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Sludge (G1)

2008-06-09T19:34:17Z

91.147.201.220:

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Dinobot brontosaurus|the Wal*Mart-exclusive Dinobots series dimetrodon|Sludge (Dinobots)}}

:''Sludge is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Sludgeg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Me transform into non-existent dino!"]]

"'''Sludge''' dumb," is how [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] commander himself, describes the plodding Autobot. The Dinobots have a perhaps undeserved reputation for being dimwitted, but Sludge is the genuine article. He makes the other four look like scholars in comparison.

As Sludge can't make much of an impression in the mental department, he likes to make his presence known physically. He'll stomp his hefty hide around just so you know he's there.

None of the Dinobots really like [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], but he and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] share an especially intense dislike for him. But Sludge genuinely believes in the Autobot cause, so he tolerates Prime. Beyond that, Sludge is actually what you might call nice...Maybe not to [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]'s level, but nicer than [[Grimlock (G1)|the]] [[Slag (G1)|other]] [[Snarl (G1)|guys]].

{{quote|Sludge no like [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. Let's stomp!|Sludge's solution to every problem|"[[Call of the Primitives]]"}}

:''Preliminary names'': '''Brontobot''', '''Piledrive''', '''Bronton'''
:''Italian name'': '''Bronto'''<br>
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Terro'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Iszap'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}

While the Autobots remained dormant inside [[Mount St. Hilary]], the ''[[Ark]]'' detected Cybertronian life. Dispatching a probe, the ''Ark'' learned that [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had come to Earth and was wandering the [[Savage Land]]. The ''Ark'' used data gathered from the Savage Land to convert five of the dormant Autobots into the Dinobots. They traveled to fight Shockwave, but all combatants became trapped in a tar pit. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Dinobots were later freed by [[Ratchet]] and helped him fight and defeat Megatron.'' {{storylink|Repeat Performance}}

''Sludge, like the other Dinobots, went a-wandering after this but reverted to his base instincts after his primary [[cybo-dendron]]s burnt out, probably because the insulation that protected them had been eroded by [[Repeat Performance | 4 million years submerged in a tar-pit]]. Sludge ended up in the waterways of Littlewood, California, where he was befriended by [[Joy Meadows]]. Unfortunately, the Decepticons attacked, took him away from his newfound love, and made him fight [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

''While Sludge was recovering from brain surgery, he dreamed of Joy'' {{storylink|Victory!}}'', and when he'd recovered, he saw her on TV and decided to search her out. It was lucky he did, because the [[Intelligence and Information Institute]] had marked her for death to protect their [[Robot-Master]] story. Sludge saved her life, and she hooked up with the Dinobots, though both she and they viewed Sludge's open crush as quite weird. However, even the power of unrequited love couldn't stop the Decepticons from defeating the Dinobots and forcing Joy to stop her investigation. {{storylink|In the National Interest}}.'' ''Later on, he ended up fighting [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], {{storylink|Fallen Angel}}'' being destroyed by an [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] before being revived with [[Nucleon]] by Grimlock, and fighting [[Unicron]] before being killed and then resurrected by the [[Last Autobot]] as the Autobots finally won...

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====

''In 2008, Sludge and the Dinobots were one of several special units unleashed on the Decepticon attack force when [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] led the 'Cons on a siege of the Autobots' main base on Cybertron. Autobot High Command soon learned this assault was only a distraction, however, engineered by [[Unicron]] himself who was reconstructing himself on the planet of [[Junk]]. When [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] returned from Junk with this news, [[Rodimus Prime]] gathered [[Scattershot]], Grimlock, and the rest of the Dinobots with him to make an assault on Junk. Much to Rodimus's dismay, Sludge and the Dinobots didn't hold back at all when attacking the [[Junkion]]s Unicron had mind-controlled into doing his bidding, and tore through them as if they were any other enemy. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}''

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}

''After Grimlock revived the Dinobots under mysterious circumstances, Shockwave and his Decepticons attempted to beat the information out of the Dinobots. Didn't work too well. Sludge engaged in some serious swordplay with [[Motormaster]], pitting [[energo sword]] against [[ionizer sword]]. The Decepticons were quickly driven off. {{storylink|Two Steps Back!}} Naturally, when Optimus Prime put Grimlock in charge of Autobot activity on Earth, Sludge and the Dinobots joined his new Earthforce. {{storylink|Break-Away!}}''

''Early on, the Dinobots tried to teach Grimlock the value of a good joke; he pelted them with the world's largest snowball. {{storylink|Snow Fun!}} Later, they tried to teach Slag the value of not killing everyone in sight and chewing on their circuitry; he got a little [[Fire-breath|hot and bothered]] and left them a little...run down. {{storylink|The 4,000,000 Year Itch!}}''

''Later, Snarl began to suffer from the rusting disease called [[corrodia gravis]], leaving Earthforce in the uncomfortable position of getting help from the only Transformer who could give Snarl a compatible systems boost: [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Fortunately, they found the perfect opportunity for quid pro quo when they came upon the Decepticons' Louisiana headquarters and found Starscream under attack by Megatron, Shockwave and a group of assassins. Grimlock stuttered a bit on the order, but he sent Sludge and Swoop to keep Starscream alive. They fought off the Mayhems and kept Starscream around long enough for him to give Snarl the boost. {{storylink|The Lesser Evil!}}

=====''Another Time and Place''=====

Several months after the golden age of Cybertron was reintroduced, Sludge and most of his fellow Dinobots had succumbed to the transfiguring effects of Nucleon and lost their ability to transform. When Grimlock received information that the Hydrus Four facilities had reopened, and discovered a means of reversing Nucleonic changes, the Dinobots jumped at the idea. Despite Prime's half-hearted warnings, Sludge and his teammates followed Grimlock back to Hydrus Four in the hopes of becoming Transformers once again. They were followed by the "exiled" Decepticons, however, and a battle with a huge native creature delayed the Dinobots long enough for Bludgeon's crew to get ahead of them and take over the Nucleon facility. The Dinobots were laid low by a [[Holocaust Trigger]], overloading their sensory circuits so that they were helpless before the Decepticons. Cruelly tortured, the Dinobots were still left alive so that they could witness the rebirth of Megatron, thanks to the Nucleon infusions Bludgeon was feeding him. Luckily, the Autobots had long since learned to become worried whenever the Dinobots were out of sight for too long, and had followed them to Hydrus Four. [[Roadhandler]], [[Tote]] and several [[Micromaster]]s managed to free the injured Dinobots, and an Autobot strike force brought down their Decepticon captors. The Nucleon reversion process was a success, and Sludge and his comrades were restored to fully operational Transformers. {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

====Generation 2====
Sludge and the Dinobots were fighting alongside Grimlock and a small group of Autobot firestormers when they uncovered the [[Cybertronian Empire]] and their terraforming measures. After calling in Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots, they became part of a major offensive against not only [[Jhiaxus]] and his ilk, but everything they represented. {{storylink|War Without End!}} Despite Prime serving as overall commander, however, Sludge and his buddies were still Dinobots first and foremost. So when Grimlock wanted to take first strike action against Prime's orders, there was no question who they'd follow. Sludge and the others were captured almost immediately, though, and only escaped thanks to the timely intervention of Optimus Prime and his more loyal group of soldiers. {{storylink|Devices and Desires!}}

Sludge continued to fight alongside the Autobots with his Dinobot comrades, on both Earth and Ethos. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} {{storylink|Escalation!}} Later, after the Autobots forged an alliance with the first-generation Decepticons against the Cybertronians, the Dinobots got into the spirit of things -- they teamed up with [[Headstrong]] and [[Weirdwolf]] in a metal-munching contest, to see who could chow down on the most Cybertronians.

Man, too bad [[Hun-Grrr]] and [[Skullcruncher]] weren't there to make it a real contest. {{storylink|Total War}}

===Animated continuity===
:'''Voice actor:''' [[Frank Welker]] (US), [[Kenyu Horiuchi]] (Japan)

[[Image:SludgeUltimateDoom.jpg|thumb|175px|left|"Hello, pretty trees. Me Sludge stomp you now."]]

Sludge was developed, along with his fellow [[Dinobots]] [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], after the Autobots discovered dinosaur bones in their volcanic headquarters. Inspired by the power of the prehistoric beasts, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] built a trio of Dinobots to add firepower to the Autobot forces. The Dinobots proved too dangerous at first, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] ordered Wheeljack to abandon the Dinobot project. Wheeljack continued improving the trio of titans in secret, crafting memory components that made them smarter and easier to control. When the rest of the Autobots were captured by the Decepticons at the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power plant, Wheeljack dispatched the Dinobots to free their comrades and destroy the Decepticons. The Dinobots succeeded in forcing a Decepticon retreat and were welcomed as members of the Autobot team. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:Purple sludge.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Dissertation of the Dinobot.]]

During the [[Battle of Autobot City]], Sludge and the Dinobots attacked [[Devastator]]. During the attack, Devastator struck Sludge so hard his [[Sensors#Optics|optic sensors]] bulged out of his head. Later, the Dinobots escaped with [[Kup]] and [[Hot Rod]], only to be shot down over [[Quintessa]]. The Dinobots later located the two Autobots with the help of [[Wheelie]], and Sludge and Slag dispatched a [[Quintesson]] prosecutor—by standing on top of a door under which he'd been caught. Later, Sludge was able to tail-whip the butt of [[Unicron|a god]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie|TFTM}}

Sludge and Snarl were later left to guard [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] when a seemingly resurrected Optimus Prime returned, saying that Hot Rod, Kup, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] had been killed by the Quintessons. When the aforementioned Autobots turned up on Cybertron alive, Arcee said that she was happy to see them, but Sludge was not happy, as he thought that meant he and Snarl were dead. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}} Later, he was among the [[Primitive]]s who were summoned by [[Primacron]]'s [[Oracle (G1)|assistant]] to fight [[Tornedron]], along with the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s. When [[Headstrong]] insulted Grimlock, Sludge, who didn't like the Predacons, suggested that they stomp them. Other than that, he didn't really contribute to the adventure. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Sludge was originally part of [[Grimlock]]'s Lightning Strike Coalition. They were a small squad that basically ran amok disrupting the Decepticons (which typically involved stealing [[energon]] and taking names). He didn't have much of a speaking role (like at all) and basically plodded along and smashed whatever Grimlock told him to. Later he and his fellow Dynobots (minus Grimlock who was busying executing other people for treason) aided [[Prowl]]'s group with [[Trypticon]] before joining forces with [[Shockwave (G1)|good ol' one eye]] to help against the [[Fallen]].
Later, he went to Earth along with the other Dynobots to go crush some [[Insecticons|bugs]] and eventually wound up under [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s control. They were used to blackmail Grimlock to serve the Decepticons once again however Meg's defeat allowed them to be freed by their mighty leader and taken to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] (in a stolen Decepticon vessal no less) where they did what they did best, causing massive destruction against [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s regime. However this was cut short as old one eye let loose the [[Guardian Robot]]s after them, leading to some 'rest time'. They were last seen being briefed by [[Ultra Magnus]] as well as standing around being huge.

===Devil's Due ''G.I.Joe vs Transformers'' comics===

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
{{ongoing}}
Sludge and the other Dynobots followed Grimlock to revenge themselves against Shockwave, who blew up a cache of [[energon]] they had stolen. When Shockwave traveled to [[Earth]], the Dynobots pursued him and reformatted themselves to transform into robotic dinosaurs with a synthetic skin as a defense against energon overload. Sadly, it did not protect the Dynobots from Shockwave's energy blasts, which melted the artificial skin and caused the Dynobots to go into [[stasis lock]] due to excessive [[energon radiation]]. Due to a deadman's switch, The Dynobots' ship (the ''[[Skyfire (ship)|Skyfire]]'') blasted a volcano that buried everyone in molten lava. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}}

Thousands of years later, the Dynobots were eventually excavated by [[Skywatch]], and though Grimlock was the first to be brought back online, he was freed from Skywatch's control through a virus implanted by a [[Machination]] spy (under orders from [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]). Scorponok wanted Grimlock to join him, but Grimlock refused, fought Scorponok and escaped, vowing to find and rescue Sludge and the other Dynobots. Scorponok, however, plans to take control of the Dynobots himself and use them to assassinate Grimlock. {{storylink|Spotlight: Grimlock}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Sludge''' (Dinobot, 1985/1986/1991/1992)
:*''Japanese ID number'': '''27'''
:*''Accessories'': "Energo-Sword", "Electron Cannon", "Rocket Pod", 3 rockets

[[Image:G1Sludge_toy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Me Sludge crush Littlefoot's mama.]]

: Sludge was released as part of the second series of Transformers in 1985, transforming into a robotic "[[wikipedia:brontosaurus|brontosaurus]]". He has a trio of silver rockets, a rocket launcher, a black gun, and a red sword. Like most ''[[Diaclone]]''-era molds, Sludge also has a conspicuous driver compartment located in his chest.

: Sludge was re-released in the European "[[Classics (Euro)|Classics]]" line in 1991. In Japan, he and the other Dinobots were offered as mail-away items during [[Operation Combination]]; Sludge cost 2300 yen (his original retail price) and two [[robot points]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Sludge turns into a brontosaurus (a sauropod dinosaur), a dinosaur that, due to skeletal misidentification at its discovery, does [[wikipedia:Brontosaurus|not actually exist]].
[[Image:G2SludgeBoxart.jpg|thumb|100px|right|WANT.]]

* Sludge is the only one of the original Dinobots not to share his alt mode with another character (although considering that it doesn't exist, that ain't too difficult).

* Sludge was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Dinosaur Robo Brontosaurus". The only differences between this incarnation and the ''Transformers'' release is that the ''Diaclone'' version has a gold-chromed sword, plus came with a red-and-black Diaclone pilot figure.

* Swoop and Sludge's absence from the ''[[Generation 2]]'' toy line has never been fully explained, though rumors of what might have been persist. Recently, packaging art of both in new colors was unearthed, indicating what he ''might'' have looked like in the line. This art surfaced alongside a screaming yellow and turquoise Grimlock, so it is possible that the three were at one time planned for a second wave of Dinobots.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Sludge/sludge.htm Sludge at TFU.info]

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

{{charstub}}
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Dinobots]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Ratbat (G1)

2008-06-09T12:03:14Z

91.147.201.220:

:''Ratbat is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ratbat.jpg|320px|thumb|right|Listen to them - children of the night. What spreadsheets they make.]]

Cold-blooded and obsessed with efficiency, '''Ratbat's''' primary concern is looking out for himself. He treats his responsibilities, whether as a fuel auditor or as leader of Decepticons, as a business. In his book, everything comes down to profit and loss.

In his role as fuel scout, Ratbat carries sensors that allow him to detect and evaluate the quality of fuels of various types, from primitive hydrocarbons to [[energon]]. He can process any number of these different fuels to power himself.

Although obsessed with efficiency, like any good CEO, Ratbat allows himself a small indulgence: He enjoys sinking his fangs into the fuel tanks of Terran automobiles, the more expensive the better. He enjoys nothing more than savoring high-test gasoline siphoned from a hapless yuppie's Mercedes or BMW.

Ratbat is also the best [[Decepticon leader]] ever. True, that's what [[Megatron (G1)|every]] [[Starscream (G1)|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)|leader]] says, but he's got the victories to back it up.

''Hungarian name'': '''Féreg''' ("Worm")<br>
''Italian name'': '''Stridek'''<br>
''French-Canadian name'': '''Vampiro''' <br>

==Fiction==
===American cartoon continuity===
====Madman Transformers comic====
[[Image:Madman_comic_HotRod_runsover_tapes.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Dracula is my damn son.]]

Ratbat was one of several tapes that accompanied Soundwave when they were spying on the construction of [[Autobot City]]. Soundwave had managed to record a meeting between [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] where the two Autobots leaders discussed hiding the [[Autobot Matrix of Leadership]] in a bunker at the building site. Ratbat was deployed along with [[Overkill]], [[Slugfest]], [[Beastbox]] and [[Squawktalk]] to oversee the retrieval of the powerful Autobot artifact. As Ratbat happily reported the minimal usage of fuel in the successful operation, the Autobot [[Hot Rod]] rammed [[Squawkbox]] and [[Slugfest]], scaring the crap out of the bat. {{Storylink|Madman Transformers Comic}}

{{Note|Despite the fact that this comic is set firmly within the cartoon continuity of ''Generation 1'', Ratbat's sole line of dialogue (and the fact that he speaks at all) is based on Ratbat's various comic book appearances, and not his beast-like cartoon depiction.}}
{{-}}

====''Generation 1'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (US), [[Hōchū Ōtsuka|Yoshitada Ōtsuka]] (Japan)

[[Image:RatbatTV.jpg|150px|thumb|right| Squeak! Squeak I tell you! Squeak!]]

Ratbat was among several cassettes deployed by Soundwave during [[Battle of Autobot City]] in an effort to stop [[Blaster]] broadcasting a distress signal to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. After successfully destroying the transmitter, the cassettes broke into the glass dome of the communications tower and attacked [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] until Blaster deployed his own cassette squad. Ratbat was then attacked by [[Ramhorn]]. {{Storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

While the Decepticons were searching space for [[isodryte]] to repair their weaponry, Soundwave ejected Ratbat to hunt for the mineral in an asteroid field. Although the scout was successful in his mission, the isodryte deposit he discovered was already being mined by the Autobots, leading to the inevitable conflict. {{storylink|Webworld}}

[[Image:CallofthePrimitives_Ratbat_TornedronTiger.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The paws that refreshes.]]

When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] hired the [[Skuxxoid]] and [[Slizardo]] to attack the Autobots with [[anti-electron]]s, the spying Ratbat recorded their failure and raced back to [[Chaar]] to inform Galvatron, replaying his footage of the Autobots' recovery for the two would-be saboteurs to see. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

During a battle on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Ratbat was among several "[[primitive]]" Transformers called away by a mysterious being known as [[Oracle (G1)|Primacron's assistant]] to do battle with [[Primacron]]'s creation, [[Tornedron]]. As the primitives made their escape from the seemingly unstoppable creature, Ratbat was grabbed by Tornedron's tiger form and eaten. {{Storylink|Call of the Primitives}} He got better, though, and was later around to overhear the Autobots' conversation with [[Jessica Morgan]] about the discovery of the [[spark|lifeless]] body of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. However, this resulted in most of the Decepticons being infected with the [[Hate Plague]]. Some days, a bat can't win. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Scramble City''====

Detecting some strange electromagnetic emanations coming from a mountain range, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] deploy Ratbat, [[Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to investigate. When they met resistance from [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and his own cassette warriors, it became apparent that the mountain concealed an [[Autobot]] operation. While Ravage and Laserbeak occupied [[Ramhorn]] and [[Steeljaw]], Ratbat was able to evade laser fire from Blaster and penetrated the mountain, discovering that it housed the construction site for the Autobots' [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]]. {{storylink|Scramble City}}

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

In the year 2011, as [[Vector Sigma]] was in the process of destabilizing, Soundwave and his cassettes invaded [[Autobot City]] in an attempt to learn what the Autobots' strategy for resolving the situation was. While listening in on the Autobots' discussion, which involved locating the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]], Ratbat was detected by Blaster, leading to a battle between the two communications officers. Soundwave and his troops fled, but the battle was renewed soon after in the Arctic, where both combatants ultimately destroyed each other. Ratbat, Laserbeak and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] gathered up the broken fragments of Soundwave's body and made an airborne esape. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Subsequently, the information Ratbat had gathered on the Autobots' search was replayed for Galvatron. {{storylink|A Dream is Born, Double Prime}}

Thanks to the super-science of planet [[Master (Headmasters)|Master]], Decepticon Headmaster leader [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] was able to use the fragments of Soundwave's body Ratbat and the others had recovered to restore him to life as Soundblaster. He was joyfully recieved by Ratbat and the other cassettes, who soon found themselves again battling Blaster - likewise reborn as Twincast - and his cassettes while Soundblaster attacked Cybertron with the Decepticon's new [[Madmachine]]. {{storylink|Operation Cassette}}

When a shadowy figure figure began blackmailing different nations around the world, Ratbat snuck into Autobot City to observe the Autobots' response. He was, however, spotted by [[Trainbot]] leader [[Shouki]] in the reflection in his glass of [[energon]], and fled. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Ratbatfortmax.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Ratbat breaks through the Cassetticon glass ceiling.]]

Ratbat was one of the many Decepticons left on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where he rose to the critical post of fuel auditor. With a drive towards extreme efficiency, he would rarely countenance unnecessary risks. ''He was one of the key figures in [[Straxus|Lord Straxus' court]], and so when Straxus' attempted possession of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] saw Straxus dead and Megatron mentally unstable, Ratbat was able to exploit it. He got the troops to follow him and had Megatron, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] sent to Earth'' {{storylink|Resurrection!}}, and Ratbat emerged as the most powerful Decepticon in [[Polyhex]]. {{Storylink|King of the Hill!}}

Ratbat grew increasingly dissatisfied with the inefficient use of fuel by the Decepticons based on Earth under the command of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and developed schemes to improve the planet's output. He dispatched hypnotizing machines with the hope of taking over the minds of many humans and using them to deliver fuel at minimum cost to the Decepticons, but this plan was disrupted by the intervention of the Autobots' ally [[Buster Witwicky]]. {{Storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

Ratbat allied with the Earthbound Decepticons but remained dissatisfied with the leadership of Shockwave. When the Earthbound Autobots briefly left the planet in the [[Ark]], Ratbat was at the forefront of a new Decepticon reign of terror and kidnapped Buster Witwicky, taking him to the Decepticons' island base. {{Storylink|Toy Soldiers!}}

[[Image:Ratbatcratercritters.jpg|left|thumb|175px|"That... that's your fist, Astrotrain."]]
When the Autobot [[Targetmaster]]s besieged the base, the Decepticons were forced to flee by deploying its rocket facility. In the process of departure, Shockwave was shot down in space and seen heading towards Earth, apparently dying, and Ratbat declared it would be inefficient to rescue him and so, instead seized command of the Decepticons for himself. {{Storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}}

Of all the leaders of the Decepticons on Earth few came closer to outright victory than Ratbat. He followed the Autobots under [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] when they set out to unite with those under [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and launched an all-out attack that resulted in huge casualties and the Autobots being briefly stranded on the Moon. {{Storylink|Totaled!}}

Later, Ratbat promoted the newly recovered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to the position of second-in-command and set out to learn the truth about the legendary [[Underbase]], which could seemingly make a Transformer supremely powerful. {{Storylink|Club Con!}} Ratbat was determined to attain its power for himself but this ambition was shared by Starscream. The latter lured the separate Decepticon faction led by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] to a meeting with Ratbat's forces, which soon resulted in conflict between the two, allowing Starscream to seek the Underbase for himself. {{Storylink|Cold War!}} Both Decepticon factions allied with the Autobots in fighting against Starscream, suffering huge casualties in the process. However, both Ratbat and Scorponok independently suspected that the Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] had plans to seize the power of the Underbase for himself, and they set out to stop them. Seconds later, Ratbat was dead, shot in the back by Scorponok. {{Storylink|Dark Star!}}
{{-}}

===Blackthorne Comics continuity===
[[Image:Ratbat_blackthorne.png|thumb|Ratbat watches over his loyal pet Galvatron]]

Ratbat was a sentient entity capable of talking, but pretended to be an obedient mute animal in order to get out of doing any real work. He ended up as the mentally unstable [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron's]] witless pet and sole confidant. This embarrasses him but rather that than do work!

[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] worried about Galvatron's unhealthy attachment to Ratbat. When [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] foiled Ratbat's search for mysterious [[energon]]-producing aliens by causing Galvatron to step on him accidentally using [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], Galvatron stopped fighting to rush to Ratbat's side, distraught over his actions. {{storylink|The Test}}

For reasons known only to Ratbat, he was later showing off his sentience and joining in on Decepticon raids. It's almost as if he was being written inconsistently... {{storylink|Transformers in 3D issue 2}}

{{Note|Blackthorne Ratbat appeared to have the ability to change size from his parrot-like perch on Galvatron's shoulder (at right) to a [[:image:Ratbat_blackthorne2.png|giant bat]] large enough for a Throttlebot to ride on.) This fits in with his abilities as described in his expanded Marvel comics profile.<br>
'''Another Note:''' Blackthorne's Ratbat was absolutely adorable. He is love.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:ratbatwarwithin.jpg|left|thumb|If Ratbat turned into a jet, why did they call him Ratbat?]]

Millions of years ago, before the Transformers crash-landed on Earth, Ratbat was the leader of a sub-faction of Decepticons called the [[Ultracons]] during the time when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had disappeared. During the Dark Ages, Ratbat made several efforts to secure the [[Tagan Heights]], which held forty percent of Cybertron's industrial capability. However, his efforts were constantly thwarted by [[Springer]] and the [[Wreckers]]. {{Storylink|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Eventually, he became so frustrated that he openly violated the [[Crisis Intervention Accords]] and managed to sway the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s over to the Ultracons, unleashing [[Devastator]] on the Heights. However, the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s arrived and formed [[Defensor]]. Their duel resulted in the destruction of a good deal of the Tagan Heights, and Ratbat was forced to retreat. Megatron's return saw the Ultracons reintegrated into the Decepticons. {{storylink|The War Within: The Age of Wrath}} At this point in time, Ratbat possessed his original Cybertronian form, able to transform from robot mode to jet. However, at a later date, after the Great Shutdown, when Shockwave established control of the planet, many Transformers, including Ratbat, had their bodies reformatted into Earth-themed modes, leading to Ratbat's bat/tape body. It was noted that he was not pleased with its unimposing nature compared to his original structure.

When next we saw Ratbat, he had been freed by Starscream from imprisonment and was given to Soundwave as a servant/gift, implying a past connection for which Soundwave would want recompense. It is entirely possible that Shockwave may have viewed Ratbat as a threat to his control of the planet and deliberately gave him a weak body and imprisoned him to keep him out of the way. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (comic issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

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===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics continuity===
Ratbat was one of the many Transformers recovered from the crashed ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' by [[Cobra]]. He was repaired and retrofitted by [[Doctor Mindbender]], who proudly displayed him, Soundwave, and his fellow Mini-Cassettes to [[Destro]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} Ratbat was released by Soundwave, along with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], and [[Ravage]], during an attack on the [[SPS Center]]. Ratbat was felled by the combined fire of [[Rock'n'Roll]], [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]], and [[Bazooka (G.I. Joe)|Bazooka]]. His body was taken into custody by [[G.I. Joe]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}}
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===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:Senator ratbat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Vote Ratbat. A name you can trust.]]

Millions of years ago, before the war, Ratbat was a member of the [[Senate]] and possessed a fairly impressive humanoid form with wing-like capes and a bat head-like helmet. His professed role was "the application of wisdom through judgment," whatever that means, but, in practicality, he simply monitored news feeds and manipulated events (including stoking conflicts) to create the most profit for himself. He was responsible for the automation of Cybertron's Energon mines, a move which prompted the miner known as [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to rebel and flee underground.

Interested by Megatron's early [[gladiatorial combat|gladiatorial exploits]], he sent his servant [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] to offer Megatron a wide variety of advanced weaponry. He was either trying to get in on the fight racket and increase the violence for profit, or was deliberately trying to create greater instability (also for profit). (It's not that clear which - he starts up after hearing how much money the fights make, but in later issues says how instability is good for business). {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}}

When Megatron's forces bloomed from underground fightclub to planet-destabilizing army, Ratbat realized that he'd made a mistake and Megatron was going too far. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

[[Image:Ratbatdevastation.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Always on playlist: "Batdance"]]
After Megatron decisively won his first battle against [[Sentinel Prime]] and the Decepticons were established, Ratbat decided to view this as a job opportunity and simply transfer himself (and all of Kaon's city funding and government data) to [[Iacon]] and a more lucrative position. Unfortunately for him, he was betrayed by Soundwave, who thought Ratbat would be a "valuable resource" for the Decepticons. His [[Spark]] was removed and transferred into a cassette body which is assumed to have his familiar robot-bat alternate mode. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

Millions of years later, in the present day, Ratbat appears to have come WAY down in the world and serves as a scout for the Decepticons. Now on Earth, he appears to change into some sort of consumer electronic device of the portable CD player variety. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}}

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==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Ratbat / Frenzy''' (Cassette 2-pack, 1986)

[[Image:G1Ratbat_toy.jpg|thumb|right|I'm a cassette... I'm a bat... I'm adorable!]]

: Ratbat transforms from a robot bat into a microcassette that can fit in the chest compartment of the [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster]] molds. He was released in a two-pack with [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] in 1986 in the US and European markets. The toy had either gold or silver weapons and painted or sticker cassette detail. It is unknown if the color of the weapons corresponded the the detailing types.

: It is worth noting that Ratbat's tiny "ears" are among the more easily lost parts in the original [[Generation 1]] line.

*'''Ratbat''' (Cassettron, 1986/1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-61''', '''D-107'''
**''Accessories'': 2 thrusters

: In Japan, Ratbat was released as an individual toy. He came with a clear-plastic cassette storage case, like all other Japanese releases of the cassettes. It is unknown what weapon/tape-detail variants were available in Japan.

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Universe 2008 Ratbat toy.jpg|thumb|Batman always needed a space ship.]]

*'''Springer v. Ratbat''' (Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-Pack, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right wing-swords, key

:A Target [[exclusive]] [[redeco]] of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Sideways#Cybertron_2|Sideways]], Ratbat is a purple alien spacefighter with Cyber Planet Key-activated faction-switching ability (switching from Decepticon to Ultracon) and pop-out blades built into his battle shield.

: This mold was also used to make the [[Noisemaze Mass-Production Version]].

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==Trivia==
* While Ratbat in the original cartoon was a voiceless beast who was ordered around by Soundwave, in the Marvel Comics stories, Ratbat was an independent, intelligent character who could speak and held a prestigious rank, even commanding the Earthbound Decepticons for a period, despite transforming into an tiny audio cassette. Both of the "postmodern" continuities established by [[Dreamwave Productions]] and [[IDW Publishing]] have tried to harmonize these two disparate roles by portraying Ratbat as a previously-important individual who was humbled and forced into a lowly form. Remember, kids, if you're not humanoid, you can't possibly have held a real rank. There must be ''some explanation''.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Ratbat/ratbat.htm Ratbat at TFU.info]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Ratbat Ratbat's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category: Politicians]]
[[Category: Target exclusives]]
[[Category: Ultracons]]
[[Category: Universe (2008)]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Insecticon (G1)

2008-06-09T11:50:21Z

91.147.201.220:

{{disambig3|Insecticon}}

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

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

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

The original Insecticons were...

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

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

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

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

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

''Japanese group name:'' '''Insectron'''<br>
''Italian group name:'' '''Mini-Insectors'''<br>
''Hungarian group name'': '''Álcarovarok''' (literally "Decepticon-insects")

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

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

Shrapnel, Kickback, and Bombshell launched in an escape pod from the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' as it crashed after shooting down the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. Landing in a swamp, their identi-computers damaged, the three gained alternate modes based on local insects, and may have gained their strange abilities from a few millennia of independent evolution on a strange world.

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

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===

{{noteukonly}}

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

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

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

''After the fall of Darkmount and the crippling of Straxus, the trio continued to be influential figures in the Cybertronian Decepticon Army, and were part of a battle unit regarded by the Autobots as being some of the Decepticons' deadliest killers- specifically, [[Bombshell]], [[Shrapnel]], [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], [[Dirge]], [[Thrust]], [[Ramjet]], [[Blitzwing]], [[Octane]], and [[Macabre]] - so much so, in fact, that Emirate Xaaron planned the dangerous Operation:Volcano to lure them into a deadly trap, believing that the extermination of this group would deliver a great psychological blow for the Resistance.''

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

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

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

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

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

The point at which he left the Ark is unknown, but the trio continued to make sporadic appearances amongst the Decepticon forces until the [[Underbase Saga]]. Shrapnel notably used his electrical powers to remote-control the bridge of a cargo ship at one point, but beyond that, the trio seem to have faded into the background. Although not shown being deactivated or destroyed by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] during this conflict, they were still never seen again. They may have been taken out of action at this point, or possibly during the preceding inter-faction fighting. It is also possible that they simply chose to lie low for a while.

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

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

====Earthforce====

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[[Category: Combiner teams]]
[[Category: Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category: Insecticons| ]]
[[Category: Timelines]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>