MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Polyhex

2011-11-04T00:26:47Z

98.237.9.79: /* Exodus */

[[Image:Darkmount.jpg|right|300px|thumb|That's funny - I don't see any hexagons...]]
'''Polyhex''' is a [[Polities of Cybertron|settlement]] that lies in the northern half of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where it is surrounded by the [[Rust Sea]],<ref>[[Letters page (Marvel UK)|Grim Grams #162]]</ref> the [[Tagan Heights]], [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] and [[Nova Cronum]]. The fortress [[Darkmount]] serves as its capitol. Polyhex is in charge of Cybertron's satellites and home to the Cybertron network command hub.<ref>[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]</ref> It tends to fall into [[Decepticon]] hands, which add such scenery as [[smelting pool]]s and [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiatorial facilities]].<ref name=kickoff>[[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off's toy bio]]</ref>

==Fiction==
===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:TheSmeltingPoolUS17.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No where will you find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.]]
*'''Locations'''
**[[Darkmount]]
**''An unnamed [[Polyhex Decepticon stronghold|Decepticon stronghold]]''
**The/A [[smelting pool]]
**The [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]]
**''[[Decepticon fuel store]]s''
**[[Ratbat's offices]]
**An [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]]
**The [[Spanner (G1)|original]] [[space bridge]]
**The [[Titanium Turnpike|Polyhex Toll Plaza]]

''Polyhex was one of the regions that became most involved in the war, confrontations between the Autobot army and Decepticon forces following up on one another virtually without pause.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}} One such case documented was the [[Armornecking Incident]], in which the Autobot [[Getaway]] saved his team from a Decepticon attack by using the security system of the Polyhex Toll Plaza to the [[Titanium Turnpike]] to his advantage. {{storylink|Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Getaway's ''Universe'' profile.}}

Presumably during the [[Cybertron: The Middle Years!|"middle years"]], [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] gained rule over Polyhex as Lord High Governor. From [[Darkmount]], he practiced ruthless control over his domain with the support of some of the most skilled Decepticons: [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Octane]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. In response to the dwindling energy reserves of Cybertron, Straxus issued a campaign to hunt down the region's [[Neutral]]s, the [[Empties]], to have them melted down for raw materials in the [[smelting pool]]. [[Harvester unit]]s were employed to fetch and transport the (not necessarily dead) bodies the Decepticons shot down.

[[Image:The Smelting Pool! The Dead End.jpg|left|330px|thumb|My broken friend is you, and me.]]
In Earth year 1985, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] saved [[Telus and Rotorbolt's buddy|one Empty]] when he was waiting for [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], the Empties' home. Scrounge meanwhile had infiltrated Darkmount in search for the abducted neutral scientist [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]] and obtained information that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crew lost four million years ago was still alive and on [[Earth]]. Trying to reach Blaster, Scrounge was captured in the Dead End by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] and on orders of Straxus thrown into the smelting pool. Blaster, with the assistance of the [[Cybertron Seven|rest of the Polyhex Autobase]], came looking for him there based on information acquired from [[Wheezel|one of the Empties]] that had witnessed Scrounge's capture. He found him, but though Scrounge could pass on the information, he could not be saved anymore. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} Spanner had been abducted in order to build a [[space bridge]] for Straxus' troops to be able to travel to Earth. Additionally, Straxus had gone so far as to have the space bridge constructed from the scientist's own body. This last fact was unknown to the Autobots when they decided they had to destroy the device. Blaster was assigned to plant explosives on the space bridge and blow it up while [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and the others would distract the Decepticons by digging their way to Darkmount's power supply chamber and blowing the fortress up from the inside. Perceptor's group was successful, but Blaster had been taken aback when he learned the space bridge was alive and hesitated too long. The Decepticons came to stop him, followed by the Autobots who came to rescue him. In the subsequent fight, the Autobots ended up on Earth, the Decepticons remained stuck on Cybertron, Straxus was ''seemingly'' destroyed and the space bridge needed extensive repairs to be used again. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

''Some time after, the [[Wrecker]]s, a group of Autobots that operated from the nearby [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], initiated a plan called [[Operation: Volcano]] that was designed to result in the destruction of Polyhex's deadliest Decepticons. The operation was kicked in motion when the Autobots leaked false information to a [[Autobot traitor|rotten element within their ranks]] and tricked him into Polyhex, where he was discovered by Shrapnel. As expected, he handed the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] the information in exchange for his life. Futily so, but the bait that would goad the Decepticon targets to Iacon territory had been cast. [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], who had followed the traitor to Polyhex, reported back on the first phase's success. Ten [[Units of time|cycles]] later, the trap was about to close on the Decepticons when suddenly they received a [[communicube]] from [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. He ordered them to return to Polyhex immediately, prepare the space bridge and sent the Insecticons to Earth pronto, thus unknowingly saving their lives.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[Image:Polyhex Decepticon stronghold whole.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Guys, you're right next to each other. Stop shouting!]]
''Straxus somehow had survived the incident at the space bridge, albeit only as a head on life support, and returned to Polyhex. He relocated his headquarters to [[Polyhex Decepticon stronghold|another stronghold]], where Megatron also ended up after accidentally being teleported to Cybertron through the space bridge. As was to be expected, the two Decepticon leaders did not get along, with all due consequences for the factions rate of success.'' {{storylink|The Harder They Die!}} ''When Megatron's plan to have [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] killed by [[Wrecker|his own soldiers]] failed due to intervention of [[Outback (G1)|Outback]], he took it out on the stronghold and its inhabitants. Straxus's ally [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] had it known how much he disapproved of Megatron's presence, but Straxus ensured him he was working on [[Project Re-Birth|getting rid of the old warlord]].'' {{storylink|Under Fire!}} ''Nonetheless, the situation worsened for the Decepticons when Optimus Prime and Outback had fled to the Dead End and Optimus's plea to the Autobots to save Outback caused him to be recognized as the Autobots' long lost leader.'' {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}} ''With the assistance of the Cybertronian Autobot leaders, Optimus led raids on five [[Decepticon fuel store]]s in as many days. Tired of all that had gone wrong since Megatron's arrival, Straxus initiated the plan A of his scheme by forcefully swapping bodies with his rival. But he had underestimated Megatron's strength of mind, and the two ended up sharing a body that did not know who he was. Ratbat noticed this shortly before the Autobots launched a sixth attack on a transference station, in reality a distraction to allow Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] easier access to the Polyhex stronghold to defeat Megatron. Seeing the two Autobots and mentally unstable more-Megatron-than-Straxus positively wrecking the stronghold, he ordered to have them all teleported to Earth by means of the space bridge. In doing so, Ratbat succeeded Straxus as Decepticon leader,'' {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''while Straxus's mind gave up on taking over Megatron and separated from him to travel to a hidden room in the stronghold where he had prepared a plan B. {{storylink|Two Megatrons!}}

[[Image:Ratbat's office complex exterior.jpg|left|300px|thumb|In addition to being the fuel auditor, Ratbat completely cut the color budget.]]
Ratbat's reign saw a steady if burdened cooperation with the Earth-based Decepticons through means of the space bridge. From Polyhex, Ratbat sent materials and reinforcements such as ''the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and'' {{storylink|Prey!}} [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and in return received fuel from Earth. However, the amount of fuel sent wasn't enough to so much as compensate for the usage of the space bridge, prompting Ratbat to pull the plug on the whole endeavor. {{storylink|King of the Hill!}} Ratbat subsequently came up with a plan of his own to acquire Earth's fuel more efficiently, for which he had a shipment sent via space freighter—slow, but energy-cost-effective. The operation came into trouble when the [[Freighter pilot|pilot]] failed to contact Cybertron despite making it to Earth, in response to which Ratbat summoned the [[Triple Changer]]s to [[Ratbat's offices|his office complex]]. Briefing them on the situation, he ordered the Triple Changers to use the space bridge to get to Earth, find out what had gone wrong and fix it. {{storylink|Crater Critters}} Upon receiving report that a [[Scraplet]] infestation was to blame, Ratbat invested in the capture of the [[Throttlebot]]s, who had been plaguing the Decepticons for a while with small-time raids on their fuel storage depots. Rather than executing them, he had them brought to his offices and forced them to accept to travel to Earth and destroy the threat with corrosives. {{storylink|The Cure!}}

Meanwhile, Megatron lay deactivated in the Dead End [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|after he had blasted himself through the space bridge]]. With time, his internal circuitry restored his body, but his mind remained a long way from home. Roaming the Dead End in a less than optimal state, he did try to assert his identity, but the Empties believed him to be just one of the nuttier among their numbers. Eventually, Megatron stumbled upon two Autobots cornering the Decepticon [[Blackjack]], who recognized Megatron immediately. That, coupled with the sight of the hated Autobot [[insignia]], brought Megatron back to sanity. He murdered the two Autobots and followed Blackjack out of the Dead End. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} ''During their travel, Megatron found Straxus's old base, and within it, he learnt of [[Project Re-Birth]], prompting a detour to [[Helex]] to tie up the loose ends from Straxus's existence. {{storylink|Two Megatrons!}}

''By the time of Earth year 2006, Polyhex was the location of a [[time travel]] device that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] used to pursue [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and company to Earth, 1986.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

===Toy bios===
At an unknown point in time, the [[Software Wars (G1)|Software Wars]] occurred in Polyhex. [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] fought in them and became the battle-hardened Autobot as he is known as due to his experiences then. {{storylink|Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle's toy bio}}

[[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] trained in the grease pits of Polyhex while being held there as a captive. {{storylink|Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off's toy bio}}

===3H comics===
*'''Locations'''
**[[Darkmount]]
**An unnamed canyon
**The [[grease pits]]
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the Decepticons captured Autobots to fight for their entertainment in the grease pits of Polyhex. [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]] was one of the many forced into the role of gladiator. {{storylink|Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out's toy bio}}

{{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
{{stub}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics===
*'''Locations'''
**The Ultracons' base.
**The [[grease pits]]

During the [[Border Wars]], [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon]]s had their base of operations located in Polyhex. {{storylink|Escalation (Dreamwave)|Escalation}}

For an unspecified time in the war, [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] was imprisoned at Polyhex and forced to fight in the grease pits. He ended up having to kill his best friend in one of the matches. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|Kick-Off's ''More Than Meets The Eye'' profile}}

===''Timelines''===
*'''Locations'''
**[[Gladiatorial combat|Gladatorial pits]]

The [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] [[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]] used to be a fighter in the [[Gladiatorial combat|gladatorial pits]] of Polyhex. {{storylink|Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw's toy bio}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
During a heavy battle on Cybertron when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was still a fresh commander, he ordered the Autobots to reposition at Polyhex in the east. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Old Ways}}

The Polyhexian border was notorious for its ongoing aerial skirmishes, which was why [[Rotorstorm]] was posted there. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

===Live-action film series===
If the [[Risk|''Transformers'' RISK]] game is to be taken at face value, Polyhex exists and is surrounded by [[Praxus]], [[Perihex]] and the area where the [[space bridge]] is located. {{storylink|Risk}}

{{spoilers|Transformers Classified: Switching Gears|November 30, 2011}}
Several [[Battle of Polyhex|battles]] took place there, which [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] took part in. {{storylink|Transformers Classified: Switching Gears|Switching Gears}}

===Shattered Glass===
*'''Locations'''
**[[Darkmount]]
**A unnamed university

Before the war, the streets of Polyhex were home to the young Cybertronian drifter named [[Goldbug (SG)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug's toy bio}} Furthermore, Polyhex possessed one of Cybertron's most prestigious universities of the whole of Cybertron, where [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] gave math classes. {{storylink|Megatron (SG)|Megatron's toy bio}} When the [[Autobot]]s started to annihilate anyone not willing to join them, Megatron rose from the fires of the city-state and morphed the survivors into an effective counterforce. Polyhex was subsequently rebuilt to function as the [[Decepticon]]s' base. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

{{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}
{{stub}}

===''Exodus''===
[[Image:WFCcomicConterrorism.jpg|thumb|250px|Can you find the Polyhex in these five pictures?]]
Located opposite the ruins of [[Darkmount]], Polyhex was bombed by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s followers, causing a cliff to collapse, taking a few homes with it, including that of the renowned artist [[Chromatron]]. Cybertron's Satellite Command Center was located at Polyhex, and it was also where [[Autobot High Council|High Councilor]] [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] was from and gathered most of his support, so it was no surprise it fell in the third battle of the civil war after he went over to the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
* '''RISK TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Battle Edition''' (2007)
: Polyhex is one of the purple zones on the board.

==Notes==
*Polyhex was introduced in the Marvel comics as a [[Polities of Cybertron|province]] rather than a city-state. However, after the first couple of appearances, it became referred to as just Polyhex rather than "province of Polyhex", while no other locations ever were specified as provinces. For ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'', [[Simon Furman]] established Polyhex as an Orbital Torus State along with almost all city-states featured in the Marvel comics.
*Polyhex was the second city and generally named area on Cybertron put in the [[canon]], preceded only by the Autobot capital [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. This made it the first Decepticon specific region ever written about and as such it shone in the early Marvel comics next to Iacon, though it was passed by as its Decepticon equivalent by first [[Helex]], then [[Alignment|sort of]] [[Kolkular]] and since the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave comics]], [[Kaon]]. ''[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' is the only continuity to return the Iacon vs. Polyhex vibe.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://transfans.co.uk/comics_guide_detail.php?id=190&page=9 Transformers #162 Letters Page on Transfans.co.uk]

[[Category:Beast Machines locations]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Movie locations]]
[[Category:Polities on Cybertron]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass locations]]
[[Category:Universe 2003 locations]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron locations]]

Polyhex

2011-11-04T00:25:02Z

98.237.9.79:

[[Image:Darkmount.jpg|right|300px|thumb|That's funny - I don't see any hexagons...]]
'''Polyhex''' is a [[Polities of Cybertron|settlement]] that lies in the northern half of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where it is surrounded by the [[Rust Sea]],<ref>[[Letters page (Marvel UK)|Grim Grams #162]]</ref> the [[Tagan Heights]], [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] and [[Nova Cronum]]. The fortress [[Darkmount]] serves as its capitol. Polyhex is in charge of Cybertron's satellites and home to the Cybertron network command hub.<ref>[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]</ref> It tends to fall into [[Decepticon]] hands, which add such scenery as [[smelting pool]]s and [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiatorial facilities]].<ref name=kickoff>[[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off's toy bio]]</ref>

==Fiction==
===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:TheSmeltingPoolUS17.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No where will you find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.]]
*'''Locations'''
**[[Darkmount]]
**''An unnamed [[Polyhex Decepticon stronghold|Decepticon stronghold]]''
**The/A [[smelting pool]]
**The [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]]
**''[[Decepticon fuel store]]s''
**[[Ratbat's offices]]
**An [[Autobase (G1)|Autobase]]
**The [[Spanner (G1)|original]] [[space bridge]]
**The [[Titanium Turnpike|Polyhex Toll Plaza]]

''Polyhex was one of the regions that became most involved in the war, confrontations between the Autobot army and Decepticon forces following up on one another virtually without pause.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}} One such case documented was the [[Armornecking Incident]], in which the Autobot [[Getaway]] saved his team from a Decepticon attack by using the security system of the Polyhex Toll Plaza to the [[Titanium Turnpike]] to his advantage. {{storylink|Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Getaway's ''Universe'' profile.}}

Presumably during the [[Cybertron: The Middle Years!|"middle years"]], [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] gained rule over Polyhex as Lord High Governor. From [[Darkmount]], he practiced ruthless control over his domain with the support of some of the most skilled Decepticons: [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Octane]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. In response to the dwindling energy reserves of Cybertron, Straxus issued a campaign to hunt down the region's [[Neutral]]s, the [[Empties]], to have them melted down for raw materials in the [[smelting pool]]. [[Harvester unit]]s were employed to fetch and transport the (not necessarily dead) bodies the Decepticons shot down.

[[Image:The Smelting Pool! The Dead End.jpg|left|330px|thumb|My broken friend is you, and me.]]
In Earth year 1985, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] saved [[Telus and Rotorbolt's buddy|one Empty]] when he was waiting for [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], the Empties' home. Scrounge meanwhile had infiltrated Darkmount in search for the abducted neutral scientist [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]] and obtained information that the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crew lost four million years ago was still alive and on [[Earth]]. Trying to reach Blaster, Scrounge was captured in the Dead End by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] and on orders of Straxus thrown into the smelting pool. Blaster, with the assistance of the [[Cybertron Seven|rest of the Polyhex Autobase]], came looking for him there based on information acquired from [[Wheezel|one of the Empties]] that had witnessed Scrounge's capture. He found him, but though Scrounge could pass on the information, he could not be saved anymore. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} Spanner had been abducted in order to build a [[space bridge]] for Straxus' troops to be able to travel to Earth. Additionally, Straxus had gone so far as to have the space bridge constructed from the scientist's own body. This last fact was unknown to the Autobots when they decided they had to destroy the device. Blaster was assigned to plant explosives on the space bridge and blow it up while [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and the others would distract the Decepticons by digging their way to Darkmount's power supply chamber and blowing the fortress up from the inside. Perceptor's group was successful, but Blaster had been taken aback when he learned the space bridge was alive and hesitated too long. The Decepticons came to stop him, followed by the Autobots who came to rescue him. In the subsequent fight, the Autobots ended up on Earth, the Decepticons remained stuck on Cybertron, Straxus was ''seemingly'' destroyed and the space bridge needed extensive repairs to be used again. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

''Some time after, the [[Wrecker]]s, a group of Autobots that operated from the nearby [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], initiated a plan called [[Operation: Volcano]] that was designed to result in the destruction of Polyhex's deadliest Decepticons. The operation was kicked in motion when the Autobots leaked false information to a [[Autobot traitor|rotten element within their ranks]] and tricked him into Polyhex, where he was discovered by Shrapnel. As expected, he handed the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] the information in exchange for his life. Futily so, but the bait that would goad the Decepticon targets to Iacon territory had been cast. [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], who had followed the traitor to Polyhex, reported back on the first phase's success. Ten [[Units of time|cycles]] later, the trap was about to close on the Decepticons when suddenly they received a [[communicube]] from [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. He ordered them to return to Polyhex immediately, prepare the space bridge and sent the Insecticons to Earth pronto, thus unknowingly saving their lives.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[Image:Polyhex Decepticon stronghold whole.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Guys, you're right next to each other. Stop shouting!]]
''Straxus somehow had survived the incident at the space bridge, albeit only as a head on life support, and returned to Polyhex. He relocated his headquarters to [[Polyhex Decepticon stronghold|another stronghold]], where Megatron also ended up after accidentally being teleported to Cybertron through the space bridge. As was to be expected, the two Decepticon leaders did not get along, with all due consequences for the factions rate of success.'' {{storylink|The Harder They Die!}} ''When Megatron's plan to have [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] killed by [[Wrecker|his own soldiers]] failed due to intervention of [[Outback (G1)|Outback]], he took it out on the stronghold and its inhabitants. Straxus's ally [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] had it known how much he disapproved of Megatron's presence, but Straxus ensured him he was working on [[Project Re-Birth|getting rid of the old warlord]].'' {{storylink|Under Fire!}} ''Nonetheless, the situation worsened for the Decepticons when Optimus Prime and Outback had fled to the Dead End and Optimus's plea to the Autobots to save Outback caused him to be recognized as the Autobots' long lost leader.'' {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}} ''With the assistance of the Cybertronian Autobot leaders, Optimus led raids on five [[Decepticon fuel store]]s in as many days. Tired of all that had gone wrong since Megatron's arrival, Straxus initiated the plan A of his scheme by forcefully swapping bodies with his rival. But he had underestimated Megatron's strength of mind, and the two ended up sharing a body that did not know who he was. Ratbat noticed this shortly before the Autobots launched a sixth attack on a transference station, in reality a distraction to allow Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] easier access to the Polyhex stronghold to defeat Megatron. Seeing the two Autobots and mentally unstable more-Megatron-than-Straxus positively wrecking the stronghold, he ordered to have them all teleported to Earth by means of the space bridge. In doing so, Ratbat succeeded Straxus as Decepticon leader,'' {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''while Straxus's mind gave up on taking over Megatron and separated from him to travel to a hidden room in the stronghold where he had prepared a plan B. {{storylink|Two Megatrons!}}

[[Image:Ratbat's office complex exterior.jpg|left|300px|thumb|In addition to being the fuel auditor, Ratbat completely cut the color budget.]]
Ratbat's reign saw a steady if burdened cooperation with the Earth-based Decepticons through means of the space bridge. From Polyhex, Ratbat sent materials and reinforcements such as ''the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and'' {{storylink|Prey!}} [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and in return received fuel from Earth. However, the amount of fuel sent wasn't enough to so much as compensate for the usage of the space bridge, prompting Ratbat to pull the plug on the whole endeavor. {{storylink|King of the Hill!}} Ratbat subsequently came up with a plan of his own to acquire Earth's fuel more efficiently, for which he had a shipment sent via space freighter—slow, but energy-cost-effective. The operation came into trouble when the [[Freighter pilot|pilot]] failed to contact Cybertron despite making it to Earth, in response to which Ratbat summoned the [[Triple Changer]]s to [[Ratbat's offices|his office complex]]. Briefing them on the situation, he ordered the Triple Changers to use the space bridge to get to Earth, find out what had gone wrong and fix it. {{storylink|Crater Critters}} Upon receiving report that a [[Scraplet]] infestation was to blame, Ratbat invested in the capture of the [[Throttlebot]]s, who had been plaguing the Decepticons for a while with small-time raids on their fuel storage depots. Rather than executing them, he had them brought to his offices and forced them to accept to travel to Earth and destroy the threat with corrosives. {{storylink|The Cure!}}

Meanwhile, Megatron lay deactivated in the Dead End [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|after he had blasted himself through the space bridge]]. With time, his internal circuitry restored his body, but his mind remained a long way from home. Roaming the Dead End in a less than optimal state, he did try to assert his identity, but the Empties believed him to be just one of the nuttier among their numbers. Eventually, Megatron stumbled upon two Autobots cornering the Decepticon [[Blackjack]], who recognized Megatron immediately. That, coupled with the sight of the hated Autobot [[insignia]], brought Megatron back to sanity. He murdered the two Autobots and followed Blackjack out of the Dead End. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} ''During their travel, Megatron found Straxus's old base, and within it, he learnt of [[Project Re-Birth]], prompting a detour to [[Helex]] to tie up the loose ends from Straxus's existence. {{storylink|Two Megatrons!}}

''By the time of Earth year 2006, Polyhex was the location of a [[time travel]] device that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] used to pursue [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and company to Earth, 1986.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

===Toy bios===
At an unknown point in time, the [[Software Wars (G1)|Software Wars]] occurred in Polyhex. [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] fought in them and became the battle-hardened Autobot as he is known as due to his experiences then. {{storylink|Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle's toy bio}}

[[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] trained in the grease pits of Polyhex while being held there as a captive. {{storylink|Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off's toy bio}}

===3H comics===
*'''Locations'''
**[[Darkmount]]
**An unnamed canyon
**The [[grease pits]]
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the Decepticons captured Autobots to fight for their entertainment in the grease pits of Polyhex. [[Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out]] was one of the many forced into the role of gladiator. {{storylink|Tap-Out (G1)|Tap-Out's toy bio}}

{{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
{{stub}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics===
*'''Locations'''
**The Ultracons' base.
**The [[grease pits]]

During the [[Border Wars]], [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon]]s had their base of operations located in Polyhex. {{storylink|Escalation (Dreamwave)|Escalation}}

For an unspecified time in the war, [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] was imprisoned at Polyhex and forced to fight in the grease pits. He ended up having to kill his best friend in one of the matches. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|Kick-Off's ''More Than Meets The Eye'' profile}}

===''Timelines''===
*'''Locations'''
**[[Gladiatorial combat|Gladatorial pits]]

The [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] [[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]] used to be a fighter in the [[Gladiatorial combat|gladatorial pits]] of Polyhex. {{storylink|Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw's toy bio}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
During a heavy battle on Cybertron when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was still a fresh commander, he ordered the Autobots to reposition at Polyhex in the east. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Old Ways}}

The Polyhexian border was notorious for its ongoing aerial skirmishes, which was why [[Rotorstorm]] was posted there. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

===Live-action film series===
If the [[Risk|''Transformers'' RISK]] game is to be taken at face value, Polyhex exists and is surrounded by [[Praxus]], [[Perihex]] and the area where the [[space bridge]] is located. {{storylink|Risk}}

{{spoilers|Transformers Classified: Switching Gears|November 30, 2011}}
Several [[Battle of Polyhex|battles]] took place there, which [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] took part in. {{storylink|Transformers Classified: Switching Gears|Switching Gears}}

===Shattered Glass===
*'''Locations'''
**[[Darkmount]]
**A unnamed university

Before the war, the streets of Polyhex were home to the young Cybertronian drifter named [[Goldbug (SG)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug's toy bio}} Furthermore, Polyhex possessed one of Cybertron's most prestigious universities of the whole of Cybertron, where [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] gave math classes. {{storylink|Megatron (SG)|Megatron's toy bio}} When the [[Autobot]]s started to annihilate anyone not willing to join them, Megatron rose from the fires of the city-state and morphed the survivors into an effective counterforce. Polyhex was subsequently rebuilt to function as the [[Decepticon]]s' base. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

{{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}
{{stub}}

===''Exodus''===
[[Image:WFCcomicConterrorism.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
Located opposite the ruins of [[Darkmount]], Polyhex was bombed by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s followers, causing a cliff to collapse, taking a few homes with it, including that of the renowned artist [[Chromatron]]. Cybertron's Satellite Command Center was located at Polyhex, and it was also where [[Autobot High Council|High Councilor]] [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] was from and gathered most of his support, so it was no surprise it fell in the third battle of the civil war after he went over to the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
* '''RISK TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Battle Edition''' (2007)
: Polyhex is one of the purple zones on the board.

==Notes==
*Polyhex was introduced in the Marvel comics as a [[Polities of Cybertron|province]] rather than a city-state. However, after the first couple of appearances, it became referred to as just Polyhex rather than "province of Polyhex", while no other locations ever were specified as provinces. For ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'', [[Simon Furman]] established Polyhex as an Orbital Torus State along with almost all city-states featured in the Marvel comics.
*Polyhex was the second city and generally named area on Cybertron put in the [[canon]], preceded only by the Autobot capital [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. This made it the first Decepticon specific region ever written about and as such it shone in the early Marvel comics next to Iacon, though it was passed by as its Decepticon equivalent by first [[Helex]], then [[Alignment|sort of]] [[Kolkular]] and since the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave comics]], [[Kaon]]. ''[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' is the only continuity to return the Iacon vs. Polyhex vibe.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://transfans.co.uk/comics_guide_detail.php?id=190&page=9 Transformers #162 Letters Page on Transfans.co.uk]

[[Category:Beast Machines locations]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Movie locations]]
[[Category:Polities on Cybertron]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass locations]]
[[Category:Universe 2003 locations]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron locations]]

Huffer (G1)

2011-11-03T21:54:00Z

98.237.9.79: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Huffer}}
{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}
:''Huffer is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Hufferg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Here I am, brain the size of a planet, and they want me fight a war on some backwater redneck dirt planet. You call that job satisfaction? 'Cause I don't."]]
To say that '''Huffer''' is cranky is an understatement. Huffer's the poster boy for whiny pessimism. He complains and grumbles his way through every day, especially since he's been shipwrecked on Earth. If he thought his existence was unbearable before, it's intolerable now, and he'll certainly let you know. There is no light in his dark hours... which is all the time.

Despite what a joy he is to be around, he's very effective at his job. A construction engineer, he can whip up anything of any complexity. Unfortunately, he'll be kicking and screaming the whole way.

{{bigquote|Oh, I say we leave right now and forget about traipsing after the stupid Decepticons.|Huffer's first line|"[[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Huffermarvel1.jpg|left|100px|thumb|AAAH! MONSTER!]]
Among several selected by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] to clear a path for their planet, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], through an asteroid field, Huffer lay dormant on [[Earth]] after a Decepticon attack which forced both sides to crash land. Four million years later, he and the others were awoken, and Huffer was rebuilt to transform into an Earth-style truck cab. He immediately wanted to go home. Sadly, his solicited assessment of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'''s condition was bleak, and he feared he'd be "stranded on this scrapball forever." {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Ironhidehufferlaststand.jpg|right|200px|thumb|KILL ALL HUMANS!]]
Their new human comrade, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], was captured by the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into something Transformers could use, but after he was rescued, it was learned that Sparkplug had given the Decepticons what they had wanted. Before further explanation could be made, Huffer demanded the "traitor" be punished. While Huffer and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] bickered, Sparkplug made his shortlived escape; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] tried to stop him with a wall of flame, but the aged human suffered a heart attack. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

''Huffer was one of the Autobots who "fell before the might" of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] during a surprise attack on the ''Ark'' by [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and his Decepticons. After Megatron and Optimus Prime accidentally awakened the ''Ark'''s central computer system, [[Auntie]], Huffer—as well as nearly everyone else on board—was suddenly magnetically sealed to its walls. After some teamwork, everyone was set free, and the Decepticons were ejected from the ''Ark''.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

Huffer caught Optimus Prime's attention to relay a message for [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. In the memory banks of the ''Ark'''s computers, Ratchet had discovered evidence of a battle between [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in the [[Savage Land]] four million years ago. However, with Autobot fuel reserves being so low, Optimus determined that the fates of Shockwave and the Dinobots mattered little at that moment. No, that wouldn't come back to bite him ''at all''.

Low on fuel, the Autobots used the [[Tubes of Transference]] to donate what energy the group had to its five mightiest warriors. Huffer was one of the five selected for this "last stand," and though he suffered a strafing from [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], he survived through the bitter end to victory. ...for five seconds, before [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived and blew them all away. Thanks, Optimus. Thanks a lot. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Afterwards, Huffer's body spent a while strung up from the ''Ark'''s ceiling. Typical. {{storylink|The New Order}}

[[Image:Hufferbomberbill.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Complaining is Job One.]]
After Ratchet retook the ''Ark'' and repaired everyone, Huffer complained of being homesick for his homeworld of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and was obsessed with returning home to the point of distraction from his real duties. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], giving a tour to the [[human]] industrialist [[G.B. Blackrock]], was annoyed to find Huffer not rebuilding their communication center's [[ultra-frequency monitoring]], but tinkering instead with the [[transdimensional radiowave scrambler]] in hopes of contacting Cybertron. Prowl thought getting him out of the ''Ark'' would do him some good, so he sent Huffer on a mission to disrupt a Decepticon operation. En route, Huffer met with a trucker, [[Bomber Bill]], who was also homesick, due to the Decepticons nabbing his truck. The Decepticons, ironically, were up to building a transdimensional radiowave scrambler of their own, and Huffer was forced to choose between destroying the communications device, thus severing contact with his homeworld, or allowing the Decepticons to contact their brethren on Cybertron, ensuring enemy reinforcements would spill over onto Earth and thus spelling certain doom. Huffer ultimately made the right choice, but he hated it. Loudly. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

Using an eavesdropping system Huffer and Blackrock had set up previously, the Autobots were able to overhear Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, Optimus Prime, in a nearby swamp. Huffer was charged with towing Prime's body to the location. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. And then the Decepticons showed up! It took entirely too long for the real head to show up, allowing Prime to save from certain doom the few who remained functional. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''During the Dinobot Hunt, Huffer was sent with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] to Doonstown to capture the berserk [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. What they found instead was Grimlock and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] locked in battle. Bluestreak was deactivated before the team could react, and when Huffer tried to wrangle the two crazed Dinobots, he was caught between them and rendered non-functional too. Just for trying to help, sheesh!'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Huffer was not seen in action for some time after this, until he was shown among the Earth-bound Autobots who witnessed the battle between Grimlock and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

====Classics====
Fifteen years after the Autobot/Decepticon war ended on [[Klo]], Huffer was part of Grimlock's crew on the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]''. His attitude towards Earth had not improved with age. While pursuing [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]'s Decepticons, ultimately finding them back on Earth, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Huffer to stay onboard the ''Graviton'' and keep an eye on both [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]'s ship (with orders to blow it out of the sky if it moved) and on [[Tyrannitron]] (with orders to keep him from "eating something important") while the rest of the Autobots went planetside. Just great. A brilliant engineer having to sit and petsit [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]'s gun. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japan), [[Juan Cuadra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:MTMTE2 Brawn saves Huffer.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A typical day for Huffer. Just bloody typical.]]
Huffer was part of the original crew of [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]-based Autobots who crashed on Earth four million years ago. In 1984, he awoke and was reformatted into a mini semi truck cab. An engineer and not a warrior, Huffer loathed combat and hated being stationed on Earth, as he longed to return to Cybertron. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] would often have to motivate Huffer, reminding him to remain courageous in the long fight. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} During one of the first engagements on Earth, in which the Autobots attempted to stop the Decepticons from attacking an off-shore oil rig, Huffer was trapped in the debris. [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] came to his rescue, cutting Huffer loose from the wreckage.

[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Great choice in cheerleaders, Prime.]]
Huffer was also part of the disastrous attempt to stop the Decepticons from raiding [[Sherman Dam]], and was on the mission to the [[ruby crystal mines of Burma]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Damaged in a fall from the top of the mines, Optimus Prime was encouraged by Huffer, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] as he painfully tried to transform back into robot mode. Huffer and the rest of the Autobots later rolled out in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the Decepticons launching [[Victory (G1)|their new space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:DivideandConquer shutupHuffer.jpg|right|230px|thumb|Ironhide learned a pre-emptive alternative to "Shut up, Rattrap".]]
After Optimus Prime was severely damaged in a Decepticon attack, Huffer didn't rate their leader's chances very highly. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] damaged Prime further, and it turned out that the replacement part they needed was on Cybertron, prompting yet another pessimistic comment from Huffer, which was stifled by [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. He got his chance to complete the sentiment later, when they discovered that the full Decepticon force was about to attack, and Prime was still down. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s subsequent show of determination inspired Huffer, and he led the other Autobots in defending the base, decking [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] with a single punch. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

When Optimus Prime authorized [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] to build robot dinosaurs, Huffer insisted that this was a waste of time. After the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] were completed and unveiled, Huffer remarked, "Dino''bots''? I thought you were supposed to make Dino''saurs''!" and laughed. This was followed by an awkward silence. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Despite the problems they had with the first three, Huffer took part in the building of two more — [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

[[Image:CountdowntoExtinction Huffer.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"I come in peace!"]]
After Spike repelled a Decepticon attack on Autobot Headquarters by dousing the invaders in fire-retardant foam, Huffer and Brawn were stuck mopping up the mess. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} The volcano in which Headquarters rested became active as a result of Cybertron being brought into Earth's orbit, and Huffer, [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and Ratchet were expelled from it in a fiery eruption. They were saved by the timely intervention of [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], who caught them on his jet mode. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Following Cybertron's departure, Huffer took part in cleanup efforts, but wasn't too busy that he couldn't razz Gears. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Huffer towing Prime's trailer.jpg|thumb|right|280px|"Thirty-eight years and never missed a shipment. But I guess this is one delivery old Red won't be making." "Oh, yes he will. And on time, too."]]
Like the rest of the Autobots, Huffer turned out to watch Optimus fight [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. After Prime's shock loss and with their leader struggling to transform, Huffer was helpful enough to tow Prime's trailer back to the base. Prime told Huffer that he was a true friend. But then, Prime considers all the Autobots his friends, so that might not have been saying much. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} Huffer rolled out a couple more times — to save some gold miners, and to thwart Megatron's [[Solar Needle]] plan. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} During the first attempt to demonstrate the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]], he hit the deck with the rest of the Autobots when Ironhide started shooting wildly at Hound's holographic Laserbeak. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:AutobotRun Brawn picks up Huffer.jpg|thumb|left|230px|"I've had it with your orange and blue contrast, Huffer!"]]
Later, Huffer denounced [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]]'s idea for the Autobots to participate in a charity race and stayed at the base with Wheeljack, Ratchet, and Brawn. His bad feelings turned out to be well founded when Megatron used the [[Transfixatron]] to lock the Autobots in [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Huffer's dour attitude was so annoying that Brawn nearly bear-hugged him to death. He still took part in the rescue mission to save the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

Huffer was one of the Autobots confronted with the conundrum that they had two Optimus Primes. After a series of tests, the Autobots were no closer to working out which was the real Prime, and at any rate had more urgent problems, as they'd detected strange energy readings from a crevice. During a battle with the Decepticons at the crevice, one of the Primes destroyed [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and Huffer pronounced him the real deal. As Optimus led them towards the crevice, they encountered Windcharger, who had discovered it was full of deadly [[korlonium crystal]]s. That and his disregard for Spike's safety betrayed the false Prime, and the Autobots blasted him. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland1 Huffer taunts Dinobots.jpg|thumb|right|260px|"Now remember, kids — If at first you don't succeed...I ''told'' you so."]]
After Bumblebee returned to Autobot HQ with Powerguide from a [[Dinobot Island (G1)|newly discovered island]], Huffer was among the Autobots who listened to his report. A debate ensued about the abilities of the Dinobots versus real dinosaurs. Huffer taunted Wheeljack when the Autobot scientist claimed that the Dinobots had been practicing their powers, declaring them complete dino-klutzes. The Dinotbots immediately demonstrated their attempt at “finesse” and proved Huffer right. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

Later, Huffer wondered why Spike was still interested in dinosaurs after his numerous near-death experiences on Dinobot Island, when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] sounded an alarm. Huffer complained that the alarm must mean bad news. He went with the team to investigate a time disturbance in the nearby city and was proven right.

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Huffer carrying mammoth.jpg|thumb|left|200px|He is stronger than Pudzian...]]
Huffer and Optimus Prime were the first on the scene and discovered that city traffic was clogged for an unknown reason. Hound detected Bumblebee’s signal under a pile of rubble, and Huffer hurriedly moved in to clear the rubble away. He had to duck out of the way of flying debris when Sideswipe used his pile driver hands to speed up the job. When confronted by the time-displaced barbarians riding woolly mammoths, Huffer wondered if they were new Earth forms the Autobots hadn’t seen yet.

Optimus ordered the Autobots to stop the random destruction caused by the mammoths and Huffer responded by wrestling one into submission, while declaring himself one of the strongest Autobots. He, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Hound and Ironhide herded the mammoths into Prime’s trailer, and then into the closing time portal. When the portal closed, Huffer breathed a sigh of relief, remarking that he thought they’d never leave. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:Microbots Huffer charges.jpg|thumb|right|260px|The last view of yet another insect bound for Huffer's windshield.]]
The Autobots went to South America and were confronted by Megatron rendered ultra-powerful by the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. Huffer desperately tried to charge Megatron in a moment of uncharacteristic optimism, only to be blasted. He and the other Autobots limped back to Headquarters. {{storylink|Microbots}}

Huffer took part in the [[Autobot Day]] parade and was in the Mayor's office when Megatron's faked video was played, incriminating the Autobots in energy theft. The Autobots were subsequently found guilty by a court of law, and Huffer found himself sitting between [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] on a spacecraft headed away from Earth. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} When Ironhide started complaining about their situation, Huffer joined gamely in. Unfortunately, though Prime did agree he'd made a mistake, they were unable to change their flight plan, as the ship was locked on course for the Sun. It took Cosmos and the use of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s force field to get them back to Earth. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|thumb|left|230px|Robots, some in disguise, some otherwise.]]
When Megatron used the [[Voltronic Galaxer]] to block radio signals worldwide, Huffer was among the Autobots who rolled out to help the humans. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He also took part in sting operations in [[New York City]] in an attempt to catch car thieves. He and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] observed that [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] seemed to prefer the company of humans. Later, Hoist was driving Huffer when they encountered a traffic jam and helped clear it. Huffer also fought Decepticon drones downtown alongside Ironhide and Windcharger, and was part of the assault on the Decepticons' drone manufacturing facility. {{storylink|Make Tracks}}

After a number of the Autobots and Decepticons were lost in a space bridge incident, Huffer watched [[Chip Chase]] unsuccessfully try to use Teletraan I to locate them. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} He was part of an equally unsuccessful mission to try to fight the [[Insecticon clone]] army. While he was being repaired, Cosmos, Bumblebee and Spike were bringing [[robotic insecticide]] back from [[Floron III]]. Unfortunately, they also brought back [[Morphobot]]s, and Huffer was on the mission to rescue Cosmos from under the alien vegetation, though as usual, he didn't do much other than complain. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:QuestforSurvival Grapple repairs Huffer.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Not even a spoon full of sugar could persuade him.]]
When Megatron sent [[Kremzeek]] to the Autobot base, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] discovered that an insulating compound would protect the Autobots. However, by this point, Huffer had already fallen victim to the little electronic pest. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}} After Tracks and Bumblebee were kidnapped by big game hunter [[Chumley|Lord Chumley]], Huffer was one of the Autobots who scoured the city for them. Prime's call to return to Headquarters came just in time for him to avoid unsuspectingly being trapped himself. {{storylink|Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target}} Huffer didn't provide any input when the Autobots came up with a plan to disguise themselves as [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] in order to uncover Megatron's latest plan, though he ended up having to go pull their fat out of the fryer when they were inevitably discovered. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

The last time anyone saw him alive was when he was helping [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] build a roadblock when a [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunday driver]] plowed through and ruined all of their hard work. Bluestreak and Huffer were not shown making it back to [[Autobot City]] in time when the Decepticons [[Battle of Autobot City|attacked]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} Huffer was killed during the subsequent battle, and his remains were placed aboard an interstellar [[Autobot Mausoleum]], where they were later found by [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]. Shortly afterward, due to a [[Quintesson]] plot, what was left of Huffer was plunged into a red sun with the rest of the mausoleum. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

===Big Looker storybooks continuity===
[[Image:Great Car Rally busy Huffer.jpg|300px|right|thumb|And Dick Dastardly's "London Bridge" plan falls down!]]
Huffer was one of the Autobots that boarded a [[Ark (G1)|ship]] to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid belt. The ship and its crew came under attack from the [[Decepticon]]s, however, and crash-landed on [[Earth]], where both Autobots and Decepticons lay deactivated for four million years. A volcanic eruption awoke the Decepticons and a few Autobots, [[Bumblebee (G1)|one of whom]] found the humans [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and brought them to the crash site to repair the other Autobots. Up and running once more, Huffer participated in a plan of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s to lure the Decepticons into an ambush when they returned to destroy the Autobots. The plan worked. {{storylink|Battle for Cybertron}} Some time later, the Autobots participated in a car rally for a shot at the grand prize, consisting of a free supply of gas and oil for an entire year. Because they anticipated that the Decepticons would try to thwart their efforts, they had those who weren't going to race set up around the course to deal with sabotage attempts. Huffer was among those. When it was [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s turn to drive a mountainous part of the course, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] destroyed the bridge right after a curve, planning for Hound to fall to his death. Huffer noticed this and repaired the bridge well before the racers arrived. {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}} Following a particularly harsh battle that left most of the soldiers on both factions badly injured, Huffer teamed up with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] to repair their comrades. Soon after, the Autobots discovered a Decepticon plan to steal [[oil]] and went to stop them, except for Ratchet and Huffer, who were better occupied fixing the remaining patients. They prioritized [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], who ended up saving the day. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}

{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] ordered an evacuation of Cybertron in the early days of the war, Huffer was seen loading boxes onto spacecraft at the [[Central Spaceport]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} He was later present at [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his troops assaulted the city. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} As the war raged on, Optimus Prime disappeared in a [[space bridge]] accident, leading to the Autobots splitting into several splinter groups. Huffer remained in the "main" faction of Autobots, now under the command of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|Fragmentation}}

Huffer was a part of the crew aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron. After the Autobots defeated the Decepticons on Earth, they attempted to return home on the ''[[Ark II]]'', but the craft exploded, sending Huffer and the others into [[stasis lock]].

He was one of many Transformers captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam "Lazarus" Rook]] for lease to terrorist organizations and shady governments requiring brutal military might. Fortunately, Autobots under the command of Optimus Prime repaired and re-reprogrammed Huffer and the remaining captive Autobots. Immediately, they were put to work on fighting Megatron's metallic virus, which had spread deep into [[Canada|Canadian]] territory. Huffer was seen to be very gung-ho about starting the blasting process when Wheeljack cautioned the group that the anti-virus required converting their own internal energy, and he needed complete commitment from them if his plan was to succeed. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}}

Soon, the Canadian military arrived. Unfortunately, due to the recent attacks by both enslaved Autobots and Decepticons under the command of Rook, the Canadians attempted to stop the Autobots doing what they perceived to be an attack on their soil. When Wheeljack tried to explain what they were doing (in a rather aggressive manner), the Canadians soldiers panicked and fired upon the Autobots. Huffer was blasted by a tank shell while trying to aid the fallen Wheeljack. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

Huffer was one of the Autobots who accompanied Optimus Prime to [[Alaska]] to investigate a mysterious summons from a crashed Autobot ship. Ambushed by Decepticons, the tide of the battle turned against the Autobots, then back when Optimus overcame Megatron. Then things turned stranger by the emergence of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] from the Autobot ship, who declared the Cybertronian civil war over. The sudden appearance of Shockwave and his troops from Cybertron threw everyone for a loop, especially Megatron, who ended up under Shockwave's heel. In the ensuing battle between the Autobots and Shockwave's group, Huffer was shot and set ablaze. Ratchet came to his rescue. {{storylink|New World Order}}

Huffer was with Prime's group when he and most of the Autobots surrendered to Ultra Magnus and returned to Cybertron under lock and key as war criminals. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} He joined up with the insurgency groups under [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who then united under Optimus Prime's leadership. During the assault on Shockwave's stronghold in Iacon, Huffer found himself directly in the path of Decepticon missiles. Prime shouted for him to get down. The Autobot leader took a missile to the torso that was intended for Huffer, causing him pain and damage that later contributed to his defeat at the hands of Shockwave. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}} With some help from Ultra Magnus and Grimlock, Prime finally overthrew Shockwave. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

After the revolution, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] conceived of a new Autobot City constructed on Earth as their new base of operations. He requisitioned the reluctant Huffer to leave his Beloved Cybertron™ to contribute his construction engineering skills to the city's design. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Huffer was among the Autobots who ended up on Earth in the distant past, where they took on spiky organic modes and battled the Decepticons until an ice age threatened to destroy both factions. In order to continue their war at a later date, the Autobots went underground and powered down for a few million years. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} When [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was reactivated in the mid-19th century and learned about Decepticon activity, he woke several other Autobots up as well, including Huffer. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightBlaster GetawayKupHufferBroadside.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Huffer is such a downer that even Kup and Broadside shut up.]]
Huffer was one of the manual laborers seen disputing the Senate's attempts to automate their trade with drones. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} Unlike many workers, Huffer did not join up with the Decepticon movement, but instead would eventually side with the Autobots.

After the Battle of [[Thunderhead Pass]], Huffer was one of many Autobots engaged in trench warfare over what remained of their destabilized home planet. He was with [[Getaway]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] awaiting a broadcast from [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] when the Decepticons made their big push against the Autobots. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

Many years later, after the Decepticons' [[Surge (event)|galaxy-wide assault]] on Autobot interests, Huffer found himself stationed on [[Earth]]. He told [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to shush during one of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s speeches. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}} A few days later, Magnus requisitioned some energon from Huffer. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}}

Several months later, the Autobots and their [[Skywatch]] allies were victims of a Decepticon attack and forced to flee across the desert. Their caravan was then attacked by humans, and Huffer stayed true to his nature by complaining loudly and at length when Ultra Magnus chose to continue fleeing rather than fight back. He shut up once [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] appeared and shot him. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies}} The injured Autobots were dumped in a schoolyard in [[Albuquerque]], where they were held hostage by two humans carrying powerful Megatron-based handguns and were influenced by Megatron's own thoughts. Unable to fight back or defend themselves without risking human lives, Huffer and the others could only sit tight until they were saved by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], who killed one of the humans. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome}}

Alongside the majority of Autobots, Huffer left Earth to return to a restored Cybertron. On board [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s rocket mode, he and several others hoped to listen in on Optimus Prime's interrogation of Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
Huffer was amongst the Autobots held prisoner by the Decepticons. In order to rescue his troops, Optimus Prime partook in a mission to infiltrate the Decepticon's maze-like base, where Huffer and his Autobot compatriots were held captive. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}
{{--}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Huffer toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh, they gave me a mouthplate. I don't have a mouthplate.]]
* '''Huffer''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''14'''

:Huffer was part of the original 1984 assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s. His mold was originally used for the ''[[Micro Change]]'' series of toys as an "American" truck. The ''Micro Change'' toyline was meant to depict robots that transformed into toy cars, which accounts for the somewhat cartoonish proportions of Huffer's vehicle mode. In 1985, Huffer's rooftop [[Insignia|faction symbol]] decal was replaced by a [[rubsign]].

: This mold was used to make [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]; for the [[Hasbro]] line it was extensively [[retool]]ed, while in Mexico and some European markets, it was straight-[[redeco]]ed.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Huffer/huffer.htm More information on Mini Vehicle Huffer at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Transformers Collection===
*'''Minibot Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-12'''

: In January of 2004, Huffer was reissued in a "[[Transformers Collection]]" six-pack with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. There are no notable differences between the original and the reissue versions.

: This entire set was redecoed to make the "[[G1 GoBots]]" set; Huffer was used to make [[Road Ranger]].

===Timelines===
[[Image:Botcon Huffer toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey kids, it's me! Timmy the Tow Truck! Hyuck hyuck! Wuh-oh, looks like somebody's feeling a little grumpy today!]]
*'''Huffer''' (Scout, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Crane boom/rifle, Earth-type Cyber Key

: Sold together in a bag with [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and their instructions and bio cards, Huffer is a ''Classics''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] attendee [[exclusive]]. An orange and blue [[redeco]] of the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|Armorhide]] toy, Huffer transforms into a first-generation Volvo FH Globetrotter semi tractor-trailer cab with the badges and serial numbers filed off, and with a hook-crane attachment on the fifth wheel. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into the back of his cab flips his grill down, exposing a rack of eight (non-firing) missiles. This feature is also available in his robot mode. Huffer can store a Cyber Planet Key using tabs on his hook-crane/rifle, and came with a silver-bordered, translucent orange [[Earth]] Key.

: This mold was also used to make the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action-movie-verse]] [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/BCHuffer/huffer.htm More information on BotCon Huffer at TFU.info]''

===Merchandise===
{{anchor|TakaraDecoy}}
* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

: In Japan, a red rubber mini-figure of "Drag" was available in part of a [[Decoy|massive multi-pack of similar mini-figurines]]. The number etched into his back is the sum total of his [[tech spec]] ratings, as these figurines were used as game pieces for a variety of ''Transformers'' board games in which this number had some meaning to how the game was played or something. Huffer mixes the [[character model|cartoon model]] with elements from the original toy (most notably tires on his shoulders and claws instead of hands).

{{anchor|HasbroDecoy}}
*'''Huffer''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''27'''

: The [[Hasbro]] [[Decoy]] release of the Huffer game piece is almost identical to the Japanese version, except the number on his back is a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
*The bio card for [[Fun Publications]]' [[BotCon 2007]] exclusive toy lists the name as "Huffer®". Unfortunately, Hasbro hadn't actually attempted at the time to register the name, which technically made the claim illegal. SHAME ON YOU, FunPub. Obviously Hasbro [[Huffer (PCC)|''has'' rectified this]].
* A strange variation on Huffer's [[character model]] features a semi-circular hood behind his head instead of the normal rectangular shape. It appeared in Huffer's ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' bio entry, and in the comic story "[[Totaled!]]".
[[Image:Masterpiece Huffer.JPG|right|200px|thumb|He will complain about this until the end of time.]]
* A proposed design for a ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Huffer toy is found in ''[[Transformers Generations 2011]]''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drag''' (ドラッグ ''Doraggu'')
*''French:'' '''Grognon''' (Canada, "Grouch")
*''Greek:'' '''Gígantas''' (Γίγαντας, "Giant")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fortyogó''' ("Ebullier")
*''Italian:'' '''Turbo'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Huffer''' (Taiwan, 哈佛 ''Hā Fó''), '''Lúmăng''' (鲁莽 "Hot-headed")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Valentão''' (Portugal comics), '''Rabugento''' (Brazil comics, "Grumpy")
*''Russian:'' '''Nytik''' (Нытик, "Whiner")

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

[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

Huffer (G1)

2011-11-03T21:52:51Z

98.237.9.79: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Huffer}}
{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}
:''Huffer is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Hufferg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Here I am, brain the size of a planet, and they want me fight a war on some backwater redneck dirt planet. You call that job satisfaction? 'Cause I don't."]]
To say that '''Huffer''' is cranky is an understatement. Huffer's the poster boy for whiny pessimism. He complains and grumbles his way through every day, especially since he's been shipwrecked on Earth. If he thought his existence was unbearable before, it's intolerable now, and he'll certainly let you know. There is no light in his dark hours... which is all the time.

Despite what a joy he is to be around, he's very effective at his job. A construction engineer, he can whip up anything of any complexity. Unfortunately, he'll be kicking and screaming the whole way.

{{bigquote|Oh, I say we leave right now and forget about traipsing after the stupid Decepticons.|Huffer's first line|"[[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Huffermarvel1.jpg|left|100px|thumb|AAAH! MONSTER!]]
Among several selected by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] to clear a path for their planet, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], through an asteroid field, Huffer lay dormant on [[Earth]] after a Decepticon attack which forced both sides to crash land. Four million years later, he and the others were awoken, and Huffer was rebuilt to transform into an Earth-style truck cab. He immediately wanted to go home. Sadly, his solicited assessment of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'''s condition was bleak, and he feared he'd be "stranded on this scrapball forever." {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Ironhidehufferlaststand.jpg|right|200px|thumb|KILL ALL HUMANS!]]
Their new human comrade, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], was captured by the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into something Transformers could use, but after he was rescued, it was learned that Sparkplug had given the Decepticons what they had wanted. Before further explanation could be made, Huffer demanded the "traitor" be punished. While Huffer and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] bickered, Sparkplug made his shortlived escape; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] tried to stop him with a wall of flame, but the aged human suffered a heart attack. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

''Huffer was one of the Autobots who "fell before the might" of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] during a surprise attack on the ''Ark'' by [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and his Decepticons. After Megatron and Optimus Prime accidentally awakened the ''Ark'''s central computer system, [[Auntie]], Huffer—as well as nearly everyone else on board—was suddenly magnetically sealed to its walls. After some teamwork, everyone was set free, and the Decepticons were ejected from the ''Ark''.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

Huffer caught Optimus Prime's attention to relay a message for [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. In the memory banks of the ''Ark'''s computers, Ratchet had discovered evidence of a battle between [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in the [[Savage Land]] four million years ago. However, with Autobot fuel reserves being so low, Optimus determined that the fates of Shockwave and the Dinobots mattered little at that moment. No, that wouldn't come back to bite him ''at all''.

Low on fuel, the Autobots used the [[Tubes of Transference]] to donate what energy the group had to its five mightiest warriors. Huffer was one of the five selected for this "last stand," and though he suffered a strafing from [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], he survived through the bitter end to victory. ...for five seconds, before [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived and blew them all away. Thanks, Optimus. Thanks a lot. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Afterwards, Huffer's body spent a while strung up from the ''Ark'''s ceiling. Typical. {{storylink|The New Order}}

[[Image:Hufferbomberbill.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Complaining is Job One.]]
After Ratchet retook the ''Ark'' and repaired everyone, Huffer complained of being homesick for his homeworld of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and was obsessed with returning home to the point of distraction from his real duties. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], giving a tour to the [[human]] industrialist [[G.B. Blackrock]], was annoyed to find Huffer not rebuilding their communication center's [[ultra-frequency monitoring]], but tinkering instead with the [[transdimensional radiowave scrambler]] in hopes of contacting Cybertron. Prowl thought getting him out of the ''Ark'' would do him some good, so he sent Huffer on a mission to disrupt a Decepticon operation. En route, Huffer met with a trucker, [[Bomber Bill]], who was also homesick, due to the Decepticons nabbing his truck. The Decepticons, ironically, were up to building a transdimensional radiowave scrambler of their own, and Huffer was forced to choose between destroying the communications device, thus severing contact with his homeworld, or allowing the Decepticons to contact their brethren on Cybertron, ensuring enemy reinforcements would spill over onto Earth and thus spelling certain doom. Huffer ultimately made the right choice, but he hated it. Loudly. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

Using an eavesdropping system Huffer and Blackrock had set up previously, the Autobots were able to overhear Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, Optimus Prime, in a nearby swamp. Huffer was charged with towing Prime's body to the location. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. And then the Decepticons showed up! It took entirely too long for the real head to show up, allowing Prime to save from certain doom the few who remained functional. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''During the Dinobot Hunt, Huffer was sent with [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] to Doonstown to capture the berserk [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. What they found instead was Grimlock and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] locked in battle. Bluestreak was deactivated before the team could react, and when Huffer tried to wrangle the two crazed Dinobots, he was caught between them and rendered non-functional too. Just for trying to help, sheesh!'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Huffer was not seen in action for some time after this, until he was shown among the Earth-bound Autobots who witnessed the battle between Grimlock and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

====Classics====
Fifteen years after the Autobot/Decepticon war ended on [[Klo]], Huffer was part of Grimlock's crew on the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]''. His attitude towards Earth had not improved with age. While pursuing [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]'s Decepticons, ultimately finding them back on Earth, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Huffer to stay onboard the ''Graviton'' and keep an eye on both [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]'s ship (with orders to blow it out of the sky if it moved) and on [[Tyrannitron]] (with orders to keep him from "eating something important") while the rest of the Autobots went planetside. Just great. A brilliant engineer having to sit and petsit [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]'s gun. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japan), [[Juan Cuadra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:MTMTE2 Brawn saves Huffer.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A typical day for Huffer. Just bloody typical.]]
Huffer was part of the original crew of [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]-based Autobots who crashed on Earth four million years ago. In 1984, he awoke and was reformatted into a mini semi truck cab. An engineer and not a warrior, Huffer loathed combat and hated being stationed on Earth, as he longed to return to Cybertron. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] would often have to motivate Huffer, reminding him to remain courageous in the long fight. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} During one of the first engagements on Earth, in which the Autobots attempted to stop the Decepticons from attacking an off-shore oil rig, Huffer was trapped in the debris. [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] came to his rescue, cutting Huffer loose from the wreckage.

[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Great choice in cheerleaders, Prime.]]
Huffer was also part of the disastrous attempt to stop the Decepticons from raiding [[Sherman Dam]], and was on the mission to the [[ruby crystal mines of Burma]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} Damaged in a fall from the top of the mines, Optimus Prime was encouraged by Huffer, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] as he painfully tried to transform back into robot mode. Huffer and the rest of the Autobots later rolled out in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the Decepticons launching [[Victory (G1)|their new space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Image:DivideandConquer shutupHuffer.jpg|right|230px|thumb|Ironhide learned a pre-emptive alternative to "Shut up, Rattrap".]]
After Optimus Prime was severely damaged in a Decepticon attack, Huffer didn't rate their leader's chances very highly. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] damaged Prime further, and it turned out that the replacement part they needed was on Cybertron, prompting yet another pessimistic comment from Huffer, which was stifled by [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. He got his chance to complete the sentiment later, when they discovered that the full Decepticon force was about to attack, and Prime was still down. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s subsequent show of determination inspired Huffer, and he led the other Autobots in defending the base, decking [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] with a single punch. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

When Optimus Prime authorized [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] to build robot dinosaurs, Huffer insisted that this was a waste of time. After the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] were completed and unveiled, Huffer remarked, "Dino''bots''? I thought you were supposed to make Dino''saurs''!" and laughed. This was followed by an awkward silence. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} Despite the problems they had with the first three, Huffer took part in the building of two more — [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

[[Image:CountdowntoExtinction Huffer.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"I come in peace!"]]
After Spike repelled a Decepticon attack on Autobot Headquarters by dousing the invaders in fire-retardant foam, Huffer and Brawn were stuck mopping up the mess. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} The volcano in which Headquarters rested became active as a result of Cybertron being brought into Earth's orbit, and Huffer, [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and Ratchet were expelled from it in a fiery eruption. They were saved by the timely intervention of [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], who caught them on his jet mode. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} Following Cybertron's departure, Huffer took part in cleanup efforts, but wasn't too busy that he couldn't razz Gears. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[Image:HeavyMetalWar Huffer towing Prime's trailer.jpg|thumb|right|280px|"Thirty-eight years and never missed a shipment. But I guess this is one delivery old Red won't be making." "Oh, yes he will. And on time, too."]]
Like the rest of the Autobots, Huffer turned out to watch Optimus fight [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. After Prime's shock loss and with their leader struggling to transform, Huffer was helpful enough to tow Prime's trailer back to the base. Prime told Huffer that he was a true friend. But then, Prime considers all the Autobots his friends, so that might not have been saying much. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} Huffer rolled out a couple more times — to save some gold miners, and to thwart Megatron's [[Solar Needle]] plan. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} During the first attempt to demonstrate the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]], he hit the deck with the rest of the Autobots when Ironhide started shooting wildly at Hound's holographic Laserbeak. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:AutobotRun Brawn picks up Huffer.jpg|thumb|left|230px|"I've had it with your orange and blue contrast, Huffer!"]]
Later, Huffer denounced [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Chip Chase|Chip]]'s idea for the Autobots to participate in a charity race and stayed at the base with Wheeljack, Ratchet, and Brawn. His bad feelings turned out to be well founded when Megatron used the [[Transfixatron]] to lock the Autobots in [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Huffer's dour attitude was so annoying that Brawn nearly bear-hugged him to death. He still took part in the rescue mission to save the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

Huffer was one of the Autobots confronted with the conundrum that they had two Optimus Primes. After a series of tests, the Autobots were no closer to working out which was the real Prime, and at any rate had more urgent problems, as they'd detected strange energy readings from a crevice. During a battle with the Decepticons at the crevice, one of the Primes destroyed [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and Huffer pronounced him the real deal. As Optimus led them towards the crevice, they encountered Windcharger, who had discovered it was full of deadly [[korlonium crystal]]s. That and his disregard for Spike's safety betrayed the false Prime, and the Autobots blasted him. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland1 Huffer taunts Dinobots.jpg|thumb|right|260px|"Now remember, kids — If at first you don't succeed...I ''told'' you so."]]
After Bumblebee returned to Autobot HQ with Powerguide from a [[Dinobot Island (G1)|newly discovered island]], Huffer was among the Autobots who listened to his report. A debate ensued about the abilities of the Dinobots versus real dinosaurs. Huffer taunted Wheeljack when the Autobot scientist claimed that the Dinobots had been practicing their powers, declaring them complete dino-klutzes. The Dinotbots immediately demonstrated their attempt at “finesse” and proved Huffer right. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

Later, Huffer wondered why Spike was still interested in dinosaurs after his numerous near-death experiences on Dinobot Island, when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] sounded an alarm. Huffer complained that the alarm must mean bad news. He went with the team to investigate a time disturbance in the nearby city and was proven right.

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Huffer carrying mammoth.jpg|thumb|left|200px|He is stronger than Pudzian...]]
Huffer and Optimus Prime were the first on the scene and discovered that city traffic was clogged for an unknown reason. Hound detected Bumblebee’s signal under a pile of rubble, and Huffer hurriedly moved in to clear the rubble away. He had to duck out of the way of flying debris when Sideswipe used his pile driver hands to speed up the job. When confronted by the time-displaced barbarians riding woolly mammoths, Huffer wondered if they were new Earth forms the Autobots hadn’t seen yet.

Optimus ordered the Autobots to stop the random destruction caused by the mammoths and Huffer responded by wrestling one into submission, while declaring himself one of the strongest Autobots. He, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Hound and Ironhide herded the mammoths into Prime’s trailer, and then into the closing time portal. When the portal closed, Huffer breathed a sigh of relief, remarking that he thought they’d never leave. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

[[Image:Microbots Huffer charges.jpg|thumb|right|260px]]
The Autobots went to South America and were confronted by Megatron rendered ultra-powerful by the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. Huffer desperately tried to charge Megatron in a moment of uncharacteristic optimism, only to be blasted. He and the other Autobots limped back to Headquarters. {{storylink|Microbots}}

Huffer took part in the [[Autobot Day]] parade and was in the Mayor's office when Megatron's faked video was played, incriminating the Autobots in energy theft. The Autobots were subsequently found guilty by a court of law, and Huffer found himself sitting between [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] on a spacecraft headed away from Earth. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} When Ironhide started complaining about their situation, Huffer joined gamely in. Unfortunately, though Prime did agree he'd made a mistake, they were unable to change their flight plan, as the ship was locked on course for the Sun. It took Cosmos and the use of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s force field to get them back to Earth. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|thumb|left|230px|Robots, some in disguise, some otherwise.]]
When Megatron used the [[Voltronic Galaxer]] to block radio signals worldwide, Huffer was among the Autobots who rolled out to help the humans. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He also took part in sting operations in [[New York City]] in an attempt to catch car thieves. He and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] observed that [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] seemed to prefer the company of humans. Later, Hoist was driving Huffer when they encountered a traffic jam and helped clear it. Huffer also fought Decepticon drones downtown alongside Ironhide and Windcharger, and was part of the assault on the Decepticons' drone manufacturing facility. {{storylink|Make Tracks}}

After a number of the Autobots and Decepticons were lost in a space bridge incident, Huffer watched [[Chip Chase]] unsuccessfully try to use Teletraan I to locate them. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} He was part of an equally unsuccessful mission to try to fight the [[Insecticon clone]] army. While he was being repaired, Cosmos, Bumblebee and Spike were bringing [[robotic insecticide]] back from [[Floron III]]. Unfortunately, they also brought back [[Morphobot]]s, and Huffer was on the mission to rescue Cosmos from under the alien vegetation, though as usual, he didn't do much other than complain. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:QuestforSurvival Grapple repairs Huffer.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Not even a spoon full of sugar could persuade him.]]
When Megatron sent [[Kremzeek]] to the Autobot base, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] discovered that an insulating compound would protect the Autobots. However, by this point, Huffer had already fallen victim to the little electronic pest. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}} After Tracks and Bumblebee were kidnapped by big game hunter [[Chumley|Lord Chumley]], Huffer was one of the Autobots who scoured the city for them. Prime's call to return to Headquarters came just in time for him to avoid unsuspectingly being trapped himself. {{storylink|Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target}} Huffer didn't provide any input when the Autobots came up with a plan to disguise themselves as [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] in order to uncover Megatron's latest plan, though he ended up having to go pull their fat out of the fryer when they were inevitably discovered. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

The last time anyone saw him alive was when he was helping [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] build a roadblock when a [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunday driver]] plowed through and ruined all of their hard work. Bluestreak and Huffer were not shown making it back to [[Autobot City]] in time when the Decepticons [[Battle of Autobot City|attacked]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} Huffer was killed during the subsequent battle, and his remains were placed aboard an interstellar [[Autobot Mausoleum]], where they were later found by [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]. Shortly afterward, due to a [[Quintesson]] plot, what was left of Huffer was plunged into a red sun with the rest of the mausoleum. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

===Big Looker storybooks continuity===
[[Image:Great Car Rally busy Huffer.jpg|300px|right|thumb|And Dick Dastardly's "London Bridge" plan falls down!]]
Huffer was one of the Autobots that boarded a [[Ark (G1)|ship]] to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid belt. The ship and its crew came under attack from the [[Decepticon]]s, however, and crash-landed on [[Earth]], where both Autobots and Decepticons lay deactivated for four million years. A volcanic eruption awoke the Decepticons and a few Autobots, [[Bumblebee (G1)|one of whom]] found the humans [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and brought them to the crash site to repair the other Autobots. Up and running once more, Huffer participated in a plan of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s to lure the Decepticons into an ambush when they returned to destroy the Autobots. The plan worked. {{storylink|Battle for Cybertron}} Some time later, the Autobots participated in a car rally for a shot at the grand prize, consisting of a free supply of gas and oil for an entire year. Because they anticipated that the Decepticons would try to thwart their efforts, they had those who weren't going to race set up around the course to deal with sabotage attempts. Huffer was among those. When it was [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s turn to drive a mountainous part of the course, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] destroyed the bridge right after a curve, planning for Hound to fall to his death. Huffer noticed this and repaired the bridge well before the racers arrived. {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}} Following a particularly harsh battle that left most of the soldiers on both factions badly injured, Huffer teamed up with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] to repair their comrades. Soon after, the Autobots discovered a Decepticon plan to steal [[oil]] and went to stop them, except for Ratchet and Huffer, who were better occupied fixing the remaining patients. They prioritized [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], who ended up saving the day. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}

{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] ordered an evacuation of Cybertron in the early days of the war, Huffer was seen loading boxes onto spacecraft at the [[Central Spaceport]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} He was later present at [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his troops assaulted the city. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} As the war raged on, Optimus Prime disappeared in a [[space bridge]] accident, leading to the Autobots splitting into several splinter groups. Huffer remained in the "main" faction of Autobots, now under the command of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|Fragmentation}}

Huffer was a part of the crew aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron. After the Autobots defeated the Decepticons on Earth, they attempted to return home on the ''[[Ark II]]'', but the craft exploded, sending Huffer and the others into [[stasis lock]].

He was one of many Transformers captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam "Lazarus" Rook]] for lease to terrorist organizations and shady governments requiring brutal military might. Fortunately, Autobots under the command of Optimus Prime repaired and re-reprogrammed Huffer and the remaining captive Autobots. Immediately, they were put to work on fighting Megatron's metallic virus, which had spread deep into [[Canada|Canadian]] territory. Huffer was seen to be very gung-ho about starting the blasting process when Wheeljack cautioned the group that the anti-virus required converting their own internal energy, and he needed complete commitment from them if his plan was to succeed. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}}

Soon, the Canadian military arrived. Unfortunately, due to the recent attacks by both enslaved Autobots and Decepticons under the command of Rook, the Canadians attempted to stop the Autobots doing what they perceived to be an attack on their soil. When Wheeljack tried to explain what they were doing (in a rather aggressive manner), the Canadians soldiers panicked and fired upon the Autobots. Huffer was blasted by a tank shell while trying to aid the fallen Wheeljack. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

Huffer was one of the Autobots who accompanied Optimus Prime to [[Alaska]] to investigate a mysterious summons from a crashed Autobot ship. Ambushed by Decepticons, the tide of the battle turned against the Autobots, then back when Optimus overcame Megatron. Then things turned stranger by the emergence of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] from the Autobot ship, who declared the Cybertronian civil war over. The sudden appearance of Shockwave and his troops from Cybertron threw everyone for a loop, especially Megatron, who ended up under Shockwave's heel. In the ensuing battle between the Autobots and Shockwave's group, Huffer was shot and set ablaze. Ratchet came to his rescue. {{storylink|New World Order}}

Huffer was with Prime's group when he and most of the Autobots surrendered to Ultra Magnus and returned to Cybertron under lock and key as war criminals. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} He joined up with the insurgency groups under [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who then united under Optimus Prime's leadership. During the assault on Shockwave's stronghold in Iacon, Huffer found himself directly in the path of Decepticon missiles. Prime shouted for him to get down. The Autobot leader took a missile to the torso that was intended for Huffer, causing him pain and damage that later contributed to his defeat at the hands of Shockwave. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}} With some help from Ultra Magnus and Grimlock, Prime finally overthrew Shockwave. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

After the revolution, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] conceived of a new Autobot City constructed on Earth as their new base of operations. He requisitioned the reluctant Huffer to leave his Beloved Cybertron™ to contribute his construction engineering skills to the city's design. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Huffer was among the Autobots who ended up on Earth in the distant past, where they took on spiky organic modes and battled the Decepticons until an ice age threatened to destroy both factions. In order to continue their war at a later date, the Autobots went underground and powered down for a few million years. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} When [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was reactivated in the mid-19th century and learned about Decepticon activity, he woke several other Autobots up as well, including Huffer. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightBlaster GetawayKupHufferBroadside.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Huffer is such a downer that even Kup and Broadside shut up.]]
Huffer was one of the manual laborers seen disputing the Senate's attempts to automate their trade with drones. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} Unlike many workers, Huffer did not join up with the Decepticon movement, but instead would eventually side with the Autobots.

After the Battle of [[Thunderhead Pass]], Huffer was one of many Autobots engaged in trench warfare over what remained of their destabilized home planet. He was with [[Getaway]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] awaiting a broadcast from [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] when the Decepticons made their big push against the Autobots. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

Many years later, after the Decepticons' [[Surge (event)|galaxy-wide assault]] on Autobot interests, Huffer found himself stationed on [[Earth]]. He told [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to shush during one of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s speeches. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}} A few days later, Magnus requisitioned some energon from Huffer. {{storylink|Enemies of the System}}

Several months later, the Autobots and their [[Skywatch]] allies were victims of a Decepticon attack and forced to flee across the desert. Their caravan was then attacked by humans, and Huffer stayed true to his nature by complaining loudly and at length when Ultra Magnus chose to continue fleeing rather than fight back. He shut up once [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] appeared and shot him. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies}} The injured Autobots were dumped in a schoolyard in [[Albuquerque]], where they were held hostage by two humans carrying powerful Megatron-based handguns and were influenced by Megatron's own thoughts. Unable to fight back or defend themselves without risking human lives, Huffer and the others could only sit tight until they were saved by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], who killed one of the humans. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome}}

Alongside the majority of Autobots, Huffer left Earth to return to a restored Cybertron. On board [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s rocket mode, he and several others hoped to listen in on Optimus Prime's interrogation of Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
Huffer was amongst the Autobots held prisoner by the Decepticons. In order to rescue his troops, Optimus Prime partook in a mission to infiltrate the Decepticon's maze-like base, where Huffer and his Autobot compatriots were held captive. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}
{{--}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Huffer toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh, they gave me a mouthplate. I don't have a mouthplate.]]
* '''Huffer''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''14'''

:Huffer was part of the original 1984 assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s. His mold was originally used for the ''[[Micro Change]]'' series of toys as an "American" truck. The ''Micro Change'' toyline was meant to depict robots that transformed into toy cars, which accounts for the somewhat cartoonish proportions of Huffer's vehicle mode. In 1985, Huffer's rooftop [[Insignia|faction symbol]] decal was replaced by a [[rubsign]].

: This mold was used to make [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]; for the [[Hasbro]] line it was extensively [[retool]]ed, while in Mexico and some European markets, it was straight-[[redeco]]ed.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Huffer/huffer.htm More information on Mini Vehicle Huffer at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Transformers Collection===
*'''Minibot Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-12'''

: In January of 2004, Huffer was reissued in a "[[Transformers Collection]]" six-pack with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]. There are no notable differences between the original and the reissue versions.

: This entire set was redecoed to make the "[[G1 GoBots]]" set; Huffer was used to make [[Road Ranger]].

===Timelines===
[[Image:Botcon Huffer toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey kids, it's me! Timmy the Tow Truck! Hyuck hyuck! Wuh-oh, looks like somebody's feeling a little grumpy today!]]
*'''Huffer''' (Scout, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Crane boom/rifle, Earth-type Cyber Key

: Sold together in a bag with [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and their instructions and bio cards, Huffer is a ''Classics''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] attendee [[exclusive]]. An orange and blue [[redeco]] of the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|Armorhide]] toy, Huffer transforms into a first-generation Volvo FH Globetrotter semi tractor-trailer cab with the badges and serial numbers filed off, and with a hook-crane attachment on the fifth wheel. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into the back of his cab flips his grill down, exposing a rack of eight (non-firing) missiles. This feature is also available in his robot mode. Huffer can store a Cyber Planet Key using tabs on his hook-crane/rifle, and came with a silver-bordered, translucent orange [[Earth]] Key.

: This mold was also used to make the [[Movie (toyline)|live-action-movie-verse]] [[Armorhide (Movie)|Armorhide]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/BCHuffer/huffer.htm More information on BotCon Huffer at TFU.info]''

===Merchandise===
{{anchor|TakaraDecoy}}
* '''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

: In Japan, a red rubber mini-figure of "Drag" was available in part of a [[Decoy|massive multi-pack of similar mini-figurines]]. The number etched into his back is the sum total of his [[tech spec]] ratings, as these figurines were used as game pieces for a variety of ''Transformers'' board games in which this number had some meaning to how the game was played or something. Huffer mixes the [[character model|cartoon model]] with elements from the original toy (most notably tires on his shoulders and claws instead of hands).

{{anchor|HasbroDecoy}}
*'''Huffer''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''27'''

: The [[Hasbro]] [[Decoy]] release of the Huffer game piece is almost identical to the Japanese version, except the number on his back is a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
*The bio card for [[Fun Publications]]' [[BotCon 2007]] exclusive toy lists the name as "Huffer®". Unfortunately, Hasbro hadn't actually attempted at the time to register the name, which technically made the claim illegal. SHAME ON YOU, FunPub. Obviously Hasbro [[Huffer (PCC)|''has'' rectified this]].
* A strange variation on Huffer's [[character model]] features a semi-circular hood behind his head instead of the normal rectangular shape. It appeared in Huffer's ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' bio entry, and in the comic story "[[Totaled!]]".
[[Image:Masterpiece Huffer.JPG|right|200px|thumb|He will complain about this until the end of time.]]
* A proposed design for a ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Huffer toy is found in ''[[Transformers Generations 2011]]''.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drag''' (ドラッグ ''Doraggu'')
*''French:'' '''Grognon''' (Canada, "Grouch")
*''Greek:'' '''Gígantas''' (Γίγαντας, "Giant")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fortyogó''' ("Ebullier")
*''Italian:'' '''Turbo'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Huffer''' (Taiwan, 哈佛 ''Hā Fó''), '''Lúmăng''' (鲁莽 "Hot-headed")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Valentão''' (Portugal comics), '''Rabugento''' (Brazil comics, "Grumpy")
*''Russian:'' '''Nytik''' (Нытик, "Whiner")

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

[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

Tarantulas (BW)

2011-10-20T17:50:22Z

98.237.9.79: /* Beast Wars Metals comic */

{{factions|predacon|unicron}}
{{disambig2|the Predacon from Beast Wars|the Decepticon from Transformers Animated|Tarantulas (Animated)}}
{{featured}}
:''Tarantulas is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]]. He is sometimes known as '''Tarantulus'''.''

[[Image:Tarantulasbw.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[BotCon 2000|"And fries! Lots of FRIES!"]]]]

'''Tarantulas''' is the scheming mad scientist of the Predacon crew. He's the type of mad scientist who experiments on living beings, cackling in his [[Trademark|trademarked]] laugh all the while, and then if things go wrong, happily eats what's left as his midday snack. The eating is what he was really looking forward to, anyway. It's this focused perversity that turns off even his fellow Predacons. Tarantulas's emotional detachment from their war also rubs his peers the wrong way. Fighting Maximals and following orders is just a required chore; his real passion is the unmentionable projects stashed in [[Tarantulas's lair|his "secret" lair]].

Nominally, Tarantulas was one of the Predacons to join [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] during his theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and the search for [[Earth]]. In addition to being an utterly psychotic, sadistic sociopath, Tarantulas has a record for treachery rivaled by few other Transformers. Tarantulas is actually an agent of the [[Tripredacus Council]], which is trying to coax the Beast Wars toward an unspecified goal, where neither Autobot or Decepticon won the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. Who knows what other [[Unicron|dark secrets]] lie in his past.

If anything upsets Tarantulas, other than losing a potential meal, it's those pompous aliens who call themselves the [[Vok]]. He harbors a hatred for them strong enough to make him work to eliminate them by any means.

{{bigquote|You're ''insane.''|[[Tigerhawk]]}}
{{bigquote|So they ''saa''-aay! Wbrrwbrrbbppth!|Tarantulas|"[[Other Victories]]"}}

==Fiction==
===First wave toy bios===
[[Image:PrimalVSMegs-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Why Megatron, I do believe you're trying to seduce m— oh, hey, [[Razorbeast]].]]
Tarantulas is a sneaky, mysterious ninja feared across the galaxy. A master of the martial arts, he's suspected in the disappearances of many [[Human|Earthlings]], and rumors swirl of giant cocoons where he stores his prey. {{storylink|#Toys|Tarantulas bio}}

Later, Tarantulas was guarding the Predacons' jungle-based genetics lab along with Megatron and Waspinator. When the Maximals discovered them, he engaged [[Razorbeast]] in combat briefly before Megatron called retreat and destroyed the lab. {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

{{note|This comic, along with the on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon and its backstory. They seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====Theft of the Golden Disk====
[[Image:TheftOfGoldenDisk-Tarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|300px|What y'wanna do? Wanna be hackers? Code crackers? Slackers? Wastin' time with all the chatroom yakkers? WHAT?]]
Tarantulas decoded the information on the Golden Disk, freshly stolen by Megatron. He thought this was quite hilarious, but then, he thinks that about everything. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[Image:Tarantulasdawn.jpg|right|180px|thumb|See? A Planet X key in the corner of the pic. He's working for Unicron! Get him!]]
As [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and his rogue band of Predacons escaped [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in their stolen ship, the ''[[Darksyde]]'', Tarantulas was in charge of scanning the disk for a desired set of coordinates. While Megatron was not watching, he was in secret communication with a member of the [[Tripredacus Council]]. (The reflections in his helmet show the silhouette of [[Cicadacon|General Cicadacon]].)

Using the decoded coordinates, the ''Darksyde'' opened a [[transwarp]] portal, which it and the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] passed through. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}
{{-}}
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Alec Willows]] (English), [[Yūichi Nagashima]] (Japanese), [[Fábio Vilalonga]] (Portuguese), [[Riccardo Peroni]] (Italian), [[Hervé Joly]] (French), [[Lutz Harder]] (German), [[Humberto Vélez]] (Latin American Spanish)

Lieutenant Tarantulas of the [[Predacon Secret Police]] was one of Megatron's original crew, a mole inside his organisation feeding information back to the [[Tripredacus Council]] without his knowledge. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} More than that, he was a ''direct'' agent of the Council and shared their origins, with an overall agenda to alter the timeline by going back to prehistoric Earth and completely destroying the [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'' and the Transformers within]]. {{storylink|Other Victories}} The plan went tits up though, as Megatron's ''Darksyde'' warship ended up crashing on an unidentified planet and contact with Cybertron was lost. Tarantulas carried on as normal despite this setback.

[[Image:TheWeb Tarantulas beast mode.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Not arachnophobic, eh? I can fix that.]]
As Megatron's technical leader, he manned the scanners to appropriate beast forms based on the most powerful local creatures, choosing the form of an oversized spider for himself. He cheerfully took part in the first battle of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], only to succumb to energon buildup while the Maximals were escaping. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} The Predacons uncovered a stash of energon crystals atop a mountain, but were forced to fight in their beast modes. Tarantulas and [[Rattrap]] fought in this manner until Megatron triggered a chain reaction which caused the energon to explode. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[Image:ChainofCommand Tarantulas firing.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Sure, he's fast on the draw, but he ALWAYS shoots himself in the foot.]]
It wasn't long before Tarantulas had set up his own [[Tarantulas's lair|underground lair]] to keep his experiments away from Megatron's prying eyes. After helping [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] recover a mega-cannon, Tarantulas managed to capture [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], trapping the young Maximal in a web in his lair with the intent of feeding later. Rattrap mounted a rescue, during which the cavern caved in on Tarantulas {{storylink|The Web}} Tarantulas was blasted by Rattrap during the battle at the [[Standing Stones]], and later accompanied Megatron and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to attack the ''Axalon'' after it appeared that [[Optimus Primal]] had perished. After the Maximals got the ship's shields back up, he suggested to Megatron that they return to the Standing Stones. Unfortunately once there, the Maximals managed to retrieve Primal from the [[Vok probe|alien probe]] at the site, and Tarantulas was one of the first victims of the restored Maximal commander. {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

Terrorsaur, his power boosted, defeated Megatron in combat before leaving Tarantulas in charge of the other Predacons. Tarantulas promptly tailed Terrorsaur to find out what his new power source was, and discovered it was a [[flying mountain]] topped with a cache of super energon. Before he could do anything with the knowledge, he encountered Rattrap, who'd come to destroy the mountain. Their fight ended with Tarantulas falling from the side of the mountain. {{storylink|Power Surge}} He subsequently took part in an attack on the Maximal base after a [[stasis pod]] crashed. While Megatron kept [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] distracted, Tarantulas and Scorponok ambushed the Maximal from behind. Unfortunately for them, Dinobot had time to activate the base defenses, and Tarantulas was blasted into the distance by the auto-guns. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

When the Predacons finally captured a stasis pod, Tarantulas made sure that the [[protoform]] was given a spider beast mode, creating [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Megatron suspected he had ulterior motives, but was nonetheless pleased by the new soldier. Tarantulas seemed happy to follow Terrorsaur when the Predacon mounted another takeover attempt with the aid of Rattrap, but spent most of his time skulking around the ''Darksyde'' in search of rats to eat. He spotted Rattrap sneaking around, but the Maximal blasted him before he could do anything. He subsequently limped back to the others to find that Megatron had reasserted his leadership. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} After one of Scorponok's viruses turned Primal into a berserker, the Maximal leader broke into the Predacon base and, completely ignoring Tarantulas's attempts to stop him, pinned the spider to a wall using Tarantulas's own weapon. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[Image:Tflocklens&tarantulas.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Behold my latest invention... THE DISCO BALL VERSION 2.0!"]]
One of Tarantulas's many inventions, the [[transformation lock lens]], was instrumental in preventing the Maximals from contacting a [[temporal probe]] doing a flyby of the planet. He used it to ensnare [[Tigatron]] and Cheetor, then wreaked havoc with the Maximals' attempts to build a communications array, before he was finally defeated by Primal. Although his new toy was destroyed by the recovered Cheetor and Tigatron, the damage was already done, and the probe flew by uncontacted. {{storylink|The Probe}} After the Predacons discovered a Maximal spy camera in their base, they faked a mutiny and hid in a crevice. Tarantulas spent his nights being hugged like a stuffed toy by [[Waspinator]], and his days eating stray rats. While the Maximals repaired the ''Axalon'', the Predacons were discovered by Dinobot, and gave chase. Though they attacked the Maximal ship in an attempt to capture it, the affair ended with the ''Axalon'' crashing back to the ground. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}} After a Maximal victory, largely due to the efforts of Rhinox, Tarantulas captured the rhino in a web on Megatron's orders, so that he could be converted into a Predacon by the [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. In return, the new Predacon poisoned him and Blackarachnia. {{storylink|Dark Designs}}

[[Image:Spider'sGame Taratulas hauling stasis pod.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Ever the engineer, Tarantulas invents the low-tech equivalent of a tow truck.]]
Tarantulas detected another stasis pod landing in [[Grid Scavos]], but Megatron refused to let him go and assist in the recovery, much to his disgust. {{storylink|The Spark}} The next time a stasis pod crashed, Tarantulas was more prepared. From his lair, he used a [[magna pulse]] to disable both the ''Darksyde'' and ''Axalon'' to allow him to investigate without interference. Unfortunately for him, Blackarachnia had found his lair, and insisted on coming along to help. At the pod, Tarantulas reprogrammed the new arrival into a Predacon, but was disappointed that a beast mode had already been chosen, and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] would not be another spider. In the confusion that followed, he made off with the real prize — the stasis pod itself. Unfortunately for him, Tigatron destroyed the pod before he could get very far, and he was forced to retreat when Megatron arrived. Later, in his lair, he inadvertently told Blackarachnia that the planet was doomed, and she realised he was intending to build an escape ship, however he threw her out before she could work out any more of his plans. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

Tarantulas took part in a diversionary attack while Waspinator and Terrorsaur stole the Maximals' [[rectifier coil]]. After the Maximals went feral, the Predacons mounted a hunting expedition, though Tarantulas was stuck supporting the back end of Megatron's chair. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} On another occasion, Tarantulas detected what appeared to be walking energon. Megatron realised that an earlier battle had left four of the Maximals contaminated and blinded, and ordered Tarantulas to send Terrorsaur to investigate. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After Waspinator was possessed by the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Tarantulas took part in the attack on the ''Axalon'', and pointed out once they'd conquered it that their own base was now undefended. Megatron's answer was to leave Starscream in charge of the ''Axalon'', a decision which would come back to bite him later. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[Image:Dinobottarantulasrattrapthelowroad.jpg|thumb|left|240px|"See? I told you I was taller than Tarantulas."]]
During an attack on the Maximal base, Tarantulas was able to infect Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], though he himself was injured by Dinobot during the retreat. He was tracked by Dinobot and Rattrap, but eventually turned the tables by getting the drop on them, only to be flattened by a huge boulder. After recovering, he took advantage of their incessant arguing by trying to get the drop on them again, only to be knocked unconscious by a double punch. Finally, Dinobot attempted to use Tarantulas's body as a hostage, only for Megatron to blast it aside. Perhaps his only consolation was that he avoided the indignity of the fate that befell the rest of the Predacons. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

With the return of the [[Vok|aliens]] a certainty, Tarantulas stole a [[transwarp cell]] from the ''Darksyde'', slagging Waspinator in the process. Megatron detected the theft and used Blackarachnia as a distraction while he remotely inserted his own programming into the cell. The two spiders later took part in an attempt to prevent Tigatron from escaping the Predacon base, and were squished by a boulder Dinobot had set up. They were relatively uninjured and able to haul their damaged comrades back to the ship. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} The two spiders teamed up again, infiltrating the Maximal base and disabling Rhinox and Dinobot while the other Maximals were busy with the latest alien construct to appear. They became aware that the planet's second moon had just been revealed as an artificial, alien ''doomsday weapon'' in disguise, with Tarantulas remarking it was "the beginning of the end" for the planet. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} In the cargo hold, Tarantulas used the transwarp cell and a stasis pod to construct a ship, but was interrupted by Inferno, who torched the spider. Fortunately, Blackarachnia entered Tarantulas's mind to obtain the information to complete the escape ship, and he was able to set up a permanent neural link between the two Predacons. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[Image:ComingFuzors1 Tarantulas lives.jpg|thumb|right|280px|A new look, and he didn't even have to [[Spider-Man|sell out]] to [[Iron Man|Tony Stark]] for it!]]
When the [[quantum surge]] caused by the "second moon's" destruction knocked out all of the Transformers on the planet, Tarantulas's body was upgraded to a [[Transmetal]] form, and he forced Blackarachnia to drag it from the Maximal base, even getting her to ignore Megatron's command to stay and fight the Maximals. {{storylink|Aftermath}} With Blackarachnia's hard work and some serious-looking electrical arc generators, Tarantulas was restored to life. Megatron soon called him to the battlefield, so he left Blackarachnia to root around in their leader's computer files: by this point, the loss of the "moon" and the damages to the planet had revealed it to be ''prehistoric Earth'' all along... {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

Using his new cycle mode, Tarantulas quickly reached the Maximals' position. During the fight, he kept in contact with her, until a shot by Dinobot put him temporarily out of commission. After he came around, Blackarachnia reported that she'd failed to get the data he needed. The Predacons were soon routed by the resurrection of Optimus Primal, and forced to return to base. There, Megatron and Tarantulas questioned Blackarachnia, only to be told the vital data had been lost. Neither of them believed her, but didn't call her out. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With his old lair destroyed by the Planet Buster, Tarantulas was fortuitous in that Megatron assigned him with Blackarachnia and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] to check out a cave filled with energon. He quickly surmised that it would make an excellent new lair, and attempted to get his two comrades interested in going it alone. Blackarachnia was more interested in getting rid of the neural link the two of them shared, and cracked an energon crystal, sending feedback through the link, to force him to sever it. By a fortunate coincidence, the three Predacons were soon attacked by [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap, and during the battle Tarantulas was able to convincingly fake the destruction of the cave, allowing him to utilise it as his own lair. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Dinobot defected to the Predacon side, Tarantulas offered to verify his programming, but Megatron decided it wouldn't be a very good idea to let Tarantulas into Dinobot's processor. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[Image:OtherVisits1 Tarantulas beast mode.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]
Back in his lair, Tarantulas's instruments detected the aliens again, and he rushed off to the site. He arrived shortly after Tigatron and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] had been abducted, and zapped Cheetor, but was forced to retreat when more Maximals arrived. He visited Megatron, claiming to no longer be under the tyrant's command, but willing to help. The Predacons returned to the alien site to set up equipment, during which Blackarachnia revealed that she had learned through the broken neural link that Tarantulas hated the aliens. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Megatron, Quickstrike, and Tarantulas recovered quickly from the energy wave put out by the new [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]], and after Tarantulas's [[refractive web]] was activated, the trio ventured inside. Once Megatron had control of the construct, he terminated his alliance with Tarantulas, dropping the Predacon from a great height. Infuriated, Tarantulas helped the Maximals attack the construct, infiltrating it along with Rattrap, and sabotaging the transwarp cells which Megatron installed, causing the ship to explode. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

Though a bug planted on Megatron's chair, Tarantulas learned that Blackarachnia had been sent to recover a new protoform, and took the opportunity to threaten her to try and extract the information he suspected she'd gained from Megatron's computers. Unfortunately for him, Silverbolt stepped in and defended Blackarachnia, shortly before an energon explosion separated everyone. Though Tarantulas found the stasis pod, [[Rampage (BW)|its contents]] found him, and his body parts were spread liberally over a wide area. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Dinobot later tracked down Tarantulas in an attempt to find out what Megatron's latest scheme was. Though Tarantulas didn't know, Dinobot forced him to act as transport, and they soon found Megatron preparing to torch a valley fill of [[Protohuman]]s. Tarantulas took advantage of Dinobot's distraction to shoot the Maximal, only for Dinobot to drop a boulder on him. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

[[Image:Agenda3 Tarantulas button push.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tarantulas presses the History Eraser Button.]]
Alerted by the [[transwarp wavefront]], the [[Tripredacus Council]] sent covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to capture Megatron. The former Decepticon led the Maximals to apprehend Megatron, and Tarantulas assisted by taking down the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> defense system. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Megatron, to his infuriation, was later informed by Ravage that the spider was a lieutenant in the Predacon Secret Police; Tarantulas joined in the diss by laughing over a comm-screen at his former boss. Tarantulas was able to instruct the Maximals in the location of a stash of energon crystals that Megatron had hidden. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} When Ravage was persuaded to change sides by the Predacon leader, Tarantulas appeared to come too, manning the [[transwarp cruiser]]'s weapons systems for an attack on the ''Axalon''. Alas, Rattrap chewed his way into the ship and tossed a couple of [[Fusion weaponry#Fusion grenade|bomb]]s at Tarantulas, which stuck to his hands before exploding. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Tarantulas survived, though, and was quickly put back together by his [[arachnoid]]s. He was repaired in time to witness the destruction of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}} He was soon seen back at the Predacon base, working under Megatron's command once again with no mention of his former secession. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} However, around this time he was also working on another scheme: restoring the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the flagship of the [[Decepticon]] fleet! At some point, he'd found it lying at the bottom of the ocean, and was ensuring it would not only fly again but had a Predacon control console and a transwarp cell that could take it back to Cybertron... {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

He battled the Maximals alongside Megatron's [[cyber raptor]]s, taking the opportunity to try out his new Transmetal [[cyber venom]] to great success, though he was stomped on by a cyber raptor once the Maximals worked out how to destroy their controls. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} He assisted in the construction of Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], suggesting that they abduct an early human to complete the device when the other Predacons were unable to get too close to it due to the unstable power source. While the cannon was completed by [[Una]], she managed to use her knowledge of levers to tip a piece of heavy equipment on him. Though he survived that, Una had taken the cannon's stablizer crystal, and it exploded in the Predacons' faces when they tried to use it. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[Image:CrossingRubicon Tarantulas fires on Silverbolt.jpg|thumb|left|260px]]
When the Maximals attempted to remove Blackarachnia's shell program, he revealed to Megatron that he had included "certain safeguards" that guaranteed she would not survive, and joined the other Predacons in an attack on the Maximals that was meant to disrupt the attempted shell removal. He fired the missile which knocked the Maximals' power off-line at a crucial instant, seemingly bringing an end to his "treacherous creation". Enraged by the death of his beloved, [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] attempted to kill the scientist, but was thwarted by [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]], who was later defeated by a revived—and [[Transmetal|Transmetalized]]—Blackarachnia. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Tarantulas participated in the Predacons' next attempt to retake the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], utilising his latest invention to allow Quickstrike to take control of Optimus Primal... and ''that'' was when he made his move, at last. He manipulated [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] into throwing Megatron into the nearby lava while he himself set the Ark's engines to overload. Megatron survived his lava-dunking, gaining a new body in the process. However, he had lost his patience. While he'd tolerated Tarantulas's treachery, he could not tolerate incompetence. Tarantulas survived his punishment and fled back to his lair. {{storylink|Master Blaster}} This appears to have ''not'' been what Quickstrike thought he was going to do, and neither he nor Megatron had any idea why he'd planned to destroy the whole Ark.

[[Image:TarantulasVok SignOfTheCross.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Save me, X-Men!"]]

Tarantulas was left ranting in his lair about how the Tripredacus Council's plans were wrecked, while his systems monitored the ''Nemesis'' (which was finished by this point). However, his rant and Nemesis plans were interrupted when the aliens (now revealed to be called the [[Vok]]) sent their emissary [[Tigerhawk]] arrived on Earth. Tarantulas let him take out the Predacons, then used his arachnoids to disable and capture him. Tarantulas intended to force the all-powerful being into his servitude by drawing the Vok influences out of his body and reprogramming him, and then have him obliterate the Ark: he cheerfully told the emissary that as he nor the Council had Autobot or Decepticon origins, they'd survive the resulting timestorm, turn Cybertron into a universe-conquering force, and one day even conquer the Vok themselves!

The scheme backfired, however, as his energy beam device expelled two ''actual Vok'' out of Tigerhawk. The formless spectres attempted to take over Tarantulas' body. Panicking, he made a religious sign to ward them off and then opened fire on them—a futile gesture that merely served to spin the energy device around 'til its rays were blasting him and his lab equipment. Overloaded by the beams, Tarantulas exploded, leaving nothing behind but his boots. The remainder of his equipment detonated seconds later, blowing the lair to rubble. Cheetor managed to rescue the inert Tigerhawk, and Tarantulas was presumed dead. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

Megatron knew that Tarantulas must have had some schemes on the go that the Predacons could pick up and use, and had his men search the ruins of Tarantulas's lair. During this, he offhandedly referred to him as "[[Unicron's Spawn]]". He ended up discovering and using the working ''Nemesis''. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}
{{-}}

====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
Tarantulas programmed the Predacons' mobile fortress, the [[Arachnid]], utilizing his own personality programs to give it some form of sentience, accompanied by Tarantulas's own tendency for cruelty. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook 1}}

====The Razor's Edge====
Two weeks after [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Tarantulas fought to defend an orbital weapon from the Maximals. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''====
[[Image:BWDiorama Motorarm Tarantulas.jpg|thumb|A ravenous, sinister fiend... and Tarantulas.]]
Sometime after Starscream's arrival to prehistoric Earth, Tarantulas was confronted in battle by a time-displaced [[Motorarm (BWII)|Motorarm]], who fended off the Predacon with his Beetle Claw attack. Tarantulas was not present when the Autobots from [[Movie (franchise)|another universe]] and Maximals combined all of their energies to attack a team of Predacons and Decepticons. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}
{{-}}

====3H comics====
Tarantulas is the inventor of the [[mind-drill]]. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] "borrowed" it from him to get information out of [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]]. {{storylink|Herald, Covenant, Schism, Paradox|Herald}}

[[Image:Primevaldawn2 tarantulas matrix.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Further proving the maxim: "If you want to steal the Matrix, you basically can."]]
Following the Beast Wars, Tarantulas's body returned to life, reanimated by the Vok powers he'd previously absorbed. The undead Tarantulas, along with a rebuilt Ravage (as [[Ravage (G1)|Tripredacus Agent]]), nurtured new troops to life through enigmatic means, growing [[Razorclaw (BW)|Razorclaw]] and [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] in tubes. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}}

The remaining Vok anticipated Tarantulas's plan to destroy the rest of them, take their power, and fashion the timestream to his desires, and so they assembled an army of their own consisting of [[Primal Prime]], [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], and [[Tigatron]]. Tarantulas met this opposition in battle, overwhelmed them, and triumphantly ripped the [[Matrix of Leadership]] from Primal Prime's chest. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}}

Wounded critically, the Maximals withdrew to the Ark, while Tarantulas and his Predacons returned to his lair, where he directed them in the construction of a transwarp portal. Upon completion, Tarantulas planned to bring his stolen prize to his master, Unicron. Since his troops were getting restless, he promised them they could assault the Ark once they finished construction. Tarantulas was true to his word, and as Ravage led the Predacons against the Maximals, Unicron's spawn tried to stabilize the portal and prepared the Matrix for transport. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}}

{{note|[[3H Productions]] dissolved before this storyline could be completed. Based on the subsequent ''Wreckers'' and ''[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|Universe]]'' storylines, it can be assumed that the Matrix of Leadership was restored to Optimus Prime's body at the end of this altercation, the Maximals were triumphant and used Tarantulas's portal to return home to Cybertron, and that Tarantulas somehow fled to Unicron.}}

[[Image:Escape-Tarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Basically I just never die.]]

A year after the [[Great Reformatting]], the influence of [[Unicron]] swayed [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] to the side of darkness. As she was escorted by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Reptilion]] into the heart of the Chaos Bringer, she was surprised to see Tarantulas (still in his undead body) greet her as she joined the ranks of the [[Minion of Unicron|Minions of Unicron]]. She hissed with disgust, while Tarantulas noted that it was just like old times. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

Tarantulas had learned that [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] had been assembling the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] to counter Unicron's Minions, and so he sent Blackarachnia on a mission to Cybertron to sever the link between the Transformers and [[Primus]] by invading [[Vector Sigma]]'s chamber and destroying Alpha Trion. He gave Blackarachnia a swarm of [[Piranacon (Universe)|Piranacons]] and directions to the chamber through a structural weakpoint near the [[Rust Sea]]. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}}
{{-}}

====A Meeting of Minds====
{{note|This story takes place immediately after "[[Master Blaster]]."}}

The [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]], now inside the mind of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], berated the Predacon leader's failures—in particular, being led astray time and again by such treacherous subordinates as Tarantulas. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:TarantulasMangaMouth01.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Tarantulas raises an army of mannequins to strike terror into his foes.]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], Tarantulas was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]]. Scheming with [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] within their floating island base, [[Hindenburg]], Tarantulas developed a plan to revive the deceased [[Optimus Primal]] as a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] slave. Recovering Primal's mindless, raging body, Tarantulas staged a strange voodoo ceremony (complete with boiling cauldron). As Megatron pricked his finger and prepared to use his mutated blood to turn Primal's rampaging body into his slave, the spark of Optimus Primal returned to it just in the nick of time. As Primal turned into a Transmetal, Tarantulas began to celebrate, convinced that his plan had worked out better than he had thought, unaware of what was really going on. In fact, he was ''so'' convinced that Primal was now a Predacon slave, that he ordered the monkey to give him a shoulder massage. Optimus Primal proceeded to knock Tarantulas's block off. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}

===Fire in the Dark===
When [[human]] archaeologists uncovered a cave filled with primitive language, [[Mini-Con]] [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] translated it for them. The markings told of a time when the Maximals and Predacons crashlanded on prehistoric Earth, though the stranded Transformers were seen by the protohumans as gods. The "spider-god" and the "[[Waspinator|wasp-god]]," under instruction from their leader, enslaved the humans for the purposes of excavating "glowing rose crystals." Eventually, the Maximals came and freed the humans. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game===
:''Voice actor'': ?
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the first season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
[[Image:BWgameUK-Tarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Some great dialog there, Tarry.]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. Tarantulas picked up a tarantula in his palm and scanned it. Soon, Tarantulas spotted [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] moving in on the Predacons' crash site. Swearing revenge, Tarantulas transformed and attacked, and threatened to skin the Maximal alive. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}
{{Note|Tarantulas is a playable character in the Predacon mode of this game for normal gameplay.}}
[[Image:BeastWarsPSX-Tarantulasstats.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Sadly, there's no Eat Cheetor level.]]

All of the Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Tarantulas overtook Rhinox's base and reprogrammed its defenses, prompting the Maximals to retake it.Tarantulas warred against both the Maximals and the evil extra-dimensional aliens dubbed the [[Skriix]].
{{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)}}
{{Note|Due to the nature of this game, a player may select various individual characters to perform the feats required in every level, and complete the game's narrative. Thus, any playable Maximal can fill the role of protagonist in Maximal Mode, and any playable Predacon can fill the role of protagonist in Predacon Mode. As such, each character's page only lists said character's actions when they fill the role of antagonist during gameplay. To view the various feats Tarantulas can accomplish throughout gameplay in Predacon Mode, it is told on the pages of the [[Optimus Primal|several]] [[Cheetor (BW)|Maximals]] [[Rattrap|included]] [[Dinobot (BW)|as]] [[Rhinox (BW)|opponents]] in this game, as well as the game's main antagonists, the [[Skriix]], wherein Tarantulas fills the role of the nameless Predacon. To view the plot as a whole view the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)]] page.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' video game===
[[Image:N64Tarantulas.jpg|thumb|300px|Arboreal Camouflage Tarantulas? Blue Crusader Tarantulas?]]
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the second season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Alec Willows]] (English), ??? (Japanese)

Tarantulas found a way to escape prehistoric Earth and return to Cybertron. The Beast Wars progressed in his absence for a time...

[[Image:N64_Tarantulus.jpg|frame|left|Player 2 Has Entered His Stomach. Continue?]]Then he came back, newly promoted and with an armada of Transwarp battleships under his command, out to end the Beast Wars and enforce the Tripredacus Council's will... {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals}}
{{note|Each character possessed an alternate ending, displayed if the Nintendo 64 game was beaten with said character. Each character has only their own ending listed on their pages, see the other characters' pages for Tarantulas's fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle'' video game===
[[Image:DuelFight_Tarantulas.gif|thumb|left|200px|]]
Megatron was capable of summoning Tarantulas forth to the battlefield during his attempts to acquire the super-powerful [[energon crystal]]. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle}}
{{--}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Hey, guess who's going to be [[redeco]]ed into a hot girl?]]
*'''Tarantulas''' (Deluxe, 1996/1997)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-4'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 spider-leg missiles

: Part of the first wave of [[Beast Wars (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' product]], Tarantulas transforms into an organic generic spider (''not'' a tarantula). His abdomen contains a spring-loaded missile launcher, which fires the anchor-missile kept in his spider-butt. This missile is attached by a string so he can hang from things like a real spider. The launcher can be removed and used as a robot-mode weapon, using any of his front four spider-legs as missiles. Like all early Deluxe-and-up ''Beast Wars'' toys, he has two different robot-mode "heads"; a robotic face and a "mutant" face. He is almost always depicted using the mutant face.

: There is a variation of this toy in the [[Hasbro]] line: Later releases (the smooth bubble) lack the yellow paint on his elbows.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release of Tarantulas was originally identical to the Hasbro release. Later, a slightly color-altered version was released, using a brighter shade of green and a slightly darker gray. The color-altered version also replaced the blue eyes on the "robot" head and the black eyes of the "mutant" head with gold.

: This mold was used to make the first [[Blackarachnia (BW)#Toys|Blackarachnia toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Tarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VsDinobot}}
[[Image:VS4-DinobotTarantuas.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The classic battle of dino vs spider. We've all heard the tale.]]
*'''Brutal Showdown: Dinobot VS Tarans''' (VS pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, 4 spider-leg missiles

: In Japan, "Tarans" was available both as an individual and in a two-pack with "[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]". Both toys in this set were identical to their individual releases.

: Currently, it is unknown if the latter "more show-like" redeco of Tarantulas was ever released in a VS set.

{{-}}{{anchor|Transmetal}}
[[Image:BWtoy-TarantulasTransmetal.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm-a spawn of-a Unicron! I-a slice-a ya pizza!]]
*'''Tarantulas''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-44'''
**''Accessories'': Sawblade weapon

: Part of the first assortment of Deluxe [[Transmetal]]s, Tarantulas transforms into a robotic spider. He also has a third "transport" mode, flipping down a wheel from his abdomen and a saw-blade from under his beast-head, making a spidey-cycle. The saw detaches for robot mode to become a hand-held weapon.

: The Japanese version is slightly different, replacing the "TARANTULAS" [[tampograph]] with "DESTRON" and the Predacon sigil, plus his robot-mode eyes are painted as a single visor to match the show look better.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Predacon/Tarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Transmetal Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FKTransmetal}}
[[Image:Tarantulas-FKTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It's like Eight Legged Freaks, but classier, and with a pizza slicer.]]
*'''Tarantulas''' (Deluxe "Fox Kids" Transmetal, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Sawblade weapon

: A [[redeco]] of the Transmetal Tarantulas toy in grays, silver and black. He and a Transmetal [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] redeco were part of the "[[Fox Kids]]" toys, so called for the advertisements for the Fox channel on the packaging (as the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]] had moved there from syndication). Internal Hasbro documents have listed this toy as "'''Steel Force Tarantulas'''", a name that did not make it to final packaging.

: These colors were used to depict Tarantulas in the ''[[Primeval Dawn]]'' and [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|''Universe'' comics]]. With the toy's limited availability, secondary-market pricing for this item due to its fictional use has gone up.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Predacon/FKTMTarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Fox Kids Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===MicroVerse===
[[Image:Tarantulas-Microverse.jpg|right|100px|thumb|I'm not [[Fantastic Four|The Thing]], I swear!]]
*'''Orcanoch''' ([[MicroVerse]], 1997)

: A small, non-transforming micro-figure of Tarantulas came with the [[MicroVerse]] [[Orcanoch]] playset. It was presumably painted based on the original design, as its upper body is copper rather than purple. Its only articulation is at the waist, letting it sit in any of the MicroVerse mini-vehicles or playset stations.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Orcanoch/orcanoch.htm More information on MicroVerse Tarantulas (via Orchanoch) at TFU.info]

{{-}}
===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BWXtoy-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's not here to help assemble Transmutate. That leg's his dinner.]]
*'''Predacon Tarantulus''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, 4 spider-leg missiles

:This toy is a slight [[redeco]] of the original Tarantulas toy, more closely resembling Tarantulas's appearance in the cartoon (save the big Predacon faction sigil tampograph). Part of the second wave of [[Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|''Beast Wars'' 10th Anniversary product]], he came with a DVD of the episode "[[Spider's Game]]," plus the left leg to [[Transmutate (character)|Trans-Mutate]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Predacon/PredaconTarantulas/predacontarantulas.htm More information on 10th Anniversary Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Tarantulasmutatingcard.jpg|thumb|300px|right]]
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Tarantulas was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].
{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroestarantulasprimal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't take your eyes off your mech fluid, Primal.]]
*'''Optimus Primal vs Predacon Tarantulas''' (2008)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'', this PVC figurine of Tarantulas' original body has articulation in the shoulders and neck. He was available only in a "Beast Wars Series" two-pack with [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] (amusingly enough, the [[Maximal]] he also came with in the ''[[MicroVerse]]'' [[Orcanoch]] playset).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Predacon/RHTarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Robot Heroes Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:BWcommercial-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Not terribly appealing.]]
* Tarantulas is referred to as simply "Tarantula" in the [[commercial]] advertising his toy. This commercial and also early promotional pictures showed the original Tarantulas toy as being transparent orange, but the final toy was a clear deep purple instead. Presumably, this was for a little visual variety in the early line, which already had a largely tan toy ([[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]) and a largely yellow toy ([[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]]) in the Deluxe range, plus a Mega-sized Predacon arachnid then planned to be orange ([[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]), and [[Tigatron]], who was at one point slated to be a traditional orange tiger.

[[Image:TarantulasArm.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He tastes everything he holds.]]

* In the original control art for Tarantulas, the claws are shown in the same configuration as used in the show. In other words, the claws were somehow swapped during the assembly process and have remained as such on every version of the mold thereafter.

* The original Tarantulas toy has ''nine'' eyes in beast mode, as does the show model. This makes characters' references to him as "eight-eyes" rather... interesting.

* Tarantulas's toy bios paint him as a really dumb ninja-like stealth assassin. Both of his [[Tech Spec]]s give him an intelligence of 4, even the numbers that accompany his ''Transmetals'' bio which mentions the cartoon's [[quantum surge]].

* In the first season, Tarantulas is characterized more as a cannibalistic, psychotic gourmand who happens to be the Predacons' Science Officer than as the mad scientist and master plotter he becomes from "[[Spider's Game]]" onwards. This is to the extent that his official season one profile makes several mentions of his eating habits, describes his sole interest as being "food", and summarizes his relationship with the other Predacons as simple disdain, as he considers them to all be potential meals.

* In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', Tarantulas retained his trademark cackle, but it was a little ''different''. His voice was very high-pitched and he shrieked almost constantly. His trademark laugh more closely resembled a wicked witch of sorts.

[[Image:OptimalSituation Tarantulas insignia.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tarantulas is one of Reprolabels's best customers.]]
* From "[[Optimal Situation]]" onwards, the [[Arachnoid]]s sport a Tarantulas-themed insignia.
[[Image:TMtigatronboxback2.jpg|thumb|right|Pew! Pew!]]
* Tarantulas's origins are a bit complicated. He declares in "[[Other Victories]]" that he and the [[Tripredacus Council]] have origins other than Autobot and Decepticon, such that they would not be affected by the destruction of the Ark. Megatron's line about "Unicron's spawn" was apparently not intended by [[Bob Forward]] to be taken literally; it was to have been a generic insult rather than a statement of fact.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/f06828ec523295c1?dmode=source&output=gplain Larry DiTillio's take on Tarantulas origins! at alt.toys.transformers]</ref> (Forward's own inkling, albeit never realized, was that they might be descended from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s Cybertronian Empire.) A Unicronian origin also creates potential canonical issues, as Tarantulas says that "under our rule, Cybertron will conquer the universe" ("[[Other Victories]]"), whereas Unicron's goal would have been to eat Cybertron. But, much like [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]'s line about "[[Darksyde|the dark side]]", this line developed a life of its own. Eventually this connection was reasserted in [[3H Productions]]' ''[[Primeval Dawn]]'' storyline, initially written by... Bob Forward.

* Tarantulas's body in "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]" is based on [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

* Tarantulas is probably the only [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Minion of Unicron]] who avoided being labeled a [[Decepticon]].

* From what can be observed from art on the back of Transmetal Tigatron's packaging, Tarantulas's vok-enhanced abilities include levitating and firing energy beams from his eye(s?) in robot mode. Neat!

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Tarans''' (タランス ''Taransu'')
*''Italian:'' '''Metal Tarantulas''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Láng-Zhū''' (China, 狼蛛, "Tarantula"), '''Jr-jū''' (Taiwan, 蜘蛛, "Spider"), '''Húng Jr-jū''' (Taiwan, 紅蜘蛛, "Red Spider")
*''Polish:'' '''Tarantulator'''
*''Portuguese:'' '''Tarântulos''' (Brazil)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Security officers]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe Predacons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Tarantulas (BW)

2011-10-20T17:47:04Z

98.237.9.79: /* Beast Wars cartoon */

{{factions|predacon|unicron}}
{{disambig2|the Predacon from Beast Wars|the Decepticon from Transformers Animated|Tarantulas (Animated)}}
{{featured}}
:''Tarantulas is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]]. He is sometimes known as '''Tarantulus'''.''

[[Image:Tarantulasbw.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[BotCon 2000|"And fries! Lots of FRIES!"]]]]

'''Tarantulas''' is the scheming mad scientist of the Predacon crew. He's the type of mad scientist who experiments on living beings, cackling in his [[Trademark|trademarked]] laugh all the while, and then if things go wrong, happily eats what's left as his midday snack. The eating is what he was really looking forward to, anyway. It's this focused perversity that turns off even his fellow Predacons. Tarantulas's emotional detachment from their war also rubs his peers the wrong way. Fighting Maximals and following orders is just a required chore; his real passion is the unmentionable projects stashed in [[Tarantulas's lair|his "secret" lair]].

Nominally, Tarantulas was one of the Predacons to join [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] during his theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] and the search for [[Earth]]. In addition to being an utterly psychotic, sadistic sociopath, Tarantulas has a record for treachery rivaled by few other Transformers. Tarantulas is actually an agent of the [[Tripredacus Council]], which is trying to coax the Beast Wars toward an unspecified goal, where neither Autobot or Decepticon won the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. Who knows what other [[Unicron|dark secrets]] lie in his past.

If anything upsets Tarantulas, other than losing a potential meal, it's those pompous aliens who call themselves the [[Vok]]. He harbors a hatred for them strong enough to make him work to eliminate them by any means.

{{bigquote|You're ''insane.''|[[Tigerhawk]]}}
{{bigquote|So they ''saa''-aay! Wbrrwbrrbbppth!|Tarantulas|"[[Other Victories]]"}}

==Fiction==
===First wave toy bios===
[[Image:PrimalVSMegs-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Why Megatron, I do believe you're trying to seduce m— oh, hey, [[Razorbeast]].]]
Tarantulas is a sneaky, mysterious ninja feared across the galaxy. A master of the martial arts, he's suspected in the disappearances of many [[Human|Earthlings]], and rumors swirl of giant cocoons where he stores his prey. {{storylink|#Toys|Tarantulas bio}}

Later, Tarantulas was guarding the Predacons' jungle-based genetics lab along with Megatron and Waspinator. When the Maximals discovered them, he engaged [[Razorbeast]] in combat briefly before Megatron called retreat and destroyed the lab. {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

{{note|This comic, along with the on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon and its backstory. They seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====Theft of the Golden Disk====
[[Image:TheftOfGoldenDisk-Tarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|300px|What y'wanna do? Wanna be hackers? Code crackers? Slackers? Wastin' time with all the chatroom yakkers? WHAT?]]
Tarantulas decoded the information on the Golden Disk, freshly stolen by Megatron. He thought this was quite hilarious, but then, he thinks that about everything. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[Image:Tarantulasdawn.jpg|right|180px|thumb|See? A Planet X key in the corner of the pic. He's working for Unicron! Get him!]]
As [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and his rogue band of Predacons escaped [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in their stolen ship, the ''[[Darksyde]]'', Tarantulas was in charge of scanning the disk for a desired set of coordinates. While Megatron was not watching, he was in secret communication with a member of the [[Tripredacus Council]]. (The reflections in his helmet show the silhouette of [[Cicadacon|General Cicadacon]].)

Using the decoded coordinates, the ''Darksyde'' opened a [[transwarp]] portal, which it and the [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] passed through. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}
{{-}}
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Alec Willows]] (English), [[Yūichi Nagashima]] (Japanese), [[Fábio Vilalonga]] (Portuguese), [[Riccardo Peroni]] (Italian), [[Hervé Joly]] (French), [[Lutz Harder]] (German), [[Humberto Vélez]] (Latin American Spanish)

Lieutenant Tarantulas of the [[Predacon Secret Police]] was one of Megatron's original crew, a mole inside his organisation feeding information back to the [[Tripredacus Council]] without his knowledge. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} More than that, he was a ''direct'' agent of the Council and shared their origins, with an overall agenda to alter the timeline by going back to prehistoric Earth and completely destroying the [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'' and the Transformers within]]. {{storylink|Other Victories}} The plan went tits up though, as Megatron's ''Darksyde'' warship ended up crashing on an unidentified planet and contact with Cybertron was lost. Tarantulas carried on as normal despite this setback.

[[Image:TheWeb Tarantulas beast mode.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Not arachnophobic, eh? I can fix that.]]
As Megatron's technical leader, he manned the scanners to appropriate beast forms based on the most powerful local creatures, choosing the form of an oversized spider for himself. He cheerfully took part in the first battle of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], only to succumb to energon buildup while the Maximals were escaping. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} The Predacons uncovered a stash of energon crystals atop a mountain, but were forced to fight in their beast modes. Tarantulas and [[Rattrap]] fought in this manner until Megatron triggered a chain reaction which caused the energon to explode. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[Image:ChainofCommand Tarantulas firing.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Sure, he's fast on the draw, but he ALWAYS shoots himself in the foot.]]
It wasn't long before Tarantulas had set up his own [[Tarantulas's lair|underground lair]] to keep his experiments away from Megatron's prying eyes. After helping [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] recover a mega-cannon, Tarantulas managed to capture [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], trapping the young Maximal in a web in his lair with the intent of feeding later. Rattrap mounted a rescue, during which the cavern caved in on Tarantulas {{storylink|The Web}} Tarantulas was blasted by Rattrap during the battle at the [[Standing Stones]], and later accompanied Megatron and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to attack the ''Axalon'' after it appeared that [[Optimus Primal]] had perished. After the Maximals got the ship's shields back up, he suggested to Megatron that they return to the Standing Stones. Unfortunately once there, the Maximals managed to retrieve Primal from the [[Vok probe|alien probe]] at the site, and Tarantulas was one of the first victims of the restored Maximal commander. {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

Terrorsaur, his power boosted, defeated Megatron in combat before leaving Tarantulas in charge of the other Predacons. Tarantulas promptly tailed Terrorsaur to find out what his new power source was, and discovered it was a [[flying mountain]] topped with a cache of super energon. Before he could do anything with the knowledge, he encountered Rattrap, who'd come to destroy the mountain. Their fight ended with Tarantulas falling from the side of the mountain. {{storylink|Power Surge}} He subsequently took part in an attack on the Maximal base after a [[stasis pod]] crashed. While Megatron kept [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] distracted, Tarantulas and Scorponok ambushed the Maximal from behind. Unfortunately for them, Dinobot had time to activate the base defenses, and Tarantulas was blasted into the distance by the auto-guns. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

When the Predacons finally captured a stasis pod, Tarantulas made sure that the [[protoform]] was given a spider beast mode, creating [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. Megatron suspected he had ulterior motives, but was nonetheless pleased by the new soldier. Tarantulas seemed happy to follow Terrorsaur when the Predacon mounted another takeover attempt with the aid of Rattrap, but spent most of his time skulking around the ''Darksyde'' in search of rats to eat. He spotted Rattrap sneaking around, but the Maximal blasted him before he could do anything. He subsequently limped back to the others to find that Megatron had reasserted his leadership. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} After one of Scorponok's viruses turned Primal into a berserker, the Maximal leader broke into the Predacon base and, completely ignoring Tarantulas's attempts to stop him, pinned the spider to a wall using Tarantulas's own weapon. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

[[Image:Tflocklens&tarantulas.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Behold my latest invention... THE DISCO BALL VERSION 2.0!"]]
One of Tarantulas's many inventions, the [[transformation lock lens]], was instrumental in preventing the Maximals from contacting a [[temporal probe]] doing a flyby of the planet. He used it to ensnare [[Tigatron]] and Cheetor, then wreaked havoc with the Maximals' attempts to build a communications array, before he was finally defeated by Primal. Although his new toy was destroyed by the recovered Cheetor and Tigatron, the damage was already done, and the probe flew by uncontacted. {{storylink|The Probe}} After the Predacons discovered a Maximal spy camera in their base, they faked a mutiny and hid in a crevice. Tarantulas spent his nights being hugged like a stuffed toy by [[Waspinator]], and his days eating stray rats. While the Maximals repaired the ''Axalon'', the Predacons were discovered by Dinobot, and gave chase. Though they attacked the Maximal ship in an attempt to capture it, the affair ended with the ''Axalon'' crashing back to the ground. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}} After a Maximal victory, largely due to the efforts of Rhinox, Tarantulas captured the rhino in a web on Megatron's orders, so that he could be converted into a Predacon by the [[Transmuter (BW)|Transmuter]]. In return, the new Predacon poisoned him and Blackarachnia. {{storylink|Dark Designs}}

[[Image:Spider'sGame Taratulas hauling stasis pod.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Ever the engineer, Tarantulas invents the low-tech equivalent of a tow truck.]]
Tarantulas detected another stasis pod landing in [[Grid Scavos]], but Megatron refused to let him go and assist in the recovery, much to his disgust. {{storylink|The Spark}} The next time a stasis pod crashed, Tarantulas was more prepared. From his lair, he used a [[magna pulse]] to disable both the ''Darksyde'' and ''Axalon'' to allow him to investigate without interference. Unfortunately for him, Blackarachnia had found his lair, and insisted on coming along to help. At the pod, Tarantulas reprogrammed the new arrival into a Predacon, but was disappointed that a beast mode had already been chosen, and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] would not be another spider. In the confusion that followed, he made off with the real prize — the stasis pod itself. Unfortunately for him, Tigatron destroyed the pod before he could get very far, and he was forced to retreat when Megatron arrived. Later, in his lair, he inadvertently told Blackarachnia that the planet was doomed, and she realised he was intending to build an escape ship, however he threw her out before she could work out any more of his plans. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

Tarantulas took part in a diversionary attack while Waspinator and Terrorsaur stole the Maximals' [[rectifier coil]]. After the Maximals went feral, the Predacons mounted a hunting expedition, though Tarantulas was stuck supporting the back end of Megatron's chair. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} On another occasion, Tarantulas detected what appeared to be walking energon. Megatron realised that an earlier battle had left four of the Maximals contaminated and blinded, and ordered Tarantulas to send Terrorsaur to investigate. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} After Waspinator was possessed by the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Tarantulas took part in the attack on the ''Axalon'', and pointed out once they'd conquered it that their own base was now undefended. Megatron's answer was to leave Starscream in charge of the ''Axalon'', a decision which would come back to bite him later. {{storylink|Possession}}

[[Image:Dinobottarantulasrattrapthelowroad.jpg|thumb|left|240px|"See? I told you I was taller than Tarantulas."]]
During an attack on the Maximal base, Tarantulas was able to infect Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]], though he himself was injured by Dinobot during the retreat. He was tracked by Dinobot and Rattrap, but eventually turned the tables by getting the drop on them, only to be flattened by a huge boulder. After recovering, he took advantage of their incessant arguing by trying to get the drop on them again, only to be knocked unconscious by a double punch. Finally, Dinobot attempted to use Tarantulas's body as a hostage, only for Megatron to blast it aside. Perhaps his only consolation was that he avoided the indignity of the fate that befell the rest of the Predacons. {{storylink|The Low Road}}

With the return of the [[Vok|aliens]] a certainty, Tarantulas stole a [[transwarp cell]] from the ''Darksyde'', slagging Waspinator in the process. Megatron detected the theft and used Blackarachnia as a distraction while he remotely inserted his own programming into the cell. The two spiders later took part in an attempt to prevent Tigatron from escaping the Predacon base, and were squished by a boulder Dinobot had set up. They were relatively uninjured and able to haul their damaged comrades back to the ship. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} The two spiders teamed up again, infiltrating the Maximal base and disabling Rhinox and Dinobot while the other Maximals were busy with the latest alien construct to appear. They became aware that the planet's second moon had just been revealed as an artificial, alien ''doomsday weapon'' in disguise, with Tarantulas remarking it was "the beginning of the end" for the planet. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} In the cargo hold, Tarantulas used the transwarp cell and a stasis pod to construct a ship, but was interrupted by Inferno, who torched the spider. Fortunately, Blackarachnia entered Tarantulas's mind to obtain the information to complete the escape ship, and he was able to set up a permanent neural link between the two Predacons. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[Image:ComingFuzors1 Tarantulas lives.jpg|thumb|right|280px|A new look, and he didn't even have to [[Spider-Man|sell out]] to [[Iron Man|Tony Stark]] for it!]]
When the [[quantum surge]] caused by the "second moon's" destruction knocked out all of the Transformers on the planet, Tarantulas's body was upgraded to a [[Transmetal]] form, and he forced Blackarachnia to drag it from the Maximal base, even getting her to ignore Megatron's command to stay and fight the Maximals. {{storylink|Aftermath}} With Blackarachnia's hard work and some serious-looking electrical arc generators, Tarantulas was restored to life. Megatron soon called him to the battlefield, so he left Blackarachnia to root around in their leader's computer files: by this point, the loss of the "moon" and the damages to the planet had revealed it to be ''prehistoric Earth'' all along... {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

Using his new cycle mode, Tarantulas quickly reached the Maximals' position. During the fight, he kept in contact with her, until a shot by Dinobot put him temporarily out of commission. After he came around, Blackarachnia reported that she'd failed to get the data he needed. The Predacons were soon routed by the resurrection of Optimus Primal, and forced to return to base. There, Megatron and Tarantulas questioned Blackarachnia, only to be told the vital data had been lost. Neither of them believed her, but didn't call her out. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

With his old lair destroyed by the Planet Buster, Tarantulas was fortuitous in that Megatron assigned him with Blackarachnia and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] to check out a cave filled with energon. He quickly surmised that it would make an excellent new lair, and attempted to get his two comrades interested in going it alone. Blackarachnia was more interested in getting rid of the neural link the two of them shared, and cracked an energon crystal, sending feedback through the link, to force him to sever it. By a fortunate coincidence, the three Predacons were soon attacked by [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and Rattrap, and during the battle Tarantulas was able to convincingly fake the destruction of the cave, allowing him to utilise it as his own lair. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} When Dinobot defected to the Predacon side, Tarantulas offered to verify his programming, but Megatron decided it wouldn't be a very good idea to let Tarantulas into Dinobot's processor. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

[[Image:OtherVisits1 Tarantulas beast mode.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]
Back in his lair, Tarantulas's instruments detected the aliens again, and he rushed off to the site. He arrived shortly after Tigatron and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] had been abducted, and zapped Cheetor, but was forced to retreat when more Maximals arrived. He visited Megatron, claiming to no longer be under the tyrant's command, but willing to help. The Predacons returned to the alien site to set up equipment, during which Blackarachnia revealed that she had learned through the broken neural link that Tarantulas hated the aliens. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Megatron, Quickstrike, and Tarantulas recovered quickly from the energy wave put out by the new [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]], and after Tarantulas's [[refractive web]] was activated, the trio ventured inside. Once Megatron had control of the construct, he terminated his alliance with Tarantulas, dropping the Predacon from a great height. Infuriated, Tarantulas helped the Maximals attack the construct, infiltrating it along with Rattrap, and sabotaging the transwarp cells which Megatron installed, causing the ship to explode. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

Though a bug planted on Megatron's chair, Tarantulas learned that Blackarachnia had been sent to recover a new protoform, and took the opportunity to threaten her to try and extract the information he suspected she'd gained from Megatron's computers. Unfortunately for him, Silverbolt stepped in and defended Blackarachnia, shortly before an energon explosion separated everyone. Though Tarantulas found the stasis pod, [[Rampage (BW)|its contents]] found him, and his body parts were spread liberally over a wide area. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Dinobot later tracked down Tarantulas in an attempt to find out what Megatron's latest scheme was. Though Tarantulas didn't know, Dinobot forced him to act as transport, and they soon found Megatron preparing to torch a valley fill of [[Protohuman]]s. Tarantulas took advantage of Dinobot's distraction to shoot the Maximal, only for Dinobot to drop a boulder on him. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

[[Image:Agenda3 Tarantulas button push.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tarantulas presses the History Eraser Button.]]
Alerted by the [[transwarp wavefront]], the [[Tripredacus Council]] sent covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to capture Megatron. The former Decepticon led the Maximals to apprehend Megatron, and Tarantulas assisted by taking down the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> defense system. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Megatron, to his infuriation, was later informed by Ravage that the spider was a lieutenant in the Predacon Secret Police; Tarantulas joined in the diss by laughing over a comm-screen at his former boss. Tarantulas was able to instruct the Maximals in the location of a stash of energon crystals that Megatron had hidden. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} When Ravage was persuaded to change sides by the Predacon leader, Tarantulas appeared to come too, manning the [[transwarp cruiser]]'s weapons systems for an attack on the ''Axalon''. Alas, Rattrap chewed his way into the ship and tossed a couple of [[Fusion weaponry#Fusion grenade|bomb]]s at Tarantulas, which stuck to his hands before exploding. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Tarantulas survived, though, and was quickly put back together by his [[arachnoid]]s. He was repaired in time to witness the destruction of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}} He was soon seen back at the Predacon base, working under Megatron's command once again with no mention of his former secession. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} However, around this time he was also working on another scheme: restoring the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the flagship of the [[Decepticon]] fleet! At some point, he'd found it lying at the bottom of the ocean, and was ensuring it would not only fly again but had a Predacon control console and a transwarp cell that could take it back to Cybertron... {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

He battled the Maximals alongside Megatron's [[cyber raptor]]s, taking the opportunity to try out his new Transmetal [[cyber venom]] to great success, though he was stomped on by a cyber raptor once the Maximals worked out how to destroy their controls. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} He assisted in the construction of Megatron's [[disruptor cannon]], suggesting that they abduct an early human to complete the device when the other Predacons were unable to get too close to it due to the unstable power source. While the cannon was completed by [[Una]], she managed to use her knowledge of levers to tip a piece of heavy equipment on him. Though he survived that, Una had taken the cannon's stablizer crystal, and it exploded in the Predacons' faces when they tried to use it. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}

[[Image:CrossingRubicon Tarantulas fires on Silverbolt.jpg|thumb|left|260px]]
When the Maximals attempted to remove Blackarachnia's shell program, he revealed to Megatron that he had included "certain safeguards" that guaranteed she would not survive, and joined the other Predacons in an attack on the Maximals that was meant to disrupt the attempted shell removal. He fired the missile which knocked the Maximals' power off-line at a crucial instant, seemingly bringing an end to his "treacherous creation". Enraged by the death of his beloved, [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] attempted to kill the scientist, but was thwarted by [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]], who was later defeated by a revived—and [[Transmetal|Transmetalized]]—Blackarachnia. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}

Tarantulas participated in the Predacons' next attempt to retake the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], utilising his latest invention to allow Quickstrike to take control of Optimus Primal... and ''that'' was when he made his move, at last. He manipulated [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] into throwing Megatron into the nearby lava while he himself set the Ark's engines to overload. Megatron survived his lava-dunking, gaining a new body in the process. However, he had lost his patience. While he'd tolerated Tarantulas's treachery, he could not tolerate incompetence. Tarantulas survived his punishment and fled back to his lair. {{storylink|Master Blaster}} This appears to have ''not'' been what Quickstrike thought he was going to do, and neither he nor Megatron had any idea why he'd planned to destroy the whole Ark.

[[Image:TarantulasVok SignOfTheCross.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Save me, X-Men!"]]

Tarantulas was left ranting in his lair about how the Tripredacus Council's plans were wrecked, while his systems monitored the ''Nemesis'' (which was finished by this point). However, his rant and Nemesis plans were interrupted when the aliens (now revealed to be called the [[Vok]]) sent their emissary [[Tigerhawk]] arrived on Earth. Tarantulas let him take out the Predacons, then used his arachnoids to disable and capture him. Tarantulas intended to force the all-powerful being into his servitude by drawing the Vok influences out of his body and reprogramming him, and then have him obliterate the Ark: he cheerfully told the emissary that as he nor the Council had Autobot or Decepticon origins, they'd survive the resulting timestorm, turn Cybertron into a universe-conquering force, and one day even conquer the Vok themselves!

The scheme backfired, however, as his energy beam device expelled two ''actual Vok'' out of Tigerhawk. The formless spectres attempted to take over Tarantulas' body. Panicking, he made a religious sign to ward them off and then opened fire on them—a futile gesture that merely served to spin the energy device around 'til its rays were blasting him and his lab equipment. Overloaded by the beams, Tarantulas exploded, leaving nothing behind but his boots. The remainder of his equipment detonated seconds later, blowing the lair to rubble. Cheetor managed to rescue the inert Tigerhawk, and Tarantulas was presumed dead. {{storylink|Other Victories}}

Megatron knew that Tarantulas must have had some schemes on the go that the Predacons could pick up and use, and had his men search the ruins of Tarantulas's lair. During this, he offhandedly referred to him as "[[Unicron's Spawn]]". He ended up discovering and using the working ''Nemesis''. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}
{{-}}

====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
Tarantulas programmed the Predacons' mobile fortress, the [[Arachnid]], utilizing his own personality programs to give it some form of sentience, accompanied by Tarantulas's own tendency for cruelty. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook 1}}

====The Razor's Edge====
Two weeks after [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] was reborn on [[Earth]], Tarantulas fought to defend an orbital weapon from the Maximals. The launching pad was destroyed by Airazor. {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}

====''Beast Wars Diorama Story''====
[[Image:BWDiorama Motorarm Tarantulas.jpg|thumb|A ravenous, sinister fiend... and Tarantulas.]]
Sometime after Starscream's arrival to prehistoric Earth, Tarantulas was confronted in battle by a time-displaced [[Motorarm (BWII)|Motorarm]], who fended off the Predacon with his Beetle Claw attack. Tarantulas was not present when the Autobots from [[Movie (franchise)|another universe]] and Maximals combined all of their energies to attack a team of Predacons and Decepticons. {{storylink|Motorarm Chapter}}
{{-}}

====3H comics====
Tarantulas is the inventor of the [[mind-drill]]. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] "borrowed" it from him to get information out of [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]]. {{storylink|Herald, Covenant, Schism, Paradox|Herald}}

[[Image:Primevaldawn2 tarantulas matrix.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Further proving the maxim: "If you want to steal the Matrix, you basically can."]]
Following the Beast Wars, Tarantulas's body returned to life, reanimated by the Vok powers he'd previously absorbed. The undead Tarantulas, along with a rebuilt Ravage (as [[Ravage (G1)|Tripredacus Agent]]), nurtured new troops to life through enigmatic means, growing [[Razorclaw (BW)|Razorclaw]] and [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] in tubes. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}}

The remaining Vok anticipated Tarantulas's plan to destroy the rest of them, take their power, and fashion the timestream to his desires, and so they assembled an army of their own consisting of [[Primal Prime]], [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], and [[Tigatron]]. Tarantulas met this opposition in battle, overwhelmed them, and triumphantly ripped the [[Matrix of Leadership]] from Primal Prime's chest. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}}

Wounded critically, the Maximals withdrew to the Ark, while Tarantulas and his Predacons returned to his lair, where he directed them in the construction of a transwarp portal. Upon completion, Tarantulas planned to bring his stolen prize to his master, Unicron. Since his troops were getting restless, he promised them they could assault the Ark once they finished construction. Tarantulas was true to his word, and as Ravage led the Predacons against the Maximals, Unicron's spawn tried to stabilize the portal and prepared the Matrix for transport. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}}

{{note|[[3H Productions]] dissolved before this storyline could be completed. Based on the subsequent ''Wreckers'' and ''[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|Universe]]'' storylines, it can be assumed that the Matrix of Leadership was restored to Optimus Prime's body at the end of this altercation, the Maximals were triumphant and used Tarantulas's portal to return home to Cybertron, and that Tarantulas somehow fled to Unicron.}}

[[Image:Escape-Tarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Basically I just never die.]]

A year after the [[Great Reformatting]], the influence of [[Unicron]] swayed [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] to the side of darkness. As she was escorted by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Reptilion]] into the heart of the Chaos Bringer, she was surprised to see Tarantulas (still in his undead body) greet her as she joined the ranks of the [[Minion of Unicron|Minions of Unicron]]. She hissed with disgust, while Tarantulas noted that it was just like old times. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

Tarantulas had learned that [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] had been assembling the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] to counter Unicron's Minions, and so he sent Blackarachnia on a mission to Cybertron to sever the link between the Transformers and [[Primus]] by invading [[Vector Sigma]]'s chamber and destroying Alpha Trion. He gave Blackarachnia a swarm of [[Piranacon (Universe)|Piranacons]] and directions to the chamber through a structural weakpoint near the [[Rust Sea]]. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}}
{{-}}

====A Meeting of Minds====
{{note|This story takes place immediately after "[[Master Blaster]]."}}

The [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]], now inside the mind of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], berated the Predacon leader's failures—in particular, being led astray time and again by such treacherous subordinates as Tarantulas. {{storylink|A Meeting of Minds}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:TarantulasMangaMouth01.jpg|thumb|left|250px|]]

Following the [[Quantum surge]], Tarantulas was upgraded into a [[Transmetal]]. Scheming with [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] within their floating island base, [[Hindenburg]], Tarantulas developed a plan to revive the deceased [[Optimus Primal]] as a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] slave. Recovering Primal's mindless, raging body, Tarantulas staged a strange voodoo ceremony (complete with boiling cauldron). As Megatron pricked his finger and prepared to use his mutated blood to turn Primal's rampaging body into his slave, the spark of Optimus Primal returned to it just in the nick of time. As Primal turned into a Transmetal, Tarantulas began to celebrate, convinced that his plan had worked out better than he had thought, unaware of what was really going on. In fact, he was ''so'' convinced that Primal was now a Predacon slave, that he ordered the monkey to give him a shoulder massage. Optimus Primal proceeded to knock Tarantulas's block off. {{storylink|Raise the Curtain for Beast Wars Metals!!}}

===Fire in the Dark===
When [[human]] archaeologists uncovered a cave filled with primitive language, [[Mini-Con]] [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] translated it for them. The markings told of a time when the Maximals and Predacons crashlanded on prehistoric Earth, though the stranded Transformers were seen by the protohumans as gods. The "spider-god" and the "[[Waspinator|wasp-god]]," under instruction from their leader, enslaved the humans for the purposes of excavating "glowing rose crystals." Eventually, the Maximals came and freed the humans. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game===
:''Voice actor'': ?
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the first season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
[[Image:BWgameUK-Tarantulas.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Some great dialog there, Tarry.]]
Upon arriving on prehistoric Earth, the dangers of Energon radiation forced the Maximals and Predacons to take on beast alternate forms. Tarantulas picked up a tarantula in his palm and scanned it. Soon, Tarantulas spotted [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] moving in on the Predacons' crash site. Swearing revenge, Tarantulas transformed and attacked, and threatened to skin the Maximal alive. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}
{{Note|Tarantulas is a playable character in the Predacon mode of this game for normal gameplay.}}
[[Image:BeastWarsPSX-Tarantulasstats.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Sadly, there's no Eat Cheetor level.]]

All of the Beast Wars combatants had managed to construct personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Tarantulas overtook Rhinox's base and reprogrammed its defenses, prompting the Maximals to retake it.Tarantulas warred against both the Maximals and the evil extra-dimensional aliens dubbed the [[Skriix]].
{{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)}}
{{Note|Due to the nature of this game, a player may select various individual characters to perform the feats required in every level, and complete the game's narrative. Thus, any playable Maximal can fill the role of protagonist in Maximal Mode, and any playable Predacon can fill the role of protagonist in Predacon Mode. As such, each character's page only lists said character's actions when they fill the role of antagonist during gameplay. To view the various feats Tarantulas can accomplish throughout gameplay in Predacon Mode, it is told on the pages of the [[Optimus Primal|several]] [[Cheetor (BW)|Maximals]] [[Rattrap|included]] [[Dinobot (BW)|as]] [[Rhinox (BW)|opponents]] in this game, as well as the game's main antagonists, the [[Skriix]], wherein Tarantulas fills the role of the nameless Predacon. To view the plot as a whole view the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)]] page.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' video game===
[[Image:N64Tarantulas.jpg|thumb|300px|Arboreal Camouflage Tarantulas? Blue Crusader Tarantulas?]]
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the second season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Alec Willows]] (English), ??? (Japanese)

Tarantulas found a way to escape prehistoric Earth and return to Cybertron. The Beast Wars progressed in his absence for a time...

[[Image:N64_Tarantulus.jpg|frame|left|Player 2 Has Entered His Stomach. Continue?]]Then he came back, newly promoted and with an armada of Transwarp battleships under his command, out to end the Beast Wars and enforce the Tripredacus Council's will... {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals}}
{{note|Each character possessed an alternate ending, displayed if the Nintendo 64 game was beaten with said character. Each character has only their own ending listed on their pages, see the other characters' pages for Tarantulas's fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle'' video game===
[[Image:DuelFight_Tarantulas.gif|thumb|left|200px|]]
Megatron was capable of summoning Tarantulas forth to the battlefield during his attempts to acquire the super-powerful [[energon crystal]]. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle}}
{{--}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Hey, guess who's going to be [[redeco]]ed into a hot girl?]]
*'''Tarantulas''' (Deluxe, 1996/1997)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-4'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 spider-leg missiles

: Part of the first wave of [[Beast Wars (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' product]], Tarantulas transforms into an organic generic spider (''not'' a tarantula). His abdomen contains a spring-loaded missile launcher, which fires the anchor-missile kept in his spider-butt. This missile is attached by a string so he can hang from things like a real spider. The launcher can be removed and used as a robot-mode weapon, using any of his front four spider-legs as missiles. Like all early Deluxe-and-up ''Beast Wars'' toys, he has two different robot-mode "heads"; a robotic face and a "mutant" face. He is almost always depicted using the mutant face.

: There is a variation of this toy in the [[Hasbro]] line: Later releases (the smooth bubble) lack the yellow paint on his elbows.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release of Tarantulas was originally identical to the Hasbro release. Later, a slightly color-altered version was released, using a brighter shade of green and a slightly darker gray. The color-altered version also replaced the blue eyes on the "robot" head and the black eyes of the "mutant" head with gold.

: This mold was used to make the first [[Blackarachnia (BW)#Toys|Blackarachnia toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Tarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VsDinobot}}
[[Image:VS4-DinobotTarantuas.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The classic battle of dino vs spider. We've all heard the tale.]]
*'''Brutal Showdown: Dinobot VS Tarans''' (VS pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, 4 spider-leg missiles

: In Japan, "Tarans" was available both as an individual and in a two-pack with "[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]". Both toys in this set were identical to their individual releases.

: Currently, it is unknown if the latter "more show-like" redeco of Tarantulas was ever released in a VS set.

{{-}}{{anchor|Transmetal}}
[[Image:BWtoy-TarantulasTransmetal.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm-a spawn of-a Unicron! I-a slice-a ya pizza!]]
*'''Tarantulas''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-44'''
**''Accessories'': Sawblade weapon

: Part of the first assortment of Deluxe [[Transmetal]]s, Tarantulas transforms into a robotic spider. He also has a third "transport" mode, flipping down a wheel from his abdomen and a saw-blade from under his beast-head, making a spidey-cycle. The saw detaches for robot mode to become a hand-held weapon.

: The Japanese version is slightly different, replacing the "TARANTULAS" [[tampograph]] with "DESTRON" and the Predacon sigil, plus his robot-mode eyes are painted as a single visor to match the show look better.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Predacon/Tarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Transmetal Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FKTransmetal}}
[[Image:Tarantulas-FKTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It's like Eight Legged Freaks, but classier, and with a pizza slicer.]]
*'''Tarantulas''' (Deluxe "Fox Kids" Transmetal, 1999)
**''Accessories'': Sawblade weapon

: A [[redeco]] of the Transmetal Tarantulas toy in grays, silver and black. He and a Transmetal [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] redeco were part of the "[[Fox Kids]]" toys, so called for the advertisements for the Fox channel on the packaging (as the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]] had moved there from syndication). Internal Hasbro documents have listed this toy as "'''Steel Force Tarantulas'''", a name that did not make it to final packaging.

: These colors were used to depict Tarantulas in the ''[[Primeval Dawn]]'' and [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|''Universe'' comics]]. With the toy's limited availability, secondary-market pricing for this item due to its fictional use has gone up.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1999/Predacon/FKTMTarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Fox Kids Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===MicroVerse===
[[Image:Tarantulas-Microverse.jpg|right|100px|thumb|I'm not [[Fantastic Four|The Thing]], I swear!]]
*'''Orcanoch''' ([[MicroVerse]], 1997)

: A small, non-transforming micro-figure of Tarantulas came with the [[MicroVerse]] [[Orcanoch]] playset. It was presumably painted based on the original design, as its upper body is copper rather than purple. Its only articulation is at the waist, letting it sit in any of the MicroVerse mini-vehicles or playset stations.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Orcanoch/orcanoch.htm More information on MicroVerse Tarantulas (via Orchanoch) at TFU.info]

{{-}}
===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BWXtoy-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's not here to help assemble Transmutate. That leg's his dinner.]]
*'''Predacon Tarantulus''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, 4 spider-leg missiles

:This toy is a slight [[redeco]] of the original Tarantulas toy, more closely resembling Tarantulas's appearance in the cartoon (save the big Predacon faction sigil tampograph). Part of the second wave of [[Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|''Beast Wars'' 10th Anniversary product]], he came with a DVD of the episode "[[Spider's Game]]," plus the left leg to [[Transmutate (character)|Trans-Mutate]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Predacon/PredaconTarantulas/predacontarantulas.htm More information on 10th Anniversary Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Tarantulasmutatingcard.jpg|thumb|300px|right]]
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Tarantulas was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].
{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroestarantulasprimal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't take your eyes off your mech fluid, Primal.]]
*'''Optimus Primal vs Predacon Tarantulas''' (2008)

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'', this PVC figurine of Tarantulas' original body has articulation in the shoulders and neck. He was available only in a "Beast Wars Series" two-pack with [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] (amusingly enough, the [[Maximal]] he also came with in the ''[[MicroVerse]]'' [[Orcanoch]] playset).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Predacon/RHTarantulas/tarantulas.htm More information on Robot Heroes Tarantulas at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:BWcommercial-Tarantulas.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Not terribly appealing.]]
* Tarantulas is referred to as simply "Tarantula" in the [[commercial]] advertising his toy. This commercial and also early promotional pictures showed the original Tarantulas toy as being transparent orange, but the final toy was a clear deep purple instead. Presumably, this was for a little visual variety in the early line, which already had a largely tan toy ([[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]) and a largely yellow toy ([[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]]) in the Deluxe range, plus a Mega-sized Predacon arachnid then planned to be orange ([[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]), and [[Tigatron]], who was at one point slated to be a traditional orange tiger.

[[Image:TarantulasArm.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He tastes everything he holds.]]

* In the original control art for Tarantulas, the claws are shown in the same configuration as used in the show. In other words, the claws were somehow swapped during the assembly process and have remained as such on every version of the mold thereafter.

* The original Tarantulas toy has ''nine'' eyes in beast mode, as does the show model. This makes characters' references to him as "eight-eyes" rather... interesting.

* Tarantulas's toy bios paint him as a really dumb ninja-like stealth assassin. Both of his [[Tech Spec]]s give him an intelligence of 4, even the numbers that accompany his ''Transmetals'' bio which mentions the cartoon's [[quantum surge]].

* In the first season, Tarantulas is characterized more as a cannibalistic, psychotic gourmand who happens to be the Predacons' Science Officer than as the mad scientist and master plotter he becomes from "[[Spider's Game]]" onwards. This is to the extent that his official season one profile makes several mentions of his eating habits, describes his sole interest as being "food", and summarizes his relationship with the other Predacons as simple disdain, as he considers them to all be potential meals.

* In the Japanese dub of ''Beast Wars'', Tarantulas retained his trademark cackle, but it was a little ''different''. His voice was very high-pitched and he shrieked almost constantly. His trademark laugh more closely resembled a wicked witch of sorts.

[[Image:OptimalSituation Tarantulas insignia.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tarantulas is one of Reprolabels's best customers.]]
* From "[[Optimal Situation]]" onwards, the [[Arachnoid]]s sport a Tarantulas-themed insignia.
[[Image:TMtigatronboxback2.jpg|thumb|right|Pew! Pew!]]
* Tarantulas's origins are a bit complicated. He declares in "[[Other Victories]]" that he and the [[Tripredacus Council]] have origins other than Autobot and Decepticon, such that they would not be affected by the destruction of the Ark. Megatron's line about "Unicron's spawn" was apparently not intended by [[Bob Forward]] to be taken literally; it was to have been a generic insult rather than a statement of fact.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/f06828ec523295c1?dmode=source&output=gplain Larry DiTillio's take on Tarantulas origins! at alt.toys.transformers]</ref> (Forward's own inkling, albeit never realized, was that they might be descended from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s Cybertronian Empire.) A Unicronian origin also creates potential canonical issues, as Tarantulas says that "under our rule, Cybertron will conquer the universe" ("[[Other Victories]]"), whereas Unicron's goal would have been to eat Cybertron. But, much like [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]'s line about "[[Darksyde|the dark side]]", this line developed a life of its own. Eventually this connection was reasserted in [[3H Productions]]' ''[[Primeval Dawn]]'' storyline, initially written by... Bob Forward.

* Tarantulas's body in "[[Theft of the Golden Disk]]" is based on [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

* Tarantulas is probably the only [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Minion of Unicron]] who avoided being labeled a [[Decepticon]].

* From what can be observed from art on the back of Transmetal Tigatron's packaging, Tarantulas's vok-enhanced abilities include levitating and firing energy beams from his eye(s?) in robot mode. Neat!

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Tarans''' (タランス ''Taransu'')
*''Italian:'' '''Metal Tarantulas''' (Transmetal toy)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Láng-Zhū''' (China, 狼蛛, "Tarantula"), '''Jr-jū''' (Taiwan, 蜘蛛, "Spider"), '''Húng Jr-jū''' (Taiwan, 紅蜘蛛, "Red Spider")
*''Polish:'' '''Tarantulator'''
*''Portuguese:'' '''Tarântulos''' (Brazil)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Security officers]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe Predacons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Rock Bottom

2011-10-19T17:33:29Z

98.237.9.79: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 19
|prev=Metal Attraction
|next=Partners
|image=RockBottom-energonmine.jpg‎
|caption=That's Rock Bottom.
|title="Rock Bottom"
|airdate=[[July 16]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Tim Jones]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots, Jack and Miko find themselves trapped inside a cave with Megatron and Starscream.'''

==Synopsis==
Waiting outside [[Stripped energon mine|a mine]] opening, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] complains loudly to [[Jack Darby|Jack]] that she'd rather be at the [[Slash Monkey]] metal concert she's been looking forward to. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] emerge from the entrance, confused that the mine seems to be stripped, yet there's an [[energon (fuel)|energon]] signal coming from inside. While they're still discussing the conundrum, Miko runs into the mine to take a look, resulting in Bulkhead chasing her in and Jack persuading Arcee to let him go in as well. Moments after they step inside, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] land at the mine entrance. Starscream is confused as to why have they come to an exhausted mine, but Megatron leads the way inside.

Bulkhead finds Miko testing the acoustics in a cavern. While she's whooping and yelling, Bulkhead's detector bleeps, and he attempts to contact Arcee. The comms, however, are useless due to interference from the rock surrounding them. Bulkhead decides to get a sample for [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and begins breaking pieces off the rock he's found.

[[Image:RockBottom-Starscreamprays.jpg‎|250px|thumb|left|When this life makes you mad enough to kill.]]

Megatron and Starscream find [[Decepticon]] mining equipment. Starscream tries to blame its presence on an error by [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]], but Megatron plucks a chunk of energon from the wall and explains that he's been keeping up with Starscream's many plottings, thanks to Soundwave's spying. He's let Starscream continue until now for his own amusement, but enough's enough. Starscream pleads for his life...and it's this scene that Jack and Arcee stumble on. Megatron begins firing on the two newcomers and Starscream sees his chance to try to escape. Enraged, Megatron fires after him. Arcee takes advantage of Megatron's distraction and fires, causing him to discharge his [[fusion cannon]] into the ceiling, which gives way. Massive rocks fall on Megatron, causing the floor to start caving in as well, and both Arcee and Jack fall into a swiftly widening hole.

[[Image:RockBottom-Bulkheadpassion.jpg‎|250px|thumb|When you want something bad enough to steal.]]

In the cavern, Bulkhead protects Miko from the falling rocks.

Starscream, speeding through the mine in his jet mode, is hit by rocks and can only cry out as the tunnel to the mine entrance collapses.

In the aftermath, Jack struggles up to find himself alone in the cave and goes searching for the others.

Miko likewise picks herself up to find Bulkhead holding up a huge chunk of the ceiling from caving in on them. They have no idea as to what caused the cave-in, but Miko starts trying to clear the rocks away so they can get out.

Starscream pulls himself free of the mine and into the open air. He experiences a brief moment of triumph before realizing that Megatron has survived worse and if he doesn't make some attempt to rescue his leader, the other Decepticons surely will, which will mean problems for Starscream in the long run. Besides, he can take the credit if he succeeds.

Still searching, Jack stumbles upon one of the Decepticon mining drills.

As night falls outside, Miko is tiring from her work. Bulkhead points out there's limited oxygen, and she's using it faster by exerting herself. Despite Miko saying she has to get Bulkhead out, he says he's fine, though his creaking servos tell a different story.

Jack gets the mining drill working and begins guiding it to find the others.

Bulkhead and Miko hear drilling. Miko yells out weakly, and Bulkhead tells her to hit his foot with a rock to make a noise.

[[Image:RockBottom-Megstrapped.jpg|thumb|250px|left|When you feel like you have had it up to here.]]

Elsewhere, Jack uses the drill to clear a path only to uncover Megatron's face, the rest of him still pinned by fallen rock. Megatron suggests that Jack use the drill to finish him, but Jack doesn't believe [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] would want Megatron finished that way and drills off in another direction.

[[Image:RockBottom-Mikocries.jpg‎|250px|thumb|'Cause you mad enough to scream but you sad enough to tear.]]

Miko continues banging Bulkhead's foot, but a noise stops her and Bulkhead has to admit that his arms are starting to fail. She hits him a couple more times before someone starts to break through the wall. Unfortunately, their joy is short-lived as it turns out to be Starscream. Bulkhead asks him to let Miko go, but Miko refuses to leave Bulkhead. Starscream menaces her until Bulkhead gives him a solid kick. Starscream recovers from that, only to be knocked down by Jack's drill as it comes through the wall. Miko is quickly persuaded to hop aboard the drill, which she does tearfully, and the two humans back out, leaving Bulkhead and Starscream alone. Jack and Miko start trying to dig their way out, but Jack suddenly stops the drill dead as a large foot comes down in front of them.

Starscream is pleased. Now not only will he be able to rescue Megatron, but he'll have Bulkhead as a gift. Unfortunately for him, Arcee appears with a gun pointed at his head and tells him to raise his hands.

The Autobots exit the mine with the kids and briefly discuss finishing off the Decepticons. When they decide that Optimus wouldn't do it, they go home instead.

Starscream strains to hold up the rock that Bulkhead had been supporting when he spots Megatron leaning through the nearby opening. Starscream is reduced to begging for mercy once more and the Decepticon leader responds with a menacing look.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (4)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (2)

}}

==Quotes==

"Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting to see Slash Monkey?" 
"Uhh—" 
"''Forever!'' And it's their only U.S. date!" 
"Well, there's a shock. I mean, who doesn't love obscure Bulgarian shriek metal?"
:—'''Miko''' and '''Jack''' discuss rock concerts.

"She went in. Unbelievable." 
"Really? Have you...met her?"
:—'''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' watch Miko run into the cave.

"Do not take me for a fool, Starscream! I have been wise to your transgressions from the beginning. Not only did you pluck the Dark Energon from my chest in a failed attempt to snuff my spark, but you tried to raise your own undead warrior with it. It's no secret that you lost an arm in the process, which you've since had replaced." 
"You know about that?!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' discuss the latter's endeavors.

"Roll out."
:—'''Jack''' being genre savvy as he activates some Decepticon mining equipment.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Think of the glory—seize the day! Optimus would." 
"No, he wouldn't. Not like this." 
"I will be sure to share the details of our little conversation with Optimus—the day I rip out his spark!"
:—A pinned '''Megatron''' is discovered by '''Jack''', who refuses to take advantage of the situation and kill him.

"If you think I'm going to beg for mercy, Starscream, forget it!" 
"Er, yes, begging for mercy would be quite pathetic, wouldn't it?"
:—'''Bulkhead''' unintentionally insults '''Starscream'''.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When the cave-in begins, Bulkhead gets down on his hands and knees to shield Miko from the collapsing ceiling. In the next scene, however, he's standing upright and holding up a far larger piece of rock than he had been previously covered with.

===Continuity errors===
* Bulkhead has Miko hit him with a rock to signal Jack. Either he's devoting ''all'' his energon to holding up the rock, or he's forgotten about his sound system.
* Not so much an error as a curiosity, but based on the day/night cycle shown outside the cave, at least 12 hours passed during the episode. In all that time, the other Autobots made no apparent effort to look for their lost comrades. Considering Miko's concert was supposed to happen two hours after the start of the episode, they should have noticed something was amiss when no one came back.
* Even though the sounds of robots stomping around and yelling should echo throughout the cave, Megatron and Starscream go completely unnoticed until Arcee and Jack stumble upon them by accident. Furthermore, Megatron and Starscream enter the cave mere minutes after Arcee and Jack, yet somehow manage to get ahead of them in the tunnels undetected.

===Continuity notes===
* Megatron references the events of "[[Masters & Students]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]" while discussing Starscream's previous failed attempts at treachery.
* Starscream also refers to the events of "Masters & Students" when he remembers that Megatron has survived far worse than a simple cave-in.
* Miko loosely references the spacebridge battle from "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]" when Bulkhead reminds her that Autobots don't need to breathe.

===Transformers references===
*As Jack starts up the mining drill, he quietly says, "[[Roll out]]."

===Real-world references===
*Bulkhead's "Did I do that?" line is almost certainly a reference to Steve Urkel's catchphrase from ''Family Matters''.
*Starscream says "Rust in peace!" as in "Rest in peace". It is [[Sick Mind|not the first time]] Starscream uses a common human phrase. He is also not the only [[Terrorsaur (BW)|bad guy]] [[Double Dinobot|to use this line.]] [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]] also quotes this in a cut scene during ''War for Cybertron'', as well as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
*Bulkhead having to hold up the ceiling is reminiscent of the Greek titan Atlas being forced to hold up the sky.

===Trivia===
* Megatron seems awfully surprised that Starscream would run at the first opportunity. Did he think Starscream wouldn't care about his earlier death threat?
* Ratchet probably never got that rock sample. Too bad.
* This is the first episode where Jack meets Megatron face-to-face, though Raf beat him to being the first human to meet the Decepticon leader back in "[[Out of His Head]]".
* Starscream's wings folded up with alarm when he was overcome with fear.
* Miko exercises her right to charge into [[Darkness Rising, Part 3|situations]] that almost get her killed... [[Shadowzone|again]].
* Unbelievably, Cliffjumper does not return in this episode to use signature body slams on his enemies. Ah, well.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Masters & Students

2011-10-18T07:01:29Z

98.237.9.79: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 6
|prev=Darkness Rising, Part 5
|next=Scrapheap (episode)
|image=Masters&Students-SkyquakePrimefaceoff.jpg
|caption="One shall stand, one—" "Yeah yeah, 'one shall fall'. We've all heard it a million times now, Prime."
|title="Masters & Students"
|airdate=[[February 11]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[David Slack]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''While Skyquake battles Optimus Prime, Starscream recovers the nearly dead Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Masters&Students-Nemesisbridgescreen.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Behold the functionality of our newest member: Jumbotron!"]]
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] reviews the footage of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]'s destruction and decides to make a rousing speech to the [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troops. When one of the troops questions whether they have any chance of defeating the Autobots without Megatron, Starscream proclaims himself [[Emperor of Destruction]], but is disappointed with the less-than-enthusiastic response from his men. Starscream recalls that there is a [[Decepticon]] on the planet who is worthy to follow him.

[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] is unhappy about how their recent conflict turned out, as he had still hoped to convince Megatron that peace was possible. His conversation with [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] is interrupted by an explosion, but it's just [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]]'s volcano—the kids are working on their science projects with the help of their guardian [[Autobot]]s. Ratchet's annoyed about the whole matter, but Optimus thinks it's a good opportunity to learn more about Earth.

Hanging out near a canyon in the desert, [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] detects one of the many warriors left on Earth aeons ago to protect the [[energon (fuel)|energon]] deposits. He and Starscream head over to find the lost [[Decepticon]].

Raf and Bumblebee discuss 'Bee's lowly status in the Autobot army. Bumblebee aspires to become part of the warrior class, but Optimus says Bumblebee has much to learn before he can reach that rank. The base sensors detect the Decepticon activity in the desert, so Optimus decides to head out with Ratchet. Ratchet makes a quick excuse that he needs to help the kids with their projects, so Optimus takes Bumblebee instead.

[[Image:Masters&Students-Ratch-animator.jpg|thumb|right|250px|This is what happens when you give a giant alien robot sugar.]]
Starscream and Soundwave haul the warrior out of the ground and use an [[energon cube]] to revive him, revealing him to be none other than [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]. Skyquake announces he still serves Megatron, and he doesn't take kindly to Starscream declaring himself leader. They're interrupted by Optimus, who's familiar with Skyquake from the [[Battle of Technar]]. Optimus tries to talk peace, but Starscream will only agree to a truce if Optimus bows to him. Skyquake's patience has run out, and, knocking Starscream aside, he charges Optimus. Starscream retires to a nearby clifftop with Soundwave and muses that all Decepticons will follow him once Skyquake destroys Prime while under his command. Optimus and Skyquake trade fire, but Bumblebee decides to take the initiative and attacks Skyquake as well. Starscream orders Soundwave to record it all. Optimus observes that Skyquake hasn't yet taken on a [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]], so the two Autobots transform and fall back.

Meanwhile Ratchet is "helping" Raf build a volcano, in that's he's pretty much building it himself, and he intends to help Miko and Jack with their projects also.

Having lost sight of the combatants, Soundwave picks up a Decepticon signal from the location of the [[space bridge]] explosion. When he realizes that Soundwave means it's Megatron, Starscream tries to dismiss it as a false signal, but realizes he has to investigate it to keep up appearances. He leaves Soundwave, who surreptitiously dispatches the [[Deployer (Prime)|Minicon]] from his chest to follow his master.

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] investigates the communications coming from the area. He arrives on the scene just as Optimus and Bumblebee have managed to knock Skyquake down, and the Decepticon [[Scanning|scans]] his hi-tech jet. Taking to the air, Skyquake strafes the Autobots below, only for Fowler to attack him in turn. Skyquake fires some heat-seeking missiles at the human, who manages to evade them.

[[Image:Masters&Students-BeeQuake.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Well, look's like it's time to eject!" "Wait, what about me?!" "...bye!" *Skyquake crashes*]]

Starscream arrives at the space bridge debris and is disappointed to find Megatron floating in space. The Decepticon leader is barely sustained by a sliver of [[Dark Energon]], which Starscream rips from him. Starscream then spies Soundwave's drone and, realizing he's being watched, is forced to transport Megatron back to the sick bay on the ''[[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]]''.

As the chase below continues, Bumblebee jumps onto Skyquake, who unsuccessfully tries to knock the Autobot off. Optimus asks for Fowler's help, as high above the desert, Bumblebee rips pieces out of Skyquake, sending the Decepticon into a crash dive. Fowler draws alongside so Bumblebee can jump aboard his jet before Skyquake crashes into the ground below. Optimus observes that had Skyquake chosen peace, they would not be burying him.

[[Image:Masters&Students-Megatronstasis.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Bendy straws slowly sucking the life out of him. Or bendy straws feeding him life. It's confusing.]]

Back at base, repairs on Bumblebee are complete, and Prime commends him on his performance. The kids arrive back with the news that Ratchet's science projects did not go down well; the Autobot Medic had built Miko a model of Cybertron rather then the solar system, Jack a flying saw, and Raf a volcano that blew a hole right through the school roof. Ratchet is disappointed.

On board the ''Nemesis'', the Decepticons have gotten Megatron into [[Stasis lock|stasis]], and Starscream ''sincerely'' hopes he gets better.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (6)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (8)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (10)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (4)
*[[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (9)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)
*[[Science fair judge]] (16)

}}

==Quotes==
"If we failed to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?" 
"Ah, allow me to be crystal clear: I studied for millennia under our former master, thus I am ''equipped'' to lead you—I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream, [[Emperor of Destruction]]!" 
[''Vehicons murmur'']
:— The '''Vehicons''' find '''Starscream''' leaves a lot to be desired.

''[Holding up an exhaust pipe]'' "Maybe it needs one of these doohickeys..." 
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" 
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?"
:— '''Arcee''' and '''Jack''' attempt to build a motorcycle

"Well I'll be a bald eagle..."
:- '''Agent Fowler''', ever the patriot.

"Air superiority achieved!"
:— '''Skyquake''' does an impression of [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]].

"And this time...STAY DEAD!"
:— '''Starscream''' pulls off his most hardcore takeover attempt ever!

==Notes==
===Astronomical errors===
*The image displayed on Soundwave's monitor is presumably meant to be the [[Asteroid belt]], as the wreckage is too large to be that of the [[space bridge]]. However, the Asteroid belt lies outside [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], not Earth.

===Animation and technical errors===
* The copies of ''[[The Jasper Daily]]'' that Raf uses to make his paper mache volcano from are printed back-to-front, with the Sports section on the front and the masthead on the back. Since this happened again in "[[Deus ex Machina]]", maybe Jasper just really loves their sports?
[[Image:MastersandStudents-Skyquakeunderjet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Fowler's jet has this stuff too, but in gray.]]
*Fowler flies a jet without wearing a jumpsuit, helmet, or oxygen mask.
*Weirder still, Fowler's jet already has Skyquake's arms and legs attached as undercarriage. No wonder Skyquake wanted to scan it.
*Starscream finds Megatron in space because he hears Megatron gasping in pain. However, sound cannot travel in a vacuum. It could be excused as Megatron broadcasting via a radio transmission, but a short time later, Starscream is alerted to the presence of Soundwave's drone by the sound of it flying through space. Even more strange is that when Starscream talks in the explosion site, echoes can be heard.
*In the first shot when a Vehicon gets Starscream's attention during the latter's speech about the loss of Megatron, Starscream's image on the screen is seen turning in the opposite direction, as if giving his back to a camera. In the next sequence, the image on the screen is seen as if the camera were now at the same angle of the viewer.
* The close-up on Agent Fowler before Bumblebee jumps off his jet is the same used in the sequence where he says "I still got it", only mirrored.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus claims Skyquake can't transform because he hasn't scanned a vehicle mode yet, but why doesn't he still have a Cybertronian mode?
*Soundwave is on the ground when Skyquake awakens, but is suddenly on top of the canyon behind them when Starscream retreats.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream styles himself "[[Emperor of Destruction]]", the title used in the Japanese continuities for the leader of the Decepticons.
*As described in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'', Ratchet's model of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has [[Moonbase One|two]] [[Moonbase Two|moons]].
*This is not the [[Transport to Oblivion|first]] [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|time]] an incarnation of Megatron has survived a space bridge disaster.
*[[Furmanisms|"If Megatron could not conquer Earth, what chance do we have?"]]

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Seseung gwa Jeja'''" (스승과 제자, "Masters and Students")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 13|13 September]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
[[Image:Masters&Students upcloseandpersonal.jpg|thumb|250px|Seriously, it's not like fans need encouragement at this point.]]
*Starscream is ''very'' touchy-feely with Megatron's body at the site of the explosion. The writers walked right into ''that'' slash plot.
*Skyquake is, up to this point, the only 'bot to have a hand-held gun, as everyone else has guns that are either equipped to their wrists or transformed from their hands.
*Fowler's first name is mentioned onscreen for the first time. It had previously been revealed in the credits for "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* This is the first episode in the series to use the full [[title sequence]].
*An Energon Cube appears in this episode

==Home video releases==
A DVD of "Masters & Students" will come with the entertainment pack containing figures of [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]], [[Jack Darby|Jack]], [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Masters and Students}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Soundwave (G1)

2011-10-08T20:48:00Z

98.237.9.79: /* Commercial appearances */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Soundwave}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 character eventually upgraded to Soundblaster|the ''Cybertron'' character|Soundblaster (Cybertron)}}
{{suite}}
:''Soundwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Soundwave mixalot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Big butts: preferable. Lying: impossible."]]
'''Soundwave''' is one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s most reliable troops, and he has positioned himself comfortably and irreplaceably in Megatron's upper command structure. He stands at the [[Decepticon leader]]'s side as a confidant. Though "only" Communications Officer, he is comparable to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in rank and is the only one of the three to display consistent loyalty to Megatron. Soundwave guards his place in the hierarchy fiercely. Other Decepticons (except Megatron) see him as a two-faced snake, since, as Communications Officer, Soundwave hears all and doesn't hesitate to use blackmail to keep himself high in Megatron's esteem. The other Decepticons wouldn't mind abandoning him on the battlefield—if they thought Megatron would let them get away with it.

Soundwave commands [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|a legion of cassette troops]] to carry out tasks big and small. He has a symbiotic relationship with them, providing them transportation and a cheap, if cramped, place to live in his chest. Sometimes he lets them all out to watch impromptu gladiator games or takes them to discotheques. In return, they perform spy and recon missions for him and make sure no one calls him "un-krozzo-matic".

He usually has all the personality of a [[:Image:Cybertronsoundwave.jpg|stump]] (as evidenced by his computer-style speech). He also has no imagination, sending the aforementioned cassettes on operations with mundane names.

As an [[Action Master]], he is [[Action Master partner|partnered]] with [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]].

Soundwave's scanning systems are so powerful that he can actually read and decode the electrical impulses that comprise "thoughts" in both organics and Cybertronians. This telepathic power is likely one of the reasons why he is so highly placed in Megatron's hierarchy.

In various universes, Soundwave is upgraded into '''Soundblaster''' (サウンドブラスター ''Saundoburasutā'').

{{quote|As you command, Megatron.|Soundwave, eternal loyalist|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Contentedfools.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ravage, Megatron, and Soundwave, the first Decepticons.]]
Millions of years ago, Soundwave was one of the first members of the Decepticons; after sowing discontent amongst the masses, he, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] began the war that tore the planet itself out of its orbit. The Decepticons, including Soundwave, attempted to hijack the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] four million years ago, only to fail and fall into deactivation sleep for four million years. In 1984, the detonation of the volcano, [[Mount St. Hilary]], reactivated the Autobots and Decepticons, unleashing their war on Earth. Learning the [[Human|inhabitants]] of this planet had access to its vast energy sources, Soundwave joined the Decepticons in raiding a drive-in movie theatre. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Soon after, Soundwave participated in a raid on [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]], and after helping the Decepticons make off with large chunks of its machinery, helped use their bounty to build a [[Fortress Sinister|new headquarters atop a cliffside]]. {{storylink|Power Play!}} After returning from [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service]] with [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], a human the Decepticons kidnapped to help them convert human fuel to Transformer fuel, the Decepticons' headquarters were infiltrated by a rescue party of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and the human superhero [[Spider-Man]]. While Spider-Man caused a diversion in front of Soundwave, Gears was able to suckerpunch him. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:Laserbeakwarriorschool.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Fly, my pretties, fly!"]]
''When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] nearly caused the death of Ravage, Megatron rallied the other Decepticons, including Soundwave, to enact vengeance for his treason. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} Later, the Decepticons unleashed a surprise attack on the Ark. After Soundwave defeated [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], the battle was halted when [[Aunty]], the Ark's computer system, turned rogue. After the crisis was averted, Soundwave and the others were able to retreat. {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}'' Due to Sparkplug's efforts during his kidnapping, the Decepticons were able to refuel, and Soundwave and his comrades attacked the Autobots. However, Sparkplug had poisoned the fuel, and Soundwave shorted out along with the others. As Soundwave lay deactivated, it was only the surprise arrival of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] that turned the tide. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Shockwave assumed command, and immediately began restoring Soundwave and the other poisoned Decepticons. Soundwave was ordered to prepare the bodies of the fallen Autobots to serve as spare parts for Shockwave's new army of Decepticons. {{storylink|The New Order}} Megatron objected to this new order and rebelled, but Shockwave quelled him quickly, and paraded Megatron's broken body in front of Soundwave and his peers as a warning to those who would cross him. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}} Under Shockwave's command, Soundwave attacked the [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]] and secured it for Decepticon use. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} The plant's facilities were used to create the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who built a massive radio dish that Soundwave used to beam a message back to Cybertron. However, the radio dish was destroyed when Soundwave was defeated by [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and the human trucker [[Bomber Bill]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

[[Image:Soundwavedinobothunt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"And you—YOU!—no longer exiiii... oh, wait."]]
''A short time later, during a brief period when both Megatron and Shockwave were missing in action, Soundwave assumed leadership of the Decepticons, happily slagging off [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s ambitions of leadership. His first attempt at manipulating Autobots into a trap failed. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} The second, taking advantage of the "Dinobot Hunt", was a major success—six Autobots were badly injured, not counting two of the Dinobots, and a large amount of fuel was stolen while the Autobots tried to stop a Dinobot rampage in a human town. On the way out, Soundwave proudly declared their victory, a turn of events that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] did not enjoy.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

When Megatron resurfaced, rendered immobile in a [[Wyoming]] [[Wyoming base|coal mine]] due to lack of fuel, Soundwave sped to his rescue, re-energizing him. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} ''Using the splintered state of the Decepticon forces to his advantage, Soundwave worked both sides of the field, reporting to both Megatron and the returned Shockwave, each without the other's knowledge. When Shockwave learned that the human [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] had begun to suffer [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced visions of the [[Combiner|next leap in Transformer evolution]], Soundwave reported this to Megatron, prompting him to battle Shockwave for leadership. The Decepticons' human ally, [[Donny Finkleberg|Robot-Master]], televised the battle, much to Soundwave's distaste, and in order to prevent the Decepticons from looking like fools, he interrupted the duel and insisted that they agree to a joint leadership.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[Image:Soundwavetarget2006.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You find: Insanity!]]
''When the Robot-Master hoax the Decepticons were perpetrating was threatened by the investigative work of [[Joy Meadows]], Soundwave was instrumental in ending the conflict that ensued between the Decepticons and the Dinobots by holding the reporter hostage and destroying her footage.'' {{storylink|In the National Interest}} ''Not long thereafter, when the deranged future Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], traveled back in time, Soundwave was intrigued by the fact that he was unable to scan his mind to discern the truth of his identity. Siding with Megatron when conflict erupted, Soundwave and his leader were buried under an avalanche by Galvatron and then rescued by the Autobots in the name of forming an alliance to defeat their common enemy.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

''Soundwave's loyalty to Megatron was shaken when the latter became increasingly paranoid. Consequently he manipulated his leader into summoning the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to Earth as part of a scheme by Shockwave to ensure a weaponless Megatron was destroyed by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Prey!}} However Megatron survived and soon returned to the Decepticon leadership, albeit with his memories of the events lost. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''Soundwave ''again'' served as co-conspirator when Shockwave once more used the Predacons to destroy Megatron. In the process a deranged Megatron seemingly committed suicide on the [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

''Soundwave was now once again under Shockwave's command, and, while patrolling on the Decepticons' mobile island base, he found himself attacked and subdued by the time-traveling freelance peace-keeping agent, [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]], and tricked into giving up information on the whereabouts of Galvatron.'' {{storylink|Hunters}} ''Although Death's Head's attempts to track down the Decepticon met with failure, Galvatron was ultimately entombed in lava, where he was later discovered by [[Susan Hoffman]]. Soundwave observed a televised broadcast of her discovery, and he and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] attempted to destroy Galvatron with explosives planted around the volcano in question. After a battle with the [[Throttlebot|Throttlebots]], Soundwave found that he was unable to remote-detonate the explosives thanks to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] jamming his signal.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night}}

[[Image:Soundwave uscomics.jpg|left|180px|thumb|G2 before it was cool.]]
When Shockwave was removed from power, Soundwave smoothly transitioned to serving under the new Decepticon leader, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], and helped to operate his [[Realvision]] playback system to decode data from Autobot tapes [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]]. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}} The tapes, it was discovered, contained information on the [[Underbase]], the power of which was desired by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] so badly he sparked off a Decepticon-Decepticon war to cover himself. Soundwave ended up having his fuel pump torn into by [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]. {{storylink|Cold War!}} When Starscream gained the Underbase's power and targeted the Earth, Soundwave co-led the defense of [[Buenos Aires]] alongside [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], but was temporarily deactivated by a blast of cosmic power from Starscream. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

''He was back on his feet by the time that Starscream, now a [[Pretender]], was busy doubting his self-worth. Soundwave was extremely scared of Starscream by this point.'' {{storylink|Fallen Star!}} He continued to operate under the command of the new Decepticon Earth commander, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], though like the other troops he was very unhappy about Starscream being allowed back in after trying to kill everyone. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}} He was put in charge of guarding Optimus Prime after the Autobot leader surrendered his troops to Scorponok, hoping to elicit an alliance against the coming of [[Unicron]]. When Prime changed his mind about meekly waiting in a cell for Scorponok to make time for him, however, Soundwave provided little resistance in keeping him there. {{storylink|Surrender!}} After the Decepticon auxiliary army bombed Scorponok's base in New Jersey, Soundwave assumed temporary command of the active Decepticons in fighting back against the traitors, led by Starscream and Shockwave. This "[[Decepticon Civil War]]" didn't last long, though, as all the Autobots and Decepticons of Earth were summoned to Cybertron by [[Primus]] to deal with Unicron. {{storylink|Out of Time!}}

[[Image:TreadshotMarvel.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He's found a new gunformer to toady up with.]]
Soundwave survived the battle with Unicron, and attended a meeting between the briefly-allied Autobots and Decepticons with [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]]. There Blaster announced the imminent end of their world, and an evacuation was called for. Soundwave was still hanging out with Treadshot when he witnessed a fight break out between [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Fangry]]. [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], who had assumed command of the Decepticons, doublecrossed the Autobots by sabotaging their ships. Soundwave was last seen beside Bludgeon as the Decepticons left their self-destructing homeworld. {{storylink|Exodus!}}

In an alternate future of 2006, Soundwave was briefly seen participating in a battle on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. He didn't do much except retreat. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (US)}}

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

{{-}}
=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''In 2008, Soundwave was under the command of Shockwave on Cybertron. When the bounty hunter named [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] arrived with the deactivated bodies of the renegades [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and demanded an audience, Shockwave had Soundwave wait nearby as a precautionary measure. Sure enough, Soundwave's monitoring abilities alerted Shockwave that the two Decepticons were not as dead as they seemed, and the three invaders began an assassination attempt on Shockwave. Soundwave summoned the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], hoping that [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] could breach the sealed doors of the audience chamber in time, but wasn't swift enough. Death's Head killed Shockwave, and together the trio demanded that the Decepticons accept Scourge and Cyclonus as their new leaders. Faced with superior firepower and a hefty dose of explosives, Soundwave was reluctantly forced to accept on behalf of the Decepticons. ''

[[Image:SpacePiratesSoundwaveLeader.JPG|right|400px|thumb|Or, in short, "Soundwave: Superior".]]
''Wasting no time, Scourge and Cyclonus commanded the Decepticons to begin a full-scale assault on [[Autobase]]. This was effectively suicide, as the two armies were just about evenly matched. That, of course, was the point—Scourge and Cyclonus's true master, Unicron, wanted the children of Primus exhausted and depleted in number by the time of his glorious resurrection. After [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and Death's Head took the fight straight to the recuperating Unicron on [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]], however, he summoned his two minions back to his side. Seeing their "glorious leaders" abandon the battle, Soundwave and [[Hun-Gurrr|Hun-Grrr]] sounded a retreat. In the absence of Unicron's spawn, Soundwave became the new permanent leader of the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}} ''

''Aching to make a name for himself in Decepticon military history, Soundwave soon fell into a [[Quintesson]] trap. A lone Quintesson arrived at Decepticon headquarters, seeking an alliance against the Autobots, who supposedly had assembled most of their fleet and were on their way to [[Quintessa]]. Instead of helping the Quintessons, Soundwave saw this as an opportunity to invade and destroy the Autobot territory on Cybertron, when most of their warriors were off-world. He assembled his various sub-commanders and set out aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] to claim a glorious victory.''

[[Image:Soundwaveconsiders.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Too nostalgic to let go of the past? No wonder he's a fan-favorite.]]
''Instead, Soundwave and the Decepticons walked right into an ambush. There were no Autobots on Quintessa: it was a ruse to draw them out of their base, where legions of [[Allicon]]s and [[Trident Attack Craft]]s waited to overwhelm the Decepticons. Seeing the danger his troops were in, Soundwave was forced to call in the Autobots. Sending a garbled distress beacon to Autobase, Soundwave hoped to draw a suitable fighting force of Autobots to their location. He was successful, as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his men remained to fight even after learning who the distress call came from. Autobot and Decepticon fought side-by-side until the Quintesson invaders were either destroyed or driven off-world. In a moment of introspection, Soundwave realized how effective the two armies were when fighting as one instead of as enemies... but quickly brushed aside the idea. Simply too much had happened between the Autobots and Decepticons to ever hope for a peaceful end to the war. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

''In 2009, Soundwave and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] were on Earth, prepping a new energy extraction system to leech the planet dry. A surgical strike led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and Ultra Magnus destroyed all their equipment, however, leaving their power cells empty of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Looking for revenge, the Decepticons pursued the Autobots back to Autobot City, only to find an open [[Time-jump mechanism|trans-time dimensional portal]]. Realizing the Autobots had fled back to 1989 on a mission of unknown purpose, the vengeful Terrorcons wanted to pursue them. Giving in to popular opinion, Soundwave led his troops back through time and right into the midst of the Time Wars.''

''Recognizing that the uncontrolled timestorm could conceivably destroy all of existence, Soundwave chose to put aside vendettas for the moment, and added his men to the alliance of Autobots and Decepticons from two time periods against the unmatched power and evil of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and [[Straxus (G1)|Megatron]] combined. Still, the alliance was far from perfect: Soundwave was more than willing to allow the Autobots to charge in first, letting them die in order to "soften up" the resistance. When things turned ugly, Soundwave and the Terrorcons then fled back to 2009, apparently without ever getting their hands dirty. Their final fate after reality restructured itself and the timestorm abated is unknown. {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}''

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Secrets Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Decepticons never got the hang of Internal Affairs.]]
''In an alternate timeline, Soundwave left [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s army and returned to serving at [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s side during the [[Decepticon Civil War]] against [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], helping him with the launch of a [[global warming satellite]]. {{storylink|Starting Over!}} He was not above exploiting the conflict for his own ends, however. When an energon shipment was hijacked by Shockwave's forces thanks to information Soundwave had given them, Megatron came to suspect the presence of a traitor in his ranks, but ironically assigned Soundwave to identify the culprit. To keep his own duplicity a secret, Soundwave set up [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] to take the fall, and Megatron destroyed the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]. Soundwave not only got away with his treachery, he went on to happily blackmail everyone he'd mind-scanned. Eat your heart out, Starscream! {{storylink|Secrets}}''

''Approached by Starscream with a plan to make them both Decepticon leaders, Soundwave joined forces with the schemer and lured Megatron and Shockwave to an airport, tipping off the Autobots to their location. With the two leaders thus occupied, Soundwave and Starscream took control of both factions. {{storylink|Internal Affairs!}} Subsequently, Soundwave led an all-out attack on the [[Earthbase|Earthforce base]] as a diversion, while Starscream attempted to plunder an oil tanker. Starscream met with failure, however, leading Soundwave to withdraw his forces and hint to them that maybe be should have sole command... {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}} Starscream was aware of Soundwave's goals, and when he was attacked by a [[Louisiana bounty hunters|group of alien assassins]], he suspected that Soundwave had ordered the hit and struck back at him. Soundwave was able to convince Starscream he was not responsible and that in actuality, it was the work of Megatron and Shockwave. {{storylink|External Forces!}}''

''Soon afterward, Soundwave learned that human reporter [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]] had secured an interview with the Autobots that could potentially resolve the public view of the Transformer war. Seeking to prevent this, he had the Stunticons capture the journalist. Although the Autobots were able to rescue him, a carefully planted [[cerebro-shell]] ensured that the story Irwin wrote was anything but accurate. {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}''

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{TransformersComicMagazin}}
Soundwave was present when the Decepticons unleashed a robotic hell-beast known as 'King Con' on New York and helped Megatron and Shockwave to set up a mine belt around the harbor. However Optimus Prime rented a helicopter to fly a banner announcing huge raw oil deposit finds in the Rocky Mountains. After a short hesitation, the Decepticons retreated to pursue these findings{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 7|Transformers — Transforming Robots in Action: New York — A City Sinking in Terror}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Soundwavemarvelg2.jpg|left|125px|thumb|He gave the "complete sentences" thing a decent go, but he never really got the hang of commas.]]
After Megatron deposed Bludgeon and reassumed control of the Decepticons, Soundwave once again served Megatron as a close adviser. One of his first acts was to ask, "Why revive Starscream?". Megatron shared Soundwave's concerns, and assured him the on-again-off-again traitor would be dealt with once Megatron had regrown his army. {{storylink|Tales of Earth Part Three}}

Megatron immediately drew his Decepticons to the moon of [[Tykos]] to violently acquire [[Rheanimum]] from the natives. However, things soured when Soundwave received a distress call from [[Skullgrin]]. In moments, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] was upon them. After several casualties, and Megatron missing in action, Soundwave led a party to discover if Megatron had survived and recover him if he had; when Mindwipe expressed doubts about the mission, Soundwave told him to shut up. He appeared to assume command when Megatron appeared dead, but ceased when Megatron turned out to still function. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

He was in command of the ''[[Warworld]]'' while Megatron was on Earth. When the Empire boarded the ship (thanks to Starscream's treachery) he and his bridge crew fled to Earth in escape pods. {{storylink|Total War!}} He was later seen standing by in the final battle against the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

{{-}}
====''Classics''====
Soundwave was apparently one of the first Decepticons to return to Megatron's side after the Decepticon leader re-emerged. He helped Megatron rebuild his power base on Earth in secret, using human proxies to covertly recover the remains of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and other Decepticons lost on Earth during the Underbase Saga. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|Astrotrain's ''Classics'' profile}}

After the arrival of the mysterious Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], Soundwave ran a neural scan on the Transformer to confirm his story of alternate dimensions and [[Unicron]] singularities. Soundwave confirmed that, at the very least, Landquake believed he was telling the truth. The Decepticons took off aboard Astrotrain to explore a new energy signature in the Southern Hemisphere...one which materialized at the same time as Landquake and possessed a similar resonance pattern. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 2}} In South America, Soundwave engaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s troops alongside Megatron and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] on the ground. At Megatron's command, he dispatched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to intercept the Autobot scouts who had been sent after the energy source. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

The Cassettes soon reported back that the energy had been discovered, and Megatron rallyed the Decepticons behind Soundwave to break for the source's location. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] interferred with the Decepticons' progress, however, by hurling Constructicons like shotputs until he knocked Soundwave down. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}}
Soundwave and Astrotrain got caught exchanging fire with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] until the latter Autobot turned invisible and snuck around behind the Decepticons, getting the drop on Soundwave. An explosion from below rocked the battlefield, however, and the Decepticons withdrew from combat. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

When [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] tried to assassinate Megatron, he used [[cerebro-shell]]s to take control of Soundwave and several other Megatron loyalists. The shells' effects were soon jammed by an attacking Autobot team, and in the chaos that followed, Soundwave noticed that the Autobots were targeting their [[Ark (G1)|base]]'s computers, but failed to stop them. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Soundwave was stationed aboard Starscream's warship when Megatron orchestrated the downfall of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his splinter faction. After their [[Seacon (G1)|inside men]] terminated Bludgeon, Soundwave informed Starscream he had received a transmission of surrender from the forces below. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Soundwave and company.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"Say hello to my leetle friends!"]]
{{main|Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}
Soundwave was one of the first Decepticons and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s most loyal soldier. Denoted by his eerie, echoing monotone, Soundwave regularly gathered vital intelligence for Megatron's numerous schemes with the aid of his faithful and ever-growing team of cassettes, but despite his primary role as a spy and communications officer, he never shied away the battlefield, and would regularly clash with the Autobot [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] before finding a true rival in his Autobot opposite number, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. He survived the perilous events of 2005 that took the lives of many of his contemporaries, and continued serving under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in the 21st century.

In a future timeline that branches off from this one, Soundwave ultimately met his end at the hands of Blaster, but even death could not stymie his loyalty to the Decepticon cause, as he was reborn as '''Soundblaster''' through the super-science of the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].
{{-}}

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

According to Megatron, Soundwave is a "blundering, tape-filled idiot." While the veracity of this statement is subjective, Soundwave ''does'' whine a lot. {{storylink|When Continents Collide}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[Image:BW Agenda Pt3 Soundwave.jpg|right|180px|thumb|With one stroke I shall free my tiny dinosaur brethren, yesssss!"]]
Soundwave was among the many Transformers strewn about the bridge of the Ark when the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] infiltrated the ship on his mission to destroy Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}
{{-}}
====3H comics====
Soundwave is one of the ancient warriors who appears from [[J'nwan]] to help battle the warlord [[Shokaract]]. {{storylink|Terminus}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Soundwavewarwithin.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Sound and ([[Ravage (G1)#3H Universe_comics|eventually]]) Furry.]]
Soundwave was chosen by Megatron to lead his second assassination team against the new Autobot supreme commander, Optimus Prime. With the aid of Soundwave's cassette troops, most notably [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], as well as [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], it was assumed he would have no problem with a young, peace-loving Autobot. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Soundwave, like many others, underestimated Prime's resolve and was quickly incapacitated. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} He was still out cold when [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] came by, {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}} but recovered in time to rescue Megatron after the latter's own battle with Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6|The War Within #6}}

When Megatron and Optimus Prime vanished in a [[space bridge]] accident, the Decepticons were fragmented and Soundwave joined [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s faction. He participated in the attack on [[The Fallen]]'s minions in an attempt to stop the [[Unbinding]]. {{storylink|Conflagration}}

Eventually, Shockwave attempted to call a truce with the Autobots for the good of the Transformer race, but the initial ceremony was interrupted by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s faction, the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. Soundwave was quite mad about this, telling the Predacons to perish for their crimes against Cybertron as he attacked them alongside several Autobots. Shortly after the Predacons were defeated, Megatron returned to Cybertron with his [[Air Warrior|Aerospace Extermination Squadron]] and reunited the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}} After falling back under Megatron's command, Soundwave reported the progress on his leader's plan to dig a hole to the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.2}}

In the present day, Soundwave was among the Decepticons defeated by the Autobots and their human allies on Earth. The ''[[Ark II]]'', the spacecraft that would have taken the Transformers back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]] and [[Lazarus|Adam Rook]], and it exploded upon liftoff, scattering the robots across the Arctic Ocean. Soundwave and the others were recovered, Autobot and Decepticon alike, and reprogrammed by Rook to accept commands and were leased to terrorist organisations and military juntas as powerful weapons of war. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} After Megatron freed himself and the other Decepticons, Soundwave developed a 'metallic virus' that cyberformed Earth organics into cybertronic materials. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} During the subsequent battle with the Autobots in [[San Francisco]], Soundwave warned Megatron that a nuclear missile launched by Hallo was headed for the city. The Decepticons used the distraction to escape. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

[[Image:Soundwaveg1vol2.jpg|right|225px|thumb|Leader's pet.]]Soundwave was among the Decepticons who joined Shockwave's forces when the new ruler of Cybertron appeared on Earth. {{storylink|War and Peace}} When Shockwave brutally deposed Megatron, Soundwave stood by in silence and did nothing to help his former leader. Soundwave worked his way quietly into Shockwave's good graces, earning the ire of Starscream. However, it didn't take many words to bring Soundwave around to the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s point of view. Later, when interrogated by Shockwave, a single, silent look from Soundwave stopped [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] from revealing that Starscream was behind Megatron's disappearance during their voyage to Cybertron. As the battle between the Autobots and Shockwave's forces intensified, Soundwave followed Starscream's lead without a word, and helped him prepare for a return trip to Earth aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Starscream rewarded him by giving him a [[Ratbat (G1)|present]]. Soundwave silently approved.

Though Soundwave feigned subservience to Starscream, it was later revealed that he had been serving Megatron the entire time in secret. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''G.I.Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:Soundwavedevilsdue.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"Eject. Operation: Dynamic Group Shot."]]
Soundwave was among the Transformers on the ''Ark'' when it crashed long ago, and was discovered and reprogrammed by the human terrorist organization known as [[Cobra]] in the present. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #1}} Arms dealer [[Destro]] made a visit to [[Cobra Island]] where [[Doctor Mindbender]] introduced him to Soundwave and his cassettes, who were under the complete control of Cobra's scientists. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} While Destro liked what he saw, he wanted to run a test, and personally operated Soundwave's controls during an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]].

Meanwhile, a picture of Soundwave was secretly sent out to hundreds of email boxes. The message turned out to be a [[Defense Matrix|secret signal]] from Optimus Prime, which alerted [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Bumblebee to the location of Cobra's secret base where the rest of the Transformers were being held. When the two Autobots appeared to stop Destro's attack, the human brought Soundwave and himself back to Cobra Island. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}}

Soundwave was released from Cobra control thanks to Wheeljack and attacked his former human masters. With Megatron and the other Decepticons freed, Soundwave went to work making energon cubes. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} Just as things were going their way, Optimus Prime arrived, powered up using the energon, and punched his fist right through Soundwave's chest, taking him out of the battle. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} After the Autobots left on a return voyage to Cybertron, Soundwave's head and remains were taken in secret by human scientists for study. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

Several years later, the scientists managed to use Megatron's technology to create the organic weapon [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]], who plugged himself into Soundwave's deactivated head after getting free and downloaded data on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s history. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Along with the rest of the Decepticons, Soundwave was buried in the [[Fera Islands]] until 1938, when [[Cobra]] accidentally awakened them and used them to conquer most of [[Europe]]. He sent Laserbeak to spy on the [[United States of America|United States]]' reaction to this, and learned that [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] had been created to battle the Cobra threat. Soundwave later helped Megatron and Starscream get rid of some Royal Air Force fighters above the English Channel, allowing Cobra to attack the [[United Kingdom]]. {{storylink|The Line}}

When G.I. Joe attacked the Fera Islands, Soundwave infiltrated [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]]'s unit in the form of a radio transmitter carried by a disguised [[Zartan]]. Flint noticed that it wasn't their radio, but that didn't stop Soundwave from capturing him and taking him back to Cobra HQ. {{storylink|Wolves}} However, the Joes had managed to awaken the Autobots also buried on the island, and Soundwave soon found himself facing down [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. He lost the fight, and either died at the hands of Grimlock or when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] was smashed to pieces. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

{{note|According to solicitations for ''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe: Divided Front]]'', Soundwave was set to return by unknown means years later, but [[Dreamwave Productions]] bankrupted before the issues could be produced.}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Soundwave was extremely amused by the footage Laserbeak and Ravage gathered of Starscream falling on his head. He let Megatron know, and they went to pick up Starscream, only to find him gone, taken by the Autobots. The discovery that Starscream appeared to be working with the Autobots only amused Soundwave more, and the Decepticons went to retrieve their former comrade. When it turned out that Starscream wanted to stay with the Autobots, Megatron was enraged, and Soundwave reflected that it was the most fun he'd had in years. Starscream eventually returned to the Decepticons, claiming it was all an act, and Soundwave suggested he should be more careful while mountain climbing in future. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

Puzzled by the loss of much of their stock of weapons, Megatron assigned Soundwave to investigate. Using Laserbeak's spying abilities, Soundwave determined that [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] was selling the weapons on the black market, much to Megatron's outrage. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Millions of years in the past, Soundwave was among the Decepticons who took on organic modes in order to battle the Autobots on prehistoric Earth. When an ice age approached, the Decepticons survived by powering down under what would eventually become the [[San Francisco]] Bay. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} Soundwave woke up in the mid-19th century, where he came under the command of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Along with several other Decepticons, he stood by Starscream as he and [[Tobias Muldoon]] discussed where they would build their headquarters. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegatronOrigin4 Soundwave humbles Ratbat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Ratbat, you shall be repurposed as the greatest mix tape ever to be given to Megatron."]]
Long before the war began, Soundwave was the personal assistant to Senator [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caught Ratbat's eye as a champion of the illegal underground gladiatorial matches, Ratbat sent Soundwave to offer Megatron funding and weapons technology. When [[Bumper (G1)|two]] [[Fastback (G1)|Autobots]] were discovered listening in on their conversation, Soundwave dispatched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to capture them. After their capture, he read Bumper's mind to see if there was any immediate threat to Megatron's activities. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} Some time later, Soundwave was assigned to find a warrior with flight capabilities. He found the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]: Starscream, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. During a recruitment rally in which Megatron attempted to kill [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], a raid by the Autobots under [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] resulted in the participants being arrested. Soundwave, however, was freed under [[Senate]] directive, something which greatly angered Sentinel Prime. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Soundwave had apparently switched loyalties at this time, becoming one of Megatron's own in not only helping Starscream exterminate [[Kaon]] senators but also to the extent that he destroyed Ratbat's original body, placing his spark into a relatively weak cassette form and thus forcing him into the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

Four million years ago, Soundwave and [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] were leading a Decepticon offensive to cover for [[Octane]]'s convoy of energon. When Optimus Prime slipped away to intercept the convoy, Soundwave went after him and got the drop on Prime from behind. Prime's bodyguard [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] turned the tables on him, though, taking out both Soundwave and his Mini-Cassettes. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

During the war, [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] contacted various scientists on both sides to discuss his startling findings that the conflict would create such devastation that would render the planet uninhabitable, and that the only way to survive was to adopt the [[Pretender|organic carapace]] idea he had come up with. Soundwave was among those scientists who refused to accept Thunderwing's findings and his proposal. {{Storylink|Stormbringer issue 1|Stormbringer #1}}

After the end of the cataclysm brought by Thunderwing, as part of a plan to assassinate [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], a motivational speaker for the Autobots, Soundwave had [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] captured and used [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to implement a [[cerebro-shell]] into him. While Beachcomber didn't outright kill Blaster, his motivational broadcast failed to air at precisely the moment the Decepticons began the big push. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[Image:SpotlightSoundwave infoispower.jpg|left|180px|thumb|He's just too busy being an eighties guy.]]

Centuries later, after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] disappeared, Megatron assigned [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to delve into Shockwave's research and relay all the information back to him. As the Decepticon leader did not fully trust Bludgeon, Megatron also assigned Soundwave to spy on him. Soundwave followed Bludgeon and his team as they left for Earth in 1984 and established a base within [[Mount St. Helens]], eventually discovering that they intended to resurrect [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. Though Soundwave tried to stop them, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]] used an experimental cannon from Shockwave's arsenal to lock him in his alt mode while they instigated a volcanic eruption. He was eventually recovered by a team of unwitting humans who sold him to a pawn shop. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

Soundwave was purchased by a human teenager named [[Jimmy]] and taken to his home. When Ravage and Laserbeak were reprogrammed by the American government agency [[Skywatch]] to find the other Transformers, Skywatch's control signal was blocked by a signal emanating from a functioning Soundwave, still in cassette-player mode. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} Sometime later on, Ravage and Laserbeak located the signal and reclaimed their master from Jimmy. Relocating to Mount St. Helens, Soundwave told them that he could barely keep blocking Skywatch's hold on them, due to his weakening state in cassette mode. Shockwave suddenly appeared from a cave entrance and said that the four could make a deal together. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}} Shockwave knew how Soundwave could unlock his robot mode, but would only tell him if he did Shockwave a favour in return, something which Soundwave agreed to. He was told that Skywatch had placed a bomb in Shockwave's head, and that he needed to intercept and copy its disarm code. The plan went off without a hitch, and after transmitting the code to Shockwave, Soundwave was finally freed from his alt mode. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

After returning to his position as Megatron's right hand, Soundwave helped defeat the Autobot forces on Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} He was present during the attack on [[New York City]], and detected the incoming human military jets. The planes fired, and on Megatron's orders, Soundwave calmly detonated the arsenal. He then launched Laserbeak to take out the human resistance. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}}

Soundwave reported that the humans had sent a sizable ground force after the Decepticons. Following Megatron's orders, he released [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and set him loose on the humans. The only being immune to Frenzy's infrasonic manipulation, he silently observed his minion's work. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 2|All Hail Megatron #2}} With the conquest of New York complete, Soundwave listened to Megatron's victory speech. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} When a group of humans led by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Cmdr. Spike Witwicky]] deactivated [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] with an experimental weapon which originated from Shockwave, Soundwave, sensing this, found Rumble's lifeless body, grieved, and took him away. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

During [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attempt to take control of the Decepticons, Megatron revealed that Soundwave had been watching him all along, reporting his planned rebellion to Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} The infighting amongst the Decepticons stopped when jets from [[Europe]] arrived to take them all on, soon followed by the return of the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} Megatron was defeated, and Soundwave escaped alongside the rest of the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}} Whilst traveling away from Earth onboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Soundwave and his cassettes took care of their heavily injured leader. Starscream attempted to dissuade him from wasting energon on Megatron, all the while buttering him up with compliments about his loyalty, but all Soundwave said in response was "Negative. Megatron functions." {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Uneasy Lies the Head}}

Three years later, Soundwave was still dutifully attending to Megatron's reconstruction. {{storylink|All His Engines}} He eventually came to the conclusion that his leader's body was beyond repair, and instead recruited Shockwave to build a new body for him. Once Megatron returned in a new and upgraded form, he hatched a plan to use parts of his old body to make Megatron gun replicas that would subconsciously influence humans. Alongside his cassettes and Shockwave, Soundwave helped produce these weapons. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}} He was later present when Megatron got rid of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], and was ordered to gather everyone in the base so that their leader could address them. {{storylink|Heart Like a Wheel}}

As part of Megatron's master plan, the Decepticons subsequently returned to Earth, where Soundwave led Rumble and Frenzy in an attack on the [[Skywatch]] base where several Decepticons were being held captive. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man}} Soundwave was then responsible for holding [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] hostage while Megatron explained to Optimus Prime that he was the one turning the humans against the Autobots. In an attempt to throw off Megatron's concentration, and with it his influence over the gun-wielding humans, Prime fired on Soundwave, blowing off a large portion of his head. The plan worked: seeing his loyal soldier fall sent Megatron into a rage, and he picked up the barely living Soundwave and flew off. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome}} With his body in [[stasis lock]], Soundwave was brought to Shockwave, who was unsure if he could repair such an extensive injury with the limited resources at his disposal. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine}}

{{note|The events of "Spotlight: Mirage" possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage Soundwavescorpse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not so superior now, are you?]]
In a dream set in an alternate universe wrapped in an enigma surrounded by a soft taco shell dreamt by [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], Soundwave was part of the Decepticon strike force who attacked the last stronghold of the Autobots. Soundwave was attacked by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], who snapped his head off, killing him. But it was just a dream, so it didn't matter. Right? {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''TransTech''===
Soundwave—[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#LaserCycle|in his Laser Cycle body]]—was seen among the inhabitants of the multiversal hub city of [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

===Timelines===
Soundwave was present with Megatron, [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]], and [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] when the topic about finding new ultimate weapon ideas changed to [[BotCon 2010]]. As Breakdown mentioned that one of the things he was looking forward to was the debut of the [[Transformers Hall of Fame]], Soundwave turned to Counterpunch and pointed to himself. {{storylink|BotCon 2010 Promo}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Now face the power of BARRY MANILOWE!"]]

Soundwave's [[commercial]] appearances include:

* An appearance in his very own 1984 commercial. This early animation featured a Soundwave model colored in lavender, versus the dark blue used later. Also, instead of the cassettes ejecting themselves from his chest, he reached into his chest compartment with his own fingers and threw the (tiny) tapes into the air. He wasn't properly introduced.

* He's more on-form in a commercial for the Dinobots, where he, Ravage and Laserbeak are driven back by the robotic monsters amid a thunderstorm.

* Soundwave has a speaking part in the commercial for Blaster. When Rumble strolls into his base carrying a radio, Soundwave immediately identifies it as an "Autobot intruder" and dispatches Ravage and Laserbeak to attack the Autobot. Soundwave is given his correct voice and modulation.

* He's seen grappling with Springer in a 1987 commercial for the ''Headmasters'' comic.

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
When Optimus embarked on his mission to rescue the Autobots' [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] troops from the Decepticons, Soundwave could intefere with Optimus Prime's progress, diverting him into areas of the Decepticons' maze-like base. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}

===''The Transformers'' (Commodore 64)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[image:TF PS2 Soundwave.jpg|thumb|250px]]
:''Voice actor'': [[Robert Belgrade]]

====Decepticon story====

Soundwave and Starscream were sent to investigate strange reports of space-time warps and UFOs on the planet Zel Samine, bringing a space bridge with them on their shuttle that they would use to transport Megatron to the plant once they had landed. Inexplicably, their ship wound up crashing, and when they attempted to use the space bridge, it malfunctioned, dumping Megatron some distance away. After reuniting with his leader, Soundwave deduced that powerful electromagnetic rays from Zel Samine's sun, Paradius, were responsible for scrambling the systems of the shuttle and the space bridge, and that the Decepticons themselves would be subject to similar catastrophic system disruption if they tried venturing off the planet without a ship. The Decepticons immediately set about raiding local energy sources for energon to repair their craft, starting with a wind power plant on [[Mount Jaad]]. Then, after successfully draining the [[Ranpas geothermal plant]]—in part thanks to Soundwave deploying Laserbeak to locate any Autobot guards around the facility—Megatron chose the [[Monogan hydroelectric power station]] for their next target. Soundwave pointed out the heavy Autobot fortifications that had been set up around the station and suggested a different target, but Megatron dismissed his concerns, and when the Decepticons did indeed emerge victorious, Soundwave apologized for speaking out of turn and doubting his leader.

Via Laserbeak, Soundwave soon discovered that the Autobots on the planet had made contact with the occupants of one of the strange UFOs, and suggested to Megatron that they send a task force to intercept them. In the process, the Decepticons wound up allying themselves with the ''other'' UFO's passengers: Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge, a trio of Decepticons from the future who had traveled back in time to locate and destroy the powerful [[Zel Quartz]], a weapon that threatened Galvatron's rule in their home time. Soundwave was teamed with Cyclonusto seek out possible locations of the quartz across the planet, and the communications officer stoically carried out his task, all the while struggling to keep Megatron and Galvatron from fighting with each other.

After failing to find the quartz at the [[Lazalt Ruins]], the Decepticons next decided to search the [[Karzite mine]]. Cyclonus informed Soundwave that he saw both him and Megatron as "worthless scrap", and warned the communications officer the mine yielded a similar lack of results, then he would be taking the blame, not Cyclonus. Soundwave agreed, but have a warning of his own: he charged a high price for being spoken to with disrespect. As it turned out, the quartz was not in the mine, and Soundwave accepted the blame as promised, only to then reveal his price: he had recorded his conversation with Cyclonus and played it back for Megatron, who did not take kindly to the future Decepticon's insults. At Megatron's command, Soundwave recorded Cyclonus's screams as the Decepticon leader subjected him to a vicious punishment.

{{charstubfiction}}

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

====Autobot story====
Megatron had Soundwave send out a fake Autobot SOS transmission in an attempt to trick the Autobots into leaving their base. The plan was a success and Optimus Prime and his crew were lured out. When the Autobots realized that they had been deceived, Megatron sent a message through Soundwave's transmitter, gloating how he had tricked Prime and announced that his crew was going to steal the energon the Autobots had on their shuttle. When Megatron had finished his message, Soundwave returned to base. On the way back to their shuttle, the Autobots encountered Soundwave again, this time leading a hoard of Decepticon troops, and fought them. Despite his best efforts, Soundwave was overwhelmed and left to rejoin Megatron. Later, Soundwave fought the Autobots again while they were dealing with another swarm of enemies. He lost again, and left to fight another day.

Later on, Soundwave teamed up with his future self, Soundblaster, and with [[Full-Tilt]] as the final defense against the Autobots before they reached Megatron and Galvatron. When the Autobots arrived, Soundblaster started by expressed [[dull surprise]] at how the Autobots managed to survive up until the current point. Soundwave continued, warning the Autobots that he would not let them stand in Megatron's way. Both present and future versions of the Communications Officer we all know and love put the best fight they could, but even with Full-Tilt's help, the Autobots overpowered them.

===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
:''Main article: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys]]''
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave (G1) toys#Merchandise]]''
{{-}}
==Notes==
[[Image:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"When I think about you, I touch myself."]]

* The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head.

* Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

* The Marvel U.S. comics chose a purple scheme for Soundwave. This could have been an attempt to distinguish him from the other Decepticons, who were mostly blue (especially since blacks also ended up as blues in the industry's then-limited color palette). Or it could have been a simple error. But very likely, it had something to do with his early animation model, which appeared lavender, rather than blue. (See Commercial Appearances.) Compounding this error, Marvel US Soundwave was drawn without a mouthplate by artist [[José Delbo]]. The Marvel UK comics colored him blue like everywhere else (partially due to using a more sophisticated coloring system) and always included his faceplate.

[[Image:Soundwave fly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey, wait for me!"]]

* The G1 cartoon almost always depicted him as having to press all his own controls to eject minions or perform other functions even though these are actually part of him. This has led to many a shot of Soundwave pressing his own crotch. What will the children think?

* According to the original script<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2011/02/ron-friedman-auctions-scripts-part-3-of.html</ref> for [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]], "Sound Wave" transformed into "a LIGHT STANDARD - identical to the one that exists a short distance away, the perfect camouflage". So... yes, he really ''did'' turn into a lamppost on Cybertron.

* Soundwave's distinctive voice proved to be one of Generation 1's most memorable aspects. The [[Wikipedia:Vocoder|highly processed voice]] (processed by [[Scott Brownlee]]) began with [[Frank Welker]] basically doing his "Dr. Claw" voice from ''[[Wikipedia:Inspector Gadget|Inspector Gadget]]''. Whether due to variations in the performance or the processing, the final result varied quite a bit across Soundwave's three seasons on the show. Occasionally, as in the episodes "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[Webworld]]", the processing was left out and Welker's actual voice can be heard. This Dr. Claw version of Soundwave's voice made a return when Welker reprised the [[Soundwave (ROTF)|role]] for ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' as the processing was, again, left out.

* Similarly, he often emphasizes words at random, such as his well-known "RavAAAAAGE", or "LAAZABEEK". This may be a side effect of the voice doctoring in the cartoon.

*In the Mandarin dub, Soundwave had a glorious, operatic voice.

[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave gets slagged by Vehicons, and Nightscream escapes. How's that for injustice?]]

* The typically emotionally-barren Soundwave actually ''laughs'' on two separate occasions in the Generation 1 cartoon ("[[Quest for Survival]]" and "[[Auto-Bop]]"), while he ''screams like a little girl'' only once ("[[Roll for It]]").

* Soundwave has flown in his [[alternate mode|alt mode]] one time, in the episode "[[Masquerade]]." In [[Atlus]]'s ''[[The Transformers (PS2)|Transformers]]'' game, Soundwave can transform to tape deck mode and kind of bounces around to move in that form. No, really.

* In the Japanese dub of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], as well as the supporting [[manga]], all of Soundwave's cassette forces which could talk referred to him as "Anikii" (兄貴い) or "Big Brother." This is a fairly common way to refer to others you admire and such in Japanese. It's also a term that gang members use toward older, more experienced members who aren't actual gang bosses. Take it as you will. Whatever it says about his relationship with them, it does give new meaning to the phrase [[Wikipedia:Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|"Big Brother is watching over you"]].

* Soundwave was in charge of the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|UK letters page]] from issues 22 to 78, barring a few interruptions.

[[Image:Unused AHM Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|What? You mean we don't use brick-sized microcassette recorders anymore?]]

* Soundwave's computer model was used for one of the [[generic]] Transformers in Beast Machines. It is seen in "[[Forbidden Fruit]]" during [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream's]] flashback being cornered by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] just before Nightscream flees into the lower levels of Cybertron. Though the model was recolored, it was still really 'Soundwavey,' causing much confusion among fans. His computer model as well as [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s continued to show up for the rest of the series, used to represent deactivated Transformer shells.

* Later, Soundwave's character model showed up numerous times in various color schemes as a generic background character in the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon.

* [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] listened to music using a tape deck resembling Soundwave in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Memory]]". Later, after a new [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] was found, ''Cybertron'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] held tape deck Soundwave in his arms. This caused a great disturbance in the [[force]]...

* IDW Publishing seems to be undecided on Soundwave's speech pattern. In ''[[Megatron Origin]]'', he speaks in his classic cartoon-based monotone. However, in "[[Spotlight: Soundwave]]", he speaks in a normal fashion. Which is once again reverted to the classic speech in ''[[All Hail Megatron]]''.

* [[Guido Guidi]] made a concept drawing of Soundwave with a modern microcassette recorder as an alt-mode (which are still used by reporters and doctors today) for [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' maxi-series. This was also unused. Consequently, Soundwave may go down as the Transformers character with the most unused designs.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Soundwave''' (サウンドウェーブ ''Saundowēbu'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Jam Bo''' (音波, "Voice Wave")
*''English:'' '''New Soundwave''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub Soundblaster)
*''French:'' '''Radar''' (Canada), '''Sonore''' (Canada Action Master, "Sound")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fülelő''' ("Listener")
*''Italian:'' '''Memor''', '''Vizar''' (Soundblaster)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shēng-bō''' (Taiwan, 聲波, "Sound Wave"), '''Shēng Bàu''' (Taiwan Soundblaster, 聲爆, "Sound Blast")
*''Polish:'' '''Dźwiękofalowiec''' (''The Movie'', "Soundwaver")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Onda-Sonora''' (Portugal comics), '''Microonda''' (Brazil comics, "Microwave")
*''Russian:'' '''Barkhan''' (cartoon, Бархан, "Dune")<ref>Dubbers thought his name was "Sandwave".</ref>
*''Spanish:'' '''Sam''' (America ''The Headmasters'')
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Zvukohvyl''' (Звукохвил, "Soundwave")

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robo-Capers characters]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]

Soundwave (G1)

2011-10-08T20:46:48Z

98.237.9.79: /* Generation 1 cartoon continuity */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Soundwave}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 character eventually upgraded to Soundblaster|the ''Cybertron'' character|Soundblaster (Cybertron)}}
{{suite}}
:''Soundwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Soundwave mixalot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Big butts: preferable. Lying: impossible."]]
'''Soundwave''' is one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s most reliable troops, and he has positioned himself comfortably and irreplaceably in Megatron's upper command structure. He stands at the [[Decepticon leader]]'s side as a confidant. Though "only" Communications Officer, he is comparable to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in rank and is the only one of the three to display consistent loyalty to Megatron. Soundwave guards his place in the hierarchy fiercely. Other Decepticons (except Megatron) see him as a two-faced snake, since, as Communications Officer, Soundwave hears all and doesn't hesitate to use blackmail to keep himself high in Megatron's esteem. The other Decepticons wouldn't mind abandoning him on the battlefield—if they thought Megatron would let them get away with it.

Soundwave commands [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|a legion of cassette troops]] to carry out tasks big and small. He has a symbiotic relationship with them, providing them transportation and a cheap, if cramped, place to live in his chest. Sometimes he lets them all out to watch impromptu gladiator games or takes them to discotheques. In return, they perform spy and recon missions for him and make sure no one calls him "un-krozzo-matic".

He usually has all the personality of a [[:Image:Cybertronsoundwave.jpg|stump]] (as evidenced by his computer-style speech). He also has no imagination, sending the aforementioned cassettes on operations with mundane names.

As an [[Action Master]], he is [[Action Master partner|partnered]] with [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]].

Soundwave's scanning systems are so powerful that he can actually read and decode the electrical impulses that comprise "thoughts" in both organics and Cybertronians. This telepathic power is likely one of the reasons why he is so highly placed in Megatron's hierarchy.

In various universes, Soundwave is upgraded into '''Soundblaster''' (サウンドブラスター ''Saundoburasutā'').

{{quote|As you command, Megatron.|Soundwave, eternal loyalist|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Contentedfools.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ravage, Megatron, and Soundwave, the first Decepticons.]]
Millions of years ago, Soundwave was one of the first members of the Decepticons; after sowing discontent amongst the masses, he, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] began the war that tore the planet itself out of its orbit. The Decepticons, including Soundwave, attempted to hijack the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] four million years ago, only to fail and fall into deactivation sleep for four million years. In 1984, the detonation of the volcano, [[Mount St. Hilary]], reactivated the Autobots and Decepticons, unleashing their war on Earth. Learning the [[Human|inhabitants]] of this planet had access to its vast energy sources, Soundwave joined the Decepticons in raiding a drive-in movie theatre. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Soon after, Soundwave participated in a raid on [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]], and after helping the Decepticons make off with large chunks of its machinery, helped use their bounty to build a [[Fortress Sinister|new headquarters atop a cliffside]]. {{storylink|Power Play!}} After returning from [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service]] with [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], a human the Decepticons kidnapped to help them convert human fuel to Transformer fuel, the Decepticons' headquarters were infiltrated by a rescue party of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and the human superhero [[Spider-Man]]. While Spider-Man caused a diversion in front of Soundwave, Gears was able to suckerpunch him. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:Laserbeakwarriorschool.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Fly, my pretties, fly!"]]
''When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] nearly caused the death of Ravage, Megatron rallied the other Decepticons, including Soundwave, to enact vengeance for his treason. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} Later, the Decepticons unleashed a surprise attack on the Ark. After Soundwave defeated [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], the battle was halted when [[Aunty]], the Ark's computer system, turned rogue. After the crisis was averted, Soundwave and the others were able to retreat. {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}'' Due to Sparkplug's efforts during his kidnapping, the Decepticons were able to refuel, and Soundwave and his comrades attacked the Autobots. However, Sparkplug had poisoned the fuel, and Soundwave shorted out along with the others. As Soundwave lay deactivated, it was only the surprise arrival of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] that turned the tide. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Shockwave assumed command, and immediately began restoring Soundwave and the other poisoned Decepticons. Soundwave was ordered to prepare the bodies of the fallen Autobots to serve as spare parts for Shockwave's new army of Decepticons. {{storylink|The New Order}} Megatron objected to this new order and rebelled, but Shockwave quelled him quickly, and paraded Megatron's broken body in front of Soundwave and his peers as a warning to those who would cross him. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}} Under Shockwave's command, Soundwave attacked the [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]] and secured it for Decepticon use. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} The plant's facilities were used to create the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who built a massive radio dish that Soundwave used to beam a message back to Cybertron. However, the radio dish was destroyed when Soundwave was defeated by [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and the human trucker [[Bomber Bill]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

[[Image:Soundwavedinobothunt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"And you—YOU!—no longer exiiii... oh, wait."]]
''A short time later, during a brief period when both Megatron and Shockwave were missing in action, Soundwave assumed leadership of the Decepticons, happily slagging off [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s ambitions of leadership. His first attempt at manipulating Autobots into a trap failed. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} The second, taking advantage of the "Dinobot Hunt", was a major success—six Autobots were badly injured, not counting two of the Dinobots, and a large amount of fuel was stolen while the Autobots tried to stop a Dinobot rampage in a human town. On the way out, Soundwave proudly declared their victory, a turn of events that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] did not enjoy.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

When Megatron resurfaced, rendered immobile in a [[Wyoming]] [[Wyoming base|coal mine]] due to lack of fuel, Soundwave sped to his rescue, re-energizing him. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} ''Using the splintered state of the Decepticon forces to his advantage, Soundwave worked both sides of the field, reporting to both Megatron and the returned Shockwave, each without the other's knowledge. When Shockwave learned that the human [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] had begun to suffer [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced visions of the [[Combiner|next leap in Transformer evolution]], Soundwave reported this to Megatron, prompting him to battle Shockwave for leadership. The Decepticons' human ally, [[Donny Finkleberg|Robot-Master]], televised the battle, much to Soundwave's distaste, and in order to prevent the Decepticons from looking like fools, he interrupted the duel and insisted that they agree to a joint leadership.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[Image:Soundwavetarget2006.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You find: Insanity!]]
''When the Robot-Master hoax the Decepticons were perpetrating was threatened by the investigative work of [[Joy Meadows]], Soundwave was instrumental in ending the conflict that ensued between the Decepticons and the Dinobots by holding the reporter hostage and destroying her footage.'' {{storylink|In the National Interest}} ''Not long thereafter, when the deranged future Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], traveled back in time, Soundwave was intrigued by the fact that he was unable to scan his mind to discern the truth of his identity. Siding with Megatron when conflict erupted, Soundwave and his leader were buried under an avalanche by Galvatron and then rescued by the Autobots in the name of forming an alliance to defeat their common enemy.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

''Soundwave's loyalty to Megatron was shaken when the latter became increasingly paranoid. Consequently he manipulated his leader into summoning the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to Earth as part of a scheme by Shockwave to ensure a weaponless Megatron was destroyed by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Prey!}} However Megatron survived and soon returned to the Decepticon leadership, albeit with his memories of the events lost. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''Soundwave ''again'' served as co-conspirator when Shockwave once more used the Predacons to destroy Megatron. In the process a deranged Megatron seemingly committed suicide on the [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

''Soundwave was now once again under Shockwave's command, and, while patrolling on the Decepticons' mobile island base, he found himself attacked and subdued by the time-traveling freelance peace-keeping agent, [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]], and tricked into giving up information on the whereabouts of Galvatron.'' {{storylink|Hunters}} ''Although Death's Head's attempts to track down the Decepticon met with failure, Galvatron was ultimately entombed in lava, where he was later discovered by [[Susan Hoffman]]. Soundwave observed a televised broadcast of her discovery, and he and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] attempted to destroy Galvatron with explosives planted around the volcano in question. After a battle with the [[Throttlebot|Throttlebots]], Soundwave found that he was unable to remote-detonate the explosives thanks to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] jamming his signal.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night}}

[[Image:Soundwave uscomics.jpg|left|180px|thumb|G2 before it was cool.]]
When Shockwave was removed from power, Soundwave smoothly transitioned to serving under the new Decepticon leader, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], and helped to operate his [[Realvision]] playback system to decode data from Autobot tapes [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]]. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}} The tapes, it was discovered, contained information on the [[Underbase]], the power of which was desired by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] so badly he sparked off a Decepticon-Decepticon war to cover himself. Soundwave ended up having his fuel pump torn into by [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]. {{storylink|Cold War!}} When Starscream gained the Underbase's power and targeted the Earth, Soundwave co-led the defense of [[Buenos Aires]] alongside [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], but was temporarily deactivated by a blast of cosmic power from Starscream. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

''He was back on his feet by the time that Starscream, now a [[Pretender]], was busy doubting his self-worth. Soundwave was extremely scared of Starscream by this point.'' {{storylink|Fallen Star!}} He continued to operate under the command of the new Decepticon Earth commander, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], though like the other troops he was very unhappy about Starscream being allowed back in after trying to kill everyone. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}} He was put in charge of guarding Optimus Prime after the Autobot leader surrendered his troops to Scorponok, hoping to elicit an alliance against the coming of [[Unicron]]. When Prime changed his mind about meekly waiting in a cell for Scorponok to make time for him, however, Soundwave provided little resistance in keeping him there. {{storylink|Surrender!}} After the Decepticon auxiliary army bombed Scorponok's base in New Jersey, Soundwave assumed temporary command of the active Decepticons in fighting back against the traitors, led by Starscream and Shockwave. This "[[Decepticon Civil War]]" didn't last long, though, as all the Autobots and Decepticons of Earth were summoned to Cybertron by [[Primus]] to deal with Unicron. {{storylink|Out of Time!}}

[[Image:TreadshotMarvel.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He's found a new gunformer to toady up with.]]
Soundwave survived the battle with Unicron, and attended a meeting between the briefly-allied Autobots and Decepticons with [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]]. There Blaster announced the imminent end of their world, and an evacuation was called for. Soundwave was still hanging out with Treadshot when he witnessed a fight break out between [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Fangry]]. [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], who had assumed command of the Decepticons, doublecrossed the Autobots by sabotaging their ships. Soundwave was last seen beside Bludgeon as the Decepticons left their self-destructing homeworld. {{storylink|Exodus!}}

In an alternate future of 2006, Soundwave was briefly seen participating in a battle on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. He didn't do much except retreat. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (US)}}

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

{{-}}
=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''In 2008, Soundwave was under the command of Shockwave on Cybertron. When the bounty hunter named [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] arrived with the deactivated bodies of the renegades [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and demanded an audience, Shockwave had Soundwave wait nearby as a precautionary measure. Sure enough, Soundwave's monitoring abilities alerted Shockwave that the two Decepticons were not as dead as they seemed, and the three invaders began an assassination attempt on Shockwave. Soundwave summoned the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], hoping that [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] could breach the sealed doors of the audience chamber in time, but wasn't swift enough. Death's Head killed Shockwave, and together the trio demanded that the Decepticons accept Scourge and Cyclonus as their new leaders. Faced with superior firepower and a hefty dose of explosives, Soundwave was reluctantly forced to accept on behalf of the Decepticons. ''

[[Image:SpacePiratesSoundwaveLeader.JPG|right|400px|thumb|Or, in short, "Soundwave: Superior".]]
''Wasting no time, Scourge and Cyclonus commanded the Decepticons to begin a full-scale assault on [[Autobase]]. This was effectively suicide, as the two armies were just about evenly matched. That, of course, was the point—Scourge and Cyclonus's true master, Unicron, wanted the children of Primus exhausted and depleted in number by the time of his glorious resurrection. After [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and Death's Head took the fight straight to the recuperating Unicron on [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]], however, he summoned his two minions back to his side. Seeing their "glorious leaders" abandon the battle, Soundwave and [[Hun-Gurrr|Hun-Grrr]] sounded a retreat. In the absence of Unicron's spawn, Soundwave became the new permanent leader of the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}} ''

''Aching to make a name for himself in Decepticon military history, Soundwave soon fell into a [[Quintesson]] trap. A lone Quintesson arrived at Decepticon headquarters, seeking an alliance against the Autobots, who supposedly had assembled most of their fleet and were on their way to [[Quintessa]]. Instead of helping the Quintessons, Soundwave saw this as an opportunity to invade and destroy the Autobot territory on Cybertron, when most of their warriors were off-world. He assembled his various sub-commanders and set out aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] to claim a glorious victory.''

[[Image:Soundwaveconsiders.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Too nostalgic to let go of the past? No wonder he's a fan-favorite.]]
''Instead, Soundwave and the Decepticons walked right into an ambush. There were no Autobots on Quintessa: it was a ruse to draw them out of their base, where legions of [[Allicon]]s and [[Trident Attack Craft]]s waited to overwhelm the Decepticons. Seeing the danger his troops were in, Soundwave was forced to call in the Autobots. Sending a garbled distress beacon to Autobase, Soundwave hoped to draw a suitable fighting force of Autobots to their location. He was successful, as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his men remained to fight even after learning who the distress call came from. Autobot and Decepticon fought side-by-side until the Quintesson invaders were either destroyed or driven off-world. In a moment of introspection, Soundwave realized how effective the two armies were when fighting as one instead of as enemies... but quickly brushed aside the idea. Simply too much had happened between the Autobots and Decepticons to ever hope for a peaceful end to the war. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

''In 2009, Soundwave and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] were on Earth, prepping a new energy extraction system to leech the planet dry. A surgical strike led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and Ultra Magnus destroyed all their equipment, however, leaving their power cells empty of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Looking for revenge, the Decepticons pursued the Autobots back to Autobot City, only to find an open [[Time-jump mechanism|trans-time dimensional portal]]. Realizing the Autobots had fled back to 1989 on a mission of unknown purpose, the vengeful Terrorcons wanted to pursue them. Giving in to popular opinion, Soundwave led his troops back through time and right into the midst of the Time Wars.''

''Recognizing that the uncontrolled timestorm could conceivably destroy all of existence, Soundwave chose to put aside vendettas for the moment, and added his men to the alliance of Autobots and Decepticons from two time periods against the unmatched power and evil of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and [[Straxus (G1)|Megatron]] combined. Still, the alliance was far from perfect: Soundwave was more than willing to allow the Autobots to charge in first, letting them die in order to "soften up" the resistance. When things turned ugly, Soundwave and the Terrorcons then fled back to 2009, apparently without ever getting their hands dirty. Their final fate after reality restructured itself and the timestorm abated is unknown. {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}''

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Secrets Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Decepticons never got the hang of Internal Affairs.]]
''In an alternate timeline, Soundwave left [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s army and returned to serving at [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s side during the [[Decepticon Civil War]] against [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], helping him with the launch of a [[global warming satellite]]. {{storylink|Starting Over!}} He was not above exploiting the conflict for his own ends, however. When an energon shipment was hijacked by Shockwave's forces thanks to information Soundwave had given them, Megatron came to suspect the presence of a traitor in his ranks, but ironically assigned Soundwave to identify the culprit. To keep his own duplicity a secret, Soundwave set up [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] to take the fall, and Megatron destroyed the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]. Soundwave not only got away with his treachery, he went on to happily blackmail everyone he'd mind-scanned. Eat your heart out, Starscream! {{storylink|Secrets}}''

''Approached by Starscream with a plan to make them both Decepticon leaders, Soundwave joined forces with the schemer and lured Megatron and Shockwave to an airport, tipping off the Autobots to their location. With the two leaders thus occupied, Soundwave and Starscream took control of both factions. {{storylink|Internal Affairs!}} Subsequently, Soundwave led an all-out attack on the [[Earthbase|Earthforce base]] as a diversion, while Starscream attempted to plunder an oil tanker. Starscream met with failure, however, leading Soundwave to withdraw his forces and hint to them that maybe be should have sole command... {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}} Starscream was aware of Soundwave's goals, and when he was attacked by a [[Louisiana bounty hunters|group of alien assassins]], he suspected that Soundwave had ordered the hit and struck back at him. Soundwave was able to convince Starscream he was not responsible and that in actuality, it was the work of Megatron and Shockwave. {{storylink|External Forces!}}''

''Soon afterward, Soundwave learned that human reporter [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]] had secured an interview with the Autobots that could potentially resolve the public view of the Transformer war. Seeking to prevent this, he had the Stunticons capture the journalist. Although the Autobots were able to rescue him, a carefully planted [[cerebro-shell]] ensured that the story Irwin wrote was anything but accurate. {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}''

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{TransformersComicMagazin}}
Soundwave was present when the Decepticons unleashed a robotic hell-beast known as 'King Con' on New York and helped Megatron and Shockwave to set up a mine belt around the harbor. However Optimus Prime rented a helicopter to fly a banner announcing huge raw oil deposit finds in the Rocky Mountains. After a short hesitation, the Decepticons retreated to pursue these findings{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 7|Transformers — Transforming Robots in Action: New York — A City Sinking in Terror}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Soundwavemarvelg2.jpg|left|125px|thumb|He gave the "complete sentences" thing a decent go, but he never really got the hang of commas.]]
After Megatron deposed Bludgeon and reassumed control of the Decepticons, Soundwave once again served Megatron as a close adviser. One of his first acts was to ask, "Why revive Starscream?". Megatron shared Soundwave's concerns, and assured him the on-again-off-again traitor would be dealt with once Megatron had regrown his army. {{storylink|Tales of Earth Part Three}}

Megatron immediately drew his Decepticons to the moon of [[Tykos]] to violently acquire [[Rheanimum]] from the natives. However, things soured when Soundwave received a distress call from [[Skullgrin]]. In moments, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] was upon them. After several casualties, and Megatron missing in action, Soundwave led a party to discover if Megatron had survived and recover him if he had; when Mindwipe expressed doubts about the mission, Soundwave told him to shut up. He appeared to assume command when Megatron appeared dead, but ceased when Megatron turned out to still function. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

He was in command of the ''[[Warworld]]'' while Megatron was on Earth. When the Empire boarded the ship (thanks to Starscream's treachery) he and his bridge crew fled to Earth in escape pods. {{storylink|Total War!}} He was later seen standing by in the final battle against the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

{{-}}
====''Classics''====
Soundwave was apparently one of the first Decepticons to return to Megatron's side after the Decepticon leader re-emerged. He helped Megatron rebuild his power base on Earth in secret, using human proxies to covertly recover the remains of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and other Decepticons lost on Earth during the Underbase Saga. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|Astrotrain's ''Classics'' profile}}

After the arrival of the mysterious Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], Soundwave ran a neural scan on the Transformer to confirm his story of alternate dimensions and [[Unicron]] singularities. Soundwave confirmed that, at the very least, Landquake believed he was telling the truth. The Decepticons took off aboard Astrotrain to explore a new energy signature in the Southern Hemisphere...one which materialized at the same time as Landquake and possessed a similar resonance pattern. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 2}} In South America, Soundwave engaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s troops alongside Megatron and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] on the ground. At Megatron's command, he dispatched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to intercept the Autobot scouts who had been sent after the energy source. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

The Cassettes soon reported back that the energy had been discovered, and Megatron rallyed the Decepticons behind Soundwave to break for the source's location. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] interferred with the Decepticons' progress, however, by hurling Constructicons like shotputs until he knocked Soundwave down. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}}
Soundwave and Astrotrain got caught exchanging fire with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] until the latter Autobot turned invisible and snuck around behind the Decepticons, getting the drop on Soundwave. An explosion from below rocked the battlefield, however, and the Decepticons withdrew from combat. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

When [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] tried to assassinate Megatron, he used [[cerebro-shell]]s to take control of Soundwave and several other Megatron loyalists. The shells' effects were soon jammed by an attacking Autobot team, and in the chaos that followed, Soundwave noticed that the Autobots were targeting their [[Ark (G1)|base]]'s computers, but failed to stop them. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Soundwave was stationed aboard Starscream's warship when Megatron orchestrated the downfall of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his splinter faction. After their [[Seacon (G1)|inside men]] terminated Bludgeon, Soundwave informed Starscream he had received a transmission of surrender from the forces below. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Soundwave and company.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"Say hello to my leetle friends!"]]
{{main|Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}
Soundwave was one of the first Decepticons and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s most loyal soldier. Denoted by his eerie, echoing monotone, Soundwave regularly gathered vital intelligence for Megatron's numerous schemes with the aid of his faithful and ever-growing team of cassettes, but despite his primary role as a spy and communications officer, he never shied away the battlefield, and would regularly clash with the Autobot [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] before finding a true rival in his Autobot opposite number, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. He survived the perilous events of 2005 that took the lives of many of his contemporaries, and continued serving under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in the 21st century.

In a future timeline that branches off from this one, Soundwave ultimately met his end at the hands of Blaster, but even death could not stymie his loyalty to the Decepticon cause, as he was reborn as '''Soundblaster''' through the super-science of the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].
{{-}}

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

According to Megatron, Soundwave is a "blundering, tape-filled idiot." While the veracity of this statement is subjective, Soundwave ''does'' whine a lot. {{storylink|When Continents Collide}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[Image:BW Agenda Pt3 Soundwave.jpg|right|180px|thumb|With one stroke I shall free my tiny dinosaur brethren, yesssss!"]]
Soundwave was among the many Transformers strewn about the bridge of the Ark when the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] infiltrated the ship on his mission to destroy Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}
{{-}}
====3H comics====
Soundwave is one of the ancient warriors who appears from [[J'nwan]] to help battle the warlord [[Shokaract]]. {{storylink|Terminus}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Soundwavewarwithin.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Sound and ([[Ravage (G1)#3H Universe_comics|eventually]]) Furry.]]
Soundwave was chosen by Megatron to lead his second assassination team against the new Autobot supreme commander, Optimus Prime. With the aid of Soundwave's cassette troops, most notably [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], as well as [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], it was assumed he would have no problem with a young, peace-loving Autobot. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Soundwave, like many others, underestimated Prime's resolve and was quickly incapacitated. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} He was still out cold when [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] came by, {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}} but recovered in time to rescue Megatron after the latter's own battle with Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6|The War Within #6}}

When Megatron and Optimus Prime vanished in a [[space bridge]] accident, the Decepticons were fragmented and Soundwave joined [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s faction. He participated in the attack on [[The Fallen]]'s minions in an attempt to stop the [[Unbinding]]. {{storylink|Conflagration}}

Eventually, Shockwave attempted to call a truce with the Autobots for the good of the Transformer race, but the initial ceremony was interrupted by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s faction, the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. Soundwave was quite mad about this, telling the Predacons to perish for their crimes against Cybertron as he attacked them alongside several Autobots. Shortly after the Predacons were defeated, Megatron returned to Cybertron with his [[Air Warrior|Aerospace Extermination Squadron]] and reunited the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}} After falling back under Megatron's command, Soundwave reported the progress on his leader's plan to dig a hole to the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.2}}

In the present day, Soundwave was among the Decepticons defeated by the Autobots and their human allies on Earth. The ''[[Ark II]]'', the spacecraft that would have taken the Transformers back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]] and [[Lazarus|Adam Rook]], and it exploded upon liftoff, scattering the robots across the Arctic Ocean. Soundwave and the others were recovered, Autobot and Decepticon alike, and reprogrammed by Rook to accept commands and were leased to terrorist organisations and military juntas as powerful weapons of war. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} After Megatron freed himself and the other Decepticons, Soundwave developed a 'metallic virus' that cyberformed Earth organics into cybertronic materials. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} During the subsequent battle with the Autobots in [[San Francisco]], Soundwave warned Megatron that a nuclear missile launched by Hallo was headed for the city. The Decepticons used the distraction to escape. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

[[Image:Soundwaveg1vol2.jpg|right|225px|thumb|Leader's pet.]]Soundwave was among the Decepticons who joined Shockwave's forces when the new ruler of Cybertron appeared on Earth. {{storylink|War and Peace}} When Shockwave brutally deposed Megatron, Soundwave stood by in silence and did nothing to help his former leader. Soundwave worked his way quietly into Shockwave's good graces, earning the ire of Starscream. However, it didn't take many words to bring Soundwave around to the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s point of view. Later, when interrogated by Shockwave, a single, silent look from Soundwave stopped [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] from revealing that Starscream was behind Megatron's disappearance during their voyage to Cybertron. As the battle between the Autobots and Shockwave's forces intensified, Soundwave followed Starscream's lead without a word, and helped him prepare for a return trip to Earth aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Starscream rewarded him by giving him a [[Ratbat (G1)|present]]. Soundwave silently approved.

Though Soundwave feigned subservience to Starscream, it was later revealed that he had been serving Megatron the entire time in secret. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''G.I.Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:Soundwavedevilsdue.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"Eject. Operation: Dynamic Group Shot."]]
Soundwave was among the Transformers on the ''Ark'' when it crashed long ago, and was discovered and reprogrammed by the human terrorist organization known as [[Cobra]] in the present. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #1}} Arms dealer [[Destro]] made a visit to [[Cobra Island]] where [[Doctor Mindbender]] introduced him to Soundwave and his cassettes, who were under the complete control of Cobra's scientists. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} While Destro liked what he saw, he wanted to run a test, and personally operated Soundwave's controls during an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]].

Meanwhile, a picture of Soundwave was secretly sent out to hundreds of email boxes. The message turned out to be a [[Defense Matrix|secret signal]] from Optimus Prime, which alerted [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Bumblebee to the location of Cobra's secret base where the rest of the Transformers were being held. When the two Autobots appeared to stop Destro's attack, the human brought Soundwave and himself back to Cobra Island. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}}

Soundwave was released from Cobra control thanks to Wheeljack and attacked his former human masters. With Megatron and the other Decepticons freed, Soundwave went to work making energon cubes. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} Just as things were going their way, Optimus Prime arrived, powered up using the energon, and punched his fist right through Soundwave's chest, taking him out of the battle. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} After the Autobots left on a return voyage to Cybertron, Soundwave's head and remains were taken in secret by human scientists for study. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

Several years later, the scientists managed to use Megatron's technology to create the organic weapon [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]], who plugged himself into Soundwave's deactivated head after getting free and downloaded data on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s history. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Along with the rest of the Decepticons, Soundwave was buried in the [[Fera Islands]] until 1938, when [[Cobra]] accidentally awakened them and used them to conquer most of [[Europe]]. He sent Laserbeak to spy on the [[United States of America|United States]]' reaction to this, and learned that [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] had been created to battle the Cobra threat. Soundwave later helped Megatron and Starscream get rid of some Royal Air Force fighters above the English Channel, allowing Cobra to attack the [[United Kingdom]]. {{storylink|The Line}}

When G.I. Joe attacked the Fera Islands, Soundwave infiltrated [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]]'s unit in the form of a radio transmitter carried by a disguised [[Zartan]]. Flint noticed that it wasn't their radio, but that didn't stop Soundwave from capturing him and taking him back to Cobra HQ. {{storylink|Wolves}} However, the Joes had managed to awaken the Autobots also buried on the island, and Soundwave soon found himself facing down [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. He lost the fight, and either died at the hands of Grimlock or when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] was smashed to pieces. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

{{note|According to solicitations for ''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe: Divided Front]]'', Soundwave was set to return by unknown means years later, but [[Dreamwave Productions]] bankrupted before the issues could be produced.}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Soundwave was extremely amused by the footage Laserbeak and Ravage gathered of Starscream falling on his head. He let Megatron know, and they went to pick up Starscream, only to find him gone, taken by the Autobots. The discovery that Starscream appeared to be working with the Autobots only amused Soundwave more, and the Decepticons went to retrieve their former comrade. When it turned out that Starscream wanted to stay with the Autobots, Megatron was enraged, and Soundwave reflected that it was the most fun he'd had in years. Starscream eventually returned to the Decepticons, claiming it was all an act, and Soundwave suggested he should be more careful while mountain climbing in future. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

Puzzled by the loss of much of their stock of weapons, Megatron assigned Soundwave to investigate. Using Laserbeak's spying abilities, Soundwave determined that [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] was selling the weapons on the black market, much to Megatron's outrage. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Millions of years in the past, Soundwave was among the Decepticons who took on organic modes in order to battle the Autobots on prehistoric Earth. When an ice age approached, the Decepticons survived by powering down under what would eventually become the [[San Francisco]] Bay. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} Soundwave woke up in the mid-19th century, where he came under the command of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Along with several other Decepticons, he stood by Starscream as he and [[Tobias Muldoon]] discussed where they would build their headquarters. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegatronOrigin4 Soundwave humbles Ratbat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Ratbat, you shall be repurposed as the greatest mix tape ever to be given to Megatron."]]
Long before the war began, Soundwave was the personal assistant to Senator [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caught Ratbat's eye as a champion of the illegal underground gladiatorial matches, Ratbat sent Soundwave to offer Megatron funding and weapons technology. When [[Bumper (G1)|two]] [[Fastback (G1)|Autobots]] were discovered listening in on their conversation, Soundwave dispatched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to capture them. After their capture, he read Bumper's mind to see if there was any immediate threat to Megatron's activities. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} Some time later, Soundwave was assigned to find a warrior with flight capabilities. He found the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]: Starscream, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. During a recruitment rally in which Megatron attempted to kill [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], a raid by the Autobots under [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] resulted in the participants being arrested. Soundwave, however, was freed under [[Senate]] directive, something which greatly angered Sentinel Prime. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Soundwave had apparently switched loyalties at this time, becoming one of Megatron's own in not only helping Starscream exterminate [[Kaon]] senators but also to the extent that he destroyed Ratbat's original body, placing his spark into a relatively weak cassette form and thus forcing him into the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

Four million years ago, Soundwave and [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] were leading a Decepticon offensive to cover for [[Octane]]'s convoy of energon. When Optimus Prime slipped away to intercept the convoy, Soundwave went after him and got the drop on Prime from behind. Prime's bodyguard [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] turned the tables on him, though, taking out both Soundwave and his Mini-Cassettes. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

During the war, [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] contacted various scientists on both sides to discuss his startling findings that the conflict would create such devastation that would render the planet uninhabitable, and that the only way to survive was to adopt the [[Pretender|organic carapace]] idea he had come up with. Soundwave was among those scientists who refused to accept Thunderwing's findings and his proposal. {{Storylink|Stormbringer issue 1|Stormbringer #1}}

After the end of the cataclysm brought by Thunderwing, as part of a plan to assassinate [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], a motivational speaker for the Autobots, Soundwave had [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] captured and used [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to implement a [[cerebro-shell]] into him. While Beachcomber didn't outright kill Blaster, his motivational broadcast failed to air at precisely the moment the Decepticons began the big push. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[Image:SpotlightSoundwave infoispower.jpg|left|180px|thumb|He's just too busy being an eighties guy.]]

Centuries later, after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] disappeared, Megatron assigned [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to delve into Shockwave's research and relay all the information back to him. As the Decepticon leader did not fully trust Bludgeon, Megatron also assigned Soundwave to spy on him. Soundwave followed Bludgeon and his team as they left for Earth in 1984 and established a base within [[Mount St. Helens]], eventually discovering that they intended to resurrect [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. Though Soundwave tried to stop them, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]] used an experimental cannon from Shockwave's arsenal to lock him in his alt mode while they instigated a volcanic eruption. He was eventually recovered by a team of unwitting humans who sold him to a pawn shop. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

Soundwave was purchased by a human teenager named [[Jimmy]] and taken to his home. When Ravage and Laserbeak were reprogrammed by the American government agency [[Skywatch]] to find the other Transformers, Skywatch's control signal was blocked by a signal emanating from a functioning Soundwave, still in cassette-player mode. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} Sometime later on, Ravage and Laserbeak located the signal and reclaimed their master from Jimmy. Relocating to Mount St. Helens, Soundwave told them that he could barely keep blocking Skywatch's hold on them, due to his weakening state in cassette mode. Shockwave suddenly appeared from a cave entrance and said that the four could make a deal together. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}} Shockwave knew how Soundwave could unlock his robot mode, but would only tell him if he did Shockwave a favour in return, something which Soundwave agreed to. He was told that Skywatch had placed a bomb in Shockwave's head, and that he needed to intercept and copy its disarm code. The plan went off without a hitch, and after transmitting the code to Shockwave, Soundwave was finally freed from his alt mode. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

After returning to his position as Megatron's right hand, Soundwave helped defeat the Autobot forces on Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} He was present during the attack on [[New York City]], and detected the incoming human military jets. The planes fired, and on Megatron's orders, Soundwave calmly detonated the arsenal. He then launched Laserbeak to take out the human resistance. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}}

Soundwave reported that the humans had sent a sizable ground force after the Decepticons. Following Megatron's orders, he released [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and set him loose on the humans. The only being immune to Frenzy's infrasonic manipulation, he silently observed his minion's work. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 2|All Hail Megatron #2}} With the conquest of New York complete, Soundwave listened to Megatron's victory speech. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} When a group of humans led by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Cmdr. Spike Witwicky]] deactivated [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] with an experimental weapon which originated from Shockwave, Soundwave, sensing this, found Rumble's lifeless body, grieved, and took him away. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

During [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attempt to take control of the Decepticons, Megatron revealed that Soundwave had been watching him all along, reporting his planned rebellion to Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} The infighting amongst the Decepticons stopped when jets from [[Europe]] arrived to take them all on, soon followed by the return of the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} Megatron was defeated, and Soundwave escaped alongside the rest of the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}} Whilst traveling away from Earth onboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Soundwave and his cassettes took care of their heavily injured leader. Starscream attempted to dissuade him from wasting energon on Megatron, all the while buttering him up with compliments about his loyalty, but all Soundwave said in response was "Negative. Megatron functions." {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Uneasy Lies the Head}}

Three years later, Soundwave was still dutifully attending to Megatron's reconstruction. {{storylink|All His Engines}} He eventually came to the conclusion that his leader's body was beyond repair, and instead recruited Shockwave to build a new body for him. Once Megatron returned in a new and upgraded form, he hatched a plan to use parts of his old body to make Megatron gun replicas that would subconsciously influence humans. Alongside his cassettes and Shockwave, Soundwave helped produce these weapons. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}} He was later present when Megatron got rid of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], and was ordered to gather everyone in the base so that their leader could address them. {{storylink|Heart Like a Wheel}}

As part of Megatron's master plan, the Decepticons subsequently returned to Earth, where Soundwave led Rumble and Frenzy in an attack on the [[Skywatch]] base where several Decepticons were being held captive. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man}} Soundwave was then responsible for holding [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] hostage while Megatron explained to Optimus Prime that he was the one turning the humans against the Autobots. In an attempt to throw off Megatron's concentration, and with it his influence over the gun-wielding humans, Prime fired on Soundwave, blowing off a large portion of his head. The plan worked: seeing his loyal soldier fall sent Megatron into a rage, and he picked up the barely living Soundwave and flew off. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome}} With his body in [[stasis lock]], Soundwave was brought to Shockwave, who was unsure if he could repair such an extensive injury with the limited resources at his disposal. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine}}

{{note|The events of "Spotlight: Mirage" possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage Soundwavescorpse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not so superior now, are you?]]
In a dream set in an alternate universe wrapped in an enigma surrounded by a soft taco shell dreamt by [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], Soundwave was part of the Decepticon strike force who attacked the last stronghold of the Autobots. Soundwave was attacked by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], who snapped his head off, killing him. But it was just a dream, so it didn't matter. Right? {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''TransTech''===
Soundwave—[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#LaserCycle|in his Laser Cycle body]]—was seen among the inhabitants of the multiversal hub city of [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

===Timelines===
Soundwave was present with Megatron, [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]], and [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] when the topic about finding new ultimate weapon ideas changed to [[BotCon 2010]]. As Breakdown mentioned that one of the things he was looking forward to was the debut of the [[Transformers Hall of Fame]], Soundwave turned to Counterpunch and pointed to himself. {{storylink|BotCon 2010 Promo}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Say hello to my leetle friend!"]]

Soundwave's [[commercial]] appearances include:

* An appearance in his very own 1984 commercial. This early animation featured a Soundwave model colored in lavender, versus the dark blue used later. Also, instead of the cassettes ejecting themselves from his chest, he reached into his chest compartment with his own fingers and threw the (tiny) tapes into the air. He wasn't properly introduced.

* He's more on-form in a commercial for the Dinobots, where he, Ravage and Laserbeak are driven back by the robotic monsters amid a thunderstorm.

* Soundwave has a speaking part in the commercial for Blaster. When Rumble strolls into his base carrying a radio, Soundwave immediately identifies it as an "Autobot intruder" and dispatches Ravage and Laserbeak to attack the Autobot. Soundwave is given his correct voice and modulation.

* He's seen grappling with Springer in a 1987 commercial for the ''Headmasters'' comic.

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
When Optimus embarked on his mission to rescue the Autobots' [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] troops from the Decepticons, Soundwave could intefere with Optimus Prime's progress, diverting him into areas of the Decepticons' maze-like base. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}

===''The Transformers'' (Commodore 64)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[image:TF PS2 Soundwave.jpg|thumb|250px]]
:''Voice actor'': [[Robert Belgrade]]

====Decepticon story====

Soundwave and Starscream were sent to investigate strange reports of space-time warps and UFOs on the planet Zel Samine, bringing a space bridge with them on their shuttle that they would use to transport Megatron to the plant once they had landed. Inexplicably, their ship wound up crashing, and when they attempted to use the space bridge, it malfunctioned, dumping Megatron some distance away. After reuniting with his leader, Soundwave deduced that powerful electromagnetic rays from Zel Samine's sun, Paradius, were responsible for scrambling the systems of the shuttle and the space bridge, and that the Decepticons themselves would be subject to similar catastrophic system disruption if they tried venturing off the planet without a ship. The Decepticons immediately set about raiding local energy sources for energon to repair their craft, starting with a wind power plant on [[Mount Jaad]]. Then, after successfully draining the [[Ranpas geothermal plant]]—in part thanks to Soundwave deploying Laserbeak to locate any Autobot guards around the facility—Megatron chose the [[Monogan hydroelectric power station]] for their next target. Soundwave pointed out the heavy Autobot fortifications that had been set up around the station and suggested a different target, but Megatron dismissed his concerns, and when the Decepticons did indeed emerge victorious, Soundwave apologized for speaking out of turn and doubting his leader.

Via Laserbeak, Soundwave soon discovered that the Autobots on the planet had made contact with the occupants of one of the strange UFOs, and suggested to Megatron that they send a task force to intercept them. In the process, the Decepticons wound up allying themselves with the ''other'' UFO's passengers: Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge, a trio of Decepticons from the future who had traveled back in time to locate and destroy the powerful [[Zel Quartz]], a weapon that threatened Galvatron's rule in their home time. Soundwave was teamed with Cyclonusto seek out possible locations of the quartz across the planet, and the communications officer stoically carried out his task, all the while struggling to keep Megatron and Galvatron from fighting with each other.

After failing to find the quartz at the [[Lazalt Ruins]], the Decepticons next decided to search the [[Karzite mine]]. Cyclonus informed Soundwave that he saw both him and Megatron as "worthless scrap", and warned the communications officer the mine yielded a similar lack of results, then he would be taking the blame, not Cyclonus. Soundwave agreed, but have a warning of his own: he charged a high price for being spoken to with disrespect. As it turned out, the quartz was not in the mine, and Soundwave accepted the blame as promised, only to then reveal his price: he had recorded his conversation with Cyclonus and played it back for Megatron, who did not take kindly to the future Decepticon's insults. At Megatron's command, Soundwave recorded Cyclonus's screams as the Decepticon leader subjected him to a vicious punishment.

{{charstubfiction}}

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

====Autobot story====
Megatron had Soundwave send out a fake Autobot SOS transmission in an attempt to trick the Autobots into leaving their base. The plan was a success and Optimus Prime and his crew were lured out. When the Autobots realized that they had been deceived, Megatron sent a message through Soundwave's transmitter, gloating how he had tricked Prime and announced that his crew was going to steal the energon the Autobots had on their shuttle. When Megatron had finished his message, Soundwave returned to base. On the way back to their shuttle, the Autobots encountered Soundwave again, this time leading a hoard of Decepticon troops, and fought them. Despite his best efforts, Soundwave was overwhelmed and left to rejoin Megatron. Later, Soundwave fought the Autobots again while they were dealing with another swarm of enemies. He lost again, and left to fight another day.

Later on, Soundwave teamed up with his future self, Soundblaster, and with [[Full-Tilt]] as the final defense against the Autobots before they reached Megatron and Galvatron. When the Autobots arrived, Soundblaster started by expressed [[dull surprise]] at how the Autobots managed to survive up until the current point. Soundwave continued, warning the Autobots that he would not let them stand in Megatron's way. Both present and future versions of the Communications Officer we all know and love put the best fight they could, but even with Full-Tilt's help, the Autobots overpowered them.

===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
:''Main article: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys]]''
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave (G1) toys#Merchandise]]''
{{-}}
==Notes==
[[Image:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"When I think about you, I touch myself."]]

* The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head.

* Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

* The Marvel U.S. comics chose a purple scheme for Soundwave. This could have been an attempt to distinguish him from the other Decepticons, who were mostly blue (especially since blacks also ended up as blues in the industry's then-limited color palette). Or it could have been a simple error. But very likely, it had something to do with his early animation model, which appeared lavender, rather than blue. (See Commercial Appearances.) Compounding this error, Marvel US Soundwave was drawn without a mouthplate by artist [[José Delbo]]. The Marvel UK comics colored him blue like everywhere else (partially due to using a more sophisticated coloring system) and always included his faceplate.

[[Image:Soundwave fly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey, wait for me!"]]

* The G1 cartoon almost always depicted him as having to press all his own controls to eject minions or perform other functions even though these are actually part of him. This has led to many a shot of Soundwave pressing his own crotch. What will the children think?

* According to the original script<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2011/02/ron-friedman-auctions-scripts-part-3-of.html</ref> for [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]], "Sound Wave" transformed into "a LIGHT STANDARD - identical to the one that exists a short distance away, the perfect camouflage". So... yes, he really ''did'' turn into a lamppost on Cybertron.

* Soundwave's distinctive voice proved to be one of Generation 1's most memorable aspects. The [[Wikipedia:Vocoder|highly processed voice]] (processed by [[Scott Brownlee]]) began with [[Frank Welker]] basically doing his "Dr. Claw" voice from ''[[Wikipedia:Inspector Gadget|Inspector Gadget]]''. Whether due to variations in the performance or the processing, the final result varied quite a bit across Soundwave's three seasons on the show. Occasionally, as in the episodes "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[Webworld]]", the processing was left out and Welker's actual voice can be heard. This Dr. Claw version of Soundwave's voice made a return when Welker reprised the [[Soundwave (ROTF)|role]] for ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' as the processing was, again, left out.

* Similarly, he often emphasizes words at random, such as his well-known "RavAAAAAGE", or "LAAZABEEK". This may be a side effect of the voice doctoring in the cartoon.

*In the Mandarin dub, Soundwave had a glorious, operatic voice.

[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave gets slagged by Vehicons, and Nightscream escapes. How's that for injustice?]]

* The typically emotionally-barren Soundwave actually ''laughs'' on two separate occasions in the Generation 1 cartoon ("[[Quest for Survival]]" and "[[Auto-Bop]]"), while he ''screams like a little girl'' only once ("[[Roll for It]]").

* Soundwave has flown in his [[alternate mode|alt mode]] one time, in the episode "[[Masquerade]]." In [[Atlus]]'s ''[[The Transformers (PS2)|Transformers]]'' game, Soundwave can transform to tape deck mode and kind of bounces around to move in that form. No, really.

* In the Japanese dub of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], as well as the supporting [[manga]], all of Soundwave's cassette forces which could talk referred to him as "Anikii" (兄貴い) or "Big Brother." This is a fairly common way to refer to others you admire and such in Japanese. It's also a term that gang members use toward older, more experienced members who aren't actual gang bosses. Take it as you will. Whatever it says about his relationship with them, it does give new meaning to the phrase [[Wikipedia:Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|"Big Brother is watching over you"]].

* Soundwave was in charge of the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|UK letters page]] from issues 22 to 78, barring a few interruptions.

[[Image:Unused AHM Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|What? You mean we don't use brick-sized microcassette recorders anymore?]]

* Soundwave's computer model was used for one of the [[generic]] Transformers in Beast Machines. It is seen in "[[Forbidden Fruit]]" during [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream's]] flashback being cornered by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] just before Nightscream flees into the lower levels of Cybertron. Though the model was recolored, it was still really 'Soundwavey,' causing much confusion among fans. His computer model as well as [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s continued to show up for the rest of the series, used to represent deactivated Transformer shells.

* Later, Soundwave's character model showed up numerous times in various color schemes as a generic background character in the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon.

* [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] listened to music using a tape deck resembling Soundwave in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Memory]]". Later, after a new [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] was found, ''Cybertron'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] held tape deck Soundwave in his arms. This caused a great disturbance in the [[force]]...

* IDW Publishing seems to be undecided on Soundwave's speech pattern. In ''[[Megatron Origin]]'', he speaks in his classic cartoon-based monotone. However, in "[[Spotlight: Soundwave]]", he speaks in a normal fashion. Which is once again reverted to the classic speech in ''[[All Hail Megatron]]''.

* [[Guido Guidi]] made a concept drawing of Soundwave with a modern microcassette recorder as an alt-mode (which are still used by reporters and doctors today) for [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' maxi-series. This was also unused. Consequently, Soundwave may go down as the Transformers character with the most unused designs.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Soundwave''' (サウンドウェーブ ''Saundowēbu'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Jam Bo''' (音波, "Voice Wave")
*''English:'' '''New Soundwave''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub Soundblaster)
*''French:'' '''Radar''' (Canada), '''Sonore''' (Canada Action Master, "Sound")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fülelő''' ("Listener")
*''Italian:'' '''Memor''', '''Vizar''' (Soundblaster)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shēng-bō''' (Taiwan, 聲波, "Sound Wave"), '''Shēng Bàu''' (Taiwan Soundblaster, 聲爆, "Sound Blast")
*''Polish:'' '''Dźwiękofalowiec''' (''The Movie'', "Soundwaver")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Onda-Sonora''' (Portugal comics), '''Microonda''' (Brazil comics, "Microwave")
*''Russian:'' '''Barkhan''' (cartoon, Бархан, "Dune")<ref>Dubbers thought his name was "Sandwave".</ref>
*''Spanish:'' '''Sam''' (America ''The Headmasters'')
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Zvukohvyl''' (Звукохвил, "Soundwave")

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robo-Capers characters]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]

Soundwave (G1)

2011-10-08T20:44:48Z

98.237.9.79: /* Generation 1 cartoon continuity */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Soundwave}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 character eventually upgraded to Soundblaster|the ''Cybertron'' character|Soundblaster (Cybertron)}}
{{suite}}
:''Soundwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Soundwave mixalot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Big butts: preferable. Lying: impossible."]]
'''Soundwave''' is one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s most reliable troops, and he has positioned himself comfortably and irreplaceably in Megatron's upper command structure. He stands at the [[Decepticon leader]]'s side as a confidant. Though "only" Communications Officer, he is comparable to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in rank and is the only one of the three to display consistent loyalty to Megatron. Soundwave guards his place in the hierarchy fiercely. Other Decepticons (except Megatron) see him as a two-faced snake, since, as Communications Officer, Soundwave hears all and doesn't hesitate to use blackmail to keep himself high in Megatron's esteem. The other Decepticons wouldn't mind abandoning him on the battlefield—if they thought Megatron would let them get away with it.

Soundwave commands [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|a legion of cassette troops]] to carry out tasks big and small. He has a symbiotic relationship with them, providing them transportation and a cheap, if cramped, place to live in his chest. Sometimes he lets them all out to watch impromptu gladiator games or takes them to discotheques. In return, they perform spy and recon missions for him and make sure no one calls him "un-krozzo-matic".

He usually has all the personality of a [[:Image:Cybertronsoundwave.jpg|stump]] (as evidenced by his computer-style speech). He also has no imagination, sending the aforementioned cassettes on operations with mundane names.

As an [[Action Master]], he is [[Action Master partner|partnered]] with [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]].

Soundwave's scanning systems are so powerful that he can actually read and decode the electrical impulses that comprise "thoughts" in both organics and Cybertronians. This telepathic power is likely one of the reasons why he is so highly placed in Megatron's hierarchy.

In various universes, Soundwave is upgraded into '''Soundblaster''' (サウンドブラスター ''Saundoburasutā'').

{{quote|As you command, Megatron.|Soundwave, eternal loyalist|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Contentedfools.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ravage, Megatron, and Soundwave, the first Decepticons.]]
Millions of years ago, Soundwave was one of the first members of the Decepticons; after sowing discontent amongst the masses, he, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] began the war that tore the planet itself out of its orbit. The Decepticons, including Soundwave, attempted to hijack the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] four million years ago, only to fail and fall into deactivation sleep for four million years. In 1984, the detonation of the volcano, [[Mount St. Hilary]], reactivated the Autobots and Decepticons, unleashing their war on Earth. Learning the [[Human|inhabitants]] of this planet had access to its vast energy sources, Soundwave joined the Decepticons in raiding a drive-in movie theatre. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Soon after, Soundwave participated in a raid on [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]], and after helping the Decepticons make off with large chunks of its machinery, helped use their bounty to build a [[Fortress Sinister|new headquarters atop a cliffside]]. {{storylink|Power Play!}} After returning from [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service]] with [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], a human the Decepticons kidnapped to help them convert human fuel to Transformer fuel, the Decepticons' headquarters were infiltrated by a rescue party of [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and the human superhero [[Spider-Man]]. While Spider-Man caused a diversion in front of Soundwave, Gears was able to suckerpunch him. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:Laserbeakwarriorschool.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Fly, my pretties, fly!"]]
''When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] nearly caused the death of Ravage, Megatron rallied the other Decepticons, including Soundwave, to enact vengeance for his treason. {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} Later, the Decepticons unleashed a surprise attack on the Ark. After Soundwave defeated [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], the battle was halted when [[Aunty]], the Ark's computer system, turned rogue. After the crisis was averted, Soundwave and the others were able to retreat. {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}'' Due to Sparkplug's efforts during his kidnapping, the Decepticons were able to refuel, and Soundwave and his comrades attacked the Autobots. However, Sparkplug had poisoned the fuel, and Soundwave shorted out along with the others. As Soundwave lay deactivated, it was only the surprise arrival of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] that turned the tide. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

Shockwave assumed command, and immediately began restoring Soundwave and the other poisoned Decepticons. Soundwave was ordered to prepare the bodies of the fallen Autobots to serve as spare parts for Shockwave's new army of Decepticons. {{storylink|The New Order}} Megatron objected to this new order and rebelled, but Shockwave quelled him quickly, and paraded Megatron's broken body in front of Soundwave and his peers as a warning to those who would cross him. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}} Under Shockwave's command, Soundwave attacked the [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]] and secured it for Decepticon use. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} The plant's facilities were used to create the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], who built a massive radio dish that Soundwave used to beam a message back to Cybertron. However, the radio dish was destroyed when Soundwave was defeated by [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and the human trucker [[Bomber Bill]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

[[Image:Soundwavedinobothunt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"And you—YOU!—no longer exiiii... oh, wait."]]
''A short time later, during a brief period when both Megatron and Shockwave were missing in action, Soundwave assumed leadership of the Decepticons, happily slagging off [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s ambitions of leadership. His first attempt at manipulating Autobots into a trap failed. {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} The second, taking advantage of the "Dinobot Hunt", was a major success—six Autobots were badly injured, not counting two of the Dinobots, and a large amount of fuel was stolen while the Autobots tried to stop a Dinobot rampage in a human town. On the way out, Soundwave proudly declared their victory, a turn of events that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] did not enjoy.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

When Megatron resurfaced, rendered immobile in a [[Wyoming]] [[Wyoming base|coal mine]] due to lack of fuel, Soundwave sped to his rescue, re-energizing him. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} ''Using the splintered state of the Decepticon forces to his advantage, Soundwave worked both sides of the field, reporting to both Megatron and the returned Shockwave, each without the other's knowledge. When Shockwave learned that the human [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] had begun to suffer [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced visions of the [[Combiner|next leap in Transformer evolution]], Soundwave reported this to Megatron, prompting him to battle Shockwave for leadership. The Decepticons' human ally, [[Donny Finkleberg|Robot-Master]], televised the battle, much to Soundwave's distaste, and in order to prevent the Decepticons from looking like fools, he interrupted the duel and insisted that they agree to a joint leadership.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[Image:Soundwavetarget2006.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You find: Insanity!]]
''When the Robot-Master hoax the Decepticons were perpetrating was threatened by the investigative work of [[Joy Meadows]], Soundwave was instrumental in ending the conflict that ensued between the Decepticons and the Dinobots by holding the reporter hostage and destroying her footage.'' {{storylink|In the National Interest}} ''Not long thereafter, when the deranged future Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], traveled back in time, Soundwave was intrigued by the fact that he was unable to scan his mind to discern the truth of his identity. Siding with Megatron when conflict erupted, Soundwave and his leader were buried under an avalanche by Galvatron and then rescued by the Autobots in the name of forming an alliance to defeat their common enemy.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

''Soundwave's loyalty to Megatron was shaken when the latter became increasingly paranoid. Consequently he manipulated his leader into summoning the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to Earth as part of a scheme by Shockwave to ensure a weaponless Megatron was destroyed by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Prey!}} However Megatron survived and soon returned to the Decepticon leadership, albeit with his memories of the events lost. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} ''Soundwave ''again'' served as co-conspirator when Shockwave once more used the Predacons to destroy Megatron. In the process a deranged Megatron seemingly committed suicide on the [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

''Soundwave was now once again under Shockwave's command, and, while patrolling on the Decepticons' mobile island base, he found himself attacked and subdued by the time-traveling freelance peace-keeping agent, [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]], and tricked into giving up information on the whereabouts of Galvatron.'' {{storylink|Hunters}} ''Although Death's Head's attempts to track down the Decepticon met with failure, Galvatron was ultimately entombed in lava, where he was later discovered by [[Susan Hoffman]]. Soundwave observed a televised broadcast of her discovery, and he and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] attempted to destroy Galvatron with explosives planted around the volcano in question. After a battle with the [[Throttlebot|Throttlebots]], Soundwave found that he was unable to remote-detonate the explosives thanks to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] jamming his signal.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night}}

[[Image:Soundwave uscomics.jpg|left|180px|thumb|G2 before it was cool.]]
When Shockwave was removed from power, Soundwave smoothly transitioned to serving under the new Decepticon leader, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], and helped to operate his [[Realvision]] playback system to decode data from Autobot tapes [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]]. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}} The tapes, it was discovered, contained information on the [[Underbase]], the power of which was desired by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] so badly he sparked off a Decepticon-Decepticon war to cover himself. Soundwave ended up having his fuel pump torn into by [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]. {{storylink|Cold War!}} When Starscream gained the Underbase's power and targeted the Earth, Soundwave co-led the defense of [[Buenos Aires]] alongside [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], but was temporarily deactivated by a blast of cosmic power from Starscream. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

''He was back on his feet by the time that Starscream, now a [[Pretender]], was busy doubting his self-worth. Soundwave was extremely scared of Starscream by this point.'' {{storylink|Fallen Star!}} He continued to operate under the command of the new Decepticon Earth commander, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], though like the other troops he was very unhappy about Starscream being allowed back in after trying to kill everyone. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}} He was put in charge of guarding Optimus Prime after the Autobot leader surrendered his troops to Scorponok, hoping to elicit an alliance against the coming of [[Unicron]]. When Prime changed his mind about meekly waiting in a cell for Scorponok to make time for him, however, Soundwave provided little resistance in keeping him there. {{storylink|Surrender!}} After the Decepticon auxiliary army bombed Scorponok's base in New Jersey, Soundwave assumed temporary command of the active Decepticons in fighting back against the traitors, led by Starscream and Shockwave. This "[[Decepticon Civil War]]" didn't last long, though, as all the Autobots and Decepticons of Earth were summoned to Cybertron by [[Primus]] to deal with Unicron. {{storylink|Out of Time!}}

[[Image:TreadshotMarvel.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He's found a new gunformer to toady up with.]]
Soundwave survived the battle with Unicron, and attended a meeting between the briefly-allied Autobots and Decepticons with [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]]. There Blaster announced the imminent end of their world, and an evacuation was called for. Soundwave was still hanging out with Treadshot when he witnessed a fight break out between [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Fangry]]. [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], who had assumed command of the Decepticons, doublecrossed the Autobots by sabotaging their ships. Soundwave was last seen beside Bludgeon as the Decepticons left their self-destructing homeworld. {{storylink|Exodus!}}

In an alternate future of 2006, Soundwave was briefly seen participating in a battle on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. He didn't do much except retreat. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (US)}}

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

{{-}}
=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''In 2008, Soundwave was under the command of Shockwave on Cybertron. When the bounty hunter named [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] arrived with the deactivated bodies of the renegades [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and demanded an audience, Shockwave had Soundwave wait nearby as a precautionary measure. Sure enough, Soundwave's monitoring abilities alerted Shockwave that the two Decepticons were not as dead as they seemed, and the three invaders began an assassination attempt on Shockwave. Soundwave summoned the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], hoping that [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] could breach the sealed doors of the audience chamber in time, but wasn't swift enough. Death's Head killed Shockwave, and together the trio demanded that the Decepticons accept Scourge and Cyclonus as their new leaders. Faced with superior firepower and a hefty dose of explosives, Soundwave was reluctantly forced to accept on behalf of the Decepticons. ''

[[Image:SpacePiratesSoundwaveLeader.JPG|right|400px|thumb|Or, in short, "Soundwave: Superior".]]
''Wasting no time, Scourge and Cyclonus commanded the Decepticons to begin a full-scale assault on [[Autobase]]. This was effectively suicide, as the two armies were just about evenly matched. That, of course, was the point—Scourge and Cyclonus's true master, Unicron, wanted the children of Primus exhausted and depleted in number by the time of his glorious resurrection. After [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and Death's Head took the fight straight to the recuperating Unicron on [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]], however, he summoned his two minions back to his side. Seeing their "glorious leaders" abandon the battle, Soundwave and [[Hun-Gurrr|Hun-Grrr]] sounded a retreat. In the absence of Unicron's spawn, Soundwave became the new permanent leader of the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}} ''

''Aching to make a name for himself in Decepticon military history, Soundwave soon fell into a [[Quintesson]] trap. A lone Quintesson arrived at Decepticon headquarters, seeking an alliance against the Autobots, who supposedly had assembled most of their fleet and were on their way to [[Quintessa]]. Instead of helping the Quintessons, Soundwave saw this as an opportunity to invade and destroy the Autobot territory on Cybertron, when most of their warriors were off-world. He assembled his various sub-commanders and set out aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] to claim a glorious victory.''

[[Image:Soundwaveconsiders.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Too nostalgic to let go of the past? No wonder he's a fan-favorite.]]
''Instead, Soundwave and the Decepticons walked right into an ambush. There were no Autobots on Quintessa: it was a ruse to draw them out of their base, where legions of [[Allicon]]s and [[Trident Attack Craft]]s waited to overwhelm the Decepticons. Seeing the danger his troops were in, Soundwave was forced to call in the Autobots. Sending a garbled distress beacon to Autobase, Soundwave hoped to draw a suitable fighting force of Autobots to their location. He was successful, as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his men remained to fight even after learning who the distress call came from. Autobot and Decepticon fought side-by-side until the Quintesson invaders were either destroyed or driven off-world. In a moment of introspection, Soundwave realized how effective the two armies were when fighting as one instead of as enemies... but quickly brushed aside the idea. Simply too much had happened between the Autobots and Decepticons to ever hope for a peaceful end to the war. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

''In 2009, Soundwave and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] were on Earth, prepping a new energy extraction system to leech the planet dry. A surgical strike led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and Ultra Magnus destroyed all their equipment, however, leaving their power cells empty of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. Looking for revenge, the Decepticons pursued the Autobots back to Autobot City, only to find an open [[Time-jump mechanism|trans-time dimensional portal]]. Realizing the Autobots had fled back to 1989 on a mission of unknown purpose, the vengeful Terrorcons wanted to pursue them. Giving in to popular opinion, Soundwave led his troops back through time and right into the midst of the Time Wars.''

''Recognizing that the uncontrolled timestorm could conceivably destroy all of existence, Soundwave chose to put aside vendettas for the moment, and added his men to the alliance of Autobots and Decepticons from two time periods against the unmatched power and evil of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and [[Straxus (G1)|Megatron]] combined. Still, the alliance was far from perfect: Soundwave was more than willing to allow the Autobots to charge in first, letting them die in order to "soften up" the resistance. When things turned ugly, Soundwave and the Terrorcons then fled back to 2009, apparently without ever getting their hands dirty. Their final fate after reality restructured itself and the timestorm abated is unknown. {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}''

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[Image:Secrets Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The Decepticons never got the hang of Internal Affairs.]]
''In an alternate timeline, Soundwave left [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s army and returned to serving at [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s side during the [[Decepticon Civil War]] against [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], helping him with the launch of a [[global warming satellite]]. {{storylink|Starting Over!}} He was not above exploiting the conflict for his own ends, however. When an energon shipment was hijacked by Shockwave's forces thanks to information Soundwave had given them, Megatron came to suspect the presence of a traitor in his ranks, but ironically assigned Soundwave to identify the culprit. To keep his own duplicity a secret, Soundwave set up [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] to take the fall, and Megatron destroyed the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]. Soundwave not only got away with his treachery, he went on to happily blackmail everyone he'd mind-scanned. Eat your heart out, Starscream! {{storylink|Secrets}}''

''Approached by Starscream with a plan to make them both Decepticon leaders, Soundwave joined forces with the schemer and lured Megatron and Shockwave to an airport, tipping off the Autobots to their location. With the two leaders thus occupied, Soundwave and Starscream took control of both factions. {{storylink|Internal Affairs!}} Subsequently, Soundwave led an all-out attack on the [[Earthbase|Earthforce base]] as a diversion, while Starscream attempted to plunder an oil tanker. Starscream met with failure, however, leading Soundwave to withdraw his forces and hint to them that maybe be should have sole command... {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}} Starscream was aware of Soundwave's goals, and when he was attacked by a [[Louisiana bounty hunters|group of alien assassins]], he suspected that Soundwave had ordered the hit and struck back at him. Soundwave was able to convince Starscream he was not responsible and that in actuality, it was the work of Megatron and Shockwave. {{storylink|External Forces!}}''

''Soon afterward, Soundwave learned that human reporter [[Irwin Spoon (G1)|Irwin Spoon]] had secured an interview with the Autobots that could potentially resolve the public view of the Transformer war. Seeking to prevent this, he had the Stunticons capture the journalist. Although the Autobots were able to rescue him, a carefully planted [[cerebro-shell]] ensured that the story Irwin wrote was anything but accurate. {{storylink|End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!}}''

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{TransformersComicMagazin}}
Soundwave was present when the Decepticons unleashed a robotic hell-beast known as 'King Con' on New York and helped Megatron and Shockwave to set up a mine belt around the harbor. However Optimus Prime rented a helicopter to fly a banner announcing huge raw oil deposit finds in the Rocky Mountains. After a short hesitation, the Decepticons retreated to pursue these findings{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 7|Transformers — Transforming Robots in Action: New York — A City Sinking in Terror}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Soundwavemarvelg2.jpg|left|125px|thumb|He gave the "complete sentences" thing a decent go, but he never really got the hang of commas.]]
After Megatron deposed Bludgeon and reassumed control of the Decepticons, Soundwave once again served Megatron as a close adviser. One of his first acts was to ask, "Why revive Starscream?". Megatron shared Soundwave's concerns, and assured him the on-again-off-again traitor would be dealt with once Megatron had regrown his army. {{storylink|Tales of Earth Part Three}}

Megatron immediately drew his Decepticons to the moon of [[Tykos]] to violently acquire [[Rheanimum]] from the natives. However, things soured when Soundwave received a distress call from [[Skullgrin]]. In moments, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] was upon them. After several casualties, and Megatron missing in action, Soundwave led a party to discover if Megatron had survived and recover him if he had; when Mindwipe expressed doubts about the mission, Soundwave told him to shut up. He appeared to assume command when Megatron appeared dead, but ceased when Megatron turned out to still function. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

He was in command of the ''[[Warworld]]'' while Megatron was on Earth. When the Empire boarded the ship (thanks to Starscream's treachery) he and his bridge crew fled to Earth in escape pods. {{storylink|Total War!}} He was later seen standing by in the final battle against the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

{{-}}
====''Classics''====
Soundwave was apparently one of the first Decepticons to return to Megatron's side after the Decepticon leader re-emerged. He helped Megatron rebuild his power base on Earth in secret, using human proxies to covertly recover the remains of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and other Decepticons lost on Earth during the Underbase Saga. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|Astrotrain's ''Classics'' profile}}

After the arrival of the mysterious Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], Soundwave ran a neural scan on the Transformer to confirm his story of alternate dimensions and [[Unicron]] singularities. Soundwave confirmed that, at the very least, Landquake believed he was telling the truth. The Decepticons took off aboard Astrotrain to explore a new energy signature in the Southern Hemisphere...one which materialized at the same time as Landquake and possessed a similar resonance pattern. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 2}} In South America, Soundwave engaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s troops alongside Megatron and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] on the ground. At Megatron's command, he dispatched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to intercept the Autobot scouts who had been sent after the energy source. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

The Cassettes soon reported back that the energy had been discovered, and Megatron rallyed the Decepticons behind Soundwave to break for the source's location. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] interferred with the Decepticons' progress, however, by hurling Constructicons like shotputs until he knocked Soundwave down. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}}
Soundwave and Astrotrain got caught exchanging fire with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] until the latter Autobot turned invisible and snuck around behind the Decepticons, getting the drop on Soundwave. An explosion from below rocked the battlefield, however, and the Decepticons withdrew from combat. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

When [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] tried to assassinate Megatron, he used [[cerebro-shell]]s to take control of Soundwave and several other Megatron loyalists. The shells' effects were soon jammed by an attacking Autobot team, and in the chaos that followed, Soundwave noticed that the Autobots were targeting their [[Ark (G1)|base]]'s computers, but failed to stop them. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Soundwave was stationed aboard Starscream's warship when Megatron orchestrated the downfall of [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his splinter faction. After their [[Seacon (G1)|inside men]] terminated Bludgeon, Soundwave informed Starscream he had received a transmission of surrender from the forces below. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Soundwave and company.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"Eject. Operation: Group Shot."]]
{{main|Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}
Soundwave was one of the first Decepticons and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s most loyal soldier. Denoted by his eerie, echoing monotone, Soundwave regularly gathered vital intelligence for Megatron's numerous schemes with the aid of his faithful and ever-growing team of cassettes, but despite his primary role as a spy and communications officer, he never shied away the battlefield, and would regularly clash with the Autobot [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] before finding a true rival in his Autobot opposite number, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. He survived the perilous events of 2005 that took the lives of many of his contemporaries, and continued serving under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in the 21st century.

In a future timeline that branches off from this one, Soundwave ultimately met his end at the hands of Blaster, but even death could not stymie his loyalty to the Decepticon cause, as he was reborn as '''Soundblaster''' through the super-science of the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].
{{-}}

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

According to Megatron, Soundwave is a "blundering, tape-filled idiot." While the veracity of this statement is subjective, Soundwave ''does'' whine a lot. {{storylink|When Continents Collide}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[Image:BW Agenda Pt3 Soundwave.jpg|right|180px|thumb|With one stroke I shall free my tiny dinosaur brethren, yesssss!"]]
Soundwave was among the many Transformers strewn about the bridge of the Ark when the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] infiltrated the ship on his mission to destroy Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}
{{-}}
====3H comics====
Soundwave is one of the ancient warriors who appears from [[J'nwan]] to help battle the warlord [[Shokaract]]. {{storylink|Terminus}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Soundwavewarwithin.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Sound and ([[Ravage (G1)#3H Universe_comics|eventually]]) Furry.]]
Soundwave was chosen by Megatron to lead his second assassination team against the new Autobot supreme commander, Optimus Prime. With the aid of Soundwave's cassette troops, most notably [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], as well as [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], it was assumed he would have no problem with a young, peace-loving Autobot. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Soundwave, like many others, underestimated Prime's resolve and was quickly incapacitated. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} He was still out cold when [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] came by, {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}} but recovered in time to rescue Megatron after the latter's own battle with Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6|The War Within #6}}

When Megatron and Optimus Prime vanished in a [[space bridge]] accident, the Decepticons were fragmented and Soundwave joined [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s faction. He participated in the attack on [[The Fallen]]'s minions in an attempt to stop the [[Unbinding]]. {{storylink|Conflagration}}

Eventually, Shockwave attempted to call a truce with the Autobots for the good of the Transformer race, but the initial ceremony was interrupted by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s faction, the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. Soundwave was quite mad about this, telling the Predacons to perish for their crimes against Cybertron as he attacked them alongside several Autobots. Shortly after the Predacons were defeated, Megatron returned to Cybertron with his [[Air Warrior|Aerospace Extermination Squadron]] and reunited the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}} After falling back under Megatron's command, Soundwave reported the progress on his leader's plan to dig a hole to the core of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.2}}

In the present day, Soundwave was among the Decepticons defeated by the Autobots and their human allies on Earth. The ''[[Ark II]]'', the spacecraft that would have taken the Transformers back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]] and [[Lazarus|Adam Rook]], and it exploded upon liftoff, scattering the robots across the Arctic Ocean. Soundwave and the others were recovered, Autobot and Decepticon alike, and reprogrammed by Rook to accept commands and were leased to terrorist organisations and military juntas as powerful weapons of war. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} After Megatron freed himself and the other Decepticons, Soundwave developed a 'metallic virus' that cyberformed Earth organics into cybertronic materials. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} During the subsequent battle with the Autobots in [[San Francisco]], Soundwave warned Megatron that a nuclear missile launched by Hallo was headed for the city. The Decepticons used the distraction to escape. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

[[Image:Soundwaveg1vol2.jpg|right|225px|thumb|Leader's pet.]]Soundwave was among the Decepticons who joined Shockwave's forces when the new ruler of Cybertron appeared on Earth. {{storylink|War and Peace}} When Shockwave brutally deposed Megatron, Soundwave stood by in silence and did nothing to help his former leader. Soundwave worked his way quietly into Shockwave's good graces, earning the ire of Starscream. However, it didn't take many words to bring Soundwave around to the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s point of view. Later, when interrogated by Shockwave, a single, silent look from Soundwave stopped [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] from revealing that Starscream was behind Megatron's disappearance during their voyage to Cybertron. As the battle between the Autobots and Shockwave's forces intensified, Soundwave followed Starscream's lead without a word, and helped him prepare for a return trip to Earth aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Starscream rewarded him by giving him a [[Ratbat (G1)|present]]. Soundwave silently approved.

Though Soundwave feigned subservience to Starscream, it was later revealed that he had been serving Megatron the entire time in secret. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''G.I.Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:Soundwavedevilsdue.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"Eject. Operation: Dynamic Group Shot."]]
Soundwave was among the Transformers on the ''Ark'' when it crashed long ago, and was discovered and reprogrammed by the human terrorist organization known as [[Cobra]] in the present. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #1}} Arms dealer [[Destro]] made a visit to [[Cobra Island]] where [[Doctor Mindbender]] introduced him to Soundwave and his cassettes, who were under the complete control of Cobra's scientists. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} While Destro liked what he saw, he wanted to run a test, and personally operated Soundwave's controls during an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]].

Meanwhile, a picture of Soundwave was secretly sent out to hundreds of email boxes. The message turned out to be a [[Defense Matrix|secret signal]] from Optimus Prime, which alerted [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and Bumblebee to the location of Cobra's secret base where the rest of the Transformers were being held. When the two Autobots appeared to stop Destro's attack, the human brought Soundwave and himself back to Cobra Island. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}}

Soundwave was released from Cobra control thanks to Wheeljack and attacked his former human masters. With Megatron and the other Decepticons freed, Soundwave went to work making energon cubes. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} Just as things were going their way, Optimus Prime arrived, powered up using the energon, and punched his fist right through Soundwave's chest, taking him out of the battle. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} After the Autobots left on a return voyage to Cybertron, Soundwave's head and remains were taken in secret by human scientists for study. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

Several years later, the scientists managed to use Megatron's technology to create the organic weapon [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]], who plugged himself into Soundwave's deactivated head after getting free and downloaded data on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s history. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Along with the rest of the Decepticons, Soundwave was buried in the [[Fera Islands]] until 1938, when [[Cobra]] accidentally awakened them and used them to conquer most of [[Europe]]. He sent Laserbeak to spy on the [[United States of America|United States]]' reaction to this, and learned that [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] had been created to battle the Cobra threat. Soundwave later helped Megatron and Starscream get rid of some Royal Air Force fighters above the English Channel, allowing Cobra to attack the [[United Kingdom]]. {{storylink|The Line}}

When G.I. Joe attacked the Fera Islands, Soundwave infiltrated [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]]'s unit in the form of a radio transmitter carried by a disguised [[Zartan]]. Flint noticed that it wasn't their radio, but that didn't stop Soundwave from capturing him and taking him back to Cobra HQ. {{storylink|Wolves}} However, the Joes had managed to awaken the Autobots also buried on the island, and Soundwave soon found himself facing down [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. He lost the fight, and either died at the hands of Grimlock or when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] was smashed to pieces. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

{{note|According to solicitations for ''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe: Divided Front]]'', Soundwave was set to return by unknown means years later, but [[Dreamwave Productions]] bankrupted before the issues could be produced.}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Soundwave was extremely amused by the footage Laserbeak and Ravage gathered of Starscream falling on his head. He let Megatron know, and they went to pick up Starscream, only to find him gone, taken by the Autobots. The discovery that Starscream appeared to be working with the Autobots only amused Soundwave more, and the Decepticons went to retrieve their former comrade. When it turned out that Starscream wanted to stay with the Autobots, Megatron was enraged, and Soundwave reflected that it was the most fun he'd had in years. Starscream eventually returned to the Decepticons, claiming it was all an act, and Soundwave suggested he should be more careful while mountain climbing in future. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

Puzzled by the loss of much of their stock of weapons, Megatron assigned Soundwave to investigate. Using Laserbeak's spying abilities, Soundwave determined that [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] was selling the weapons on the black market, much to Megatron's outrage. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' continuity===
Millions of years in the past, Soundwave was among the Decepticons who took on organic modes in order to battle the Autobots on prehistoric Earth. When an ice age approached, the Decepticons survived by powering down under what would eventually become the [[San Francisco]] Bay. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} Soundwave woke up in the mid-19th century, where he came under the command of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Along with several other Decepticons, he stood by Starscream as he and [[Tobias Muldoon]] discussed where they would build their headquarters. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegatronOrigin4 Soundwave humbles Ratbat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Ratbat, you shall be repurposed as the greatest mix tape ever to be given to Megatron."]]
Long before the war began, Soundwave was the personal assistant to Senator [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caught Ratbat's eye as a champion of the illegal underground gladiatorial matches, Ratbat sent Soundwave to offer Megatron funding and weapons technology. When [[Bumper (G1)|two]] [[Fastback (G1)|Autobots]] were discovered listening in on their conversation, Soundwave dispatched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to capture them. After their capture, he read Bumper's mind to see if there was any immediate threat to Megatron's activities. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} Some time later, Soundwave was assigned to find a warrior with flight capabilities. He found the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]: Starscream, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. During a recruitment rally in which Megatron attempted to kill [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], a raid by the Autobots under [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] resulted in the participants being arrested. Soundwave, however, was freed under [[Senate]] directive, something which greatly angered Sentinel Prime. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Soundwave had apparently switched loyalties at this time, becoming one of Megatron's own in not only helping Starscream exterminate [[Kaon]] senators but also to the extent that he destroyed Ratbat's original body, placing his spark into a relatively weak cassette form and thus forcing him into the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

Four million years ago, Soundwave and [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] were leading a Decepticon offensive to cover for [[Octane]]'s convoy of energon. When Optimus Prime slipped away to intercept the convoy, Soundwave went after him and got the drop on Prime from behind. Prime's bodyguard [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] turned the tables on him, though, taking out both Soundwave and his Mini-Cassettes. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

During the war, [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] contacted various scientists on both sides to discuss his startling findings that the conflict would create such devastation that would render the planet uninhabitable, and that the only way to survive was to adopt the [[Pretender|organic carapace]] idea he had come up with. Soundwave was among those scientists who refused to accept Thunderwing's findings and his proposal. {{Storylink|Stormbringer issue 1|Stormbringer #1}}

After the end of the cataclysm brought by Thunderwing, as part of a plan to assassinate [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], a motivational speaker for the Autobots, Soundwave had [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] captured and used [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to implement a [[cerebro-shell]] into him. While Beachcomber didn't outright kill Blaster, his motivational broadcast failed to air at precisely the moment the Decepticons began the big push. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[Image:SpotlightSoundwave infoispower.jpg|left|180px|thumb|He's just too busy being an eighties guy.]]

Centuries later, after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] disappeared, Megatron assigned [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to delve into Shockwave's research and relay all the information back to him. As the Decepticon leader did not fully trust Bludgeon, Megatron also assigned Soundwave to spy on him. Soundwave followed Bludgeon and his team as they left for Earth in 1984 and established a base within [[Mount St. Helens]], eventually discovering that they intended to resurrect [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. Though Soundwave tried to stop them, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]] used an experimental cannon from Shockwave's arsenal to lock him in his alt mode while they instigated a volcanic eruption. He was eventually recovered by a team of unwitting humans who sold him to a pawn shop. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

Soundwave was purchased by a human teenager named [[Jimmy]] and taken to his home. When Ravage and Laserbeak were reprogrammed by the American government agency [[Skywatch]] to find the other Transformers, Skywatch's control signal was blocked by a signal emanating from a functioning Soundwave, still in cassette-player mode. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} Sometime later on, Ravage and Laserbeak located the signal and reclaimed their master from Jimmy. Relocating to Mount St. Helens, Soundwave told them that he could barely keep blocking Skywatch's hold on them, due to his weakening state in cassette mode. Shockwave suddenly appeared from a cave entrance and said that the four could make a deal together. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}} Shockwave knew how Soundwave could unlock his robot mode, but would only tell him if he did Shockwave a favour in return, something which Soundwave agreed to. He was told that Skywatch had placed a bomb in Shockwave's head, and that he needed to intercept and copy its disarm code. The plan went off without a hitch, and after transmitting the code to Shockwave, Soundwave was finally freed from his alt mode. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

After returning to his position as Megatron's right hand, Soundwave helped defeat the Autobot forces on Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} He was present during the attack on [[New York City]], and detected the incoming human military jets. The planes fired, and on Megatron's orders, Soundwave calmly detonated the arsenal. He then launched Laserbeak to take out the human resistance. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}}

Soundwave reported that the humans had sent a sizable ground force after the Decepticons. Following Megatron's orders, he released [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and set him loose on the humans. The only being immune to Frenzy's infrasonic manipulation, he silently observed his minion's work. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 2|All Hail Megatron #2}} With the conquest of New York complete, Soundwave listened to Megatron's victory speech. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} When a group of humans led by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Cmdr. Spike Witwicky]] deactivated [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] with an experimental weapon which originated from Shockwave, Soundwave, sensing this, found Rumble's lifeless body, grieved, and took him away. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

During [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attempt to take control of the Decepticons, Megatron revealed that Soundwave had been watching him all along, reporting his planned rebellion to Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} The infighting amongst the Decepticons stopped when jets from [[Europe]] arrived to take them all on, soon followed by the return of the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} Megatron was defeated, and Soundwave escaped alongside the rest of the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}} Whilst traveling away from Earth onboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Soundwave and his cassettes took care of their heavily injured leader. Starscream attempted to dissuade him from wasting energon on Megatron, all the while buttering him up with compliments about his loyalty, but all Soundwave said in response was "Negative. Megatron functions." {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Uneasy Lies the Head}}

Three years later, Soundwave was still dutifully attending to Megatron's reconstruction. {{storylink|All His Engines}} He eventually came to the conclusion that his leader's body was beyond repair, and instead recruited Shockwave to build a new body for him. Once Megatron returned in a new and upgraded form, he hatched a plan to use parts of his old body to make Megatron gun replicas that would subconsciously influence humans. Alongside his cassettes and Shockwave, Soundwave helped produce these weapons. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}} He was later present when Megatron got rid of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], and was ordered to gather everyone in the base so that their leader could address them. {{storylink|Heart Like a Wheel}}

As part of Megatron's master plan, the Decepticons subsequently returned to Earth, where Soundwave led Rumble and Frenzy in an attack on the [[Skywatch]] base where several Decepticons were being held captive. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man}} Soundwave was then responsible for holding [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] hostage while Megatron explained to Optimus Prime that he was the one turning the humans against the Autobots. In an attempt to throw off Megatron's concentration, and with it his influence over the gun-wielding humans, Prime fired on Soundwave, blowing off a large portion of his head. The plan worked: seeing his loyal soldier fall sent Megatron into a rage, and he picked up the barely living Soundwave and flew off. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome}} With his body in [[stasis lock]], Soundwave was brought to Shockwave, who was unsure if he could repair such an extensive injury with the limited resources at his disposal. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine}}

{{note|The events of "Spotlight: Mirage" possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage Soundwavescorpse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not so superior now, are you?]]
In a dream set in an alternate universe wrapped in an enigma surrounded by a soft taco shell dreamt by [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], Soundwave was part of the Decepticon strike force who attacked the last stronghold of the Autobots. Soundwave was attacked by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], who snapped his head off, killing him. But it was just a dream, so it didn't matter. Right? {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''TransTech''===
Soundwave—[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#LaserCycle|in his Laser Cycle body]]—was seen among the inhabitants of the multiversal hub city of [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

===Timelines===
Soundwave was present with Megatron, [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]], and [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] when the topic about finding new ultimate weapon ideas changed to [[BotCon 2010]]. As Breakdown mentioned that one of the things he was looking forward to was the debut of the [[Transformers Hall of Fame]], Soundwave turned to Counterpunch and pointed to himself. {{storylink|BotCon 2010 Promo}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Say hello to my leetle friend!"]]

Soundwave's [[commercial]] appearances include:

* An appearance in his very own 1984 commercial. This early animation featured a Soundwave model colored in lavender, versus the dark blue used later. Also, instead of the cassettes ejecting themselves from his chest, he reached into his chest compartment with his own fingers and threw the (tiny) tapes into the air. He wasn't properly introduced.

* He's more on-form in a commercial for the Dinobots, where he, Ravage and Laserbeak are driven back by the robotic monsters amid a thunderstorm.

* Soundwave has a speaking part in the commercial for Blaster. When Rumble strolls into his base carrying a radio, Soundwave immediately identifies it as an "Autobot intruder" and dispatches Ravage and Laserbeak to attack the Autobot. Soundwave is given his correct voice and modulation.

* He's seen grappling with Springer in a 1987 commercial for the ''Headmasters'' comic.

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
When Optimus embarked on his mission to rescue the Autobots' [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] troops from the Decepticons, Soundwave could intefere with Optimus Prime's progress, diverting him into areas of the Decepticons' maze-like base. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}

===''The Transformers'' (Commodore 64)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[image:TF PS2 Soundwave.jpg|thumb|250px]]
:''Voice actor'': [[Robert Belgrade]]

====Decepticon story====

Soundwave and Starscream were sent to investigate strange reports of space-time warps and UFOs on the planet Zel Samine, bringing a space bridge with them on their shuttle that they would use to transport Megatron to the plant once they had landed. Inexplicably, their ship wound up crashing, and when they attempted to use the space bridge, it malfunctioned, dumping Megatron some distance away. After reuniting with his leader, Soundwave deduced that powerful electromagnetic rays from Zel Samine's sun, Paradius, were responsible for scrambling the systems of the shuttle and the space bridge, and that the Decepticons themselves would be subject to similar catastrophic system disruption if they tried venturing off the planet without a ship. The Decepticons immediately set about raiding local energy sources for energon to repair their craft, starting with a wind power plant on [[Mount Jaad]]. Then, after successfully draining the [[Ranpas geothermal plant]]—in part thanks to Soundwave deploying Laserbeak to locate any Autobot guards around the facility—Megatron chose the [[Monogan hydroelectric power station]] for their next target. Soundwave pointed out the heavy Autobot fortifications that had been set up around the station and suggested a different target, but Megatron dismissed his concerns, and when the Decepticons did indeed emerge victorious, Soundwave apologized for speaking out of turn and doubting his leader.

Via Laserbeak, Soundwave soon discovered that the Autobots on the planet had made contact with the occupants of one of the strange UFOs, and suggested to Megatron that they send a task force to intercept them. In the process, the Decepticons wound up allying themselves with the ''other'' UFO's passengers: Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge, a trio of Decepticons from the future who had traveled back in time to locate and destroy the powerful [[Zel Quartz]], a weapon that threatened Galvatron's rule in their home time. Soundwave was teamed with Cyclonusto seek out possible locations of the quartz across the planet, and the communications officer stoically carried out his task, all the while struggling to keep Megatron and Galvatron from fighting with each other.

After failing to find the quartz at the [[Lazalt Ruins]], the Decepticons next decided to search the [[Karzite mine]]. Cyclonus informed Soundwave that he saw both him and Megatron as "worthless scrap", and warned the communications officer the mine yielded a similar lack of results, then he would be taking the blame, not Cyclonus. Soundwave agreed, but have a warning of his own: he charged a high price for being spoken to with disrespect. As it turned out, the quartz was not in the mine, and Soundwave accepted the blame as promised, only to then reveal his price: he had recorded his conversation with Cyclonus and played it back for Megatron, who did not take kindly to the future Decepticon's insults. At Megatron's command, Soundwave recorded Cyclonus's screams as the Decepticon leader subjected him to a vicious punishment.

{{charstubfiction}}

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

====Autobot story====
Megatron had Soundwave send out a fake Autobot SOS transmission in an attempt to trick the Autobots into leaving their base. The plan was a success and Optimus Prime and his crew were lured out. When the Autobots realized that they had been deceived, Megatron sent a message through Soundwave's transmitter, gloating how he had tricked Prime and announced that his crew was going to steal the energon the Autobots had on their shuttle. When Megatron had finished his message, Soundwave returned to base. On the way back to their shuttle, the Autobots encountered Soundwave again, this time leading a hoard of Decepticon troops, and fought them. Despite his best efforts, Soundwave was overwhelmed and left to rejoin Megatron. Later, Soundwave fought the Autobots again while they were dealing with another swarm of enemies. He lost again, and left to fight another day.

Later on, Soundwave teamed up with his future self, Soundblaster, and with [[Full-Tilt]] as the final defense against the Autobots before they reached Megatron and Galvatron. When the Autobots arrived, Soundblaster started by expressed [[dull surprise]] at how the Autobots managed to survive up until the current point. Soundwave continued, warning the Autobots that he would not let them stand in Megatron's way. Both present and future versions of the Communications Officer we all know and love put the best fight they could, but even with Full-Tilt's help, the Autobots overpowered them.

===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
:''Main article: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys]]''
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave (G1) toys#Merchandise]]''
{{-}}
==Notes==
[[Image:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"When I think about you, I touch myself."]]

* The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head.

* Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

* The Marvel U.S. comics chose a purple scheme for Soundwave. This could have been an attempt to distinguish him from the other Decepticons, who were mostly blue (especially since blacks also ended up as blues in the industry's then-limited color palette). Or it could have been a simple error. But very likely, it had something to do with his early animation model, which appeared lavender, rather than blue. (See Commercial Appearances.) Compounding this error, Marvel US Soundwave was drawn without a mouthplate by artist [[José Delbo]]. The Marvel UK comics colored him blue like everywhere else (partially due to using a more sophisticated coloring system) and always included his faceplate.

[[Image:Soundwave fly.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey, wait for me!"]]

* The G1 cartoon almost always depicted him as having to press all his own controls to eject minions or perform other functions even though these are actually part of him. This has led to many a shot of Soundwave pressing his own crotch. What will the children think?

* According to the original script<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2011/02/ron-friedman-auctions-scripts-part-3-of.html</ref> for [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]], "Sound Wave" transformed into "a LIGHT STANDARD - identical to the one that exists a short distance away, the perfect camouflage". So... yes, he really ''did'' turn into a lamppost on Cybertron.

* Soundwave's distinctive voice proved to be one of Generation 1's most memorable aspects. The [[Wikipedia:Vocoder|highly processed voice]] (processed by [[Scott Brownlee]]) began with [[Frank Welker]] basically doing his "Dr. Claw" voice from ''[[Wikipedia:Inspector Gadget|Inspector Gadget]]''. Whether due to variations in the performance or the processing, the final result varied quite a bit across Soundwave's three seasons on the show. Occasionally, as in the episodes "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[Webworld]]", the processing was left out and Welker's actual voice can be heard. This Dr. Claw version of Soundwave's voice made a return when Welker reprised the [[Soundwave (ROTF)|role]] for ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' as the processing was, again, left out.

* Similarly, he often emphasizes words at random, such as his well-known "RavAAAAAGE", or "LAAZABEEK". This may be a side effect of the voice doctoring in the cartoon.

*In the Mandarin dub, Soundwave had a glorious, operatic voice.

[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave gets slagged by Vehicons, and Nightscream escapes. How's that for injustice?]]

* The typically emotionally-barren Soundwave actually ''laughs'' on two separate occasions in the Generation 1 cartoon ("[[Quest for Survival]]" and "[[Auto-Bop]]"), while he ''screams like a little girl'' only once ("[[Roll for It]]").

* Soundwave has flown in his [[alternate mode|alt mode]] one time, in the episode "[[Masquerade]]." In [[Atlus]]'s ''[[The Transformers (PS2)|Transformers]]'' game, Soundwave can transform to tape deck mode and kind of bounces around to move in that form. No, really.

* In the Japanese dub of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], as well as the supporting [[manga]], all of Soundwave's cassette forces which could talk referred to him as "Anikii" (兄貴い) or "Big Brother." This is a fairly common way to refer to others you admire and such in Japanese. It's also a term that gang members use toward older, more experienced members who aren't actual gang bosses. Take it as you will. Whatever it says about his relationship with them, it does give new meaning to the phrase [[Wikipedia:Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|"Big Brother is watching over you"]].

* Soundwave was in charge of the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|UK letters page]] from issues 22 to 78, barring a few interruptions.

[[Image:Unused AHM Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|What? You mean we don't use brick-sized microcassette recorders anymore?]]

* Soundwave's computer model was used for one of the [[generic]] Transformers in Beast Machines. It is seen in "[[Forbidden Fruit]]" during [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream's]] flashback being cornered by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] just before Nightscream flees into the lower levels of Cybertron. Though the model was recolored, it was still really 'Soundwavey,' causing much confusion among fans. His computer model as well as [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s continued to show up for the rest of the series, used to represent deactivated Transformer shells.

* Later, Soundwave's character model showed up numerous times in various color schemes as a generic background character in the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon.

* [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] listened to music using a tape deck resembling Soundwave in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Memory]]". Later, after a new [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] was found, ''Cybertron'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] held tape deck Soundwave in his arms. This caused a great disturbance in the [[force]]...

* IDW Publishing seems to be undecided on Soundwave's speech pattern. In ''[[Megatron Origin]]'', he speaks in his classic cartoon-based monotone. However, in "[[Spotlight: Soundwave]]", he speaks in a normal fashion. Which is once again reverted to the classic speech in ''[[All Hail Megatron]]''.

* [[Guido Guidi]] made a concept drawing of Soundwave with a modern microcassette recorder as an alt-mode (which are still used by reporters and doctors today) for [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'' maxi-series. This was also unused. Consequently, Soundwave may go down as the Transformers character with the most unused designs.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Soundwave''' (サウンドウェーブ ''Saundowēbu'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Jam Bo''' (音波, "Voice Wave")
*''English:'' '''New Soundwave''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub Soundblaster)
*''French:'' '''Radar''' (Canada), '''Sonore''' (Canada Action Master, "Sound")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fülelő''' ("Listener")
*''Italian:'' '''Memor''', '''Vizar''' (Soundblaster)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shēng-bō''' (Taiwan, 聲波, "Sound Wave"), '''Shēng Bàu''' (Taiwan Soundblaster, 聲爆, "Sound Blast")
*''Polish:'' '''Dźwiękofalowiec''' (''The Movie'', "Soundwaver")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Onda-Sonora''' (Portugal comics), '''Microonda''' (Brazil comics, "Microwave")
*''Russian:'' '''Barkhan''' (cartoon, Бархан, "Dune")<ref>Dubbers thought his name was "Sandwave".</ref>
*''Spanish:'' '''Sam''' (America ''The Headmasters'')
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Zvukohvyl''' (Звукохвил, "Soundwave")

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robo-Capers characters]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]

Ravage (ROTF)

2011-10-08T04:54:57Z

98.237.9.79: /* IDW Transformers movie comics */

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Ravage}}
:''Ravage is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF_Ravage_promo.jpg|thumb|400px|Twisted tales of Felix the death-dealing moggy.]]

'''Ravage''' specializes in infiltration. A frequent partner of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], he does the dirty work of the larger Decepticon. Ravage's body and armament are all dedicated to hitting the enemy before they even know what hit them. He can be orbitally inserted at fifteen times the speed of sound, spy inside highly secure locations using swarms of [[Microcon (ROTF)|microcons]], and generally ruin your day. He respects the danger [[human]]s present though, as they were the ones who managed to kill [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].

Perhaps due to his origin as reengineered Cybertronian wildlife, some doubt Ravage's sentience, and there is debate on the degree to which he is a distinct entity, rather than an extension of Soundwave's will.<ref>[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe]]</ref> However, he's displayed guile, cunning, and split-second tactical thinking, making it hard for others to believe he does not have some innate intelligence. <ref>[[Transformers Comic issue 2.4|Titan Ravage Profile]]</ref> In reality, Ravage just considers the other Decepticons ''beneath'' him, and allows his eerie, silent ways and manner to alienate him from his comrades. Soundwave is the one exception: the two are kindred spirits, understanding each other's true nature and motives. <ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro Battle Bios]</ref>

==Fiction==

===IDW movie prequel comics===
Early in the war, Ravage joined Megatron's Decepticon malcontents in attacking [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] and his archeological digs. However, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] anticipated this move by the Decepticons and arrived on scene, literally on top of Ravage, to protect his mentor. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3}}

After the moon landing of [[1969]], Soundwave sent Ravage to gather agents to ensure a stop to human exploration of the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}

===''The Veiled Threat''===
Many, many years later, Ravage made his way to Earth following the destruction of the [[AllSpark]]. After the [[crab spy]] successfully infiltrated [[NEST]] headquarters at [[Diego Garcia]], it made its way back to the sea where Ravage was waiting to pick it up. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ROTF comic===

[[Image:Titan4_Ravagedescends.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Ceiling cat is watching you masturbate.]]

Ravage was dispatched to NEST's [[United Kingdom|Scotland]] base to find, interrogate, and kill [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] before they could pass on information about the Decepticon plans. Easily breaking into one of the most secure bases on Earth, he went on to swiftly knock out [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] and attempt to rip into the twins. While they were able to evade him, Ravage shrugged off any attack and finally cornered Mudflap, broadcasting Soundwave's demands to him.

This, however, was a trap the twins had set up, and Ravage found himself trapped in a simulated combat exercise. To escape, he faked unconsciousness and then snuck out the back when nobody was looking. But he made sure to bug the base before he left... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}}

[[Image:Titan2-4 SkidsRavage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Said the Cat, I know a fun game I will win. I think it is called Dismember the Twin!]]

When the twins temporarily pretended to defect, poor Ravage had to listen to them nattering throughout briefings. Not even his ominous growl would silence them! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]]
[[Image:Ravagerotfteaser.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Meowth! That's right!]]
From his vantage point high in orbit above Earth, Ravage's master [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] located the last remaining shard of the [[AllSpark]] in a [[NEST]] holding facility on [[Diego Garcia]], and dispatched Ravage to retrieve it. Launched from Soundwave's chest, Ravage plummeted through Earth's atmosphere in re-entry mode and impacted just off Diego Garcia's shore, bounding to land in the blink of an eye. Quickly and stealthily, the feline Decepticon knocked several of the base's security sensors offline to cover his approach, then proceeded to vomit a large quantity of [[Microcon (ROTF)|small, metallic spheres]] down a ventilation shaft. Once inside the base, the spheres transformed and combined into "[[Reedman]]", who successfully stole the shard and returned to the surface to reunite with Ravage. As the human soldiers attempted stop Reedman, Ravage provided cover fire, killing several humans in the process. The pair then made their escape.

[[Image:ROTF-Ravagefires.jpg|left|250px|thumb|He arms himself in case a Monday comes along.]]

Having secured the shard, Ravage traveled to the ''[[Bayos]]'', a human freighter carrying the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]] which was passing the area of the sea in which [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was buried. After diving over the side of the barge and reaching the bottom where Megatron's body rested, Ravage ejected [[Scalpel (ROTF)|the Doctor]] from a compartment in his chest. While the Constructicons began to tear apart "[[Scrapmetal (ROTF)|ze little one]]", Ravage was going for a swim, apparently enjoying the water, but quickly ended his little frolic when the Doctor demanded the shard. After the Doctor resurrected Megatron using the AllSpark shard, Ravage and the Constructicons swam up to the surface following their revived leader.

[[Image:ROTF Ravage death.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Remember to spay and neuter your pets. ''Or Bumblebee will kill them''.]]
Some time later, Ravage joined the other Decepticons in searching for [[Sam Witwicky]] and the [[Matrix of Leadership]] amid some [[Egypt]]ian ruins. The forces of NEST soon arrived, and [[Operation: Firestorm|battle]] broke out, complicating their search. Spotting Sam, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] instructed [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] to release [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]]. Ravage jumped out of the Constructicon when he ejected the fleshlings, and went stalking. [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] managed to get the jump on Rampage, and Ravage in turn jumped on Bumblebee's head, clawing off part of his battle helmet. Unfortunately for Ravage, Bumblebee still had plenty of fight left in him, and he promptly dispatched the killer kitty by ''tearing out'' Ravage's own goo-covered spine. ''Ouch''. He even used the torn out spine to whip Rampage across the face. '' Double Ouch''{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
Months after Ravage's death at the hands of [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], his reconstructed form was brought back on-line in an undisclosed location by a mysterious new master. Subsequently, Ravage appeared outside [[Guantanamo Bay]], searching for a "new target". Ravage snuck in, found the remains of the [[appliancebot]]s and appropriated them. Ravage lept into the ocean to escape the military, who had located him.

Ravage emerged on a beach near [[MacDill Air Force Base]]. Though he curled up on the ground to wait for further instructions from his unknown benefactor, he was once again discovered. Ravage destroyed several helicopters before being surrounded by soldiers and jeeps. To bolster his defensive, he unleashed [[Reedman]], and although the smaller robot was eventually taken down, it provided the distraction needed to allow Ravage to escape into a [[Kingdom Petrochemicals|petrochemical plant]].

Deciding the relatively subtle approach wasn't working, officials at the White House asked the [[President of the United States]] for permission to level the plant. As the explosion engulfed the plant, Ravage tried to conceal himself beneath its foundation. Ravage's attempt to survive was mostly successful; his damaged form was still online, waiting in a pit beneath the rubble for new instructions. The remnants of the smuggled appliancebots reached out to him with streams of energy... {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 5|Tales of the Fallen #5}}

[[Image:Nefarious3 Ravage.jpg|thumb|left|350px|The Cat Kingdom ''really'' wants Haru back.]]
Shortly after, Soundwave, disturbed by Ravage's reactivation, dispatched a quartet of minions ([[Buzzsaw (ROTF)|Buzzsaw]], [[Rumble (ROTF)|Rumble]], [[Beastbox (ROTF)|Beastbox]] and [[Ratbat (ROTF)|Ratbat]]) to investigate. This soon erupted into a conflict with cleanup crews and Autobot reinforcements, which prompted Soundwave to intervene. Although the battle resulted in several casualities on both sides, Ravage was undisturbed. While the other Decepticons retreated, [[Buzzsaw (ROTF)|Buzzsaw]] stuck around to tend to Ravage. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 1|Nefarious #1}} Buzzsaw managed to get Ravage operational, and the pair burst out of the ruins of the petrochemical plant, surprising an NSA team which was investigating the disaster zone. Soundwave ordered Ravage to find a quiet location. There Soundwave rendezvoused with him in order to give him a scan. Ravage subsequently accompanied Soundwave in going to the aid of a Decepticon team in [[Wendover]], under attack by Autobot forces. He attacked [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and was thrown aside. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 2|Nefarious #2}}

Following Soundwave's capture by the Autobots, Ravage took part in a rescue mission, however, when he was about to free Soundwave, [[Ingrid]] overrode his higher functions, and Ravage fled. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 3|Nefarious #3}} Ravage returned to his new masters, the [[Initiative]], however Soundwave tracked him and mounted an unsuccessful attack on the [[Initiative base]]. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 4|Nefarious #4}} Soundwave returned, having teamed up with Autobot forces, to assault the base. He was able to regain control of Ravage and had his minion unleash Reedman in an attempt to stop [[Carter Newell]] from destroying all Transformer life on Earth. {{storylink|Nefarious issue 6|Nefarious #6}}

[[Image:RisingStorm 3 Arcee, Ravage and Ratbat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Im on ur planet, killin ur doods!]]
After the defeat of the Initiative, Ravage returned to the Decepticon fold and spent some time at their base in [[Namibia]]. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} Soundwave later sent Ravage and his other minions to attack [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], [[Chromia (ROTF)|Chromia]] and [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] when they discovered the cage holding [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]'s [[Driller|"pet"]]. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}} The battle ended with the Autobots setting off a massive bomb, though Soundwave got away unharmed, so perhaps Ravage did as well. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===Autobot Stronghold===
Ravage was used as the basis for an army of [[drone]] units, who were part of the constant attacks on the Autobot's [[LG]] Stronghold. These Ravage drones were weak, but fast, and attacked in great numbers. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-Soundwavemissile.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Do not aim Ravage towards face.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-04'''
**''Accessories:'' 1 Ravage missile

:Soundwave comes with an intricately sculpted missile that appears to represent Ravage in transition form. He can't transform, though. Bummer.

{{-}}

{{anchor|Deluxe}}
[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Ravage_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Admit it: between the spiky spine and that dead, purple eye, you just want to cuddle the guy.]]
*'''Ravage''' (Deluxe Class, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-13'''

:Part of the third wave of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class toys, Ravage transforms from "panther mode" into a [[transition form|"reentry mode."]] (The "reentry mode" is exactly as involved as it looks.) By pulling back on a lever located on the small of his back, Ravage's head will snap forward and his jaws will open; sliding the lever back and forth will reverse and reactivate the gimmick. His tail actually comes off...that means his toy meets the same fate.

:During part of 2010, [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/transformers-toy-giveaway.cfm Hasbro did a promotion] wherein US fans could receive three free Deluxes in exchange for receipts showing the purchase of $25 or more of select Transformers product. As noted in [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=69645&st=0 this thread over at Allspark.com], and later confirmed by [http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HT83971G3 this listing here], Ravage was one of a pool of eight figures (all from the same wave) from which the free Deluxes were drawn, with several people having noted receiving him.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Ravage/ravage.htm More information on Ravage at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTFtoy-GatheringattheNemesis.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Where are you?]]
*'''Gathering at Nemesis''' (Toys "R" Us-exclusive box set, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 1 Ravage missile
: A three pack (technically four pack if you want to count Ravage), also featuring The Fallen, and a silver Voyager Class Megatron from the first movie toyline. Soundwave is [[redeco]]ed in predominantly blue as an homage to the [[Soundwave (G1)|original Soundwave]]. The Fallen was unchanged from his original release.

{{-}}
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SoundwavemissileNESTAlliance.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm not an accessory! I'm a human being! Wait, that's not right either.]]
*'''Battlefield Bumblebee vs Infiltration Soundwave''' (NEST Global Alliance two-pack, 2010)
: Part of the [[NEST Global Alliance]] campaign, a two-pack of [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Battlefield Bumblebee]] and Infiltration Soundwave included yet another [[redeco]] of that damn Ravage missile. But if you buy this and two other specially-marked NEST Global Alliance toys, you can send in for a proper Ravage!
{{-}}

{{anchor|ReconRavage}}
[[Image:ROTFtoy-RavageRecon.jpg|right|thumb|300px|And I'll form the yikes!]]
*'''Recon Ravage''' (Mail-in exclusive, 2010)
: When you buy the above Bumblebee/Soundwave pack and two specially-marked Transformers products, you can send in for an exclusive Recon Ravage figure! All you need is the order form and "starter sticker" from the NEST Alliance two-pack, stickers from two additional specially-marked NEST Global Alliance products, $4.95 for shipping and handling, and 6-8 weeks. His deco includes vacuum-metalized plastic and seems to be an homage to Voltron's Black Lion. The [[ball joint]] joining his torso to his hind legs from the original version has been replaced with a [[swivel joint]], and his tail is [[retool]]ed as well to remove the rotational articulation just above the middle hinge.

:Ravage is mailed in a white box with the NEST logo on it. Also, it comes with a letter from Optimus Prime and a $5 off coupon for ROTF toy purchases over $20.

:In Canada and Australia, this toy is sold at retail as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive.

:In New Zealand, this figure was available as a Toyworld exclusive packed as a bonus when one purchased a NEST Voyager Class figure.

:This toy was later offered as a gift to attendees at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong fair 2010 if they made a combined purchase of [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] amounting to more than HK$400.

{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010toy-RavageLegends.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Transforms from jaguar to jaguar-with-pointy-nose and back!]]
*'''Ravage''' (2010)
:Legends Class Ravage transforms from a metallic jaguar to a "[[transition form|reentry mode]]". He possesses a high level of articulation for a Legends class figure, with ball-jointed shoulders and hips, hinge joints at the knees, wrists, toes, and the base of his tail, and guns that pivot up and down. The tip of the figure's tail is removable for some reason, meaning it can be taken off, turned round and changed from a "grappling hook" configuration to more of an "impaling spike" configuration.
{{-}}

*'''The Ravage Infiltration''' (Multi-pack, 2010)

[[Image:Ravage-Infiltration-Ravage.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Bluesteel Ravage?]]

:This three-pack comes with a more movie-accurate version of Ravage, as well as [[Flak (TF 2010)|Flak]], a [[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]] redeco, and [[Rollbar (RPM)|Rollbar]], a [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]] redeco. He also comes with 3 NEST soldier figurines, redecoed from ''Screen Battles'' figures from the [[Movie (toyline)|first movie]]. The instructions included with this release show the on-package alternate mode as the "vehicle mode" and how to get to a third "re-entry" mode; essentially the normal vehicle mode with the "wings" folded in.

:This set has only been released in Europe.

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:TF2010toy-RavageSeaAttack.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Catfish.]]
*'''Sea Attack Ravage''' (2010)
: Sea Attack Ravage is a redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Recon Ravage, retaining the [[mold]] changes from the original Deluxe Class Ravage release. His color scheme is a combination of black and silver with red and yellow highlights. He also has chrome guns and an orange eye. This color scheme is supposed to recall his attack on Diego Garcia.

{{-}}

*'''Rampage Among the Ruins''' (Exclusive three-pack, 2010)
[[Image:TF2010toy-RavageRampageAmongTheRuins.jpg|right|thumb|300px|This is not kawaii! This is not kawaii at all!]]
:A soon-to-be-mutilated Ravage, decoed in gunmetal and caramel, comes packaged with that murderous jerk [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and a red [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]]. The set is included in the [[Hunt for the Decepticons]] promotion.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
[[Image:ROTFmerchandise-BurgerKingRavage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Jaguar? I thought you were some kind of outer space potato man. ]]
*'''Ravage Reveal''' [[Burger King]] free toy (2009)
:Ravage is revealed from his <s>hand grenade</s> <s>kitty toy</s> pod (presumably representing his reentry mode) with a flick of the wrist. Or by manually holding the two halves of the pod apart so that Ravage pops out. Oddly there are what appear to be four holes on either side of the pod, perhaps so Ravage has air holes to breathe through.

{{--}}
===''Robot Heroes''===
[[Image:Robotheroesjoltravage.jpg|right|thumb|300px|At least he's not packaged with that monster, Bumblebee!]]
*'''Jolt and Ravage''' (2009)
:''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Ravage is part of the second ''Revenge of the Fallen'' wave. He has articulation at the shoulders, hips, and neck, and comes packaged versus [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]].

:He's adorable.
{{-}}

==Notes==
* Ravage and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] were part of an early draft for [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'']]. However, when Soundwave was changed to [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and the initial jungle setting was replaced with a desert, Ravage was changed to [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]].
* As with poor [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], sources differed on how sentient Ravage was. Luckily for Ravage, Hasbro's website outright states him to be a sentient being.
*Whether through misinformation or to hide his identity, the Ravage deluxe figure shows up in the Wal-Mart computers as "TRA DLX WOLF". Of course, they're [[Andy Reid|not the first to make this mistake]]. However when it scans at a register, it commonly comes up as "TRA MOV PANTHER".
*In the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' novelization, Ravage has a flying [[alternate mode]]. He flew out to the freighter where the four Constructicons were waiting and transformed on deck. While descending into the ocean, he was described as a sphere, so he might have two alternate modes. (His Burger King toy perhaps?)
* Despite having a red/orange eye in the movie, all of Ravage's toys and merchandise had a purple one until his Legends figure and the Sea Attack Ravage redeco.
* On his blog, Furman said that Ravage's spine-torn death was a late addition to the film... so late that [[IDW Publishing]] had already made Ravage a key part of their post-ROTF comics! Quick, to the Rewritemobile! [http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/next-up-%e2%80%94-transformers-nefarious/]
* Originally, Ravage was intended to also have an aquatic alternate mode, where he swam to Diego Garcia as a spike covered fish.<ref>[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)/home video#Two-disc Special Edition|Deconstructing Visual Bayhem]] on the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' special two-disc release.</ref> The reason for dropping this was not stated.
*Ravage was in an early draft of ''[[The Reign of Starscream]]'', but was dropped at Hasbro's request.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/mowry-73165.html#vmessage167559]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ravage''' (ラヴィッジ ''Ravijji'')

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertronic wildlife]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Decepticons]]

Optimus Prime clone

2011-09-30T04:28:01Z

98.237.9.79:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{noname-designation}}
{{disambig2|the clone from the Generation 1 cartoon|various other Optimus clones|Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)}}
:''The Optimus Prime clone is a [[Decepticon]] [[drone]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:PrimeProblem Megatron prime splitscreen.jpg|thumb|250px|''"You deserve each other, this hat and you!"'']]
In order to infiltrate the [[Autobot]]s, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] created a remote-controlled '''Optimus Prime clone''', also known as the '''Prime double'''.<ref>Called so in the script.</ref> Utterly mindless, it is a direct mouthpiece for whoever wears its control helmet. Its physical resemblance is minutely accurate; neither [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]'s powerful and accurate scans nor an ad-hoc race could distinguish it from the real [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]].

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Primedeux.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Wait, are you you or your clone?]]
As part of an overly complicated plan to lure the Autobots into a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal]]s, Megatron decided to create a clone of Optimus Prime. To get the data, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] caused Optimus Prime to jumble over a cliff and lose consciousness, then took holographic photographs of the fallen Autobot.

The clone was created, and was sent to the Autobots. The clone led them back to their base, where he played in awkward moments such as misnaming several Autobots and being unable to use [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]]. The real Optimus arrived, which made the clone implore the Autobots to shoot the "impostor". [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] stopped them from attacking and tests—sharpshooting and a race—were used to determine the real deal. Neither really worked.

Fooled by false readings, the Autobots postponed the deliberations and went to the crevasses to stop what they thought was an imminent explosion. There, they were confronted by a [[Starscream clone (G1)|Starscream clone]], which the Prime clone destroyed. This convinced the Autobots that the clone was the true Prime. But before the clone could lead them to the crevasse, [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] arrived and informed the Autobots that he had spied on the Decepticons with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and heard of their plans concerning the Prime clone and the crevasse. The bad news was that Spike had been kidnapped by Megatron. The clone made the mistake of suggesting they ignore Spike's plight and enter the crevasse. Ironhide found this to be a sentiment unfitting the real Prime and the Autobots shot the clone, ending his short existence. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Clone Convoy''' (クローンコンボイ ''Kurōn Konboi'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Evil clones]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 drones]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:26:03Z

98.237.9.79: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Also omitting his torso, apparently.]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, so this could take a little while."]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh, god, Trypticon stole his color! Quick, does anyone know where we can find 50,000,000 paint cans?]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Buy this package or I shoot this Autobot!]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Possibly invisible?]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px|But which one comes with a stick of gum?]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:23:44Z

98.237.9.79: /* Super Collection Figure */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Also omitting his torso, apparently.]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, so this could take a little while."]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh, god, Trypticon stole his color! Quick, does anyone know where we can find 50,000,000 paint cans?]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Buy this package or I shoot this Autobot!]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Possibly invisible?]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:22:57Z

98.237.9.79: /* Soft Robo */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Also omitting his torso, apparently.]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, so this could take a little while."]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh, god, Trypticon stole his color! Quick, does anyone know where we can find 50,000,000 paint cans?]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Buy this package or I shoot this Autobot!]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:21:52Z

98.237.9.79: /* Transformers Ramune */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Also omitting his torso, apparently.]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, so this could take a little while."]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh, god, Trypticon stole his color! Quick, does anyone know where we can find 50,000,000 paint cans?]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:20:43Z

98.237.9.79: /* Transformers Gum */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Also omitting his torso, apparently.]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I'm here to kick ass and chew bubblegum, so this could take a little while."]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:18:38Z

98.237.9.79: /* Transform Jr */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Also omitting his torso, apparently.]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Metroplex (G1)

2011-09-25T01:16:46Z

98.237.9.79: /* The Headmasters cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Metroplex}}

:''Metroplex is an [[Autobot]] [[city-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In city mode, he is also known as '''Scramble City'''.''

[[Image:Metroplex-UK.jpg|right|325px|thumb|We built this city on rock and roll!]]
'''Metroplex'''’s poor, slow, and infrequent efforts to support his brave comrades and forward the Autobot cause are never enough. Sure, he's the Autobots' ultimate weapon, their greatest and final defense. Yes, he's a gigantic, towering warrior, capable of channeling awesome energies. Strong beyond belief, versatile, clever, brave and self-sacrificing, Metroplex is willing to give everything he has to the Autobot cause and defend it to his last [[Astrosecond|astroseconds]] of life. Despite all this he’s wracked to the core of his being with the belief that he could and should be doing more. It’s a self-deprecating attitude that stuns many of his fellow Autobots, most of whom take immeasurable comfort in his very existence and the knowledge that regardless of what evil comes, Metroplex is out there to back them up.

This great modesty about his power and achievements together with a boundless patience necessitated by his size and alternate mode are apparent to anyone who pierces his normally less than talkative demeanor, and in the optics of many, these traits only raise his already high standing.

Metroplex’s might is equaled only by the gargantuan [[Decepticon]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], his long-standing nemesis. He has three "normal"-sized components: [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]] and [[Scamper]], to help patrol and defend his territory. The extent of that territory is sometimes unclear; sometimes Metroplex is an independent Autobot base, and other times he's part of (or all of) [[Autobot City]].

{{bigquote|Metroplex is my kind of town!|[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Metroplex|"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American)

[[Image:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|left|220px|thumb|No Tommy, snap out of it!]]

By the year 2005, Metroplex had been installed as a sub-section of the larger [[Autobot City]], now the main base of operations for the Autobots on [[Earth]]. During the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticons' attack on the city]], the [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]] which allowed Metroplex to transform to robot mode was destroyed, preventing him from participating in the battle, although he was manually converted to battle station mode by the Autobots inhabiting him. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Following the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the Autobots' reclamation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] built a new transforming cog for Metroplex, and entrusted its delivery to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} While they were busy suffering numerous setbacks (including nearly getting killed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and being stranded on Jupiter's moon [[Io]]), the immobile Metroplex was attacked by the Decepticons' new mobile battle station, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], who had been created expressly to serve as Metroplex's opposite number. Metroplex was again manually transformed to battle station mode by his inhabitants in hopes of mounting some form of a defence, but things were not looking hopeful. At the height of the battle, Blurr and Wheelie was safely brought to Earth by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], and quickly handed the transforming cog off to [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to install. Pipes carried out the task with all due haste, and Metroplex promptly transformed to robot mode, thrashed Trypticon, and hurled him into the ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[Image:ThiefNight Metroplex Kremlin.JPG|right|220px|thumb|"Why won't you accept our love?"]]

Although the Autobots figured this to be the end of Trypticon, in actuality, the saurian city survived and started stealing national monuments to pay off [[Octane]]'s debt to [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]]. When [[dinosaur transform static]] was found at the crime scene, Metroplex and his subordinates questioned all the Autobots with dinosaur electrons in their circuits, but when Trypticon was finally revealed to be the culrpit, Metroplex battled him in Russia over the Kremlin. Unfortunately, Metroplex was then left holding the building, and the [[Soviet Union|Soviets]] blamed the Autobots for the thefts and expelled them from the country. Fakkadi, however, summoned the Autobots to his country of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] to help oust the Decepticons that had taken over, and Metroplex delivered another sound defeat to Trypticon, tossing him into the ocean yet again and returning the stolen buildings to their rightful place. {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

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

As part of his deal with Unicron to ensure their mutual resurrection, the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was charged with stealing Metroplex's eyes in order to restore Unicron's sight. Possessing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Starscream invaded Metroplex and started removing the giant's optics, only to wind up breaking the first one when he was caught off-guard by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. Just as he was successfully removing the second eye, Metroplex detected the presence of intruders within his brain vault and awoke. Scourge came crashing out of Metroplex just as he transformed to robot mode, and beat a hasty retreat as the giant discovered that he was blind and went into a maddened rage, firing upon all the Transformers in the vicinity. Metroplex landed a shot on [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] before his rampage was cut short by the detonation of a [[photon charge]] Scourge had placed in his head, and he fell unconscious, transforming back into city mode. After the villains' plan was foiled, new eyes were constructed for Metroplex. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

[[Image:Ultimateweapon metroplex hefts trypticon.jpg|right|220px|thumb]]

After coming under attack from a [[Eurythma|Eurythman]] sonic weapon, {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}, transforming cog troubles returned to plague Metroplex when [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole the component right out from under [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s nose. With Metroplex trapped in city mode, the Autobots retaliated by stealing Trypticon's cog and using it as a replacement; the Decepticons proceeded to use Metroplex's cog in place of Trypticon's, but the incompatibility of the cogs in each of the giant robots led to an unsteady battle with both combatants partially transforming back and forth constantly. First Aid proceeded to enter Metroplex's body during the fight and aligned the cog properly, allowing Metroplex to fully transform and, yet ''again'', fling Trypticon into a body of water. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

When the [[Hate Plague]] swept the universe, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] realized the danger that an infected Metroplex would pose, and reluctantly decided to deactivate him. Metroplex understood and agreed with his decision—it was not made clear if this action was temporary, or if it would permanently send Metroplex off-line. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as detailed above, except instead of taking place over 2005/6, the events of season 3, in which Metroplex appears, are moved back to 2010. Japanese continuity inserts many new stories into the gaps in the cartoon timeline, several of which focus on Metroplex and the story of how he was created, which went unexplained in the American cartoon.}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[Image:FSRLTF6 Trypticon vs Metroplex hologram.jpg|left|thumb]]
Metroplex was constructed in the late 1980s as part of the Autobots' "Scramble City" initiative to develop a powerful battle station. During the early stages of the project, however, when the Autobots were conducting an outdoor test of the unfinished city's transformation to mobile fortress mode, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] were able to monitor the process. The information they acquired allowed Megatron to decipher whether or not Metroplex would be able to stand up to Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}

Trypticon was ultimately completed before Metroplex, and was successfully activated on a small island. The Autobots went into action to save the island and stop the giant, but without a city-bot of their own, they had to resort to some cunning: Perceptor magnified a [[hologram]] of Metroplex projected by [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], creating a huge image of the giant Autobot that Trypticon charged at and passed through, crashing into the ocean below. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #6}}
{{-}}

=====''Scramble City'' cartoon=====
[[Image:Metroplexstanding.jpg|right|200px|thumb|As a sensitive new-age guy, Metroplex was one of the few Autobots who did not have issues with the size of his gun.]]
To complete the Scramble City project, the Autobots moved their operation to a secret underground cavern, but the Decepticons' [[Mini-Cassette|spy cassettes]] located the subterranean base, and an all-out Decepticon attack was initiated. [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] had [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] outnumbered, but the heroic combiner was able to hold the line long enough until Metroplex's construction was finally completed.

Emerging fom his underground birthplace, Metroplex transformed from city to battle station mode and took off for the battleground. Crushing all in his path, the titanic Autobot transformed to robot mode and took out the Decepticon combiners with one colossal blast. However, as the Autobots celebrated their victory, the ocean nearby parted and Trypticon emerged for his first battle with Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

{{note|This battle, uh, never happened, because the second part of ''Scramble City'' never got made.}}
{{-}}
=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_metroplex_arrives.jpg|left|thumb|Able to leap with tall buildings in a single bound...]]
Crafting a new diabolical scheme, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] began to threaten humanity with his latest weapon: the [[Omega Whip]]. After [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]], [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] located the Decepticon base and disabled the super weapon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ordered up reinforcements: ''every single Autobot''. Carrying the entire army in his mobile battle station mode, Metoplex, er, ''hovered'' onto the scene and transformed to robot mode. Accepting defeat, Megatron and the Decepticons scurried off as fast as they could. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{-}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers'' manga=====
[[Image:Manga_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Metroplex struggles against the inexorable pull of the dreaded "page fold".]]
On a bright and sunny day in the year 2010, the [[Autobot|Autobots]] invited a group of [[human]] families to come take a tour of Metroplex. They were all very impressed and everything was going great... until [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked. Preoccupied with keeping everyone inside him from dying, Metroplex was left to take all of Trypticon's attacks on the chin, including his Dual Plasma Cannons and Dino-Head Attack. With [[Scamper]] quickly taken out by [[Full-Tilt]], it looked as though Metroplex would be felled by a blast from the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt tank]].

Luckily, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] deployed [[Six-Gun]] just in time. Six-Gun took out Full-Tilt and then proceeded to turn the Brunt tank around on Trypticon, blasting the Decepticon with his own drone. The blast destroyed Trypticon's Head Controls, forcing [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to call a retreat. With the day won, Metroplex returned to City mode. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 3|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #3}}

=====''The Great Transformer War'' manga=====
After rescuing the alien scientist Doctor [[Dalton (G1)|Dalton]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, the Autobots brought him to Metroplex for safe-keeping. There, he agreed to help upgrade the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] so they could counter the upgrades he was forced to install in the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]. Little did any of them know, Metroplex had been infiltrated by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who observed the entire upgrading process in secret. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

In 2011, as part of his massive assault to retake [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] unleashed Trypticon on Metroplex, the battle thoroughly occupying the [[Earth]] forces of the Autobots, keeping them from coming to Cybertron's defense. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm4 metroplex vs madmachine.jpg|left|thumb|220px|Real men wear purple plasma envelopes.]]

In 2011, one year after the curing of the Hate Plague, the Decepticons launched a major offensive to take control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. To prevent Autobot reinforcements reaching the planet, a large garrison of Decepticon troops were deployed to keep the Autobots on Earth occupied. As the battle moved to the vicinity of Autobot City, Metroplex flew into action and aided his comrades by blasting the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] out of the sky. He then transformed into battle station mode and transported the [[Trainbot]]s back to the city itself, where they took the [[space bridge]] to aid their allies on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} As the battle to control Cybertron continued to rage, Metroplex was among the Autobots deployed to help search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Observing Trypticon making his way towards an oil field, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ordered Metroplex into action. The two city-bots engaged in another round of their endless dance, but Metroplex soon discovered that he had been lured into a trap when the Decepticons' newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], burrowed its way out of the sand nearby. An electromagnetic blast from the Madmachine sent Metroplex's systems into chaos, and he was forced to retreat. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} Soon after, Metroplex joined the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in traveling to [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[New York City|New York]] to investigate attacks by a mysterious blackmailer. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

A little later, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] launched from Metroplex to back up a contingent of Autobots on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], but found their way barred by Trypticon. Metroplex immediately went into action against his perennial foe and kicked him into a mountainside, but then he had to deal with [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

[[Image:Hm24_metroplex_must_watch.jpg|right|thumb|220px|"If only I could reach Ultra Magnus... then I could beat you over the head with him!"]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons left Earth to go on an interplanetary energy quest, Metroplex (logically enough) did not go with them, and so disappeared off the radar for a while. When they returned to Earth, Sixshot launched an attack on Autobot City, leading to a violent battle between him and Ultra Magnus. Metroplex attempted to aid his commander, but was kept busy by Trypticon, and so, Ultra Magnus died by Sixshot's hand. After the Autobot Headmasters disposed of Sixshot, funeral arrangements were made for Magnus, and Metroplex requested that rather than launch his body into space, the Autobots should bury Ultra Magnus on Earth to symbolize the great love he had for the planet. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

Decepticon attacks only intensified in the wake of Magnus's death, and Metroplex, seeking revenge for the death of his commander, insisted that he be allowed to join in the fight. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] and the Autobot Headmasters encouraged him to remain at Autobot City, pointing out that his databanks contained all their collected information and that he was too valuable to lose, but reports began pouring in from different Autobot installations that only seemed to prove how necessary Metroplex entering the fray was. Fortress explained that all available Autobots had come to help, and Metroplex grudgingly agreed to stand down, with one condition: when Sixshot showed his face, he would be Metroplex's to deal with. This time came quite soon, as Metroplex accompanied the Autobot Headmasters to [[Alaska]] and engaged Sixshot in an aerial battle while the Headmasters dealt with Galvatron. When the young warriors destroyed the Decepticon leader with the power of their [[Head Formation]], Sixshot retreated, depriving Metroplex of his revenge. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[Image:Hm26_metroplex_vs_sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|220px|"So yer a giant city-bot! Big Whoop! Wanna fight about it?"]]

It wasn't long before Metroplex got another shot at Sixshot when he and Trypticon attacked Autobot City again. Metroplex dealt with Trypticon quickly and focused his fury on Sixshot, but the revenge-hungry Autobot was mistaken in his belief that Trypticon had been defeated. As the saurian titan leapt at Metroplex from behind, Spike Witwicky moved into the open to shout a warning to the giant Autobot, and was hit by a stray laser blast. Seconds later, the Trainbots arrived to help Metroplex overpower Trypticon and send him packing, but Spike had been grievously wounded by the blast and had to be taken to [[Athenia]] for medical attention. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

When the Headmasters departed Earth to follow the Decepticons to planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Metroplex was left in command on the Autobots on Earth. Some time later, just as the Headmasters were returning to Earth, Decepticons began springing up all over Earth, and Metroplex contacted the approaching Headmasters to let them know of the sudden change in the situation. He greeted them when they arrived on the planet, updated them, and was commended for the good job he had done in their absence. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Metroplex continued to help gather data on the Decepticons' activities on Earth, which involved raising mysterious "[[crysmagnetal|Death Towers]]" at strategic points around the globe, helping out where he could. After supervising the transportation of humans injured in a Decepticon attack, Metroplex sped to [[Egypt]] to aid Fortress Maximus after he was wounded battling [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Finally, Metroplex participated in the colossal climactic battle between the entire Autobot and Decepticon armies at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], which culminated in the Decepticons' defeat, and the withdrawal of all Transformers from Earth. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Spacepirates metroplex emerges.jpg|right|thumb|The prospect of free stickers brings Metroplex to life, and the [[Quintesson]]s are none too happy about it.]]
====Marvel UK future timelines====
Metroplex is the largest Autobot on record at just under 700 feet in height. Entirely too large to wander Earth freely, Metroplex accepted without complaint the role he was assigned: that of the "living core" of Autobot City. Built into the very fabric of the city upon its creation in 2003, Metroplex lay dormant beneath its surface, endowing it with the ability to transform from city mode into a heavily-armed battle station.

In 2008, when the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City as a part of a complex, multi-pronged plan to take over Cybertron, only a few Autobots were able to avoid capture. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], temporarily reverted back to Hot Rod, was one of the lucky few, and managed to activate Metroplex. The towering Autobot tore his way out from beneath the city and, already in a bad mood over being so rudely awakened, immediately began smashing and blasting the Quintessons that started attacking him. The fight was distinctly one-sided, and before long, Metroplex had successfully driven the invading aliens off. Alas, as Autobot City was largely gutted when Metroplex emerged, it was something of a pyrrhic victory for the Autobots. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Routeofallevil_metroplex_hologram.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"The lost city of gold! I must not let [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] know about this!"]]

After deposing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and leaving the planet in [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] command, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a large number of Autobots returned to Earth to begin construction on a vast complex known as [[Autobot City]]. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] was seen projecting a hologram of Metroplex during construction, presumably as a blueprint. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightMetroplex CoverRI.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They look like ants from up here Bill" "They are ants, Michael! They are ants!"]]

Metroplex was charged with protecting an unidentified object of great value on the planet [[Salvvatan VIII]]. He remained hidden in plain sight in alternate mode, posing as merely another section of a sprawling mechanical complex on the planet's surface. His proximity to [[Orvus Base]], the Autobot research facility orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], seems to be too convenient to be a coincidence, but any direct connection between Orvus Base and Metroplex or whatever he was guarding was unknown.

Metroplex's cover was compromised when Orvus Base was attacked by the devastatingly powerful Decepticon known as [[Sixshot]]. Nearly the entire crew was wiped out, except for six [[Throttlebot]]s who escaped to Salvvatan VIII, with Sixshot hot on their heels. Their running battle at the complex led the combatants to Metroplex's hiding spot, and a sharp turn sent [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Sixshot through Metroplex's outermost wall. His defensive perimeter breached, Metroplex transformed to robot mode, taking the opportunity to squash Sixshot under his boot in the process. With his position compromised, Metroplex's first priority was immediate relocation of himself and, presumably, the object he protected. He directed the Throttlebots to where they could find an escape shuttle and medical supplies before transforming into a space-faring mode and rocketing out into the cosmos. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

Metroplex returned to Cybertron, where he served as a base of operations for the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] while he began his endeavours to restore the damaged planet to habitability. Despite his prodigious strength and size, Metroplex was of little use in battle against the [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun Cybertron (the swarm was simply too great in size, and would eat their way inside his systems before he could destroy them all), so instead, Alpha Trion resurrected the deceased [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to carry out the task. Once Ironhide had reduced the swarm's numbers to a mere two hundred, Alpha Trion had Metroplex transform to robot mode and crush the remaining Insecticons beneath his massive palms. Subsequently, Alpha Trion and Metroplex left Cybertron for parts unknown, off to put into motion the next move in the great, enigmatic game Alpha Trion was playing. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
{{storylink|Transformers G1: Awakening}}
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Metroplex toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Yeah, I saw ''Big'' and I went against it.]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Autobot City, 1986/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Scamper, Scamper's arms/cannons (x2), Scamper's small laser pistol, Slammer, Slammer's turret, Sixgun's body/tower, Sixgun's chestplate/tower top 2 red cannons/Sixgun's legs, 2 black cannons/Sixgun's arms, Sixgun's laser pistol, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, shoulder antenna, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps, 3 missiles

: Metroplex transforms from a large robot to a multi-leveled "city" mainly for use with the smaller ''Generation 1'' toys. This mode includes a service bay with launching mechanism, a helipad, and "parking" for four vehicles in whatever his legs fold out to be. He also has a third mobile battle station mode; a more compact wheeled form that incorporates his many weapons. Additionally, his weapons are all moulded with universal-sized pegs that allow them to attached in several different configurations and locations (for example, in the otherwise-pointless holes in his kneecaps in city mode). Metroplex came with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]; the first two formed various parts of Metroplex's alternate modes. Metroplex's kneecaps also connect in various places in slots on his legs, both in mobile mode, and in city mode on the opposite side (near the knee joint).

:Metroplex was apparently designed as part of the aborted [[Diaclone]] line, ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination"), given the high degree of interactivity he has with other toys confirmed as part of it—namely, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Each of the smaller "limb" robot from these four groups (and those that came after using their basic design, like the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]) can plug into ports in Metroplex's shoulders and knees in robot mode, while the base modes of the four leaders—[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]—can connect to him in city mode. While the former feature was included in the Hasbro instructions, the latter was omitted. The peg-size of Metroplex's weapons also allows them to be wielded by the leaders and super-robots these teams create.

: As a third-year piece, Metroplex was one of several items to undergo "materials changing". Initial versions of Metroplex used rubber tires, and the fronts of his upper legs were fully-chromed silver. After a time, though, the tires were replaced with single-piece hard-plastic tires, and his legs changed to white plastic with a silver factory-applied sticker at the top. However, the plastic tire version also possessed a waist reinforced with two screw points instead of one, in an effort to prevent Metroplex literally snapping in half as so many of the original versions did due to a weak spot on the waist.

: Metroplex suffers from a large number of weak and breakable points. Apart from the aforementioned waist, the launcher inside his chest, the peg on his back, his extendable shoulder antenna, Scamper's shoulder hinges and Scamper's arm pegs are all very fragile and break or fail in various ways.

: This mold was also used to make [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], with some retooling for ramps compatible with the various Micromaster/Micro Transformer bases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Metroplex/metroplex.htm More information on Metroplex at TFU.info]

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Metroplex junior.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-70'''
**''Accessories:'' Black gun

:The ''[[Transform Jr]]'' version of Metroplex shrinks and simplifies the original toy, omitting his city mode, all of his partners, his antennae, and his entire armament save for one black rifle. Toy be ''plaaaaain''.
{{--}}

===Encore===
*'''Metroflex''' (2008)
**''Encore number:'' '''12'''

:In September 2008, Metroplex was reissued in Japan in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Encore]] line. This version features a minor retool to allow Slammer's gun turret to become the top of a building in city mode. The Encore version also has the chrome upper legs and rubber wheels of the initial releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_metroplex.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Metroflex''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' 2 red cannons, 2 black cannons, double-barreled cannon, rear tower, 2 shoulder antennae, 2 fists, 2 kneecaps

:A snap-together model kit of Metroplex was available as part of the fifth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' [[candy toy]] series. A much-shrunken version of the original Metroplex toy, the kit can only transform into battle station mode, and does not come with any of Metroplex's partners, but does retain some of the features of the larger figure, such the opening garage door and flip-down missile rack. Moulded from black, red and grey plastic, Metroplex has stickers for detail rather than paint operations, and came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Transformers Ramune===
[[Image:Metroplex_keshigomu.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1986)

: While no figure of Metroplex was released by Hasbro as part of their [[1987]] [[Decoy]] promotion, a soft rubber figure crafted in his image was released as part of the second series of wave of figures released by [[Kabaya]] exclusively in [[Japan]] as part of the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line. Like the other figures in this series, Metroplex was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box and was available in red, blue and yellow colors. Unusually, the figure was based more upon preproduction artwork for the Metroplex toy than on the character's finalized appearance, lacking the distinctive shoulder and "ear" antennae that give Metroplex his unique silhouette and instead sporting an over-the-shoulder double-barreled cannon.

===Forms Robo===
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

: Metroplex was also part of the small ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Metroplex was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow versions.
{{-}}
===Soft Robo===
[[Image:Metroplex_soft_robo.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
* '''Metroflex''' (1987)

:This large, vinyl figurine of Metroplex was packaged with an Autobot [[insignia]] badge.

* '''Water Gun Set''' (1987)

:The large vinyl figure of Metroplex was also avaialble in a "VS" figurine set, along with a Decepticon insignia badge, a water pistol and two randomly-packed peach-colored Autobot [[Decoy]]s.
{{-}}

===Collegeville Costumes===
[[Image:Metroplex halloween costume.jpg|right|thumb|Eeeeeiiigh!]]
* '''Metroplex Halloween costume''' (1986)

:Given the small number of ''Transformers'' costumes produced by [[Collegeville Costumes]], it was perhaps an odd choice to base one on a comparatively lesser-known character like Metroplex. Nonetheless, this two-piece costume adhered to the crappy time-worn tradition of consisting of a sculpted thin plastic mask held over the wearer's face with elastic, and a smock with a picture of Metroplex and his name on it.
{{-}}
[[Image:Metroplex_mask.jpg|right|thumb|GIVE ME YOUR FACE.]]
* '''Metroplex mask''' (1986)

: Collegeville evidently liked Metroplex, as they also immortalized him in their line of ''Transformers'' masks. Made from flat styrofoam, the mask featured a hinge that allowed the wearer to lift it up and down, transforming from kid to robot in the blink of an eye!

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
* '''Metroflex''' (2001)
[[Image:HOC Metroplex.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

: Metroplex was the "Build-A-Figure" in fourth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line of non-transformable PVC figurines. Available in eight out of every ten cases, Metroplex was divided into six parts, each one packaged mostly with one of the silver metallic "pewter" versions of the other six figurines in the line. His head and guns came with Ultra Magnus, his body with Arcee and Daniel, his left arm with Optimus Prime, his right arm with Megatron, his left leg with [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and his right leg with Rodimus Prime. Metroplex's parts were available in two versions, at an equal ratio: full-color and clear plastic, making two versions of the figure to collect.

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)

:''Super Collection Figure'' Metroplex was later made available as part of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, again packaged as a "Build-A-Figure" for the line's fifth wave. As the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures did not feature variants and were not blindpacked, it was a lot easier to assemble a Metroplex figure; the head and guns came with Optimus Prime, his body with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], his left arm with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], his right arm with Megatron and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], his left leg with Starscream and his right leg with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]].

:Like all of the initial releases of the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line, Metroplex's parts were cast in a transparent plastic with the colour based upon their faction (blue in Metroplex's case). He was almost completely painted, leaving his eyes and the back of his head unpainted for a [[light-piping]] effect.
{{--}}
===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone metroplex.jpg|right|100px|thumb]]
*'''Metroplex''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
**''Accessories:'' White display stand
:Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Metroplex comes with a hexagonal white display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1_Autobot_City.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Of course, if you look closely, he's sort of magically floating ''above'' the city, but hey, points for trying!]]
[[Image:Metroplex_character_models.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
*Metroplex's relationship to [[Autobot City]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon series]] is ill-defined at best. He is not actually mentioned by name in the movie, while ''[[Five Faces of Darkness]]'' uses the terms "Autobot City" and "Metroplex" interchangeably, suggesting they are the same thing. The confusion seems to originate with the design history behind Autobot City: designer [[Floro Dery]] has described how he created [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ark-addendum-autobot-city-concept-art.html his own concept for the city], but was then instructed to redesign it, adding elements of the Metroplex toy (evidenced in the film itself by the city's shift from orange to white as it transforms and the appearance of a turret that is quite blatantly [[Slammer]]). The series would very rarely show Metroplex and Autobot City onscreen at the same time, using only one or the other as the episode demanded; the closest it would usually come to unifying the two would be to show the occasional leftover orange building remaining at Metroplex's feet when he transforms to robot mode. The episode "[[Thief in the Night]]" offered the best answer to the conundrum, by clearly presenting Metroplex to be a smaller sub-section of the city (see right).
*''Scramble City'' features a different [[character model]] for Metroplex compared to the one used for his appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon. The ''Scramble City'' model is more [[show-accuracy|toy-accurate]], featuring individual eyes, more robo-wrinkles and "stubble."
*"Fortress Maximus" was likely a considered name for Metroplex. The [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.
*The Japanese book [[Transformers Generations]] contains concept art for an unmade [[Action Master]] version of Metroplex.
*In ''[[Transformers The Game]]'', the video game tie-in for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]], a [[Tranquility Mall|suburban mall]] was called the Metroplex Mall as an homage to the character.
*Unusually for the G1 cartoon, Metroplex retains his red optics. This is in contrast to the cartoon's typical practice of colouring Autobot optics blue and Decepticon optics red.
* No instructions show this, but in a bizarre case of convergent engineering, Grandus in transport mode can combine with Metroplex in transport mode via the pegs on the former's shoulders, and the fist holes on the latter. Jizai Gattai indeed.
* The tower formed with Slammer boasts a peak that is ''very'' similar to the Scramble City connection pieces sported by all smaller limb pieces, but is too large to be used in the same manner.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metroflex''' (メトロフレックス ''Metorofurekkusu'')
*''English:'' '''Philip''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Métroplex''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Guardian'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Dà Dū-hùei''' (Taiwan, 大都會, "Grand Metropolis"), '''Mǒng Dà Shùai''' (China, 猛大帅, "Fierce Grand Marshal")

{{--}}

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

[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Darkwing (G1)

2011-09-17T19:32:57Z

98.237.9.79:

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{picsneeded|Toys}}
{{disambig3|Darkwing}}
:''Darkwing is a [[Decepticon]] [[Powermaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]]. He is sometimes called '''Darkwind'''.''
[[Image:Darkwing boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Fun fact: the Panavia Tornado actually ''is'' a terror that flaps in the night]]''
When you get in trouble, don't call '''Darkwing'''. He has just as dim a view of existence as his partner [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], he's simply more proactive about it. After all, he figures if everything is pointless, depressing, and inevitably leads to a life of painful and ceaseless suffering ''anyway'', he might at least make sure others are getting it a lot worse than he is. You can always count on Darkwing to attempt to make a bad situation worse for everyone involved, and to complain about it all loudly while he's at it. He's [[Binary bonding|binary-bonded]] to the hot-headed [[Nebulan]] thief [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]].

He can combine with his fellow Powermaster Dreadwind to form the superjet [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]].

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Dreadwinddarkwingpeoplepower.jpg|left|200px|thumb|It's guy love between two guys.]]
Darkwing and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] were Decepticon mercenaries, affiliated with no army or unit full-time. For their own reasons, however, they were interested in finding the location of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and his crew of Decepticon warriors. Tracking the group to the planet [[Nebulos]], Darkwing demanded the Nebulans give them the information on Scorponok's whereabouts. When they refused, Darkwing and Dreadwind began a campaign of terror on the planet that only stopped due to precautions the Nebulans had taken to poison their fuel supplies, a measure of foresight to prevent Transformers from returning to their world after the last war. Darkwing and Dreadwind froze up, becoming little more than a curiosity and tourist attraction in an open square.

Their luck changed thanks to a jealous and vindictive scientist named [[Hi-Test]], who had worked on the fuel-tainting process but received none of the glory. Working with a thief named [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]], Hi-Test stole information from his former boss [[Hi-Q]], and used it to create a new form of bio-mechanical engineering called the [[Powermaster]] Process, which would cybernetically enable him and Throttle to [[Binary bonding|binary bond]] with the Decepticons, becoming their engines to restore their ability to move and intake energy. Reaching an agreement with the Nebulans, Darkwing agreed to become binary bonded to Throttle, and the new Decepticon Powermasters began ransacking Nebulos once again. Their antics were eventually stopped only when a group of Autobots arrived on Nebulos, and underwent the same binary bonding procedure with Hi-Q and his staff. Darkwing, Dreadwind and their partners were driven off of Nebulos. {{storylink|People Power!}}

Next, they took up a job as middlemen and "robot-spotters" for the [[Mecannibal]]s. Because [[Master Mouth]] and his brood lived off of eating robots, Darkwing and Dreadwind posed as mere jets, allowing Hi-Test and Throttle to act as the primary partners in their dealings. After their ruse was uncovered by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] and the Autobot [[Pretender]]s, however, the Powermasters found themselves on the run from their former bosses. {{storylink|Recipe for Disaster!}}

[[Image:Dreadwinddarkwingunicron.jpg|right|150px|thumb|And when I say, "I love you Dread," it's not what it implies.]]

Returning to Cybertron, they took a job working for deposed Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], who hired them to retrieve a special cargo from Earth: the deactivated body of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. ''Or maybe, NOT so deactivated. Upon arriving at Starscream's crash-landing site in South America, Darkwing and Dreadwind found him still up and about. The power of the [[Underbase]] was maintaining a bare minimum of functioning, but enough to make him dangerous. After the Decepticons were trounced, Hi-Test and Throttle managed to siphon the Underbase power directly from Starscream's corpse, taking his dead body off-line while giving them enough power to recharge their partners and make it back to Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Race with the Devil}} Megatron planned to use Starscream as an unthinking instrument of destruction, but things just never go as planned. After Starscream was disabled and Megatron vanished in the explosion of [[Megatron's base|his base]], Darkwing and Dreadwind found themselves out of work again. {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

''The two wandered rather aimlessly after that. They apparently spent quite a bit of time over-energizing at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. {{storylink|Out to Lunch!}}''

When [[Primus]] gathered all his children to do battle with Unicron on Cybertron, Darkwing marked this solemn occasion by guffawing loudly at something Dreadwind was telling him and thus pissing off several Autobots. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}} Despite this frivolity, when the battle began Darkwing and Dreadwind were front and center. They joined the Autobots [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] and [[Cloudburst]] in taking the fight right into Unicron's face, and Darkwing was quite eager to bash him up. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} After the planet-eater was destroyed, Darkwing and Dreadwind joined up with the Decepticons under [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s command. They were responsible for killing off their old sparring partner [[Getaway]] on the planet [[Klo]]. Neither were seen for the rest of the battle, but they presumably went into exile with the rest of the Decepticons after the return of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] turned the tide on that planet. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

{{note|Several UK Annual stories depict Darkwing and Dreadwind as working for different Decepticon groups on Earth, but the continuity of these stories is difficult to wrangle. In one story they work for Scorponok, along with the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. This could only have happened after Scorponok took full control of the Decepticons of Earth after the [[Underbase Saga]] but, while the Combaticons were not destroyed on-panel by Starscream, it is generally believed that all non-organic enhanced Transformers were disabled. {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}} A story from the next year's annual starred the two Powermasters alongside the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], so it could only have taken place before the Underbase Saga, but also the [[Targetmaster]] [[Quake (G1)|Quake]], who was on Cybertron under the [[Triumverate]]'s command at that time. {{storylink|Dreadwing Down!}} While some creative massaging of the facts could put these stories in continuity, it's probably best to consider Darkwing and Dreadwind officially unaffiliated with any army until after the war with [[Unicron]]. Their sudden appearances among the various Autobots and Decepticons summoned by Primus does indicate they were on either Earth or Cybertron immediately prior, though. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

====Condor Verlag Transformers Comic-Magazin====
{{TransformersComicMagazin}}
Darkwing was present when Megatron made peaceful gestures to Humanity in [[New York City]]. Darkwing and Dreadwind delivered a "statue" of [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]] as a gift to the city. Unsurprisingly, once Humanity was off-guard, the Decepticons struck, and the Autobots barely stopped them. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 4#Transformers in Action: The Troy Principle|Transformers in Action: The Troy Principle}}

Darkwing, [[Needlenose]] and Dreadwind were hiding in an airbase in Nevada, before revealing their liquid crystal Decepticon insignia and flying off. They then used the distraction of a hijacked tanker to atack oil fields and refineries. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 5|Transformers in the Battle for Peace: A Big Day for Powermaster Optimus Prime}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Darkwing-surrenderordie.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Dreadwind probably complained about this too.]]
Darkwing was badly damaged while defending his commander [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] against the returning [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|The Power and the Glory}} After resuming leadership of the Decepticons, Megatron had Darkwing rebuilt in [[Dreadwing (G2)|a much larger and more powerful form]]. Darkwing made his debut with the new body by obliterating the inoffensive [[Rheanimum]] miners of [[Tykos]]. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

{{-}}
====''Classics''====
{{note|The Classics comic takes place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a [[splinter timeline]] that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or ''Generation 2''.}}
After the Decepticons' defeat on Klo, Darkwing and Dreadwind retreated with Bludgeon to the corners of the galaxy, where the Decepticons regrouped. Fifteen years later, both had reverse-engineered the Powermaster process on their bodies, and separated from Hi-Test and Throttle. Dreadwind had left Darkwing behind to join [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]'s team, and Dreadwind complained about it constantly. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Darkwing remained at Bludgeon's command, and was one of his top aides in preparing for a counter-strike from the recently reactivated Megatron. At Darkwing's suggestion, Bludgeon hired the best of the techno-guilds to reinforce their computer systems with firewalls and cyber-traps to protect their tactical layouts. And yet, Bludgeon's battle-plans were still compromised. Darkwing had uncovered a traitor among Bludgeon's crew. By backtracking the electronic imprint of the Decepticon who transmitted the information to Megatron, Darkwing fingered [[Hun-Gurrr|Hun-Grrr]] of the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] as the culprit. Bludgeon and the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] confronted Hun-Grrr and, after a brief but brutal brawl between [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]], Hun-Grrr was taken off-line. The traitor defeated.

Then the Seacons killed Bludgeon and surrendered the faction to Megatron. Given Darkwing's involvement in identifying the problem and branding the so-called traitor, it is unknown if he was also in on the Seacons' betrayal. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Darkwing and Dreadwind were members of the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]] faction during the [[Dark Ages]], working under the command of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Poor saps. {{storylink|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:Stormbringer2 NebulosDecepticons1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Launchpad, Megavolt's on the loose!"]]
A few hundred years ago, Darkwing and Dreadwind were part of the last "big push" for control of Cybertron. Shortly after the Battle of [[Thunderhead Pass]], they were led into battle by [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

Years later, Darkwing was commander of the Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|Infiltration Unit]] on [[Nebulos]], alongside his partner Dreadwind, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Skullcruncher]], [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]], [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] and [[Roadgrabber]]. Their infiltration was apparently still in the early stages when the rogue Decepticon juggernaut known as [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] came crashing down on the planet {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} Darkwing sent most of his troops into battle, knowing the show of resistance was futile but necessary to convince Megatron later that they fought for their territory. Still, he and Dreadwind remained and participated in the fight, but quickly departed after the last of their comrades was deactivated. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3|Stormbringer #3}}

A few years later, after Megatron was defeated on Earth, Dreadwing and Darkwing were among the Decepticons who had heard the (self-proclaimed) Decepticon leader [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s rallying call and gathered on a desolate asteroid that was now their new headquarters. However, with the lack of resources, poor morale and Starscream's weak leadership, the Decepticons largely collapsed into anarchy and resorted to cannibalism with not enough energon to go around. Darkwing apparently got sick of this and had the lugnuts to leave. When Dreadwind took more than his fair share of energon and was hunted down, tried to blame the theft on Darkwing. After Dreadwind was killed, [[Needlenose]] opined that Darkwing was a thief, as well. {{Storylink|All His Engines}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
Dreadwind and Darkwing show up in several [[commercial]]s:
[[Image:Dreadwinddarkwingcommercials.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hello, hello, hello!]]
* They appeared first, of course, in commercials for the [[Powermaster|Powermasters]]. This footage was chopped up and used in several different-but-similar Powermasters commercials, and focused on the new [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], the non-Prime Autobot and Decepticon Powermasters, or their [[People Power!|appearance in Marvel Comics]].
* They appeared again in the animated introduction to the first Pretenders commercial. The narration claims that a series of defeats forces the Autobots to develop Pretender technology, and as the Pretenders rise from their operating tables, Dreadwind and Darkwing break in and approach them. (The Pretenders are considerably smaller than Dreadwind and Darkwing, lending evidence to the idea that the commercials' Pretenders are human-sized.)
* Later, they're the victims of the new [[Micromaster]]s. Optimus Prime unleashes an army of Micromasters upon a Decepticon base, they slip past [[Piranacon (G1)|the guard]], and once inside they crawl up both Dreadwind and Darkwing and overwhelm them.
* Footage from the first commercial, depicting Dreadwind and Darkwing in vehicle mode chasing [[Getaway]] and [[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] in vehicle mode, was used at the beginning of the commercial for the [[Triggerbot]]s and [[Triggercon]]s. This animation seemed to be meant to represent these other toys. Don't pay too close attention, kids!

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Darkwing''' (Powermaster, 1988)
**''Accessories'': "Throttle" Powermaster engine, left & right laser-guided electro-kinetic blasters

: Darkwing transforms into a Panavia Tornado GR1 fighter jet. He is locked in this mode until his packed-in partner Throttle is placed into the engine socket on his back (or until you push down the relevant buttons in said socket). Once "unlocked", he can also form the back half of the "Dreadwing" super-jet.

: This mold was used to make the [[Godmaster]] [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Darkwing/darkwing.htm More information on Darkwing at TFU.info]''

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2DreadwingToy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|]]
*'''Dreadwing''' (Decepticon, 1994)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-10'''
**''Accessories:'' 12 missiles

: Dreadwing transforms into a "flying wing" style stealth bomber with an under-slung six-missile Gatling cannon. He can also transform into a treaded "tank" mode. In jet form, he can combine with his packed-in partner [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen's]] jet mode to make a complete aircraft.

: The same mold is used by [[BB]], ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]], and [[Gigant Bomb]]. The mold was also intended to be used for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in ''Generation 2'', but was never released.

: Although the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Darkwing's upgraded form in the Marvel comics, the toy's American and Japanese bios leave pretty wide open the possibility of this Dreadwing being a [[Dreadwing (G2)|separate character]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Dreadwing/dreadwing.htm More information on Dreadwing at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:UniverseDarkwindToy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|thumb|Proof that photoshop dreams do come true.]]
*'''Darkwind''' (Ultra Class 2009)
**''Series'': Generation 1 Series
**''Accessories:'' "Kinetic Blaster" launcher, projectile

: Darkwind (renamed from Darkwing apparently due to [[trademark]] reasons) is an extensive redeco of the [[Size class|Ultra Class]] ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] toy. He and his casemate [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] were "stealth" [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]], meaning he appeared in stores before [[Hasbro]] bothered to tell anybody about it. Their boxes advertise Hasbro's included battery brand, [[Pow-R-Fuel]].

:Darkwind transforms into a (fictional) FB-129 supersonic fighter-bomber. As an Ultra-scale toy, he comes with various light and sound [[gimmick]]s (exactly the same ones as ''Universe'' [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and Silverbolt), including a machine gun type sound when one presses the big blue button on the fuselage, and different classic transformation sound effects depending on whether he is being transformed from vehicle mode or vice versa.

: This mold was also used to make [[Skyjack|Skyfall]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TFUDarkwind/darkwind.htm More information on Darkwind at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''French:'' '''Ailenoire''' (Canada)

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Darkwing Darkwing's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
* [http://www.transformers-universe.com/popup.php?img=content/images/galerie/pics/43/4313_Darkwing_DreamwaveProfile.jpg Darkwing's MTMTE profile at Transformers-universe.com]

[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Powermasters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 2

2011-09-14T08:25:24Z

98.237.9.79: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=12
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=67
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=42
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 1
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 3
|image=UltimateDoom2 Cybertron Earth.JPG
|caption=Blue moon, you saw me standing alone...
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 2"
|production code=#700-09
|airdate=[[November 10]], 1984
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Cybertron's arrival causes disasters on Earth, leaving the Autobots to battle both the Decepticons and Nature.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 破滅の日 PART II (''Hametsu no Hi PART II'', "Day of Destruction PART II")
:''Latin American title:'' La Destrucción Máxima, Parte II
:''Serbian title:'' '''Судњи дан, други део - Потрага''' (''Sudnji dan, drugi deo - Potraga'', "Judgment day, part 2 - Search")
:''Italian title, dub 1:'' '''La Terra in crisi''' ("Crisis on Earth")
:''Italian title, dub 2:'' '''Destino finale - II''' ("Final Destiny - II")
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Tud2megatronthreatens.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Fear me, Starscream, as I put the fear of God into you!]]

As [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] arrives into Earth orbit, storms and earthquakes begin in earnest. [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] celebrates, despite [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]'s attempts to make him see reason. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] rallies the [[Decepticon]]s to attack the [[Autobot]]s, but the sudden violence of the elements has both the Autobots and the 'Cons disoriented.

[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to broadcast [[audio disrupter wave]]s, which cause much pain to the Autobots. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders a retreat. As they head out, Spike sadly watches his father board [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]].

[[Image:Tud2bee%26spikeembrace.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Hold onto the Cube!]]

Starscream berates Megatron for allowing the Autobots to escape, but Megatron brushes off the criticism...with a mere choke of Starscream's throat. The human slaves rush away in terror as [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] notes they look like they've just woken up from a bad dream.

[[Doctor Arkeville]] realizes that the disrupter wave interferes with the [[hypno-chip]]s' control signal and works to correct it, but he will need more "[[Humans|materials]]" to modify the chips. Megatron contacts Arkeville, who is informed of the situation. After a little experiment on Sparkplug, Arkeville is convinced that he has solved the problem, and Megatron promises that he will have all the slaves they need to gather the energy for Cybertron.

[[Image:Tud2sparkplugontable.jpg|left|175px|thumb|No, Mister Bond... I expect you to turn your head and cough.]]

Heading back to base under severe weather conditions, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] get separated from the group. Spike is still in a bit of a funk over his dad working with the Decepticons. An earthquake causes a fissure in the ground, which Bumblebee falls into while Laserbeak arrives and takes Spike. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] arrive, rescuing Bumblebee and Spike.

At the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], Megatron begins sending Seekers to transport [[Energon cube|energon cubes]] to Cybertron. Doctor Arkeville is displeased, as they are using his slaves as shields against Autobot aggression. Arkeville warns Megatron to remember their deal: He gets Earth after Megatron is done repowering Cybertron. Megatron promises to keep his word... but does not specify how much of Earth will be left. But even Megatron has his troubles with the violent storms. At Decepticon headquarters underwater, violent tsunamis destroy the base's entry tower and cause flooding.

[[Image:Tud2wheeljacksvolcano.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Quick, change the channel!]]

Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Autobots debate how best to handle the situation and decide to send the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to prevent as much destruction as possible. At first, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] could give a [[frag]] about the Earth's destruction, until he's reminded that he'd be on the planet at the time.

[[Image:Tud2snarlchewstree.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Me Snarl want play fetch, but nobody want play with Snarl.]]

At the Autobot base, Spike and Optimus discuss why Sparkplug would work with the Decepticons. Just then, [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] becomes active. Several Autobots are ejected into the air, but [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] manages to catch them. Heading back into the volcano, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] manages to cover the lava with an avalanche. Elsewhere, the Dinobots are hurrying to prevent a tidal wave from reaching the shore.

Meanwhile, Prime learns that Sparkplug was taken to Cybertron during energon shipments. Spike overhears and asks to go to Cybertron in order to save his dad and learn how the Decepticons are controlling their slaves. Optimus agrees. Skyfire, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], and Bumblebee head to Cybertron with Spike. As usual, Spike falls into a trap and needs rescuing by Brawn and Bumblebee. After they sneak into [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s fortress, they discover information about the hypno-chips, but Sparkplug arrives and sounds an alarm.

[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|To be concluded]]...

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (15)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (18)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (19)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (20)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (21)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (23)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (24)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (25)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (26)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (27)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (28)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (29)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (30)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (31)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (9)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (14)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (5)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
* [[Doctor Arkeville]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"The Decepticons will triumph. Ha ha ha ha! Join me, Spike. Join the conquerors!" 
"Dad..." 
"Look, I told you. Don't call me that!"
:—'''Sparkplug''' adds to '''Spike'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s psychological wounds.

"Decepticon rule FOREVER!" 
"Forever's shorter than you think!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Spike''' argue philosophy with big weapons.

"That'll teach you to play with fire, Blundercracker!"
:—'''Jazz''', clever as ever.

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Strangling Starscream.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Is Megatron gonna have to choke a 'bot?]]

"Cross me again, Starscream, and I'll reduce you to titanium fragments." 
"But we had the Autobots disoriented. We could have eliminated them." 
"We'll do that at our leisure when our more important work is done. You have had the only warning I intend to give."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' bicker again.

"Creating a mindless slave is simplicity itself, thanks to the brilliant complexity of my hypno-chip."
:—'''Doctor Arkeville''' to Rumble. The real irony is that Rumble is probably more advanced than anything Arkeville could ever create (and Rumble isn't even that smart).

"Let me go, you beryllium buzzard!"
:—'''Spike''' disses Laserbeak.

"That ought to cook that tin foil turkey."
:—'''Bluestreak''' also disses Laserbeak.

"Look at the monitors! You must help stop these disasters." 
"Uh, me Grimlock not care whole planet fall apart. Make no difference to me Grimlock." 
"With you on it?" 
"Hmm, hadn't thought of that."
:-'''Optimus Prime''', '''Grimlock''' and '''Wheeljack''' review ''[[Wikipedia:An_Inconvenient_Truth|An Inconvenient Truth]]''.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
* The "last time" recap of Part 1 includes a scene that hasn't happened yet, from Part 3! (specifically, the human slaves carrying energon cubes into Megatron's ship.)

* The opening shot of Cybertron rising above the horizon is several flavors of mixed up:
** If Cybertron was eclipsing the sun, its own surface wouldn't be nearly so well-lit.
** If the sun was that low to the horizon, it would be orange or red, not bright white. Haven't the animators ever seen a sunset?
** The clouds in the sky are behind both the sun and Cybertron. Cybertron's orbit can't be ''that'' low!

* In the next shot, Cybertron's shadow is moving across Ironhide and company, but stops moving half-way through the shot.

* Thundercracker is shown shielding himself from the explosion of one of the energy pylons, but in the next shot it's Starscream who is coming out of the same pose.

* The side of Starscream's air intake is gray instead of red as he insists that Thundercracker fire.

* Soundwave's eject button is slate blue instead of white as he activates the audio disrupter waves.

* Improbable viewpoints:
** Dr. Arkeville continues to watch the proceedings from Decepticon Headquarters... though this time, his monitor just shows some empty desert.

* When Rumble first reaches through the energy beams to grab the security guard, the energy strands around his wrist aren't backlit to glow.

* Soundwave seems to be missing some consonants as he reports on Cybertron's emergency bulletin; he reports that "energy levels: anticle!"

* As he switches his windshield polarity, Prime's exhaust stacks are drawn as pencil-thin lines.

* The crevasse changes width with every successive shot. In the second shot, it becomes so wide that Bumblebee can't straddle it, but in the third shot, it's suddenly narrow enough that Spike can straddle it. After the rocks under Spike's foot give way, it's suddenly so big that there's no way he could have been straddling it.

* Spike isn't wearing a helmet when he tries to help Bumblebee climb up the fissure. However, he's suddenly wearing one just before he's captured by Laserbeak.

* Bumblebee's face is yellow instead of white as he starts to fall.

* Bluestreak's left leg is mirrored as he lowers his gun; the windshield segment should be on the inside rather than the outside.

* As the three Autobots cluster at the edge of the crevasse, Windcharger is colored like Brawn.

* As we pan from the Autobots down into the crevasse, Windcharger's head is the wrong color, the wrong shape, and the wrong design.

* Skywarp's cockpit is ''huge'' as he prepares to leave for Cybertron. A human passenger takes up just the first segment of it, with the rest occupied by quite a few energon cubes.

* The clouds are behind Cybertron again as Skywarp flies toward it.

* The tidal wave that hits the city is of truly ''Day After Tomorrow'' proportions; if that was, say, the east coast of North America, it would probably wash all the way to the Appalachian Mountains, killing millions.

* As we pan in on Autobot Headquarters, the Ark is colored gray instead of orange. It's also rounded top and bottom, like one of the Rebel transports from ''Empire Strikes Back''.

* As he points at the Dinobots, only the front of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.

[[Image:Grimlockhead ud2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Me Grimlock no lose head. Me find new one!]]

* In the shot of the Dinobots lined up in their closet, Swoop's mouth is missing, and Slag's head is white instead of red. Also, Grimlock has his old head design, but it changes to [[:Image:Grimhead.JPG|the new design]] when he's talking to Optimus Prime and Wheeljack in the next shot.

* As Grimlock says he doesn't care, a random shot shows Cybertron rising over a wooded terrain... and a satellite drifts past! Is it orbiting at half a mile above the ground??

* Swoop's head crest and bird feet are white after he transforms, instead of red and yellow, respectively. His wing is clipping through the closet's door frame. In the same shot, Grimlock's dino belly is yellow instead of gray, and Slag's horns are white instead of red.

* As Starscream and Megatron watch Thundercracker being loaded up in Decepticon Headquarters, Starscream is colored as Skywarp. The error becomes doubly obvious a moment later, when Skywarp is shown on his way back to HQ from Cybertron.

* An undersea avalanche hits Decepticon Headquarters. But rather than the kind of violent shaking one would expect, the floor just gently tilts for no clear reason.

* As he berates Megatron, the top of Starscream's chest/cockpit is dark gray instead of light gray.

* Soundwave is missing his Decepticon emblem as he walks toward the blasted door; it appears after a few frames.

* The Ark continues to be colored gray instead of orange in the establishing shots before the volcano erupts.

* The frames around Optimus's windshields are colored glass-blue instead of red as he talks to Spike.

* Two Bluestreaks are in the pan shot of the control room as the volcano erupts. Guess that makes up for the [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1|two Prowls]], huh? (A subsequent shot replaces one Bluestreak with Prowl.)

* Prime's missing the line down the middle of his tummy grill as he orders the Autobots to evacuate headquarters.

* Sideswipe's vehicle mode is colored white as he flees Autobot Headquarters.

* Windcharger's arms are dark gray instead of red as Skyfire catches him.

* Bumblebee is missing his Autobot symbol as he stands alongside Prime and Ironhide.

* Peter Cullen seems to have mixed up a line; "But somebody's gotta turn off that volcano" should probably be Ironhide's line, but it is delivered in Prime's voice.

* During his "Now if only the Dinobots" line, only one segment of Wheeljack's ears lights up. He's also missing that pesky line near the end edge of his windshield.

[[Image:SludgeUltimateDoom.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* As Sludge looms over the forest trees, the sides of his face are gray instead of yellow.

* Slag wades into the water to try and slow a tidal wave. The subsequent shot shows another cresting wave moving against the tidal wave, rather than anything you'd expect from having a robot dinosaur in the water.

* Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he looks out Skyfire's window at Cybertron.

* Cybertron's skies have clouds, but there's no sign of them in the space-based views of the planet.

* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he prepares to leap after Spike and Bumblebee.

* Bumblebee's "You really think so?" line is almost totally obscured by sliding metal sound effects.

* On Cybertron, the font in which the words "Hypno Chip Control" are written changes between shots.

===Continuity errors===
* The audio disrupter waves seem to affect everyone, including the Decepticons... except for Megatron, who is standing right next to the source!

* The waves also immediately free all the hypno-chip slaves... except for Sparkplug, who is unaffected for no clear reason.

* Wheeljack and Brawn are shown transforming and driving off with the other Autobots, yet a moment later they're both standing in robot mode, watching the freed humans flee.

* Landing on Hound's falling seats probably wouldn't be much better for Spike than landing on the rocky ground. Also, it sure was nice of Laserbeak to drop Spike right in front of that cliff face!

* Despite Bluestreak's statement, and despite falling who knows how far into the crevasse, Bumblebee doesn't have a mark on him.

* It's a minor plot point that Bumblebee is out of energy, and so he rides in Hound instead of driving. Yet Windcharger ''also'' said he was out of energy, but he still transforms and drives home.

* So... rather than fighting the disasters one by one, why aren't the Autobots trying to fight the problem at the source—namely, by figuring out a way to get Cybertron out of Earth's orbit? Did this little looming strategic problem not occur to any of them? Spike of all people finally thinks of it at the end of next episode.
[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Autobot volcano.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You know what burns my butt? Flame about that high.]]

* Wheeljack says it's "amazing" that the volcano is becoming active again. Considering it erupted [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|less than a year ago]], it's hardly amazing at all. More like... ''expected''.

* Skyfire announces his intention to outrun the Decepticon missiles, which makes no sense as the missiles are flying toward him head-on. Instead, he flies ''between'' them.

* Geological improbabilities:
** Bringing a planet with Earth-like gravity into such incredibly close proximity to Earth would tear ''both'' worlds apart. Immediately.
** Ironhide somehow shuts down a whole volcanic eruption by shooting a few rocks off the rim of the volcano cone. The whole reason volcanoes erupt is that there's so much pressure from below that no amount of rock can contain it any longer.
** Furthermore, Ironhide just walks right into a cave which has a few exploding rocks and a lava pool, but nothing like the massive belching of lava and ash seen from the outside of the volcano in the previous shots.

* "For the moment, I feel we must not let the boy find out." 'The moment' apparently lasts all of two seconds, as Prime ''immediately'' divulges the information to Spike.

* Ironhide is consistently shown with the group traveling to Cybertron, but disappears after they land and disembark. The next episode makes clear that he stayed on Earth.

* Why was Spike carrying around his dad's wrench on Cybertron? And how does Sparkplug have a "favorite wrench"? Does he just love screwing in 22mm bolts more than any other size? Maybe it was a gift and has sentimental value.

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Optimus tud subspace.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Clear proof of extraterrestrial inte- wait...]]
* Despite the scientifically questionable premise, there are some nice bits of continuity with the effects of Cybertron's arrival, as the winds can be seen tugging trees in the direction of the planet as it continues to suck up Earth's atmosphere. Your wiki editors fully acknowledge that this may have been pure coincidence, and that the writers and animators probably weren't thinking about it at all, but hey.

* Where's the trailer go?
** When Optimus Prime transforms into vehicle mode during the rainstorm early in the episode, his trailer rolls in from off screen, outlined by a strange glowing light effect.

[[Image:Tud2 audio disruptor waves.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Audio Disruptor Waves, Eject. Operation: Cramped Hand.]]
[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|right|200px|There was a hole here. It's gone now.]]

* Gadgets and powers:
** Soundwave can produce "audio disruptor waves" which wreak all kinds of mechanical havoc.
** Jazz uses magnet beams to hitch a ride from Ironhide. It's an odd thing to show; he has never had this power before or since. Furthermore, magnetism is supposed to be Windcharger's schtick, and it comes into play in the very next act.
** Thundercracker uses his flamethrower from "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"
** Prime can apparently reverse the polarity of his windshield to repel rain and hail. Neat trick.
** Bumblebee can almost change his own tire: he can jack himself up, eject his own spare tire, and unscrew the bolts holding the flat tire on, all without outside help.
** Windcharger has a "tractor beam" that he uses to pull Bumblebee out of the crevasse, a big hose-like thing that slides out of his wrist. It would seem to just be a focused version of his magnetic powers, since it only pulls up Bumblebee and not a bunch of rocks and debris with him.
** To find Bumblebee, Hound uses a big scanner thing that he has to carry in both hands. (Shouldn't he have that stuff built in?)
** Trailbreaker announces his intention to activate a jamming ray to disrupt the Decepticons' scanners, but never gets around to doing so.

* So apparently, when they're not in use, the Dinobots stay in a closet!

* The little repair bay building outside of Autobot Headquarters shows up again. It hasn't been seen since "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".

* The "[[Armor-plating|skin]]" of the Transformers seems to be able to endure the heat of magma for at least brief periods. Or [[Heavy Metal War|longer periods]].

===Real-world references===
* This is one of the most ''[[Star Wars]]'' sound effect-laden episodes:
** The end of Starscream and Thundercracker's attack dive is soundtracked with TIE Fighter engine roar and some ''Millennium Falcon'' engine whine, possibly from the ''Falcon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dive at the Death Star trench.
** More TIE Fighter roar as Starscream and Thundercracker veer out of control.
** Laserbeak arrives to kidnap the guards with the sound of the ''Falcon'' flying over Yavin IV. As he dives, he gets the whole sequence of TIE Fighter ambient cockpit noise, including the fighter's target system locking onto an X-Wing, and one spell of Darth Vader's breathing. The ''Falcon'' on Yavin sound is used again at the end of the scene.
** Laserbeak gets more ''Falcon'' engine rumble as he returns to Decepticon Headquarters.
** When Laserbeak arrives at the crevasse, he gets TIE fighter engine noise with some Falcon rumble mixed in, possibly from the two ships approaching the Death Star. As he returns and dives, he gets more TIE Fighter noise, including the sound of its lasers firing. The Falcon-over-Yavin sound is heard as Laserbeak grabs Spike, and then another ''Falcon'' engine burst as he flies off.
** And more TIE sounds as Laserbeak gets shot by Bluestreak, and again as he flies off, smoking and damaged.

===Other notes===
* This episode is subtitled "Search" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' console game.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External Links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_ultimate_doom_part_2.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2011-09-14T01:54:05Z

98.237.9.79: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=41
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=FHE-UltimateDoom.jpg
|caption="Now, pardon me as I try to outrun those tsunami behind me!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|written by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 破滅の日 PART I (''Hametsu no Hi PART I'', "Day of Destruction PART I")
:''Latin American title:'' La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I
:''Serbian title:'' '''Судњи дан, први део - Испирање мозга''' (''Sudnji dan, prvi deo - Ispiranje mozga'', "Judgment day, part 1 - Brainwash")
:''Italian title, dub 1:'' '''Lo scienziato pazzo''' ("The mad scientist")
:''Italian title, dub 2:'' '''Destino finale - I''' ("Final Destiny - I")
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station off [[India]]'s [[Malabar Coast]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[Image:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]

After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. As a means of demonstrating the new technology, Sparkplug is made to attack a full-sized replica of Optimus Prime. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] realises that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[Image:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]

At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the energy and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

[[Image:Tud1_megatron_cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"]]

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Indian maharaja]] (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]]

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron...only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
* The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
* For an Indian, that Maharaja sure does look like a Caucasian.
* Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
* Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle.
* As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is colored red instead of yellow.
* Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time their setting up a camera for him?
** He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
** As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
** Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
** The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
** Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
** Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
* As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
* As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
* Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
* Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
* Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
* Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
* Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
* After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
* Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
* Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip.... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
* The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
* The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms. The establishing shot of this conversation has Megatron appearing to "hover" in front of the screen and gently descend as Shockwave speaks. This is weird.
* Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
* When Starscream says "Optimus Prime? Prepare to attack!", he and Skywarp have traded colors. In the next shot, their proper colors are restored.
* Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
* Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant vehicle-mode drill as it folds back up.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
** As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
* Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
* As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes...as well as the dripping water.
* In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
* One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
* In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
* A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
* As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
* After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt-mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
* After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
* When Dr. Arkeville mentions having to improve his hypno-chips, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple.
* When Sparkplug climbs up onto the first energy pylon, the sound of his footsteps is that of a clanking, giant robot, not a human wearing boots.
* The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
* Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
* In order to test the effectiveness of the hypno-chip, Megatron produces a model of Optimus Prime. Because Starscream is bone-headed enough to think Megatron just randomly let Prime into the base, Megatron directly says it's a model... in front of Sparkplug. No one considers that Sparkplug might have more common sense than Starscream, or even fake being mind-controlled because of what he's just been allowed to overhear.
* That must be one light Optimus Prime model; Sparkplug is able to grab it by the ankle and toss it across the room.
* The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
** Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
** Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean — a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
** Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
** "Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
** The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
* The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam (Cybertronian fire-retardant foam at that!), yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
[[Image:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And now, on with the countdown.]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel|episodes]].
** Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors.)
** Sideswipe was getting ready to fire a flare from his hand weapon. He was interrupted by Ravage. Flares are mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]].
** Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
** Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
** Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
** Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
** Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion]]".
** This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
* Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
* For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* Also, it may just be perspective, but when we see Earth and Cybertron in the same shot, Cybertron looks almost comedically tiny - arguably a justification for it having building which are visible from orbit. That just raises questions about how it manages to siphon a visible chunk of the atmosphere, though.

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off [[Wikipedia:Malabar Coast|Malabar Coast]], which is located in southern [[Wikipedia:India|India]].
* As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]] when there's a [[wikipedia:American Top Forty|countdown]] of any kind, it's given to [[Casey Kasem|Cliffjumper]].
* Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to [[wikipedia: This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song]] that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
* Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
* ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** The sound of an igniting lightsaber is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
** As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the Death Star's turbolasers firing at the Rebel fighters.
** The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi's lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.

*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the [[wikipedia:Film Advisory Board|Film Advisory Board]] Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!

*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' console game.

*The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was used as part of the plot for ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]] (which was, despite being a Michael Bay movie, oddly devoid of any sort of environmental damage caused by such an event).''

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[Image:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3%281984%29.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_ultimate_doom_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2011-09-14T01:51:58Z

98.237.9.79: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=41
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=FHE-UltimateDoom.jpg
|caption="Now, pardon me as I try to outrun those tsunami behind me!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|written by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 破滅の日 PART I (''Hametsu no Hi PART I'', "Day of Destruction PART I")
:''Latin American title:'' La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I
:''Serbian title:'' '''Судњи дан, први део - Испирање мозга''' (''Sudnji dan, prvi deo - Ispiranje mozga'', "Judgment day, part 1 - Brainwash")
:''Italian title, dub 1:'' '''Lo scienziato pazzo''' ("The mad scientist")
:''Italian title, dub 2:'' '''Destino finale - I''' ("Final Destiny - I")
{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]

[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station off [[India]]'s [[Malabar Coast]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[Image:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]

After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. As a means of demonstrating the new technology, Sparkplug is made to attack a full-sized replica of Optimus Prime. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] realises that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[Image:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]

At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the energy and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

[[Image:Tud1_megatron_cybertron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"]]

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Indian maharaja]] (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]]

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron...only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Technical or animation glitches===
* The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
* For an Indian, that Maharaja sure does look like a Caucasian.
* Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
* Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle.
* As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is colored red instead of yellow.
* Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time their setting up a camera for him?
** He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
** As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
** Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
** The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
** Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
** Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
* As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
* As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
* Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
* Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
* Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
* Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
* Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
* After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
* Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
* Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip.... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
* The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
* The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms. The establishing shot of this conversation has Megatron appearing to "hover" in front of the screen and gently descend as Shockwave speaks. This is weird.
* Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
* When Starscream says "Optimus Prime? Prepare to attack!", he and Skywarp have traded colors. In the next shot, their proper colors are restored.
* Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
* Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant vehicle-mode drill as it folds back up.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
** As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
* Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
* As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes...as well as the dripping water.
* In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
* One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
* In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
* A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
* As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
* After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt-mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
* After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
* When Dr. Arkeville mentions having to improve his hypno-chips, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple.
* When Sparkplug climbs up onto the first energy pylon, the sound of his footsteps is that of a clanking, giant robot, not a human wearing boots.
* The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
* Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
* In order to test the effectiveness of the hypno-chip, Megatron produces a model of Optimus Prime. Because Starscream is bone-headed enough to think Megatron just randomly let Prime into the base, Megatron directly says it's a model... in front of Sparkplug. No one considers that Sparkplug might have more common sense than Starscream, or even fake being mind-controlled because of what he's just been allowed to overhear.
* That must be one light Optimus Prime model; Sparkplug is able to grab it by the ankle and toss it across the room.
* The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
** Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
** Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean — a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
** Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
** "Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
** The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
* The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam (Cybertronian fire-retardant foam at that!), yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.

===Continuity notes===
* This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
[[Image:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|And now, on with the countdown.]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel|episodes]].
** Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors.)
** Sideswipe was getting ready to fire a flare from his hand weapon. He was interrupted by Ravage. Flares are mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]].
** Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
** Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
** Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
** Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
** Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion]]".
** This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
* Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
* For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off [[Wikipedia:Malabar Coast|Malabar Coast]], which is located in southern [[Wikipedia:India|India]].
* As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]] when there's a [[wikipedia:American Top Forty|countdown]] of any kind, it's given to [[Casey Kasem|Cliffjumper]].
* Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to [[wikipedia: This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song]] that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
* Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
* ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** The sound of an igniting lightsaber is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
** As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the Death Star's turbolasers firing at the Rebel fighters.
** The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi's lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.

*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the [[wikipedia:Film Advisory Board|Film Advisory Board]] Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!

*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' console game.

*The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was used as part of the plot for ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]] (which was, despite being a Michael Bay movie, oddly devoid of any sort of environmental damage caused by such an event).''

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[Image:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3%281984%29.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_ultimate_doom_part_1.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

More than Meets the Eye, Part 3

2011-09-11T08:07:38Z

98.237.9.79: /* Real-world references */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=3
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=3
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|series3=''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=3
|prev3=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|next3=S.O.S. Dinobots
|next2=Transport to Oblivion
|image=More Than Meets Part 3.jpg
|caption= NOW ENTERING AREA 51 - ACCESS RESTRICTED! NO TRESPASSING, NO PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED
|title="More than Meets the Eye, Part 3"
|production code=4025
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1984
|written by=[[George Arthur Bloom]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
}}

'''When an Autobot attempt to lure the Decepticons into a holographic trap fails, the villains succeed in gathering the energy they need, leaving the Autobots with only one chance to stop them returning to Cybertron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 PushingPrimeupright.jpg|left|200px|thumb|After a bad fall, it's important that you move every part of the victim. Forcibly if needed.]]

Caught in the blast of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] explosive, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] tumbles down the mountainside. Shaken but not defeated, he musters the energy to transform into robot mode. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] begin digging through the rubble and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] finds [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] alive and unharmed. Before the Autobots can begin celebrating what they presume to be the end of their enemies, there's a blast from the rubble. The [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] have survived their burial and have blasted their way out. With their [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] haul unscathed, the Decepticons take to the air.

[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] is tired of this string of defeats, and he soon takes to the air to follow. [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] takes off to try to rein him in. Ironhide takes a few pot-shots at the fleeing Decepticons, and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] breaks formation to teleport behind their pursuers. He lands a rocket square in Ironhide's back, knocking the old Autobot out of the chase. Ironhide crashes into a lake, and the Autobots catch up with him to pull him out of the water and into [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet's]] waiting repair bay. The Autobots return to base.

Back at the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] taunts the captive [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and discusses the Decepticon spy's apparent abandonment by his comrades. In using a hologram of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to goad Ravage, Hound and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] brainstorm an idea: to use an enormous hologram to trick the Decepticons into a trap. He pitches the idea to Optimus Prime, and the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] agrees.

Soon after, Hound talks to Mirage about a report from [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] of a secret supply of rocket fuel. He says all this quite within earshot of Ravage, explaining how there's enough fuel there to make "four trips back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]." As Mirage and Hound walk away, Hound "accidentally" drops the key to Ravage's cage. The Decepticon retrieves it and escapes captivity.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Starscreambegs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The genesis of a whole lot of slashfic.]]

Back at the Decepticon camp, Ravage reports in to Megatron about the rocket base. Megatron is delighted; it's the last energy source they'll need before they can return to Cybertron. As Megatron gloats, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] grouses about the need for a change in leadership. In a foolish move, Starscream tries to blast Megatron in the back. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] warns his leader, who deflects the blast with a built-in energy shield. Starscream has spent all his ammunition in this single shot, and he is left defenseless. Megatron returns the sentiment by blasting Starscream in the arm, knocking his disloyal lieutenant to the ground. Groveling, Starscream huddles to Megatron's feet, who answers his pleas only by issuing the command: "We attack the rocket base at sunrise!"

In a flat stretch of desert, Hound creates the rocket base hologram. The Decepticons move into position, and Megatron orders them to attack.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Jazz ScrapDecepticon.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Jazz soon regrets buying from eBay.]]

The Autobots spring their trap, running out from hiding to ambush the attacking Decepticons. However, when they engage in hand-to-hand combat, the Decepticons break apart like poorly made machines. Optimus Prime realizes they've been had. These aren't the Decepticons, but are instead decoys. Megatron, the only real Decepticon present, laughs at Prime's misstep. He saw through the phony release of Ravage. Megatron reveals to his defeated enemy that the real Decepticon army has been attacking the real rocket base.

Cut to [[Cape Carlson]], the real rocket base, where the Decepticon jets arrive. They transform and neutralize the human army's attempt to stop them. In short time, Megatron rejoins them, and they soon return to their launch base with all the fuel they need. Soundwave reports the space cruiser's readiness, and Megatron orders the Decepticons to prepare to blast off.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Optimus overacting.jpg|right|200px|thumb|KHAAAAAAAAAN!]]

Back at the Autobot ship, Optimus Prime briefs his soldiers on the grim situation. He tells them that Megatron is on the verge of returning to Cybertron, where he could become unstoppable with the energon he has tapped from [[Earth]]. The Autobots have no choice but to directly attack the Decepticons. Prime asks for volunteers, and all the Autobots—and their human allies [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and Sparkplug—step forward. The Autobots transform into vehicle mode and roll out.

As the Decepticons begin to board the [[Victory (G1)|cruiser]], the Autobots encircle the base. Prime's forces transform into robot form and begin the attack. The Autobots grapple with the Decepticons, but the battle is brief. Megatron and his forces get aboard their ship and blast off into the sky.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExtinctiontoallTraitors.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Naturally, Megatron is a firm advocate of the Second Amendment.]]

Optimus Prime refuses to concede defeat. He orders [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to hand over his rocket pack. Donning the pack, Prime takes off to personally pursue the Decepticon cruiser. Starscream spots Prime in pursuit. The cruiser opens fire, blasting Prime who falls out of the sky and hits the ground hard.

The Autobots gather to see if Prime is okay, and the tough Autobot shrugs off their help. It's then that he notices that Mirage is missing from their ranks.

Aboard the cruiser, Starscream makes his move to usurp Megatron. Waiting for the Decepticon leader to lower his guard and remove his arm-cannon, Starscream raises his weapon to Megatron. Just then, Mirage drops his invisibility power to fire a few shots in the cruiser's controls. Starscream turns to blast Mirage, and Megatron takes advantage of the distraction to retrieve his cannon and fire on Starscream. Chaos erupts aboard the cruiser as Mirage's sabotage begins spreading and Soundwave loses control of the ship.

[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Mirage HALOjump.jpg|right|200px|thumb|WHEEEEEE!]]

Mirage scrambles to his feet and jumps from the doomed ship as it crashes into the ocean. The Autobots on the ground stare incredulously as the Decepticons are suddenly and mysteriously defeated. They then spot Mirage, the unlikely hero, floating to the ground in a parachute rig. The Autobots celebrate their victory.

Spike writes in [[Spike's diary|his journal]] that because the Autobots stopped the Decepticons from stealing Earth's resources, the governments of the world have decided to give Optimus Prime the energy he needs to revitalize Cybertron. The Autobot ship is being refurbished, and Spike and Sparkplug eagerly await their trip to the Transformers' home world.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the ocean, the Decepticon space cruiser rests. Bubbles emerge from a hatch that is pulled free from the inside by massive metal hands. Megatron lives.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (6)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (7)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (9)
*[[Roller (G1)|Roller]] (10)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (11)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (26)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (19)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (27)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (29)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"You gave us all a pretty good scare." 
"It's been worse. I remember the time on Cybertron—" 
"Save the war stories, hot shot. Just remember, there's a thin line between being a hero, and being a memory."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ironhide'''

"The rocket base is one hundred and forty kilometers due west of the Autobot camp."
:—'''Ravage'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sole line of dialog in the entire series.

"I am the leader of the future!" 
"You couldn't lead [[ant-droid]]s to a picnic. How can you pretend to lead the Decepticons?"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' arguing over Starscream's competence... again.

"We knew you were anxious to get back to Cybertron, but at least you could have waited for us." 
"Sorry, Prime. The ship was... full."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Mirage''' uttering a classic line.

"Beware, Starscream...if you dispose of me, there will always be someone waiting to dispose of ''you''" 
"Let them try! I've waited for this moment a long time, Megatron....and my time is ''now!''
:—'''Megatron''' channeling his inner Nostradamus to '''Starscream'''

==Notes==
===Non-final premises===
* As with the two preceding episodes, the Autobots can all fly in robot mode.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[Image:Autobot Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Autobots superior, Decepticons inferior.]]
[[Image:Hufferg1animated.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Okay, you can't really see it here. But a second later, Cliffy leans back, and boom, no insignia.]]

* As the Autobots gather around Optimus Prime's fallen form and Mirage and Cliffjumper fly in, Cliffjumper is colored yellow like Bumblebee, who is currently buried under tons of rubble. He's also missing his horns.
* As he wonders about Roller, Prime is shown with round headlights instead of square.
* Cliffjumper is missing his insignia as he encourages Prime.
* As the Autobots gather around the rescued Bumblebee and Sparkplug, Wheeljack's launcher is tan instead of light gray.
* Inside the mines, Soundwave is shown with a [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|purple Autobot insignia]].
* Generic Decepticons:
** Two Skywarps as the Decepticons prepare to fly out of the mine.
** Two generic light purple jets as the Decepticons fly off.
** Two (fake) Starscreams as the "Decepticons" prepare to attack the "rocket base" (with their "lasers".)
** Eight jets fly toward the rocket base: the core three, 2 lavenders, 3 dark blues.
** 15 Decepticons are visible from the Cape Carleson control tower.
** 5 jets are seen landing at the base.
** A wingless lavender jet and the legs/feet of four other generics as the Decepticons cheer.
** A purple and two lavenders (one of whom changes to dark blue mid-shot) head toward the cruiser.
** An all-lavender jet leaps off the platform (infamously dubbed the Lady In Purple by a few fans), following Thundercracker and Skywarp, already shown to be on the ground.
** One lavender jet retreats from the final battle.
** One lavender jet backs away from Megatron as Starscream challenges him.

* After the Decepticons fly out of the mines, Skywarp and two generic purple Decepticon jets are drawn with the silhouettes of pilots sitting inside their cockpits.
* Bluestreak has Prowl's color scheme as Ironhide protests letting the Decepticons escape.
* As Bluestreak catches up to Ironhide, Ironhide's back-mounted rocket launcher is shown in firing position (and Ironhide's shoulders are red instead of gray.) In the next shot, the launcher is missing, then is shown emerging from Ironhide's back.
* The energon cubes that Megatron holds when giving Skywarp permission to teleport are uncolored. To answer Skywarp's request, Megatron turns ''away'' from him.
* Skywarp's destroyed tailfin is back to normal after he teleports.
* Bluestreak and Ironhide continue to stare at each other for a ''very'' long time after Bluestreak says his line.
* Ironhide says he can't move... then immediately raises his arm.
* As Bluestreak carries Ironhide into Ratchet, he has one of Prowl's Highway Patrol symbols on his door.
* In the cavalcade of Autobots heading home, Jazz's blue stripes are colored red, and Wheejack is missing his orange and green roof colors.
* A mislayering of animation cells when Hound creates a hologram of Megatron to taunt Ravage causes it to appear as if Hound is standing in the prison cage with Ravage.
* Jazz's visor is massively oversized during his "It might just work" line, and is missing its center crease line.
* After Ravage escapes, Hound is shown lip-flapping during Mirage's line.
* In the reaction shot of the Autobots when Optimus Prime is pleased at Ravage's escape, the tips of Prowl's doors are colored as parts of Jazz and Mirage's heads, and Mirage's shoulders are red.
* "I've made my contribution!" The center of Starscream's chest is red instead of gray during his line.
* "It's empty!" Starscream's nose is the dark gray of his helmet instead of medium gray.
* "You failed to dispose of me..." The red parts of Megatron's waist are gray.
* Megatron's fusion cannon is light gray as Starscream grovels.
* "You're in the driver' seat" - Prime only has 4 of his running light housings. Two of them extend all the way to his back.
* Starscream's nosecone, and the center of his chest, are once again red instead of gray as he lands at the rocket base.
* The flight controller's line is cut off by an editorial gaffe; he says "There's nothing we can - ".
* In the pan across the Autobots (during which the Autobots have conveniently divided themselves by toy size):
** The Autobots have completely changed positions from where they were in the previous shot. Most obviously, Bumblebee was between Bluestreak and Hound; but now he's with the other mini-bots. To make it worse, scene recycles the two shots several times in succession.
** Ratchet's hands are white.
** Jazz's waist is colored windshield blue.
** Prowl is missing his insignia.
** Jazz is shown in the line-up, while at the same time he's standing next to Prime, giving instructions.
* As Jazz says "Autobots, transform", Optimus Prime is shown saying it.
* Ironhide and Hound have strange black dots on them as they step forward.
* All the transforming Autobots get the wrong transformation sound (ascending pitch instead of descending pitch) as they change to vehicle mode.
* As the Autobots approach the Decepticon base, they're shown driving at a snail's pace.
* Soundwave is missing his insignia as the Decepticons cheer.
* Soundwave's eject button lights up each time he hits it. While cool (and intentional), it's a conceit not used in any future episode.
* Laserbeak is huge as Skywarp and Thundercracker fall into formation with him. The animation of the trio turning to dive is remarkably clunky.
[[Image:OptimusCDeckMTMTE3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Look away from the animation errors!"]]
* Prime orders [[Combat Deck]] to fire during a series of identically-framed shots. The first shot shows buttes in the background behind him. The second shot shows a solid mountainside. The third shot shows clear sky.
* Megatron's gun barrel is missing as he prepares to face Prime. So is his insignia.
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that Megatron lost his cannon? About 1 scene. It's back in place as Prime judo-throws him, then gone again as he regains his feet a shot or two later.
* How long's it take for the animators to forget that Starscream lost an arm-cannon? None. It's back in place as the Decepticons retreat, despite being smushed by Prowl.
* Mirage is clearly visible (prominent, in fact) during the Autobots' final, desperate assault on the space cruiser, despite later being shown to have snuck aboard it. This is either a major continuity error or the one time that Mirage's electro-disruptor works in the cartoon in the way his [[bio]] says it does.
* Prowl's chest-sides and neck are black instead of white as Prime does his William Shatner imitation.
* The establishing shot at the start of the third act uses a flubbed take: A major piece of artwork—the Decepticon starship blasting off into the sky—is missing, meaning the Autobots on the ground are reacting to nothing. (The completed shot does appear in the teaser for the episode at the end of Part 2, however.) Oddly enough, the bonus disc on the Rhino DVD set calls out the error in a collection of bloopers and oddities.
[[Image:Sideswipejetpack.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Sideswipe's rocket pack seriously just appears out of nowhere when it's called for by the plot. It's not part of his animation model and is never seen before or after, even when Sideswipe needs to fly.
* "You got him!" Starscream is missing his wing insignia.
* Ratchet's lightbars are white as he drives toward Prime's crash site. All three Autobots in the shot kind of slide sideways instead of driving forward.
* As the Autobots help their battered leader to his feet, the animation is ''really'' wobbly; Prime's head grows bigger, the detail patterns on his legs change completely, and the line-art is just very crude and "shakes" a lot in general.
* The voices that comment on Mirage's success don't match any of the Autobots. One sounds a bit like a British version of... Mirage.

===Other releases===
* All three parts of "More Than Meets the Eye" were spliced together into a single continuous episode for the ''More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Special Edition'' disc, included as a pack-in with Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy. During Part 3, the sound effects for the [[Cybernet Space Cube]], added for the [[Generation 2]] broadcast of the episode, can be heard over the scene transitions, despite the original broadcast version of the visuals being used; the result is a lot of strange mechanical noises being inserted with no clear on-screen source.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 Dullsurprise.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Dull surprise|DULL SURPRISE!]]]]
* Mirage, Hound, Jazz and Prowl all react with shock at Optimus' statement that Ravage's escape was a good thing. Yet they were all in on the plan to let Ravage get away to tell the Decepticons about the secret hologram rocket base that is most certainly not a trap. Did they just forget?

* For that matter, how ''did'' Megatron figure out the Autobot trick? Ravage reports the same rocket base location that he heard from Hound. Was Hound dumb enough to accidentally blurt the ''real'' rocket base location in front of Ravage? Or did Megatron somehow figure out the ruse ''after'' Ravage made his report? Why would he do that? When we last see him, he's all excited to attack the same rocket base that Ravage just told him about.

* What ''is'' the point of rigging up the dummy Decepticons? Did Megatron go through all that trouble just to rub Prime's nose in it? Wouldn't it be smarter to leave the Autobots waiting and wondering?
[[Image:MTMTE3 Bumblebee labcoat.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* The [[Mini Vehicle]] Autobots are shown disguised as lab-coat-wearing scientists to complete the holographic illusion of a rocket base, though it's a pretty poor disguise when you realize these scientists are big enough to turn into trucks and cars. Also, where'd they get the lab coats? (For that matter, why not just make holographic scientists?)
* Superhuman Spike:
** Spike can throw a rock with enough force to knock Starscream's Null Ray off his arm.
* Prime is nearly knocked out of commission by the explosion that collapses [[Ruby crystal mines of Burma|a Burmese ruby mine]], yet he simply seems to shrug off the effects of getting hit by a cruiser cannon and falling to Earth from the very edge of the atmosphere.
* Mirage only shoots the ship's control panel. How does this set the entire ship on fire?
* Despite the heights the space cruiser certainly reached before the sabotage, Mirage parachutes down to exactly the spot where the Autobots were assembled.
* The space cruiser is shown crashing into the ocean near the coast. However, later episodes show the cruiser is well far away from any coast line.
* Spike's narration is a bit confused; the Autobots ''didn't'' stop the Decepticons from stealing Earth's energy. They just up and left on their own!
* In the biggest continuity goof of the entire series, the next episode will completely ignore the premise of the Autobots preparing to return to Cybertron, which is the entire point of this episode's closing scenes.

===Continuity notes===
[[Image:Mtmte3 ironhide flies.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** Ironhide, perhaps the most gadget-laden of all Autobots, brings out a forearm-mounted drill from inside his wrist.
** Later, he deploys a missile launcher out of his back. Like the van-mode gun he had last episode, this one appears based on the launcher on his toy's combat platform.
** Jazz's ubiquitous grappling line makes its third appearance.
** Ravage deploys a little grappler waldo from his forepaw.
** Megatron generates a little deflector shield out of his fusion cannon.
** Hound can make a seriously HUGE hologram.
** Megatron can rotate his gun barrel around to his waist to fire it.
** We get our first and last look at Sideswipe's rocket pack.
** Skywarp can shoot a white fire-extinguishing substance from a wrist nozzle.

* This is the only time in the original series that Ravage speaks, relaying the information on the rocket base with his own voice instead of merely replaying Hound and Mirage's conversation about it. When he reappeared in ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]],'' he was similarly growly, but he had gained an [[Accents|Eastern European accent]].

* In a continuing trend during the Generation 1 cartoon, Prime's Combat Deck looks nothing like its toy counterpart or like it will appear in any future episodes. Not really an error since it's blown up here and could've been rebuilt differently.

===Real-world references===
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Death Star superlaser as Skywarp rematerializes behind Ironhide.
** TIE Fighter engine roar as Skywarp pursues Ironhide and Bluestreak.
** Lightsaber-slicing-equipment sound as Skywarp blasts Ironhide.
** Lightsaber-slicing-equipment as Megatron deflects Starscream's blast.
** Roller's sounds are all taken directly from R2-D2. Then again, the Transformers really ARE from long ago, in a galaxy far away...

* Rocket base Cape Carlson may be a reference to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

===Foreign dubbing===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die letzte Schlacht'''" (''Generation 2'', "The Last Battle")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Megatron'''", "'''Molto più di quel che appare - III'''" (2008 dub, "More than Meets the Eye - III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū Dasshutsu!'''" (地球脱出!, "Escape from Earth!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 20]], [[1985]]
::*In the scene where Ironhide chases after Megatron and Skywarp, it is ''Thundercracker'' who is heard requesting permission to teleport.
::*'''Cut:''' When Ironhide is loaded into the back of Ratchet, after he says, "No way", his lines about being back in action, Prime's "Let's get out of here!" (with the aforementioned "puffy proportions" shot) and the footage of all the Autobots transforming and rolling out have been cut. The following scene of Spike sitting by the Ark, writing that Prime would make a neat President, has been cut entirely.
::*'''Cut:''' After Ravage escapes and jumps off the cliffside, a few seconds of the Autobots gathered there reacting have been shaved off. The fade-in to the next scene and Prime and Gears standing together have also been cut. The sequence resumes at the shot of Hound, Mirage and the others walking together.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais do Que Os Olhos Veem Parte 3'''" (Brazil, "More than Meets the Eye Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Više nego što se vidi treći deo'''" (''Generation 2'', Више него што се види трећи део, "More than Meets the Eye Part 3"), "'''Sile zla treći deo'''" (''Generation 2'', Силе зла трећи део, "Forces of Evil Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Trivia===
[[Image:MTMtE Part3 ExaggeratedPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Apparently Pat Lee had this as a poster in his office.]]

* There is a nice touch by the animators during the scene where the Autobots assist Optimus Prime after he rolls down the hill at the start of this episode. After Mirage, Prowl and Ratchet have pushed Optimus Prime's truck mode upright, he bounces as his suspension compensates for the weight of the truck landing on its wheels.

* After Ironhide assures that he'll be right back in action, Optimus Prime is depicted with rather exaggerated 'puffy' proportions for a brief sequence before he transforms into vehicle mode, which is similarly exaggerated with large wheels in comparison to the rest of the truck, followed by an exaggerated Ratchet in vehicle mode. Part of this animation is later reused near the end of the episode after the Decepticon space cruiser crashes, with the rest of the Autobots having similar proportions in both robot and vehicle mode.

* During the showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron, an animation oddity results in what a few fans have taken as evidence of an obscure, little-used ability of Optimus: the ''Finger of Doom!'' Optimus deploys Combat Deck to shoot Megatron's cannon off of his arm. Simultaneously, Megatron fires his arm cannon and destroys Combat Deck. However, during the shot of Combat Deck exploding, the animation of Prime pointing at Megatron is ''re-used''. The next shot is Megatron being disarmed by an energy blast, which would seem to have come not from Combat Deck, whose blast should have already arrived, but from Prime's immediately prior pointing finger... his ''Finger of Doom!''

* Spike writing in [[Spike's diary|his journal]] looks ''disturbingly'' like Beavis of ''Beavis and Butt-Head''.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 1: "More than Meets the Eye" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Junior Video Club]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — More than Meets the Eye ([[Malofilm|Seville Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — More than Meets the Eye (Shout! Factory) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/more_than_meets_the_eye_part_3.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]