Obsidian (BM)

2010-02-23T17:37:36Z

82.155.120.227:

{{factions|vehicon|decepticon|unicron|autobot|predacon}}
{{disambig2|the Beast Machines Vehicon and the Universe Decepticon|the Robots in Disguise Decepticon|Obsidian (RID)}}
:''Obsidian is a [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] from the [[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ObsidianDJart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I love the smell of napalm in the morning."]]
'''Obsidian''' and his consort [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] have fought for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in countless battles... and won them all. Though he is sophisticated and canny, able to concoct strategies with layers upon layers, his purpose is single-minded. He defends Cybertron.

There is some fine print. Whoever happens to be in charge, whether a benevolent or malevolent force, in his reasoning, ''is'' Cybertron. Once power changes hands, so does he. He is loyal only to the planet, and perhaps his consort Strika, not to any moral ideals. As his fellow [[Vehicon general]] [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] has remarked, "If you're loyal to everybody, can you really be loyal to anybody?"... a question that has given Obsidian pause.

While he was pretending to be dumber-even-than-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], his [[activation code]] (and, indeed, his entire vocabulary) was "obliterate". He dropped the word when the ruse was over.

In an alternate universe, Obsidian was a former [[Autobot]] who rose to overthrow [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and take over Cybertron, only to be abducted by [[Unicron]] to serve as his [[Minion of Unicron|Minion]].

{{note|Obsidian has been variously credited as a former [[Autobot]] or as a former [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]].<ref>While most other sources hint at or outright declare him having once been an Autobot, ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' calls Obsidian "one of the most feared and deadly Predacon warrior-generals from Cybertron's past."</ref>}}

==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====Intimidation Game====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Paul Dobson]] (English)

The Tripredacus agent [[Flamewar]] was held prisoner and interrogated by a group of [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Maximal|Maximals]] which included Obsidian. However, it transpired that the questioning was merely a test of suitability by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurrectionist [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], and the entity appearing to be Obsidian was in fact a disguised [[Buzz Saw]]. {{storylink|Intimidation Game}}

{{note|This story, if it is meant to be part of ''Beast Wars'' continuity, would be somewhere around the beginning of the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. However, it is tied directly to "[[Descent into Evil]]", which has been declared out-of-continuity by [[Pete Sinclair|one of its creators]]. Take that [[Authorial intent|as you will]].}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Paul Dobson]] (English), [[Masaya Onosaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Sparkwar1-itsatrap.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]

Tired of the Maximals using his world as a playground and getting fed up with Thrust's inability to handle them, Megatron selected two Sparks to be his new generals. When Thrust first saw Obsidian and Strika, he remarked "Very nice, boss. Very very nice." However, the feeling wasn't mutual, as Thrust discovered when he started to inform the new guys of their enemies—and was batted away by Obsidian, bouncing off the wall and sliding to a halt at his "feet".

[[Image:Sparkwar1-thrustthinkshestheboss.jpg|right|thumb|250px|]]

Obsidian was quick to act against the Maximals, ambushing [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] with Strika. Screaming "Obliterate!" repeatedly, he pursued Silverbolt but was tackled by [[Optimus Primal]], sending both crashing into the ground. When Optimus tried to reason with him, Obsidian merely fired at him and transformed, escaping into the city. He rendezvoused with Strika and let the Maximals into a trap, as hundred of drones modeled after the two generals surrounded them. Transforming to robot mode, Obsidian remarked "Although he took his name from a great leader, Optimus Primal never learned the first rule of warfare: NEVER underestimate your opponent." The Maximals were able to escape the trap, but found all of their escape routes blocked by drones, [[Rattrap]] surprised at the number of drones and Optimus realizing that it wasn't number but tactics; their new opponents were master strategists. Forced to barricade themselves inside the Counsel Citadel, Primal realized that they had been herded there, at which point Obsidian contacted him and offered the Maximals the chance to surrender themselves. Revealing who he and Strika were, Obsidian informed Optimus that "Megatron IS Cybertron. To defend one is to defend the other. And to betray Megatron is to invite death." Despite their advantage, Obsidian and Strika were unable to capture the Maximals due to [[Botanica]]'s timely arrival, disrupting the drones' targeting systems and allowing the Maximals to escape. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike}}

[[Image:Obsidianbm.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Obsidian, LA Nails spokes-bot.]]

Obsidian's next major move was against [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and Silverbolt. Sent to a shell yard by Megatron and told to wait for the Maximals (as Megatron had sent Optimus a flash about the Sparks and their possible locations, which of course was a trap), Obsidian attacked the trio, outgunning and outflanking them easily. However, a power core thrown by Cheetor was hit by a shot from one of Obsidian's drones even as he was desperately telling them to cease fire, causing a huge explosion that sent him and his drones flying away in a fiery shockwave. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

When Megatron began to enact his plan for the Sparks, Obsidian and Strika were stationed to watch over the ground and air around the BFH. While he didn't get to do much personally, Obsidian attempted to engage Savage/Noble in single combat, only to have one of his own drones smacked into him and then Strika thrown into him. Ouch. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege}}

After Megatron's seeming destruction, the generals were at a loss. Without a leader they had no purpose, and when Cheetor and Nightscream approached them with an offer to join the Maximals they accepted, much to Thrust's annoyance. A possessed Jet Drone suddenly attacked both the generals and the Maximals, destroying the drones that were present. Obsidian and Strika did not join Cheetor and Nightscream in the fight against the Jet Drone (wusses). Later, Optimus welcomed the two to the group and sent them to patrol the inside of the [[Grand Mal]], where they unsuccessfully tried to stop Megatron's depolarized Spark from entering. After Megatron was re-polarized and bonded to a Diagnostic Drone, Obsidian and Strika seized him and made their escape, pledging their loyalty to evil once again. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[Image:Endgame2-floaters.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hey, it's the sun! Holy crap.]]

The conflict came to a head when Megatron began an all-out attack on his former base, seeking to reclaim the Sparks. Obsidian fell victim to Rattrap's identity scrambler, destroying several of his own troops before realizing his mistake. He later returned to his main fleet that was attacking the BFH, but they were unable to penetrate the shields. That changed when Megatron found a device Rattrap used to send Botanica back to the surface—a shield harmonic device synchronized to the base's shields. Obsidian and Strika were then able to fire through the shields and destroy the base's drive units, sending it plummeting into the Citadel. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral}}

After repairing and placing his troops, Obsidian began a second attack on the Grand Mal with Strika and Thrust. Taking down the shields and defeating several Maximals, the trio were left with only Cheetor in their way. However, the Maximal led them into the engine room, where he brought the anti-gravity generators online and sent Obsidian and Strika into Cybertron's orbit. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall}}

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
Though marooned in orbit, Strika and Obsidian were otherwise undamaged and were able to serve Cybertron once more. When the [[Quintesson]]s invaded technorganic Cybertron one week after the [[Great Reformatting]], Obsidian rewired an orbiting monitoring station for combat, while Strika used its artillery to take down an impressive target. The Quintesson ship ''[[Paradigm]]'' was destroyed in low orbit over [[Polyhex]]. Strika and Obsidian turned their attentions to the planetary defense grid. Though they had faith in the Maximals below, as they ''had'' bested even ''them'', the two still served the lofty goal of protecting Cybertron from invaders. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

===''Universe'' CD-ROM===
[[Image:UnivCDROM TractorBeam.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Whee.]]
On an alternate Cybertron, Obsidian fought alongside the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], [[Reptilion|Reptillion]] {{sic}}, and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] against [[Optimus Primal]] and his Autobots. One of these battles—the most violent of that year—was interrupted by a mysterious ship that sucked those Decepticons up on beams of light and sped away. None of the combatants realized that it was taking its captives to Unicron for use in a massive army. {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM|Universe CD-ROM}}

{{note|This comic shows no signs of being intended to mesh with other ''Universe'' fiction. There are inconsistencies in many of its elements, but given that ''Universe'' is entirely ABOUT alternate dimensions, it could still be a side note to the [[Universe war|greater storyline]]. Obsidian is one of the [[Tankor (BM)|few]] [[Razorclaw (Universe)|characters]] who could conceivably be the same ones who show up in the main ''Universe'' comic, but it is up to the reader to decide if that's the case.}}

===''Universe'' comic===
[[Image:KnowthatIamRazorclaw.jpg|left|300px|thumb|A universe where I cannot spell "possibilities"!]]
In a parallel universe, the Predacon Megatron "decimated" Cybertron's population by capturing their [[Spark|sparks]], including the vaunted Autobot general Obsidian. (It is unknown whether this literally means he only got one-tenth of the Cybertronians.) When Megatron gave him a new, helicopter-based body, Obsidian hid his thirst for revenge behind a feigned loyalty. He conspired with the brute Tankor, eventually using the latter's raw strength to carry out Megatron's termination. The vain Obsidian, now an "ex-Autobot," supplanted the Predacon's rule with an iron-fisted tyranny of his own. With his enforcer Tankor at his side, he put down uprisings and held the planet in fear... until Unicron decided that such a mindset would serve his own purposes, and he pulled them out of their universe entirely.<ref>Obsidian's [[bio]] in [[Escape (issue)|''Transformers Universe'' #2]]</ref>

Unicron, his ruined form trapped between dimensions, sought to revitalize himself by pitting abducted [[Transformer|Transformers]] against each other within his own body, absorbing their [[energon radiation]] and, eventually, sparks. But Obsidian was spared this fate, instead overseeing the [[Cauldron|deathmatch arena]] along with Tankor, Razorclaw, Reptilion, and [[Striker]]. [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], one of the intended victims, recognized Obsidian. Obsidian confirmed the familiarity, but noted that in his and Tankor's own timeline, Silverbolt had "[[Furmanism|died screaming]]." {{storylink|Abduction}} (Notably, by this time Obsidian's allegiance had fully switched to "Decepticon,"<ref>Tankor's bio, ibid.</ref> though it's unclear if this was before or after his coming under the thrall of Unicron.)

[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Dunk tank!]]
Two others from Silverbolt's party, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], were scheduled for an immediate duel within the Cauldron, and Obsidian tossed them their weapons. Sideswipe tried to turn on his captor, but his punch was repelled by Reptilion's machinery. As Sideswipe was punished, Obsidian reassured them that over time, all "remaining veneer of civilisation" would be stripped from them. For all his boasting and accomplishments, though, Obsidian still did a pretty crappy job of keeping [[Optimus Primal]] from freeing Silverbolt and dozens of other captives. He was no where to be seen as Optimus Primal battled Razorclaw, and showed up to pursue the fleeing captives, along with the other generals, only after they had left the Cauldron.

However, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] opted to stay behind with the generals, as [[Unicron virus|Unicron's influence]] had corrupted them. Obsidian and Tankor escorted Blackarachnia to Unicron's core, where she was reunited with [[Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

{{note|[[3H Productions]] lost the license, and so this story was never finished as intended. However, look into the end of ''Universe'' was shown in a comic published by the next licensee, [[Fun Publications]].}}

Much later, Optimus Primal waged one last desperate assault against Unicron, and his [[Children of Primus]] were able to defeat the [[Minions of Unicron]]. As Unicron himself seemed to dissolve below them, Obsidian and [[Nemesis Strika]] were left to their doom. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
While Obsidian and Strika were agreeing to side with the Maximals, after Megatron's apparent death, Megatron's spark animated an [[Sonic Attack Jet|Aero drone]] body. Unimpressed with their duplicity, Megatron cut off their access to their drone armies and opened fire on them. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==Toys==
===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM Obsidian-Hasbrotoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
* '''Obsidian''' (Basic, 2000)
**''Accessories'': 2 rotors

:A Basic-price point toy in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' line, Obsidian transforms into a twin-rotor assault helicopter vaguely similar to an Osprey. His cockpit in helicopter mode is multi-jointed to allow it movement to look around, the Vehicons' toy aesthetic being "living vehicles". The cockpit's "eyes" further enhance the effect. The two rotor blades are pressure-launch projectiles. His nominal robot "flight" mode keeps his tail section together but curled up below him (as in the show), but the tail section can split up to form a pair of "normal" legs as well. His orange spark crystal is located on the robot mode's back.

:The same mold is used by ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Obsidian (RID)|Obsidian]]. A hand-painted mock-up of the mold was presented as a proposed [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]] as a future [[BotCon]] exclusive, but was never produced.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Vehicon/Obsidian/obsidian.htm More information on Beast Machines Obsidian at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2pack}}
[[Image:BM-toy ObsidianQuickstrike2pack.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]
*'''Obsidian''' / '''Quickstrike''' (2-pack, 2000)
**''Accessories'': 2 rotors

:Obsidian was also available in a two-pack with the [[Maximal]] [[Quickstrike (BM)|Quickstrike]]. Both toys are actually on their original individual cards, but packed within a thick cardboard backing with "Beast Machines 2 Pack" printed on it. It is currently unknown what venue this set came out at, though it is most likely a wholesale club release from [[Sam's Club]] or [[Costco]].

{{-}}

===Universe===
[[Image:Universe2003toy-TankorObsidian.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh, fine, everyone immediately recognize your old enemy Tankor, but does anyone think I'm the dashing Rotorbolt? No!]]
*'''Tankor & Obsidian''' (Ultra, 2003)
**''Accessories'': 2 rotors

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Ultras, this [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Machines'' Obsidian toy was only available with his larger partner [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. The toy features the "energon surge" paint deco most of the early ''Universe'' toys featured.

: This toy's coloration is not ''too'' far from the proposed colors for the unmade [[Wrecker]] [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]] (save the "energon surge" deco, of course). As such, many fans use him as a substitute for the haughty Predacon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Obsidian/obsidian.htm More information on Universe Obsidian at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars Returns===
[[Image:BM Obsidian-BWRtoy.jpg|right|250px|" Before..."|thumb|]]
*'''Vehicon Obsidian''' (Basic, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-14'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 rotors

:In 2005 the toy was [[redeco]]ed and released as part of the Japanese Toys 'R' Us [[exclusive]] ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' series, the Japanese version of ''Beast Machines''. Having been produced several years after the cartoon was, this version had a deco considerably more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] than the original, but still not quite there, physical differences between the mold and show model regardless.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* At one point Obsidian was planned to have a deluxe toy that would be more [[Show accuracy|show-accurate]]. Sadly, this toy never made it past pre-production. (Rotorbolt was originally going to be a BotCon exclusive redeco of this mold, explaining why he was drawn to match Obsidian's show appearance in the Wreckers comics rather than the Basic toy.)

* Story editor [[Bob Skir]] wanted to depict Obsidian and Strika's return to Cybertron after the reformatting wave hit in the last episode, making them the only two purely mechanical beings remaining. They would refuse reformatting into techno-organic forms, seeing being in their normal bodies as punishment for their misguided actions. However, this never made it into the series.

* Somehow, no one remembered to add fingers to any of Obsidian's toys.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Vehicons]]

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Obsidian (BM)