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Fallen (episode)

2010-01-01T04:44:01Z

96.251.155.128: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the episode of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon|the ancient evil dude who's '''totally on fire'''|The Fallen}}

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=1
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=1 & 2
|next2=Inferno (episode)
|title="Fallen"
|japanese=聖なる故郷セイバートロン星崩壊!?
|romaji=Seinaru Kokyō Cybertron-sei Hōkai?!
|translation=The Sacred Homeworld, Planet Cybertron, Destroyed?!
|image=Cybep1landmine.JPG
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[we've|We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Hiro Masaki]]
|director=[[Manabu Ono]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[January 8]], 2005 (Japanese) [[September 19]], 2005 (English) 
|continuity=
}}
'''A massive black hole forces the Autobots to evacuate Cybertron. And to make matters worse, Megatron is back...'''

==Synopsis==
{{note|This episode consists of lots of flashbacks intercut with present-day stuff, and some present-day stuff that happens concurrently with some of those flashbacks...so...errrr...yeah, we're just going to recount the plot chronologically here.}}

[[Image:Unicronsingularity.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Galactic grade masshole.]]
The destruction of [[Unicron]] has resulted in the formation of a colossal [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] that now threatens the safety of Cybertron and the entire universe. Reporting from a remote station, [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] informs the [[Autobot]]s on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] of the black hole's continued expansion and the resultant destruction of the planet [[Moriturus]], forcing [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] to issue a drastic command: the complete evacuation of Cybertron. The Autobots arrange to relocate to [[Earth]] and adopt vehicular forms scanned from the planet by [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] to hide in plain sight among humans.

A little later, as the population is transported via [[space bridge]] to Earth, the Autobots' headquarters is rocked by a tremor, caused by the appearance of a strange portal above the planet. From out of the portal emerges an ancient spaceship which suddenly transforms, revealing itself to be [[Vector Prime]], "keeper of space and time." Vector Prime wastes no time in explaining his purpose on the planet, informing the Autobots of the lost [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]], tiny fragments of the power of the Transformers' creator, [[Primus]], that were lost to the far reaches of space eons ago. The Autobots must now find the keys and restore Primus's power in order to stop the black hole, but as Vector Prime synchronizes the map that will lead them on their journey, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] launches an attack on the base.

[[Image:Cyb ep1 prime vs megs.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Falcon PAWNCH!]]

The Autobots retaliate, but Optimus Prime realizes that Starscream is simply serving as a distraction; while they have been busy fighting, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] has infiltrated the base. Prime returns just as Megatron overpowers the ancient Transformer and steals his map. Meanwhile, Starscream goes one-on-one outside with [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], but the fight takes a turn in the Decepticon's favor when the crumbling surface of Cybertron shifts under Landmine's feet. Starscream exploits this momentary distraction to blast Landmine into the air, where he is caught in the pull of the black hole. As the villains escape, Vector Prime opens a portal in Landmine's path, teleporting him across space and time to safety.

Across the galaxy, on Earth, the Hansen family are picnicking in the Rocky Mountains. [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] and his father ride dirt bikes through the forest, much to the consternation of Coby's friend [[Lori]], whose family have moved to the Hansens' sleepy country town for the peace and quiet, which the Hansens are now disturbing. Before a full-scale argument can break out between Coby and Lori, Coby's younger brother, [[Bud Hansen]], steps in and calms things down, and the three kids go for a walk. A strange glow in the sky attracts the kids' attention, and they watch as something comes crashing down nearby. That something, as they soon discover, is Landmine.

[[Image:Cyb ep1 loris shirt.jpg|left|thumb|225px|"Oh my God, Bebe, you got boobs!"]]

The kids drag Landmine out of the crater he has made for himself, and Coby puts some of his mechanical knowledge to work repairing an injury in the Autobot's arm. As Coby goes to work, Lori and Bud polish Landmine's armor, and he recounts to them the events that led to his arrival on Earth. Little does Landmine know, however, that Megatron has ordered [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] to follow Landmine to Earth, and the loud-mouthed Decepticon soon tracks him down and opens fire. Landmine and the kids are saved when Thundercracker is knocked out of the sky by the sudden arrival of Optimus Prime, who lures him into a narrow cavern and uses the cramped space to explode Thundercracker's missiles in his own face. Thundercracker flees, and the Autobots all gather at Prime's location, where they are reunited with Landmine and introduce themselves to Coby, Bud and Lori. Vector Prime's [[Mini-Con]] companions, [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]], [[Six-Speed]] and [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]], also introduce themselves, at which point Jolt recognizes the symbol on Lori's shirt. Although Lori insists that it is simply a rock group album cover, supposedly an image from [[Atlantis]], Vector Prime explains that it is the symbol of the [[Omega Lock]], the focusing device for the Cyber Planet Keys...meaning that the ancient device must be hidden somewhere on Earth!
{{-}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (2)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (4)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Vector Prime]] (7)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (15)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (16)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (17)
*[[Six-Speed]] (18)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (20)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (8)
*[[Robert Hansen]] (9)
*Mrs. Hansen (10)
*[[Tim Hansen]] (11)
*Tim's girlfriend (12)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (13)
*[[Lori]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Hot Shot:''' "I can't believe this, Jetfire. I can't believe we're abandoning Cybertron." 
'''Jetfire:''' "You can't think like that, Hot Shot. We'll come back and beat this thing." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "But how? Hey, ''now'' what's it doing? Look out!" 
'''Starscream:''' "Target practice!"
:—Opening dialog of the first episode of the series. Apparently, showing things blowing up is more important than conveying ''what the hell is happening.''

==Notes==

===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
This episode is a composite of the first two Japanese ''Galaxy Force'' episodes, "The Sacred Homeworld, Planet Cybertron, Destroyed?!" and "Encounter with the Transformers". This is effectively accomplished by beginning the episode ''in medias res'', kicking off with the Transformers already in the process of evacuating Cybertron and Landmine being warped to Earth. The opening and closing scenes of the first episode (the family having their barbecue and the kids finding Landmine) are then presented back-to-back, and all the other events of the first episode are presented in heavily truncated form as flashbacks told by Landmine. No real plot points or important actions from the first episode are lost in this manner—things are just more condensed—but removed footage includes:

*Lori complaining over the phone to a friend of hers back in the city about boring country life, then getting angry when she hears the noise of the Hansens' bikes.
*Coby actually winning the bike race, only to find that his family doesn't congratulate him, but instead commiserates with his father. This scene and a few others like it peppered throughout the first quarter of the series (for example, the opening scene of "[[Search]]") suggest that Coby's relationship with the rest of his family is not the greatest, but it never actually ''goes'' anywhere, and ''Cybertron'' elects to omit this facet of the boy's character.
*Lori spilling a drop of the juice Bud gives her on Coby's bike, prompting the boy to go off on a rant about how machines are alive. Lori incredulously asks if the plane flying overhead is alive as well...not realizing that it's Jetfire, who is on Earth scanning the machines that he proceeds to take back to Cybertron for use as disguises by his fellow Autobots. It is over whether machines are "tools" or "lifeforms" that Coby and Lori are arguing when we rejoin the characters a little later, right before they find Landmine.
*The Autobots constructing a huge "Cyber Cannon", with which they blast the black hole. It briefly appears to succeed in destroying the singularity before the black hole reasserts itself.
*Starscream and Megatron spying on Vector Prime's address to the Autobots from within the [[fire dimension]].
*The first appearance of Starscream's vehicle mode transformation [[stock footage]].
*The Autobots regrouping after Megatron and Starscream escape. The team believes that Landmine has been sucked into the black hole, and Optimus Prime vows to find him, but first they have to take the space bridge to Earth, as Cybertron vanishes into the depths of the black hole and disappears in a flash of light. In particular, the notion that Cybertron was sucked into the black hole was very deliberately omitted from the ''Cybertron'' dub, and when the characters return to the planet in the second half of the series, it is likewise claimed to be not within the singularity, but merely near it.

In one notable piece of changed dialogue, ''Cybertron'' has Lori refer to a brother that did not exist in ''Galaxy Force''. Naturally, this brother would never appear or be mentioned again.

To incorporate these flashbacks, it was the second ''Galaxy Force'' episode which really received a chopping. Long scenes removed from this episode include:

*Autobots pursuing Megatron through space and battling him and Starscream for possession of Vector Prime's map.
*The revelation that the map is based on an older layout of the universe and not especially helpful.
*The Autobots searching for Landmine on Earth, including Scattorshot scanning his alternate mode from a billboard.
*Humans following Landmine's trail of massive footprints, thinking he's Bigfoot.
*Thundercracker's blasts starting a forest fire that the Autobots have to fight.

The second episode was later dubbed in its entirety to make up the numbers, as "[[Inferno (episode)|Inferno]]", a "lost episode" that aired as the 52nd and final of the series. Check out that episode's article for a more detailed run-down of its contents.

===Animation or technical errors===
Strangely, this episode features some scenes using different animation from their Japanese counterparts.

*When listening to Red Alert's report, and later, while addressing the Autobots before the evacuation, Optimus Prime features a noticeably different color scheme, with different coloration on his helmet, midriff, pelvis and forearms. This colour scheme (likely test colours) was featured in Japanese hobby and character magazines a few months before the ''Galaxy Force'' series aired in Japan in late December 2004.
*The animation which accompanies Vector Prime's recounting of the history of the Cyber Planet Keys is completely different between versions, with the Japanese version simply featuring four glowing lights on a black background, and the American version actually displaying the keys against a spinning map of space.

===Continuity errors===
*As a result of the episodes being cut up and stuck back together, Vector Prime seems to appear in two places at once. He clashes with Megatron inside the base, but when Megatron breaks out, he immediately escapes atop Starscream. However, Starscream was present when Vector Prime opened the warp gate to send Landmine to Earth, meaning that Vector Prime would had to have been outside already.

===Transformers references===
* Optimus drops the one of the franchise's famous taglines: "Robots in disguise".
* This would not be the first time [[Key to Vector Sigma|a key]], or in this case [[Cyber Planet Key|keys plural]], has/have been presented as (a) super powerful plot-important Cybertronian artifact.

===Trivia===
*For an unknown reason, this episode was skipped when the ''Cybertron'' series began airing, even in foreign markets like the UK, suggesting that the decision to combine the two episodes may have been a late one. The second episode, "[[Haven]]", was also skipped domestically, and neither aired in the U.S. until ''Cybertron'' moved to the [[Kids' WB]] afternoon programming block, several months after the series had debuted.
*Megatron is not voiced in this episode by his regular voice actor, [[David Kaye]], but by [[Trevor Devall]], doing his best Kaye impression.
*Speaking of voices, Coby's is a heck of a lot reedier and whinier in this episode than in all others. He's still being voiced by his regular actor, [[Sam Vincent]], but holy hell, he constantly sounds like he's about to burst into tears.
*"Moriturus" is Latin for "[I] am going to die," likely derived from the famous phrase "''Morituri te salutant''"—"We who are about to die salute you"—spoken by Roman gladiators saluting the Emperor prior to combat. Or perhaps someone on staff is a fan of the hapless "wizzard" Rincewind of the ''[[wikipedia:Discworld|Discworld]]'' series...

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Generic

2010-01-01T04:30:26Z

96.251.155.128: /* Notable generics */

[[Image:VictoryMicroCriminalsEp18.jpg|right|300px|thumb|What do any of us turn into?]]
A "'''generic'''" is the fan-coined, unofficial term for any unnamed background [[Transformer]] that is clearly not intended to represent any previously existing and named toy/character. Generics are frequently used to fill out crowd scenes and battles, and often (though not always) employ repeated standardized designs (especially in the older material such as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]).

It is rare that a generic gets a speaking part, but it has happened from time to time. However, if the character is given a name he/she ceases to be a generic and becomes a regular old character (see [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] for an example of such an apotheosis).

== Notable generics==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
[[Image:GenericDecepticons MTMTE.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I don't know how, but I'm pretty sure the Decepticons were cheating.]]
*[[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] - The comparatively low number of Decepticons in the early episodes of the cartoon led to the filling out of the ranks with numerous generics based on the existing cast, most notably the Seekers.

*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] - At times, there were more than three. Though to be fair, it's speculated that Reflector was just one guy who could clone himself...

* Rumble/Frenzy body types. Just look at the picture to the right.

*[[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] - Hordes of generic Junkions tended to appear whenever the cartoon visited [[Junkion (planet)|that planet]]. Sometimes [[Lithone (species)|Lithone]] character models were repurposed as Junkions.

*Paradrons - The entire population of [[Paradron]] save for [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] were generics, especially their [[Paradron Medic|medics]].

=== Marvel comics ===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Generic decepticons marvel 1.jpg|thumb|210px|left|Optimus Prime? Who's that meant to be?]]
* The [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of the Marvel comic featured a very high proportion of generic characters - probably more than any issue of a Transformers comic since. Many of these were recycled from existing character models and some may be simple coloring errors, though a generic that resembles a miscolored [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] leading the Decepticons' assault on the Ark may take more explaining. A number of the generics in battle scenes tote weapons like [[Ion blaster]]s and [[Fusion cannon]]s.

* ''A generic Decepticon technician of a standard design originally created by [[Will Simpson]] for [[Resurrection!|issue #103]] was forcibly upgraded into a [[Straxus (G1)|clone of Megatron]].''

* ''[[Dan Reed]] drew hundreds of generic "zombie" Transformers for the stories "[[City of Fear!]]" and "[[Legion of the Lost!]]"''

===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Agendapt1 generic Predacons.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
*Numerous generic [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] were seen being jostled within [[Predacon Command Outpost One]] when the station was struck by the [[transwarp wavefront]]. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}

=== Beast Machines ===
* Generation 1 [[character model]]s created for the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[The Agenda (Part III)]]" were modified to represent various generic Cybertronian citizens who were infected with Megatron's transformation lock virus.
* A [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwavey]] character model appears in [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s flashback. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit|Forbidden Fruit}}
* A [[Prowl (G1)|Prowlish]] character model shows up as a corpse in a Vehicon factory. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}}

{{collist|2|
[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|thumb|center|200px|Soundwave? Never heard of that guy.]]
[[Image:ProwlMaybe BM.jpg|thumb|center|200px|And at long last we have found ''[[Bluestreak]]''!]]
}}

=== Armada ===
[[Image:Prominent generic.png|left|100px|thumb|"I had a bigger role than Overload!"]]
* Autobot and Decepticon forces were filled out using Generation 1 cartoon character models, creating several odd instances of classic characters getting remarkably awkward (and often randomly-colored) cameos. (For example, ''Hound is on the side of the Decepticons''. Not to mention a purple Powerglide)

* Depending on who was animating the episode, the masses of [[Mini-Con]]s combined toy-characters with either randomly-colored toy-based models or entirely-new designs... or, in one notable instance, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s character model!

=== Energon ===
[[Image:EnergonGeneric.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Absolutely, positively not made of the corpses of other more important characters, SIR!"]]
* Due to the computer generated nature of the graphics, both Autobot and Decepticon forces were filled out with generics assembled from parts of other existing or unused character models. [[Wing Saber]]'s original "Wing Dagger" form is one such example of a mixed-and-matched generic character model.
 
=== Devil's Due comics ===
[[Image:Joetfii 03a.jpg|left|150px|thumb|I don't know who I am, but apparently I'm awesome.]]
* After the events of [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers]] left the Decepticons short on troops, in [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II]] artist [[E. J. Su]] padded out [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s Cybertronian forces with nameless, but intricately designed generics. Sadly the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] arrived, and Dinobots vs. generic Decepticons is always going to end badly for the no-names.
* Also notable is the generic "future Decepticon" composed of a mix of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Energon Scorponok]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Armada Megatron]], and topped with [[Sky Garry]]'s head appeared on the cover of [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 3|#3]] (as seen to the left) but did not, in fact appear in the issue at all. Instead his place was filled by hordes of generic [[Ravage (G1)|Ravages]], [[Sweep|Sweeps]] and Insecticons. Though multiple Insecticons and Sweeps have been previously seen, this is the first time we have seen clones of Ravage.
* At the series' conclusion, Shockwave is tended by a generic [[Decepticon medic (Devil's Due)|Decepticon medic]], who has a similar design to [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]].

=== Cybertron ===
* Most of the [[Ancient Decepticon]]s were generics, using slightly varied models. Nearly all of these clearly seen looked like their alternate modes were jets or starfighters of varying sort, and almost certainly Cybertronian in origin. They mainly served to be beaten up, and some possibly slagged, by the Autobots, but they did prove helpful in the final struggle.
* Many of the civilian Transformers were generic also, at least two being based off of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] and several being based of of [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]]. Others were more varied, as with the ancient Decepticons. These featured alternate modes used by characters in previous series, with a few new things, such as a bus and jetliners, being thrown in. It is noteworthy that none of these were ever seen in robot mode, save as silhouettes in "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]". The generic Ancient Decepticons, in contrast, were not seen in vehicle mode, save perhaps for a few brief glimpses.
* In a flashback shot in "[[Honor]]" and in a present-day scene in "[[Challenge]]" various generic [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] natives were shown in beast mode. These beast modes included various dinosaurs, a lobster-alt body type shared by at least two, and a another shared body type that transformed into an owl.

=== Animated ===
Many unnamed generic Decepticons appear at Megatron's funeral in [[Dispatches]].
[[Image:Animated females.jpg|thumb|178px|"Please give us names." "For only Cyb$500, these femmebots can be named. Please, think of the protoforms."]]
In Season 3, many Generics flesh out crowd scenes. Normally these Generics are just randomly colored characters, but sometimes they have [[Bumper (Animated)|new heads]] and [[Tap-Out (Animated)|posture]], or sometimes even a [[Glyph (Animated)|new gender]]! This is especially noticeable in "[[Decepticon Air]]", "[[This Is Why I Hate Machines]]" and "[[Endgame, Part II]]".
{{--}}

=== Live-action movie continuity===
[[Image:ROTF Protoform army.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
Perhaps as an homage to the franchise's long history of generic background characters, or perhaps just to save time, [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]] added many re-used and re-colored characters into the backgrounds of the larger battle scenes featured in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
*A [[protoform]] army with heads resembling [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]].
*The [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicon]]s [[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]], [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] appeared in more than one place simultaneously, creating generics.
*A [[Buffalo MPV Decepticon]] resembling [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] from the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]].

{{note|[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] was reused, but there is a new character toy using the same mold called [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]], so he's not technically generic. Similarly, [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] and [[Scavenger (ROTF)|Scavenger]] just have the same [[body-type]].}}

==External links==
*[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/jhiaxus/pages/generics.htm Generics at the Obscure Transformers Website]
*[http://www.geocities.com/regenesis0/jets/ Generic G1 Decepticons list]
*[http://www.insecticons.com/screencapsarm/s-npcs.html Armada Background Characters at insecticons.com]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]

Generic

2010-01-01T04:29:10Z

96.251.155.128: /* Notable generics */

The Arrival issue 2

2010-01-01T04:00:51Z

96.251.155.128: /* Items of note */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Arrival|''Transformers Animated: The Arrival'']]'' #2''
|prev=Dispatches
|next=The Arrival issue 3
|image=Arrival2 coverA.jpg
|caption=I will break you!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[September 10]], [[2008]]
|coverdate=September 2008
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|art by=[[Marcelo Matere]] (on "Whatever Happened To Whatisname?")
|pencils by=[[Dario Brizuela]] (on "Attention Surplus Disorder")
|inks by=[[Leandro Corral]] (on "Attention Surplus Disorder")
|colors by=[[Liam Shalloo]] (on "Attention Surplus Disorder")
|letters by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|edits by=[[Denton J. Tipton]]
|continuity=[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated continuity]]
}}
'''Bumblebee finds out there's someone who craves attention more than him, while Starscream meets Professor Princess.'''

=="Attention Surplus Disorder"==
===Synopsis===
A used car salesman is broadcasting a commercial and slams his hand on the hood of a yellow car—which happens to be Bumblebee. Realizing he's on camera, Bee shows off while Prowl insists he stop bringing attention to himself. As they drive off, Angry Archer attempts to rob the lot but is scared into submission by a superhero named The Wraith. However, Bumblebee and Prowl return, steal The Wraith's thunder, and unwittingly expose him as a hack by revealing his mysterious secrets as technology broadcast from a van. The Wraith is humiliated on camera, and the [[Autobot]]s comically discuss the situation.

Later, The Wraith tries to stop an attack by Colossus Rhodes, but Rhodes has seen the broadcast and dumps The Wraith out of the van. Before The Wraith can be crushed, he is saved by Bumblebee, who adds insult to injury and proceeds to defeat Rhodes. The Wraith silently wishes to see Bumblebee boiled alive. The other Autobots arrive, and the crowds ignore The Wraith to get the Autobots' autographs.

The Autobots quickly replace The Wraith as Detroit's new heroes, and the final straw is reached when The Wraith's Alma Mater, the [[University of Michigan]], snub him to feature a halftime show with Bumblebee (who's now sporting U of M's logo). The Wraith seeks revenge, first tricking Bumblebee with a phony emergency and applying wheel boots, which keep him from transforming. Next, The Wraith stages an attack by Bumblebee at the halftime show using holograms broadcast from the hover-billboard blimps. The Autobots see the fracas and contact Bumblebee, who eventually breaks free and disables The Wraith's projectors. The Wraith attempts to crash the blimp into Bumblebee, but the other Autobots arrive, saving the day and catching The Wraith. As The Wraith is hauled away, Bumblebee feels bad, since all The Wraith wanted was attention, which he later receives through monitors at an insane asylum.

===Featured characters===
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (3)
* [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (6)
* [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
|c3=
* Used car salesman (1)
* [[Angry Archer]] (4)
* [[Wraith|The Wraith]] (5)
* [[Colossus Rhodes]] (9)
* Various human onlookers (10)
* Blimp guards (11)
* [[Captain Fanzone]] (12)
}}

===Quotes===
* None yet identified.

===Errors===
* Despite the main focus of Cover B, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)| Sentinel Prime]] does not appear inside this issue.
* Considering where Bumblebee's wheels are in robot mode, the wheel boots shouldn't hinder his transformation, much less prevent it, nor should they break off when he goes to robot mode. On the other hand, this issue would have about a half-dozen blank pages had the boots not done what the Wraith planned them to.

===Items of note===
*Among the used cars there is a van resembling [[Ironhide (G1)|G1 Ironhide]]'s alt-mode.
* The truck Colossus Rhodes throws at the cops resembles [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 Optimus Prime]].
*The Wraith mentions "The [[Ghost in the Machine]]".
*Colossus Rhodes threatens to break the Wraith in two. [[wikipedia:Batman: Knightfall|Sound familiar?]]

=="Whatever Happened To Whatisname?"==
===Synopsis===
[[Image:StarscreamProfessorArrivalIssue2.jpg|thumb|]]
Starscream awakens, only to find himself in a forest and trapped in stasis lock. He flashes back to his fight with Optimus and wonders how things could possibly get any worse. He finds out when Professor Princess pops up in front of him. Starscream orders her to power him up, but she promptly blasts him in the face. He tries a new tactic and attempts to sweet-talk her. The Professor agrees to fix him up... and a few seconds later, Screamer is wearing a wig and covered in makeup. To add insult to injury, she shoots him again. Fortunately, the blast is enough to reactivate some of his systems, and Starscream is freed from stasis lock. He grabs the Professor and prepares to incinerate her... until she threatens to transmit the image of Starscream in his wig across at least the world, if not the galaxy. Having had enough trouble for one day, Starscream lets her go and flies away... not realizing she's also decorated his wings.

===Featured characters===
{{featuredcharacters
|c2=
* [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (1)
|c3=
* [[Professor Princess]] (2)
}}

===Quotes===
* None yet identified.

===Errors===
* None yet identified.

===Items of note===
* None yet identified.

==Covers (3)==
* '''Cover A:''' Colossus Rhodes battles Bumblebee and the police; art by [[Irineo Maramba]] & colors by [[Kersti Myrberg]].
* '''Cover B:''' Sentinel Prime looks over holograms of the Earthbound Autobots; art by [[Marcelo Matere]].
* '''Incentive Cover RI:''' Bulkhead stock art

<gallery>
Image:Arrival2 coverA.jpg|To all my little Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, take your vitamins and you will never go wrong.
Image:Arrival2 coverB.jpg|Whoa-oh! Surprise hug from Mr. Freaky-Big!
Image:Arrival2 coverRI.jpg|Get ready to have a ball!
</gallery>

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Thundercracker (Armada)

2010-01-01T01:47:33Z

96.251.155.128: /* Cybertron */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}
:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]] and [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portions of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] continuity family.''

[[Image:ArmadaThundercracker.jpg|right|273px|thumb|Say, haven't I seen you somewhere before?]]
'''Thundercracker''' suffered from low self-esteem and longed for approval from authority figures to validate his existence. He was willing to work as hard as necessary to gain attention and praise from [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], but when all his efforts were ignored or taken for granted, he grew frustrated. Thundercracker felt the need to engage in ever more risky and reckless behavior in an attempt to gain Megatron's notice. Many predicted this would lead to his destruction.

When next we see Thundercracker it is over ten years later, loyally serving under [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] during the search for the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]]. In the intervening years he became something of a jokester and goofball. This has often gained him the attention that he craves. Though frequently, especially when Megatron is the brunt of the joke, it is far from positive attention. Thundercracker doesn't seem mature enough to tell the difference, but he does know when to get the smelt out of Decepticon HQ before Megatron looks for someone to pummel.

{{Note|The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (Armada)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' profile book series for ''Armada'' portrays Thundercracker very differently, as a former Decepticon who left the army centuries ago. However, this does not seem to mesh with the glimpses of unreleased ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' comic issues where Thundercracker, along with several other Armada-series characters, show up in the present day.}}

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada''====
When both the Autobots and Decepticons encountered the powerful [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] on a strange world, they were thoroughly thrashed by the evil [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] look-a-like. The Mini-Cons accompanying the Autobots joined together to repair the Transformers and give them extra power. When Starscream gained his new coloration, he stated with distaste that he looked just like Thundercracker. {{storylink|Puppet|Puppet}}

====''Cybertron''====
{{Cleanup|March 2009|Needs storylinks and general expansion.}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Mark Oliver]] (English) [[Kazunari Tanaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:CybThundercracker.jpg|left|250px|thumb|He puts the "cracker"; in "Thundercracker". A-hyuck!]]

Thundercracker was next seen ten years after the end of the Energon War. Issued with orders from Megatron to look for and attack whatever Autobots he could find, Thundercracker opened a warp gate to Earth. Before emerging, he scanned a nearby Sukhoi Su-35 jet for disguise. He apparently liked it, saying, "Now ''this'' is a shape that can do some damage!"

Thundercracker soon spotted [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] walking through a Colorado forest with [[Coby Hansen|three]] [[Bud Hansen|human]] [[Lori|children]]. He attempted to blitz the group with missiles, only to miss completely. He then found himself tangling with an airborne Optimus Prime, whose Super Mode proved impervious to missile fire. When Prime detonated Thundercracker's next missile volley in the Decepticon's own face, 'Cracker beat a hasty retreat via warp gate. {{Storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}}

Later, Jetfire caught Thundercracker harassing two human-piloted fighter planes. Jetfire took several hits Thundercracker's missiles to keep the planes safe long enough for [[Vector Prime]] to teleport them to safety, robbing the Decepticon of his fun. Thundercracker got some digs in by easily dodging fire from Jetfire's robot mode, but was stopped in shock as Jetfire summoned his [[Cyber Key]] for the first time. He was promptly blasted by the Autobot's newly activated shoulder guns.

The next time Thundercracker clashed with the Autobots was outside a museum where they were investigating a lead on the Omega Lock. Thundercracker revealed that ''he'' was now able to summon a Cyber Key, resulting in stronger shots. Starscream called for his own Cyber Key, and the battle was going in the Decepticons' favor until Landmine arrived. After a false start, Landmine knocked Starscream down, and then activated ''his'' Cyber Key, creating a gust of wind that not only knocked Thundercracker backwards but crashed one of his own missiles into him. Poor Thundercracker. {{Storylink|Landmine (episode)|Landmine}}

{{charstubfiction}}

Back outside the boundaries of the [[Unicron Singularity]], Thundercracker and the few remaining Decepticons still loyal to Galvatron were given a boost of Omega Lock power, super-sizing them so they could take on the massed armies that had gathered from all of the colony worlds to oppose them. Thundercracker took on Optimus Prime himself to give Galvatron time to achieve his goal. However, Thundercracker was then gang-attacked by [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], giving Prime the opportunity to chase Galvatron into the black hole.

Thundercracker continued to fight and very nearly came directly into the path of the singularity-collapsing cannon-blast from the massive [[Ark (Cybertron)|''Ark'' starship]].

After the defeat of Galvatron and the closing of the Unicron Singularity, Thundercracker realized that Galvatron was going to let him die in the cataclysm that his plan would have caused, so he ran off along with the other now-de-powered Decepticons. When the rocket boosters that were built on the [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] to push the world back to its normal place in the cosmos began to fail, the four Decepticons arrived, cackling...and helped with the efforts to keep the thrusters upright and functional, deciding to try being on the winning team for once.

[[Image:Thundercracker-Autobot.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Thundercracker gits 'er done.]]
Thundercracker then spent most of his time on Earth under the supervision of Mudflap, helping rebuild cities damaged by the Singularity's effects. When the Autobots were ready to begin their [[Space Bridge]] initiative, Thundercracker went to see off his new "best friend", Optimus Prime. Unfortunately, he ran across his former Decepticon allies, who were sick of trying to fit in and so had built a ramshackle rocket and taken off to form the [[New Decepticon Army]]. The trio shanghaied Thundercracker, who ''really'' didn't want to join them, and took off for parts unknown.

They made it as far as [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] before the rocket crashed. {{Storylink|Beginning}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
{{anchor|ArMax}}
[[Image:Armada Thundercracker toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|DEAD GRAY EYES.]]
*'''Thundercracker with Zapmaster''' (Max-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Wing-sword, 2 "blast" missiles

: Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of ''Armada'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], transforming into a Cybertronic fighter jet. In both modes, pressing down on his cockpit canopy activates electronic sound effects; in jet mode, it also deploys his [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Zapmaster]] if he is stored under the cockpit. Plugging a Mini-Con onto his rearmost [[Powerlinx]] plug releases two spring-activated over-shoulder spring-loaded missile launchers, as well as more electronic sound effects. His left wing detaches and unfolds to form a large sword for use in robot mode. He is something of a rarity in the Armada line, in that he is a redeco that is a new, separate character rather than a "[[Powerlinx]]" upgrade of an existing character.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] to make ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]].

:In Japan, Thundercracker's toy is simply a "powered up" version of Starscream.

{{-}}
{{anchor|BTR}}
[[Image:BTR Armada Thundercracker.jpg|150px|thumb|Energon cake goes right to his hips.]]
*'''Thundercracker''' (Built to Rule, 2003)

: For the ''[[Built to Rule]]'' line, Thundercracker was once again a redeco, a new-color version of the Starscream set. He can be assembled into a Cybertronic fighter jet or a robot, or to whatever else you feel like making out of the blocks provided (or any blocks you feel like adding). He came with a building-brick version of Zapmaster. The set features two missile launchers that use a unique "twist-block" pressure-launch mechanism. He was one of the last of the Transformers ''Built To Rule'' toys released at wide retail.

{{-}}

===Cybertron===

[[Image:TCracker-CybToy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This hick's shotgun is built-in.]]
*'''Thundercracker''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GD-02'''
**''Accessories'': Missile, Earth Cyber Key

: Part of the first wave of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series, Thundercracker transforms into a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su-35 Sukhoi Su-35] fighter jet. Inserting a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into his rear fuselage pops up the back panel, revealing a spring-loaded missile launcher. This assembly becomes his left forearm in robot mode, despite being almost as long as he is tall. He came with a silver-bordered [[Earth]]-style Cyber Planet Key; the [[Hasbro]] release has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''d98d'''" [[Tampograph|tampographed]] on the back of it.

: The [[Takara]] ''Galaxy Force'' release of the toy is slightly different from the later [[Hasbro]] ''Cybertron'' release, mainly the Hasbro version added a Decepticon insignia to the missile-launcher cover.

: This mold was also used to make ''Cybertron'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Movie (toyline)|live-action movie continuity]] [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]].

:The Hasbro version of the mold is plagued by a defect that causes Thundercracker's arms to not lock firmly into place in robot mode. As a result, his heavy left arm tends to fall out. This was remedied with the addition of a pin for Divebomb.

{{-}}
{{anchor|CybVsCross}}
*'''Ground To Air Blast Pack: Crosswise vs Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2006)

: In 2006, Target got multiple [[exclusive]] toys and reduced-price multi-packs, among them a set with unaltered versions of Thundercracker and [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] for about 75% of the cost of two Deluxes normally.
{{-}}
{{anchor|TinyTin}}
*'''Thundercracker with Downshift''' (Tiny Tins multi-pack, 2006)

: Part of a run of Wal-Mart exclusive sets, Thundercracker was also sold in a larger box that came with a special [[redeco]] of the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] member [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], plus a special [[Tiny Tins]] carrying tin for the Mini-Con.
{{-}}

{{anchor|LoC}}
[[Image:Cybertron LOC Thundercracker.jpg|170px|thumb|"Hey Sarge! They done gave me one of these new-fangled DOUBLE shotguns!"]]
*'''Thundercracker''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)

: A smaller, simplified version of the deluxe toy was released in the fourth wave of the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' line. Unlike the large toy, this version has two robot-mode fists, and the blaster-weapon is now an arm-mounted double-barreled weapon.

: This mold was used to make ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], and the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] Legends-class [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]].

{{-}}

===Universe===
*'''Excellion vs. Thundercracker''' (Multipack, 2007)

: During [[Christmas|Christmastime]] 2007, Wal-Mart got several exclusive double-packs of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes sold under the ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' banner. For this series, Thundercracker came packaged with [[Excellion]].

==Trivia==
* According to [[Joe Kyde]], the reason for ''Armada'' Thundercracker's red face was because the gray plastic used to make the eyes is [[unpaintable plastic]], so he changed the original plan from gray face and red eyes to red face and gray eyes.

* One of Thundercracker's lines in the episode "[[Inferno (episode)|Inferno]]", as well as several other episodes, is "[[wikipedia:Larry_the_Cable_Guy|git 'r' done]]". Seriously.

[[Image:Darkness-TCrackerROUD.jpg|right|180px|thumb|WHEEEE!]]

* Between his "Rain of Ultimate DEEE-struction" in ''[[Darkness (episode)|Darkness]]'' and his "Super 'Lectric Lightnin' Thundercrackin' Punch" in ''[[Ambush]]'', Thundercracker seems particularly fond of making up ridiculously dramatic attack names. Strangely enough, the attacks ''themselves'' proved to be effective, but whether this says more about Thundercracker or his target ([[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], both cases) is hard to say.

* In the last episode of ''Cybertron'', Thundercracker showed no signs of hard feelings towards the Autobots, and was even shown working hard on the Space Bridge for them. Even later when he is shanghaied by his former allies, he is shown wearing a rather badly drawn Autobot symbol on his chest. This stands in some contrast to his [[Generation 1]] namesake, who hated anything that couldn't fly but felt doubts when innocent [[human]] lives were in danger.

* Of all the Decepticons in the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, Thundercracker is the only one who stayed loyal to Megatron/Galvatron from start to finish (well, at least till Galvatron betrayed ''him'').

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Armada Thundercracker at TFU.info]

*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Cybertron Thundercracker at TFU.info]

[[Category:Armada characters]]
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[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
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[[Category:Universe characters]]