out Sixshot—his hatred of Starscream caused the living weapon to decide to switch sides after all, at which point Starscream promptly activated Sixshot's shutdown command, sending him crashing to the ground. Screamer then proceeded to bomb the Reapers, causing Megatron to agree to take the fight to the Reapers. (Based on the timing of his emergence and his co-plotter Astrotrain immediately going "look at brave Starscream, Megatron!", it seems having an excuse to take out Sixshot and thus force Megatron to go against the Reapers was all planned by Starscream) {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}} Starscream once again accepted Megatron as his liege, and together they teamed up to destroy the alien invaders. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

At some point during the following year, Starscream (now an F-15 for [[To sell toys|some]] [[GEEWUN|reasons]]) met with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and persuaded him to lead the rest of the Autobots into an ambush (under the pretence that Megs would be defeated, the Autobots could leave Earth, and the 'Cons would get Earth to themselves) {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}, where they were promptly defeated. Optimus was rendered almost offline, and Starscream watched in glee as Megatron delivered the news of a [[Sunstreaker (G1)|traitor]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

Some time later, Starscream, was back in a subordinate position under Megatron and getting increasingly annoyed with it. He joined in Megatron's attack on [[New York City]], quite enjoying that whole "killing humans who can't fight back" thing. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}}

Starscream personally shot down the fleeing [[Air Force One]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], after which he returned to join Megatron in New York City. Upon his arrival, Megatron mused that it was fitting to have Starscream beside him, as a Decepticon who had been with the cause since the start. Starscream, believing Megatron to be sarcastic, retorted that he'd been there before even Megatron. A somewhat weary Megatron clarified, congratulating him and complimenting his skills. He further explained that Starscream was very nearly the living embodiment of the Decepticon ideal, but a step short of realizing it. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 3|All Hail Megatron #3}}

With the conquest completed, Starscream stood at Megatron's side as he addressed the gathered Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} However, he soon reverted to type when he noticed Megatron didn't have a proper plan now that he'd won and the fun on Earth was a distraction for the troops. He taunted Megatron with the knowledge that he knew this and told him other Decepticons would start getting restless, so Megatron's position would soon be challenged by hordes of bored sociopaths whom Megatron had indoctrinated to be violent and take things. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

Later, Starscream met with the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] (passing a depressed [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] on the way) and discussed the possibility of overthrowing Megatron. They agreed. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}} He made his move a short while later, sending the Insecticons to attack Megatron. His allies were summarily defeated, however, and Megatron revealed that he had known about Starscream's plans all along. Starscream explained his reasoning behind the revolt: while he once idolized Megatron for teaching the Decepticons to fight the "old order" and take what they want, all he had done since was lead them into a war without end. He then revealed that the Insecticons weren't his only loyalists, as he had also managed to sway the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] to his cause. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

Starscream's uprising was suddenly cut short when the Decepticons came under attack, first from human jets arrived from [[Europe]], and then the returning Autobots. Starscream was forced to team up with Megatron, who assured him that someday he would get be in charge, someday after the Decepticons won... but not now. After giving this some thought, Starscream organized his troops to fight back, ending his orders with "All hail Megatron!" {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} When Megatron was eventually defeated, Starscream picked up his injured leader, refusing to let the Autobots finish him off. When Optimus Prime asked why, he replied that leadership of the Decepticons is to be ''taken'', not offered up by chance. Before retreating, he reminded Prime that the Decepticons still had the advantage in most parts of the galaxy. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

Along with a few other Decepticons, Starscream took off into space aboard Astrotrain. Despite what he had told Prime, he was not pleased that Soundwave was keeping Megatron on life support, but his attempts to dissuade the loyalist were met with failure. He considered just throwing his former leader out Astrotrain's airlock, but had a [[The Transformers: The Movie|nagging feeling]] that he'd "somehow return, [[Galvatron (G1)|even more powerful than before]]." Starscream was ready to give up, knowing that the Decepticons had no real reason to follow him, and that the faction would fall to infighting as soon as others challenged his rule. All he had was the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership]], which Megatron had seized from Optimus Prime earlier, but he had failed to find any supposed "ultimate power" within it, and prepared to throw it away. When [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] stopped him, saying that the Matrix was used by the Autobots to choose their leaders, Starscream suddenly realized that it was just what he needed to rally people to his cause. Gathering his followers, he told them that he had unlocked the unlimited powers of the Matrix, and that he had been chosen to light their [[darkest hour]]. While the roused Decepticons started hailing his name, Starscream knew fully well that his newfound leadership was wholly reliant on a seemingly useless Matrix, and wondered if this was really the right thing to have done. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Uneasy Lies the Head}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}

At the war's end, Starscream and a small team of Decepticons accompanied the mercenary [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] to the [[Pegasus Star Cluster]]. He led the Decepticons into the Autobot bunker after Mirage destroyed the Autobot security system, but stood back during the ensuing fight. After Megatron ordered the Autobot prisoners executed, Starscream held [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] back as Mirage prepared to kill [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
[[Image:Starscream HOS.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Ye olde Tyme treacherie.]]
Starscream is the nominal leader of the Decepticons on 19th-century Earth, while Megatron sleeps in [[stasis lock]]. He decides to conquer the Earth in this time, and use that power to overthrow Megatron when he should wake up. Posing as a benefactor to humanity, he enlists the help of inventor [[Tobias Muldoon]] to design new [[Alternate mode|altmodes]] for the Decepticons. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}} In particular, Starscream builds (or reformats) [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] for an assault on [[New York City]], and the new electrical generators there. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 3|Hearts of Steel #3}} It all ends badly. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4|Hearts of Steel #4}}

Starscream has three bodies through the course of these events. His initial "Ice Age Wars" body appears to be a prehistoric flying reptile. He then takes on two different biplane bodies, one with one engine per wing and bat-wing-shaped propellers (as seen at left), and one with two engines per wing and straight-bladed propellers<ref>[http://www.idwpublishing.com/titles/transformers/images/hos/decepticon_planes.jpg ''Hearts of Steel'' sketch at IDW Publishing]</ref>. No reason is given for him changing from one biplane body to the next. (The fact that planes are an anachronism in the 19th Century is lightly glossed over.)
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in mini-comics===

[[Image:Henkei_starscream_pack_in_comic.jpg|right|thumb]]

Starscream was among the Decepticons who joined [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics|Megatron]] in attacking the Earth in the 21st century. During an attack on Tokyo, Starscream got the drop on some human military operatives who were observing a fight between Megatron and [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics|Optimus Prime]], but before he could take them out, [[Bumblebee (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics|Bumblebee]] got the drop on ''him'', spraying him with a fire engine's hose. This gave [[Grimlock (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics|Grimlock]] the opening he needed to lash Starscream with his tail and send him crashing into Megatron, prompting the villains to retreat. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 1}}

Starscream later concocted a plan to have [[Astrotrain (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics|Astrotrain]] keep the Autobots busy while the Decepticons raided a power plant, but he had not factored in the Autobots' newest warrior, [[Hot Rod (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Hot Rod]], who took them by surprise and blasted Starscream in the back. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 2}} Seeking revenge, Starscream tried to return the favor, only for Hot Rod to dodge the blast, and cause Starscream to shoot Megatron instead! {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 3}}

Knowing that his friend [[Jetfire (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Skyfire]] had been stranded on Earth tens of thousands of years ago, Starscream had [[Ramjet (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Ramjet]] search for his body, which was eventually located frozen in a glacier. Starscream thawed out Skyfire and placed a mind-controlling helmet on him, to ensure that his kind-hearted old friend would serve the destructive Decepticon cause. Together, they attacked a power plant, but while they fought off the plant's Autobot defenders, Skyfire began to struggle against the helmet's influence, eventually overpowering it and turning on Starscream. Realizing he was outnumbered, Starscream fled, as Skyfire called after him to remind him that even thousands of years ago, they'd never gotten along that well anyway... {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 4}}

Following Megatron's use of energon cubes to power himself up into [[Galvatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Galvatron]], Starscream attempted to repeat the process on himself, and had [[Ravage (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics|Ravage]] steal a sack of cubes for him. Before he could put them to use, however, he was ambushed by [[Cheetor (BW)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Cheetor]], who defeated him and reclaimed the cubes. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 8}} Later, Starscream was led by [[Cyclonus (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Cyclonus]] to a volcanic field, where Megatron was in the process of using the magma to again power up into Galvatron. Seething over his own inability to obtain the power Galvatron wielded, Starscream thought his chance to lead had finally come when a team of Autobots arrive and collapsed the volcano on top of Galvatron. His gloating was short lived, however, as Galvatron burst out from under the rubble, and, entirely unaware that a fight had even gone on, began berating Starscream and Cyclonus for being lazy idiots. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 9}}

When [[Ratchet (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Ratchet]] was trying to take a human girl to the hospital, Starscream arrived to take potshots at him. Ratchet's comrade [[Inferno (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Inferno]] blocked Starscream's shots, and the enabled Ratchet to escape by blinding Starscream with a blast from his water cannon. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 10}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===

[[Image:Henkei1_enter_starscream.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]

Years ago on Cybertron, Starscream was a scientist and explorer. Together with his friend [[Jetfire (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Skyfire]], he embarked on a search for energy on other planets, but when the duo visited Earth, Skyfire was caught in a blizzard and frozen in ice. Starscream subsequently returned to Cybertron and became a warrior, joining up with [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Megatron]]'s Decepticons.{{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} Untold years later, when the legendary power source known as the [[Energon Cube]] was lost to the reaches of space, Starscream was among a small team of Decepticons who departed Cybertron in pursuit of it. The Cube crash-landed on Earth in the Japanese town of [[Hoshinochō]] and shattered into fragments, so Starscream and the other Decepticons took on the forms of local vehicles and machinery to remain hidden while searching for the shards. [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots had also followed the Cube to Earth, and so the Transformers' war continued in secret on this new world. {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}}

Eleven years after arriving on Earth, Starscream and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] tracked Prime's Autobots to the human building known built over the Cube's impact crater called the [[Star Dome]], and launched an attack. Starscream was surprised to find a human boy, [[Wataru Hoshinoumi]], caught in the middle of the conflict, but gave the fleshling little thought and aimed his gun to destroy it. The human, however, had a protector: the littlest Autobot, [[Bumblebee (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Bumblebee]] came bursting out of nowhere to nail Starscream with a flying kick and save the boy. {{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} Starscream didn't take kindly to this insult upon his person, and pinned Bumblebee beneath his foot, but before he could finish him off, Wataru blinded the Air Commander with a fire extinguisher! Unfortunately for Starscream, it was at that point that Megatron himself chose to arrive, and he violently berated Starscream for going behind his back, throttling him and using him as a shield to block Optimus Prime's fire. After some further shots were exchanged, Megatron's attention was piqued by Wataru, and he decided to call retreat. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}} Back at the Decepticons' underwater base, Starscream opined that Megatron was growing old, but Megatron simply replied with equal sarcasm that the weakest dog barks the loudest. Starscream stalked off, vowing to himself that he would be leader of the Decepticons, then summoned Ramjet to join him on a personal mission to the Arctic. {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}}

[[Image:Henkei4_starscream_and_skyfire.jpg|right|thumb|300px|*cue "ScreamerxSkyfire OTP" squeals*]]

Starscream and Ramjet located the glacier that Skyfire's body was trapped in, and released him from his frozen sleep. Skyfire was happy to see Starscream again, but Starscream soon proved how much he had changed when he sent a watching group of humans to their deaths by shooting the ice out from under them. Just as Skyfire demanded an explanation for his actions, Starscream slapped a helmet onto his head that took over his mind and co-opted him into the Decepticon ranks. Starscream proceeded to lead the brainwashed Skyfire in an attack on a power plant back in Hoshinochō, but through it all, Skyfire refrained from outright killing any human workers. Displeased with Skyfire's resistance to the helmet's control, Starscream set an example by opening fire indiscriminately. Just before he shot Wataru, who happened to be visiting the plant, Skyfire seized his arm at the last second, insisting they were researchers, not murderers. Luckily, this was enough of a delay to save Wataru's life, as Optimus Prime's Autobots then came blasting into the plant. {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} In the battle that followed, Skyfire continued to struggle against the helmet, shielding Wataru and Bumblebee from Starscream's attacks. Starscream was shocked to learn that Wataru was a "[[Booster]]", a being born with the ability to control energon, when Wataru used his powers to liberate Skyfire from the control helmet. Skyfire turned his guns on Starscream, blowing off his left null ray cannon, then informed him of one important fact he had remembered: they never actually got along that well in the first place. With no options left, Starscream was forced to retreat. {{storylink|Wataru's Power}}

When both Optimus Prime and Megatron were left badly damaged after a fierce battle, Starscream, Ramjet and [[Astrotrain (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Astrotrain]] exploited the Autobots' reduced manpower by raiding a hydroelectric power plant. Together, they made short work of the Autobots who did turn up to fight them, but just as they were preparing to leave with a haul of [[energon cube]]s, the revitalized Optimus Prime came speeding onto the scene. The three Decepticons beat a hasty retreat, but only Starscream got away, the other two taken down by a powered-up blast from Prime's [[ion blaster]]. {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}} With nothing to show for his efforts, Starscream returned to the volcanic caves were Megatron was recuperating from his injuries, bathing in a "bath" of molten energon cubes. Deeming it a waste of their energon resources, Starscream saw his chance when Optimus Prime and Bumblebee arrived in the caves, the Autobots having received a message that gave Megatron's location. Starscream greeted the two Autobots and gleefully led them to the chamber Megatron was in, serving them up the Decepticon leader in the hopes that they would destroy him and leave his throne free to be usurped. Starscream kept Megatron's newest soldier, [[Cyclonus (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Cyclonus]], busy so Prime could deliver the killing strike, but against everyone's expectations, Megatron did not die from Prime's sword slash, and was instead transformed by the power of energon into the deranged [[Galvatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Galvatron]]! {{storylink|Creation! The New Emperor of Destruction!!}}

[[Image:Henkei10_starscream_survives.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]

Galvatron immediately attacked Optimus Prime, and Starscream exploited the opened, attacking his former leader from above. Galvatron proved able to shrug his shots off, and destroyed the rocky outcrop on which Starscream was standing, bringing him tumbling into Galvatron's clutches. After being slammed around a bit, Starscream fired his jets and blasted from Galvatron's grip, looping back around to deliver a jet-powered kick, but the attack accomplished little other than to thoroughly tax Galvatron's patience. Powering up his cannon, Galvatron unleashed a single earth-shattering blast that appeared to reduce Starscream to atoms. {{storylink|The Threat of Galvatron}}

[[Image:Henkei10_starscreams_end.jpg|right|thumb]]

Starscream proved hardier than Galvatron expected, though: after Galvatron had torn his way through the assembled Autobots, Starscream re-appeared, broken and crippled, but nonetheless determined to bring Galvatron down. His weapons still proved ineffective, however, and so Starscream demanded that Wataru use his powers to give him a boost. Naturally, Wataru was hesitant, but saw the logic in Starscream's plan and acquiesced, providing the Decepticon with a forcefield and a powered-up gun. Starscream was only able to get off one shot before Galvatron destroyed the field and his cannon, but the blast successfully reopened the original wound Optimus Prime had torn in Galvatron's armor. Taking the opening, Prime repeated the tactic and plunged his energon sword into the gash, ripping Galvatron open. A catastrophic release of energy from Galvatron's body ensued, which began to the collapse the cavern. The Autobots raced for the exit, but Starscream did not move, and Wataru could only look back to see a smile form upon the Air Commander's lips as he watched Galvatron's defeat, seconds before he too disappeared beneath the tumbling rocks. {{storylink|Revenge (issue)|Revenge}}

Later, as Prime's Autobots prepared to return to Cybertron, Skyfire announced that he would be staying on Earth in order to search for Starscream, indicating that he believed his old friend was still alive. {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}
{{-}}

===Masterpiece Starscream Ghost Version bio===

In the twilight realm of [[Limbo]], somewhere on the edge of life and death, the sparks of many deceased Starscreams from all across the multiverse gathered together. Sharing the stories of their deaths with one another, they formulated a plan to restore themselves to life, each one all the while secretly willing to sacrifice the others if it would benefit him. The scientific skills of several of the Starscreams were used to create a kind of crystal that would enable their spirits to retake physical form in the real world—but predictably enough, all the Starscreams then began fighting for a bigger share of the crystals, in hopes of achieving a more certain result. One particular Starscream was able to triumph over the others and take off with a large armful of crystals, but just as he began to absorb them into his body, the other Starscreams seized his legs. In a flash, all the Starscreams disappeared from limbo, and reappeared on Earth, amid the skyscrapers of a human city. But where many Starscreams had once stood, now there was only one, giant Starscream, a fusion of all the different versions of the duplicitous Air Commander from throughout time and space. The fusion was not a complete one, however; each Starscream had left small fragments of themselves in Limbo, resulting in a giant Starscream who was not quite "complete", but more of a towering transparent "ghost". As Starscream ruminated on this, studying his reflection in a skyscraper, a team of Autobot warriors arrived on the scene, and Starscream swung into battle...! {{storylink|Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Masterpiece Starscream Ghost Version bio}}

===Alternity===
[[Image:Alternity starscream boxart.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]

A Starscream from an unidentified [[universal stream]] was selected by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Alternity|Megatron]] to become the leader of his team of cross-dimensional [[Questor]]s. Imbued with a small portion of the incredible powers over space and time that his leader had acquired from the god-beast [[Hytherion]], Starscream became incredibly powerful, equipped with an uncharacteristic sports car alternate mode, a [[Timaeus drive]] that allowed him to travel through dimensions, a "Retroactive Nullifer" capable of erasing victims from history, and four "Evil Optics" can can send an enemy into [[stasis lock]] with only a look. Despite all the new powers that this infusion of Hytherion power conveyed about him, Starscream was wary, wondering why Megatron would so empower him given his record of deceit. Despite fears that he might be the subject of some strange cosmic experiment that Megatron was conducting, Starscream still took to his new role with glee, seeking ways to put his new power to use overthrowing Megatron.

On a mission to Earth, Starscream confronted one of [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Alternity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[auto-avatar]]s. Surprising Prime with his sports car form, Starscream scored a hit with his Nullifer, which slowly began killing the Autobot. Starscream had heard other species call the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]] "gods", but taunted Prime by telling him that any story of gods must end with a Ragnarök. However, Starscream did not expect Prime to tell him that the Alternity were already well aware of the time and circumstances of their prophesied end, and were already prepared. {{storylink|Foreshadows}}
{{-}}

==Commercial appearances==
Starscream's [[commercial]] appearances include:

* An appearance in the first Transformers animation, a commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|Issue #1]] of Marvel's ''[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|The Transformers]]'' comic book. Alongside Thundercracker and Skywarp, Starscream attacks an Earth power plant, then defends himself against an Autobot counterattack.

* Starscream and Thundercracker are seen strafing three Autobots, then getting shot down, in the Jetfire/Shockwave commercial.

* A 1985 commercial for [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Starscream leads Thrust over the desert to attack the Autobots' new defense base, brushing off Thrust's concerns about the whereabouts of the Autobots themselves. He is caught off-guard when the base transforms into [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Good goin' there, Screamer. This is the only ad in which Starscream has a speaking part; he's given his usual cartoon voice.

* He makes a short appearance in the 1986 commercial for Hot Rod/Kup/Blurr.

* He is seen in jet mode leading an attack on the Autobots' power station in a commercial for Ultra Magnus.

* He can be glimpsed flying into battle alongside Galvatron - yes, Galvatron! - in the Galvatron/Magnus commercial.

* He and the other two standard Seekers are seen battling the Dinobots on the ground in a commercial for the Predacons.

* Starscream briefly features in the [[Pretender Classic]]s commercial. He's shown lurking in the dark of an Earth city as Optimus Prime is reunited with Jazz and Bumblebee. Narration from [[Victor Caroli]] leads the viewer to believe that his lurking is quite evil and also provides Starscream's voice.

* Still in his Pretender Classics body, Starscream is seen dunking [[Wildfly]] and company into colorful vats to create the [[Pretender Monster]]s in their commercial.

* He features alongside Prowl and [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] in a commercial for [[Action Master]] vehicles; he's shown battling Prowl aboard his [[Turbo Jet]] on Cybertron.

* His jet form is shown in an early ''Generation 2'' commercial, rendered in CGI and flying over a rocky landscape alongside Ramjet.

==Games==
===''Transformers: Call of the Future''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Call of the Future}}

===''Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals'' video game===
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the second season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
[[Image:N64Starscream.jpg|200px|thumb|Yes, that's Transmetal Waspinator in original Waspinator colors as Generation 1 Starscream. No, that's not normal.]]
{{Note|Starscream is only available for game play in the Nintendo 64 version of this game.}}
Starscream returned to the Beast Wars following the [[quantum surge]], with a strange but powerful new [[Transmetal]] body. Fearing that the Beast Wars would alter history against his liking, Starscream set out to destroy any Maximal or Predacon that opposed him. After vanquishing his foes, Starscream entered the Ark and infused himself with the power of his old body, just as Megatron and Optimus Primal had increased their power. This fusion of old and new allowed Starscream to finally achieve his eons long goal of restoring his original body. Finally whole, Starscream undertook the long journey through transwarp back to Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals}}
{{note|Each character possessed an alternate ending, displayed if the N64 version of the game was beaten with said character. Each character has only their own ending listed on their pages, see the other characters' pages for Starscream’s fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Starscream serves under [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] as one of his Decepticon soldiers, battling [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}
{{-}}

===Sector Seven Alternate Reality Game===
[[Image:Starscream 1982.jpg|200px|thumb|Masterpiece attack!]]
Disguised as an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, Starscream was active on Earth in early 1982, with documented sightings of jets sporting his unique colors on several continents before he was caught on camera transforming to robot mode in California. This sighting (and its subsequent leak) was the direct impetus for [[Hungry Dragon|Hungry Dragon 1]].

Later, during late April/early May of 2007, [[Sector Seven]] intercepted two sound clips through Agent Cod3x and another source (currently unknown). Apparently, Starscream wanted to make his presence known and left a message announcing that he would have the All Spark, and that Agent Powers would be the one to hand it over. These messages were somewhat garbled, as they were apparently received over a SETI@home system. So far, only these two "blips" have been analyzed (the second still needing work), but more may come in the near future. {{storylink|Sector Seven (game)|Sector Seven}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC__DLC_G1Starscream.jpg|thumb|200px|"Why do I feel like [[Pat Lee]] designed me?"]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Charlie Adler]]

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
{{Note|On [[August 27]], [[2009]], Starscream was one of a handful of downloadable characters in a DLC pack for Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3. }}
{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

===Transformers: War for Cybertron===
''Voice actor:'' [[Sam Riegel]] (English)

[[Image:WfC-IGN-StarscreamMegatron.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
Starscream joins the Decepticons as second-in-command, but does not consider either Optimus or Megatron to have the planet's best interests at heart.
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
{{main|Starscream (G1)/toys}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Ulchtar.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Phew.]]
*Starscream was the first decepticon seen in the cartoon.
*In [[Jim Shooter]] and [[Denny O'Neil|Denny O'Neil's]] original Transformers treatment, Starscream was named "'''Ulchtar'''." Yes. When [[Bob Budiansky]] took over Transformers preproduction from them, he changed it to "Starscream." <ref>[http://transformers-advent.blogspot.com/2009/07/exclusive-interview-with-bob-budiansky.html Exclusive Interview with Bob Budiansky!]</ref> And "Starscream" was the name given to [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s bio, so who knows what else was going on. This may be related to a mix-up that involved all three jets' [[Tech Spec]] numbers being switched around (Starscream was given Skywarp's stats by mistake).

* An early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style character profile published in ''[[The Transformers Comic Magazine]]'' gave Starscream the smirk-worthy nickname of "The Silver Snake". A second "alternate name" for Starscream shows up in Bob Budiansky's hand-written write-up of his bio, which is briefly visible in one of [[Shout! Factory]]'s DVD featurettes. In addition to "The Silver Snake", the hand-written bio gives Starscream the alternate name of "Pretty Poison". Oookay then...

[[Image:Starscreamg1early.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Confusing Nelson Yomtov since 1984.]]

* For the first half of the [[Marvel Comics]], Starscream's chest was colored dark blue, versus the red seen on the toy and in the cartoon. The apparent reason for this discrepancy is hinted at in animated segments in early [[commercial]] footage (see right), where Starscream's chest and forearms are black. Lack of color depth in comic books at the time required black to be represented by dark blue. Starscream's "true" colors began appearing in the Marvel Comics starting with issue 47, "[[Club Con!]]"

* An actor in a Starscream costume was among "live" Transformers one could meet at the 1985 [[Universal Studios Tour]].

* In the French dub of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', Starscream (along with [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]) inexplicably became a female. This change, however, was only for the movie, as it used a different dubbing team from the television show. Most likely, the movie's French dubbing team mistook Starscream's rather high-pitched voice for a woman's voice.

[[Image:G2BlackDeathStarscream.jpg|thumb|250px|Chucky Sol, I am your angel of death.]]

* The Generation 1 executive script consultant, [[Flint Dille]], has claimed in personal interviews that [[Chris Latta]] frequently had to be bailed out of jail by members of the production staff. This apparently caused so much annoyance that it was a major factor in phasing Starscream out of the series.

* According to the line art of Starscream by Studio OX, each side of his chest has a turbine mounted on it. This concept has influenced his [[Action Master]], [[Masterpiece]], and [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] toys and the [http://tfu.info/2004/Destron/RMStarscream/starscream.htm art of the Robot Master version].<ref>[[Transformers Visualworks]]</ref>

*A hand-painted mock-up and accompanying artwork for what seems to have been a proposed ''Generation 2''-era redeco of Starscream appeared in auctions on [[eBay]], amongst similar items put up for sale from the collection of a former [[Hasbro]] employee. The mock-up features the words "Black Death" on its nosecone, which would probably lead fans to refer to the figure as "Black Death Starscream" if anyone were aware of it existing. The actuality of the figure being intended as Starscream is uncertain, but given that the artwork is Starscream's ''Generation 2'' card art, Occam's Razor suggests it was meant to be him.

[[Image:StarscreamMW Genesis.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Bringing a [[Particle cannon|cannon]] to a [[canon]]-fight.]]

*In ''[[Genesis: The Art of Transformers]]'' is a picture by [[Matt Kuphaldt]] of [[Machine Wars]] Starscream wearing a purple cape and brandishing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s torn-off arm cannon. To date, this remains the only canonical appearance of Starscream in this body—so far as the canonicity of art books can be placed.

* Starscream appears in the DLC for Revenge of the Fallen on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in his G1 appearance with quite a few new features, not the least of which is the fact that he can summon and fire [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] gun mode (despite the fact that Megatron is already playable as a separate downloadable character).

==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm Starscream at TFU.info]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Starscream Starscream's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/1784/Generation+2/Starscream.html Gallery of G2 Starscream with comparison to BW Starscream at Transformers At the Moon]

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Grimlock's New Brain

2010-06-24T00:42:40Z

71.59.153.16: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|image=Grimlock's New Brain Grimlock Technobots.JPG
|caption=Me Grimlock make geeks!
|ep=89
|prev2=Nightmare Planet
|next2=Call of the Primitives
|title="Grimlock's New Brain"
|Japanese=
|production code=700-110
|airdate=[[November 14]], 1986
|written by=[[Paul Davids]]
|series2=2010
|ep2=25
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Grimlock gains tremendous intelligence and creates the Technobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' グリムロックの新しい頭脳 (''Grimlock no Atarashii Zunō'', "Grimlock's New Brain")
:''German title:'' '''Grimlocks neues Gehirn''' ("Grimlock's New Brain")
:''Brasilian title:'' '''O Novo Cérebro de Grimlock''' ("The Grimlock's New Brain")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Grimlock's New Brain Skuxxoid Slizardo.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Purple stuff? Bah! I wanted Sunny D!]]

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the [[Autobot|Autobots]] are unveiling a new generator that will better supply them with power. As [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] signals [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to activate the machine, Grimlock causes a few missteps before Rodimus, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] manage to switch the generator on. Grimlock points out that he is "smartest Dinobot of all," but Perceptor points out that the Dinobots have limited brains. Grimlock, mildly insulted, threatens to bash Perceptor's brain. Elsewhere, a [[Skuxxoid]] and [[Slizardo]] are sneaking into the generator to place [[anti-electron]]s inside the device, as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] has paid them to deliver the anti-electrons to the generator, which would eventually kill the Autobots.

[[Image:Grimlock's New Brain Grimlock generator off.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock hate Windows Vista.]]

In space, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] are flying back to Cybertron, when their [[auto gyro]]s suddenly begin to malfunction, crashing into the planet. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] tries to air lift Sky Lynx to safety, but also begins to malfunction. Perceptor concludes that the problem is originating in the generator and Rodimus, Magnus, Grimlock, and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] head down to investigate. However, Grimlock breaks the [[Electro map|device]] that Perceptor gave them to navigate the tunnels, so they split up. Grimlock and Kup reach the generator's controls, and Kup begins to suffer memory malfunctions. Grimlock deactivates the generator with the ever-appropriate tactic of biting it, but immediately begins to act differently. He speaks in a proper manner, with an extended vocabulary, and appears to have lost his taste for combat. However, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] has been observing them and reports back to Galvatron. Galvatron threatens to kill the Skuxxoid and Slizardo for ruining his plan, as the anti-electrons have already vaporized and were hard to find, but Slizardo reveals that there is another source of anti-electrons...in [[Unicron]]'s brain.

[[Image:Grimlock's New Brain Dinobots fishing.JPG|left|200px|thumb|"Rodimus, isn't that a public pond?" "Quiet, Magnus, this is the only way we can get them to bathe."]]

Back on Cybertron, Grimlock and the Autobots pass the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] fishing in a local pond. [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] invites Grimlock to join, but Grimlock declines, saying he has more important matters to attend to. The Dinobots are concerned, as they always fish together. Elsewhere, Grimlock concludes that anti-electrons were the source of the problem. As Galvatron's ship approaches Unicron's head, he cautions his soldiers, saying that Unicron may be quite powerful. On Cybertron, the Dinobots seek out Grimlock, who is building a new spaceship, and he asks for their help. [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] does not like Grimlock's change in attitude, and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] declares that "Grimlock no fun". With their leader not acting like one of them, the Dinobots decide to go hunting without him. Later, Grimlock has taken Rodimus, Perceptor, and Kup to Unicron's head, having concluded that Unicron's body was the original source. However, Galvatron fires anti-electrons at the shuttle, causing it to crash and the Autobots to malfunction. Galvatron then unleashes the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] on the Autobots while Grimlock runs off. Grimlock then uses components of Unicron to build [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] and asks him to drill a hole into Unicron's brain.

[[Image:Grimlock's New Brain Computron Abominus.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Computron teaches Abominus to slow dance.]]

Elsewhere, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] are retrieving the anti-electrons when they reactivate Unicron. The Chaos Bringer's internal defenses activate, but [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]], another robot built by Grimlock, destroys the defenses. Finally, Grimlock builds three more robots: [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]], [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]], and [[Scattershot]], the last of whom he appoints as leader of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s. He sends the Technobots to fight the Terrorcons, and they manage to destroy the anti-electrons as well, but the Terrorcons merge into [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. Retreating, the Technobots ask Grimlock for advice, and Grimlock reveals that they are also [[Combiner|Combiners]], commanding them to merge into [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. The computational capacity held by the gestalt is massive, yet he claims that he lacks the intelligence to feed it. Grimlock connects a device to Computron's head which transfers his super-intelligence to Computron. Now armed with incredible intelligence, Computron is able to defeat Abominus and send the [[Decepticon]]s running.

On Cybertron, Rodimus is holding a celebration for the newly functioning generator, the creation of the Technobots, and Grimlock's efforts. However, Sludge reveals that Grimlock is fishing with the Dinobots. Grimlock says that being a genius all the time is no fun, and he'd rather be a regular Dinobot. The Autobots cheer his statement, apparently preferring their one-bot engines of destruction to be simple-minded.

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (1)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (2)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (4)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (5)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (6)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (7)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (8)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (9)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (10)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (11)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (12)
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (15)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (16)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (17)
* [[Teletraan II]] (18)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (30)
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (31)
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (32)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (33)
* [[Scattershot]] (34)
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (36)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (37)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (38)
|c2=
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (19)
* [[Sweeps]] (20)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (21)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (22)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (23)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (24)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (25)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (26)
* [[Hun-Gurrr]] (28)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (29)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (35)
|c4=
* [[Skuxxoid]] (13)
* [[Slizardo]] (14)
* [[Unicron]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't be that one, must be one of these. Eenie Menie miny moe. This switch real rad, gonna pull!" 
"Grimlock, no!!!!! It's this one over here!" 
"Uhhh, that Grimlock's next choice."
:—'''Grimlock''' showing '''Rodimus''' why he should not have been given such an important task.

"Why you think Grimlock stupid? Me no stupid. Grimlock is smartest Dinobot of all." 
"Unfortunately, that's probably true. I just wish the Dinobots had more sophisticated brains." 
"Brains?! Grimlock know how to bash brains. Maybe bash yours."
:—'''Grimlock''' threatening to beat up '''Perceptor'''.

'''Grimlock''': What go wrong? 
'''Perceptor''': Something incapacitated their aerial capabilities. 
'''Grimlock''': Huh? 
'''Rodimus Prime''': He means they couldn't fly, so they crashed. 
'''Grimlock''': Me knew that!
:—Simplifying things for a Dinobot isn't that simple.

"Hey, how did you shut down that baby?" 
"I, Grimlock...used my rear molars." 
"Uh that makes good sense, good going. You what?!" 
"Is your hearing impaired, Kup? Ohh, with some Autobots, you have to explain everything."
:—'''Kup''' and '''Grimlock''' the latter of whom has just received a great deal of intelligence

"Antielectrons, of course! They attack our electrocircuits! Now why didn't I think of that?" 
"Perhaps because your mental abilities are so limited."
:—Oh snap! '''Perceptor''' just got dissed!

"That one mine! Give me!" 
"Rrr, me want that Autobot!"
:—'''Sinnertwin''' arguing with...himself.

"Are...are you my father?"
:—A newly awakened '''Nosecone''', the first Technobot created by Grimlock

'''Strafe''': Yahoo! It feels great to be a Technobot! My name is Strafe! 
'''Afterburner''': Far out! Fantastic! I'm Afterburner! I'm raring to burn neutrons and see some heavy action! 
'''Lightspeed''': Mellow out, Afterburner. 
'''Afterburner''': Says who? 
'''Lightspeed''': They call me Lightspeed, faster than a speeding photon. 
'''Grimlock''': And you, Scattershot, will be the leader of the Technobots.
:—The newly created '''Technobots''' and '''Grimlock''' engage in a brief [[introdump]].

"Come on, Technobots! Let's show them the stuff Grimlock made us of!"
:—'''Afterburner''' as he attacks the Decepticons with his comrades

"Name: Computron. Primary goal: obliterate Decepticons."
:—'''Computron''' gives Galvatron a reason to run away.

"Me Grimlock say no fun to be genius all the time. Much more fun to be good old Dinobot Grimlock."
:—'''Grimlock''' on his recent bout with intelligence.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* When the Autobots activate the power generator, Springer is twice as tall as Kup and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]].
* As Perceptor, Grimlock, and Rodimus walk forward to see Blaster's predicament, they seem to appear out of thin air.
* Sludge's neck repeatedly flashes between yellow and grey for a few frames when Grimlock gives him orders.
* During [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]'s combination sequence, [[Hun-Gurrr]] transforms into [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] and [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] before combining with himself.
* The Decepticons appear to be far too big when they leave Unicron's head.

===Continuity errors===
* If Grimlock has proven himself so incompetent, why does Rodimus bring him along to find the power generator? There are plenty of other Autobots that can provide muscle (Springer, for one).
* Also, why does Rodimus have Grimlock of all 'bots activate the generator at the beginning? Why not someone like Perceptor, who's even conveniently nearby when they decide to pull the switch?
* When the Autobots near the power generator, why are Kup and Rodimus affected, but Ultra Magnus and Grimlock aren't? It's possible that Grimlock may not be affected due to his creation on Earth causing him to be made differently than the other Autobots (like in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]]"), however this doesn't explain Magnus. Maybe Magnus could just deal with it at the moment.
* This isn't an error necessarily, but this episode marks the only time present-day Cybertron has any sort of standing water (in this case, the pool the Dinobots are "fishing" in).
* Why isn't Swoop with the other Dinobots? The writers even bother to have Grimlock point out that Omega Supreme is away on a mission, and yet one of the Dinobots gets left out?
* Blurr can be seen numerous times fighting alongside the Autobots, despite him not being present on the shuttle ride over.
* The origin of the Technobots seems to conflict with the events of "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1|The Key to Vector Sigma]]" — in those episodes, it is established that [[Vector Sigma]] is required to give personalities to Transformers, but here, the Technobots get personalities independently of it. Unlike other continuities, however, the cartoon eschews the use of "magic" objects and explanations to give Transformers life; Vector Sigma is simply treated as an advanced computer, and with this in mind, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that the super-smart Grimlock simply has the skill needed to program full, authentic cybernetic personalities into the Technbots on his own. With the introduction of the concept of [[spark]]s in much later fiction and the reclassification of Vector Sigma's capabilities, however, the events of this episode are called into question again. Of course, the Dinobots themselves are exceptions as well, so make of that what you will.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode marks the first appearance of both the Technobots and the Terrorcons.
* Unicron's head is shown to no longer orbit Cybertron, after the events of "[[Ghost in the Machine]]" saw it blasted off into space. It's also looking substantially worse for wear than it was the last time we saw it, presumably a consequence of the explosives that were set off in its immediate vicinity in that episode.
* The second time Rodimus Prime's transformation systems malfunction, he reverts into Hot Rod. Most visibly, he transforms into his junior self's vehicle mode. Additionally, his coloring changes to Hot Rod's traditional magenta, and actor [[Dick Gautier]] raises his voice in pitch to his normal Hot Rod voice.

===Trivia===
[[Image:GrimlockManga.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Meet Prof. Grimlock. Cheaters and plagiarists will not be expelled, merely eaten.]]
* While the episode is centered around Grimlock, he never once transforms out of his dinosaur mode. Then again, seeing a ''T. rex'' talk with such an extensive vocabulary is kinda funny.

* Artwork for the episode featured in ''[[TV Magazine]]'' showed Grimlock wearing a mortarboard and lecturing on something complicated.

*The device Grimlock invents to transfer his intelligence into Computron was later rendered in plastic and included with the [[Super Collection Figure]] PVC version of Grimlock. It would subsequently be recreated in plastic ''again'' for the [[Masterpiece]] version of Grimlock, which dubbed the contraption the "[[Brainwave Transfer Device]]".

* Grimlock voice actor [[Gregg Berger]] has stated that while this was the most difficult episode for him to do (in that it required figuring how an intelligent Grimlock should sound), it was also the episode he enjoyed working on the most as it shows him using his Skyfire's voice for Grimlock's intelligent voice.

* Final appearance of Cosmos.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''Transformers'' — Dark Awakening / Grimlock's New Brain ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Dark Awakening / Grimlock's New Brain ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 9: Grimlock the Hero ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/grimlock's_new_brain.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Rebirth, Part 1

2010-06-17T17:45:33Z

71.59.153.16: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|image=Rebirth 1 title shot.JPG
|caption="Guys, I'm serious, we need a water cooler in here to converse about." "Damn it, Goldbug, we're robots. We don't drink water."
|series=G1toon
|ep=96
|title="The Rebirth, Part 1"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production code=6701-1
|airdate=[[November 9]], 1987
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Galvatron invades Autobot City and then Cybertron with a plan to destroy the Autobots forever! This is something new?'''

:''Japanese title:'' ヘッドマスター誕生 (''Headmaster tanjō'', "The Headmasters Are Born")
:''German title:'' '''Die Wiedergeburt, Teil 1''' ("The Rebirth, Part 1")

==Synopsis==
[[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]] is talking with the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s at [[Autobot City]]. Things have been quiet for the [[Autobot]]s in the months since the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Hate Plague]] crisis. Not a word has been heard of the [[Decepticon]]s in months. Who knows where they are. The answer? Right at their doorstep. Meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] walks into a room to find Optimus on his knees. Optimus claims that he has been having visions since he opened the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], and it's something big. Goldbug informs Optimus of the approaching Decepticon force, and Optimus realizes that what ever he's been sensing, it's starting right now.

[[Image:Rebirth 1 Autobots Decepticons fight.JPG|left|200px|thumb|A truly epic battle.]]

Leading the Autobots out, the Decepticons attack. The Technobots and the [[Throttlebot]]s take point, but the Decepticons have gotten some new raw power in [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon]], while [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] has some fun with [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]. However, [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] sees [[Wingspan]] and [[Pounce]] enter into Autobot City. [[Transformation|Transforming]] into Counterpunch, he follows to check up on their progress, where he sees them steal something from the vaults. The Clones quickly dispatch Punch, and take their prize to [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Having claimed what they wanted, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] orders a retreat. Optimus, realizing this was a diversion, runs into Autobot City, finding Punch and the vault. Horrified, Optimus orders everyone to board the ships and head for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

On Cybertron, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] is racing with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], with [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] riding in Hot Rod. Blurr, however, loses control, while Daniel shoots several Decepticon targets and wins the race. [[Brainstorm]] claims that this is evidence of his theory that human partners would be able to assist the Autobots in the war with the Decepticons. [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] are unsure of the idea. However, Optimus contacts the Autobots, telling them Galvatron stole the [[Key to the Plasma Energy Chamber|Key]] to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. This was the forge which was used to create the bodies of the original Autobots. Since the [[Quintesson]] rebellion, the key has been in the safekeeping of the Autobot leaders, who have been tasked with guarding the key with their [[Spark|lives]]. However, Galvatron intends to open the chamber and destroy Cybertron. The Decepticons arrive, and chaos ensues. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] are quickly taken down by [[Sixshot]].

[[Image:Rebirth 1 Plasma energy Scourge.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Scourge never gets a break.]]

During the onslaught, Kup and Hot Rod's team notice Scourge heading for the Plasma Energy Chamber. They pursue in an attempt to stop him, but when Scourge opens the chamber, he is nearly killed, but Spike and Cerebros manages to grab the key. The Autobots' ship is hit by a wave of energy from the Plasma Energy Chamber. Their ship is hurled off Cybertron itself. Discovering Scourge, the Decepticons reactivate him. Scourge explains what happened, and a team under [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] heads out to find the Autobots with the key.

[[Image:Rebirth 1 Hive machines.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Oh, this is not going to end well...]]

Meanwhile, the Autobot ship crashes on Nebulon. With the engines fried, the Autobots and the Witwickys decide to look for civilization. They're soon spotted by [[Duros]] and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]], who assume the Autobots are machines controlled by the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]] and alert the rest of their resistance group. The group soon captures the Autobots, and plans to destroy the Autobots with magnetic bombs, even though Spike tries to talk them down. However, the Decepticons show up. Spike finally convinces the Nebulons to release the Autobots. In the subsequent battle, Daniel is injured by Snapdragon, and Hot Rod, Kup, Blurr, [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]], [[Pointblank]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] are taken captive. Some of the Autobots pursue them into the forest, but are quickly driven off by machines.

[[Image:Rebirth 1 Autobot heads.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"This will haunt me until the day I die..."]]

Back at the cave, [[Arcana]] and [[Firebolt]] manage to stabilise Daniel's condition, but the boy will have to be connected to life-support machinery. The Nebulan leader [[Gort]] explains that the Hive is a tyrannical group of telekinetics who have used machines to enslave Nebulon. The resistance members know the weak points of the machines, but they just don't have the firepower. Spike thinks that Brainstorm's idea of organic partners just might be the ticket. The Autobots agree to allow the Nebulons to use their heads as suits, except for Cerebros, who walks out, tired of fighting. [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] asks to be Daniel's partner, and Spike agrees. As they remove their heads, Spike declares that they are about to become [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]].

[[The Rebirth, Part 2|To be continued...]]

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] (2)
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (3)
* [[Scattershot]] (4)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (5)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (7)
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (8)
* [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] (9)
* [[Wide Load]] (10)
* [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (11)
* [[Chase (G1)|Chase]] (12)
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] (13)
* [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] (27)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (33)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (34)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (37)
* [[Pointblank]] (38)
* [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (39)
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (40)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (41)
* [[Brainstorm]] (42)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (43)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (44)
* [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] (45)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (46)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (52)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (53)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (54)
* [[Slingshot]] (55)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (56)
* [[Fastlane]] (60)
* [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]] (61)

|c2=
* [[Apeface]] (14)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (15)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (16)
* [[Snapdragon]] (17)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (18)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (19)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (20)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (21)
* [[Sweeps]] (22)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (23)
* [[Misfire]] (24)
* [[Wingspan]] (25)
* [[Pounce]] (26)
* [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]] (28)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (29)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (30)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (31)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (32)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (47)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (48)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (49)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (50)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (51)
* [[Sixshot]] (57)
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] (58)
* [[Triggerhappy]] (59)

|c3=
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (35)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (36)

|c4=
* [[Gort]] (62)
* [[Duros]] (63)
* [[Stylor]] (64)
* [[Arcana]] (65)
* [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] (66)
* [[Firebolt]] (67)
* [[Recoil]] (68)
* [[Haywire]] (69)
* [[Peacemaker]] (70)
* [[Spoilsport]] (71)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Wingspan:''' "Beat it, Counterpunch! We don't need your help!" 
'''Counterpunch:''' "Fine. ''You'' deal with my Autobot counterpart. I've heard he's nearby." 
''[ducks around the corner, transforms to Punch]'' 
'''Punch:''' "...''Real'' nearby."
:—Punch, master of subtle hints, utters a classic line.

'''Kup''': It might give us the edge if the Decepticons ''did'' return. 
'''Crosshairs''': That's not gonna happen! 
'''Optimus''': Kup! Highbrow! The Decepticons are heading your way! 
'''Kup''': How many of 'em, Prime? 
'''Optimus''': ''All'' of them! 
'''Crosshairs''': 'Course, I ''have'' been wrong on one or two occasions.
:—Crosshairs ''really'' needs to think before he speaks.

"Sixshot, show them what a one-robot army is!"
:—'''Galvatron''' prompts Sixshot to do the old sell-my-toy routine.

"I suppose it's the only meritorious way out of our meretricious situation." 
"Yeah, me too. Like he said."
:—'''Highbrow''' and '''Hardhead''' on becoming Headmasters.

"My one wish... is to ''never'' fight again."
:—'''Cerebros''', so pacifistic he won't even fight to help his friends.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Daniel is gnawed and thrown around by Snapdragon, and yet, his uniform remains squeaky clean and show no signs of damage despite Daniel's injuries being described as 'severe'. That must be some tough fabric they use in the future.

===Continuity errors===
* Goldbug and the Technobots reminisce about all the "loose parts" knocked from the Decepticons after Optimus Prime was resurrected. When did that happen, exactly?
* Scattershot claims there's "about a hundred" Decepticons heading towards Autobot City, but the attacking force shown on-screen is barely a quarter of that number.
* The outside of the city is already smoking (burning?) before the Decepticons start their attack or fire a single shot.
* Soooo.... why do the Autobots rush headlong to meet their attackers instead of [[The Transformers: The Movie|transforming the city to battle station mode]]?
*An Autobot approaches Brainstorm and co on Cybertron, asking what the discussion is about. His design is that of one of the Targetmaster weapons, who have not yet been created.
* When the Autobots first met the Nebulans (only to get captured by them), why didn't they use the universal greeting? Perhaps the 'Universal Greeting' is only universally recognised by all mechanical lifeforms, and just gibberish to an organic lifeform like a Nebulan. Like a type of computer code. :)

===Transformers references===
* This episode takes place several months after "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]".
* While discussing the Headmaster creation procedure with Chromedome, Brainstorm mentions that it's possible for a Transformer to "download (their memories and personalities) into the auxiliary memory circuits in their chests". Assuming that the aforementioned hardware is a standard feature in all Transformers, it might explain why [[Death|death is just a wee bit inconsistent in fiction]]. Not bad for a throwaway line!
* Daniel getting injured and requiring a robotic body (or in this case, Exo-suit) to survive is reminiscent of [[Autobot X|a somewhat similar incident involving his father]]. This works out a lot better.

===Miscellaneous trivia===
[[Image:Rebirth1 Hardhead and Blurr.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Ssh, ssh, ssh. Its alright. Don't struggle. Walk into the light."]]
* "The Rebirth, Part 1", was to be the fourth season premiere, but due to declining interest, it simply was the first of the three final episodes (originally conceived as a ''five''-part story), in which a slew of new characters and concepts were introduced, most notably the US animated version of the Headmasters.
* All these years of Blurr babbling when he panics...and ''Hardhead'' is the only one who thinks to cover his mouth?
* Then again, the animation makes it look like Hardhead is sweeping Blurr off his feet in a passionate French kiss instead of throttling him into silence, so who knows what's really going on?
* Okay. Whose bright idea was it to give Daniel a gun?
*The Japanese dub of all three episodes of "The Rebirth" were released exclusively on laser disk by [[Pioneer]] (and later on DVD as part of their ''[[Transformers 2010 (franchise)|Transformers 2010]]'' box set). The dub for these episodes is unusual in that it primarily features Western names for characters rather than Japanese-exclusive ones. For instance, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] is referred to by his Western name rather than "Hot Rodimus", [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] is not called "Char" and so on. Some Japanese names are retained, such as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] being called "Convoy". Even stranger, aside from several primary characters, nearly all the voices are different from the usual Japanese cast.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Die Wiedergeburt (Erster Teil) ([[Polyband]]) — German audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''Transformers'' — Headmasters: The Rebirth (Parts, 1, 2 & 3) ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Headmasters / The Return of Optimus Prime (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — Headmasters / The Return of Optimus Prime / Cosmic Rust (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — Rebirth: The Movie ([[Malofilm|Behaviour Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Heroes: The Rebirth ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Heroes: The Rebirth ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — The Rebirth: Parts 1-3 (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 6: Series 4 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External link==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_rebirth_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rebirth, Part 1}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Spotlight: Hardhead

2010-06-15T18:19:16Z

71.59.153.16: /* Items of note */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Spotlight (comics)|''The Transformers Spotlight'']] #17
|prev=Spotlight: Cyclonus
|next=Spotlight: Doubledealer
|seriesissue2=[[Revelation (IDW)|''The Transformers: Revelation'']] #2
|prev2=
|image=Spotlight Hardhead a.jpg
|caption=If I'm scared, then you '''know''' it's serious!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 16]], [[2008]]
|coverdate=July 2008
|written by=[[Simon Furman]]
|art by=[[Nick Roche]]
|colors by=[[Kris Carter]]
|letters by=[[Neil Uyetake]]
|edits by=[[Denton J. Tipton]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline#Revelation|Revelation]]
}}

'''With Hardhead in tow, Nightbeat retraces his steps on Gorlam Prime, while the Autobots piece together clues about the Expansion.'''

==Synopsis==
Nightbeat is worried not only about his missing memories, but that his entire state of mind might be a danger to the [[Autobot]]s. As he investigates this mystery, he takes Hardhead with him to eliminate Nightbeat if he loses control. They travel to [[Gorlam Prime]], where Nightbeat discovers that the planet seems to be in suspended animation, and evolution has accelerated from organic, to techno-organic, to possibly fully technological. As they head toward the excavation site, Hardhead follows Nightbeat, giving him a clear shot if he needs it. Unfortunately, on the way, they encounter a large group of [[Micromaster]]s who begin shooting at them. Or, more precisely, at Hardhead, as they seem strangely uninterested in harming Nightbeat. Hardhead escapes by jumping from the freeway to crash through the lower suspended freeways down to the ground.

On [[Corata-Vaz]], the [[Wrecker]]s are fighting a futile battle against Thunderwing, while Prowl and Optimus Prime observe from the [[Garrus-9]] penitentiary. Optimus requests a report from Jetfire, who says that there's a [[Nega-Core|large energy spike]] coming from the cavern Thunderwing's guarding that they can't categorize. He also reports that Omega Supreme has identified their "mystery Cybertronian" as being Cyclonus, and that he, along with Galvatron, was on the first [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']]. Optimus remembers that the first ''Ark'''s destination was the [[Benzuli Expanse]], and says that's where they'll start investigating.

Meanwhile, in the [[Dead Universe]], Jhiaxus reports to Nemesis Prime that the three Nega-Cores and their guardians have all been activated. However, Cyclonus drew a fair bit of unwanted attention while activating his Nega-Core, and Nightbeat found his way back to Gorlam Prime. Nemesis is unconcerned about the results of Cyclonus's mistakes, given that Thunderwing is power incarnate, but tells Jhiaxus to see to Nightbeat personally.

Hardhead and Nightbeat enter the excavation site on Gorlam Prime while trying to elude the Micromasters. As they reach the end of the entryway, Jhiaxus suddenly takes remote control of Nightbeat, making him turn and point his gun right between Hardhead's optics. Jhiaxus speaks through Nightbeat, saying that the detective is now "theirs", and Hardhead has no place in the future they're planning.

In the [[Orcibe Cluster]], Arcee arrives at what appears to be the aftermath of a major fight. After scanning for lifeforms, she discovers that Banzaitron is still alive amongst the wreckage, and forces him to tell her what happened. He tells her someone came and took [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]. He doesn't know who they were, but he does know where they went, as each of Monstructor's parts has been tagged, so if Arcee works with him they can both get what they want. Arcee tells him that she'd follow him into the [[Pit|Abyss]] if the trail led to Jhiaxus.

[[Image:SpotlightHardhead HardheadsHeadshot.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Not just a name, apparently.]]
Back on Gorlam Prime, "Nightbeat" shoots Hardhead point-blank... and is amazed to discover that Hardhead lives up to his name, as it accomplishes nothing but producing a smoking pinhole in his optics. He then sics the Micromasters on Hardhead, who attempts to do battle with them but is eventually pushed back into almost entering the massive Dead Universe portal. "Nightbeat" monologues about the Dead Universe and how Hardhead should just accept that his time is up and choose which way he wants to go out. Hardhead responds by executing Nightbeat with a head shot, then diving headlong into the portal, ready to meet whatever change lies beyond it.

Jhiaxus screams in fury about their "instrument" now being gone. Displeased, Nemesis states this accelerates a confrontation he had wished to avoid, but with Nightbeat dead, he will now have to do what Nightbeat was intended to do: eliminate Optimus Prime.

Cloudburst, Landmine, Groundbreaker, and Waverider arrive at the Benzuli Expanse to find that the entire surrounding area—planets, stars, etc.—is now gone, with a literal nothing in its place. When they report this to Jetfire, along with the fact that all probes and drones sent into the "nothing" cease to function as soon as they cross the event horizon, Jetfire ponders, then says to Cloudburst that the four of them "just volunteered".

Optimus tells Jetfire that he's not sure about using [[Pretender|this technology]] again, but Jetfire says they need to risk it to gain information on the anomaly. Optimus agrees, then receives a transmission from Dealer on a priority channel. Dealer says that he's been monitoring the current situation, and he thinks that all of the answers they seek lie in the [[Magnificence]].
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (1)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (2)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (7)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (7)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (7)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (8)
* [[Twin Twist]] (8)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (8)
* [[Roadbuster]] (8)
* [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] (8)
* [[Skram]] (8)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (9)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (10)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (11)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (15)
* [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] (17)
* [[Cloudburst]] (17)
* [[Waverider]] (17)
* [[Groundbreaker]] (17)
* [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (18)
* [[Doubledealer|Dealer]] (19)
|c2=
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (7)
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (16)
* [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] (16)
* [[Axer]] (16)
|c4=
* Various [[Micromaster]]s:
** [[Fixit]] (3)
** [[Construction Patrol]] ([[Neutro]], [[Groundpounder]], [[Crumble]], and [[Takedown]]) (4)
** [[Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Detour (G1)|Detour]], [[Blackjack]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)|Hyperdrive]], and [[Road Hugger (G1)|Road Hugger]]) (4)
** [[Race Car Patrol]] ([[Tailspin]], [[Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]], and [[Swindler]]) (4)
** [[Race Track Patrol]] ([[Roller Force]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog]], and [[Motorhead (Decepticon)|Motorhead]]) (4)
** [[Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Big Daddy]], [[Greaser]], and [[Hubs]]) (4)
** [[Off Road Patrol]] ([[Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain]], [[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]] and [[Tote]]) (5)
** [[Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Decepticon)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]], and [[Growl (G1)|Growl]]) (5)
** [[Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot]], [[Sidetrack]], and [[Flak]]) (5)
** [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]] (6)

* [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (12)
* [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] (12)
* More Micromasters:
** [[Blaze Master]] (13)
** [[Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]], [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]], and [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]]) (14)
** [[Air Patrol]] ([[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]], and [[Tread Bolt]]) (14)
}}

== Quotes ==
"I want you to watch me like an [[Ardurian Roc]], and if I lose control, even for an instant... '''eliminate''' me." 
"Sure."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Hardhead''': Great ally both when you need your back watched ''and'' when you need it shot at.

== Errors ==
* In the bottom-left hand panel on page 12, Nemesis Prime's faceplate appears to have been drawn incorrectly; usually it has a different colored piece coming up from his chin. In this panel, it is drawn as one solid piece, like Optimus Prime's faceplate.
* "Banzai-Tron" was written as such in Arcee's lifesign readings, but is otherwise parsed without the hyphen as "Banzaitron".

== Items of note ==
[[Image:Spotlight Hardhead unused.jpg||thumb|right|150px|Hardhead, or hard-core?]]
* '''Cameos:''' [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]], [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]], [[Scattershot]], [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (on monitor), [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (on monitor and later in flashback), [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (both in flashback), [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] (dead member of Banzaitron's crew).
* Nightbeat's license plate number is "[[Minerva|M1N-3RV4]]".
* Roche's original cover had a background of skulls, and the image was reversed and lighter (see image on right).
* The inhabitants of Gorlam Prime are apparently an experiment of Jhiaxus's to prepare a template for the universe, where a species can withstand even the worst extremes in preparation for merging the Dead Universe with the "living" one. Based on the masses of Micromasters in the panel where this is explained, they're the final result of Gorlam's evolution.
* Two of the inhabitants of Gorlam Prime look like they're dressed up as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
* This isn't the first time Hardhead's been charged with possibly having to eliminate an ally.
* The flashback scene of Cyclonus was previously used as the sketch cover to ''[[Spotlight: Cyclonus]]''.
* Nightbeat dies! (Not surprising considering the Nightbeat-slaughtering author.)
===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Hardhead amongst rubble, second part of 4-issue image by [[E. J. Su]].
* '''Cover B:''' Animated style of Hardhead by [[Nick Roche]].
* '''Cover RI:''' Text-free "virgin" version of Cover A.
<gallery>
Image:Spotlight Hardhead a.jpg|Cover A
Image:Spotlight Hardhead b.jpg|I'm hard as a rock.
Image:Spotlight Hardhead ri.jpg|Hardhead a virgin? Doubtful.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[Transform and Roll Out]]'' DVD (inside front cover)
* "[[Spotlight: Doubledealer]]"
* ''Doctor Who: The Forgotten'' in [[IDWords]] section
* ''Doctor Who: The Forgotten''
* ''Journey: The Adventures of Wolverine MacAlistaire''
* ''Spike: After the Fall''
* ''The Dreamland Chronicles''
* ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' series
* ''Galaxy Quest''
* DrawerBoxes Box Anchors (back cover)

[[Category:Spotlight issues|Hardhead]]

Passive Aggression

2010-06-13T19:24:35Z

71.59.153.16: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[War and Peace|''Transformers: War and Peace'']] #4
|prev=Cold War
|next=Countdown to Extinction (issue)
|title="Passive Aggression"
|image=G1 Vol.2 Issue4 1.jpg
|caption=Is it 2005 already? The future is HERE!
|publisher=[[Dreamwave Productions]]
|date=[[July 30]], 2003
|coverdate=July, 2003
|story=[[Brad Mick]]
|pencils=[[Pat Lee]]
|inks=[[Rob Armstrong]]
|colors=[[Espen Grundetjern]], [[Alan Wang]], [[Gary Yeung]]
|letters=[[Ben Lee]]
|chronology=[[Dreamwave timeline|Modern era]]
|continuity=[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]]
}}
'''There's combat on the surface, and meetings in the underground.'''

==Synopsis==
With the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] already down, the [[Wreckers]] do what they can to quell Menasor's terrorism of the city. During the combat, Ultra Magnus reflects on the differences and similarities between him and his brother, Optimus Prime. After some goading and taunting to unharmonize the individual Stunticons, a truck-to-the-face takes Menasor out of action. As Magnus helps Topspin, Twin Twist points out evidence connecting Rumble and/or Frenzy to the crime scene (whom Magnus last saw leaving Shockwave's office), prompting even more suspicions from Magnus regarding Shockwave's agenda.

Elsewhere, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] remain en route to the obvious source of the corruption on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]—Shockwave's tower. But Grimlock breaks from the group to visit Shockwave personally at the smelting pits. Before Grimlock can execute Shockwave, Blitzwing interferes, still angry about having his cannon bent out of shape in Alaska.

Broadside and the Autobots from Earth head to an unknown destination. Under the cover of a cloud of smoke, Prowl and Ironhide are passed to Smokescreen, who starts to lead the two to a destination somewhere in Cybertron's wastelands. On the way, they pass some graffiti left by a separate Autobot movement.

[[Image:Wheeliedw.jpg|left|180px|thumb|McGruff here! I'm just reminding you to TAKE A BITE OUT OF PRIME.]]
Optimus (last seen being both rescued and attacked by a [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]]), wakes up to see the Sharkticon's face again. Panicked and unaware of his location, Optimus strikes out at the Sharkticon while Blurr and Wheelie quickly and ineffectively try to detain the elder Autobot. Before anyone can be seriously hurt, Hot Rod arrives and forces Prime (at gunpoint) to relax. Then Kup shows up and lays it on the line.

Almost at their destination, the Dinobots are quickly taken out by a gigantic figure, and Slag is barely able to radio to Grimlock for help. On the other end of the communication, Grimlock is preoccupied fighting against Shockwave and Blitzwing, even holding the advantage against the two Cons. A rocket from Ultra Magnus takes the Dinobot commander out of commission.

Kup gives Optimus a tour of the resistance group's base, introducing Arcee and Blaster. Blaster delivers news that Shockwave is broadcasting a code to exacerbate the recent surface violence. Springer arrives with Smokescreen, Prowl, and Ironhide. Kup and Ironhide have a tender old-timers' reunion, then Springer reveals an immediate threat to any counter-Shockwave resistance effort: the reactivated [[Guardian robot|guardian robots]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (2)
*[[Roadbuster]] (3)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (4)
*[[Twin Twist]] (5)
*[[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (6)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (7)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (8)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (9)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (13)
*[[Bluestreak]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (16)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (17)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (18)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (21)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (22)
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (24)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (25)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (26)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (27)
*[[Swoop (G1)| Swoop]] (28)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (30)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (31)
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (32)

|c2=
*[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (1)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (11)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (12)
*[[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] (29)

|c4=
*[[Gnaw]] (23)

}}

==Quotes==
"Enough, you! Hasn't anyone ever told you to respect your elders?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tells Wheelie to quit chewing on him

"Can't you see that you're pointin' your peashooters in the face of the greatest Autobot of all time?!"
:—'''Kup''' to Hot Rod who is holding Optimus Prime at bay

"Pleasure to meet ''you''."
:—'''Arcee''' flirts with Optimus Prime

"Don't mind Hot Rod. His power converters always get a little torqued whenever anybody even looks at his favorite gal."
:—'''Blaster''' comments on Hot Rod's jealousy

"Where'd you dig up that rusty bucket of scrap?" 
"Why you broke-down pile of junk!" 
"Put 'er there, old-timer." 
"Who you callin' ''old-timer'', you secondhand security guard?"
:—'''Kup''' and '''Ironhide''' have a reunion

==Items of note==
* Ultra Magnus's defeat of Menasor is an abbreviated parallel of Optimus Prime single-handedly taking down Devastator in the [[Prime Directive|previous volume]]. It also mirrors [[Motormaster]]'s humiliating defeat at the hands of Optimus Prime in [[Masquerade]]. Since Ultra Magnus admitted that he was a lesser robot than Prime, Menasor's defeat may have been even more humiliating for Motormaster.
* Like many Transformers action figures, Smokescreen's allegiance is revealed by rubbing his [[rubsign]].
* Either not all Autobots and Decepticons have met each other, even after millennia of war (hence Smokescreen introducing himself), OR Smokescreen was re-introducing himself because he'd received a new form since the Autobots last left on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]].
* It's never made quite clear why Prime has to be taken through the slave trails first, then Prowl and Ironhide later.

[[Image:Devcon empty.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Vagrant bounty hunter? Vagrant hobo? You decide!]]
* Hey, [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]]!
* That's not [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] on the last page. In [[Dreamwave Productions]]' [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Generation 1 continuity]], several [[Guardian robot|Guardian robots]] share Omega Supreme's design.
* It's unconfirmed if [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] survived last issue.
* The "Wavelengths" page has a letter from the desk of [[Simon Furman]].
* This is the first issue to have a "DW Letters" page, which has fans' mail answered by [[Matt Moylan]] and a piece of fan art by Nick Hunt.

===Covers (2)===
[[Image:G1 Vol.2 Issue4 2.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Et tu, Springer?]]
* Cover A: Springer, Gnaw, Arcee and the left side of the back of Prime's head (left), and
* Cover B: Kup, Hot Rod and the right side of the back of Prime's head (right), art on both by [[Pat Lee]]. The covers can connect to form a single image.

===Advertisements===
* Canadian National Comic Book Expo 2003
* ''Duel Masters'' comic
* ''King of Bandit Jing'' DVDs
* [[Countdown to Extinction (issue)|''War and Peace'' #4]]
* ''Darkminds: Macropolis'', volume 2 (2-page ad)
* ''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe]]'' comic
* ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' #2
* [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'' #4]]
* [[Dreamwave Armada issue 13|''Armada'' #13]]
* ''Necrowar'' #1
* ''[[War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' (back interior cover)
* ''More Than Meets The Eye'' #7 (back cover)

[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 issues]]

Escalation

2010-06-13T18:26:34Z

71.59.153.16: /* Featured characters */

{{disambig3|Escalation}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[War Within: The Dark Ages|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' #2
|prev=Fragmentation
|next=Devastation (Dreamwave)
|title="Escalation"
|image=DW WW2 2.jpg
|caption=Who wrote "Don" on that pipe?
|publisher=[[Dreamwave Productions]]
|date=November 12, 2003
|coverdate=November, 2003
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|pencils=[[Andrew Wildman]]
|inks=[[Erik Sander]]
|colors=[[Espen Grundetjern]], [[Rob Ruffolo]]
|letters=[[Ben Lee|Benjamin Lee]]
|editorinchief=[[Roger Lee]]
|chronology=[[Dreamwave timeline|The Dark Ages]]
|continuity=[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]]
}}
'''On a divided Cybertron, the Tagan Heights are home to a battle that signifies the escalation of the war between the divided sides.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Ratbatwarwithin.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Ratbat thinks the Wreckers are a superstitious and cowardly lot.]]
In the [[Well of All Sparks]], The Fallen is pleased with the Chaos Trinity's preparations for the Unbinding, saying they are reading to begin seizing those that they need. Bludgeon, however, is more interested in the "dark powers" that The Fallen had promised. Deciding Bludgeon needs some motivation, The Fallen reaches into Bludgeon's mind and offers him a glimpse at forbidden secrets, ensuring the loyalty of Bludgeon and his cronies.

Away, in the [[Tagan Heights]], Springer and the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] start a patrol, to keep the area out of the hands of Ratbat's [[Ultracon|Ultracons]]. Taking higher ground, he finds that Ratbat has unleashed Devastator.

Hot Spot and the rest of the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] consider their alignment from the base they've made in the ruins of the [[High Council Pavilions]]. Hot Spot decides to take action in hopes of preventing Escalation.

Springer orders the Wreckers not to engage Devastator, but the team disobeys the order to give Springer the opportunity to get clear. Springer falls away and ends up suspended upside down in some loose wires, where he's taunted by Ratbat.

Bludgeon considers the tasks the Fallen appointed to him, and he plots to manipulate Grimlock.

Devastator continues to battle the Wreckers, his limited intellect manifesting in the way he rampages without consideration. The Protectobots arrive and combine into Defensor in hopes of quelling the combined Constructicons. The rumbles of their clash allow Springer to fall out of his restraints.

While the situation in the Tagan Heights grows worse, the Autobase is left abandoned, except for a lonely Jetfire.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (5)
* [[Roadbuster]] ([[Wrecker|Wreckers]]) (6)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] ([[Wrecker|Wreckers]]) (7)
* [[Twin Twist]] ([[Wrecker|Wreckers]]) (8)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] ([[Wrecker|Wreckers]]) (9)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] ([[Wrecker|Wreckers]]) (10)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] ([[Wrecker|Wreckers]]) (11)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (14)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (15)
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (16)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (17)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (18)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (22)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (23)

|c2=
* [[Bugly]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (2)
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (3)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (4)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] ([[Ultracon]]) (12)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] ([[Ultracon]]) (13)
* [[Chop Shop]] ([[Ultracon]]) (19)
* [[Venom (G1)|Venom]] ([[Ultracon]]) (20)
* [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] ([[Ultracon]]) (21)

|h3=Others|c3=
* [[The Fallen|Fallen]] (1)

}}

==Errors==
* "The Dark Ages" is not on the cover under "The War Within", like all the other issues.
* Moments before combining into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] refers to [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] as [[Hot Shot (disambiguation)|Hot Shot]].

==Quotes==
"''I opened a door, into a realm within, a dark '''forgotten''' corner of every Transformer. A '''relic''' of what we once were. Serve me well, and next time I will leave the door... '''ajar'''.''"
:'''—The Fallen''' wants you to read that in [[Tony Todd]]'s voice.

==Items of note==
* '''Cameos''': [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (Bludgeon's hologram); [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Octane]], [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (on monitors); [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Hardcase]], [[Krok (G1)|Krok]], [[Horri-Bull]] (Predacon forces)
* Springer springs. This ability was mentioned in his on-package [[bio]] but has rarely been used in any Transformers media.
* Ratbat is a talky humanoid. But in "[[Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction]]", he's silent. Ratbat would later be seen with an early "even more talky humanoid" form in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Megatron Origin]]''.
* Jetfire's new design for the series is based on [[Don Figueroa]]'s scratch-build custom Transformer, [http://www.tfarchive.com/creative/kitbashes/maraudimus/image/strikefire_2.jpg Strikefire]. Eventually the design was released as a figure in the [[Titanium Series]].
* When the Fallen offers Bludgeon a taste of the forgotten realm, several demonic robots are seen (one similar to [[Unicron]]), as well as a human skull and swords. This may have given Bludgeon inspiration for his later [[Pretender]] shell.
* The "Wavelengths" section contain an article from the desk of [[Pat Lee]].
* The "Declarations of War" page has reader mail answered by [[Matt Moylan]].
* A print of this issue was included in the [[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] '''Battle Beneath the Streets''' toy 2 pack of Springer and Ratbat inspired by this issue. At least it was supposed to. Many, if not all, sets accidentally included the comic intended for the '''Autobot Ambush''' 2 pack.

===Covers (1)===
* Springer in the shadow of Ratbat, art by [[Don Figueroa]], [[Erik Sander]] and [[Saiko]].

===Advertisements===
* Video game, ''Viewtiful Joe''
* [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'', season 1]] DVD
* [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Generation 1'', season 3]] DVD, part 1
* [[The End|''Armada'' #18]] (double-page sideways centerfold)
* [[Devastation (Dreamwave)|''The Dark Ages'' #3]]
* [[Generation One issue 0|''Generation One'' #0]] (back cover)

[[Category:War Within issues]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Fragmentation (G1)

2010-06-13T18:21:55Z

71.59.153.16: /* Featured characters */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[War Within: The Dark Ages|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' #1
|prev=The War Within issue 6
|next=Escalation (Dreamwave)
|image=DW WW2 1 don.jpg
|caption=[[Titanium Series]], here I come!
|title="Fragmentation"
|publisher=[[Dreamwave Productions]]
|date=October 8, 2003
|coverdate=October, 2003
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|pencils=[[Andrew Wildman]]
|inks=[[Erik Sander]]
|colors=[[Espen Grundetjern]], [[Rob Ruffolo|Rob Ruffolo]], [[Ramil Sunga]]
|letters=[[Ben Lee|Benjamin Lee]]
|editorinchief=[[Roger Lee]]
|chronology=[[Dreamwave timeline|The Dark Ages]]
|continuity=[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]]
}}
'''Optimus removes himself and Megatron from the board, causing the two factions to break into six. A burning darkness emerges.'''

==Synopsis==
Before, at Polar State: [[Kaon]], Optimus Prime heroically dives at Megatron, throwing the two together through an early [[Space Bridge]]. Unable to process the unexpected higher occupancy, the portal explodes. Long after the area is abandoned, a crack in space opens up, letting the Fallen return.

Years later, on an operation at a spaceport, Kup questions the existence of a higher power and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s role in the larger universe. Grimlock pulls Kup's head out of <s>his ass</s> the proverbial clouds.

Hound returns to the [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]], with news of a [[Decepticon]] [[Trypticon (G1)|mobile assault base]]. But Prowl is unable to spare extra soldiers ever since the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] and [[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]] broke off from the [[Autobot|Autobots]] with the absence of Prime.

On Orbital Torus State: [[Kalis]], Bludgeon leads Bugly and Mindwipe in a dark ritual. The Fallen crashes their pagan party and recruits the three to be his henchmen.

Starscream and his crew of [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]] transport a shipment of raw [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] to the spaceport, but after landing, they find their receiving team has already been killed by Grimlock's gang. As Grimlock and Starscream shout at each other, Ironhide and Wheeljack jack the Energon transport, leaving Starscream very, very angry.

Deep within Cybertron, the Fallen leads his underlings to the [[Well of All Sparks]] and tasks them with the retrieval of Grimlock for his role in the [[Unbinding]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (3)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (4)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (5)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (8)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (9)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (17)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (18)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (19)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (20)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (2)
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (11)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (12)
* [[Bugly]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (13)
* [[Octane]] (14)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ([[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]]) (15)
* [[Motormaster]] ([[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]]) (16)

|h3=Others|c3=
* [[The Fallen|Fallen]] (7)

}}

==Errors==
* None yet identified.

==Quotes==
"So I ask you—what's it all ''about?''" 
"...Right here, Kup, right now... it about ''Energon.''"
:— '''Kup''' and '''Grimlock'''

==Items of note==
* '''Cameos''': [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (at Autobase); [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (on monitors); [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Hardcase]], [[Krok (G1)|Krok]], [[Horri-Bull]] (Predacon forces)
* Grimlock almost accidentally called Swoop, [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]—this is a nod to the Marvel UK story, "[[What's in a Name?]]".
* The "Wavelengths: section contains an article from the desk of penciller and character designer, [[Don Figueroa|Don Allen Figueroa]].
* The "Declarations of War" page has reader mail answered by [[Matt Moylan]] and has a rendering of Optimus Prime by Jeffrey Englert.

===Covers (4)===
{{picsneeded|Wildman cover}}
* '''Cover A:''' [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and some major players from the series. Art by [[Don Figueroa]], [[Erik Sander]] and [[Alan Wang]].
* '''Cover B:''' Double-sized, wrap-around cover by [[Pat Lee]] (with [[Elaine To]] and [[Rob Ruffolo]]), featuring the Dynobots in their Cybertronian forms.
* '''Incentive Cover:''' The Fallen by Pat Lee, Erik Sander and Rob Ruffolo.
* '''Dynamic Forces Cover:''' by [[Andrew Wildman]], Erik Sander and Alan Wang, featuring the Autobots at Prime's funeral (limited to 3000 copies).

<gallery>
Image:DW WW2 1 pat.jpg|Sludge is pissed that Pat Lee drew them as balloon-bots. So are we, Sludge, so are we.
Image:DW WW2 1 inc.jpg|The Fallen's magical floating sword.
Image:DW WW2 1 wildman.jpg|Wildman cover
</gallery>
===Advertisements ===
* ''Transformers / G.I.Joe'' #3: "[[Trial by Fire (issue)|Trial by Fire]]"
* [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'' #8]]
* [[Escalation (Dreamwave)|''The Dark Ages'' #2]]

[[Category:War Within issues]]

Fragmentation (G1)

2010-06-13T18:21:26Z

71.59.153.16: /* Featured characters */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[War Within: The Dark Ages|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' #1
|prev=The War Within issue 6
|next=Escalation (Dreamwave)
|image=DW WW2 1 don.jpg
|caption=[[Titanium Series]], here I come!
|title="Fragmentation"
|publisher=[[Dreamwave Productions]]
|date=October 8, 2003
|coverdate=October, 2003
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|pencils=[[Andrew Wildman]]
|inks=[[Erik Sander]]
|colors=[[Espen Grundetjern]], [[Rob Ruffolo|Rob Ruffolo]], [[Ramil Sunga]]
|letters=[[Ben Lee|Benjamin Lee]]
|editorinchief=[[Roger Lee]]
|chronology=[[Dreamwave timeline|The Dark Ages]]
|continuity=[[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave continuity]]
}}
'''Optimus removes himself and Megatron from the board, causing the two factions to break into six. A burning darkness emerges.'''

==Synopsis==
Before, at Polar State: [[Kaon]], Optimus Prime heroically dives at Megatron, throwing the two together through an early [[Space Bridge]]. Unable to process the unexpected higher occupancy, the portal explodes. Long after the area is abandoned, a crack in space opens up, letting the Fallen return.

Years later, on an operation at a spaceport, Kup questions the existence of a higher power and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s role in the larger universe. Grimlock pulls Kup's head out of <s>his ass</s> the proverbial clouds.

Hound returns to the [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]], with news of a [[Decepticon]] [[Trypticon (G1)|mobile assault base]]. But Prowl is unable to spare extra soldiers ever since the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] and [[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]] broke off from the [[Autobot|Autobots]] with the absence of Prime.

On Orbital Torus State: [[Kalis]], Bludgeon leads Bugly and Mindwipe in a dark ritual. The Fallen crashes their pagan party and recruits the three to be his henchmen.

Starscream and his crew of [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]] transport a shipment of raw [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] to the spaceport, but after landing, they find their receiving team has already been killed by Grimlock's gang. As Grimlock and Starscream shout at each other, Ironhide and Wheeljack jack the Energon transport, leaving Starscream very, very angry.

Deep within Cybertron, the Fallen leads his underlings to the [[Well of All Sparks]] and tasks them with the retrieval of Grimlock for his role in the [[Unbinding]].

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (3)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (4)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (5)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (8)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (9)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (10)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (17)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (18)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (19)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] ([[Lightning Strike Coalition|L.S.C.]]) (20)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (2)
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (11)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (12)
* [[Bugly]] ([[Chaos Trinity]]) (13)
* [[Octane]] ([[Predacon (War Within) (14)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ([[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]]) (15)
* [[Motormaster]] ([[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]]) (16)

|h3=Others|c3=
* [[The Fallen|Fallen]] (7)

}}

==Errors==
* None yet identified.

==Quotes==
"So I ask you—what's it all ''about?''" 
"...Right here, Kup, right now... it about ''Energon.''"
:— '''Kup''' and '''Grimlock'''

==Items of note==
* '''Cameos''': [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (at Autobase); [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (on monitors); [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Hardcase]], [[Krok (G1)|Krok]], [[Horri-Bull]] (Predacon forces)
* Grimlock almost accidentally called Swoop, [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]—this is a nod to the Marvel UK story, "[[What's in a Name?]]".
* The "Wavelengths: section contains an article from the desk of penciller and character designer, [[Don Figueroa|Don Allen Figueroa]].
* The "Declarations of War" page has reader mail answered by [[Matt Moylan]] and has a rendering of Optimus Prime by Jeffrey Englert.

===Covers (4)===
{{picsneeded|Wildman cover}}
* '''Cover A:''' [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and some major players from the series. Art by [[Don Figueroa]], [[Erik Sander]] and [[Alan Wang]].
* '''Cover B:''' Double-sized, wrap-around cover by [[Pat Lee]] (with [[Elaine To]] and [[Rob Ruffolo]]), featuring the Dynobots in their Cybertronian forms.
* '''Incentive Cover:''' The Fallen by Pat Lee, Erik Sander and Rob Ruffolo.
* '''Dynamic Forces Cover:''' by [[Andrew Wildman]], Erik Sander and Alan Wang, featuring the Autobots at Prime's funeral (limited to 3000 copies).

<gallery>
Image:DW WW2 1 pat.jpg|Sludge is pissed that Pat Lee drew them as balloon-bots. So are we, Sludge, so are we.
Image:DW WW2 1 inc.jpg|The Fallen's magical floating sword.
Image:DW WW2 1 wildman.jpg|Wildman cover
</gallery>
===Advertisements ===
* ''Transformers / G.I.Joe'' #3: "[[Trial by Fire (issue)|Trial by Fire]]"
* [[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|''More Than Meets The Eye'' #8]]
* [[Escalation (Dreamwave)|''The Dark Ages'' #2]]

[[Category:War Within issues]]

Ghost in the Machine (G1)

2010-06-11T22:49:42Z

71.59.153.16: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=80
|ep2=16
|prev2=Fight or Flee
|next2=Webworld
|image=GhostMachine Starscream Scourge Unicron.JPG
|caption=Screw you guys, I'm going home.
|title="Ghost in the Machine"
|production code=700-100
|airdate=[[October 21]], 1986
|written by=[[Joey Kurihara Piedra]] [[Michael Charles Hill]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Set on regaining a physical body, the ghost of Starscream possesses Scourge and makes a deal with the devil.'''

:''Japanese title:'' スタースクリームの復活 (''Starscream no Fukkatsu'', "Starscream's Revival")
:''German title:'' "'''Der Geist im Roboter'''" ("The Ghost inside the Robot")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Starscream kehrt zurück'''" ("Starscream Returns")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:GhostMachine Scourge approaches Unicron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

On [[Chaar]], the [[Decepticon]]s are following [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], when [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s ghost appears and possesses [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Despite his better efforts, Starscream forces Scourge to fire on Galvatron, then flees with [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] in pursuit. Cyclonus follows as far as [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where he breaks off, assuming that Scourge has defected to the [[Autobot]]s. But that is not Starscream's goal. He instead flies to the severed head of [[Unicron]]. Using Scourge to reactivate the Dark God, Starscream offers his services in exchange for a new body. Unicron agrees to restore him to life in exchange for three labors. The first labor is to bring [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[Sensors|eyes]] to Unicron. With nowhere else to go, Scourge agrees to serve Unicron.

[[Image:GhostMachine Metroplex eye explode.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There are no eye-drops for this.]]

On Earth, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] arrives for an inspection of [[Autobot City]], when Scourge and Starscream make their move. Destroying Metroplex's security system, the two Decepticons steal the eyes, but [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] cause Scourge to drop one, shattering it. Fleeing, Metroplex [[Transformation|transforms]], but cannot see, and begins firing on the Autobots. However, a photon bomb disables Metroplex, causing him to crash. Lacking one eye, the two head back for Chaar, where they dispatch the [[Battlecharger]]s, outwit Starscream's [[Seeker (body-type)|former soldiers]], and steal one of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s eyes. In addition, Starscream possesses [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] to serve as their ride home, where Astrotrain is left to the mercy of the Autobots. Upon learning of what happened, Galvatron reacts in a rational, controlled manner... for Galvatron.

[[Image:Dirge AlmostDeath.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Galvatron settles an old score with the wall.]]

Pleased with his new eyes, Unicron informs Starscream and Scourge of their next labor: bring Trypticon to Unicron (should have told them that before they left). Starscream heads off to complete the task. Meanwhile, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] interrogates Astrotrain, who claims not to remember what happened, but [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] reveals that Unicron has his eyes back! [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] takes [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] to investigate, but Unicron drives them off. Scourge is becoming nervous, but Unicron warns his creation that he can take what he has given. On Chaar, Galvatron orders the Battlechargers and [[Conehead|Coneheads]] to locate Starscream and Scourge, only for Trypticon to transform, under Starscream's control, and depart, with the Decepticons in pursuit.

As the Autobots prepare for the Decepticon assault, Unicron commands Starscream to remove Trypticon's [[transformation cog]] and place it in Unicron. The Decepticons arrive and attack, but Starscream uses Trypticon to disable their weapons. As the Decepticons flee, Unicron commands his minions to complete the third labor—connect Unicron's head to Cybertron, making it his new body. Scourge decides to book it, and Starscream is left to complete the task. Scourge tries to warn Galvatron, but he doesn't care. Scourge then heads to the Autobots, and warns them of Unicron's intentions.

[[Image:GhostMachine Unicron starscream jumpers.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Refusing to call Triple-A, Starscream prepares to jumpstart Unicron.]]

Within Trypticon, the Battlecharges and the Coneheads disable Starscream's control over Trypticon, so Starscream demands his body to complete the labors. Unicron restores his body, but Starscream (surprise, surprise), tells Unicron to connect himself to Cybertron. However, the Autobots manage to plant some [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] on Unicron's head. They detonate the [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], causing Unicron's head to return to orbit and Starscream to go flying. Thrown past the Decepticons, Galvatron orders them to fire on Starscream. When their shots begin hitting him, Cyclonus wonders why Starscream's ghost has lost control.

On Cybertron, Rodimus agrees to allow Scourge and Astrotrain to leave, in exchange for their help. He then tells the Autobots of their new mission to retrieve Metroplex's eye, but then reveals that he was joking, saying that the eyes were probably destroyed in the explosion.

Unseen by the Autobots, Unicron's eye twinkles in the night...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (with [[Scamper]]) (9)
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (10)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (11)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (13)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (14)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (15)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (16)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (17)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (18)
* [[Slingshot]] (19)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (26)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (27)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (28)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (29)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (30)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (31)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (cameo) (33)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (2)
* [[Sweep|Sweeps]] (3)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (4)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (5)
* [[Headstrong]] (6)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (7)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (20)
* [[Runabout]] (21)
* [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] (22)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (23)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (24)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (25)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (32)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)

|c4=
* [[Unicron|Unicron's head]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"DESTROY HIM! HE'S LOST HIS MIND!"
:—'''Galvatron''', calling [[Scourge (G1)|the kettle]] black.

"Aerialbots! Wait for... umm... nevermind."
:—'''Warpath''', getting left behind.

"Decepticon intruders IN MY BRAIN!"
:—'''Metroplex''', on the perils of being city-sized.

"Where are my eyes?!"
:—'''Metroplex''' would look around for them if he could.

"First, you two let Scourge and Starscream steal one of Trypticon's eyes. And then you two allowed Astrotrain to be used as their escape vehicle. So Scourge is helping Starscream voluntarily, and you four were unable to stop them! Well, all I can say is...BWWWAAAAAAA!"
:—'''Galvatron''', giving his outbust a rare preamble.

"Why did Galvatron have you attack Cybertron all by yourself? Are you stupid or just obedient?"
:—'''Rodimus Prime''', getting sassy with Astrotrain

"I don't have to show you no stinking passes."
:—'''Starscream''' has picked up some [[wikipedia:Stinking_badges|Earth culture]].

"Starscream! You're a dead mechanism!" 
"Of course I'm dead, Galvatron! But not for much longer. And then are you going to be sorry!" 
"I'm already sorry!"
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Starscream''', bickering like [[Megatron (G1)|old times]].

"Wait, since when do ghosts tumble out of control through space?"
:—'''Cyclonus''', catching up with the plot.

"Now make the connection!" 
"Do it yourself!"
:—'''Unicron''' bet on the wrong pony, and '''Starscream''' just loves being a prick.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* After Rodimus jokes about recovering Metroplex's eyes from Unicron, Hot Spot is shown with Ultra Magnus's color scheme.
* When Bumblebee and Spike discover Scourge stealing Metroplex's eyes, Bumblebee has enormous wheels.
* In a few scenes Hot Spot has a mouth on his faceplate.
* During Scourge's attack on him, Sky Lynx has a Decepticon symbol on his nose.
* Groove has a totally different voice for his one line ("locked and loaded!"), sounding somewhat like Beachcomber. Usually he sounds more like a higher-pitched Trailbreaker.
* When Silverbolt says that he doesn't see any enemy, he and Skydive are both mouthing the words.

===Continuity errors===
*While Scourge makes a respectable attempt at fighting off Starscream's control of his body in this episode, he displayed no such strength of will when he was possessed by the latter at the end of "[[Starscream's Ghost]]". Of course this time he could have been some what familiar with Starscream's forceful takeover techniques and able to mount a better resistance.
*Although undoubtedly big, Metroplex and Trypticon's eyes should be ''way'' too small for Unicron to use as like-for-like replacements.
*When Scourge approaches Galvatron he says, "Galvatron, don't shoot!" Galvatron states he couldn't even if he wanted to, because Trypticon neutralized their weapons. Yet, when Starscream's out of control body flies past him, he begins firing on him.
*When Runamuck howls "Starscream!", it dosen't make sense because Runamuck had never heard Starscream's voice beforehand.

===Transformers references===
*First appearance of [[Runabout]].
*This episode marks the last appearances of [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the series.
*This episode is the second appearance of Starscream's ghost. His first appearance was in the G1 episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]". His ghost makes a third appearance in the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Possession]]" in which he takes over [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

===Real-world references===
* The title's literal meaning obviously applies to the events of the episode, but the phrase has a history in philosophical discourse. It was [[Wikipedia:Ghost in the machine|coined as a pejorative]] against the [[Wikipedia:Mind-body dichotomy|mind-body split]] of [[wikipedia:René Descartes|Cartesian]] dualism, and by the time this episode was made, it had also been used as the title of [[wikipedia:The Ghost in the Machine|a book]] and [[wikipedia:Ghost in the Machine (album)|a rock album]].

===Trivia===
* Scourge demonstrates an extraordinary level of willpower in this episode. Of all the Transformers Starscream is seen possessing in both this episode and "[[Starscream's Ghost]]", he is the only one who puts up a fight for control of his own body and retains his memories of what happened while "under the influence". (This is admittedly inconsistent with the ending of the prequel to this episode, however.)
* Unicron displays the ability to electrocute the Autobots inside his head and expel them through his neck.
* Starscream is last seen tumbling away through space in his new body, possibly damaged from Galvatron's attacks but still very much alive. This is sometimes seen as a point of conflict with his appearance as a ghost in the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[Possession]]". Fans have reconciled this by speculating that he died again off-screen, or else traveled through time to the ''Beast Wars'' era (and back) before this episode took place chronologically. Alternatively, the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon does not follow strictly from any specific Generation 1 continuity, allowing the "error" to be dismissed entirely.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Starscream's Ghost / The Nightmare Planet / The Ghost in the Machine ([[St. Michael Video Library]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — A Ghost in the Machine / Heavy Metal Wars ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — The Action Adventure Collection II (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 11: The Decepticon Possession ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 4: Series 3.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/ghost_in_the_machine.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Galvatron (G1)

2010-06-07T23:13:42Z

71.59.153.16: /* Generation 1 cartoon */

{{factions|decepticon|unicron}}

{{disambig3|Galvatron}}{{suite}}
:''Galvatron is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Galvatrong1.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Bwaaaaah! Kneepad of Dooooom!]]
Born from the fires of [[Unicron]] himself, '''Galvatron''' is a focal point of power and madness given form. He is blind to all but his lust for power; his whims and desires can be sacrificed in a moment's rage. Not even his own subordinates are safe. Though he is not beyond the capacity for long-term goals, it is his unpredictability and his casual disregard for any and all life that strike such horror in friend and foe alike. Truly, the [[Decepticon leader]] is without any sense of empathy.

Galvatron was once [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], but was reborn from his death throes in a Faustian pact with Unicron. He retains the memories and spark of Megatron, but his personality was significantly altered after the near-death experience, massive physical upgrade, and reprogramming; just ask [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] about the difference. And all that was ''before'' he went insane. The cause and extent of Galvatron's madness varies between different timelines, as does his physical power. Sometimes he's all but invincible.

{{bigquote|Please, meet your end with dignity. I despise whiners.|Galvatron, allowing one of his [[Sweep|own troops]] to die|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]"}}

{{bigquote|Before a society can move forward, everyone must agree on the rules. Now '''kneel!'''|Galvatron|"[[Fight or Flee]]"}}

:''Latin American name:'' '''Zan Rás'''<ref>Used in early Spanish-dubbed episodes of ''The Headmasters'', this name seems clearly based on/intended to be "[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deszaras]]".</ref>
:''Chinese name (China):'' 惊破天（Jing Po Tian，”Sky-breaking awe"）

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actors:'' [[Leonard Nimoy]] (English, ''The Movie''), [[Frank Welker]] (English, television series), [[Seizō Katō]] (Japanese), [[Carl Béchard]] (French Canadian), [[Gerd Wiedenhofen]] (German, television series), [[Manfred Erdmann]] (German, ''The Movie''), [[Thomas Rauscher]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dubbing), [[Jean Claudio]] (French, television series)

[[Image:Tftm1986c.jpg|left|180px|thumb|He's more machine now than ma—oh wait, he was a machine to begin with. Never mind.]]
In 2005, after being mortally wounded by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] during the [[Battle of Autobot City]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] was left to float aimlessly through space after being punted out of the overloaded Astrotrain by Starscream, who finally decided to take advantage of his near-death state to take command. He was summoned by [[Unicron]], who offered him a new body, a warship and new troops to command, so long as he destroyed the [[Autobot]] [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Megatron reluctantly accepted and was upgraded into '''Galvatron''', a more fearsome and powerful warrior, while his former troops were similarly [[Reformatting|reformatted]].

Galvatron quickly retook command of the Decepticons after killing the traitorous [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the middle of his coronation as the Decepticons' new leader. He then went to [[Earth]] and attacked [[Autobot City]] full-force. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] led him away from Earth, and Galvatron chased him to the [[Junkion (planet)|Planet of Junk]], where he defeated Magnus and took the Matrix, intending to use it against Unicron.

Galvatron could not open the Matrix, however, and as punishment for his treachery, Unicron transformed and began tearing Cybertron apart. Horrified, Galvatron transformed to cannon emplacement mode and opened fire on Unicron, but his shots had no effect and the dark god swallowed him whole. Inside Unicron's belly, he met up with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]. Though he initially suggested an alliance with the young Autobot against the mutual threat of his master, the Chaos Bringer mentally tortured Galvatron for his attempted treachery and then forced him to attack Hot Rod. Hot Rod eventually managed to wrest the Matrix away from Galvatron and open it, leading to his transformation into Rodimus Prime. Flush with new power, Rodimus hurled Galvatron from inside Unicron and into deep space. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

[[Image:GalvatronTVMag1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He has a weird tendency to aim at his own troops.]]
But this would not be the end of Galvatron.

The weakened Decepticons were subsequently routed by the Autobots and forced off of Cybertron, relocating to the burned-out world of [[Chaar]]. After eking out a living there in energy-deprived squalor for some time, they were visited by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], who'd finally decided to return the Decepticons to glory by seeking out the lost Galvatron. They found him sunk in a lava pit on the distant planet [[Thrull]] and managed to free him. However, the effects of the "plasma bath" irrevocably altered Galvatron's sanity chips, rendering him omnicidally insane. Upon regaining his freedom, he thrashed Cyclonus and Scourge and sundered Thrull. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} Told that the [[human]]s and Autobots had collaborated to build a space station as Earth's first line of defense, he was highly amused, and headed for the nearest [[Warp Gate]]. On reaching [[Outpost One]], he and his men attacked the station, quickly destroying it and coincidentally damaging the shuttle piloted by [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. Galvatron spotted the shuttle making a break for [[Jupiter]], and demanded the heads of the Autobots as souvenirs. With one blast, he destroyed the ship, but the two occupants had escaped and began plummeting into the planet's atmosphere. One Sweep, blasted by Wheelie, cried out to Galvatron to save him, but was only told to meet his end with dignity. Galvatron then blasted a nearby storm cell, causing an implosion.

{{bigquote|It's music! The symphony of destruction and the anthem of agony!|Galvatron loves an atmospheric implosion|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

Believing the Autobots to be destroyed, Galvatron ordered Cyclonus to take him to [[Chaar]]. He was shocked at the conditions that the Decepticon army were forced to live under, and was even more surprised to be told by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] that the bulk of the Decepticon forces had left under new leadership. Incensed, he announced that he was the leader of the Decepticons, and the usurpers would pay. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} He and his loyal men swiftly found the rest of the Decepticons fighting the Autobots on [[Goo]], and Galvatron swiftly ordered an attack. When Cyclonus inquired who they were attacking, Galvatron simply replied "everyone". After making [[Motormaster]] beg for his life, Galvatron succeeded in regaining the loyalty of his troops, and turned his attention on those who had usurped him in the first place—the [[Quintesson]]s. The Quintessons attempted to negotiate, successfully bluffing Galvatron with stories of a [[Decepticon Matrix|Decepticon Matrix of Leadership]] which they would give him if he destroyed the Autobots down on Goo. Although he tried, the Autobots were snatched from danger by the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]. Still, he got to destroy Goo, and the Quintessons were subsequently able to persuade him to join forces with them to destroy both the Autobots and the humans.

[[Image:FFOD5 Galvatron lever.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Oooooh, what does this bu-tton dooo?]]
Plans were swiftly drawn to attack simultaneously on Earth and Cybertron. On Earth, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s constructed [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] from a human city, while a decoy human shuttle was crashed into the central power facility on Cybertron, knocking out the planet's defences. Galvatron himself led the attack on Cybertron, unaware that the Quintessons plotted against him. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} The battle going well, Galvatron sent Blitzwing to give a status report to their allies, but was angered when the triple-changer returned a short time later to say that not only had he not given the status report, but there was no Decepticon Matrix. Blitzwing was soon sent hurtling towards the Autobots. Galvatron soon followed the Autobots and the now-traitorous Blitzwing to a chamber deep inside Cybertron, where a [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] had been about to pull a [[large switch|lever]]. Convinced that the switch had something to do with the Decepticon Matrix, Galvatron pulled it himself—and every [[Transformer]] in the galaxy shut down. Fortunately the human [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] destroyed the switch, returning the Transformers to life. Though Galvatron chased the Quintessons, they swiftly escaped in a pod. He was then prevented from blasting Rodimus by Blitzwing, and angrily told the triple-changer that he was no longer welcome in the ranks of the Decepticons before ordering a retreat. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:Chaos Galvatron cannon.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Decepticon palette was out of everything but purple.]]
Informed by [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] of a new type of ammunition, [[Death crystal]]s, Galvatron went to planet [[Dread]], where the crystals originated, intending to carry out a new plan—build a cannon which would fire Death crystals at Cybertron. He found a ready-made work force in the slaves left behind by the [[Orb]]s, and soon had a giant cannon constructed. Just as all was ready, a group of Autobots, led to the planet by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], attacked the installation. [[Predaking]] was able to keep them busy while he lined up for a shot at Cybertron, however Kup was also keeping busy, freeing the slaves and waking the monster [[Chaos (alien)|Chaos]]. During the confusion of the slave revolt, Kup used the Death crystal cannon to destroy Chaos and causing the volcano to erupt. Galvatron was last seen fleeing the swiftly moving lava. {{storylink|Chaos (episode)|Chaos}}

While hunting an Autobot shuttle through space, Galvatron and his lieutenants managed to utterly destroy the ship. Not one to fall for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|same trick]] twice, Galvatron continued searching the area until the Decepticons detected the shuttle's lifepod flying towards an enormous structure. This "funeral barge" carried in it the deactivated bodies of the Autobots who died during the Great War. Galvatron and his lieutenants pursued Rodimus Prime's crew into the barge, but were driven off by the sudden arrival of Optimus Prime, seemingly back from the dead. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

[[Image:FightOrFlee Galvatron orders.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Galvatron strangles the Invisible Swordsman.]]
When Scourge and Cyclonus alerted him to the location of a pacifistic and energon-rich world known as [[Paradron]], Galvatron saw a perfect opportunity for conquest. The Decepticon invasion of Paradron was brief but brutal, and the populace was converted into slave labor. One Paradronian Transformer named [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] escaped, however, and brought the Autobots back to free his people. Eventually the Autobots detonated the planet's primary energon core, destroying the planet itself and driving off Galvatron's troops. {{storylink|Fight or Flee}}

Following his defeat by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], Trypticon had been sent to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] for recuperation. When the Decepticon fueler [[Octane]] removed him, Galvatron went looking for the missing duo and found them consorting with humans in [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]]. He was ready to annihilate the "traitor" Octane for defying his orders, but Octane quickly explained that the purefied Carbombyan oil made for a super-energon mixture, powerful enough to recharge Trypticon (and, hopefully, make him larger than a small Combiner again). The Autobots soon arrived, however, and drove the Decepticons out of Carbombya. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}} Galvatron apparently reverted to his original assessment of Octane after this debacle, and drove him out of the Decepticons. When Octane began running cargo for the Autobots, he even sent the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and a [[Skuxxoid|freelance thug]] out to assassinate the traitor. Eventually, Cyclonus and the Sweeps seemingly plucked Octane from the Autobots' grasp on Cybertron itself, and brought him to Chaar for Galvatron to interrogate. Using the information he "coerced" from Octane, Galvatron caught Rodimus Prime alone and engaged him in single combat. Unfortunately, the whole thing was a ruse set up by Octane and Starscream's ghost, who was possessing Cyclonus at the time. Galvatron was abandoned in the presence of Rodimus, Ultra Magnus and a full Autobot battle group. In what was surely an epic battle (that we sadly didn't see a minute of), Galvatron ultimately escaped and made his way back to Chaar, deposing the usurpers and seemingly driving off the ghost of Starscream. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Upon learning that the Autobots intended to host a first annual peace conference on Cybertron, Galvatron was dead set against letting their plans succeed. Despite several sabotage attempts by the Combaticons, Cyclonus and the Sweeps, though, the conference went through as planned. {{storylink|Surprise Party}}

[[Image:StarscreamsGhost Galvatron smoking.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Spontaneous combustion? What the hell is th—]]
Despite Galvatron's earlier attempts to be rid of him, Starscream's ghost returned to plague the Decepticons again. He partnered with Scourge against the Decepticons, kidnapped [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and even stole one of Trypticon's eyes, leaving Galvatron even more infuriated than usual at this constant undermining of his operations. When Starscream returned once more and possessed Trypticon himself, it was the last straw, and Galvatron led a full Decepticon battle group after "Trypticon" to Cybertron. The fighting was fruitless, however, and eventually the Decepticons limped away, having exhausted all their weaponry. Not long thereafter, Galvatron's [[particle cannon]] had apparently recharged, because he took several parting shots at Starscream while his "ghost" tumbled uncontrollably through space. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:GalvatronWebworld.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Well, that's all wrapped up...]]
Although Galvatron led the Decepticons on many wacky adventures against the Autobots throughout 2006, his insanity would usually lead to each mission ending in failure. (He loved shooting his own troops, for instance.) At one point, his derangement became so severe, the Decepticon "union officials" [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Motormaster]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] threatened to strike. The perpetually loyal Cyclonus was left little choice but to dupe Galvatron into taking therapy sessions (albeit by force) on [[Torkulon]], the therapy planet. After nearly murdering an attendant during a word-association session and somehow building a gun in an arts and crafts class, Galvatron was deemed incurable by conventional methods. The doctors attempted to use living extensions of the planet to give him a lobotomy (much to Cyclonus's disapproval), but Galvatron broke free and murdered the sentient organic core of Torkulon. While the planet's core was connected to Galvatron's mind the planet began to go mad, with several of the organic planets functions going out of control. After that, he razed the entire planet's civilization, leaving them so broken it would take centuries to rebuild. After his connection to the planet he appeared to have regained some of his sanity. {{storylink|Webworld}}

A new plan saw the Constructicons building engines into the side of a comet, with the intention to crash it into Metroplex on Earth. Unsurprisingly the engines were destroyed by the Autobots before they could even be fired up, however the comet was set on course to a nearby world. The comet was shortly obliterated by sound waves emanating from the planet, also causing the Transformers present to plummet to its surface. Galvatron took [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], intending to find the source of the sonic weapon and use it against the Autobots. Although the Autobots reached the city first, meeting with the leader of [[Eurythma]], the two Decepticons eavesdropped and were able to establish that they needed to talk to [[Allegra]]. After dropping a bridge on the Autobots, Galvatron and Soundwave were able to talk Allegra into giving them her part of the harmony, and then obtained the other two parts of the harmony in quick succession. The Decepticons headed for Earth to attack Metroplex. Unfortunately Soundwave's attempt to use the destructive harmony were thwarted by the Eurythmans' use of [[anti-sound]]. The Decepticons retreated, though Galvatron raged that he hadn't ordered it. {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}

[[Image:BigBroadcast Galvatron with static.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm sure this can only be a good thing.]]
Galvatron was in one of his more obstinate moods when Astrotrain came to Chaar reporting on how the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] had apparently turned against the Autobots. Even when Cyclonus began advocating for intervention on the matter, Galvatron still couldn't bring himself to care. Eventually, however, the hypnotic television signals being beamed to the Junkions to alter their behavior made their way to Galvatron, along with the rest of the galaxy. He was subliminally drawn into a massive conflict in the skies over the planet of [[Junk]], all part of a Quintesson ploy to create a massive diversion and recover one of their lost journals from Junk. Only after [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] jammed the signal did the television stop "bewitching" Galvatron. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}} When [[Predaking]] later happened across that same Quintesson journal, Galvatron joined Cyclonus and the Sweeps in an effort to steal the journal away from both the Autobots and the Quintessons. It played like a game of hot potato for a while, but ultimately the Autobots got the journal and the Decepticons just gave up. {{storylink|The Quintesson Journal}}

One day, Galvatron was in the middle of a morale speech for his troops (re: right about to blast the closest Sweeps into stray particles for sheer pique), when he was interrupted by Quintesson visitors. After his last few dealings with the creatures, Galvatron was ready to blast these Quintessons all the same, but they gave him a gentle lecture about the unfairness of stereotyping which somehow convinced Galvatron to listen to the tentacled freaks. Galvatron brought Cyclonus and the five Sweeps with him to Cybertron, following the Quintessons' directions to the Autobots' new [[power core]] beneath the planet's surface. Searching for the power core, the Decepticons inadvertently let loose the monstrous [[Trans-Organic|Trans-Organics]] and the massive energy-draining [[Dweller]]. The Dweller began leeching the life from Galvatron's troops one by one as they tried to flee from the creature. Galvatron showed his heart-felt respect for Cyclonus by throwing all the Sweeps into the creature's path ''first''. He even paused for a moment to look back when the Dweller finally caught Cyclonus as well. Galvatron didn't actually try to ''help'' or anything, but I'm sure Cyclonus would have appreciated the thought alone. {{storylink|The Dweller in the Depths}}

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon UltimateWeapon!.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Decepticons, I have found the remote control!]]
Thanks to his plasma damage, Galvatron's sanity really had its ups and down. He was arguably on an upswing during a series of assaults on human and Autobot positions in Europe. Using the attacks as a diversion, Galvatron sent Swindle to infiltrate Metroplex and steal his transforming cog, leaving the city-bot helpless for a rematch with Trypticon. In addition, he began taunting the insecure leader Rodimus Prime with his so-called "[[Ultimate Weapon]]", a doomsday device just waiting to be unleashed. As well thought-out and cunning as this scheme may have been, it ultimately fell apart. The Autobots stole Galvatron's idea by taking Trypticon's transforming cog just as Swindle had stolen Metroplex's. Rodimus Prime eventually wised up about the "Ultimate weapon" as well: he called Galvatron's bluff and forced the Decepticon leader to admit he was holding nothing more than a 7-2 off-suit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

Deep in space, Galvatron was attempting to surpass a Quintesson [[quadrant lock]] when the Quintessons and several Autobots interrupted his efforts. In one of his more manic phases at the time, Galvatron chose to stake his claim by hurling Cyclonus face-first through the lock once the Quintessons began to open it. {{storylink|The Face of the Nijika}}

Galvatron once attempted to destroy the Autobots by feeding [[Anti-electron|anti-electrons]] into their new power generator. The initial attempt failed, so the Decepticons tried to raid Unicron's head for a new source of anti-electrons inside the planet-eater's brain. The Autobots arrived shortly after Galvatron's team, so he sent his new [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]] beasts to occupy the heroes. Galvatron was undone by his own scheming, however, as the anti-electrons had temporarily turned the Dinobot [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] into a super-intelligent genius. Grimlock built a new team of Autobot warriors called [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] from scratch, right inside Unicron's head. The Technobots were skilled enough to destroy Galvatron's new source of anti-electrons, and drive off the Terrorcons' combined form of [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. {{storylink| Grimlock's New Brain}}

[[Image:CallPrimitives Galvatron and Cyclonus in space.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Okay, how the hell did I fit in you?!" "I don't know mighty Galvatron, but I wish you'd try more often."]]
In a major fight with the Autobots, a large number of Galvatron's troops began staring off into space in the middle of the battle. He lost some of his best soldiers to this effect, like Trypticon, the Predacons, the Terrorcons, Soundwave's Mini-Cassettes...okay, maybe not the Cassettes, but the rest were important. Galvatron ended the fight to go chasing after the deserters, only to be caught by the power of [[Tornedron]] and drained of all his energy. It was only thanks to the fleeing [[Primitive|Primitives]] that Tornedron's effect was eventually reversed. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

[[Image:Matrix burden 1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Who are YOU gonna call?]]
Galvatron was very pleased when [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Wildrider]] returned from a scouting mission on Earth, having beaten Rodimus Prime and claimed the Matrix of Leadership itself. Galvatron tried to load the Matrix into his particle cannon as a power source, but instead of energy blasts, it summoned the ghosts of departed Autobot leaders. They spooked Galvatron into getting rid of the Matrix, but his underling Scourge claimed the Matrix for himself and managed to magnify his powers a thousandfold. Scourge used his newfound might to overthrow Galvatron and the loyal Cyclonus, temporarily claiming control of the Decepticons. Galvatron and Cyclonus eventually recovered and came to Earth just after Scourge lost the Matrix back to Rodimus Prime. After a few quick particle blasts for emphasis, though, Galvatron soon accepted Scourge back into the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

[[Image:ReturnOptimusPrime2 Prime Galvatron.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Just like the good old times, isn't it Prime?" "There were no good times, ya creep."]]
Galvatron and the Decepticons had arrived early to reserve their seats at a football stadium, when [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] flew in with news that Optimus Prime's body had been preserved at a nearby laboratory. Unfortunately, the Decepticons arrived just in time to be infected by the outbreak of the [[Hate Plague]]. Galvatron fled when his warriors turned crazed. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} Half-mad to begin with at the best of times, Galvatron soon learned that even the one-eyed man cannot always rule the kingdom of the blind, and found himself on the run from half the galaxy. However, despite his insanity, he teamed up with the resurrected Optimus Prime to stop the [[Hate Plague]]. Galvatron wound up becoming infected by the plague and attempted to kill an unconscious Optimus Prime with an axe. Optimus woke up in the nick of time and opened the Matrix directly in Galvatron's face. The wisdom of the Matrix not only cured the universe of the Hate Plague, it cured Galvatron's madness as well. Well, kinda. Grateful, Galvatron sanely declared, "There will be no war today, Optimus. You have earned Galvatron's respect," and called a brief truce. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

In 2007, Galvatron called off the truce and led an assault on Autobot City, searching for the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. Although seemingly lucid during this period, he formulated what was perhaps his most genocidal and unbalanced scheme ever: Having converted Cybertron into a galactic dreadnought, Galvatron manoeuvred it into Earth's orbit, planning to release the Plasma Energy Chamber's payload into Earth's sun, Sol. The resulting supernova would wipe both Earth and Cybertron off the face of the galaxy, presumably leaving Galvatron to gain mastery over everything left. Grudgingly teamed with the Transformer-[[Nebulan]] hybrid [[Scorponok (G1)|Lord Zarak]], Galvatron was eventually defeated and sent tumbling through space, ushering Cybertron into a new Golden Age. After regaining control, Galvatron vowed to collect energy from disparate corners of the galaxy and return to Cybertron: "We will attack other planets, we will suck them dry! We will build a planet a hundred times more powerful than Cybertron, and I will rule the galaxy!" Zarak made it clear he intended it to be a "we" leadership. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in this timeline as above, except that the events following ''The Transformers: The Movie'' are pushed back to 2010 (creating a five-year gap between Galvatron's creation and his return), and the events of "The Rebirth" do not occur. The Japanese animated continuity subsequently adds several new adventures into the timeline, both during the Generation 1 cartoon and after it, as detailed below.}}

=====''Kiss Players''=====
After being hurled out of Unicron and into space by Rodimus Prime, Galvatron's flight path was disrupted by the [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]], a trio of Unicron's servants who were already working to resurrect their master. The Decepticon leader crash-landed on the planet [[Earth]], obliterating the city of [[Tokyo]]. This catastrophic loss of life destroyed [[Human]]-[[Transformer]] relations and led to the formation of the [[Earth Defense Command]], a governmental organization which drove Transformers from the face of the planet. Appropriating Galvatron's remains, the EDC reverse-engineered a fleet of human-operated "[[Autorooper]]" Transformers to perform this task.

As 2006 settled in, Galvatron's impact was revealed to have had an even greater effect than anyone had expected: The blast caused by his impact had scattered his Unicron-empowered cells throughout the planet's atmosphere. When his cells came into contact with other objects and animals, they fused with them, creating an army of monstrous creatures referred to as "[[Legion]]". This disastrous event also created the means to defend the world against Legion, however: When Galvatron's cells came into contact with human beings, these humans gained the ability to fuse with other entities containing his cells. With their Autoroopers being the perfect candidates for this "[[ParasiTech]]" fusion process, the EDC began recruiting and training these "[[Kiss Player|Kiss Players]]" as combat squads to battle the Legion.

Seeking to uncover the ulterior motives of EDC Commander [[Hitoshizuku Amaō]], Kiss Players [[Marissa Faireborn]], [[Shaoshao Li]] and [[Atari Hitotonari]] discovered the remains of Galvatron beneath the EDC headquarters. Amaō's plan to use the Legions to resurrect her daughter, who had died in Galvatron's impact, was foiled when all the Legions and Autoroopers fused with Galvatron's corpse, restoring his cells and reconstituting his body. Galvatron's body was shot back into space, where it went on to crash on Thrull. {{storylink|Kiss Players (manga)|Kiss Players}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
Galvatron had plenty of devious schemes up his sleeve throughout 2010, opening with the nutty idea of a spaceship that ate other spaceships, which Rodimus Prime promptly blew up. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 1}}

Galvatron went back to his roots for his next scheme, creating a clone army of Megatrons that he dubbed the "[[Megatron Corps]]". Galvatron disguised himself as one of the Megatrons and controlled them remotely, making them an effective fighting force that the Autobots had trouble dealing with, until his disguise was penetrated and his control over the robots broken. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 2}}

He later attacked Autobot City with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], but was forced to retreat when [[Six-Gun]] destroyed Trypticon's controls with a blast from [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt]]. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3}}

On one notable occasion, Galvatron challenged Rodimus Prime to a one-on-one duel in order to lure him into a trap set up in partnership with the Quintessons. In the middle of the fight, the Quintessons' newest creation, an Optimus Prime/Megatron hybrid robot known as [[Guiltaur]], arrived to attack Rodimus, but Galvatron was shocked when Guiltaur turned on him as well. Rodimus and Galvatron called a truce long enough for them to team up and destroy Guiltaur, who, it was revealed, had been possessed by Starscream's ghost. With that threat dealt with, they called off the truce. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 4}}

Next, Galvatron attempted to steal the [[Prime Energy Tower]] of the planet [[Feminia]] with an all-out assault. The Autobots defended the tower, but were overwhelmed by Galvatron's unit of [[Combiner]]s; the scales tilted in his favor thanks to the presence of [[Predaking]]. Galvatron's victory was assued until the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s arrived and toppled the Combiners. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5}}.

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
Later in 2010, Galvatron kidnapped [[Doctor Dalton]], a brilliant scientist from the planet [[Eran]], but Dalton refused to work with the Decepticons and lent his aid to the Autobots instead, upgrading the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could defeat the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1}}

One of the Terrorcons' upgrades included a sticky goo that forced the Technobots into working for the Decepticons. Through the intervention of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], however, the Technobots were freed and the Terrorcons defeated. Galvatron cursed the human for interfering, but declared that his next evil scheme would be one the Autobots would never forget. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 2}}

After the resurrection of Optimus Prime and the curing of the Hate Plague, Galvatron hastily broke his vow that there would be no war, and he, Cyclonus and Scourge battled Prime, Hot Rod and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] in space, only to be defeated. Galvatron immediately returned to [[Chaar]] and dispatched [[Sixshot]] to retrieve the Decepticon Headmasters, as he had need of them for his assault on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
In 2011, a side effect of releasing the Matrix's energy to cure the Hate Plague was revealed when the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] began to destabilize. Seeking to exploit this imbalance, Galvatron attacked Cybertron, his forces now bolstered by the addition of new [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] warriors from the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} The arrival of a team of Autobot Headmasters repelled the invasion, but it was then revealed that the Matrix was hidden somewhere on Earth, recharging, and the race began to acquire it and use it to gain control over Vector Sigma. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Hot Rod ultimately succeeded in obtaining the Matrix and becoming Rodimus Prime again, and he and Optimus Prime joined forces to defeat Galvatron. Though beaten in battle, Galvatron did at least take solace in the fact that Optimus Prime once again met his end {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

After several further schemes involving an [[Madmachine|electro-magnetic weapon]] and a [[Metamorpho|metal-warping meteorite]], Galvatron set his sights on [[Cybertonuron]], a powerful new alloy being developed by Vector Sigma. The Decepticon Headmaster leader, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], advocated the destruction of the alloy to prevent the Autobots from obtaining it, but when Galvatron refused to consider the notion, Scorponok took matters into his own hands and had powerful bombs planted in Vector Sigma's chamber. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Scorponok told Galvatron what he had done, and the enraged Decepticon leader ran into the chamber to try and stop the explosion, only to be caught in the blast. Cybertron was reduced to a burnt-out husk, and Galvatron was left missing in action. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}}

[[Image:Grandgalvatron.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Galvatron's been getting into the energon goodies jar.]]
Galvatron was thought dead for some time, and during his absence, Scorponok proclaimed himself the new Decepticon leader, only for Galvatron to turn up alive and well during his coronation. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Galvatron retook command of the Decepticons and began a devious plot, taking the Decepticons on a series of interplanetary raids that saw them steal energy from numerous different worlds. Returning to Earth with a massive stockpile of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], Galvatron confided to his most trusted warrior, [[Sixshot]], that he intended to use the energon as part of a process that would transform Earth into a new, all-powerful, Unicron-like body for him, dubbed "[[Grand Galvatron]]". Additionally, he explained that this process would require only the best components from his most powerful warriors, making it quite clear that he intended to sacrifice Sixshot and the other Decepticons for this insane ambition. Aghast, Sixshot betrayed Galvatron to Scorponok as quickly as possible, leaving the Decepticon leader alone to battle the Autobot Headmasters in Alaska. Thankfully for the Autobots, their double-agent [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] had eavesdropped on Galvatron and Sixshot's conversation, during which Galvatron had revealed that his head was his weakest point. With this information to aid them, the Headmasters entered [[Head Formation]] and laid Galvatron low, collapsing an iceberg on top of him and entombing him in ice. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Galvatron would remain buried in the ice for over fifteen years, until he was resurrected by [[Dark Nova]] as the new and improved [[Megatron (G1)|Super Megatron]]. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 6}}

=====''The Headmasters'' comic=====

On planet [[Chaar]], Galvatron ordered the [[Headmasters of Evil]] to head for planet [[Athenia]] and show the Autobots their "true power". Their "true power" involved trying to blow up the Battleship Maximus with a goofy explosive and failing. Galvatron was displeased. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1}}

Later, while [[White Leo]] was abset from [[Beast (planet)|Beast]], Galvatron made a second attempt to conquer it with the united forces of his Decepticons and the Decepticon [[Beastformer]]s. With the aid of [[Kane]], the Autobots and the Autobot Beastformers were able to hold the Decepticons off long enough for White Leo to return and send them into a retreat. Galvatron callously left [[Alligatoron]] and the Decepticon Beastformers behind to face justice as he and his troops escaped into space. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}}

=====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic=====

Galvatron, believed to be buried alive in an iceburg, would return to menace the [[Headmaster Junior]]s with an army of legendary Decepticon warriors. "Galvatron" and all his troops, however, were eventually revealed to be nothing more than holograms created by the Decepticon [[Godmaster]]s to fool the Autobots. {{storylink|Burn, Super Soul! The New Commander Super Ginrai!}}

=====''15 Go! Go!'' manga=====
[[Image:TGGGalvatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Crazy AND toy-accurate.]]
At some point after 2025, when Optimus Prime had been restored to life once more as Star Convoy, the mobile computer [[Teletraan 15]] traveled forward in time from 2005 to this era as part of a mission gather data to rebuild [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]'s damaged databanks. During her visit, as Star Convoy and Hot Rod prepared to battle Ultra Megatron, a [[transwarp]] wormhole suddenly opened above the combatants, and a massive blast shot emerged from it and struck Hot Rod. Badly damaged, Hot Rod could barely warn his commander as Galvatron, appearing from some unknown spot in space and time, descended through the portal. Tearing Teletraan 15's arm off, Galvatron gripped the limb in his [[teeth]] as he maniacally throttled Hot Rod. Teletraan 15 passed out and woke up some time later with the outcome of the battle unknown, though she remained haunted by images of the crazed Decepticon clutching her limp and helpless friend. {{storylink|15 Go! Go!}}

{{-}}

===''Scramble City'' (toy version)===
{{note|This fifteen-minute, stop-motion, extended toy advert retells the story of the original ''[[Scramble City]]'' OVA with the addition of Galvatron. Created before the Japanese production staff were aware that Galvatron was a recreated Megatron, this OVA features the infamous gaffe that presents Galvatron and Megatron as separate characters. It ain't in continuity with jack, yo.}}
During a massive brawl between the Autobot and Decepticon [[Combiner|combiners]], Megatron took the upper hand. To counter this, Optimus Prime ordered [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] to enter the fray. Metroplex rolled onto the scene and towered over his enemies, with City Commander Ultra Magnus in tow. Not to be outdone, Megatron ordered his ''own'' [[City Commander]] to enter battle. Beaming down from the sky on a ball of light, the silent and menacing Galvatron stormed the battle. Transforming into cannon mode, Galvatron fired a blast of energy at Ultra Magnus, who quickly transformed to robot mode and engaged his foe in hand-to-hand combat. As the fight seemed evenly matched, City Commander Galvatron's ''city'' finally arrived to tip the odds: [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]! {{storylink|Scramble City (toy version)|Scramble City}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
''There were multiple Galvatrons from various alternate futures who often time-jumped to give the Autobots trouble. There are between 2 and 5 different Galvatrons; the exact number remaining inconclusive.''

====Galvatron I====
''After being scolded by [[Unicron]] in 2006, Galvatron was ordered to attack Earth and destroy the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]]. He ordered "Decepticons, to Earth!" but what he REALLY meant was Earth...1986!''

''Time-jumping from the year 2006 and freeing himself from Unicron's control, Galvatron intended to create a device that would be powerful enough to destroy Unicron in 2006. Galvatron brought Cyclonus and Scourge with himself, and as an effect of time-travel, replaced three Autobots ([[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]) in the timeline. Galvatron deposed his own past self as leader of the Decepticons and began construction of a massive laser cannon which he would then hide on Earth and unleash on an unsuspecting Unicron when the time was right.''

''The Autobots and Megatron weren't having any of that and briefly formed an alliance to stop the three Decepticons of the future. The plan wasn't going very well until [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] came from the future to help. Present-day Ultra Magnus also arrived to help and heroically kept Galvatron occupied as the future Autobots set-up a trap.''

''Galvatron mopped the floor with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and returned to his laser cannon only to find Cyclonus and Scourge unconscious and Starscream missing. The weapon was then destroyed in a huge explosion. Galvatron emerged from the wreckage to see what he thought was [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (but, in fact, was an unconscious [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] in disguise), and in a fit of anger, blew him up. After a second he realized that if he destroyed Starscream in the past, how could he have destroyed him in the future? Figuring that he was in an alternate past, and thus, no action taken then would affect his future, Galvatron and his troops returned to their proper time. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

[[Image:MarvelUKTimeRift.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Simon Furman|Furman]] liked Galvatron, he just liked [[death|killing characters]] more.]]
''Sometime later, Galvatron returned from the future (again following the destruction of [[Unicron]]). This time, he planned to stay in the past. In an initial confrontation with the Autobots and Decepticons of the present-era, Galvatron mopped the floor with both sides, establishing himself as a severe threat to all Transformers on Earth. {{storylink|Fallen Angel (issue)|Fallen Angel}} In the coming weeks, Galvatron constructed a massive magma tap as a means of gaining power for himself. He intended to siphon the energy of an erupting volcano to become as powerful as a god. His plans were interrupted by Ultra Magnus, [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]], and several Autobots who had travelled back from Galvatron's own era to capture him. [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] attempted to manipulate Galvatron's time-jump device to send them all back to the future, but when he and the other Autobots slingshoted back to 2008, Galvatron inexplicably remained behind. It ultimately fell on Ultra Magnus to stop Galvatron alone. In a desperate move, the Autobot flung them into the volcano, and the two of them became trapped under molten lava. {{storylink|Vicious Circle!}}''

''Galvatron eventually escaped and planned to take control of the Decepticons away from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. He opened his plan by menacingly approaching the Decepticon base, compelling Shockwave to attack and try to drive off the futuristic Decepticon. Instead, after easily wading through Shockwave's defenses, Galvatron cunningly announced that he had been coming in peace, but Shockwave's unprovoked assault had made an enemy out of him. He did this to sow discord among the Decepticon ranks, who now blamed Shockwave for gaining them a powerful new enemy. {{storylink|Enemy Action!}} This prompted Shockwave to concoct a plan to use [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] as a weapon against Galvatron. {{storylink|Salvage!}}''

''Galvatron’s time-travelling (along with that of the other Autobots and Decepticons) eventually caused a rift in time and space that threatened both the present and the future, opening a timestorm at both ends of the timeline that consumed the planet [[Quintessa]] in 2008. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

''[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] unleashed his [[Straxus (G1)|brainwashed Megatron]] on Galvatron, in the hopes of eliminating one or both of his rivals. Unfortunately, Galvatron managed to appeal to the suppressed personality within Megatron, and the two joined forces. {{storylink|Altered Image!}} Megatron and Galvatron forged an alliance and launched an assault against the combined forces of the present-day Autobot and Decepticons, the future Autobots and Decepticons, and the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] and [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. By this stage, Galvatron was consumed by madness and was able to overcome all resistance. Even severe injury and single combat with Powermaster Optimus Prime failed to stop him completely. His threat was only truly ended when the time rift itself lashed out at Galvatron, ripping him apart. {{storylink|Time Wars}}''

At some unspecified point in time,

In an alternate future of 2006, Galvatron was leader of the Decepticons on their home base of [[Chaar]]. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] tried to tell him about some strange activity on the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]], but he wouldn't listen. Meanwhile, the events on Junkion caused a hypnotic signal to be broadcast out into space, which affected Galvatron while he was watching his [[bubbling pool]]. The signal compelled him to travel to Junkion, where he was led to believe he could "be a winner". He was followed by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]].

Once on Junkion, they were soon joined by Autobots. Galvatron immediately attacked [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], and the two battled to a stalemate. The other Autobots worked to disrupt the hypnotic signal, which cleared Galvatron's mind long enough to blast the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]' television, which he recognized as influencing his mind. This broke the spell on everyone, including the Junkions, who then added their power to the Autobots' and forced the Decepticons to retreat in [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]].

In the course of this battle, his defeat at the hands of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] while inside [[Unicron]] was alluded to.{{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (US)}}

{{note|In the UK version of the story, the events of "The Big Broadcast of 2006" are a fabrication invented by [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]].}}

{{-}}

====Galvatron II====
{{main|Galvatron II}}

====Other versions of Galvatron====
*''In the year 2356 of an alternate future, a geriatric Rodimus Prime recounted tales of his exploits to [[Student|a curious youth]] from his deathbed. In that timeline, the Time Wars had reset history: now the newly-created Galvatron ''hadn't'' time-traveled to 1987 Earth, and instead had remained in the 21st-century and conquered Cybertron. This "reset" Galvatron tried to enrage Rodimus—even going so far as throwing [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'s severed head at him—so that the Autobot leader's vengeful thoughts would corrupt the Matrix itself. This Galvatron was last seen in a flashback to Unicron's third coming in the year 2010 (of that timeline): as Galvatron was left buried under rubble and Transformer corpses, Rodimus noted that on this occasion Unicron had no need for minions.'' '' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}''

===''Transformers PD Type'' comic===
After taking to wearing four [[Blackball]]s around his neck as a necklace, Galvatron spotted Rodimus Prime, who'd found another of the precious artifacts. He attempted to throttle the Autobot, only for a brilliant light to shine directly at him. Galvatron fled, believing it to be the power of the Blackball, only for Rodimus to reveal it was just a flashlight... {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##11 "Take a Stand! Rodimus Prime!"|Take a Stand! Rodimus Prime!}}

Galvatron later led an attack on Battleship Maximus, {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##12 "Bigger than Life! Fortress Maximus!"|Bigger than Life! Fortress Maximus!}} was knocked flat by [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]], {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##13 "Now! Deliver the Finishing Blow! God Ginrai!!"|Now! Deliver the Finishing Blow! God Ginrai!!}} and he and his men were sent scrambling as Fortress Maximus and [[Scorponok (G1)|Mega Zarak]] traded blows. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##14 "Watch Out! Mega Zarak!"|Watch Out! Mega Zarak!}} When Ultra Magnus found the final Blackball, Galvatron blew the defiant Autobot apart in order to obtain it. As he was enjoying his victory, he was suddenly bowled over — by Ultra Magnus's head. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##16 "Improve Yourself! Ultra Magnus!"|Improve Yourself! Ultra Magnus!}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformer PD Type##19 "Two in One! Lord Galvatron"|Two in One! Lord Galvatron}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
Galvatron took to talking to [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], as the cassette perched mutely on his shoulder. He was also even more abusive than usual towards his men. He was pleased when a potential new source of [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] was discovered on an asteroid, but particularly ''dis''pleased when [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] returned with a [[Observer|small alien]]. After exhaustive tests by a violently coerced Cyclonus, positive results were found, and Galvatron rubbed his hands together in glee before sending out Ratbat to find more of the aliens. Instead, they discovered that the Autobots were also on the asteroid, and Galvatron was more than happy to start inflicting violence on the enemy rather than waste time on small organics. {{storylink|The Test (issue)|The Test}}

In search of slaves for the Decepticon energy research laboratory, Galvatron took [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to attack the space station [[Exton-9]]. The Decepticons used their new [[suspension-ray beam]] to paralyze the humans, and sat back to wait for the containment ship to turn up. When they detected [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] leaving the station, Galvatron ordered Ratbat to contact Cybertron for reinforcements. Unfortunately Cosmos's mission was a success, helping some children to return with the [[Prism of Power]]. Galvatron demanded the children surrender and turn over the Prism, threatening to kill them unless they complied, but Cosmos was able to distract him long enough for [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to finish off Razorclaw and blast the Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Transformers in 3-D issue 2|Transformers in 3-D #2}}

Alerted to the existence of the Intergon Device, Galvatron led a strike force to [[Tau-Ursa]] and successfully seized the device from its inventor, [[Monitorus]], before razing the city to the ground. Building the device into the "[[Nullification Cannon]]", Galvatron used it to attack the Autobots' energon plant on Cybertron, rendering its contents useless. While Optimus Prime was distracted by [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], Galvatron left, announcing as he did so that the Autobots would now have no choice but to surrender. Returning to the ancient, burned-out destroyer which the Decepticons were using as a base, Galvatron was informed by the [[Clone (subgroup)|Clone]]s that the Autobots were searching for [[Metascan Alpha]], the planet of the [[Logicon]]s that also contained a bounty of energon. While he was ruminating about the implications, Galvatron was forcefully reminded by [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Lord Zarak]] that the Nebulan now led the [[Decepticon]]s. A short time later, Optimus Prime attacked their location, fighting Galvatron. Before Galvatron could stop him, Scorponok swung a claw at the Autobot leader and struck the cannon instead, destroying it. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

{{note|[[Blackthorne Publishing]]'s bankruptcy effectively ended the story at this point.}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic===
[[Image:WorldsCollide3_MegatronVsGalvatron.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
An alternate version of Galvatron travelled into this reality as one of [[Unicron]]'s heralds, along with alternate versions of [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], to prepare the way for their master's arrival. While the others defeated the Decepticon forces on Cybertron and took control of the [[Space Bridge]] Nexus, Galvatron was headed to [[Earth]] to track down [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], and [[Mini-Con]] refugee from a Cybertron that Unicron was in the process of consuming. Over-Run was carrying the [[Mini-Con Matrix]], which contained the essence of all the Mini-Cons from his reality, and might be a means to defeat Unicron. When Galvatron arrived in [[San Francisco]], he was distracted by several Transformers on this planet, including [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], but easily bested them all. However, they managed to distract him long enough for Over-Run to escape. {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

When the [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] of this reality launched his attack on the local Autobots on Earth, Galvatron arrived to destroy him {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}}, declaring that he had killed "many" Megatrons in other alternate realities. Despite his putting up a valiant struggle, Megatron was pummelled within an inch of his life, but before Galvatron could finish him off, the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] intervened, forming the mighty [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. This allowed Megatron to overwhelm and eventually destroy Galvatron. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}} The gloating Megatron subsequently hacked Galvatron's corpse to pieces. {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
{{note|Galvatron in the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]] is an ancient Cybertronian who has no links to Megatron or Unicron.''}}
[[Image:SpotlightGalvatron Galvytransforms.jpg|left|300px|thumb|My cannon knows where to go because IT FEARS ME!!!]]
Galvatron was a crew member on the first ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', launched during Cybertron's [[Golden Age]] as part of [[Nova Prime]]'s dream of expanding Cybertronian domination throughout the cosmos. However, Galvatron and the crew were lost when he plunged the ship into the mysterious anomaly in the [[Benzuli Expanse]], a selfish act that killed the rest of the crew. Undead, Galvatron became the herald for Nova, now known as Nemesis Prime, ruler of the [[Dead Universe]]. Millions of years later, Galvatron was sent on two missions in the living Universe: to destroy an alien starship conducting research on the anomaly in the Expanse, and to return to Cybertron to secure the inactive [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. After killing [[Leadfoot]] by touch alone, Galvatron shrugged off attacks by the Autobot squad under [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s command and then shocked them when he got up after having half of his head blown off by [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. In a small act of defiance to his master, he merely incapacitated the Autobots and returned with Thunderwing's body to [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron }}

[[Image:GalvatronVReaper.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bouncers are taking it pretty far these days.]]
After [[Sixshot]]'s deployment to [[Earth]], Nemesis Prime sent Galvatron there as well to make sure nothing would forestall their second coming. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3}} From a hidden vantage point, Galvatron observed the Decepticons' desperate fight against the powerful alien army known as the [[Reaper|Reapers]]. As Nemesis Prime's plans required Earth to survive, at least for a while, Galvatron took steps to prevent the Reapers from taking over and laying waste to the planet. After blasting an attacking bird-like Ravenous Reaper, Galvatron approached the Reapers' leader, [[Deathbringer (species)|Deathbringer]], and unleashed the power of death that was his to command, turning the Reaper into living decay who spread death and disintegration to his fellow Reapers on contact. This turned the tide of battle considerably, and the Decepticons won the day. Galvatron then returned to the Dead Universe to await new orders. However, Nemesis Prime remarked to [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] that he suspected that Galvatron had his own plans... {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

After [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] secured the [[Nega-Core]] and activated its guardian, Galvatron initiated the [[Expansion]] with Nemesis Prime and the rest of the [[Dead Universe]] crew. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} Galvatron was paired with Cyclonus to patrol the Benzuli Expanse, charged with destroying anything that might interrupt the Expansion. He let his partner have dibs on destroying [[Cloudburst]] and his crew on the ''[[Mirror-Manifold]]''. {{storylink| Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[Image:PrimekillsGalvatron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|No arguments! It is time for your bath, young man!]]
Heading to Garrus-9, Galvatron watched the battle of the Primes, waiting for Nemesis to become completely focused on Optimus, before taking his chance and shooting the Prime in the back. When Nemesis fell, the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]] jumped to Optimus. As the Autobot leader tried to resist, Galvatron gave him a choice: kill himself in the nearby solar pool or allow the Darkness to pass on to its ''rightful'' owner. Prime reached out for Galvatron, but as the Darkness crossed between them, Optimus grabbed Galvatron's hand, and hurled him into the solar pool, destroying both the Darkness and its would-be host.

Or not. Some time later, as the Autobots were recuperating from a series of upheavals, Galvatron's hand burst from the solar pool. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}} The Darkness had consumed him whole! However, both it and he were changed, and Galvatron decided that all that exploration had taught him that [[To sell toys|change]] was the one constant in the universe... and now, he and his men were going to ''force'' change!

He arrived on [[Gorlam Prime]], where Cyclonus and Scourge were the last surviving members of the Dead Universe crew, and began babbling his intentions at them while throwing Scourge into a smelting pool... causing it to resurrect him, and create [[Sweep|a clone army]]! He then somehow brought Cyclonus back to life, telling him his spirit had always refused to die anyway, and led his army off to fulfill his mission! (The army thinks he might be a bit loopy.) {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Rebirth}}
{{-}}

===''Generation 1'' toy bio===
Galvatron is an arrogant, compassionless, cold-hearted robotic villain. He is a [[City Commander]], but sets his determination toward nothing less than the leadership of Decepticons. He plots against his own allies, which weakens his position in the Decepticon cause.

{{note|Galvatron's toy bio establishes him as a new character who coexisted with Megatron; he has a rank of 9 and the function "City Commander", with no mention of him having once been Megatron. Given the omission of similar details from Rodimus Prime's bio, it is likely that this was done to avoid spoiling the surprise of Galvatron's origin in the movie.''}}

===''Universe Classic Series'' toy bio===
At a time when the Decepticons were a scattered confederation of assassins and warlords, Galvatron arrived from parts unknown and quickly asserted his dominance. Crushing all who opposed him, he united the Decepticons into a powerful army "capable of threatening the entire universe". Rumors about his past were plentiful, but facts were hard to come by. Mostly the Decepticons simply cowered before his might, their fear preventing them from even ''thinking'' about following anyone else. Those few who dared to conceive otherwise, simply hoped that one day a rival would emerge who could best the tyrant.
{{note|It is unclear where this story fits in continuity, or even which Galvatron is being referred to. If one assumes the "Classic Series" bios to be an extension of the ''[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Classics'' comic book]], then he is likely "[[Galvatron II]]", as that is the only Galvatron established in that continuity. However, if one assumes that the "Classic Series" bios are not tied to any particular continuity, then the identity of this Galvatron becomes likewise open-ended.}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
[[Image:Henkei_galvatron_pack_in.jpg|right|thumb]]
Upon being cornered with his supply of [[Energon cube|energon cubes]] by the Autobots, Megatron took a bite out of one cube, transforming into Galvatron, who easily pulverized the Autobots. Ironhide tried to come to the rescue, but his attempt to attack Galvatron with his blade only ended in it being caught between Galvatron's teeth. But as Galvatron was about to fire upon Ironhide, an explosion occurred, revealing a weakened Megatron, who was then subsequently attacked by Ironhide. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 7}}

Once Megatron learned he had the ability to "power up" and become Galvatron, he later sought the chance to do this again by immersing himself in a pool of molten lava. [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], accompanied by Starscream and [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]], watched and gloated in anticipation of the re-emergence of their unstoppable leader. However, the Autobots arrived, and during the subsequent battle, the lava pool was shot and collapsed. Galvatron did emerge after all...but all he did was berate his defeated troops for having allowed him to be awoken too early, while Cyclonus weakly attempted to protest. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 9}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===

[[Image:Henkei8_enter_galvatron.jpg|left|thumb|275px|Holy ''freaking'' '''''yikes'''''.]]

Badly wounded in battle by [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Optimus Prime]]'s energon sword, the defeated and barely functional [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Megatron]] was carried from the battlefield by [[Cyclonus (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Cyclonus]]. Brought to a subterranean network of volcanic caves, Megatron was immersed in a "bath" of molten [[energon cube]]s to restore his strength. {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}} While Megatron was recuperating, [[Starscream (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Starscream]] led Optimus Prime and [[Bumblebee (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Bumblebee]] to his location, in hopes that they would destroy him so that he could take his throne. As Starscream and Cyclonus battled in the air, Prime approached Megatron, and without hesitation, plunged his energon sword into the Decepticon leader's chest and broke the blade off within his body. Megatron howled in pain and fury, and the energon cubes around him began to react, rising to whirl around him and surround his body with their glow. The maddened Megatron seized one of the cubes and bit into it deeply, causing a huge energon explosion. As the light from the blast faded, Megatron stood restored, renewed and reformatted... now, he was Galvatron! {{storylink|Creation! The New Emperor of Destruction!!}}

[[Image:Henkei9_galvatron_fires.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Cue the "oh slag" moment.]]

The hulking, slavering form of Galvatron immediately lunged for Optimus Prime, displaying a strength far greater than Megatron ever had when he punched Prime so hard that he shattered his [[mouthplate]]. Before Galvatron could destroy the fallen Prime, he was attacked from above by Starscream, but easily shrugged off the treacherous Air Commander's attacks. After seizing Starscream and slamming him into the rocks below, Galvatron unleashed the power of his cannon and apparently obliterated Starscream with a single colossal shot. This distraction gave Prime the time he needed to recover, but when he charged at Galvatron with his [[energon-axe]], Galvatron countered it with a dagger-like blade of energy projected from his hand. Next, Galvatron used his cannon to collapse a chunk of the cavern ceiling, hoping to crush Prime, but when Prime evaded the debris by transforming to truck mode, Galvatron shifted to tank mode and pursued him, blasting all the way. Eventually, Galvatron caught up to Prime and pinned him against a wall...by which stage, the other Autobots had arrived to back their leader up! {{storylink|The Threat of Galvatron}} At first, the combined might of the Autobots seemed to be a match for Galvatron, but with terrifying ease, the reformatted Emperor of Destruction tore through their ranks, defeating each and every one of them. His foes bested, Galvatron then turned his attention to the Autobots' ally [[Wataru Hoshinoumi]], a human born with the power to control [[energon (fuel)|energon]]. Wataru used his powers to create a forcefield to keep himself safe from Galvatron, and another threat soon appeared to occupy Galvatron's attention: Starscream was not quite defeated yet! His body broken and crippled, Starscream still pressed his attack against his former leader, and Wataru leant him a hand, providing a forcefield and boosted weapon power. Before being taken down, Starscream was able to hit Galvatron with one well-placed power-shot, re-opening the gash Optimus had originally torn in Megatron's shoulder with his energon sword. Seeing an opening, Optimus repeated the tactic, thrusting his sword into the wound and tearing Galvatron wide open. The resulted was a catastrophic release of energy from Galvatron's body, which caused the caves to collapse. The Autobots were able to escape to safety, but all the Decepticons were buried. {{storylink|Revenge (issue)|Revenge}}

[[Image:Henkei11_not_dead_yet.jpg|left|thumb|215px|Is that how you treat someone after the first date?!]]

Although badly damaged, Cyclonus was able to survive the cave-in, and recovered the apparently-deceased body of Galvatron. After bringing the "corpse" back to the Decepticons' underwater base, however, Cyclonus discovered that Galvatron was not dead yet when the twisted cadaver of his leader lurched back into life and seized him about the throat, howling Optimus Prime's name...

[[Image:Henkei12_galvatron_possession.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Now he's copying his [[Starscream (G1)|subordinate]]. And they say mimicry is the highest form of flattery.]]

A little later, the Autobots were shocked to discover Galvatron going on a ''very'' public rampage in the middle of [[Hoshinochō]], and were forced to abandon any hope of hiding their presence from the humans in order to stop him. Even more of a monster than before and still bleeding destructive energy from his wound, Galvatron tore through both the human military and Autobot ranks, resisting even Wataru's boosted attacks. When Galvatron dived for the boy, Optimus Prime threw himself into his enemy's path, and Galvatron's claws smashed their way clean through Prime's chest, knocking the Autobot leader out. Unexpectedly, the Autobots' salvation was revealed by Galvatron's actions: Optimus Prime's [[Matrix of Leadership]] now stood revealed within his shattered chest. Responding to Wataru's powers, the Matrix surged to life and restored Prime, who struck Galvatron with an enormously powerful blow. As the Decepticon reeled, the energy bleeding from him shifted, and the Autobots discovered they were not fighting Galvatron at all, but Cyclonus...possessed by Galvatron's [[spark]]! {{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}}

[[Image:Henkei12_galvatron_lives.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Comes with power windows (not quite necessary), USB slot for the music collection (unless lacking a USB), adjustable seats with temperature settings (must have!), and the most important one: a cup holder for that wonderful (yet stolen) energon!]]

His true nature revealed, Galvatron unleashed the full extent of his bizarre powers, raking the cityscape with wild, unrestrained bolts of energy. Charging through the heart of the maelstrom, Prime summoned up the energy of the Matrix and struck Cyclonus's body with one almighty Matrix-powered punch. Cyclonus was atomized, and Galvatron's bodiless spirit flowed over Prime, dissipating into the ether.

The Autobots celebrated the apparent destruction of their eternal enemy, formally revealing themselves to the people of Earth and rounding up the remaining Decepticons hidden on the planet. Just as things seemed their brightest, however, Prime revealed the terrible truth: before disappearing, Galvatron's spark had revealed to him that he was not yet dead. In truth, before his rampage, Galvatron had his body placed in a small spaceship, which was then launched into space, on a course heading back to Cybertron. With a new group of Autobots appointed protectors of Earth, Prime and his team left the planet, hot on Galvatron's trail... {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}

{{-}}

==Controversy over identity==
[[Image:MarvelUK-202.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Yeah, this'll ''really'' help with the whole insanity thing.]]
{{bigquote|Well, they were the same guy.|[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s thoughts on the subject|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"}}
As the above media summaries show, Galvatron has had wildly differing origins across numerous continuities. Some of this was the result of Galvatron's "intended" identity as developed in the 1986 movie having not been known to all the creators of all the international branches of G1 at once; however, other cases represent instances of later creators deliberately choosing to start from scratch. Since the concept that multiple different dimensional analogues of Galvatron could exist predates by about 17 years the concept of interrelating dimensions of Transformers within a [[Universe (2003)|multiverse]], it can be harder to neatly "fit" his various alternate versions into a coherent character narrative than is the case with other TF personalities.

Even when focusing strictly on Galvatron's most well-known incarnation--the G1 animated series--there has been considerable debate through the years. Some fans believe Galvatron is a psychologically distinct and discontinuous entity from Megatron, almost, or equally, as much as [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], who demonstrate no continuity of memory or personality with their former Decepticon selves. This remains a topic of heated debate in some circles, in spite of a fairly unambiguous canon.

===Generation 1 cartoon===
In the Generation 1 cartoon continuity, Galvatron evidently still self-identifies as being the same person as Megatron, albeit with greater power and a new name. Although not making a point of revealing this former identity to his troops at large (perhaps to cast off the potential stigma of being a "defeated"/successfully deposed leader), Galvatron makes his sense of self clear when Starscream asks "Megatron? Is that you?" to which he replies, "Here's a hint", before obliterating him.<ref>Some fans claim the "Here's a hint" line is a point in favor of Galvatron ''not'' being Megatron, instead of the far more likely intended affirmation, since Megatron "would never kill Starscream". However most fans would probably agree that Starscream had simply never pissed off Megatron enough to actually kill him before. Or, more cynically, Starscream never pissed off Megatron [[Death|in a movie]] before.</ref> Later in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' when Galvatron is poised to crush [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s neck, he boasts: "First Prime, then Ultra Magnus, and now you. It's a pity you Autobots die so easily, or I might have a sense of satisfaction now." Again, Galvatron is obviously speaking with no sense of discontinuity of identity or personality as he refers to past and current acts as both Megatron and Galvatron without qualification or distinction.

While some might contrast this statement, however, with his earlier line, "I, Galvatron, shall crush you, just as Megatron crushed Prime", interpreting that such a statement implies a disconnect from his former life, this too can easily be explained by Galvatron's apparent reluctance to allow his troops to know that he used to be Megatron. While Galvatron would have fully expected the knowledge imparted in the later statement to Hot Rod to die with the callow youth, the declaration to Ultra Magnus was made in public, with his troops (and, potentially, other Autobots in earshot) present.

During season three, however, Galvatron makes little or no further references to his past life as Megatron, though this could be a side effect of lying in a pool of lava for several months and his increasing insanity. Upon meeting the resurrected Optimus Prime in ''The Return of Optimus Prime'', Galvatron behaves as though simply picking up where he left off with his old nemesis from his Megatron days, as does Prime, saying that he knows Galvatron "all too well". This indicates that the Autobot leader is capable of recognising his former adversary despite the change in name and appearance. Furthermore, in "Five Faces of Darkness", Astrotrain states that Megatron and Galvatron are "the same guy", implying that during Galvatron's absence, the other Decepticons (or, at the very least, Astrotrain) figured out what was going on.

Despite all that, a memorial of Megatron can be seen prominently in the [[Decepticon Crypt]], implying that the Decepticons who built it considered Megatron to be dead. This could possibly be explained by presuming the Decepticons built the marker before Galvatron returned and seized command, though their window of opportunity to do so was rather slim. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

===Japanese fiction===
[[Image:EarlyGalvatronTVMagazine1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I hope you enjoyed that shining wizard, Magnus, because it's a very long way down.]]
Early advertisements for the Galvatron toy presented the character as an altogether separate being from Megatron, and in some cases, even being Megatron's ''underling''. The second "[[Scramble City (toy version)|Scramble City]]" OVA was a remake of the original animated version, albeit including the Galvatron toy for promotion. Galvatron appears to fight his nemesis, Ultra Magnus, as Megatron barks orders from the background. This is likely due to Takara wishing to advertise the toy as quickly as possible, without full knowledge of the character's history. To maintain Galvatron's mystique, he was given the function of "City Commander", with no indication that he was an upgraded Megatron. Continuing this trend of unintentional disassociation, very early promotional artwork featured in ''[[TV Magazine]]'' and ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]'' also presented Galvatron as a separate character.

However, this era was very short-lived. In all official Japanese fiction, including the [[manga]] and the Japanese-exclusive cartoons, Galvatron is locked in as an upgrade of Megatron. A [[retcon]] was created by writer [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] for [[E-Hobby]] in order to explain away the bizarreness of some of these early [[Story page|story pages]], detailing that the Galvatron seen there was actually a dimension-travelling [[Galvatron II]].

===Marvel Comics===
In the US and UK Marvel comics, the various time-hopping Galvatrons all demonstrate an awareness of having previously been Megatron with no strong indicators of a break in psychological identification. Indeed, at one point, a Galvatron says outright, "Like Megatron? No—I AM Megatron!" The closest that these Galvatrons come to identity crisis are incidents in which a time-displaced Galvatron is confronted by Megatrons (or copies thereof) and does battle with his former self. Although in these instances Galvatron experiences trains of thought that suggest he sees Megatron as a separate being and/or the source of his madness that needs to be destroyed, these are not the musings of a calm, rational mind. In these instances, Galvatron is in the grips of a psychotic episode, which he generally snaps out of by realising that he and his opponent are indeed the same person.

A possible explanation for why (any version of) Galvatron retains psychological continuity with Megatron, while his fellow Unicron-creations do not, may be that [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], et al. were apparently already dead or in total stasis lock at the time of their reformatting, and thus it is widely speculated that only their bodies were used to create Cyclonus and company. Whether this indicates that they retained their life-essences—or sparks, if you adopt the popular [[retcon]]—and merely suffered total mind-wipes (either as the result of recent death or by Unicron's doing), or if Unicron actually infused their reformatted bodies with new life-forces is unknown. (On the other hand, none of the other Unicron-created Decepticons have faced their past selves or deeds the way Galvatron has.) Megatron, by comparison, was clearly alive and awake at the time of his reformatting and struck a bargain with Unicron for "a new body", a deal which implied that his mind would remain his own.

==Toys==
{{main|Galvatron (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Galvatron (G1)/toys#Merchandise}}

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:DiamondStickerbookGalvagun.jpg|thumb|250px|Why can't I see the sailboat???]]
*According to the 1986 [[Diamond]] ''Transformers: The Movie'' stickerbook, Galvatron transforms into "a Galvagun". The sentence describing this is phrased somewhat oddly, however, and seems to insinuate that a "Galvagun" is a kind of common object. Of course, it '''is''' just a stickerbook...

*Marvel UK artist [[Lee Sullivan]] based his rendition of Galvatron on actor Jack Nicholson!<ref>[http://leesullivanart.co.uk/LEE/transformers.htm Lee Sullivan Art]</ref>

*According to [[Teletraan II]]'s [[Secret Files of Teletraan II|secret files]], Galvatron was reformed from Megatron by Unicron in an attempt to bolster the Decepticon's strength and to lead the Decepticons into a new era. The fact that this information conflicts with the events as depicted in the movie may say something about the quality of the Autobots' intelligence regarding the Decepticon cause.

* A Galvatron [[Action Master]] was planned at one point, but apparently went no further than a concept sketch. It is only vaguely similar to Galvatron's normal appearance and may possibly have been a "powered up" Galvatron of some sort.

[[Image:Megalvatron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|This toy IS a time paradox.]]
* A triple changer was proposed which would switch between a very awkward Galvatron, Megatron, and a Walther P-38 handgun with added futuristic silencer and laser sight. It is notable that the strange "Reverse Megatron" design has a mild resemblance to the also unproduced Galvatron Action Master, especially in the chest design.

* Curiously, Galvatron's toy tech specs list his firepower at 9, as compared to Megatron's ranking of 10. This seems odd given that Megatron never showed any ability to perform single-shot disintegrations of his foes and obliteration of entire planets. Some Marvel Comic bio material suggested Galvatron had nearly limitless power through Unicron. Galvatron noted during "[[Altered Image!]]" that Megatron was powerful enough to do him some "serious damage", but also indicated that a blast from his own cannon form would destroy Megatron easily. A much better explanation would be while Galvatron draws power for his weapon from galvanic cells, Megatron's fusion cannon drew power from ''black holes''.

* The Galvatron toy's gun mode's only fictional appearances were in the UK comics, which featured it as a shrunken, human-scaled weapon, and a form that he assumed merely so that he could easily be conveyed by other parties, but never wielded as a weapon. It was also referenced in Dreamwave's ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' profile of Galvatron, which [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] describes as a weapon "none are worthy to wield".

* Galvatron's toy's [[instructions|instruction sheet]] names the big orange weapon a "laser" which, according to the toy [[bio]], "emits chemically-produced, direct-current electricity". While this is a rather strange thing for a laser to do, it is a neat pun on his name. A ''[[Wikipedia:Galvanic cell|galvanic cell]]'', named after [[Wikipedia:Luigi Galvani|Luigi Galvani]], is a certain type of chemical voltage source. Though Galvatron's toy's batteries are not galvanic cells, they do produce DC electricity chemically, making his toy one of the more fiction-accurate in the Generation 1 line.

* The UK comics generally referred to Galvatron's big orange weapon as a [[Particle cannon|particle (or particle-accelerator) cannon]], in comparison to Megatron's [[fusion cannon]]. That seems to jibe with the DC-electricity laser description above. The 2008 Universe Galvatron toy has a "firing particle cannon" callout on the packaging, adding weight to that being the correct name of the weapon.

* In the Generation 1 [[manga]], [[Makoto (FSRL)|Makoto]] has a transforming Galvatron [[Wrist-communicator|wristwatch]] that was first available in Japan during the 1980s. However, at the time of the story, Galvatron did not yet exist in-continuity. The circumstances behind this are best not thought about.

* When asked about Galvatron's design in an interview, [[Floro Dery]]'s reply was, "But about Galvatron, my inspiration for him are those 'stupid people'."<ref>[http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery]</ref> ...Ooookay.

* Galvatron's design went through at least seven versions, with the final version being a simplified version of one depicting Galvatron as having mostly exposed mechanical components.<ref>[http://hometown.aol.com/kuest12/grp.html The Making of the Transformers Visual Universe: Galvatron, Rodimus Prime]</ref>

* Just as Megatron's fusion cannon was sometimes shown in commercials to have a handle, Galvatron's particle cannon had a trigger on at least one occasion (during "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]"). Galvatron apparently doesn't need to ''use'' the trigger; however, several times in season three, he behaved as if he was, holding his cannon with his fist vertically, rather than horizontally, while having one finger in front of the others... go figure.

* The brand director in 1989 who had to approve Transformers comics content, [[Vinnie D'Alleva]], was the victim of an April Fool's Day joke when he was given a story draft and cover layout featuring Galvatron "killing people and eating sheep!" ...That seems pretty plausible, actually.<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p2</ref>

* In the [[Toy Fair 1986|1986 Hasbro Pre-Toy Fair catalog]], Galvatron's orange cannon is colored dark (either black or a dark purple).

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Galvatron/galvatron.htm Galvatron at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Galvatron Galvatron's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.tf.to2k.co.uk/fiction/whogalvatron.html ''Who Was Galvatron?'' at Transformers Omniverse]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Kiss Players characters]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Only Human

2010-06-07T19:05:51Z

71.59.153.16: /* Featured characters */

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|ep=88
|series2=2010
|ep2=22
|prev2=The Big Broadcast of 2006
|next2=Money is Everything
|image=TitleOnlyHuman.JPG
|caption=-I'm flesh and blood, a man!
|title="Only Human"
|production code=700-108
|airdate=[[November 13]], 1986
|written by=[[Susan K. Williams]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''When several Autobots interfere with his "business", a powerful crime lord has their minds placed into synthoid bodies, with the help of the strangely familiar "Old Snake".'''

:''Japanese title:'' 人間トランスフォーマー (''Ningen Transformer'', "Human Transformers")
:''German title:'' '''Nur ein Mensch''' (''Only Human'')

==Synopsis==
[[Image:CC-OldSnake01.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Doing a crossover... in style!]]

As buildings explode, [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] attempts to save as many people as he can. At the docks, crime lord [[Victor Drath]]'s men, led by [[Dutch (G1)|Dutch]], attempt to steal a canister of [[newtronium]]. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] stop them; however, Dutch shoots the canister which explodes in Rodimus's hands, allowing the criminals to escape in their flying car.

Tired of the [[Autobot|Autobots]] interfering with his operations, Drath contacts the mysterious [[Old Snake]] who apparently ran some kind of terrorist organization in the past. Drath purchases Old Snake's assistance and technology, setting up a laboratory at his home. Lured to the laboratory, Rodimus, Ultra Magnus, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] are trapped and their minds transferred into newly created [[synthoid]] human bodies. While the human [[Autobot]]s are taken away to be disposed at the junk yard, Snake suggests that Drath can make use of the Autobots' former robot bodies.

[[Image:ArceeSpringerHuman.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"Hey Arcee, biologically we can...you know." "What? Huh?" "Nevermind."]]

The four Autobots manage to escape from the crusher in the junk yard before they're pulverised. They find clothing in a nearby building and swiftly realise what has happened. They split up—Magnus and Arcee decide to attempt to contact [[Autobot City]] while Rodimus and Springer go after Drath. Once the pair reaches Drath's house, Rodimus attempts to draw the guards away, but is wounded. He is given refuge by Drath's girlfriend [[Michelle]]. Springer spots Drath's men taking the Autobots' robot bodies for a test drive, taking the opportunity to rob a jewellery store. He is offers to help operate his old body, claiming that he has experience with heavy machinery, and gains the thugs' confidence.

Meanwhile Arcee and Ultra Magnus are having no luck contacting the police chief they'd worked with after the earlier bombings. They notice a nearby warehouse is owned by Drath and break in, discovering it's full of weapons. Unfortunately Arcee trips a silent alarm, and they're interrupted by thugs driving their old bodies. Magnus threatens them with a grenade, giving Arcee time to escape on a stolen motorcycle, but he is captured by Dutch a short time later.

[[Image:OnlyHuman Rodimus Michelle breakfast.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

Rodimus shares breakfast with Michelle, who confides that she knows who he is, but will help him get into Drath's house. Arcee makes it to [[Autobot City]], but the human security guards don't believe her story and instead place her in detention. Rodimus and Michelle enter Drath's home... only for Drath's men to spring the trap which Michelle has lured him into. Drath tells Rodimus that Snake has come up with a new plan — load the Autobots' robot bodies with explosives and use them to blow up Autobot City. Springer discovers the plan as well, when he drives his robot body to pick up the explosives. He and Ultra Magnus liberate both his old body, though it is damaged in the escape. The three remaining Autobot forms are dispatched for Autobot City.

[[Image:OnlyHuman Thugs in Rodimus.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

Rodimus manages to get free of the goons and take down Drath himself. Drath gloats that Autobot City is still doomed. Indeed, Drath's thugs are nearing the city in the three purloined Autobot forms. Springer and Ultra Magnus fly Springer's robot form to catch up with the other three Autobots en route to Metroplex. Knowing that the Autobots in the city won't realize three Trojan horses are coming until it's too late, Ultra Magnus tells Springer to attack the city himself. Their firing on [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] alerts the inhabitants, and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] has time to activate the city’s defenses and waylay the oncoming Autobots.

Later, after the Autobots have put together the pieces, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] rigs the equipment at Drath's former hideout and transfers Rodimus Prime and the other's minds back to their rightful place. When asked about their adventure, Rodimus gives extra consideration to Michelle as she's led away along with Drath's other men. Meanwhile, safely away, Old Snake muses to himself how they just don't make terrorists like they used to. He also tries to yell out the rallying cry of his former organization but breaks down into coughing, so it's absolutely impossible to tell what group he used to run.
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters|c1=
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (2)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (4)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (10)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (11)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (12)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (13)

|c3=
*[[Dutch (G1)|Dutch]] (1)
*[[Chief Turan]] (6)
*[[Victor Drath]] (7)
*[[Michelle]] (8)
*[[Old Snake]] (9)
*Rodimus Prime (5)
*Ultra Magnus (4)
*Springer (2)
*Arcee (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Yer 'trash' got up an' took a hike before I could squash 'em!"
:—'''Junkyard goon'''

'''Victor Drath:''' "Does that technology still exist, Snake? Is it for sale?" 
'''"Old Snake":''' "This is the world, Mr. Drath. ''Everything'' is for sale." 
:—Often from toy companies!

"The Path to True Humanity! Only $4.95, tax deductible!" 
''[Springer shoves him aside]'' 
"Sorry, pal, I'm a ''robot'' at heart. ...Terrific. I already need a shave."
:—'''Street proselytizer''' and humanized '''Springer'''

'''Springer''': "Need a hand? I, uh...operate heavy equipment. 
'''Goon #1''': Uh...yeah. 
'''Goon #2''': But dere's only room for ''two'' in here! 
''[#1 boots #2 out the hatch]'' 
'''Goon #1''': Yeah! Yer right!
:—Springer gets a lift from his own body.

"Don't think for a moment that I haven't the nerve to use this—I ''have!''"
:—Even humanized, '''Ultra Magnus''' is a badass.

"What's this?" 
"It's called breakfast, dummy." 
"Mph. Smells better than it tastes."
:—Humanized '''Rodimus''' discovers coffee, courtesy of '''Michelle'''

"Snake pointed out to me a problem with eliminating only the four of you...namely, an entire city of Autobots who might be tempted to vengeance. I believe in solutions, not problems. You can watch the destruction of Metroplex before you die."
:—'''Victor Drath''' rubs Rodimus's nose in it.

"Well, did you enjoy your sojourn, Rodimus?" 
"Maybe a little ''too'' much, Perceptor."
:—'''Perceptor''' innocently asks a very loaded question of '''Rodimus''', as the camera pointedly zooms in on Michelle.

"Poor Mr. Drath. Not quite smart enough, were you? They simply don't make terrorists like they ''used'' to! COOOOOBRA-ha-*hackcoughcoughcough*"
:—"'''Old Snake'''" gets away scot-free.

==Notes==
In general, this episode is ''really'' rushed, storywise. Scenes are raced through at a pretty breakneck pace, and on the whole, there's a tremendous sense of the episode having to hold back from actually ''doing'' anything with the potential-laden concept of the Autobots becoming human. Many of the ideas in the episode only seem half-developed, and what few subtleties do manage to break through the constant hurtle towards the final scene are often blunted by the complete lack of even just a reflective second or two to let them sink in. The episode really cries out to be a two-parter, which is a real shame, since the annotations for the episode included amongst the original documentation featured on [[Metrodome]]'s DVDs suggest that the production staff were ''really'' excited and enthusiastic about it.

[[Image:OnlyHumanlineup.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Ultra Magnus didn't want to admit he wanted the pink overalls.]]

* While not an error, since the reason for it is clear enough, it is a fun coincidence that once human, our four heroes find overalls to wear that perfectly match their former bodies' color schemes. It was also convenient for the new synthoid bodies to form complete with tee shirts and pants. This is a children’s show, you know.

[[Image:Only Human Rodimus (synthoid) breaks door.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rodimus the Terminator.]]
* The humanized Autobots' synthoid bodies are much stronger than humans are. For example, during their escape from the junkyard, synthoid Rodimus is able to break through padlocked metal doors, an impossible feat for a human. In another example, humanized Ultra Magnus and Arcee push a container which is taller and heavier than they are and jump on it to penetrate into Drath's warehouse.

[[Image:Michelle.JPG|right|150px|thumb|I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way.]]

* Michelle’s motivation is a little murky. She seems genuinely upset when the Autobots are supposedly killed by Drath, and later she saves Rodimus from his pursuers—yet later, she happily turns him over to Drath. Was she actually attracted to Rodimus and changed her mind, or was she just luring him into a trap all along? If she was working for Drath from the get-go, why didn’t she just let his men capture him when they asked for him earlier? It couldn’t have been because she wanted to snuggle with Rodimus that night, could it? This is a children’s show, you know.

* Also, the Autobots adapt to being human REALLY easily. Other than Springer needing a shave, there’s very little attention paid to the new problems with suddenly being biological. Shouldn’t the Autobots have problems understanding such concepts as going to the bathroom or breathing? Then again, that stuff veers into uncomfortable territory. This is a children’s show after all.

* In hindsight, just what was Victor Drath’s plan with the Autobots? He obviously has no trouble capturing the Autobots on his own, but purchased the synthoid equipment and went through all the trouble to set it up anyway to transfer the Autobots' minds into human bodies which he would simply dispose of. He also is going to take their former robot bodies and also simply dispose of them. It’s Ol’ Snake that gives him the idea actually to use the robot bodies. Why couldn’t he just capture the Autobots and simply dispose of them intact? Then again, maybe that’s overthinking it. This is a...well, you know.

===Animation or technical glitches===
* Outdated animation models end up being used frequently in this episode. Most notable is Arcee's, especially since her shoulder-thingies change orientation and her head changes shape several times. (The sub-par animation makes her look even worse.)

* During the rescue at the start, Springer, in helicopter mode, somehow catches a falling human on his nose, despite the fact the human would have to pass through his spinning rotors.

* As the humanized Autobots plan their first move, Magnus's voice comes out of Rodimus's mouth.

* There are a few instances when the backgrounds switch from day to night to day again.

* Despite being human, there are occasions when the Autobots' voices are still synthesized to sound robotic.

* As Springer and Magnus escape, Springer's body converts from car to helicopter without the transforming sound, or even any visible transformation sequence.

* When Blaster sees the first three Autobots approaching Autobot City, Springer is shown instead of Arcee.

* As Blaster observes Springer opening fire on Autobot City, the laser beams are coming right out of the screen.

* As the city transforms, the sky randomly switches from day to night and back.

* Perceptor vanishes from the scene as the Autobots leave Drath's house, replaced by Magnus and Springer.

* One scene has Ultra Magus and Rodimus Prime next to each other transforming into robot mode. They both leave their trailers sitting behind them. With Rodimus, this is unusual for the cartoon but toy accurate. However, this was a missed opportunity for an appearance by Ultra Magnus's inner robot since he transformed wearing his trailer armor anyway.

===Continuity errors===
* As the vehicle modes of Springer and Rodimus pull up to Drath's warehouse, Rodimus's alt-mode changes from his post-Matrix form in one scene to his pre-Matrix form as it parks, but then is back to post-Matrix form when he attacks Springer. Speaking of which, where is the Matrix during all this body-switching anyway?
* Not an error per se, but it seems perhaps too convenient that the Autobot bodies have controls to allow a human pilot to control them fully, even being able to trigger the transformation and control the robot form.

===Transformers references===
* This episode, along with "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]" and "[[Madman's Paradise]]", is one of the few episodes to not feature Decepticons. In fact, this episode marks the only time in the G1 cartoon where all of the antagonists are human (or [[Cobra Commander|humanoid]]).
* This episode might answer a question [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] asked at the end of the Season 2 episode "[[Autobot Spike]]" about what would happen if an Autobot's mind were placed in a human's body.

===Japanese version===

*'''Cut:''' The scene where the informant tells Victor Drath that Old Snake is down the street pacing back and forth, then gets punched in the face as payment, was cut for time.

===Trivia===

* Rodimus totally gets some in this episode. Wow.

* This episode uses a number of common cartoon sound effects for helicopter rotors and laser beams that had not been heard on ''Transformers'' before...but which were very common on its contemporary competitor, ''[[Tonka GoBots#Cartoon|Challenge of the GoBots]]''.

[[Image:OnlyHumanJap1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oh so accurate.]]

*In Japan, this episode was very heavily promoted in the pages of ''[[TV Magazine]]'', featuring two pieces of unique promotional art by [[Ban Magami]] across two separate issues (a rarity for episode promos). Oddly, neither promo seemed to describe the contents of the episode accurately. The May 1987 issue boasted a "special news" emblem, indicating its importance over other episodes promoted that issue. The blurb describing the episode, then tantalized children with the reveal that Cobra Commander, the archenemy of [[Duke]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], would be leading his [[Cobra]] army in a fight against the Autobots. The June 1987 issue continued this misinformation campaign, even going so far as to feature a full-page promo of the episode with artwork depicting "Snake" ominously leading a number of Cobra [[Rattler]]s and F.A.N.G.s. Whoever wrote the promotional summaries and told Magami what to draw either hadn't actually ''watched'' the episode or was just flat-out ''lying'' about its contents in order to snooker a larger audience with false claims of massive Autobot vs. Cobra action. Of course, it's also possible that the promos were penned with only an outdated story summary to work with, a la their promo artwork for "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" mistakenly featuring [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] instead of [[Octane]].

* This episode was lampooned at [[BotCon 2005]]'s [[MSTF]] presentation, as part of a "theme show" where all of the ''Transformers'' episodes featured had (sometimes really tenuous) ties to ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]''. Because this was the first year of [[Fun Publications]]' take on BotCon, and they run the Joe convention, you see.

* The "NYPD" markings on the police car suggest that the newtronium theft takes place in a futuristic [[New York City|New York]].

*For some reason, human Arcee doesn't look like Princess Leia. Even her hair is different.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1992 — ''Transformers'' — Only Human ([[Tempo Video|Tempo Kids Club]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/only_human.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicles]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1

2010-06-07T01:33:37Z

71.59.153.16: /* Real-world references */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|prev=The Transformers: The Movie
|ep=66
|series2=2010
|ep2=1
|prev2=The Transformers: The Movie
|next2=Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2
|image=FHE-FFoD.jpg
|caption=Boy, I sure did love that part in "Five Faces of Darkness" where [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Powermaster Prime]], [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]], [[Cloudburst]] and [[Rev]] fought a giant floating Quintesson head.
|title="Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"
|production code=#700-86
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|airdate=[[September 1]], 1986
|written by=[[Flint Dille]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In the wake of Unicron's defeat, the battered Decepticons struggle to survive, and the Autobots enjoy a period of peace and celebration. But peace never lasts...'''

:''Japanese title:'' 新たなる戦い (''Arata Naru Tatakai'', "The New War")
:''German title:'' "'''Die fünf Gesichter der Finsternis, Teil 1'''" ("The five Faces of Darkness, Part 1")
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
''The closing scenes of [[The Transformers: The Movie]] show us the destruction of Unicron and the Autobots escape, along with their victory celebration on Cybertron.''

It is the year 2005. Autobots have reclaimed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the Decepticons, now squabbling with each other for [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], retreated to the planet [[Chaar]]. Astrotrain returns to the planet with a pitiful number of energon cubes, resulting in a tussle as the Decepticons fight for their share. Cyclonus realizes that to return the Decepticons to fighting form, they need drastic measures.

[[Image:Blurr watching jazz.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Blurr would have that not-Jazz eat his vapor trails... instead he gets a date with rhyming boy.]]

Somewhere else, the first [[Galactic Olympics]] are being held. Blurr is griping about being stuck in a mission with [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] when he wants to join the events. But [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] wants them to go to [[Autobot City]] on Earth, to deliver the new [[transformation cog]] for Metroplex, as his old one was damaged during the [[Battle of Autobot City|battle]] the [[The Transformers: The Movie|year before]].

Meanwhile, the Galactic Olympics are being sabotaged. A [[Skuxxoid]] detonates the Olympic flame, raining smoke down on the area and allowing a group of Sharkticons to land. The Autobots fight back, but in the confusion, Spike, Kup and Ultra Magnus are kidnapped. Rodimus Prime immediately suspects Decepticon shenanigans and orders the planet quarantined, but they are unable to prevent the Skuxxoid's spaceship from taking off. [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] set off to find a spacecraft of their own so they can pursue it.

[[Image:FFOD1 Cyclonus in Unicron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

Cyclonus, Scourge and the Sweeps sneak into [[Unicron]]’s head, still orbiting Cybertron. They're able to access Unicron's memory banks and watch footage of Rodimus's battle with Galvatron, culminating in the Decepticon leader being flung into space. Cyclonus then does some fast calculations and works out that Galvatron would eventually have reached the planet [[Thrull]]. There they see their leader soaking in the hot lava pools.

On Earth, Blaster and Outback go to the [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Federated Republic of Carbombya]] to investigate [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] reports of Decepticons in that country. Despite the country's ruler, Abdul Fakkadi, claiming that they would never harbour such criminals, the Autobots land. Outback, equipped with a “[[Decepticon detector]]”, then flushes out Dirge and Ramjet. The two Autobots get the coordinates of Chaar from them... which they report to Rodimus Prime who wants to go there to investigate.

[[Image:FFOD1 Springer Arcee threaten Skuxxoid.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

Arcee and Springer, meanwhile, have pursued the Skuxxoid to an asteroid, which he ducks behind. The Autobots follow, only for their ship to be seized by a huge claw. They evacuate the ship, only to find that the "asteroid" is actually a disguised spacecraft. Springer hijacks it from the Skuxxoid, who escapes in his smaller ship and then calls his benefactor to confirm that the Autobots indeed suspect the Decepticons to be behind the disruption. The [[Quintesson|tentacled, egg-shaped benefactor]] listens to the report and then tunes out as he sees their prisoners, Spike, Kup and Ultra Magnus, being led by a [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]].

[[Image:FFOD1 Cyclonus Astrotrain energon.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

Cyclonus, Scourge and the [[Sweep|Sweeps]] return to Chaar, where the rest of the Decepticons are convinced that the solution to their problems is to have a strong leader again. They cheer when they hear that Galvatron lives, and are desperate enough that they give their remaining scraps of energon for reviving him. Rodimus Prime and Grimlock are spying nearby. Rodimus almost pities them, while Grimlock finds it funny (giving a rather possessed-sounding chuckle). Rodimus realizes that the Decepticons are too down on their luck to be the ones responsible for the kidnappings. Their cover suddenly gets blown and the Decepticons attack.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (2)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (3)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (6)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (7)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (13)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (14)
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (15)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (24)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (25)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (26)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (29)
* [[Outback]] (30)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (34)

|c2=
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (16)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (17)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (17)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (17)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (17)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (17)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (18)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (19)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (20)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (21)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (22)
* [[Sweep|Sweeps]] (23)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (28)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (32)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (33)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (35)
* [[Motormaster]] (36)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (37)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (38)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (39)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (40)
* [[Drag Strip]] (41)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (42)
* [[Wildrider]] (43)
* [[Octane]] (44)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] / [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (45)
* [[Tantrum]] (46)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (47)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (48)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (9)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (10)
* [[Carly]] (28)
* [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]] (31)

|c4=
* [[Unicron]] (8)
* [[Skuxxoid]] (27)
* [[Quintesson]]s (34)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Cyclonus''': Once Decepticons nearly held the quadrant through terror. Now we scrap like [[slaarg]]s over a few energon cubes. Is this how you honour the memory of Galvatron?! Is this the fate of the mighty Decepticon Empire?! 
'''Astrotrain''': In the days of Megatron, it was not like this. 
'''Cyclonus''': You mean Galvatron. 
'''Cyclonus and the Sweeps''': Hail Galvatron! Hail Galvatron! Hail Galvatron! 
'''Astrotrain''': ''[Muttering to Menasor]'' Well, they were the same guy.
:—The Decepticons remember the good old days.

"Let's do it!" 
"Didn’t you want to say something about concord and tranquility in the galaxy?" 
"Aww, give me a break. ''Start the games!''"
:—'''Rodimus Prime''' and '''Ultra Magnus''' open the Galactic Olympics

"Ah, Rodimus is missing a few chips." 
"Nah, I was the same way until I got blown apart a few times."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Kup'''

[[Image:Grimlock happy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Perceptor and Rodimus watch as Grimlock does a jaunty jig on the enemies' heads.]]
'''Rodimus Prime''': This planet is quarantined. Nobody comes, nobody goes until we find Kup, Spike and Magnus. 
'''Arcee''': And what if we don't? 
'''Rodimus Prime''': Then we'll trash every Decepticon in the galaxy! 
''[A spaceship escapes]'' 
'''Springer''': So much for quarantine. I need a ship! 
'''Arcee''': And you’ll need a gunner! 
''[They both rush off, leaving Rodimus]'' 
'''Rodimus Prime''': Why’d I have to be the chosen one?
:—Rodimus is stuck with cleanup, while his former girlfriend runs off with his buddy.

'''Cyclonus''': There’s nothing to fear; Unicron is dead. 
''[They hear a groan]'' 
'''Cyclonus''': Must be the wind. 
'''Scourge''': There ''is'' no wind in space. 
'''Cyclonus''': Quiet!
:—Cyclonus and Scourge learn that [[Unicron|daddy]]'s still home.

"Our charts don’t show any planets in that sector—no, wait. Here it is. I thought it was a smudge on the screen. 
"Yeah, that fits the description of Chaar."
:—'''Rodimus Prime''' and '''Outback'''

"I say we pulverowderize the Autobots! I say we powderulverize 'em!"
:—'''Rumble'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s inspirational rally.

'''Wildrider''': These guys better have some energon for us. 
'''Dead End''': Or what? 
'''Wildrider''': Or ... Well, I'll think of somethin'.
:-The Stunticons see the newer Decepticons return to Chaar.

'''Dead End''': If we surrender our energon, we're doomed. 
'''Breakdown''': If we don't, we're doomed, too. 
'''Dead End''': Face it. We're doomed.
:-'''Dead End''' is being as optimistic as ever.

"These guys are hurtin'. I never thought I’d feel sorry for the Decepticons." 
"Me Grimlock, not feel sorry. Me Grimlock laugh!" ''[snickers]''
:—'''Rodimus Prime''' pities the Decepticons, while '''Grimlock''' mocks them with a disturbing chuckle.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
"Five Faces of Darkness" is one (five) of the most notoriously error-plagued episodes in the entire series. Brace yourself...
* Quite a few Transformer voices appear to be processed with a very heavy bass end in this episode, including Rodimus, Arcee, Outback, and Springer.
* Chaar's moon and sun are bizarre. If the opening animation is to be believed, the moon takes about 20 seconds to orbit the planet, yet when we see it again later, it's just sitting there. The moon also appears to set with the red dusk sky ''behind'' it. The red dusk sky is a red dusk sky despite the sun having passed overhead in the opposite direction. The red dusk sky is also visible along the horizon in all directions. Maybe Chaar sits in a nebula?
* Long Haul is missing when the Constructicons combine.
* After he knocks Astrotrain away from the energon cube, Devastator's mouth does some lip-flapping, but there's no dialog to go with it.
* Menasor's "hi-yah!" sword grunts aren't in his voice. He sounds more like an unprocessed Astrotrain or Bonecrusher. When he finally speaks a non-grunt line, he suddenly goes to his own voice, right after a generic-voice grunt.
* Devastator goes from his usual eyeband, to two large separate eyes as he grabs the energon cube, to two small separate eyes as Menasor whacks him apart.
* Menasor's first sword strike clearly knocks Devastator into his components (well, ''some'' components, anyway; none of them look like actual pieces of Devastator.) Devastator then re-forms with no transformation noise.
* When Menasor smashes Devastator apart the second time, only Bonecrusher, Scavenger, Hook and Long Haul are shown. Bonecrusher shouldn't be there (he didn't "have the energy to hang on"), and Scrapper and Mixmaster are totally unaccounted for.
* As a shot hits the energon cube next to him, Kickback grunts with the same generic voice that Menasor had earlier.
* Kickback is drawn with the more toy-centric version of his insect mode, wherein his robot face is clearly visible on the bottom of his insect head; he even visibly emotes and looks around with it. Most episodes portray him with his robot face concealed in his insect mode.
* The vehicle-mode Sweeps first show up in their incorrect "early" models, with their robot-mode heads sticking out of the top. This model would appear again and again and again through the series.
* As Cyclonus and company approach, Astrotrain finally completes his transformation to robot mode, but with no transformation noise.
* The first Sweep to transform and land is also missing his transformation sound.
* Jazz is shown winning the first race in the Galactic Olympics, but a few seconds later an announcer declares that "the winner is [[Munka Spanka]]." It's possible a generic character was intended for use in the scene and Jazz was mistakenly picked at random; however, given Jazz's prominent survival of the movie, it seems more likely that an editing mistake failed to portray the passage of time (and other races) after Jazz's win. Fans also have speculated that this was an intentional name change, prompted by the fact that [[Scatman Crothers]], Jazz's voice actor, had recently passed away, though why this would be necessary for a non-speaking part is unclear.
* The Quintesson monitor shows Magnus and company against a blue sky, when they'd been standing against an orange wall a second earlier.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How did the Quints get that footage of the Autobots, anyway?
** Okay, ''maybe'' Unicron can monitor and record events within his own body. But does he really have a camera ''outside'' himself to show things like Galvatron flying out of him and off into the distance?
* In addition to lighting up, the button that the Quintesson pushes changes shape when pushed.
* One of the scrambling Olympians walks right through a column during the torch attack.
* Arcee and Springer's "cooking my sensors" lines carry an echo that shouldn't be there, as if they were in a soundproof room.
* When Rodimus starts shooting, he gets the second half of Optimus Prime's laser rifle sound effect. A second later, he gets the whole sound effect.
* How are the Sharkticons so consistently in shadow when ''everyone'' else is not?
* Rodimus is missing the "age lines" on his face as he threatens to trash the Decepticons, which basically makes him Hot Rod.
* The center piece of Rodimus's spoiler is yellow instead of orange as he watches Springer and Arcee leave the stadium.
* Cybertron's appearance has changed a LOT since the movie. The first shot shows it looking like one of its own moons, with almost no detailing. The second shows it with much more detailing, but still very different than its previous appearance.
* Cyclonus is far too large as he stands on Unicron's face, taller than Unicron's eyes. He should be a speck at that distance.
* One of Scourge's helmet rims is white instead of blue as he says the "no wind in space" line.
* Unicron's snoozing groan is recycled as Scourge spots Galvatron's hand on Thrall. Is Scourge supposed to be hearing Galvatron snore from across millions of miles of space?
* The helmet rim around Outback's eyes is consistently colored blue instead of light gray. This could be an alternate model sheet, given its consistency. Later episodes would show him with his eyes the same color as the rest of his face.
* Rodimus's "smudge on the screen" is a sharp, glowing, blinking dot.
* The Skuxxoid's ship is white when it leaves the Olympics planetoid, but light orange as Arcee and Springer pursue it through space.
* In an odd moment of [[Humanization|humanizing]], Springer and Arcee clench their eyes shut when their ship is grabbed by the claw.
* A repeat of the establishing shot of Chaar includes its moon (which, by the by, is a recycled Cybertron moon design.) This time, instead of warping around the planet, the moon is hanging in the sky, stationary.
* Two different pans across the assembled Decepticons show quite a few robots that don't correspond to any actual character. The characters are distant enough that the animators probably figured we wouldn't notice.
* Dirge is with the Decepticons on Chaar as they debate leadership. How'd he get back there from Earth? In the same shot, Soundwave's shoulder button is blue instead of white.
* Cyclonus has consistently had three Sweeps up to this point, but as they return to Chaar there's suddenly half a dozen of them.
* Drag Strip has a gray optic visor during the "I'll think of something" line. It should be red.
* The subsequent shots of cheering Decepticons are infamously screwed up. The first one features:
** Tantrum well before the Predacons have actually been introduced to the series. To be fair, the Predacons' later introduction is so ambiguous that it might not be a genuine screwup to have one of them present.
** An off-model non-conehead Seeker in Ramjet's colors
** Octane also makes his inauspicious debut here, without any sort of explanation or introduction, though it doesn't actually contradict anything to have him there.
* The second cheering shot has Soundwave with a malformed, half-colored visor.
* When Motormaster throws down his energon, Hook and Long Haul are standing nearby. When he falls over in the subsequent shot, they've both been replaced by generics in the same pose. Also, after the Energon is thrown, Motormaster's mouth moves without us hearing any dialog.
[[Image:Decepticons w galvatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Yeah! We're going to save that guy on the left from the deadly lava pools of Thrull!]]
* The third cheering shot ("Giiiiive till it hurrrrts!") features two more made-up Seeker models, a random blue guy, and ''Galvatron himself'' cheering for his own eminent rescue.
* As the Decepticons rally to attack Rodimus and Grimlock, two Motormasters run past the camera.
* When Cyclonus fires on the rock outcrop, some guy in Fireflight's colors is behind him. The subsequent shot of charging Decepticons includes several made-up guys.
* The line of charging Decepticons at the end includes a Seeker in Silverbolt's colors.

===Continuity errors===
* Most of the character screwups on Chaar are probably just cheap/lazy/screwed up animation; in fact, all the off-model and made-up designs could really be excused as generic Decepticons we've never met before, if one is so inclined (and one is prepared to accept that for some reason, we never see them again, either.) However, Kickback and Shrapnel have a whole sequence dedicated to them landing, trying to munch an energon cube, and then fleeing, which is far too long and explicit not to be a scripted appearance. Both characters were supposedly reformatted into Sweeps during ''Transformers: The Movie''.
* Why does Astrotrain wait until he's landed to gobble some of the energon he's struggling to reach?
* So why didn't Menasor grab and eat the energon cube he just fought so hard for?
* Perceptor's description of the transforming cog is rather confusing. He introduces it as ''Autobot City's'' transformation cog, but then says "it controls ''Metroplex'''s ability to transform". This begins an ongoing trend of the cartoon dialog treating the two as if they were one and the same, despite the animation showing them as two distinct (though [[:Image:G1 Autobot City.JPG|sometimes related]]) entities.
* "How we gonna find the Decepticons? It's like looking for a needle in a haystack!" It would be, Blaster, except that they conveniently left their Decepticon insignias in place for you to see.
* How do Arcee and Springer hear the Skuxxoid's voice? He's inside a ''space ship'', and they're on the outside. Does the ship have its own external atmosphere?
* Voice consistency for the show's more obscure characters took a nosedive after the movie, starting with this episode:
** Ramjet has nearly the right voice, but it lacks the clipped mannerism that characterized his speech throughout the second season. Instead of sounding like an enforcer, he sounds... cheerful. In fairness, he occasionally lost that mannerism during Season 2.
** Onslaught's lines, beginning with "I admire your passion, my friend...", are provided by [[Terry McGovern]] in this episode, as opposed to his regular actor, [[S. Marc Jordan]]. Jordan would later be replaced again by [[Steve Bulen]] for Onslaught's final line of the series in "[[The Rebirth, Part 3]]".
** Terry McGovern tries on a brand new voice for Wildrider's two lines. He'll also develop a hick accent that he didn't have before in "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]".
* We never do find out why Cyclonus is carrying around a big black box. It's not present in the next episode.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode picks up an unspecified amount of time after ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (which had played in theaters during the summer preceding this episode's debut), and draws directly on many of its events. References include the [[Battle of Autobot City]], Unicron's head orbiting Cybertron, the loss of Optimus Prime, the rise of Galvatron, and more.
* The episode even opens with some of the closing scenes from the movie. The scenes were re-soundtracked with the cartoon's standard background music for television airing. A second movie excerpt, also resoundtracked, is used to show the end of Rodimus's battle with Galvatron.
* First appearances: Outback, Octane, Tantrum (who probably shouldn't be here yet) and Abdul Fakkadi.
* Dirge's "Death comes to he who crosses me," line is a slight paraphrase of a line cut from the original [[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers The Movie]] script, "[http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~sstoneb/tf/tidbits/tftm_script.txt Death comes to anyone who crosses me.]" It was to be delivered aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)| Astrotrain]] as the Decepticons squabbled over leadership. Another iteration comes in the later episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" ("I know, I know - 'Death comes to anyone who hides behind my marker!'"), though Dirge is not mentioned by name.

===Real-world references===
* The [[Galactic Olympics]] are, obviously, based on the modern Olympic Games, including the opening parade of "nations" and the Olympic torch presiding over the events.
* Middle East tensions in the 1980s resulted in the poorly made (depending on [[Casey Kasem|whom you ask]]) spoof called [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]].
* In one scene, Blurr asks why Metroplex's new [[transformation cog]] wasn't shipped via [[Galactic Express]], an allusion to the fact that [[John Moschitta]] had previously appeared in a series of Federal Express commercials.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Kickback and Shrapnel fly in with ''Millennium Falcon'' engine whine, and take off with the ship's engine burst noise.
** Ramjet and Dirge get the TIE Fighter engine sound as they lose control amid Outback's explosive. Some ''Millennium Falcon'' engine whine can be heard as well.

===Trivia===
* In an interview with Flint Dille, he said that the Quintesson origin story came from "[[The Secret of Cybertron]]," an aborted script for the movie by him and his fellow writer, [[Jay Bacal]].<ref>[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/flint-dille/flint_dille_2.html Flint Dille interview on the Cybertron Chronicle]</ref>
* When originally aired, this and the other four parts of the story all had a unique set of opening credits. Unfortunately, the DVD release of the mini-series only includes this opening on parts 3 and 5.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1990 — ''The Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1990 — ''The Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness (Family Home Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness: Parts 1-5 (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 4: Series 3.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482022/ IMDb's page for this episode]
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/five_faces_of_darkness_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Love and Steel!

2010-06-06T21:13:25Z

71.59.153.16: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Headmasters (comic)|''Headmasters'']] #3
|prev=Broken Glass!
|next=Brothers in Armor!!
|title=Love and Steel!
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #138–141
|prev2=Ladies' Night
|next2=Used Autobots
|image=MarvelHeadmasters-3.jpg
|caption=Uwe Boll's ''Bubble Bobble''
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=July 1987
|coverdate=November 1987
|script=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|pencils=[[Frank Springer]]
|inks=[[Ian Akin]] & [[Brian Garvey]]
|colors=[[Nelson Yomtov]]
|lettering=[[Pat Brosseau]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}

'''The battle on Nebulos escalates as the Decepticons create their own Headmasters.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Horrorcon]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] are having a grand old time, spreading terror and destruction in the Nebulan resort city of [[Splendora]], until Brainstorm, Hardhead, and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s arrive. Computron easily defeats Abominus, while the two Headmasters take out the Horrorcons. The Decepticons beat a hasty retreat. In the battle's aftermath, Arcana and Duros deal with worried citizens and some investigating members of the Council of Peers, who aren't too happy about ''any'' giant robots running around in their cities, even well-intentioned ones.

Meanwhile, Scorponok has captured a group of Nebulans led by Lord Zarak, and use them as laboratory animals for experiments, by which they intend to dispose of the humanoid populace of the planet with a dump-Nebulans-into-space machine. Lord Zarak successfully bargains for his life and convinces the Decepticons to duplicate the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] process.

At the Autobot Headmasters' headquarters, Galan and his troops are investigating the weapons surrendered to them by the other Autobots. A group from the Council of Peers arrives and informs them that a committee will be observing their actions from now on, in order to keep tabs on them. A message arrives just then, brought by [[Llyra]] -- her father, Zarak, claims to be held captive by the Decepticons, and begs for rescue. Galan doesn't hesitate, but leads his Autobots into the fray.

The Autobots arrive at the [[Grax Communications Facility]] to find that the Nebulans are free -- and newly partnered with the Decepticons! The enhanced Decepticons prove to be a match for the Headmaster Autobots. The Council of Peers observers prove the perfect distraction for the Autobots. Mindwipe hypnotizes Llyra into leading the Nebulans into the Decepticons' operations building, where he uses the dump-Nebulans-into-space machine on them. The Autobots are too occupied rescuing the Nebulans to avoid getting shot in the back.

Confused by the hypnosis, Llyra remembers little besides the Autobots shooting at her, to Zarak's relief. Zarak says that the captive Galan and his allies will never have the chance to harm Nebulans again...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Brainstorm]] (1)
* [[Scattershot]]
* [[Lightspeed (Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (3)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (4)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (17)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (18)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (19)
|c2=
* [[Hun-Gurrr|Hun-Grr]]
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]]
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]]
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]]
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]]
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (2)
* [[Apeface]] (5)
* [[Snapdragon]] (6)
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (10)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (11)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (12)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (20)
|h4=[[Nebulon]]s|c4=
* [[Duros]] (7)
* [[Arcana]] (8)
* [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Lord Zarak]] (9)
* [[Monzo]] (13)
* [[Galen]] (14)
* [[Stylor]] (15)
* [[Gort]] (16)
}}

==Errors==
* Fortress Maximus has yet another head design on the cover of this issue, which randomly shows up for one panel inside, as he's catching Llyra.
* Also on the cover, Hardhead is colored blue instead of green.
* On the splash page, the second narrative caption is incomplete, as it reads, "But all that changed a few hours ago... when these seven living mechanical monsters — the Decepticons Apeface, Cutthroat, Snapdragon, Rippersnapper, Hun-Grr, Sinnertwin, and Blot—" Presumably there should have been a third narrative caption telling what the monsters are doing. (Not that it isn't obvious from the art, but still.)
* Slugslinger and Triggerhappy are shown retreating with Snapdragon and the Terrorcons; Apeface and Blot are missing from the group. Rippersnapper is colored with Blot's color scheme in the same panel.
* The Horrorcons later tell Scorponok that the Terrorcons retreated in another direction, but they're all shown running away from the battle together.
* The "weapons surrendered by six of our Autobot allies" bear no resemblance at all to the guns actually thrown down by the Autobots two issues prior. They do, however, look quite a bit like their future replacement [[Targetmaster]] weapons.
* All kinds of wackiness ensues as the Decepticons' Nebulan partners transform for the first time. When their heads are sitting on the ground, Snapdragon has a different design than his standard model (which also showed up last issue); in the next panel, he's in his normal head design. Mindwipe, meanwhile, has a completely made-up head when it's sitting on the ground. Apeface's head is correct when it's sitting on the ground, but in the next panel, he's got a mouth and eyes instead of a faceplate and eyeband. Apeface himself is miscolored, and drawn with rather squat proportions, making him look like a giant Nebulan.
* Fortress Maximus is drawn instead of Scorponok when the latter orders Mindwipe to create a diversion.
* On the second-to-last page, Snapdragon says that the Autobots' heads are transforming back to ''[[human]]s''. This could be excused as ignorance on his part - after all, one squishy flesh creature looks just like another - but none of the characters present have even heard of humans yet.

==Items of note==
* Advertised as part 3 in a 4-issue limited series.

===Covers (5)===
<gallery>
Image:MarvelHeadmasters-3.jpg|'''Headmasters #3'''
Image:MarvelUK-138.jpg|'''UK issue #138'''
Image:MarvelUK-139.jpg|'''UK issue #139'''
Image:MarvelUK-140.jpg|'''UK issue #140'''
Image:MarvelUK-141.jpg|'''UK issue #141'''
</gallery>
* '''Headmasters #3 cover:''' Autobot Headmasters save the Nebulans in bubbles, by [[Frank Springer]].
* '''UK issue #138 cover:''' Rollbar, Goldbug and the ladies, by [[Barry Kitson]].
* '''UK issue #139 cover:''' Blaster road surfs on Rollbar and Chase, by [[Robin Smith]].
* '''UK issue #140 cover:''' Swindle threatening Big Steve, by [[Lee Sullivan]].
* '''UK issue #141 cover:''' Brawl, by Lee Sullivan.

===Advertisements===
* None yet identified.

[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Spotlight: Blurr

2010-06-03T00:44:47Z

71.59.153.16: /* Covers (3) */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Spotlight (comics)|''The Transformers: Spotlight'']]'' #20''
|prev=Spotlight: Sideswipe
|next=Spotlight: Jazz
|title="The Transformers Spotlight: Blurr"
|image=Spotlight Blurr a.jpg
|caption=I'm so great even '''''I''''' can't believe it!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 5]], [[2008]]
|coverdate=November 2008
|written by=[[Shane McCarthy]]
|art by=[[Casey Coller]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Neil Uyetake]]
|edits by=[[Denton J. Tipton]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline#1,000,000+ years ago|Pre-Great War]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
}}
'''At the end of Cybertron's Golden Age, Blurr must make a choice between being a celebrity or a hero.'''

==Synopsis==
Blurr is the undefeated superstar champion of Cybertron's [[Cybertronian sport|racing circuits]]. His success on the race track has made him an arrogant and distant individual, though. Following another victory he promises to celebrate with his pit crew (whose names he can't remember), only to reveal he intends to celebrate at [[The Circle]], a nightclub only the elite of Cybertron can gain access to.

[[Image:Spotlight Blurr simultronic.jpg|left|200px|thumb|If you're down he'll pick you up, Doctor Robert. Take a drink from his special cup, Doctor Robert.]]
Blurr's world comes crashing down, however, after a Decepticon terrorist attack blows up the racing track. The manager of the races is ordered by the new Prime, [[Zeta Prime]], to shut down the races in the name of public safety.
Blurr runs into the lead tech on his pit crew, a bot named <s>Parton</s> Piston, in the race locker rooms. Blurr is surprised to see Piston clearing out his stuff, explaining that the races may very well return. Piston laments that they wouldn't matter even if they did return, as the Decepticon uprising is turning into an all-out civil war. Piston has opted to sign up with the Autobots, hoping to make something more of himself. Blurr refuses Piston's offer to join him among the Autobot ranks, declaring "The races might be over, but the parties aren't."

Blurr then arrives at The Circle to find it deserted. Bummer.

The bar's proprietor is shocked that Blurr didn't seem to notice the city's descent into the civil war. Hoping to drown his sorrows with a bottle of Energon and an alternate reality generator, the race champion is interrupted by Starscream, who presents himself as "a friend." Blurr tells Starscream that the thrill of knowing what he's doing matters is what he loves about racing. Starscream then tells Blurr that his devotion to victory on the race track can lead to greater things, if he would only rebel against the weak regime and the Autobots who hold him down. Starscream remarks that when the time comes Blurr will know what to do.

Leaving The Circle, Blurr transforms to take a mind-clearing drive, only to enter into a war zone. Saved by Ironhide, he's rushed into the Autobot position. There he sees the dead bodies of Piston and his former racing comrade Fasttrack, early victims of the Autobot/Decepticon conflict. He then meets a young Autobot named Optimus who explains to Blurr that his unique gift of making decisions in an instant is one he envies, and that Blurr would make a superb soldier, if he only turned his focus and drive outward instead of inward. Optimus then explains that the Decepticon group he and his team mates are fighting are an assassination squad, whose target is none other than the Autobot Commander Zeta Prime himself. Optimus' team can't communicate with Zeta's HQ, as the Decepticons are using Soundwave to block all transmissions in the area. Only Blurr is fast enough to break through the Decepticon line and warn Prime of the impending threat on his life.

After a heated exchange in which Optimus explains Cybertron's "Golden Age" only left the planet's rulers weak, and that the Decepticons are taking advantage of that weakness, the future Prime offers Blurr a spot within the Autobot ranks. After thinking it through Blurr rushes off, breaking through the Decepticon barricade (and a few Decepticons as well), toward Zeta Prime's citadel headquarters.

As he speeds toward his objective, Blurr feels pride in the knowledge that what he's doing really matters.
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (1)
* [[Piston]] (2)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (5)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] (6)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (7)
|c2=
*[[Fasttrack (IDW)|Fasttrack]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Check that out... "simultronic" reality inside reality." 
"Brain fry. Who could ever want to run away from a world like this?" 

:—'''Blurr''' and '''Fasttrack''' discuss drug addictions.

"If this is going to be ''another'' conversation about how cold and arrogant I am, trust me, I've heard it '''all''' before." 

:—'''Blurr''' gets tired of criticism.

"The crowds. When I can feel them behind me. The lights. The roar. And that one moment, that one single moment, when I know what I'm doing really matters." 

:—'''Blurr''', showing he is more than just a pretty face.

"You're wasting your time, kid. This one's just a pampered, arrogant, little upstart." 

:—'''Kup''' doesn't have time to deal with turbo-revvin' young punks.

== Errors ==
* Starscream gains a Decepticon symbol on his left shoulder that wasn't there on the previous page where he first appeared.
* The Decepticon assassination squad approaches the Citadel on foot, despite at least two flight-capable warriors among their ranks.

== Items of note ==
* '''Cameos:''' Blurr's limo bears a striking resemblance to ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]].
* While getting hammered at the bar, the drinking vessels used to imbibe liquid [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] are cube-shaped, so when full, they look just like mini old skool G1 energon cubes.

* Blurr's IDWverse design includes stylised Mercury-style wing shapes on the sides of his helmet, in either a classical evocation, or a more pop-cultural reference to [[wikipedia:The_Flash|The Flash]].
* Starscream's design in the issue is inconsistent with that shown in ''[[Megatron Origin]]''. This is annoying.
* The [[Mouthplate|mouthplateless]] Pre-Prime Optimus is also inconsistent with that shown in ''Megatron Origin'' (well, his back, anyway), but this design ''is'' a pointed homage to Orion Pax. Artist Casey Coller stated that the design was [[Guido Guidi]]'s. [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=64104&view=findpost&p=1380927]

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A:''' Blurr on a sports magazine cover; art by [[Casey Coller]] with colors by [[Joana Lafuente]].
* '''Cover B:''' A monochromatic stylized, and rather art-deco image of Burr sprinting by [[Trevor Hutchison]].
* '''Cover RI:''' Sketch cover of Blurr and his enormous shoulders, by [[Guido Guidi]].
<gallery>
Image:Spotlight_Blurr_a.jpg|Do you think Blurr would be interviewed by [[Eject]]?
Image:Spotlight_Blurr_cvrB.JPG|Run, run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Bot!
Image:Spotlight_Blurr_RI.jpg|[[JaAm|ShOulDerZ HurT]]
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' TPB
* ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' series
* ''Love and Capes'' TPB
* ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' comics
* ''The Dreamland Chronicles'' collectible figurines
* ''The Dreamland Chronicles'' series
* ''Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Last Generation'' series
* ''Dr. Who: The Forgotten'' series
* CGC
* ''Igor Movie Prequel''
* ''Ghostbusters: The Other Side'' series

[[Category:Spotlight issues|Blurr]]

Grapple (G1)

2010-05-31T04:36:18Z

71.59.153.16: /* Cartoon continuity */

{{Faction|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot crane|the ex-Constructicon crane who looks exactly like him sometimes|Hauler}}
:''Grapple is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:GrappleG1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Elementary, my dear Hoist."]]
'''Grapple''' is technically an architect, but in his [[spark]] he is an artist. On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], before the war, his buildings were considered great works of art, but now his constructions are limited by the realities and needs of the war effort. It is a situation he often finds stifling. Grapple takes great pride in any work he constructs, and is prone to severe bouts of depression should his "masterworks" be destroyed in the course of combat. Grapple can usually be found hanging out with his close friend [[Hoist (G1)| Hoist]] who does his best to cheer Grapple up when his artistic temperament has him down.

{{bigquote|Someday I want to build something that doesn't get trashed!|Grapple laments his creations' constant destruction|"[[Auto Berserk]]"}}

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Grappin'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Csáklya'''
:''Italian name'': '''Gancio'''
:''Portugese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Chave'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Lutador'''
:''Russian name:'' '''Granit''' ('''Гранит''', "Granite")

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Renaday]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese)

Grapple was first seen on Earth hanging out inside the Ark on a typical day for the Autobots. This typical day including the discovery of a [[Dinobot Island (G1)|prehistoric island]] hidden inside a naturally-occurring time warp, and a rampage through the base by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. Yup...typical day. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

[[Image:Master builders1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Boy, I bet you we'll win top prize at the Autobot Science Fair this year! We'll beat [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s catapult-making machine any day!"]]

Grapple designed a [[Solar Power Tower]] to collect solar energy for the Autobots — even built a little model of it. When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] wouldn't let him build it, Grapple ran off to sulk and encountered the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], and naturally told them all about his awesome tower idea that got nixed because Prime didn't want the [[Decepticon]]s getting their hands on it. Brilliant.

[[Image:Master builders2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Your invention has a practical application, so it was disqualified. Sorry."]]
They agreed to help Grapple and his buddy [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] out, but then [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] found out and decided to turn it into his latest evil plan. The Solar Power Tower was completed, but [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] trapped Grapple and Hoist inside it, and the Autobots had to show up to save their skidplates. {{storylink|The Master Builders}}

When the Autobots' favorite mad scientist, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], started showing off his latest super-weapon, Grapple begged him to please not point the [[Negavator]] at any of his buildings. It's like he didn't trust Wheeljack not to blow things up, or something. Inevitably, though, the Decepticons attacked and the beautiful bunker Grapple built to house the Negavator was reduced to rubble. While he worked in vehicle mode to clear away the debris, Grapple and the Autobots were caught napping by Megatron and his [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. They had Prime and the others in their sights but, when [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] caused a distraction, Grapple dropped the rubble he was carrying on top of the Decepticons, sending them scattering for cover. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}}

Like most of the Autobots, Grapple showed up in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]] for the first (and apparently last) Autobot Day celebration. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}}

After the Dinobots destroyed a sizeable portion of the airport battling Decepticons, Grapple and the Autobots lent a hand to repair what was damaged. After [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] reconstructed the walls of a building, Grapple was ready to add the ''piece de resistance'' by lowering the roof on top. His artistic pride took a serious blow when Grapple dropped the roof and collapsed the entire building underneath it. Mortified as he was, Grapple's mistake was only the first sign of [[cybertonium]] deficiency, which soon began to affect all the Autobots and their functions. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} He was later seen with Hoist, patching up [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and a group of Autobots after they tangled with the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:Primetargetbotsintraps.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Inquisition, what a show! The Inquisition, here we go!]]

Grapple was also one of several Autobots captured by [[Lord Chumley]]'s wildly-improbable traps; Grapple fell victim to a series of girders that magically fell into a cage configuration. Taken to Chumley's goofy-ass castle, he was used as bait to draw in Optimus Prime, "forced" to hold up a giant boulder—which did not seem to be actually ''supported'' by anything and therefore Grapple could have just dropped it or thrown it at one of the other devices keeping the Autobots prisoner.

Grapple's kind of stupid and too bad he didn't have Hoist to ge him out of his "sticky situation". {{storylink|Prime Target}}

After [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] located the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] at large, Prime and the Autobots moved to intercept the wild Decepticons. Grapple, Hoist and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] confronted [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider]] on a deserted stretch of highway. When Breakdown dropped a line of oil behind him, Grapple took the opportunity to ''light him on fire.'' Geez, Grapple...he didn't even destroy one of your buildings. Why the hate? {{storylink|Masquerade}} When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream ]] and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] kidnapped [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], Optimus Prime and the Autobots went after them. Powerglide located the missing 'Bots at a power plant, and alerted his comrades. Grapple and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] freed the prisoners during the power struggle between Megatron and Starscream. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Alongside [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]'s lower leg and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], Grapple valiantly defended [[Autobot City]] when it was [[Battle of Autobot City|attacked]] by Decepticons in 2005. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
Prior to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] leaving Cybertron, Grapple (along with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Hoist and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]) had his memories recorded onto crystals in case [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] required more warriors during the Ark's mission. Four million years following the Ark's crash on [[Earth]], Grapple and the others were revived in new bodies on Earth. While the other newly revived Autobots were sent out to learn more about their new home planet, Grapple was sidelined. Optimus Prime had a very special building project for Grapple. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

[[Image:CommandPerformances-Autobotsattack.jpg|left|300px|thumb|He built [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] strong enough to survive at least one attack by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]].]]

So Grapple built [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. On his own. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''When Optimus Prime, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] disappeared due to time-jumping Decepticons, Grapple found himself in the position of Autobot medic, repairing a damaged [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. Led into battle with [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and his goons by the new leadership triumvirate of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], Grapple and his friends were sorely outmatched against the future Decepticons. Grapple was even part of a half-dozen or so Autobots who dogpiled on [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and barely managed to slow him down. In dire straits, the Autobots were actually forced to go to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and forge an alliance against Galvatron. Megatron's strategy managed to capture one of the time travellers, Scourge, but not before the fiendish tracker hurled a razor bladed dart straight through Grapple's chest, putting him out of action for the remainder of the conflict. Once Ratchet returned, he managed to piece Grapple back together soon enough. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

Grapple remained with the Ark's crew for quite some time, and was seen on the moon during the grudge match between [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. When the Decepticons attacked, Grapple engaged [[Wildrider]] in some gunplay. They appeared to exchange hits, but his final fate is unknown. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

====Marvel UK future timelines====
''In 2008, Grapple was operating out of one of the Autobot bases on Cybertron when Scourge and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] led the Decepticons into an all-out war on the base. (The base was a big honkin' mushroom in the middle of an empty field. One can only hope Grapple didn't design it himself.) Anyway, he did pretty well in battle, actually standing up to two Decepticons at once, including the commando [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}''

{{note|Optimus Prime says he copied Grapple's memories in case he needed another warrior while away. Does that mean there's still the original Grapple out there somewhere?}}

{{-}}

===Marvel Books ''Big Looker Storybook'' continuity===
[[Image:InsecticonAttackPage09.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Dear Diary; [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] asked me to the prom today. Should I say yes?]]
While lamenting the fact that he couldn't build beautiful buildings like he did back on Cybertron because the Decepticons would destroy them, Grapple spotted a [[Kickback (G1)|grasshopper]] and a [[Bombshell (G1)|beetle]]. He wished life were as simple for him as it was for those insects, who promptly violated his brain. Under Bombshell's control, Grapple attacked [[Beachcomber (G1)|the resident Autobot hippie]]. Later, at their base, the Decepticons made Grapple their bitch. After the Autobots removed his [[cerebro-shell]], Grapple sucker-punched Megatron and they all celebrated. Hurray! {{storylink|Insecticon Attack!}}

{{note|Throughout almost the entire story, Grapple is drawn with [[Hook (G1)|Hook]]'s [[character model]], only appearing with Grapple's own head in close-ups.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
After the [[Great Shutdown]] ended, Grapple was among a group of Autobots chosen to serve as a High Council, ruling jointly with the Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]
over the newly unified Cybertron. However, the Decepticon easily manipulated the council into giving him more and more power, until they were functionally impotent. Grapple and his fellow council members were among the last Autobots to truly recognize Shockwave's deceits, but did eventually join their fellow soldiers in bringing down the Decepticon's control of Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}} Afterwards, Grapple decided to accompany [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and the Ark's crew back to Earth, where he could put his skills to work on the construction of Autobot City. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:MegsOrigin4 Grapple Inferno.jpg|left|150px|thumb|DULL LOOKING UP!]]
While [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] was running an emergency rescue operation in [[Kaon]]
during the first major outbreak of Decepticon violence, Grapple was at his side to presumably offer engineering advice on safely evacuating trapped civilians. Their efforts became moot when a hovering pleasure cruiser was shot down and landed right on top of them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Grapple toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|You'd think that having only one hand would make you an Operational Health & Safety disaster on a jobsite.]]
* '''Grapple''' (Autobot Car, 1985/1986)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''47'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, "Arc-Welder Rifle", 3 rockets

: Grapple transforms into an orange crane based upon the same truck design that [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] uses, the Mitsubishi Fuso. Each of his forearms contains a spring-loaded missile launcher, so he can fire his own fists or silver missiles (though the mechanism was severely neutered in the original US releases). He is also armed with a small black rifle.

: This version of this mold was also used to make [[Hauler|RoadHauler]]. The fire engine version of the mold was released as Inferno and [[Artfire]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Grapple/grapple.htm More information on Grapple at TFU.info]''

* '''Autobot Grapple''' (Commemorative Series, 2004)
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, "Arc-Welder Rifle", 3 rockets

: Grapple was reissued by Hasbro in 2004 as part of the [[Commemorative Series]]. The spring-loaded firing mechanisms in his arms were completely removed due [[For safety reasons|to safety reasons]].
:Additionally, the hook on his crane as well as the hydraulics in the crane arm were changed to plastic painted silver, rather than using the more brittle (but authentic to the original release) vacuum-metalized plastic. He also gained a new Autobot sigil [[tampograph]] on his chest/cab, and his eyes were changed from yellow to blue.

: Interestingly enough, Grapple was ''not'' released as part of [[Takara]]'s "[[Transformers Collection]]" reissue series.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/CSGrapple/grapple.htm More information on Commemorative Series Grapple at TFU.info]''

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Grapple-atx.jpg|right|180px|thumb|[[wikipedia:Extendar|The tower of power]].]]
*'''Grapple''' (2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=Unknown
|faction=Autobot
|class=Warrior
|special=Unknown
|cost=30
|speed=Unknown
|attacktype=Rammer
}}
{{-}}
:One of many Generation 1 characters slated to appear in ''[[Attacktix]]'', Grapple would have been a "rammer"-type piece, with a spring-loaded boom-crane attack. A presumed wave-3 Booster, this piece was ultimately never released.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Merchandise===
*'''Grapple''' (Decoy, 1986)
:[[Decoy]] Grapple is a tiny red soft-rubber figurine randomly packaged with various carded toys in 1986.

==Trivia==
[[Image:Hauler01-sm.jpg|right|150px|thumb|This guy gets named, but does [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]? Nope! Screw him!]]
* An Autobot vehicle matching Grapple's vehicle mode and referred to as "Hauler" appears in a quick scene in the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|three-part mini-series pilot]] for the original cartoon series. Though later [[Retcon|retconned]] into [[Hauler|a unique character]] via an [[e-Hobby]]-[[exclusive]] [[redeco]], it is likely that this was originally intended as the toy and character that eventually became Grapple.

{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Grapple Grapple's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]

Friend or Foe? The Insect Robos

2010-05-28T00:30:00Z

71.59.153.16: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=beast wars ii
|ep=8
|image=BWIIep8Insectron01.jpg
|caption="How'd you get a bloody radio?"
|title="The Insect Robos—Friend or Foe?"
|japanese=敵・味方? 昆虫ロボ
|romaji=Teki—Mikata? Konchū Robo
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Production Reed|Ashi Production]]
|airdate=[[May 20|20 May]] 1998
|writer=[[Yukiyoshi Ōhashi]]
|director=[[Katsumi Ono]]
|animation studio=[[Production Reed|Ashi Production]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The manipulated Insectrons battle the Maximals!'''

==Synopsis==

Flying through a canyon, [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]] and [[BB]] hatch a new plan to make the [[Insectron]]s and [[Maximal]]s fight each other. Elsewhere, [[Tasmania Kid]], [[Bighorn]] and [[Diver (BWII)|Diver]] are fooling around near a river when Bighorn dares Diver to jump across it. The frog refuses, saying it's dangerous and that you should always be under caution. Bighorn calls him a coward, but they're all interrupted when [[Lio Convoy]] calls them back to base. At the ''[[Yukikaze (BWII)|Yukikaze]]'', Lio Convoy brings up their recurring Insectron problem. Bighorn suggests they just beat the insects up, but Convoy disagrees, saying that that's the reasoning of someone who only knows how to fight. He theorizes that the Insectrons probably just attacked the Maximals because they were intruding on their territory, and orders his troops not to attack if they spot any Insectrons. Bighorn doesn't understand why, since the Insectrons attacked them first, and following the meeting he takes his anger out on some rocks.

[[Image:BWIIep8ArtMoon01.jpg|left|thumb|]]

In the air, Starscream muses how his flight capabilities make finding the Insectrons just that much easier, and he and BB soon discover an Insectron hideout. Meanwhile, Tasmania Kid, Bighorn and Diver wander the jungle, discussing what to do if they ''do'' find an Insectron, but the conversation is interrupted when the group is hit by a missile. As Bighorn rushes in the direction it was fired from, Starscream chuckles from above; BB's missile was just a bait to lure the Maximals towards the Insectron hideout! On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Artemis]] is highly impressed by Starscream's plan. She wonders if the Maximals were fooled because of their justice sense, but [[Moon (BWII)|Moon]] figures they're just simple-minded.

Back on [[Gaea]], two Insectrons, [[Drill Nuts]] and [[Scissor Boy]], ascend from their underground hideout with a piece of machinery. Drill Nuts claims his invention can detect whether or not a person is hostile, but Scissor Boy is skeptic since most of Drill Nuts's inventions are just junk. The two are soon joined by [[Powerhug (BWII)|Powerhug]], a pill bug Insectron, when he comes rolling down a hill. Suddenly, Starscream and BB fly past the Insectrons, yelling that they're being chased by bad guys. As Drill Nuts's invention detects no hostility from the two jets, the Insectrons believe them. The three Maximals who arrive shortly afterwards, however, set off the detector like crazy.

[[Image:Powerhug1.jpg|right|thumb|]]

As Bighorn spots the Insectrons, he gets ready to fight, only for Diver to stop him and tell him to be cautious. Bighorn quickly loses his temper, calls Diver a coward who doesn't deserve to be a Maximal, and punts Tasmania Kid out of the way when he tries to make peace between them. Diver judges that there's just no arguing with Bighorn, and joins in on attacking the Insectrons. As Drill Nuts's invention detects ''unlimited hostility'' within Bighorn, the three insects transform and fight back. Starscream and BB watch the battle from afar, planning to join up with [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]] and [[Thrust (BWII)|Thrust]] to destroy both the Maximals and Insectrons once they've wasted all their energy.

[[Image:Scissorboy1.jpg|left|thumb|World's largest truffle. I [[Swindle (G1)|hope]] [[Swindle (Animated)|they]] aren't nearby... ]]

At the ''Yukikaze'', Lio Convoy and [[Apache]] note how Diver's group hasn't reported in during the past hour, and call the patrolling [[Scuba]] to find them before leaving to search themselves. As the battle in the jungle rages on, Bighorn is repeatedly knocked down by Powerhug, and starts questioning why the Insectron never finishes him off. Powerhug explains that he never cheats, and attacking people while they're down is against the rules of martial arts. Drill Nuts fires a few missiles at Diver, but when one of them is a dud, he suddenly stops fighting and sits down to examine the problem, mumbling that he can't believe his personal weaponry would fail lke that. Tasmania Kid throws a rock at Scissor Boy, joking about how "rock beats scissors", but Scissor Boy clearly disagrees, as he crushes the rock with his scissors. Both sides are eventually exhausted from fighting, and transform to their [[Alternate mode|beast modes]] as they agree to take a time-out.

During their break, the Maximals start doubting that the Insectrons are evil, and sit down to talk to them instead. As Starscream wonders why the two groups stopped fighting, Dirge and Thrust arrive, and attack without his orders. With nothing else to do, Starscream and BB join them, and together the [[Combatron (BWII)|Combatrons]] surround their enemies. To avoid getting caught up in a battle between the Maximals and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], the Insectrons quickly flee into their underground tunnels. Tasmania Kid and Diver prepare to fight, but Bighorn has lost too much energy fighting Powerhug. Diver protects him from enemy fire and tells him to retreat, and Bighorn apologizes for calling him a coward. Diver says he doesn't care as long as he runs away, but it's already too late as they're completely surrounded by the Predacons.

[[Image:BWIIep8Apache01.jpg|right|thumb|]]

Suddenly, Lio Convoy, Apache and Scuba arrive, blasting the Predacons with missiles and blasters. Their enemies fight back, but Lio Convoy scrambles their missiles' flight paths and they're eventually forced to withdraw. Following the battle, Lio Convoy demands to know why Diver's force attacked the Insectrons, but Bighorn defends his friend, explaining how it was all his fault and how Diver is a courageous person. Returning to the ''Yukikaze'', Diver's group tell Lio Convoy about their battle, and how the Insectrons don't feel like bad guys. Meanwhile, Drill Nuts has decided to improve his hostility detector, since it proved useless in the previous battle. Scissor Boy calls him hopeless as Powerhug rolls around the area, unable to stop.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
* [[Tasmania Kid]] (3)
* [[Bighorn]] (4)
* [[Diver (BWII)|Diver]] (5)
* [[Lio Convoy]] (6)
* [[NAVI-chan]] (7)
* [[Apache]] (8)
* [[Scuba]] (17)
|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
* [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[BB]] (2)
* [[Megastorm]] (14)
* [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]] (15)
* [[Thrust (BWII)|Thrust]] (16)
|c4=
* [[Artemis]] (9)
* [[Moon (BWII)|Moon]] (10)
* [[Drill Nuts]] (11)
* [[Scissor Boy]] (12)
* [[Powerhug (BWII)|Powerhug]] (13)
}}

==Notes==
===Transformers references===

*[[Drill Nuts]]'s hate-detecting device will reappear in "[[Danger, Scissor Boy!]]".

===Miscellaneous trivia===
*In this episode's installment of "[[Artemis & Moon II Report]]", Artemis and Moon review the abilities of the six Insectrons introduced in the past few episodes:
**[[Powerhug (BWII)|Powerhug]] can curl up and roll at his enemies.
**[[Drill Nuts]] uses his hand-drill to fight.
**[[Scissor Boy]] has sharp scissors on his chest.
**[[Mantis]] has his "praying mantis" fighting style and disc-throwing.
**[[Tonbot]] has a water gun and can spit missiles.
**[[Bigmos]] can also fire missiles from his mouth, and his wings can become scissors.

:Echoing the [[The Insect Corps Arrive|last segment]], Artemis finishes by saying Bigmos has a lot of abilities "in spite of his appearance". Bigmos then enters the segment, demanding to know what she means by that, and saying he's just as cool and popular as "Monko-chan" of "Monshiro Town".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|japanese}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — ACT. 3 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]])

{{DEFAULTSORT:Insect Robos—Friend or Foe?}}
[[Category:Beast Wars II episodes]]

Call of the Primitives

2010-05-27T01:58:05Z

71.59.153.16: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=91
|series2=2010
|ep2=26
|prev2=Grimlock's New Brain
|next2=The Face of the Nijika
|image=PrimitiveCall.jpg
|caption=Prim and Proper
|title="Call of the Primitives"
|production code=700-112
|airdate=[[November 18]], 1986
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''All Transformers with animal modes are summoned to battle a being called Tornedron, the little brother of Unicron.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 原始の呼び声 (''Genshi no Yobigoe'', "Primeval Call")
:''German title:'' '''Das geheimnisvolle Orakel''' ("The Mysterious Oracle")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:AutobotsCall.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Having your energy drained changes your paint job.]]

Somewhere, an energy creature begins feeding off other forms of energy—slowly, at first. Then his creator gives him an [[energon cube]]. The creature grows and spreads out into the universe. Soon, it attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The [[Autobot]]s attack it, but it simply drains their energy from them. The creature's creator is pleased with him, saying he's done better than his predecessor, [[Unicron]].

[[Image:Ejectcall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ravage, why are you running away?]]

On [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] is leading a group of Autobots against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. However, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], and the animal-form [[Mini-Cassette]]s are all summoned by a mysterious voice. They leave the battle, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] orders a retreat. Suddenly, the energy creature arrives and drains the energy from both the Autobots and Decepticons (including Rodimus Prime and Galvatron), as well as Earth and the Moon and Cybertron.

Most of the departed Transformers are riding Trypticon. Naturally, tempers flare after [[Headstrong]] picks a fight with the Dinobots by insulting [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], so [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] suggests they stomp him. The Preds stick with their teammate and fight the Dinobots, and the Terrorcons decide to fight everyone. At Sky Lynx's suggestion, Trypticon shakes himself and causes his passengers to stop fighting. They arrive on an ancient planet near the center of the galaxy. After touching down, Sky Lynx assumes command of the group, despite the objections of [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] and [[Hun-Gurrr]]. Finding a cave, they encounter [[Oracle (G1)|a strange entity]]. He explains that he summoned the [[Primitive|Primitives]], all animal-based Transformers, to come to fight [[Tornedron]], the energy being who was created by [[Primacron]]. The entity, who was once Primacron's assistant, explains how Primacron created Unicron but was nearly destroyed by his creation. After Unicron's defeat, Primacron created Tornedron as a replacement. Primacron's assistant hopes that the Primitives' simple instincts will allow them to defeat Primacon's complex plans.

[[Image:Terrorconcall.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ptooie]]

Suddenly, Tornedron arrives and drains Trypticon of his energy. Trypticon crashes, and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is believed destroyed. Sky Lynx attacks, only to have his energy drained as well. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] leads the Dinobots in retreat, while the other Primitives split up. Tornedron separates into four parts to track them down. He easily dispatches the Mini-Cassettes, chewing on [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] in the process. Headstrong declares that it would be better to [[Furmanism|fight and die]], and the Predacons form [[Predaking]]. Their energy is sucked away as well. The Terrorcons try to fight back, but are also drained. The Dinobots ambush Tornedron, but they too are dispatched. Unknown to Tornedron and Primacron, however, Grimlock has survived, and he follows them.

[[Image:Tornedroncall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Two scoops of raisins]]

At his base, Primacron is having trouble controlling Tornedron. Tornedron declares that he intends to feed on Primacron, and that all of Primacron's failsafes have failed. Grimlock breaks into Primacron's lab to find that Primacron is a tiny little alien...thing. Grimlock orders Primacron to reverse his damage, but Primacron declares that he's tried everything. Grimlock fixes things easily: He throws the reverse switch, which reverses Tornedron's energy polarity, restoring the energy to the drained Transformers and planets. In celebration, Grimlock destroys Primacron's lab, declaring it the smartest thing he's ever done.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (15)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
* [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (17)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (19)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (21)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (23)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (25)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (26)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (27)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (28)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (29)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (30)
* [[Slingshot]] (31)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (32)
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (36)
* [[Ramhorn]] (42)
* [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (43)
|c2=
* [[Sweep]]s (3)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (4)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (5)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (6)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (7)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (8)
* [[Hun-Gurrr]] (9)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (10)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (11)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (12)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (13)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (14)
* [[Tantrum]] (18)
* [[Headstrong]] (24)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (33)
* [[Predaking]] (34)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (35)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (37)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (38)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (39)
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] (40)
* [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] (41)
|c4=
* [[Primacron]] (1)
* [[Tornedron]] (2)
* [[Oracle (G1)|The Oracle]] (44)
* [[Unicron]] (45)
}}

==Quotes==
"Now remember, before you do anything, think, 'Is this what Sky Lynx would do in my position?', and you will not go far wrong."
:—'''Sky Lynx's''' sensible instructions to the rest of the Primitives.

"I have summoned you here to tell you a tale of long ago." 
"Oh, me Grimlock love long ago tale!" 
"Then allow me to tell it."
:—The '''Oracle''' slaps '''Grimlock''' into place.

"Suffer my rage, monster! I will show you no mercy! You will rue the day you crossed Sky—aaahhh!"
:—'''Sky Lynx'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s righteous fury at the deaths of Trypticon and Grimlock.

'''Headstrong''': Sky Lynx is destroyed! Who will lead us now? 
'''Slag''': I, Slag, lead Dinobots away, till I get better idea. 
'''Hun-Gurrr''': Best idea yet! We run too!
:—Strategy is not their strong suit.

'''Headstrong''': I detest fleeing, I would rather die fighting! 
'''Razorclaw''': He is right! Predacons, unite! 
''[The Predacons combine.]'' 
'''Predaking''': Tornedron... face Predaking! To the end!
:—The Predacons decide that [[Furmanism|it is better to fight and die than live with the knowledge that they ran]].

"Only you can save the world now, Grimlock." 
"Me Grimlock feel important!"
:—The '''Oracle''' rests the fate of... erm, the universe, on '''Grimlock's''' shoulders.

'''Grimlock''': ''[chuckles]'' "''You'' are creator?" 
'''Primacron''': "Unfortunately....yes." 
'''Grimlock''': "Grimlock laugh at little wimp who cause big trouble!"
:—'''Grimlock''', about to give '''Primacron''' a wedgie.

'''Primacron''': We are ''finished''!! I've amplified the energy parameters, minimized the drivormenter, redirected the ion flow! I've tried EVERYTHING! 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock solve problem! Wuh! 
''[Reaches over and pushes switch]'' 
'''Primacron''': Of course, the '''reverse switch!''' Why didn't ''I'' think of that?!
:—The universe's greatest genius gets one-upped by....'''Grimlock'''. Wait. What?!

'''Grimlock''': Grimlock saved universe! Grimlock hero! [Grimlock stomps in victory, causing the place to begin to collapse] 
'''Primacron''': Stop it! You stupid—! 
'''Grimlock''': Why you call Grimlock stupid? 
'''Primacron''': You've ruined my lab! 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock think that is smartest thing I ever done!
:—You know, that probably ''is'' the smartest thing he's ever done.

==Notes==
[[Image:Unicroncall.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Where am I from?]]
* The art style in this episode is very different from all others in the Generation 1 series, with stylized "anime-like" character models and proportions. In fact, the [[Character model|character models]] for this episode are based on the [[Studio Ox]] designs rather than the standard animation models used for the other episodes of the series. It is widely believed that this lone episode was animated by [[Tokyo Movie Shinsha]], though little evidence has been found to confirm this.
*In Japanese continuity, the scene where the Primitives encounter the [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]] is set in the past; apparently, the Primitives arrived there via time travel. This is done to accommodate the idea that the Oracle later evolved into [[Vector Sigma]] and later [[Primus]].

===Animation or technical glitches===
*In the second overhead shot of the Autobots during the opening battle, Rodimus is missing his (freakin' huge) spoiler.
*When Blades, Slingshot and Wheelie open fire on Tornedron, the first shot is fired before they even raise their weapons.
*As Tornedron in the form of a giant bug steps over the bodies of Blades, Slingshot and Wheelie, its glowing aura is on a lower cel than their bodies, making it appear to pass under them, despite the fact they're lying on the ground.
*When the Dinobots are being summoned, [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] is referred to as [[Sweep]].
*Galvatron's sporting a red Decepticon [[insignia]] when he calls in Trypticon.
*As the Predacons start firing on the Dinobots while inside Trypticon, one of the glowing effects doesn't quite match up with Headstrong's horn as it should (he moves his horn to the right position a moment later).
*Restoring the energy to the Moon also appears to rearrange all the craters.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:TVMagazineOverkill.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Eject—operation: Understudy."]]
[[Image:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Look alive, people! Uh, no offense, Windcharger."]]
* When summoning the Primitives, they forgot all about[[Laserbeak (G1)| Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]! Instead, Soundwave unleashes two new cassette Decepticons: [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] and [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]...who are then never seen again. Gee. This didn't stop [[TV Magazine]] from proudly displaying them as if they were the stars of the episode though.
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] is seen running around on Cybertron, despite having been killed in [[The Transformers: The Movie|the Transformers movie]]. But hey, that [[Carnage in C-Minor|happens]] [[Wheeljack (G1)|all]] [[Prowl (G1)|the]] [[Ironhide (G1)|time]].

===Transformers references===
* This episode marks the last appearance of the Dinobots, Trypticon, Ravage, and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in the western cartoon...bummer.
{{-}}

===Trivia===
[[Image:Firecall.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Me Grimlock like Predacons and Terrorcons Cajun style]]
* Unicron's origin is a bit...random.
* When Grimlock uses his [[flame breath]] on the Predacons and Terrorcons, they start to ''[[Humanization#Coughing|cough]]''...cause that's what you do when you're being hit with fire reaching several hundred degrees.
*This episode seems to resolidify the Dinobots' position as freakishly powerful (which took a beating in Season 3), as Grimlock alone seems to be a match for three Terrorcons and two Predacons, and the only Autobot sent flying is Swoop, who takes a blast to the chest early on. Also, the Dinobots seem to handle Tornedron with the most finesse.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''Transformers'' — Call of the Primitives / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Fight or Flee / Call of the Primitives (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1992 — ''Transformers'' — Super Video (Tempo Video)
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/call_of_the_primitives.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]