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Inside Job

2012-10-14T11:55:03Z

86.86.159.173: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 49
|prev=Hard Knocks
|next=Patch (episode)
|image=InsideJobKnockOutSmokescreen.jpg
|caption=Having fun, Knock Out?
|title="Inside Job"
|airdate=[[October 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] recovers consciousness to find himself on a slab in the [[Trypticon (Prime)|Decepticon warship]] with [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] standing over him. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] demands the final relic, pointing out [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s work decrypting the Iacon database has revealed an image of Smokescreen, but Smokescreen is merely confused as to what it means. Knock Out scans the [[Autobot]], and finds the last relic is hidden inside.

The other Autobots, meanwhile, realize that the Decepticons must have decoded the last coordinates and speculate that Smokescreen holds the [[Omega Key]] inside him, largely due to being installed within him while unconscious by [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]].

Knock Out advances on the alarmed Smokescreen with a rotary saw, only to reveal he's actually going to use the [[phase shifter]] to do the operation. He reaches inside Smokescreen and soon has the Omega Key in hand. Smokescreen refuses to tell the Decepticons what the Omega Keys are, but Megatron has ways of finding out.

[[Image:InsideJobStarscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cue evil laugh in 3, 2, 1...]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] ruminates on the one Omega Key he possesses, while talking to his [[Starscream clone (Prime)|dead clone]]. Imagining himself in charge of a reborn [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he quickly realizes that he doesn't have the resources he would need to rule it.

Megatron listens in on Prime's briefing about the Omega Keys, thanks to a [[cortical psychic patch]] hooked up to Smokescreen. Once they've learned all they need, Knock Out unplugs the pair and Megatron orders Knock Out to use the patch to find the location of the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]] so they can retrieve the other Omega Keys. After Megatron leaves to put their new key in a safe place, Knock Out moves in, only for Smokescreen to grab the phase shifter attached to his wrist and uses it to free himself. The pair grapple until Smokescreen manages to pull the device from his opponent's wrist, leaving Knock Out embedded in a bulkhead. Though Knock Out points out Smokescreen has no means of escape from the ship, Smokescreen has plans of his own. Through use of the phase shifter, he manages to catch up with Megatron near the storage area, where he snatches back the Omega Key and takes the one in storage as well. The Decepticons attempt to stop him, but their firepower passes straight through him. He eventually reaches the outer hull, only to be confronted by Megatron. With no other choice, the Autobot bails the ship.

At the Autobot base, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] picks up Smokescreen's signal, but has trouble locking on due to the fact that Smokescreen is plummeting through the air. Harried by [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], Smokescreen drops towards the [[GroundBridge]] Ratchet opens, only to be knocked off-course by Megatron. He uses the phase shifter to pass through the ground. Moments later, Megatron lands and demands his subordinates search the wreckage. Smokescreen bridges back to base, where the Autobots congratulate him, but wonder where the fourth key is. Their query is answered a moment later when they get a message from Starscream offering the key in return for the replacement of his [[transformation cog|T-Cog]]. Having considered it, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides it's too important to not take Starscream up on his offer.

Optimus, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] bridge to a forested location and approach Starscream, only to find him apparently dead. It is, of course, just the dead clone, as the real Starscream uses his [[Red Energon]] to nip through the GroundBridge into the Autobot base. Moving too fast to be seen, he is tempted at first to finish off the slow-moving Autobots, but goes back to finding the Omega Keys first. The Autobots in the field realize they've been deceived just as Starscream blows open the vault holding the keys. Though Optimus orders [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to close the GroundBridge, it is too slow to prevent Starscream from escaping the base. He stops to mock Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead, only for the Red Energon to wear off right at the worst possible moment. After firing a missile at the Autobots, he frantically opens his own GroundBridge and escapes back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', much to Optimus's despair. Though Bulkhead and Ratchet believe they can get the keys back Optimus grimly announces the fate of Cybertron is now in Starscream's hands.

[[Image:InsideJobKnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Well, this is awkward.]]
Despite Knock Out's pleas, Megatron refuses to release him from the wall. Megatron and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] return to the bridge, where they find Starscream who has come with a peace offering of all four Omega Keys.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (11)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (12)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (13)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Trippy."
:—'''Knock Out''' thinks the phase shifter is like, totally groovy man.

"Get your stinkin' hand out of my gears!"
:—'''Smokescreen''' obviously doesn't like operations.

"Tell me the function of these relics." 
"Door stop, shavers, bling? Beats me."
:—'''Megatron''' asks a question and '''Smokescreen''' gives a vague answer.

"How easy it would be to gut you [Arcee]...to gut all of you."
:—Well, '''Starscream's''' already making plans.

"Now that I have your trinkets, I can enjoy slitting your... [sees closing GroundBridge] but, as I appear to be pressed for time..."
:—Don't get too carried away there, '''Starscream'''.

"Autobots, maintain positions!" (said in '''very''' slow motion) 
"I'm sorry, what was that? Mblemblemble!"
:—'''Starscream''' uses the power of [[Red Energon]] to taunt '''Optimus'''.

"We ''will'' locate the Autobot base, invade it, and retrieve the Omega Keys!" 
"Been there, done that."
:—'''Starscream''' steals '''Megatron''''s thunder.

==Notes==
[[Image:TFP Inside Job Starscream fistful of keys.jpg|thumb||250px|Beware Starscream bearing gifts...]]

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron's vehicle mode still has his fusion cannon, despite the arm it was attached to being removed. Furthermore, if one watches Megatron's transformation scene, it's blocked off by smoke, making it impossible to see what exactly happens with his fusion cannon and his different arm.
*Smokescreen's momentum suddenly disappears upon phasing through the ground. Based on where he exits, he couldn't have landed much lower than the Vehicons did. Speaking of momentum, how exactly were the Autobots planning to catch Smokescreen when he came out of the GroundBridge at terminal velocity? Maybe it's part of the "intuitiveness" that allows for not phasing through floors and simultaneously reaching through objects and grabbing parts of them/items inside them?
*An early external shot of the ''[[Trypticon_(Prime)|Nemesis]]'' has its "eyes" and running lights illuminated in [[Dark Energon]] purple; later in the episode they are their normal red.

===Continuity errors===
*Did the Autobots not scan Smokescreen trougoughly when he first came to the base? After the incident with Makeshift you would would think the Autobots would do so. Even if they were sure that Smokescreen was legit a trougough scan would still be a good thing to perform in case of battle damage. If you want to fix something you need to know what it originally looked like.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode continues from [[Hard Knocks|the previous one]], starting not long after Smokescreen's capture and subsequent restraint.
*The [[cortical psychic patch]] is used to extract information from Smokescreen, having been used previously in "[[Sick Mind]]" and "[[Out of the Past]]".
*The scene which Megatron watches in Smokescreen's mind is from "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
*Starscream lists off numerous items he's acquired or stolen in previous episodes; the Omega Key from "Hard Knocks", the processed Red Energon (which he acquired in "[[New Recruit]]" and refined in "Hard Knocks"), his GroundBridge remote first seen in "[[Triangulation]]", his murdered clone from "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]", and the T-cog he scavenged from said clone in "Triangulation".
*Starscream previously referred to himself as an "[[Emperor of Destruction]]" in "[[Masters & Students]]".
*Ratchet recalls Starscream's lack of a T-cog, which he learned about in "[[Crossfire]]". Starscream lost his in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
*Starscream still seems to be holding a grudge against Arcee from the events of "[[Partners]]", given his comments about gutting the Autobots start with her.
*While Starscream is looking for the Omega Keys in the Autobots' Vault, he comes across [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] in stasis, which occurred back in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
* This is the second time that Megatron abandons one of his own soldiers as a form of punishment. The first was of course Breakdown, whom was recued by Bulkhead. At this rate he will soon be seriously outnumbered compared to the Autobots. Vehicons aside that is but those are nothing more than cannon fodder so they do not really count.
*Even though the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] was destroyed in "Alpha/Omega", Optimus still wears the hilt Ratchet made him.

===Transformers references===
* One of Starscream's self-proclaimed titles as the new ruler of Cybertron is "[[Emperor of Destruction]]". He also refers to himself as Cybertron's [[Overlord (rank)|Overlord]], which originated in the Marvel UK story [[State Games]] as the pre-war rulers of Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
*A brain pan is real. Scientists use it to study brains of corpses without the confines of a skull.
*Arcee uses the human phrase of sounding like a broken record.

===Trivia===
*This episode explains why the phase shifter doesn't phase the user through everything, neatly tying up the issues of how it can be used with such versatility.
*While in Smokescreen's mind, Megatron's avatar has his own arm rather than the Prime's arm that he's since attached.
* Why would the Autobots open a ground bridge (which leads directly to their base) so close to Starscream's postion Knowing it is probably a trap they should have been more careful..
*This is the third episode in a row where no humans appear, the first episode in the series where we get to hear Optimus scream in frustration, and the first episode since "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" to show a Vehicon in automobile mode.
*Both Optimus and Megatron scream at the loss of the Omega Keys.
*It would seem Megatron cannot tell which of his own soldiers are fliers or ground troopers. Then again, there's not much difference in appearance.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Inside Job

2012-10-14T11:50:48Z

86.86.159.173: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 49
|prev=Hard Knocks
|next=Patch (episode)
|image=InsideJobKnockOutSmokescreen.jpg
|caption=Having fun, Knock Out?
|title="Inside Job"
|airdate=[[October 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] recovers consciousness to find himself on a slab in the [[Trypticon (Prime)|Decepticon warship]] with [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] standing over him. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] demands the final relic, pointing out [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s work decrypting the Iacon database has revealed an image of Smokescreen, but Smokescreen is merely confused as to what it means. Knock Out scans the [[Autobot]], and finds the last relic is hidden inside.

The other Autobots, meanwhile, realize that the Decepticons must have decoded the last coordinates and speculate that Smokescreen holds the [[Omega Key]] inside him, largely due to being installed within him while unconscious by [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]].

Knock Out advances on the alarmed Smokescreen with a rotary saw, only to reveal he's actually going to use the [[phase shifter]] to do the operation. He reaches inside Smokescreen and soon has the Omega Key in hand. Smokescreen refuses to tell the Decepticons what the Omega Keys are, but Megatron has ways of finding out.

[[Image:InsideJobStarscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cue evil laugh in 3, 2, 1...]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] ruminates on the one Omega Key he possesses, while talking to his [[Starscream clone (Prime)|dead clone]]. Imagining himself in charge of a reborn [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he quickly realizes that he doesn't have the resources he would need to rule it.

Megatron listens in on Prime's briefing about the Omega Keys, thanks to a [[cortical psychic patch]] hooked up to Smokescreen. Once they've learned all they need, Knock Out unplugs the pair and Megatron orders Knock Out to use the patch to find the location of the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]] so they can retrieve the other Omega Keys. After Megatron leaves to put their new key in a safe place, Knock Out moves in, only for Smokescreen to grab the phase shifter attached to his wrist and uses it to free himself. The pair grapple until Smokescreen manages to pull the device from his opponent's wrist, leaving Knock Out embedded in a bulkhead. Though Knock Out points out Smokescreen has no means of escape from the ship, Smokescreen has plans of his own. Through use of the phase shifter, he manages to catch up with Megatron near the storage area, where he snatches back the Omega Key and takes the one in storage as well. The Decepticons attempt to stop him, but their firepower passes straight through him. He eventually reaches the outer hull, only to be confronted by Megatron. With no other choice, the Autobot bails the ship.

At the Autobot base, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] picks up Smokescreen's signal, but has trouble locking on due to the fact that Smokescreen is plummeting through the air. Harried by [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], Smokescreen drops towards the [[GroundBridge]] Ratchet opens, only to be knocked off-course by Megatron. He uses the phase shifter to pass through the ground. Moments later, Megatron lands and demands his subordinates search the wreckage. Smokescreen bridges back to base, where the Autobots congratulate him, but wonder where the fourth key is. Their query is answered a moment later when they get a message from Starscream offering the key in return for the replacement of his [[transformation cog|T-Cog]]. Having considered it, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides it's too important to not take Starscream up on his offer.

Optimus, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] bridge to a forested location and approach Starscream, only to find him apparently dead. It is, of course, just the dead clone, as the real Starscream uses his [[Red Energon]] to nip through the GroundBridge into the Autobot base. Moving too fast to be seen, he is tempted at first to finish off the slow-moving Autobots, but goes back to finding the Omega Keys first. The Autobots in the field realize they've been deceived just as Starscream blows open the vault holding the keys. Though Optimus orders [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to close the GroundBridge, it is too slow to prevent Starscream from escaping the base. He stops to mock Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead, only for the Red Energon to wear off right at the worst possible moment. After firing a missile at the Autobots, he frantically opens his own GroundBridge and escapes back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', much to Optimus's despair. Though Bulkhead and Ratchet believe they can get the keys back Optimus grimly announces the fate of Cybertron is now in Starscream's hands.

[[Image:InsideJobKnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Well, this is awkward.]]
Despite Knock Out's pleas, Megatron refuses to release him from the wall. Megatron and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] return to the bridge, where they find Starscream who has come with a peace offering of all four Omega Keys.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (11)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (12)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (13)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Trippy."
:—'''Knock Out''' thinks the phase shifter is like, totally groovy man.

"Get your stinkin' hand out of my gears!"
:—'''Smokescreen''' obviously doesn't like operations.

"Tell me the function of these relics." 
"Door stop, shavers, bling? Beats me."
:—'''Megatron''' asks a question and '''Smokescreen''' gives a vague answer.

"How easy it would be to gut you [Arcee]...to gut all of you."
:—Well, '''Starscream's''' already making plans.

"Now that I have your trinkets, I can enjoy slitting your... [sees closing GroundBridge] but, as I appear to be pressed for time..."
:—Don't get too carried away there, '''Starscream'''.

"Autobots, maintain positions!" (said in '''very''' slow motion) 
"I'm sorry, what was that? Mblemblemble!"
:—'''Starscream''' uses the power of [[Red Energon]] to taunt '''Optimus'''.

"We ''will'' locate the Autobot base, invade it, and retrieve the Omega Keys!" 
"Been there, done that."
:—'''Starscream''' steals '''Megatron''''s thunder.

==Notes==
[[Image:TFP Inside Job Starscream fistful of keys.jpg|thumb||250px|Beware Starscream bearing gifts...]]

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron's vehicle mode still has his fusion cannon, despite the arm it was attached to being removed. Furthermore, if one watches Megatron's transformation scene, it's blocked off by smoke, making it impossible to see what exactly happens with his fusion cannon and his different arm.
*Smokescreen's momentum suddenly disappears upon phasing through the ground. Based on where he exits, he couldn't have landed much lower than the Vehicons did. Speaking of momentum, how exactly were the Autobots planning to catch Smokescreen when he came out of the GroundBridge at terminal velocity? Maybe it's part of the "intuitiveness" that allows for not phasing through floors and simultaneously reaching through objects and grabbing parts of them/items inside them?
*An early external shot of the ''[[Trypticon_(Prime)|Nemesis]]'' has its "eyes" and running lights illuminated in [[Dark Energon]] purple; later in the episode they are their normal red.

===Continuity errors===
*Did the Autobots not scan Smokescreen trougoughly when he first came to the base? After the incident with Makeshift you would would think the Autobots would do so. Even if they were sure that Smokescreen was legit a trougough scan would still be a good thing to perform in case of battle damage. If you want to fix something you need to know what it originally looked like.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode continues from [[Hard Knocks|the previous one]], starting not long after Smokescreen's capture and subsequent restraint.
*The [[cortical psychic patch]] is used to extract information from Smokescreen, having been used previously in "[[Sick Mind]]" and "[[Out of the Past]]".
*The scene which Megatron watches in Smokescreen's mind is from "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
*Starscream lists off numerous items he's acquired or stolen in previous episodes; the Omega Key from "Hard Knocks", the processed Red Energon (which he acquired in "[[New Recruit]]" and refined in "Hard Knocks"), his GroundBridge remote first seen in "[[Triangulation]]", his murdered clone from "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]", and the T-cog he scavenged from said clone in "Triangulation".
*Starscream previously referred to himself as an "[[Emperor of Destruction]]" in "[[Masters & Students]]".
*Ratchet recalls Starscream's lack of a T-cog, which he learned about in "[[Crossfire]]". Starscream lost his in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
*Starscream still seems to be holding a grudge against Arcee from the events of "[[Partners]]", given his comments about gutting the Autobots start with her.
*While Starscream is looking for the Omega Keys in the Autobots' Vault, he comes across [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] in stasis, which occurred back in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Even though the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] was destroyed in "Alpha/Omega", Optimus still wears the hilt Ratchet made him.

===Transformers references===
* One of Starscream's self-proclaimed titles as the new ruler of Cybertron is "[[Emperor of Destruction]]". He also refers to himself as Cybertron's [[Overlord (rank)|Overlord]], which originated in the Marvel UK story [[State Games]] as the pre-war rulers of Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
*A brain pan is real. Scientists use it to study brains of corpses without the confines of a skull.
*Arcee uses the human phrase of sounding like a broken record.

===Trivia===
*This episode explains why the phase shifter doesn't phase the user through everything, neatly tying up the issues of how it can be used with such versatility.
*While in Smokescreen's mind, Megatron's avatar has his own arm rather than the Prime's arm that he's since attached.
* Why would the Autobots open a ground bridge (which leads directly to their base) so close to Starscream's postion Knowing it is probably a trap they should have been more careful..
*This is the third episode in a row where no humans appear, the first episode in the series where we get to hear Optimus scream in frustration, and the first episode since "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" to show a Vehicon in automobile mode.
*Both Optimus and Megatron scream at the loss of the Omega Keys.
*It would seem Megatron cannot tell which of his own soldiers are fliers or ground troopers. Then again, there's not much difference in appearance.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Inside Job

2012-10-14T11:50:27Z

86.86.159.173: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 49
|prev=Hard Knocks
|next=Patch (episode)
|image=InsideJobKnockOutSmokescreen.jpg
|caption=Having fun, Knock Out?
|title="Inside Job"
|airdate=[[October 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] recovers consciousness to find himself on a slab in the [[Trypticon (Prime)|Decepticon warship]] with [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] standing over him. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] demands the final relic, pointing out [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s work decrypting the Iacon database has revealed an image of Smokescreen, but Smokescreen is merely confused as to what it means. Knock Out scans the [[Autobot]], and finds the last relic is hidden inside.

The other Autobots, meanwhile, realize that the Decepticons must have decoded the last coordinates and speculate that Smokescreen holds the [[Omega Key]] inside him, largely due to being installed within him while unconscious by [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]].

Knock Out advances on the alarmed Smokescreen with a rotary saw, only to reveal he's actually going to use the [[phase shifter]] to do the operation. He reaches inside Smokescreen and soon has the Omega Key in hand. Smokescreen refuses to tell the Decepticons what the Omega Keys are, but Megatron has ways of finding out.

[[Image:InsideJobStarscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cue evil laugh in 3, 2, 1...]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] ruminates on the one Omega Key he possesses, while talking to his [[Starscream clone (Prime)|dead clone]]. Imagining himself in charge of a reborn [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he quickly realizes that he doesn't have the resources he would need to rule it.

Megatron listens in on Prime's briefing about the Omega Keys, thanks to a [[cortical psychic patch]] hooked up to Smokescreen. Once they've learned all they need, Knock Out unplugs the pair and Megatron orders Knock Out to use the patch to find the location of the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]] so they can retrieve the other Omega Keys. After Megatron leaves to put their new key in a safe place, Knock Out moves in, only for Smokescreen to grab the phase shifter attached to his wrist and uses it to free himself. The pair grapple until Smokescreen manages to pull the device from his opponent's wrist, leaving Knock Out embedded in a bulkhead. Though Knock Out points out Smokescreen has no means of escape from the ship, Smokescreen has plans of his own. Through use of the phase shifter, he manages to catch up with Megatron near the storage area, where he snatches back the Omega Key and takes the one in storage as well. The Decepticons attempt to stop him, but their firepower passes straight through him. He eventually reaches the outer hull, only to be confronted by Megatron. With no other choice, the Autobot bails the ship.

At the Autobot base, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] picks up Smokescreen's signal, but has trouble locking on due to the fact that Smokescreen is plummeting through the air. Harried by [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], Smokescreen drops towards the [[GroundBridge]] Ratchet opens, only to be knocked off-course by Megatron. He uses the phase shifter to pass through the ground. Moments later, Megatron lands and demands his subordinates search the wreckage. Smokescreen bridges back to base, where the Autobots congratulate him, but wonder where the fourth key is. Their query is answered a moment later when they get a message from Starscream offering the key in return for the replacement of his [[transformation cog|T-Cog]]. Having considered it, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides it's too important to not take Starscream up on his offer.

Optimus, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] bridge to a forested location and approach Starscream, only to find him apparently dead. It is, of course, just the dead clone, as the real Starscream uses his [[Red Energon]] to nip through the GroundBridge into the Autobot base. Moving too fast to be seen, he is tempted at first to finish off the slow-moving Autobots, but goes back to finding the Omega Keys first. The Autobots in the field realize they've been deceived just as Starscream blows open the vault holding the keys. Though Optimus orders [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to close the GroundBridge, it is too slow to prevent Starscream from escaping the base. He stops to mock Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead, only for the Red Energon to wear off right at the worst possible moment. After firing a missile at the Autobots, he frantically opens his own GroundBridge and escapes back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', much to Optimus's despair. Though Bulkhead and Ratchet believe they can get the keys back Optimus grimly announces the fate of Cybertron is now in Starscream's hands.

[[Image:InsideJobKnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Well, this is awkward.]]
Despite Knock Out's pleas, Megatron refuses to release him from the wall. Megatron and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] return to the bridge, where they find Starscream who has come with a peace offering of all four Omega Keys.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (11)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (12)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (13)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Trippy."
:—'''Knock Out''' thinks the phase shifter is like, totally groovy man.

"Get your stinkin' hand out of my gears!"
:—'''Smokescreen''' obviously doesn't like operations.

"Tell me the function of these relics." 
"Door stop, shavers, bling? Beats me."
:—'''Megatron''' asks a question and '''Smokescreen''' gives a vague answer.

"How easy it would be to gut you [Arcee]...to gut all of you."
:—Well, '''Starscream's''' already making plans.

"Now that I have your trinkets, I can enjoy slitting your... [sees closing GroundBridge] but, as I appear to be pressed for time..."
:—Don't get too carried away there, '''Starscream'''.

"Autobots, maintain positions!" (said in '''very''' slow motion) 
"I'm sorry, what was that? Mblemblemble!"
:—'''Starscream''' uses the power of [[Red Energon]] to taunt '''Optimus'''.

"We ''will'' locate the Autobot base, invade it, and retrieve the Omega Keys!" 
"Been there, done that."
:—'''Starscream''' steals '''Megatron''''s thunder.

==Notes==
[[Image:TFP Inside Job Starscream fistful of keys.jpg|thumb||250px|Beware Starscream bearing gifts...]]

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron's vehicle mode still has his fusion cannon, despite the arm it was attached to being removed. Furthermore, if one watches Megatron's transformation scene, it's blocked off by smoke, making it impossible to see what exactly happens with his fusion cannon and his different arm.
*Smokescreen's momentum suddenly disappears upon phasing through the ground. Based on where he exits, he couldn't have landed much lower than the Vehicons did. Speaking of momentum, how exactly were the Autobots planning to catch Smokescreen when he came out of the GroundBridge at terminal velocity? Maybe it's part of the "intuitiveness" that allows for not phasing through floors and simultaneously reaching through objects and grabbing parts of them/items inside them?
*An early external shot of the ''[[Trypticon_(Prime)|Nemesis]]'' has its "eyes" and running lights illuminated in [[Dark Energon]] purple; later in the episode they are their normal red.

===Continuity errors===
*Did the Autobots not scan Smokescreen trougoughly when he first came to the base? After the incident with Makeshift you would would think the Autobots would do so. Even if they were sure that Smokescreen was legit a trougough scan would still be a good thing to perform in case of battle damage. If you want to fix something you need to know what it originally looked like.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode continues from [[Hard Knocks|the previous one]], starting not long after Smokescreen's capture and subsequent restraint.
*The [[cortical psychic patch]] is used to extract information from Smokescreen, having been used previously in "[[Sick Mind]]" and "[[Out of the Past]]".
*The scene which Megatron watches in Smokescreen's mind is from "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
*Starscream lists off numerous items he's acquired or stolen in previous episodes; the Omega Key from "Hard Knocks", the processed Red Energon (which he acquired in "[[New Recruit]]" and refined in "Hard Knocks"), his GroundBridge remote first seen in "[[Triangulation]]", his murdered clone from "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]", and the T-cog he scavenged from said clone in "Triangulation".
*Starscream previously referred to himself as an "[[Emperor of Destruction]]" in "[[Masters & Students]]".
*Ratchet recalls Starscream's lack of a T-cog, which he learned about in "[[Crossfire]]". Starscream lost his in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
*Starscream still seems to be holding a grudge against Arcee from the events of "[[Partners]]", given his comments about gutting the Autobots start with her.
*While Starscream is looking for the Omega Keys in the Autobots' Vault, he comes across [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] in stasis, which occurred back in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Even though the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] was destroyed in "Alpha/Omega", Optimus still wears the hilt Ratchet made him.

===Transformers references===
* One of Starscream's self-proclaimed titles as the new ruler of Cybertron is "[[Emperor of Destruction]]". He also refers to himself as Cybertron's [[Overlord (rank)|Overlord]], which originated in the Marvel UK story [[State Games]] as the pre-war rulers of Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
*A brain pan is real. Scientists use it to study brains of corpses without the confines of a skull.
*Arcee uses the human phrase of sounding like a broken record.

===Trivia===
*This episode explains why the phase shifter doesn't phase the user through everything, neatly tying up the issues of how it can be used with such versatility.
*While in Smokescreen's mind, Megatron's avatar has his own arm rather than the Prime's arm that he's since attached.
* Why would the Autobots open a ground bridge (which leads directly to their base) so close to Starscream's postion. Knowing it is probably a trap they should have been more careful..
*This is the third episode in a row where no humans appear, the first episode in the series where we get to hear Optimus scream in frustration, and the first episode since "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" to show a Vehicon in automobile mode.
*Both Optimus and Megatron scream at the loss of the Omega Keys.
*It would seem Megatron cannot tell which of his own soldiers are fliers or ground troopers. Then again, there's not much difference in appearance.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Inside Job

2012-10-14T11:21:56Z

86.86.159.173: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 49
|prev=Hard Knocks
|next=Patch (episode)
|image=InsideJobKnockOutSmokescreen.jpg
|caption=Having fun, Knock Out?
|title="Inside Job"
|airdate=[[October 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] recovers consciousness to find himself on a slab in the [[Trypticon (Prime)|Decepticon warship]] with [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] standing over him. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] demands the final relic, pointing out [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s work decrypting the Iacon database has revealed an image of Smokescreen, but Smokescreen is merely confused as to what it means. Knock Out scans the [[Autobot]], and finds the last relic is hidden inside.

The other Autobots, meanwhile, realize that the Decepticons must have decoded the last coordinates and speculate that Smokescreen holds the [[Omega Key]] inside him, largely due to being installed within him while unconscious by [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]].

Knock Out advances on the alarmed Smokescreen with a rotary saw, only to reveal he's actually going to use the [[phase shifter]] to do the operation. He reaches inside Smokescreen and soon has the Omega Key in hand. Smokescreen refuses to tell the Decepticons what the Omega Keys are, but Megatron has ways of finding out.

[[Image:InsideJobStarscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cue evil laugh in 3, 2, 1...]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] ruminates on the one Omega Key he possesses, while talking to his [[Starscream clone (Prime)|dead clone]]. Imagining himself in charge of a reborn [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he quickly realizes that he doesn't have the resources he would need to rule it.

Megatron listens in on Prime's briefing about the Omega Keys, thanks to a [[cortical psychic patch]] hooked up to Smokescreen. Once they've learned all they need, Knock Out unplugs the pair and Megatron orders Knock Out to use the patch to find the location of the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]] so they can retrieve the other Omega Keys. After Megatron leaves to put their new key in a safe place, Knock Out moves in, only for Smokescreen to grab the phase shifter attached to his wrist and uses it to free himself. The pair grapple until Smokescreen manages to pull the device from his opponent's wrist, leaving Knock Out embedded in a bulkhead. Though Knock Out points out Smokescreen has no means of escape from the ship, Smokescreen has plans of his own. Through use of the phase shifter, he manages to catch up with Megatron near the storage area, where he snatches back the Omega Key and takes the one in storage as well. The Decepticons attempt to stop him, but their firepower passes straight through him. He eventually reaches the outer hull, only to be confronted by Megatron. With no other choice, the Autobot bails the ship.

At the Autobot base, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] picks up Smokescreen's signal, but has trouble locking on due to the fact that Smokescreen is plummeting through the air. Harried by [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], Smokescreen drops towards the [[GroundBridge]] Ratchet opens, only to be knocked off-course by Megatron. He uses the phase shifter to pass through the ground. Moments later, Megatron lands and demands his subordinates search the wreckage. Smokescreen bridges back to base, where the Autobots congratulate him, but wonder where the fourth key is. Their query is answered a moment later when they get a message from Starscream offering the key in return for the replacement of his [[transformation cog|T-Cog]]. Having considered it, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides it's too important to not take Starscream up on his offer.

Optimus, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] bridge to a forested location and approach Starscream, only to find him apparently dead. It is, of course, just the dead clone, as the real Starscream uses his [[Red Energon]] to nip through the GroundBridge into the Autobot base. Moving too fast to be seen, he is tempted at first to finish off the slow-moving Autobots, but goes back to finding the Omega Keys first. The Autobots in the field realize they've been deceived just as Starscream blows open the vault holding the keys. Though Optimus orders [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to close the GroundBridge, it is too slow to prevent Starscream from escaping the base. He stops to mock Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead, only for the Red Energon to wear off right at the worst possible moment. After firing a missile at the Autobots, he frantically opens his own GroundBridge and escapes back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', much to Optimus's despair. Though Bulkhead and Ratchet believe they can get the keys back Optimus grimly announces the fate of Cybertron is now in Starscream's hands.

[[Image:InsideJobKnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Well, this is awkward.]]
Despite Knock Out's pleas, Megatron refuses to release him from the wall. Megatron and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] return to the bridge, where they find Starscream who has come with a peace offering of all four Omega Keys.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (11)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (12)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (13)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Trippy."
:—'''Knock Out''' thinks the phase shifter is like, totally groovy man.

"Get your stinkin' hand out of my gears!"
:—'''Smokescreen''' obviously doesn't like operations.

"Tell me the function of these relics." 
"Door stop, shavers, bling? Beats me."
:—'''Megatron''' asks a question and '''Smokescreen''' gives a vague answer.

"How easy it would be to gut you [Arcee]...to gut all of you."
:—Well, '''Starscream's''' already making plans.

"Now that I have your trinkets, I can enjoy slitting your... [sees closing GroundBridge] but, as I appear to be pressed for time..."
:—Don't get too carried away there, '''Starscream'''.

"Autobots, maintain positions!" (said in '''very''' slow motion) 
"I'm sorry, what was that? Mblemblemble!"
:—'''Starscream''' uses the power of [[Red Energon]] to taunt '''Optimus'''.

"We ''will'' locate the Autobot base, invade it, and retrieve the Omega Keys!" 
"Been there, done that."
:—'''Starscream''' steals '''Megatron''''s thunder.

==Notes==
[[Image:TFP Inside Job Starscream fistful of keys.jpg|thumb||250px|Beware Starscream bearing gifts...]]

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron's vehicle mode still has his fusion cannon, despite the arm it was attached to being removed. Furthermore, if one watches Megatron's transformation scene, it's blocked off by smoke, making it impossible to see what exactly happens with his fusion cannon and his different arm.
*Smokescreen's momentum suddenly disappears upon phasing through the ground. Based on where he exits, he couldn't have landed much lower than the Vehicons did. Speaking of momentum, how exactly were the Autobots planning to catch Smokescreen when he came out of the GroundBridge at terminal velocity? Maybe it's part of the "intuitiveness" that allows for not phasing through floors and simultaneously reaching through objects and grabbing parts of them/items inside them?
*An early external shot of the ''[[Trypticon_(Prime)|Nemesis]]'' has its "eyes" and running lights illuminated in [[Dark Energon]] purple; later in the episode they are their normal red.

===Continuity errors===
*Did the Autobots not scan Smokescreen trougoughly when he first came to the base? After the incident with Makeshift you would would think the Autobots would do so. Even if they were sure that Smokescreen was legit a trougough scan would still be a good thing to perform in case of battle damage. If you want to fix something you need to know what it originally looked like.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode continues from [[Hard Knocks|the previous one]], starting not long after Smokescreen's capture and subsequent restraint.
*The [[cortical psychic patch]] is used to extract information from Smokescreen, having been used previously in "[[Sick Mind]]" and "[[Out of the Past]]".
*The scene which Megatron watches in Smokescreen's mind is from "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
*Starscream lists off numerous items he's acquired or stolen in previous episodes; the Omega Key from "Hard Knocks", the processed Red Energon (which he acquired in "[[New Recruit]]" and refined in "Hard Knocks"), his GroundBridge remote first seen in "[[Triangulation]]", his murdered clone from "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]", and the T-cog he scavenged from said clone in "Triangulation".
*Starscream previously referred to himself as an "[[Emperor of Destruction]]" in "[[Masters & Students]]".
*Ratchet recalls Starscream's lack of a T-cog, which he learned about in "[[Crossfire]]". Starscream lost his in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
*Starscream still seems to be holding a grudge against Arcee from the events of "[[Partners]]", given his comments about gutting the Autobots start with her.
*While Starscream is looking for the Omega Keys in the Autobots' Vault, he comes across [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] in stasis, which occurred back in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Even though the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] was destroyed in "Alpha/Omega", Optimus still wears the hilt Ratchet made him.

===Transformers references===
* One of Starscream's self-proclaimed titles as the new ruler of Cybertron is "[[Emperor of Destruction]]". He also refers to himself as Cybertron's [[Overlord (rank)|Overlord]], which originated in the Marvel UK story [[State Games]] as the pre-war rulers of Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
*A brain pan is real. Scientists use it to study brains of corpses without the confines of a skull.
*Arcee uses the human phrase of sounding like a broken record.

===Trivia===
*This episode explains why the phase shifter doesn't phase the user through everything, neatly tying up the issues of how it can be used with such versatility.
*While in Smokescreen's mind, Megatron's avatar has his own arm rather than the Prime's arm that he's since attached.
*This is the third episode in a row where no humans appear, the first episode in the series where we get to hear Optimus scream in frustration, and the first episode since "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" to show a Vehicon in automobile mode.
*Both Optimus and Megatron scream at the loss of the Omega Keys.
*It would seem Megatron cannot tell which of his own soldiers are fliers or ground troopers. Then again, there's not much difference in appearance.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Inside Job

2012-10-14T11:21:10Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 49
|prev=Hard Knocks
|next=Patch (episode)
|image=InsideJobKnockOutSmokescreen.jpg
|caption=Having fun, Knock Out?
|title="Inside Job"
|airdate=[[October 12]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''When Smokescreen is captured, he learns the location of the Omega Key and attempts to retrieve all the other stolen keys.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] recovers consciousness to find himself on a slab in the [[Trypticon (Prime)|Decepticon warship]] with [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] standing over him. [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] demands the final relic, pointing out [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s work decrypting the Iacon database has revealed an image of Smokescreen, but Smokescreen is merely confused as to what it means. Knock Out scans the [[Autobot]], and finds the last relic is hidden inside.

The other Autobots, meanwhile, realize that the Decepticons must have decoded the last coordinates and speculate that Smokescreen holds the [[Omega Key]] inside him, largely due to being installed within him while unconscious by [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]].

Knock Out advances on the alarmed Smokescreen with a rotary saw, only to reveal he's actually going to use the [[phase shifter]] to do the operation. He reaches inside Smokescreen and soon has the Omega Key in hand. Smokescreen refuses to tell the Decepticons what the Omega Keys are, but Megatron has ways of finding out.

[[Image:InsideJobStarscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Cue evil laugh in 3, 2, 1...]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] ruminates on the one Omega Key he possesses, while talking to his [[Starscream clone (Prime)|dead clone]]. Imagining himself in charge of a reborn [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he quickly realizes that he doesn't have the resources he would need to rule it.

Megatron listens in on Prime's briefing about the Omega Keys, thanks to a [[cortical psychic patch]] hooked up to Smokescreen. Once they've learned all they need, Knock Out unplugs the pair and Megatron orders Knock Out to use the patch to find the location of the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]] so they can retrieve the other Omega Keys. After Megatron leaves to put their new key in a safe place, Knock Out moves in, only for Smokescreen to grab the phase shifter attached to his wrist and uses it to free himself. The pair grapple until Smokescreen manages to pull the device from his opponent's wrist, leaving Knock Out embedded in a bulkhead. Though Knock Out points out Smokescreen has no means of escape from the ship, Smokescreen has plans of his own. Through use of the phase shifter, he manages to catch up with Megatron near the storage area, where he snatches back the Omega Key and takes the one in storage as well. The Decepticons attempt to stop him, but their firepower passes straight through him. He eventually reaches the outer hull, only to be confronted by Megatron. With no other choice, the Autobot bails the ship.

At the Autobot base, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] picks up Smokescreen's signal, but has trouble locking on due to the fact that Smokescreen is plummeting through the air. Harried by [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], Smokescreen drops towards the [[GroundBridge]] Ratchet opens, only to be knocked off-course by Megatron. He uses the phase shifter to pass through the ground. Moments later, Megatron lands and demands his subordinates search the wreckage. Smokescreen bridges back to base, where the Autobots congratulate him, but wonder where the fourth key is. Their query is answered a moment later when they get a message from Starscream offering the key in return for the replacement of his [[transformation cog|T-Cog]]. Having considered it, [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] decides it's too important to not take Starscream up on his offer.

Optimus, Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] bridge to a forested location and approach Starscream, only to find him apparently dead. It is, of course, just the dead clone, as the real Starscream uses his [[Red Energon]] to nip through the GroundBridge into the Autobot base. Moving too fast to be seen, he is tempted at first to finish off the slow-moving Autobots, but goes back to finding the Omega Keys first. The Autobots in the field realize they've been deceived just as Starscream blows open the vault holding the keys. Though Optimus orders [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] to close the GroundBridge, it is too slow to prevent Starscream from escaping the base. He stops to mock Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead, only for the Red Energon to wear off right at the worst possible moment. After firing a missile at the Autobots, he frantically opens his own GroundBridge and escapes back to the ''[[Harbinger]]'', much to Optimus's despair. Though Bulkhead and Ratchet believe they can get the keys back Optimus grimly announces the fate of Cybertron is now in Starscream's hands.

[[Image:InsideJobKnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Well, this is awkward.]]
Despite Knock Out's pleas, Megatron refuses to release him from the wall. Megatron and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] return to the bridge, where they find Starscream who has come with a peace offering of all four Omega Keys.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (11)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (12)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (13)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (14)

}}

==Quotes==
"Trippy."
:—'''Knock Out''' thinks the phase shifter is like, totally groovy man.

"Get your stinkin' hand out of my gears!"
:—'''Smokescreen''' obviously doesn't like operations.

"Tell me the function of these relics." 
"Door stop, shavers, bling? Beats me."
:—'''Megatron''' asks a question and '''Smokescreen''' gives a vague answer.

"How easy it would be to gut you [Arcee]...to gut all of you."
:—Well, '''Starscream's''' already making plans.

"Now that I have your trinkets, I can enjoy slitting your... [sees closing GroundBridge] but, as I appear to be pressed for time..."
:—Don't get too carried away there, '''Starscream'''.

"Autobots, maintain positions!" (said in '''very''' slow motion) 
"I'm sorry, what was that? Mblemblemble!"
:—'''Starscream''' uses the power of [[Red Energon]] to taunt '''Optimus'''.

"We ''will'' locate the Autobot base, invade it, and retrieve the Omega Keys!" 
"Been there, done that."
:—'''Starscream''' steals '''Megatron''''s thunder.

==Notes==
[[Image:TFP Inside Job Starscream fistful of keys.jpg|thumb||250px|Beware Starscream bearing gifts...]]

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron's vehicle mode still has his fusion cannon, despite the arm it was attached to being removed. Furthermore, if one watches Megatron's transformation scene, it's blocked off by smoke, making it impossible to see what exactly happens with his fusion cannon and his different arm.
*Smokescreen's momentum suddenly disappears upon phasing through the ground. Based on where he exits, he couldn't have landed much lower than the Vehicons did. Speaking of momentum, how exactly were the Autobots planning to catch Smokescreen when he came out of the GroundBridge at terminal velocity? Maybe it's part of the "intuitiveness" that allows for not phasing through floors and simultaneously reaching through objects and grabbing parts of them/items inside them?
*An early external shot of the ''[[Trypticon_(Prime)|Nemesis]]'' has its "eyes" and running lights illuminated in [[Dark Energon]] purple; later in the episode they are their normal red.

===Continuity errors===
*Did the Autobots not scan Smokescreen trougoughly when he first came to the base? After the incident with Makeshift you would would think, the Autobots would do so. And even if they were sure that Smokescreen was legit a trougough scan would still be a good thing to perform in case of battle damage. If you want to fix something you need to know what it originally looked like.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode continues from [[Hard Knocks|the previous one]], starting not long after Smokescreen's capture and subsequent restraint.
*The [[cortical psychic patch]] is used to extract information from Smokescreen, having been used previously in "[[Sick Mind]]" and "[[Out of the Past]]".
*The scene which Megatron watches in Smokescreen's mind is from "[[Alpha/Omega]]".
*Starscream lists off numerous items he's acquired or stolen in previous episodes; the Omega Key from "Hard Knocks", the processed Red Energon (which he acquired in "[[New Recruit]]" and refined in "Hard Knocks"), his GroundBridge remote first seen in "[[Triangulation]]", his murdered clone from "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]", and the T-cog he scavenged from said clone in "Triangulation".
*Starscream previously referred to himself as an "[[Emperor of Destruction]]" in "[[Masters & Students]]".
*Ratchet recalls Starscream's lack of a T-cog, which he learned about in "[[Crossfire]]". Starscream lost his in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
*Starscream still seems to be holding a grudge against Arcee from the events of "[[Partners]]", given his comments about gutting the Autobots start with her.
*While Starscream is looking for the Omega Keys in the Autobots' Vault, he comes across [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] in stasis, which occurred back in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]".
*Even though the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] was destroyed in "Alpha/Omega", Optimus still wears the hilt Ratchet made him.

===Transformers references===
* One of Starscream's self-proclaimed titles as the new ruler of Cybertron is "[[Emperor of Destruction]]". He also refers to himself as Cybertron's [[Overlord (rank)|Overlord]], which originated in the Marvel UK story [[State Games]] as the pre-war rulers of Cybertron.

===Real-world references===
*A brain pan is real. Scientists use it to study brains of corpses without the confines of a skull.
*Arcee uses the human phrase of sounding like a broken record.

===Trivia===
*This episode explains why the phase shifter doesn't phase the user through everything, neatly tying up the issues of how it can be used with such versatility.
*While in Smokescreen's mind, Megatron's avatar has his own arm rather than the Prime's arm that he's since attached.
*This is the third episode in a row where no humans appear, the first episode in the series where we get to hear Optimus scream in frustration, and the first episode since "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]" to show a Vehicon in automobile mode.
*Both Optimus and Megatron scream at the loss of the Omega Keys.
*It would seem Megatron cannot tell which of his own soldiers are fliers or ground troopers. Then again, there's not much difference in appearance.
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Thing

2012-09-10T09:40:18Z

86.86.159.173: /* Crossovers */

:''The Thing is a [[human]] from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] portion of the [[Transformers: Crossovers|Crossovers]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:MarvelUS22 thing.jpg|right|thumb]]

The '''Thing''' says it's clobberin' time. First on the list is his [[Fantastic Four]] teammate [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] for not designing him his own mech but rather reusing that of his long time rival, the [[Hulk]].
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Crossovers===
[[Image:Crossoverstoy thing.jpg|right|thumb|300px|There is a super villain called Bulldozer and yet '''I''' get to be the friggin' bulldozer retool!]
*'''Thing''' (Marvel)

:The Thing was to have been a [[retool]] of the [[Hulk]] with a new head, transforming from an orange and blue robot into a bulldozer. This toy was presented by [[Hasbro]] during San Diego Comic-Con 2009, but failed to materialize at retail.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Thing was featured on the cover of [[Heavy Traffic!|''Transformers'' #22]], celebrating Marvel Comic's 25th anniversary.
*The [[bio]]s of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' were based on three members of the [[Fantastic Four]], with [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] taking inspiration from the Thing.{{fact}}
* A [[Cartoon Network]] press release likened''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] to the Hulk, while [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] was likened to the Thing.{{fact}}

==External links==
*[[wikia:marveldatabase:Benjamin_Grimm_(Earth-616)|Thing at Marvel Database]]
*[[wikipedia:Thing (comics)|Thing at Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Crossovers characters]]
[[Category:Marvel properties]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Superheroes]]

Thing

2012-09-10T09:39:12Z

86.86.159.173: /* Crossovers */

:''The Thing is a [[human]] from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] portion of the [[Transformers: Crossovers|Crossovers]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:MarvelUS22 thing.jpg|right|thumb]]

The '''Thing''' says it's clobberin' time. First on the list is his [[Fantastic Four]] teammate [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] for not designing him his own mech but rather reusing that of his long time rival, the [[Hulk]].
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Crossovers===
[[Image:Crossoverstoy thing.jpg|right||thumb|300px|There is a super villain called Bulldozer and yet '''I''' get to be the friggin' bulldozer retool!]
*'''Thing''' (Marvel)

:The Thing was to have been a [[retool]] of the [[Hulk]] with a new head, transforming from an orange and blue robot into a bulldozer. This toy was presented by [[Hasbro]] during San Diego Comic-Con 2009, but failed to materialize at retail.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Thing was featured on the cover of [[Heavy Traffic!|''Transformers'' #22]], celebrating Marvel Comic's 25th anniversary.
*The [[bio]]s of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' were based on three members of the [[Fantastic Four]], with [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] taking inspiration from the Thing.{{fact}}
* A [[Cartoon Network]] press release likened''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] to the Hulk, while [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] was likened to the Thing.{{fact}}

==External links==
*[[wikia:marveldatabase:Benjamin_Grimm_(Earth-616)|Thing at Marvel Database]]
*[[wikipedia:Thing (comics)|Thing at Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Crossovers characters]]
[[Category:Marvel properties]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Superheroes]]

Thing

2012-09-10T09:38:41Z

86.86.159.173: /* Crossovers */

:''The Thing is a [[human]] from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] portion of the [[Transformers: Crossovers|Crossovers]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:MarvelUS22 thing.jpg|right|thumb]]

The '''Thing''' says it's clobberin' time. First on the list is his [[Fantastic Four]] teammate [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] for not designing him his own mech but rather reusing that of his long time rival, the [[Hulk]].
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Crossovers===
[[Image:Crossoverstoy thing.jpg|right|300px|thumb|There is a super villain called Bulldozer and yet '''I''' get to be the friggin' bulldozer retool!]
*'''Thing''' (Marvel)

:The Thing was to have been a [[retool]] of the [[Hulk]] with a new head, transforming from an orange and blue robot into a bulldozer. This toy was presented by [[Hasbro]] during San Diego Comic-Con 2009, but failed to materialize at retail.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Thing was featured on the cover of [[Heavy Traffic!|''Transformers'' #22]], celebrating Marvel Comic's 25th anniversary.
*The [[bio]]s of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' were based on three members of the [[Fantastic Four]], with [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] taking inspiration from the Thing.{{fact}}
* A [[Cartoon Network]] press release likened''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] to the Hulk, while [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] was likened to the Thing.{{fact}}

==External links==
*[[wikia:marveldatabase:Benjamin_Grimm_(Earth-616)|Thing at Marvel Database]]
*[[wikipedia:Thing (comics)|Thing at Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Crossovers characters]]
[[Category:Marvel properties]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Superheroes]]

Exo-suit (Action Masters)

2012-09-08T15:15:11Z

86.86.159.173: /* Unreleased */

{{disambig2|the Action Master UK vehicles|the suits worn by humans in the Generation 1 cartoon|Exosuit}}
:''Action Master Exo-suits are [[Action Master vehicle|vehicles]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Box battle 91 eu am.jpg|right|400px|thumb|A sea of [[Neon]]]]
'''Exo-suits''' are transforming vehicles utilized by some [[Action Master|Action Masters]]. Each one has distinct armaments and capabilities.

* [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]]'s Supersonic Racing Car is able to turn on a dime thanks to its extendible wheelbase. An invisibility screen allows for close range covert operations. In exo-suit mode its spring suspension enhances Circuit's agility. Offensively, it packs a decelerator cannon able to slow any enemy to a crawl, and a powerful Gatling machine gun.

* [[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]]'s exo-armour is massive, with ten inches of pure titanium protecting the operator from even repeated Decepticon photon blasts. Its rotating defence pounders allow it to smash through anything in its path.

* [[Slicer]]'s 4WD Assault Vehicle can traverse extremely rugged terrain. As armour, it is designed to instantly rend enemies with its rotating cutters.

* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s Solo Mission Jet Plane is able to withstand enormous G-forces, thanks to its flexible duraflex metal construction. It is able to fly at very high speeds, even when brushing by treetops at low altitudes. When transformed into its exo-suit configuration, its high-density construction makes it impervious to most armaments. In both modes, its primary weapon is a sonic boom cannon.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Circuit toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Circuit''' (Action Master Exo-suit, 1991)

: The Supersonic Racing Car is a wheeled vehicle resembling a Formula 1 car that can transform into an Exo-suit for any standard-sized Action Master. IE: Anyone but the Action Master elites.

:In Exo-suit mode it has a gun made of the front axel (which sits at the Circuit's crotch as phallic as you please), the barrel of which can be removed and replaced by any standardised first year Action Master gun, thanks to the post on the back of these guns. Too bad Circuit is a second year Action Master and none of them came with the guns with posts on the back. Due to standardised post-holing you can also plug an AM gun in above the head of the AM riding in the exosuit, or use that hole to plug in the barrel from the exo-suit.

:It was sold with [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]], but isn't known for losing its paint like him. Mostly because it barely has any paint to begin with.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Autobot/Circuit/circuit.htm More information on Circuit at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:G1 Rumbler.jpg|right|thumb|150px|]]
*'''Rumbler''' (Action Master Exo-suit, 1991)

: The 4WD All-Terrain Vehicle is a motorized wheeled vehicle that can transform into an Exo-suit. It was sold with [[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Autobot/Rumbler/rumbler.htm More information on Rumbler at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:G1 Slicer toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Slicer''' (Action Master Exo-suit, 1991)

: Sold with [[Slicer]], the 4WD Assault Vehicle is a motorized (requiring two AA batteries — not included) wheeled vehicle that can transform into an Exo-suit. It uses a simple switch on the front (or top in suit mode) of the vehicle to make it roll either forwards or backwards. It is completely damned insane. It rolls incredibly fast and incredibly uncontrollably. It can roll in either exo-suit or assault vehicle modes.

:For an added element of insanity it's possible to unfold the blades on its front wheels when in assault vehicle mode. This makes the thing's movements even more erratic and can allow Slicer to climb some obstacles that Rumbler can't.

:The exo-suit also features articulated cannons which fold down in vehicle mode. (Or they're supposed to. No one ever did fold them down — even the wiki picture to the left doesn't have them folded down for vehicle mode. At least they're folded down in his instructions.)
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Decepticon/Slicer/slicer.htm More information on Slicer at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"At least it hides my golden nipples."]]
*'''Thundercracker''' (Action Master Exo-suit, 1991)

: The Solo Mission Jet Plane is a jet that can transform into an Exo-suit. It was sold with Action Master [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm More information on Thundercracker at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

===Unreleased===
At [[BotCon 1996]], a hard copy of an unproduced Exo-Suit that could be transformed into a tank was on display. It is unknown what Action Master was supposed to go with it.
{{canceledtoy}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/AMExoSuitCarHardcopy1.html Test Exo Suit at Toyarchive.com]
* [http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/AMExoTankSuitProtoUnprod.html Exo Suit Tank at Toyarchive.com]

[[Category:Action Master vehicles]]

B.H.

2012-08-20T21:33:32Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

:''B.H. is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[Image:ConJob AMT-BH.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]

'''B.H.''' (ベーハー ''Bēhā'') is [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'s [[Arms Micron]] partner.

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
{{note|B.H. only appears as an actual character in the [[Arms Micron Theater]] segments of the Japanese broadcast of ''Prime''. Technically, he appears in the main cartoon any time Bulkhead uses his mace(s), but we're not going to bother with that and just focus on his individual exploits.}}
{{voiceactor|[[Takashi Nagasako]] (Japanese)}}

B.H. ran to [[Arc]] and [[C.L.]] for help when he was being chased by a swarm of [[Scraplet]]s, but they just told him to keep running since he could stand to lose some weight. Their eventual attempts at saving him weren't very useful. {{storylink|Scrapheap (episode)|Freezing Transformation!? Terror of the Minicons}} B.H. later told the two that he wanted to become stronger, so they offered to help out by practicing combination with him. While they successfully formed the [[Galaxy Launcher]] together, they got so excited about it that they wrecked the studio, causing B.H. to worry that [[O.P.]] would get mad at them. {{storylink|Con Job|Secret Sword Transformation! Introducing Wheeljack}} After the Autobots' troublesome run-in with [[MECH]], B.H., O.P. and [[B.2]] worried that they weren't enough help for their partners. {{storylink|Convoy (episode)|Reckless Transformation! Protect the Dingus!}} The Arms Microns later held a party to celebrate reaching the 10-episode milestone, though B.H. wouldn't let O.P. thank everybody involved since it'd take too long. O.P. suggested they extend the show's air time to an hour, causing the other Microns to cheer... until the show suddenly ended on them. {{storylink|Deus ex Machina|All-Out Assault Transformation! The Pair of Assassins}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
[[Image:Prime-toy BH.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Bulkhead''' (Voyager, [[April 28|4-28]]-2012)
**''Set ID number'': '''AM-10'''
** ''Micron ID number'': '''M-10'''
** ''Energon Crystal'': '''AP Fast'''

: Available only with the Japanese release [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], B.H. transforms from a humanoid robot into an over-sized version of Bulkhead's in-show wrecking ball, attached the a sort-of "gauntlet" piece that covers the robot's fist. He also has a removable peg attached to a plastic chain, allowing him to be used as a flail-type weapon. He has numerous [[5mm post]]s and holes that allow him to combine with other Arms Microns to form any number of "Combo Weapons" and "Super Combo Weapons".

: B.H. comes out of the package as a bunch of unpainted parts on runners, like a model kit.

::*''[http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/blog-entry-1540.html Arms Micron Bulkhead and B.H. at Alfes's Toy Blog]''

==Notes==
* "B.H." is not pronounced as English speakers would pronounce it, but pronounced as in German—"behh-haah". It also has an [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/B%C3%BCstenhalter unfortunate meaning] in German and The Netherlands.

===O.P. Combinations===
'''Named combination weapons including B.H.:'''
{{collist|3|
* [[Buster Rifle]]
* [[Galaxy Launcher]]
* [[Nebula Scythe]]
}}
 
;Arms Up Modes featuring B.H.:
{{collist|3|
* [[Arcee (Prime)#Arms Up Modes|Arcee Slasher Mode]]
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bh}}
[[Category: Arms Microns]]
[[Category: Japanese-original characters]]

Gone but Not Forgotten!

2012-08-04T11:13:40Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #25
|prev=Afterdeath!
|next=Funeral for a Friend!
|title="Gone but Not Forgotten!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #107–108
|prev2=Afterdeath!
|next2=Funeral for a Friend!
|image=MarvelUS-25.jpg
|caption=The 25th Anniversary mark is so common that it's a special occasion not to have it.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=October [[1986]]
|coverdate=February [[1987]]
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[Don Perlin]]
|inkers=[[Ian Akin]] & [[Brian Garvey]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}

'''As the Decepticons relocate to a new base, Shockwave plays a gambit to finally destroy Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[United States of America|United States]] [[United States military|army]] prepares to invade the [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base]]. Unknown to them, the [[Decepticon]]s are already planning to abandon this base for a new one off the [[Florida Keys]], intending to make better use of the stolen [[hydrothermocline]] to meet their energy needs. [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] has other concerns on his mind. He is preoccupied with the death of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], unable to fully believe that his enemy is, in fact, dead. This uncertainty drives him mad (as well as the fact that it was [[Ethan Zachary|a human]]
that did the actual killing, rather than himself).

As the other Decepticons abandon their base, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] stay behind to arrange for the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to attack and destroy Megatron. To further Megatron's confusion, the Predacons have been fitted with [[Autobot]] [[Insignia|symbols]], to make him think that they have been sent by Optimus Prime.

The Predacons locate and attack Megatron who, despite being outnumbered five-to-one, is able to defend himself (although not unscathed by any means). Finding Megatron too strong for them to defeat in their individual forms, the Predacons combine into [[Predaking]].
However, Predaking just proves to be a bigger target, and Megatron defeats him with one blast of his [[fusion cannon]].

When the Decepticons arrive at their new base, a Decepticon soldier locates a laser disk inside Predaking, which Soundwave then plays back to reveal Shockwave's attempt to have Megatron killed. As Megatron threatens to destroy Shockwave, Shockwave explains that he recorded major portions of his personality on the disk he gave to the Predacons: "I controlled the Predacons. I was with them as much as I am with you now!"

This revelation causes Megatron to reflect on Optimus Prime's death. He now knows what he did not see at the time: that Optimus Prime's personality had been saved on a computer disk. This awareness drives him mad once again, and he blows up the [[space bridge]] to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with himself on it. Both disappear, and Shockwave reflects that it was not he himself who destroyed Megatron, but "a memory did!"

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*? (12)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (13)
*? (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (4)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (5)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (6)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (7)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (8)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (9)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (10)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (11)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (17)
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (18)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (19)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (20)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (21)
* [[Headstrong]] (22)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (23)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (24)
* [[Tantrum]] (25)
* [[Predaking]] (28)

|c3=
* [[Skolnik]] (1)
* [[Hadley]] (2)
* [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] (3)
*[[Ethan Zachary]] (16)
* [[Francine]] (26)
* [[Earl]] (27)
}}

==Notes==
* Brawl is seemingly killed in this issue. Don't worry, though. Even though his head is crushed and it doesn't appear anybody carried his body with them to their new base, he later gets better.
* It would appear that the American army is incapable of distinguishing between an artillery bombardment and a shower of flying debris.
* This issue was reprinted as issue #8 of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' series.
* This would not be the last time a [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] goes into [[Miracle|a deep funk]] when [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|his nemesis]] is [[Crisis|killed]].
* The hydrothermocline was stolen in "[[Afterdeath!]]", the previous story.
* Page 4 consists entirely of flashbacks to "Afterdeath!".
* On page 19 Razorclaw orders the Predacons to combine. That should have tipped Megatron off to whose side they are really on but then again, it was in the heat of battle and Megatron was heavily damaged. Not that he was stable to begin with so he probably did not even notice or care.

===Errors===
* In "[[Decepticon Graffiti!]]", Megatron's throne is made from one or maybe two cars. In this issue, it's made from about 25 ''tiny'' cars.
* On page 8, the caption reads that Megatron "commands Drag Strip to carry him to their destination," and the coloring is consistent with this. The art, however, shows Megatron entering Dead End. Later on the car he's in is drawn, colored, and referred to as Dead End.
* When the Predacons combine into Predaking he has a Decepticon logo on his chest.
* When Dead End finds the laser disk in Predaking, Shockwave is drawn with only one arm.

===UK printing===
* This story is probably the most edited of any US story printed in the UK comic.
* The Dead End mistake mentioned in the errors section was fixed for the UK printing. Dead End was recolored in red, and the caption box was corrected, referring to him by his actual name.
* Page 11 of the US comic was edited to make a better cliffhanger for UK issue #107. Megatron was given new dialog, replacing a speech bubble of Dead End questioning his leader's sanity.
* Megatron and the Predacons had met before in UK continuity. In the story arc beginning with "[[Prey!]]" Shockwave employed the Predacons to hunt down and kill Megatron. However he was so deranged (and befuddled), that he didn't remember this first encounter. To reflect this previous meeting a lot of dialog was changed for the UK version of this issue.
* On US page 9, Shockwave gives Razorclaw his assignment on Earth. In the UK version, Razorclaw worries that Megatron will recognize him. Shockwave quickly allays those fears.
* On US page 12, the Predacons lament having to change into Earth forms. In the UK version, they lament having to stay in those forms since their last visit.
* Some caption boxes on page 12 were changed to reflect the Predacons' previous visit. In particular the caption '''The Predacons have arrived!''' on was changed to '''The Predacons have returned!''' for the UK version.
* On US page 13, Razorclaw says Megatron doesn't know the Predacons. In the UK version, he says Megatron doesn't remember them.
* US page 2 was also edited, but this time to reflect the fact that the ''[[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]'' story was not 'in continuity' for the UK comics (and wasn't printed until years later). In the US version, Shockwave suggests contacting [[Cobra]] and telling them about the Decepticons' moving base. In the UK version, Shockwave talks instead about Megatron's mental instability.
* According to issue #107's letters page [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] considers the [[August 23|23rd of August]] 1986, his birthday. That's the date he took over the ''Transformers'' letters page. He also thinks he could take out Soundwave in a fight.
* Issue #108 featured ''[[Transformers AtoZ]]'' profiles for [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].

===Covers (3)===
<gallery>
Image:MarvelUS-25.jpg|'''US issue #25''' - Predacons gone wild!
Image:MarvelUK-107.jpg|'''UK issue #107''' - Ironically, Rampage isn't on this cover.
Image:MarvelUK-108.jpg|'''UK issue #108''' - Hang on, haven't we been here [[Prey!|before]]?
</gallery>

* '''US cover:''' Megatron surrounded by the Predacons, by [[Herb Trimpe]].
* '''UK issue #107 cover:''' mad Megatron, by [[David Hine|Dave Hine]] and [[Robin Bouttell]].
* '''UK issue #108 cover:''' reuse of art from US cover, recolored and with word balloons by [[Robin Bouttell]].

===Advertisements===
====US====
*Inside Front Cover: M&Ms
*Between Page 4 & 5 : Lazer Tag game kit
*Between Page 5 & 6: Captain Crunch "Free The Captain" Promotion
*Between Page 7 & 8 : East Cost Comics
*Between Page 8 & 9 : Comic Dealers and Charles Atlas
*Between Page 16 & 17 : New Universe "Supersleuth Sweepstakes" Promotion
*Between Page 17 & 18 : Random Sponsors
*Between Page 19 & 20: Classic Comics Subscription Offer
*Pg. 22: Next Issue Blurb
*Page After Letters Column : Marvel Subscription Offer
*After That Page : YAMAHA Synthesizer
*Back Cover: Brach's Gum Dingers

====UK====

===Reprints===
*[[2004]] — ''[[Transformers: Breakdown]]''
*[[2006]] — ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]'' #8
*[[2007]] — ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]''
*[[2008]] — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2]]''

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

Gone but Not Forgotten!

2012-08-04T11:08:28Z

86.86.159.173: /* Errors */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #25
|prev=Afterdeath!
|next=Funeral for a Friend!
|title="Gone but Not Forgotten!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #107–108
|prev2=Afterdeath!
|next2=Funeral for a Friend!
|image=MarvelUS-25.jpg
|caption=The 25th Anniversary mark is so common that it's a special occasion not to have it.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=October [[1986]]
|coverdate=February [[1987]]
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[Don Perlin]]
|inkers=[[Ian Akin]] & [[Brian Garvey]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}

'''As the Decepticons relocate to a new base, Shockwave plays a gambit to finally destroy Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[United States of America|United States]] [[United States military|army]] prepares to invade the [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base]]. Unknown to them, the [[Decepticon]]s are already planning to abandon this base for a new one off the [[Florida Keys]], intending to make better use of the stolen [[hydrothermocline]] to meet their energy needs. [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] has other concerns on his mind. He is preoccupied with the death of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], unable to fully believe that his enemy is, in fact, dead. This uncertainty drives him mad (as well as the fact that it was [[Ethan Zachary|a human]]
that did the actual killing, rather than himself).

As the other Decepticons abandon their base, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] stay behind to arrange for the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to attack and destroy Megatron. To further Megatron's confusion, the Predacons have been fitted with [[Autobot]] [[Insignia|symbols]], to make him think that they have been sent by Optimus Prime.

The Predacons locate and attack Megatron who, despite being outnumbered five-to-one, is able to defend himself (although not unscathed by any means). Finding Megatron too strong for them to defeat in their individual forms, the Predacons combine into [[Predaking]].
However, Predaking just proves to be a bigger target, and Megatron defeats him with one blast of his [[fusion cannon]].

When the Decepticons arrive at their new base, a Decepticon soldier locates a laser disk inside Predaking, which Soundwave then plays back to reveal Shockwave's attempt to have Megatron killed. As Megatron threatens to destroy Shockwave, Shockwave explains that he recorded major portions of his personality on the disk he gave to the Predacons: "I controlled the Predacons. I was with them as much as I am with you now!"

This revelation causes Megatron to reflect on Optimus Prime's death. He now knows what he did not see at the time: that Optimus Prime's personality had been saved on a computer disk. This awareness drives him mad once again, and he blows up the [[space bridge]] to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with himself on it. Both disappear, and Shockwave reflects that it was not he himself who destroyed Megatron, but "a memory did!"

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*? (12)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (13)
*? (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (4)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (5)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (6)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (7)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (8)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (9)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (10)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (11)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (17)
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (18)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (19)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (20)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (21)
* [[Headstrong]] (22)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (23)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (24)
* [[Tantrum]] (25)
* [[Predaking]] (28)

|c3=
* [[Skolnik]] (1)
* [[Hadley]] (2)
* [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] (3)
*[[Ethan Zachary]] (16)
* [[Francine]] (26)
* [[Earl]] (27)
}}

==Notes==
* Brawl is seemingly killed in this issue. Don't worry, though. Even though his head is crushed and it doesn't appear anybody carried his body with them to their new base, he later gets better.
* It would appear that the American army is incapable of distinguishing between an artillery bombardment and a shower of flying debris.
* This issue was reprinted as issue #8 of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' series.
* This would not be the last time a [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] goes into [[Miracle|a deep funk]] when [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|his nemesis]] is [[Crisis|killed]].
* The hydrothermocline was stolen in "[[Afterdeath!]]", the previous story.
* Page 4 consists entirely of flashbacks to "Afterdeath!".

===Errors===
* In "[[Decepticon Graffiti!]]", Megatron's throne is made from one or maybe two cars. In this issue, it's made from about 25 ''tiny'' cars.
* On page 8, the caption reads that Megatron "commands Drag Strip to carry him to their destination," and the coloring is consistent with this. The art, however, shows Megatron entering Dead End. Later on the car he's in is drawn, colored, and referred to as Dead End.
* When the Predacons combine into Predaking he has a Decepticon logo on his chest.
* When Dead End finds the laser disk in Predaking, Shockwave is drawn with only one arm.

===UK printing===
* This story is probably the most edited of any US story printed in the UK comic.
* The Dead End mistake mentioned in the errors section was fixed for the UK printing. Dead End was recolored in red, and the caption box was corrected, referring to him by his actual name.
* Page 11 of the US comic was edited to make a better cliffhanger for UK issue #107. Megatron was given new dialog, replacing a speech bubble of Dead End questioning his leader's sanity.
* Megatron and the Predacons had met before in UK continuity. In the story arc beginning with "[[Prey!]]" Shockwave employed the Predacons to hunt down and kill Megatron. However he was so deranged (and befuddled), that he didn't remember this first encounter. To reflect this previous meeting a lot of dialog was changed for the UK version of this issue.
* On US page 9, Shockwave gives Razorclaw his assignment on Earth. In the UK version, Razorclaw worries that Megatron will recognize him. Shockwave quickly allays those fears.
* On US page 12, the Predacons lament having to change into Earth forms. In the UK version, they lament having to stay in those forms since their last visit.
* Some caption boxes on page 12 were changed to reflect the Predacons' previous visit. In particular the caption '''The Predacons have arrived!''' on was changed to '''The Predacons have returned!''' for the UK version.
* On US page 13, Razorclaw says Megatron doesn't know the Predacons. In the UK version, he says Megatron doesn't remember them.
* US page 2 was also edited, but this time to reflect the fact that the ''[[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]'' story was not 'in continuity' for the UK comics (and wasn't printed until years later). In the US version, Shockwave suggests contacting [[Cobra]] and telling them about the Decepticons' moving base. In the UK version, Shockwave talks instead about Megatron's mental instability.
* According to issue #107's letters page [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] considers the [[August 23|23rd of August]] 1986, his birthday. That's the date he took over the ''Transformers'' letters page. He also thinks he could take out Soundwave in a fight.
* Issue #108 featured ''[[Transformers AtoZ]]'' profiles for [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].

===Covers (3)===
<gallery>
Image:MarvelUS-25.jpg|'''US issue #25''' - Predacons gone wild!
Image:MarvelUK-107.jpg|'''UK issue #107''' - Ironically, Rampage isn't on this cover.
Image:MarvelUK-108.jpg|'''UK issue #108''' - Hang on, haven't we been here [[Prey!|before]]?
</gallery>

* '''US cover:''' Megatron surrounded by the Predacons, by [[Herb Trimpe]].
* '''UK issue #107 cover:''' mad Megatron, by [[David Hine|Dave Hine]] and [[Robin Bouttell]].
* '''UK issue #108 cover:''' reuse of art from US cover, recolored and with word balloons by [[Robin Bouttell]].

===Advertisements===
====US====
*Inside Front Cover: M&Ms
*Between Page 4 & 5 : Lazer Tag game kit
*Between Page 5 & 6: Captain Crunch "Free The Captain" Promotion
*Between Page 7 & 8 : East Cost Comics
*Between Page 8 & 9 : Comic Dealers and Charles Atlas
*Between Page 16 & 17 : New Universe "Supersleuth Sweepstakes" Promotion
*Between Page 17 & 18 : Random Sponsors
*Between Page 19 & 20: Classic Comics Subscription Offer
*Pg. 22: Next Issue Blurb
*Page After Letters Column : Marvel Subscription Offer
*After That Page : YAMAHA Synthesizer
*Back Cover: Brach's Gum Dingers

====UK====

===Reprints===
*[[2004]] — ''[[Transformers: Breakdown]]''
*[[2006]] — ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]'' #8
*[[2007]] — ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]''
*[[2008]] — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2]]''

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

The Flames of Boltax!

2012-07-01T19:54:06Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #48
|prev=Club Con!
|next=Cold War!
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #196–197
|prev2=Club Con!
|next2=Cold Comfort and Joy!
|title="The Flames of Boltax!"
|image=MarvelUS-48.jpg
|caption=This cover wins the award for "Most Blatant Case of False Promotion" in the history of the series.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=September 1988
|coverdate=January 1989
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[José Delbo]]
|inker=[[Danny Bulanadi]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Bill Oakley]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''Read on, but only if you're willing to tempt madness... even death.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] finds himself being chased by strange creatures through an alien landscape. He suddenly takes a laser blast to the chest... only to find no damage has been done at all. A moment later, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] and the [[Decepticon]]s re-materialize around him. It seems they had developed a new full-sensory holographic projection system called [[Realvision]] and needed a guinea pig to test it. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] announces that they are now prepared to review the [[Autobot]] tapes, which captures Buster's attention. Of course, Ratbat sends him back to his cell instead of letting him observe.

[[Image:Optimusprimeg1preearthmarvel2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin'...]]
Ratbat and Starscream activate the Realvision and find themselves holographically present on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] more than four million years ago, near the dawn of the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars]]. They witness a convoy of Autobots, consisting of the [[Triggerbot]]s and [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] of the [[Autobot Fourth Computerized Division]]. Prime, it seems, has come up with the idea of enlisting the aid of High Circuitmaster [[Boltax (G1)|Boltax]] and his vast font of knowledge, in the hopes that it can be used to end the war before it grows out of control. As the Autobots negotiate their way through several traps on the road to Boltax, they remain unaware that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the [[Triggercon]]s are dogging their every move.

Back in the real world, Buster uses the time-honored "air shaft trick" to break out of his cell in order to get a look at what's on the tapes.

In Realvision, Optimus Prime and his soldiers approach Boltax's [[Temple of Knowledge]]. The Circuitmaster's disciples allow Optimus alone to pass through and see Boltax. The Circuitmaster does not offer Prime any direct aid, but instead instructs him to seek what he's looking for inside the [[Underbase]]. (As each [[Transformer]] mind carries a [[database|DATAbase]], the Underbase is said to be a collection of knowledge that UNDERlies all dataBASEs.)

Buster enters the Realvision scenario just as Optimus Prime begins to bathe in the light of the Underbase and Megatron blasts his way in through Boltax and the disciples. Confronted by Megatron, Optimus Prime informs his enemy that the knowledge and power of the Underbase is too much for any one being to possess. Megatron blows Optimus Prime away and heads toward the Underbase. Badly injured, Optimus manages to manipulate the temple's controls and launch the Underbase on a never-ending course through space instead of letting Megatron claim it.

With the Realvision over, Ratbat and Starscream review what they've learned and recognize the power of the Underbase is not a myth, as it is generally thought in the present. What's more, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] informs them that the course calculations within the cassettes tell that the Underbase will be passing through the [[Earth]]'s solar system within a week's time. Ratbat and Starscream both begin to scheme on how to capture the power of the Underbase for themselves (though Starscream does show some rare discipline by using his inner monologue instead of broadcasting his treachery for everyone to hear).

As Buster prepares to sneak off and try to warn the Autobots, he runs head-first into a wall and is discovered by the Decepticons...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Raindance]] (8)
* [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] (9)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
* [[Backstreet (G1)|Backstreet]] (11)
* [[Dogfight]] (12)
* [[Override (G1)|Override]] (13)

|c2=
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (5)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (6)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (7)
* [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (14)
* [[Windsweeper]] (15)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (16)
* [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] (17)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (19)

|c3=
* [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (1)

|c4=
* [[Boltax (G1)|Boltax]] (18)
}}

==Notes==
* Following functions given on their toys' bio cards, for the Realvision experience, [[Raindance]] provides the video and [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] the audio.
* In the UK printing, the US cover is used as an interior page that is placed immediately after Megatron shoots Optimus Prime. This page doesn't mesh well with the other pages, since it exaggerates Optimus's injury, and since the art style is completely different from that of the other pages. Filler, anyone?
* Since this is a flashback one would expect Optimus Prime to hang out with say, Ironhide, Jazz and Prowl but instead of those guys he has Backstreet, Dogfight and Override with him. Same for Megatron whom you would expect to at least bring Soundwave with him but he brings the Triggercons with him.
* Furthermore, all of the three Triggerbots manage to get the Autobots trough a certain hazard using their unique abilities. Can you guess who has a new toy in stores?
* Starscream's absence in the flashback would seem odd seeing he was Megatrons' Lieutenant but given how Megatron distrusts him it explains why he is not present. Besides if he was in the flashback he would also know of the Underbase.

===Errors===
* Not really an error, but Starscream and Buster both come across as really, REALLY thick considering how hard it is for them to grasp the Realvision concept. We bet they both shout "Don't go upstairs!!" during horror flicks, too.
* Assuming the "molten mercury mines" are literally molten mercury, they're not much of a hazard to Transformers, since mercury is "molten" at room temperature and boils well below the melting point of steel. The worst it might do is cause a short-circuit if it gets at live wires.
* Although this is common in Transformers Generation 1, Optimus Prime is given a Cybertronian truck mode, yet his robot form remains completely the same. This alternate mode is different from the Cybertronian alt mode he had in [[The Transformers (issue)| issue #1]]. In addition, Backstreet, Dogfight and Overdrive all had Earthly alt-modes while on Cybertron.

===Character profiles===
{{collist|4|
*[[Brainstorm]]
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]]
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]
*[[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]]
}}

===UK printing===
* '''Backup strips #196:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|Action Force]]'' and ''[[Combat Colin]]''
* '''Backup strips #197:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|Action Force]]'' and ''[[Combat Colin]]''

===Covers (3)===
<gallery>
Image:MarvelUS-48.jpg|'''US Issue 48''' - And if you believe this...
Image:MarvelUK-196.jpg|'''UK Issue 196''' - Aunt Ethel's knitting went unrecognized as a potent Decepticon weapon
Image:MarvelUK-197.jpg|'''UK Issue 197''' - And for an encore, this was a FOUR-STAR story! Ha! Ha! Ha!
</gallery>

* '''U.S. issue 48 cover:''' Megatron and a defeated Prime, by [[José Delbo]]
* '''UK issue 196 cover:''' Dogfight and Optimus Prime attacked, by [[Art Wetherell]] and [[Stephen Baskerville]]
* '''UK issue 197 cover:''' Optimus Prime being blasted, by Stephen Baskerville

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

===Reprints===
*2004 — ''[[Transformers: Dark Star]]''
*2009 — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 4]]''
*2010 — ''[[The Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime]]''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Flames of Boltax!}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

The Flames of Boltax!

2012-07-01T19:51:41Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #48
|prev=Club Con!
|next=Cold War!
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #196–197
|prev2=Club Con!
|next2=Cold Comfort and Joy!
|title="The Flames of Boltax!"
|image=MarvelUS-48.jpg
|caption=This cover wins the award for "Most Blatant Case of False Promotion" in the history of the series.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=September 1988
|coverdate=January 1989
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[José Delbo]]
|inker=[[Danny Bulanadi]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Bill Oakley]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''Read on, but only if you're willing to tempt madness... even death.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] finds himself being chased by strange creatures through an alien landscape. He suddenly takes a laser blast to the chest... only to find no damage has been done at all. A moment later, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] and the [[Decepticon]]s re-materialize around him. It seems they had developed a new full-sensory holographic projection system called [[Realvision]] and needed a guinea pig to test it. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] announces that they are now prepared to review the [[Autobot]] tapes, which captures Buster's attention. Of course, Ratbat sends him back to his cell instead of letting him observe.

[[Image:Optimusprimeg1preearthmarvel2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin'...]]
Ratbat and Starscream activate the Realvision and find themselves holographically present on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] more than four million years ago, near the dawn of the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars]]. They witness a convoy of Autobots, consisting of the [[Triggerbot]]s and [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] of the [[Autobot Fourth Computerized Division]]. Prime, it seems, has come up with the idea of enlisting the aid of High Circuitmaster [[Boltax (G1)|Boltax]] and his vast font of knowledge, in the hopes that it can be used to end the war before it grows out of control. As the Autobots negotiate their way through several traps on the road to Boltax, they remain unaware that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the [[Triggercon]]s are dogging their every move.

Back in the real world, Buster uses the time-honored "air shaft trick" to break out of his cell in order to get a look at what's on the tapes.

In Realvision, Optimus Prime and his soldiers approach Boltax's [[Temple of Knowledge]]. The Circuitmaster's disciples allow Optimus alone to pass through and see Boltax. The Circuitmaster does not offer Prime any direct aid, but instead instructs him to seek what he's looking for inside the [[Underbase]]. (As each [[Transformer]] mind carries a [[database|DATAbase]], the Underbase is said to be a collection of knowledge that UNDERlies all dataBASEs.)

Buster enters the Realvision scenario just as Optimus Prime begins to bathe in the light of the Underbase and Megatron blasts his way in through Boltax and the disciples. Confronted by Megatron, Optimus Prime informs his enemy that the knowledge and power of the Underbase is too much for any one being to possess. Megatron blows Optimus Prime away and heads toward the Underbase. Badly injured, Optimus manages to manipulate the temple's controls and launch the Underbase on a never-ending course through space instead of letting Megatron claim it.

With the Realvision over, Ratbat and Starscream review what they've learned and recognize the power of the Underbase is not a myth, as it is generally thought in the present. What's more, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] informs them that the course calculations within the cassettes tell that the Underbase will be passing through the [[Earth]]'s solar system within a week's time. Ratbat and Starscream both begin to scheme on how to capture the power of the Underbase for themselves (though Starscream does show some rare discipline by using his inner monologue instead of broadcasting his treachery for everyone to hear).

As Buster prepares to sneak off and try to warn the Autobots, he runs head-first into a wall and is discovered by the Decepticons...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
* [[Raindance]] (8)
* [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] (9)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
* [[Backstreet (G1)|Backstreet]] (11)
* [[Dogfight]] (12)
* [[Override (G1)|Override]] (13)

|c2=
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (5)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (6)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (7)
* [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (14)
* [[Windsweeper]] (15)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (16)
* [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] (17)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (19)

|c3=
* [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (1)

|c4=
* [[Boltax (G1)|Boltax]] (18)
}}

==Notes==
* Following functions given on their toys' bio cards, for the Realvision experience, [[Raindance]] provides the video and [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] the audio.
* In the UK printing, the US cover is used as an interior page that is placed immediately after Megatron shoots Optimus Prime. This page doesn't mesh well with the other pages, since it exaggerates Optimus's injury, and since the art style is completely different from that of the other pages. Filler, anyone?
* Since this is a flashback one would expect Optimus Prime to hang out with say, Ironhide, Jazz and Prowl but instead of those guys he has Backstreet, Dogfight and Override with him. Same for Megatron whom you would expect to at least bring Soundwave with him but he brings the Triggercons with him. Can you guess who has a new toys in stores?
* Starscream's absence in the flashback would seem odd seeing he was Megatrons' Lieutenant but given how Megatron distrusts him it explains why he is not present. Besides if he was in the flashback he would also know of the Underbase.

===Errors===
* Not really an error, but Starscream and Buster both come across as really, REALLY thick considering how hard it is for them to grasp the Realvision concept. We bet they both shout "Don't go upstairs!!" during horror flicks, too.
* Assuming the "molten mercury mines" are literally molten mercury, they're not much of a hazard to Transformers, since mercury is "molten" at room temperature and boils well below the melting point of steel. The worst it might do is cause a short-circuit if it gets at live wires.
* Although this is common in Transformers Generation 1, Optimus Prime is given a Cybertronian truck mode, yet his robot form remains completely the same. This alternate mode is different from the Cybertronian alt mode he had in [[The Transformers (issue)| issue #1]]. In addition, Backstreet, Dogfight and Overdrive all had Earthly alt-modes while on Cybertron.

===Character profiles===
{{collist|4|
*[[Brainstorm]]
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]]
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]
*[[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]]
}}

===UK printing===
* '''Backup strips #196:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|Action Force]]'' and ''[[Combat Colin]]''
* '''Backup strips #197:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|Action Force]]'' and ''[[Combat Colin]]''

===Covers (3)===
<gallery>
Image:MarvelUS-48.jpg|'''US Issue 48''' - And if you believe this...
Image:MarvelUK-196.jpg|'''UK Issue 196''' - Aunt Ethel's knitting went unrecognized as a potent Decepticon weapon
Image:MarvelUK-197.jpg|'''UK Issue 197''' - And for an encore, this was a FOUR-STAR story! Ha! Ha! Ha!
</gallery>

* '''U.S. issue 48 cover:''' Megatron and a defeated Prime, by [[José Delbo]]
* '''UK issue 196 cover:''' Dogfight and Optimus Prime attacked, by [[Art Wetherell]] and [[Stephen Baskerville]]
* '''UK issue 197 cover:''' Optimus Prime being blasted, by Stephen Baskerville

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

===Reprints===
*2004 — ''[[Transformers: Dark Star]]''
*2009 — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 4]]''
*2010 — ''[[The Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime]]''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Flames of Boltax!}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

One Shall Fall

2012-05-27T09:21:11Z

86.86.159.173: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 23
|prev=Stronger, Faster
|next=One Shall Rise, Part 1
|image=OneShallFall-visionfulfilled.jpg
|caption=''Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword!''
|title="One Shall Fall"
|airdate=[[August 21]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]] and [[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''A prophecy predicts dark times ahead, which Megatron intends to see through.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:OneShallFall-MegatronKnockOut.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Miiiight not be the best time to examine your manicure, Knock Out.]]

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] recites a passage from the [[Covenant of Primus]], foretelling that a perpetual conflict will culminate when the forty-seven spheres align. Despite the other [[Autobot]]s' lack of faith, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] realizes that the "world forged of chaos" referred to in the prophecy is [[Earth]]—and that the alignment will occur in a matter of days.

Aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] explains to [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] that he sought the [[Dark Energon|blood]] of [[Unicron]] so that he could conquer worlds with [[Terrorcon (Prime)|undead armies]]. Knock Out assures him that more Dark Energon awaits amongst the stars, but advises him not to push himself, since he was in stasis. Megatron then claims that he is the "rising darkness" of which the prophecy speaks.

[[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]], and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] find a picture of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] while searching a conspiracy website. Raf replaces the image with a dancing cat, which makes Ratchet laugh. Jack then invites Optimus to take a look, but is flatly denied. Ratchet then states that, before he became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Optimus behaved quite similarly to Jack. [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] suddenly interrupts and reveals that the [[Decepticon]]s have been stealing components to build a second [[space bridge]]. Back aboard the ''Nemesis'', Knock Out and [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] inform Megatron that the only item left on the list is an ample power source, which can be found in a heavily fortified human base. [[Airachnid]] could simply tunnel in, but Megatron rather angrily declares that the time for stealth is over, and he sends a massive squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to retrieve it. Optimus warns Fowler to have his troops evacuate, for fear of human casualties.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-BumblebeeRaf.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where is your BS&P now???]]

Optimus, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] arrive to fend off the Vehicons, and all goes well until Megatron himself heads out toward the battlefield. En route, he spots Bumblebee, who was taking Raf racing. Megatron opens fire, frying Bumblebee's systems and knocking Raf out cold. Megatron arrives at the base just as the Autobots disable the last of his drones, and he taunts Optimus as Bumblebee arrives whilst carrying a wounded Raf. Bulkhead restrains the enraged scout before Optimus orders Arcee to take him and Raf back to base. Megatron then ascends onto the ''Nemesis'' with the power source. Unbeknownst to Megatron, Optimus and Bulkhead climb aboard the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hull.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]], Ratchet panics that his tools are wrong for human examination, and Jack suggests that they call in [[June Darby|his mother]]. Meanwhile, Megatron has another vision in which he sees a [[Unicron|sinister face]] and a volcano. He then orders Knock Out and Airachnid to complete the space bridge, as there is something he must attend to. June arrives at the Autobot base and quickly unnerves Ratchet with the knowledge that Raf will die unless she can stabilize him immediately. Bumblebee vents his frustration on a nearby wall, but Arcee manages to calm him...a little. Ratchet regrets having not bothered to learn human science and medicine, despite accepting the children into their lives. He then states that he has grown to need Rafael, just as Raf needs him.

Bulkhead and Optimus storm the ''Nemesis'', and Optimus claims to have had a change of heart: He orders Bulkhead back to base with the power source, declaring that there is something he must do. He then muses grimly that he has realized that Autobots and Decepticons will never co-exist peacefully, and he vows to destroy Megatron.

As the planetary alignment nears, Megatron arrives at the volcano site, and Optimus uses a Vehicon comm link to challenge him. Optimus soon joins him at the base of the volcano, and the two exchange brief banter before engaging each other in fierce battle.

[[Image:PrimeEp23-PrimeMegatron.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Why throw away your life so recklessly?" "I keep [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|''trying'']] to, but Hasbro won't [[To sell toys|let me]] anymore!"]]

Meanwhile, Ratchet realizes that Raf has been infected with [[Dark Energon]] and theorizes that exposure to normal energon should cure him. He takes a sample from Bumblebee, placing Raf in a sealed chamber to test his theory as the others watch helplessly. Rafael soon opens his eyes, his pulse stabilizing.

Optimus appears to defeat Megatron and prepares to deal the final blow, but the Decepticon leader catches his sword with unusual strength as the volcano begins to erupt. Strange purple markings glow to life across his body, and he quickly overpowers Optimus. He realizes that the volcano is spewing forth Dark Energon, and he moves to kill Optimus, as he saw himself doing in a previous vision.

To be continued...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (6)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (13)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Airachnid]] (12)
|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (8)
*[[Jack Darby]] (9)
*[[William Fowler]] (10)
*[[June Darby]] (16)
|c4=
*[[Unicron]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==

"And it was written in the Covenant of Primus that 'when the 47 spheres align, a perpetual conflict will culminate upon a world forged from chaos. And the weak shall perish in the shadow of a rising darkness.'"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' recites a passage of ill tidings.

"Mars Cat says, 'Take me to your feeder!'"
:—'''Miko''' starts a new internet meme

"Um, Optimus! You wanna see something funny?" 
"No."
:—'''Jack''' learns of '''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s minimal sense of humor.

"Does he seem to be...'losing it'?" 
"A bit..."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Airachnid''' discuss Megatron's state of mind.

"I have been foolish not to see what history has proven over and over again...that Autobots and Decepticons will never mend their ways. If there can be no diplomatic solution to this perpetual conflict, then I must not allow more darkness to fall upon this or any planet. Megatron must be destroyed!"
:—It's about slaggin' time, '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Your defeat was foreseen here by the ancients. What was it they wrote? 'The weak shall perish'?" 
"Do not believe everything you read."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''', unusually philosophical in the middle of a death match.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the flying Vehicons arrive to help retrieve the power source from the military base, the Vehicon ground units which stole it in the first place vanish.
* When Megatron arrives at the volcano, the points of his helmet disappear through his neck armor.
* As Megatron extends his blade when Optimus leaps at him, the sound effect is that of his cannon firing.
* When Optimus tries to strike the finishing blow, he's standing on Megatron's chest. Once Megatron catches the blade, Optimus is standing much further back.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's jet-mode cannons score a direct hit on Bumblebee, yet do no apparent damage other than briefly stopping him. When Arcee was hit in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]", it nearly killed her. On a similar note, Bumblebee should have taken the brunt of the Dark Energon exposure, but only Raf shows any symptoms. Remember that Arcee was weakened by exposure to a few drops from [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]]'s animated corpse in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 2]]".
**However, Optimus tells Arcee to look after Raf AND Bumblebee; it's likely that Bee's just being strong for his partner's sake. Bumblebee also handled a shard of Dark Energon during "[[Out of His Head]]" without any ill effects, so maybe he's just resistant to the stuff.
*Bumblebee knows Raf is injured, so why does he drive nearly two miles (three clicks) to the battlefield instead of just calling for a [[GroundBridge]] immediately?
*Raf says he can't see without his glasses in "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]", but his first person shot is perfectly clear. This is a common thing for TV and movies, but still...

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron refers to his feeling by saying "it's as if" he can hear Unicron's thoughts, which he gibbered about back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
*The story revolves around the idea that Dark Energon is out in space, another "Darkness Rising" plot point. Turns out that it's not as far out as the characters think...
*Agent Fowler's men at first thought it was [[MECH]] who stole the phase conductor until they found the security image of Soundwave.
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] demonstrated that energon does not agree with human physiology in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]" and "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4|Part 4]]", which Ratchet confirms here. Apparently, Dark Energon has similar effects, but the two types cancel each other out (at least in a human).
*Arcee tells Bumblebee that she knows what it's like to see a partner <strike>killed</strike> harmed, referring to [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]]'s death at Airachnid's claws in "[[Predatory]]". Her general speech seems to call back to the lesson she learned at the end of "[[Partners]]". Ironically, Bumblebee was the one who prevented Arcee from giving into her desire for vengeance in that episode.
*Ratchet extracts energon from Bumblebee with the same device that he used to inject himself with synthetic energon in [[Stronger, Faster|the previous episode]].
*In this episode it states that Optronix was given the Matrix and thusly became Optimus Prime, the first of the Primes in a long time. However in War For Cybertron Optimus is under the command of Zeta Prime. After Zeta Prime is killed, Optimus becomes the new Prime and his first act is to travel deep into Cybetron where he encounters Primus who says that the Autobots should leave Cybertron and then gives him the Matrix of Leadership.

===Transformers references===
[[Image:Tfprime23 unicron.jpg|right|thumb|Hey look, it's Unicron! Wait, why does he have Cyclonus's helmet horns?]]
* The [[Covenant of Primus]] first appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
* Megatron and Optimus punch each other in the style of the opening credits, only on opposite sides. This isn't [[Sick Mind|the first time]] the show has done this.
* Yeah, yeah, "[[The Transformers: The Movie|One shall stand, one shall fall]]." This is the third time in this series alone, following "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" and "[[Sick Mind]]", and that's not even including the title of THIS episode. Megatron even completes the saying for Optimus, he's heard it plenty of times by now.
* Ratchet mentions that he has known Optimus for longer than any of the other Earth-stationed Autobots, even before he was a Prime. Taking the character's appearance in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' into account, this would be true, as Ratchet was under the direct command of Optimus prior to, and at the start of the game's storyline.
**In comparison, the first cutscene of the Autobot campaign showed Bumblebee's first meeting with Optimus, and whilst Arcee was in the game, she never personally interacted with Optimus during the story. Bulkhead was mentioned as having joined Optimus during a later period of time.
* Megatron refers to Optimus as "the last of the Primes". He was also called this by the head of the [[Autobot High Council]] in ''War for Cybertron'', upon his ascension to the rank of Prime. It is also a term used to refer to his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action film]] counterpart.
*Megatron breaks Prime's sword in the same way as in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]." Seriously, it's like they just reused the broken sword model or something. Except it got lodged in Prime's shoulder this time instead of flying off and sticking in the ground.

===Real-world references===
*The picture on the conspiracy website of a supposed alien looking through a window is a reference to the famed "Denver Alien" sighting where a man called Jeff Peckman claimed he filmed an extra-terrestrial outside of his home.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Prophezeiung'''" ("The Prophecy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 24|24 February]] [[2012]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Egyikünk elbukik'''" ("One of Us Falls")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 8|8 February]] [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'antica profezia!'''" ("The Ancient Prophecy!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 11|11 December]] [[2011]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Godae ui Yeeon'''" (고대의 예언, "The Ancient Prophecy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 14|14 November]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 4|4 January]] [[2012]]

'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 9|9 April]] [[2012]]

===Trivia===
* The episode was first broadcast on Canada's Teletoon channel. It later first aired in the United States on [[September 24]], [[2011]].
* At the beginning of the episode, as Megatron explains why he sought out the blood of Unicron, Knock Out totally checks out his "nails" in the background. How vain can you get?!
* Megatron laments that the only shard of Dark Energon he has is the one in his chest. It would seem that, despite his machinations being discovered, Starscream never gave Megatron's original shard back.
* Bulkhead states that he has never seen Optimus "laugh, cry or lose his cool". While it could just be an offhand expression, this inadvertently raises an interesting question as to whether Cybertronians actually have the ability to cry...[[Humanization#Crying|hmmmmmmmm]].
* Ratchet tells the kids that the title of Prime can only be earned, not inherited or born into. This is the inverse of what [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|a different Optimus]] told [[Megatron (Movie)|his archenemy]] in [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|a different universe]].
* This is the first time in the series an Autobot weaponizes a part of their vehicle mode—in this case, Optimus's wheels on his legs.
*Ratchet actually LAUGHS in this episode, and at a cartoon space cat, of all things!

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Starscream's Brigade

2012-05-18T19:31:30Z

86.86.159.173: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|image=Starscreams_brigade_5_letsgo.jpg
|caption=Surely, this will be his moment to shine...or not.
|series=G1toon
|ep=62
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=53
|prev2=Auto-Bop
|next2=The Revenge of Bruticus
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=19
|prev3=Triple Takeover
|next3=The Revenge of Bruticus
|title="Starscream's Brigade"
|written by=[[Michael Charles Hill]]
|production code=700-61
|airdate=[[January 7]], 1986
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After his latest attempt to overthrow Megatron's rule of the Decepticons, Starscream is banished from HQ, but this time, he hatches a plan...'''

:''Japanese title:'' スタースクリーム軍団 (''Starscream Gundan'', "Starscream's Brigade")
:''German'' Generation 2 ''title:'' "'''Starscreams großer Kampf'''" ("Starscreams big Fight")
:''Russian title:'' "'''Otryad Skandalista'''" (''Отряд Скандалиста'', "Starscream's Brigade")
:''Italian title, dub 1:'' '''I Combacticons''' ("The Combaticons")
:''Italian title, dub 2:'' '''La brigata di Starscream''' ("Starscream's brigade")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Starscreamsbrigade1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|You'd think Starscream would be a little less shocked to be in this position by now.]]

In [[1943]], at the height of [[World War II]], [[human]]s waged war on one another on the island of [[Guadalcanal]] in the south Pacific. Their wrecked and useless vehicles lay there untouched through the decades, until the present time—[[1985]].

Within [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] are having a spat over the fact Megatron favors [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Predictably, it ends with Starscream shooting Megatron in the back and proclaiming himself the new leader. Megatron recovers after a few seconds, knocking Starscream to the ground. The rest of the Decepticons refuse to obey Starscream's order to kill Megatron, so he attempts to flee, only to be shot down by Megatron. At the Decepticon leader's order, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] carries Starscream away and dumps him on Guadalcanal.

Humiliated and infuriated, Starscream stumbles upon the remnants of some old World War II vehicles, which inspire him to create an army of his own. He forces his way past [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], who are guarding the [[space bridge]], and travels to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. There he breaks into a [[Decepticon Detention Center]] and liberates the [[personality component]]s of five [[Renegade Decepticon]]s. Returning to Guadalcanal, he installs them into the wrecked vehicles, which transform into the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. The quarrelsome warriors are not happy with their new bodies and threaten simply to beat Starscream to a pulp, until he reveals that their new bodies do not contain [[energy absorber]]s, without which they cannot refuel: "No energy, no life." In exchange for the needed equipment, the Combaticons agree to obey Starscream's orders for the moment.

[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It was a whirlwind romance.]]

[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] are making a public appearance at the unveiling of the [[Optimus Prime memorial]] when Starscream and the Combaticons attack. The two [[Autobot]]s are badly outnumbered. The statue is soon in ruins, and pair are abducted in [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]'s cargo bay. The Decepticons return to Guadalcanal, where Starscream celebrates triumphantly and the Combaticons squabble over who was responsible for the victory. He tells them to settle down and informs them that until they obtain five energy absorbers, no one is getting one.

[[Image:Starscreamsbrigade2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"We all lost weight on the Subway diet!"]]

At the Decepticon base, Shockwave informs Megatron that the Combaticons' personality components are missing. Assuming the Autobots are responsible, Megatron launches an attack on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. The Autobots, meanwhile, have learned of the attack on the memorial and the abduction of Jazz and Cliffjumper, and they have assumed Megatron is responsible. When the Decepticon forces attack, the Autobots are confused by Megatron's demand for the personality components, and Optimus Prime's demand to turn over Jazz and Cliffjumper causes Megatron to suspect Starscream. Before he can complete his thought, a hit from Optimus knocks him to the ground and, realising that he and his men are low on energy, he orders a retreat. The Autobots consult [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] again for the scoop on the personality components.

Starscream and the Combaticons attack the Decepticons while they're attempting to refuel. With the refueling incomplete, Megatron and his forces are compelled to retreat, allowing Starscream to capture Dirge and Ramjet as well. The energy absorber count is now four, and Starscream and his men retire to the [[Amalgamated Water and Power Plant]] to recharge.

[[Image:Starscreams brigade 7 SSrideshoulder.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Aren't I supposed to have an evil ''and'' a good angel?"]]

Megatron, meanwhile, rallies his troops (except the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], who are "busy"), and moves against Starscream and his army. In the ensuing battle, Megatron pulls out his trump card: Devastator. Unfortunately for him, Starscream pulls out ''his'' trump card when he reveals that the Combaticons can likewise combine into a single titan: [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]! Bruticus makes short work of Devastator, laying out the combined [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The massive combiner then scoops up Megatron in one hand and forces him to acknowledge Starscream as the new Decepticon leader.

The Autobots use the battle's distraction to rescue Jazz and Cliffjumper; meanwhile, the late-arriving Stunticons look over the situation and decide that Starscream is too likely to continue his rampage. Merging into Menasor, they defeat the unsuspecting Bruticus with one massive punch.

From the resultant crater, Megatron emerges; grabbing Starscream by the throat, he decrees that Starscream and his army are banished from Earth. The usurpers are hauled away by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and left stranded on a distant asteroid in deep space... from which Starscream swears vengeance.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (18)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (19)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (24)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (25)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (27)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (38)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (39)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (40)
*[[Grapple]] (43)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (44)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (5)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (6)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (7)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (8)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (9)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (12)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (13)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (14)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (15)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (16)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (26)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (28)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (29)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (30)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (31)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (32)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (33)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (34)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (35)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (36
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (37)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (41)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (42)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (45)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (46)
*[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (47)

|c3=
*World War II soldiers (1)
*[[Marty Minkler]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"NOBODY TURNS HIS BACK ON ME!"
:—'''Starscream''', as Megatron turns his back on him.

"I have with me two members of the Autobot team: Jazz and Cliffjump." 
"That's 'Cliffjumper'."
:—'''Marty Minkler''' and '''Cliffjumper'''.

"I see incompetence breeds even more incompetence. HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
:—'''Megatron''' to Starscream, after the latter fails in his attempt to destroy the Decepticon leader.

"Now, Megatron: who is the new Decepticon leader?" 
"Enough! Uhm...you are." 
"I can't hear you!" 
"You are!" 
"I am now the leader of all Decepticons!"
:—'''Megatron''' in the grip of Bruticus (literally), and '''Starscream'''.

'''Motormaster''': Megatron's in trouble. 
'''Dead End''': Who cares? 
'''Wildrider''': It looks like Starscream's defeated him. 
'''Dead End''': So? 
'''Motormaster''': So, you think Starscream's going to stop here? 
'''Dead End''': Good point. He never knows when to quit. 
'''Motormaster''': Stunticons, unite to form Menasor!
:—The Stunticons survey Starscream's victory.

"Bruticus?" 
"No, Starscream, ''not'' Bruticus. It's Megatron—your ''leader''!" 
"Megatron, don't, please!" 
"This time, it really is 'goodbye', Starscream! Astrotrain, get him and his giant ally off this planet! They are banished from Earth...forever!" 
"You'll regret that you did not destroy me, Megatron! I shall have my revenge!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' after the Decepticon leader survives Starscream's latest mutiny.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:StarscreamsBrigade Soundwave eyes.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Maybe Megatron isn't the one Starscream should be worried about...]]
*During the first scene in Decepticon headquarters, right before and immediately after Starscream shoots Megatron in the back (about a minute and a half into the episode), Soundwave's visor is absent. He appears to have two separate, red optics instead, which, when compared to his usually emotionless expression, is actually kind of scary. In addition, his tape door has the wrong shape.
*When Megatron kicks him away, Starscream's cockpit is all yellow instead of yellow with gray stripes. Also, Megatron's ab section is uncolored (a few shots later, he has the red and blue buttons back).
*Throughout the episode, the animators can't seem to decide which way up to have Starscream's Decepticon [[insignia]] (or that he has them at all).
*At several points in the episode, such as when Starscream approaches the Space Bridge, his eye color changes from red to blue.
*Starscream is apparently slow at recognising numbers - he rounds the corner, and stands in front of Room 217 for a long time before identifying it as such.
* Starscream's vents are quite a bit higher than the door frame, but he miraculously manages to run into the room without them getting in the way.
*While Starscream tells the Combaticons he wants them to defeat Megatron, his wings are missing for a moment, then they're drawn smaller than usual. They change in size and shape throughout the episode.
*In the first shot of the Autobots, Cliffjumper is to the right of Jazz, but in the next, he's to his right. Also in this shot, Jazz has a line through his face instead of a mouth.
*As Vortex creates wind in helicopter mode, Cliffjumper is uncolored (he's gray instead of red).
*Megatron's head seems a little small when he's chatting to Shockwave over the comm. Also, he's missing his cannon.
*The first time we see (the real) Optimus Prime from the front, his fog lights are drawn too long (they extend all the way to his back!).
*When Megatron is attacking the Autobot headquarters, a black Thrust can be seen standing to his left. The camera cuts to Prime and then back to Megatron, who now has a properly decoed Thrust standing to his right.
*For one shot during the attack, Megatron's cannon is bent at the end.
*As Optimus watches the Decepticons retreat, you can see a blue blemish at the edge of their animation cell in the upper left corner.
*During the same shot, Optimus turns towards the camera and his chest grille is triangular instead of rectangular. Also, as he leaves the frame it suddenly loses all of its detail (the lines disappear, leaving a white blob).
*When Starscream jumps over the subway car, he's missing his feet!
*When Starscream says, "Don't think that it hasn't been fun," when he confronts Megatron, his wings are missing.
*There is no transformation noise for Skywarp as the Decepticons bust out of the station.
*Just before Starscream points at Dirge and Thrust, his mouth disappears for a moment.
*When Megatron rallies the Decepticons before going after Starscream, Shockwave is seen among the group, even though he had been shown to be still on Cybertron. Dirge is also seen in the group, despite the fact that he's supposed to be a prisoner of the Combaticons at that point. (Maybe it's Thrust miscolored.)
*As Starscream says it will not be long before Megatron launches an assault, his hands and lower arms are red instead of blue.
*When Powerglide flies over the Decepticons, his plane mode is not only white, but a different model. Or, [[Bad Boy|could it be...?]]
*As usual, Devastator's transformation sequence is all kinds of screwy. This time, Hook transforms not only into his own portion of Devastator, but also most of Long Haul's and much of Bonecrusher and Scavenger's as well. A second later, Bonecrusher and Scavenger transform into their usual Devastator components—including the parts that Hook already formed!
*Just after Devastator's transformation, as he finishes saying "Ha ha ha ha harrrr!", there are two frames from the Stunticons' "demolition derby" scene from 95 seconds (about 2,821 frames) earlier in the episode.
*Devastator repeatedly switches between having separate eyes and his usual eyeband.
*Devastator's voice is missing its usual reverb.
*When the Autobots arrive at the battle and transform, Optimus' waist is uncolored for a moment.
*Ironhide was part of the team at Autobot HQ, but he's replaced by Ratchet and Grapple at the power plant.
*As Menasor flies towards him, Starscream's face is dark gray instead of light gray, and his eyes are triangular instead of rectangular.

===Continuity errors===
* During the WWII footage at the beginning of the episode, a pilot ejects from a plane. He should be wearing goggles, but is not.
* Starscream maintains control of the Combaticons by not installing [[energy absorber]]s into them, thereby preventing them from re-energising, and a repeated point is made that they must capture five Transformers in order to take their energy absorbers for the Combaticons. Yet the Combaticons are somehow able to recharge after capturing only four Transformers.
* When Megatron shoots Starscream at the beginning of the episode, a plume of fire appears at the aft end of his cannon, and afterward, the cannon is smoking for some reason. This is the only episode where these things happen.
* Optimus shoots Megatron in the chest, and this apparently disables his fusion cannon. Again, the only time this has happened!
* Optimus Prime asks Teletraan 1 if he knows anything on the renegade Decepticons who then informs him that they were removed from storage yesterday. Which means Teletraan 1 knew of the theft but did not inform the Autobots about it. Odd since this is something you would want to know about.
* After the Autobots figure out what's happening with Starscream and Megatron, Optimus dramatically orders his troops to "Transform and [[roll out]]!" But it seems they forgot to figure out where they were going; they're never shown arriving anywhere! The next time we see the Autobots, Optimus and Powerglide are once again standing in front of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], and Optimus orders Powerglide to search for Starscream. Who says Prime doesn't learn from his mistakes?
* This episode was aired ''after'' "[[Aerial Assault]]", which also featured the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]].
* So Astrotrain, in his space shuttle mode, can transport Starscream and the Combaticons to an asteroid in deep space, but Blast Off, a space shuttle himself, can't fly them back to Earth?

===Continuity notes===
* Earth builds a [[Optimus Prime memorial|memorial]] to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] before he's even dead... [[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous]].
* '''[[Triple Takeover|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron said so! Well, hard to argue with that, huh? '''[[The Revenge of Bruticus|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*Elements of World War II are shown in the episode with the abandoned military vehicles.

===Trivia===
* According to the Generation 1 [[production bible]], this episode was titled "30 Seconds over Megatron" before broadcast. [http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage88.html]
* The WWII element of the Combaticons' origin is a strange choice, since none of their toys are actually WWII-era vehicles. The shooting script dictates specific, historically-accurate vehicles for each one, and then it describes them as their modern, toy-based forms, but no explanation or even description is given for the transition. It ended up being animated as part of their transformation to robot mode, and it remains a unique phenomenon.
* Number of times that somebody says "Jazz and Cliffjumper": 7
* The Japanese dub of the episode (poorly) super-imposes Japanese translations of the captions during the World War II recap, which shows the Combaticons' origins.
* The Decepticon detention center sure looks like something you'd find on Earth, eh? The doors are labeled with Arabic numerals and personality components are kept in file cabinets!
* Devastator got his tail kicked. Can you tell he's no longer a new toy, folks?
* The plot of this episode is reused in a simplified form in [[The Special Teams]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — The Action Adventure Collection ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Starscream's Brigade (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1993 — The Biggest Ever Saturday Morning Heroes (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 8 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[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 Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (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]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

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

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Blaster (G1)

2012-04-07T19:18:15Z

86.86.159.173: /* IDW Generation 1 comics */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Blaster}}
{{suite}}
{{featured}}
:''Blaster is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:SDCCBlasterBoxArt.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"What it is, big mama? My mama ain't raise no dummies, I dug her rap!"]]
'''[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]''' loves all Earth music, especially good, hard, LOUD rock 'n' roll. He can be found at the forefront of any situation in which he's involved, be it getting down and truly hopping to town, or kicking butt and taking names—both of which he does well, and both of which have led him into conflict with authority at times. Blaster marches to his own beat, whether it's a pounding bassline or pounding Decepticon skulls, and he's not shy when it comes to sharing his feelings about either! He maintains a shared enmity with his Decepticon counterpart [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], with whom he shares his powers over all forms of sound, and is often backed up by a team of his own [[Autobot Mini-Cassette]]s to match Soundwave's mini-minions of the battlefield.

{{note|Blaster's personality varied significantly across different media; see entries below for details.}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
{{main|Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}
[[Image:AutoBop blaster speakers.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Beware my tweeters of doom!!]]
Blaster was a fun-loving, hip and happening robot. Loud and energetic, he was quick to immerse himself in Earth culture, and was happy to share his choice of rockin' tunes with anyone, whether they really wanted to hear them or not—a trait that got him in trouble as often as it saved him and his Autobot allies. Developing a rivalry with his Decepticon opposite number Soundwave Blaster gained a cassette army of his own so he could fight Soundwave on equal footing, and he and little buddies were instrumental in ensuring reinforcements arrived in time to save [[Autobot City]] when it was besieged in 2005. Following this, Blaster was assigned command of the city, where his jive-talking jingles and jams saw the Autobots through crises like the attack of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Blaster's duties also took him to a variety of battlefields that were stranger than many other Transformers would experience, including millions of years into the past, into another dimension ruled by magic, and—a particular favorite of his—the musical planet of [[Eurythma]].

In some timelines which spin off from this one, Blaster joined the [[Interplanetary Personnel Exchange Program]] under the new name '''Broadblast''' (ブロードブラスト ''Burōdoburasuto''), and after perishing in a one-on-one battle with Soundwave, was reconstructed by the super-science of the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]] as '''Twincast''' (ツインキャスト ''Tsuinkyasuto'').
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel Generation 1 comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:BlasterUS17.jpg|right|250px|thumb|More than likely, he'll kill you. Yeah, you. You know who you are.]]
Blaster was a rather grim, brooding, rebellious loner who hated Decepticons with a passion, whose reputation as one of the best fighters the [[Autobot]]s had was blemished by his vocal problems with authority figures. Part of [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s [[Cybertron Seven|Autobot resistance cell]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he often disagreed with his superior's orders, especially after his friend [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] failed to make a rendezvous with him in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], and Blaster wanted to hunt for him. Although his fellow freedom fighters rallied behind him at first, the discovery that Scrounge had been taken to the Decepticon stronghold in [[Polyhex]] changed their minds, and Blaster went in alone. Captured by the forces of [[Straxus (G1)|Lord Straxus]], Blaster was sentenced to the [[smelting pool]], where he discovered the half-melted Scrounge, who clung to life long enough to pass on to Blaster the data he had obtained, so that this death would not be in vain. Blaster was then saved from the pit by his comrades, and he claimed revenge for Scrounge by ripping out the pipes that fed the pool and blasting their Decepticon pursuers with molten slag.

[[Image:MarvelUS18 blaster cyb altmode.jpg|left|thumb|225px|And you thought the 1980s cellphones were huge.]]
Scrounge's information brought new hope to the Autobot resistance, as it revealed that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] were still alive and well after four million years, fighting on a planet called Earth. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} The Decepticons set about building a [[space bridge]] to this planet, and Blaster spied on the tests in his alternate mode, gathering the information they need to launch an attack. Blaster personally battled Straxus on the bridge, tricking the Decepticon leader into damaging the portal before kicking him through it and apparently destroying him. Blaster and the rest of his Autobot allies were trapped on the Earth side of the bridge as it faded out. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

Blaster and his men were attacked by the government anti-robot task force [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] and its super-powered agent [[Circuit Breaker]] almost immediately upon arrival, and were captured and disassembled, their heads mounted on the wall of RAAT headquarters. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} To deal with the threat of the [[Battlecharger]]s, Blaster and the Autobots agreed to allow Circuit Breaker to jury-rig their bodies together into a giant exo-suit she would use to take the two Decepticons down, in exchange for their being rebuilt and released. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

[[Image:FallenAngel blaster sonics galvatron.jpg|right|225px|thumb|Yeah, that's real good, Blaster, you keep doing that.]]

''Blaster's team followed their fellow RAAT captive [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] him back to the Ark, but along the way, their guide vanished, displaced to [[Limbo]] by the appearance of the future Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. Unwisely deciding to engage the Decepticon, Blaster tried hitting him with a blast of sonics, which sundered Galvatron's tenuous hold on sanity and only made him even more dangerous. Fortunately, the arrival of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] saved him, and he decided to try the tactic again while Galvatron was distracted. It ''almost'' worked this time, but Galvatron hurled a discarded sword in Blaster's direction, and he was only rescued from impalement by [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. Blaster was soon knocked unconscious, and didn't witness Galvatron being driven off by the present-day Decepticons.'' {{storylink|Fallen Angel}} ''Blaster's team continued on their way to the Ark, and arrived just as the Autobots were preparing to hold a funeral for Optimus Prime. Blaster quietly questioned their decision to bury Prime rather than fire his body into space, but it proved a moot point when the Autobot leader turned out to not actually be dead, returning in the midst of the ceremony.'' {{storylink|Resurrection!}}

[[Image:JoeandTF4 blaster omega and the rest.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Turn down that blasted music! THIS I COMMAND!!!]]

When Optimus Prime died for real soon after, Blaster got on the comm to pass the grim news on to [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], ordering him to break off his present engagement with the anti-terrorist team [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and return to the Ark. {{storylink|Power Struggle}} After watching as [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] tried and failed to rebuild the Autobot leader, Blaster attended Prime's funeral, where his body was sent into space on a funeral bier. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} Blaster gave a speech to mark Prime's passing, {{storylink|Ashes, Ashes...}} then returned to the Ark with the Auotbots, only to be attacked attacked by the ship's own defense systems, co-opted by the human criminal, the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]]. Perceptor had to stop Blaster from damaging the ship until the situation could be brought under control. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} No sooner had ''that'' been dealt with than Blaster detected a fleet of human aircraft heading for the Ark, which the Autobots proceeded to intercept on the assumption of hostile intent. After a brief battle, the human revealed themselves to agents of [[Cobra]], who requested the Autobots' help in stopping the Decepticons from destroying the planet using [[Power Station Alpha]]. {{storylink|Ashes, Ashes...}} Suspecting the highly-advanced Alpha could potentially be a sentient technological lifeform, Blaster opposed destroying it outright, and remained at the Ark to co-ordinate a combined Autobot/G.I. Joe/Cobra attack on the Decepticons to free Alpha from their control. The Joes and Cobra surreptitiously had Alpha destroyed to remove its threat, infuriating Blaster and leading him to wonder if ''any'' humans could be trusted. {{storylink|...All Fall Down!}}

[[Image:MarvelUS28 blaster cops.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

Turning to the matter of finding a new leader of the Autobots, Blaster and several other high-ranking Autobots were in the process of a holding a vote when the massive Decepticon battle station Trypticon attacked, and Blaster was shot down when he attempted to rush the giant. Dinobot leader [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] proceeded to secure victory over Trypticon, convincing Blaster and the other Autobots to appoint him the Autobots' new commander. {{storylink|King of the Hill!}} Unfortunately, Grimlock soon gave Blaster cause to regret his decision with increasingly hostile leadership methods and a callous disregard for human safety. Paired with [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]], whose more naturally upbeat personality provided the Boy Wonder to his Batman, Blaster was charged with locating the Mechanic, but disobeyed orders and entered into alliance with some local human law enforcement to prevent the officers from being killed by the advanced Cybertronian weapons the criminal had stolen from the Ark. Playing the fool, Detective [[Greco]] carried Blaster into the Mechanic's hideout in tape-deck mode, where the Autobot used his electro scrambler to disable all the villain's weapons. Alas, the Mechanic escaped, and, realizing that Grimlock would not tolerate the news of their failure and their human alliances, Blaster and Goldbug elected to go AWOL. {{storylink|Mechanical Difficulties!}}

[[Image:MarvelUS30 blaster and goldbug.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"MY PARTNERS ARE DEEEEAD!"]]

Rather than lay low, Blaster and Goldbug decided to take their fight to the Decepticons, and quickly tracked down the Autobots' human ally [[G.B. Blackrock]] in hope that he could provide them with both fuel and some hot tips on current 'Con activity. Following Blackrock's info, the two Autobots found the Decepticon [[Triple Changer]]s, but Blaster took on all three of the villains at once, he discovered they were ravaged with [[Scraplet]]s, which soon infected him as well. Goldbug withdrew to seek a cure, but Blaster believed he had left him to die and swore vengeance against the little 'bot. {{storylink|Crater Critters}} Hooking up with the [[Throttlebot]]s and human scientist [[Charlie Fong]], Goldbug discovered that water could destroy the Scraplets, and surprised Blaster by returning to save him. Blaster refused to allow himself to be cured if it meant that the Decepticons would live as well, but when the Scraplets merged into a giant, Goldbug had no choice, and sprayed them all. A cured but furious Blaster smashed the water tank over the Scraplet-monster, killing it, then calmed down enough to apologize to Goldbug for doubting him. {{storylink|The Cure!}}

[[Image:MarvelUS32 blaster arrested.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Check it out, Blaster, we all got Nerf guns for Christmas!]]

''Taking some time out of their life on the road to watch human television, Blaster, Goldbug and the Throttlebots happened upon a news report about the discovery of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and Galvatron, entombed in lava within the the volcano, [[Mount Verona]]. Discovering that Soundwave and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] were going to blow up the mountain to destroy them both, Blaster used his sonic powers to block Soundwave's detonation signal, preventing the bombs the Combaticons placed from going off.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}} Once they had evaded the pursuing Combaticons, Blaster and company found themselves in a scuffle with RAAT in [[California]], and hid out in [[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]]'s used car lot. Unfortunately, their battle made the evening news and finally alerted Grimlock to their AWOL status, prompting him to brand them traitors and send the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to hunt them down. The car lot quickly turned into a three-way battleground between the Combaticons, Protectobots and RAAT, and despite Blaster's help in the battle, the Protectobots surrounded and apprehended him at the fight's end. {{storylink|Used Autobots}}

[[Image:Blasterbeourleaderplease.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"BLASTER, BE OUR LEADER, PLEAAAASE???"]]

Trapped in tape deck mode by a [[mode lock]], Blaster was helpless to aid the Protectobots when the Combaticons returned, but with the aid of four [[Spacehikers|human children]], he was freed and took [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] down by collapsing a pylon on him. Realizing that Blaster was far nobler than Grimlock, [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] allowed him to go free, and Blaster rewarded the children for their help by taking them on a trip into space aboard the mode-locked [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}} Unfortunately, they were accosted in mid-flight by the now-airborne Ark, but the humans tossed Blaster out an airlock so he could avoid capture by Grimlock's forces. While Grimlock was occupied trying to stop [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] from interfering in his attempted execution of the kids, Blaster rode a telecommunications satellite back to the Ark, where he his fellow Autobots, all sick of Grimlock's leadership, begged him to take over as leader. However, he was forced to surrender to his former commander in order to secure the kids' safety. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}}

[[Image:MarvelUS41 blaster vs grimlock.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]

Imprisoned by Grimlock, Blaster was strapped to a [[variable voltage harness]] for some time as punishment for his desertion and disobedience. When [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and his Autobots arrived and Grimlock challenged him to a duel, Goldbug talked Blaster into taking the injured Fortress Maximus's place to get even with Grimlock once and for all. They proceeded to battle on the surface of Earth's [[moon (moon)|moon]], but their duel was interrupted by a Decepticon attack, and Blaster pointed out that their feud had put all Autobots in danger. Grimlock agreed to call their duel a draw and declared a truce with Blaster as they fended off the Decepticons side by side. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

With Optimus Prime's subsequent return both to life and to command of the Autobots, the faction's in-fighting issues ceased and more important matters could be dealt with—namely, rescuing their human ally [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] from the Decepticons' baffling new [[Club Con|desert island resort]]. [[Image:MarvelUS50 blaster dies.jpg|left|275px|thumb]] Tasked with investigating, Blaster was loaded into a capsule in tape deck mode and dropped from the orbiting Ark into the Witwicky family garden, where he asked Buster's girlfriend [[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]] to sneak him into "Club Con". The pair were able to steal a pair of captive Autobot cassettes—[[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]]—from the Decepticons, but this aroused the ire of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], and Blaster, unable to battle them effectively due to the human holidaymakers occupying the island, was forced to ditch the tapes in the ocean to break off the fight. Although forced to withdraw without Buster, Blaster and Jessie ''had'' learned something important: the tapes held data on a mysterious Cybertronian object heading for Earth. {{storylink|Club Con!}} ''The eruption of the "Time Wars" briefly tabled this mystery, but Blaster had no real role in that conflict, as he, Optimus Prime, and several other Autobots were temporarily displaced into Limbo to make room for a team of Autobots arriving from the future.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}} [[Image:Marvel77-Blaster.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He used to be badass, now he's just a poor man's Perceptor...]] Soon after, the approaching object was revealed to be the Cybertronian database known as the [[Underbase]], the power of which was stolen by Starscream. Blaster joined [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] in co-ordinating a battalion of Autobots and Decepticons in defense of [[New York City]] against Starscream's worldwide rampage, and was the last to fall, shot dead atop the Brooklyn Bridge, like all those who attempted to stand against the cosmically-powered villain. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

Blaster's body was put into storage on the Ark, defying all of Ratchet's attempts to repair it, to the extent that the medic started to have nightmares about him and various other deactivated Autobots reviving as [[zombie]]s to kill him for his failures. {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} A few years later, Grimlock succeeded where Ratchet had failed by using the miracle fuel [[Nucleon]] to revive the damaged Autobots, with Blaster being one of the first back on his feet. Arriving on Cybertron in the nick of time aboard the ''Ark'', Blaster took part in and survived the battle with [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} In the aftermath, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had Blaster run a check on the strange seismic activity Cybertron was suffering from, with disastrous results: It turned out Cybertron was tearing itself apart without the binding life-force of [[Primus]] to sustain it. {{storylink|Exodus!}}

[[Image:EndOfTheRoad-finalfive.jpg|left|thumb|Guess how many of these guys had Action Master toys on the shelves when this came out.]]
The Decepticons fled Cybertron, leaving the Autobots to die with their homeworld, but thanks to Grimlock planning ahead, the Autobots managed to follow them to the planet [[Klo]], only to be caught in an ambush upon arrival. Blaster took a blast in the shoulder from [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] during the fight, but was one of the few who managed to survive the attack, and there was still more than enough fight left in him to join Grimlock and the other survivors in charging the Decepticon position. He was last seen shooting the head off of [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]. [[Krunk|Uh oh.]] {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

In an alternate version of 2006, Blaster went with a group of Autobots to [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] to investigate strange happenings there. When they arrived they discovered a chaotic scene where aliens from many worlds, including the Decepticons, had arrived and were all engaged in a deadly battle with one another. Blaster detected a signal he suspected was putting all the combatants under hypnosis. He and Ultra Magnus came up with a plan where [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] would fly Blaster into the air where Blaster would then broadcast soothing music. The plan succeeded in calming the combatants. {{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]].}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[Image:SpacePirates blaster strung up.jpg|right|thumb|Help! He's touching my special area!]]
In the future of 2008, Blaster was present at Autobot City when the [[Quintesson]] [[Trident Attack Craft|Trident]] ships attacked. He attempted to transform Autobot City himself, but was stopped cold by General [[Ghyrik]]. He was deactivated in the battle that followed and his body strung up on the outer parapets as a warning to any Autobots who came to liberate the city. Although Blaster was inactive, his cassettes were not, and this fact gave [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] an edge when they began battling their way through the Quintesson occupants. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

Blaster was seen briefly in 2009 at the start of the Time Wars, but did not end up joining Rodimus Prime on his mission into the past (see above). {{storylink|Time Wars}} After Galvatron was destroyed back in 1989 and the time line rebooted itself, Blaster was still among the Autobots stationed at Autobot City. He responded to [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s emergency signal when the Autobots crash landed on Earth after a crazed Rodimus Prime turned against them, and helped drive the evil possessing presence out of their leader. {{storylink|White Fire}}
{{-}}

=====Another Time & Place=====
[[Image:Another Time Place Fangry.jpg|thumb|left|That's his hand on the left!]]
Blaster was part of the rescue unit who infiltrated [[Hydrus Four]] to defeat the Decepticons and rescue the Dinobots. He personally helped disarm and defeat [[Fangry]]. {{storylink|Another Time & Place}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
[[Image:WarAgainstDestructions blaster plays.jpg|right|thumb|That's right kids, this is what 3D used to look like.]]
When Hot Rod and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] returned from [[Tau-Ursa]] with a strange recording, Blaster was able to play it. The recording revealed the existence of the [[Destructon]]s, [[Logicon]]s, and the location of [[Metascan Alpha]], the Logicons' storehouse of [[Energon]]. At Optimus Prime's command, Blaster contacted Ultra Magnus at Metroplex on Earth to pass the information along. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation 1'' comics===
[[Image:AgeofWrath2 AutobotResistance.jpg|right|225px|thumb|Steeljaw was in the bathroom.]]
Around 6.5 million years ago, Blaster was one of the high-ranking Autobots who helped Ultra Magnus reunify their fractured faction at the end of the [[Dark Ages]], suggesting that he may have been in charge of one of the various splinter groups that formed during those troubled times. Over the next half-a-million years, the reunited Autobots worked to usher in a new Golden Age, and were finally poised to sign a peace treaty with the Decepticons and [[Ultracon]]s until the long-missing Megatron returned to Cybertron, launching an attack in the middle of the treaty ceremony with his new [[Air Warrior|Aerospace Extermination Squadron]]. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}} With this new army, Megatron ushered in an [[Age of Internment]], capturing nearly the entire Autobot army and putting them to work as slaves, extracting the very core of Cybertron itself. Blaster managed to evade capture, however, and together with Perceptor, assembled a small rebel cell hiding out in the subterranean chambers of [[Iacon Command]]. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.2}}

Seeking to capture one of Megatron's drones in order to learn more about Megatron's new [[Cloning|clone technology]], Blaster oversaw his unit on the mission from a distance, using his abilities to jam any emergency transmissions while [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and several other Autobots engaged the drone in battle long enough to attach an inhibitor claw, immobilizing it. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.3}}

{{note|Dreamwave's subsequent backruptcy ended ''The Age of Wrath'' half-way through. Unreleased issues would have seen Blaster and his team use an ancient map of Cybertron's depths to infiltrate Megatron's slave camp, only for them to be discovered by Megatron himself. Blaster battled Megatron one-on-one, managing to use his sonic powers to briefly gain the upper hand, before losing a leg to the Decepticon leader. The sudden return of Grimlock, believed to have died during Megatron's first attack, gave the wounded Blaster the chance he needed to free the Autobot prisoners by deactivating their [[inhibitor claw]]s. Perceptor, meanwhile, used the data gleaned from studying the captured drone to deactivate the neural network linking the entire squadron, ending the Age of Internment.}}

Blaster remained on Cybertron when the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' left four million years ago, and eventually entered stasis along with the rest of the planet when it finally ran out of energy during the [[Great Shutdown]]. The planet was reawakened by Shockwave in roughly the Earth year 1000 BC, and the Autobots and Decepticons put aside their differences to begin rebuilding their world. [[Image:PassiveAggression Blaster lovesEarth.jpg|left|300px|thumb|]] Suspecting that Shockwave had more sinister motives, Blaster was one of the first Autobots to join an underground resistance movement against him, using his communications skills to discover a subliminal code being pumped through the public address screens around the planet that was aggravating the violent tendencies of the entire population. Despite his feelings for Shockwave, Blaster still developed a strong taste for information from the Earth culture Shockwave was introducing to Cybertron, and even modified his alternate mode into a Earthen boom box. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}

In the year 2003, when Shockwave's forces brought Optimus Prime and the crew of the Ark back to Cybertron to be tried as war criminals, double agents inside the United Cybertronian force delivered Prime and his crew to Blaster and the others at their headquarters in the [[Wastelands]]. With the help of Cybertron's greatest hero, the resistance movement began an open insurrection against Shockwave's loyal Decepticon forces and the [[Guardian robot]]s under his control. Shockwave's regime fell, and the Autobots resumed command of Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[Image:DividedFront1 bots found.jpg|right|thumb|Comfortable?]]
In the year 1985, Blaster and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] hastily took off for [[Earth]] in an starship poorly-suited for interstellar travel. Upon arrival, they unsurprisingly crashed, landing in the forests of [[Oregon]] near [[Mount St. Hilary]]. Their deactivated bodies were found by the forces of [[Cobra]] and bundled up to be airlifted out, but a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] team led by [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] soon intervened. [[Blowtorch]] knocked the chopper carrying their bodies out of the air with this flamethrower, and [[Barbecue]] extinguished the flames before the two Autobots could be consumed by the blaze. Blaster and Perceptor's bodies were then taken back to G.I. Joe headquarters. {{storylink|Targets of Opportunity}}
{{note|Dreamwave's bankruptcy meant this story was never finished.}}
{{--}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
[[Image:HeartsofSteel blaster.jpg|left|thumb|No, no, don't get up.]]
Blaster and his fellow Autobots fought the Decepticons on Earth in the distant past until an incoming ice age threatened to deactivate all the Transformers. Both sides went into hiding underground until the danger had passed, remaining in stasis until the mid-19th century. When they woke up, the war against the Decepticons started anew, though Blaster was not seen getting involved. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Heart of Steel #1}}
{{-}}
===IDW Generation 1 comics===

[[Image:SpotlightBlaster the voice.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]

Before the war, Blaster was a reporter for the [[Iaconian Newsfeed Service]], and reported live from the [[Nova Plaza]] after an assassination attempt on [[Nominus Prime]]. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 2}} After the outbreak of the war, Blaster joined the Autobots, and initially served as a soldier who was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots halted a major Decepticon energon convoy four million years ago. {{storylink|The Iron Age}} Eventually, however, he returned to his broadcasting roots and became a patriotic radio personality, broadcasting propaganda across the galaxy to rally the Autobot forces as they struggled on the war's many battlefronts. Known as "The Voice" for his widespread positive influence, Blaster became the target of a Decepticon assassination attempt, time to prevent him from making an important broadcast on the eve of a major Autobot offensive. Although the assassin failed, Blaster's wounded body was ejected into space, and he was believed dead by his faction.

[[Image:SpotlightBlaster altmode.jpg|left|thumb|Blaster used to transform into a kaboombox.|150px]]

Some time later, Blaster was found by a passing [[Yar|trawler]] and delivered home, where it was revealed that he had to have been attacked by an Autobot. In an effort to flush the traitor out, Blaster went back on the air. The attempt worked, and his would-be killer was revealed: [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], forced into the act by a mind-controlling [[cerebro-shell]] implanted by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] at the direction of Soundwave. However, he was able to resist when Blaster used his greatest weapon: his voice. As a damaged Beachcomber was brought in for repairs, Blaster swore he'd find Soundwave and that the last thing he'd ever hear would be... the Voice. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[Image:AHM15 blaster and kup.jpg|right|thumb]]

In the year that followed the defeat of [[Nova Prime]], Blaster was among the Autobots captured by the Decepticon [[Turmoil]], but was soon rescued by a team led by Kup. All the other prisoners were members of the [[Wrecker]]s, suggesting Blaster may have joined the team at some point. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}} Blaster remained with Kup's team, and was serving as the communications officer for his ship, the ''[[Trion]]'', when a simultaneous galaxy-wide uprising was staged by the Decepticons. Distress signals came pouring in, but all went silent in short order, save for one from Hot Rod, so the crew of the ''Trion'' went to save the turbo-revvin' young punk from [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]. The day was saved by Perceptor, although Blaster disapproved of the scientist's transformation into a warrior, saying he had "defiled himself". {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Lost & Found}}

Blaster and the others harried the Decepticon fleet until they were baited into an ambush above Cybertron. There, the ship was shot down and forced to crash-land on the assumed uninhabitable world. Banding together to survive, they eventually encountered Optimus Prime's unit, only to find him incapacitated, the Matrix having been seized by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}} Blaster mingled with the other Autobots for a while, {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} before warning Kup about an incoming [[Insecticon swarm|swarm]] attack that forced them to relocate. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}} With morale still dwindling, Blaster attempted to put his famous voice to work by trying to break up a fight between Hot Rod and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] by injecting some reason, but was interrupted by [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] telling them they all deserved to die. [[Image:AHM9 blaster breaks up argument.jpg|left|thumb]] {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} The Autobots were eventually saved when [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] decimated the swarm and carried them all to Earth, where they attacked Megatron and his troops. Blaster was ordered to block the Decepticons' communications, allowing the arrival of Omega Supreme to take them completely by surprise. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} He survived the great battle. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

Blaster remained on Earth with the other Autobots for the next three years, as they regathered their forces. [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] radioed in to Blaster when [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] got himself nabbed by [[Skywatch]], an event which led to the death of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and the resignation of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} Autobot leadership was split between Bumblebee and Hot Rod, and Blaster stayed with Bumblebee's group, which went on to form an alliance with [[Gordon Horiuchi]] of Skywatch. Blaster was among the Autobots who captured [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and other Decepticons for their new allies. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}} Unfortunately, Horiuchi betrayed the Autobots and forced them to hunt one of their own kind, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]. Bumblebee managed to get free from Horiuchi's control, and so Blaster and the others stayed behind to cover for him as he sought a solution for their problems. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}} They pretended to be making plans to hunt down Hot Rod while Bumblebee recovered the control tech Skywatch was using to keep them in line. {{storylink|The Gift Horse}} Bumblebee was successful, and Blaster was later present when Bumblebee unveiled his new, more powerful form, to better serve as Autobot leader. {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}

Blaster was one of the Autobots who joined the crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' in search of the mythical [[Knights of Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers G1: Awakening''===
[[Image:Gluawakening blaster.jpg|right|thumb]]
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
<div style="float: left">{{charstubfiction}}</div><div style="clear: left"></div>
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===

* '''Blaster''' (Autobot, 1985/1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''38'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Electro-scrambler|Electro-scrambler gun]]
[[Image:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Still think you're so superior, Soundwave?"]]
: Rather huge by the typical standards of Generation 1 Transformers, Blaster transforms into a miniature "ghetto blaster" boombox. He features spring-loaded buttons: when pressed, his "start" button stays in the depressed position until his "stop" button is pressed, while pressing the "eject" button pops open his tape door, which can store a single [[Mini-Cassette]] Transformer. Due to what was presumably a common internal misassembly issue, many original Blasters had doors which would not open when the eject button is pressed, nor would the other buttons work. Blaster has rather limited useful articulation, located in his neck and shoulders.

: Blaster began life as the ''[[Micro Change]]'' "Radi-Casse Robo" ("radio-cassette", you see), which was actually a functional AM radio. Though this feature was gutted from Blaster when he was released as part of the ''Transformers'' toyline, the original toy's power switch (on his right leg), earphone jack (on the back of his left leg) and tuning dial (on his chest) still remain, now as a moulded, non-moving detail. Even the toy's electro-scrambler gun is designed to serve as storage for the set of earphones which came with the toy, with the plug inserting into the stock, the cord winding around it, and the earphones themselves tucking into the hole in the gun's main body. It was not the toy itself which was the radio; rather, the radio was a small "micro-cassette" which plugged into the toy's internal wiring when inserted into its chest, allowing it to play through the speakers in its legs in either mode. As the electronic equipment in the chest meant that the figure could not hold normal ''Micro Change'' cassettes there, it featured a compartment on its back which could hold a single tape instead. This compartment could still be found on some early releases of Blaster, though it was a often mistaken by fans as a vestigial battery compartment, which was actually originally located in the toy's right leg.

: Blaster was reissued by Takara in 2006 as part of ''[[#TFC|The Transformers Collection]]'' and then by Hasbro in 2010 during ''[[#Hasbroreissue|Universe]]'' (see below)
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Blaster/blaster.htm More information on Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:G1toy_twincast.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Twincast''' (Autobot, 1987)
**''ID number:'' '''C-116'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], Electro-Scrambler Gun

: For this Japanese-exclusive release, the first Blaster toy was [[redeco]]ed into a rather cacophonous new blue, yellow and red color scheme. Like his contemporary redeco Soundblaster, his chest door was [[Retool|retooled]] in order to accommodate two cassettes at once, and changed from colorless clear plastic to translucent red as part of a gimmick with his pack-in partner, Steeljaw. This version of Steeljaw sports a new decal depicting [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], which reveals the Decepticon's weak spot when placed behind Twincast's red door, working in the same manner as a [[Tech Spec]]s decoder.

: Twincast was reissued as an [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] in 2006 (see below)
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Twincast/twincast.htm More information on Twincast at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:ActionMasterBlaster toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Which gun is better?]]
*'''Blaster w/ Flight Pack''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' "Flight Pack" backpack, "tractor beam electron gun"

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Action Master]] Blaster (not to be confused with the "Action Master Blasters" price-point) is compatible with any other Action Master vehicle or accessory. His design is based largely on his cartoon model, with elements from the toy added (like his visor). He came with the "[[Flight Pack]]" accessory, which converts from a winged jetpack to a massive "electro-scrambler" cannon.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/Blaster/blaster.htm More information on Action Master Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Binaltech Asterisk===
[[Image:Bta broadblast.jpg|right|300px|thumb|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]
*'''Broadblast meets Lumina''' (Binaltech, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BTA03'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, Lumina Hoshi with stand, driving arms and driving legs

: A redeco of ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], Broadblast transforms into a 1:24 scale [[wikipedia:Scion_xB|Toyota bB, aka the Scion xB]]. He has working doors, hood, and trunk, plus his engine becomes a non-firing weapon. He also comes with an extra decal sheet, which includes signs for "TBN" which ''possibly'' stands for "Transformers Broadcast Network" or some such; there is Japanese text on the labels as well, but it's really tiny and hard to make out.

: He came with a PVC-plastic figurine of the [[human]] newsgirl [[Lumina Hoshi]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/Broadblast/broadblast.htm More information on Binaltech Asterisk Blaster at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===The Transformers Collection===

[[Image:G1toy TFC blaster.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

*'''Broadcast''' (reissue, 2006)
**''ID number:'' '''21'''
**''Accessories:'' Steeljaw, Electro-scrambler gun, cassette case

:Blaster's first reissue was the final instalment in Takara's ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' line of re-released Generation 1 toys. He features no notable changes from his original release, save for the fact that he comes packaged with Steeljaw, where his original release had gone without any pack-in partners.
{{-}}

===Collector's Edition===
[[Image:G1toy twincast reissue.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

*'''Twincast''' (2006)
**''ID number:'' '''C-116'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]], Electro-scrambler gun, cassette case

:Twincast's first reissue was available exclusively through online retailer e-HOBBY, designed, as most e-HOBBY exclusives were at the time, to accompany the mass-release of the standard reissue of the original Blaster. Though Twincast was unusual in that he was a pre-existing character, where the previous few years' worth of e-HOBBY exclusive redecos had been new characters, he did come packaged with a new partner: a redeco of the Eject/Rewind mold named [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]]. At the time, rather than feature unique packaging, all e-HOBBY exclusives came in a generic box in Autobot red or Decepticon purple; oddly, Twincast came in a Decepticon box, but since Flip Sides was characterized as a Decepticon sleeper agent, it just about made sense.
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Blasteruniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Preparations for the military strike, dubbed Operation Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication Storm, are already underway.]]
*'''Autobot Blaster with Blockrock Mini-Con!''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Series:'' Classics Series
**''Accessories:'' Tri-barrel "particle feedback blaster"/bomb, double-barrel "harmonic wave cannon"/bomb, Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key

: Blaster is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]], transforming into a Cybertronic stealth bomber vaguely like an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|F-117A Nighthawk prototype]], the [[Wikipedia:Have_Blue|Have Blue]]. He comes with three hexagonal prism "bombs"; one converts into his partner [[Blockrock]], the other two unfold into non-firing blaster weapons. Any one of these "bombs" can be stored in his robot-mode chest, which opens by plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into him; Blaster comes translucent black, gunmetal-bordered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]-style Autobot key, in contrast to the [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] key that came with Soundwave. The other two bombs store in indents on the underside of his wings.

: His packaging art shows him with only half of his chest-door as clear-blue, emulating the original toy design's tape-window, but the final product (and stock photography) show the blue all the way across. However, his visor ''does'' have red paint to simulate the "goggle visor" look of the [[#Generation 1|original toy]] and Marvel comics model.

: This mold was also used to make ''Galaxy Force'' [[Soundblaster (Cybertron)|Soundblaster]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUBlaster/blaster.htm More information on Classics Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Hasbroreissue}}
[[Image:Universe2008_SDCC_G1Blaster.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Autobot Blaster''' (2010)
**''Series:'' G1 Series
**''Accessories:'' Electro-Scrambler Gun
:This San Diego Comic-Con [[exclusive]] reissue of Blaster comes with [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] and [[Eject]]. Released as part of the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008) toyline]], the packaging also has a special foil-detailed outer slip case. Blaster is technically a slight [[redeco]], having metal-flake beige legs instead of metallic-swirl silver.

:This set was also made available at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong Fair 2010, and was later released on the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] and then also sold at FanExpo Canada 2010.
{{-}}

===Device Label===
[[Image:Device_Label_Broadcast.jpg|thumb|right|300px|What, not a real notebook?! You are the REAL ''Decept''icon!!]]
*'''Broad Blast''' ([[July 24|7/24]]/2010)
**''Accessories:'' USB cable

:''[[Transformers Device Label|Device Label]]'' Broad Blast transforms into a working USB hub (designed to look like the Toshiba Qosmio laptop computer). The USB functionality works in both robot and laptop modes. Generation 1 Mini-Cassettes can fit into the false tape-deck in his chest in robot mode, but cannot be stored while Broad Blast is in laptop mode due to his head being inside his chest in this form. The Generation 1 Blaster toy's Electro-Scrambler Gun can also fit into Broad Blast's [[5mm post|compatible fist holes]].

:Originally scheduled for release in late [[2009]], Broad Blast was delayed until July 2010. According to a report from getnews.jp at the Tokyo Toy Show 2010, the delay was due to the discovery of a connection cut-off problem after the toy/USB hub is transformed into robot mode. TakaraTomy redesigned the entire lower body to fix this problem. <ref>[http://getnews.jp/archives/68064 Get News.jp report on Device Label Broadblast]</ref>
{{--}}

===Encore===
[[Image:Encoretoy-Twincast.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Twincast''' (2012)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Nightstalker]], [[Stripes]], [[electro-scrambler]], two mini-cassette cases

:Twincast was available again as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' series of reissues. For this release of Twincast, the techno detailing of his door is smoothed over for cartoon accuracy. Also to add to cartoon accuracy, his face is colored in a metallic yellow with metallic light blue eyes instead of silver with gold eyes. All of the original Twincast's stickers have been replaced with tampographed detailing for this release, including a large Autobot symbol on his chest (where the techno detail was present on previous releases). Twincast also features a darker blue from the previous releases as well as a different shade of yellow for his tape deck door.

:Twincast came with Nightstalker and Stripes.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:TFgum blaster.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Broadcast''' (model kit, 1986)
**''Accessories:'' Electro-scrambler gun

:A snap-together model kit of Blaster was released by [[Kabaya]] as part of their ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line of candy toys. Released in the third wave of the line and sculpted from red, grey and black plastic with a few stickers for detail, Blaster is broadly identical to his larger figure, right down to the moulded-in left-over details from his ''MicroChange'' release like his power switch and dials . There is one major difference: his chest does not open, so he can't store any of the tapes from Kabaya's smaller ''[[Transformers Choco]]'' line the way the ''Transformers Gum'' Soundwave can.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/g1-kabaya-cybertrons-441/broadcast-gum-3398/ More information on Transformers Gum Broadcast at TFW2005.com]''
{{-}}

===Decoy===
[[Image:Decoy_blaster.jpg|right|thumb|]]{{anchor|TakaraDecoy}}
* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)
:Blaster was among the many characters rendered by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] as part of their series of 1.5" ''keshigomu'' figurines. Like all the Autobots in the series, Blaster was molded in soft red rubber, and featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his [[Tech Spec]]s, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines.
:Blaster was available as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, in a variety of colours through "gachapon" capsule machines, and later, in a peach coloration randomly packed as part of various other box sets distributed by [[Seven]].

{{anchor|HasbroDecoy}}
*'''Blaster''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''29'''
:The figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Blaster/blaster.htm More information on Decoy Blaster at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Blaster-atx.jpg|thumb|Have some NON-EXISTENCE, courtesy of FLAGGING SALES!]]
*'''Blaster''' (Booster, <strike>2007</strike>)

: Blaster was likely to have been one of several ''Transformers [[Attacktix]]'' Booster pieces, using a powerful spring-loaded "blaster" missile launcher attack. Though displayed as part of the ''Attacktix'' display at the ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' "Celebration IV" convention, he —and all the other pieces revealed at the show— were ultimately never released.

{{canceledattacktix}}

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroesblasterthrust.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Waiting futilely for Robot Heroes Scrounge.]]
*'''Blaster and Thrust''' (2008)

:Part of the third wave of ''Universe'' ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'', "Generation 1 Series" Blaster comes packaged with [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation. His headsculpt is more toy-based than cartoon-based, featuring his "goggles" (even though his eyes kind of pop out from them).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/RHBlaster/blaster.htm More information on Robot Heroes Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Notes==
*Blaster had the preliminary names of '''Pulse'''<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/index.php?full=1&set_albumName=BotCon_2010_Sat_Panels&id=DSC05237&option=com_gallery&Itemid=4&include=view_photo.php Bob Budiansky's notes at BotCon 2010]</ref> and '''Blastbox'''.<ref>[[Production bible]] of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]]</ref>
* Despite the fact that Blaster's finalized [[character model]]—used in the Generation 1 cartoon, the UK Marvel comics and ''[[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]''—gives him a set of individual eyes, the Marvel issues drawn by [[Don Perlin]] and [[José Delbo]] base Blaster's head design on his toy, with a goggled visor. When the UK artists jumped to the American book late in its run, they continued to draw Blaster from his finalized model. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] rationalized this discrepancy early on in the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]] of [[Hunters|UK issue #118]] by explaining that Blaster's visor is retractable, and used to shield his especially delicate optical sensors from sunlight. Less explainable was [[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]'s color choice for the comic version of Blaster: a red forehead and yellow face, a combination never used on a toy or in the cartoon.
** [[IDW Publishing]] tried for a hybridized look, giving Blaster an odd-looking "nose-guard" that was promptly discarded from his design after his introductory [[Spotlight: Blaster|''Spotlight'' issue]].
[[Image:TFUK300 letterspage.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
* In an odd quirk of design, Blaster's character model breaks the row of buttons on his abdomen up into three buttons in robot mode, but four in alternate mode. It's a product of the way his toy is made: it's got three separate button-chunks, like his robot mode model, but the centre chunk is two buttons sculpted together, so he's actually ''got'' four, like his alternate mode model. This was most evident in the cartoon; in the comic, as you can see from some of the pictures above, they'd often basically draw as many as they felt like.
* Blaster hosted the Marvel UK comic's letters page for the final 33 issues (from [[Rhythms of Darkness!|issue #300]] to [[End of the Road! (US)|issue #332]]), to tie in with his Action Master toy. Here, the letters page was dubbed "Darn 'n' Blast", replacing [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind's]] "Dread Tidings", despite Dreadwind's holing himself up in the Marvel offices. The Decepticon finally left after a visit by three Christmas spirits, [[Ghost of the present|one of whom]] took on the appearance of Blaster.{{storylink|Dreadwind's Xmas!}} Blaster complained that Dreadwind had decorated the office in all purple and orange with a solitary picture of a dog with sad eyes. His characterization in the letters page is more in line with his fun-loving, hip and happening self from the cartoon than the rather grim, brooding, rebellious loner seen in the comics. He arrived on the letters page in advance of his resurrection in the comics itself, which did not occur until [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue #321]]. He was explicitly identified as being a non-transformer Action Master, though his partner Flight Pack did not appear.
* According to Blaster himself on the UK letters page, he has two [[Relatives|siblings]]: [[Toaster]] and [[Karmen]]. And then there's [[Bluster]], his retroactively-created and less-seen brother.
* Since the release of ''Universe'' Blaster, there seems to be an attempt on the part of tech spec writers to balance Marvel's dark and brooding portrayal of Blaster with the rock 'n' roll loving version from the original US cartoon. The ''Universe'' write-up has Blaster organizing resistance cells with Perceptor (with NO mention of his musical interests), recalling the storyline in US comic #17-18. The 2010 San Diego Comic Convention release of the figure not only mentions Blaster's love of music ("Any music, from Cybertronian magna marches to down and dirty D.C. hardcore"), it references "his hatred of the Decepticons", because "the war they started killed the music scene (and most of the musicians) on Cybertron"—combining Blaster's varying personalities from these two continuities into one.
** This also means Blaster is a fan of Bad Brains and Minor Threat. That rules '''so hard.'''

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Broadcast''' (ブロードキャスト ''Burōdokyasuto'')
*''English:'' '''Billy''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub), '''Blaster''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub Twincast)
*''French:'' '''Tempo''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Össztűz''' ("All-fire")
*''Italian:'' '''Radiorobot''', '''Audiobot''' (''The Headmasters'', Blaster), '''Digital''' (Twincast)
*''Portuguese:'' '''Rajada''' (Portugal comic, "Gust"), '''Dinamitador''' (Brazil comic)
*''Spanish:'' '''Bill''' (America, ''The Headmasters''), '''Plato''' (America, ''The Headmasters''), '''Platon''' (Twincast)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Blaster Blaster's Universe profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Binaltech Asterisk characters]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Kiss Players Autobots]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

B.O.T. (episode)

2011-11-03T16:54:44Z

86.86.159.173: /* Quotes */

{{featured}}
{{disambig2|the worst episode of Transformers ever|the titular character of the worst episode ever|B.O.T. (robot)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=65
|next=The Transformers: The Movie
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=59
|prev2=Neverending Struggle
|next2=War Dawn
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=44
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|next3=Aerial Assault
|image=B.O.T.jpg
|caption=Smarter than a race of multimillion-year-old robots. ''Using Brawl's brain.''
|title="B.O.T."
|production code=#700-64
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|airdate=[[January 9]], 1986
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After Swindle sells the components of his fellow Combaticons, three kids get their hands on Brawl's brain, using it to make a robot.'''

Or...

'''Worst. Episode. Ever.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:BOT-Road.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Here we come…drivin' down the street…]]
The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] enter an unidentifed city for no discernible reason, then all transform to vehicle mode for no discernible reason. While transforming, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] knocks over [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] for no discernible reason. Brawl expresses his displeasure for an obvious reason. They then drive (yes, even [[Vortex (G1)|the]] [[Blast Off (G1)|flyers]] ''drive'') about ten feet down the street and form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] for no discernible reason. He is immediately destroyed with a single shot by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (who's there for no discernible reason). Defensor just leaves the pile of parts alone and unsupervised, apparently not bothering to alert the other [[Autobot]]s or anything. This enables Swindle—who has somehow survived ''without a scratch'' the explosion that reduced all the other Combaticons to a pile of parts—to gather up the bits. No human authorities are involved either.

Swindle then visits the generically evil foreign guy "[[El Presidente]]" on his ship filled with weapons in order to buy parts to repair the Combaticons.

Meanwhile, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is running a simulation of his new [[orbit disruptor cannon]]. After [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] whines, Megatron explains that once the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] is knocked from orbit, they will use [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]'s new device to control the tides. They will then use this colossal power to flood a single canyon, creating "a limitless source of power". What?

At the [[Combaticons' headquarters]], El Presidente's men load up the weapons and more advanced computer systems from the wrecked robots, as apparently Swindle forgot about that whole "repair" thing. Swindle then leaves to take the remaining parts to a dump. Shortly after they all leave, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] arrives, noting no one seems to be home. He discovers a piece of one of the Combaticons, then notices there's a trail of them. Confused, he asks Megatron what to do.

[[Image:BOT-Luigi.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Giant turtles out to get him, creepy crabs are right behind.]]

Swindle arrives in a junkyard, where he threatens a junkyard worker before he starts to dump the leftovers. Starscream and Skywarp discover him in the act and capture him as he tries to escape. Back at the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], Soundwave installs a bomb in Swindle's head; he has 15 hours to reassemble the Combaticons before it goes off. Swindle takes the parts back from various mid-'80s evil foreign stereotypes and reassembles the team. However, they are unable to combine into Bruticus because Brawl's [[personality component]] is missing. Swindle is charged with getting the component back or the bomb will still go off.

Meanwhile, at [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]], [[Robbins|Mr. Robbins]]'s demonstration of a laser is sabotaged by two sociopathic students, [[Martin and Roland]], who boost the laser's power output so high it instantly burns a hole through steel. Rather than involve the authorities, Mr. Robbins threatens them with an "F" in his class if they don't win a blue ribbon at the science fair, and assigns [[Elise Presser]] to assist them for no discernible reason.

Outside, the two assholes meet the meek and spineless Elise. They realize a high-rise is on fire across the street, and witness the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] coming to the rescue (well, four of them; [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] appears to blow two window-washers off their rig with the wind from his rotors—the bastard). This inspires them to build a robot for their project. The three rummage for parts in the same junkyard where Swindle dumped the Combaticons' leftover remains, and Elise discovers a random piece of machinery. They spend the night in the school's lab assembling their machine, and Martin dubs it "[[B.O.T. (robot)|B.O.T.]]". After several failures, Elise installs the random piece of machinery, which turns out to be Brawl's personality component. Naturally, Brawl-B.O.T. goes postal and starts trashing the place.

[[Image:BOT-CompRoom.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Unbeknownst to all, the school was secretly funded by a hideously gargantuan Richie Rich.]]

Martin grabs the laser and fires, and B.O.T. runs off. The kids run to the school's preposterously-advanced computer lab, and use it to call the Protectobots. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] gets the SOS, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] sends [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] to investigate.

Swindle re-threatens the junkyard worker, who says that maybe some kids took the part Swindle is after. Swindle mutters "you better hope so"… then proceeds to rummage through the trash, seemingly instantly forgetting that whole "kids" angle.

The [[Autobot]]s arrive at the school. The kids seem disappointed that they didn't get the Protectobots, but quickly lead them to their runaway creation in the school's cafeteria. Brawl-B.O.T. knocks all three Autobots over with a single serving pan of corn on the cob (That high-school food, I tell ya, huh? Huh?), then deflects Gears's blaster-fire with a pot lid. Ironhide shoots molten lead at Brawl-B.O.T., but he leaps to grab a light fixture, avoiding the attack, and the now-weakened floor collapses under Ironhide. Brawl-B.O.T. runs for it, barricading the door out with remarkable speed, and heads for a seemingly abandoned building… as Swindle watches.

The Autobots follow, telling the kids to stay put. They enter the building, and find that Brawl-B.O.T. has taken an elevator thirty floors up. Ironhide wedges a stick into the doors, and the trio run up the stairs. Outside, the future serial killers grow instantly impatient, and drag Elise inside the building. They remove the stick, enter the elevator and head up.

A blast erupts ''behind'' the Autobots, and Ironhide orders them to shoot up. They shoot at absolutely ''nothing'', Ironhide declares they hit whatever it was, and they run right into Swindle. Meanwhile, the elevator has stopped. Roland is lifted up so he can open the emergency hatch, and discovers B.O.T. is trying to break the elevator cables.

Sadly, B.O.T. is prevented from snapping the cables by an energy blast to the back. The Autobots pick themselves up, seemingly having been soundly thrashed by Swindle all by himself. They all run outside to witness Swindle driving away. Back at Decepticon headquarters, Brawl is restored and the bomb removed, and Bruticus is formed again.

At the school, Elise inspects the remnants of B.O.T. to find that the "funny component" is gone. Martin decides to hunt it down by reworking the machine that read B.O.T.'s "brain response" so it can track the signal. The three drive to the ocean, and Elise rewires B.O.T.'s speech synthesizer so it receives and decodes signals rather than creating them, letting them hear what Brawl hears. Megatron insists on a test-run of the cannon, and picks Autobot headquarters as the target. (Because it's in orbit, you see. Wait, no, it isn't.) The kids rush off to warn the Autobots, who send a signal to the [[Protectobots' headquarters]].

The Autobots apparently just sit around and wait for Megatron to set up his giant cannon, get his troops into position just outside their base, and for the Combaticons to assemble Bruticus before starting to defend themselves. Bruticus basically stumbles around until he falls apart. The Protectobots arrive and random fighting ensues.

[[Image:Elisetape.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This is the light-hearted, end-of-episode comedy beat. No, seriously.]]

Inside the base, the kids think they need to help, and Elise has a rare moment of spine. Using Teletraan I, she sends B.O.T. out into the battlefield on a beeline to the disruptor cannon. The Protectobots combine into Defensor and generate a force field, protecting about four other Autobots. The Decepticons wait until the force field wears off, then one shot blasts Defensor to pieces. Bruticus re-forms and tries to fire the cannon, but it turns and blasts Starscream and Soundwave instead. B.O.T. is working the cannon using a conveniently-placed control panel at the base, and causes it to explode by hitting the clearly-marked "overload" button, sending Bruticus flying away and forcing a Decepticon retreat.

Back inside, the Autobots thank the kids for their help and offer their apologies for the loss of their robot. Elise asks if they have any spare parts so they can try again… and Roland and Martin duct-tape her mouth shut and drag her away while the Autobots just watch… ''argh argh argh''…
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (7)
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (18)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (19)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (20)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (21)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (22)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (25)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (26)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (27)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (28)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (29)
|c2=
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (1)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (2)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (3)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (4)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (5)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (6)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (9)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (12)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (13)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (30)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (31)
|c3=
* [[El Presidente]] (8)
* [[Robbins]] (14)
* [[Martin and Roland|Roland]] (15)
* [[Martin and Roland|Martin]] (16)
* [[Elise Presser]] (17)

|c4=
* [[B.O.T. (robot)|B.O.T.]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"Call sanitation. There's junk all over the street!"
:—'''Defensor''', leaving his mess for the humans to clean up. He's humanity's defender, not their maid.

"That Sleaze is up to something!"
:-It takes one to know one, eh '''Starscream'''?

"Megatron, I-I-I couldn't find Brawl's personality component! I didn't think it would ''matter''…"
:—'''Swindle'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s high opinion of his teammate.

"Here, munch a little lead!"
:—'''Ironhide''' just before spraying oil (Or possibly acid, as it makes Ironhide fall through the floor. I don't know, whatever it was, it wasn't lead) at B.O.T.

"This is so degrading."
:—'''Gears''' on being beaten by Brawl-B.O.T. Or he was talking about the episode itself.

"We should've just taken the 'F' in Science."
:—'''Martin''', not knowing that if they did, we probably would have been spared this horrendous episode.

"If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll melt you down for scrap [[tutonium]]!"
:—'''Megatron''' threatens Swindle with gibberish

==Notes==
{{quote|The episode "B.O.T." was one I always remembered from when I was young. But the thing is, I had just remembered the story focusing on Swindle selling off the other Combaticons, and I had totally mentally blocked out the whole school science project part of the story! Wow was I disappointed when I went back and watched that one!|[[Derrick J. Wyatt]]<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/interviews-27/derrick-wyatt-interview-166415/ ''Transformers Animated'' Art Director Derrick Wyatt interview at TFW2005.com]</ref>}}

===Animation or technical errors===
* Argh.

* The scenery in this episode is always ''huge''. In the opening scene, the five Combaticons are driving down a downtown street in a row (yes, ''even the fliers are driving on the ground'') with plenty of room. Humans are drawn tiny compared to the doors of their own buildings, and the Autobots fit easily inside human structures.

* The Bruticus scrap pile changes between shots; first it's a few scattered parts on the street, then it's a solid pile of them.

* Swindle pops out of the junk pile from beneath a yellow rectangle with wheels. The only yellow component on Bruticus is… Swindle.

* As Swindle drives past the guy with the radio on the docks, he's layered too far to the left and appears to be hovering above the road.

* There is no indication as to what jet-mode Starscream uses to capture jeep-mode Swindle.

* When Elise says "Maybe I wired the box in wrong." one of her legs is drawn way too short, almost as if she's missing her right thigh.

* When Mr. Robbins turned on the laser, it shot a continuous beam. When Martin uses it on B.O.T., it fires bolts.

* The first two times we see the Ark, it has two engines rather than three.

* The "SOS" Gears receives is written in numbers rather than letters and isn't aligned to match the angle of Teletraan I's screen. Also, Gears is sitting in a human-looking chair we've never seen before.

* The kids create and lose B.O.T. in the middle of the night. When the Autobots reach the school, it's bright and sunny outside. If this ''isn't'' an animation error, then we are forced to assume that Brawl-B.O.T. spent several hours not doing much at all, staying inside the school the whole time, while the kids waited for the Autobots to arrive.

* Ironhide towers over the door to the kitchen, yet he fits inside a moment later. Three Autobots fit in the stairwell of the condemned building.

* As he delivers the line, "Well if that don't fry my circuits," Ironhide's left shoulder is missing.

* As everyone runs out of the kitchen, Ironhide clips through the door frame.

* The first shot of the front of the school shows it with two arches, but when the group chases after B.O.T., it's one big rectangular opening.

* The elevator in the condemned building has two rows of lights above it, but in the close-ups there's only one row (with 12 lights, far fewer than the thirty needed for the number of floors Bumblebee says are in the building).

* The "shooting at nothing upstairs" bit might be attributed to animation/script mismatch. The animation puts the Autobots in a circular staircase so they are plainly shooting at the clearly-lit curved wall directly ahead of them. It's ''possible'' the writer intended them to be shooting up a straight staircase into darkness… but that's pure conjecture.

* During a close-up, Elise's red VW Beetle becomes Swindle-colored (including a purple hood!), then changes back and remains red through the rest of the scene.

* When the Protectobots receive the signal, the lit-up part appears off to the side of the rest of the display.

* When the Protectobots leave their base, Blades is drawn huge compared to his teammates.

* Optimus and the Autobots attack from a cliff, but a few seconds later Optimus is standing in front of the Ark.

* Wheeljack's [[gyro-inhibitor shell|gyro-inhibitor]] appears to fire out of his left ear.

* A wall appears behind Megatron and Soundwave as they face down Hot Spot in the middle of the desert.

* As Megatron transforms into gun mode, his shoulder rest appears and disappears.

* Hot Spot's guns use the Decepticon laser sound effect.

* When the Combaticons combine during the final battle, Vortex and Blast Off are [[Scramble City (toyline)|switched]].

* As the Protectobots transform to Defensor, a huge wave of energy is shown (for no real reason).

* As Megatron orders Bruticus to fire the disruptor, his waist controls are colored in reverse (blue on the left and red on the right). This is corrected a few seconds later.

* As B.O.T. gains control of disruptor, Megatron is far to the right of the other Decepticons, but a few shots later Soundwave and Ramjet are right behind him.

===Continuity errors===
* ''Argh''.

* Why didn't the Combaticons just combine into Bruticus during the opening scenes, rather than driving, transforming, transforming back to vehicles, driving '''again''', transforming, and ''then'' combining?

* Swindle goes to El Presidente to ''buy'' parts to repair the other Combaticons. The next time we see them, he's ''sold'' the Combaticon parts— for ''what'', we don't know. There is no explanation as to why he suddenly completely changed his plan.

* Gears describes the high school as a "one-level structure", but it's pretty clearly two stories.

* The kids don't seem to recognize what Transformers are, but by this point in the series, they're internationally recognized, there are holidays and tributes to them, etc. Despite this, they seem to instantly accept the existence of Transformers.

* The Autobots seem to initially not understand what a high school is.. This is in spite of the fact that they have been on Earth for a couple of years now and are friends with 3 school-aged humans, at least two of which (Carly and Chip) we ''know'' have a formal education.

===Other errors===
* '''''Argh'''''.

* Defensor watches Swindle struggle out of the wreckage... but nonchalantly walks away and does nothing about it, for some reason.

* Megatron's plan seems… severely overwrought. Build a giant cannon to knock the Moon out of orbit, build a device to control the tides in the Moon's absence, and use all that power to flood a canyon that contains a hydroelectric generator that they ''also'' built. Considering that in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]" all they needed was the already-made Sherman Dam and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] shaking up a river…

* Why does Megatron put a bomb in Swindle's head? If it goes off, he loses Bruticus for good.

* Why does Megatron have ''only'' Swindle go looking for the lost personality component? Why risk permanently losing Bruticus that way?

* How did Swindle know ''exactly'' where to find each and every Combaticon component across the globe once he sold them to ''El Presidente''?

* Fifteen hours seems like an impossibly tight deadline to track down dozens or hundreds of parts scattered ''all over the world'', retrieve them, reassemble them into complex high-tech robots, AND still have time left over to track down Brawl-B.O.T.

* Why did the Combaticons suddenly have to form a robot-pyramid to become Bruticus, when earlier and later in the episode they just floated up to their correct spots, like usual?

[[Image:Combaticon pyramid.jpg|right|225px|thumb|The Combaticons unveil their new routine as the Polyhex Cowbots cheerleaders.]]

* The teens completely fail to notice a hundred-story building that is almost completely engulfed in flames and surrounded by emergency vehicles until they hear somebody fifty stories up call for help.

* Groove claims to use liquid nitrogen to put out the fire. Liquid nitrogen evaporates at -198 °C (-320 °F), so it would completely boil away the second it gets near the flames.<ref>[[wikipedia:Liquid nitrogen|Liquid nitrogen at Wikipedia]]</ref> On top of that, liquid nitrogen is not pink.

* Streetwise catches the two falling window-washers with his ''metal'' arms after they've fallen about fifty stories, and somehow they're not splattered all over him.

* Three high school kids can build a robot out of junk bits and Brawl's brain that is ''stronger'' and ''smarter'' than the Autobots. (The latter would be a little more believable if it weren't for the "Brawl's brain" part.)

* When B.O.T. is first activated, Elise is forcefully flung off the ladder by its arm. Somehow, she lands with only a soft thud and no real injuries.

* The high school's computer is astounding. It is exceedingly and hugely sci-fi in design, plus, how the kids were able to use it to send an SOS to the Autobots over the phone is… [[magic]] or something.

* Autobots are weaker than kitchenware: Gears carries a blaster that was made to injure or kill alien beings made entirely of metal, but it can't shoot through a pot lid.

* Similarly, B.O.T. somehow knocks over Gears, Ironhide and Bumblebee with a tray full of corn!

* Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School packs its hallways with some seriously heavy furniture.

* There is a fully functional elevator within a seemingly condemned building. Speaking of which, a condemned building next to a high school seems like ''trouble''.

* How did Swindle get above the Autobots on the way up? And how'd he get past them on the way down again?

* The speech synthesizer is "rewired" so that instead of "synthesizing and transmitting," it "receives and decrypts". And this somehow lets the kids listen in on a conversation being held in the Decepticon base… yeah, when this can almost be considered one of the episode's ''more'' plausible elements, something is very, very ''wrong''.

[[Image:BOT-Overload.jpg|right|225px|thumb|"I assure you, there is zero chance of this coming back to bite us!"]]

* It's never really specified why Megatron specifically needs Bruticus to fire the cannon. If it's a size thing, he also has [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. Likewise, it isn't specified why Optimus Prime thinks Defensor is the only one who can face Bruticus, when he has the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (for sheer size) and even [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (as a rival combiner) to do the same.

*But to handle the controls of the cannon, the size thing is debatable because the cannon has a human-level control panel on it. Oy.

* On that note, the human-level control panel has a great big button clearly marked "Over Load" in English. Why did he install that?

* No, really, why?

* Bruticus didn't notice B.O.T. fiddling with the controls?

* Apparently Roland and Martin carry duct tape around with them. Here, they use it to tape a girl's mouth shut. Who knows what they use it for the rest of the time!

* This episode was made.

===Real-world references===
* "Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School" is a reference to [[wikipedia:Hawkeye Pierce|Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce]], the character from ''[[wikipedia:M*A*S*H*|M*A*S*H*]]'' (who was also the inspiration for the [[Mini-Con]] [[Hawkeye]]'s bio).

===Continuity notes===
* Production-wise, it seems a bit odd to have three Season One Autobots respond to the kids' SOS, rather than showcasing the brand-new combiner team who would otherwise seem to be the spotlight buy-my-toy characters of the episode.

* This episode establishes that the Combaticons have their own separate base. As this was the last episode before the jump to 2005, this is never touched on again.

* Starscream says to Megatron "''Your'' stupid warrior" in reference to Bruticus, but Starscream was the one who made him.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bruticus no Fukkatsu'''" (ブルーティカスの復活, "The Revival of Bruticus")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Giovani inventori'''" ("Young Inventors")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

:*''Title:'' "'''B.O.T.'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Trivia===
* '''''Argh'''''.

[[Image:BOT-ModelReuse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Me an' my friends are Jem girls, especially Jimmy "The Legbreaker" Cianciulli!]]

* Mr. Robbins's class is made up of a ''very'' odd collection of students. The ''least'' odd are the two women who are just recolored character models from ''[[Jem]]'', [[Hasbro]]'s then-current cartoon-advertised foray into girls' fashion dolls. Towards the back, however, appear to be [[Auto-Bop|thugs in business suits.]]

* The class, by the way, lasts for about two minutes before the bell rings.

* The classroom itself appears to be ''huge'' in the initial shot. And why don't the desks have table tops? Only one girl is taking notes, holding a bunch of paper in her lap. There's no backpacks to be seen. And as Roland and Martin walk out, there's only an arch in front of them (with no actual ''doors'' attached to it!).

* This episode introduces the most loathsome ''Transformers'' characters ever, Roland and Martin. Boosting a laser to a level that could grievously injure or kill someone as a ''prank'', the misogynistic duct-taping of Elise's mouth and constantly dragging her places against her will, and a general smarmy smugness level that makes Starscream seem humble.

* Astrotrain appears in the simulation of the disruptor cannon knocking the Moon from orbit, but is never seen elsewhere.

* The original script's cast list for the episode notes that the "junkyard operator" is a spy, and that the only other thing we learn about him is that he gets taken away by the "Federal Authorities". Oh, and he has no lines.<ref>[[Metrodome]]'s Season 3 & 4 DVD set extras</ref> This bizarre plot twist obviously didn't make it into the final draft, but really, what's one more wad of nonsense at this point?

* The billboard over the [[Protectobots' headquarters|Protectobots' urban headquarters]] seems to be advertising for [[E Cola]]. Mmmmmmm. Another advertisement for the beverage would appear years later in the Japanese series, ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'', in the episode "[[Heroism!! The Birth of Super Ginrai]]".

* This episode was lampooned at the [[BotCon 2006]] [[MSTF]] presentation, and as far as the writers are concerned, it is the single ''dumbest'' episode in the entirety of ''Transformers'' animation.

* It is also possibly the worst advertisement for the combiner teams possible. Bruticus is destroyed with ''a single shot'' from Defensor, and later stumbles around like a concussed baby as the Autobots shoot at him. Defensor's force field is rendered utterly pointless as the Decepticons just wait for it to run out (no more than 20 seconds), then he too is blasted to bits with ease.

* This was the last episode of season two. Can you imagine if this was the last episode of ''The Transformers'' ever?

* Good God, I need a stiff drink.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 8 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[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 Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (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]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Red Alert (Armada)

2011-10-03T21:01:03Z

86.86.159.173: /* Dreamwave Armada comic */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Red Alert}}
:''Red Alert is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Redalertut.jpg|right|283px|thumb|Red Alert takes a cue from the Quad City DJs]]
'''Red Alert''' was once a fierce warrior. It was not until he was seriously wounded, losing his hand permanently in battle, that he was able to sit back and realize how terrible war is. He is now a reluctant fighter, and somewhat emotionally detached, preferring to repair his friends than tear his enemies to shreds. This does not mean he is now a coward. To the contrary, when a fellow Autobot on the battlefield needs his immediate medical attention, he will be there no matter what it takes. He's a brilliant medic and scientist, but he's also extremely cautious.

His nominal [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], though during the search for the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]], he was accompanied to [[Velocitron]] by [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]].

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
Red Alert cheered on [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s defeat of [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. During Galvatron's trip to prison, Red Alert alerted the transporting Autobots of a incoming [[Decepticon]]. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 4}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
[[Image:DWArmada2 RedAlert filtrekshields.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Red Alert, all I'm hearing from you is 'WOO WOO WOO WOO!'"]]
One million years ago, a new faction of Transformers, calling themselves "[[Decepticon|Decepticons]]" attacked various [[Mini-Con]] villages on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for unknown, but most likely nefarious purposes. Red Alert was under [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s personal squad, sifting through the ruins of [[mini-Con Sector|Mini-Con Village C-52 ]]hoping to find survivors, though Red Alert was more interested in the fact that the Mini-Cons were using outdated [[Filtrek|Filtrek-A forceshields]]. What had happened to the Mini-Cons was that they had been forcibly re-engineered to "[[Powerlinx|powerlink]]" with the Decepticons, granting the [[bulk]]s increased power, which the Autobots learned first hand when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] attacked [[Cyber City]]. Realizing that they were no match for the Decepticons, Red Alert desperately asked Prime for orders. Knowing that they would be killed if they stayed, Optimus ordered a retreat. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

For a million years the civil war raged on, the once-proud Autobots struggled to defend themselves against the powerful, Mini-Con augmented Decepticons, who were in possession of Cybertron's only remaining Mini-Cons, the others having escaped at the beginning of the conflict. Hope came in the form of a Mini-Con Reactivation Signal detected by Cybertron's Decepticon-controlled communications satellites, which Red Alert was able to hack into. The Autobots resolved to travel to this distant world of [[Earth]] and resolved to fight for Truth, Justice and Freedom. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}}

[[Image:DWArmada4 RedAlert Scavenger yourface.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Arriving on Earth at the [[Allspark Power Generator Station]], Red Alert attempted to communicate with the indigenous [[human]] species, asking for their help in finding the Mini-Cons, but only managing to frighten them off. [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] jokingly suggested it was because of his face. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} Unfortunately for the Autobots, the Decepticons had already arrived and were chasing after [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]'s group of Mini-Cons and their human friends, [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. Just as [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] were about to jump Scavenger, Red Alert and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] arrived to outflank them. Eventually Megatron powerlinked with all of his Mini-Cons and gained the upper hand, but help came in the form of [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]'s group of Mini-Cons, who powerlinked with the Autobots. [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] linked with Red Alert, a chest-mounted disk launcher. At a tactical disadvantage, the Decepticons were forced to flee. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

After establishing a base on Earth on the outskirts of [[Lincoln, South Dakota|Lincoln]], [[South Dakota]], Megatron attacked the human city with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the forcibly combined form of the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]], to goad the Autobots to emerge from their hidden [[Autobase]]. Red Alert tried to contact the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Team]] to no avail, and the Autobots realised the Autobot-allied Mini-Cons must have left earlier to infiltrate the Decepticon base at [[Silver Ridge]]. Despite the considerable tactical disadvantage, the Autobots emerged and fought off the Decepticons as best they could, Red Alert somehow gaining the ability to use his claw rifle without powerlinking with not-present [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]. Fortunately just as Megatron was about to deal a fatal blow to Optimus Prime, Longarm and the Mini-Cons arrived, powerlinked with their respective Autobot partners, allowing the good guys to free the Air Defense Team and send the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}

[[Image:DWArmada10 RedAlert HotShot VENTSURPRISE.jpg|left|250px|thumb|]]
Soon afterwards, when Red Alert was looking in on the Mini-Cons, he discovered that they had vanished. Again. He thought that as they were free to come and go as they pleased, perhaps they needed some time to cool off after Optimus Prime admonished them for disobeying his orders during the Air Defense Team incident. The Autobots received an answer to the mystery when local news networks reported strange lights in [[Tranquility, Kansas|Tranquility]], [[Kansas]]. Racing there in a [[Autobot shuttle|shuttle]], they discovered that the Mini-Cons were being subconsciously drawn to a strange obelisk. Unfortunately, the Decepticons were there as well and a fight quickly broke out, but as they fought, the Mini-Cons (and Rad) were taken into the obelisk and it blasted off to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} With the shuttle destroyed, Optimus Prime prepared to use the [[space bridge]] to go back to Cybertron and retrieve specialised equipment needed to fly to the Moon, but the Decepticon sensors had to be neutralised before he could do so without compromising security. Hot Shot and Red Alert infiltrated the Decepticon base at Silver Ridge, knocked out [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and erased the space bridge trace data of Prime travelling to Cybertron. Unfortunately, just before Prime returned, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] returned to Silver Ridge, forcing Red and Hot Shot to hide inside a wall panel. Determined not to let the Decepticons learn of their secret Autobase locations on both Earth and Cybertron, Red Alert and Hot Shot blasted the hapless Decepticons and destroyed their computer. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}}

[[Image:DWArmada13_Prime_RedAlert.jpg|thumb|250px|]]

After the crisis on the moon was diverted, Red Alert picked up an emergency transmission from Smokescreen and Scavenger, who had detected a Decepticon rocket launch pad in Death Valley, [[California]]. At the same time, a Mini-Con escape pod from the moon was detected in [[Alaska]], and Optimus Prime, needing to play politics to keep the Mini-Con refugees on side, decided to deploy the Autobots to the icy north. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} Arriving in Alaska, Red Alert and [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] were tasked with cutting the ice that entombed the escape pod with their [[sonic cannon]] while the other Autobots and Mini-Cons defended the area from the Decepticons. Unfortunately, at this moment Megatron attacked the Autobot shuttle with his [[Solar Scalpel]], a orbital superweapon launched from the rocket base in Death Valley. As if they weren't having enough problems, an-over-powerlinked [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] attacked, forcing Hot Shot and Red Alert to intercept. The two Autobots were flattened by the overpowered Cyclonus, until Optimus Prime stepped in and crushed the Decepticon's chest. With the Solar Scalpel destroyed by the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], rescue operations recommenced. Suddenly, Optimus Prime vanished. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[Image:WorldsCollide2_RedAlert_hit.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Why did we have just bring ONE medic with us?]]

Returning to Autobase: Earth via space bridge, Red Alert and the others discovered that while Optimus Prime didn't return to their base, they did have ''an'' [[Optimus Prime (Worlds Collide)|Optimus Prime]]. While the Mini-Cons postulated that he may be from another dimension, Red Alert did his best to stablize the mysterious Autobot's condition. Sadly, the Prime briefly reactivated to warn them of the "walls" of reality crumbling and that "chaos" was coming, before expiring. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} With the arrival of the dimension-crossing Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], the Autobots got some clues into what happened to "their" Optimus Prime and the means to search for him throughout the [[multiverse]]. Red Alert and Longarm returned to the scene of Over-Run's appearance on Earth, but could not find his [[null-reality pod]], as it had been seized by the Decepticons. Unfortunately, this search for Optimus Prime prompted Megatron to lead an assault on Autobase: Earth, blowing up the computer in the unwitting Red Alert's face as he was using it. With Optimus missing, Red Alert assumed command and ordered the Autobots to roll out, but the Autobots were swiftly defeated. Red Alert was knocked unconscious by Starscream, but Megatron demanded the right to strike the final blow. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}}

[[Image:DWArmada18_TheEnd_Autobots_Smokescreen.jpg|thumb|150px|]]

The Autobots were inadvertently saved from a fate exactly the same as death when a [[Galvatron (G1)|mysterious, powerful Cybertronian]] appeared and took the Decepticons apart, though the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]] were forced to intervene to prevent the being from defeating Megatron. After the Decepticons limped away, a seriously-trashed Red Alert reported to Optimus Prime (who had been rescued and was now on Autobase: Cybertron) on the bad condition of the Earthside Autobots, in particular Smokescreen. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

With this in mind, those who survived Megatron's attack were less-than-pleased when they learned of Optimus Prime's alliance with the Decepticons to defeat [[Unicron]], the Chaos Bringer and eater of worlds. To prevent a fight from breaking out on Earth, Optimus sent them ahead to Autobase: Cybertron, where its less-damaged facilities could be used to save Smokescreen's life. However, Red Alert and the others still thirsted for revenge against Megatron, and assigned [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to keep an eye on him. When Megatron isolated himself from the other Transformers by landing on Unicron in the hopes of striking a deal with the Choas Bringer, they attacked, sending the Decepticon leader into Unicron's depths as it disappeared from this reality. {{storylink|The End}}
{{-}}

====''Energon'' comic====
While Optimus Prime waited for a meeting with the High Council, Red Alert, Scavenger and [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] were seen travelling on a highway in the center of [[Cyber City]]. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Brian Dobson]] (English), [[Ikuya Sawaki]] (Japanese), [[Claus Brockmeyer]] (German), [[Stefan Berglund]] (Swedish), [[Ettore Zuim]] (Brazil), [[Guillaume Orsat]] (French)
{{charstubfiction}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Brian Dobson]] (English), [[Yasuyuki Kase]] (Japanese), [[Robert Kotulla]] (German)

At some point, Red Alert had gained a [[Accents|different accent]]. He was first seen communicating with Optimus Prime via video screen, showing him the destruction of the planet [[Moriturus]]. Red Alert did not immediately join his comrades on Earth, instead remaining on a remote observation station to monitor the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]].

He did not come to Earth until after the failure of his gravitron grid to negate the black hole. To the surprise of the others, the scientifically-minded Red Alert considered [[Vector Prime]]'s plan to use the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s and the [[Omega Lock]] viable. {{storylink|Hidden}}

Red Alert was first seen on Earth when coming along with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] to reinforce the [[Autobot]]s during their conflict outside a museum. Shortly after, he was sent along with Hot Shot on a covert mission to Velocitron to search for the Cyber Planet Key there. Red Alert was very dismayed at the prospect of a secret mission with the impetuous younger Autobot. {{storylink|Landmine (episode)|Landmine}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
When the war on Cybertron broke out, Red Alert defended the main Autobot headquarters from a Decepticon attack alongside [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]]. When it was revealed that angry Mini-Cons planned to bomb the base, he and the others retreated. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} A few million years later, Red Alert participated in another battle with the Decepticons, but ended up retreating again as the enemy's Mini-Con augmentations rendered them too powerful. He wondered where the Mini-Cons who escaped from Cybertron had disappeared to, but [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] told him it was best if nobody ever found out. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

But it was not to be. Just a short while later, a Mini-Con reactivation beacon reached Cybertron, and the Autobots tracked it to [[Earth]] to protect the Mini-Cons from [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. While Red Alert and the others were outgunned by the Decepticons at first, the Mini-Cons pitched in and [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] joined with Red Alert, allowing him to shoot down [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 2|Friends and Foes!}} After the Decepticons were chased off, the Autobots stood watch as the Mini-Cons and their new [[human]] friends made their way into some small caves. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Deep Trouble!}} They later decided that the best way to keep the Mini-Cons safe was to send them back to Cybertron, so Red Alert prepared a [[space bridge]] for them. In the end, the Mini-Cons refused to leave their friends, and a Decepticon attack wrecked the space bridge anyway.
{{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}

Alongside Hot Shot and Optimus Prime, Red Alert later helped save the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] from Starscream. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} When the Autobots learned that the Decepticons were planning to nuke their base from the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Red Alert despaired that their space bridge was still offline, so they couldn't prepare a counteroffensive. Thankfully, Hot Shot managed to repair the bridge and used it to send the missiles straight back at the Decepticons. Not Red Alert the scientist, but ''Hot Shot''. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}

===Lonesome Diesel===
Red Alert was part of the Autobot forces during a battle in [[Yellowstone National Park]]. Following the Decepticon withdrawal, he was able to successfully retrieve a Mini-Con from a mud pit. {{storylink|Lonesome Diesel}}

===3H comics===
[[Image:TFUjailbreak.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
Red Alert (or an alternate-universe incarnation of him) was one of the countless Cybertrons captured by agents of [[Unicron]] and held prisoner in the [[Cauldron]] arena. The quick thinking of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] released them, and Red Alert participated in the great escape. Presumably he was transported back to his proper dimension thanks to the power of [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

{{note|If this wasn't an alternate-universe incarnation of the character, his appearance in the Universe fiction may explain why he was absent during the Energon series. Alternately, it could be the Red Alert from the Energon comics.}}
{{-}}

===Cyber Key Code content===
Red Alert fought beside [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] until one day [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] used his Energon Saber to cut off his hand. Red Alert has never forgiven him.

==Games==
===''Transformers'' (PS2)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daran Norris]] (English)

When Optimus Prime took to the field, Red Alert served as his dispatcher, alerting him via radio to mission objectives and giving him warnings.

As like the other playable Autobots, Red Alert fights the Decepticons and their army of [[Decepticlone|Decepticlones]] through various location including Amazon, Antarctic, Mid Atlantic, Deep Amazon, Alaska, Decepticons' Starship, Pacific Island, and eventually merged with all the [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] which form the [[Matrix Cannon]], and ultimately defeats [[Unicron]] and saves [[Cybertron (planet)|his home planet]].

He is accompanied by [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], his [[Mini-Con]] partner, who also enables Red Alert to [[Powerlinx]].

Based on his specs, Red Alert has the highest skills of all (Despite this, it's safe to assume that he's [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|less popular]]). He has less Mini-Con slots too.

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers (PS2)}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
{{listen|RedAlertWooWooWooWooWoo.ogg|RedAlertWooWooWooWooWoo.ogg|This never gets old. NEVER.|55 Kb}}
[[Image:Armada_RedAlertLongarm_toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|RED UH-LURT!]]
*'''Red Alert w/Longarm''' (Max-Con, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MC-02'''
**''Accessories'': Claw-missile, disc, 2 hand-attachments

: Red Alert transforms into a white Nissan Patrol rescue SUV. When a [[Mini-Con]] is attached to his hood-mounted Mini-Con port, the grille springs open. Pulling back on the attached Mini-Con launches a rescue disk/missile. Similarly, when a Mini-Con is used on his emergency lights port and is pushed forward, the sirens flash and a voice chip proclaims "RED-ALERT! WOO-WOO-WOO-WOO-WOO!" (Naturally, the Japanese version has different sounds.) In robot mode, pulling back on the Mini-Con unlocks a shoulder-mounted missile/rescue grappling claw launcher, which can also be detached and held in his hand. His right leg guard contains several tools that can be attached onto his left wrist socket, while his left leg guard can be unfolded to become a Mini-Con repair bay. He comes with his Mini-Con partner [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]].

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version has some slight [[Paint operation|paint application]] differences from the [[Hasbro]] version, mainly a "separated" Autobot insignia and the addition of dark blue paint on his kneecaps.

: This mold was later used to make ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] and [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] [[Inferno (Movie)|Inferno]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2002/Autobot/RedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|McDs}}
*'''Red Alert''' (Fast food premium, 2003)
**''McID number'': '''6'''

: Part of the ''Armada'' Happy Meal promo at [[McDonald's]], this simplified version of Red Alert features a pull-back motor that zips him along in SUV mode. The toy also features [[Powerlinx]] plugs, which enable him to form a "leg" to the really silly-looking [[Mighty Robot]]; his normal placement is as the left leg.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2002/Autobot/McRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on McDonald's Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|PX}}
[[Image:Powerlinx Red Alert toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|ORANGE UH-LURT!]]
*'''Powerlinx Red Alert w/Longarm''' (Max-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MC-12'''
**''Accessories'': Claw-missile, disc, blaster hand-attachment, triple-blaster hand attachment

: This is a predominantly orange [[redeco]] of ''Armada'' Red Alert, with white stripes and "RESCUE" [[tampograph]]ed lettering, giving him a more beach-rescue vibe. He retains all of the same gimmicks and sounds as the previous version of the mold, and also a redecoed Longarm.

: The Japanese version has some slight paint application differences, mainly additional metallic red paint on his arms (notably his right hand), and the removal of the "EMERGENCY" text on his hood.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Powerlinx Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Built To Rule===
[[Image:BTR ArmadaRedAlert.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Red Alert's left hand is restored by the power of not-[[wikipedia:Lego|Lego]].]]
*'''Red Alert w/ Longarm''' (Built to Rule, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Three missiles

: One of the larger ''[[Built to Rule]]'' sets, Red Alert can be built into an emergency SUV, robot, or whatever your imagination can make out of the blocks provided. The set features a large pressure-launch triple-missile "Gatling" cannon. He also came with a [[Longarm (Armada)#Built To Rule|block-version of Longarm]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTRRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Built To Rule Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Cybertron===
[[Image:Cybertron Red Alert toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cut you up, geezer!]]
*'''Red Alert''' (Deluxe Class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-11'''
**''Accessories'': Clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Earth Cyber Key

: Cybertron Red Alert transforms into a [[Wikipedia:Dodge_Magnum|Dodge Magnum]] emergency vehicle. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into the back of his car mode causes two rear side-panels to pop out and reveal two spring-forward non-firing blasters. This gimmick is retained in robot mode, where they become over-shoulder blasters. He features an unusual transformation sequence where both the front and rear halves of the vehicle mode come together to form his legs. His hood halves open to reveal storage space for extra tools (a hammer-head and an opening claw) that can be attached onto his left arm blaster. He came with a silver-bordered [[Earth]]-style Cyber Planet Key which, in the Hasbro version, has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''d26w'''" [[tampograph]]ed on the back. Later releases of the mold had slight indents made in the leg pieces to allow them to clip together better.

: The Takara version of this toy lacks the gold paint on the robot-mode shoulders.

: This mold was later used to make [[Cannonball (Cybertron)#Toys|Cannonball]], the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie-verse]] [[Crankcase (Movie)#Toys|Crankcase]], and ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Kup (G1)#Timelines|Kup]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2005/Autobot/RedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BK}}
*'''Red Alert''' (Fast-food premium, 2005)

: Available only as part of Burger King's ''Cybertron'' promotion, this version of Red Alert is a very simplified version of the original toy, transforming into a Dodge Magnum emergency vehicle, devoid of any [[Gimmick|gimmickry]]... and that includes ''functional wheels''. That's right, this toy doesn't even ''roll'' in vehicle mode.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BKRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Burger King Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CybCD}}
[[Image:Cybertron Defence Red Alert.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Just what every injured robot wants to see... a giant shoulder-mounted cannon aiming at them.]]
*'''Cybertron Defense Red Alert'''<ref>Possibly because the Western name for the Vanguard Team (Cybertron Defense Team) was decided very late in the game, early batches of this toy available at retail and from online stores were lacking the "Cybertron Defense" portion of the name on the packaging. However, the more widespread version with the full name was found within mere days of the original version's initial retail sighting.</ref> (Ultra-Class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-21'''
**''Accessories'': Rocket, small missile, clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key

: An upgraded, all-new tooling of Red Alert. He now transforms into a cross between a Russian [[Wikipedia:R-400_Oka|R-400 Oka mobile ballistic missile launcher]] and a [[Wikipedia:BTR-90|BTR-90 armoured personnel carrier]]. The left side of his vehicle mode has a flip-up non-firing double-blaster, which can also be "used" in robot mode. Inserting a Cyber Key into the rear of the missile pops it in half, activates the electronic sound and lights, and exposes the inner spring-loaded missile launcher "laser cannon". In robot mode, Red Alert finally has two normal robotic hands, but he comes with a shield that, when a Key is inserted, flips out a multi-tool arm that can be equipped with several tools stored in his shins (a spring-loaded hammer-head or a gripping claw), emulating his old tool-arm. This shield can be mounted on either arm. He has two (nonfunctional) Mini-Con hardpoints in vehicle mode, and two ''different'' hardpoints in robot mode. He comes with a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]-Autobot Cyber Planet Key; the Hasbro version has the Key Code "'''up0t'''" tampographed on the back.

: This mold was also used to make the [[BotCon 2006]]-[[exclusive]] [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Timelines|"Dawn of Future's Past" Megatron]] and [[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] [[Countdown (G1)#Universe 2008|Countdown]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2005/Autobot/CybDefRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TinyTin}}
[[Image:Cyb-toy RedDirtTins.jpg|right|thumb|200px|First he tried [[Powerlinx]]ing with the [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|other Dirt Boss]]. That didn't go so well.]]
*'''Red Alert with Dirt Boss''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': Clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Earth Cyber Key

: Available [[exclusive]]ly at [[Walmart]] stores, this multi-pack features an unchanged [[#Cybertron|Deluxe-class Red Alert]] with a new [[redeco]] of the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Mini-Con [[Dirt Boss (Armada)#Cybertron|Dirt Boss]], who also came with his own carrying tin.

: [[Hasbro]] copy writer [[Forest Lee]] confirms that the ''Cybertron'' [[Tiny Tins]] exclusives were originally planned with two different [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team]] decos in mind, hence the backstory involving one version of the Team being from an alternate universe and the Tins' decos showing the Mini-Cons in silhouette rather than the normal full-color images. He could not confirm what the then-chosen decos were, however, but it seems likely they were re-packs of the two schemes from ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', given the use of "[[Race Mini-Con Team#RoadAssault|Road Assault Team]]".

{{-}}{{anchor|VsSideways}}
[[Image:Cyb-toy CriticalPath.jpg|right|thumb|200px|No, we don't know why the path is so critical either.]]
*'''Critical Path Pack!''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': Clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Earth Cyber Key

: This two-pack of the Deluxe-size Red Alert and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Sideways (RID)#Cybertron|Sideways]] toys was made available only at [[Target]] stores, retailing for $16.99. The toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC}}
[[Image:LOC CD Red Alert.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In this instance, the "C" in "ICBM" stands for "cul-de-sac".]]
*'''Red Alert''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)

: A much-simplified version of the "Cybertron Defense" incarnation of Red Alert in terms of detail and articulation, this toy was made available in the third wave of the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' series. The missile is permanently in its split-open state.

: This mold was later used to make ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Perceptor (G1)#Classics|Perceptor]] and ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Onslaught (G1)#Universe (2008)|Onslaught]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Legends Red Alert at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The ''Armada'' Red Alert toy's "WOO WOO WOO" sound effect has since become a famous in-joke within the Transformers [[fandom]]. For a short time, it also became something of an impromptu chant among fans at Transformers conventions. Reportedly, at the start of the [[OTFCC 2003]] [[Hasbro]] Panel, several fans started chanting "WOO WOO WOO WOO!" to the initial confusion of Hasbro designer [[Aaron Archer]], until he realized what was occurring.

* One concept drawing in the ''[[Micron Legend Year Book 2003|Micron Legend Yearbook 2003]]'' depicts Red Alert as having a large siren perched atop his cranium.

* According to the [[Transformers (Melbourne House)|''Armada'' Playstation 2 game]] instruction booklet, Red Alert's ''Armada'' body has the following statistics:

:*Mass: 3,838 lbs
:*Robot height: 19' 8"
:*Robot top speed: 37 mph
:*Vehicle height: 7' 3"
:*Vehicle top speed: 155 mph
:*Vehicle power: 450 hp @ 6600 rpm

* According to Aaron Archer, Red Alert's head sculpt seems to be based on RoboCop, hence his personality.
* His Cybertron Defense toy's Cyber Key Code info contains a reference to [[The Transformers: The Movie|the '86 movie]]. According to the info, Hot Shot had his arm torn off during the battle with the Scrapmetals. Red Alert mended the arm better than it had been before, even fixing a bad rotator cuff. This references [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s repair of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] on [[Quintessa]] ("You even got rid of a nasty burr on my rotator").

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ratchet''' (ラチェット ''Rachetto''), '''First Aid''' (''Galaxy Force'', ファストエイド ''Fasuto Eido''), '''First Gunner''' (Vanguard Team, ファストガンナー ''Fasuto Gannā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Riadó''' ("Alert")
*''Polish:'' '''Alarmus'''
*''Russian:'' '''Paniker''' (Паникёр, "Alarmist")

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Medics]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Red Alert (Armada)

2011-10-03T20:59:58Z

86.86.159.173: /* Dreamwave Armada comic */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Red Alert}}
:''Red Alert is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Redalertut.jpg|right|283px|thumb|Red Alert takes a cue from the Quad City DJs]]
'''Red Alert''' was once a fierce warrior. It was not until he was seriously wounded, losing his hand permanently in battle, that he was able to sit back and realize how terrible war is. He is now a reluctant fighter, and somewhat emotionally detached, preferring to repair his friends than tear his enemies to shreds. This does not mean he is now a coward. To the contrary, when a fellow Autobot on the battlefield needs his immediate medical attention, he will be there no matter what it takes. He's a brilliant medic and scientist, but he's also extremely cautious.

His nominal [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], though during the search for the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]], he was accompanied to [[Velocitron]] by [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]].

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
Red Alert cheered on [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s defeat of [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. During Galvatron's trip to prison, Red Alert alerted the transporting Autobots of a incoming [[Decepticon]]. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 4}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
[[Image:DWArmada2 RedAlert filtrekshields.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Red Alert, all I'm hearing from you is 'WOO WOO WOO WOO!'"]]
One million years ago, a new faction of Transformers, calling themselves "[[Decepticon|Decepticons]]" attacked various [[Mini-Con]] villages on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for unknown, but most likely nefarious purposes. Red Alert was under [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s personal squad, sifting through the ruins of [[mini-Con Sector|Mini-Con Village C-52 ]]hoping to find survivors, though Red Alert was more interested in the fact that the Mini-Cons were using outdated [[Filtrek|Filtrek-A forceshields]]. What had happened to the Mini-Cons was that they had been forcibly re-engineered to "[[Powerlinx|powerlink]]" with the Decepticons, granting the [[bulk]]s increased power, which the Autobots learned first hand when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] attacked [[Cyber City]]. Realizing that they were no match for the Decepticons, Red Alert desperately asked Prime for orders. Knowing that they would be killed if they stayed, Optimus ordered a retreat. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

For a million years the civil war raged on, the once-proud Autobots struggled to defend themselves against the powerful, Mini-Con augmented Decepticons, who were in possession of Cybertron's only remaining Mini-Cons, the others having escaped at the beginning of the conflict. Hope came in the form of a Mini-Con Reactivation Signal detected by Cybertron's Decepticon-controlled communications satellites, which Red Alert was able to hack into. The Autobots resolved to travel to this distant world of [[Earth]] and resolved to fight for Truth, Justice and Freedom. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}}

[[Image:DWArmada4 RedAlert Scavenger yourface.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
Arriving on Earth at the [[Allspark Power Generator Station]], Red Alert attempted to communicate with the indigenous [[human]] species, asking for their help in finding the Mini-Cons, but only managing to frighten them off. [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] jokingly suggested it was because of his face. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} Unfortunately for the Autobots, the Decepticons had already arrived and were chasing after [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]'s group of Mini-Cons and their human friends, [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]. Just as [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] were about to jump Scavenger, Red Alert and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] arrived to outflank them. Eventually Megatron powerlinked with all of his Mini-Cons and gained the upper hand, but help came in the form of [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]'s group of Mini-Cons, who powerlinked with the Autobots. [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] linked with Red Alert, a chest-mounted disk launcher. At a tactical disadvantage, the Decepticons were forced to flee. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

After establishing a base on Earth on the outskirts of [[Lincoln, South Dakota|Lincoln]], [[South Dakota]], Megatron attacked the human city with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the forcibly combined form of the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]], to goad the Autobots to emerge from their hidden [[Autobase]]. Red Alert tried to contact the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Team]] to no avail, and the Autobots realised the Autobot-allied Mini-Cons must have left earlier to infiltrate the Decepticon base at [[Silver Ridge]]. Despite the considerable tactical disadvantage, the Autobots emerged and fought off the Decepticons as best they could, Red Alert somehow gaining the ability to use his claw rifle without powerlinking with not-present [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]. Fortunately just as Megatron was about to deal a fatal blow to Optimus Prime, Longarm and the Mini-Cons arrived, powerlinked with their respective Autobot partners, allowing the good guys to free the Air Defense Team and send the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}

[[Image:DWArmada10 RedAlert HotShot VENTSURPRISE.jpg|left|250px|thumb|]]
Soon afterwards, when Red Alert was looking in on the Mini-Cons, he discovered that they had vanished. Again. He thought that as they were free to come and go as they pleased, perhaps they needed some time to cool off after Optimus Prime admonished them for disobeying his orders during the Air Defense Team incident. The Autobots received an answer to the mystery when local news networks reported strange lights in [[Tranquility, Kansas|Tranquility]], [[Kansas]]. Racing there in a [[Autobot shuttle|shuttle]], they discovered that the Mini-Cons were being subconsciously drawn to a strange obelisk. Unfortunately, the Decepticons were there as well and a fight quickly broke out, but as they fought, the Mini-Cons (and Rad) were taken into the obelisk and it blasted off to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} With the shuttle destroyed, Optimus Prime prepared to use the [[space bridge]] to go back to Cybertron and retrieve specialised equipment needed to fly to the Moon, but the Decepticon sensors had to be neutralised before he could do so without compromising security. Hot Shot and Red Alert infiltrated the Decepticon base at Silver Ridge, knocked out [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and erased the space bridge trace data of Prime travelling to Cybertron. Unfortunately, just before Prime returned, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] returned to Silver Ridge, forcing Red and Hot Shot to hide inside a wall panel. Determined not to let the Decepticons learn of their secret Autobase locations on both Earth and Cybertron, Red Alert and Hot Shot blasted the hapless Decepticons and destroyed their computer. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}}

[[Image:DWArmada13_Prime_RedAlert.jpg|thumb|250px|]]

After the crisis on the moon was diverted, Red Alert picked up an emergency transmission from Smokescreen and Scavenger, who had detected a Decepticon rocket launch pad in Death Valley, [[California]]. At the same time, a Mini-Con escape pod from the moon was detected in [[Alaska]], and Optimus Prime, needing to play politics to keep the Mini-Con refugees on side, decided to deploy the Autobots to the icy north. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} Arriving in Alaska, Red Alert and [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] were tasked with cutting the ice that entombed the escape pod with their [[sonic cannon]] while the other Autobots and Mini-Cons defended the area from the Decepticons. Unfortunately, at this moment Megatron attacked the Autobot shuttle with his [[Solar Scalpel]], a orbital superweapon launched from the rocket base in Death Valley. As if they weren't having enough problems, an-over-powerlinked [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] attacked, forcing Hot Shot and Red Alert to intercept. The two Autobots were flattened by the overpowered Cyclonus, until Optimus Prime stepped in and crushed the Decepticon's chest. With the Solar Scalpel destroyed by the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], rescue operations recommenced. Suddenly, Optimus Prime vanished. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[Image:WorldsCollide2_RedAlert_hit.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Why did we have just bring ONE medic with us?]]

Returning to Autobase: Earth via space bridge, Red Alert and the others discovered that while Optimus Prime didn't return to their base, they did have ''an'' [[Optimus Prime (Worlds Collide)|Optimus Prime]]. While the Mini-Cons postulated that he may be from another dimension, Red Alert did his best to stablize the mysterious Autobot's condition. Sadly, the Prime briefly reactivated to warn them of the "walls" of reality crumbling and that "chaos" was coming, before expiring. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} With the arrival of the dimension-crossing Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], the Autobots got some clues into what happened to "their" Optimus Prime and the means to search for him throughout the [[multiverse]]. Red Alert and Longarm returned to the scene of Over-Run's appearance on Earth, but could not find his [[null-reality pod]], as it had been seized by the Decepticons. Unfortunately, this search for Optimus Prime prompted Megatron to lead an assault on Autobase: Earth, blowing up the computer in the unwitting Red Alert's face as he was using it. With Optimus missing, Red Alert assumed command and ordered the Autobots to roll out, but the Autobots were swiftly defeated. Red Alert was knocked unconscious by Starscream, but Megatron demanded the right to strike the final blow. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}}

[[Image:DWArmada18_TheEnd_Autobots_Smokescreen.jpg|thumb|150px|]]

The Autobots were inadvertently saved from a fate exactly the same as death when a [[Galvatron (G1)|mysterious, powerful Cybertronian]] appeared and took the Decepticons apart, though the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]] were forced to intervene to prevent the being from defeating Megatron. After the Decepticons limped away, a seriously-trashed Red Alert reported to Optimus Prime (who had been rescued and was now on Autobase: Cybertron) on the bad condition of the Earthside Autobots, in particular Smokescreen. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

With this in mind, those who survived Megatron's attack were less-than-pleased when they learned of Optimus Prime's alliance with the Decepticons to defeat [[Unicron]], the Chaos Bringer and eater of worlds. To prevent a fight from breaking out on Earth, Optimus sent them ahead to Autobase: Cybertron, where its less-damaged facilities could be used to save Smokescreen's life. However, Red Alert and the others still thirsted for revenge against Megatron, and assigned [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to keep an eye on him. When Megatron isolated himself from the other Transformers by landing on Unicron in the hopes of striking a deal with the Choas Bringer, they attacked, sending the Decepticon leader into Unicron's depths as it disappeared from this reality. {{storylink|The End}}
{{-}}

====''Energon'' comic====
While Optimus Prime waited for a meeting with the High Council, Red Alert, Scavenger and [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] were seen travelling on a highway in the center of [[Cyber City]]. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Brian Dobson]] (English), [[Ikuya Sawaki]] (Japanese), [[Claus Brockmeyer]] (German), [[Stefan Berglund]] (Swedish), [[Ettore Zuim]] (Brazil), [[Guillaume Orsat]] (French)
{{charstubfiction}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Brian Dobson]] (English), [[Yasuyuki Kase]] (Japanese), [[Robert Kotulla]] (German)

At some point, Red Alert had gained a [[Accents|different accent]]. He was first seen communicating with Optimus Prime via video screen, showing him the destruction of the planet [[Moriturus]]. Red Alert did not immediately join his comrades on Earth, instead remaining on a remote observation station to monitor the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]].

He did not come to Earth until after the failure of his gravitron grid to negate the black hole. To the surprise of the others, the scientifically-minded Red Alert considered [[Vector Prime]]'s plan to use the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s and the [[Omega Lock]] viable. {{storylink|Hidden}}

Red Alert was first seen on Earth when coming along with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] to reinforce the [[Autobot]]s during their conflict outside a museum. Shortly after, he was sent along with Hot Shot on a covert mission to Velocitron to search for the Cyber Planet Key there. Red Alert was very dismayed at the prospect of a secret mission with the impetuous younger Autobot. {{storylink|Landmine (episode)|Landmine}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
When the war on Cybertron broke out, Red Alert defended the main Autobot headquarters from a Decepticon attack alongside [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]]. When it was revealed that angry Mini-Cons planned to bomb the base, he and the others retreated. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} A few million years later, Red Alert participated in another battle with the Decepticons, but ended up retreating again as the enemy's Mini-Con augmentations rendered them too powerful. He wondered where the Mini-Cons who escaped from Cybertron had disappeared to, but [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] told him it was best if nobody ever found out. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

But it was not to be. Just a short while later, a Mini-Con reactivation beacon reached Cybertron, and the Autobots tracked it to [[Earth]] to protect the Mini-Cons from [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. While Red Alert and the others were outgunned by the Decepticons at first, the Mini-Cons pitched in and [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] joined with Red Alert, allowing him to shoot down [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 2|Friends and Foes!}} After the Decepticons were chased off, the Autobots stood watch as the Mini-Cons and their new [[human]] friends made their way into some small caves. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Deep Trouble!}} They later decided that the best way to keep the Mini-Cons safe was to send them back to Cybertron, so Red Alert prepared a [[space bridge]] for them. In the end, the Mini-Cons refused to leave their friends, and a Decepticon attack wrecked the space bridge anyway.
{{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}

Alongside Hot Shot and Optimus Prime, Red Alert later helped save the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] from Starscream. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} When the Autobots learned that the Decepticons were planning to nuke their base from the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Red Alert despaired that their space bridge was still offline, so they couldn't prepare a counteroffensive. Thankfully, Hot Shot managed to repair the bridge and used it to send the missiles straight back at the Decepticons. Not Red Alert the scientist, but ''Hot Shot''. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}

===Lonesome Diesel===
Red Alert was part of the Autobot forces during a battle in [[Yellowstone National Park]]. Following the Decepticon withdrawal, he was able to successfully retrieve a Mini-Con from a mud pit. {{storylink|Lonesome Diesel}}

===3H comics===
[[Image:TFUjailbreak.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
Red Alert (or an alternate-universe incarnation of him) was one of the countless Cybertrons captured by agents of [[Unicron]] and held prisoner in the [[Cauldron]] arena. The quick thinking of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] released them, and Red Alert participated in the great escape. Presumably he was transported back to his proper dimension thanks to the power of [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

{{note|If this wasn't an alternate-universe incarnation of the character, his appearance in the Universe fiction may explain why he was absent during the Energon series. Alternately, it could be the Red Alert from the Energon comics.}}
{{-}}

===Cyber Key Code content===
Red Alert fought beside [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] until one day [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] used his Energon Saber to cut off his hand. Red Alert has never forgiven him.

==Games==
===''Transformers'' (PS2)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daran Norris]] (English)

When Optimus Prime took to the field, Red Alert served as his dispatcher, alerting him via radio to mission objectives and giving him warnings.

As like the other playable Autobots, Red Alert fights the Decepticons and their army of [[Decepticlone|Decepticlones]] through various location including Amazon, Antarctic, Mid Atlantic, Deep Amazon, Alaska, Decepticons' Starship, Pacific Island, and eventually merged with all the [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] which form the [[Matrix Cannon]], and ultimately defeats [[Unicron]] and saves [[Cybertron (planet)|his home planet]].

He is accompanied by [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], his [[Mini-Con]] partner, who also enables Red Alert to [[Powerlinx]].

Based on his specs, Red Alert has the highest skills of all (Despite this, it's safe to assume that he's [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|less popular]]). He has less Mini-Con slots too.

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers (PS2)}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
{{listen|RedAlertWooWooWooWooWoo.ogg|RedAlertWooWooWooWooWoo.ogg|This never gets old. NEVER.|55 Kb}}
[[Image:Armada_RedAlertLongarm_toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|RED UH-LURT!]]
*'''Red Alert w/Longarm''' (Max-Con, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MC-02'''
**''Accessories'': Claw-missile, disc, 2 hand-attachments

: Red Alert transforms into a white Nissan Patrol rescue SUV. When a [[Mini-Con]] is attached to his hood-mounted Mini-Con port, the grille springs open. Pulling back on the attached Mini-Con launches a rescue disk/missile. Similarly, when a Mini-Con is used on his emergency lights port and is pushed forward, the sirens flash and a voice chip proclaims "RED-ALERT! WOO-WOO-WOO-WOO-WOO!" (Naturally, the Japanese version has different sounds.) In robot mode, pulling back on the Mini-Con unlocks a shoulder-mounted missile/rescue grappling claw launcher, which can also be detached and held in his hand. His right leg guard contains several tools that can be attached onto his left wrist socket, while his left leg guard can be unfolded to become a Mini-Con repair bay. He comes with his Mini-Con partner [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]].

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version has some slight [[Paint operation|paint application]] differences from the [[Hasbro]] version, mainly a "separated" Autobot insignia and the addition of dark blue paint on his kneecaps.

: This mold was later used to make ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] and [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] [[Inferno (Movie)|Inferno]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2002/Autobot/RedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|McDs}}
*'''Red Alert''' (Fast food premium, 2003)
**''McID number'': '''6'''

: Part of the ''Armada'' Happy Meal promo at [[McDonald's]], this simplified version of Red Alert features a pull-back motor that zips him along in SUV mode. The toy also features [[Powerlinx]] plugs, which enable him to form a "leg" to the really silly-looking [[Mighty Robot]]; his normal placement is as the left leg.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2002/Autobot/McRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on McDonald's Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|PX}}
[[Image:Powerlinx Red Alert toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|ORANGE UH-LURT!]]
*'''Powerlinx Red Alert w/Longarm''' (Max-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MC-12'''
**''Accessories'': Claw-missile, disc, blaster hand-attachment, triple-blaster hand attachment

: This is a predominantly orange [[redeco]] of ''Armada'' Red Alert, with white stripes and "RESCUE" [[tampograph]]ed lettering, giving him a more beach-rescue vibe. He retains all of the same gimmicks and sounds as the previous version of the mold, and also a redecoed Longarm.

: The Japanese version has some slight paint application differences, mainly additional metallic red paint on his arms (notably his right hand), and the removal of the "EMERGENCY" text on his hood.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Powerlinx Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Built To Rule===
[[Image:BTR ArmadaRedAlert.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Red Alert's left hand is restored by the power of not-[[wikipedia:Lego|Lego]].]]
*'''Red Alert w/ Longarm''' (Built to Rule, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Three missiles

: One of the larger ''[[Built to Rule]]'' sets, Red Alert can be built into an emergency SUV, robot, or whatever your imagination can make out of the blocks provided. The set features a large pressure-launch triple-missile "Gatling" cannon. He also came with a [[Longarm (Armada)#Built To Rule|block-version of Longarm]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTRRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Built To Rule Red Alert at TFU.info]''

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===Cybertron===
[[Image:Cybertron Red Alert toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cut you up, geezer!]]
*'''Red Alert''' (Deluxe Class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-11'''
**''Accessories'': Clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Earth Cyber Key

: Cybertron Red Alert transforms into a [[Wikipedia:Dodge_Magnum|Dodge Magnum]] emergency vehicle. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into the back of his car mode causes two rear side-panels to pop out and reveal two spring-forward non-firing blasters. This gimmick is retained in robot mode, where they become over-shoulder blasters. He features an unusual transformation sequence where both the front and rear halves of the vehicle mode come together to form his legs. His hood halves open to reveal storage space for extra tools (a hammer-head and an opening claw) that can be attached onto his left arm blaster. He came with a silver-bordered [[Earth]]-style Cyber Planet Key which, in the Hasbro version, has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''d26w'''" [[tampograph]]ed on the back. Later releases of the mold had slight indents made in the leg pieces to allow them to clip together better.

: The Takara version of this toy lacks the gold paint on the robot-mode shoulders.

: This mold was later used to make [[Cannonball (Cybertron)#Toys|Cannonball]], the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie-verse]] [[Crankcase (Movie)#Toys|Crankcase]], and ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Kup (G1)#Timelines|Kup]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2005/Autobot/RedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BK}}
*'''Red Alert''' (Fast-food premium, 2005)

: Available only as part of Burger King's ''Cybertron'' promotion, this version of Red Alert is a very simplified version of the original toy, transforming into a Dodge Magnum emergency vehicle, devoid of any [[Gimmick|gimmickry]]... and that includes ''functional wheels''. That's right, this toy doesn't even ''roll'' in vehicle mode.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BKRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Burger King Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CybCD}}
[[Image:Cybertron Defence Red Alert.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Just what every injured robot wants to see... a giant shoulder-mounted cannon aiming at them.]]
*'''Cybertron Defense Red Alert'''<ref>Possibly because the Western name for the Vanguard Team (Cybertron Defense Team) was decided very late in the game, early batches of this toy available at retail and from online stores were lacking the "Cybertron Defense" portion of the name on the packaging. However, the more widespread version with the full name was found within mere days of the original version's initial retail sighting.</ref> (Ultra-Class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-21'''
**''Accessories'': Rocket, small missile, clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key

: An upgraded, all-new tooling of Red Alert. He now transforms into a cross between a Russian [[Wikipedia:R-400_Oka|R-400 Oka mobile ballistic missile launcher]] and a [[Wikipedia:BTR-90|BTR-90 armoured personnel carrier]]. The left side of his vehicle mode has a flip-up non-firing double-blaster, which can also be "used" in robot mode. Inserting a Cyber Key into the rear of the missile pops it in half, activates the electronic sound and lights, and exposes the inner spring-loaded missile launcher "laser cannon". In robot mode, Red Alert finally has two normal robotic hands, but he comes with a shield that, when a Key is inserted, flips out a multi-tool arm that can be equipped with several tools stored in his shins (a spring-loaded hammer-head or a gripping claw), emulating his old tool-arm. This shield can be mounted on either arm. He has two (nonfunctional) Mini-Con hardpoints in vehicle mode, and two ''different'' hardpoints in robot mode. He comes with a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]-Autobot Cyber Planet Key; the Hasbro version has the Key Code "'''up0t'''" tampographed on the back.

: This mold was also used to make the [[BotCon 2006]]-[[exclusive]] [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Timelines|"Dawn of Future's Past" Megatron]] and [[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] [[Countdown (G1)#Universe 2008|Countdown]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2005/Autobot/CybDefRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Red Alert at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TinyTin}}
[[Image:Cyb-toy RedDirtTins.jpg|right|thumb|200px|First he tried [[Powerlinx]]ing with the [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|other Dirt Boss]]. That didn't go so well.]]
*'''Red Alert with Dirt Boss''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': Clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Earth Cyber Key

: Available [[exclusive]]ly at [[Walmart]] stores, this multi-pack features an unchanged [[#Cybertron|Deluxe-class Red Alert]] with a new [[redeco]] of the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Mini-Con [[Dirt Boss (Armada)#Cybertron|Dirt Boss]], who also came with his own carrying tin.

: [[Hasbro]] copy writer [[Forest Lee]] confirms that the ''Cybertron'' [[Tiny Tins]] exclusives were originally planned with two different [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team]] decos in mind, hence the backstory involving one version of the Team being from an alternate universe and the Tins' decos showing the Mini-Cons in silhouette rather than the normal full-color images. He could not confirm what the then-chosen decos were, however, but it seems likely they were re-packs of the two schemes from ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', given the use of "[[Race Mini-Con Team#RoadAssault|Road Assault Team]]".

{{-}}{{anchor|VsSideways}}
[[Image:Cyb-toy CriticalPath.jpg|right|thumb|200px|No, we don't know why the path is so critical either.]]
*'''Critical Path Pack!''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': Clamp attachment, hammer attachment, Earth Cyber Key

: This two-pack of the Deluxe-size Red Alert and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Sideways (RID)#Cybertron|Sideways]] toys was made available only at [[Target]] stores, retailing for $16.99. The toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC}}
[[Image:LOC CD Red Alert.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In this instance, the "C" in "ICBM" stands for "cul-de-sac".]]
*'''Red Alert''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)

: A much-simplified version of the "Cybertron Defense" incarnation of Red Alert in terms of detail and articulation, this toy was made available in the third wave of the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' series. The missile is permanently in its split-open state.

: This mold was later used to make ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Perceptor (G1)#Classics|Perceptor]] and ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Onslaught (G1)#Universe (2008)|Onslaught]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCRedAlert/redalert.htm More information on Legends Red Alert at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The ''Armada'' Red Alert toy's "WOO WOO WOO" sound effect has since become a famous in-joke within the Transformers [[fandom]]. For a short time, it also became something of an impromptu chant among fans at Transformers conventions. Reportedly, at the start of the [[OTFCC 2003]] [[Hasbro]] Panel, several fans started chanting "WOO WOO WOO WOO!" to the initial confusion of Hasbro designer [[Aaron Archer]], until he realized what was occurring.

* One concept drawing in the ''[[Micron Legend Year Book 2003|Micron Legend Yearbook 2003]]'' depicts Red Alert as having a large siren perched atop his cranium.

* According to the [[Transformers (Melbourne House)|''Armada'' Playstation 2 game]] instruction booklet, Red Alert's ''Armada'' body has the following statistics:

:*Mass: 3,838 lbs
:*Robot height: 19' 8"
:*Robot top speed: 37 mph
:*Vehicle height: 7' 3"
:*Vehicle top speed: 155 mph
:*Vehicle power: 450 hp @ 6600 rpm

* According to Aaron Archer, Red Alert's head sculpt seems to be based on RoboCop, hence his personality.
* His Cybertron Defense toy's Cyber Key Code info contains a reference to [[The Transformers: The Movie|the '86 movie]]. According to the info, Hot Shot had his arm torn off during the battle with the Scrapmetals. Red Alert mended the arm better than it had been before, even fixing a bad rotator cuff. This references [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s repair of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] on [[Quintessa]] ("You even got rid of a nasty burr on my rotator").

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ratchet''' (ラチェット ''Rachetto''), '''First Aid''' (''Galaxy Force'', ファストエイド ''Fasuto Eido''), '''First Gunner''' (Vanguard Team, ファストガンナー ''Fasuto Gannā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Riadó''' ("Alert")
*''Polish:'' '''Alarmus'''
*''Russian:'' '''Paniker''' (Паникёр, "Alarmist")

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Medics]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2

2011-09-08T17:49:31Z

86.86.159.173: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=10
|image=Cybertrondanger2.jpg
|caption=You might want to get that Van de Graaf generator fixed.
|title="Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2"
|japanese=セイバートロン星危機一髪後編
|romaji=Seibertron-sei Kiki Ippatsu Kōhen
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=Toei
|airdate=[[September 11]], [[1987]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The end looms for Cybertron as Scorponok's plan to secure power nears fruition.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] outfit [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] with the bombs Scorponok has specially prepared, the [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] wonder why the villains broke off their fight so suddenly, and begin investigating. Eventually—as the battle continues to rage around them, with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], [[Trainbot|Trainbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] clashing—Chromedome discovers the villains heading for an entrance to the planet's sub-levels, and summons the other Headmasters with his telepathic powers. Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher block their way as Mindwipe races through the tunnels, but Chromedome makes it through and pursues him through [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s depths. The other Headmasters soon follow, but Mindwipe makes it to [[Vector Sigma]]'s chamber and activates the bombs. The Autobot Headmasters are unable to remove the explosives, and are forced to flee to the surface to sound the alarm.

On the surface, Scorponok informs [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] that he has arranged for the planting of the bombs and the destruction of Cybertron, ostensibly to prevent the newly-created [[Cybertonuron]] from falling into Autobot hands. As Galvatron departs for Vector Sigma's chamber to stop Scorponok's plan, the Autobot Headmasters inform Rodimus of the situation, and he quickly and regretfully arranges for the evacuation of the planet. As the Autobots and Decepticons escape to safety, Galvatron enters Vector Sigma's chamber—just as the bombs go off and he is consumed in the fireball. The explosion devastates Cybertron utterly, reducing it to a charred, broken hunk floating in space.

Touching down on the ruined, uninhabitable surface of Cybertron, Rodimus Prime realises that the age of his generation of Transformers has come to an end. Vowing to find a new planet for the Transformers to live on, he appoints Fortress as the new [[Supreme Commander]] of the Autobots, and accepts [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s offer to accompany him. When [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] moves to join them, he refuses, telling her to stay and take care of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]. Promising to return, Rodimus and his companions depart for space.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (5)
* [[Brainstorm]] (6)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (7)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (8)
* [[Shōki]] (12)
* [[Seizan]] (13)
* [[Getsuei]] (14)
* [[Suiken]] (15)
* [[Kaen]] (16)
* [[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]] (17)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (18)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (22)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (23)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (24)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (25)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (26)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (30)
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (31)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (34)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (37)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (38)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (41)

|c2=
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (1)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (2)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (9)
* [[Tantrum]] (10)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (11)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (19)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (20)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (21)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (27)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (28)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (29)
* [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (32)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (35)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (36)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (39)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)

|c3=
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (42)
}}

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*Several pieces of footage are reused from "[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]", including aerial dives by Vortex and Blast Off, Jazz returning fire, and a skirmish between Superion, Abominus and Devastator.

===Transformers references===
*Previously hinted at in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]", the Headmasters' telepathic powers are properly explained in this episode (albeit by the narrator) as an ability they developed on planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].
*Galvatron is not out of commission for too long — although he is missing for several episodes, he returns in "[[Return of the Immortal Emperor]]".
*Despite his promise, Rodimus Prime did not return in the course of the ''Headmasters'' cartoon. He did, however, come back from his journey in [[The Headmasters issue 8|the final chapter]] of the comic.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Crisis on Cyberton, Part 2'''" {{sic}} ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The Omni Productions dialogue script included on the R2 release of the ''Headmasters'' series gives the episode title as "Crisis on Cybertons Part Two".
::**Shōki, rather than Raiden, is identified as "Grimlock" in this script. Razorclaw and Soundblaster are still identified as "Sogo" and "Puda", respectively. Divebomb is referred to as "Bo".

:*''Title:'' "'''Planet Cybertron Is in Grave Danger: Part 2'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.
::*The bombs' countdown in "minutes" is at first translated as "cycles" and then as "clicks" onward.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Crisis en el Planeta Cybertron, Segunda Parte'''" ("Crisis on the Planet Cybertron, Second Part")

===Trivia===
*The devastation of Cybertron is probably the single most famous event from the ''Headmasters'' anime, and is well-known even among those fans who have not seen the series themselves. It was rebuilt during the Japanese ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' storyline, though with the Cyberton featured in the [[Beast Era]] one can clearly see the Maximals travel trough several layers of old civilizations. Even if Cybertron had been rebuilt, it is unlikely those were rebuilt as well. As well as the plasma energy chamber and the Oracle, the computer that predicted that the Transformers would come to Cybertron.
*On occasion, people wonder why Rodimus did not give Fortress the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when he made him leader. Well, for no real reason, that's just not really how things work in Japan — there are fewer Supreme Commanders who have held the Matrix than there are those who haven't.
*Not only does Rodimus feel the need to run away very quickly on his Boy's Own mission with Kup and Blurr (presumably lest Arcee followed them), it doesn't seem to occur to him that the Autobots already have a peaceful planet to live on - [[Athenia]]. But of course that wouldn't allow for him to get out of the way let Fortress assume command.
*Furthermore, his decision to install Fortress as new leader because of his 'youth' makes little sense given that Fortress is roughly the same age as most other Transformers seen since the start of G1, having left Cybertron 4 million years ago and having known Kup. If anything, Rodimus is the more youthful of the two given that, as Hot Rod, he was shown to be something of a Cybertronian teenager, implying that he was built later than Optimus and co. It's ''probably'' supposed to refer to Fortress and the other Headmasters not literally being "younger", but being more of a "new generation" of Transformers, with their crazy new powers and tech, but it's still really iffy.
*It certainly doesn't help that Cybertron's destruction makes not only Optimus' sacrifice back in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]" completely pointless, but pretty much every character who died on both sides did so completely in vain.
*It has been speculated that the planet Rodimus goes out to find is [[Micro]], because when Rodimus returns years later in ''[[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]'', he is a [[Micromaster]].
*Mindwipe doesn't seem to like [[Denki kōmori|bats]]. Hmm.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2

2011-09-08T17:47:59Z

86.86.159.173: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=10
|image=Cybertrondanger2.jpg
|caption=You might want to get that Van de Graaf generator fixed.
|title="Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2"
|japanese=セイバートロン星危機一髪後編
|romaji=Seibertron-sei Kiki Ippatsu Kōhen
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=Toei
|airdate=[[September 11]], [[1987]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The end looms for Cybertron as Scorponok's plan to secure power nears fruition.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] outfit [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] with the bombs Scorponok has specially prepared, the [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] wonder why the villains broke off their fight so suddenly, and begin investigating. Eventually—as the battle continues to rage around them, with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], [[Trainbot|Trainbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] clashing—Chromedome discovers the villains heading for an entrance to the planet's sub-levels, and summons the other Headmasters with his telepathic powers. Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher block their way as Mindwipe races through the tunnels, but Chromedome makes it through and pursues him through [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s depths. The other Headmasters soon follow, but Mindwipe makes it to [[Vector Sigma]]'s chamber and activates the bombs. The Autobot Headmasters are unable to remove the explosives, and are forced to flee to the surface to sound the alarm.

On the surface, Scorponok informs [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] that he has arranged for the planting of the bombs and the destruction of Cybertron, ostensibly to prevent the newly-created [[Cybertonuron]] from falling into Autobot hands. As Galvatron departs for Vector Sigma's chamber to stop Scorponok's plan, the Autobot Headmasters inform Rodimus of the situation, and he quickly and regretfully arranges for the evacuation of the planet. As the Autobots and Decepticons escape to safety, Galvatron enters Vector Sigma's chamber—just as the bombs go off and he is consumed in the fireball. The explosion devastates Cybertron utterly, reducing it to a charred, broken hunk floating in space.

Touching down on the ruined, uninhabitable surface of Cybertron, Rodimus Prime realises that the age of his generation of Transformers has come to an end. Vowing to find a new planet for the Transformers to live on, he appoints Fortress as the new [[Supreme Commander]] of the Autobots, and accepts [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s offer to accompany him. When [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] moves to join them, he refuses, telling her to stay and take care of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]. Promising to return, Rodimus and his companions depart for space.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (5)
* [[Brainstorm]] (6)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (7)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (8)
* [[Shōki]] (12)
* [[Seizan]] (13)
* [[Getsuei]] (14)
* [[Suiken]] (15)
* [[Kaen]] (16)
* [[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]] (17)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (18)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (22)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (23)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (24)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (25)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (26)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (30)
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (31)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (34)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (37)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (38)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (41)

|c2=
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (1)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (2)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (9)
* [[Tantrum]] (10)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (11)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (19)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (20)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (21)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (27)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (28)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (29)
* [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (32)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (35)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (36)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (39)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)

|c3=
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (42)
}}

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*Several pieces of footage are reused from "[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]", including aerial dives by Vortex and Blast Off, Jazz returning fire, and a skirmish between Superion, Abominus and Devastator.

===Transformers references===
*Previously hinted at in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]", the Headmasters' telepathic powers are properly explained in this episode (albeit by the narrator) as an ability they developed on planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].
*Galvatron is not out of commission for too long — although he is missing for several episodes, he returns in "[[Return of the Immortal Emperor]]".
*Despite his promise, Rodimus Prime did not return in the course of the ''Headmasters'' cartoon. He did, however, come back from his journey in [[The Headmasters issue 8|the final chapter]] of the comic.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Crisis on Cyberton, Part 2'''" {{sic}} ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The Omni Productions dialogue script included on the R2 release of the ''Headmasters'' series gives the episode title as "Crisis on Cybertons Part Two".
::**Shōki, rather than Raiden, is identified as "Grimlock" in this script. Razorclaw and Soundblaster are still identified as "Sogo" and "Puda", respectively. Divebomb is referred to as "Bo".

:*''Title:'' "'''Planet Cybertron Is in Grave Danger: Part 2'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.
::*The bombs' countdown in "minutes" is at first translated as "cycles" and then as "clicks" onward.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Crisis en el Planeta Cybertron, Segunda Parte'''" ("Crisis on the Planet Cybertron, Second Part")

===Trivia===
*The devastation of Cybertron is probably the single most famous event from the ''Headmasters'' anime, and is well-known even among those fans who have not seen the series themselves. It was rebuilt during the Japanese ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' storyline, though the Cyberton featured in the [[Beast Era]] one can clearly see the Maximals travel trough several layers of old civilizations. Even if Cybertron had been rebuilt, it is unlikely those were rebuilt as well. As well as the plasma energy chamber and the Oracle, the computer that predicted that the Transformers would come to Cybertron.
*On occasion, people wonder why Rodimus did not give Fortress the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when he made him leader. Well, for no real reason, that's just not really how things work in Japan — there are fewer Supreme Commanders who have held the Matrix than there are those who haven't.
*Not only does Rodimus feel the need to run away very quickly on his Boy's Own mission with Kup and Blurr (presumably lest Arcee followed them), it doesn't seem to occur to him that the Autobots already have a peaceful planet to live on - [[Athenia]]. But of course that wouldn't allow for him to get out of the way let Fortress assume command.
*Furthermore, his decision to install Fortress as new leader because of his 'youth' makes little sense given that Fortress is roughly the same age as most other Transformers seen since the start of G1, having left Cybertron 4 million years ago and having known Kup. If anything, Rodimus is the more youthful of the two given that, as Hot Rod, he was shown to be something of a Cybertronian teenager, implying that he was built later than Optimus and co. It's ''probably'' supposed to refer to Fortress and the other Headmasters not literally being "younger", but being more of a "new generation" of Transformers, with their crazy new powers and tech, but it's still really iffy.
*It certainly doesn't help that Cybertron's destruction makes not only Optimus' sacrifice back in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]" completely pointless, but pretty much every character who died on both sides did so completely in vain.
*It has been speculated that the planet Rodimus goes out to find is [[Micro]], because when Rodimus returns years later in ''[[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]'', he is a [[Micromaster]].
*Mindwipe doesn't seem to like [[Denki kōmori|bats]]. Hmm.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2

2011-09-08T17:44:03Z

86.86.159.173: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=Headmasters
|ep=10
|image=Cybertrondanger2.jpg
|caption=You might want to get that Van de Graaf generator fixed.
|title="Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2"
|japanese=セイバートロン星危機一髪後編
|romaji=Seibertron-sei Kiki Ippatsu Kōhen
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=Toei
|airdate=[[September 11]], [[1987]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The end looms for Cybertron as Scorponok's plan to secure power nears fruition.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] outfit [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] with the bombs Scorponok has specially prepared, the [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] wonder why the villains broke off their fight so suddenly, and begin investigating. Eventually—as the battle continues to rage around them, with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], [[Trainbot|Trainbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] clashing—Chromedome discovers the villains heading for an entrance to the planet's sub-levels, and summons the other Headmasters with his telepathic powers. Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher block their way as Mindwipe races through the tunnels, but Chromedome makes it through and pursues him through [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s depths. The other Headmasters soon follow, but Mindwipe makes it to [[Vector Sigma]]'s chamber and activates the bombs. The Autobot Headmasters are unable to remove the explosives, and are forced to flee to the surface to sound the alarm.

On the surface, Scorponok informs [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] that he has arranged for the planting of the bombs and the destruction of Cybertron, ostensibly to prevent the newly-created [[Cybertonuron]] from falling into Autobot hands. As Galvatron departs for Vector Sigma's chamber to stop Scorponok's plan, the Autobot Headmasters inform Rodimus of the situation, and he quickly and regretfully arranges for the evacuation of the planet. As the Autobots and Decepticons escape to safety, Galvatron enters Vector Sigma's chamber—just as the bombs go off and he is consumed in the fireball. The explosion devastates Cybertron utterly, reducing it to a charred, broken hunk floating in space.

Touching down on the ruined, uninhabitable surface of Cybertron, Rodimus Prime realises that the age of his generation of Transformers has come to an end. Vowing to find a new planet for the Transformers to live on, he appoints Fortress as the new [[Supreme Commander]] of the Autobots, and accepts [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s offer to accompany him. When [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] moves to join them, he refuses, telling her to stay and take care of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]]. Promising to return, Rodimus and his companions depart for space.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (5)
* [[Brainstorm]] (6)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (7)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (8)
* [[Shōki]] (12)
* [[Seizan]] (13)
* [[Getsuei]] (14)
* [[Suiken]] (15)
* [[Kaen]] (16)
* [[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]] (17)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (18)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (22)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (23)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] (24)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (25)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (26)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (30)
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (31)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (34)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (37)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (38)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (41)

|c2=
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (1)
* [[Weirdwolf]] (2)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (3)
* [[Skullcruncher]] (4)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (9)
* [[Tantrum]] (10)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (11)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (19)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] (20)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (21)
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (27)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (28)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (29)
* [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (32)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (35)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (36)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (39)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (40)

|c3=
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (42)
}}

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*Several pieces of footage are reused from "[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]", including aerial dives by Vortex and Blast Off, Jazz returning fire, and a skirmish between Superion, Abominus and Devastator.

===Transformers references===
*Previously hinted at in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]", the Headmasters' telepathic powers are properly explained in this episode (albeit by the narrator) as an ability they developed on planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].
*Galvatron is not out of commission for too long — although he is missing for several episodes, he returns in "[[Return of the Immortal Emperor]]".
*Despite his promise, Rodimus Prime did not return in the course of the ''Headmasters'' cartoon. He did, however, come back from his journey in [[The Headmasters issue 8|the final chapter]] of the comic.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Crisis on Cyberton, Part 2'''" {{sic}} ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The Omni Productions dialogue script included on the R2 release of the ''Headmasters'' series gives the episode title as "Crisis on Cybertons Part Two".
::**Shōki, rather than Raiden, is identified as "Grimlock" in this script. Razorclaw and Soundblaster are still identified as "Sogo" and "Puda", respectively. Divebomb is referred to as "Bo".

:*''Title:'' "'''Planet Cybertron Is in Grave Danger: Part 2'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*The review of the last episode shown before the title card is omitted.
::*The bombs' countdown in "minutes" is at first translated as "cycles" and then as "clicks" onward.

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Crisis en el Planeta Cybertron, Segunda Parte'''" ("Crisis on the Planet Cybertron, Second Part")

===Trivia===
*The devastation of Cybertron is probably the single most famous event from the ''Headmasters'' anime, and is well-known even among those fans who have not seen the series themselves. It was rebuilt during the Japanese ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' storyline, though in the [[Beast Era]] the Maximals travel trough several layers of old civilizations and it is hard to ignore those.
*On occasion, people wonder why Rodimus did not give Fortress the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when he made him leader. Well, for no real reason, that's just not really how things work in Japan — there are fewer Supreme Commanders who have held the Matrix than there are those who haven't.
*Not only does Rodimus feel the need to run away very quickly on his Boy's Own mission with Kup and Blurr (presumably lest Arcee followed them), it doesn't seem to occur to him that the Autobots already have a peaceful planet to live on - [[Athenia]]. But of course that wouldn't allow for him to get out of the way let Fortress assume command.
*Furthermore, his decision to install Fortress as new leader because of his 'youth' makes little sense given that Fortress is roughly the same age as most other Transformers seen since the start of G1, having left Cybertron 4 million years ago and having known Kup. If anything, Rodimus is the more youthful of the two given that, as Hot Rod, he was shown to be something of a Cybertronian teenager, implying that he was built later than Optimus and co. It's ''probably'' supposed to refer to Fortress and the other Headmasters not literally being "younger", but being more of a "new generation" of Transformers, with their crazy new powers and tech, but it's still really iffy.
*It certainly doesn't help that Cybertron's destruction makes not only Optimus' sacrifice back in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]" completely pointless, but pretty much every character who died on both sides did so completely in vain.
*It has been speculated that the planet Rodimus goes out to find is [[Micro]], because when Rodimus returns years later in ''[[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]'', he is a [[Micromaster]].
*Mindwipe doesn't seem to like [[Denki kōmori|bats]]. Hmm.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|omni}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1996 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Headmasters'' — DVD Box ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — The Takara Collection Vol 1 — ''Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers: Headmasters'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:The Headmasters episodes]]

Possession

2011-06-13T20:12:40Z

86.86.159.173: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=21
|image=Starscream ghost BW.jpg
|caption="Look, I'm a ghost, okay? Quit being such a jerk."
|title="Possession"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[February 3]], 1997
|packaged with=[[Waspinator (BW)#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Waspinator]], [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Optimus Primal vs. Megatron]], [[Motorarm (BWII)#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Motorarm]]
|written by=[[Ian Weir]]
|directed by=[[Owen Hurley]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''Waspinator finds himself possessed by none other than the original Decepticon traitor, Starscream!'''

:''French title:'' '''Possession'''
:''French-Canadian title:'' '''Possession'''
:''Japanese title:'' 不死身のスタースクリーム (''Fujimi no Sutāsukurīmu'', "The Immortal Starscream")
:''Latin-American title:'' '''Posesión'''
:''Italian title:'' '''Il traditore''' ("The traitor")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Possessão'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Possession Waspinator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Haunter used Hypnosis!]]
A violent storm rages, causing significant damage and knocking out power to both the [[Axalon (BW)|Maximal]] and [[Darksyde|Predacon bases]]. While the [[Maximals]] stash their extra ammo deeper in their ship's hold to prevent undue accidents, Waspinator attempts to get one of the Predacon base's computer consoles online...only to be greeted by a ghostly, shrill voice from it. A power surge hits the bug-bot soon afterwards, and when the other Preds begin to wonder what has happened to him, in he comes, announcing his return "at long last" in the same eerie voice.

The voice belongs to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Air Commander of the [[Decepticon]] forces and [[second-in-command]] to the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], whose [[spark]] had been tumbling through time and space for an unknown number of years before settling within Waspinator. As he puts it, he was destroyed defending [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] from the Chaos Bringer [[Unicron]], but his spark endured. As a show of his good faith, he pledges his loyalty to the Predacon Megatron, revealing vital information about the state of the Maximal base due to the storm, intelligence Megatron could use to plan a sneak attack. Intrigued by the idea, Megatron accepts Starscream into his ranks, but warns Scorponok in private to watch their new ally closely.

[[Image:Possession Megatron victorious.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"B-3" "BINGO!!!"]]
The next day, as the Maximals are making repairs to their base, they are suddenly attacked by the Preds, and Starscream's intel proves very useful in catching them off-guard. In the ensuing firefight, Dinobot is injured and the Decepticon Air Commander flies rings round Optimus, forcing the Maximals to abandon ship and regroup outside. Happy with their victory, Megatron puts Starscream in charge of holding the ''Axalon'', with Scorponok and Blackarachnia under his command, while the rest of the Preds return to their base, in case the Maximals decide to go for a sneak attack of their own. Once they're alone, though, Blackarachnia shows off her knack for history by correctly pointing out to Starscream that he was [[The Transformers: The Movie|murdered by Galvatron (the Unicron-reborn Megatron) after he betrayed the Decepticon commander]]. She's willing to keep this a secret, though, if she's let in on his real plans: to destabilize Megatron's control and rule both factions.

Deep in the forest, as the Maximals recover, Optimus voices his confusion and concern over Waspinator's new personality. He isn't entirely convinced Waspinator is possessed by the spark of Starscream, but as the [[Maximal Elders]] had long since sealed the Decepticon's records, they're not able to confirm or deny it, either. Fortunately, Dinobot's as much of a military history buff as Blackarachnia is, commenting on how ''Webster's Cybertronian Dictionary'' has pretty much replaced all definitions of "traitor" with Starscream's name. [[Wikipedia:Pinky and the Brain|Are you pondering what I'm pondering]], Optimus?

[[Image:Possession Starscream point.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I want YOU for Predacon Army]]
He is. Returning to the ''Axalon'', the Maximals call Starscream out to announce their surrender, citing the need to use the ship's CR Chamber to repair Dinobot's (now exaggerated) wounds. Feeling generous, the Decepticon Air Commander allows Optimus and Dinobot to come on board, but as predictably as night follows day, betrays them and strips Optimus of his weapons and locks him up in the hold as soon as he steps on deck. With their leader now his prisoner, Starscream orders the other Maximals to attack the Predacon base, over the token objections of Scorponok. They comply, and the trap is set.

[[Image:Possession Starscream gunpoint.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm azzz mad azzz hell, and I'm not going to take thizzz anymore!]]
Unbeknown to the Air Commander, he's been duped by the oldest trick in the book; by allowing himself to be betrayed, Optimus has put himself and Dinobot in the perfect position to retake their base, which they do in a dazzling display that forces Starscream to retreat back to Pred territory. Optimus pursues and manages to best the Decepticon in an aerial dogfight, leaving him grovelling at the Maximal's feet...until Blackarachnia shows up, prompting Starscream to plead for her aid, believing they can still complete their coup. No dice; this new generation is much less gullible than [[Autobot|their]] [[Decepticon|ancestors]], and Blackarachnia has skillfully pulled off a double-cross on the double-crosser, igniting a small energon cache underneath Starscream to "exorcise" the Decepticon's spark from Waspinator's body.

At the end of the day, Megatron gets done fixing the back-to-normal Waspinator as Blackarachnia explains her betrayal; if she hadn't done it, she maintains, she wouldn't have been able to sniff out Starscream's true motives. Megatron reluctantly accepts this excuse, but warns her that it still doesn't invoke confidence in her loyalties. Back at the ''Axalon'', the Maximals are finishing up repairs of their own...everyone but Cheetor, who's slacking off with a bout of stargazing, quipping "Twinkle, twinkle, little Starscream," as the camera pans up to beyond the planet's orbit, showing Starscream's spark screaming mech fluid-drenched vengeance on all within the Beast Wars as he drifts away into the void.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (2)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (4)
*[[Rattrap]] (8)
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (13)
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (14)
*[[Tigatron]] (15)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c2=
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (5)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (7)
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (9)
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (10)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (11)

|c4=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Unicron]] (12)
}}

==Quotes==
"Quickly, damage report!" 
"Moderate. Waspinator in pain, but still functional." 
"Not you, imbecile, the computer!"
:—'''Waspinator''' mistakingly thinks '''Megatron''' cares.

"What is this? Program does not respond! Waspinator does not understand!" 
"I'll bet Waspinator seldom does! But try not to let it depress you, bug-face."
:—'''Waspinator''', about to be possessed by '''Starscream'''

"Allow me to present myself: Air Commander Starscream of the Decepticon Battle Fleet!!!"
:—'''Starscream''' speaking through Waspinator, making his grand return.

"Starscream, perhaps the centuries of weightlessness have taken a toll on your neurological circuitry."
:—'''Megatron''' seems to forget that free-floating sparks don't ''have'' circuitry.

"I bet one of them's in MY room right now, going through MY stuff!" 
"Eh, don't take this the wrong way, kitty-cat. But under the circumstances, GO TELL SOMEONE WHO ''CARES''!"
:-'''Cheetor''' and '''Rattrap''', after the Predacons pinch the Maximal base.

"Lie still! And GROAN, for cryin' out loud! You're supposed to be half-dead!" 
"If you don't shut up, vermin, you will be my role model!"
:-'''Rattrap''' and '''Dinobot'''. 'Nuff said.

''[to Optimus]'' "Good. Now, you reap the appropriate reward for your trust and good faith." ''[to Scorponok]'' "Disarm him, force him to transform, and then chain him in the hold or somewhere!"
:—'''Starscream'''

"You're nothin' but a schemin' snake in the grass!" 
"Ehh, flattery will get you flattened, vermin."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Starscream'''

"I'd say [[Wikipedia:Thing (comics)|it's tramplin' time!]]."
:—'''Rhinox''', free to open a can of kick-keister.

"Ugh! Starscream and Blackarachnia! I'll have both their treacherous hides! Yeeessss...I'll-I'll melt them down and use them for aluminum siding! Oh, yes, indeed!"
:—'''Megatron''' finally learning of Starscream's traitorous nature. Odd...

"Ohhhh... Waspinator has a headache in his whoooole body."
:—'''Waspinator''', as he's put back together yet again. Awwwww...

"Cheetor, planning to help with the clean-up?" 
"Eh, just checkin' for new constellations. Twinkle twinkle, little Starscream."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Cheetor'''

"I'll be back! Even if it takes a thousand years, I'LL BE REVENGED ON YOU ALL!"
:—'''Starscream''', as he drifts through space

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* When Megatron "checks up" on Waspinator, his dino head inexplicably switches from his right hand to his left hand.
* Unicron's "ring" is not connected to his body.
* When Starscream points to the unguarded side of the ''Axalon'', he seems to have a finger pointing on both sides of his hand, as though the animators were unsure of which hand he was using to point at the screen. (From the looks of the previous scenes, it should be his left hand.)
* When the Maximals come to "surrender", as Optimus talks to Starscream, his head is hideously deformed, with the sides stretched down to the base of his neck, and his head sitting far too high. Additionally his mouth doesn't move while he's speaking. ''Argh...''
* When Starscream/Waspinator is standing on top of the ''Axalon'' and instructing the Maximals to attack the Predacon base, his right foot clips straight through one of the autocannons. A few moments later when he blasts Scorponok, he's standing nowhere near the cannon.

===Continuity errors===
* Looking at the intro sequence with Starscream's spark, he clearly touches down somewhere in the southwest United States, apparently Arizona. The terrain and creatures in ''Beast Wars'' suggest that it takes place in Africa and the presence of the standing stones, though not necessarily Stonehenge, suggest Britain. On the other hand, it makes sense, since "[[The Agenda (Part III)]]" puts the ''Axalon'' and the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] within commuting distance. It's not too wild to assume that it kept commuting for an unknown distance even after touching down either.

* While free-floating sparks are usually depicted as spheres, Starscream's spark has the twiddly bits which are usually only present to attach a spark to a protoform. Then again, it has been stated that Starscream's spark is not normal, so this may have been a conscious alteration?

* Megatron knew a great deal about Cybertronian history, yet apparently did not know the real nature of Starscream and his demise. However, Megatron might have been playing dumb to lure Starscream into being bolder with his actions. On the other hand, both the Predacon and Maximal Elders had a large portion of his records sealed ''due'' to his history. Then again, Megatron DID tell Scorponok to watch Starscream...

** On that same note, both Blackarachnia and Dinobot knew about Starscream, even though Primal stated that his records were sealed. It's possible that the records were sealed only to the Maximals (as Primal notes it was the Maximal Elders who sealed them), but given what we'll learn of te state of Maximal/Predacon relations on Cybertron and the Maximal Elders' dirty little secrets, that explanation is rather hard to believe.

* Despite being born from a Maximal Protoform, Blackarachnia refers to the Decepticons as "our" (the Predacons') ancestors.

* Starscream apparently imprisons Optimus in shackles that he can break out of in about five seconds flat. However, in the episode commentary on [[Madman Entertainment]]'s ''Beast Wars Season 1'' DVDs, story editor [[Bob Forward]] states that Primal originally had a very complex way of breaking free involving tools and the dexterity of his beast mode appendages, but the animators changed this to just him "busting out", possibly due to time and monetary constraints.

===Transformers references===
* Obviously, Starscream himself firmly ties ''Beast Wars'' to established Generation 1 history, though you could argue that Waspinator thinking he was [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] already did this.

* Starscream's spark—or "ghost", as it was then called—possesses several Decepticons (including [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]) in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 episodes]] "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" and "[[Ghost in the Machine]]". His actions [[Atari Hitotonari|don't stop]] [[Teletraan 15|there]].

* One of the Predacon insignias on the side of Waspinator's cranium changes into a Decepticon insignia while Starscream's spark is inhabiting his superstructure.

* And of course, Starscream's fate was from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

* Starscream's head is white and his face is blue, making him resemble his appearance in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Comics]] instead of his [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] [[character model]].

===Real-world references===
* [[Optimus Primal]] says "Hasta la vista, Starscream", paraphrasing a famous line from the film "[[wikia:c:terminator:Terminator 2: Judgment Day|Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]".

* As he flies away immediately after saying this, Optimus Primal is seen wearing a pair of sunglasses, aping (ahem) Arnold Schwarzenegger's trademark look from the movie.

* Rhinox's line "It's tramplin' time" could be an homage to "It's clobberin' time!", the catchphrase of the [[Thing]] of the [[Fantastic Four]].

===Trivia===
* [[Doug Parker]] performs both [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (standing in for the late [[Chris Latta]]), and the very Starscreamy [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. In fact, Parker's Starscream is basically Terrosaur with a metallic distortion a la G1 Soundwave. Perhaps Starscream should have possessed Terrorsaur instead — of course, nobody would notice the difference.
* According to fan consultant [[Ben Yee]] and story editor Bob Forward on the Madman DVD commentary track, the original idea for this episode was to have the spark of an Autobot possess one of the characters. This idea was abandoned early on because a model of Starscream had already been made for "[[The Web]]". Besides, Starscream had the experience.
* Also according to Forward, the angles used for Waspinator (when he is possessed by Starscream) are much more "heroic" than normal (views from slightly below him, extreme closeups, etc.), to reflect Starscream's personality.
* Apart from the Decepticon insignia on his head, Waspinator's only physical change when possessed is the addition of a yellow stripe along the upper edges of his "mandibles", similar to their inner edges.
* Additionally, Yee provided all of the original Starscream's [[tech spec]] [[Bio|biographies]] to writer Ian Weir as a reference for Starscream's character and personality. Yee was pleased that Weir incorporated Starscream's original "[[Air Commander]]" [[function]] as the character's rank and title.
* After Blackarachnia convinces Starscream to take her on as his protege, as they're walking away Starscream's hand is at her shoulder but then starts moving down towards her um... butt. Perv.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Warning from Space ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — Alert Dans L'Espace (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Starscream's Invulnerability ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 4 ([[Universal]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Predacon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes: Volume 3 — The Battle Rages On! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Possession

2011-06-13T20:12:19Z

86.86.159.173: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=21
|image=Starscream ghost BW.jpg
|caption="Look, I'm a ghost, okay? Quit being such a jerk."
|title="Possession"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[February 3]], 1997
|packaged with=[[Waspinator (BW)#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Waspinator]], [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Optimus Primal vs. Megatron]], [[Motorarm (BWII)#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Motorarm]]
|written by=[[Ian Weir]]
|directed by=[[Owen Hurley]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''Waspinator finds himself possessed by none other than the original Decepticon traitor, Starscream!'''

:''French title:'' '''Possession'''
:''French-Canadian title:'' '''Possession'''
:''Japanese title:'' 不死身のスタースクリーム (''Fujimi no Sutāsukurīmu'', "The Immortal Starscream")
:''Latin-American title:'' '''Posesión'''
:''Italian title:'' '''Il traditore''' ("The traitor")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''Possessão'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Possession Waspinator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Haunter used Hypnosis!]]
A violent storm rages, causing significant damage and knocking out power to both the [[Axalon (BW)|Maximal]] and [[Darksyde|Predacon bases]]. While the [[Maximals]] stash their extra ammo deeper in their ship's hold to prevent undue accidents, Waspinator attempts to get one of the Predacon base's computer consoles online...only to be greeted by a ghostly, shrill voice from it. A power surge hits the bug-bot soon afterwards, and when the other Preds begin to wonder what has happened to him, in he comes, announcing his return "at long last" in the same eerie voice.

The voice belongs to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Air Commander of the [[Decepticon]] forces and [[second-in-command]] to the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], whose [[spark]] had been tumbling through time and space for an unknown number of years before settling within Waspinator. As he puts it, he was destroyed defending [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] from the Chaos Bringer [[Unicron]], but his spark endured. As a show of his good faith, he pledges his loyalty to the Predacon Megatron, revealing vital information about the state of the Maximal base due to the storm, intelligence Megatron could use to plan a sneak attack. Intrigued by the idea, Megatron accepts Starscream into his ranks, but warns Scorponok in private to watch their new ally closely.

[[Image:Possession Megatron victorious.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"B-3" "BINGO!!!"]]
The next day, as the Maximals are making repairs to their base, they are suddenly attacked by the Preds, and Starscream's intel proves very useful in catching them off-guard. In the ensuing firefight, Dinobot is injured and the Decepticon Air Commander flies rings round Optimus, forcing the Maximals to abandon ship and regroup outside. Happy with their victory, Megatron puts Starscream in charge of holding the ''Axalon'', with Scorponok and Blackarachnia under his command, while the rest of the Preds return to their base, in case the Maximals decide to go for a sneak attack of their own. Once they're alone, though, Blackarachnia shows off her knack for history by correctly pointing out to Starscream that he was [[The Transformers: The Movie|murdered by Galvatron (the Unicron-reborn Megatron) after he betrayed the Decepticon commander]]. She's willing to keep this a secret, though, if she's let in on his real plans: to destabilize Megatron's control and rule both factions.

Deep in the forest, as the Maximals recover, Optimus voices his confusion and concern over Waspinator's new personality. He isn't entirely convinced Waspinator is possessed by the spark of Starscream, but as the [[Maximal Elders]] had long since sealed the Decepticon's records, they're not able to confirm or deny it, either. Fortunately, Dinobot's as much of a military history buff as Blackarachnia is, commenting on how ''Webster's Cybertronian Dictionary'' has pretty much replaced all definitions of "traitor" with Starscream's name. [[Wikipedia:Pinky and the Brain|Are you pondering what I'm pondering]], Optimus?

[[Image:Possession Starscream point.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I want YOU for Predacon Army]]
He is. Returning to the ''Axalon'', the Maximals call Starscream out to announce their surrender, citing the need to use the ship's CR Chamber to repair Dinobot's (now exaggerated) wounds. Feeling generous, the Decepticon Air Commander allows Optimus and Dinobot to come on board, but as predictably as night follows day, betrays them and strips Optimus of his weapons and locks him up in the hold as soon as he steps on deck. With their leader now his prisoner, Starscream orders the other Maximals to attack the Predacon base, over the token objections of Scorponok. They comply, and the trap is set.

[[Image:Possession Starscream gunpoint.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm azzz mad azzz hell, and I'm not going to take thizzz anymore!]]
Unbeknown to the Air Commander, he's been duped by the oldest trick in the book; by allowing himself to be betrayed, Optimus has put himself and Dinobot in the perfect position to retake their base, which they do in a dazzling display that forces Starscream to retreat back to Pred territory. Optimus pursues and manages to best the Decepticon in an aerial dogfight, leaving him grovelling at the Maximal's feet...until Blackarachnia shows up, prompting Starscream to plead for her aid, believing they can still complete their coup. No dice; this new generation is much less gullible than [[Autobot|their]] [[Decepticon|ancestors]], and Blackarachnia has skillfully pulled off a double-cross on the double-crosser, igniting a small energon cache underneath Starscream to "exorcise" the Decepticon's spark from Waspinator's body.

At the end of the day, Megatron gets done fixing the back-to-normal Waspinator as Blackarachnia explains her betrayal; if she hadn't done it, she maintains, she wouldn't have been able to sniff out Starscream's true motives. Megatron reluctantly accepts this excuse, but warns her that it still doesn't invoke confidence in her loyalties. Back at the ''Axalon'', the Maximals are finishing up repairs of their own...everyone but Cheetor, who's slacking off with a bout of stargazing, quipping "Twinkle, twinkle, little Starscream," as the camera pans up to beyond the planet's orbit, showing Starscream's spark screaming mech fluid-drenched vengeance on all within the Beast Wars as he drifts away into the void.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (2)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (4)
*[[Rattrap]] (8)
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (13)
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (14)
*[[Tigatron]] (15)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c2=
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (5)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (7)
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (9)
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (10)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (11)

|c4=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Unicron]] (12)
}}

==Quotes==
"Quickly, damage report!" 
"Moderate. Waspinator in pain, but still functional." 
"Not you, imbecile, the computer!"
:—'''Waspinator's''', mistakingly thinks '''Megatron''' cares.

"What is this? Program does not respond! Waspinator does not understand!" 
"I'll bet Waspinator seldom does! But try not to let it depress you, bug-face."
:—'''Waspinator''', about to be possessed by '''Starscream'''

"Allow me to present myself: Air Commander Starscream of the Decepticon Battle Fleet!!!"
:—'''Starscream''' speaking through Waspinator, making his grand return.

"Starscream, perhaps the centuries of weightlessness have taken a toll on your neurological circuitry."
:—'''Megatron''' seems to forget that free-floating sparks don't ''have'' circuitry.

"I bet one of them's in MY room right now, going through MY stuff!" 
"Eh, don't take this the wrong way, kitty-cat. But under the circumstances, GO TELL SOMEONE WHO ''CARES''!"
:-'''Cheetor''' and '''Rattrap''', after the Predacons pinch the Maximal base.

"Lie still! And GROAN, for cryin' out loud! You're supposed to be half-dead!" 
"If you don't shut up, vermin, you will be my role model!"
:-'''Rattrap''' and '''Dinobot'''. 'Nuff said.

''[to Optimus]'' "Good. Now, you reap the appropriate reward for your trust and good faith." ''[to Scorponok]'' "Disarm him, force him to transform, and then chain him in the hold or somewhere!"
:—'''Starscream'''

"You're nothin' but a schemin' snake in the grass!" 
"Ehh, flattery will get you flattened, vermin."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Starscream'''

"I'd say [[Wikipedia:Thing (comics)|it's tramplin' time!]]."
:—'''Rhinox''', free to open a can of kick-keister.

"Ugh! Starscream and Blackarachnia! I'll have both their treacherous hides! Yeeessss...I'll-I'll melt them down and use them for aluminum siding! Oh, yes, indeed!"
:—'''Megatron''' finally learning of Starscream's traitorous nature. Odd...

"Ohhhh... Waspinator has a headache in his whoooole body."
:—'''Waspinator''', as he's put back together yet again. Awwwww...

"Cheetor, planning to help with the clean-up?" 
"Eh, just checkin' for new constellations. Twinkle twinkle, little Starscream."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Cheetor'''

"I'll be back! Even if it takes a thousand years, I'LL BE REVENGED ON YOU ALL!"
:—'''Starscream''', as he drifts through space

==Notes==
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* When Megatron "checks up" on Waspinator, his dino head inexplicably switches from his right hand to his left hand.
* Unicron's "ring" is not connected to his body.
* When Starscream points to the unguarded side of the ''Axalon'', he seems to have a finger pointing on both sides of his hand, as though the animators were unsure of which hand he was using to point at the screen. (From the looks of the previous scenes, it should be his left hand.)
* When the Maximals come to "surrender", as Optimus talks to Starscream, his head is hideously deformed, with the sides stretched down to the base of his neck, and his head sitting far too high. Additionally his mouth doesn't move while he's speaking. ''Argh...''
* When Starscream/Waspinator is standing on top of the ''Axalon'' and instructing the Maximals to attack the Predacon base, his right foot clips straight through one of the autocannons. A few moments later when he blasts Scorponok, he's standing nowhere near the cannon.

===Continuity errors===
* Looking at the intro sequence with Starscream's spark, he clearly touches down somewhere in the southwest United States, apparently Arizona. The terrain and creatures in ''Beast Wars'' suggest that it takes place in Africa and the presence of the standing stones, though not necessarily Stonehenge, suggest Britain. On the other hand, it makes sense, since "[[The Agenda (Part III)]]" puts the ''Axalon'' and the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] within commuting distance. It's not too wild to assume that it kept commuting for an unknown distance even after touching down either.

* While free-floating sparks are usually depicted as spheres, Starscream's spark has the twiddly bits which are usually only present to attach a spark to a protoform. Then again, it has been stated that Starscream's spark is not normal, so this may have been a conscious alteration?

* Megatron knew a great deal about Cybertronian history, yet apparently did not know the real nature of Starscream and his demise. However, Megatron might have been playing dumb to lure Starscream into being bolder with his actions. On the other hand, both the Predacon and Maximal Elders had a large portion of his records sealed ''due'' to his history. Then again, Megatron DID tell Scorponok to watch Starscream...

** On that same note, both Blackarachnia and Dinobot knew about Starscream, even though Primal stated that his records were sealed. It's possible that the records were sealed only to the Maximals (as Primal notes it was the Maximal Elders who sealed them), but given what we'll learn of te state of Maximal/Predacon relations on Cybertron and the Maximal Elders' dirty little secrets, that explanation is rather hard to believe.

* Despite being born from a Maximal Protoform, Blackarachnia refers to the Decepticons as "our" (the Predacons') ancestors.

* Starscream apparently imprisons Optimus in shackles that he can break out of in about five seconds flat. However, in the episode commentary on [[Madman Entertainment]]'s ''Beast Wars Season 1'' DVDs, story editor [[Bob Forward]] states that Primal originally had a very complex way of breaking free involving tools and the dexterity of his beast mode appendages, but the animators changed this to just him "busting out", possibly due to time and monetary constraints.

===Transformers references===
* Obviously, Starscream himself firmly ties ''Beast Wars'' to established Generation 1 history, though you could argue that Waspinator thinking he was [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] already did this.

* Starscream's spark—or "ghost", as it was then called—possesses several Decepticons (including [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]) in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 episodes]] "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" and "[[Ghost in the Machine]]". His actions [[Atari Hitotonari|don't stop]] [[Teletraan 15|there]].

* One of the Predacon insignias on the side of Waspinator's cranium changes into a Decepticon insignia while Starscream's spark is inhabiting his superstructure.

* And of course, Starscream's fate was from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

* Starscream's head is white and his face is blue, making him resemble his appearance in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Comics]] instead of his [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] [[character model]].

===Real-world references===
* [[Optimus Primal]] says "Hasta la vista, Starscream", paraphrasing a famous line from the film "[[wikia:c:terminator:Terminator 2: Judgment Day|Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]".

* As he flies away immediately after saying this, Optimus Primal is seen wearing a pair of sunglasses, aping (ahem) Arnold Schwarzenegger's trademark look from the movie.

* Rhinox's line "It's tramplin' time" could be an homage to "It's clobberin' time!", the catchphrase of the [[Thing]] of the [[Fantastic Four]].

===Trivia===
* [[Doug Parker]] performs both [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (standing in for the late [[Chris Latta]]), and the very Starscreamy [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. In fact, Parker's Starscream is basically Terrosaur with a metallic distortion a la G1 Soundwave. Perhaps Starscream should have possessed Terrorsaur instead — of course, nobody would notice the difference.
* According to fan consultant [[Ben Yee]] and story editor Bob Forward on the Madman DVD commentary track, the original idea for this episode was to have the spark of an Autobot possess one of the characters. This idea was abandoned early on because a model of Starscream had already been made for "[[The Web]]". Besides, Starscream had the experience.
* Also according to Forward, the angles used for Waspinator (when he is possessed by Starscream) are much more "heroic" than normal (views from slightly below him, extreme closeups, etc.), to reflect Starscream's personality.
* Apart from the Decepticon insignia on his head, Waspinator's only physical change when possessed is the addition of a yellow stripe along the upper edges of his "mandibles", similar to their inner edges.
* Additionally, Yee provided all of the original Starscream's [[tech spec]] [[Bio|biographies]] to writer Ian Weir as a reference for Starscream's character and personality. Yee was pleased that Weir incorporated Starscream's original "[[Air Commander]]" [[function]] as the character's rank and title.
* After Blackarachnia convinces Starscream to take her on as his protege, as they're walking away Starscream's hand is at her shoulder but then starts moving down towards her um... butt. Perv.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Warning from Space ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — Alert Dans L'Espace (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Starscream's Invulnerability ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 4 ([[Universal]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Predacon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes: Volume 3 — The Battle Rages On! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Rattrap (BW)

2010-09-30T19:02:20Z

86.86.159.173: /* Beast Machines cartoon */

{{faction|maximal}}
{{disambig2|the Maximal energon miner/warrior|the Autobot informant|Rattletrap}}
:''Rattrap is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Rattrap-S1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm not a rat. If I'm any rodent, it's the loyal capybara, king of the rats...no, wait.]]
It's not so much that '''Rattrap''' is a coward... he just doesn't want to die. He's seen enough battles to know the score, so he's not afraid to tell his commanding officer to shove it if he's not fond of the odds. He prefers to sneak around unseen, in gutters or trenches or trash barges or what have you—whatever keeps him out of harm's way. He shouldn't be so worried. When he does encounter conflict, he deals with it masterfully with the arsenal of guns and bombs he keeps on himself at all times. He feels naked without them.

It's hard to like Rattrap, especially if you're his commanding officer. He's sarcastic, irreverent, and rude. Plus he smells (''why'' he smells is a mystery). He's also not the most trusting or forgiving sort, so he's not the best choice to take on a diplomatic run. He'd sooner shoot a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] or [[Decepticon]] than talk to them. Despite his tough-as-nails attitude, he has a [[Transformer romance|strong affection]] for his fellow Maximal [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]].

{{quote|We're all gonna die.|—Rattrap, Every episode, ever.}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Rattle''' (ラットル ''Rattoru'')
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Rattrape''', '''Rattrap''' (Transmetal)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Dà Hūi Shǔ''' (大灰鼠, "Big Grey Rat"... yep, really [[:Image:RattrapLOVEScheetor.jpg|big]].)
:''Italian name:'' '''Rattilus''' (original toy), '''Metal Rattilus''' (Transmetal)
:''Polish name:'' '''Szczurotron''' (loosely translates as "Rattron")
:''Spanish name:'' '''Ratatrampa'''

==Fiction==
===Toy Bio===
Rattrap is a highly respected, top-notch soldier who is used mostly for reconnaissance, continually prowling the city streets for any Predacon activities. In order to keep up his strength, he's always eating "grunge and grime and any wretched refuse he may encounter along the way." Eeeeewwww....{{storylink|Rattrap#Toys|Rattrap bio}}
{{note|The on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon and its backstory. They seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}
===Cartoon continuity===
He was the best miner in the Vespa system. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}}

====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[Image:Timelines-rattrap.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Remember kids, always wear your helmet when you transform into a bicycle.]]

While preparing for an exploration mission on board the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']], the Maximal who would later be called Rattrap and [[Cheetor (BW)|his young companion]] were stuck aboard a space station for weeks, running various errands before their mission could officially begin. After acquiring additional [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] for their trip, they returned to the ''Axalon'' where their captain, [[Optimus Primal]], notified his crew they had to travel first to the [[Alpha Quadrant]] to rid themselves of [[Rampage (BW)|some mysterious cargo]].

In the middle of Rattrap's objections, the ''Axalon'' was contacted by the [[High Council]]. The [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], a historic Maximal artifact, had been stolen by a rogue group of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] led by a Predacon criminal who had dubbed himself [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. As the ''Axalon'' was the closest ship with the capabilities to take down the [[Darksyde|Predacons' stolen ship]], Rattrap and his team were ordered to pursue.

However, before long, their ship was attacked by a mysterious ship (piloted by secret Predacon operatives [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], though unknown to them). After taking some damage, Rattrap was elated to see the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', a second ship, arrive and help deter their unknown attackers. However, the ''Chromia 10'' and its pilots were severely damaged in the scuffle before Rattrap was able to destroy the unknown Predacon ship with the ''Axalon'''s forward guns.

The battle over momentarily, Rattrap's ship was hailed by Megatron's, and the Predacon criminal introduced himself quickly to them before his ship opened fire on the Maximals. The ''Darksyde'' disappeared through a [[transwarp]] portal, and Rattrap and the Maximals followed. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese), [[Orlando Viggiani]] (Portuguese), [[Paulo Porto]] (Portuguese, in some episodes), [[Claudio Moneta]] (Italian), [[Robert Missler]] (German), [[Pierre Laurent]] (French)

[[Image:BWPart1 coverfire.jpg|right|230px|thumb|That's what friends are for!]]
After following the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appearing above a mysterious planet, both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of Rattrap's crew were ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]—so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies. The Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures; Rattrap took the form of a (very oversized) rat, and was dismayed to find that they were going to have to use the disguises to avoid the energon radiation. Forced into battle, he refused [[Optimus Primal]]'s order to rescue [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] on the grounds he'd get shot up. When Optimus went to do the job himself, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had to hold up Rattrap to get the rat to provide covering fire. Afterwards, Rattrap was unrepentant, pointing out that they'd all come out of it alive.

[[Image:BeastWars2 Dinobot Rattrap glaring.jpg|left|220px|thumb|How's the weather up there?]]
On the way back to base, the Maximals ran into the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] who challenged Primal to a fight over leadership. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Rattrap objected to Primal's decision to subsequently let Dinobot join their group, accusing Dinobot of trying to kill Rhinox when the Predacon accidentally caused a rock fall. Primal had some harsh words with him. During a battle atop a mountain laced with energon, Rattrap found himself having a beast mode fight against [[Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

After Cheetor got himself blasted by Scorponok and got Rhinox's new comlink trashed, Rattrap didn't hesitate to mock the cat for his mistakes. When Cheetor ran off to fix it, though, Rattrap found himself going after him to stop him from doing anything stupid - which failed miserably, as Cheetor was captured by Tarantulas long before Rattrap reached him. The rat and the spider engaged in a heated duel in Tarantulas' underground lair, with Rattrap gaining the upper hand by using a heat box to fool the spider's thermal scanner. After rescuing Cheetor, Rattrap gave an alibi to Optimus about their whereabouts, but then chewed out the cat for almost getting them both scrapped. He left to munch some garbage, but earned a new friend when Cheetor thanked him for saving his life. {{storylink|The Web}}

During an energon storm, Rattrap tried fruitlessly to raise Optimus, only for their leader to arrive and scrub the mission Cheetor was due to go out on. At least this time it was Dinobot who goaded Cheetor into going out, but all of the Maximals were later thanking the cat for saving their lives later on. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} When Optimus went semi-missing in action, swallowed by a [[Vok probe|alien probe]], Rattrap objected strenuously to Dinobot nominating himself as new leader. A vote was left stalemated until Optimus managed to get a signal to the base and named Rattrap group commander in his absense. After a moment of initial indecision, Rattrap commanded capably in Primal's absence (even earning Dinobot's grudging respect). When Primal returned, he offered his compliments as well. Rattrap's response: "Eh, command's a pain in the tail, especially with this pack of hyenas. You can keep it!" {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

Over time, Rattrap grew to respect his commander grudgingly, with the earliest glimmers showing through when Primal and Rattrap infiltrated a flying mountain that was loaded with supercharged Energon. Primal bravely distracted a super-powered Terrorsaur while Rattrap planted explosives to destroy the mountain (and had a brief tussle with Tarantulas). Optimus then got them both off of the exploding mountain with a fearless beast-mode leap off the edge, which ended with them dangling in the treetops far below. Rattrap commented that Primal "did pretty good up there—but don't tell anyone I said so." {{storylink|Power Surge}} Rattrap was a member of the party sent out to attempt to capture a stasis pod after Optimus Primal was taken out as soon as he left the base. The group was cut off from the pod when [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and Terrorsaur took out a snow bridge, and Rattrap radio'd base to break the bad news. Fortunately Dinobot and Primal were able to set up a transmitter, and by the time Rattrap and the others got to the pod, the [[protoform]] inside had already been reformatted into [[Tigatron]], who was able to help them fight the Predacons off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[Image:TerrorsaurcagedRT.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Despite all of Terrorsaur's rage, Rattrap is still just a rat in a cage.]]
Suspicious of why the Predacons had managed to ambush three straight Maximal operations, Optimus sent Rattrap on an undercover mission into the ''[[Darksyde]]'', under the guise of not trusting Rattrap and him defecting to the Predacons. Captured by Terrorsaur as part of the mission, Rattrap pleaded his loyalty to him and was taken to the base, where he knocked out [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] with a transformation-disabling device, allowing Terrorsaur to seize power. After he was locked in the lower chambers and Megatron made his escape, Rattrap broke out and continued his mission, discovering that the Predacons had acquired a Maximal decoder chip which allowed them to hack the Maximals' communications. He was almost caught by Tarantulas but disabled him and signaled Optimus, who attacked the Predacon base with the other Maximals. In the firefight, Rattrap was forced to fire on Optimus, blasting him from the sky and seemingly confirming his traitorous ways. Dinobot almost destroyed him, but two timely breaks allowed Rattrap and the Maximals to escape. Back on the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus congratulated Rattrap on a job well done, adding that he didn't need to make his "defection" that believable (as he rubbed where Rattrap had shot him). Rattrap's response was "Eh, what can I say? I was trying to miss." {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}}

[[Image:Coc getshorty.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Frenzy is red!" "Maximal lies!"]]
Rattrap distrusted Dinobot and insulted him at every turn. Dinobot wantonly returned in kind, constantly bickering with the "vermin". Dinobot and Rattrap's arguments ranged from being a minor irritation at times to causing serious chaos in the Maximal ranks at others. Rattrap's taunts caused a berserk Dinobot to damage the control module of the newly activated Sentinel defense system, which promptly drove the Maximals out of their own base. Under the circumstances, Rattrap's rarely seen sense of nobility and fair play came to the fore; recognizing the predicament as his own fault, he immediately volunteered to stay inside the base and deactivate Sentinel. His considerable skills at infiltration and demolition allowed him to reach the central computer core and order Sentinel to stand down, though very nearly at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}}

When Primal was hit by one of [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]'s [[Cyberbee]]s, injecting a virus and turning Primal into a berserker, Rattrap unexpectedly became the voice of reason, telling Cheetor and Dinobot to settle down. He objected to Dinobot's idea to set their enraged leader on the Predacons, but it became academic when Primal escaped and headed for the ''Darksyde'' anyway. Rattrap and the other Maximals provided cover fire for Cheetor, as the young Maximal mounted a rescue. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}} During an attempt by the Maximals to build a communications tower to contact a [[temporal probe]], which the [[Maximal High Council]] had sent to search for the ''Axalon'', Rattrap managed to save Dinobot's life by blasting [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] over a cliff. Unfortunately he was promptly hit by the same [[transformation lock lens]] which had disabled Dinobot's robot mode. Ultimately the tower was destroyed by Megatron. {{storylink|The Probe}}

[[Image:Victory Megatron crushes Rattrap.jpg|right|thumb|270px|[[Rubber Ducky]] isn't his ''only'' squeaky toy.]]
Rattrap planted a spy cam in the ''Darksyde'', and the Maximals were surprised to watch the Predacons apparently manage to blow themselves up. He proceeded to try to push as many of Dinobot's buttons as possible, but without getting a rise. The Maximals managed to salvage enough to get their own ship working. As Rattrap was telling Tigatron about a "sweet little hole-in-the-wall", it was revealed that the Predacons weren't slagged after all. Megatron managed to get on board and blasted everyone but Rattrap, attempting to crush the Maximal with his bare hands (or at least his beast-mode jaws). Fortunately Rhinox came around in time to come to Rattrap's rescue, though the ship still crashed. Afterwards, Rattrap and Dinobot resumed their usual bickering. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

After Rhinox was captured by the Predacons, Rattrap managed to tap into his friend's comlink, and the Maximals listened in horror as Rhinox was converted into a Predacon by Megatron's [[Transmuter]]. Though Rattrap was determined that they should go in there immediately, Primal held them back, allowing the evil-ized Rhinox to wreak havoc in the Predacon base. {{storylink|Dark Designs (episode)|Dark Designs}} Tricked by a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]], Primal sent Rattrap with the clone to investigate a possible Predacon base. Instead, while Rattrap was crossing a log over a lava flow, the clone kicked the log out from under him. Rattrap survived, landing on a rock and using a grenade to get himself out of the chasm. He swiftly warned Primal and Cheetor, but by the time they reached base, Dinobot had already... dealt with the clone. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}}

[[Image:The Trigger Rattrap optimus.jpg|left|230px|thumb|You call it "hi-jacking". I call it "forced donation".]]
Rattrap and the other Maximals later welcomed [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} During a contact with Tigatron, Rattrap was alarmed to hear his comrade was under Predacon attack. After news came in by Cyberbee that Tigatron had discovered an alien-built [[Brigadoon|flying island]], the Maximals were alarmed to hear that Blackarachnia and Scorponok were trying to take control of it. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Rattrap and Primal headed for the island, tangling with Terrorsaur and Waspinator on the way, Rattrap commandeering Terrorsaur as his new ride. After they reached the island, Blackarachnia took control of it. Rattrap's leg became trapped, and he told Tigatron to go on, dealing with the problem himself by using the island's own defense system. This also provided a crucial distraction, allowing Tigatron to destroy the island's power source. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Megatron's latest gambit involved the Predacons stealing the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to remain in their beast modes at all time. The Maximals soon succumbed to their base animal insincts, wandering out into the jungle, but were aided by Tigatron, who helped them to delete the block between their instincts and Maximal programming. Rhinox and Rattrap improvised a ratball special during the ensuing battle. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

Rattrap was part of the group of Maximals who were searching for energon when Scorponok triggered an explosion, blinding them all. Lead by Rhinox, they attempted to make their way back to the ''Axalon'', but were attacked by a snake. Though Rattrap failed to rescue Cheetor, he did manage to save his companion in a way, by proving a more attractive meal. Luckily for him, Rhinox got rid of the snake. They continued on, managing to nearly reach the Maximal base when they came under attack by Terrorsaur and Waspinator. Rhinox was able to guide the other Maximals in fighting the Predacons off while blinded. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After a violent storm damaged the Maximal base, making it vulnerable, the Predacons mounted an attack with the help of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who had possessed Waspinator's body. The Predacons triumphed, expelling the Maximals into the wilderness, however the Predacon occupation didn't last long, as internal conflict in their ranks allowed the Maximals to retake their base. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[Image:Low Road Rattrap Dinobot fight.jpg|thumb|right|230px|YOU THERE! STFU!]]
Another costly incident resulted when Rattrap and Dinobot were ordered to clear rampant wild bean vines growing outside the Maximal base. A prank by Rattrap quickly turned into a brawl between the two. Their struggle continued even when the Predacons launched a sneak attack, requiring Rhinox to exit the base to provide covering fire for them. Tarantulas used the distraction to inject Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], which eventually wore down his systems to the point of near-deactivation. Primal ordered Rattrap and Dinobot to find Tarantulas's lair and retrieve an antidote, commenting: "They'll either learn to work together or they'll destroy each other...right now, I don't care which." Despite continuing their argument the whole time, Rattrap and Dinobot managed to find [[Tarantulas's lair]], and retrieve the counter-virus. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

After Megatron called for a truce, Rattrap was sent with Airazor to infiltrate the ''Darksyde'' to find out what was going on. They were immediately detected and asked to leave, but they'd provided the necessary distraction for Tigatron to get into the Predacon base. Rattrap later took part in a (non-violent) operation to aid Tigatron's escape, and Tigatron reported that Megatron had discovered that the aliens were coming. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Rattrap and Airazor were first to reach the alien landing site, but Rattrap was blasted, while Airazor became trapped in the "nutty alien bungalow" which sprouted up. After dealing with Waspinator in a not at all non-violent manner, Rattrap attempted to cut into the structure using a laser, but was unsuccessful. fortunately Scorponok's sting allowed him to enter the construct with Optimus, and he was able to pull Airazor out, only to find the truce was over and he was at Predacon gunpoint.

[[Image:OtherVoices1 Rattrap beast mode.jpg|thumb|left|RataTOING!!!]]
Rattrap and Airazor were subsequently able to overpower the Predacons and make a retreat when Optimus's escape from the bungalow provided a distraction. High above, one of the moons opened up, revealing what Rattrap would later dub the "[[Planet Buster]]". {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} Returning to base, the Maximals discovered it had been compromised, and Rattrap and Airazor found Blackarachnia in the hold with a spacecraft Tarantulas had constructed from a stasis pod. Optimus would later pilot the stasis pod, using it to destroy the Planet Buster and save the Maximals, though at the cost of his own life. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

The destruction of the Planet Buster caused a [[quantum surge]], mutating Cheetor and Rattrap into new [[Transmetal]] forms. Rattrap gained a new wheeled mode which afforded him more speed. Almost immediately, Megatron, who had also received an upgrade, attacked, and the two Maximals found their new forms being tested in battle. Rattrap was able to use his wiles to trip Megatron, but ended up being crashed into by Cheetor. {{storylink|Aftermath}} After finding a stasis pod containing a [[blank]], Rhinox put himself into some sort of trance-like state. With everyone else out in the field, Rattrap was left alone in the base, and Cheetor naturally soon radio'd to warn him that the Predacons were on their way. Naturally any use of the base defenses would interfere with what Rhinox was doing, so, joined by Dinobot, Rattrap set out to defend the base with Cheetor. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

[[Image:Coming of the Fuzors 2 Dinobot Rattrap.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Outnumbered two to one, the trio fought on, capturing [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], one of the two [[Fuzor]]s who had revived and been co-opted into the Predacon forces by Megatron. Though Dinobot favored termination, Rattrap and Cheetor had Silverbolt put in a [[CR chamber]]. The Maximals continued to defend the base, and were on the verge of defeat, until Optimal Primal appeared, reborn in a Transmetal body, and fought the Predacons off. Resuming command, Optimus asked Rattrap to remove his junk from the commander's quarters. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With Silverbolt now a Maximal, he and Rattrap were out patrolling when they were sent to investigate a Predacon signal and tangled with Blackarachnia, Tarantulas and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]]. To Rattrap's chagrin, his comrade refused to strike Blackarachnia because of her gender. When the cave the Predacons were protecting exploded, Rattrap congratulated Silverbolt on his shot, but Silverbolt denied doing anything. {{storylink|Tangled Web}}

Rattrap's relationship with Dinobot was sorely tested when when Dinobot temporarily returned to the Predacon side. For one long moment, as Dinobot was faced with a test of Predacon loyalty at Megatron's behest, Rattrap truly believed that Dinobot was about to slag him. But Dinobot proved unable to kill his erstwhile teammate; he instead turned on Megatron. Optimus left the final decision over whether Dinobot could stay a Maximal to Rattrap, who reluctantly agreed. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[Image:OtherVisits2 Rattrap with gun.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Rattrap and Dinobot were assigned to knock out a Predacon jamming tower. They eventually managed it, but by then Tigatron and Airazor had been shot into space by an alien device. After rendezvousing back at base, the Maximals headed out to the site, where the alien device sprouted into a huge [[Metal Hunter|construct]] and blasted everyone with an energy wave. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} The Transmetals and Fuzors recovered quickly, and Primal and Rattrap worked to drop the [[refractive web]] which Tarantulas had placed over the machine. Unfortunately they were too late to prevent Megatron taking control of ship, and Primal was taken prisoner. Rattrap was able to take Tarantulas captive, returning the Predacon to the ''Axalon'', where they formulated a plan of attack. While the other Maximals provided a distraction, Tarantulas and Rattrap got on board the ship, and Rattrap was able to rescue Optimus. The craft itself was destroyed when Tarantulas sabotaged the transwarp drive, but luckily Primal and Rattrap got clear in time. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[Image:CodeofHero Rattrap salutes.jpg|thumb|right|260px]]
Rattrap still give Dinobot grief about his recent betrayal—not the usual flippant insults, either, but genuine barbs that cut Dinobot to the quick. Rattrap's words helped motivate Dinobot into what would ultimately be his heroic final sacrifice to save the future of the human race. Rattrap arrived at the battlefield along with the other Maximals to find Dinobot damaged beyond recovery. His reaction was perhaps the strongest of any of the team. The two shared final words of both insult and reconciliation, Rattrap gingerly holding Dinobot's hand as he died. As Dinobot's spark left his body, Rattrap was the first to stand and, with utter sincerity, salute the fallen hero. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

While searching for a jamming tower, Rattrap, Cheetor and Silverbolt discovered a crashed stasis pod containing a [[Transmutate (character)|strangely mutated Transformer]]. As they fought the Predacons over, it, it let out a sonic cry which shorted out the Maximals. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

[[Image:Rattrap-slimpickins5.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rattrap fights to prevent Predacon infiltration, subversion, and pollution of the Maximals' precious bodily fluids.]]
When Rhinox's calculations suggested that the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be detected by [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Maximals celebrated their impending rescue. Instead they got Predacon secret agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who Rattrap trusted only slightly less than he initially did Dinobot. Despite his misgivings, Rattrap took part in the assault on the ''Darksyde'', and was present for Megatron's apprehension. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Rattrap raised the alarm when Cheetor was knocked out by Silverbolt, who wanted to go capture Blackarachnia himself. A while later, Rattrap's distrust of Ravage proved well founded — Ravage was turned against them by Megatron, and Rattrap had to radio a warning to Primal. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

As Ravage's Transwarp cruiser attacked the ''Axalon'', Rattrap used his wheeled beast mode to launch himself out of the base and onto Ravage's ship. Tearing his way through its hull, he tossed a pair of magnetic bombs right into the hands of the startled Tarantulas, who could do nothing but scream as they blew him to bits and destroyed the cruiser's engines. Rattrap bailed out as the Transwarp cruiser crashed its destructive way to earth, having pretty much single-handedly saved the Maximals and their base from destruction.

The next day, as the Maximals tried to infiltrate the Autobot vessel the Ark, Rattrap fired the shot that brought down the Ark's shields and—almost—gave the Maximals a chance to stop Megatron's last-ditch scheme to alter history. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Though Blackarachnia turned against Megatron and assisted the Maximals in starting to repair the damage Megatron had done to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Rattrap was not particularly sympathetic, threatening to shoot her, even on pain of injury by Silverbolt. When Optimus hesitated in shooting Megatron, Rattrap volunteered to do it himself, and Primal batted him aside. Later still, Rattrap spared no sarcasm in mocking Silverbolt, after the other Maximal gave a long melodramatic speech over Blackarachnia, offering the services of his invisible violin. The Maximals were forced to move in to the cavern housing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] after [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] destroyed the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

[[Image:Rattrap-subaquatic2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Beast Noirs]]
Rattrap wasn't impressed with new arrival [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], declaring him rude and joking the Predacons would make fish sticks out of him. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Rattrap was picked for a mission to enter the submerged remains of the ''Axalon'' and retrieve Sentinel, mostly because he was the only one small enough to fit in the [[subaquatic stealth vessel]] which Blackarachnia had built. Attacked by Rampage, he was glad to see Depth Charge coming to the rescue, though Depth Charge was more interested in fighting Rampage than helping with the mission. Extracting the Sentinel module, Rattrap returned to the surface where Silverbolt was waiting, however the pair quickly ran into a group of Predacons whole stole Sentinel. Though Rattrap and Silverbolt got it back, they collided with Depth Charge, resulting in Sentinel falling into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]'s hands. Rattrap later had some uncomplimentary things to say about Depth Charge, but was forced to admit the other Maximal ''had'' saved his life. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}}

Rattrap's suspicions of Blackarachnia continued when he spotted her lurking around restricted areas. When later telling Rhinox about it, Rattrap made it clear he still didn't trust the ex-Predacon. He and Rhinox found themselves defending the base alone against a Predacon incursion, when the others were all out battling a group of [[Cyber raptor]]s. Just as it seemed the Predacons would triuph, Depth Charge arrived to lend a hand, and saved Rattrap's bacon. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Rattrap monitored Cheetor, after the latter had turned up, having been missing presumed killed. He was startled by noises coming from Cheetor's quarters, and was even more shocked when a strange feral beast burst through the door, apparently spiriting away Cheetor. A while later, Cheetor once again returned, but it was clear all wasn't right, and Rattrap was surprised to discover that the young bot had been mutated by the strange properties of the [[transmetal driver]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

Blackarachnia didn't appreciate Rattrap's insinuations about her loyalty when the Maximals were investigating the possibility of removing her Predacon shell program. His suspicions were seemingly confirmed a while later, when Silverbolt's scan detected Blackarachnia heading for Predacon territory. Although Rattrap's first instinct was to tell Optimus, Silverbolt managed to talk him out of it by bringing up Rattrap's friendship with Dinobot. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}}

[[Image:Go with the Flow Rattrap Una.jpg|thumb|250px|left]]
Rattrap was amused by Cheetor's attempts to educate [[Chak]] and [[Una]], two young [[Protohuman]]s. When Una was kidnapped by the Preds in order to complete Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], Rattrap was teamed up with Depth Charge to go rescue the kid. During the flight, they were shot down by Megatron's cannon, disabling Depth Charge and leaving Rattrap to go on alone. Though outnumbered by the Predacons, Rattrap was aided by Una herself, and the pair made their escape, using Depth Charge as a raft. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} When Blackarachnia's shell program began to degrade, and she downloaded the Ark's access codes into Optimus, Rattrap commented "You couldn't pay me to let that spider inside my processor," which prompted Cheetor and Silverbolt to tell him to keep his opinions to himself. He still defended the base to try and prevent the operation to save Blackarachnia from failing, even if it did fail in the end (she got better). {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}} Megatron's next plan saw Quickstrike taking control of Optimus Primal, disabling the other Maximals and locking them in a cage. Blackarachnia released them all in time to fight off a newly-upgraded Megatron. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

When the Predacon base was destroyed by the arrival of [[Tigerhawk]], Rattrap was the first, and only Maximal prepared to celebrate, but was puzzled when anyone failed to return his high-five. {{storylink|Other Victories}} He was skeptical that Tigerhawk's arrival had anything to do with the [[Covenant of Primus]], and was later dismayed to learn that Megatron had pulled an ace out out of his sleeve, in the form of the ancient [[Decepticon]] warship, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', and they were going to have to defend the Ark against the oncoming attack. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

With the ''Nemesis'' airborne, the Maximals were forced to try to implement [[Operation Eternity]]. Rattrap found himself having to pack up his collection of Predacon parts, which has particularly full of Waspinator bits, as Rhinox explained that they might need to move the Ark. The Maximals struggled to get the ship working, and Blackarachnia found that Rattrap's sword-tail made a perfect power conduit... once she snipped off the tip. OW. Of course, it quickly melted when they tried and failed to fire up the engines.

As the victorious Maximals left Earth in a refitted Autobot shuttle, Rattrap was more than surprised to learn that [[Dinobot II|old chopper face's clone]] was responsible for saving them, but very happy—they were going home, and they wouldn't have to see Megatron until after they got there, as he was strapped to the roof of their shuttle. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

Rattrap should have known that nothing was ever that easy for them.
{{-}}

====Dreamwave Summer Special====
[[Image:AintNoRat Rattrap target.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]
As Rattrap piloted the Autobot shuttle back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he observed his companions sleeping in back, and drifted off himself, beginning to dream...
:''Out testing an experimental vehicle built by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], Rattrap ran into [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]], who yanked him out of the small craft. Rattrap's appeals to the Predacon's honor appeared to have an effect, and Dinobot halted his blow for a few moments, before appearing to resume his attack. They were interrupted when a [[Bonecrusher (BW)|bison]] knocked them both from a cliff, and Rattrap was saved from falling to his death by a [[Optimus Minor|monkey]]. Bonecrusher, Optimus Minor and [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] introduced themselves to a startled Rattrap, but Optimus Minor asked him not to tell Primal, as the three Maximals did not wish to fight in the Beast Wars.''
Rattrap was woken up by Primal, but wouldn't elaborate on what he had been dreaming. {{storylink|Ain't No Rat}}
{{--}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
{{Note|This takes place after "[[Master Blaster]]"}}
Not long after Megatron combined his spark with that of the original Megatron, he had Quickstrike plant a device in the Maximal base. The device magnified the Maximals' aggression. For Rattrap, this simply meant that his complaining became even more incessant until Cheetor started chasing him around. Eventually Optimus Primal was able to help them overcome the device's effects, and they fought off Megatron instead. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

{{Note|This takes place during "[[Spark of Darkness]]"}}
While [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] and Rattrap were bickering in the [[technorganic orchard]], Megatron's spark animated a [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]] and attacked them. After a brief scuffle, the thing exploded, sending the pair diving for cover. Rattrap later worked out that Megatron's spark had become depolarised and attempted to repolarise it. Unfortunately his attempts clued Megatron in to what had happened, and before Rattrap ultimately succeeded, Megatron used the knowledge to destroy Rhinox. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kappei Yamaguchi]] (Japanese), [[Alexandre Moreno]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:MasteroftheHouse Rattrap.jpg|thumb|270px|left]]
After the Beast Wars ended, the Maximals finally made it back to Cybertron, only to be shot down, hunted and attacked by legions of [[Vehicon (BM)|mindless tank drone Transformers]]. The drones unleashed a virus on the Maximals, devolving them back into their organic beast forms and erasing any prior memory of the event. Rattrap was hiding in a [[Monorail transport|monorail car]] when [[Optimus Primal|Primal]] stumbled upon him. Primal's newfound intuition soon reunited the pair with [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Primal then led them to the ancient [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] computer, which reformatted them into new, techno-organic bodies, curing the virus.

In his new form, Rattrap became a large green rat with a "toolkit" on his back, containing such things as flashlights and computer ports. When they first faced a platoon of [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]]s, the Maximals discovered that they were unable to transform. Rattrap asked if maybe they could return the upgrade, but Optimus soon stumbled on the fact that they needed to focus their inner selves in order to transform. {{storylink|The Reformatting}}

Optimus set about teaching the other Maximals how to transform, but Rattrap had an immense amount of trouble, unable to get anything to happen. Their base discovered, the Maximals split up to find a new one, Rattrap accompanying Optimus on his search. When they later tried to gain entry to the [[Council Citadel]], Rattrap found his inability to transform caused him to be pretty much useless in battle. He was only saved from some Tank drones by Optimus interrupting [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s concentration. {{storylink|Master of the House}}

The other Maximals kept the Vehicons busy while Rattrap broke into the [[Cybertron Archives]], only to find the ancient library had been wiped clean. After a disorderly retreat, Rattrap followed Blackarachnia to the spaceport, where they encountered three new [[Vehicon general]]s. They managed to evade the trio and accessed the spaceport records of their arrival, discovering that there had been six of them on the shuttle. Blackarachnia headed for the shuttle's location, and Rattrap overheard a communication from Megatron indicating that he was going to access her mind when she accessed the shuttle computer. Rattrap dashed to the shuttle and cut the connection in time, and the pair were subsequently rescued from the three generals by Optimus and Cheetor. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

[[Image:Mercenary Pursuits Rattrap 2heads.jpg|right|230px|thumb]]
The discovery of information about [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] reawakened memories of them in the Maximals, who set out to find the missing pair. During the search, Rattrap found a transformation enhancer in a laboratory and, frustrated at his inability to transform, used it. Unfortunately it caused unpredictable effects, resulting in the four Maximals being captured by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. Taken to Megatron, the Maximals were in danger of having their sparks extracted, however Rattrap's spontaneous random transformations broke him free of the energon bonds, and he was able to free everyone. With the help of Tankor, who Optimus temporarily convinced to help them, the Maximals escaped. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}}

Rattrap's failure to master transforming continued to frustrate him, causing him to snap at Primal and bluntly suggest the Maximal leader save his concern for Rhinox and Silverbolt. The Maximals subsequently encountered another Maximal, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who had survived Megatron's purge. After a brief battle with [[Sonic Attack Jet|Aero drones]], during which Rattrap was forced to hide, Nightscream took the Maximals to the tree he had been living off. Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Optimus ate fruit from the tree, causing their beast instincts to overcome them, until Cheetor blasted the tree. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}

[[Image:Rattrap bm robotmode.jpg|left|280px|thumb|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]
With Optimus Primal weakened after reformatting Nightscream, Cheetor was left in charge, and he, Rattrap and Blackarachnia went on a mission to a Vehicon factory in search of information. While under orders to access the computer, Rattrap saw Nightscream in what looked like deadly peril... and finally found that his concern for others allowed him to transform. Though he realised straight away that his new robot mode lacked weapons, he attempted to save Nightscream anyway, only to discover he'd bungled an ambush his friends were planning. While trying to stop the factory operating, he managed to send a massive surge through the computer system, destroying the factory.

Back at base, he was chewed out by Cheetor, and compounded the problem by transforming to robot mode within the base, potentially allowing the Vehicons to track their position. Though he suddenly realised that the power surge he'd caused had made Megatron weak, the other Maximals refused to follow his suggestion that pressing to the attack might be a good idea, and he would later overhear them discussing what to do about him. Upset, he left the base and went to Megatron, offering to protect the Vehicon leader overnight in return for "noisemakers", and was provided with a massive armored suit. This almost brought him to blows with the other Maximals, until Primal arrived and talked him down, telling the other Maximals that Rattrap was stronger than they knew. {{storylink|The Weak Component}}

The Maximals found a factory full of empty Transformer bodies, which Rattrap examined and discovered that the sparks had been ripped out. After another skirmish with the Vehicons, Blackarachnia revealed she'd discovered that the three generals held the sparks of their missing friends. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}} While Nightscream and Blackarachnia kept the other Vehicon generals busy, Rattrap and Cheetor went on a special mission. Rattrap hacked into Tankor's processor, unlocking memories about what had happened when they reached Cybertron. It didn't take long before he realised that Tankor was actually Rhinox. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent}} Though Cheetor was skeptical, they revived Tankor, only to find themselves being chased across the city by the enraged Vehicon. Eventually, Primal was able to reawaken Rhinox's personality, only for the Maximals to discover their friend had turned against him. Though Rattrap was about to reprogram Tankor, he was prevented by Optimus, and could only watch as their friend left. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse}}

[[Image:Survivor Rattrap takes cover.jpg|thumb|220px|right]]
While Rattrap was trying to extract memories from Nightscream, the young Maximal's snide comments about the fact they had lost the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] angered him. The Maximals attempted to find the chamber containing the fruit tree again, leading to a fight with the Vehicons during which everyone was knocked out, and Nightscream abducted. The Maximals managed to find him, leading them to battle more Vehicons, and the discovery of a [[fossil cave]] which they would use for their base. {{storylink|Survivor}} With Optimus and Cheetor now constantly coming to blows over leadership decisions, Rattrap would often find himself in the middle of their arguments. The latest such argument was cut short when the Maximals discovered a quantity of [[organic goo]], which was followed by the appearance of Tankor, who used the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] to turn Nightscream into [[technomatter]] before himself overloading. As they'd discovered that the organic goo would cure the technomatter sickness, Rattrap accompanied Primal and Cheetor in trying to obtain a [[Vehicon Mole|mole drone]] in order to drill for more goo. Having commandeered one and cured the technomatter, Rattrap found himself in the middle of another argument, and this time left them to it, forcing them to talk about their disagreement. {{storylink|The Key}}

[[Image:Catalyst Rattrap vine uhoh.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Searching the computers for more locations to find the organic goo, Rattrap stumbled on a catalyst planted there by Tankor. He used to to superaccelerate the plant growth, only to find himself literally carried away by the vines, and having to be rescued by the other Maximals. They would later use the fast-growing vines to rescue Blackarachnia, against Optimus's wishes, an act that almost spelled doom for the orchard. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} Nonetheless, Rattrap used the catalyst to create plant-bombs that ensnared Vehicons in instant-growth vines. When Optimus discovered the location of the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which would end all technological life on Cybertron, the other Maximals persuaded him not to use it. Instead, they had Rattrap attempt to hack into the computers to found a way to disable the Keys. Unfortunately Tankor had other plans, and disabled Rattrap by zapping him into technomatter. {{storylink|End of the Line}}

Restored to technorganic health when the conflicting energies of the Keys and the Plasma Energy Chamber cancelled each other out, the Maximals visited the Council Citadel, where they discovered the remains of Optimus, Megatron and Tankor. Rattrap checked out the city's central core and reported it was flat-lining. Though he was greatly discouraged, Cheetor announced they had to find the lost sparks. After an altercation with the two remaining Vehicon generals, the Maximals went to the Oracle chamber, where they found Primal floating with in the Oracle. Though he asked for them to forgive him, Rattrap told him there was nothing to forgive. With some encouragement from the Maximals and an encounter with the Matrix, Optimus chose life, returning to them.

[[Image:PrometheusUnbound Rattrap harness.jpg|right|250px|thumb]]
Returning to the surface, the Maximals were startled when a giant [[Grand Mal|likeness of Megatron]] floated into view. {{storylink|Fallout}} While Optimus tried to contact Megatron's spark, the other Maximals went to look for the Vehicon generals, and found [[Noble]], a completely organic [[Transformer]] who had seemingly no control over his transformations into a huge beast dubbed Savage. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} Noble made Rattrap extremely uneasy and he had little sympathy for Nightscream's friendship with the beast. The Maximals broke into the Council Citadel, eventually reaching the throne room, where Rattrap tapped into Megatron's [[control harness]] and attempted to access the encrypted data. He was pulled from the harness by Noble, who it turned out was Megatron himself, trapped in his own organic half. Megatron used [[spark extractor]]s to remove his spark, and soon took up residence in the giant floating head, reactivating the Vehicon drones. After the Maximals retreated to a safe place, Rattrap expressed his sorrow to Nightscream that Noble had turned out to be a con job. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}}

Rattrap developed a new device, combining a spark extractor with a [[DNA scanner]], which he hoped to use to reformat the Vehicon generals back into their friends. While searching for Nightscream, he spotted the young Maximal being dragged away by Savage, who was by then sparkless and operating completely on instinct. Believing the worst, Rattrap attempted to quietly rescue Nightscream, but accidentally alerted Savage. The pair fled, and managed to lose Savage by diverting his attention to [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. They found that Blackarachnia had used Rattrap's device to turn [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] back into [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap was overjoyed to have at least one of their friends back. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} A [[Hate Plague]] virus created by Megatron infected the Maximal ranks, causing the Maximals to fight among themselves. With Optimus's help, they realised what was happening and managed to work together to overcome the virus. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}

A spaceship crash led the Maximals to discover [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]], a Maximal formatted as a plant-based life form, who was able to lend a hand with the failing technorganic crops. {{storylink|Home Soil}} Though the Maximals were finding they had an easier time dealing with just Thrust, Megatron soon introduced two new Vehicon generals — [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] — who almost got the better of the Maximals until a vision prompted Botanica to lend a hand. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike}}

[[Image:Sparkwar2 Rattrap generators.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"If Mr T can sell crap on tv, so can I"]]
Searching for a way to evade the Vehicons, Rattrap developed [[scrambled field generator]]s, which hid their life signs. Rattrap and Botanica were paired up to search for the lost sparks, but spent most of their search bickering, only to encounter Strika. Fleeing, they hid in a handy building which turned out to contain a holographic entertainment unit, much to Rattrap's delight. While he was immersed in the illusion, Strika attacked. Botanica yanked him out of the holographic world, and he subsequently used the device to keep Strika occupied. Though he was inordinately pleased with himself, Botanica dragged him from the building, saying the hologram wouldn't hold Strika for long. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

As the Maximals intended to infiltrate the floating head in search of the missing sparks, Rattrap provided upgraded versions of his scrambled field generators. They were used to great effect, as Rattrap, Primal, Blackarachnia and Botanica snuck aboard the flying head, only to discover that Megatron had begun to devour the missing sparks as part of his ascension. After Megatron made the mistake of killing Noble, Nightscream used his sonic attack to blast and apparently dissipate Megatron's spark. With the floating head plummeting, Rattrap managed to activate the manual controls so that Optimus could take control of it. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege}}

After the Maximals had celebrated their foe's demise, Optimus assigned Botanica and Rattrap to tend to the [[technorganic orchard]], much to Rattrap's dismay. He continued to complain, even as he worked on the orchard, and got into an intense argument with Botanica, which abruptly ended when they accidentally [[Kiss|locked lips]]. Startled and embarrassed, they both decided to delete their memories of the incident. As it turned out, Megatron wasn't gone after all, and his spark possessed a Cycle drone, which wreaked havoc in the orchard until Botanica destroyed it. Rattrap swiftly found a way to track the spark, and managed to repolarize it, allowing it to finally possess a body for good — that of a [[Diagnostic Drone]]. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[Image:BMEndgame1 Rattrap Botanica dying.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Soon the Maximals found themselves sieged aboard the giant head. The ship's shields cut Botanica from Cybertron's organic core, slowly starving her. Desperate to save her, Rattrap loaded her into a lifepod and used a device to eject her through the shields. Unfortunately this also allowed Megatron to learn the shield harmonics, enabling the Vehicons to bypass the shields as well. Rattrap defended his actions, but the ship was doomed. He erected a stasis field around the spark containment unit as the ship plunged to the ground. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral}} With the ship completely depowered, Botanica showed up with a power cable, and Rattrap was extremely happy to see her, though he clumsily hid it. As they prepared to defend the ship, Botanica thanked Rattrap for saving her life. Optimus was able to get the Oracle to provide them with spark powerups.

[[Image:Rattrap bm treehugger.jpg|left|250px|thumb|A little man and a big plant.]]
During the battle against the Vehicon drones, Botanica sensed Mole drones attacking the orchard, and took Rattrap and Nightscream down to fight them off. The Mole drones moved in on Botanica, but Rattrap used his spark power to whisk her out of danger. Megatron was able to use his access to the Oracle to cut off the Maximals' spark power, and, overcome by the Mole drones, Rattrap and Botanica had their sparks ripped out by Cycle drones. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall}}

Though no longer able to physically help, the Maximals were able to offer brief words of encouragement to Primal during his final battle with Megatron. When Primal's sacrifice triggered the reformatting of Cybertron, their sparks were freed and quickly returned to their bodies. As they witnessed the newly greened Cybertron and the restored population, Rattrap leapt joyfully into Botanica's arms. So he's a tree hugger. Deal with it. His and Botanica's romantic moment was interrupted by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (now regular wasp size and with his [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] head) complaining about how he never gets what he wants, Rattrap just swatted him away. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future}}

{{--}}

====''Universe''====
{{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

{{charstubfiction}}

[[Image:Rattrap legs.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Legs! Precious, beautiful legs!]]

Rattrap was among the Maximals gathered at Memorial Spaceport to greet the wayward [[Autobot]]s [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] back to Cybertron approximately one year after the reformatting of Cybertron. He welcomed Trailbreaker back in his own unique fashion (involving intoxicants, naturally). Seconds later, Rattrap bore witness as the five travelers were abducted by Unicron. {{storylink|Abduction}}

[[Image:Escape-extraRattrap.jpg|right|thumb|150px|THERE. ARE. TWO. RATTRAPS.]]

A technorganic Rattrap from another universe was among those who were abducted by Unicron. He was freed along with the others and presumably returned to his home universe.

When Optimus Primal was restored to life and returned to Cybertron with the abductees, Rattrap was there to witness their arrival. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}} Despite Primal's miraculous return, some of the Maximals voiced concerns that he might not be the same 'bot they once knew, but Rattrap vowed that this time, he was with Primal all the way.

Not long after, needing to blow off steam, Rattrap headed down to the [[Undercity]]. While firing off a blaster at nothing in particular, he was attacked on Cybertron by Blackarachnia, who had been abducted and corrupted by the Chaos Bringer. Rattrap noted that he'd never trusted Blackarachnia, and she replied that he was right not to do so. She was seconds away from delivering a killing strike, but Rattrap was saved by the recently resurrected [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. After the spider was driven off, Depth Charge started to leave. Rattrap pleaded with him that there was obviously something big afoot, but Depth Charge would not be swayed, taking his leave as the injured Rattrap passed out. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}}

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:11rattrap.GIF|right|142px|thumb|This is why Japan shouldn't touch the fiction. No seriously guys, we [[Dickbot the blender guy|got this]].]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], [[Optimus Primal]] was dead and the [[Maximal]]s were left scattered all over [[Earth|Energoa]]. Now a [[Transmetal]], Rattrap proceeded to freak out all over the Maximal base as [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] attacked in force with his army of [[Cobra Soldier]]s and [[Scorpion Soldier]]s. With [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]'s defenses gradually depleting, Rattrap remarked that they were all going to die.

Suddenly, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] appeared above the base, only to be attacked by Sentinel. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] moved to shut Sentinel down and let her in, but Rattrap stopped him, saying that if he shut it down, they'd die for sure. Rhinox angrily reminded him that Maximals don't turn their backs on one another and shut Sentinel down. Feeling a bit guilty, Rattrap proceeded to use himself to cushion Airazor's crash-landing.

With the defenses down, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was able to sneak in and attack. Ripping off Rattrap's arm, Blackarachnia was only spurred to leave after seeing what she thought was Rhinox committing suicide. As the base collapsed, Rattrap, Airazor and Rhinox were kept safe by a small force field, protecting a machine Rhinox hoped would return Optimus Primal to his old body. As Rhinox brought Primal's spark out of [[Transwarp space]], Rattrap blasted it from a laser cannon toward a dish positioned by Airazor, allowing Primal to return to his new Transmetal body. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game===
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the first season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
{{Note|Rattrap is a playable character in the Maximal mode of this game for normal gameplay.}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{Note|Due to the nature of this game, a player may select various individual characters to perform the feats required in every level, and complete the game's narrative. Thus, any playable Maximal can fill the role of protagonist in Maximal Mode, and any playable Predacon can fill the role of protagonist in Predacon Mode. As such, each character's page only list said character's actions when they fill the role of antagonist during gameplay. To view the various feats Rattrap can accomplish throughout gameplay in Maximal Mode, it is told on the pages of the [[Megatron (BW)|several]] [[Scorponok (BW)|Predacons]] [[Tarantulas|included]] [[Blackarachnia (BW)|as]] [[Inferno (BW)|opponents]] in this game, as well as the game's main antagonists, the [[Skriix]], wherein Rattrap fills the role of the nameless Maximal. To view the plot as a whole view the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)]] page.}}
{{-}}

===''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:N64_Rattrap.jpg|frame|right|Rattrap in the N64 Game]]
''Voice Actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), ??? (Japanese)

Rattrap displays an otherwise unseen ability to quickly burrow underground in his beast mode, and subsequently errupt from the earth in order to surprise his opponent.

The Beast Wars were ultimately won thanks to a spy mission successfully completed by Rattrap. The resulting sneak attack meant the end of Megatron, who perished in the battle's explosive finale. The remaining Predacon troops were subsequently taken prisoner. The Beast warriors then boarded the ancient Autobot shuttle, and returned to Cybertron. Back on his home planet, Rattrap can finally enjoy peace and tranquility, as he relaxes at restaurants, taverns and bars, proclaiming: "Ahh... Ya know, we're all gonna di... dine!" {{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 Rattrap's fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Rattrapbeastwarsbasic.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Less cute than advertised.]]
*'''Rattrap''' (Basic, 1996/1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-5'''
**''Accessories'': 2-part pistol

: Part of the first wave of ''Beast Wars'' product, Rattrap transforms from a large rat to robot mode with a spring-action, [[Autotransformation|one-step transformation]]. His beast mode "shell" halves each hide a part of his handgun.

: In Japan, the initial releases of Rattrap were identical to the [[Hasbro]] version. At the very end of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' line (early 1997), several toys were given altered decos to make them more show-like. For Rattrap, this mainly meant his robot-mode head got a humongous glob of shiny copper paint (that didn't really match his copper plastic in tone). This copper was also used on his hands. His eyes were changed to red and dark gray paint added to his beast mode nose.

: This mold was also used to make [[Packrat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BasicJ2pack}}
*'''Rattle Vs Terrorsaurer''' (Vs pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-5'''
**''Accessories'': 2-part pistol

: In Japan, Rattrap was available both separately and in a two-pack with the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. This set contained the pre-[[redeco]]ed versions, identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|Transmetal1}}
[[Image:BWRattrapTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Find one without a chrome shedding problem, win a prize!]]
*'''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1998/1999)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-43'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Part of the second wave of Deluxe [[Transmetal]]s, Rattrap transforms from semi-organic robot to a robotic rat. He has a third "beast-vehicle" form, folding his hind feet up into the extending rear wheels, flipping up his front legs, and pulling out a pair of [[Exhaust port|exhaust pipes]]. (Eyuw, the smell!) His beast-mode tail becomes a whip for robot mode. Despite the show's portrayal, his hubcaps are not removable, nor does he have a handgun. Transmetal Rattrap is one of several toys notable for being subject to severe chrome-flaking over time.

: There is a minor variant to this toy: about midway through the production run, a small "catch" was added to the neck's swivel joint to lock his robot head in place in robot mode. This [[retool]]ed version was then used for all subsequent releases of the toy.

: For the Japanese ''Beast Wars Metals'' release of Transmetal Rattrap, the chrome was given a much more maroon tone and the tan changed into gray. Also, the "RATTRAP" [[tampograph]] on his beast-mode back was changed to "CYBERTRON" with the [[Maximal]] [[Insignia|faction symbol]]. The orange used was also darker and more subdued.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Transmetal Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MetalsVs}}
[[Image:BW-toy RattrapVsTerrorMetals.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Flash Showdown: Metals Rattle VS Metals Terrorsaurer'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-43'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: In Japan, Transmetal Rattrap was available both as an individual and in a "VS" pack with Terrorsaur. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|WalMart}}
[[Image:Walmartrattrappackrat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yoink!]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: The first store-[[exclusive]] Transformer in the ''Beast Wars'' line, Transmetal Rattrap was given a deep blue color scheme. He was only available as a [[Walmart]] exclusive, even having the Walmart logo emblazoned on the bubble as part of the design.

: This toy was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a Transmetal form for [[Packrat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Maximal/WalmartRattrap/walrat.htm More information on Walmart Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Puzzle}}
[[Image:BW-toy RattrapPuzzle.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rattrap Cheesepants]]
* '''Metals Rattle Special Version''' (Pack-in Deluxe, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: The Deluxe Transmetal Rattrap toy was given a white and orange deco and packed in with a 500-piece ''Beast Wars Metals'' jigsaw puzzle from Central Hobby.

:Oddly, this toy uses the Hasbro "RATTRAP" tampograph on the rat-mode back rather than the Takara "CYBERTRON" and symbol mark. This is likely due to the fact it was released long before Metals was released in Japan.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Cybertron/PuzzleRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on puzzle Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FK}}
[[Image:Rattrap transmetal2000.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not actually a black repaint.]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 2000)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: As part of the second "[[Fox Kids]]" Transmetals series, this version of Rattrap was one of the last releases in the original retail ''Beast Wars'' line. The toy got a more primary red color scheme, with bright gray robot bits and deep blue chrome.

: This toy was released in Japan as part of a [[JafCon]] convention exclusive set (without changes) along with the "Fox Kids" Transmetals versions of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/FKTMRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Fox Kids Rattrap at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BMtoy-RattrapMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Is that whiteface?]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Happy Meal, 2000)

: Part of the ''Beast Machines'' McDonald's Happy Meal promotion, Rattrap transforms into a technorganic rat modeled more after the cartoon model than the toy. As such, his robot mode does not have normal legs, only extendable wheels. His toy also features light piping that in theory illuminates the Maximal [[spark]] on his stomach. Being made of softer plastic and having no removable parts, he is very suitable for the younger set.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Beast Machines Rattrap (Mcdonald's) at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BMtoy-RattrapRedRooster.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ever want to know what the children would look like?]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Little Red Rooster meal, 2000)

: The McDonald's Happy Meal Rattrap was also released in Australia through the Red Rooster restaurant rai—uh, chain. Like the other three pieces used, it came in four color schemes: the original colors (with opaques replacing the transparents), a reversed red-with-green, a deep blue with very light blue, and a light blue with deep blue.

:These versions of the mould were retooled from the original, removing almost all arm articulation (and a step in the transformation), plugging up the light piping, and reducing the number of parts and plastic colours used by the toy. Oddly, even though Little Red Rooster Meal Rattrap no longer has light piping he has a red paint ap (on all 4 versions) on his back to simulate the red circle of transluscent plastic on the original's back.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Beast Machines Rattraps (Red Rooster's) at TFU.info (scroll down)]''
{{-}}

[[Image:Rattrapbeastmachinesmega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nobody's truly disabled so long as they have <strike>courage</strike> a third mode!]]
* '''Rattrap''' (Mega, 2001/2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BR-03'''
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Rattrap was the last release in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toyline before the change to the "Battle for the Spark" packaging, not appearing on shelves until long after the rest of his Season 1 compatriots. Reportedly, Rattrap was delayed for redesign purposes.

:Rattrap transforms into a large [[technorganic]] rat. In beast mode, turning his tail moves his head and ears. In robot mode, he has a flip-down visor and moving jaw. His robot legs can also fold up so he can use his wheels, which also have flip-out blades. His beast tail becomes a hand-held whip. He possesses an orange spark crystal, concealed within his body, making it visible only in mid-transformation.

: This toy was later released as part of the [[Takara]]-exclusive [[Beast Machines (toyline)|''Beast Wars Returns'' line]], made available only at Japanese Toys "R" Us stores. So far, it appears that there are no notable differences between the Hasbro and Takara versions aside from packaging.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Beast Machines Rattrap (Mega) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW10th-Rattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not phallic at all.]]
* '''Rattrap''' (10th Anniversary, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Tail-whip

: Part of the second wave of ''Beast Wars'' 10th Anniversary product, the original [[#TM1|Transmetal Rattrap toy]] was given a slight deco modification, mainly a brighter, more neutral gray plus a Maximal sigil on his chest. He came with the right arm to the "build-a-bot" [[Transmutate (character)|Trans-Mutate]], plus a DVD of the episode "[[A Better Mousetrap]]".
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on 10th Anniversary Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-RattrapDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Mmmm, cheese wheel.]]
* '''Dawn of Future's Past''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Blaster, "Golden Disc Key"

: "Axalon Rattrap" is a redeco of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], transforming into a Cybertronic motorcycle. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]]—or in this set's case, a [[Golden Disc Key]]—into the rear portion of his bike mode flips out a pair of non-firing guns. This assembly detaches to form a hand-held blaster in robot mode. This is thus far the only version of the ''Cybertron'' Ransack mold to have the "correct" rear wheel assembly position.

: Rattrap came in a boxed 5-pack with "Axalon" versions of [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]], [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and "[[Darksyde]]" [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. This set was also made available as a bagged set in more limited numbers.

: This mold was also the basis for non-toy characters [[Quickslinger]] and [[Rattletrap]], and the "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]" video incarnation of [[Tarantulas]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/BCRattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Axalon Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==

*'''Beast Wars Movie Coin''' (1997)
:Released only in Japan, Rattrap was one of three characters from Beast Wars to receive a movie coin, the other two being Rhinox and Scorponok.
::*''[http://www.tfmuseum.com/tf-02112.html Rattrap Movie Coin at TFMuseum.com]''

* '''Beast Wars magnet set''' (1997)

: The original cast of ten from the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon was rendered in adorable [[super-deformed]] style for a set of magnets. Awwwww.
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Rattrap was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].

===Kabaya candy toys===
*'''Rattle''' (candy toy kit, 1997)

: Part of a set of four [[Kabaya]] [[candy toy]]s, this version of Rattrap, based on [[#Basic1|the original toy]], is an unpainted and unassembled plastic kit that transforms (and partially re-assembles) from rat to robot mode, though much smaller (and cheaper) than the original toy. It is cast entirely in grayish-tan and pale yellow plastics, as are the other three toys in the set: [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]].

*'''Rattle''' (candy toy, 1997)

: A tiny plastic Rattrap figurine molded onto an irregularly-shaped stand was released by Kabaya. Labeled toy 5 of 6, the other characters in his wave were Dinobot, Cheetor, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Rhinox. As always, terrible candy is included.

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|300px|thumb|More creepy than cute.]]
* '''Rattrap vs. Megatron''' (2008)

: Part of the "Beast Wars Series", Rattrap comes packaged with [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]]. Like most of the ''Robot Heroes'' line, his design is a mix between the toy and cartoon depictions, notably having a grayish rather than copper-colored head. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Maximal/Rattrap/rattrap.htm More information on Robot Heroes Rattrap at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Concept-Rattrap.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Handi-capable!]]

* In an extremely strange precursor of things to come in ''Beast Machines'', Mainframe's original concept for Rattrap during ''Beast Wars'' was to capitalize on the exposed "brain" of the toy and make Rattrap a deeply flawed character. Originally, Rattrap's scanning and transformation technology was to fail, leaving him basically half-formed, with an exposed brain, wiring, "veins", an asymetrical body, arms of uneven lengths, and malformed organic sections in robot mode. On top of all that, he was hooked up to a "colostomy bag-like heating cable" to stress his need for life support. Rattrap's overall story arc would have been, of course, about him accepting and overcoming his near-fatal flaws. This approach was entirely nixed by the limits of CGI in rendering convincing organic innards at the time...and the fact that his model would have been massively far off from the actual toy probably also factored into it. However, the idea of a defective Transformer ''was'' later revisited in season 2 with the introduction of [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]]. The idea of Rattrap dealing with the limitations of an "inferior" body seems to surface in Beast Machines as well.

* On Transmetal Wal-Mart Rattrap/Packrat: According to [[3H Productions|3H]], they were on the phone discussing exclusives with their at-the-time Hasbro contact, when he (the Hasbro guy) realized that the not-yet-released blue Wal-Mart Rattrap could have been named Packrat. However, it was a few days too late to make the change without a massive production delay. Had he simply been looking at the right wall of his office a few days earlier, which had the Packrat/[[Fractyl]] box-set on it...{{fact}}

* At one point in the series, Rattrap says, "What in the name of my great-aunt [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is going on!?" This is an in-joke referring to [[Susan Blu]], who was not only voice director on ''Beast Wars'', but the voice of Arcee in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]] and Transmutate in the ''Beast Wars'' episode [[Transmutate (episode)|of the same name]]. He was originally going to say the line again when he saw Transmetal 2 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (and she was to reply, "Not your great-aunt Arcee!") in the early script of "[[Crossing the Rubicon]]", but the lines were cancelled.<ref>Page 96, "Beast Wars Glossary" in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>

* In the jovial Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', one of Rattrap's most notable "shticks" was that he would constantly break the fourth wall by "smelling" what the audience was eating. For instance, he would randomly announce "Smells like the Suzuki's are having curry". The Japanese found this very amusing. The rest of the world; ''not so much''.

* To piggyback on the popularity of the ''[[Pokeformers|Pokémon]]'' phenomenon of the late '90s, or perhaps just to parody it, Rattrap's beast mode in the ''[[Beast Wars Metals (manga)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' manga was redesigned to resemble ''Pikachu'' heavily. While many characters received "humorous" redesigns for the manga, Rattrap's remains the most reviled.

* Rattrap makes a blink-and-you'll-miss-him cameo appearance in "Nor Iron Bars a Cage", an episode of Mainframe's ''Shadow Raiders''. He's standing next to Emperor Sternum in a long shot, but sneakily turns into a different animation model entirely for the close-up. The scamp!

* By splicing together footage for their promo, [[Toonami]] allowed Rattrap the distinct pleasure of shooting Jonny Quest and sending him plummeting to a gruesome demise.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

The Search for Alpha Trion

2010-09-21T20:54:42Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notable Quotes */

{{episode
|image=Search4atelita%26prime.jpg
|caption=Disco didn't die. It just went into stasis lock.
|series=G1toon
|ep=53
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=41
|prev2=Child's Play (episode)
|next2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1
|title="The Search for Alpha Trion"
|written by=[[Beth Bornstein]]
|production code=700-52
|airdate=[[November 12]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Discovering that his long-thought-dead love, Elita One, is in the hands of the Decepticons, Optimus Prime speeds to Cybertron on a rescue mission, only to end up discovering something about his own history in the process.'''

:''Japanese title:'' アルファートリンを探せ! (''Alpha Trin o Sagase!'', "Finding Alpha Trin!")
:''Brazilian title:'' '''À Procura de Alpha Trion''' ("Looking for Alpha Trion")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Search4atmoonracer.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Oi! You! Cut it out!]]

On Cybertron, three [[Female Autobots]] ([[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Moonracer]] and [[Firestar]]) sneak into [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] headquarters under orders of [[Elita One]]. They raid Shockwave's stockpile of [[energon cube]]s to power their fight against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], but on the way out, Moonracer accidentally trips an alarm. Shockwave, surprised to see female Autobots still alive, sends a [[Sentinel (G1)|sentinel]] after them.

[[Image:Search4atelitaandalpha.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I see a bearded man in your future.]]

The Female Autobots escape the sentinel and return to Elita One, though Shockwave deduces the approximate location of their underground headquarters. Shockwave contacts [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] who sends [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] to assist in the apprehension of the Female Autobots. Rumble starts an earthquake which damages their headquarters. Elita One attempts to lure them away from the base by attacking, but is captured. Rumble continues shaking things up until Starscream believes the base is suitably destroyed.

[[Image:Search4atelitakicks.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Self Defense against sexual harassment.]]

Megatron contacts [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and shows him the imprisoned Elita One. Optimus rushes to her rescue, even though he knows it's a trap. Apparently, 4 million years ago, Optimus and Elita had a thing going. Right before boarding the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], Elita begged to go with him, but Optimus told her it was too dangerous. As they spoke, the Decepticons attacked and Elita vanished in the chaos, leaving Optimus to think she had perished. Not wishing to lose her a second time, Optimus heads for Cybertron via the Decepticon space bridge. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] become curious as to why Optimus is heading to Cybertron alone and follow in secret.

As soon as Optimus arrives, he is taken prisoner by Starscream, who dangles him over a barrel of acid. Rumble drops Optimus, but before he lands in the barrel, Elita uses her special power, which stops time. Elita rescues Prime, but at the cost of her own life force, as the special power uses up so much energy. Prime loads Elita into his trailer and races to find [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], the only Autobot who can save her.

Back at Shockwave's headquarters, the Decepticons believe Optimus has perished. Just then, the three Autobots arrive and attack. In the Female Autobots' underground headquarters, Moonracer comes up with a plan to dig their way out. They detonate the energon cubes they had just stolen, freeing up their exit. Moonracer, Chromia and Firestar meet up with their friends Powerglide, Ironhide and Inferno, and together they take on the Decepticons.

[[Image:SearchAlphaTrion Prime Elita Autobots.JPG|right|150px|thumb|You're lucky my chick's here, m—oh, hey, so's yours.]]

Optimus eventually finds Alpha Trion, who uses his skill to repair Elita One as best he can. In the end, Alpha Trion instructs Prime to interface with her for a power transfusion, as he is the only Autobot compatible with her design. Prime remarks that only his creator should know that. After the transfusion, Elita One recovers, and the two then return to help the Autobots fight off the Decepticons. Outnumbered, the Decepticons retreat. Alpha Trion then sets the Female Autobots up with a new secret base, and the two Autobot groups bid each other farewell when one returns to Earth.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (1)
* [[Moonracer]] (2)
* [[Firestar]] (3)
* [[Elita One]] (4)
* [[Greenlight]] (7)
* [[Lancer]] (8)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (13)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (15)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (16)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (17)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (18)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (19)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (5)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (9)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (11)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (12)
}}

==Notable Quotes==
"Female Autobots? I thought they were extinct."
:—'''Shockwave''' obviously hasn't kept up to date on Cybertron's Discovery Channel.

"Such noble nonsense."
:—'''Shockwave''' disses Chromia and [[The Transformers: The Movie|gives Megatron material to rip off]].

"Elita One knows no fear!"
:—'''Elita One''' need not worry about Man-Thing, then.

"Optimus Prime, something rather exciting has been discovered on Cybertron. I thought you might like to know about it."
:—'''Megatron''' calls to say he's discovered girls.

[[Image:Searchforatprimehanging.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I can feel the heat!]]
"Please, let him go." 
"Very well, my dear...let him go...into the acid!"
:—'''Elita One'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s plea to '''Starscream''' to free Optimus Prime doesn't have the expected result.

"How quaint! The girls have come to rescue their boyfriends!"
:—Jealous, '''Starscream'''?

"Alpha Trion...I never expected to see you again."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' doesn't have much faith in his deadbeat dad.

"Elita One, her lifeforce is almost drained."
"She used her special power. I warned her not to."
:—'''Alpha Trion''' despite being centuries old learns just now that females simply never listen.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[Image:Optimus prime nomouthplate.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Megatron has stolen my mouthplate! This time he's gone too far...]]
*Rumble has only one gun on his back before the first commercial break. For the remainder of the episode, he has two.

*When Prime receives Megatron's call, he's missing his [[mouthplate]].

*When Megatron tells Optimus about the Female Autobots and shows him "proof", as he asks "How's this Prime?", Elita One appears to talk along with him.

*When the Autobots are trying to work out where Prime had gone, standing at [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]'s control panel is a [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] in a red and grey color scheme.

*Observing the spacebridge from afar, Ironhide notes, "If Prime got past those guards, so can [they]." The thing is, there ''are'' no guards, and there weren't any when Prime used the bridge, either.

*Prime is hanging precariously over the vat of acid in one scene, but when the perspective changes to a view from above the vat is missing.

*When Elita revives Optimus from her stasis field, he fades from his normal colors to green, rather than the other way around. Once the fade is complete, mind you, he jumps back to his normal colors when he starts to move.

*As the Decepticons are freed from Elita's stasis field, Starscream cheers, "But Prime has disintegrated!" as if responding to some unspoken line from one of the others. The missing line is also absent from the episode's shooting script.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/5821789ca800431a/68758ddf3993e5ac Secrets of the Original Scripts, Part Five]</ref> It would seem likely that the missing line covered Elita One's sudden disappearance.

*Inferno gasps "It can't be!" in response to Prime's apparent demise, but Ironhide is shown speaking.

*Chromia's eyes are red during her line of "Ladies first."

===Continuity errors===
*When the Ark launched back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", there was no indication of a Decepticon attack on the launch site, as this episode's flashback shows.
* Optimus Prime apparently had no idea that Alpha Trion was his creator, despite the fact that in "[[War Dawn]]" after being rebuilt, he was fully conscious and actually met the guy and even knew that Elita One was built by him.

===Transformers references===
*The episode marked the first appearance of [[female Transformers]] in official fiction.

*Alpha Trion's relationship to Optimus Prime would be touched upon again in "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]", and explained more fully in "War Dawn".

*"War Dawn" would also go on explain precisely why only Prime's power supply would interface with Elita's, as seen in this episode (because she was rebuilt using his schematics).

===Trivia===
*This episode is the fourth and final appearance of Prime's trailer's "artillery robot" in the animated series.

[[Image:G1 Prime Elita energy transfer.JPG|right|200px|thumb|I can't wait for you to operate...When I get this feeling, I need Sexual Healing...]]

*This episode contains the rather infamous scene in which Prime connects a cable from his midriff to Elita's, and utters an audible, not-entirely-unpleasant-sounding groan as energy is transmitted through it, to her. Sexy.

*Ironhide must hate the wall in Shockwave's base, this is at least the second time he has blown through it!

*Moonracer seems to be calling Powerglide "Carglide" right after her claim of being the best sharpshooter in the universe.

*The only male Transformers seen to have 'girlfriends' in this episode ALL have red as part of their colour schemes.

*If we think about it, since Optimus Prime and Elita One have the same creator, they are, in some way, brother and sister, which just makes their relationship look plain weird. (Well, maybe [[Jean Minakaze|not]] [[Patty Minakaze|in]] [[Solon Kitakaze (Victory)|Japan]].) The events of "War Dawn" show that Orion Pax and Ariel existed as non-siblings before they were remade into Optimus Prime and Elita One, though Transformers has demonstrated somewhat [[Relatives|puzzling definitions of siblings]].

*Greenlight and Lancer went nameless for 25 years when they finally got their monikers in the [[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]] text story ''[[Flames of Yesterday]]''.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 2: Revenge of the Decepticons ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[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 Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (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]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Search for Alpha Trion}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

The Search for Alpha Trion

2010-09-21T19:40:55Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notable Quotes */

Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1

2010-09-21T17:17:48Z

86.86.159.173: /* Synopsis */

{{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 is looking for free porn.]]

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 (G1)|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 Thrull. 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 imminent 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]]

The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1

2010-09-21T17:06:32Z

86.86.159.173: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|image=Stunticons.jpg
|caption=Megatron's latest addition of troops. He's really going to regret this.
|series=G1toon
|ep=56
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=42
|prev2=The Search for Alpha Trion
|next2=The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2
|title="The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1"
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-55
|airdate=[[November 25]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After being beaten by the Autobots once again, Megatron hatches a plan to create a team of Decepticons that will give him supremacy over the roads.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ベクターシグマの鍵 PART I (''Vector Sigma no Kagi PART I'', "The Key of Vector Sigma PART I")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Rumble carjack.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Rumble makes a good carjacker. Why are we not surprised?]]

The [[Autobot]]s are escorting a convoy of tankers which carry a new [[superfuel]] which the government has given to the Autobots. Things have been quiet so far, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is wary. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] thinks that the [[Decepticon]]s are unaware of the superfuel, when they take that moment to attack. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] sends the [[Conehead]]s to attack, but they are unable to follow them into the tunnels and canyons on the road. Megatron himself decides to destroy the superfuel, but [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] manages to distract him, while Optimus and Prowl drive Megatron off.

Megatron is furious that the Autobots beat them, and decides to rectify the situation. [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] is sent to steal cars of various models, and [[Possum Brown]]'s truck, all of which Megatron alters with Decepticon technology, such as anti-gravity boosters and automatic [[force field]]s. Using a remote control, Megatron tests the cars' abilities. Rumble is amazed with their stunt driving, and Megatron decides that it's a good name. Bringing them about, he has them [[Transformation|transform]] into robot mode, and dubs them the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Alpha wall.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"I'm not quite dead."]]

Learning that the Decepticons are making new soldiers, Prime realizes they'll need Cybernetic personalities to truly live, and there is only one way to do that. [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] takes a group of Autobots to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where Megatron is informed by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] that he has located [[Vector Sigma]], the megacomputer that gave the [[Transformer]]s life. But they will require the [[Key to Vector Sigma|circuit key]] to activate it. The Key is in the possession of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], and the Decepticons head for his lab. After a brief struggle, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] locates the Key and gives it to Megatron.

Arriving on Cybertron, the Autobots hurry to Alpha Trion's lab, only to find a dying Alpha Trion. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] are able to save his life, and he explains to Optimus what Megatron intends to do. The Autobots head into the tunnels for Vector Sigma.

[[Image:Centurions.jpg|left|200px|thumb|We came, we saw, we kicked some ass.]]

In the tunnels, the Decepticons encounter [[Centurion droid]]s, which Megatron discovers he can control with the Key, and instructs them to attack the Autobots. The Autobots encounter the drones and, unable to destroy their attackers, retreat to a derelict hanger. Heading to Vector Sigma, Megatron activates the super computer, which gives [[Spark|life]] to the Stunticons: [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Drag Strip]], and [[Wildrider]]. The Decepticons return to Earth, where the Stunticons are set loose on human roads.

[[Image:KeyVectorSigma1 Wildrider fly.JPG|right|200px|thumb|This isn't gonna end good.]]
In the hanger, Ratchet and Wheeljack set about repairing the damaged [[maintenance drone]]s which are scattered around, sending them out to fight the Centurions, with little success. Finally a column of maintenance drones marches off a cliff, and the Centurion drones blindly follow them. The Autobots reach Vector Sigma, learning that it already gave the Stunticons life. Optimus plans to use a series of ancient rockets and have them rebuilt as Earth style jets, planning to fight the Decepticons in the air.

At a human base, the Stunticons arrive attempting to make another attempt to steal the superfuel, and the soldiers believe they're being attacked by the Autobots.

[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2|To be continued...]]
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (19)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (21)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (15)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (3)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (2)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)

|c2=
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (8)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (6)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (20)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (9)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (14)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]
* [[Drag Strip]]
* [[Wildrider]]

|c4=
* [[Centurion droid]]s (22)
* [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] (13)
* [[Vector Sigma]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Vector sigma.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The early concept of the disco mirror ball, which the humans stole, millions of years later.]]

"So much for your security, Prowl."
:—'''Smokescreen''', as the Decepticons attack

"I knew I'd never make it."
:—'''Dirge''', accepting his lot in life.

"No, Megatron, you'll have to blow us all up, and frankly, I don't think you have the guts."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' goads Megatron to shoot at the super fuel.

"Annnnd Mueller takes it! What in the world?" 
"You mean ''Rumble'' takes it!"
:—'''Race track announcer''' and '''Rumble''', who proceeds quite literally to take it

"Incredible! Not even the Autobots can do that kind of stunt driving." 
"Stunt driving...yes! Behold—the ''Stunticons!''"
:—'''Rumble''' gives '''Megatron''' an inspiration.

"This can't be the way those Deceptigoons came." 
"On the contrary, it definitely is." 
"What makes you so sure?" 
"Because who else would have sent ''them'' to kill us?"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Alpha Trion''' as the Centurion droids approach

"I am Vector Sigma. Before Cybertron was, I was! Who reactivates me?"
:—'''Vector Sigma'''

'''Megatron''': I am Megatron, your leader. Declare yourselves to me. 
'''Motormaster''': I am Motormaster. I swear loyalty to you! 
'''Dead End''': I am Dead End. I guess I'll have to do what you say. 
'''Breakdown''': I'm... I'm Breakdown. I'll obey too. 
'''Drag Strip''': I am Drag Strip. I ''live'' to obey! 
'''Wildrider''': I'm Wildrider! And I wanna bust something up!
:—The '''Stunticons''' speak their first words.

"Big ''and'' stupid."
:—'''Blaster''' on the Centurion droids who, in their zealousness, ran off a cliff to chase the maintenance robots.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
*Megatron's left arm is white instead of grey when he gripes about the Autobots after the first attempt to steal the superfuel.
*Rumble's visor is the same color as his face when he steals the F1 car which will become Drag Strip. Oddly enough, it's red when the Autobots review the same sequence on Teletraan I later on!
*In the scene with the coneheads, when Thrust transforms, it's actually Ramjet's animation model with Thrust's deco.
*In one shot of the Autobots walking through a corridor, Blaster's mouth is jumping up and down independently of his face.
*When the Decepticons are chatting with Shockwave on Cybertron, Rumble's head disappears for a brief moment.

===Continuity errors===
* The central premise of this episode—that bringing new Transformers to life requires the supercomputer Vector Sigma—has already been contradicted by the creation of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], and possibly the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] as well (though that's [[Constructicon (G1)|a whole can of worms]] in itself.) Later episodes would likewise contradict it, showing [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s being brought to life without Vector Sigma. Optimus *sort of* explains most of this by saying "There's no place on Earth to give them Cybernetic personalities like we have", the "like we have" part insinuating that personalities from Earth would end up with low intelligence. For Trypticon and the Dinobots at least, this appears to be correct.
* Wheeljack comes out with the other autobots when Omega lands on Cybertron. After he delivers his next lines of dialog though, and the Autobots go into Trion's lab, he seems to be deemed useless for the rest of the episode. As a matter of fact, he doesn't do *any* repairs at all in the two-parter - including the maintenance droids, and the repair of Alpha Trion.
* Alpha Trion's lab looks significantly different than from his debut episode, and a lot messier (maybe he went on a drunken bender at some point). Also, if his lab was established as being so hard to find in that episode, how does Megatron instantly know where it is?

===Transformers references===
* Soundwave actually uses that gun on his shoulder while fighting the Centurion drones.
* Apparently, Vector Sigma isn't supposed to give personalities to robots created on other planets. Note how Megatron ensures Vector Sigma that the Stunticons are "Cybernetic Creations" like themselves, not machines created on Earth.

===Trivia===
* According to episode writer [[David Wise]] at various conventions (such as [[BotCon 2009]]), he was instructed to include Vector Sigma when writing this episode as part of the [[Hasbro]] episode mandates. Not knowing what Vector Sigma was, he pressed story editor [[Bryce Malek]], who in turn had to go to Hasbro to learn that Vector Sigma was "the computer that gave all the Transformers personalities". This caused Malek to respond: "Well, it didn't do a very good job, did it!"
*At the script stage, this episode had the uninspired sub-title "Creation of the Stunticons".
*The shooting scripts for both installments of this two-parter contain several "deleted scenes" which expand greatly upon some of the more significant events in the story. In this episode:
**"That blast" mentioned by Prime in the finished episode actually happens.
**While the other Autobots are busy down in the tunnels, Omega Supreme battles Shockwave on the planet's surface throughout the second act of the episode. Shockwave refers to Omega as his "old enemy," and is on the losing end of the fight until he gets his hands on a "cyberbomb," which he uses to defeat Omega, leaving him very badly damaged. There is a vestigial reference to this battle in Part 2, and further scenes relating to its consequences are removed from that episode, altering the nature of its turning point quite a bit.
* The tank vehicles seen at the army base are the M.O.B.A.T. and the Armadillo from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' animated series.
* Rumble is shown capturing a Tyrrell P34 during a Formula 1 race, the year presumably being 1986. In actuality, the six-wheeler Tyrrell P34 was retired after the 1977 season, and did not appear again on any race circuit until 1999.
* Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust all crash into the mountain. Yet Ramjet is the only one being knocked out by the hit despite being the one who likes to crash into things on purpose. Should be not be more resistant to this kind of damage? According to Dirge and Thrust he even needs repairs though that could be simply an excuse for them to flee. (You know, with them both being cowards.)

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma & War Dawn ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — The Key to Vector Sigma ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[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 Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (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]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_key_to_vector_sigma_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Thing

2010-09-19T11:05:10Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

:''The Thing is a [[human]] from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] portion of [[Crossovers]] [[continuity family]].''
{{mainpic|March 2 2010}}

The '''Thing''' says it's clobberin' time. First on the list is [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] for not designing him his own mech but rather reusing that of his long time rival, the [[Hulk]].

==Toys==
===Crossovers===
*'''Thing''' (Marvel, 2010?)

:The Thing is a [[retool]] of the [[Hulk]] with a new head, transforming from an orange and blue robot into a bulldozer.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*The [[bio]]s of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] from ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' were based on three members of the [[Fantastic Four]], with [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] taking inspiration from the Thing.
* The creators of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' likened [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] to the Hulk, while [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] was likened to the Thing.

==External links==
*[[wikia:marveldatabase:Benjamin_Grimm_(Earth-616)|Thing at Marvel Database]]
*[[wikipedia:Thing (comics)|Thing at Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Crossovers characters]]
[[Category:Marvel properties]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Superheroes]]

Thing

2010-09-19T11:04:35Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

:''The Thing is a [[human]] from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] portion of [[Crossovers]] [[continuity family]].''
{{mainpic|March 2 2010}}

The '''Thing''' says it's clobberin' time. First on the list is [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] for not designing him his own mech but rather reusing that of his long time rival, the [[Hulk]].

==Toys==
===Crossovers===
*'''Thing''' (Marvel, 2010?)

:The Thing is a [[retool]] of the [[Hulk]] with a new head, transforming from an orange and blue robot into a bulldozer.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*The [[bio]]s of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] from ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' were based on three members of the [[Fantastic Four]], with [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] taking inspiration from the Thing.
* The creators of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' likened [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] to the Hulk, while [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] was likened to the [[Thing]].

==External links==
*[[wikia:marveldatabase:Benjamin_Grimm_(Earth-616)|Thing at Marvel Database]]
*[[wikipedia:Thing (comics)|Thing at Wikipedia]]

[[Category:Crossovers characters]]
[[Category:Marvel properties]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Superheroes]]

Razor-Sharp

2010-08-29T16:15:25Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Razor-Sharp is a [[Decepticon]] [[Action Master partner]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Razor-sharp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Know that my name is not Razorclaw.]]

[[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]]'s Action Master partner is '''Razor-Sharp''', a crab whose claws can tear through nearly any metallic substance. Razor-Sharp transforms into a semi-automatic rifle that fires exploding plasma-energy projectiles. He shares his partner's devious mindset.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Banzai-Tron toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Elephantiasis of the sidearm is a real illness, you know.]]
*'''Banzai-Tron with Razor-Sharp''' (Action Master, 1990)

: Part of the third assortment of "basic" carded Action Masters, Razor-Sharp was only available with his larger partner Banzai-Tron. Razor-Sharp's spring-loaded transformation converts him from a robotic crab into a giant cannon that can be held by any Action Master figure. He can be combined with any "normal" Action Master hand weapon in either mode, extending his cannon-barrel.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:EarlyBanzaiTron.jpg|right|74px|thumb|Could be worse; he could have once transformed into a cassette.]]
* Early promotional catalogs use a [[redeco]]ed [[Pretender]] [[Octopunch]] as a stand-in for Razor-Sharp, along with a slightly different color scheme on his pal Banzai-Tron. Could this be what Razor-Sharp looked like before [[nucleon]]? Sucks to be him. (Concidentially enough, the crab legs for Razor-Sharp and Octopunch are interchangable.)

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/Banzai-Tron/banzai-tron.htm Razor-Sharp at TFU.info]

[[Category:Action Master partners]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Razor-Sharp

2010-08-29T16:14:20Z

86.86.159.173: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Razor-Sharp is a [[Decepticon]] [[Action Master partner]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Razor-sharp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Know that my name is not Razorclaw.]]

[[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]]'s Action Master partner is '''Razor-Sharp''', a crab whose claws can tear through nearly any metallic substance. Razor-Sharp transforms into a semi-automatic rifle that fires exploding plasma-energy projectiles. He shares his partner's devious mindset.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Banzai-Tron toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Elephantiasis of the sidearm is a real illness, you know.]]
*'''Banzai-Tron with Razor-Sharp''' (Action Master, 1990)

: Part of the third assortment of "basic" carded Action Masters, Razor-Sharp was only available with his larger partner Banzai-Tron. Razor-Sharp's spring-loaded transformation converts him from a robotic crab into a giant cannon that can be held by any Action Master figure. He can be combined with any "normal" Action Master hand weapon in either mode, extending his cannon-barrel.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:EarlyBanzaiTron.jpg|right|74px|thumb|Could be worse; he could have once transformed into a cassette.]]
* Early promotional catalogs use a [[redeco]]ed [[Pretender]] [[Octopunch]] as a stand-in for Razor-Sharp, along with a slightly different color scheme on his pal Banzai-Tron. Could this be what Razor-Sharp looked like before [[nucleon]]? Sucks to be him. (Concidentially enough, the crab legs for Razor-Sharp and Octopunch are interchangable.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/Banzai-Tron/banzai-tron.htm Razor-Sharp at TFU.info]

[[Category:Action Master partners]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Mindwipe (G1)

2010-07-15T17:09:44Z

86.86.159.173: /* Transformers Gum */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{disambigr|Mindwipe|the Decepticon from ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''|Mindwipe (ROTF)}}

:''Mindwipe is a [[Decepticon]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. Blah!''

[[Image:G1Mindwipe boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"You're feeling very sleepy..."]]
No one knows the dead quite as well as the Decepticon hypnotist, '''Mindwipe'''. A mysterious and mystical one, Mindwipe claims to have the powers to commune with [[Transformer]]s who have long since left this plane of existence. From Black Sabbaths to seances to super-conductive antennae, Mindwipe knows of many methods to reach those who now rest in peace.

Well...not really. He desperately ''wants'' to speak with the departed [[spark]]s of dead Decepticons, but all his labors to create antennae and receivers for the departed have had... "limited" success. In reality, all he's picking up are radio broadcasts of old [[Earth]] sitcoms, which he's actually become quite fond of. Still, some day, Mindwipe hopes to finally bridge the gap between the realm of the living and the [[Allspark|realm of the dead]]. Despite those shortcomings, Mindwipe is a formidable opponent, able to hypnotize and control both organic and mechanical lifeforms just by making eye contact, and with an eerie and potent precognitive "sixth sense." But sometimes he forgets this and, when the odds look stacked against him, Mindwipe's more than happy to turn tail and get while the getting's good. His loyalty lasts exactly as long as his bravery.

He is [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] to the [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] [[Vorath]], a scientist. Yes, a scientist. They disagree on pretty much everything.

{{bigquote|The powers of darkness are a more powerful weapon than all the toys your science can muster.|Mindwipe, talking all spooky to [[Vorath]]|"[[The Rebirth, Part 2]]"}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Wipe''', '''Vorath''' (see below)
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Agymosó'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Amnésiak'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Pipistrello'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:LoveandSteel-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|150px|This is the only way Mindwipe can score a date.]]

Mindwipe was one of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s soldiers on Cybertron. After [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s unit abandoned Cybertron, Scorponok received word they had come to the planet called [[Nebulos]], and brought a strike team to that world in order to exact revenge. After kidnapping the Nebulans who called them to this world, Scorponok gave them to Mindwipe to use for his experiments. Mindwipe removed [[Monzo]] from his cage and placed him in front of a machine that enclosed the Nebulan in a polymer membrane bubble. After a shot from [[Skullcruncher]]'s anti-gravity gun, Monzo went floating up through an opening in the roof, but the bubble popped, prompting Mindwipe to catch Monzo so as to not waste a "good laboratory animal."

But before further experiments could be performed, [[Lord Zarak]], one of their Nebulan prisoners, suggested that the Decepticons [[binary bond]] with them to become [[Headmasters]], so that they could match the power of the Autobots who had recently gone under this process themselves. When the Decepticons next met the Autobots in battle, Mindwipe was now bonded with Vorath, and the two sides were evenly matched. To tip the odds, Mindwipe hypnotized members of the [[Council of Peers]] and Zarak's daughter, [[Llyra]], into getting enclosed in the same polymer bubbles that Monzo had previously. After the Autobots saved the Nebulans, Mindwipe and the other Headmaster Decepticons shot the Autobots in the backs. Lord Zarak presented himself, Mindwipe, and the others are Nebulos's true heroes. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

[[Image:WorldsApart-Mindwipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Surprise, Mindwipe hypnotizes a lot.]]

The Decepticon Headmasters struck next at the [[Mercury Gardens of Melanossus]], where they faced the [[Monsterbot]]s. Once the Nebulan partners combined with their Decepticon bodies, the Monsterbots were overwhelmed and forced to retreat. Vorath detached from Mindwipe again when the [[Nebulan News Network|media]] arrived, while Zarak explained that even though the Gardens were destroyed in the process, this was a victory for Nebulos. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''At some point during their stay on Nebulos, the Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters fought each other. Mindwipe hypnotized [[Brainstorm]], causing him to crash into [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. When Mindwipe found the defeated bodies of his peers, however, Mindwipe staged a panicked retreat. {{storylink|Worlds Apart!}}''

However, Zarak didn't believe his own lies and ultimately led Mindwipe and the other Decepticons offworld to follow the Autobots to Earth. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

[[Image:TrialbyFire-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|100px|Well, that's randomly toyetic.]]

Mindwipe detected the signal that the Autobots were drawn to on Earth, and found that it originated from an [[Ark (G1)|abandoned Autobot headquarters]] inside a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] cavern. But Fortress Maximus's Autobots weren't far, and the Decepticons fought them once again. Mindwipe and the others were stampeded out of the volcano when Fortress Maximus picked up a new Headmaster partner, the Earth human [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

While his scientifically inclined partner Vorath helped Scorponok create [[Pretender]] technology, Mindwipe watched silently in bat mode, probably muttering to himself about how magic is totally better. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

''Scorponok put Mindwipe's hypnotic powers to use setting a trap for [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], by having him mesmerize some humans who then led the Autobot Headmaster into a deep wood. The trap sprung, Highbrow attempted to flee, but Mindwipe pursued and used his powers to give him a severe case of amnesia. Scorponok tried to convince the brainwashed Highbrow that he was really a Decepticon, but Highbrow remained ill at ease, so the Decepticons tried to defuse the tense atmosphere by transforming their heads into Nebulan mode. Unfortunately, it was at this point that they discovered Mindwipe's fatal mistake: He had neglected to also blank the mind of Highbrow's partner, [[Gort]]. Gort knocked out Vorath, taking Mindwipe out of the fight, and then recombined with Highbrow, restoring his memory. He proceeded to rip Scorponok's head from his shoulders, the mental shock knocking the Decepticon leader offline. {{storylink|All in the Minds!}} Not long thereafter, amidst a time storm that threatened to end all reality, Mindwipe helped hunt down Highbrow in order to reclaim Scorponok's stolen head. Once Mindwipe retrieved the head and restored it to Scorponok's shoulders, the rest of his team was shunted to [[Limbo]] and replaced by a group of Decepticons from 2009 led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. After some misunderstandings were ironed out, Mindwipe and the two other Decepticons not limboed away formed a temporary alliance with the Autobots, the future Autobots, and the future Decepticons against the time-traveling [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. But the alliance was short-lived; when the future [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] accidentally shot Scorponok, Mindwipe joined his fellow present-day Decepticons in tearing Ultra Magnus apart. They retreated with Scorponok's wounded body just before Galvatron was thrown into the time storm, sating it and saving the universe. {{storylink|Time Wars}}''

[[Image:Beachcomberdarkstar.jpg|right|thumb|150px|And then I conveniently disappear for that whole Underbase massacre.]]

Inevitably, Scorponok's band of Earthbound Decepticons met with [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s band of Earthbound Decepticons, and a group including Mindwipe was given a really boring tour by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of Ratbat's [[Club Con|island headquarters]]. When the tour's star attraction, the kidnapped [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], unwittingly let slip that Ratbat was searching for a powerful artifact called the [[Underbase]], Scorponok was enraged. Scorponok took Mindwipe and the others to confront Ratbat for hording such information, and a civil war broke out between the two Decepticon camps. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Soon the Autobots as well were drawn to the island base, and the Decepticons put aside their differences to fight the surprised Autobots. Mindwipe was quick to maul the hapless [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

In the wake of the [[Underbase Saga]], Scorponok took command of the remnants of the Decepticon army and established a headquarters under a garbage dump in [[New Jersey]], across the river from [[New York City]]. He had Mindwipe engineer an energy conversion machine to convert power into [[Energon]], and all he needed was for a cable to be laid across the river, connected to an electrostator placed at the top of the [[Empire State Building]]. Unfortunately, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]] failed at this and seemingly perished. {{storylink|King Con!}}

The Decepticons scrambled once again when the [[Micromaster]] [[Air Strike Patrol]] summoned them to [[MacDill Air Force Base]] after the wayward new recruits, facing Optimus Prime and the entire Autobot army, were seemingly over their heads. Though both Optimus Prime and Scorponok privately suspected someone had arranged for this altercation, a fight broke out regardless. Mindwipe got punched in the batface by [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], while the Air Strike Patrol made their quiet retreat. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} Mindwipe recuperated and joined Scorponok in advancing on the Autobots, just as Optimus Prime, strangely, called all his troops other than himself to return to the Ark. Scorponok was suspicious, and Mindwipe suggested that some powerful weapon was hidden inside the Autobots' [[All-Terrain Turbo-Transport|shuttlecraft]]. Mindwipe and the others rushed Optimus Prime as he tried to stop Scorponok from firing on the shuttlecraft, but Prime, who was quickly becoming frustrated with the day's events, was able to overpower all of them. As Optimus pleaded to Scorponok to stop fighting and determine the mastermind who was pulling their strings, they were interrupted by a huge hint: Starscream had arrived, reborn as a Pretender. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}} Curiouser still, Mindwipe was shocked as Starscream claimed he had been sent by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], also believed to be dead! As Starscream's Pretender shell trounced Optimus Prime, Scorponok half-heartedly ordered Mindwipe and [[Weirdwolf]] to help him. Mindwipe learned the hard way that his hypnotic power had no effect on the new Starscream, just before Starscream suddenly reverted to his classic cowardly self and begged for mercy. {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

[[Image:PrimalScream-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|150px|And though you can't see the bottom, believe me it's a long way down.]]

Scorponok reluctantly allowed Starscream back into their ranks, a decision that began to turn his troops against him. Mindwipe was one of the most vocal members of this retaliation, and pointed to the hole Starscream had put in his chest. He reminded Scorponok that Starscream was a chronic traitor, but Scorponok rebuked him, noting that Starscream was a powerful warrior needed to bolster their ranks, and was better kept close so they could monitor his actions. {{storylink|Primal Scream}} But when Starscream went missing, Mindwipe and [[Triggerhappy]] decided they'd had enough and left Scorponok's command. Ironically enough, they ran into Starscream himself and joined his small band of Decepticons against Scorponok. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}} Mindwipe and Triggerhappy returned with Starscream, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to Shockwave's underwater headquarters, where they learned that their forces also included the [[Battlecharger]]s. With only seven on their team, Mindwipe was not impressed and expressed doubts, but when Starscream told him that they'd either fight for them or be executed, he quickly changed his mind.

[[Image:OutofTime-hypnotism.jpg|right|thumb|300px|How much more hypnotism can we cram into this page?]]

Immediately, the seven flew to Scorponok's base and fired into it from the air, collapsing it on an Autobot/Decepticon alliance that had been forming. {{storylink|Surrender!}} Once again, Mindwipe was the designated worrier. Though the collapsed base showed no signs of life, if Scorponok had survived, he said their best bet was to get while the getting was good. Triggerhappy agreed, and Starscream silently pitied their cowardice. Unfortunately for Starscream, Mindwipe was right, and Scorponok burst out of the ground to deal with them. Shockwave ordered Mindwipe and the others to rush Scorponok, an idea that was not popular with Mindwipe, and for good reason. Scorponok shrugged off their attacks. Mindwipe and Starscream subsequently concerned themselves with Scorponok's troops while Scorponok battled his equal, Shockwave. {{storylink|...All This and Civil War 2}}

Mindwipe put his magic powers to good use and hypnotized Field Commander [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with the intention of controlling the troops through him. It was a good plan! And [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] agreed! At gunpoint, Mindwipe told Soundwave to tell all the other Decepticons to lay down their arms in service of the Autobot/Decepticon alliance against [[Unicron]] -- just in time for every Transformer on Earth to be warped to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by their creator, [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Out of Time!}} Mindwipe watched with the other warped Transformers as Primus explained to them the history between himself and Unicron, and that the Transformers' destiny was to defeat him. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

[[Image:EdgeofExtinction-Mindwipedies.jpg|left|thumb|250px|He doesn't look ''that'' bad, he's -- oh, he's ''not'' in bat mode? Oh. Oh.]]

Once the massive planet-sized Unicron arrived, Mindwipe and the other Transformers froze in terror. After watching [[Brainstorm]] get eaten by the Chaos Bringer, Mindwipe regained enough of his faculties to be able to run away. The Transformers did eventually come around and face their destined adversary, but it did not end well for Mindwipe. As Unicron tore an avatar of the [[Creation Matrix]] to pieces, the resulting shockwave sent what was left of Mindwipe's body flying. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

{{-}}
=====Earthforce=====
[[Image:Uk271 mindwipe nightlights.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]
{{earthforcefiction}}
After having been thrown out of the Decepticon army for trying to hypnotize Scorponok into making him leader, Mindwipe devised a master scheme of his own. He manufactured thousands of thought-sensitive [[Sleepfast]]™ night lights, selling them to humans on the novelty that they actually turned on or off just by thinking at them. Little did the humans know, however, that repetitive use of the night lights had a subliminal mind-control effect. Over time, Mindwipe would have gained an army of human slaves! Luckily for Humanity, the Autobots [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] came to investigate, and they confronted Mindwipe in his storage facility. He was beaten by his own night lights when the Autobots suddenly thought "Lights on!" in a darkened room, turning on thousands of Sleepfasts™ at once and temporarily blinding the Decepticon.

Mindwipe was, to coin a phrase, bat-sh*t nuts. {{storylink|The Living Nightlights!}}
{{--}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:NewDawn-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Mindwipe: All magic, no balls.]]
Mindwipe was still a part of the Decepticons after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] took back control of the army from [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. He was involved in the disastrous first encounter between Megatron's troops and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]]. After Megatron was literally knocked out of orbit by Jhiaxus and plummeted to the planet below, Mindwipe joined [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Drag Strip]] and [[Weirdwolf]] in looking for their fallen leader. He was in the midst of voicing the selfish but sensible idea of abandoning Megatron to his fate and gettin' the slag outta there when Drag Strip found their commander. {{storylink|New Dawn}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Stephen Keener]] (English), [[Eiji Itō]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Mindwipe in altmode.jpg|right|thumb|220px|I'd do anything this picture told me to.]]
After an all-too-brief period of peace following the resurrection of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Mindwipe was one of the many Decepticons who attacked [[Autobot City]] in 2007, creating a huge distraction to cover for [[Pounce]] and [[Wingspan]]'s theft of the key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. During the battle, Mindwipe used his hypnotic powers to seize control of [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]]'s mind, forcing him to back away, over the edge of a nearby cliff and into the lake below. The Autobots were able to steal back the key, but not before it was used to briefly open the Plasma Energy Chamber, releasing a bolt of energy that hurled a group of Autobots, and the key, across the galaxy to the planet Nebulos. Mindwipe was among the Decepticons sent to Nebulos in pursuit of the key, and he participated in the first battle on the planet. When the Decepticons were forced to retreat, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] instructed them to gather the fallen Autobots so they could torture them for information on the key's location, but Mindwipe went one better, seizing the not-fallen-at-all [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and dragging him off. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

[[Image:Rebirth2_mindwipe_hive_machines.jpg|left|thumb|220px|And we wonder why he hates science.]]

In order to rescue their allies, the Autobots became [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] to a group of Nebulan rebels as powerful "Headmasters". Defeated in battle by this new breed of Autobot, Mindwipe and the Decepticons were sent fleeing into the Nebulan wilderness, where they were then accosted by the mentally-controlled machines of Nebulos's evil ruling council, the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]. The Decepticons were brought to the Hive's underground city, where their ruler, Lord Zarak, proposed that they join to become Headmasters as well. Naturally, the Decepticons were not responsive, until Zarak forced them to agree by attacking them with more of their machine servants. Mindwipe's head was subsequently removed and re-engineered to become an exo-suit for the Hive scientist Vorath, but the partnership had immediate teething troubles when Vorath bemoaned that fact that someone of his rank had been paired with a "mangy night-scavenger". Warning him that his mystic powers could trump anything science had to offer, Mindwipe mesmerized Vorath and forced him to combine with him.

[[Image:Rebirth2_mindwipe_and_vorath.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Sure, make fun of Vorath's tiny guns, but, unlike magic, at least they're real.]]

The newly-empowered Decepticons proceeded to attack the Autobots, and in the midst of the fighting, Mindwipe used his extra-sensory powers to deduce that the Autobot Brainstorm was carrying the Plasma Energy Chamber key. Mindwipe tried asking forcefully, but when that did work, he just let Vorath shoot the Autobot so they could steal the key from his fallen body. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

With the key recovered, the Decepticons and their new Hive allies all returned to Cybertron to help [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] overcome the Autobots on the planet. Mindwipe personally took down [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the fight, with a little help from [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Apeface]]. Galvatron then used the key to open the chamber with the intention of destroy Cybertron and Earth; although his plan was foiled, as Mindwipe and the Decepticons were escaping aboard [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], a stray tendril of plasma energy sent them hurtling off into the depths of space. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
{{note|In Japan, Mindwipe is a small robot who transforms into a head and controls a larger, lifeless [[Transtector]] body. The ''Headmasters'' toyline referred to the small robot as "Vorath", with "Wipe" (the character's Japanese name) being the name of the combined small robot/Transtector form, though this distinction of nomenclature is very rarely made in fiction.}}
====''The Great Transformer War''====
[[Image:Greattfwar_mindwipe_beaten_up.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
In the closing days of 2010, while significant Transformer battles were being waged on Earth and across space, Mindwipe and the other Decepticon Headmasters were running from their Autobot counterparts on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]]. The Decepticons appeared to flee by leaping into a chasm, but moments later, they burst up through the ground to catch their pursuers unaware. Unfortunately for the villains, the Autobots were able to sneak away under cover of the dust cloud their emergence created, leaving [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] to mistakenly beat up Mindwipe. The Decepticons soon realized their error, but the Autobots then crashed into them in vehicle mode, ending the fight. At that point, the Decepticon ninja [[Sixshot]] arrived and instructed them to follow him back to [[Chaar]]. The Decepticons fled into space, but the Autobot Headmasters quickly gave chase aboard the battleship Maximus, heading for Cybertron rejoin the larger Transformer war. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{-}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Naoki Tatsuta]] (Japanese)

[[Image:MindwipeHeadmastersAnime1.jpg|right|thumb|225px|"Blah! Try my new chocolatey cereal! Blah!"]]

Four million years ago, Mindwipe was among a group of [[Cyberdroid|diminutive Cybertronians]] who departed Cybertron under the leadership of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], seeking to escape the eternal war that had consumed the planet. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Alas, engine trouble caused their craft to crash land on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], an inhospitable world whose murderous environments and wildly changeable atmospheric conditions threatened the lives of the Cybertronians. Fighting against the odds, the Cybertronians made several technological quantum leaps to survive on Master, including the creation of larger, lifeless Transformer bodies called [[Transtector]]s. Mindwipe and many of his comrades underwent rigorous physical and mental training to master the art of [[transformation]], learning to transform into heads that connected to the Transtectors and placed them under their control. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} Mindwipe was one of ten warriors who became one of these "Headmasters", but he and several other warriors soon began to chafe under Fortress's leadership, and ultimately rebelled against him, siding with a traitor named [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Via the Decepticon ninja [[Sixshot]], Scorponok soon forged an alliance with the Decepticon leader, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

{{note|The events of the ''Great Transformer War'' manga occur at this point.}}
[[Image:Hmep1 mindwipe magic spell.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]
In the year 2011, Mindwipe and his fellow Headmasters [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] joined Galvatron's Decepticons in a massive attack on Cybertron, seeking to seize control of the destabilized [[Vector Sigma]] and establish a Decepticon hold over the planet through the computer. Mindwipe's hypnotic powers proved instrumental in the battle, as he put [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to sleep, but Galvatron was less than impressed, since he also accidentally knocked out Skullcruncher with the technique. Undeterred, Mindwipe put his powers into play again a short time later, taking out Grimlock (again!), [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s, and leaving the entrance to the computer base wide open. Before the villains could enter, however, Fortress's Autobot Headmasters arrived on Cybertron to stop them. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} In ensuing battle, Mindwipe tried using his powers on [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Brainstorm]], but the Decepticons were soon forced to retreat when faced with the power of Fortress's Battleship Maximus. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

Soon after, Mindwipe accompanied Galvatron to Earth to help interfere in the Autobots' search for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]], which could restore balance to Vector Sigma. The villains caught up to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] just as he located the Matrix, and Mindwipe tried using his hypnotism to stop him, only to be beaten down by [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. Hot Rod and the Autobot Headmasters quickly pulled out, heading for Cybertron with the Matrix, and Mindwipe and the Decepticons gave chase, leading to a showdown in Vector Sigma's chamber. When Hot Rod used the Matrix to become Rodimus Prime again, he and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] proceeded to double-team Galvatron, and Mindwipe and his fellow Decepticons fled rather than face the combined might of the two Primes. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

[[Image:Hmep4_mindwipe_vs_throttlebots.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

Mindwipe and his fellow Headmasters accompanied the Decepticons' newest weapon, the [[Madmachine]], when it was unleashed upon Cybertron, and used his hypnosis to make [[Wide Load]] and [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] fight each other. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] helped his team-mates over come the effect, and he and Rollbar tried to haul Mindwipe out of the sky. The Decepticon Headmasters retreated when the Madmachine was destroyed by the Autobot Headmasters. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} After helping the Decepticons enslave planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]], {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}} Mindwipe again clashed with the Throttlebots, this time on Earth, as the Decepticons kept the Autobots busy there while their newest evil creation, [[Metamorpho]], headed towards Athenia. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

[[Image:Hmep7_mindwipe_cross_head_on.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

Under the orders of Scorponok, Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters attacked an Autobot energy outpost on Earth and killed all those stationed there. Before slaying the last survivors, Mindwipe hypnotised him into sending a message to Rodimus Prime, summoning him and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] there with news of a new energy discovery. The two Autobots discovered the deception immediately upon arrival, but it was too late: Mindwipe and his partners in crime had already departed to the planet [[Praum]], where they watched as Scorponok sprang a trap on the Autobot Headmasters. The Autobots overcame the trap by switching heads to boost their power, so the Decepticons tried doing the same (with Mindwipe taking over Weirdwolf's Transtector), but they still got thrashed. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} After this defeat, Mindwipe and his chums decided to sit out the next mission, and played cards instead. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

[[Image:Hmep10_mindwipe_and_bomb.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

When Vector Sigma developed a powerful new alloy named [[cybertonuron]], Mindwipe was among the Decepticons who invaded the planet seeking to take possession of it for Galvatron. Scorponok, however, disliked the idea of seeing the alloy in Galvatron's hands, and so resolved instead to destroy Cybertron, and the cybertonuron with it. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} Mindwipe was given the unenviable task of transporting a clutch of bombs into Cybertron's depths, but even with the Autobot Headmaster nipping at his heels, he succeeded in his task, setting up the explosives in Vector Sigma's chamber and activating their timers. He taunted Chromedome with the fact that the bombs could not be deactivated, then transformed to bat mode and made himself scarce with all due speed. The Transformers all abandoned Cybertron with minutes to spare, save for Galvatron, who attempted to remove the bombs, and was caught at ground-zero of the planet-shattering explosion. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

[[Image:Hmep12_mindwipe_and_pipiro.jpg|left|thumb|225px|For the last time, you little brat, Stop peeing on my roses!]]

With Galvatron apparently destroyed, Scorponok seized command of the Decepticons, and as his first order of business, had Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher steal the [[Solar 1]] satellite. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}} As part of Scorponok's plan to keep the Autobots' attentions focused on Earth, Mindwipe and his fellow Headmasters accompanied the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] in menacing a small South American village. To keep the Autobots at bay during the battle, Mindwipe threatened the life of a local boy named [[Pipiro]], but was thwarted by the heroic actions of Pipiro's pet donkey [[Koro]]. Embarassing. {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} A little later, still distracting the Autobots from Scorponok's bigger scheme with attacks on Earth, Mindwipe joined in a Decepticon attack on [[San Francisco]] with a giant carnivorous plant. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

Scorponok's plans came to a head when he plotted to destroy [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], and sent the Decepticon Headmasters to the planet to place a series of [[plasma energy]] bombs beneath its crust. After doing so, the villainous trio engaged the Autobot Headmasters on Mars's surface, and fooled the heroes with an elaborate trick: during the fight, Hardhead managed to get Mindwipe to "accidentally" hypnotize Skullcruncher, so that he would reveal the location of the bombs. Following Skullcruncher's co-ordinates, the Autobots were actually caught in a pre-prepared trap, and when Fortress arrived to save them, Mindwipe and his fellows got particularly crafty, blasting him with a plasma energy bomb in mid-transformation! {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}} Mindwipe and the Decepticons then withdrew to the planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]], where Scorponok unveiled his secret project: a giant Transtector of his own! The Headmasters boarded Scorponok's giant new body and returned with him to Mars, putting the finishing touches to the bombing set-up while he battled Fortress. Mindwipe and his pals completed their task quickly, and withdrew with Scorponok as Mars was destroyed. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

[[Image:Hmep17 mindwipe nards.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Ooooh, right in the belfry!]]

Mindwipe subsequently attended the coronation of Scorponok on Earth's [[moon (moon)|moon]], but during the event, Galvatron abruptly returned, alive and well, and retook leadership. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Soon after, when Galvatron had him try to interfere with an Autobot energy run to the planet [[Sandra]], Mindwipe got kicked around by the Autobots pretty badly. Literally. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

[[Image:Hmep18_mindwipe_pull_my_tail.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The appearance of two unknown robots in the vicinity of Chaar set off alarm bells for Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters, and they immediately attacked the newcomers. Mindwipe tried hypnotizing the one with a dragon alternate mode, but was promptly swatted out of the sky by its tail, at which point Galvatron arrived to inform them that these were actually their old allies from Master, [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon]]. Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher subsequently went to Earth with the two new arrivals to serve as bodyguards for Galvatron while he negotiated a potential peace with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]. When the negotiation was discovered to be a Decepticon ruse to cover their preparations for an interplanetary energy raid, a fight broke out, and Mindwipe got smacked around by [[Kaen]]. The Decepticons were able to escape and join up with their fellows to carry out the planned raid, destroying the [[space bridge]] to delay the Autobots' pursuit. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

The Decepticons' started their energy gathering by attacking the planets [[Hive (planet)|Hive]] {{storylink|Fight to the Death on Planet Hive!!}} and [[Twin Star]] for energy, but Mindwipe didn't really have much to get up to, and entertained himself on the journey between planets by watching asteroids fly by. {{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}} When the Decepticons set down on the planet [[Darhos]], however, Mindwipe and the Headmasters were given a special task by Scorponok: hunt down the [[Beastformer]] [[Tekna]], who had helped build his Transtector and who was currently imprisoned in a penal colony on the planet, and kill him. Mindwipe and his foul fellows took pleasure in massacring every inmate in the prison, but Tekna managed to escape their wrath long enough to give the Autobots information on the secret weak spot of Scorponok's Transtector. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}}

[[Image:Hmep22 mindwipe shoots.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

On the Decepticons' next target planet, [[Paradise]], Mindwipe was able to get the drop on Highbrow and tried to subdue him with his hypnotic powers. Highbrow fought off the effect long enough to take to the air, so Mindwipe simply shot him down and allowed Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher to beat him into submission. When Highbrow's fellow Autobots came to rescue him, Skullcruncher seized Brainstorm so Mindwipe could punch him, but of course, Brainstorm ducked, and Mindwipe wound up clocking Skullcrunching instead. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} Mindwipe then participated in the battle on [[Pirate Planet]]. {{storylink|Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship}}

[[Image:Hmep24_mindwipe_small_robot.jpg|left|thumb]]

Upon returning to Earth, Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters were assigned a secret mission by Scorponok, sneaking into an Autobot outpost in their small robot mode and planting explosives that wiped out the base personnel. With the base now in their clutches, the trio planet one of a series of explosives beneath it. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} They then helped Scorponok plant another explosive in Alaska, though their activities were briefly interrupted by a wide-ranging battle between Galvatron and the Autobot Headmasters that concluded with the Decepticon leader's destruction. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}} This allowed Scorponok to take control of the Decepticons once again, and he dispatched Mindwipe and the Headmasters to plant the final explosive on the Kamchatka Penninsula. When detonated, this string of explosives would trigger every volcano on the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]] and tear the Earth apart. Luckily, before the bombs could be triggered, Chromedome deduced the location of Scorponok's weak spot, and Fortress Maximus exploited it to critically damage the Decepticon leader. Scorponok withdrew, and Mindwipe and all the other Decepticons fled Earth with him. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

[[Image:Hmep24_mindwipe_bat_mode.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

Mindwipe and the Decepticons withdrew with Scorponok to their old home of planet Master, where they terrorized the locals until the Autobots arrived to stop them. Mindwipe tried hitting Highbrow with his hypnotic waves again, but Brainstorm stepped in to take him down. The Decepticons sought revenge by capturing Chromedome's friend [[Jack (Headmasters)|Jack]], planting a bomb in him, and having Mindwipe hypnotize him into walking into the heart of the Autobot camp. Chromedome was able to break Mindwipe's control over his friend, but alas, it did not save Jack's life. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)}}

Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher observed as Scorponok processed [[G-Metal]] from ore found beneath Master's surface, which he would use to forge a weapon to counter Fortress's [[Master Sword]]. The three Headmasters then captured [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and ransomed for information on the Master Sword, allowing Scorponok to counter its powers. {{storylink|The Master Sword Is in Danger!!}}

[[Image:Hmep31_mindwipe_goofs.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Blah, too much of my cereal is a bad thing. Blah!]]

With this data in their hands, the Decepticons briefly withdrew from Master to throw the Autobots off their tail, hiding in a field of space debris where Mindwipe and Weirdwolf teased Skullcruncher for confusing the space rocks with aliens. Their trail suitably cold, they then returned to Master and headed underground so Scorponok could build his "[[Zarak Shield]]". {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} A mighty battle against the Decepticons followed, with the Autobots backed up by the young warriors of Master, during which Mindwipe took a shot at hypnotizing Chromedome, only to once again accidentally put Skullcruncher to sleep. Luckily, Mindwipe's mistake did not adversely affect the fight, and with the battle won, the Decepticons quickly departed Master, heading back to Earth. {{storylink|Operation: Destroy the Decepticons}} On the way, they were separated from [[Sixshot]] {{storylink|My Friend Sixshot!}} and when they set down on the asteroid [[Pallas]] for repairs, Mindwipe opined that they wouldn't be seeing the ninja again. No sooner had he voiced this opinion, of course, than Sixshot returned. {{storylink|Duel on the Asteroid}}

[[Image:Hmep35_trio_formation.jpg|right|thumb|]]

Once back on Earth, Scorponok immediately had the Decepticons begin setting up "Death Towers" at strategic points around the globe, forged from the [[crysmag metal]] of the lost continent of [[Lemuria (G1)|Lemuria]]. Attempting to defend the tower set up in Egypt, Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher unveiled their newest technique: the "Trio Formation", an odd move that involved them stacking on top of each other like a totem pole. The mode was not exactly a success, as Apeface and Snapdragon thought to get in on the action and wound up toppling it over. The Headmasters' tomfoolery notwithstanding, the Egyptian Death Tower was successfully raised, creating an energy-channelling circuit of towers around the Earth that threatened to rip the planet apart. To stop the Decepticons' plan, the Autobots faced their whole army down in a massive final battle at the North Pole, during which Mindwipe turned his hypnotic powers on Chromedome and Hardhead, but was stopped by [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] and his [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|cassettes]]. The conflict came to a close when the Autobots all channeled their energy into Fortress Maximus, enabling him to destroy Scorponok's Transtector and the circuit, saving the planet and forcing Mindwipe and all the other Decepticons to flee Earth for good. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{-}}

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

[[Image:Hmmanga chromedome snatches bomb.jpg|left|thumb|300px|That's some real nice work, there, Mindwipe.]]

Shortly after their failure to seize control of Vector Sigma, Galvatron led Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters in a rather direct plan to destroy Battleship Maximus: They would lure it into space, and then Mindwipe would, uh, just throw a bomb inside. Unsurprisingly, this plan met with failure when the speedy Chromedome was able to snatch the bomb right out of Mindwipe's hands before he even had the chance to hurl it. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1|The Headmasters #1}}

Mindwipe and the Decepticons later made a return to planet Beest, where they were able to capture Highbrow and Brainstorm. Mindwipe and his partners wanted to take the two Autobots' Transtectors for themselves, but their evil scheme was foiled by the Beastformers' human ally [[Kane]], who threw rocks at them and got them to chase him, thereby giving the Autobots time to escape. During his flight, Kane tripped, and Mindwipe swooped into finish him off, but the Decepticon was abruptly blasted out of the sky by Hardhead. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}}

[[Image:Hmmanga mindwipe bombs highbrow.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

After attacking an Alaskan power plant, Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher were prepared for the arrival of the Autobot Headmasters. Catching their heroic foes unawares, the three villains were able to stop them from combining with their Transtectors, leaving them seemingly helpless before the vicious animal modes of the trio's own bestial Transtectors. Mindwipe and his allies proceeded to hunt the Headmasters through the Alaskan wilderness, until they were tricked into making a pounce that allowed the Autobots to leap over them and rejoin with their Transtectors. Mindwipe and company could only watch and hug each other for support as the four Autobots blasted the everlovin' bejeezus out of the Decepticons' unmanned Transtectors. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 2|The Headmasters #2}}

In addition to all their other faults, Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters proved themselves to be a bunch of Scrooges when they attacked a Christmas party the Autobots were attending at a Japanese childrens' hospital. Mindwipe viciously blasted Highbrow as the Autobot was attempting to protect a crippled boy named [[Masato]], and while he did injure Highbrow, his evil deed did have a good side-effect: Masato was so consumed with emotion at the sight of Highbrow's wounding, he found the strength of will to walk again! This didn't mean anything to Mindwipe, who came zeroing back in to finish the fleshie off, but Chromedome quickly leapt into action and shot Mindwipe down. The three Decepticons were then sent packing, hurled off into the snow-flecked night by the united power of the Autobot Headmasters' "Hell's Great Wheel" technique. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 6|The Headmasters #6}}

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

Several years after the Decepticons' departure from Earth, Mindwipe appeared on Athenia with the other Decepticon Headmasters, working with the new Decepticon [[Godmaster]]s to disrupt the coronation of [[Ginrai]] as [[Supreme Commander]] at the behest of their new secret ruler, [[Devil Z]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:WarWithin_Confrontation_Mindwipe_Streetwise.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Turns out Mindwipe doesn't actually have any hypnotic powers. First Aid's pacifism had finally gotten on Streetwise's nerves.]]

During the [[Dark Ages]], when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] were believed to have been killed in a [[space bridge]] test, Mindwipe was part of the [[Chaos Trinity]] that attempted to use [[dark science]] to manipulate events in their favor. When the mysterious, frighteningly-powerful being known as [[The Fallen]] arrived and offered them dark powers in exchange for their services, they agreed. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} The three managed to initiate a serious surge in factional engagements, in an attempt to isolate the [[Angles of Dissolution]] that the Fallen needed. During their attempt to secure [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], Mindwipe managed to put the [[Autobot]] scientist into a trance, while [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and [[Bugly]] put [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] out of commission. When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], another target, surprised them, Mindwipe was confident he could do the same to Grimlock.

He got thrown into a wall for his troubles. The Fallen had to pull their [[exhaust port]]s out of the fire. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

When they went to secure [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], Mindwipe turned several of the Protectobots against their teammates. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}} However, Shockwave tracked the Chaos Trinity down, bringing [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] as well. Mindwipe believed that it was time to retreat, but found that Bludgeon had already fled. Mindwipe was then [[Slag (slang)|slagged]] by Shockwave. {{storylink|Conflagration}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1mindwipe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Went to the same hypnotism class as [[Blood]] and [[Hellbat]].]]
*'''Mindwipe with Vorath''' (Headmaster, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-86'''
**''Accessories'': "Vorath" Headmaster trainer, "Viper Pistol"

: Mindwipe transforms into a robotic bat. In this mode, Vorath fits into his chest compartment. The tail gets in the way and prevents the bat from standing in an upright position, unless one swings the tail to the front (as seen in the picture), which, while hilarious looking, isn't the correct orientation. One solution is to unscrew the toy and flip the tail over so it angles upwards. Doing this doubly benefits the beast mode in that the tail now acts as a sort of third leg for stability.

:In robot mode, Vorath forms his head; attaching him activates a tumbler mechanism that displays an abbreviated set of [[Tech Spec]]s behind the robot-mode chest panel. Mindwipe and Vorath are both cross-compatible with any other Generation 1 Headmaster body/head.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Decepticon/Mindwipe/mindwipe.htm More information on Mindwipe at TFU.info]
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Kabaya_mindwipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He has been sucking a bit TOO much blood.]]
*'''Wipe''' (1987)
**''Accessories'': Headmaster unit, "Viper Pistol"

:Released in the sixth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line of [[candy toy]]s, this simplified incarnation of Mindwipe is a snap-together model kit constructed of black, red and cream plastic. Standing at about four inches tall, Mindwipe features no paint applications, but has some stickers for decoration. He retains most of the features of his larger toy, including his transforming Headmaster unit, opening cockpit, and Tech Spec meter. As a ''Transformers Gum'' kit, he came with a plank of rock-hard sugar-wood.

::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/1621/Kabaya/Vorath.html More information on Transformers Gum Wipe at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:G1MindwipeOriginalHead.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I loved it. It was much better than ''Cats''. I'm going to see it again and again.]]
* In the television [[commercial]] for [[Marvel Comics]]' ''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]'' limited series, the Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters are shown having different head designs than the ones their Nebulan partners would later turn into. These designs were seemingly never used in any other piece of ''Transformers'' media. The [[Character model|models]] for most of them, however, turned up in the excellent ''[[Transformers Generations]]'' guidebook... ''except'' for Mindwipe's. Damn it.

* Throughout Mindwipe's [[Bob Budiansky]]-penned appearances, he was [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s indispensable and loyal right-hand man. Once [[Simon Furman]] took the reigns, Mindwipe became a rambling coward who'd run if the wind blew the wrong way.

*The most distinguishing elements of Mindwipe's silhouette are the bat-mode wings arcing out from his back, but on Mindwipe's toy, they actually wind up upside-down in robot mode, and folded back. As upside-down wings would look fairly rubbish when spread out, his [[package art]] and American [[character model]] fudge the details on them just enough to make them seem as if they fan out in both directions from the middle of his back. His Japanese character model, however, just renders the wings right-side up, as in bat mode, fanning out over his shoulders. To accomplish this little real-world toy impossibility, his in-show transformation has his wings detach from his body, then reconnect, staying right-side up all the way through.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Mindwipe Mindwipe's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Masterforce characters]]

Mindwipe (G1)

2010-07-15T17:07:20Z

86.86.159.173: /* The Headmasters cartoon */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{disambigr|Mindwipe|the Decepticon from ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''|Mindwipe (ROTF)}}

:''Mindwipe is a [[Decepticon]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. Blah!''

[[Image:G1Mindwipe boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"You're feeling very sleepy..."]]
No one knows the dead quite as well as the Decepticon hypnotist, '''Mindwipe'''. A mysterious and mystical one, Mindwipe claims to have the powers to commune with [[Transformer]]s who have long since left this plane of existence. From Black Sabbaths to seances to super-conductive antennae, Mindwipe knows of many methods to reach those who now rest in peace.

Well...not really. He desperately ''wants'' to speak with the departed [[spark]]s of dead Decepticons, but all his labors to create antennae and receivers for the departed have had... "limited" success. In reality, all he's picking up are radio broadcasts of old [[Earth]] sitcoms, which he's actually become quite fond of. Still, some day, Mindwipe hopes to finally bridge the gap between the realm of the living and the [[Allspark|realm of the dead]]. Despite those shortcomings, Mindwipe is a formidable opponent, able to hypnotize and control both organic and mechanical lifeforms just by making eye contact, and with an eerie and potent precognitive "sixth sense." But sometimes he forgets this and, when the odds look stacked against him, Mindwipe's more than happy to turn tail and get while the getting's good. His loyalty lasts exactly as long as his bravery.

He is [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] to the [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] [[Vorath]], a scientist. Yes, a scientist. They disagree on pretty much everything.

{{bigquote|The powers of darkness are a more powerful weapon than all the toys your science can muster.|Mindwipe, talking all spooky to [[Vorath]]|"[[The Rebirth, Part 2]]"}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Wipe''', '''Vorath''' (see below)
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Agymosó'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Amnésiak'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Pipistrello'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:LoveandSteel-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|150px|This is the only way Mindwipe can score a date.]]

Mindwipe was one of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s soldiers on Cybertron. After [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s unit abandoned Cybertron, Scorponok received word they had come to the planet called [[Nebulos]], and brought a strike team to that world in order to exact revenge. After kidnapping the Nebulans who called them to this world, Scorponok gave them to Mindwipe to use for his experiments. Mindwipe removed [[Monzo]] from his cage and placed him in front of a machine that enclosed the Nebulan in a polymer membrane bubble. After a shot from [[Skullcruncher]]'s anti-gravity gun, Monzo went floating up through an opening in the roof, but the bubble popped, prompting Mindwipe to catch Monzo so as to not waste a "good laboratory animal."

But before further experiments could be performed, [[Lord Zarak]], one of their Nebulan prisoners, suggested that the Decepticons [[binary bond]] with them to become [[Headmasters]], so that they could match the power of the Autobots who had recently gone under this process themselves. When the Decepticons next met the Autobots in battle, Mindwipe was now bonded with Vorath, and the two sides were evenly matched. To tip the odds, Mindwipe hypnotized members of the [[Council of Peers]] and Zarak's daughter, [[Llyra]], into getting enclosed in the same polymer bubbles that Monzo had previously. After the Autobots saved the Nebulans, Mindwipe and the other Headmaster Decepticons shot the Autobots in the backs. Lord Zarak presented himself, Mindwipe, and the others are Nebulos's true heroes. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

[[Image:WorldsApart-Mindwipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Surprise, Mindwipe hypnotizes a lot.]]

The Decepticon Headmasters struck next at the [[Mercury Gardens of Melanossus]], where they faced the [[Monsterbot]]s. Once the Nebulan partners combined with their Decepticon bodies, the Monsterbots were overwhelmed and forced to retreat. Vorath detached from Mindwipe again when the [[Nebulan News Network|media]] arrived, while Zarak explained that even though the Gardens were destroyed in the process, this was a victory for Nebulos. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''At some point during their stay on Nebulos, the Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters fought each other. Mindwipe hypnotized [[Brainstorm]], causing him to crash into [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. When Mindwipe found the defeated bodies of his peers, however, Mindwipe staged a panicked retreat. {{storylink|Worlds Apart!}}''

However, Zarak didn't believe his own lies and ultimately led Mindwipe and the other Decepticons offworld to follow the Autobots to Earth. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

[[Image:TrialbyFire-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|100px|Well, that's randomly toyetic.]]

Mindwipe detected the signal that the Autobots were drawn to on Earth, and found that it originated from an [[Ark (G1)|abandoned Autobot headquarters]] inside a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] cavern. But Fortress Maximus's Autobots weren't far, and the Decepticons fought them once again. Mindwipe and the others were stampeded out of the volcano when Fortress Maximus picked up a new Headmaster partner, the Earth human [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

While his scientifically inclined partner Vorath helped Scorponok create [[Pretender]] technology, Mindwipe watched silently in bat mode, probably muttering to himself about how magic is totally better. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

''Scorponok put Mindwipe's hypnotic powers to use setting a trap for [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], by having him mesmerize some humans who then led the Autobot Headmaster into a deep wood. The trap sprung, Highbrow attempted to flee, but Mindwipe pursued and used his powers to give him a severe case of amnesia. Scorponok tried to convince the brainwashed Highbrow that he was really a Decepticon, but Highbrow remained ill at ease, so the Decepticons tried to defuse the tense atmosphere by transforming their heads into Nebulan mode. Unfortunately, it was at this point that they discovered Mindwipe's fatal mistake: He had neglected to also blank the mind of Highbrow's partner, [[Gort]]. Gort knocked out Vorath, taking Mindwipe out of the fight, and then recombined with Highbrow, restoring his memory. He proceeded to rip Scorponok's head from his shoulders, the mental shock knocking the Decepticon leader offline. {{storylink|All in the Minds!}} Not long thereafter, amidst a time storm that threatened to end all reality, Mindwipe helped hunt down Highbrow in order to reclaim Scorponok's stolen head. Once Mindwipe retrieved the head and restored it to Scorponok's shoulders, the rest of his team was shunted to [[Limbo]] and replaced by a group of Decepticons from 2009 led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. After some misunderstandings were ironed out, Mindwipe and the two other Decepticons not limboed away formed a temporary alliance with the Autobots, the future Autobots, and the future Decepticons against the time-traveling [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. But the alliance was short-lived; when the future [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] accidentally shot Scorponok, Mindwipe joined his fellow present-day Decepticons in tearing Ultra Magnus apart. They retreated with Scorponok's wounded body just before Galvatron was thrown into the time storm, sating it and saving the universe. {{storylink|Time Wars}}''

[[Image:Beachcomberdarkstar.jpg|right|thumb|150px|And then I conveniently disappear for that whole Underbase massacre.]]

Inevitably, Scorponok's band of Earthbound Decepticons met with [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s band of Earthbound Decepticons, and a group including Mindwipe was given a really boring tour by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of Ratbat's [[Club Con|island headquarters]]. When the tour's star attraction, the kidnapped [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], unwittingly let slip that Ratbat was searching for a powerful artifact called the [[Underbase]], Scorponok was enraged. Scorponok took Mindwipe and the others to confront Ratbat for hording such information, and a civil war broke out between the two Decepticon camps. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Soon the Autobots as well were drawn to the island base, and the Decepticons put aside their differences to fight the surprised Autobots. Mindwipe was quick to maul the hapless [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

In the wake of the [[Underbase Saga]], Scorponok took command of the remnants of the Decepticon army and established a headquarters under a garbage dump in [[New Jersey]], across the river from [[New York City]]. He had Mindwipe engineer an energy conversion machine to convert power into [[Energon]], and all he needed was for a cable to be laid across the river, connected to an electrostator placed at the top of the [[Empire State Building]]. Unfortunately, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]] failed at this and seemingly perished. {{storylink|King Con!}}

The Decepticons scrambled once again when the [[Micromaster]] [[Air Strike Patrol]] summoned them to [[MacDill Air Force Base]] after the wayward new recruits, facing Optimus Prime and the entire Autobot army, were seemingly over their heads. Though both Optimus Prime and Scorponok privately suspected someone had arranged for this altercation, a fight broke out regardless. Mindwipe got punched in the batface by [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], while the Air Strike Patrol made their quiet retreat. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} Mindwipe recuperated and joined Scorponok in advancing on the Autobots, just as Optimus Prime, strangely, called all his troops other than himself to return to the Ark. Scorponok was suspicious, and Mindwipe suggested that some powerful weapon was hidden inside the Autobots' [[All-Terrain Turbo-Transport|shuttlecraft]]. Mindwipe and the others rushed Optimus Prime as he tried to stop Scorponok from firing on the shuttlecraft, but Prime, who was quickly becoming frustrated with the day's events, was able to overpower all of them. As Optimus pleaded to Scorponok to stop fighting and determine the mastermind who was pulling their strings, they were interrupted by a huge hint: Starscream had arrived, reborn as a Pretender. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}} Curiouser still, Mindwipe was shocked as Starscream claimed he had been sent by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], also believed to be dead! As Starscream's Pretender shell trounced Optimus Prime, Scorponok half-heartedly ordered Mindwipe and [[Weirdwolf]] to help him. Mindwipe learned the hard way that his hypnotic power had no effect on the new Starscream, just before Starscream suddenly reverted to his classic cowardly self and begged for mercy. {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

[[Image:PrimalScream-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|150px|And though you can't see the bottom, believe me it's a long way down.]]

Scorponok reluctantly allowed Starscream back into their ranks, a decision that began to turn his troops against him. Mindwipe was one of the most vocal members of this retaliation, and pointed to the hole Starscream had put in his chest. He reminded Scorponok that Starscream was a chronic traitor, but Scorponok rebuked him, noting that Starscream was a powerful warrior needed to bolster their ranks, and was better kept close so they could monitor his actions. {{storylink|Primal Scream}} But when Starscream went missing, Mindwipe and [[Triggerhappy]] decided they'd had enough and left Scorponok's command. Ironically enough, they ran into Starscream himself and joined his small band of Decepticons against Scorponok. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}} Mindwipe and Triggerhappy returned with Starscream, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to Shockwave's underwater headquarters, where they learned that their forces also included the [[Battlecharger]]s. With only seven on their team, Mindwipe was not impressed and expressed doubts, but when Starscream told him that they'd either fight for them or be executed, he quickly changed his mind.

[[Image:OutofTime-hypnotism.jpg|right|thumb|300px|How much more hypnotism can we cram into this page?]]

Immediately, the seven flew to Scorponok's base and fired into it from the air, collapsing it on an Autobot/Decepticon alliance that had been forming. {{storylink|Surrender!}} Once again, Mindwipe was the designated worrier. Though the collapsed base showed no signs of life, if Scorponok had survived, he said their best bet was to get while the getting was good. Triggerhappy agreed, and Starscream silently pitied their cowardice. Unfortunately for Starscream, Mindwipe was right, and Scorponok burst out of the ground to deal with them. Shockwave ordered Mindwipe and the others to rush Scorponok, an idea that was not popular with Mindwipe, and for good reason. Scorponok shrugged off their attacks. Mindwipe and Starscream subsequently concerned themselves with Scorponok's troops while Scorponok battled his equal, Shockwave. {{storylink|...All This and Civil War 2}}

Mindwipe put his magic powers to good use and hypnotized Field Commander [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with the intention of controlling the troops through him. It was a good plan! And [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] agreed! At gunpoint, Mindwipe told Soundwave to tell all the other Decepticons to lay down their arms in service of the Autobot/Decepticon alliance against [[Unicron]] -- just in time for every Transformer on Earth to be warped to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by their creator, [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Out of Time!}} Mindwipe watched with the other warped Transformers as Primus explained to them the history between himself and Unicron, and that the Transformers' destiny was to defeat him. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

[[Image:EdgeofExtinction-Mindwipedies.jpg|left|thumb|250px|He doesn't look ''that'' bad, he's -- oh, he's ''not'' in bat mode? Oh. Oh.]]

Once the massive planet-sized Unicron arrived, Mindwipe and the other Transformers froze in terror. After watching [[Brainstorm]] get eaten by the Chaos Bringer, Mindwipe regained enough of his faculties to be able to run away. The Transformers did eventually come around and face their destined adversary, but it did not end well for Mindwipe. As Unicron tore an avatar of the [[Creation Matrix]] to pieces, the resulting shockwave sent what was left of Mindwipe's body flying. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

{{-}}
=====Earthforce=====
[[Image:Uk271 mindwipe nightlights.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]
{{earthforcefiction}}
After having been thrown out of the Decepticon army for trying to hypnotize Scorponok into making him leader, Mindwipe devised a master scheme of his own. He manufactured thousands of thought-sensitive [[Sleepfast]]™ night lights, selling them to humans on the novelty that they actually turned on or off just by thinking at them. Little did the humans know, however, that repetitive use of the night lights had a subliminal mind-control effect. Over time, Mindwipe would have gained an army of human slaves! Luckily for Humanity, the Autobots [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] came to investigate, and they confronted Mindwipe in his storage facility. He was beaten by his own night lights when the Autobots suddenly thought "Lights on!" in a darkened room, turning on thousands of Sleepfasts™ at once and temporarily blinding the Decepticon.

Mindwipe was, to coin a phrase, bat-sh*t nuts. {{storylink|The Living Nightlights!}}
{{--}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:NewDawn-Mindwipe.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Mindwipe: All magic, no balls.]]
Mindwipe was still a part of the Decepticons after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] took back control of the army from [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. He was involved in the disastrous first encounter between Megatron's troops and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]]. After Megatron was literally knocked out of orbit by Jhiaxus and plummeted to the planet below, Mindwipe joined [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Drag Strip]] and [[Weirdwolf]] in looking for their fallen leader. He was in the midst of voicing the selfish but sensible idea of abandoning Megatron to his fate and gettin' the slag outta there when Drag Strip found their commander. {{storylink|New Dawn}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Stephen Keener]] (English), [[Eiji Itō]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Mindwipe in altmode.jpg|right|thumb|220px|I'd do anything this picture told me to.]]
After an all-too-brief period of peace following the resurrection of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Mindwipe was one of the many Decepticons who attacked [[Autobot City]] in 2007, creating a huge distraction to cover for [[Pounce]] and [[Wingspan]]'s theft of the key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. During the battle, Mindwipe used his hypnotic powers to seize control of [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]]'s mind, forcing him to back away, over the edge of a nearby cliff and into the lake below. The Autobots were able to steal back the key, but not before it was used to briefly open the Plasma Energy Chamber, releasing a bolt of energy that hurled a group of Autobots, and the key, across the galaxy to the planet Nebulos. Mindwipe was among the Decepticons sent to Nebulos in pursuit of the key, and he participated in the first battle on the planet. When the Decepticons were forced to retreat, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] instructed them to gather the fallen Autobots so they could torture them for information on the key's location, but Mindwipe went one better, seizing the not-fallen-at-all [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and dragging him off. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

[[Image:Rebirth2_mindwipe_hive_machines.jpg|left|thumb|220px|And we wonder why he hates science.]]

In order to rescue their allies, the Autobots became [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] to a group of Nebulan rebels as powerful "Headmasters". Defeated in battle by this new breed of Autobot, Mindwipe and the Decepticons were sent fleeing into the Nebulan wilderness, where they were then accosted by the mentally-controlled machines of Nebulos's evil ruling council, the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]. The Decepticons were brought to the Hive's underground city, where their ruler, Lord Zarak, proposed that they join to become Headmasters as well. Naturally, the Decepticons were not responsive, until Zarak forced them to agree by attacking them with more of their machine servants. Mindwipe's head was subsequently removed and re-engineered to become an exo-suit for the Hive scientist Vorath, but the partnership had immediate teething troubles when Vorath bemoaned that fact that someone of his rank had been paired with a "mangy night-scavenger". Warning him that his mystic powers could trump anything science had to offer, Mindwipe mesmerized Vorath and forced him to combine with him.

[[Image:Rebirth2_mindwipe_and_vorath.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Sure, make fun of Vorath's tiny guns, but, unlike magic, at least they're real.]]

The newly-empowered Decepticons proceeded to attack the Autobots, and in the midst of the fighting, Mindwipe used his extra-sensory powers to deduce that the Autobot Brainstorm was carrying the Plasma Energy Chamber key. Mindwipe tried asking forcefully, but when that did work, he just let Vorath shoot the Autobot so they could steal the key from his fallen body. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

With the key recovered, the Decepticons and their new Hive allies all returned to Cybertron to help [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] overcome the Autobots on the planet. Mindwipe personally took down [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the fight, with a little help from [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Apeface]]. Galvatron then used the key to open the chamber with the intention of destroy Cybertron and Earth; although his plan was foiled, as Mindwipe and the Decepticons were escaping aboard [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], a stray tendril of plasma energy sent them hurtling off into the depths of space. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
{{note|In Japan, Mindwipe is a small robot who transforms into a head and controls a larger, lifeless [[Transtector]] body. The ''Headmasters'' toyline referred to the small robot as "Vorath", with "Wipe" (the character's Japanese name) being the name of the combined small robot/Transtector form, though this distinction of nomenclature is very rarely made in fiction.}}
====''The Great Transformer War''====
[[Image:Greattfwar_mindwipe_beaten_up.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
In the closing days of 2010, while significant Transformer battles were being waged on Earth and across space, Mindwipe and the other Decepticon Headmasters were running from their Autobot counterparts on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]]. The Decepticons appeared to flee by leaping into a chasm, but moments later, they burst up through the ground to catch their pursuers unaware. Unfortunately for the villains, the Autobots were able to sneak away under cover of the dust cloud their emergence created, leaving [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] to mistakenly beat up Mindwipe. The Decepticons soon realized their error, but the Autobots then crashed into them in vehicle mode, ending the fight. At that point, the Decepticon ninja [[Sixshot]] arrived and instructed them to follow him back to [[Chaar]]. The Decepticons fled into space, but the Autobot Headmasters quickly gave chase aboard the battleship Maximus, heading for Cybertron rejoin the larger Transformer war. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{-}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Naoki Tatsuta]] (Japanese)

[[Image:MindwipeHeadmastersAnime1.jpg|right|thumb|225px|"Blah! Try my new chocolatey cereal! Blah!"]]

Four million years ago, Mindwipe was among a group of [[Cyberdroid|diminutive Cybertronians]] who departed Cybertron under the leadership of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], seeking to escape the eternal war that had consumed the planet. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Alas, engine trouble caused their craft to crash land on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], an inhospitable world whose murderous environments and wildly changeable atmospheric conditions threatened the lives of the Cybertronians. Fighting against the odds, the Cybertronians made several technological quantum leaps to survive on Master, including the creation of larger, lifeless Transformer bodies called [[Transtector]]s. Mindwipe and many of his comrades underwent rigorous physical and mental training to master the art of [[transformation]], learning to transform into heads that connected to the Transtectors and placed them under their control. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} Mindwipe was one of ten warriors who became one of these "Headmasters", but he and several other warriors soon began to chafe under Fortress's leadership, and ultimately rebelled against him, siding with a traitor named [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Via the Decepticon ninja [[Sixshot]], Scorponok soon forged an alliance with the Decepticon leader, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

{{note|The events of the ''Great Transformer War'' manga occur at this point.}}
[[Image:Hmep1 mindwipe magic spell.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]
In the year 2011, Mindwipe and his fellow Headmasters [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Skullcruncher]] joined Galvatron's Decepticons in a massive attack on Cybertron, seeking to seize control of the destabilized [[Vector Sigma]] and establish a Decepticon hold over the planet through the computer. Mindwipe's hypnotic powers proved instrumental in the battle, as he put [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to sleep, but Galvatron was less than impressed, since he also accidentally knocked out Skullcruncher with the technique. Undeterred, Mindwipe put his powers into play again a short time later, taking out Grimlock (again!), [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s, and leaving the entrance to the computer base wide open. Before the villains could enter, however, Fortress's Autobot Headmasters arrived on Cybertron to stop them. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} In ensuing battle, Mindwipe tried using his powers on [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Brainstorm]], but the Decepticons were soon forced to retreat when faced with the power of Fortress's Battleship Maximus. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

Soon after, Mindwipe accompanied Galvatron to Earth to help interfere in the Autobots' search for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]], which could restore balance to Vector Sigma. The villains caught up to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] just as he located the Matrix, and Mindwipe tried using his hypnotism to stop him, only to be beaten down by [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. Hot Rod and the Autobot Headmasters quickly pulled out, heading for Cybertron with the Matrix, and Mindwipe and the Decepticons gave chase, leading to a showdown in Vector Sigma's chamber. When Hot Rod used the Matrix to become Rodimus Prime again, he and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] proceeded to double-team Galvatron, and Mindwipe and his fellow Decepticons fled rather than face the combined might of the two Primes. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

[[Image:Hmep4_mindwipe_vs_throttlebots.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

Mindwipe and his fellow Headmasters accompanied the Decepticons' newest weapon, the [[Madmachine]], when it was unleashed upon Cybertron, and used his hypnosis to make [[Wide Load]] and [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] fight each other. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] helped his team-mates over come the effect, and he and Rollbar tried to haul Mindwipe out of the sky. The Decepticon Headmasters retreated when the Madmachine was destroyed by the Autobot Headmasters. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} After helping the Decepticons enslave planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]], {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}} Mindwipe again clashed with the Throttlebots, this time on Earth, as the Decepticons kept the Autobots busy there while their newest evil creation, [[Metamorpho]], headed towards Athenia. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

[[Image:Hmep7_mindwipe_cross_head_on.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

Under the orders of Scorponok, Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters attacked an Autobot energy outpost on Earth and killed all those stationed there. Before slaying the last survivors, Mindwipe hypnotised him into sending a message to Rodimus Prime, summoning him and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] there with news of a new energy discovery. The two Autobots discovered the deception immediately upon arrival, but it was too late: Mindwipe and his partners in crime had already departed to the planet [[Praum]], where they watched as Scorponok sprang a trap on the Autobot Headmasters. The Autobots overcame the trap by switching heads to boost their power, so the Decepticons tried doing the same (with Mindwipe taking over Weirdwolf's Transtector), but they still got thrashed. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} After this defeat, Mindwipe and his chums decided to sit out the next mission, and played cards instead. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

[[Image:Hmep10_mindwipe_and_bomb.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

When Vector Sigma developed a powerful new alloy named [[cybertonuron]], Mindwipe was among the Decepticons who invaded the planet seeking to take possession of it for Galvatron. Scorponok, however, disliked the idea of seeing the alloy in Galvatron's hands, and so resolved instead to destroy Cybertron, and the cybertonuron with it. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} Mindwipe was given the unenviable task of transporting a clutch of bombs into Cybertron's depths, but even with the Autobot Headmaster nipping at his heels, he succeeded in his task, setting up the explosives in Vector Sigma's chamber and activating their timers. He taunted Chromedome with the fact that the bombs could not be deactivated, then transformed to bat mode and made himself scarce with all due speed. The Transformers all abandoned Cybertron with minutes to spare, save for Galvatron, who attempted to remove the bombs, and was caught at ground-zero of the planet-shattering explosion. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

[[Image:Hmep12_mindwipe_and_pipiro.jpg|left|thumb|225px|For the last time, you little brat, Stop peeing on my roses!]]

With Galvatron apparently destroyed, Scorponok seized command of the Decepticons, and as his first order of business, had Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher steal the [[Solar 1]] satellite. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}} As part of Scorponok's plan to keep the Autobots' attentions focused on Earth, Mindwipe and his fellow Headmasters accompanied the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] in menacing a small South American village. To keep the Autobots at bay during the battle, Mindwipe threatened the life of a local boy named [[Pipiro]], but was thwarted by the heroic actions of Pipiro's pet donkey [[Koro]]. Embarassing. {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} A little later, still distracting the Autobots from Scorponok's bigger scheme with attacks on Earth, Mindwipe joined in a Decepticon attack on [[San Francisco]] with a giant carnivorous plant. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

Scorponok's plans came to a head when he plotted to destroy [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], and sent the Decepticon Headmasters to the planet to place a series of [[plasma energy]] bombs beneath its crust. After doing so, the villainous trio engaged the Autobot Headmasters on Mars's surface, and fooled the heroes with an elaborate trick: during the fight, Hardhead managed to get Mindwipe to "accidentally" hypnotize Skullcruncher, so that he would reveal the location of the bombs. Following Skullcruncher's co-ordinates, the Autobots were actually caught in a pre-prepared trap, and when Fortress arrived to save them, Mindwipe and his fellows got particularly crafty, blasting him with a plasma energy bomb in mid-transformation! {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}} Mindwipe and the Decepticons then withdrew to the planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]], where Scorponok unveiled his secret project: a giant Transtector of his own! The Headmasters boarded Scorponok's giant new body and returned with him to Mars, putting the finishing touches to the bombing set-up while he battled Fortress. Mindwipe and his pals completed their task quickly, and withdrew with Scorponok as Mars was destroyed. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

[[Image:Hmep17 mindwipe nards.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Ooooh, right in the belfry!]]

Mindwipe subsequently attended the coronation of Scorponok on Earth's [[moon (moon)|moon]], but during the event, Galvatron abruptly returned, alive and well, and retook leadership. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Soon after, when Galvatron had him try to interfere with an Autobot energy run to the planet [[Sandra]], Mindwipe got kicked around by the Autobots pretty badly. Literally. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

[[Image:Hmep18_mindwipe_pull_my_tail.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The appearance of two unknown robots in the vicinity of Chaar set off alarm bells for Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters, and they immediately attacked the newcomers. Mindwipe tried hypnotizing the one with a dragon alternate mode, but was promptly swatted out of the sky by its tail, at which point Galvatron arrived to inform them that these were actually their old allies from Master, [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon]]. Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher subsequently went to Earth with the two new arrivals to serve as bodyguards for Galvatron while he negotiated a potential peace with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]. When the negotiation was discovered to be a Decepticon ruse to cover their preparations for an interplanetary energy raid, a fight broke out, and Mindwipe got smacked around by [[Kaen]]. The Decepticons were able to escape and join up with their fellows to carry out the planned raid, destroying the [[space bridge]] to delay the Autobots' pursuit. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

The Decepticons' started their energy gathering by attacking the planets [[Hive (planet)|Hive]] {{storylink|Fight to the Death on Planet Hive!!}} and [[Twin Star]] for energy, but Mindwipe didn't really have much to get up to, and entertained himself on the journey between planets by watching asteroids fly by. {{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}} When the Decepticons set down on the planet [[Darhos]], however, Mindwipe and the Headmasters were given a special task by Scorponok: hunt down the [[Beastformer]] [[Tekna]], who had helped build his Transtector and who was currently imprisoned in a penal colony on the planet, and kill him. Mindwipe and his foul fellows took pleasure in massacring every inmate in the prison, but Tekna managed to escape their wrath long enough to give the Autobots information on the secret weak spot of Scorponok's Transtector. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}}

[[Image:Hmep22 mindwipe shoots.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

On the Decepticons' next target planet, [[Paradise]], Mindwipe was able to get the drop on Highbrow and tried to subdue him with his hypnotic powers. Highbrow fought off the effect long enough to take to the air, so Mindwipe simply shot him down and allowed Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher to beat him into submission. When Highbrow's fellow Autobots came to rescue him, Skullcruncher seized Brainstorm so Mindwipe could punch him, but of course, Brainstorm ducked, and Mindwipe wound up clocking Skullcrunching instead. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} Mindwipe then participated in the battle on [[Pirate Planet]]. {{storylink|Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship}}

[[Image:Hmep24_mindwipe_small_robot.jpg|left|thumb]]

Upon returning to Earth, Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters were assigned a secret mission by Scorponok, sneaking into an Autobot outpost in their small robot mode and planting explosives that wiped out the base personnel. With the base now in their clutches, the trio planet one of a series of explosives beneath it. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} They then helped Scorponok plant another explosive in Alaska, though their activities were briefly interrupted by a wide-ranging battle between Galvatron and the Autobot Headmasters that concluded with the Decepticon leader's destruction. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}} This allowed Scorponok to take control of the Decepticons once again, and he dispatched Mindwipe and the Headmasters to plant the final explosive on the Kamchatka Penninsula. When detonated, this string of explosives would trigger every volcano on the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]] and tear the Earth apart. Luckily, before the bombs could be triggered, Chromedome deduced the location of Scorponok's weak spot, and Fortress Maximus exploited it to critically damage the Decepticon leader. Scorponok withdrew, and Mindwipe and all the other Decepticons fled Earth with him. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

[[Image:Hmep24_mindwipe_bat_mode.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

Mindwipe and the Decepticons withdrew with Scorponok to their old home of planet Master, where they terrorized the locals until the Autobots arrived to stop them. Mindwipe tried hitting Highbrow with his hypnotic waves again, but Brainstorm stepped in to take him down. The Decepticons sought revenge by capturing Chromedome's friend [[Jack (Headmasters)|Jack]], planting a bomb in him, and having Mindwipe hypnotize him into walking into the heart of the Autobot camp. Chromedome was able to break Mindwipe's control over his friend, but alas, it did not save Jack's life. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)}}

Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher observed as Scorponok processed [[G-Metal]] from ore found beneath Master's surface, which he would use to forge a weapon to counter Fortress's [[Master Sword]]. The three Headmasters then captured [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and ransomed for information on the Master Sword, allowing Scorponok to counter its powers. {{storylink|The Master Sword Is in Danger!!}}

[[Image:Hmep31_mindwipe_goofs.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Blah, too much of my cereal is a bad thing. Blah!]]

With this data in their hands, the Decepticons briefly withdrew from Master to throw the Autobots off their tail, hiding in a field of space debris where Mindwipe and Weirdwolf teased Skullcruncher for confusing the space rocks with aliens. Their trail suitably cold, they then returned to Master and headed underground so Scorponok could build his "[[Zarak Shield]]". {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} A mighty battle against the Decepticons followed, with the Autobots backed up by the young warriors of Master, during which Mindwipe took a shot at hypnotizing Chromedome, only to once again accidentally put Skullcruncher to sleep. Luckily, Mindwipe's mistake did not adversely affect the fight, and with the battle won, the Decepticons quickly departed Master, heading back to Earth. {{storylink|Operation: Destroy the Decepticons}} On the way, they were separated from [[Sixshot]] {{storylink|My Friend Sixshot!}} and when they set down on the asteroid [[Pallas]] for repairs, Mindwipe opined that they wouldn't be seeing the ninja again. No sooner had he voiced this opinion, of course, than Sixshot returned. {{storylink|Duel on the Asteroid}}

[[Image:Hmep35_trio_formation.jpg|right|thumb|]]

Once back on Earth, Scorponok immediately had the Decepticons begin setting up "Death Towers" at strategic points around the globe, forged from the [[crysmag metal]] of the lost continent of [[Lemuria (G1)|Lemuria]]. Attempting to defend the tower set up in Egypt, Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher unveiled their newest technique: the "Trio Formation", an odd move that involved them stacking on top of each other like a totem pole. The mode was not exactly a success, as Apeface and Snapdragon thought to get in on the action and wound up toppling it over. The Headmasters' tomfoolery notwithstanding, the Egyptian Death Tower was successfully raised, creating an energy-channelling circuit of towers around the Earth that threatened to rip the planet apart. To stop the Decepticons' plan, the Autobots faced their whole army down in a massive final battle at the North Pole, during which Mindwipe turned his hypnotic powers on Chromedome and Hardhead, but was stopped by [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] and his [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|cassettes]]. The conflict came to a close when the Autobots all channeled their energy into Fortress Maximus, enabling him to destroy Scorponok's Transtector and the circuit, saving the planet and forcing Mindwipe and all the other Decepticons to flee Earth for good. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{-}}

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

[[Image:Hmmanga chromedome snatches bomb.jpg|left|thumb|300px|That's some real nice work, there, Mindwipe.]]

Shortly after their failure to seize control of Vector Sigma, Galvatron led Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters in a rather direct plan to destroy Battleship Maximus: They would lure it into space, and then Mindwipe would, uh, just throw a bomb inside. Unsurprisingly, this plan met with failure when the speedy Chromedome was able to snatch the bomb right out of Mindwipe's hands before he even had the chance to hurl it. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1|The Headmasters #1}}

Mindwipe and the Decepticons later made a return to planet Beest, where they were able to capture Highbrow and Brainstorm. Mindwipe and his partners wanted to take the two Autobots' Transtectors for themselves, but their evil scheme was foiled by the Beastformers' human ally [[Kane]], who threw rocks at them and got them to chase him, thereby giving the Autobots time to escape. During his flight, Kane tripped, and Mindwipe swooped into finish him off, but the Decepticon was abruptly blasted out of the sky by Hardhead. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}}

[[Image:Hmmanga mindwipe bombs highbrow.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

After attacking an Alaskan power plant, Mindwipe, Weirdwolf and Skullcruncher were prepared for the arrival of the Autobot Headmasters. Catching their heroic foes unawares, the three villains were able to stop them from combining with their Transtectors, leaving them seemingly helpless before the vicious animal modes of the trio's own bestial Transtectors. Mindwipe and his allies proceeded to hunt the Headmasters through the Alaskan wilderness, until they were tricked into making a pounce that allowed the Autobots to leap over them and rejoin with their Transtectors. Mindwipe and company could only watch and hug each other for support as the four Autobots blasted the everlovin' bejeezus out of the Decepticons' unmanned Transtectors. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 2|The Headmasters #2}}

In addition to all their other faults, Mindwipe and the Decepticon Headmasters proved themselves to be a bunch of Scrooges when they attacked a Christmas party the Autobots were attending at a Japanese childrens' hospital. Mindwipe viciously blasted Highbrow as the Autobot was attempting to protect a crippled boy named [[Masato]], and while he did injure Highbrow, his evil deed did have a good side-effect: Masato was so consumed with emotion at the sight of Highbrow's wounding, he found the strength of will to walk again! This didn't mean anything to Mindwipe, who came zeroing back in to finish the fleshie off, but Chromedome quickly leapt into action and shot Mindwipe down. The three Decepticons were then sent packing, hurled off into the snow-flecked night by the united power of the Autobot Headmasters' "Hell's Great Wheel" technique. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 6|The Headmasters #6}}

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

Several years after the Decepticons' departure from Earth, Mindwipe appeared on Athenia with the other Decepticon Headmasters, working with the new Decepticon [[Godmaster]]s to disrupt the coronation of [[Ginrai]] as [[Supreme Commander]] at the behest of their new secret ruler, [[Devil Z]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:WarWithin_Confrontation_Mindwipe_Streetwise.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Turns out Mindwipe doesn't actually have any hypnotic powers. First Aid's pacifism had finally gotten on Streetwise's nerves.]]

During the [[Dark Ages]], when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] were believed to have been killed in a [[space bridge]] test, Mindwipe was part of the [[Chaos Trinity]] that attempted to use [[dark science]] to manipulate events in their favor. When the mysterious, frighteningly-powerful being known as [[The Fallen]] arrived and offered them dark powers in exchange for their services, they agreed. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} The three managed to initiate a serious surge in factional engagements, in an attempt to isolate the [[Angles of Dissolution]] that the Fallen needed. During their attempt to secure [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], Mindwipe managed to put the [[Autobot]] scientist into a trance, while [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and [[Bugly]] put [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] out of commission. When [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], another target, surprised them, Mindwipe was confident he could do the same to Grimlock.

He got thrown into a wall for his troubles. The Fallen had to pull their [[exhaust port]]s out of the fire. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

When they went to secure [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], Mindwipe turned several of the Protectobots against their teammates. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}} However, Shockwave tracked the Chaos Trinity down, bringing [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] as well. Mindwipe believed that it was time to retreat, but found that Bludgeon had already fled. Mindwipe was then [[Slag (slang)|slagged]] by Shockwave. {{storylink|Conflagration}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1mindwipe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Went to the same hypnotism class as [[Blood]] and [[Hellbat]].]]
*'''Mindwipe with Vorath''' (Headmaster, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-86'''
**''Accessories'': "Vorath" Headmaster trainer, "Viper Pistol"

: Mindwipe transforms into a robotic bat. In this mode, Vorath fits into his chest compartment. The tail gets in the way and prevents the bat from standing in an upright position, unless one swings the tail to the front (as seen in the picture), which, while hilarious looking, isn't the correct orientation. One solution is to unscrew the toy and flip the tail over so it angles upwards. Doing this doubly benefits the beast mode in that the tail now acts as a sort of third leg for stability.

:In robot mode, Vorath forms his head; attaching him activates a tumbler mechanism that displays an abbreviated set of [[Tech Spec]]s behind the robot-mode chest panel. Mindwipe and Vorath are both cross-compatible with any other Generation 1 Headmaster body/head.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Decepticon/Mindwipe/mindwipe.htm More information on Mindwipe at TFU.info]
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Kabaya_mindwipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Wipe''' (1987)
**''Accessories'': Headmaster unit, "Viper Pistol"

:Released in the sixth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line of [[candy toy]]s, this simplified incarnation of Mindwipe is a snap-together model kit constructed of black, red and cream plastic. Standing at about four inches tall, Mindwipe features no paint applications, but has some stickers for decoration. He retains most of the features of his larger toy, including his transforming Headmaster unit, opening cockpit, and Tech Spec meter. As a ''Transformers Gum'' kit, he came with a plank of rock-hard sugar-wood.

::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/1621/Kabaya/Vorath.html More information on Transformers Gum Wipe at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:G1MindwipeOriginalHead.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I loved it. It was much better than ''Cats''. I'm going to see it again and again.]]
* In the television [[commercial]] for [[Marvel Comics]]' ''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]'' limited series, the Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters are shown having different head designs than the ones their Nebulan partners would later turn into. These designs were seemingly never used in any other piece of ''Transformers'' media. The [[Character model|models]] for most of them, however, turned up in the excellent ''[[Transformers Generations]]'' guidebook... ''except'' for Mindwipe's. Damn it.

* Throughout Mindwipe's [[Bob Budiansky]]-penned appearances, he was [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s indispensable and loyal right-hand man. Once [[Simon Furman]] took the reigns, Mindwipe became a rambling coward who'd run if the wind blew the wrong way.

*The most distinguishing elements of Mindwipe's silhouette are the bat-mode wings arcing out from his back, but on Mindwipe's toy, they actually wind up upside-down in robot mode, and folded back. As upside-down wings would look fairly rubbish when spread out, his [[package art]] and American [[character model]] fudge the details on them just enough to make them seem as if they fan out in both directions from the middle of his back. His Japanese character model, however, just renders the wings right-side up, as in bat mode, fanning out over his shoulders. To accomplish this little real-world toy impossibility, his in-show transformation has his wings detach from his body, then reconnect, staying right-side up all the way through.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Mindwipe Mindwipe's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Masterforce characters]]

Pretender

2010-07-03T09:22:00Z

86.86.159.173: /* Marvel Comics continuity */

{{picsneeded|Screen captures from TV commercial (muscle guys)}}

{{bigquote|Pretenders hide the Transformers inside.|Pretenders subline tag}}

[[Image:Skullgrin-packageart.jpg|right|350px|thumb|We don't know exactly how this works, and the artist probably didn't either, but it sure does look cool!]]

Disguise has always been a key component of Transformer operations on other worlds. '''Pretenders''' attempt to take this concept to the next level. Pretenders are Transformers fitted with special external armor shells that can disguise their very nature as robots. Rather than hiding themselves as the machinery or vehicles of a world, Pretender Shells allow a robot to take on the appearance of a native life form itself.

On top of its exploration and infiltration uses, a shell can also function as powerful battle armor, aid in self-repair, and even function independently of its robot as a second combatant mentally controlled by its "wearer". The major drawback of the technology is that the core robot will feel whatever pain is inflicted on the shell, sometimes even more strongly than pain inflicted on the robot itself.

The most common style of Pretender is an inner robot with a single humanoid shell (usually resembling a monster for [[Decepticon]]s or a [[human]] in battle armor for [[Autobot]]s).

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Scorponokpretendertothethrone.jpg|left|250px|thumb|What a pervert.]]

Pretender technology was created by Scorponok and [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Lord Zarak]] to help their troops operate quasi-anonymously on an Earth that had become openly and publicly hostile towards giant alien robots (partially due to the influence of the [[Z Foundation]]). The idea was that giant, organic-looking alien monsters would somehow attract less attention. Strangely enough, he was [[Monstercon from Mars!|right]].
{{-}}
{{note|Despite Scorponok and Zarak's claims, subsequent stories showed [[Longtooth]] and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] using Pretender technology long ago in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s past.}}

[[Image:Pretendertothethrone-landmine.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Sproing!]]
This technology was stolen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (at the time reduced to a computerized personality) and replicated by the Autobots. The Autobots fashioned their shells after humans, with the stated rationalization that the Decepticons were rather unobservant and wouldn't notice that these humans were many stories tall. Just as strangely, they were also right. The attacking Decepticon Pretenders, encased in their giant, fleshy monster shells, were shocked when the giant, fleshy humans turned out to have Autobots inside them. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

[[Image:SkullgrinMonconMars.jpg|left|200px|thumb|When the star wants a "tall latte", he means TALL.]]
Pretender technology allowed Skullgrin to become first a rural legend, then a movie star. Sent to Earth to establish a fuel depot while hidden in his outer shell, he attracted the attention of a B-movie producer, who wrote him into the script of his latest feature. The giant devil-goat monster became a nationwide phenomenon. When Skullgrin revealed his true robotic nature to one of his human co-stars, however, he drew the ire of [[Circuit Breaker]], an encounter which may have ended his movie career. {{storylink|Monstercon from Mars!}}

During the [[Underbase Saga]], the quasi-flesh nature of the Pretenders' outer shells saved them from the energy blasts of the [[Underbase]]-possessed Starscream, even as innumerable Autobots and Decepticons were being destroyed around them. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

''Pretender shells were considered a sufficiently valuable resource that Scorponok was able to offer the technology to Carnivac and Snarler as payment for an assassination job.'' {{storylink|Survivors!}} The job didn't go so well; even two shell-equipped Decepticons weren't enough to defeat Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|The Man in the Machine!}}

[[Image:Nomates.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"No, no, my shell isn't that well-equipped!"]]
The Autobots Landmine and Cloudburst were able to make good use of their Pretender shells while on a mission to acquire spare parts for their fallen comrades. Traveling to a space station where giant humans were common but robots were unwelcome, they were able to bargain for microchips without tipping off their robotic natures. Later, when faced with seeing fellow Autobot Sky Lynx devoured by the [[Mecannibal]]s, Landmine's robot form was able to attack, free Sky Lynx, and then disappear by hiding inside his own shell. The entire scheme would have gone without a hitch if not for a tip-off from [[Hi-Test]] and [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]], alerting the Mecannibals that the two giant "humans" were in fact robots. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

[[Image:Resurrectiongambit-starscreamrevival.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Most Pretender figures had a poor alt mode but this guy does not even have a proper robot mode!]]
After bargaining their way free from the Mecannibals, Landmine and Cloudburst continued to make use of their shells, negotiating with the inhabitants of the planet [[Femax]], who also just happened to be giant humans. Cloudburst almost got to experience a little giant human nookie, before revealing to the Femaxians' [[First One]] that he was a robot, and therefore not a particularly desirable mate. {{storylink|Recipe for Disaster!}}

Pretender technology showed another face when Megatron returned to power. New shells he had developed would repair and restore even the most severely damaged robots. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} Ratchet was compelled to resurrect Starscream with this technology, but also managed to bring back Grimlock, Jazz and Bumblebee; all four now had their own Pretender shells. These new shells not only enabled disguise, but also served as great power-boosting enhancements for their wearers and allowed them to fight in two places at once. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}}

''Thunderwing had his mechanical Pretender shell eons ago on Cybertron, indicating that some form of the technology predated Scorponok's use of it.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}} ''Thunderwing mostly remained inside his shell, only emerging on rare occasions.'' {{storylink|The Big Shutdown!}}

[[Image:Slog-rhythmsofdarkness1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|An adorable minion of evil.]]
''Carnivac, meanwhile, used his shell in his initial solo assault on the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. When he was caught off guard, outnumbered and nearly surrounded, he sent the shell on a suicide run, allowing it to be destroyed.'' {{storylink|Wolf in the Fold!}} ''Though the feedback nearly killed him, the ruse worked, and his pursuers believed him to be dead, allowing him to regain the element of surprise.'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

In an alternate future where Galvatron had triumphed, Pretender technology was still in use by his troops, the [[Pretender Monster]]s. These Pretenders could apparently somehow phase through their shells, without the shells having to split open like most others. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon====
[[Image:ProtecttheWildAnimals Autobot Pretenders human.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Wikipedia:The A-Team|If you can find them, maybe you can hire...]]]]
Eight thousand years ago, a starship containing the Autobot Pretenders [[Metalhawk]], [[Lander]], [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and [[Phoenix]] pursued the Decepticon Pretenders [[Blood]], [[Dauros]] and [[Gilmer]] to neolithic-era [[Earth]], where they crashed. Using their Pretender abilities, the Autobots adopted the form of humans. They transformed the very structure of their bodies into an organic equivalent, shrinking down to normal human size to hide in plain sight among burgeoning Humanity.

[[Image:Metalhawk puretendaaaaa.jpg|right|150px|thumb]]
A Pretender could transform from a human in two stages. Touching his left wrist and yelling "suit on!" would cause him to don his Pretender suit. From this state, he could touch his left wrist and yell "Pretender!" to [[size changing|size-change]] and revert to his robot mode.

{{note|The Pretender suit corresponded to the toy's Pretender shell, while their robot modes were the inner robot.}}

The Decepticon Pretenders, on the other hand, adopted the forms of monstrous creatures, becoming feared as demons by early Man. After many battles, the Autobots succeeded in defeating their enemies and sealing them away—Blood in the pyramids of Egypt, Gilmer in the ruins of [[Atlantis]], and Dauros beneath the Nazca Lines in Peru—for thousands of years.

The Autobot Pretenders continued to live among humanity. By the early twenty-first century, Hawk was working at the [[Space Astronomy Research Center]] in [[Japan]], while Diver was running the [[Ocean Research Institute of California]]. When the three Decepticon Pretenders were liberated by the mysterious Decepticon "god", [[Devil Z]], the four Autobots were drawn out of hiding to fight them. {{storylink|Rise Up!! Pretenders}}

[[Image:KidnappingTargetedJet Phoenix Lander robot modes.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
The Decepticons began a plan to convert humans into zombie-like [[Destroid]]s. The Autobots sought to foil their plan, leading them to the [[Karin Islands]]. Meanwhile Blood destroyed the Astronomy Research Center and killed [[Professor Gō]]. The Autobots subsequently took residence in a new [[Autobot Base (Masterforce)|Autobot Base]]. Hawk would act as base coordinator until its later destruction. {{storylink|Terror! The Decepticons' Manhunt}} The Decepticons began hijacking planes to provide bodies for their Destron experiments. The Autobot Pretenders fought the new creations in [[Rome]], before Hawk and Phoenix fought to protect another plane against Blood. {{storylink|Kidnapping!? The Targeted Jumbo Jet}}

The three young humans whom the Autobots had befriended were given [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[transtector]]s by Hawk. He intended them to be used only for search and rescue, and later had to come to the [[Headmaster Junior]]s' aid when they were faced with three Decepticon Headmaster Juniors. {{storylink|Birth! Headmaster Jrs}} Hawk later sent them to Diver in California for training. {{storylink|Rage!! Little Devils with No Need for Rules}} When the Decepticon Pretenders started interfering with wildlife in [[Kenya]], the Autobots went to stop them. The Autobot Pretenders were kept busy fighting [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacon]]s. {{storylink|Panic! Protect the Wild Animals!!}}

[[Image:ProtecttheWildAnimals Decepticons Pretenders robot mode.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Unexpectedly, the Decepticon trio found themselves being supplanted by [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] and [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]], two [[Godmaster]]s. The Decepticon Pretenders attacked a [[Mt Fuji Foothills Hang Gliding Competition Tournament|hang gliding competition]] to draw out Hawk and Lander, who were promptly set upon by the Godmasters and almost beaten until Phoenix and Diver arrived to help. {{storylink|Super Warriors - The Godmaster Brothers}} The Pretenders were involved in another Decepticon plan to attack a new power plant in the Karin Islands. Again, the Autobots fought the two Godmaster brothers, and were able to win. {{storylink|A Fierce Battle!! The Autobots Are in Trouble}}

A short time later, Diver encountered a Godmaster, [[Ginrai]], in California, and helped the young man understand what he'd taken on. {{storylink|A Hero Is Chosen - His Name Is Ginrai}} Diver and Lander briefed Ginrai on the Decepticons, and came to his aid when he fought the Godmaster brothers. {{storylink|Ginrai: God On of Rage!!}} Ginrai found some [[Master-Brace]]s in his Transtector cab, which Hawk unsuccessfully tried to analyse. {{storylink|A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva}} After Ginrai got hold of a trailer for his Transtector, he showed it to Diver and Lander. The two Pretenders later came to his aid when he was attacked by the Godmaster brothers. {{storylink|Eliminate the Godmaster Ginrai}}

[[Image:BirthofSuperGinrai Dauros holding Diver.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
The Decepticon Pretenders captured a group of humans and held them on an island. When Diver went to investigate, he was captured by Gilmer and Dauros, who bound his arms so he couldn't touch his wrist, effectively trapping him in human form. He was, with the help of a [[Tony (Masterforce)|young boy]], able to get a signal back to the rest of the Autobots, who came to the rescue. {{storylink|Heroism!! The Birth of Super Ginrai}} After the discovery of a second Autobot Godmaster, [[Lightfoot]], Hawk and Lander accompanied the two Godmasters and the Headmaster Juniors to Canada, where they found a third Godmaster, [[Ranger]]. {{storylink|An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger}} When [[Sixknight]] came to Earth looking to prove himself, the Decepticon Pretenders were happy to show him how to draw the Autobots out. Hawk didn't fare terribly well against Sixknight in battle. {{storylink|A Powerful Foe!! Sixknight the Wanderer}}

With the arrival of [[Road King]], the Autobot Pretenders opted to turn defence of the Earth over to Ginrai and the Godmasters. {{storylink|The Autobot Warrior, Sixknight?!}} The three Decepticon Pretenders set about enacting a plan dreamed up by the Godmaster brothers, kidnapping doctors from across the planet and holding them on [[Atlan Island]]. Once the plan was discovered, the Autobot Godmasters defeated the trio. {{storylink|Save the Little Girl! The Chōjin Warriors, the Godmasters}}

[[Image:ExposetheDecepticons Decepticon Pretenders.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Another Pretender, [[Grand Maximus]], arrived from space to join the Autobot forces, providing plans for a [[Godbomber]] drone unit. {{storylink|Life? Death? Lightfoot Must Choose}} The Autobot Pretenders soon began construction on Godbomber at a [[British Motors]] factory in Canada. {{storylink|Super Ginrai Gets Blown Away in the Desert!?}} They raced to complete it as the Decepticons attacked the factory. {{storylink|Will the Bomber Project Be Destroyed!?}} They immediately turned it over to Ginrai so he could use it to reach a moonbase under attack from [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] {{storylink|God Ginrai - Into the Sky!!}} and could only observe from the Autobot Base as he and Grand Maximus duked it out with Overlord and [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]]. Lander opted to celebrate the victory with some wine. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Showdown on the Surface of the Moon}}

[[Image:DisasterAutobotBase Metalhawk injured.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Gilmer took part in the construction of an undersea base, but took a back seat to [[King Poseidon]] when it came to doing any fighting. {{storylink|Escape!! The Underwater Volcano Erupts}} The Decepticon Pretenders searched in North America for the final Godmaster, but all they found was a bear. Meanwhile a distress call from a ship damaged by the real final Godmaster was picked up by Diver, who relayed the information to Ginrai. {{storylink|Appearance!! The Final Godmaster}} After the Autobots took in [[Clouder]], Hawk became suspicious of the last Godmaster, and he was proved right when he caught Clouder passing information to the Decepticons. Unfortunately the damage was already done, and the Decepticons launched an attack on the Autobot Base. {{storylink|Secret Orders! Destroy the Autobot Base!!}} Hawk was subsequently injured while trying to undertake damage control, and the base was destroyed. {{storylink|Disaster! The Autobot Base Explodes}}

Hawk, Phoenix and Diver fought Overlord over the ocean, but were no match for the Decepticon. {{storylink|BlackZarak - Destroyer from Space}} The Pretenders continued to scan the globe for Decepticon activity. Grand Maximus joined an assault on the Decepticon's space-borne [[Death Para-Machine]]. {{storylink|Crisis! The Day of the Downfall of Humanity}} The Autobot and Decepticon Pretenders clashed in Latin America {{storylink|God Ginrai - Save Cancer!?}} and again in various places around the world while Ginrai launched an attack on the Decepticon base to rescue [[Shūta Gō]]. {{storylink|God Ginrai: Showdown at the Decepticon Base}}

[[Image:UltimateCombination Autobot Pretenders.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
While everyone else went to trash the Decepticon base, the Autobot Pretenders were left to monitor the planet for Decepticon activity. The Decepticon Pretenders made a brief attempt to defend the base against Ginrai, which didn't end well for them. {{storylink|The Ultimate Combination!! BlackZarak, the New Lifeform}} As Ginrai and the Autobots closed in on BlackZarak, Lightfoot and Road King fought Gilmer and Dauros, defeating them before being attacked by Hydra and Buster, who inadvertently fragged Blood. {{storylink|Autobots! Desperate Attack!!}} The three Decepticon Pretenders spotted Road King, Ranger and Lightfoot, and alerted BlackZarak to their location. Hawk fought King Poseidon, defeating the combiner with a lot of help from Ginrai. {{storylink|Malevolent and Inhuman! The True Form of Devil Z}} Following the destruction of Devil Z, the Decepticon Pretenders did not appear to depart Earth with the other Decepticons, and presumably went back into hiding. {{storylink|A Battle... and Then...}}

====''Victory'' cartoon====
Pretender technology had advanced to the point that the shells gained sentience, as seen in the shells of the [[Dinoforce]], and could be employed simultaneously with the Transformers' robot modes.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Pretender technology was originally developed as a form of additional body armour. Pretender shells could enhance their wearer’s physical strength and resistance to damage. More advanced shell designs could shrink down to human size and enable their wearer to blend into Earth society unnoticed.

It is possible that the Pretender technology was later adapted to develop the [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] beast modes.

{{note|Pretenders were only depicted in [[Dreamwave Productions]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye]]'' profile books and did not appear in the actual storylines.}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:Thunderwing stormbringer.jpg|left|150px|thumb|It's just not natural, I tell you!]]

The technology was the invention of the Decepticon [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and used living tissue painfully culled from live (and quite likely unwilling) subjects to create a powerful symbiotic, living carapace. The goal of this technology was to allow Transformers to survive an impending environmental collapse on their home planet, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Even [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] rejected the concept as unnatural and repulsive. The first experiences were not that encouraging. Both cases where the technology was implemented ended in disaster, as the melding of the robot's mind with the shell was improperly aligned or hastily executed. Subject one, Thunderwing, became unfathomably powerful but totally insane and destructive, ultimately rendering Cybertron too hostile for Transformer habitation. Subject two, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], tried to rush the process and ended up comatose inside his new shell. {{storylink|Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer}}

Surprisingly, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], formerly aghast at the details of what the process entailed, decided that they needed the technology to penetrate the portal at the [[Benzuli Expanse]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was a little hesitant on the subject, but Jetfire managed to convince the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]. The Autobots selected for the process were [[Cloudburst]], [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Groundbreaker]], and [[Waverider]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

[[Image:IDWAutobotPretenders.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Robots wearing space suits?]]
After a long process {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}, the Technobots finally completed the four shells. Unlike the hideous and pseudo-organic look of Thunderwing and Bludgeon, these shells were simply large, bulky armor suits. Suiting up, Cloudburst's team were able to fight off a raging [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and took the [[Nega-Core]]s through the Expanse into the [[Dead Universe]] for disposal. The shells proved effective in combating the deadly energies of the dimension, protecting the Cybertronians within. However it was apparent that they could only do so for a limited amount of time under such harsh conditions. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Later, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] ordered that Jetfire's research be taken to the [[Kimia Facility]] where the scientists there (along with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]) were able to create a new body for [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], whose former body hadn't been upgraded in so long that it was incompatible with current tech. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Lost & Found}}

{{note|The term "Pretender" is not used at all during the ''Stormbringer'' series. Instead the term "polydermal grafting" is used to further illustrate how repulsive, grotesque and dangerous the process appears to be.}}
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Black Shadow]] made good use of his Pretender-style [[Crossformer]] shell, which allowed him to simultaneously pursue [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] and [[Jackpot]] even as they fled in opposite directions. Rather than requiring him to operate it remotely and divide his attention, the entirely robotic shell was equipped with an artificial intelligence which allowed it to function independently, if a bit stiltedly. When Black Shadow's robot form was destroyed, the shell also ceased to function - though this may have been the work of a saboteur, rather than a feature endemic to the shell. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

===Shattered Glass===
[[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]], [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]], and [[Jazz (SG)|Jazz]] snuck into a Pretender laboratory. There were at least six Pretender shells, including the four [[Classic Pretender]] Shells and two [[:Image:DoublePretenders.jpg|Double Pretender]] Shells.

Also, [[Dirge (SG)|Dirge]] appeared as a Pretender. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===

[[Alice]] tried to get information from [[Sam Witwicky]] by getting close to him, but later she revealed her true nature as a Pretender.

{{note|Alice was not a traditional Pretender in that she transformed into an "organic" humanoid mode instead of having an outer shell. The confirmation of her as a Pretender came from an interview with [[Roberto Orci]].<ref>[http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/944/944836p1.html Transformers 2 Rumor Confirmed]</ref>}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1 (US)===
[[Image:G1Finback toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Finback]]
[[Image:G1Splashdown toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Splashdown]]
*'''Pretenders''' (1988)
{{collist|2|
:*[[Bomb-Burst]]
:*[[Bugly]]
:*[[Cloudburst]]
:*[[Finback]]
:*[[Groundbreaker]]
:*[[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]]
:*[[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]
:*[[Skullgrin]]
:*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]]
:*[[Splashdown]]
:*[[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]]
:*[[Waverider]]
}}

: The basic Pretenders (often called the "large Pretenders" to distinguish them from the smaller toys released in 1989) are the default: a single robot with a single humanoid shell. The shells split into front and back halves. All are essentially statues, articulated only at the shoulder with swivel joints. The inner robots, by comparison, tend to be highly articulated for their time, though they are generally thin-limbed and have simplistic transformations.

: The large Pretenders were released in two [[wave]]s (Cloudburst, Landmine, Waverider, Bomb-Burst, Skullgrin, and Submarauder making up the first wave, and the remainder the second). Each wave consists of an air, sea, and land themed character for each faction. There is a distinct design variation noticeable between the first and second wave Autobot Pretenders. The first wave shells feature a largely single-color "space suit" style design with the "human" heads partially concealed by the suits. The second wave had brighter, more "Power Ranger"-ish, armor suits with large animal-themed chest plates and fully-visible "human" heads.

: The second wave in general appears to have had production problems or delays; the initial 1988 catalogs omitted their photographs, showing only a "COMING SOON" silhouette (though common in Kenner's Star Wars toyline, such an unfinished "preview" was rare for Transformers); additionally, several of these toys have minor engineering problems, in the form of limbs which don't fold away completely in vehicle mode.

: The first wave of these toys was released in Japan with new names and characterizations, but otherwise unaltered. The second were never sold there.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1 Chainclaw toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Chainclaw]]
*'''Pretender Beasts''' (1988)
**[[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]]
**[[Catilla]]
**[[Chainclaw]]
**[[Snarler]]
{{main|Pretender Beast}}
: The Pretender Beasts are Pretenders with quadrupedal Earth animal-based shells.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1 Gunrunner toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Gunrunner]]
*'''Pretender Vehicles''' (1988)
**[[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]]
**[[Roadgrabber]]
{{main|Pretender Vehicle}}
: The Pretender Vehicles are Pretenders whose shells are vehicles that transform into combat decks for their inner robots.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1Longtooth toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Longtooth]]
*'''Pretenders''' (1989)
**[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]
**[[Doubleheader]]
**[[Longtooth]]
**[[Octopunch]]
**[[Pincher]]
**[[Stranglehold]]
: The 1989 Pretenders (often called the "small Pretenders") were sold carded. Like their larger 1988 brethren, the shells are articulated only at the shoulder and split front-back. Their inner robots are much more thick-limbed than the large Pretenders; they are also small, about the same size as the [[Mini Vehicle]]s. A portion of each robot's alternate mode detaches and serves as a weapon or shield for the outer shell, rather than being concealed within. There has been some speculation that the designs for Longtooth and Stranglehold may have been switched between factions at some point, as the former better fits the Decepticon monster motif and the latter better matches the Autobots "human" stylings.
{{-}}
[[Image:Pretender Grimlock toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Grimlock]]
*'''Pretender Classics''' (1989)
**[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
**[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
**[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
{{main|Pretender Classics}}
:Classic Pretenders are smaller-sized figures of 1984-85 characters (except for Bumblebee, whose inner robot figure was actually [[Mini Vehicles|larger than his original toy]]), the first subline to focus on reinventing previous characters. The inner robots were also released without their shells as Kmart exclusive [[Legends (G1)|Legends]].
{{-}}
[[Image:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Thunderwing]]
*'''Mega Pretenders''' (1989)
**[[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]]
**[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]
**[[Vroom]]
{{main|Mega Pretender}}
: Both the inner robot and the humanoid shell of the Mega Pretenders transform and can combine their alternate modes into a larger vehicle.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1 Skyhammer toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Skyhammer]]
* '''Ultra Pretenders''' (1989)
**[[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]
**[[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]
{{main|Ultra Pretender}}
: The Ultra Pretenders have two Pretender shells. The outermost shell is a large vehicle that can transform into a combat deck for the inner robot. This outermost shell contains a secondary, humanoid Pretender shell that is itself able to transform into a vehicle that can be piloted by its inner robot.
{{-}}
[[Image:Birdbrain-toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Birdbrain]]
[[Image:Slog-toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Slog]]
*'''Pretender Monsters''' (1989)
**[[Birdbrain]]
**[[Bristleback]]
**[[Icepick]]
**[[Scowl]]
**[[Slog]]
**[[Wildfly]]
{{main|Pretender Monster}}
: The Pretender Monsters are smaller Pretenders with rubbery monster shells. Their inner robots can combine to form [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]].
{{-}}{{anchor|Double Pretenders (unreleased)}}
[[Image:DoublePretenders2.png|right|200px|thumb|...Tarantulas? Optimus Primal?]]
*'''Double Pretenders'''
**Unnamed ape duo.
**Unnamed spider-bandito duo.
: Prototypes for "Double Pretenders", two small robots in one shell, which splits top and bottom at the waist, were designed but never put in production.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 (Japan)===
[[Image:MF-toy Metalhawk.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Metalhawk]]
*'''Pretenders''' (1988)
**[[Blood]]
**[[Dauros]]
**[[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]]
**[[Gilmer]]
**[[Grand Maximus|Grand]]
**[[Lander]]
**[[Metalhawk]]
**[[Phoenix]]
:The bulk of the Japanese Pretenders are exactly the same as their US counterparts. Metalhawk was an entirely new mold, however, and Grand featured a new-mold Pretender shell designed to hold the existing [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] mold.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1Blue Bacchus toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Blue Bacchus. Not to be confused with Violet Vulcan, Silver Saturn, Cyan Cupid, etc...]]
*'''Crossformers''' (1989)
**[[Black Shadow]]
**[[Blue Bacchus]]
{{main|Crossformer}}
: The Crossformers are the Takara counterpart to the Hasbro Mega Pretenders; the shells were remolded to be less organic.
{{-}}
*'''Dinoforce''' (1989)
**[[Doryū]]
**[[Gairyū]]
**[[Gōryū]]
**[[Kakuryū]]
**[[Rairyū]]
**[[Yokuryū]]
{{main|Dinoforce}}
: The Dinoforce reuses the inner robot forms of the Pretender Monsters, but with cyborg dinosaur outer shells. The inner robots can combine to form [[Dinoking]].

==Notes==
[[Image:TwinTwistPretenderConcept.jpg|right|150px|thumb|..."Drillrider" just didn't sound right.]]
* Despite the fact that nearly all of the toys split front/back, most Marvel Comics portrayals of the Pretenders show the shells splitting down the middle.
* In the Marvel Comics, it may have been intended that only the Decepticon Pretenders with wings on their Pretender shells could [[flight|fly]] with their shells on. In their [[Pretender to the Throne!|first appearance]] they are all flying, but it sort of looks like Bomb-Burst and Bugly were supposed to be carrying the others (maybe something went wrong with the art?). [[King Con!|Later]], Scorponok specifically ordered Bomb-Burst and Bugly to fly Iguanus around.
* The Pretender Shell is also known as "Pretender Suit" in Japan.<Ref>[[Metalhawk]]'s package</ref>
* ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' categorizes humanoid Pretender shells into three types: Human shells with thermostatic plating such as Cloudburst's are "Space-Defense Pretender Shells"; monstrous humanoid shells like Bomb-Burst's are called "Predator-Class Pretender Shells"; and shells like Bludgeon's are "Warrior-Grade Pretender Shells".
* [[Twin Twist]] has been found in a piece of Pretender concept art, which was likely used to pitch the Pretender toy concept. Given that a large number of the first Pretenders transform similarly to Twin Twist, (bend over at the waist) it seems to have been a successful conceptual model.
* In most parts of Europe, the second wave of the large 1988 Pretenders was never released.
* Not to be confused with [[reverse-pretender technology]], where a Human disguises himself as a Transformer.

==External links==
*[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/PretendersDoubleBC96Displ.html Some photos] of unreleased Double Pretenders from [http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Prototypes.html SUPER TOY ARCHIVE]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Pretenders| ]]
[[Category:Subgroups]]

Pretender

2010-07-03T09:21:13Z

86.86.159.173: /* Marvel Comics continuity */

{{picsneeded|Screen captures from TV commercial (muscle guys)}}

{{bigquote|Pretenders hide the Transformers inside.|Pretenders subline tag}}

[[Image:Skullgrin-packageart.jpg|right|350px|thumb|We don't know exactly how this works, and the artist probably didn't either, but it sure does look cool!]]

Disguise has always been a key component of Transformer operations on other worlds. '''Pretenders''' attempt to take this concept to the next level. Pretenders are Transformers fitted with special external armor shells that can disguise their very nature as robots. Rather than hiding themselves as the machinery or vehicles of a world, Pretender Shells allow a robot to take on the appearance of a native life form itself.

On top of its exploration and infiltration uses, a shell can also function as powerful battle armor, aid in self-repair, and even function independently of its robot as a second combatant mentally controlled by its "wearer". The major drawback of the technology is that the core robot will feel whatever pain is inflicted on the shell, sometimes even more strongly than pain inflicted on the robot itself.

The most common style of Pretender is an inner robot with a single humanoid shell (usually resembling a monster for [[Decepticon]]s or a [[human]] in battle armor for [[Autobot]]s).

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Scorponokpretendertothethrone.jpg|left|250px|thumb|What a pervert.]]

Pretender technology was created by Scorponok and [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Lord Zarak]] to help their troops operate quasi-anonymously on an Earth that had become openly and publicly hostile towards giant alien robots (partially due to the influence of the [[Z Foundation]]). The idea was that giant, organic-looking alien monsters would somehow attract less attention. Strangely enough, he was [[Monstercon from Mars!|right]].
{{-}}
{{note|Despite Scorponok and Zarak's claims, subsequent stories showed [[Longtooth]] and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] using Pretender technology long ago in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s past.}}

[[Image:Pretendertothethrone-landmine.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Sproing!]]
This technology was stolen by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (at the time reduced to a computerized personality) and replicated by the Autobots. The Autobots fashioned their shells after humans, with the stated rationalization that the Decepticons were rather unobservant and wouldn't notice that these humans were many stories tall. Just as strangely, they were also right. The attacking Decepticon Pretenders, encased in their giant, fleshy monster shells, were shocked when the giant, fleshy humans turned out to have Autobots inside them. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

[[Image:SkullgrinMonconMars.jpg|left|200px|thumb|When the star wants a "tall latte", he means TALL.]]
Pretender technology allowed Skullgrin to become first a rural legend, then a movie star. Sent to Earth to establish a fuel depot while hidden in his outer shell, he attracted the attention of a B-movie producer, who wrote him into the script of his latest feature. The giant devil-goat monster became a nationwide phenomenon. When Skullgrin revealed his true robotic nature to one of his human co-stars, however, he drew the ire of [[Circuit Breaker]], an encounter which may have ended his movie career. {{storylink|Monstercon from Mars!}}

During the [[Underbase Saga]], the quasi-flesh nature of the Pretenders' outer shells saved them from the energy blasts of the [[Underbase]]-possessed Starscream, even as innumerable Autobots and Decepticons were being destroyed around them. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

''Pretender shells were considered a sufficiently valuable resource that Scorponok was able to offer the technology to Carnivac and Snarler as payment for an assassination job.'' {{storylink|Survivors!}} The job didn't go so well; even two shell-equipped Decepticons weren't enough to defeat Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|The Man in the Machine!}}

[[Image:Nomates.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"No, no, my shell isn't that well-equipped!"]]
The Autobots Landmine and Cloudburst were able to make good use of their Pretender shells while on a mission to acquire spare parts for their fallen comrades. Traveling to a space station where giant humans were common but robots were unwelcome, they were able to bargain for microchips without tipping off their robotic natures. Later, when faced with seeing fellow Autobot Sky Lynx devoured by the [[Mecannibal]]s, Landmine's robot form was able to attack, free Sky Lynx, and then disappear by hiding inside his own shell. The entire scheme would have gone without a hitch if not for a tip-off from [[Hi-Test]] and [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]], alerting the Mecannibals that the two giant "humans" were in fact robots. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

[[Image:Resurrectiongambit-starscreamrevival.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Most Pretender figures had a poor alt mode but this guy does not even have a proper robot mode!"]]
After bargaining their way free from the Mecannibals, Landmine and Cloudburst continued to make use of their shells, negotiating with the inhabitants of the planet [[Femax]], who also just happened to be giant humans. Cloudburst almost got to experience a little giant human nookie, before revealing to the Femaxians' [[First One]] that he was a robot, and therefore not a particularly desirable mate. {{storylink|Recipe for Disaster!}}

Pretender technology showed another face when Megatron returned to power. New shells he had developed would repair and restore even the most severely damaged robots. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} Ratchet was compelled to resurrect Starscream with this technology, but also managed to bring back Grimlock, Jazz and Bumblebee; all four now had their own Pretender shells. These new shells not only enabled disguise, but also served as great power-boosting enhancements for their wearers and allowed them to fight in two places at once. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}}

''Thunderwing had his mechanical Pretender shell eons ago on Cybertron, indicating that some form of the technology predated Scorponok's use of it.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}} ''Thunderwing mostly remained inside his shell, only emerging on rare occasions.'' {{storylink|The Big Shutdown!}}

[[Image:Slog-rhythmsofdarkness1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|An adorable minion of evil.]]
''Carnivac, meanwhile, used his shell in his initial solo assault on the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]. When he was caught off guard, outnumbered and nearly surrounded, he sent the shell on a suicide run, allowing it to be destroyed.'' {{storylink|Wolf in the Fold!}} ''Though the feedback nearly killed him, the ruse worked, and his pursuers believed him to be dead, allowing him to regain the element of surprise.'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

In an alternate future where Galvatron had triumphed, Pretender technology was still in use by his troops, the [[Pretender Monster]]s. These Pretenders could apparently somehow phase through their shells, without the shells having to split open like most others. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon====
[[Image:ProtecttheWildAnimals Autobot Pretenders human.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Wikipedia:The A-Team|If you can find them, maybe you can hire...]]]]
Eight thousand years ago, a starship containing the Autobot Pretenders [[Metalhawk]], [[Lander]], [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and [[Phoenix]] pursued the Decepticon Pretenders [[Blood]], [[Dauros]] and [[Gilmer]] to neolithic-era [[Earth]], where they crashed. Using their Pretender abilities, the Autobots adopted the form of humans. They transformed the very structure of their bodies into an organic equivalent, shrinking down to normal human size to hide in plain sight among burgeoning Humanity.

[[Image:Metalhawk puretendaaaaa.jpg|right|150px|thumb]]
A Pretender could transform from a human in two stages. Touching his left wrist and yelling "suit on!" would cause him to don his Pretender suit. From this state, he could touch his left wrist and yell "Pretender!" to [[size changing|size-change]] and revert to his robot mode.

{{note|The Pretender suit corresponded to the toy's Pretender shell, while their robot modes were the inner robot.}}

The Decepticon Pretenders, on the other hand, adopted the forms of monstrous creatures, becoming feared as demons by early Man. After many battles, the Autobots succeeded in defeating their enemies and sealing them away—Blood in the pyramids of Egypt, Gilmer in the ruins of [[Atlantis]], and Dauros beneath the Nazca Lines in Peru—for thousands of years.

The Autobot Pretenders continued to live among humanity. By the early twenty-first century, Hawk was working at the [[Space Astronomy Research Center]] in [[Japan]], while Diver was running the [[Ocean Research Institute of California]]. When the three Decepticon Pretenders were liberated by the mysterious Decepticon "god", [[Devil Z]], the four Autobots were drawn out of hiding to fight them. {{storylink|Rise Up!! Pretenders}}

[[Image:KidnappingTargetedJet Phoenix Lander robot modes.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
The Decepticons began a plan to convert humans into zombie-like [[Destroid]]s. The Autobots sought to foil their plan, leading them to the [[Karin Islands]]. Meanwhile Blood destroyed the Astronomy Research Center and killed [[Professor Gō]]. The Autobots subsequently took residence in a new [[Autobot Base (Masterforce)|Autobot Base]]. Hawk would act as base coordinator until its later destruction. {{storylink|Terror! The Decepticons' Manhunt}} The Decepticons began hijacking planes to provide bodies for their Destron experiments. The Autobot Pretenders fought the new creations in [[Rome]], before Hawk and Phoenix fought to protect another plane against Blood. {{storylink|Kidnapping!? The Targeted Jumbo Jet}}

The three young humans whom the Autobots had befriended were given [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[transtector]]s by Hawk. He intended them to be used only for search and rescue, and later had to come to the [[Headmaster Junior]]s' aid when they were faced with three Decepticon Headmaster Juniors. {{storylink|Birth! Headmaster Jrs}} Hawk later sent them to Diver in California for training. {{storylink|Rage!! Little Devils with No Need for Rules}} When the Decepticon Pretenders started interfering with wildlife in [[Kenya]], the Autobots went to stop them. The Autobot Pretenders were kept busy fighting [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacon]]s. {{storylink|Panic! Protect the Wild Animals!!}}

[[Image:ProtecttheWildAnimals Decepticons Pretenders robot mode.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Unexpectedly, the Decepticon trio found themselves being supplanted by [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] and [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]], two [[Godmaster]]s. The Decepticon Pretenders attacked a [[Mt Fuji Foothills Hang Gliding Competition Tournament|hang gliding competition]] to draw out Hawk and Lander, who were promptly set upon by the Godmasters and almost beaten until Phoenix and Diver arrived to help. {{storylink|Super Warriors - The Godmaster Brothers}} The Pretenders were involved in another Decepticon plan to attack a new power plant in the Karin Islands. Again, the Autobots fought the two Godmaster brothers, and were able to win. {{storylink|A Fierce Battle!! The Autobots Are in Trouble}}

A short time later, Diver encountered a Godmaster, [[Ginrai]], in California, and helped the young man understand what he'd taken on. {{storylink|A Hero Is Chosen - His Name Is Ginrai}} Diver and Lander briefed Ginrai on the Decepticons, and came to his aid when he fought the Godmaster brothers. {{storylink|Ginrai: God On of Rage!!}} Ginrai found some [[Master-Brace]]s in his Transtector cab, which Hawk unsuccessfully tried to analyse. {{storylink|A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva}} After Ginrai got hold of a trailer for his Transtector, he showed it to Diver and Lander. The two Pretenders later came to his aid when he was attacked by the Godmaster brothers. {{storylink|Eliminate the Godmaster Ginrai}}

[[Image:BirthofSuperGinrai Dauros holding Diver.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
The Decepticon Pretenders captured a group of humans and held them on an island. When Diver went to investigate, he was captured by Gilmer and Dauros, who bound his arms so he couldn't touch his wrist, effectively trapping him in human form. He was, with the help of a [[Tony (Masterforce)|young boy]], able to get a signal back to the rest of the Autobots, who came to the rescue. {{storylink|Heroism!! The Birth of Super Ginrai}} After the discovery of a second Autobot Godmaster, [[Lightfoot]], Hawk and Lander accompanied the two Godmasters and the Headmaster Juniors to Canada, where they found a third Godmaster, [[Ranger]]. {{storylink|An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger}} When [[Sixknight]] came to Earth looking to prove himself, the Decepticon Pretenders were happy to show him how to draw the Autobots out. Hawk didn't fare terribly well against Sixknight in battle. {{storylink|A Powerful Foe!! Sixknight the Wanderer}}

With the arrival of [[Road King]], the Autobot Pretenders opted to turn defence of the Earth over to Ginrai and the Godmasters. {{storylink|The Autobot Warrior, Sixknight?!}} The three Decepticon Pretenders set about enacting a plan dreamed up by the Godmaster brothers, kidnapping doctors from across the planet and holding them on [[Atlan Island]]. Once the plan was discovered, the Autobot Godmasters defeated the trio. {{storylink|Save the Little Girl! The Chōjin Warriors, the Godmasters}}

[[Image:ExposetheDecepticons Decepticon Pretenders.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Another Pretender, [[Grand Maximus]], arrived from space to join the Autobot forces, providing plans for a [[Godbomber]] drone unit. {{storylink|Life? Death? Lightfoot Must Choose}} The Autobot Pretenders soon began construction on Godbomber at a [[British Motors]] factory in Canada. {{storylink|Super Ginrai Gets Blown Away in the Desert!?}} They raced to complete it as the Decepticons attacked the factory. {{storylink|Will the Bomber Project Be Destroyed!?}} They immediately turned it over to Ginrai so he could use it to reach a moonbase under attack from [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] {{storylink|God Ginrai - Into the Sky!!}} and could only observe from the Autobot Base as he and Grand Maximus duked it out with Overlord and [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]]. Lander opted to celebrate the victory with some wine. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Showdown on the Surface of the Moon}}

[[Image:DisasterAutobotBase Metalhawk injured.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Gilmer took part in the construction of an undersea base, but took a back seat to [[King Poseidon]] when it came to doing any fighting. {{storylink|Escape!! The Underwater Volcano Erupts}} The Decepticon Pretenders searched in North America for the final Godmaster, but all they found was a bear. Meanwhile a distress call from a ship damaged by the real final Godmaster was picked up by Diver, who relayed the information to Ginrai. {{storylink|Appearance!! The Final Godmaster}} After the Autobots took in [[Clouder]], Hawk became suspicious of the last Godmaster, and he was proved right when he caught Clouder passing information to the Decepticons. Unfortunately the damage was already done, and the Decepticons launched an attack on the Autobot Base. {{storylink|Secret Orders! Destroy the Autobot Base!!}} Hawk was subsequently injured while trying to undertake damage control, and the base was destroyed. {{storylink|Disaster! The Autobot Base Explodes}}

Hawk, Phoenix and Diver fought Overlord over the ocean, but were no match for the Decepticon. {{storylink|BlackZarak - Destroyer from Space}} The Pretenders continued to scan the globe for Decepticon activity. Grand Maximus joined an assault on the Decepticon's space-borne [[Death Para-Machine]]. {{storylink|Crisis! The Day of the Downfall of Humanity}} The Autobot and Decepticon Pretenders clashed in Latin America {{storylink|God Ginrai - Save Cancer!?}} and again in various places around the world while Ginrai launched an attack on the Decepticon base to rescue [[Shūta Gō]]. {{storylink|God Ginrai: Showdown at the Decepticon Base}}

[[Image:UltimateCombination Autobot Pretenders.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
While everyone else went to trash the Decepticon base, the Autobot Pretenders were left to monitor the planet for Decepticon activity. The Decepticon Pretenders made a brief attempt to defend the base against Ginrai, which didn't end well for them. {{storylink|The Ultimate Combination!! BlackZarak, the New Lifeform}} As Ginrai and the Autobots closed in on BlackZarak, Lightfoot and Road King fought Gilmer and Dauros, defeating them before being attacked by Hydra and Buster, who inadvertently fragged Blood. {{storylink|Autobots! Desperate Attack!!}} The three Decepticon Pretenders spotted Road King, Ranger and Lightfoot, and alerted BlackZarak to their location. Hawk fought King Poseidon, defeating the combiner with a lot of help from Ginrai. {{storylink|Malevolent and Inhuman! The True Form of Devil Z}} Following the destruction of Devil Z, the Decepticon Pretenders did not appear to depart Earth with the other Decepticons, and presumably went back into hiding. {{storylink|A Battle... and Then...}}

====''Victory'' cartoon====
Pretender technology had advanced to the point that the shells gained sentience, as seen in the shells of the [[Dinoforce]], and could be employed simultaneously with the Transformers' robot modes.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Pretender technology was originally developed as a form of additional body armour. Pretender shells could enhance their wearer’s physical strength and resistance to damage. More advanced shell designs could shrink down to human size and enable their wearer to blend into Earth society unnoticed.

It is possible that the Pretender technology was later adapted to develop the [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] beast modes.

{{note|Pretenders were only depicted in [[Dreamwave Productions]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye]]'' profile books and did not appear in the actual storylines.}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:Thunderwing stormbringer.jpg|left|150px|thumb|It's just not natural, I tell you!]]

The technology was the invention of the Decepticon [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and used living tissue painfully culled from live (and quite likely unwilling) subjects to create a powerful symbiotic, living carapace. The goal of this technology was to allow Transformers to survive an impending environmental collapse on their home planet, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Even [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] rejected the concept as unnatural and repulsive. The first experiences were not that encouraging. Both cases where the technology was implemented ended in disaster, as the melding of the robot's mind with the shell was improperly aligned or hastily executed. Subject one, Thunderwing, became unfathomably powerful but totally insane and destructive, ultimately rendering Cybertron too hostile for Transformer habitation. Subject two, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], tried to rush the process and ended up comatose inside his new shell. {{storylink|Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer}}

Surprisingly, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], formerly aghast at the details of what the process entailed, decided that they needed the technology to penetrate the portal at the [[Benzuli Expanse]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was a little hesitant on the subject, but Jetfire managed to convince the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]. The Autobots selected for the process were [[Cloudburst]], [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Groundbreaker]], and [[Waverider]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

[[Image:IDWAutobotPretenders.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Robots wearing space suits?]]
After a long process {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}, the Technobots finally completed the four shells. Unlike the hideous and pseudo-organic look of Thunderwing and Bludgeon, these shells were simply large, bulky armor suits. Suiting up, Cloudburst's team were able to fight off a raging [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and took the [[Nega-Core]]s through the Expanse into the [[Dead Universe]] for disposal. The shells proved effective in combating the deadly energies of the dimension, protecting the Cybertronians within. However it was apparent that they could only do so for a limited amount of time under such harsh conditions. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Later, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] ordered that Jetfire's research be taken to the [[Kimia Facility]] where the scientists there (along with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]) were able to create a new body for [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], whose former body hadn't been upgraded in so long that it was incompatible with current tech. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Lost & Found}}

{{note|The term "Pretender" is not used at all during the ''Stormbringer'' series. Instead the term "polydermal grafting" is used to further illustrate how repulsive, grotesque and dangerous the process appears to be.}}
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Black Shadow]] made good use of his Pretender-style [[Crossformer]] shell, which allowed him to simultaneously pursue [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] and [[Jackpot]] even as they fled in opposite directions. Rather than requiring him to operate it remotely and divide his attention, the entirely robotic shell was equipped with an artificial intelligence which allowed it to function independently, if a bit stiltedly. When Black Shadow's robot form was destroyed, the shell also ceased to function - though this may have been the work of a saboteur, rather than a feature endemic to the shell. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

===Shattered Glass===
[[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]], [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]], and [[Jazz (SG)|Jazz]] snuck into a Pretender laboratory. There were at least six Pretender shells, including the four [[Classic Pretender]] Shells and two [[:Image:DoublePretenders.jpg|Double Pretender]] Shells.

Also, [[Dirge (SG)|Dirge]] appeared as a Pretender. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===

[[Alice]] tried to get information from [[Sam Witwicky]] by getting close to him, but later she revealed her true nature as a Pretender.

{{note|Alice was not a traditional Pretender in that she transformed into an "organic" humanoid mode instead of having an outer shell. The confirmation of her as a Pretender came from an interview with [[Roberto Orci]].<ref>[http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/944/944836p1.html Transformers 2 Rumor Confirmed]</ref>}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1 (US)===
[[Image:G1Finback toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Finback]]
[[Image:G1Splashdown toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Splashdown]]
*'''Pretenders''' (1988)
{{collist|2|
:*[[Bomb-Burst]]
:*[[Bugly]]
:*[[Cloudburst]]
:*[[Finback]]
:*[[Groundbreaker]]
:*[[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]]
:*[[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]
:*[[Skullgrin]]
:*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]]
:*[[Splashdown]]
:*[[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]]
:*[[Waverider]]
}}

: The basic Pretenders (often called the "large Pretenders" to distinguish them from the smaller toys released in 1989) are the default: a single robot with a single humanoid shell. The shells split into front and back halves. All are essentially statues, articulated only at the shoulder with swivel joints. The inner robots, by comparison, tend to be highly articulated for their time, though they are generally thin-limbed and have simplistic transformations.

: The large Pretenders were released in two [[wave]]s (Cloudburst, Landmine, Waverider, Bomb-Burst, Skullgrin, and Submarauder making up the first wave, and the remainder the second). Each wave consists of an air, sea, and land themed character for each faction. There is a distinct design variation noticeable between the first and second wave Autobot Pretenders. The first wave shells feature a largely single-color "space suit" style design with the "human" heads partially concealed by the suits. The second wave had brighter, more "Power Ranger"-ish, armor suits with large animal-themed chest plates and fully-visible "human" heads.

: The second wave in general appears to have had production problems or delays; the initial 1988 catalogs omitted their photographs, showing only a "COMING SOON" silhouette (though common in Kenner's Star Wars toyline, such an unfinished "preview" was rare for Transformers); additionally, several of these toys have minor engineering problems, in the form of limbs which don't fold away completely in vehicle mode.

: The first wave of these toys was released in Japan with new names and characterizations, but otherwise unaltered. The second were never sold there.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1 Chainclaw toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Chainclaw]]
*'''Pretender Beasts''' (1988)
**[[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]]
**[[Catilla]]
**[[Chainclaw]]
**[[Snarler]]
{{main|Pretender Beast}}
: The Pretender Beasts are Pretenders with quadrupedal Earth animal-based shells.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1 Gunrunner toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Gunrunner]]
*'''Pretender Vehicles''' (1988)
**[[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]]
**[[Roadgrabber]]
{{main|Pretender Vehicle}}
: The Pretender Vehicles are Pretenders whose shells are vehicles that transform into combat decks for their inner robots.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1Longtooth toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Longtooth]]
*'''Pretenders''' (1989)
**[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]
**[[Doubleheader]]
**[[Longtooth]]
**[[Octopunch]]
**[[Pincher]]
**[[Stranglehold]]
: The 1989 Pretenders (often called the "small Pretenders") were sold carded. Like their larger 1988 brethren, the shells are articulated only at the shoulder and split front-back. Their inner robots are much more thick-limbed than the large Pretenders; they are also small, about the same size as the [[Mini Vehicle]]s. A portion of each robot's alternate mode detaches and serves as a weapon or shield for the outer shell, rather than being concealed within. There has been some speculation that the designs for Longtooth and Stranglehold may have been switched between factions at some point, as the former better fits the Decepticon monster motif and the latter better matches the Autobots "human" stylings.
{{-}}
[[Image:Pretender Grimlock toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Grimlock]]
*'''Pretender Classics''' (1989)
**[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
**[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
**[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
**[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
{{main|Pretender Classics}}
:Classic Pretenders are smaller-sized figures of 1984-85 characters (except for Bumblebee, whose inner robot figure was actually [[Mini Vehicles|larger than his original toy]]), the first subline to focus on reinventing previous characters. The inner robots were also released without their shells as Kmart exclusive [[Legends (G1)|Legends]].
{{-}}
[[Image:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Thunderwing]]
*'''Mega Pretenders''' (1989)
**[[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]]
**[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]
**[[Vroom]]
{{main|Mega Pretender}}
: Both the inner robot and the humanoid shell of the Mega Pretenders transform and can combine their alternate modes into a larger vehicle.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1 Skyhammer toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Skyhammer]]
* '''Ultra Pretenders''' (1989)
**[[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]
**[[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]
{{main|Ultra Pretender}}
: The Ultra Pretenders have two Pretender shells. The outermost shell is a large vehicle that can transform into a combat deck for the inner robot. This outermost shell contains a secondary, humanoid Pretender shell that is itself able to transform into a vehicle that can be piloted by its inner robot.
{{-}}
[[Image:Birdbrain-toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Birdbrain]]
[[Image:Slog-toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Slog]]
*'''Pretender Monsters''' (1989)
**[[Birdbrain]]
**[[Bristleback]]
**[[Icepick]]
**[[Scowl]]
**[[Slog]]
**[[Wildfly]]
{{main|Pretender Monster}}
: The Pretender Monsters are smaller Pretenders with rubbery monster shells. Their inner robots can combine to form [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]].
{{-}}{{anchor|Double Pretenders (unreleased)}}
[[Image:DoublePretenders2.png|right|200px|thumb|...Tarantulas? Optimus Primal?]]
*'''Double Pretenders'''
**Unnamed ape duo.
**Unnamed spider-bandito duo.
: Prototypes for "Double Pretenders", two small robots in one shell, which splits top and bottom at the waist, were designed but never put in production.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 (Japan)===
[[Image:MF-toy Metalhawk.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Metalhawk]]
*'''Pretenders''' (1988)
**[[Blood]]
**[[Dauros]]
**[[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]]
**[[Gilmer]]
**[[Grand Maximus|Grand]]
**[[Lander]]
**[[Metalhawk]]
**[[Phoenix]]
:The bulk of the Japanese Pretenders are exactly the same as their US counterparts. Metalhawk was an entirely new mold, however, and Grand featured a new-mold Pretender shell designed to hold the existing [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] mold.
{{-}}
[[Image:G1Blue Bacchus toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Blue Bacchus. Not to be confused with Violet Vulcan, Silver Saturn, Cyan Cupid, etc...]]
*'''Crossformers''' (1989)
**[[Black Shadow]]
**[[Blue Bacchus]]
{{main|Crossformer}}
: The Crossformers are the Takara counterpart to the Hasbro Mega Pretenders; the shells were remolded to be less organic.
{{-}}
*'''Dinoforce''' (1989)
**[[Doryū]]
**[[Gairyū]]
**[[Gōryū]]
**[[Kakuryū]]
**[[Rairyū]]
**[[Yokuryū]]
{{main|Dinoforce}}
: The Dinoforce reuses the inner robot forms of the Pretender Monsters, but with cyborg dinosaur outer shells. The inner robots can combine to form [[Dinoking]].

==Notes==
[[Image:TwinTwistPretenderConcept.jpg|right|150px|thumb|..."Drillrider" just didn't sound right.]]
* Despite the fact that nearly all of the toys split front/back, most Marvel Comics portrayals of the Pretenders show the shells splitting down the middle.
* In the Marvel Comics, it may have been intended that only the Decepticon Pretenders with wings on their Pretender shells could [[flight|fly]] with their shells on. In their [[Pretender to the Throne!|first appearance]] they are all flying, but it sort of looks like Bomb-Burst and Bugly were supposed to be carrying the others (maybe something went wrong with the art?). [[King Con!|Later]], Scorponok specifically ordered Bomb-Burst and Bugly to fly Iguanus around.
* The Pretender Shell is also known as "Pretender Suit" in Japan.<Ref>[[Metalhawk]]'s package</ref>
* ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' categorizes humanoid Pretender shells into three types: Human shells with thermostatic plating such as Cloudburst's are "Space-Defense Pretender Shells"; monstrous humanoid shells like Bomb-Burst's are called "Predator-Class Pretender Shells"; and shells like Bludgeon's are "Warrior-Grade Pretender Shells".
* [[Twin Twist]] has been found in a piece of Pretender concept art, which was likely used to pitch the Pretender toy concept. Given that a large number of the first Pretenders transform similarly to Twin Twist, (bend over at the waist) it seems to have been a successful conceptual model.
* In most parts of Europe, the second wave of the large 1988 Pretenders was never released.
* Not to be confused with [[reverse-pretender technology]], where a Human disguises himself as a Transformer.

==External links==
*[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/PretendersDoubleBC96Displ.html Some photos] of unreleased Double Pretenders from [http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Prototypes.html SUPER TOY ARCHIVE]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Pretenders| ]]
[[Category:Subgroups]]

Hot Rod (G1)

2010-07-03T09:13:56Z

86.86.159.173: /* Generation 2 */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Rodimus}}
{{disambig3|Hot Rod}}

:''Hot Rod is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He has also been known as '''Rodimus Prime''', '''Rodimus''', and '''Rodimus Major'''.''

[[Image:DVDbox3d1.jpg|right|301px|thumb|And yet he still gets carded.]]

'''Hot Rod''' is brash and headstrong, with an overwhelming self-confidence that borders on arrogance. [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] has assumed the role of mentor and advisor to the impetuous young Hot Rod, offering him wisdom and advice when he needs it (though Hot Rod rarely feels that he does, much to Kup's annoyance). [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] also serves as a calming influence on Hot Rod, and tends to either worry about him when he is not around, or deride and tease him when he is. Their relationship is antagonistic, but friendly. Exactly how deep Hot Rod's feelings for Arcee might run is unknown, whether they be friendly, [[Transformer romance|romantic]], or otherwise.

In contrast, his '''Rodimus Prime''' persona—while still headstrong and stubborn—seems to suffer from a severe lack of confidence, often doubting his own decisions and expressing distress over his position as an [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]. Of course, much of this comes from having immediately succeeded [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] as commander—and let's face it, shoes-to-be-filled just don't ''get'' much bigger than that.

One thing that both sides of this Autobot's identity have in common is their impatience—neither Hot Rod nor Rodimus Prime can stand to wait around when they could be doing something instead. He is also very self-reliant, rarely sending others to do anything when he could be doing it himself. His [[Targetmaster]] partner is [[Firebolt]]. As Rodimus Prime, his vehicle sometimes splits between his robot and [[Mobile Defense Bay]].

{{bigquote|I ''knew'' you had potential, lad.|[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] on Hot Rod's transformation into Rodimus Prime|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

:''Japanese name (Hot Rod):'' '''Hot Rodimus''', except for "The Rebirth"
:''Japanese name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimus Convoy'''
:''French-Canadian name (Hot Rod):'' '''Météorite''' ("Meteorite")
:''French-Canadian name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimus Primo''' ("Rodimus First", official toy name)
:''French-Canadian name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimus Primus''' (official dub name)
:''Italian name:'' '''Folgore''', '''Captain''' 
:''Hungarian name (Hot Rod):'' '''Nagyágyú''' ("Hot Shot")
:''Hungarian name (Hot Rod, The Movie):'' '''Peca''' ("[[:Image:HotRodFishing1.jpg|Fisher]]"?) in the first dub of the film, 'cause he deals with marine life throughout the film, you see.
:''Hungarian name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimusz Fővezér''' ("Prime Commander Rodimus")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan, Hot Rod):'' '''Rod''' / '''Rhode''' (羅德 ''Lúo Dé'')
:''Chinese name (Taiwan, Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rhodie Jr-tsūn''' (羅迪至尊, "Rodimus Prime")
:''Chinese name (China, Hot Rod):'' '''Re Po''' (热破, "Hot Break")
:''Chinese name (China, Rodimus Prime):'' '''Bu Tian Shi''' (补天士, "Soldier who [[Wikipedia:Nüwa|repairs the sky]]")
:''[[Omni Production]]s Headmasters dub name (Hot Rod):'' '''Roadimus Prime''' (yes. ROAD-imus.)
:''Russian TV dub name (Hot Rod):'' '''Patron''' ("Cartridge")
:''Russian TV dub name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodomes Prime'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal Comic):'' (Hot Rod) '''Roda Quente''' (Rodimus Prime) '''Rodimus Supremo'''

==Fiction==
{{picsneeded|Cartoon, G2 comic, DW comic, a few other minor continuities.}}
===Cartoon continuity===
====Madman ''The Transformers'' comic====
[[Image:Madman comic HotRod sigh.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"You're gonna be the death of that guy, you know?"]]

In the year 2001, Hot Rod was on guard duty at the construction site of [[Autobot City]] on [[Earth]] while the main Autobot forces were evacuating from the Decepticon-conquered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. As he was complained about his boring assignment to [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], the Decepticon [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] struck, intent on stealing the [[Matrix of Leadership|Autobot Matrix of Leadership]] which Optimus Prime had secreted in a bunker at the building site. When he reclaimed the Matrix, Hot Rod received a vision of the future where he fought [[Galvatron (G1)|a powerful Decepticon]]. After returning the Matrix to Optimus Prime, the Autobot leader considered that perhaps Hot Rod's destiny was greater than any of them realized. Kup thought differently, however. {{storylink|The Transformers (Madman)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actors:'' [[Judd Nelson]] → [[Ted Schwartz]] → [[Dick Gautier]] (English), [[Hiroya Ishimaru]] (Japanese, ''Transformers 2010''), [[Takase Akimitsu]] (Japanese, ''The Rebirth''), [[Daniel Gall]] (French, Movie)

[[Image:HotRodFishing1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I'm tellin' you, Daniel, you HAD to kiss me to activate my fishing rod. STOP crying!"]]
In 2005, Hot Rod was one of the many Autobots based in the completed Autobot City. He was close friends with the young human [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] and seemed to have a reputation for being something of a troublemaker, judging from a few of Kup's comments to him at the time. Realizing that the Decepticons were invading, Hot Rod opened fire on their stolen shuttle and exposed their ruse before Megatron could enter the city. Although this did give the rest of the Autobots time to begin transforming Autobot City and raising their defenses, it also left Hot Rod trapped outside with Kup and Daniel. After defeating the Decepticons [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] with some help from Kup, Hot Rod managed to find a way inside the fortress city and took part in its defense. During [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime's]] battle with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Hot Rod intervened in an attempt to help, but succeeded only in giving Megatron the chance he needed to wound the Autobot leader mortally.

After Prime's death, Autobot City was attacked again—by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. While escaping, Hot Rod and Kup (and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]) were separated from the rest of the Autobots and crashed on the planet [[Quintessa]]. There, Hot Rod met the Quintessons, an enemy who would haunt him for some time to come. After escaping their sadistic trial and attempted execution (as well as meeting [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]), Hot Rod went on to the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]], where he was just in time to stop [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] from destroying the rest of the Autobot City refugees with a timely use of the [[Universal greeting]]. Together, they all traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to stop [[Unicron]] before he could eat more than just its moons.

[[Image:RodimusPrimeMovie1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Stop putting in captions that are just blatantly not funny!"]]
Inside of Unicron, Hot Rod was separated from the rest of his team when their ship crashed (something which happens to Hot Rod a lot). Alone, he found himself facing Galvatron in a battle to the death over the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Claiming the Matrix, Hot Rod [[Renaming|evolved into]] "Rodimus Prime", an older, larger, and more powerful version of himself. After overpowering Galvatron and hurling him through Unicron's hide into the void of space, he opened the Matrix and destroyed Unicron from within. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Peace reigned on Cybertron for at least long enough to put up some of the more important buildings, and Rodimus Prime began to ease into his role as the new Autobot leader. He even opened the first [[Galactic Olympics]], although the event was disrupted by mysterious assailants who kidnapped [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], Kup and Spike Witwicky. In an attempt to discover if the Decepticons were responsible, Rodimus took [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to spy on them, but the pair were discovered and attacked. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} The two Autobots were rescued by Arcee and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], but Rodimus had been injured in the attack, and his spirit entered the Matrix. The experience revealed to him that the Quintessons were behind the kidnapping. With this knowledge, the Autobots rescued their fellows from Quintessa, just as the Quintessons destroyed the planet. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}}

[[Image:FFOD3 Rodimus in light.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Using the matrix gives you wrinkles.]]
The Autobots were flung through space, eventually crashing down on the planet [[Goo]]. After Springer's dismemberment at the hands of a giant machine, Rodimus faced the machine alone, clogging its intakes and causing it to crash. Their troubles weren't over, as the Quintesson-led Decepticon army soon showed up to renew hostilities. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Rescued by the Junkions, the Autobots were taken to Junk, where Rodimus short-circuited himself in order to consult the Matrix once again. The knowledge of [[Transformer]] history and their creation at the hands of the Quintessons was revealed to him, leading him to realise that Cybertron was in deadly danger. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

Returning to Cybertron, Rodimus lead the defence of the planet against Galvatron's strike force. It wasn't until [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s warning that the true nature of the threat was revealed: a [[large switch|switch]] deep under the planet's surface which controlled the life force of every Transformer in existence. Although Rodimus headed off the contingent of Sharkticons who aimed to pull the switch, Galvatron himself pulled it, disabling all of the Transformers. Fortunately, Spike was on hand to turn them all back on again. After Galvatron was sent into retreat, Rodimus gave a speech to the Autobots about how they had won...for now. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:RodimusMatrix.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Here's the Matrix, Optimus. I mean, it's not like this is a trap or anything!]]
Throughout 2006, Rodimus Prime's greatest achievements revolved around his predecessor, Optimus Prime. While fleeing from a Decepticon attack, Rodimus and several other Autobots took refuge in a massive [[Autobot Mausoleum]] and discovered that their former leader seemed to have returned to life. Perhaps a little too trusting of Optimus (and possibly eager to relieve himself of the burden of leadership), Rodimus quickly passed the Matrix back to Optimus and, much to his glee, reverted back into Hot Rod. His happiness was short-lived, however, as Optimus was quickly revealed to be nothing more than a puppet of the Quintessons, sent to trick the Autobots into an ambush from which none of them would escape. With no other choice, Hot Rod was forced to do battle with Optimus Prime for the fate of the Autobots. Although their duel was clearly in the favor of the more powerful Optimus, Hot Rod was able to re-awaken the true spirit of his leader. Returning the Matrix to Rodimus, Optimus then piloted his ship into the heart of the ambush and sacrificed himself to save them all. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

Soon after Perceptor left on a standard research mission to a nearby asteroid belt, Rodimus Prime and the Autobots received a distress call from the survey group. They arrived to find the asteroid infested with Quintessons, but managed to drive off the tentacled freaks and their Sharkticon shock troops. Perceptor was near deactivation due to injuries, however, and the rest of the Autobots were nowhere to be seen. The Quints attempted to retake the asteroid but, after failing, were soon desperate enough to tell the truth: Their technology on the rock was a [[Time Window]], and leaving it open was risking the fates of all time and space. With the help of the Quintesson scientist and a [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious stranger with a devilish moustache]], Rodimus Prime retrieved his lost Autobots and shut down the time window. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

[[Image:Fightorflee Rodimus explosion.jpg|right|thumb|250px|He just needs a cigarette.]]

The Autobots learned of a lost Cybertronian colony known as [[Paradron]] after one of its citizens, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], arrived on Cybertron begging for help. It seemed that Galvatron and the Decepticons had seized control over the planet and its vast energon reserves. Rodimus Prime and the Autobots staged a tactical infiltration, but the escalation of violence between the two forces led to total devastation. Rodimus gave the pacifistic Autobots of Paradron his impassioned "Move it or lose it!" speech before hustling them off-world so that Ultra Magnus could blow up their home. As Sandstorm sat there mourning the loss of his world, Rodimus Prime gave him some solemn advice.
{{bigquote|Well, no need to get all mushy. Cybertron's a better place anyway—not so...perfect.|}}
{{storylink|Fight or Flee}}

Rodimus and the Autobots were stumped when someone carried off [[Fort Knox]] in the middle of the night. They detected [[Dinosaur transform static]] at the scene (seriously), found a small pile of [[Energon cube|energon cubes]], and had just been informed by [[Teletraan II]] that Trypticon was still alive. It was a head-scratcher, all right. They eventually figured it out, though, and sieged the occupied nation of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to chase the Decepticons away, then recovered Fort Knox and the other monuments Trypticon had stolen. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

When the freelance agent named [[Octane]] was being kidnapped right off of Cybertron's surface by Cyclonus and the Sweeps, Rodimus Prime and the Autobots stormed out to save their associate. Things were more complicated than they looked, however, as when Rodimus confronted Cyclonus, the Decepticon lieutenant spoke with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s voice! For some reason, learning Starscream was involved made Rodimus willing to let the Decepticons go. Crazy as it sounds, though, it worked—Starscream and Octane managed to lure Galvatron into an Autobot ambush. Rodimus Prime gave a friendly wave to Starscream for a job well done as he departed. ''Zuh''? {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

While preparing for the first annual Cybertron peace conference, Rodimus Prime got together with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] to prepare a surprise party for Danny. They were interrupted by a [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] attack, as the Decepticons wanted to prevent the conference from occurring. The Combaticons were driven off, however, and only minor damage was done. {{storylink|Surprise Party}}

During a diplomatic function, Rodimus Prime was forced to play statesman and deal with Ambassador [[Ynara]] and the other delegates. Curiously, when Daniel Witwicky went missing and Rodimus had an excuse to duck out of the "festivities", he chose to delegate the search mission to Ultra Magnus and Blaster. Perhaps the normally action-hungry Rodimus Prime was actually becoming more accepting of his leadership duties. {{storylink|Madman's Paradise}}

When Daniel Witwicky began experiencing recurring nightmares, Rodimus never dreamed he would have to face those nightmares personally. The Quintessons' latest experiment was to turn the young boy's imagination against his Autobot friends. Danny's own subconscious fought against the Quintessons' manipulations, though, and helped the Autobots save themselves. After that experience, Rodimus Prime stayed by Danny's bedside until he conquered his fears and ended the nightmares. {{storylink|Nightmare Planet}}

Cybertron was put on high alert after [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] broke into Metroplex on Earth, stealing his eyes and blowing up a bomb in his brain. Rodimus and the Autobots were eventually able to suss out that Scourge was working with the ghost of Starscream, and they in turn were acquiring those eyes for Unicron. Rodimus put together a strike team and sent Ultra Magnus, Springer, [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] to Unicron to investigate, but they were repulsed by the Chaos-Bringer's defenses. Their second mission was more successful, detonating a series of explosives underneath Unicron once he came down to Cybertron, intent on connecting himself to the planet and turning it into his new body. After Unicron was successfully blasted back into orbit, Rodimus congratulated his men on a job well done. As a joke, he told Magnus and the others their next mission would be to return to the head of their Living Devil and retrieve his stolen eyes. That Roddy—he's hilarious. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

Rodimus was dutifully overseeing some reconstruction work on Cybertron when [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] reported odd activity over the planet of Junk and among the Junkions themselves. He assembled a task force aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to take a look firsthand. [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] managed to neutralize the hypnotic signals influencing the Junkions, but the Autobots were unable to learn the cause of the whole situation. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}

At a galactic peace conference, Rodimus and Ultra Magnus attempted to end the centuries of war between the planets of [[Xetaxxis]] and [[Lanarq]]. They might as well have asked Galvatron, "Why you so ''crazy''?" Every attempt at straight talk and reasonable discourse broke out into a brawl, fist-fighting and eventually laser fire. The two worlds only reached an accord once Blaster and Sky Lynx arrived with a Quintesson journal, detailing how the entire war between the two planets was a "case study" in escalation manipulated by the Quints to sell bigger and better armaments to both sides. {{storylink|The Quintesson Journal}}

One day, Rodimus Prime orchestrated the insertion of a new [[power core]] on Cybertron, designed by Perceptor to give the Autobots limitless free energy. Unfortunately, Perceptor also installed an emergency level to jettison the power core into space in the statistically impossible scenario that they would ever need to do such a wild, crazy thing. Sure enough, mere hours later, the power core was floating through space with a [[Trans-Organic]] [[Dweller|monster]] of Lovecraftian proportions latched to the outside of it. Rule of thumb: Installing any form of self-destruct switch increases the likelihood of needing said switch a billion percent. Encasing it behind glass adds another billion. {{storylink|The Dweller in the Depths}}

Rodimus Prime and the Autobots joined forces with the human police to help stop a domestic terrorist named [[Victor Drath]]. They grossly underestimated their opponent and were easily captured by Drath after he lured them to his residence with an anonymous phone call. Using some <strike>Cobra</strike> mysterious technology, Drath siphoned the consciousnesses of Rodimus, Ultra Magnus, Springer and Arcee out of their bodies, inadvertently casting them into synthetic human forms. While trying to get back into Drath's headquarters, Rodimus and Springer were separated. Drath's girlfriend [[Michelle]] was intrigued enough by Rodimus's human form that she hid him from Drath's men. At least until after coffee...THEN she handed him over to Drath. Rodimus managed to overpower Drath and his men, and the villain's scheme was undone. Perceptor managed to reverse the process and restore the Autobots to their true forms. With one regretful look cast towards Michelle as she was led away by the police, Rodimus Prime rolled for home with the other Autobots. {{storylink|Only Human}}

Rodimus Prime began to struggle with the burden of leadership again during a skirmish in Europe, where the Decepticons were working in conjunction with human terrorists. The pacifistic [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] chose to leave the Autobots after his refusal to fight cost Metroplex his transforming cog, and Rodimus chided himself for not having the words to convince the medic to stay. He was also unsettled by Galvatron's crowing about a new "[[Ultimate Weapon]]" which would bring the Autobots to their knees. Regardless of his internal strife, Rodimus continued the fight. He came up with a plan in which Spike and Daniel Witwicky posed as part of the (evil?) human repair crews working on Trypticon and liberated the Decepticon city-bot's transforming cog just as the 'Cons had taken Metroplex's. Rodimus and Ultra Magnus had to fight off Galvatron and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] in order to stall for time so that the Witwickys could complete their mission. Fortunately, the Stunticons had been off <strike>the shelves</strike> the field for a while by this point, and so were utterly demolished by the two Autobots. Eventually, First Aid returned to the Autobots to finish repair work on the cog, and Rodimus ultimately called Galvatron's bluff and uncovered his "Ultimate Weapon" as the sham it was. These victories renewed Rodimus's confidence in his leadership abilities...until next time. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

Rodimus and the Autobots arrived at the scene of a Quintesson quadrant lock as Galvatron was trying to claim it for himself. The Quintessons attempted to stop further investigation of the quadrant lock by casting the Transformers through a warp. Their encounter with the native [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]]s inside the lock was less than cordial, but the Autobots eventually managed to disable the quadrant lock and return starlight to the Zamojin people. {{storylink|The Face of the Nijika}}

At the unveiling of a new power generator, Rodimus Prime got frustrated at Grimlock's gross stupidity. Things only got worse when the Autobots discovered [[Anti-electron|anti-electrons]] being beamed out of the power generator and needed to negotiate the tunnels beneath Cybertron to reach the generator core...and Grimlock broke their only map. Luckily for Rodimus's sanity, Grimlock spontaneously developed super-intelligence after biting through the cables connecting the anti-electrons to the power generator. The Autobots then went on a mission to Unicron's head to prevent the Decepticons from recovering any more anti-electrons to use against them. They were nearly overwhelmed by the animalistic [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], but Grimlock constructed [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] as a counter-force against the bestial Decepticons. Rodimus and the others drove off the remaining Decepticons and restabilized the power generator for Cybertron's use. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

On Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Rodimus Prime and the Autobots were engaged in trench warfare with the Decepticon for some vague but no doubt important reason. Rodimus demonstrated his keen tactical brilliance when the Decepticons attacked, suggesting the Autobots do the unexpected...and counter-attack. No, really—Galvatron seemed utterly amazed when they did that. However, the non-bestial Transformers on both sides were rendered lifeless when the energy-draining creature known as [[Tornedron]] attacked them while en route to Earth. When the threat was eliminated by Grimlock, Rodimus and the others came back to life without realising that anything had happened. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

After a particularly strenuous series of Decepticon attacks on Japan, Rodimus Prime was in no mood to be chewed out by the Japanese government for "not helping enough". When [[Marissa Faireborn]] stopped by at just the wrong time with yet another problem, Rodimus blew her off and went racing on the back roads to let off some exhaust. Unfortunately, he was spotted by the Stunticons [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Wildrider]], who knocked him for a loop and (surprisingly) shook the Matrix of Leadership loose from his chest cavity. After the Stunticons made off with the Matrix, Rodimus woke up as Hot Rod. Shockingly to Springer and Ultra Magnus, Roddy was in no hurry to go after the thieves and recover the Matrix. His ''giri'' had become too burdensome, and Hot Rod was hardly interested in reclaiming the burden so soon. He returned to a dojo that had been upset by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] during the earlier attacks and observed the sensei and his pupils. After finding his center again, Hot Rod returned to the city, where the huntsman known as Scourge had been misusing the Matrix as a source of raw power to destroy everything around him. After a brief fight, Hot Rod reclaimed the Matrix from Scourge and became Rodimus Prime once more, accepting his path in life. Oh, and Kup was nodding sagely on the sidelines the entire time. Apparently, that helped somehow. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

[[Image:HotRodReturnOfOptimusPrime1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Does my thumb look infected to you?"]]

As it turned out, far from being destroyed, Optimus Prime had been retrieved by a team of human scientists who were hoping to use him (again) as a weapon against the Autobots—this time as the bearer of a malignant "[[Hate Plague]]" that would cause them to destroy one another. When he learned of this, Rodimus swiftly formed a rescue party and led them to retrieve Optimus's body so that their former leader could rest in peace. When all of the rest of the Autobots with him were exposed to the Hate Plague, only Rodimus was able to escape unharmed—and with the still-uninfected body of Optimus. Returning to Autobot City, Rodimus ordered [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky-Lynx]] to find a Quintesson to repair Optimus, then risked his life to shut down [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] before the Plague could spread to the titanic Autobot. Attacked by Ultra Magnus and Wreck-Gar in the process, he succumbed to the plague and became infected with hate. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} In order to stop the Plague, the resurrected Optimus had to defeat the crazed Rodimus and forcibly extract the Matrix from him, changing him back into Hot Rod once more. This time, as Optimus had decided to stick around, the change was a permanent one. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

Even after losing his position as Autobot leader, Hot Rod was not the sort to rest on his laurels. In 2007, he was among a group of Autobots who were caught in a blast from the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]] and shot across the galaxy to the planet [[Nebulos]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} There, the Autobots fell in with a group of native rebels and aided them in opposing the tyrannical rule of the dictatorial [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]—a partnership that ultimately evolved into [[binary bonding]], the fusion of Transformer and Nebulan into [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster|Targetmasters]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}} Hot Rod was linked to the Nebulan sharpshooter Firebolt and went on to aid in the defence of Cybertron as Galvatron attempted to use the Plasma Energy Chamber to destroy it. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese animated continuity as described above, except without the events of "The Rebirth". Additionally, this continuity moves the events of 2006 forward to 2010 and inserts several additional events into the newly created intervening years.}}

=====''Kiss Players''=====
:''Voice actors:'' [[Ryōtarō Okiayu]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Kp3_toy_accurate_hotrod.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]

When Rodimus Prime hurled Galvatron into space at the conclusion of their battle within Unicron, he could not have predicted the tragic result of this action. Galvatron crash-landed on Earth, on top of [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]], devastating the city and sparking off a massive anti-Transformer movement spearheaded by the [[Earth Defense Command]]. Horrified by what his actions had wrought, Rodimus gave up the Matrix to Ultra Magnus and reverted to Hot Rod once more, seeking a way to redeem himself for his unintentional misdeeds. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|A Big Catch Tonight?!}}

[[Image:Kissplay3 hot rod tentacled.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]

Hot Rod returned to Earth in the year 2006, by which stage the planet had been scoured clean of Transformers by the E.D.C.. He was badly damaged by the [[anti-electron]] field that the E.D.C. had set up around the planet, and wound up falling out of the sky and crashing into the E.D.C.'s headquarters, plunging through its levels into the subterranean chamber known as the [[Genital System]]. His explosive arrival interrupted a grotesque experiment involving former E.D.C. operative [[Shaoshao Li]] and the severed heads of several [[Legion]] (monstrous creatures created when Galvatron's cells, scattered by his impact, fused with Earthly creatures and machines). {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 2|Kiss Players #2}} The Legion attacked Hot Rod and began to [[ParasiTech|fuse]] with him, but a [[kiss]] from Shaoshao—one of the E.D.C.'s [[Kiss Player]]s, also given fusing powers by Galvatron's cells—saved him, reformatting him into a Ford GT body. {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 3|Kiss Players #3}}

Together with Shaoshao, Hot Rod went on the run, battling the E.D.C. and the Legion, while working to expose the evil intentions behind of Shaoshao's former employers. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #2}} Shaoshao, a longtime robot-hater, was not pleased about the partnership, disgusted by both the fact that she had to kiss Hot Rod {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #5}} and the Autobot's own smug self-confidence in his speed and sharpshooting skills. She insisted that he work hard on his martial arts training, but Rodimus preferred to simply use Shaoshao's own skills by fusing with her. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #8}} As part of his training, he learned to wield his tonfa weapons as guns, and embarked on a long-distance drive as a test of endurance. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #11}}

Drawn to the E.D.C. headquarters by a massive Legion attack on the facility, Hot Rod and Shaoshao were shocked to see Optimus Prime at the head of the Legion swarm! Given that Prime had died the previous year, Hot Rod assumed he was facing an imposter and attacked, unaware that this was actually the genuine article, who had been brought back to life by the Kiss Player powers of Shaoshao's old friend, [[Marissa Faireborn]]. The battle was broken up and the Legions turned away by the E.D.C.'s most powerful Kiss Player, [[Atari Hitotonari]], and Hot Rod and Shaoshao returned to their fugitive lifestyle. {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 3|Kiss Players #3}}

[[Image:HotRodKP.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Flames on his arms and a naked girl in his tummy.]]

Despite being on the lam, Hot Rod still had time for a little fishing now and then, (even though Shaoshao hated the fishy stench he would invariably return covered in) {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #17}} and even built himself a fishing pole that could transform into a set of blasters, dubbed the "Exhaust Rod". {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #20}} While Hot Rod was putting his new pole to use on a fishing trip to Tokyo Bay, he and Shaoshao were attacked by a mass of Legion and fused to fight back. It was during this latest fusion that Shaoshao glimpsed Hot Rod's memories and discovered that he was responsible for throwing Galvatron into space, and her fury caused the fusion to end quite violently. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|A Big Catch Tonight?!}} Despite Hot Rod's peace offering of new underwear (actually stolen from Marissa), {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #29}} Shaoshao concluded that she really didn't care about his guilt, and was just using him to win Marissa back from Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #26}}

[[Image:KP002.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]

Investigating a large number of Legion that seemed to be converging on Tokyo, Hot Rod and Shaoshao spotted a dark-haired girl riding on the shoulder of one of the creatures. As they watched, she disappeared into the Legion, and they believed she may have been a Kiss Player, until Hot Rod realised that his scanners had not picked up any body heat from the girl. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #32}} As if this haunting experience was not bad enough, Hot Rod then began to suffer from nightmares, filled with images of Megatron, caused by the Galvatron cells that the Legion had added to his system when they had tried to fuse with him. Shaoshao exploited the increase in Rodimus's violent tendencies that these nightmares caused by whispering in the Autobot's ear as he slept, telling him that he had to kill the impostor Optimus Prime so she could have Marissa back. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #35}}

When Marissa and Prime led another army of Legions in another attack on the E.D.C. headquarters, Shaoshao and Hot Rod were again there to face them. The two Autobots were overcome by the destructive impulses of their Galvatron cells and began viciously fighting, but as they did so, Marissa and Shaoshao were able to settle their own differences and bring the battle to an end, vowing to discover the dark secret at the heart of the E.D.C.. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #37}} Together with Atari, the group ventured down into the Genital System, where they discovered a secret plot by E.D.C. commander [[Hitoshizuku Amaō]] to resurrect her dead daughter (the ghost girl Hot Rod and Shaoshao had seen) in Atari's body. Atari thwarted Amaō's fusion process, however, and instead caused all of the scattered Galvatron cells to be re-absorbed into the Decepticon leader's comatose body. Hot Rod destroyed the anti-electron field generator, and was then reverted back to normal as his Galvatron cells were drawn out of him and reconstituted within Galvatron's body, which Atari then flung into space. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|You, I, and the Spinning Earth}}

Hot Rod went on his way, but did not take back the Matrix and leadership of the Autobots until the year 2010. It is unknown whether he ever discovered that the true instigators of the Tokyo incident were Unicron's minions, the [[Sparkbot]]s, who had altered Galvatron's trajectory.

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
{{note|The events of this manga occur concurrently with the events of Generation 1 cartoon, as described above.}}

[[Image:Ep14.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He's so dreeeaaaaamyyyy.]]

Rodimus Prime faced numerous bizarre challenges in the year 2010, one of which involved Galvatron attempting to seize spaceships with his ''own'' spaceship that ate ''other'' spaceships. Rodimus infiltrated the toothy craft in order to plant a bomb to destroy it. Unfortunately, Galvatron trapped him inside and beat him senseless. Rodimus was about to give up when the spirit of Optimus Prime spoke to him through the Matrix, urging him to fight on. Rodimus snapped out of it and escaped through a hole created by Galvatron's cannon. Before leaving, though, he dropped the bomb off in Cyclonus' hands, detonating the ship.{{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 1}}

During another adventure, Rodimus and his troops were taken under siege by a horde of Megatron clones calling themselves the [[Megatron Corps]]. The Megatron Corps made short work of Rodimus, leaving him to wonder how he could defeat a whole horde of the baddie, when Optimus Prime could barely deal with ''one''. Rodimus eventually realized that Galvatron was secretly controlling the clones and singled him out. With Galvatron defeated, the Megatron Corps ceased to function. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 2}}

Not long after that, Galvatron attacked [[Autobot City]] on Earth with the power of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Though Trypticon was defeated by [[Six-Gun]], of all Autobots, Rodimus did not arrive on the scene until after the battle had ended. Young blonde [[human]] girls squeeled at his hunkiness, though. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3}}

During another battle, he was forced to team with his arch-nemesis, Galvatron, to defeat the all-powerful [[Guiltaur]]. Guiltaur was a creation built by the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] utilizing the powers of both Optimus Prime and Megatron. Together, Rodimus and Galvatron defeated their foe (who it turned out was being controlled by the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]) and called off the truce. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 4}}

After that, Rodimus lead the Autobots to the planet [[Feminia]] to protect it's [[Prime Energy Tower]] from Galvatron and the Decepticons. The Autobots proved ineffectual against the might of [[Predaking]]...at least until the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s showed up to win the day. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' comic=====

After the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s rescued the scientist [[Doctor Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, Rodimus met with him to discuss upgrading the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1}}

Rodimus then watched on in horror as the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s made short work of the upgraded Technobots and nearly turned them into Decepticons with [[Cohesive Control Liquid]]. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] managed to save the Technobots and send the Decepticons into retreat, swearing vengeance. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 2}}

Early in 2011, after having given up the Matrix of Leadership and reverted back to Hot Rod, he accompanied the newly resurrected Optimus Prime in a space battle against Galvatron and the Decepticons. The Decepticons fled, and though Hot Rod wished to pursue them, Optimus ordered him the return to base, as the entire battle seemed fishy. Indeed, it was all a distraction so that Galvatron could begin his ultimate invasion of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[Image:DoubleConvoy1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Race ya to the Matrix!" "Yer on!"]]
One year after the Hate Plague affair and the resurrection of Optimus Prime, Hot Rod maintained a high-level position among the Autobots as well as a new sense of duty and responsibility. Hot Rod was stationed on [[Athenia]] when the Decepticons, bolstered with the addition of new Headmaster warriors, attacked Cybertron in an attempt to take control of [[Vector Sigma]], which had become destabilized as a result of the Matrix's energy being released. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

When a group of Autobot Headmasters arrived to help, Optimus Prime broke off from the battle and ventured into Cybertron's depths, hoping to find a way to stabilize Vector Sigma. This, however, would require the sacrifice of his own life if attempted without the Matrix, which was hidden somewhere on Earth, recharging. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Hot Rod and the Autobot Headmasters searched the Matrix out and returned to Cybertron with it, where the spirit of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] recharged its empty shell, transforming Hot Rod back into Rodimus Prime. Optimus and Rodimus defeated the Decepticons together, but Optimus still wound up sacrificing himself to stabilize Vector Sigma, leaving Rodimus Prime in command of the Autobots once again. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Rodimus Prime chose to oversee Autobot operations largely from Athenia, leaving Earth as Ultra Magnus and Metroplex's jurisdiction, and maintaining a relatively minor presence on Cybertron itself. One of his actions as returning leader was to oversee the resurrection of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who gave his life during the recent search for the Matrix. He had [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] employ [[Master (planet)|Master]] technology to revive the communications expert in a new body as [[Twincast]]. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} After Fortress and the Headmasters ran into trouble on the planet [[Beest]], Rodimus Prime brought the [[Trainbot]]s and [[Monsterbot]]s with him as reinforcements to foil Galvatron's plans. {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beest}} He also oversaw the Autobots' efforts to defeat a [[Metamorpho|gravity-warping meteorite]], and encouraged Daniel to be courageous enough to help the Autobots against the metal-sensitive menace. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

One day, Rodimus Prime accompanied Ultra Magnus to an energy research laboratory, where a new power source had supposedly been discovered. Upon arrival, however, they discovered the research team had been killed and no new power source existed. Reviewing the tape announcing the discovery, Rodimus realized the broadcasting scientist was actually under the control of [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], and the whole trip was to get him out of the way so that Scorponok could set a trap for the Headmasters on [[Praum]]. Taking the Trainbots, Rodimus Prime arrived on Praum in time to help the Headmasters chase off Galvatron and their evil counterparts. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} Rodimus Prime soon supervised the Autobots during a series of terrorist threats around the globe. He allowed [[Shoki]] and the Trainbots to take first crack at the robot threatening their homeland of Japan. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

When Vector Sigma created a new kind of super-metal known as [[Cybertonuron]], Rodimus Prime realized it would be a tempting target for the Decepticons. Sure enough, Galvatron soon launched an all-out attack on Cybertron to capture Vector Sigma and the Cybertonuron. Rodimus assembled a massive counterstrike force to transport to Cybertron, but Fortress cautioned that the whole ordeal thus far might be a trap. Rodimus recognized the possibility, but stated the idea of Galvatron controlling the Cybertonuron was too dangerous to risk. Rodimus Prime traveled to Cybertron himself aboard the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]], and engaged Galvatron in hand-to-hand combat. Tragically, Rodimus was soundly defeated by his old foe, and would have been helplessly executed by Galvatron if [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] hadn't insisted on giving his leader an office memo Right. That. Minute. TPS reports wait for no 'bot. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} As the fighting continued to escalate, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] decided it was too dangerous to risk the Autobots keeping control of the Cybertonuron. He had Mindwipe and the Headmasters plant a series of bombs at Cybertron core, resulting in a massive planetary explosion, leaving Cybertron a burnt-out husk. Deciding that his time was over, and that newer, younger Transformers should take over, Rodimus passed leadership of the Autobots to [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], and departed for space with Kup and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] to search for a new planet that the Transformers could make their own. Arcee asked if she could go, too, but Rodimus instructed her to stay behind to look after Daniel and Wheelie. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

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

With Optimus Prime dead yet again, Hot Rod returned to being Rodimus Prime and erected a statue of his fallen commander on Cybertron. During the dedication, the Decepticons were spotted approaching the planet. Rodimus dispatched the [[Headmasters of Justice]] to deal with the threat. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1}}

Later, the Decepticons made a second attempt to seize planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]] while the Autobot [[Beastformer]] leader, [[White Leo]], was away. Rodimus Prime sent the Headmasters of Justice to Beast in order to drive back the invading Decepticons. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}}

During his journey through space in search of a replacement homeworld for the Autobots, Rodimus faced many dangers and hardships, but was supported by the wisdom of the Matrix and the energy of the Earth that now coursed within it. Learning a new admiration for the human race and the planet Earth, he returned to Earth in the wake of the defeat of Scorponok, and reunited with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8|The Headmasters issue 8}}

=====''The Battlestars''=====
It would be many years before Rodimus resurfaced. He eventually returned at the same time as Optimus Prime was resurrected as [[Optimus Prime (G1)#The Battlestars story pages and comic|Star Convoy]], and was shown to have reverted back into Hot Rod, and been converted into a [[Micromaster]]. As a Micromaster, Hot Rod took up residence in Star Convoy's chest, boosting his Supreme Commander's power.

=====''15 Go! Go!''=====
[[Image:Hotrod-micro.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Well, at least this girl has clothes on.]]
During her travels through time and space, [[Teletraan 15]] encountered Micromaster Hot Rod, who rescued her from a strange mechanical monster, a [[Novaroid]]. Teletraan 15 noted that Hot Rod was considerably smaller than she remembered him.

Hot Rod asked if she was the one responsible for all the [[Transwarp]] travel and blamed her for the wormholes that were opening everywhere. Spotting a large wormhole opening, he transformed to vehicle mode and told her to climb inside, saying that something big was coming.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)#The Battlestars story pages and comic|Star Convoy]] appeared and requested Hot Rod's assistance, telling him that [[Megatron (G1)|Ultra Megatron]] was fusing with [[Dark Nova]].

As Hot Rod said his farewells to Teletraan 15, he was suddenly struck by an immense blast from the wormhole overhead. The shadowy form of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] descended from the rip in the sky.

15 leaped in front of Hot Rod to protect him, and was rewarded for her heroism by seeing her right arm torn off by the Decepticon's power. The severed arm gripped in his teeth, Galvatron throttled the much smaller Hot Rod. As [[Safety]] and [[Fly-Up]] of the [[Guard City]] team raced toward her, Teletraan 15 faded into unconsciousness, leaving Hot Rod's fate and the outcome of the battle unknown. {{storylink|15 Go! Go!}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
''Several hundred years ago, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] dispatched Hot Rod and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] to search for habitable worlds. During this mission, the pair ran afoul of the [[Tyroxian]]s—unpleasant [[alien]]s who captured Blurr and pursued Hot Rod through space. While fleeing, Hot Rod crossed paths with the Autobot war veteran, Kup, living a nomadic existence wandering through space at the time, and the youth's bravado in attacking [[Tyroxia]] single-handed re-ignited Kup's fighting spirit. After saving Hot Rod and helping him to rescue Blurr, Kup joined the pair in returning to Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Kup's Story!}}

[[Image:BrothersinArmor-Targetmasters.jpg|left|thumb|350px|I'm important! Just not right now.]]

Hot Rod was among the contingent of Transformers who ultimately accompanied Fortress Maximus in abandoning the war on Cybertron for a new world, [[Nebulos]]. The Autobots' arrival on the planet immediately stirred civil unrest, however, which led to the Decepticons being brought to the planet, and the war continuing on a smaller scale. Technological advancements developed during the conflict saw Nebulans being bio-engineered into [[Binary bonding|partnerships]] with the Transformers. Hot Rod became a Targetmaster, and was bonded to the Nebulan sharpshooter, Firebolt (aka Sparks), who transformed into his gun. Eventually, the Autobots determined to move their war away from Nebulos, and followed a signal sent by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], received by Hot Rod, to the planet [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

Hot Rod and the other Autobots of Nebulos were soon incorporated into the larger Autobot force on Earth, under the command of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. On one occasion, Hot Rod and several Autobots accompanied Prime on what appeared to be a simple mission to stop some Decepticon [[Micromaster]]s from attacking MacDill Air Force Base. {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} In fact, the attack was part of a much larger scheme by the deposed Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], luring Prime and his forces away from the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and setting them against his rival for Decepticon leadership, the mighty [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Once Prime realized the greater threat at issue, he ordered his troops to immediately take the [[Ark shuttlecraft|shuttle]] back to the Ark, but Hot Rod recklessly chose to stay behind at Optimus's side to face the Decepticons. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}} He was therefore on-hand when the newly resurrected [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] arrived, and began tearing through all Transformers present, in the name of Megatron. He managed to take a shot at Starscream's new [[Pretender]] shell, causing enough neural feedback to temporarily weaken the Decepticon, and give Scorponok time to strike and end the threat. {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

The cost was still high, though, as Optimus Prime returned to the Ark and learned that his good friend, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], had sacrificed himself to help stop Megatron's schemes. This sent the Autobot leader into a depression, and Hot Rod took it upon himself to snap Optimus out of it. He had the crazy scheme of creating a mock threat with a [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian Mark V battle droid]], with predictable results. The robot proceeded to ''actually'' malfunction and endanger the Autobots, but Hot Rod's plan worked when Prime eventually snapped out of his funk and defeated the droid to save the day. Hot Rod needed to find a replacement hand after the Guardian snapped it off, but hey, all's well that ends well. {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}}

[[Image:Hoverscooter.jpg|right|thumb|250px|whoopeee]]

Hot Rod continued to operate with Earth's Autobot forces aboard the Ark, and was present during [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s rampage through the shuttle bay. He took some damage, but remained functional enough to continue on, and was later seen speeding into the battle with Unicron himself on a [[hoverscooter]], {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} He was also one of many Autobots destroyed by the Decepticons on [[Klo]], only to be revived by the [[Last Autobot]]. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

At some unspecified point in time, Rodimus Prime defeated [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in a battle inside [[Unicron]].

In an alternate future of 2006, Rodimus Prime was the leader of the Autobots, who were in control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] reported suspicious activity on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]], so Rodimus sent the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s to investigate. [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] was defeated in battle but was able to send back an SOS before going offline. Sky Lynx was dispatched to retrieve him, and Rodimus decided to investigate himself. He took [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] in [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]].

Once there, the Autobots discovered a chaotic scene where aliens from many worlds, including the Decepticons, had arrived and were all engaged in a deadly battle with one another. Rodimus was immediately attacked by a hypnotized [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and the two battled to a standstill. The other Autobots were able to disrupt a hypnotic signal that was causing everyone to fight one another. The [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] then added their strength against the Decepticons, causing the latter to retreat. Rodimus didn't care where the hypnosis signal had been coming from, as long as it was off for good. He never discovered that it was the work of the [[Quintesson]]s. {{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]].}}

[[Image:GalvatrondeadrodimusUS67.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Do you expect me to talk?" "No, Mr Prime, I expect you to die!"]]
In an alternate future timeline, Hot Rod arose to become Rodimus Prime. However, the planet-eater known as Unicron managed to destroy Cybertron, leaving Rodimus to lead a failed Autobot/human defense of Earth when [[Galvatron II|that timeline's Galvatron]] attacked and eventually conquered it. Rodimus perished during the conflict, and his body was strung up between the ruined towers of the World Trade Center. In the year 2009, Galvatron returned to Manhattan to survey its devastated landscape, and fired upon Rodimus's corpse, demanding to know how many times he would have to kill him to erase his legacy. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}

{{-}}
=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[Image:M1988 rodimusprime runlikehell.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I'M KID FRIENDLY, DAMN IT!]]
''Hot Rod rose to greater prominence in the alternate future timeline of [[Earth-120185]]. In 1990, he, Kup and Blurr were captured by Megatron; although rescued by a double-agent named [[Warmonger]], Hot Rod was recaptured and bore witness first hand to Megatron's mercilessness when he executed Warmonger. Then, in 1991, he was part of a unit that escorted the captive [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], only to lose the Decepticon leader when forced to defend a human settlement against an attack by the [[Air Strike Patrol]].'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}} ''On another occasion in 1995, Hot Rod was present when Optimus Prime first unveiled the female Autobot, Arcee, to [[Feminist mob|a dubious crowd of human feminists]]. Hot Rod was more than a little flustered by Arcee's presence on the battlefield.'' {{storylink|Prime's Rib!}} ''In 2003, he and Blurr were given "Ark duty," assigned to stand guard over the [[Ark (G1)|Autobots' spaceship]] while construction on [[Autobot City]] began. Kup was apparently instructed to deliver the plans of the city to the American government, and when Hot Rod saw him being jumped by the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], he disobeyed orders and sped out to the rescue. The Stunticons brutally beat on Hot Rod and took the plans, but Hot Rod learned a hard lesson when Kup informed him that it was meant to happen that way because the plans were a fake.'' {{storylink|Ark Duty}} ''When the city was completed in 2004, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attacked it on its opening day, and Hot Rod repelled him by attacking in a wildly illogical manner, tackling him down a mountain repeatedly.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}} ''Also, at some unknown point in the past, Hot Rod's Targetmaster partner Firebolt was killed in action. {{storylink|Headhunt}}''

''In the year 2006, when the new Decepticon leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] travelled back in time to 1986 as part of a plan to free himself from the control of Unicron, the chaos-bringer used his mental powers to plant knowledge of Galvatron's plan into the minds of Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr and transported them to Cybertron, where they used Galvatron's equipment to follow him into the past. There, with help from the present-day incarnation of Ultra Magnus, they were able to convince Galvatron that he had, in fact, traveled back in time to a parallel universe, where his actions would have no effect on the future. Believing this, Galvatron returned to his own time, and after setting any remaining wrongs to rights, the trio of Autobots also returned to 2006.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}} ''Back in his native timeline, Hot Rod was subsequently involved in a battle with Galvatron inside Unicron's body, during which he opened the sacred Autobot talisman, the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]], and was transformed into Rodimus Prime. With this new strength, he hurled Galvatron through Unicron's hide and opened the Matrix, destroying the planet-eater.'' {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

''It's believed that [[Primus]] ''deliberately'' caused Hot Rod's Prime form to resemble him. What an ego!'' {{storylink|Salvage!|#160's Grim Grams}}

[[Image:Rodimusprimerequestdenied.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Rodimus learned the wrong lesson from Optimus's death.]]
''As the new Autobot leader, Rodimus became paranoid about Galvatron's eventual return, since no body was ever recovered from space. He led the Autobot forces high and low searching the universe for the Decepticon leader, neglecting Cybertron in the process. As a result, Shockwave arose as the new Decepticon leader, and total war broke out on Cybertron once again. Unable to take the time to find Galvatron himself anymore, Rodimus rashly placed a bounty on the Decepticon's head. What Rodimus did not realize, however, was that Galvatron had time-jumped again, traveling back to 1987.'' {{storylink|Wanted:Galvatron — Dead or Alive!}} ''In 2007, when the freelance peace-keeping agent [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] pursued Galvatron back to the '80s, Rodimus was informed of this fact by an Autobot double-agent named [[Nautilus]], and, dismayed at the danger he had unleashed on the past, promptly headed back in time himself to stop the dual threats.'' {{storylink|Burning Sky!}} ''Once again teaming up with the present-day Ultra Magnus, Rodimus and his team of Kup, Blurr and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] tracked Galvatron down to [[Mount Verona]], where he was attempting to harness the volcano's molten energy. While arguing with Death's Head, Rodimus and the bounty hunter were both attacked, but when Ultra Magnus opened fire on his [[power siphon]], Galvatron was distracted long enough for Rodimus to escape.'' {{storylink|Hunters}} ''Rodimus then arranged a plan that saw the Autobots capture Galvatron's time-jump mechanism, in order to have Wreck-Gar re-engineer it to return all the time-travelers to their point of origin. Rodimus engaged Galvatron in a protracted battle to buy Wreck-Gar time, but when the device was activated, Rodimus, Death's Head and the other Autobots were returned to 2007. Galvatron was left behind.'' {{storylink|Fire on High!}}

''Some time later, a disgruntled Death's Head accepted a contract from the Decepticons on Rodimus Prime's head, and ambushed him while he was inspecting Autobot lines. Their battle subsequently went underground, where [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] intervened, downing Death's Head in hopes of being the ones to defeat Rodimus, in order to reclaim their lost standing in the Decepticons' ranks. Rodimus was able to lead Death's Head through the underground tunnels, right into the heart of the Autobot camp, where he offered him advance payment for a different contract—on Cyclonus and Scourge.'' {{storylink|Headhunt}} ''Death's Head proceeded to track the two Decepticons for the remainder of the year, until the three of them fell under the mental control of Unicron when they discovered his disembodied head on the planet of [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]] in the early days of 2008. Under his control, they assassinated Decepticon leader Shockwave and reignited the stalemated Cybertronian civil war in order to keep the Autobots busy while Unicron worked on rebuilding his body. Rodimus, however, learned of the situation thanks to [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], and led a small Autobot force to Junk, where Death's Head fought against Unicron's control long enough to project Rodimus's mind into a battle with the demi-god on the astral plane. During the battle, explosives planted by Wreck-Gar destroyed Unicron's head, and his mind was sealed within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}

[[Image:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"I'm not being melodramatic, you're being insensitive!"]]
''Later in 2008, the alien Quintessons targeted Cybertron for colonization, and attacked the Autobots with a two-pronged assault on both Cybertron and Earth. When [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] shirked her guard duty at Autobot City, the Quintessons were given an opening that allowed them to take over the city, and when she returned, they gunned her down as bait for a trap for Rodimus Prime. Arriving at the city, Rodimus discovered the injured Arcee and opened his chest compartment to heal her with the Matrix, only to have it yanked from his grasp by the Quintesson general, [[General Ghyrik|Ghyrik]], causing him to revert to Hot Rod. Liberating [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s cassettes for back-up, Hot Rod and Arcee proceeded to fight their way through the Quintessons to Autobot City's control room, where Hot Rod activated [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] to smash the alien threat. In battle with Ghyrik, Hot Rod duped the Quintessons with a bit of amateur ventriloquism and reclaimed the Matrix; transformed back into Rodimus Prime again, he routed the Quintessons.'' {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

''Unbeknownst to Rodimus, the Quintessons had sought to colonize Cybertron because their own homeworld was being destroyed by a rift in space and time caused by the Transformers' repeated time-travel. The rift continued to grow in size until it threatened both Earth and Cybertron at the beginning of both 2009 and 1989. To put an end to the threat, Rodimus and a squad of Autobots traveled back to 1989, only to wind up mass-displacing Optimus Prime (since the Matrix could not exist in two time periods at once) and a group of other Autobots to [[limbo]], leading to a brief but violent misunderstanding with the present-day Autobots. Optimus Prime was able to stabilize the situation by communicating with all involved through the power of the Matrix. Subsequently, Autobots and Decepticons from both the present and future teamed up to battle Galvatron and [[Straxus (G1)|Megatron]], but one by one they fell, until Optimus Prime used the Matrix to return himself to reality for a final showdown. After absorbing Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge, however, the rift was sealed by Shockwave, and Rodimus and the other future Autobots returned to 2009, vowing to destroy their time machines to prevent this from ever happening again.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

''As it transpired, however, things would not be that easy. In the wake of the massive chronal damage caused by the rift, time had attempted to heal its wounds, but reality was no longer as it had been. The future that Rodimus and the other Autobots came from no longer existed—in its place was a world where Galvatron had never traveled back in time, and had conquered Cybertron after Unicron's destruction. Rodimus quickly established a rebellion, but when Galvatron tracked down their headquarters, he killed Blurr and all others present, goading Rodimus into a ferocious battle in hopes of corrupting the Matrix within him. Rodimus realized what he was doing, however, and ended the fight before more damage could be done.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

''Rodimus and the Autobots escaped to Earth via hyperspace, only to find that their craft's guidance systems had been damaged. During the flight, Rodimus Prime vanished'' {{storylink|The Void! (UK)|The Void!}}, ''and Kup discovered that he was the saboteur,'' {{storylink|Edge of Impact}} ''deducing that he had been corrupted by an evil force from within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|Shadow of Evil}} ''Inside the Matrix, Rodimus battled with the essence of Unicron, trapped there since the events of 2008, until Kup wrenched the Matrix from his chest, freeing him from the chaos-bringer's influence. But now, Rodimus knew that the evil of Unicron would be waiting for him within it...'' {{storylink|White Fire}} ''...and in 2010, Unicron's essence succeeded in taking over Rodimus's body, transforming it into a duplicate of his own and attacking Cybertron once more, until Rodimus was able to defeat him from within and re-seal him within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

''Centuries later, in the year 2356, Rodimus, his body withered and weakened from the continuous harmful influence of Unicron from within the Matrix, lectured a young Autobot [[student]] on the nature of evil, unwittingly setting the youth on the path towards villainy himself.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

''In an unidentified timeline in the year 2510, a healthy Rodimus Prime was overjoyed to announce that the Cybertronian war was finally over, and planned to step down as leader to allow [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] to take over. The sole remaining Decepticon, a double-agent named [[Triton]], spoke out against the decision to cause dissension, and succeeded—as Rodimus could only watch in dismay, arguments escalated into conflict, and the war was born again as [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]] fought [[Wrecker]], and the Autobot Civil War began.'' {{storylink|Peace}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:HotrodG2Marvelcomic.jpg|100px|thumb|left|So awesome in battle and he still did not get a G2 toy. Given G2's color schemes this is proably a good thing.]]After the defeat of the Decepticons on [[Klo]], the Autobots' forces scattered throughout the galaxy as virtually independent splinter cells. A small group under Optimus Prime's command encountered Bludgeon and his soldiers on a desolate world, both sides looking for new weapons or technology, and were in danger of being overrun. Prime sent Hot Rod into a nearby mausoleum building in the hopes that he could conjure up some form of "graven image" to distract the superstitious Decepticon leader. Hot Rod emerged empty-handed from the ruins, only to find that just [[Guardian (G2)|such a graven image]] had conjured ''itself'', chased off the trespassing Decepticons, and was now prepared to do the same to the Autobots. They managed a dignified, if rushed, scramble to safety. {{storylink|All or Nothing!|Ghosts}}

Sometime after, Hot Rod was operating somewhere in the universe with Optimus Prime and Kup when Grimlock summoned them to deal with the threat of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his Cybertronians. Together, they formed the initial Autobot resistance to the Liege Centuro. {{storylink|War Without End!}} Once Optimus's visions convinced him there was a much greater threat at work in the universe, however, he took the Autobots into hiding until they were ready to deal with the bigger picture. Stuck on a distant asteroid base, Hot Rod amused himself by running training with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], and other soldiers as the army slowly regrouped and reorganized, but chafed at the lack of real action. {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}} Luckily, the Autobots soon joined forces with the old Decepticons, the fight ramped up to epic proportions... and Hot Rod proceeded to do nothing of import for the rest of the war.
{{-}}
{{charstubfiction}}

===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
Rodimus Prime remembered the Transformers' [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction|greatest battle on Earth]]. {{storylink|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Hot Rod was one of several troops stationed on Earth when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] was in charge and the Transformers' war was still a secret one. He got along well with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], the two spending their downtime looking at car magazines together, and was quite pleased to receive some snazzy gold wheel-trims from the boy. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout|Decepticon Hideout}}

In the time following this campaign, Hot Rod would mature into a more sensible warrior and even a team leader. During the early stages of the war on [[Nebulos]], Hot Rod was Autobot commander against [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus']] Decepticons before the return of Optimus Prime. At one point, he prevented the Decepticons causing Nebulos' destruction via cosmic radiation. {{storylink|Decepticons at the Pole|Decepticons at the Pole}}

===''Transformer PD Type'' comic===
Clutching a [[Blackball]], Rodimus Prime found himself being attacked by Galvatron. As the Decepticon leader attempted to throttle him, a light shone from Rodimus's chest, making Galvatron think it was the power of the Blackball. After Galvatron had fled, Rodimus revealed it was just a torch, and reflected on what an idiot his foe was. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##11 "Take a Stand! Rodimus Prime!"|Take a Stand! Rodimus Prime!}} As Fortress Maximus and Mega Zarak clashed violently, Rodimus reminds Optimus that he had said never to let those two fight. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##14 "Watch Out! Mega Zarak!"|Watch Out! Mega Zarak!}} Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime enjoyed many victories against the Decepticons, but [[Greatshot|who was that in the background?]] {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##15 "No One Knows When he's Come or Gone. Greatshot..."|No One Knows When he's Come or Gone. Greatshot...}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
As Ultra Magnus left for a mission to find an Energon source, Hot Rod assured him that everything would be fine on Cybertron, and if there was any hint of trouble "Rodimus" would pop up and save the day. When Magnus later checked in, Hot Rod reported that they'd made some process on Headmaster technology. Though Magnus was more concerned about the threat of war, Hot Rod told him not to worry, unaware that [[Sixshot]] was planning to throw him a surprise. {{storylink|The Test (issue)|The Test}}

Hot Rod was pleased to have [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] back. Then [[Monitorus]] arrived with the news that [[Tau-Ursa]] had been attacked and leveled by Decepticons, and Hot Rod got to point out that the Tau-Ursans had refused the Autobots permission to build a defense base there. He shortly took part in an attempt to repel a Decepticon attack on Cybertron, finding himself fighting against Sixshot, who seemed more interested in goading him than fighting. This turned out to be a diversion, while [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] used his new [[Nullification Cannon]] on the planet's Energon supplies.

Hot Rod and Blurr next visited Tau-Ursa to check for Decepticons, and encountered [[Apeface|Ape Face]], who had found a [[Logicon]] warning beacon. The two Autobots wrestled it from him and returned to Cybertron, where the beacon was found to hold the coordinates to [[Metascan Alpha]], a major Energon storehouse. Prime placed Hot Rod in charge of one of two teams to search for the planet, though the operation was hampered slightly by the discovery of the two Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clone]]s spying on them. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

{{Note|At this point [[Blackthorne Publishing]] went bankrupt and the storyline was never completed}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Hotroddreamwave.jpg|150px|right|thumb|]]Hot Rod joined an underground Autobot cell led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] takeover of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Among the members of the cell was [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], who Hot Rod became attached to. From the [[Wastelands]], Hot Rod, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] observed an incoming Decepticon shuttle carrying the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. {{storylink|Cold War|Cold War}} Shortly afterward, the cell rescued [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] from [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] and [[Runabout]], and took him to their base. After awakening, Prime attacked [[Gnaw]], Blurr, and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], forcing Hot Rod (who didn't recognize him) to hold the Autobot leader at gunpoint. After being <strike>bitch slapped</strike> admonished by Kup, Hot Rod apologized. {{storylink|Passive Aggression|Passive Aggression}}

After Shockwave unleashed the [[Guardian robot]]s on [[Iacon]], Prime organized the resistance cell and other Autobot forces on the planet in an assault on Shockwave's citadel. Fighting alongside the Autobot leader, Hot Rod was amazed that the stories Kup had told him about Prime's courage and heroism had all been true. As an injured Prime breached the citadel, Hot Rod, Ironhide and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] provided cover fire, taking down a number of Guardians in the process. Along with the rest of Iacon, they witnessed the divine light of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Autobot Matrix of Leadership]] when Shockwave activated it. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

As Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] battled Shockwave within the citadel, Hot Rod and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] took down [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. Immediately afterward, they were confronted with the looming threat of a remaining Guardian robot—a threat that was soon neutralized by the arrival of the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]], the [[Autobot High Council]], and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. The unified Autobot group soon breached the citadel. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Some time later, Hot Rod ran a simulation combat scenario against Kup, and won using tactics that, in Kup's opinion, would have killed them both had it been real. Only after his victory did Hot Rod remember that he'd promised to take Arcee to see an [[Earth]]-bound shuttle launch—a duty Springer was happy to relieve him of. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}} Soon afterward, he was assigned to perimeter guard duty at [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]] with Gnaw and Wheelie, separating him from Arcee. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil|The Route of All Evil}}

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
[[Image:Skidswreckers2.jpg|left|250px|thumb|It's funny because Rodimus sucked at everything.]]

A few months after the destruction of [[Unicron]] in 2005, Rodimus Prime spearheaded an effort to establish multiple recon posts to watch for advancing threats... even though some of his scientists said he shouldn't. When only two of the five launched ships were ever heard from again, Rodimus felt like a schmuck. Guy can't catch a break. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

After the Great Wars ended and the [[Pax Cybertronia]] was signed, he changed his name to simply "Rodimus" and decided to check out the new "[[Maximal Upgrade]]". His relationship with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] effectively ended shortly after, as the latter went through dark gripping emo depression over the death of [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] and vanished.

Rodimus joined the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] at some undetermined point afterward. After [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] took over Cybertron with his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]], Wrecker leader [[Apelinq]] got stranded on prehistoric [[Earth]], leaving Rodimus in charge. True to form, he ditched leadership duties to [[Primal Prime]] as soon as possible.

After Primal Prime got his marching orders from the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], he met Rodimus deep inside Cybertron's caverns, where an even more gothy-emo Arcee—in a new Maximal body—lurked and stewed in her depression. Realizing he couldn't convince her to give a damn about anything, he left, rejoining the main Wrecker force in battle. Making it onto an ancient Autobot shuttle, the Wreckers blasted off... with late-arrival Arcee. {{storylink|Departure}}

[[Image:Arceedisclosure.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Except you're the size of my arm now.]]

Rodimus recognized the homing beacon emitting from [[Akalo|Archa Nine]] as one of those missing exploration parties mentioned before. When the shuttle landed, Rodimus stayed behind to help repair the damage the ship had suffered. The entire Wrecker team later gathered in an [[Akalouthan]] village, where Rodimus was reunited with [[Glyph (G1)|Glyph]], who took them to see the artifact known as the [[Divine Light]]. The Wreckers' analysis of the item was cut short, as it was stolen by the traitor [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. Rodimus saw the back-in-his-old-body [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] off, who was sent to chase after Cyclonus, while the Wreckers made for their next destination... even though several of them were now leery of the visions Primal Prime had been getting. Because they'd really done ''so well'' by the Wreckers so far. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

Upon landing on the frozen planet, Rodimus was part of the search party immediately dispatched to look for... something. Primal Prime wasn't too specific. They came across [[Al-Badur]], an exiled [[Quintesson]], who gave them a little history lesson. They were then promptly attacked by a school of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], but the Wreckers made short work of them. They made their way back to the ship, with Al-Badur in tow, and made for their next destination... {{storylink|Disclosure}}

[[Image:Sentinelcryotekwreckersfinale.jpg|left|thumb|300px|If Optimus can die, so can I!]]

...Cybertron. As Primal Prime took some Wreckers after their true foe, [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], Rodimus tried to get their injured to a safe place. Unfortunately, the planet was under a full scale Quintesson invasion, and some anti-aircraft fire inevitably clipped the ship and sent them plummeting downwards. After they made it to safe ground, Rodimus and the crew hooked up with his fellow [[Matrix Templar]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], and followed his insight to the battle. They confronted Cryotek's underling, Cyclonus, and his purloined squad of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]]s. With casualties mounting on both sides, Cyclonus beat a safe retreat, collapsing the tunnel behind him to prevent pursuit. Rodimus was quick enough to dive through the falling debris, however, leaving the two old enemies alone to do battle. Centuries of bad blood carried them through the conflict, until both drew their weapons at point blank range, and fired.

Horribly damaged by this last attack, Rodimus struggled to keep up with the other Wreckers and the running conflict between [[Sentinel Maximus]] and Cryotek. The fighting came to an end at a Quintesson banishing chamber, where the treacherous Al-Badur had attempted to toss Sentinel and Cryotek into a formless void. The two warriors were trapped behind an energy dome, barely able to fight off the portal's pull using their flight systems. Once [[Fractyl]] pointed out that Cryotek was empowered by the Divine Light, a fraction of Primus's own power, Rodimus realized that as Matrix Templars he and Cheetor could drain that power away from the Predacon. They managed to extract most of it before Cryotek cut off their siphoning effect. In the end, Sentinel Maximus sacrificed himself to pull Cryotek into the void with him. Rodimus finally expired from his wounds from fighting Cyclonus, quietly passing on into the Matrix. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
{{-}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoeTFHotRod70s.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"That bumperchest really doesn't feel right. How do Prowl and Jazz live with it?"]]
Hot Rod was one of [[Teletran 3]]'s unfortunate victims when the computer malfunctioned and transported a random number of Transformers to random points in Earth's timeline. Along with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Hot Rod ended up in mid-1970's [[San Francisco]], where he was locked into the form of a Ford Mustang muscle car. The dormant Autobot was soon stolen by a car thief, but was chased down by a group of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joes]] and [[Cobra]] members sent to retrieve the Transformers. Discovering [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in the process, the humans equipped both vehicles with [[disruption unit]] that awakened the Transformers and sent them back to present-day Cybertron seconds after Hot Rod commented about feeling "really weird." {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}} Back on Cybertron, they were stuck waiting inside the force field Ultra Magnus had erected to prevent [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from capturing Teletran 3. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2}}

Some time after his time travel adventure, Hot Rod reported to Optimus Prime that [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s team on Earth had been sidetracked by a Cobra attack. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 2|The Art of War #2}} When said team ended up disappearing in Cybertron's [[Gladiator Zone]], Hot Rod convinced Optimus to stay behind and take care of an Autobot peace ceremony instead of going out and searching for them. Hot Rod then assembled his own search party, but they failed to find the missing Autobots. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}} Unfortunately, [[Serpent O.R.]]'s forces attacked the peace ceremony and captured Optimus Prime, leading to Hot Rod assembling a new team intent on rescuing him. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}} They fought Serpent O.R.'s Decepticon army together with reinforcements from G.I. Joe, and during the battle, Hot Rod paused in horror as he saw the light of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] being opened inside the Decepticon base. The Decepticon army eventually defeated, and by the time Hot Rod reached inside their base, Serpent O.R. had been killed as well. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #6}}

A few months later, Hot Rod questioned Optimus Prime's choice to go to Earth again, accusing his leader of feeling guilty about [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s death at Serpent O.R.'s hands and doing everything by himself just to prevent more people from dying. Prime just looked at him sadly before leaving, causing Ultra Magnus to tell Hot Rod that he really needed to learn when to stop talking. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2|Black Horizon, Part 1}}

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:SpotlightHotRod rush.jpg|right|180px|thumb|WHEEEEEEE! AWESOME! TUBULAR! COWABUNGA! REAGANOMICS!]]
Years ago, Hot Rod was put in charge of a mission to the planet Ki-Aleta to obtain a powerful artifact named the [[Magnificence]] so as to keep it out of the hands of the Decepticons. The mission started off smoothly enough, with [[Gizmo]] using a [[holomatter]] generator to distract the defense systems while the rest of the team went after the Magnificence. Unfortunately, after that everything that could go wrong did go wrong. First, the generator malfunctioned, then [[Download]] tripped the security lasers around the Magnificence itself. Gizmo, Download, and [[Backbeat]] were destroyed by the security systems while Hot Rod and [[Doubledealer|Dealer]] fled. Hot Rod, nearing the exit tunnels they had previously drilled, got a call from Dealer—he had been ambushed by a Decepticon attack squad and needed help. Unfortunately, Hot Rod had been given his own, top secret orders: the Magnificence was to be the top priority of the mission, and placed before all else. With a heavy heart, Hot Rod abandoned Dealer to his fate as he left Ki-Aleta with the Magnificence.

Years later, Hot Rod learned that Dealer had not died that day; he was being held prisoner at the Decepticon penal colony known as [[Styx]]. Hot Rod stealthily infiltrated the prison complex, using a holomatter generator to disguise himself as a guard and then short-circuiting the power grid to cause all the cell doors to unlock. During the chaos he snuck in, extracted Dealer, and took off while the Decepticons were busy getting the prisoners under control. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hot Rod}}

[[Image:Escalation6 HotRod Koska.jpg|left|170px|thumb|Mine!]]
Recently, Hot Rod was called to [[Earth]] to aid the crew of the ''[[Ark-19]]'' in procuring a Decepticon [[Facsimile Construct]] from [[Brasnya]], a former Soviet state in eastern Europe. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3|Escalation #3}} He and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] went down to Earth from the ''[[Ark-32]]'' against [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]'s wishes, and proceeded to join the battle unannounced. As Hardhead went to support the main battle, Hot Rod went after the facsimile... which led to him colliding with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] as they both tried to stop the [[Georgi Koska]] facsimile from letting himself get gunned down by Soviet soldiers. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4|Escalation #4}} Prowl and Hot Rod managed to defuse the situation and secure the facsimile in the end {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}}, but before he could return to his ship he was attacked by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], unable to defend himself because he had to keep the facsimile alive. After returning to the ''Ark-32'', he had to be put in a [[CR chamber]] to recover. His injuries were for nothing, as the facsimile melted during the bounce. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

[[Image:Devastation6 HotRod Hardhead.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Hardhead, I'm with Arcee now. Let it go.]]
After Hot Rod was repaired and reformatted into a Dodge Viper, his "friend" Dealer tried to convince him to pull some strings to get him to Earth, but Hot Rod and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] had the more important task of rescuing [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} They ran into a bit of trouble with the [[Machination]]'s [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}} They managed to escape temporarily, but were found and Wheeljack was incapacitated. Hot Rod easily held his own with the Headmasters {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}}, and noted that for [[Sunstreaker (G1)|some]] [[Hunter O'Nion|reason]] they had lost their "edge". He received a little help from Hardhead, who was mainly there to take Hot Rod and the others back to the ''Ark-32'' for evacuation to [[Garrus-9]]. Hot Rod refused to go, wanting to see the Headmaster mystery through to the end. Hardhead reluctantly let him go. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

[[Image:SPDHotRodM.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Oh, Magic 8-Ball, will I ever be Prime in this continuity?]]
Hot Rod's search was interrupted by Dealer's arrival on Earth, with orders for Hot Rod: find the Magnificence and use it to learn what they could about the Expansion. Hot Rod took Dealer to his hiding spot, which turned out to be the planet where they first found the device. As Dealer and Hot Rod closed on the Magnificence, he went over his first visit to the planet in his mind, and how things could have gone so wrong. Eventually he began to have suspicions, and upon locating the Magnificence, asked it the question that haunted him: had Dealer betrayed him? Sadly, it revealed the truth, and Hot Rod was forced to kill Dealer as the traitor attacked. Looking down on his remains, Hot Rod realized the truth had been staring him in the face, he just hadn't wanted to accept it. He then used the Magnificence to find out all he could about the Expansion, and relayed the information to the Autobots. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[Image:HotRodMaxDino02.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You're not fooling anyone, [[Judd Nelson| Bender]]. The next screw that falls out will be YOU.]]

Returning to Earth to continue his search, Hot Rod arrived at the gates of the Machination's complex, and Scorponok prepared himself to deal with the intruder. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 1|Maximum Dinobots #1}} Unfortunately, Hot Rod found himself fighting well out of his weight class as he was man handled by Scorponok, who cheerfully bashed his face in, put out one of his optics and snapped his leg. The Headmasters dragged him into Scorponok's control room where, with absolutely no prompting, the big man explained his entire plan for the Dynobots, Skywatch and the Machination. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 2|Maximum Dinobots #2}}

Hot Rod seemed less than impressed with this rather mundane approach, which ticked Scorponok off enough for him to point out that it was obviously just the first stage in his master plan. He was also warned to remained awed or he'd be of no further interest. When the Dynobots and newly-arrived [[Monsterbot]]s seemed to turn Scorponok's plan on its head, Hot Rod burst out laughing, at which point, Scorponok ordered him taken out and shot. In the lift to the surface, Hot Rod suddenly erupted in flames, killing his captors, but draining his power supply. Weakened and with a crippled leg, he collapsed on the floor. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 3|Maximum Dinobots #3}}

He made it out of the building and ran into the real Sunstreaker, who blasted the 2 clones following Hot Rod. Sunstreaker ignored Hot Rod's warning about Scorponok's army and stormed into the building so Hot Rod painfully wired himself to send a distress signal. When Sunstreaker's real head was later disabled by Hunter, the Headmaster clones shut down, which Hot Rod explained to [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. The group was surprised by the arrival of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], but [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] had heard Hot Rod's distress call and was on his way to Earth. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}}

After Scorponok knocked out [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and Grimlock tended to him, the remaining Dynobots offered Hot Rod a lift aboard the Monsterbots' ship. He refused though, and made it back into Machination HQ to take care of something "personal". He eventually found Scorponok's real head (and remarked how ugly it was). Hunter also showed up and let Hot Rod know how to disable it, but before he could do so, Scorponok grabbed him. Before Scorponok could crush Hot Rod's head, the Dynobots showed up and began to battle Scorponok. Hot Rod told [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] which wires to sever, and he did just that, reducing Scorponok to a catatonic state. Ultra Magnus arrived took everyone back aboard his ship, which later docked with the ''Ark-32''. Within 3 days, Hot Rod was fully repaired, with a new body form design. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

Some time later, while traveling through space by himself, Hot Rod found himself under attack by the ''[[Torment]]'', a Decepticon warship crewed by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and the [[Pretender Monster]]s. He was shot down, but managed to transmit a distress call to the Autobot starship ''[[Trion]]'', which came to his rescue. After the Decepticons were chased off, Hot Rod joined the crew of the ''Trion''. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Lost & Found}}

[[Image:Ironhide punches Hot Rod.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Ironhide has waited twenty-two years to pay Hot Rod back for [[The Transformers: The Movie|shooting down his shuttle]].]]
When the Decepticons' galaxy-wide assault hit, the ''Trion'' was shot down over Cybertron. Hot Rod sent out a distress signal and was ecstatic when he ran into some other Autobots. They must've come specifically to save his team and... wait, why do you all look surprised about my signal and appear beaten up and resourceless and... ''oh arsebiscuits''! {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}}

Hot Rod was taken back to base and relayed the story of how he and his other crew-mates from the ''Trion'' arrived on Cybertron, having been diverted there by Decepticon ships and forced to crash land. Once on the surface, Hot Rod sent out his distress signal and was ''so'' sure someone heard it. Kup arrived with the rest of the ''Trion'''s crew at that point, just in time to tell Hot Rod ''of course'' no one heard his message. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

After the Autobots narrowly avoided the [[Insecticon swarm]] and Sunstreaker sacrificed himself, Hot Rod jumped to [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s defense when he was being insulted by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} When the Autobots were later rescued by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Hot Rod was glad that he sent out the distress call. He was then ferried to Earth with the other Autobots aboard Omega. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

[[Image:Ongoing issue 1-Hot Rod has had enough.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"Don't talk to me about stuck, Hot Rod, you're the one with that horrible sneer stuck on your face!"]]
For the next two years, the Autobots would remain on Earth as Prime feared the return of the Decepticons. Unfortunately, this lead to the capture of a number of Autobots by Skywatch, including [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and Prowl. Hot Rod, already frustrated, lashed out at Optimus, accusing him of keeping the Autobots on the planet because he needed someone to protect and demanding he be allowed lead a team to rescue Prowl. An admonished Prime agreed to a covert operation, but with Ironhide along to watch over things. While Prowl was freed, it turned out the humans had used him as bait to draw the other Autobots in. However Wheeljack's new shielding protected Hot Rod's team from Skywatch's inhibitors and in a panic the soldiers switched to lethal measures. Hot Rod was targeted and Ironhide was killed protecting him. An enraged Hot Rod turned on the humans, damaging their equipment and machinery.

After returning with Ironhide's body, Hot Rod was shocked as Optimus Prime resigned his position as leader. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}
{{-}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}
{{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}
{{storylink|Seasons in Flight}}
{{storylink|Enemies of the System}}
{{storylink|Earthworks}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 2}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 3}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 4}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 9}}

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

{{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
Hot Rod was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
{{main|Hot Rod (G1)/toys}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Hotrodface.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Hot Rod]]
[[Image:FFOD3 Rodimus in light.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Rodimus Prime]]
*Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime look very similar in fiction, but there are ways to distinguish them by sight.
**Rodimus Prime's [[character model]] has extra lines on his face that go from the bottom of his nose and connect to another line forming a triangle shape. Hot Rod's cheeks are more clear and youthful.
**Despite their toys being the same color of red, the cartoon series rendered Hot Rod as magenta, and Rodimus a dark shade of burgundy (the movie, however, made Rodimus the same color as Hot Rod).
**In the comics, Hot Rod was also colored magenta (almost ''entirely'' so), while Rodimus was colored in the reds, oranges and yellows of his toy. Future comics and toys would ignore any differences in color between the character's two forms, presenting them both in the original toy colors (see the image at the head of the article for a good example).
**The Japanese ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' cartoon, in addition to featuring the coloration differences of the Generation 1 cartoon, also added some extra lines around the perimeter of Rodimus's eyes to further distinguish him from Hot Rod. These odd-looking lines appeared only intermittently, thankfully so—they made Rodimus look like he was wearing robo-mascara.

* In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', Hot Rod does not transform the same way twice.

* Rodimus Prime's toy followed the model set by Optimus Prime before him by having a trailer that disconnected and transformed into a battle station (in this case, called the "[[Mobile Defense Bay]]"). Unlike Prime's [[Combat Deck]], however, Rodimus's Defense Bay failed to make the leap to fiction, with the cartoon simply depicting his trailer as somewhat unfeasibly folding up into his legs and body <ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/stories/tfpulp/8704TVM/k.gif Image of Rodimus Prime's animated transformation scheme from TV Magazine]</ref> (barring a few animation errors that depicted it as a separate unit). This transformation scheme was realized in toy form with Rodimus's 6" ''[[Titanium Series]]'' action figure.

*Voice actor Ted Schwartz was originally cast to succeed Judd Nelson as the voice of Rodimus Prime for the third season of the animated series, but was subsequently replaced by [[Dick Gautier]]. Before his replacement, however, Schwartz recorded Rodimus's lines for several episodes (most likely all five parts of "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]"), and although Gautier re-recorded the dialogue, technical oversight led to some of Schwartz's readings making it into the finished episodes. He can be heard delivering all of Rodimus's lines in the recap for [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1|part 1]] that plays at the beginning of [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2|part 2]], and speaking one line during the scene on [[Goo]] in [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3|part 3]].

* Hot Rod might be the ''Transformers'' character with the most names in the US. From "Hot Rod" to "Rodimus Prime", to "Rodimus Major" to just plain "Rodimus". Varieties of "Rodimus" appear to be how he will be for a while, as Hasbro appears to be unable to secure the [[trademark]] on "Hot Rod".

* [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]'s powered up form has a color scheme which resembles Hot Rod's.

* Aside from the ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Rodimus (Energon)|namesake character]], Hot Rod has also been [[Homage|homaged]] twice (or possibly thrice depending on how you look at it) in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. For ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the "[[Powerlinx]]" upgrade of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] was given a very Hot-Rod-inspired deco. In ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] made a redeco of Hot Shot (well, "Exillion"), who already had some Hot Rod homage elements in his toy design, with Hot Rod deco as a DVD-pack-in [[exclusive]]. [[Hasbro]] then took this deco, altered it, and released it in the US line at mass retail as the new character [[Excellion]].

* One of the first concepts for Classics Rodimus was based around the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagani_Zonda Pagani Zonda] super car, before the [http://www.supercarnet.jp/File/File-Japan/File-Dome.htm Dome Zero] design was decided upon.

* At [[BotCon 2002]], Dick Gautier "confirmed", jokingly, that Rodimus Prime is gay.

* This Rodimus Prime, along with the original [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] makes a cameo appearance as one of the four elders who began the [[Space Bridge]] project in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode [[Balance]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/HotRod/hotrod.htm Hot Rod at TFU.info]

* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Hot_Rod Hot Rod's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Rodimus_Prime Rodimus Prime's profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
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[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
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[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]
[[Category:Primus]]
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