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The Need for Read

2024-10-27T17:05:19Z

Androzani84:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (cartoon)|Transformers: EarthSpark]]'' ep 37
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Witwicky, Part 2
|next= Attack of the Drive-In Movie
|title="The Need for Read"
|season=3
|season ep=1
|airdate=[[October 25]], [[2024]] (Paramount+) [[TBA]], [[2024]] (Nickelodeon)
|production company=[[Hasbro Entertainment]] [[Nickelodeon]]
|writer=[[Dale Malinowski]]
|animation studio=[[88 Pictures]]
|director=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|video=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/video/t0qSxyOYrqvacVNjcCPM_xIy7_xbLDVQ/
|videosite=Paramount+
}}

'''Bumblebee and Breakdown’s friendship is put to the test when he, Mo, and Thrash enter the dome
.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] and [[Breakdown (ES)|Breakdown]] fire fruitlessly at the [[Chaos Dome]] enclosing [[Terratronus]], but are unable to breach it. Bumblebee regrets that he can't free his friend — getting [[Robby Malto|Robby]] and [[Mo Malto|Mo]] to bring down the dome would free all of the Decepticons after all. Promising to try again tomorrow, Bee drives off.

At the Malto farm, Robby, Mo, [[Twitch]] and [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] are reading Transformers comics. Robby discovers he's missing the vital last issue in the series due to being busy saving the world at the time, and the issue is now sold out. As Robby and Twitch head off to find something else to do, Bumblebee rolls up and Mo fills him in on the problem. She suddenly has an idea — the comic shop inside the dome must have the issue Robby is after and she can get them into the dome to get it. Sensing an opportunity to free Breakdown, Bee is all for this idea.

The trio arrive at a remote part of the Chaos Dome where Mo uses her [[cyber-sleeve]] to create an opening so they can head inside. Within, they discover some of the hazards — red lightning coming from the sky and [[Skywarp (ES)|Skywarp]] and [[Nova Storm (ES)|Nova Storm]] making futile attempts to escape the dome. They stop to admire Terratronus and also [[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]], still trapped inside her noggin. Bee touches Terratronus and absorbs a charge of chaos energy, flinging him back and causing his blaster to fire wildly, which inevitably attracts Decepticon attention. [[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]] and Breakdown quickly arrive, with the latter expressing disappointment that Bee knows how to get in but didn't tell him. Bee manages to talk Breakdown around while the pair duel, and Breakdown cooperates with taking down Soundwave and the cassettes, allowing the trio to escape.

Bee and Thrash head down the road towards [[Witwicky (town)|Witwicky]], attempting to avoid the patches of chaos fog on the road. Bee's admission he's never beaten Breakdown in a fight or race distracts Thrash long enough that he hits a patch of fog and for a few moments is diving out of control, but fortunately Bumblebee is able to prevent him flying off the road. They continue on to [[Ultramega Comics & Collectables|the comic store]], only to find that [[Skullcruncher (ES)|Skullcruncher]] is running rampant outside it. Mo and Thrash are startled when Breakdown arrives ready to help, and then disappointed in Bee when they realize this is why he came on the mission, but he manages to convince them Breakdown is on their side. While Bee and Breakdown keep Skullcruncher busy, Thrash and Mo retrieve the comic from the store. Skullcruncher charges them as they emerge, but Bumblebee and Breakdown cooperate to defeat the Con before the four of them head to the edge of the dome.

Just as they're celebrating their victory, the comic is snatched from Mo's hands by [[Shockwave (ES)|Shockwave]]. To Bee's shock, Breakdown moves to stand with Shockwave, Soundwave and Skullcruncher, explaining that while Bee is his friend, the Cons are his family. Shockwave offers them the comic book back, but only if Mo frees the Decepticons from the dome. Mo is not willing to do that or to leave the comic behind, but Bumblebee has a better idea and challenges Breakdown to a race, winner take all. Knowing Bee has never beaten Breakdown in a race, Shockwave sees the logic in accepting, so soon Bumblebee and Breakdown are lined up for a no-rules race around "Chaos County". [[Laserbeak (ES)|Laserbeak]] provides footage and commentary as the pair take off. As expected, Breakdown employs all manner of cheating to try to slow Bumblebee down, but as they approach the finish line, Bumblebee intentionally drives into a bolt of chaos energy, temporarily supercharging him so he finishes first. Shockwave reluctantly concedes and allows Bumblebee, Mo and Thrash to leave with the comic.

Later, they present the comic to an overjoyed Robby, who immediately reads through it and reacts with shock at the ending.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] (1)
|c2=
*[[Breakdown (ES)|Breakdown]] (2)
*[[Skywarp (ES)|Skywarp]] (8)
*[[Nova Storm (ES)|Nova Storm]] (9)
*[[Starscream (ES)|Starscream]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (ES)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Frenzy (ES)|Frenzy]] (12)
*[[Ravage (ES)|Ravage]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (ES)|Laserbeak]] (14)
*[[Skullcruncher (ES)|Skullcruncher]] (15)
*[[Shockwave (ES)|Shockwave]] (16)
|c3=
*[[Robby Malto]] (4)
*[[Mo Malto]] (6)

|h4=[[Terran]]s||c4=
*[[Twitch]] (3)
*[[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] (5)
*[[Terratronus]] (7)

}}

==Quotes==
"Why can't my life be normal again?" 
"Because it's not scripted like comics?" 
"I wish someone was writing my life. I bet I'd have it pretty sweet for saving the world twice."
:—'''Robby''' and '''Twitch'''

"Sis, you know Thrash loves the wacky. ''(gasp)'' Maybe that's my catchphrase. I should practice that!"
:—'''Thrash'''

"Thrash does not like the wacky. No longer my catchphrase."
:—Also '''Thrash'''

"Your logic suggests a stalemate, and I will not accept an inconclusive outcome."
:—'''Shockwave'''

"Good luck! Sorry, you kinda need it. ...What?"
:—'''Thrash''' has utmost confidence in Bumblebee.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===

===Transformers references===
*[[The Last Stand|The 4th issue]] of a Transformers comic ending on a massive cliffhanger.
*The cover of the comic the Maltos are after is partly based on the famous cover for ''[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|The Transformers]]'' [[The New Order|#5]], featuring [[Shockwave (ES)|Shockwave]] striking the same pose as his [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel counterpart]].

===Real-world references===
* The opening scene evokes a stereotypical Old West film gunfight until it's revealed Bumblebee and Breakdown are firing at the dome.
* In addition to the aforementioned Shockwave homage, Robby's comic also takes heavy inspiration from the [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/5/59/X-Men_Vol_1_141.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200515045345 oft-homaged cover to ''Uncanny X-Men'' #141], which features a similar "wanted poster" of multiple deceased or captured X-Men.

===Errors===
*This whole episode's plot really hinges on a lack of digital comic purchasing in the 2020s, unless Robby prefers to only collect physical copies of comic books.
* [[Roger Craig Smith]] is listed in the credits as “Roger Criag Smith”.

===Trivia===

[[Category:EarthSpark episodes]]

G.I. Joe vol. 5 issue 3

2024-07-28T14:17:30Z

Androzani84:

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=[[G.I. Joe vol. 5|''G.I. Joe'' vol. 5]] #3
|prev=G.I. Joe vol. 5 issue 2
|next=G.I. Joe vol. 5 issue 4
|image=GIJoe3_regcvr.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 15]], [[2017]]
|coverdate=February 2017
|written by=[[Aubrey Sitterson]]
|art by=[[Giannis Milonogiannis]]
|colors by=[[Lovern Kindzierski]]
|letters by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''While Roadblock's unit continues their battle with the Dreadnoks, the threat of the Dire Wraiths resurfaces on multiple fronts.'''

==Synopsis==
In [[Inner Mongolia]], the brainwashed legions of [[Crystal Ball]] join the [[Dreadnok]]s in attacking the [[G.I. Joe (team)|Joes]], who struggle to fight back now that their opponents are innocent civilians. [[Doc (Carla Greer)|Doc]] deduces that they need to get Crystal Ball away from his victims to break the control, which will require a vehicle, but the team's vehicular expert [[Cover Girl]] cannot make it through the throng of combatants to get out of the building and find one. Beefy Dreadnok [[Crusher (G.I. Joe)|Crusher]] seizes the still-intoxicated [[Quick Kick]], but the martial artist easily overpowers him for a second time, hurling him across the room and smashing the front doors open, clearing the path Cover Girl requires to escape.

In [[Greece]], the undercover [[Gung-Ho]] and [[Lady Jaye]] attend another gathering of [[Cobra]] anarchists—one that they find has turned from an ordinary protest into something like a cult meeting. Furthermore, it soon becomes apparent that the rabble-rousers running the show aren't just snakes... they're [[Dire Wraith]]s! Aware of the Joes in their midst, the Wraiths direct their faithful followers to attack Jaye and Gung-Ho, but they prove more than capable of defending themselves. Jaye radios ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Lemuria]]'' for extraction, while Gung-Ho just enjoys the fight, and the chance to finally take off his shirt.

Back in Mongolia, as the Joes continue their fight, [[Rock 'n Roll]] manages to capture Crystal Ball so the team can pull out with him. Once he is in Rock's clutches, however, the ex-Cobra soothsayer places his fingers upon Rock's head and psychically enters his mind, urging him to release his lust for destruction. Rock seems able to resist the psychic attack, but Crystal Ball merely smiles as he is slung over the Joe's shoulder. With their target now in their custody, the Joes make their move to escape; [[Ripper (G.I. Joe)|Ripper]] tries to stop them with his ostentatious knife-shooting gun, but Quick Kick easily snatches one of the blades out of the air and hurls it back into the weapon, causing it to backfire. The team make it outside... but unfortunately, Cover Girl is ''not'' waiting for them as expected!

Aboard ''Lemuria'', [[Grand Slam (G.I. Joe)|Grand Slam]] and [[Doc (G.I. Joe)|Doc]] put the finishing touches to the equipment intended to restore the impatient [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]]'s teleportation power. When Skywarp is directed to perform a test teleport, however, his system malfunctions, and feedback causes the machines to explode. Shrapnel hurtles toward Grand Slam... but Doc hurls himself in front of his team-mate to protect him, revealing that ''he'' is actually a Dire Wraith too! Grievously wounded by the shrapnel, the Doc-Wraith falls unconscious, even as he urges Grand Slam not to tell his daughter about his true nature. Skywarp quickly contacts [[Scarlett]] to summon her to the lab, interrupting her as she is giving new team member [[Salvo (G.I. Joe)|Salvo]] a tour of the facility.

While Crystal Ball continues taunting Rock 'n Roll, Roadblock and Quick Kick hold the doors of the Dreadnoks' mansion shut to keep their attackers from following while the group holds out for Cover Girl to arrive. She soon turns up, though the Joes are disappointed to find she has only managed to scrounge up a rusted old jeep, instead of the "awesome" stuff she normally finds. As everyone clambers aboard and Cover Girl peels out, however, they quickly learn they are not out of the woods yet when the entire roster of Dreadnoks comes roaring after them on their motorbikes!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|h1=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Cover Girl]] (2)
* [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] (3)
* [[Quick Kick]] (4)
* [[Rock 'n Roll]] (5)
* [[Doc (Carla Greer)|Doc]] (6)
* [[Gung-Ho]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Lady Jaye]] (14)
* [[Grand Slam (G.I. Joe)|Grand Slam]] (18)
* [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (20)
* [[Doc (G.I. Joe)|Doc Senior]] (21)
* [[Scarlett]] (22)
* [[Salvo (G.I. Joe)|Salvo]] (23)
{{!}}}

|c4=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Crystal Ball]] (1)
* [[Road Pig (G.I. Joe)|Road Pig]] (7)
* [[Buzzer (G.I. Joe)|Buzzer]] (8)
* [[Zanzibar]] (9)
* [[Crusher (G.I. Joe)|Crusher]] (10)
* [[Zarana]] (11)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Zandar]] (12)
* [[Dire Wraith]]s (15)
* [[Torch (G.I. Joe)|Torch]] (16)
* [[Burn Out (G.I. Joe)|Burn Out]] (17)
* [[Ripper (G.I. Joe)|Ripper]] (19)
{{!}}}
}}

==Quotes==
"As a '''physician''', I '''have''' to inform you—picking a fight with a '''Joe''' is '''bad''' for your '''health.'''"
:—'''Doc''' schools Torch

"'''Some''' of us don't '''need''' guns to '''throw''' knives."
:—'''Quick Kick''' isn't impressed with Ripper's new armament

"Knowing '''Cover Girl''', she'll be driving something '''awesome.'''" 
"Do they have '''monster''' trucks in Hohhot?"
:—'''Roadblock''' and '''Quick Kick'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Grand Slam's Dire Wraith detector has given apparent "false positives" while scanning Doc Senior in the previous two issues; here, we find out that it wasn't false, and that Doc actually ''is'' a Dire Wraith. He implies that he's been a Dire Wraith for a ''long'' time, and that the current Doc is his genuine biological daughter and unaware of her Wraith heritage.
* In this issue's letters page, Sitterson clarifies the continuity issue surrounding Grand Slam, noting that the current character ''is'' the same Grand Slam who appeared in ''{{i|G.I. Joe: Origins}}'', and that he actually survived his apparent death in that issue thanks to the Joes' advanced medical facilities.

===G.I. Joe references===
* Originally released in 1990 as a white guy from Arlington, Virginia, Salvo has been ''completely'' reinvented; the character is now a Polynesian woman from Samoa. She still wears the "The Right of Might" shirt the character has worn since their inception.

===Other trivia===
* Back matter for this issue includes Milonogiannis's character design sheet for Shipwreck, and the first "Mission Missives" letters page.
* Crystal Ball's manipulation of Rock 'n Roll makes multiple references to "chaos", a nod to the {{w|symbol of Chaos}} on his shirt, which originated in the works of {{w|Michael Moorcock}} and was made famous by ''{{w|Warhammer 40,000}}''.
* Originally solicited for release in February, this issue arrives a month late halfway through March.

===Covers (4)===
* '''Regular cover:''' Doc and Grand Slam work on Skywarp, by [[Aaron Conley]] and [[Jean-Francois Beaulieu]]
* '''Subscription cover A:''' Lady Jaye and Gung-Ho in trouble, by [[Giannis Milonogiannis]]
* '''Subscription cover B:''' Scarlett, Rock 'n Roll, Quick Kick, and [[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]], by [[Paolo Villanelli]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''' [[Baroness]], [[Destro]], and Snake Eyes by [[Brandon Graham]]

<gallery>
File:GIJoe3 regcvr.jpg|
File:GIJoe3 subcvrA.jpg|
File:GIJoe3 subcvrB.jpg|
File:GIJoe3 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''G.I. Joe'' #4
* "The Hasbro Tribune" editorial page promoting February's [[Hasbro Universe]] titles, including this issue, [[M.A.S.K. issue 4|''M.A.S.K.'' #4]], [[Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|''Lost Light'' #3]], [[New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|''Optimus Prime'' #4]], [[Rubicon|''Till All Are One'' #8]], [[Ghost Stories|''Transformers'' Annual 2017]], [[M.A.S.K. Annual 2017|''M.A.S.K.'' Annual 2017]], [[The Secret of the Mummy's Tomb|''Revolutionaries'' #3]], [[Micronauts issue 10|''Micronauts'' #10]], and [[Reinforcements, Part 4|''ROM'' #8]].
* IDW at the NC Comicon
* IDW congratulates Top Shelf Publishing on ''March'' winning the National Book Award

==External links==
* [http://comicsalliance.com/sitterson-milonogiannis-gi-joe-3-preview/ Preview]

[[Category:G.I. Joe vol. 5 issues]]

Dire Wraith

2024-03-20T21:32:56Z

Androzani84: Replacing private link.

[[Image:RARRRR DIRE WRAITHS ATTACK.jpg|thumb|right|300px|You'd shapeshift too if you looked like that.]]

Hailing from a [[Dark Nebula|dark nebula]], the evil '''Dire Wraiths''' seek to conquer all they see. The only force able to oppose them is [[Rom]] and the [[Solstar Order]]. The Solstar Order prevailed, causing the Wraiths to scatter throughout the galaxy. The Dire Wraiths secretly invaded the [[Earth]] long ago.

The Dire Wraiths wield powerful dark [[magic]] and are able to infect the bodies of other creatures with their toxic biomatter, parasitically transforming their victims into more of their kind. They are also able to gain new abilities by using the blood of other life forms. Few species are capable of resisting their powerful sorcery... though [[Transformer|Cybertronians]] are more resilient to this magical corruption by virtue of their mechanical physiology, the results of a botched infection aren't pretty.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{MainIDW|Dire Wraith}}
[[File:Unicron2-DireWraithCreation.jpg|thumb|left|350px|"This is the worst makeover eveeeeeeeeer!"]]
The [[Guardian robot|Omega Sentinel]] [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] believed that the Dire Wraiths had been created many years ago during the fallout from the devastating [[Antillan]]-Cybertronian war, an unforeseen byproduct from an Antillan [[Talisman (G1)|doomsday weapon]] designed to end the war by killing everything on the planet. The chaotic energies unleashed by the device cascaded across space and time, absorbing and corrupting the natural magic of the planet [[Prysmos]] to create the first Dire Wraiths, who walked the now-desolate landscape of Antilla. The energies of the activation event also affected the inhabitants of other exposed planets, mutating them into monstrous hybrid creatures resembling Dire Wraiths.

[[File:StrangerEons-DireWraiths.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lifeless... alone... playing Warcraft on Friday nights...]]

Subsequent events are unclear; Omega Supreme claims that the Wraiths subsequently fled the world of their birth and settled elsewhere in the galaxy, {{storylink|Our Finest}} eventually coming to colonize a planet within the uninhabited [[Dark Nebula]] as the capital of their brutal new civilization, their hostile, expansionistic nature bringing them into conflict with other races. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} One such war saw the Dire Wraiths invade the planet [[Temptoria]], with several Wraiths voluntarily choosing to adopt the planet's odd religious custom of "[[Brand (deity)|Brand]] loyalty." {{storylink|Nothing Will Ever Be the Same Again!}}

During the zenith of the Cybertronian [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], many Autobots, including [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], considered the Dire Wraiths to be myths. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 2|Shining Armor #2}} [[Decepticon]] leader [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], on the other hand, was aware that these "panmorphic lifeforms" were real, but was so disgusted by them that he and his troops deliberately avoided the Dark Nebula in which they resided. {{storylink|Nothing Will Ever Be the Same Again!}}

Eventually, the Dire Wraiths went to war with the [[Solstar Order]], the local galactic superpower, and the conflict necessitated the creation of the [[Space Knight]]s to contain the threat. Some two hundred years ago, the war turned in favor of the Solstar Order when the Space Knights successfully destroyed the current Wraith homeworld. The survivors scattered throughout Solstar space, and in spite of this defeat they remained an omnipresent thorn in the side of the Order, menacing several backwater regions such as [[Mato Grosso (planet)|Mato Grosso]], [[Mining Colony 25-6-41]], {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} and the [[Huni System]] {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 2|Shining Armor #2}} As the Solstar Order continued to hunt down remaining pockets of Wraiths, the survivors pushed outwards, with their exodus threatening to encroach on [[Galactic Council]] territory; during this time, the Wraith [[Vekktral]] encountered the orphaned [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] [[Stardrive]] on Matto Grosso, alerting the Dire Wraiths to the existence of mechanical life in the form of the Cybertronians. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

[[File:ShiningArmor2-InfectedSkyBlast.jpg|thumb|left|250px|We don't know what the hell is in there. But it's weird and pissed off, whatever it is.]]

Around this time, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and his troops encountered Vekktral's Wraiths in the Huni System. Learning of Stardrive's [[energon synthesizer]], he agreed to a temporary alliance with the organics to lure the Solstar Order and their Cybertronian Space Knight into a trap. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} When the [[Autobot]]s intervened, the Dire Wraiths managed to ensnare and assimilate [[Sky Blast (G1)|Sky Blast]]. The magic of the Wraiths had an unforeseen effect on Sky Blast's cyber-biology: rather than transforming the Autobot into a Dire Wraith, the combination simply merged the two entities together into an insane, out-of-control monster. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 2|Shining Armor #2}} The hybrid rampaged across the frigid planet of [[Xetaxxis]] for a while before its increasingly unstable biology tore it apart, burning it away to cinders. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 3|Shining Armor #3}}

[[File:ShiningArmor4-UltraMonster.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[H. P. Lovecraft]]'s lawyers are standing by.]]

Using what he had learned from Sky Blast's physiology, Vekktral was able to repeat the process on Ultra Magnus, this time creating a far more stable, though still monstrous, fusion of Wraith and Transformer while several of his underlings assimilated the native [[Xetaxxan|Xetaxxians]]. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 4|Shining Armor #4}} However, the Vekktral-Magnus fusion still shared the divided mind of the Sky Blast hybrid, with both components struggling for control of their combined body. Magnus was able to overpower Vekktral for an instant, opening the chest compartment of the [[Magnus Armor]] and allowing a single placed shot to destroy his [[Convoy (G1)|inner robot]], ejecting Vekktral from his body. Vekktral and the remaining Wraiths were then destroyed, along with half of Xetaxxis's surface, when Stardrive's overloaded energon synthesizer exploded.

Afterwards, a gathering of Dire Wraiths reviewed Vekktral's scientific endeavors and ultimate, disastrous failure. They resolved never to dabble in "blasphemous abominations" such as technology again, and to rely solely on magic in their future plans. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 5|Shining Armor #5}} Unbeknownst to either the Space Knights ''or'' Dire Wraiths, Stardrive herself had been infected with Wraith biomatter during the battle on Xetaxxis, and in the years after leaving the Space Knights she gradually mutated into a stable hybrid of Cybertronian and Dire Wraith, even developing the ability to channel Wraith magic. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}}

Around this time, a different group of Dire Wraiths landed on [[Earth]] and discovered its supplies of [[Ore-13]], {{istorylink|Earthfall: Part Three}} which they could use to enhance their powers and shield their energy signatures from the [[Energy Analyzer|Analyzer]]s that the Space Knights traditionally used to root them out. {{storylink|The New Colossus}} Over the years, the Wraiths on Earth continued their clandestine preparations for their inevitable confrontation with the Space Knights, assimilating and replacing government authorities with Wraith copies.

[[File:GhostInThemachine-WraithColton.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

In 2016, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] chose to [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|annex Earth]] into the [[Council of Worlds]], and a group of Wraiths took advantage of the confusion to lure [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] founder and head of the [[Earth Defense Command]] [[Joe Colton]] into a trap. Though Colton was able to fight them off—avoiding lethal absorption by amputating his own hand—the Wraiths were able to use what genetic material they possessed to create [[Joe Colton (Dire Wraith)|an impostor]], {{storylink|First Strike issue 0|First Strike #0}} {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}} who used his position as head of the EDC to replace more members of G.I. Joe with Dire Wraiths. {{storylink|Concorde Hymn}} It was at this time that Rom landed on Earth to root out the Wraith infestation, and, while discussing the unstable geopolitical landscape of Earth, [[Miles Mayhem|Miles "Mayhem" Manheim]] suggested that [[Action Man]] could be of help with a "situation" in northern [[California]], where Rom had begun hunting his old foes. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}}

Indeed, Mayhem had cut his own deals with the alien invaders and the extradimensional warlord [[Baron Karza]], who promised the human dominion over Earth in exchange for the planet's supplies of Ore-13. {{storylink|O Ship of State}} However, the Wraiths were now forced to contend with Optimus Prime and his Cybertronian peacekeeping forces, and used their agents in G.I. Joe to open fire on them in [[Portland]]. However, their activities drew the attention of Rom, who showed up and blasted four of them with his [[Neutralizer]], including the false Colton. {{storylink|Concorde Hymn}} Once Rom had made peace with Optimus Prime, he further elaborated on the Wraiths' interest in [[Ore-13]] and how it made them harder to detect. {{storylink|O Ship of State}} While autopsying the remains of their slain comrades, [[Doc (Carla Greer)|Doc]] realized that the DNA of the corpses did not match with baseline human samples, alerting the team to the alien infiltrators. {{storylink|The Divine Source of Liberty}}

[[File:TransformersRevolution-ThundercrackervsDireWraith.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''He do the song about the sweet lovin alien 
He do the song about the knife 
He do the walk, do the walk of death 
Yeah, he do the walk of death'']]

With their cover blown, the Dire Wraiths became more aggressive and managed to take over the EDC's Bikini Atoll base. [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] was sent to defeat them and recapture the facility. {{storylink|D.T.A.}} While this happened, [[Marissa Faireborn]] was meeting with the [[President of the United States|President]] and given the case of Ore-13 that the Wraith Colton was carrying around before Rom killed him. This was the cue for the Wraiths in the [[White House]] to try to reclaim the case. Armed with a firearm that fired armor-piercing bullets, Marissa made short (if bloody) work of the Wraiths in the vicinity before she called in [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] as backup. The Wraiths managed to take control of the [[Seeker clone]]s before Thundercracker and [[D.0.C.]] destroyed them. [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] proved able to sniff out the Wraiths from the humans while [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] simply mutilated one before eating it. The leader of the Wraith cell barricaded herself in the situation room. This proved ineffective against Thundercracker who casually destroyed the wall and all her minions. At wit's end, she merged magic and Ore-13 growing to Cybertronian size. Adopting the form of a Wraith Hawk, she engaged Thundercracker in the air and managed to rip off his cannon arm. Thundercracker shouted a warning that the arm was full of ammunition and that she ought to be careful with her fire hands. Her wings were incinerated and she was impaled upon the [[Washington Monument]]. Marissa meanwhile mowed down the rest of the Wraiths with a standard rifle. {{storylink|Thundercracker & Buster Save the World}}

[[File:TheNewColossus-DireWraithReinforcements.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''With the Sultans, We're the Sultans of Swing'']]

Mayhem later contacted the Wraith leader, "[[Caleb Awan]]", to inform him of the large supply of Ore-13 beneath [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. The Wraiths moved out to meet their [[M.A.S.K.]] allies in [[Monument Valley]] where many Wraiths performed a kamikaze attack on [[Victorion]], overwhelming the Combiner. When they entered the city, their path was bared by Rom who had allied himself with the Cybertronians and others to fight off the Wraiths. The Wraiths managed to use the Ore-13 beneath the city to enhance their power before they, rather unsurprisingly, betrayed Miles Mayhem. Refusing to be beaten by aliens, Mayhem summoned [[Baron Karza]] from [[Microspace]] much to the amusement of "Caleb" who questioned what the diminutive creature could do. The diminutive creature responded by absorbing all the Wraiths into him, turning himself into an ungodly fusion of Cybertronian, Microspace, and Wraith power. {{storylink|The New Colossus}} In short order, said ungodly fusion was dumped into a collapsing spacebridge into Microspace. {{storylink|Valley Forge}}

[[File:MTMTERevolution-cons4eva.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Yes, we're sorry about that second verse. How about we say, 'The little ''weirdo'' with the earring and the makeup'?"]]

The real Joe Colton, meanwhile, had reunited with his old ally of convenience [[Merklynn|Garrison Kreiger]], and after removing the toxic Wraith biomatter from his system {{storylink|First Strike issue 0|First Strike #0}} the pair worked together to assemble an alliance of supervillains capable of fighting back against the forces of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], with Colton disguising himself as the evil "Baron Ironblood." Having acquired the Talisman on Earth in the 1980s, Krieger was able to synthesize Dire Wraith genetic material, and eventually used samples of the stuff to enhance [[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Storm Shadow]]'s legion of [[Red Shadows]] into transhuman fusions of humans and Dire Wraiths, able to mimic several Wraith powers. {{storylink|The Origins of Evil, Part One: Redcliffe Club|Redcliffe Club}}

After discovering the Talisman on Earth, [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]] accidentally activated the device, causing an energy pulse that once again mutated the exposed individuals – this time the inhabitants of [[Verenya]] in [[Schleteva]] – into monstrous Wraith-like forms. The forces of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] found Rom on the scene; together, they tracked the energy wave to the Talisman, which had caught the attention of the [[Oktober Guard]] and [[Action Man]]. Another activation of the device mutated the G.I. Joes [[Heavy Duty]], [[Flash (G.I. Joe)|Flash]], and [[Quarrel]] into similar creatures. The afflicted were placed in the care of the [[Action Man Programme]] in the hopes of finding a cure, {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}} which Blackrock was eventually able to synthesize some time later. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}}

During the [[Iron Ring]]'s invasion of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Dire Wraith enhancements inside the Red Shadows had the effect of tripping the Solstar Order's scanners, resulting in them placing Cybertron under quarantine. {{storylink|First Strike issue 2|First Strike #2}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] awoke and began his attack on the galaxy [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] came to learn of the dark origins of Unicron and the Wraiths through a vision imparted by a dying Omega Supreme. {{storylink|Stranger Eons}} As Unicron rampaged across the galaxy, consuming Cybertron in the process, those Wraiths who had come to call Earth home were forced to put aside their differences with their Space Knight nemeses to defend their new homeworld, {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}} and a group of the Wraiths took on a cell of invading [[Maximal]]s in [[Siberia]]. {{storylink|Ceremony}}
{{-}}

===''Aw Yeah Revolution!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Aw Yeah Revolution! issue 1|Aw Yeah Revolution! #1}} {{storylink|Aw Yeah Revolution! issue 2|Aw Yeah Revolution! #2}}}}

==Toys==
===''Revolution''===
[[File:SDCC 2017 Dire Wraith Stock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Tickle tickle tickle!]]

*'''Revolution Set''' (SDCC Gift Set, 2017)
**''Accessories'': G.I. Joe display stand, satchel

:Released as part of a San Diego Comic-Con 2017 exclusive set, the Dire Wraith is an action figure made up of redecoed parts from various [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]] action figures, with a new head based on the IDW Dire Wraith design; it uses the tentacles from the G.I. Joe Zombie-Vipers to mimic the Wraiths' nasty tendrils, though it doesn't come with the normal arms that the Zombie-Viper could swap those tentacles for. It was packed with several other [[Hasbro Universe]] action figures: [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Revolution|Jetfire]], [[Matt Trakker]] of ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'', [[Action Man]], ''[[Visionaries]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Leoric, [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] of ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', [[Rom]], and 9 ''[[Micronauts]]'' mini-figurines.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*While it was believed that [[Marvel Comics]] owned the Dire Wraiths (using them as recently as 2011), that is not the case, as they were mentioned in [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lf5tbogiKUc?si=9H0YZWz3q86qrarj Rom's original toy commercial]. However, while Marvel doesn't own the name or concept of the Dire Wraiths, they do own [http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel//universe3zx/images/9/9e/Dire-wraiths.jpg their design for the Wraiths], forcing [[IDW Publishing]] to give the Wraiths a new look.
*The "dark nebula" from which they hail was conceived separately from the coincidentally-named ''Transformers'' [[Dark Nebula]]. Naturally enough, they were merged for the IDW continuity.

==External links==
*{{i|Dire Wraith}} at the IDW Hasbro Wiki

[[Category:Alien species]]
[[Category:Dire Wraiths| ]]
[[Category:G.I. Joe species]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) species]]
[[Category:Rom]]

Collapse

2023-12-07T08:43:43Z

Androzani84:

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=8
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=9
|title="Collapse"
|japanese=人間の街を救え!
|romaji=Ningen no Machi o Sukue!
|translation=Save the Human City!
|image=Cyb ep8 happy family.jpg
|caption=
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Kazuhiko Sōma]]
|director=[[Masashi Nagao]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Azeta Pictures
|airdate=[[March 5]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[August 6]], 2005 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''When a newly opened gold mine causes a mountain to collapse, putting Rockville in danger, it's time for the Autobots to do what they do best. Also: Ninjas. They are darned annoying!'''

==Synopsis==

Across [[Earth]] and [[Velocitron]], many different scenes unfold....

[[File:Cyb ep8 sparring match.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|FLYING TACKLE HUG!]]

[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] spar in the Autobot base...

A mysterious [[Mike Franklin|government agent]] studies photos of the [[Transformer]]s...

And [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] attempts to blast his way into the shrine containing Velocitron's [[Planet Cup]]. Even his prodigious strength is not enough to break down the door, and as he growls in defeat, [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] approach him with news...

About the only ones who ''aren't'' up to something exciting are [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]], who are lounging around the Autobot base watching television. [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] is absolutely fascinated by a televised address from the new [[Gabriella Constanza (Cybertron)|President of the United States]], but no-one else shares his enthusiasm, so Bud instead suggests that they go to their houses for a "play date". Jolt cannot dissuade his fellow [[Mini-Con]]s from the idea, and has to go with them. And it's a fortunate thing that he does: when the speeding [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] and [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] are pulled over by the town sheriff for their reckless driving, Jolt saves Coby and Bud's bacon by projecting holograms of the President and [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] into their driver's seats, dumbfounding the sheriff and allowing them to get away.

[[File:Cyb ep8 green gloop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Altogether: ''AWWWWWW''!]]

Coby, Bud, Jolt and Reverb make it to the Hansens' house, where Bud shows Reverb ninja movies while Jolt pores over the Hansens' family photos and a home movie of a young Coby drinking an ice-cream float at an amusement park. Things get hairy when Coby and Bud's parents come home early, but fortunately, a phone call distracts their father before he can find the two Mini-Cons hiding in the closet. Things are going a little better at Lori's house, where Six-Speed gets emotional while reading "[[The Little Match Girl]]".

As night begins to fall, things start to calm down... until an earthquake suddenly racks [[Rockville]]! As the citizenry takes refuge in City Hall, Jolt traces the epicenter of the tremor to nearby [[Mount McDermott]], which has been rendered unstable after a recent large-scale gold-mining operation. Jolt summons Optimus Prime and the Autobots to assist in helping minimize the effects of the disaster, but it turns out the worst is yet to come: the mountain is on the verge of total collapse, which will in turn cause the release of an underground reservoir, flooding the entire town.

[[File:Cyb ep8 franklin snoop.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|"In this country, it makes you look like a pervert... but ''every single Scottish person'' does it!"]]

While Landmine and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] help with disaster relief in Rockville itself, Prime and [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] meet with the kids and Mini-Cons to try and figure out what to do. Remembering his home movie and the ice-cream float, Coby hits upon a solution: Prime uses his water pumps to drain the reservoir dry, and then Scattorshot delivers a missile blast that collapses the mountain safely into the empty cavern left behind. The plan is a roaring success, and as dawn breaks, Coby and Bud reunite with their parents... unaware that a certain sinister government agent is video-taping them from his car...

Back on Velocitron, Crumplezone and Ransack reveal their news to Megatron: they are entered in the latest big race, and can potentially win the Cyber Planet Key for him! Megatron is not entirely convinced of their ability, but permits them to race, rationalizing that he can at least focus his attentions elsewhere while they are covering the racing side of things. Megatron then departs... without noticing that [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] has been eavesdropping on their conversation, and now knows that the Planet Cup is the Cyber Planet Key! His determination fired up even more than usual with this revelation, Hot Shot vows to beat all comers and recover the Key for the Autobots.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=

*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (4)
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (5)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (13)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (19)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] (20)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (21)
*[[Vector Prime]] (22)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (23)

|c2=

*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (11)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Coby Hansen]] (6)
*[[Bud Hansen]] (7)
*[[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (8)
*[[Gabriella Constanza (Cybertron)|President]] (9)
*[[Mike Franklin]] (10)
*[[Harmon]] (14)
*[[Howes]] (15)
*Sheriff (16)
*[[Robert Hansen]] (17)
*[[Mrs. Hansen]] (18)

}}

==Quotes==

[[File:Cyb ep8 wisp of flatulence.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|GO NINJA GO NINJA GO!]]

"...a proactive coalition for transnational synergy, indemnifying conglomerate bipartisanship."
:—'''President of the United States'''

"I don't think those are real words, are they?" 
"They're real words, they just don't mean anything." 
"Then why use them?" 
"That's just how politicians talk."
:—'''Jolt''' and '''Coby''' have an all too accurate discussion about politics.

"Ironic. On the Speed Planet, the most important thing is a trophy.”
:—'''Megatron'''’s concept of irony is off.

"So what is it with boys and fast cars anyway?" 
"On my planet, the boys turn ''into'' fast cars."
:—'''Lori''' and '''Jolt'''

"Your proactive bipartisan synergy is indemnifying!"
:—'''<s>The President</s> Jolt''' could totally be in politics.

"You darned annoying guy! I'll make you genuflect like a dung beetle simmering in yakisoba!"
:—People who think ''Cybertron'' is badly dubbed should check out some of the flicks in Bud's collection.

"That ninja vanished in a wisp of flatulence!" 
"Yes. It is darned annoying!"
:—Seriously, Bud has, like, ''no'' taste in movies.

"I will dishonor your guts with my REVERSE QUACKING DUCK ATTACK!"
:—Yes ''really''!

"Disappeared in a puff of flatulence!"
:—'''Bud''' has no taste at all. And to think Reverb was into it too!

"You're helping save our home, so now we're going to save yours. That's what we do."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Can't... back up... gotta push... through it... ''BOOOOYAH!''"
:—'''Landmine''' milks it

"I wonder if it tastes like green gloop?" 
"It tastes like ''success!''"
:—'''Bud''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*Generally speaking, ''Cybertron'' greatly magnifies the "family" theme running through this episode. There is more discussion on the meaning of family inserted between Jolt and Coby as they look at the photos, and the familial relationship between the humans and Autobots, and their value to each other and their worlds, is the subject of much discussion.
*In the course of the training banter at the start of the episode, ''Cybertron'' inserts the revelation that Landmine trained Optimus Prime back in the old days.
*The President's effusive use of hyperbolic verbiage is an amendment of the localization. In ''Galaxy Force'', Jolt merely catechizes Coby on the identity of the personage in evidence in the televisual presentation.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the ninja show that Bud and Reverb are watching is pretty normal, but in ''Cybertron'' the writers go full-blown silly with it, with stereotypical Asian accents, wisps of flatulence, and Quacking Duck attacks.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', it is noted in passing that it is not the Speed Planet trophy itself that is the Cyber Planet Key, but specifically the ''jewel'' in the trophy's crown.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the phone call that distracts Mr. Hansen from Coby and Bud is from his eldest son, Coby and Bud's brother [[Tim Hansen|Tim]]. In ''Cybertron'', on the other hand, it is from a neighbor who wants to tell him about his new fishing rod. At first glance, removing this familial connection is a bit odd in light of ''Cybertron''{{'}}s attempt to ''increase'' the concept of family in this episode, but on closer analysis, this seems to tie back into something established in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of "[[Fallen (episode)|Fallen]]", and which will come up again in "[[Search (episode)|Search]]". Scenes in those episodes suggest that Coby does not have the greatest relationship with the rest of his family, and this scene rather reinforces that, as his father immediately forgets about Coby and Bud at the mere mention of a phone call from Tim. ''Cybertron'' consistently excised this aspect of the Hansen family life, so this is presumably the rationale behind the alteration to this scene. ''Cybertron'' also has Coby say in "[[Retreat]]" that the reason he is not very connected with his brother is "lots of wedgies."
*''Galaxy Force'' makes a point of explaining that Prime is converting the water he sucks out of the reservoir into oxygen and hydrogen. ''Cybertron'' omits this explanation, and it ''did'' cause some fans to wonder how he was retaining such a huge amount of liquid when the dubbed episode first aired.

===Continuity notes===
*Landmine is still recovering from the injuries [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] inflicted on him back in the [[Fallen (episode)|first episode]] of the series.
*The [[Mike Franklin|mysterious government agent]] last appeared in "[[Hidden]]". The photos he is looking through appear to be of the events of that episode.

===Transformers references===
*Optimus Prime delivers a [[Metallikato]] kick.
*Optimus swears "by [[Primus]]' Spark!"

===Real-world references===

[[File:Cyb ep8 little match girl.jpg|thumb]]

*Presumably, Mount McDermott is named after ''Cybertron'' writer [[David McDermott]].
*The ice cream float that Coby enjoys in this episode is known as a "Cream Soda" in Japan, a melon-flavored [[soft drink]] with a scoop of vanilla ice cream which is, basically, the cultural equivalent of America's root beer float. Of course, since "cream soda" is the name of an entirely different kind of drink in America, ''Cybertron'' has little Coby call the drink "green gloop" instead.
*Six-Speed finds "[[The Little Match Girl]]" tear-inducing. And who can blame him?

===Trivia===
*The kids state they're on summer break (which explains how they have all that free time) and the President is referred to as "our new President", implying she's just a few months into her first term.
*Mr. Hansen's first name is given as "Robert".
*There isn't a single stock-footage transformation, Cyber Key power or Super Mode sequence in this entire episode! Wow!
*According to Jolt, [[Gigantion|his home planet]] doesn't have sunsets.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 03 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

The Illusion of Control

2023-06-08T14:57:08Z

Androzani84: /* Notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=monstrosity|issueno=10
|prev=Unleashed
|next=Annihilation
|caption=
|image=Monstrosity10.jpg
|title="The Illusion of Control"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 3]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=
|story by=[[Chris Metzen]] & [[Flint Dille]]
|art by=[[Livio Ramondelli]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline#4 million BCE|Early in the war]]
}}
'''The Autobots fight Trypticon while Scorponok pays the price for his coup.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Monstrosity10 Trypticon in Harmonex.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8]]
Angry with himself for his failure to keep [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] from leaving, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] voices his frustration to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], but the sage's advice is interrupted by reports that [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] is rampaging across [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the direction of [[Harmonex]]. After ordering his troops to prepare their biggest guns, Prime goes to ask for help from [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who recognizes Trypticon as a monster he helped seal away in ancient times. However, he cannot join the fight this time as the [[energon]] crisis has robbed him of the energy he needs transform into [[robot mode]]. Without the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]'s help, the [[Autobot]]s devise a plan to use the buildings of Harmonex against Trypticon, though they regret that they will have to ruin the beautiful Singing City in the process. [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'s harassment team lures Trypticon close to the city's central structure, where [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]]'s heavy weapons units is waiting to blast him with [[fusion-borer]]s. While the monster is distracted by the barrage, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] bombard the building, collapsing it and burying Trypticon in rubble.

Meanwhile, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] is pulled away from reveling in the destruction caused by Trypticon by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], who invites him to [[Kolkular]]'s main hall where the [[Decepticon]]s are waiting to honor their "true leader". On entering the hall, however, he finds that Starscream was in fact referring to a returning [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], who greets him by crippling him with an energy blast. Scorponok attempts to flee, fight and finally plead for mercy with Megatron, but nothing works—Megatron unceremoniously shoots him in the head and leaves him to be torn to pieces by the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], though not before ordering them to keep him alive so that he can continue to feel pain. Having finally taken back his position as Decepticon leader, Megatron gets back to business and demands to know what has happened to his planet in his absence.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (2)
* [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (6)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (7)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (14)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (15)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (16)
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (17)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (18)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Barrel Roll]] (19)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (20)
* [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (22)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (23)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (24)
{{!}}}

|c2=
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (8)
* [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (9)
* [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] (10)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
* [[Blackwall]] (12)
* [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (13)
* [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gar]] (25)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (26)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (27)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (28)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (29)

|c4=
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (3)
}}

==Notes==
* As well as fusion-borers and [[grav-inhibitor]]s, Prime also requisitions industrial-grade [[phase-charge]]s from Magnus.
* The heart of Metroplex visited by Optimus Prime is the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] shrine previously seen in his [[Acropolex]] disguise in [[Ruins|issue #5]] of ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]''.
* Metroplex describes Trypticon as a "spawn of [[Mortilus]]", a death god introduced in the ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 annual]]. It's almost certain that Dille and Metzen—the relationship of whose work on the "-acy" series to the other present-day IDW series could be defined as "distant" at best—did not mean this to be idiomatic, but [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|''More than Meets the Eye'' #28]] quietly retconned it into being so, because part of the whole point of Mortilus and the Guiding Hand is that it isn't known if they're even real or not, and for Metroplex to so matter-of-factly state that Mortilus existed would pretty much shatter that.
** And then [[Salvation]] came along and retconned it back in, with Trypticon actively remembering his creation at the hands of Mortilus. Of course, the Guiding Hand turned out to be real, so it checks out.
* Some more ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' quotes happen when Scorponok reacts to Megatron's return with "Megatron? Is that you?", to which Megatron replies "Here's a hint." and shoots him.

===Reprints===
Other than [[The Transformers: Monstrosity#Collections|collections of the full series]].
* N/A

Transformers: Best of Arcee

2022-10-08T16:54:18Z

Androzani84:

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: Best of|Transformers: Best of]]''
|prev=Transformers: Best of Starscream
|next=Transformers: Best of Grimlock
|title=''Arcee''
|image=BestOfArcee cvr.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[October 5]], [[2022]]
|writers=[[Mairghread Scott]], [[John Barber]], [[Simon Furman]], [[Brian Ruckley]]
|artists=[[Sara Pitre-Durocher]], [[Andrew Griffith]], [[Kei Zama]], [[Art Wetherell]], [[Umi Miyao]], [[Beth McGuire-Smith]]
|inkers=[[Simon Coleby]]
|colorists=[[Yamaishi]], [[Josh Burcham]], [[John-Paul Bove]]
|letterers=[[Tom B. Long]], [[Gary Gilbert]], [[Jake M. Wood]]
|price=$6.99
|pagecount=99
}}

'''''Transformers: Best of Arcee''''' is a one-shot reprint comic published by [[IDW Publishing]]. Part of a larger "[[The Transformers: Best of|Best of]]" line spanning multiple IDW licensed properties, the book collects reprinted stories focusing on the title character, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (as one can guess from the title).

==Overview==
''Best of Arcee'' contains multiple stories previously released by IDW and [[Marvel Comics]]. Like the other books in the IDW "Best of" line, the collection features new cover art by [[James Biggie]].

==Contents==
*IDW Publishing's ''[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Transformers: Combiner Hunters]]'' [[An Uneventful Night|#1: "An Uneventful Night"]]
*IDW Publishing's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|#55: "All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights"]]
*IDW Publishing's [[Optimus Prime (comic)|''Optimus Prime'']] [[The Life of Sideswipe|#9: "The Life of Sideswipe"]]
*Excerpt from IDW Publishing's ''Optimus Prime'' [[The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|#21: "The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable"]]
*Marvel Comics' [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' UK]] [[Aspects of Evil!|#224: "Aspects of Evil!"]]
*IDW Publishing's [[Transformers (2019 comic)|''Transformers'']] [[Arcee/Greenlight: Run|#18: "Arcee/Greenlight: Run"]]
*Art gallery

{{DEFAULTSORT:Best of Arcee}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic compilations]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]

Fury (Cybertron)

2022-10-02T21:05:34Z

Androzani84: /* Differences with Galaxy Force */

{{disambig3|Fury}}

{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=40
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=41
|image=GalvatronPepClub.jpg
|caption= Megatron, Galvatron- make up your mind already!! Just because you keep getting a [[spontaneous recoloration|new chrome white and purple color scheme and a power boost]] per series doesn't mean you have to arbitrarily re-brand yourself!
|title="Fury"
|japanese=マスターガルバトロン降臨
|romaji=Master Glavatron Kōrin
|translation=The Advent of Master Galvatron
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Kenji Sugihara]]
|director=[[Kei'ichirō Kawaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]]
|airdate=[[October 15]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[September 14]], [[2006]] (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''In the wake of defeat, Galvatron isn't happy.'''

==Synopsis==

[[File:Cyb ep40 wounded megs.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|A little kid's gonna give "Mean Megatron" Greene a Coke.]]

In a lower layer of [[Gigantion]], [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] helps the battered [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] walk after his thrashing at the hands of [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]]. The [[Decepticon]]s offer words of encouragement, but Megatron isn't listening, as he growls that he needs more power.

Up on the surface of the planet, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] recalls the [[Autobot]]s' brief but tumultuous time on Gigantion, before asking Metroplex to guide them to the central layer. The planet leader unfortunately tells Prime that they cannot: It's not that they don't ''want'' to, but their customs dictate that data on old cities be erased, so the lower levels are as much a mystery to them as they are to the newcomers. Undeterred by this turn of events, the Autobots determine to search the old cities for any remaining data. Given the size of the planet, narrowing down their search radius is a necessity, and to that end, they start unloading equipment from the ''[[Ogygia (Cybertron)|Ogygia]]'' which will help [[Vector Prime]] get a general fix on the location of the [[Cyber Planet Key]] via the [[Omega Lock]].

[[File:SpectralMegatronKey.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|BURNING HEART-O I MUST SUCCEED!]]

Back underground, Megatron is fuming, literally. Ransack and Crumplezone get a little too close and get knocked backwards by the sheer force of Megatron's "aura of fury". Scourge assures everyone that it's not ''them'' he's angry at... and then Megatron's fury boils over, creating an energy blast that scatters the Decepticons and punches a hole to the surface. Megatron rises high into the air, and the Decepticons pull themselves from the rubble. Soundwave announces he's "droppin' outta this session" and flies off.
Megatron rumbles that he needs more power, and the Gigantion Cyber Planet Key reacts to his anger... as does the Omega Lock, which starts emitting the [[Omega Frequency]]. Megatron's spirit resonates with the Key, and he becomes intangible, plunging downward, through layer after layer of the planet, all the way to the lowest level and the resting place of the Key. When he reaches out to take it, the Key resists him, but Megatron persists and begins to draw energy from it. In a mighty blast of energy, Megatron shoots back through to the surface, tearing a huge hole in the planet. As the Decepticons look up at their leader, Megatron stands shrouded in a black miasma, and Thunderblast swoons at the sight.

[[File:Cyb ep40 dark megs.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|There's a monster on the loose, and it's not in Loch Ness!]]

Back at the ''Ogygia'', the Omega Lock's reaction has allowed Vector Prime to pinpoint the general location of the Key, but he warns that someone else has obviously located it first, and drawn energy from it. The Autobots split into groups to search (the fliers turning it into a little race), but by dividing themselves, the Autobots inadvertently make themselves the perfect target for the darkness-enshrouded Megatron. [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]], [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] are the first to fall to the superpowered Decepticon leader, who takes them out so fast that their battle does not even damage the surrounding area. The three Autobots' unconscious bodies found by Optimus's team when Vector Prime realizes they have not reported in, but even as they are tending to them, elsewhere on the planet, [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] finds herself being pursued by Megatron. She is knocked into the air, but [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]] catches her and fires at Megatron before engaging him hand-to-hand...only to be quickly knocked out and smashed into the ground (literally). Optimus's team soon finds them, too, and Override warns Optimus about the upgraded Megatron, prompting the Autobot leader to recall all his troops.

[[File:Cyb ep40 meet galvatron.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|[[Puppet|Déjà]] [[Wishes|vu]], anyone?]]

Jetfire's team receives the recall order just as [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] is crawling through an old computer, and he instructs the human to get out immediately. Coby, however, spots a data chip in the distance, and asks for five minutes to check it out. While he successfully recovers the chip, those five minutes prove to be a fatal delay: having bested the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]], Megatron and the Decepticons arrive at Jetfire's team's position. [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] and [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] tackle Megatron so Jetfire can get Coby and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] away safely, but this attempt is in vain, as Megatron wipes out all three Autobots pretty much instantly. As he turns on the humans, the wounded Jetfire grabs his leg, but is saved from being completely destroyed by the timely arrival of Optimus Prime. Prime fires on Megatron, to virtually no effect, and Megatron responds by knocking Prime out of the air with a single flying kick. As he stands over his fallen foe, Megatron's black aura dissipates, and his newly colored armor is revealed as he announces he is now '''Galvatron''' (again)!

[[File:Cyb ep40 one finger.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Apparently, Galvatron has been taking [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]'s "Totally Lopsided Takedowns" class.]]

Metroplex has at Galvatron, but the Decepticon stops the giant's [[Sparkdrinker]] axe with ''a single finger'', then pushes him back easily. Metroplex powers up his weapon with a Cyber Key, but Galvatron actually takes the weapon from Metroplex's hands and bashes him with it, knocking him out for the count. Vector Prime leaps in, but is dispatched with a single swipe of Galvatron's hand, and the Decepticon leader then activates his bladed shield to bash Optimus around some. Prime refuses to stay down, so Galvatron whips out his gatling cannon, which sends Optimus flying. In victory, Galvatron emits a lightning storm, and one bolt screams towards the kids at the top of a high tower... but Optimus ''somehow'' gets in the way of the bolt, saving them.

[[File:Cyb ep40 prime vs galvy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|It doesn't get more anime than this...]]

Recalling the promise he made to their parents to keep the children safe, Optimus powers up into [[Super Mode]] and the two leaders charge one another. Their fists collide spectacularly, and Galvatron is pushed back. But Prime falters, and Galvatron is ready to go again... until Metroplex hurls the gigantic Sparkdrinker at Optimus. Prime manages to summon a Cyber Key to power it up, and the two rush at each other ''again'', this time to do the classic run-past-each-other-then-stand-dramatically deal. When the dust clears, Optimus falls to his knees, and Galvatron stands triumphant...for about five seconds, as numerous wounds open on him. The Decepticons rush to Galvatron's aid, and he decides to call it a day. They run, and Soundwave, who has been watching this whole time, also flies off.

The Autobots return to the ''Ogygia'', and use the machinery Coby recovered to plot a course underground. The ship heads for the coordinates, but along their way, they pass by the crevice Galvatron tore when he emerged from within the planet... which now contains the ''[[Atlantis]]'' starship!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (7)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)
* [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] (9)
* [[Vector Prime]] (10)
* [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (11)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (12)
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] (13)
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (14)
* [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (15)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (16)
* [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]] (18)
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] (19)
* [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (20)
* [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (23)
* [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (27)
* [[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (28)

|c2=
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (1)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron/Galvatron]] (2)
* [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (3)
* [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (4)
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (5)
* [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] (17)
* [[Nemesis Breaker]] (19)
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] (24)

|c3=
* [[Coby Hansen]] (21)
* [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] (22)
* [[Ernesto Jiménez|Ernesto]] (29)
* [[Gloria Jiménez|Lori's mother]] (30)
* [[Robert Hansen]] (31)
* [[Mrs. Hansen]] (32)

|c4=
* [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] (25)
* [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"We'll find that needle a whole lot faster if we're searching only part of a haystack!"
:—'''Scattorshot'''

"He's trippin' 'cuz he got served."
:—'''Soundwave''', referring to '''Megatron''''s strange behaviour

"You're ''so'' square."
:—'''Wing Saber''' to '''Jetfire'''

[[File:Cyb ep40 thunderswoon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|*sigh* Women-swooning over the first guy who powers up and beats the mortal crap out of the Autobots.]]

'''Ransack:''' "He beat them like a drum!" 
'''Thundercracker:''' "Megatron opened a ''big'' can o' whoop-butt on them!" 
'''Crumplezone:''' "Whooooop-''butt!''" 
'''Menasor:''' "Aye, laugh, but his power scares me." 
'''Thunderblast:''' "It scares ''me'' how hunky he is! Hee hee hee!" 
'''Scourge:''' "Hunky?"
:—The Decepticons discuss Galvatron's power.

"I have changed. I am no longer Megatron. Megatron was a ''loser''!"
:—<s>'''Megatron'''</s> '''Galvatron''' introducing his new identity.

"I am invincible. I am Galvatron!" 
"New look, same old lines."
:—'''Galvatron''', who is lame, and '''Optimus Prime''', who is right.

"I want to thank you." 
"Thank me?" 
"Losing to you...inspired me to evolve. But now I'm going to take your weapon from your grasp and ''disgrace'' you with it!"
:—'''Galvatron''' taunts '''Metroplex''' before making good on his boast.

"Nothing you say or do will make you my equal!" 
"You're right!" 
"I ''know''!" 
"I'd ''never'' stoop down low enough to be ''your'' equal!"
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' deliver less-than-impressive banter.

[[File:Cyb ep40 take a whack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|We were wrong, it does get more anime.]]"You're not the only one around here who can generate some power!"
"Ah, you do have something left, but you really can't to expect to fight Galvatron with an axe?" 
"I'm gonna take a whack!"
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' again.

"If you keep asking for it, I'll keep giving it! It's on!" 
"I wish you'd shut up!"
:—'''Galvatron''' gets the best comeback ever from '''Optimus'''.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*''Cybertron'' adds the customary sound of the Omega Frequency when the Lock powers up.
*Soundwave, in ''Cybertron'' continues to spout hepcat/DJ lingo—when he sees Megatron rocket into the sky in a blast of light and energy, he states "I'm dropping out of this jam session. I'll be back to see the final mix." In ''Galaxy Force'' he simply and succinctly states that he'll be back when Megs has "calmed down".
*In ''Galaxy Force'', Vector Prime is specifically trying to get the Gigantion Cyber Planet Key to react by focusing his mind and energy through the Omega Lock. He feels it suddenly react, but ''not to him''. He realizes that someone else has triggered a reaction from the key, to which Optimus wonders with concern, ''who''. In ''Cybertron'' Vector Prime merely feels a "disturbance in the Force". See below for real-world reference.
*A small but significant difference is seen between the two versions' take on the beaten Megatron's comment on needing more power—in ''Cybertron'' he states that the additional strength he needs should belong only to him (meaning only he is ''worthy'' to receive it) while in ''Galaxy Force'' his comment is that the ''power'' he seeks must be exceptional to be ''worthy'' for him to take. Could just be a difference in translation.
*When Galvatron reveals himself, ''Galaxy Force'' presents Optimus Prime as startled and confused, while ''Cybertron'' has him crack wise (as quoted above).
*After Galvatron smacks Prime around, he unleashes a tremendous lightning storm during which he exclaims "I am all powerful!" in ''Cybertron'' (seeming to completely have written off Optimus as done-for), whereas in ''Galaxy Force'', he announces that the light show is the start of his "finishing move" on the Autobot leader, indicating he is still very much engaged in the fight with his quintessential arch-enemy.
*After Prime and Megatron's final attacks upon each other, ''Cybertron'' has Megatron mock Prime, before his injuries suddenly get the better of him. In ''Galaxy Force'', Megatron is ''aware'' that he has been injured before his wounds open, and calmly dubs the outcome "interesting".
*As Galvatron and his posse prepare to leave, in ''Cybertron'' he says "one lucky swipe doesn't mean you win" to Prime, whereas in ''Galaxy Force'' he takes a much more thoughtful tack, saying that it looks like he won't be bored after all.

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:Cyb ep40 biggest fans.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|And still more anime.]]
[[File:GalvatronChipNone-Fury.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
* Ransack is missing the black "mask" around his eyes at several points during this episode. We have seen this error in a few prior episodes, but it really started to happen with noticeable frequency on Gigantion.
* The three Decepticon fans on Crumplezone's back when he and Ransack celebrate Galvatron's reveal are gone in the next shot, even though the fans in their hands are still there (compare the picture at right with the one at the head of this article).
*Starting from this episode, when Galvatron activates a Cyber Key for his claw weapons, there is a pulse shown for the key, but the key itself is not physically seen.

===Continuity or plotting errors===
* So... now there's this gigantic hole in the planet, yes? Which presumably leads from the Key at the center of the planet... all the way to the surface where the Decepticons are... so... why don't they just fly down the hole and snag the Key all easy-peasey? The ''Galaxy Force'' version of the next episode will even see the Autobots suggest doing this! (To be fair, it ''does'' look like the hole doesn't go to the bottom of the planet's layers and only a few Autobots can fly...)
* When Metroplex throws his axe to Optimus, Galvatron fires a few shots from his machine gun...that never hit anything! The shots are never seen again as Optimus activates Cyber Key power on Sparkdrinker for the final clash with Galvatron. (Though right after the shots are fired, Optimus lifts the Sparkdinker, possibly deflecting the shots in the process.)
* Speaking of which, Galvatron spontaneously switches weapons in the following clash. Before the stock footage, he's using his machine gun, but after Optimus powers up Sparkdrinker, he's wearing his arm blade instead.

===Continuity notes===
*Optimus Prime flashes back to the events of "[[Family]]", recalling the promise he made to the children's parents.

===Transformers references===
* Galvatron mutters "Such heroic nonsense" before powering up with a Cyber Key, the infamous line [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon's]] [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] uttered before brutally killing [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Scourge previously offered a different spin on the line back in "[[Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron]]".
** On that note, the way Jetfire grabs Galvatron's legs to try and protect the children seems very similar to the way Ironhide grabbed Megatron immediately before his death. Luckily for Jetfire, he does not pay for this act with his life.
**Additionally Galvatron telling Prime to "fall already" is not unlike Megatron telling Prime to fall in the movie while shooting him.
* Later, Galvatron adds another instance of the use of movie lines with "Why throw away your life so recklessly?", (which would later be used again in "[[Unfinished]]").

===Real-world references===
* When Megatron communes with the Key, Vector mutters he "felt great disturbance within the force", a line ripped straight from the first ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' movie, spoken by [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] and referring to the [[Force]].

===Trivia===
*Starting about this episode, the CGI animation of the series seems to have been taken up a notch. We'll see more (and somewhat smoother) movement from the characters, more diverse camera angles including some really nice pan shots, and more expressive faces and body language from here until the end of the series. Enjoy!
*The blacked-out figure of Metroplex that has been seen in the ''Galaxy Force'' opening sequence since "[[Titans]]" is now blacked-out no longer, transitioning the sequence into the finalized form it will retain until the end of the series.
*Okay, okay, ''this'' is ''technically'' the last time we see Nemesis Breaker... but it's only in flashbacks to last episode.
*Quickmix uses his left-arm pipes as a hand-held blaster here, which the Quickmix toy can actually do!
*And yes, Optimus' toy can hold the toy version of Sparkdrinker.
* While the development of the Coby-Lori romance is ''extremely'' subtle throughout the series (to the point of invisibility), this episode brings it slightly out of the subtext, with Lori fondly cleaning Coby's face. The moment when Coby instantly interposes himself between her and ''Galvatron'' also indicates his affection for her (and is frankly one of his finest moments).
*Upon changing to Galvatron (and getting, really, ''really'' angry in front of the Giant Planet Key), Megatron's optics permanently shift from blue to red, returning them to the eye color he's had for the better portion of the Unicron Trilogy.
*This episode displays what is probably the most dramatic case of [[Burning justice]] that we have seen thus far in the series. Not only does Megs maintain a flaming aura for longer than any other character, he also appears to have healed his grievous wounds and/or regained his strength after his terrible fight with Metroplex, somehow transmogrifies his still-flaming body into an intangible form, plunges some extreme distance through a ''solid planet'', sucks MORE energy from the Cyber Key, then re-erupts through the ground ''still flaming''. No wonder Thunderblast swoons!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 11 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Titans

2022-10-02T20:54:49Z

Androzani84:

{{disambig3|Titan}}
{{episode
|series=Cybertron
|ep=37
|series2=Galaxy Force
|ep2=38
|title="Titans"
|japanese=激突! 砕け散る野望
|romaji=Gekitotsu! Kudakechi no Yabō
|translation=Clash! The Crushed Ambition
|image=Cyb_ep37_war_of_the_worlds.jpg
|caption=When there's trouble you know who to call.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Aichi]], [[We've]], [[Tōkyū Agency]]
|writer=[[Gyō Yamatoya]]
|director=[[Megumi Sakai]]
|animation studio=[[GONZO]], Office Take Off
|airdate=[[September 24]], [[2005]] (Japanese) [[September 11]], [[2006]] (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots' attempt to reactivate Primus leads to a literal war of the worlds!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Cyb ep37 bud welding.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The moral of this story is that it's okay to deface public property.]]

Somewhere in space, aboard the ''[[Atlantis]]'' starship, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] is feeling very pleased with himself for gaining so much ground in the race for the fourth [[Cyber Planet Key]]. However, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] warns that they shouldn't let their guard down, but neither he nor Starscream is aware of how right he is to be so cautious. Unbeknownst to them, elsewhere in the massive ship, the stranded [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] and [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] are doing their part to help the other [[Autobot]]s track them down. Unable to use his communicator since Starscream would detect the transmission, Bud uses a welding torch to sear the Autobot [[insignia]] into chunks of metal, which the Mini-Cons then jettison through the trash chute, leaving a proverbial trail of breadcrumbs in the ''Atlantis''{{'}}s wake.

Meanwhile, the Autobots on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] are working on a plan of their own, as they try to figure out a way to combine [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] with the three [[Cyber Planet Key]]s they have acquired to stabilize the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] before they depart for [[Gigantion]]. But, of course, they have to ''find'' Gigantion first, and [[Vector Prime]] is hard at work studying the [[Planet Map]], trying to pinpoint the gateway that will lead them to the alternate universe in which the planet lies.

[[File:Cyb ep37 meet soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Ellis, I think we have just discovered the Cheeseburger Apocalypse!]]

[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] have been assigned to search space for the ''Atlantis'' and are soon lucky enough to stumble across Bud's marked garbage. Unfortunately for the two Autobots, [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] spies on them as they follow Bud's trail back to the ''Atlantis'', and she soon leads [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the other [[Decepticon]]s after them. As the two heroes try to deal with both the firepower of the ''Atlantis'' and the threat of Megatron's Decepticons, Sideways powers up the ship's warp drive and teleports the ''Atlantis'' away before Jetfire can get Bud and the [[Mini-Con]]s off it. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the ship's other unwilling passengers; however, Decepticon stowaways [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] can disembark and rejoin Megatron's forces before the ship vanishes. However, Megatron randomly blasts Ransack in anger over losing the ''Atlantis''. Wing Saber and Jetfire quickly depart, and as such, they are not around to witness the sudden arrival of an enigmatic new robot, who introduces himself as [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]], and informs the Decepticons that he can lead them to Gigantion.

[[File:Cyb ep37 gimmie that spark.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Back on Cybertron, Optimus Prime receives Jetfire's disappointing report with sadness, but [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] announcing that they've completed setting up the equipment forces him to put such thoughts from his mind. Using the Matrix to activate the [[Omega Lock]], Optimus can re-energize Primus, who silently focuses the entirety of his power into a beam that he shoots directly into the heart of the black hole. With the beam holding steady, things are looking good...until the ''Atlantis'' suddenly warps into view above the beam. Having sensed Primus's reactivation from across the galaxy, Starscream has arrived to finish the job he started on Earth. The treacherous Decepticon dives headlong into Primus's beam of energy and begins absorbing the power of his [[spark]]. As the horrified Autobots watch, Primus's power transforms Starscream into a cosmic titan the size of a planet!

[[File:Cyb ep37 primus cannons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Primus Guns, fire!]]
When Coby sees the ''Atlantis'' floating past, he immediately runs to leave the room, knowing his brother is on the ship. Optimus Prime stops him and talks some sense into him; after all, what can he do with a planet-sized Starscream in the way? With Coby reined in, the Autobots rush into action, quickly erecting an energy shield to protect Primus's immobile body from the attacks that the gargantuan Starscream immediately begins unleashing upon their creator. Dragging cables and equipment with them as they run from sector to sector, the Autobots are forced to redistribute the flow of power throughout Primus's body, shutting down the black hole-stabilizing beam in an attempt to restore the god's mobility. At the last second, just after Starscream shatters the shield and unleashes a blast from his [[Cyber Key]]-powered cannon, the final connection is made, and Primus springs into life, deflecting Starscream's shot with a wave of his open palm.

[[File:Cyb ep37 moon maces.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|EPIC FLAIL!]]
Primus calls upon a Cyber Key of his own, activating giant cannons in his forearms, but Starscream can detonate his blasts with a swipe of his arm and remains undeterred. Nobody is ready for Primus's next impressive move, however: projecting beams of energy from his hands, Primus lassos ''his own moons'', transforming the two satellites into planetary-scale flails which he uses to pummel Starscream mercilessly. A series of irresistible blows from these moon-flails sends Starscream slamming into a nearby rocky planetary body, which actually ''explodes'' from the impact. The cosmic explosion consumes Starscream, and his energy drained, shrinks back down to his prior height. As his charred body floats amidst the remains of the planet, and he weakly vows to continue reaching for power, Sideways steers the ''Atlantis'' nearby and activates its warp system, teleporting Starscream away alongside it.

On Primus's surface, Coby collapses in tears at the sight of the ''Atlantis'' disappearing, taking Bud with it. The Autobots are silent as the boy cries when suddenly, Vector Prime bursts into the room with the news that will change everything: he has located the gate to Gigantion!
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (4)
*[[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (5)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (7)
*[[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] (8)
*[[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (12)
*[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] (13)
*[[Vector Prime]] (14)
*[[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (17)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (18)
*[[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] (27)
*[[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (28)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (29)
*[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]] (30)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] (19)
*[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (20)
*[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] (21)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (22)
*[[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] (23)
*[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] (24)

|c3=
*[[Bud Hansen]] (3)
*[[Coby Hansen]] (9)
*[[Lori Jiménez]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)
*[[Primus]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]] (25)
*[[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"The power! ''So'' much power! With all this power flowing through me, I fear ''nothing!'' Not even '''Primus!'''"
:—'''Starscream''', after growing to planet-size.

"Yeah, Primus! Moon that loser!"
:—'''Coby''' made a pun!

"MOMMAAAA!!!"
:— '''Starscream''', about to get owned by Primus.

"This... is... not the end of me... even if I have to bear the unbearable... I'll keep reaching... and soon... I will hold the universe in my hands..."
:—'''Starscream''', after taking a beating from Primus.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
*''Galaxy Force'' includes a "previously on" segment summarizing the events of "[[Family]]."
*In ''Cybertron'', Optimus worries about Coby and Lori, considering how hard they're working and wishing he could do more to help them. In ''Galaxy Force'', he is regretful that he can only spare Jetfire and Wing Saber to go out and search for the ''Atlantis'' and Bud and is concerned with Wing Saber and Jetfire's ability to work together in their search.
*Wing Saber tells Jetfire he doesn't want to go sneaking around in the ''Atlantis'' looking for Bud because he is more of a smash and bash fighter in ''Cybertron''. In ''Galaxy Force'', he scoffs at the idea of doing such "petty work" like searching for a kid. What a snob!
*''Galaxy Force'' consistently refers to "Primus's spark" when talking about his energy, with such odd turns of phrases as "focusing his spark on his chest" and "restore the spark to the other parts of his body." Since that's, well, not really what a spark ''is'', ''Cybertron'' simplifies the dialogue only to talk about his energy.
*In ''Galaxy Force'', the battle between Primus and Starscream isn't accompanied by music, and no sound leaves Primus's mouth.
*''Cybertron'' doesn't mention where Coby and Lori's new clothes originate; however, [[Gloria Jiménez|Lori's mother]] mentioned packing them in the previous episode of ''Galaxy Force''. It's the same case when Bud gets his new clothes in "[[City]]."
===Animation or technical glitches===
*As he and Crumplezone recline in the ''Atlantis'', Ransack is missing the black "mask" that normally surrounds his eyes.
*When Megatron attacks Atlantis, Wing Saber says that he'll take care of Megatron's minions and points at Jetfire, then points at himself and tells Jetfire to rescue Bud.
*When Lori says, "They're enormous," referring to Primus's moon flails, her mouth is oddly on the side of her face, leaving her lips from the side view intact. Of course, this is a classic anime visual, but it still looks odd.

===Continuity notes===
*Coby and Lori both start wearing new clothes in this episode, which they will wear for the rest of the series.
*Speaking of Coby and Lori, they sure do a lot of snuggling in this episode, as he catches her when she falls and then doesn't let her go for, like, five minutes. It's one of the first actual hints (Lori's nervous laughter at the notion of their getting married in the previous episode being another) of the romance that will eventually bloom between the two characters.

===Continuity errors===
*When the Atlantis warps away, Wing Saber suggests to Jetfire that they hurry and keep searching for the ship, coming across as ridiculous since we've seen the ''Atlantis'' easily warp across the ''entire galaxy'', so how can randomly flying around have any chance of locating it again? ''Galaxy Force'' makes more sense here by having Wing Saber include an explanation that it was an "express warp" (not sure what about it led him to that realization), meaning the ship couldn't have traveled very far. Thus, if they hurry, they could comb the surrounding area and re-find it.
*So, how exactly does blasting a black hole with energy work? Wouldn't it, you know, make it bigger?
*If ALL of Primus's energy was focused into the beam generator on his chest, where did the massive amount of energy needed to raise ''powerful shields over a whole stinkin' planet'' come from?
*Upon Starscream's defeat, ''Cybertron'' has Sideways comment, "Guess I'm in business for myself!" which is nonsense because he picks up Starscream; plus, they're still working together in the next episode. ''Galaxy Force'' only has him say it's time for a retreat.

===Real-world references===
*Upon witnessing Starscream and Primus's battle, Scattorshot exclaims, "Talk about when worlds collide!", referring to the 1932 science fiction novel {{w|When Worlds Collide|of the same name}}.

===Trivia===
*''Galaxy Force'' introduces its fifth and final [[Title sequence#Title sequence .235|opening sequence]] with this episode.
*When Starscream becomes planet-sized, he and Primus are in toy scale; both toys were released in Supreme class size, and Starscream came complete with a giant crown!
*God is a badass.
* How damn big must Primus’ Cyber Key be?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 10 ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Ceremony

2022-08-30T22:15:58Z

Androzani84: /* Errors */

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' #6
|prev=Assembly (Unicron)
|next=Post
|image=TFUnicron6_cvrA.jpg
|caption="What did it cost?" "''Everything.''"
|title="Ceremony"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 14]], [[2018]]
|coverdate=October, 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Sara Pitre-Durocher]] (pg 1-10), [[Andrew Griffith]] (pg 11-14, 17, 32, 36) [[Alex Milne]] (pg 15-16, 20, 26-29, 33-35, 37-40), [[Kei Zama]] (pg 18-19, 21-25, 30-31)
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''In the final battle against Unicron and his servants, many of our heroes are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to prove that faith and compassion can triumph over the fear and chaos born from the legacy of the Primes.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Mount Rushmore]] has become the new home of all the [[spark]]s that were being nurtured within [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], having been removed from the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] to keep them safe during the battle that now rages in [[Earth]] orbit. As [[Marissa Faireborn]] comforts [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]], [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] arrive with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], who have been brought at the request of [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] to help with a plan that may yet save the day...

Chaos reigns above the Earth as an army of [[Autobot]]s, [[Decepticon]]s, and everyone in-between—transported into space by Trypticon and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]—attack [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] and its servants, keeping them occupied in order to allow [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] to transport [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], and the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] down to Unicron's surface. The stubborn [[Slide]] is reluctant to join the battle, unwilling to fight and die in the name of Optimus Prime. Punctuating her words, Trypticon becomes the first to fall, slain by one of Unicron's eye-beams.

Down below, all across the Earth, from [[Venice]] to [[São Paulo]], the planet's heroes and villains fight alongside their alien allies to defend their world against Unicron's [[Maximal]]s. In [[Toronto]], [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] watch from the [[CN Tower]] as [[Stardrive]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] battle the Maximals in the streets below. Shockwave deems the fight a lost cause, and contacts [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], ordering him to bring his [[Worldsweeper]] down from orbit to collect Shockwave and Rhinox so that they may leave the Earth to its fate, and deal with Unicron another day. Bludgeon, however, refuses; always a servant of chaos, he has thrown in his lot with Unicron, rapturous at the notion that he will be able to watch the entire universe be uncreated at the planet-eater's hands. Shockwave is dumbfounded at the very idea, but barely has time to process Bludgeon's betrayal before he is attacked from behind by Rhinox; this once-loyal Maximal has also decided to side with Unicron after learning that the divine "Onyx Prime" whom he once believed in was nothing but a trick played by Shockwave. Shockwave attempts to fire on Rhinox, only to discover that the new cannon-arm the Maximal provided him with will not work on the Maximals. Rhinox overpowers Shockwave and tears the cannon-arm off, preparing to turn it on his former master... only for his head to suddenly be blown off by a blast from behind, fired by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]!

[[File:Unicron6 Starscream's Sacrifice.jpg|thumb|250px|left|"You will ''never'' be a god."]]

Up in orbit, Thundercracker is hit by Maximal fire and falls behind the rest of his group, finding himself surrounded by enemy forces. After depositing Arcee on Unicron with Starscream and Optimus, Skywarp reluctantly goes to his fellow [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s aid, teleporting into the path of a Maximal blade to save Thundercracker's life so that he can get the Talisman to the others. Refusing to leave Skywarp behind, Thundercracker tosses the Talisman to Starscream down on Unicron's surface and dives into the fight. It doesn't seem possible that the two can survive, and that poses a problem to the rest of the group: without Skywarp's teleporting powers, they can't get through Unicron's miles-thick armor. Starscream hits upon a solution and implements it before anyone can object; with one last egotistical grin born of the knowledge that he was the one to save the day, he asks Prime and Arcee to give Windblade his best, then activates the Talisman, sacrificing his life as its magical energies consume him and begin burning their way down into Unicron.

Watching from the battlefield, [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Aileron]] are stunned by Starscream's sacrifice, but [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] always knew he had it in him. [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] isn't interested in debating Starscream's merits right now, as the Maximals continue to attack; a moment later, [[Icebird|one of the beasts]] pounces on Ironhide and tears him in half. As Bumblebee fends the Maximal off, Jazz rushes to Ironhide's side, assuring him that he will make it through—but Ironhide is too far gone, and dies in peace in his friend's arms, feeling that he finally understands the meaning of the phrase "[['Til all are one|'til all are one.]]"

Nearby, Slide continues to find other things to complain and argue about rather than the actual threat at hand when the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] approach her. She and [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] immediately start fighting over the tragic outcome of [[Time Will Rust|their recent clash on Earth]], but [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] interrupts them, motioning toward Bludgeon's Worldsweeper as it heads down to Earth to rain devastation on the planet. Slide relents, and she, the colonists, and the Dinobots head down to the planet to lend their aid.

[[File:Unicron6 Optimus Into The Void.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"A soul... for a soul."]]
Following the path the Talisman is burning through Unicron, Optimus Prime and Arcee venture into the depths of the planet-eater once more, fighting their way through its [[Unicron's antibodies|antibody monsters]]. Arcee proposes that Prime leave the mission to her, that she may make amends for her part in the devastation of [[Antilla]] that began this nightmare, but Prime refuses; as "[[The Arisen]]," one of the [[Thirteen|Thirteen Primes]], he ultimately traces all their misfortunes to the failures of himself and his lineage. Arcee is confused; she ''knew'' the Thirteen, and ''knows'' that Optimus wasn't one of them, but before she can press the issue, the pair arrive at Unicron's heart, where the supermassive black hole around which the monster planet once orbited now rests. As they watch, the Talisman disappears into the singularity... and a moment later, Optimus bids Arcee farewell and leaps in after it. His physical body is compressed to pure information, and Prime once again finds himself in [[Infraspace]], the transitional limbo between life and death, with the Talisman at his feet. But he is not alone in this twilight realm: from out of the darkness appears the form of the [[Unicron's creator|Antillan scientist]] who created the Talisman, whose rage and desire for vengeance is what is driving Unicron from beyond the veil. Prime attempts to talk to the scientist, telling him that his anger toward the Cybertronians is justified, but the alien is not interested in words and lashes out at him.

Prowl drags Shockwave out into the street, where Stardrive stands ready to play her part in the complex plan Prowl and Soundwave have assembled. While Stardrive uses her Wraith magicks to invade Shockwave's body and mind, across the continent, Jetfire follows Soundwave's instructions, remotely linking Stardrive into the [[Enigma of Combination]]—saved from Cybertron by Soundwave—via their communications systems. Next, the Aerialbots combine into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] for the first time since absorbing the duplicate Enigma created by [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] out of Earth's communications network years ago. The energies of the Earth Enigma fill the air—but they're not ''all'' that are in the air, as Bludgeon's Worldsweeper appears overhead, and [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] leaps out to attack Superion! As the two combiners clash, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] arrives with the Dinobots and colonists. The Dinobots all leap aboard the Worldsweeper, intent on taking the ship down, while Slide and the colonists argue about what to do. Some unexpected help arrives in the form of [[Pyra Magna]] and the surviving [[Torchbearer]]s, who have been clinging to the hull of Bludgeon's ship, and who now boldly attempt to form [[Victorion]], despite the loss of [[Stormclash]], to buy the Dinobots the time need to enter the ship and defeat Bludgeon. As a partial combiner herself, Slide feels the energies of the Earth Enigma running wild around her, and embraces them, joining with the Torchbearers as they merge, becoming the new leg of Victorion. Together, Victorion and Superion overpower and finally destroy Monstructor.

Meanwhile, the Dinobots fight their way onto the Worldsweeper's bridge and seize the [[Void Scepter]] Bludgeon is using to control the vessel, sending the ship flying away in the direction of [[Washington, D.C.]], in order to give Soundwave time to execute his plan. [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] are slain in the subsequent fight; as Bludgeon and Slug grapple, the Decepticon tells Slug that their deaths mean nothing, as Unicron will still destroy them all. Slug disagrees; he has faith that Unicron will be stopped, and moreover, he knows the Dinobots are relics of the war, unable to let go of their old hatred, and so they ''must'' die if the Cybertronian race is to move forward unburdened by them. With that, both Bludgeon and Slug die as the Worldsweeper crashes into the [[White House]]. Some of the Maximals aboard survive and emerge to menace the [[President of the United States|President]] and her G.I. Joe bodyguards [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] and [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]], but at the last minute, [[Rum-Maj]] and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] arrive with their [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] to finish off the beasts and save the humans.

Back at Mount Rushmore, Soundwave senses that the time is right to execute the final step of his plan. The Enigma of Combination has always had the power to combine not just ''bodies'', but hearts, minds, and ''spirits''—and now, by the power of ''two'' Enigmas, using his own faith as an anchor, Soundwave is able to make contact with and unite the spirits of all those who have died in the war against Unicron, and more. In Toronto, via Stardrive, Shockwave can feel what is happening and begs Prowl to convince Soundwave the plan will not work—that "faith" is a fabrication invented by Shockwave himself millions of years ago, incapable of accomplishing anything. But Prowl disagrees; "faith," he says, is just another name for having the strength to conquer the fears within yourself. And Shockwave... the original false Prime, progenitor of a corrupt lineage that has loomed over Optimus Prime all his life and been the root cause of every conflict that has brought Cybertronian history to this climactic moment... Shockwave represents everything that Optimus Prime has ever feared. Soundwave disintegrates as the combined spirits of the dead are united with Shockwave's thoughts via Stardrive, and sent by her Wraith magicks, linked to the Talisman, to Optimus Prime.

[[File:Unicron6 The Last Hug.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"He is in anguish... he mourns!"]]
In Infraspace, all this wonder and terror floods into Optimus; every fear he has ever known, embodied in Shockwave's thoughts, and the memory of everyone who has ever stood behind him, which gives him the strength to face those fears and overcome them. As the Talisman surges back to life and the landscape of Infraspace begins to crumble away under its power, Prime now knows what he must do: rather than attempting to ''defeat'' the spirit of Unicron's creator, he instead extends a hand toward him in peace. Casting aside his assumed title one last time, the Autobot introduces himself as Orion Pax, and asks for the alien's own name. Confused and in pain, the scientist admits that he can no longer remember... but he does remember the name of his daughter, who died during Antilla's war with Cybertron, setting him on this path of death and revenge. Pax pulls the alien into an embrace, and calls upon him to remember that name now, at the end. Thus do they die in peace together, the last of the Primes overcoming the legacy of his ancestors by showing compassion to the monster birthed by their crimes, as the power of the Talisman collapses Unicron's body into the black hole at its own heart.

As Unicron collapses, all the combatants in Earth orbit make for the planet's surface, save for Bumblebee and Aileron, who fly through the maelstrom to rescue Arcee before she is sucked into the singularity. The trio set down on Earth's moon, where Aileron and Arcee joyously reunite, and they are presently joined by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], revealed to have survived Bludgeon's attack on [[Sanctuary Station]]. At Mount Rushmore, Marissa believes Thundercracker must surely have perished, but Buster thinks otherwise, and is proven right seconds later when Thundercracker descends from the sky, carrying the damaged but also-still-living Skywarp with him. As Thundercracker is welcomed by his friends, Skywarp laughs at the ridiculousness of the situation, but recognizes his brother-in-arms as a true Seeker. Prowl and Stardrive take a despondent Shockwave into custody; [[Rom]] and [[Livia]] console a young [[Elonian]] orphan; [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] thinks of [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his brother]] as he watches Buster, [[D.0.C.]], and [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] play; Windblade and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] discuss Windblade's future as the leader of Cybertron on Earth; [[Swift (G1)|Swift]] digs the lone surviving Dinobots, Swoop and [[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]], from the wreckage of the Worldsweeper; and with the survivors of Cybertron and its colonies now destined to be permanent residents of Earth, the President starts making plans for their future together.

Pyra Magna recovers the [[Mistress of Flame]]'s [[Forgehammer]] from where she left it, wedged in Metroplex's armor, and realizes now that "faith" is not what ''others'' tell you to believe, but what you believe in your own heart. Pyra takes the mantle of Mistress of Flame upon herself, and invites Slide to join the Torchbearers full-time; Slide, overjoyed to know belonging once again, and realizing that she and Pyra were wrong about Optimus Prime all along—that he never wanted to ''rule'' them, but to build a better world for them to live in—tearfully accepts.

With Earth now lit by twin stars of light and darkness—the [[sun]] and Unicron's black hole in perfect balance—the Transformers enter a new era on a new homeworld, an era without Primes, without Autobots or Decepticons, without even the distinction between Cybertronian, colonist, or Earthling. Thanks to Optimus Prime, his sacrifice, and his belief in those who followed him...

[['Til all are one|...all are one.]]
[[File:Unicron6 Peace At Last.jpg|thumb|300px|center|"Where to, Cap?" "... ''home.''"]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic'' text appear only in spirit form. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]? (4)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (5)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]? (6)
*[[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] (7)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (8)
*[[Alpha Bravo]] (9)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]? (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Aileron]] (13)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (15)
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (16)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (19)
*[[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (23)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (25)
*? (27)
*[[Slide]] (28)
*[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] (29)
*[[Bump]] (30)
*[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (31)
*[[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] (33)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (34)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (36)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (37)
*[[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]] (38)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (40)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (44)
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (46)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (47)
*[[Strongarm (G1)|Strongarm]] (62)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (81)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (90)
*[[Dust Up]] (92)
*[[Jumpstream]] (93)
*[[Pyra Magna]] / Mistress of Flame (94)
*[[Skyburst (G1)|Skyburst]] (95)
*[[Rust Dust]] (96)
*[[Victorion]] (97)
*''[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'' (98)
*''[[Ambulon]]'' (101)
*''[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'' (103)
*''[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'' (105)
*''[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]]'' (106)
*''[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]'' (107)
*''[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'' (108)
*''[[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'' (110)
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'' (111)
*''[[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'' (112)
*''[[Fastlane]]'' (113)
*''[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]]'' (114)
*''[[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]]'' (115)
*''[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'' (122)
*''[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]'' (123)
*''[[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]'' (124)
*''[[Gimlet]]'' (125)
*[[Goldbug (IDW)|Goldbug]] (135)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (136)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Fat Tankor]] (21)
*[[Octane|Tall Tankor]] (22)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (26)
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (43)
*[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (52)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (63)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (64)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] (70)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (72)
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (73)
*[[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]] (74)
*''[[Horri-Bull]]'' (100)
*''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]'' (109)
*''[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]'' (116)
*''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]'' (117)
*''[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]'' (118)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (133)

|c3=
'''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'''
*[[Scarlett]] (56)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike]] (58)
*[[Zilong Qian|Talon]] (59)
*[[Ayana Jones|Mayday]] (65)
*[[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]] (67)
*[[Agent Helix]] (69)
*[[Cover Girl]] (86)
*''[[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]]'' (121)
*[[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] (127)
*[[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] (128)

'''[[M.A.S.K.]]'''
*[[Matt Trakker]] (57)

'''[[Cobra]]'''
*[[Red Shadows]] (51)
*[[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Tempest]] (68)

'''[[V.E.N.O.M.]]'''
*[[Miles Mayhem]] (48)
*[[Sly Rax]] (53)

'''[[Action Man Programme|AMP]]'''
*[[Action Man]] / Ian Noble (54)
*Action Man / [[Terrence Salmons]] (55)

'''Others'''
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (1)
*[[Iron Klaw]] (49)
*[[Doctor X]] (50)
*[[President of the United States|President of the United States]] (126)

|h4=Other Cybertronians|c4=
'''[[Maximal]]s'''
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (66)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (71)
*[[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] (75)
*[[Shokaract]] (76)
*[[Airraptor]] (77)
*[[Icebird]] (see "Errors", 78)
*[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] (see "Errors", 79)
*[[B'Boom]] (80)
*[[Transquito]] (see "Errors", 83)
*[[Soundwave (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Soundwave]] (see "Errors", 84)
*[[Skydive (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Skydive]] (85)
*[[Snarl (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Snarl]] (see "Errors", 87)
*[[Coelagon]] (129)

'''Others'''
*[[Sideswipe (IDW)|''Generation 2'' Sideswipe]] (11)
*[[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (14)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (35)
*[[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] (41)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] (42)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (45)
*[[Stardrive]] (88)
*''[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'' (99)
*''[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]'' (102)
*''[[Mistress of Flame]]'' (104)

|h5=Others|c5=

'''Space Knights'''
*[[Rom]] (17)
*[[Livia]] (18)
*''[[Maur]]'' (119)
*''[[Prim]]'' (120)

'''Dire Wraiths'''
*[[Dire Wraith|Wraith]]s (60)
*[[Countdown (G.I. Joe)|Countdown]] (61)

'''[[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]'''
*[[Rum-Maj]] (131)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (132)

'''Others'''
*[[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] (2)
*[[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] (24)
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] (32)
*[[Unicron's antibodies|Unicron's immune system]] (82)
*[[D.0.C.]] (89)
*''[[Unicron's creator]]'' (91)
*[[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] (130)
*[[Garnak]] (134)
*[[Elonian]] girl (137)
*Pet [[Mutt (IDW)|mutt]] (138)
}}

==Quotes==
"Faith. The last refuge of those '''left behind.'''"
:—'''Marissa Faireborn'''

"Never before have I thought this... but that is a big one." 
"Imagine how '''I''' feel. You're the size of a '''city'''—I'm only '''six feet tall.'''" 
"You are 5'10<nowiki>''</nowiki>, Garrison."
:—'''Metroplex''' and '''Garrison Blackrock''' discuss the size of Unicron

"I never imagined the fate of '''everything''' would end up in '''your''' hands, Starscream." 
"That's funny, because '''I''' always knew it '''would.'''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Starscream'''

"Tell '''Windblade''' to take good care of '''Earth''', will you? Aw, who am I kidding? She probably won't even '''try''' to conquer the place."
:—'''Starscream''''s last words

"[Orion] thinks the '''shadowplay''' that stripped me of emotion changed me '''fundamentally.''' But as Rhinox said, I was '''always''' pulling strings. '''I''' gave Orion the capacity to carry a '''Matrix.''' I '''made''' him into '''Optimus Prime'''. He was the one who changed... when he stopped viewing my actions as '''just.'''"
:—'''Shockwave'''

"Slug—you won't last a '''minute.'''" 
"Then we'll get this done in '''forty-five seconds.'''"
:—'''Pyra Magna''' gives '''Slug''' some "encouragement", who takes it in stride

"Faith is a '''lie!''' I '''invented''' it! '''Faith''' will not stop the '''uncreator!'''" 
"You '''still''' don't see. Soundwave believes in a '''higher power''', sure. But guys like '''you''' and '''me'''—we don't '''have''' to. All we need to believe in is the inherent '''good''' of '''doing good'''... and that someday, '''ultimately,''' that will be enough to stop '''evil.'''" 
"'''Logic''' is neither good '''nor''' evil. '''None''' of us are. We contain the capacity for '''both.'''" 
"Faith is just '''one path''' to the '''ultimate trick:''' '''confronting''' the evil in '''ourselves'''... and defeating '''that.'''"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Prowl''' discuss belief

"Operation: '''Absolution.'''"
:—'''Soundwave''''s last words

"I am '''not''' a piece of '''your''' history... I am the '''end''' of my '''own!'''"
:—'''Unicron's creator'''

"I was forged '''Orion Pax.''' As war began, I was called '''Optimus Prime.''' Now some call me The '''Arisen''', the Thirteenth Prime. But the '''masks''' are gone now. I am '''Orion Pax'''. Before this... who were '''you?'''" 
"So long ago... I can't '''remember.''' But I know the name of my '''daughter''', who your kind '''murdered'''..." 
"Then that shall be the '''word.''' Rather than the fire of '''hatred'''... let her name—her '''memory'''—[[Darkest hour|'''light''' this dark hour]]."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' allows '''Unicron's creator''' to die knowing compassion

"I thought... I would make us '''strong...'''" 
"Take it from me: strong doesn't mean '''right.'''"
:—A defeated '''Shockwave''' is carted away by '''Stardrive'''

"'''Optimus Prime''' is gone... and with him ends the era of Autobot and Decepticon, Cybertronian and colonist, human and machine. What survives is his '''faith.''' Perhaps he never believed in any '''higher power''' guiding our hands... but he believed in '''us.''' I am '''Pyra Magna'''... the '''Mistress of Flame'''. '''Spiritual leader''' of my people; defender of my homeworld... '''Earth.''' And we will light our way against '''all''' our '''darkest hours'''... as '''one.'''"
:—'''Pyra Magna''''s closing monologue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:Unicron6 Predaking.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"We have a combiner."]]
*In the montage of heroes and villains fighting around the Earth, Predaking is seen in the service of Iron Klaw. The Predacons have been under his control since before the events of [[The Iron Klaw|''Revolutionaries'' #4]]; it seems he's managed to repair [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] after Kup blew his head off in that story.
*Action Man declares "This is for Kup" as he blasts a Maximal; the pair were buddies in ''Revolutionaries'', until Kup's death in [[Schismatic|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #1]].
*Terrence Salmons is now wearing the Action Man uniform too. As seen in the {{i|''Action Man'' comic}}, he was considered next-in-line for the position until Ian Noble, the current Action Man, slipped in ahead of him, but it looks like extenuating circumstances have seen him take up the mantle alongside Ian.
*Scarlett has joined Matt Trakker in Detroit, where his team were located when we last saw them in [[Our Finest|issue #3]]'s {{i|back-up strip}}.
*Last issue, as the battle with the Maximals concluded, it was abruptly noted that Mayday was now in command of the human forces, despite the fact that nothing had been shown to happen to previously established leaders Spike and Talon on-panel. This issue shows that Spike got shot down by the Maximals, and unintentionally took Talon down with him, but both men have survived and are stranded in a jungle somewhere. Spike notes that he "always figured [he'd] have a bigger role" in the final battle; while most IDW readers are no doubt glad he doesn't, this hearkens back to the fact Spike leads his life like he's "the star of an action movie," as originally observed in [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #27]].
*Pressed into fighting alongside Strongarm in defense of Earth, Rumble and Frenzy grumble that they "shoulda unionized," a joking reference to the recent success the pair have found in Hollywood, as seen in [[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|the 2018 ''Optimus Prime'' annual]].
*Starscream uses the Talisman to burrow through Unicron's surface, in the same manner as it burrowed its way down through Cybertron in ''[[Transformers vs. Visionaries]]''.
*Slug and the Dinobots continue to clash with Slide following the events of [[Time Will Rust|''Optimus Prime'' #23]]-[[A Sunrise Dark|24]], which included the death of her fellow colonist soldier [[Gimlet]].
*Rhinox provided Shockwave with his new gun-arm in [[Road's End|issue #4]]. He evidently built it himself, indicating this Rhinox shares the engineering abilities of his counterpart in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].
*Shockwave notes that he didn't simply become evil when subjected to Shadowplay, having always been a manipulator with dodgy leanings. He illustrates this with the specific example that he was the one who gave Optimus a Matrix chamber (which we learned in [[Chaos Theory Part 2|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #23]]), but the darker side of his pre-Shadowplay life was previously emphasized in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|''More than Meets the Eye'' #11]] when [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] dug up some intel on him and learned about the various covert projects he was investing in, which he was keeping secret from his allies.
*Ironhide's dying realization that he now knows the meaning of [[Pax Cybertronia]] references his vision of a peaceful future Cybertron, as seen in ''The Transformers'' [[Pax Cybertronia (issue)|#31]], and his search for the meaning of this vision formed a significant portion of Ironhide's character development during the final years of "Phase 2."
*Soundwave got the Enigma of Combination out of storage in issue #3.
*Galvatron turned Earth into a large-scale Enigma of Combination in [[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #53]]. Superion absorbed the Earth Enigma code to prevent it from working in [[All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #54]]; this is the first time the team have combined since then.
*Optimus Prime returns to Infraspace by entering the black hole at the heart of Unicron, the same way he did by entering the singularity in Crystal City in [[The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|''Optimus Prime'' #19]].
*The Dinobots settle their recurring rivalry with Bludgeon, begun in ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]'' and continuing through ''[[The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation]]'' and [[The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|''Optimus Prime'' #13]]-[[The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|14]].
*Bludgeon previously used his Void Scepter to control Trypticon in ''Salvation''.
*The ability of the Enigma to combine not just bodies, but hearts and minds, has always been implicit in the way combiners work, with a gestalt personality emerging as Transformers' bodies are merged. However, it was previously established that it was possible for it to work in a more spiritual way, combining minds ''without'' combining bodies, back in [[Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #37]], when it was credited with subtly uniting the thoughts and ideas of early humans, leading to the development of human cities and civilizations.
[[File:Unicron6 Spirits of the Dead.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Allfathers, let the dark magic flow through me one last time!"]]
*The spirits who appear before Soundwave specifically include all those notables who have died throughout the ''Unicron'' mini-series itself (Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, and the Solstar Knights from [[Our Darkest|issue #0]], Dirge and the Mistress of Flame from [[Last Stand (Unicron)|issue #1]], Omega Supreme from [[Stranger Eons|issue #2]], Scattershot, Fastlane, and Cloudraker from [[Our Finest|issue #3]], Blurr, Elita One, Cosmos, Sky-Byte, and Laserbeak from [[Road's End|issue #4]], and Ironhide from this issue) and its tie-in issues in ''Optimus Prime'' (Mainframe and Gimlet), along with other significant characters who have died during "Phase 2" of the IDW Universe: Alpha Trion ([[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|''Optimus Prime'' #16]]), Ambulon ([[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]), Horri-Bull ([[The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|''Robots in Disguise'' #1]]), Kup ([[Schismatic|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #1]]), Metalhawk ([[Heavy Is the Head|''Robots in Disguise'' #16]]), Pipes ([[Under Cold Blue Stars|''More than Meets the Eye'' #15]]), Ravage ([[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|''More than Meets the Eye'' #55]]), Rung ([[Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|''Lost Light'' #24]]), Sideswipe ([[The Life of Sideswipe|''Optimus Prime'' #10]]), Skids ([[The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|''More than Meets the Eye'' #54]]), and Trailcutter ([[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|''More than Meets the Eye'' #34]]).
*The president notes that the White House has been reinforced since the "last attack," referring to the [[Dire Wraith]] attack in ''[[Thundercracker & Buster Save the World|The Transformers: Revolution]]'' one-shot.
*Optimus Prime had a vision of a Worldsweeper crashing into the White House in [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]].
*Buzzsaw was implied to have perished in issue #4, but is here revealed to have survived his brush with death.
*The Elonian girl and her [[Mutt (IDW)|pet creature]] are presumably the same ones that appeared in [[Our Darkest|''Unicron'' #0]], and on the last page they're drawn posed as they were on the first page of issue #0.
*The 'reality shards' surrounding Unicron on Cover A depict notable moments of the 2005 IDW continuity thus far; non-'portrait' sections include [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] [[:File:LastStandoftheWreckers5 Guzzle Overlord.jpg|tearing]] [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] in half ([[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #5]]), [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] collapsing the tunnels of New York ([[All Hail Megatron issue 2|''All Hail Megatron'' #2]]), Optimus Prime [[:File:AHO-earthannexed.jpg|annexing Earth]] ([[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]]), [[Virulina]] [[:File:Schismatic-KupDies.jpg|killing Kup]] ([[Schismatic|''Transformers vs Visionaries'' #1]]), and the [[Vekktral]]-possessed [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Shining Armor issue 4|''Shining Armor'' #4]]). Of note is that the scenes have not been copied from their respective issues; they were entirely redrawn by Alex Milne.
*It's the end of ''Transformers: Unicron'', but not quite the end of the universe; the story continues into [[Post|''Optimus Prime'' #25]], the final issue and epilogue to the entire [[2005 IDW continuity]].

===Transformers references===
*The Maximal who kills Ironhide is [[Icebird]], one of the [[Mutant (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Mutants]], who had two beast modes, but no robot mode, save for a robot head hidden inside their bodies. Icebird is here drawn with his robot head deployed; notably, the character's head is red per the toy's prototype, rather than the blue of the mass-market release. But, see "Errors" below.
*Sky Lynx recalls an adventure on [[Regulon Four|Regulon IV]], a planet with several previous mentions in Transformers media, originating in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]."
*After Ironhide's death, Aileron rallies the others with a variation on a well-used [[Furmanism#CAN I DO LESS.3F|Furmanism]].
* After his destruction, Unicron is reduced to a massive black hole, similar to what happened in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Though this one seems considerably less apocalyptic.
===Real world references===
*Wreck-Gar's classic habit of peppering his speech with snippets of pop culture continues:
**He greets the humans in the White House with the cry of "Hi-ho, True Believers and Believerettes," the blusterous term {{w|Stan Lee}} regularly used to refer to faithful fans of [[Marvel Comics]].
**He quotes the opening theme to ''{{w|Mister Rogers' Neighborhood}}'', declaring it a "beautiful day in the neighborhood," and hoping they'll "be [the Junkions'] neighbors."
**He paraphrases the title of the 1987 movie ''{{w|Good Morning, Vietnam}}'' with a whoop of "Goooood Morning, Planet Earth!"
*The Action Men are fighting Maximals outside {{w|London King's Cross railway station|King's Cross station}}, one of London's major train stations.
*Beneath his signature on the final page (pictured above), artist Alex Milne bids the reader farewell with a handwritten note of "So long and thanks for all the fish", the dolphins' famed final message to humanity in ''{{w|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy}}''.

===Errors===
*The name caption for a certain white-clad ninja identifies her as "Storm Shadow"—which she ''used'' to go by in the IDW continuity. However, in [[Scarlett's Strike Force issue 3|''Scarlett's Strike Force'' #3]], it was established that—following the return of the ''original'' Storm Shadow—she had taken up the name of "Tempest".
*As a helicopter, Alpha Bravo is easily identifiable among the Aerialbots arrived on page 1, panel 3, and Air Raid appears roughly-on model as well, but the other Aerialbots don't seem to match their ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' designs, and aren't really recognizable as any particular members of the group, hence the "?"s in our list above.
*On page 3, Trypticon is credited as a "Decepticon Titan," but he hasn't been a Decepticon for ages.
*Rumble and Frenzy's ID captions (or colors!) are [[FIRRIB|swapped]].
*Shockwave's conversation with Bludgeon almost beat-for-beat repeats their exchange from the prior issue: Shockwave observes the deteriorating situation, concludes that alternative measures must be taken to destroy Unicron, and then commands Bludgeon to help carry out this plan, whereupon Bludgeon refuses, stating that his true allegiance is to Unicron rather than to Shockwave himself. It's not at all clear why Shockwave is in this issue surprised at Bludgeon's disobedience, or why he issued those same orders a second time, given Bludgeon's statements in the last issue. We will point out, however, that the framing of that issue makes it possible that Bludgeon's line simply came ''after'' Shockwave cut the transmission, and Bludgeon is just now ''openly'' revealing his true colors.
**Additionally, Bludgeon's claim that he serves the science of chaos rather than Shockwave's science of order seems rather ignorant of Shockwave's explicit statements during "The Falling" storyline that ''he'' now serves "the higher order that is chaos."
*On page 9, panel 1, Thundercracker states "''I'm'' think I'm in trouble."
*Unfortunately, it seems that no one supplied Andrew Griffith a roster of Maximals who died in previous issues.
**On page 11, the orbital Maximal team includes [[Icebird]],<ref name="Griffith lineart">Andrew Griffith's lineart for page 11</ref> drawn with his distinctive "robot mode" head. However, Icebird was among the dead Maximals (single-handedly ''annihilated'' by Arcee) seen in [[The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|''Optimus Prime'' #20]].
**Also in page 11, panel 1 is Antagony,<ref name="Griffith lineart"/> who pivotally appeared and died as a non-Maximal in ''[[First Strike]]''!
**[[Transquito]]<ref name="Griffith tweet">[https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1063207113193742336] Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 15 November 2018</ref> appears in page 17, panel 1. While the block-coloring used in the pages of ''Optimus Prime'' made identifying Maximals and discerning between American and Japanese characters tricky, in this case, ''both'' Transquito and [[Bigmos]] should be dead, with the remains of one appearing in ''Optimus Prime'' #20, and the other dying on-panel in [[The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|''Optimus Prime'' #21]].
**Likewise, [[Soundwave (BW)|Soundwave]] (the Mutant bat)<ref name="Griffith tweet"/> appears in the same panel despite Soundwave's severed wing appearing in ''Optimus Prime'' #20 among Arcee's failed captors.
**And finally, [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]]<ref name="Griffith tweet"/> appears in the same panel. This body-type is also accounted for; one was also among dead remains seen in ''Optimus Prime'' #20, and his Japanese counterpart [[Tasmania Kid]] is a native Eukarian, not a Maximal, who was seen in ''Optimus Prime'' #23.
*As Optimus and Arcee follow the Talisman to the centre of Unicron, Prime tells her "I need you to hold off the Maximals", which she later repeats, when the two are in fact facing off against [[Unicron's antibodies]].
*Starscream's absence from the spirits of the dead is so pronounced it ''can't'' be an error, but the fact that ''Stormclash'' isn't among them (given the inclusion of nobodies like Fastlane, Cloudraker, and the dead Space Knights) feels like an oversight.
*In the panel where Sunstreaker watches Bob and the other "pets" play, his chestplate is colored black instead of yellow. It COULD be intended as battle damage, but it's probably an error.
*One last time, the chart at the end of the issue misspells "[[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]" as "Divisiun." This is corrected for the planet in the trade, but not [[Devisiun (Titan)|the Titan]].
*The bonus material refers to [[Prion (planet)|Prion]] as having been devastated by the Black Box Consortia, which should be the [[Black Block Consortia|Black ''Block'' Consortia]]. It isn't a complete error, though—the Black Box Consortia was the equivalent organisation in the [[Functionist Universe]], as seen over in [[The Transformers: Lost Light|''Lost Light'']].
*That same bonus material lists the [[Regenesis]] [[Ore-10|ore of deception]] as growing on "[[Vigilem|Carcer]]". This seems implausible: Firstly, the young Shockwave was aiming his Regenesis missiles at planets for the Energon ore to spread out while growing. Even if a Regenesis missile somehow impacted a mobile spacefaring Titan, it seems incredibly unlikely that a subsequent Maximal invasion to harvest ore from Carcer would have gone unnoticed by the incumbent Carcerian First or that this major historical event would never have been mentioned again. Whether this incredibly convoluted chain of events really happened, we couldn't tell you. Then again, Shockwave is the original "Wizard who did it".
* The trade actually creates an error with the bonus material, wherein “Metrobase (deceased)” is changed to “metrobased”.

===Deathlist===
[[File:Rhinox SKROOM.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Kill away."]]
*Trypticon; killed by one of Unicron's eye-beams
*Starscream; sacrifices himself activating the Talisman
*Ironhide; torn in half by Icebird
*Rhinox; killed by Prowl
*Optimus Primal; finished off by Stardrive and Snake Eyes
*Monstructor; killed by Victorion and Superion
*Broadside; roasted by Strafe
*Sledge; decapitated by Strafe
*Soundwave; gives up his life to combine the spirits of the dead with the Enigma of Combination
*Sludge and Snarl; die in the battle aboard the Worldsweeper
*Slug and Bludgeon; die in the crash of the Worldsweeper
*Unicron; consumed by the black hole at its own heart
*Optimus Prime; sacrifices himself to destroy Unicron

===Other trivia===
*Intended for release in October, this issue arrived late in the middle of November. ''Optimus Prime'' #25 was consequently pushed back to ensure it was released afterward.
*This super-sized final issue is 48 pages in length, with 40 pages of story. In addition to the sixth and final installment in a series of interviews with creators from IDW history, this time with ''Unicron'' writer and artist [[John Barber]] and [[Alex Milne]], backmatter for this issue also includes a complete listing of all thirteen [[Cybertronian colonies]], complete with Prime, [[Regenesis]] ore, Titan, current status, and (if applicable) representative on the [[Council of Worlds]], filling in several pieces of information that have never been revealed on-panel (like which Prime goes with which planet, and the names of previously unidentified ores and Titans). Of note is the confirmation that Carcer did somehow possess an ore, despite not being based on a planet... though see "Errors" above.

===The Lost Colonies of Cybertron===
Part of this issue's backmatter is a graphic detailing all of the Cybertronian colony worlds that fills out any previously unconfirmed information such as their [[Regenesis]] ores and connected Primes.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[LV-117|Lenocinium Velnero-117]]
**Ore: [[Ore-1|Time]]
**Prime: [[Vector Prime]]
**Titan: [[Tempo]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Gorlam Prime]]
**Ore: [[Ore-2|Death]]
**Prime: [[Quintus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Quintessa (IDW)|Quintessa]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Prion (planet)|Prion]]
**Ore: [[Ore-3|Size]]
**Prime: [[Micronus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]
**Ore: [[Ore-4|Gravity]]
**Prime: [[Solus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Caminus (Titan)|Caminus]]
**CoW rep: [[Mistress of Flame]]
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]
**Ore: [[Ore-5|Combination]]
**Prime: [[Nexus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Devisiun (Titan)|Devisiun]]
**CoW rep: [[Vanquish]] and [[Fireshot]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Arduria]]
**Ore: [[Ore-6|Cold]]
**Prime: [[Alchemist Prime]]
**Titan: [[Metrobase]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Antilla]]
**Ore: [[Ore-7|Change]]
**Prime: [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]
**Titan: [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Tsiehshi]]
**Ore: [[Ore-8|Destruction]]
**Prime: [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]
**Titan: [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]
**CoW rep: None
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Velocitron]]
**Ore: [[Ore-9|Space]]
**Prime: [[Amalgamous Prime]]
**Titan: [[Navitas]]
**CoW rep: [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Vigilem|Carcer]]
**Ore: [[Ore-10|Deception]]
**Prime: [[Liege Maximo]]
**Titan: Vigilem
**CoW rep: [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]]
**Ore: [[Ore-11|Evolution]]
**Prime: [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]
**Titan: [[Chela]]
**CoW rep: [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Elonia]]
**Ore: [[Ore-12|Protection]]
**Prime: [[Prima]]
**Titan: [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]]
**CoW rep: None
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Earth]]
**Ore: [[Ore-13|Power]]
**Prime: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]
**CoW rep: [[Marissa Faireborn]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]
**Ore: [[Ore-14|Resurrection]]
**Prime: ?
**Titan: [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]
**CoW rep: [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}

===Covers (6)===
*'''Cover A:''' Unicron surrounded by shards of reality depicting images from throughout IDW history, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Sebastian Cheng]]
*'''Cover B:''' Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ironhide, Doctor X, and [[Baroness|Cobra Commander]], by [[James Raiz]] and [[David García Cruz]]; connects to Raiz's other covers for the series to form [[:File:Unicron-Bcovers-JamesRaiz.jpg|a larger image]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover A:''' Optimus Prime, Starscream, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Windblade, and Unicron, by [[E. J. Su]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover B:''' Jetfire by [[Francesco Francavilla]]; connects to Francavilla's other covers for the series to form a larger image
*'''KRS Comics exclusive cover A:''' Unicron takes the place of Thanos in an homage to the cover of [[wikia:marvel:Infinity Gauntlet Vol 1 4|''The Infinity Gauntlet'' #4]], beckoning unseen parties toward him and declaring "You belong to me!" (a line from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'') by [[John Paras]]
*'''KRS Comics exclusive cover B:''' Paras's ''Infinity Gauntlet'' homage, but with a blank white background and a blank speech bubble

<gallery>
File:TFUnicron6_cvrA.jpg|An entire universe, once and for all.
File:TFUnicron6_cvrB.jpg|Yibambe!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrRIA.jpg|Bring me Unicron!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrRIB.jpg|DOC, give me some juice!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrREA.jpg|We’re in the endgame now.
File:TFUnicron6_cvrREB.jpg|I finally rest; watch the sun rise on a grateful universe.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*[[Post|''Optimus Prime'' #25]] and [[How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2|''Lost Light'' #25]], with a tagline that reads: "THE TRANSFORMERS WILL RETURN IN 2019."
*''[[Go-Bots (comic)|Go-Bots]]'' [[Go-Bots issue 1|#1]]
*''Unicron'' checklist

===Reprints===
Other than [[Transformers: Unicron#Collections|reprints of the full series]]
* N/A

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.comiccrusaders.com/exclusive-preview-transformers-unicron-6-of-6/ Preview]

[[Category:Unicron issues]]

Ceremony

2022-08-30T22:14:06Z

Androzani84: /* Errors */

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' #6
|prev=Assembly (Unicron)
|next=Post
|image=TFUnicron6_cvrA.jpg
|caption="What did it cost?" "''Everything.''"
|title="Ceremony"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 14]], [[2018]]
|coverdate=October, 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Sara Pitre-Durocher]] (pg 1-10), [[Andrew Griffith]] (pg 11-14, 17, 32, 36) [[Alex Milne]] (pg 15-16, 20, 26-29, 33-35, 37-40), [[Kei Zama]] (pg 18-19, 21-25, 30-31)
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''In the final battle against Unicron and his servants, many of our heroes are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to prove that faith and compassion can triumph over the fear and chaos born from the legacy of the Primes.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Mount Rushmore]] has become the new home of all the [[spark]]s that were being nurtured within [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], having been removed from the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] to keep them safe during the battle that now rages in [[Earth]] orbit. As [[Marissa Faireborn]] comforts [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]], [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] arrive with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], who have been brought at the request of [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] to help with a plan that may yet save the day...

Chaos reigns above the Earth as an army of [[Autobot]]s, [[Decepticon]]s, and everyone in-between—transported into space by Trypticon and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]—attack [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] and its servants, keeping them occupied in order to allow [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] to transport [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], and the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] down to Unicron's surface. The stubborn [[Slide]] is reluctant to join the battle, unwilling to fight and die in the name of Optimus Prime. Punctuating her words, Trypticon becomes the first to fall, slain by one of Unicron's eye-beams.

Down below, all across the Earth, from [[Venice]] to [[São Paulo]], the planet's heroes and villains fight alongside their alien allies to defend their world against Unicron's [[Maximal]]s. In [[Toronto]], [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] watch from the [[CN Tower]] as [[Stardrive]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] battle the Maximals in the streets below. Shockwave deems the fight a lost cause, and contacts [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], ordering him to bring his [[Worldsweeper]] down from orbit to collect Shockwave and Rhinox so that they may leave the Earth to its fate, and deal with Unicron another day. Bludgeon, however, refuses; always a servant of chaos, he has thrown in his lot with Unicron, rapturous at the notion that he will be able to watch the entire universe be uncreated at the planet-eater's hands. Shockwave is dumbfounded at the very idea, but barely has time to process Bludgeon's betrayal before he is attacked from behind by Rhinox; this once-loyal Maximal has also decided to side with Unicron after learning that the divine "Onyx Prime" whom he once believed in was nothing but a trick played by Shockwave. Shockwave attempts to fire on Rhinox, only to discover that the new cannon-arm the Maximal provided him with will not work on the Maximals. Rhinox overpowers Shockwave and tears the cannon-arm off, preparing to turn it on his former master... only for his head to suddenly be blown off by a blast from behind, fired by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]!

[[File:Unicron6 Starscream's Sacrifice.jpg|thumb|250px|left|"You will ''never'' be a god."]]

Up in orbit, Thundercracker is hit by Maximal fire and falls behind the rest of his group, finding himself surrounded by enemy forces. After depositing Arcee on Unicron with Starscream and Optimus, Skywarp reluctantly goes to his fellow [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s aid, teleporting into the path of a Maximal blade to save Thundercracker's life so that he can get the Talisman to the others. Refusing to leave Skywarp behind, Thundercracker tosses the Talisman to Starscream down on Unicron's surface and dives into the fight. It doesn't seem possible that the two can survive, and that poses a problem to the rest of the group: without Skywarp's teleporting powers, they can't get through Unicron's miles-thick armor. Starscream hits upon a solution and implements it before anyone can object; with one last egotistical grin born of the knowledge that he was the one to save the day, he asks Prime and Arcee to give Windblade his best, then activates the Talisman, sacrificing his life as its magical energies consume him and begin burning their way down into Unicron.

Watching from the battlefield, [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Aileron]] are stunned by Starscream's sacrifice, but [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] always knew he had it in him. [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] isn't interested in debating Starscream's merits right now, as the Maximals continue to attack; a moment later, [[Icebird|one of the beasts]] pounces on Ironhide and tears him in half. As Bumblebee fends the Maximal off, Jazz rushes to Ironhide's side, assuring him that he will make it through—but Ironhide is too far gone, and dies in peace in his friend's arms, feeling that he finally understands the meaning of the phrase "[['Til all are one|'til all are one.]]"

Nearby, Slide continues to find other things to complain and argue about rather than the actual threat at hand when the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] approach her. She and [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] immediately start fighting over the tragic outcome of [[Time Will Rust|their recent clash on Earth]], but [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] interrupts them, motioning toward Bludgeon's Worldsweeper as it heads down to Earth to rain devastation on the planet. Slide relents, and she, the colonists, and the Dinobots head down to the planet to lend their aid.

[[File:Unicron6 Optimus Into The Void.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"A soul... for a soul."]]
Following the path the Talisman is burning through Unicron, Optimus Prime and Arcee venture into the depths of the planet-eater once more, fighting their way through its [[Unicron's antibodies|antibody monsters]]. Arcee proposes that Prime leave the mission to her, that she may make amends for her part in the devastation of [[Antilla]] that began this nightmare, but Prime refuses; as "[[The Arisen]]," one of the [[Thirteen|Thirteen Primes]], he ultimately traces all their misfortunes to the failures of himself and his lineage. Arcee is confused; she ''knew'' the Thirteen, and ''knows'' that Optimus wasn't one of them, but before she can press the issue, the pair arrive at Unicron's heart, where the supermassive black hole around which the monster planet once orbited now rests. As they watch, the Talisman disappears into the singularity... and a moment later, Optimus bids Arcee farewell and leaps in after it. His physical body is compressed to pure information, and Prime once again finds himself in [[Infraspace]], the transitional limbo between life and death, with the Talisman at his feet. But he is not alone in this twilight realm: from out of the darkness appears the form of the [[Unicron's creator|Antillan scientist]] who created the Talisman, whose rage and desire for vengeance is what is driving Unicron from beyond the veil. Prime attempts to talk to the scientist, telling him that his anger toward the Cybertronians is justified, but the alien is not interested in words and lashes out at him.

Prowl drags Shockwave out into the street, where Stardrive stands ready to play her part in the complex plan Prowl and Soundwave have assembled. While Stardrive uses her Wraith magicks to invade Shockwave's body and mind, across the continent, Jetfire follows Soundwave's instructions, remotely linking Stardrive into the [[Enigma of Combination]]—saved from Cybertron by Soundwave—via their communications systems. Next, the Aerialbots combine into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] for the first time since absorbing the duplicate Enigma created by [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] out of Earth's communications network years ago. The energies of the Earth Enigma fill the air—but they're not ''all'' that are in the air, as Bludgeon's Worldsweeper appears overhead, and [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] leaps out to attack Superion! As the two combiners clash, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] arrives with the Dinobots and colonists. The Dinobots all leap aboard the Worldsweeper, intent on taking the ship down, while Slide and the colonists argue about what to do. Some unexpected help arrives in the form of [[Pyra Magna]] and the surviving [[Torchbearer]]s, who have been clinging to the hull of Bludgeon's ship, and who now boldly attempt to form [[Victorion]], despite the loss of [[Stormclash]], to buy the Dinobots the time need to enter the ship and defeat Bludgeon. As a partial combiner herself, Slide feels the energies of the Earth Enigma running wild around her, and embraces them, joining with the Torchbearers as they merge, becoming the new leg of Victorion. Together, Victorion and Superion overpower and finally destroy Monstructor.

Meanwhile, the Dinobots fight their way onto the Worldsweeper's bridge and seize the [[Void Scepter]] Bludgeon is using to control the vessel, sending the ship flying away in the direction of [[Washington, D.C.]], in order to give Soundwave time to execute his plan. [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] are slain in the subsequent fight; as Bludgeon and Slug grapple, the Decepticon tells Slug that their deaths mean nothing, as Unicron will still destroy them all. Slug disagrees; he has faith that Unicron will be stopped, and moreover, he knows the Dinobots are relics of the war, unable to let go of their old hatred, and so they ''must'' die if the Cybertronian race is to move forward unburdened by them. With that, both Bludgeon and Slug die as the Worldsweeper crashes into the [[White House]]. Some of the Maximals aboard survive and emerge to menace the [[President of the United States|President]] and her G.I. Joe bodyguards [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] and [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]], but at the last minute, [[Rum-Maj]] and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] arrive with their [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] to finish off the beasts and save the humans.

Back at Mount Rushmore, Soundwave senses that the time is right to execute the final step of his plan. The Enigma of Combination has always had the power to combine not just ''bodies'', but hearts, minds, and ''spirits''—and now, by the power of ''two'' Enigmas, using his own faith as an anchor, Soundwave is able to make contact with and unite the spirits of all those who have died in the war against Unicron, and more. In Toronto, via Stardrive, Shockwave can feel what is happening and begs Prowl to convince Soundwave the plan will not work—that "faith" is a fabrication invented by Shockwave himself millions of years ago, incapable of accomplishing anything. But Prowl disagrees; "faith," he says, is just another name for having the strength to conquer the fears within yourself. And Shockwave... the original false Prime, progenitor of a corrupt lineage that has loomed over Optimus Prime all his life and been the root cause of every conflict that has brought Cybertronian history to this climactic moment... Shockwave represents everything that Optimus Prime has ever feared. Soundwave disintegrates as the combined spirits of the dead are united with Shockwave's thoughts via Stardrive, and sent by her Wraith magicks, linked to the Talisman, to Optimus Prime.

[[File:Unicron6 The Last Hug.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"He is in anguish... he mourns!"]]
In Infraspace, all this wonder and terror floods into Optimus; every fear he has ever known, embodied in Shockwave's thoughts, and the memory of everyone who has ever stood behind him, which gives him the strength to face those fears and overcome them. As the Talisman surges back to life and the landscape of Infraspace begins to crumble away under its power, Prime now knows what he must do: rather than attempting to ''defeat'' the spirit of Unicron's creator, he instead extends a hand toward him in peace. Casting aside his assumed title one last time, the Autobot introduces himself as Orion Pax, and asks for the alien's own name. Confused and in pain, the scientist admits that he can no longer remember... but he does remember the name of his daughter, who died during Antilla's war with Cybertron, setting him on this path of death and revenge. Pax pulls the alien into an embrace, and calls upon him to remember that name now, at the end. Thus do they die in peace together, the last of the Primes overcoming the legacy of his ancestors by showing compassion to the monster birthed by their crimes, as the power of the Talisman collapses Unicron's body into the black hole at its own heart.

As Unicron collapses, all the combatants in Earth orbit make for the planet's surface, save for Bumblebee and Aileron, who fly through the maelstrom to rescue Arcee before she is sucked into the singularity. The trio set down on Earth's moon, where Aileron and Arcee joyously reunite, and they are presently joined by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], revealed to have survived Bludgeon's attack on [[Sanctuary Station]]. At Mount Rushmore, Marissa believes Thundercracker must surely have perished, but Buster thinks otherwise, and is proven right seconds later when Thundercracker descends from the sky, carrying the damaged but also-still-living Skywarp with him. As Thundercracker is welcomed by his friends, Skywarp laughs at the ridiculousness of the situation, but recognizes his brother-in-arms as a true Seeker. Prowl and Stardrive take a despondent Shockwave into custody; [[Rom]] and [[Livia]] console a young [[Elonian]] orphan; [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] thinks of [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his brother]] as he watches Buster, [[D.0.C.]], and [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] play; Windblade and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] discuss Windblade's future as the leader of Cybertron on Earth; [[Swift (G1)|Swift]] digs the lone surviving Dinobots, Swoop and [[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]], from the wreckage of the Worldsweeper; and with the survivors of Cybertron and its colonies now destined to be permanent residents of Earth, the President starts making plans for their future together.

Pyra Magna recovers the [[Mistress of Flame]]'s [[Forgehammer]] from where she left it, wedged in Metroplex's armor, and realizes now that "faith" is not what ''others'' tell you to believe, but what you believe in your own heart. Pyra takes the mantle of Mistress of Flame upon herself, and invites Slide to join the Torchbearers full-time; Slide, overjoyed to know belonging once again, and realizing that she and Pyra were wrong about Optimus Prime all along—that he never wanted to ''rule'' them, but to build a better world for them to live in—tearfully accepts.

With Earth now lit by twin stars of light and darkness—the [[sun]] and Unicron's black hole in perfect balance—the Transformers enter a new era on a new homeworld, an era without Primes, without Autobots or Decepticons, without even the distinction between Cybertronian, colonist, or Earthling. Thanks to Optimus Prime, his sacrifice, and his belief in those who followed him...

[['Til all are one|...all are one.]]
[[File:Unicron6 Peace At Last.jpg|thumb|300px|center|"Where to, Cap?" "... ''home.''"]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic'' text appear only in spirit form. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]? (4)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (5)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]? (6)
*[[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] (7)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (8)
*[[Alpha Bravo]] (9)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]? (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Aileron]] (13)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (15)
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (16)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (19)
*[[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (23)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (25)
*? (27)
*[[Slide]] (28)
*[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] (29)
*[[Bump]] (30)
*[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (31)
*[[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] (33)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (34)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (36)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (37)
*[[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]] (38)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (40)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (44)
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (46)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (47)
*[[Strongarm (G1)|Strongarm]] (62)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (81)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (90)
*[[Dust Up]] (92)
*[[Jumpstream]] (93)
*[[Pyra Magna]] / Mistress of Flame (94)
*[[Skyburst (G1)|Skyburst]] (95)
*[[Rust Dust]] (96)
*[[Victorion]] (97)
*''[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'' (98)
*''[[Ambulon]]'' (101)
*''[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'' (103)
*''[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'' (105)
*''[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]]'' (106)
*''[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]'' (107)
*''[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'' (108)
*''[[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'' (110)
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'' (111)
*''[[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'' (112)
*''[[Fastlane]]'' (113)
*''[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]]'' (114)
*''[[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]]'' (115)
*''[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'' (122)
*''[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]'' (123)
*''[[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]'' (124)
*''[[Gimlet]]'' (125)
*[[Goldbug (IDW)|Goldbug]] (135)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (136)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Fat Tankor]] (21)
*[[Octane|Tall Tankor]] (22)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (26)
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (43)
*[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (52)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (63)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (64)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] (70)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (72)
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (73)
*[[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]] (74)
*''[[Horri-Bull]]'' (100)
*''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]'' (109)
*''[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]'' (116)
*''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]'' (117)
*''[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]'' (118)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (133)

|c3=
'''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'''
*[[Scarlett]] (56)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike]] (58)
*[[Zilong Qian|Talon]] (59)
*[[Ayana Jones|Mayday]] (65)
*[[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]] (67)
*[[Agent Helix]] (69)
*[[Cover Girl]] (86)
*''[[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]]'' (121)
*[[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] (127)
*[[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] (128)

'''[[M.A.S.K.]]'''
*[[Matt Trakker]] (57)

'''[[Cobra]]'''
*[[Red Shadows]] (51)
*[[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Tempest]] (68)

'''[[V.E.N.O.M.]]'''
*[[Miles Mayhem]] (48)
*[[Sly Rax]] (53)

'''[[Action Man Programme|AMP]]'''
*[[Action Man]] / Ian Noble (54)
*Action Man / [[Terrence Salmons]] (55)

'''Others'''
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (1)
*[[Iron Klaw]] (49)
*[[Doctor X]] (50)
*[[President of the United States|President of the United States]] (126)

|h4=Other Cybertronians|c4=
'''[[Maximal]]s'''
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (66)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (71)
*[[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] (75)
*[[Shokaract]] (76)
*[[Airraptor]] (77)
*[[Icebird]] (see "Errors", 78)
*[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] (see "Errors", 79)
*[[B'Boom]] (80)
*[[Transquito]] (see "Errors", 83)
*[[Soundwave (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Soundwave]] (see "Errors", 84)
*[[Skydive (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Skydive]] (85)
*[[Snarl (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Snarl]] (see "Errors", 87)
*[[Coelagon]] (129)

'''Others'''
*[[Sideswipe (IDW)|''Generation 2'' Sideswipe]] (11)
*[[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (14)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (35)
*[[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] (41)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] (42)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (45)
*[[Stardrive]] (88)
*''[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'' (99)
*''[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]'' (102)
*''[[Mistress of Flame]]'' (104)

|h5=Others|c5=

'''Space Knights'''
*[[Rom]] (17)
*[[Livia]] (18)
*''[[Maur]]'' (119)
*''[[Prim]]'' (120)

'''Dire Wraiths'''
*[[Dire Wraith|Wraith]]s (60)
*[[Countdown (G.I. Joe)|Countdown]] (61)

'''[[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]'''
*[[Rum-Maj]] (131)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (132)

'''Others'''
*[[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] (2)
*[[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] (24)
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] (32)
*[[Unicron's antibodies|Unicron's immune system]] (82)
*[[D.0.C.]] (89)
*''[[Unicron's creator]]'' (91)
*[[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] (130)
*[[Garnak]] (134)
*[[Elonian]] girl (137)
*Pet [[Mutt (IDW)|mutt]] (138)
}}

==Quotes==
"Faith. The last refuge of those '''left behind.'''"
:—'''Marissa Faireborn'''

"Never before have I thought this... but that is a big one." 
"Imagine how '''I''' feel. You're the size of a '''city'''—I'm only '''six feet tall.'''" 
"You are 5'10<nowiki>''</nowiki>, Garrison."
:—'''Metroplex''' and '''Garrison Blackrock''' discuss the size of Unicron

"I never imagined the fate of '''everything''' would end up in '''your''' hands, Starscream." 
"That's funny, because '''I''' always knew it '''would.'''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Starscream'''

"Tell '''Windblade''' to take good care of '''Earth''', will you? Aw, who am I kidding? She probably won't even '''try''' to conquer the place."
:—'''Starscream''''s last words

"[Orion] thinks the '''shadowplay''' that stripped me of emotion changed me '''fundamentally.''' But as Rhinox said, I was '''always''' pulling strings. '''I''' gave Orion the capacity to carry a '''Matrix.''' I '''made''' him into '''Optimus Prime'''. He was the one who changed... when he stopped viewing my actions as '''just.'''"
:—'''Shockwave'''

"Slug—you won't last a '''minute.'''" 
"Then we'll get this done in '''forty-five seconds.'''"
:—'''Pyra Magna''' gives '''Slug''' some "encouragement", who takes it in stride

"Faith is a '''lie!''' I '''invented''' it! '''Faith''' will not stop the '''uncreator!'''" 
"You '''still''' don't see. Soundwave believes in a '''higher power''', sure. But guys like '''you''' and '''me'''—we don't '''have''' to. All we need to believe in is the inherent '''good''' of '''doing good'''... and that someday, '''ultimately,''' that will be enough to stop '''evil.'''" 
"'''Logic''' is neither good '''nor''' evil. '''None''' of us are. We contain the capacity for '''both.'''" 
"Faith is just '''one path''' to the '''ultimate trick:''' '''confronting''' the evil in '''ourselves'''... and defeating '''that.'''"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Prowl''' discuss belief

"Operation: '''Absolution.'''"
:—'''Soundwave''''s last words

"I am '''not''' a piece of '''your''' history... I am the '''end''' of my '''own!'''"
:—'''Unicron's creator'''

"I was forged '''Orion Pax.''' As war began, I was called '''Optimus Prime.''' Now some call me The '''Arisen''', the Thirteenth Prime. But the '''masks''' are gone now. I am '''Orion Pax'''. Before this... who were '''you?'''" 
"So long ago... I can't '''remember.''' But I know the name of my '''daughter''', who your kind '''murdered'''..." 
"Then that shall be the '''word.''' Rather than the fire of '''hatred'''... let her name—her '''memory'''—[[Darkest hour|'''light''' this dark hour]]."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' allows '''Unicron's creator''' to die knowing compassion

"I thought... I would make us '''strong...'''" 
"Take it from me: strong doesn't mean '''right.'''"
:—A defeated '''Shockwave''' is carted away by '''Stardrive'''

"'''Optimus Prime''' is gone... and with him ends the era of Autobot and Decepticon, Cybertronian and colonist, human and machine. What survives is his '''faith.''' Perhaps he never believed in any '''higher power''' guiding our hands... but he believed in '''us.''' I am '''Pyra Magna'''... the '''Mistress of Flame'''. '''Spiritual leader''' of my people; defender of my homeworld... '''Earth.''' And we will light our way against '''all''' our '''darkest hours'''... as '''one.'''"
:—'''Pyra Magna''''s closing monologue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:Unicron6 Predaking.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"We have a combiner."]]
*In the montage of heroes and villains fighting around the Earth, Predaking is seen in the service of Iron Klaw. The Predacons have been under his control since before the events of [[The Iron Klaw|''Revolutionaries'' #4]]; it seems he's managed to repair [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] after Kup blew his head off in that story.
*Action Man declares "This is for Kup" as he blasts a Maximal; the pair were buddies in ''Revolutionaries'', until Kup's death in [[Schismatic|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #1]].
*Terrence Salmons is now wearing the Action Man uniform too. As seen in the {{i|''Action Man'' comic}}, he was considered next-in-line for the position until Ian Noble, the current Action Man, slipped in ahead of him, but it looks like extenuating circumstances have seen him take up the mantle alongside Ian.
*Scarlett has joined Matt Trakker in Detroit, where his team were located when we last saw them in [[Our Finest|issue #3]]'s {{i|back-up strip}}.
*Last issue, as the battle with the Maximals concluded, it was abruptly noted that Mayday was now in command of the human forces, despite the fact that nothing had been shown to happen to previously established leaders Spike and Talon on-panel. This issue shows that Spike got shot down by the Maximals, and unintentionally took Talon down with him, but both men have survived and are stranded in a jungle somewhere. Spike notes that he "always figured [he'd] have a bigger role" in the final battle; while most IDW readers are no doubt glad he doesn't, this hearkens back to the fact Spike leads his life like he's "the star of an action movie," as originally observed in [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #27]].
*Pressed into fighting alongside Strongarm in defense of Earth, Rumble and Frenzy grumble that they "shoulda unionized," a joking reference to the recent success the pair have found in Hollywood, as seen in [[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|the 2018 ''Optimus Prime'' annual]].
*Starscream uses the Talisman to burrow through Unicron's surface, in the same manner as it burrowed its way down through Cybertron in ''[[Transformers vs. Visionaries]]''.
*Slug and the Dinobots continue to clash with Slide following the events of [[Time Will Rust|''Optimus Prime'' #23]]-[[A Sunrise Dark|24]], which included the death of her fellow colonist soldier [[Gimlet]].
*Rhinox provided Shockwave with his new gun-arm in [[Road's End|issue #4]]. He evidently built it himself, indicating this Rhinox shares the engineering abilities of his counterpart in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].
*Shockwave notes that he didn't simply become evil when subjected to Shadowplay, having always been a manipulator with dodgy leanings. He illustrates this with the specific example that he was the one who gave Optimus a Matrix chamber (which we learned in [[Chaos Theory Part 2|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #23]]), but the darker side of his pre-Shadowplay life was previously emphasized in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|''More than Meets the Eye'' #11]] when [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] dug up some intel on him and learned about the various covert projects he was investing in, which he was keeping secret from his allies.
*Ironhide's dying realization that he now knows the meaning of [[Pax Cybertronia]] references his vision of a peaceful future Cybertron, as seen in ''The Transformers'' [[Pax Cybertronia (issue)|#31]], and his search for the meaning of this vision formed a significant portion of Ironhide's character development during the final years of "Phase 2."
*Soundwave got the Enigma of Combination out of storage in issue #3.
*Galvatron turned Earth into a large-scale Enigma of Combination in [[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #53]]. Superion absorbed the Earth Enigma code to prevent it from working in [[All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #54]]; this is the first time the team have combined since then.
*Optimus Prime returns to Infraspace by entering the black hole at the heart of Unicron, the same way he did by entering the singularity in Crystal City in [[The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|''Optimus Prime'' #19]].
*The Dinobots settle their recurring rivalry with Bludgeon, begun in ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]'' and continuing through ''[[The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation]]'' and [[The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|''Optimus Prime'' #13]]-[[The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|14]].
*Bludgeon previously used his Void Scepter to control Trypticon in ''Salvation''.
*The ability of the Enigma to combine not just bodies, but hearts and minds, has always been implicit in the way combiners work, with a gestalt personality emerging as Transformers' bodies are merged. However, it was previously established that it was possible for it to work in a more spiritual way, combining minds ''without'' combining bodies, back in [[Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #37]], when it was credited with subtly uniting the thoughts and ideas of early humans, leading to the development of human cities and civilizations.
[[File:Unicron6 Spirits of the Dead.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Allfathers, let the dark magic flow through me one last time!"]]
*The spirits who appear before Soundwave specifically include all those notables who have died throughout the ''Unicron'' mini-series itself (Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, and the Solstar Knights from [[Our Darkest|issue #0]], Dirge and the Mistress of Flame from [[Last Stand (Unicron)|issue #1]], Omega Supreme from [[Stranger Eons|issue #2]], Scattershot, Fastlane, and Cloudraker from [[Our Finest|issue #3]], Blurr, Elita One, Cosmos, Sky-Byte, and Laserbeak from [[Road's End|issue #4]], and Ironhide from this issue) and its tie-in issues in ''Optimus Prime'' (Mainframe and Gimlet), along with other significant characters who have died during "Phase 2" of the IDW Universe: Alpha Trion ([[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|''Optimus Prime'' #16]]), Ambulon ([[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]), Horri-Bull ([[The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|''Robots in Disguise'' #1]]), Kup ([[Schismatic|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #1]]), Metalhawk ([[Heavy Is the Head|''Robots in Disguise'' #16]]), Pipes ([[Under Cold Blue Stars|''More than Meets the Eye'' #15]]), Ravage ([[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|''More than Meets the Eye'' #55]]), Rung ([[Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|''Lost Light'' #24]]), Sideswipe ([[The Life of Sideswipe|''Optimus Prime'' #10]]), Skids ([[The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|''More than Meets the Eye'' #54]]), and Trailcutter ([[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|''More than Meets the Eye'' #34]]).
*The president notes that the White House has been reinforced since the "last attack," referring to the [[Dire Wraith]] attack in ''[[Thundercracker & Buster Save the World|The Transformers: Revolution]]'' one-shot.
*Optimus Prime had a vision of a Worldsweeper crashing into the White House in [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]].
*Buzzsaw was implied to have perished in issue #4, but is here revealed to have survived his brush with death.
*The Elonian girl and her [[Mutt (IDW)|pet creature]] are presumably the same ones that appeared in [[Our Darkest|''Unicron'' #0]], and on the last page they're drawn posed as they were on the first page of issue #0.
*The 'reality shards' surrounding Unicron on Cover A depict notable moments of the 2005 IDW continuity thus far; non-'portrait' sections include [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] [[:File:LastStandoftheWreckers5 Guzzle Overlord.jpg|tearing]] [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] in half ([[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #5]]), [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] collapsing the tunnels of New York ([[All Hail Megatron issue 2|''All Hail Megatron'' #2]]), Optimus Prime [[:File:AHO-earthannexed.jpg|annexing Earth]] ([[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]]), [[Virulina]] [[:File:Schismatic-KupDies.jpg|killing Kup]] ([[Schismatic|''Transformers vs Visionaries'' #1]]), and the [[Vekktral]]-possessed [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Shining Armor issue 4|''Shining Armor'' #4]]). Of note is that the scenes have not been copied from their respective issues; they were entirely redrawn by Alex Milne.
*It's the end of ''Transformers: Unicron'', but not quite the end of the universe; the story continues into [[Post|''Optimus Prime'' #25]], the final issue and epilogue to the entire [[2005 IDW continuity]].

===Transformers references===
*The Maximal who kills Ironhide is [[Icebird]], one of the [[Mutant (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Mutants]], who had two beast modes, but no robot mode, save for a robot head hidden inside their bodies. Icebird is here drawn with his robot head deployed; notably, the character's head is red per the toy's prototype, rather than the blue of the mass-market release. But, see "Errors" below.
*Sky Lynx recalls an adventure on [[Regulon Four|Regulon IV]], a planet with several previous mentions in Transformers media, originating in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]."
*After Ironhide's death, Aileron rallies the others with a variation on a well-used [[Furmanism#CAN I DO LESS.3F|Furmanism]].
* After his destruction, Unicron is reduced to a massive black hole, similar to what happened in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Though this one seems considerably less apocalyptic.
===Real world references===
*Wreck-Gar's classic habit of peppering his speech with snippets of pop culture continues:
**He greets the humans in the White House with the cry of "Hi-ho, True Believers and Believerettes," the blusterous term {{w|Stan Lee}} regularly used to refer to faithful fans of [[Marvel Comics]].
**He quotes the opening theme to ''{{w|Mister Rogers' Neighborhood}}'', declaring it a "beautiful day in the neighborhood," and hoping they'll "be [the Junkions'] neighbors."
**He paraphrases the title of the 1987 movie ''{{w|Good Morning, Vietnam}}'' with a whoop of "Goooood Morning, Planet Earth!"
*The Action Men are fighting Maximals outside {{w|London King's Cross railway station|King's Cross station}}, one of London's major train stations.
*Beneath his signature on the final page (pictured above), artist Alex Milne bids the reader farewell with a handwritten note of "So long and thanks for all the fish", the dolphins' famed final message to humanity in ''{{w|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy}}''.

===Errors===
*The name caption for a certain white-clad ninja identifies her as "Storm Shadow"—which she ''used'' to go by in the IDW continuity. However, in [[Scarlett's Strike Force issue 3|''Scarlett's Strike Force'' #3]], it was established that—following the return of the ''original'' Storm Shadow—she had taken up the name of "Tempest".
*As a helicopter, Alpha Bravo is easily identifiable among the Aerialbots arrived on page 1, panel 3, and Air Raid appears roughly-on model as well, but the other Aerialbots don't seem to match their ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' designs, and aren't really recognizable as any particular members of the group, hence the "?"s in our list above.
*On page 3, Trypticon is credited as a "Decepticon Titan," but he hasn't been a Decepticon for ages.
*Rumble and Frenzy's ID captions (or colors!) are [[FIRRIB|swapped]].
*Shockwave's conversation with Bludgeon almost beat-for-beat repeats their exchange from the prior issue: Shockwave observes the deteriorating situation, concludes that alternative measures must be taken to destroy Unicron, and then commands Bludgeon to help carry out this plan, whereupon Bludgeon refuses, stating that his true allegiance is to Unicron rather than to Shockwave himself. It's not at all clear why Shockwave is in this issue surprised at Bludgeon's disobedience, or why he issued those same orders a second time, given Bludgeon's statements in the last issue. We will point out, however, that the framing of that issue makes it possible that Bludgeon's line simply came ''after'' Shockwave cut the transmission, and Bludgeon is just now ''openly'' revealing his true colors.
**Additionally, Bludgeon's claim that he serves the science of chaos rather than Shockwave's science of order seems rather ignorant of Shockwave's explicit statements during "The Falling" storyline that ''he'' now serves "the higher order that is chaos."
*On page 9, panel 1, Thundercracker states "''I'm'' think I'm in trouble."
*Unfortunately, it seems that no one supplied Andrew Griffith a roster of Maximals who died in previous issues.
**On page 11, the orbital Maximal team includes [[Icebird]],<ref name="Griffith lineart">Andrew Griffith's lineart for page 11</ref> drawn with his distinctive "robot mode" head. However, Icebird was among the dead Maximals (single-handedly ''annihilated'' by Arcee) seen in [[The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|''Optimus Prime'' #20]].
**Also in page 11, panel 1 is Antagony,<ref name="Griffith lineart"/> who pivotally appeared and died as a non-Maximal in ''[[First Strike]]''!
**[[Transquito]]<ref name="Griffith tweet">[https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1063207113193742336] Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 15 November 2018</ref> appears in page 17, panel 1. While the block-coloring used in the pages of ''Optimus Prime'' made identifying Maximals and discerning between American and Japanese characters tricky, in this case, ''both'' Transquito and [[Bigmos]] should be dead, with the remains of one appearing in ''Optimus Prime'' #20, and the other dying on-panel in [[The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|''Optimus Prime'' #21]].
**Likewise, [[Soundwave (BW)|Soundwave]] (the Mutant bat)<ref name="Griffith tweet"/> appears in the same panel despite Soundwave's severed wing appearing in ''Optimus Prime'' #20 among Arcee's failed captors.
**And finally, [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]]<ref name="Griffith tweet"/> appears in the same panel. This body-type is also accounted for; one was also among dead remains seen in ''Optimus Prime'' #20, and his Japanese counterpart [[Tasmania Kid]] is a native Eukarian, not a Maximal, who was seen in ''Optimus Prime'' #23.
*As Optimus and Arcee follow the Talisman to the centre of Unicron, Prime tells her "I need you to hold off the Maximals", which she later repeats, when the two are in fact facing off against [[Unicron's antibodies]].
*Starscream's absence from the spirits of the dead is so pronounced it ''can't'' be an error, but the fact that ''Stormclash'' isn't among them (given the inclusion of nobodies like Fastlane, Cloudraker, and the dead Space Knights) feels like an oversight.
*In the panel where Sunstreaker watches Bob and the other "pets" play, his chestplate is colored black instead of yellow. It COULD be intended as battle damage, but it's probably an error.
*One last time, the chart at the end of the issue misspells "[[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]" as "Divisiun."
*The bonus material refers to [[Prion (planet)|Prion]] as having been devastated by the Black Box Consortia, which should be the [[Black Block Consortia|Black ''Block'' Consortia]]. It isn't a complete error, though—the Black Box Consortia was the equivalent organisation in the [[Functionist Universe]], as seen over in [[The Transformers: Lost Light|''Lost Light'']].
*That same bonus material lists the [[Regenesis]] [[Ore-10|ore of deception]] as growing on "[[Vigilem|Carcer]]". This seems implausible: Firstly, the young Shockwave was aiming his Regenesis missiles at planets for the Energon ore to spread out while growing. Even if a Regenesis missile somehow impacted a mobile spacefaring Titan, it seems incredibly unlikely that a subsequent Maximal invasion to harvest ore from Carcer would have gone unnoticed by the incumbent Carcerian First or that this major historical event would never have been mentioned again. Whether this incredibly convoluted chain of events really happened, we couldn't tell you. Then again, Shockwave is the original "Wizard who did it".
* The trade actually creates not one, but two errors with the bonus material. Not only is the name of the Titan that founded [[Devisen(planet)| the planet Devisen]] misspelled as “Divisen”, but “Metrobase (deceased)” is changed to “metrobased”.

===Deathlist===
[[File:Rhinox SKROOM.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Kill away."]]
*Trypticon; killed by one of Unicron's eye-beams
*Starscream; sacrifices himself activating the Talisman
*Ironhide; torn in half by Icebird
*Rhinox; killed by Prowl
*Optimus Primal; finished off by Stardrive and Snake Eyes
*Monstructor; killed by Victorion and Superion
*Broadside; roasted by Strafe
*Sledge; decapitated by Strafe
*Soundwave; gives up his life to combine the spirits of the dead with the Enigma of Combination
*Sludge and Snarl; die in the battle aboard the Worldsweeper
*Slug and Bludgeon; die in the crash of the Worldsweeper
*Unicron; consumed by the black hole at its own heart
*Optimus Prime; sacrifices himself to destroy Unicron

===Other trivia===
*Intended for release in October, this issue arrived late in the middle of November. ''Optimus Prime'' #25 was consequently pushed back to ensure it was released afterward.
*This super-sized final issue is 48 pages in length, with 40 pages of story. In addition to the sixth and final installment in a series of interviews with creators from IDW history, this time with ''Unicron'' writer and artist [[John Barber]] and [[Alex Milne]], backmatter for this issue also includes a complete listing of all thirteen [[Cybertronian colonies]], complete with Prime, [[Regenesis]] ore, Titan, current status, and (if applicable) representative on the [[Council of Worlds]], filling in several pieces of information that have never been revealed on-panel (like which Prime goes with which planet, and the names of previously unidentified ores and Titans). Of note is the confirmation that Carcer did somehow possess an ore, despite not being based on a planet... though see "Errors" above.

===The Lost Colonies of Cybertron===
Part of this issue's backmatter is a graphic detailing all of the Cybertronian colony worlds that fills out any previously unconfirmed information such as their [[Regenesis]] ores and connected Primes.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[LV-117|Lenocinium Velnero-117]]
**Ore: [[Ore-1|Time]]
**Prime: [[Vector Prime]]
**Titan: [[Tempo]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Gorlam Prime]]
**Ore: [[Ore-2|Death]]
**Prime: [[Quintus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Quintessa (IDW)|Quintessa]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Prion (planet)|Prion]]
**Ore: [[Ore-3|Size]]
**Prime: [[Micronus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]
**Ore: [[Ore-4|Gravity]]
**Prime: [[Solus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Caminus (Titan)|Caminus]]
**CoW rep: [[Mistress of Flame]]
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]
**Ore: [[Ore-5|Combination]]
**Prime: [[Nexus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Devisiun (Titan)|Devisiun]]
**CoW rep: [[Vanquish]] and [[Fireshot]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Arduria]]
**Ore: [[Ore-6|Cold]]
**Prime: [[Alchemist Prime]]
**Titan: [[Metrobase]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Antilla]]
**Ore: [[Ore-7|Change]]
**Prime: [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]
**Titan: [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Tsiehshi]]
**Ore: [[Ore-8|Destruction]]
**Prime: [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]
**Titan: [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]
**CoW rep: None
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Velocitron]]
**Ore: [[Ore-9|Space]]
**Prime: [[Amalgamous Prime]]
**Titan: [[Navitas]]
**CoW rep: [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Vigilem|Carcer]]
**Ore: [[Ore-10|Deception]]
**Prime: [[Liege Maximo]]
**Titan: Vigilem
**CoW rep: [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]]
**Ore: [[Ore-11|Evolution]]
**Prime: [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]
**Titan: [[Chela]]
**CoW rep: [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Elonia]]
**Ore: [[Ore-12|Protection]]
**Prime: [[Prima]]
**Titan: [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]]
**CoW rep: None
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Earth]]
**Ore: [[Ore-13|Power]]
**Prime: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]
**CoW rep: [[Marissa Faireborn]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]
**Ore: [[Ore-14|Resurrection]]
**Prime: ?
**Titan: [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]
**CoW rep: [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}

===Covers (6)===
*'''Cover A:''' Unicron surrounded by shards of reality depicting images from throughout IDW history, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Sebastian Cheng]]
*'''Cover B:''' Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ironhide, Doctor X, and [[Baroness|Cobra Commander]], by [[James Raiz]] and [[David García Cruz]]; connects to Raiz's other covers for the series to form [[:File:Unicron-Bcovers-JamesRaiz.jpg|a larger image]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover A:''' Optimus Prime, Starscream, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Windblade, and Unicron, by [[E. J. Su]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover B:''' Jetfire by [[Francesco Francavilla]]; connects to Francavilla's other covers for the series to form a larger image
*'''KRS Comics exclusive cover A:''' Unicron takes the place of Thanos in an homage to the cover of [[wikia:marvel:Infinity Gauntlet Vol 1 4|''The Infinity Gauntlet'' #4]], beckoning unseen parties toward him and declaring "You belong to me!" (a line from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'') by [[John Paras]]
*'''KRS Comics exclusive cover B:''' Paras's ''Infinity Gauntlet'' homage, but with a blank white background and a blank speech bubble

<gallery>
File:TFUnicron6_cvrA.jpg|An entire universe, once and for all.
File:TFUnicron6_cvrB.jpg|Yibambe!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrRIA.jpg|Bring me Unicron!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrRIB.jpg|DOC, give me some juice!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrREA.jpg|We’re in the endgame now.
File:TFUnicron6_cvrREB.jpg|I finally rest; watch the sun rise on a grateful universe.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*[[Post|''Optimus Prime'' #25]] and [[How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2|''Lost Light'' #25]], with a tagline that reads: "THE TRANSFORMERS WILL RETURN IN 2019."
*''[[Go-Bots (comic)|Go-Bots]]'' [[Go-Bots issue 1|#1]]
*''Unicron'' checklist

===Reprints===
Other than [[Transformers: Unicron#Collections|reprints of the full series]]
* N/A

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.comiccrusaders.com/exclusive-preview-transformers-unicron-6-of-6/ Preview]

[[Category:Unicron issues]]

Thirst

2022-08-30T21:36:56Z

Androzani84: Restoring an old note that was changed to something inaccurate for some inexplicable reason and then deleted.

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 60
|prev=Plus One (Prime)
|next=Evolution
|image=ThristEpisodeConZombie.jpg
|caption=There were demons in the base. He didn't see them, but had expected them now for years. His warnings to Cernel Joson were not listenend to and now it was too late. Far too late for now, anyway.
|title="Thirst"
|season=3
|season ep=8
|airdate=[[June 7]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Marsha Griffin]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Knock Out and Starscream's experiment with synthetic energon threatens to take over the Decepticon ship and unleash an old enemy.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Thirst1.jpg|left|thumb|300px|When he was young he watched the spaceships and he said to dad "I want to be on the ships daddy." Dad said "No! You will BE KILL BY DEMONS"]]

In [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s lab, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] bemoans his current situation, having to compete with [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] for [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s favor. His whining is interrupted by moans from [[Silas|Cylas]], who is strapped to a table and begging to be freed. Knock Out injects him with a derivative of the [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] he recovered from the [[Autobot]]s. The compound drives Cylas into a rage, which Knock Out notes is one of its erratic side effects. Starscream sees in Cylas' fury the makings of a super-soldier for Megatron.

Starscream attempts to inform Megatron of this discovery, but the [[Decepticon]] leader is only interested in discussing the status of the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] [[protoform]]s with Shockwave, who is reporting in from his off-site lab. Brushed off by his leader as unimportant, Starscream sulks on his way back to Knock Out's lab.

Cylas becomes more enraged with each new injection of Synth En. Knock Out discovers that the more the compound is administered, the faster Cylas burns through his own natural [[energon]] reserves. Starscream cannot see the use of having [[Predaking (Prime)|another]] unruly beast that can't be controlled, but then has an idea: [[Dark Energon]]. Knock Out objects, noting that the "Blood of [[Unicron]]" once [[Flying Mind|turned their own ship against them]], and that he would need approval from Shockwave in any case. Starscream assures the doctor that a controlled, minimal injection will merely place Cylas under Megatron's command, via their leader's symbiotic link with the substance, then asserts that "super-soldiers" are a military concern and thus fall under ''his'' jurisdiction.

Under orders and under protest, Knock Out injects Cylas with the Dark Energon-enhanced formula. Cylas temporarily powers down before rebooting in a rage and breaking free from his bonds. But after only a few steps, he crumbles to his knees, desperately low on energon. Then with a fierce roar, his lower jaw splits into monstrous mandibles and a long, bladed tongue emerges, which he attempts to use on Starscream to drain him of energon. Unable to subdue him, Starscream and Knock Out flee down the halls of the ship.

Once a safe distance away, Knock Out suggests sounding the alarm. Starscream disagrees, not wanting Megatron to learn of their actions. He claims that once Cylas attempts to feed upon the ship's highly-trained [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]] troopers, they will take care of the threat.

Elsewhere, one of the Vehicons stumbles upon Cylas, who grabs the highly-trained trooper and begins draining his energon.

Starscream and Knock Out plan the disposal of Cylas' corpse when they find the Vehicon's corpse instead. While the two argue about who's to blame for their predicament, the dead Vehicon is reanimated by the Dark Energon in its system as a [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]] and reveals the same segmented jaw and bladed tongue that Cylas had. Starscream's blaster fire only staggers it, and Knock Out suggests destroying the Terrorcon's head, inspired by Human horror movies. Though Starscream's missile is successful in decapitating the creature, it doesn't stop it in the least, as the body lumbers forward with the tongue sticking out of the hole where the head used to be. A concentrated volley of blasts to the Vehicon's chest destroys the monster's revitalized spark, severing its link to the Dark Energon.

Knock Out posits that Cylas could infect the entire crew in the same manner, a theory that's borne out when they find themselves pursued by multiple energy-draining Terrorcons. Starscream and Knock Out lock themselves in a comm room to get a breather and assess the situation. Accepting that this may be the end, the two Decepticons exchange some awkward final pleasantries and step back into the hall…

[[File:Thirst-restinpeace.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"No! I must kill the demons" he shouted The radio said "No, John. You are the demons"]]
…Right into Megatron, who demands to know why the Dark Energon in his spark has been acting strangely as of late. Starscream provides a slanted explanation, but Megatron doesn't believe it until he's forced to destroy an attacking Terrorcon.

After a more extensive debrief of the situation, Megatron puts the ship on high alert and orders Starscream and Knock Out to seek and destroy Cylas. Around the ship, Vehicons and [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] battle the infected Terrorcons.

Cylas wanders into the ship's vault. Sensing energon within a [[stasis pod]], he breaks it open, freeing and reviving [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]]. Cylas attempts to drain her energon, though she ''barely'' ducks out of the way of his tongue, and a short battle ensues, but Airachnid is able to immobilize him with webbing long enough to deliver a fatal wound; ripping "[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]" open in order to destroy his spark and make ''sure'' he's dead this time, Airachnid instead finds the mutilated real body of Cylas, who survives just long enough to thank her for freeing him from his tortured existence before dying. She immediately re-establishes her telepathic control over the Insecticons and commands them to return to her. Their sudden departure is noticed by [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]].

Starscream and Knock Out discover Cylas' corpse. Starscream is elated until Knock Out points out Airachnid's destroyed prison, followed by Megatron demanding a status update.

[[File:Thirst-Airachnidzombie.jpg|thumb|right|300px|And then John was a zombie.]]
Airachnid leads the Insecticons through the halls of the ship, ordering them to wipe out every Decepticon aboard. At the end of the hall, Soundwave calmly steps forward to face them. The bug-bots attack, and Soundwave opens a [[space bridge]] directly in front of him at the last second. Before they can react, Airachnid and the Insecticons are teleported away. As the bridge closes behind her, Airachnid realizes that they have been sent to a moon orbiting the abandoned [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and screams in rage.

Aboard the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', Megatron contacts Shockwave again to inform him they're implementing his containment protocol to prevent further outbreak. He also tells Shockwave to speed up the Predacon cloning project, as they have now lost more than half their military forces. Knock Out is sternly reminded that he is the ship's ''medic'' under Shockwave's command, and is forced to turn over all of his experimental projects to the scientist. Megatron then turns to Starscream, intent on teaching him a lesson the only way that seems to get through to him...

Back on the moon, an '''infected''' Airachnid drains the energon from one of her minions as the rest of the Insecticons line up obediently to await their turn.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c2=
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (2)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (5)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (7)
|c3=
|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Megatron''': ''[Talking to Shockwave over comm]'' Tell me of the Predacon protoforms. What is the status of their incubation? Mm-hm. Uh-huh. 
'''Starscream''': Master, if I do say so myself, I have made the most intriguing discovery. It appears that-- 
'''Megatron''': Not now! ''[Back to Shockwave]'' Please continue, Shockwave. No, no one important.

'''Starscream''': Megatron will undoubtedly hold us responsible. 
'''Knock Out''': But...WE ARE! 
'''Starscream''': Well, you are, mostly.

"Aim for the head!" 
"What? How do you know?" 
"I've seen human horror films." ''[Starscream looks at him curiously]'' "At drive-in theaters!"
:—'''Knock Out''' schools '''Starscream''' on how to survive a zombie apocalypse

"I find it rather ironic that after battling Autobots all these years, getting smacked down, shot at, blown up, ''this'' is how our lights go out?" 
"Drained of our precious fluids. If this is indeed the end, if we are to become Terrorcon-chow, it has been an honor serving Lord Megatron with you." 
"You're no Breakdown. Though I must confess, I have always admired your lustrous finish." 
''[Awkward pause]'' 
"''*mm-hmm*'' Well, then." 
"Should be going."
:—'''Knock Out''' and '''Starscream'''

'''Megatron''': Would either of you like to tell me what exactly is going on? 
'''Starscream''': Yes, absolutely nothing, my liege. 
'''Knock Out''': All is quiet, too quiet. One could even say dull! 
'''Megatron''': Funny, because the Dark Energon within my spark has been pulsing. 
'''Starscream''': ''(To Knock Out)'' Allow me to handle this. ''(To Megatron)'' IT'S KNOCK OUT'S FAULT! 
'''Knock Out''': Precisely my-WHAT?!

"Silas? Whatever have they done to you? But more importantly, thank you for freeing me." 
"No. Thank…''you''…" ''[Dies]'' 
"Whatever."
:—'''Airachnid''' is unmoved by '''Cylas'''' final words

"Soundwave! I vow that on this day, the world will hear the sound of your screams."
:—'''Airachnid'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* ''Yowza'', this would be a tough episode to start watching the series.
* Airachnid was frozen in stasis in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]" and was retrieved from the Autobot base by the Decepticons in "[[Darkmount, NV]]".
* The [[polarity gauntlet]] can be seen in the vault, in the first of the five containment fields. It was left on Cybertron by [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] in "[[Darkest Hour (episode)|Darkest Hour]]", and can be assumed to have been recovered by Knock Out's salvage team offscreen in "Darkmount, NV". This leaves only the [[Immobilizer]] unaccounted for. There is also the [[Resonance Blaster]], but everyone seems to have forgotten about that by now.
* [[Silas]], the formerly fully-human commander of [[MECH]], was surgically combined with Breakdown's corpse in "[[The Human Factor]]". He changed his name to Cylas (Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis) and became a reluctant guest of the Decepticons in the same episode.
* Cylas (then Silas) entered into a partnership of convenience with Starscream in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1]]" and conveniently stole his [[transformation cog|T-cog]] in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* Cylas (then Silas) had Breakdown pinned to his operating table in "[[Operation: Breakdown]]".
* Knock Out recovered some of [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]'s synthetic energon in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
* Shockwave has been working from an off-site laboratory since "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]".
* Megatron previously used Dark Energon to reanimate and control the dead in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]".
* Dark Energon awakened a dangerous, self-serving intelligence within the Decepticon warship in "[[Flying Mind]]".
* Cylas' eyes turn green, then purple, when he is injected with synthetic energon and Dark Energon, respectively. This is consistent with previous applications of the substances. ("[[Stronger, Faster]]", "[[Darkness Rising, Part 3]]")
* Airachnid killed Breakdown and discovered her telepathic control of the Insecticons in "[[Crossfire (Prime)|Crossfire]]".
* Airachnid knows Cylas (then Silas) from their brief partnership in "[[Crisscross (episode)|Crisscross]]".
* Airachnid's desire to have Soundwave scream likely stems from the very one-sided beatdown she received from him in "[[One Shall Rise, Part 3]]".
* Starscream refers to the Decepticon soldiers as "Vehicons" confirming it as their real designation. [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] used that term in to describe them in "[[Plus One (Prime)|the previous episode]]"
* Megatron alludes to the beatings he bestowed on Starscream in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]" and in-between the episodes "[[Out of His Head]]" and "[[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]]" when he prepares to punish Starscream "the only way he understands".
* Starscream took a fragment of Dark Energon and used it to raise [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]] from the dead as his first "re-animated warrior" in [[Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone]], all of which Megatron revealed he knew about through surveillance provided by Soundwave in "[[Rock Bottom]]".

===Transformers references===
* Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life in many continuities.
* Megatron again refers to his upcoming Predacon army as "[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|beast machine]] super-soldiers".

===Real-world references===
* Knock Out's proclamation of "It's alive" echoes the famous words spoken in ''[[Frankenstein]]''. This is what, the third time in this series?
* In addition to the segmented jaw and barbed tongue, the Terrorcons' [[teeth]] also transform into vampiric fangs.
* As Knock Out indicated, destroying the head is the traditional way to kill zombies in many horror movies. But only human ones.
* This episode heavily pays homage to the 1985 zombie film ''The Return of the Living Dead'' where two humans (Frank and Freddie) cause a gas to spread across a cemetery that revives dead corpses into zombies and then plays comedy with the two trying to control the situation while blaming each other for the zombie apocalypse, much like Starscream and Knock Out in this episode. The zombies in ''The Return of the Living Dead'' couldn't be killed by headshots, either.
* There is also some homage to the film ''Blade II'', specifically in the physiological effects of the virus. The Reapers, genetically-engineered vampire mutants, possessed the same type of unfolding jaw and feeding tendril, as well as a greatly increased blood appetite due to a heightened metabolism.
* Starscream and Knock Out's conversation while hiding from the zombies is reminiscent of a scene in ''{{w|Dr. Strangelove}}'' wherein General Ripper and Group Captain Mandrake are hunkered down as a firefight rages around their base, and Ripper explains his fear that Communists are out for his "precious bodily fluids".
* Knock Out places his fingers on the neck of the first Vehicon that fell victim to Cylas to check for life signs. This is often done to test a seriously injured person for a {{w|pulse}} in their {{w|carotid artery}}.
* The Terrorcons' mouths open like the [[Predator (alien)|Predators]], and they also have a tube-shaped tongue with fanged jaws like the {{w|Alien (creature in Alien franchise)|Xenomorphs}}.

===Errors===
* Knock Out discusses the events of "[[Stronger, Faster]]" and "[[Flying Mind]]" with Starscream, even though Starscream wasn't part of the Decepticon ranks when either took place. While it is conceivable that Starscream learned of the events of both episodes through the ship's logs or another source, Knock Out speaks as if they were both witness to them.
* Airachnid lost one of her legs to the closing pod door when she was put in stasis, but all six are intact in this episode.
* Starscream's missile cleanly beheads a Vehicon, leaving no burn marks or exposed circuitry of any kind. For that matter, the headless Vehicon reveals that there is no "joint" on the model for the head to attach to, just a completely flat surface with a hole for the tongue. You normally don't see it because the neck just goes straight into the base of the collar, as if the collar form-fits around the neck.

===Trivia===
* This is the only episode to not feature the [[Autobot]]s in any capacity. Previously, "[[Patch (episode)|Patch]]", the last Decepticon-centric episode, had flashbacks which contained Autobots even though none appeared in person. [[Peter Cullen]], however, gets to voice the zombified Vehicon trooper Megatron puts down.
* Starscream says that the ship is crawling with "highly-trained Vehicon troopers". Kinda makes you wonder what a poorly-trained one is like, huh?
* On-the-move teleportation seems as if it's becoming Soundwave's signature move, having used it to dispatch [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] in "[[Orion Pax, Part 1]]" and to claim the Predacon fossil in "[[Project Predacon]]".
* [[Steve Blum]] is credited as "Insecticon #1" instead of [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] this time.
* Starscream alludes to having collected "dozens of Predacon bones", and Shockwave has already grown a batch of protoforms. This implies a significant timeskip between this episode and the last, since Shockwave had only just just established an off-site laboratory in "[[Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command]]" and "[[Plus One (Prime)|Plus One]]" takes place immediately after that episode. Furthermore, the amount of bones collected, assuming it's not hyperbole on Starscream's part, suggests a rather bad run of luck for the Autobots.
* While there have been several offscreen and implied deaths of humans in ''Transformers Prime'', this is the first full "watch the light die from his eye" death, not only in ''Prime'', but in western Transformers animation.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Les Mutants de l'Energon noir'''" ("The Mutants of Dark Energon")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Durst'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 9|9 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Szomjúság'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 11|11 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sede'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22|22 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Assetati'''" ("Thirsty")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sed'''" ("Thirst")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 17|17 October]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 2: L'ultime affrontement (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 2: Auf zur Rettung (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio.
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Starscream: The Movie (comic)

2022-08-28T14:31:19Z

Androzani84:

{{disambig2|the comic book|the in-fiction film it covers|Starscream: The Movie (film)}}

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' Annual 2018
|prev=The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)
|next=The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes
|image=OPAnnual2018_cvrA.jpg
|caption= "I try to open my heart, show them my soul, and they just hate me. Even you hate me, Greg."
|title=Thundercracker in: "Starscream: The Movie"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[February 28]], 2018
|coverdate=February 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Priscilla Tramontano]] (pg. 1-12, 15-35, 38-40), [[Andrew Griffith]] (pg. 13-14, 36-37)
|colors by=[[John-Paul Bove]] (Tramontano pages), [[Josh Burcham]] (Griffith pages)
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''Thundercracker's dream comes true when Starscream hires him to make a movie about his life.'''

==Synopsis==
From the top of [[Spire|his tower]], [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] sneers down at the sight of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] meeting with a crowd of supporters in the streets below. On screens behind him, the classic film ''[[The Birth of Cybertron]]'' plays; Starscream is rewatching this story of the foundation of Cybertronian civilization in hopes of picking up some decent empire-building tips and tricks. [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] doubts it will help much, but he is proven wrong when Starscream suddenly has an unexpected brainwave...

At the [[Trypticon (G1)|Earth embassy on Cybertron]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] is working on the screenplay to [[Last Laugh: The Life and Death of Chuckles|his biopic]] about [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] operative [[Chuckles]]. Ambassador [[Marissa Faireborn]] is too busy with paperwork to have time to answer his questions about human biology, but paperwork has to take a back seat when someone starts knocking loudly on the door. Starscream sweeps in, drinks in hand, but he's not here to see Marissa—he's here with a job offer for Thundercracker. He wants him to make a film about his life!

Thrilled at the prospect, Thundercracker quickly assembles a production team: [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] builds the sets, [[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]] handles cinematography, while [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] handles "make-up," painting lead actor [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] grey so he can play Starscream. Unfortunately, there are script problems almost immediately; the uncharacteristically heroic-sounding accounts Starscream relates of adventures from his past—how he rescued [[Scrounge (G1)|a helpless 'bot]] from brutal Autobot thugs, his first meeting with Thundercracker and [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]], and how he watched with remorse as [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] destroyed [[Air Force One]] during the Decepticons' [[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|Earth invasion]]—ring false to Thundercracker, so he decides to talk with other 'bots to gather more reference, so he can write a more accurate screenplay.

First, he meets with ex-[[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]], who hasn't trusted Starscream ever since [[All Hail Megatron issue 7|that time]] they captured the Autobots and sent them through the [[Space bridge|Spacebridge]] to [[Insecticon swarm|Insecticon]]-infested Cybertron, when Starscream suggested Dirge go through the bridge first instead of him—a change in places that led to Dirge being stranded on the planet. Next, Thundercracker heads to G.I. Joe base ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Lemuria]]'' on [[Earth]] for a long-overdue reunion with [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]], with whom he is willing to bury the hatchet, despite Skywarp shooting him [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|the last time they saw each other]]. Skywarp remembers how he and Thundercracker ''actually'' met Starscream; they were both underappreciated students at the [[Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology]] when he turned up to recruit them. Soon after, he suggested the pair rebuild themselves to look like him, after which they joined the Decepticons; a move that, today, Skywarp reckons was purely to cause confusion over his own identity so he could hide from defrauded taxpayers.

Armed with this new knowledge, Thundercracker decides to question Starscream on what being a Decepticon really meant to him. Starscream declares that for him, being a Decepticon meant having his greatness be ''ignored'', until [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] appeared and declared him the "Chosen One," finally meaning everyone had to listen to him. Hoping to gain more insight on Metrotitan and his prophecy, Thundercracker consults [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who expresses doubt that the prophecy was anything more than a damaged 'bot telling a random story. Still, Trion notes, stories have power, and a ''real'' storyteller uses that power to present ''truths,'' instead of exploiting it to spread lies.

Inspired by Trion's words, Thundercracker's desire to make his movie all about the "truth" turns him into a bit of a dictator on-set, with the cast (now including [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] as [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]!) and crew growing more and more frustrated. Thundercracker visits Marissa to talk through his problems: he wants to tell a true story, but it's obvious that Starscream won't want his ''actual personality'' accurately portrayed on-screen. Thundercracker really wants to make the film, hoping for it to be his big break into Hollywood... but if he can't tell the story ''truthfully'', is he just selling out? Marissa sighs and calls for her assistant [[Rashid Nasir]] to fetch her the phone number of a man who can help: former superhero and current actor, [[Bulletman|Richard "Bulletman" Ruby]].

On Earth, Thundercracker screens a completed portion of his film—showing Starscream meeting with Megatron [[The Verge|shortly after his return from the planet's wilderness]]—for Ruby, who judges it to be too heavy on "talking heads" and "historical stuff," suggesting that what human audiences want out of a movie about giant robots is explosions and excitement. Thundercracker initially scoffs at the notion, remembering all the old message board arguments that sprang up over changes made to his favorite sitcom ''[[Nurse Whitney]]'' and how they seemed to prove people don't know ''what'' they want. Still, that show inspired Thundercracker onto his current path, and ''that'', he concludes, is what people really want: to be inspired!

Fueled by his new revelation, Thundercracker re-writes the movie's script again, which is the last straw for Acid Storm, who quits the production. Encouraged by [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]], Thundercracker decides to play the lead role himself... but as soon as he has made the decision, [[Swift (G1)|Swift]] arrives on set to announce that Starscream has been arrested and impeached following [[The Chosen One|a confession of all his crimes at the electoral debate]]. Thundercracker is not dissuaded, however—it'll make for a fantastic ending!

Thundercracker completes [[Starscream: The Movie (film)|the film]], managing to portray Starscream's rise and fall fairly accurately, "warts and all." He visits the incarcerated Starscream in his cell to show him the finished product; Starscream puts on a brave face, dubbing it "delightful but irrelevant," and pointing out that he no longer has any need for it, now that he's in prison. He urges Thundercracker to forget the whole thing, but Thundercracker is determined to see the film released... and Starscream just can't have that. Starscream requests that prison guard [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] deliver a message to a "friend" for him—a message that instructs two [[Badgeless]] officers to intercept Thundercracker as he takes the Spacebridge back to Earth, redirecting the bridge to the dead colony of [[Prion (planet)|Prion]], where they intend to kill him to prevent the film from getting out. Unfortunately for them, just because he's become an artist doesn't mean Thundercracker's lost any of his elite Seeker skills: he kills his two attackers in a matter of seconds.

Continuing on to [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] on Earth, Thundercracker is given a message from Richard Ruby by [[Aileron]]. Visiting Ruby at his office, Thundercracker is dismayed to learn that, while he was making ''his'' film, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] were making an action movie of their own, which has already been released! Worse yet, it completely bombed, souring audiences on "Cybertronian cinema." Thundercracker's film winds up getting dumped on some obscure [[Coma|direct-to-digital-distribution platform]], and the ex-Decepticon is left dejected, thinking himself a failure who has been kidding himself about his new direction in life. He returns to Cybertron to share his woes with Marissa, but while visiting the embassy, he receives a phone call from ''[[Space Battle]]'' director [[J.J. Hackensack]]. Hackensack has watched Thundercracker's film, and he sees potential in it. He invites Thundercracker to go into business on a new movie with him, and Thundercracker gleefully accepts.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic'' text appear only in flashbacks or imaginary sequences. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*''[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'' (13)
*''[[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]'' (14)
*''[[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]]'' (15)
*''[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]'' (16)
*[[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]] (20)
*''[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'' (25)
*''[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'' (26)
*''[[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]]'' (27)
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (28)
*''[[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]]'' (29)
*''[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]]'' (30)
*''[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]'' (31)
*''[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]'' (32)
*''[[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'' (33)
*[[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] (38)
*[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (39)
*[[Aileron]]/"[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]" (54)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (55)

|c2=
*[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] (18)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Fat Tankor]] (19)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'' (21)
*''[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]'' (23)
*''[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'' (24)
*''[[Viewfinder]]'' (34)
*''[[Deluge (G2)|Deluge]]'' (35)
*[[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (44)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (45)
*''[[Apeface]]'' (46)
*''[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]'' (47)
*''[[Battletrap (G1)|Battletrap]]'' (48)
*''[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]'' (49)
*''[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'' (50)
*''[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'' (51)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (52)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]/"[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]" (53)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (58)
*[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] (59)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (60)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (61)

|c3=
*''[[Chuckles]]'' (6)
*''[[Cobra Commander]]'' (7)
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (9)
*[[Rashid Nasir]] (11)
*[[Baker]] (12)
*[[Sanjay Bharwaney|Hi-Tech]] (37)
*[[Bulletman|Richard Ruby]] (43)
*[[J.J. Hackensack]] (62)

|c4=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*"[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]" actor (4)
*"[[Prima]]" actor (5)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] (8)
*[[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] (10)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (17)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (22)
*''[[Insecticon swarm]]'' (36)
*[[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]]/"[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]" (40)
*[[Sideswipe (IDW)|Sideswipe]] (41)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (42)
*Two [[Badgeless]] (56-57)
{{!}}}
}}

==Quotes==
"Hey, '''Marissa'''. How come '''humans''' don't grow to '''giant size''' when they get hit by '''nuclear explosions,''' you know, the way '''ants''' and '''lizards''' do?"
:—'''Thundercracker''' has clearly never heard about the [[Hulk]]

"The '''paint''' will come off, right? I don't want to go out on the '''streets''' looking like this. I'm a '''green guy'''—that's like literally my '''whole thing.'''"
:—'''Acid Storm''' isn't wrong

"Last time I saw you, you shot me in the face." 
"Eh. You deserved it."
:—'''Thundercracker''' and '''Skywarp''' reunite

"As for the so-called '''Dark Cybertron prophecy'''... tales repeat, and we see ourselves in them. You are a '''storyteller''', are you not? One must consider '''all''' the pieces of the story one tells. Every '''small element''' has meaning. Every fragment creates '''worlds'''. Starscream realizes this, and uses narrative to his '''advantage.''' A '''real''' storyteller uses the power of '''myth''' to present '''truths.'''"
:—'''Alpha Trion''' on the power of stories

"I really '''love''' the '''big dinosaur''' you moved into. It's classy."
:—'''Thundercracker''' on Trypticon's use as the Earth embassy

"<nowiki>'</nowiki>'''You're''' what made me what I am, Megatron. The whole time I was a '''Seeker''', what I was '''really''' seeking—was your love..'" 
... 
"People don't '''talk''' like that."
:—'''Acid Storm''' critiques Thundercracker's work

'''Thundercracker:''' "Where on '''Cybertron''' will we find somebody that knows all the '''lines''', understands the '''material''', and is the correct '''shape''' to play Starscream?" 
'''Buster:''' "'''ARF!'''" 
'''Thundercracker:''' "No, I could '''never...''' well, I suppose I '''could.''' In fact, I guess I'm the '''only''' choice that makes sense. Should we '''paint''' me?" 
'''Proxima:''' "How about I just '''digitally''' change your '''color''' in post-production?" 
'''Acid Storm:''' "'''What?!''' I spent every day getting painted and '''now''' you bring that up?!" 
'''Thundercracker:''' "You already '''quit''', Acid Storm! '''Go home!'''"

"This will be the next '''''Birth of Cybertron''''', except, you know, not '''hella-racist.'''"
:—'''Thundercracker''' on his finished movie

"Two guys try to '''kill''' me, and I take them down in '''seconds.''' Meanwhile, the '''king of the world''' gives me resources to make a '''movie''', and I can't even tell you how to '''watch''' it. I think you need a '''video game console''' or a '''subscription''' to something."
:—'''Thundercracker''' laments

"You must a '''hot ticket''' over there—a real '''triple threat.'''" 
"You're thinking of my friend '''[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].'''"
:—'''J.J. Hackensack''' and '''Thundercracker'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Though released on the same day as [[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|''Optimus Prime'' #16]], the events of this story take place between [[The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|issue #14]] and [[The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|issue #15]], running parallel with [[The Chosen One|the 2017 ''Till All Are One'' annual]], in which Starscream's confession and incarceration take place.
*The movie Starscream watches, ''[[The Birth of Cybertron]],'' was previously mentioned in [[New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|issue #4]].
*Thundercracker's been working on his Chuckles biopic since learning about him from [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in [[New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|issue #3]]. Here, we see an imaginary sequence based on a portion of the screenplay, which is Thundercracker's re-imagining of the events that took place in 2011's {{i|King Cobra (issue)|''Cobra II'' #13}}, when Chuckles killed himself blowing up Cobra's {{w|Section Twenty}} island base with their own nuclear missiles. Thundercracker's pretty off-base when he says that the way he's written it must be just how it happened in real life; rather than a dramatic face-off with Cobra Commander, Chuckles was with [[Tomax and Xamot|Xamot Paoli]] at the time, having already killed Cobra Commander with a headshot. Also, the missiles weren't Cobra weapons aimed at the world; they were the payload of a docked Cobra submarine that Chuckles used to blow the island up without any greater world-saving objective.
*Additionally, how they look in this sequence isn't how the characters looked in "real life"—but then, it's not as if Thundercracker has any way of knowing this. Chuckles sports the trademark Hawaiian shirt of his classic ''G.I. Joe'' appearance and seems to be modeled on the {{i|Howard Chaykin}} {{i|File:Cobra 1 cover Chuckles.jpg|cover art}} of the ''Cobra'' series rather than how he looked in the {{i|Antonio Fuso}} {{i|File:Cobra 3 chuckles shoots jinx.jpg|interiors}}; Cobra Commander, meanwhile is wearing the uniform of his ''successor'', {{i|Krake}}. Of course, Krake was the only Commander known to the world at large, so it makes sense that's how Thundercracker would picture him.
*Rashid Nasir used to work at the White House; we met him when [[Dire Wraith]]s attacked it, as seen in [[Thundercracker & Buster Save the World|''The Transformers: Revolution'' one-shot]], the events of which Thundercracker refers to in this issue.
*Thundercracker is shown to be wearing a set of spectacles when first interviewing Starscream for his script. (He's not the first Cybertronian to wear corrective eyewear—[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] wears his often enough that they were initially mistaken for part of his body.)
*[[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]] is a [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] introduced in [[The Sensuous Frame|''More than Meets the Eye'' #41]]-[[The Frail Gaze|42]]. When last we saw her aboard the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'', the ship was returning to Caminus; presumably it did, and she then came to Cybertron via the [[Space bridge|Spacebridge]].
*One of the imaginary sequences Starscream dictates to Thundercracker retells the events of [[All Hail Megatron issue 3|''All Hail Megatron'' #3]], in which Air Force One was shot down. In the ''actual'' story, it was ''Starscream'' who shot the plane down, not Megatron, as in his retelling!
*Dirge recalls the events of [[All Hail Megatron issue 7|''All Hail Megatron'' #7]], when he and [[Deluge (G2)|Deluge]] were stranded on Cybertron with the Autobots and left at the mercy of the Insecticon swarm. He previously recounted how he escaped the beasts back in [[Stick Together|''Robots in Disguise'' #3]].
* Dirge then goes on to say that he took on that assignment so that “Megatron could tell me part from [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], if you know what I mean.”, an oblique reference to the letter’s attempted rebellion that ended in his death, recounted in [[Spotlight: Ramjet]].
*Hi-Tech is sad to hear Thundercracker has given up on his "[[Susan Journeyer]]" screenplay, proving that he wasn't just humoring Thundercracker back in [[The Nothing Man|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #45]] when he was attentively listening as he read it out—he really did like it!
*Skywarp and Thundercracker meet for the first time since [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|''All Hail Megatron'' #12]].
*Skywarp and Thundercracker are revealed to have attended the Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology, which was secretly where [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] trained super-powered [[Outlier (group)|outliers]], as seen in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|''More than Meets the Eye'' #11]]. The pair's "Outlier" status was first confirmed in their profiles in the ''[[Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook]]''; Skywarp notes he wasn't allowed on the "away team" while [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] was, referring to the team who aided Optimus Prime on his mission in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #11.
*Starscream is noted to have "conned his way into" a job as a "precinct senator" when he met Thundercracker and Skywarp; we previously saw Starscream working in a senatorial capacity in [[Parasites|''Autocracy'' #2]], set some time after these events.
*Skywarp recounts how he and Thundercracker rebuilt themselves to look like Starscream, at Starscream's suggestion. Their physical similarity had previously been remarked on in [[All Hail Megatron issue 6|''All Hail Megatron'' #6]], in which Skywarp explained that the Seekers' shared body-type was taken to "honor their commander."
*Starscream remembers the events of [[Primus: All Good Things|the 2012 ''Robots in Disguise'' annual]], in which Metrotitan dubbed him the Chosen One. The mystery surrounding Metrotitan—who appeared to die at the end of that story, only to turn up alive, inexplicably buried on Earth, in [[All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #54]]—is acknowledged but not actually explained; Alpha Trion appears to be positing that the Titan from the annual was ''not'' Metrotitan, but that makes little sense, since Starscream and Rattrap recognized them as being the same in [[All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #55]].
*Alpha Trion opines that good storytellers use the power of myths and legends to present truth, a callback to [[Origin Myths|''Optimus Prime'' #10]] where Trion shared this wisdom with [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]].
*Trypticon was established as the Earth embassy on Cybertron in [[The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|issue #14]]. The [[protoform]] dubbed "[[Sideswipe (IDW)|Sideswipe]]" by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] in that issue has physically developed a lot more since we last saw him, having taken on physical features similar to [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his namesake]].
*Marissa gets Richard Ruby's phone number from [[Ayana Jones]], who has it after meeting him in [[The Secret of the Mummy's Tomb|''Revolutionaries'' #3]].
*The portion of his film that Thundercracker shows Ruby is a dramatization of events seen in [[The Verge|''Robots in Disguise'' #13]]. Thundercracker notes that Megatron had a different body (his stealth bomber form) in "real life," but he's changed it to a more traditional Megatron-looking appearance for the movie to keep things simple.
*To portray the Decepticon uprising from later in issue #13, a panel is just lifted from the issue itself, rather than redrawn with "actors."
*Scenes from the finished film that Thundercracker shows Starscream includes dramatizations of the events of [[Heavy Is the Head|''Robots in Disguise'' #16]] (with Sky-Byte playing Metalhawk) and the ''Till All Are One'' annual (with Aileron playing Windblade).
*The repercussions of Beachcomber helping Starscream play out over in ''Optimus Prime'' #16.
*The dead colony of Prion is, of course, where [[Nickel]] hails from. It first introduced in [[The Permanent Revolution|''More than Meets the Eye'' #39]], where [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]] explained how and why it was razed. It was first shown, however, in [[White Heat|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #57]].
*Although Transformers imbibing beverages isn't particularly new, this may be the first time a Cybertronian coffee-analog is depicted: Thundercracker has what appears to be a Starbucks cup next to him in his first scene, while Aileron is holding a mug when manning Metrotitan's Spacebridge.

===Transformers references===
*Skywarp notes that Starscream ripped off taxpayers in the city of [[Vos (polity)|Vos]], which seems to indicate that to be the previously-unidentified city he represented as senator. Starscream was also the political figurehead of Vos in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|the UK Marvel Generation 1 comic book]].
*The ''Space Battle'' film series was first mentioned in IDW's companion comic book for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' series]], but it later made the jump to mainstream IDW continuity through a mention in Richard Ruby's profile in [[Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook issue 1|''Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook'' #1]]. An obvious riff on ''{{w|Star Wars}}'', the film stars [[Karen Fishook]] as "Queen Spacula"; Fishook was an actress from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)|Hoist Goes Hollywood]]," and is a reference to ''Star Wars'' actress {{w|Carrie Fisher}}.
*Ruby's comment that people would rather see explosions and excitement over "historical stuff" could be seen as a thinly-veiled jab at [[Michael Bay]]'s work with the [[live-action film series]].
** Thundercracker's film ultimately fails to find a distributor and eventually ends up being released through an obscure Internet platform; a similar fate befell 2016's ''[[Transformers: Combiner Wars (cartoon)|Combiner Wars]]'' animated series, which was eventually released through the barely-notable streaming service [[Go90]].
*Flamewar is a character created as a convention-exclusive toy at [[BotCon 2005]]. Her appearance in this issue—color-wise, at least—is based on [[Flamewar (G1)#BotCon2014|the second toy]] she received, at [[BotCon 2014]]. While both of her toys are branded as Decepticons, this version of Flamewar is rather from one of the Cybertronian colonies<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheJohnBarber/status/970694291034054656 Tweet by @TheJohnBarber, 2018/03/05]</ref> with vehicle modes.
*"Lighting" for the film is credited to an unseen character named "[[Flash Bang (G1)|Flash Bang]]," named after [[Flash Bang (weapon)|a toy flashlight from the live-action ''Transformers'' movie toyline]].

===Hasbro references===
*One of the posters in Richard Ruby's office is for a movie named ''Sigma 6''. Named after the mid-2000s anime-influenced version of [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|''G.I. Joe'']], it was previously established that Ruby had starred in the ''sequel'' to this movie (''Sigma 6 2: Retribution'') in ''Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook'' #1. Looks like he must have been in the original as well.
*Aileron mistakenly calls Ruby "[[Jem]]".
*J.J. Hackensack is a character from the Parker Brothers board game "International Movie Maker," who Richard Ruby was previously noted to have worked with back in the 80s in ''Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook'' #1. Making Hackensack the director of ''Space Battle'' turns him into a reference to {{w|J. J. Abrams}}, director of ''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'', though ''visually'', he's based on ''original'' ''Star Wars'' director {{w|George Lucas}}, with his silver hair and beard and propensity for plaid shirts.
**Hackensack mentions having a deal with "Odeon Classics," which is named for one of the distribution companies featured in "International Movie Maker."

===Real-life references===
*Visible in the crowd of 'bots in the A-cover for this issue is the ''{{w|Undertale}}'' character Mettaton — who, appropriately enough, is a robot who's big into showbiz!
*Hi-Tech compares Thundercracker's "Susan Journeyer" screenplay to ''{{w|Dogville}}'', a 2003 avante-gard film alternately considered both a masterpiece and "pretentious and exasperating."
*Hackensack compares Thundercracker to [[Orson Welles]], who was also a writer-director-actor "triple threat".
*Thundercracker derides ''The Birth of Cybertron'' as being "hella racist"; as mentioned elsewhere, the film seems to derive its title from the 1915 film ''{{w|The Birth of a Nation}}'', which was also... well, hella racist.

===Errors===
*In Dirge's flashback to ''All Hail Megatron'' #7 on page 10, [[Viewfinder]] has been drawn based on his Generation 1 toy, rather than the cartoon-based appearance he had in the actual comic.
* On page 12, “stopped” is misspelled “stoped”.
*On page 13, the sign outside the Academy calls it the "Jhiaxus Academy", rather than the "Jhiaxian Academy".
*On page 22, while thinking back on ''Nurse Whitney'', Thundercracker says the title character's mother was played by "Karen Fish''net''", instead of "Fis''hook''". This was fixed for the trade paperback.
*On the final page. J.J. Hackensack identifies himself as the director of the "Space ''Wars''" films, rather than "Space ''Battle''". This was corrected to "Space Battles" for the trade paperback.

===Other trivia===
*The story is followed by a "credits" page, listing all the Transformers who worked on the film, and giving "special thanks" not just to the other fictional characters involved, but to the many real-life artists and writers who worked on the comics that inspired and informed the story—not just the ''Transformers'' titles, but the ''G.I. Joe'' comics that told the stories of Chuckles and Richard Ruby, and Skywarp's time on the team.
*The phrase "chewing the scenery" is commonly used to describe an over-the-top acting performance. Buster does it ''literally'' in this story.

===Soundtrack===
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E Danger Zone]" by {{w|Kenny Loggins}}
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcm-tOGiva0 We Don't Need Another Hero]" by {{w|Tina Turner}}
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM Rainbow Connection]" by {{w|Kermit the Frog}}
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=355Fk8drgZE Gloria]" by {{w|Laura Branigan}}
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVjU7g6zWcw I'm Alright]" by Kenny Loggins<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheJohnBarber/status/968931332557426688 John Barber on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (2)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Starscream and Thundercracker on the red carpet, by [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thundercracker holds a press conference to announce the movie, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and [[Josh Perez]]; based on the iconic shot from ''{{w|Citizen Kane}}'' of Orson Welles as Charles Foster Kane in front of a poster of his own likeness.

<gallery>
File:OPAnnual2018 cvrA.jpg|"Tomorrow, this will all be yours, Greg."
File:OPAnnual2018 cvrB.jpg|"Nobody respect my vision!"
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*[[The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|''Optimus Prime'' #15]]-17
*''[[First Strike]]'' TPB
*''[[Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor]]'' TPB
*''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade: The Last City]]'' hardcover
*''{{i|Clue (comic)|Clue}}'' TPB
*IDW at NC Comicon 2018
*[[Free Comic Book Day]] 2018

===Reprints===
*'''''Optimus Prime''''' Vol. 5 TPB ([[February 6]], [[2019]]) ISBN 1684054117 / ISBN 978-1684054114
:*Contains ''Optimus Prime'' issues #22 to #25, along with the ''Optimus Prime'' 2018 Annual.
:*Bonus material includes art from most covers.

*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 84: The Falling Part 1''''' ([[January 22]], [[2020]])
:*Contains ''Optimus Prime'' issues #13 to #17, along with the ''Optimus Prime'' 2018 Annual.
:*Bonus material includes a page about the [[Thirteen|Primes]], a cover gallery and an intro by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:OP_V5_TPB.jpg|'''''Optimus Prime'' Volume Five''' cover by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v84.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection Volume 84: The Falling Part 1''''' cover by [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] and [[Kei Zama]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.comiccrusaders.com/exclusive-preview-optimus-prime-annual-2018/ Preview]

[[Category:Optimus Prime issues]]

Sumire Uesaka

2022-08-17T21:36:36Z

Androzani84:

[[File:SumireUesaka.jpg‎|right|thumb|250px|MANAKA KENGO!]]
'''Sumire Uesaka''' (上坂すみれ ''Uesaka Sumire'', born [[December 19]], [[1991]]) is a Japanese voice actress, singer and lover of all things [[Russia|Russian]] and [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]<ref>http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-07-23/sumire-uesaka-contributes-essay-in-book-on-pacifism/.90709</ref><ref>http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/adv/sophia/english/sophian/sophi_14.html</ref>. She is best known for her roles as Sanae Dekomori in ''Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions'', Kikko Hoshino in ''Concrete Revolutio: Chōjin Gensō'', Tamaki Kannazuki in ''GJ Club'', Peach Maki in ''Hozuki no Reitetsu'', Yachiyo Inugami in ''Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san'' and Kurea Komiyama in ''Wanna be the Strongest in the World''.

==Roles==
===''Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]

==External links==
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=106108 Sumire Uesaka] at the Anime News Network
*[http://ameblo.jp/sumire-uesaka/ Personal Blog] (Japanese)
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Uesaka, Sumire}}
[[Category: Japanese voice actors]]

Sumire Uesaka

2022-08-17T21:35:16Z

Androzani84:

[[File:SumireUesaka.jpg‎|right|thumb|250px|MANAKA KENGO!|]]
'''Sumire Uesaka''' (上坂すみれ ''Uesaka Sumire'', born [[December 19]], [[1991]]) is a Japanese voice actress, singer and lover of all things [[Russia|Russian]] and [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]<ref>http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-07-23/sumire-uesaka-contributes-essay-in-book-on-pacifism/.90709</ref><ref>http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/adv/sophia/english/sophian/sophi_14.html</ref>. She is best known for her roles as Sanae Dekomori in ''Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions'', Kikko Hoshino in ''Concrete Revolutio: Chōjin Gensō'', Tamaki Kannazuki in ''GJ Club'', Peach Maki in ''Hozuki no Reitetsu'', Yachiyo Inugami in ''Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san'' and Kurea Komiyama in ''Wanna be the Strongest in the World''.

==Roles==
===''Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]

==External links==
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=106108 Sumire Uesaka] at the Anime News Network
*[http://ameblo.jp/sumire-uesaka/ Personal Blog] (Japanese)
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Uesaka, Sumire}}
[[Category: Japanese voice actors]]

Rage of the Dinobots issue 4

2022-08-17T11:07:08Z

Androzani84:

{{Comicstory|
|series=primerage|issueno=4
|prev=Rage of the Dinobots issue 3
|next=Beast Hunters issue 1
|caption=
|image=RotD4_cvrA.jpg
|title=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[February 20]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=February 2013
|written by=[[Mike Johnson]] & [[Mairghread Scott]]
|art by=[[Agustin Padilla]]
|colors by=[[Thomas Deer]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Jean-Carlo Tirado]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'' cartoon]]
}}

'''Grimlock versus Shockwave!'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobots]] and [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] meet [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] in battle, but the cyclopean scientist proves to be surrounded by a forcefield that deflects their every attack. Knocked out by an [[electromagnetic pulse]] triggered by the [[Decepticon]], the team is taken to Shockwave's laboratory, where Grimlock is strapped to an operating table and the others are jailed. As Grimlock struggles to escape, Shockwave explains that he created the Dinobots based on the hypothesis that a combination of intelligence and brute savagery was necessary to create the perfect soldier. Having observed the Dinobots in action since their escape from his clutches, however, he now postulates that sentience is not necessary, and fully unleashing that beast within Grimlock will transform him into the ideal warrior. As Shockwave sets about his wicked work, Grimlock recalls the last time he was trapped in this position, his previous escape and battle with Shockwave, and his being injured in the [[space bridge]] explosion that followed, left for dead until his fellow Dinobots came to his aid...

Elsewhere in the complex, [[Snarl (FOC)|Snarl]] tests the durability of their cell with his blaster while Ultra Magnus puts his mind to work thinking up an escape plan. He and [[Slug (FOC)|Slug]] engage in a fake argument, during which Magnus threatens to blast the Dinobot, prompting the guards to come rushing in to prevent the untimely death of Shockwave's experiments. Slug and Magnus immediately turn on the guards and take them down, then quickly locate Shockwave's lab; Slug smashes into the wall, weakening it enough that a combined charge from all four Dinobots breaks it open, just before Shockwave makes the fateful incision into Grimlock's cranium. Caught by surprise, Shockwave is seized by his four former experiments and Magnus, and rather spectacularly torn limb from limb with one almighty pull. Grimlock is soon released from the table, but just as he is coming back to his senses, a hologram of Shockwave appears in the room and reveals that they have not killed him, but rather, slain only one of many avatars working on one of many labs all across the planet.

A little later, the Dinobots and Magnus gather at a spacecraft, ready to take off and join [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Autobot fleet|fleet]]. Grimlock informs Magnus that the Dinobots will not be going, instead remaining on their homeworld to save the few 'bots still there, as well as to hunt down Shockwave and finish him once and for all. Magnus bids them farewell, affirming them as his fellow Autobots, and takes off as the Dinobots head out for further adventures.

==Featured characters==
''(Characters in italics only appear in flashbacks)''

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sludge (FOC)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Slug (FOC)|Slug]] (3)
*[[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]] (4)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (5)
*[[Swoop (WFC)|Swoop]] (6)
*[[Snarl (FOC)|Snarl]] (7)

|c2=
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (1)
*''[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]]'' (8)
*''[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'' (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"I was Optimus Prime's '''right hand!'''" 
"I don't care if you were [[Nexus Prime]]'s left leg!"
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Slug'''

"Dibs on [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Sentinel Prime]]'s palace."
:—'''Swoop'''

==Notes==
*During Grimlock's flashback to events of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' video game, what's seen of Shockwave and Starscream are their ''War for Cybertron'' bodies. This issue also patches up a gap in continuity between the end of the game and the start of this mini-series, showing us what happened to Grimlock after the space bridge explosion that ended his role in the game (one of the elevated platforms that level was set on crumbled beneath him and he fell and wound up buried in rubble until the other Dinobots found him).
*Continuing the approach taken by IDW's [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)|''Fall of Cybertron'' comic]], [[Earth]]'s [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaurs]] are specifically referred to as "ancient", again affirming that Shockwave looked into Earth's ''past'', and that the game is not set—as [[High Moon Studios]] promotional material often claimed—contemporaneously with the era of living dinosaurs.
* We actually see what Grimlock looks like under his visor and faceplate. It’s not pretty.
*There's a "bonus GRIMLOCK pinup" by [[Thomas Deer]].

===Errors===
*On page 15, it appears Sludge is drawn doing Slug's work of ramming through the door, followed by Snarl telling Slug to quit ramming the door and then Slug taking credit for ramming the door while Sludge magically appears behind them.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Grimlock and Ser-Ket, by [[Ken Christiansen]]
*'''Cover RIA:''' ''Prime'' Shockwave, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Joana Lafuente]], part of a combined image formed from the RIA covers to all four issues.
*'''Cover RIB:''' ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Shockwave concept art by [[Norwood Cole]].

<gallery>
Image:RotD4_cvrA.jpg|
Image:ROTD4_cvrRIA.jpg|
Image:RotD4_cvrRIB.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

[[Category:Rage of the Dinobots issues]]

Fallen (episode)

2022-08-03T12:36:39Z

Androzani84: /* Quotes */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'''Bud:''' "Lori, Lori. When life gives you lemons... Make orange [[soft drink|soda]]!" 
'''Lori:''' "Orange... soda?" 
:—'''Bud''' hilariously mangles a classic phrase.

'''Thundercracker:''' (After his airstrike misses Landmine) "Oh, man! That was a waste of perfectly good missiles! I'll get him this time!" 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "I hope you don't mind if I ''butt in''!" (rams Thundercracker) 
'''Thundercracker:''' "Where the heck did ''he'' come from?!" 
:—'''Optimus''' makes a dramatic entrance

'''Optimus Prime:''' (After appearing in Super Mode, completely unharmed by Thundercracker's missiles) "''That'' was your best shot, Thundercracker? That's just sad." [''brings his heavy cannons to firing position''] "Here's mine." 
'''Thundercracker:''' "How's this?!" [''Angrily fires off another missile volley]'' 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "Gee, nice fireworks." [''shoots the missiles, blowing them up in Thundercracker's face and sending him flying''] "Decepticon in the corner pocket!"
:—Thus begins the practice of '''Thundercracker''' channeling the spirit of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

"Vector Prime, sir. We must act quickly, before those fiendish Autobots return. Those evil Transformers would steal the power of Primus. We must find the Cyber Planet Keys first. Now, give me the map.
:—'''Megatron''' tries to trick Vector Prime.

==Notes==

===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
[[File:ScanningLifeForms_Fallen.jpg|thumb|225px|Big deal. You can get the same effect from a pair of X-Ray Specs.]]
This episode is a composite of the first two Japanese ''Galaxy Force'' episodes, "The Sacred Homeworld, Planet Cybertron, Destroyed?!" and "Encounter with the Transformers". This is effectively accomplished by beginning the episode ''in medias res'', kicking off with the Transformers already in the process of evacuating Cybertron and Landmine being warped to Earth. The opening and closing scenes of the first episode (the family having their barbecue and the kids finding Landmine) are then presented back-to-back, and all the other events of the first episode are presented in heavily truncated form as flashbacks told by Landmine. No real plot points or important actions from the first episode are lost in this manner—things are just more condensed—but removed footage includes:

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

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

Also, in ''Galaxy Force'', despite that version of the series not being intended to follow ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Super Link]]'', Bud somehow knows of the existence of Transformers before anyone tells him. However, dialogue in future episodes of ''Galaxy Force'' suggests that Transformers are urban legends, not unlike Bigfoot, meaning it's not completely impossible for someone like Bud to know about the Transformers.

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

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

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

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:GalaxyForcevsCybertron.jpg|thumb|150px|Weird. Just weird.]]
Strangely, this episode features some scenes using different animation from their Japanese counterparts.

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

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

===Transformers references===
* Optimus drops one of the franchise's most famous taglines: "Robots in disguise".

===Trivia===
*For an unknown reason, this episode was skipped when the ''Cybertron'' series began airing, even in foreign markets like the UK, suggesting that the decision to combine the two episodes may have been a late one. The second episode, "[[Haven]]", was also skipped domestically, and neither aired in the U.S. until ''Cybertron'' moved to the [[Kids' WB]] afternoon programming block, several months after the series had debuted. The second episode saw a VHS release, at least.
*Megatron is not voiced in this episode by his regular voice actor, [[David Kaye]], but by [[Trevor Devall]], doing his best Kaye impression.
*Speaking of voices, Coby's is a heck of a lot reedier and whinier in this episode than in all others. He's still being voiced by his regular actor, [[Sam Vincent]], but holy hell, he constantly sounds like he's about to burst into tears.
*"Moriturus" is Latin for "[I] am going to die," likely derived from the famous phrase "''Morituri te salutant''"—"We who are about to die salute you"—spoken by Roman gladiators saluting the Emperor prior to combat. Or perhaps someone on staff is a fan of the hapless "wizzard" Rincewind of the ''{{w|Discworld}}'' series...
* Optimus' vehicle transformation does not match up entirely with the fire truck he scanned, only the cab is the same. The truck he scanned looks more like a normal fire truck of the variety with a "cherry-picker" bucket-lift. Said truck would also appear to be based on early designs for his toy. The other Autobots' vehicle modes also deviate slightly from the scans (to accommodate their Cyber Key slots), but not to the same extent.
* Optimus is apparently familiar with the game of billiards, or pool.
* This is the first appearance of (among others) Optimus's Super Mode stock footage sequence, though the final segment where he poses against. Admit it, it's pretty bad ass the first couple times.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force — Sound Pack 1'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Limited edition, Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 01 (Victor Entertainment) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

A Deadly Battle

2022-08-03T12:34:51Z

Androzani84: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Victoon
|ep=25
|title="A Deadly Battle"
|japanese=死を賭けた激闘
|romaji=Shi o Kake ta Gekitō
|image=Victory deadlybattle.jpg
|caption=Don't go {{w|Live action role-playing game|LARPing}} with this dude.
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Yoshihisa Araki]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[September 19]], 1989
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''With Blacker injured after the Autobots' last battle, Star Saber is forced to brave his own injuries to face down Deathsaurus's latest trap.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:DeadlyBattle Autobots and Blacker.jpg|thumb|left|200px| "Oh, Primus! Chest-bursters!" "Yeah, I think you over-did the anaesthetics, doc."]]
At the [[Autobot]]s' [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], the [[Rescue Patrol Team]] performs the latest check-up on [[Blacker]], who is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in his last battle. Blacker is more concerned with his own failure than with getting better, which doesn't surprise [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], who tells him to concentrate on resting. As they talk, [[Laster]] radios through with a communiqué from [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]], who wants to offer his sympathies to Blacker. The Autobots' reduction in fighting power is ruefully discussed, and Ginrai offers his services if they need him.

[[Image:Deathsaurus vs leozack.jpg|right|200px|thumb| "You will obey, Leozack. Get the point?" "Just kill me!"]]
Elsewhere, aboard the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'', [[Leozack]] studies a map of [[Earth]], trying to choose the [[Decepticon]]s' next target. [[Guyhawk]] arrives to inform him that he has assembled the rest of the [[Breastforce]] to hunt down [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]], but Leozack is not happy that he has done so without his permission, and for so trivial and personal a goal. An argument nearly breaks out between the two, until [[Jallguar]] arrives to tell Leozack that [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] wishes to see him. The "meeting" doesn't go very well for Leozack—he is immediately pounced on by Deathsaurus's [[Breast Animal]]s and has a sword jammed in his face. Deathsaurus announces that up until now, he has overlooked all of Leozack's treachery, but that it is time for things to change. Faced with either swearing total loyalty or death, Leozack capitulates and pledges himself to Deathsaurus utterly.

[[Image:DeadlyBattle Star Saber with bomb.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Where's [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] when you need him?!"]]
Soon, word reaches the Autobots of an attack by the Breastforce on their Asian garrison headquarters. Knowing that there is no energy stored there or for miles around, the Autobots realized that the attack is clearly a trap, but Star Saber decides to face the villains head on despite his own injuries, and heads out with the Rescue Team, leaving the [[Brainmaster]]s to guard the base and protect Blacker. Laster tries to hide from Blacker the fact that anything is going on, but although he doesn't believe him, his injuries prevent him from investigating any further.

At the Asian headquarters, the Breastforce press their attack until Star Saber and the Rescue Team arrive. While the Rescues do their thing, Leozack, Guyhawk and [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] dazzle Star Saber with some aerial optic trickery, and chain bombs to him. Star Saber separates from the [[V-Star]] to try and remove the bombs, but the Breastforce keep him busy until the explosives detonate, sending Star Saber and the V-Star crashing down into the mountains nearby. The Breastforce pursue him and continue their attack, forcing him to combine with the damaged V-Star, in response to which villains merge into [[Liokaiser]].

Back at the Shuttle Base, Blacker finally wrings the truth from Laster and [[Braver]] and demands to know why they didn't accompany Star Saber. They explain that Star Saber instructed them to stay for Blacker's sake. This leads the proud Autobot to pull rank on Braver and Laster and order them into battle, leaving him to protect the Shuttle Base himself.

[[Image:DeadlyBattle Star Saber Deathstatue.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I never knew Deathsaurus had such slender ankles!]]
Star Saber and Liokaiser's battle heats up as the Autobot leader disarms his opponent. Liokaiser flees into the midst of a nearby field of ancient statues and activates his invisibility powers, hiding amongst the statues and baiting Star Saber to attack. When Star Saber strikes one of the statues, it violently explodes, setting off a chain reaction that collapses the valley and sends the [[Supreme Commander]] tumbling into an underground chamber. There, Star Saber is immediately attacked by another statue, but this one is Deathsaurus in disguise, who is ready for another go-round with his [[Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon]]. [[Jan Minakaze|Jan]] and [[Holi]] arrive to watch the battle from above as Liokaiser drops a boulder on Star Saber, pinning him for Deathsaurus.

[[Image:DeadlyBattle Ginrai fatally wounded.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Kiss me, Hardy" "... neither of us has lips."]]
As the Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon is primed, Holi attempts to contact the Shuttle Base to summon help, and as the trigger is pulled, a shadow leaps in front of the blast, protecting Star Saber. God Ginrai has arrived! Weakened by the blast, Ginrai lunges at Deathsaurus with a sword and is overpowered, taking another hit from the cannon. Star Saber manages to break free of the boulder, but is seized by Liokaiser, and forced to watch as Deathsaurus bears down on Ginrai, about to deliver the killing blast. Luckily, Ginrai is able to surprise Deathsaurus with his God Cannon, blinding him and causing him to fire wildly, giving Star Saber his chance to escape Liokaiser's grip. Star Saber races into action, and slices Deathsaurus's cannon in two with his Saber Blade, before impaling the Decepticon leader for good measure. Deathsaurus still has some fight in him, but when Braver and Laster arrive to tip the odds, Liokaiser persuades his leader to retreat to fight another day. The cavern begins to cave in, covering the villains' escape route, but as Laster and Braver go to help Holi and Jan down from the crumbling rocks, God Ginrai collapses into Star Saber's arms. As Star Saber asks if his friend is all right, Ginrai chokes out that "[[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmasters]] are... immortal..." and passes out...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] (1)
*[[Fire]] (2)
*[[Holi]] (4)
*[[Blacker]] (5)
*[[Boater]] (6)
*[[Pīpō]] (7)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] (8)
*[[Laster]] (9)
*[[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] (10)
*[[Braver]] (11)

|c2=
*[[Leozack]] (12)
*[[Guyhawk]] (13)
*[[Jallguar]] (14)
*[[Eaglebreast]] (15)
*[[Tigerbreast]] (16)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (17)
*[[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] (18)
*[[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] (19)
*[[Killbison]] (20)
*[[Liokaiser]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Jan Minakaze]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Is there no limit to your cowardice?! Treachery spouts from your mouth like a fountain and never shuts up!!" "So your last words are that of a sore loser. How amusing."
:—'''Star Saber''' and '''Deathsaurus''', who kind of has a point.

"Damn you, God Ginrai!"
:—'''Deathsaurus''', after being shot in the face by God Ginrai's shoulder cannon.

{{Note|The following quotes are from the [[Omni Productions]] dub}}

"This is a trap!"
:—'''Star Saber''', about 5 minutes too late.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*As Deathsaurus pins Leozack down with his sword, his helmet is completely blue except for his crest.
*The red arrows on the bombs attached to the V-Star change direction repeatedly. In closeups, they tend to point outward, but in wider shots of Star Saber trying to remove them, the arrows point inward.
*A reverse of the subtitling error from the previous episode happens on the Shout Factory release of this one. Up until this point, Blacker has been consistently referred to by the name of his European Motorvator counterpart, Gripper. In this episode, it's switched back to his Japanese name the entire time.
*Also from the Shout Factory release, the timing of the subtitles on this particular episode are noticeably off by a second.

===Continuity errors===
*God Ginrai says that he was alerted to the battle by an SOS he picked up. We're not seriously expected to believe that that's the SOS Holi sent less than ''eight seconds before his arrival'', are we? And if not... who sent it?

===Continuity notes===
*Blacker's severe injuries occurred in the previous episode, while Star Saber may still be recovering from wounds suffered over the last three or four episodes.
*Deathsaurus's Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon was previously seen in "[[Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress]]".
*Back in ''Super-God Masterforce'', Ginrai could have easily healed from an injury of this severity, and he still seems to think he should be able to, given his belief that "Godmasters are immortal." Evidently, though, the loss of his human component and his [[Chōkon Power|Jinchōkon]] has left him a lot weaker than he used to be.

===Real world references===
* The ancient statues in this episode appear to be inspired by the {{w|Terracotta Army}} of China.

===Trivia===
* This episode firmly establishes that there are other Autobot forces on Earth, which makes sense, since up until now we've been asked to believe that less than a dozen Autobots have been patrolling the entire planet. The previous episode first suggested this in a somewhat bizarre, disjointed scene.
* How the heck does Deathsaurus fit inside that statue?
* Star Saber doesn't come off very well in this episode. He knowingly flies into a trap (the attack on the Asian base), lets himself get lured into another trap (lured by Liokaiser into the statue field), falls for yet another ambush (Deathsaurus' surprise attack) and when he's held dead to rights by Deathsaurus can only spout nonsense on how treacherous the Decepticon is. Sore loser indeed.
* In a rare move, the usual catchphrase for the next episode preview “Now, together with me, ‘Let’s say go!’.” Is replaced with Star Saber saying “My friend, rest eternally.”

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Battle of Life and Death'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 3]], [[1991]]
::* While threatening Leozack, Deathsaurus doesn't make any mention of a new plan.
::* Star Saber says he'll call on Braver and Laster for help if necessary, rather than the Multiforce.
::* Blacker accuses Laster of lying when the latter claims there's nothing wrong.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Victory'' — DVD Box 02 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 3 — ''Transformers: Victory'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Victory'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) — Optional [[Omni Productions|Omni]] dub. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) — Optional Omni dub. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Victory'' (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deadly Battle}}
[[Category:Victory episodes]]

Onyx Prime

2022-07-28T21:35:17Z

Androzani84:

{{faction|onyxprime}}
{{featured}}
{{disambigm|Onyx (disambiguation)|Artemis (disambiguation)}}
[[Image:10OnyxPrime.jpg|thumb|400px|Move over, [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]]!]]

Of the [[Thirteen]], '''Onyx Prime''', the "Lord of Beasts", is the most spiritually-minded of their number, in tune with both the creatures of the natural world and the intangible realm of the spirit. He alone has the ability to properly use the three-faced [[Triptych Mask]] given to him by Primus; this artifact allows him to cast his spirit across vast distances to commune with the dreams of far-off beings, or even track the journey of a [[Spark]] across the [[Transformer afterlife|afterlife]]. Though some view these strange mental voyages across distant realms as mere flights of fancy, Onyx and his visions make him one of the most inspirational Primes.

Onyx Prime's spiritual aptitude allowed him to cultivate an inscrutable presence that made him appear mysterious and slightly intimidating at the best of times, even to the other members of the Thirteen. In spite of his powers, Onyx Prime is a kind-hearted and friendly individual at [[Spark]], a trait that made him one of the most liked members of the Thirteen. Indeed, all of his siblings treated him as a fiercely loyal companion and a steadfast confidant—[[Micronus Prime]], in particular, once regarded Onyx as his closest friend. As the first Transformer to possess a [[beast mode]], those Transformers who revere him as the greatest of the Primes tend to eschew the vehicular [[alternate mode]]s of other Transformers, preferring to wear the animalistic forms exemplified by their spiritual progenitor.

==Fiction==
===Aligned continuity family===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
[[File:COP-WellOfAllSparks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Onyx Prime was the eighth member of the [[Thirteen]] produced by [[Primus]], to serve as his children and warriors against his opposite, [[Unicron]]. As one of the mid-level Thirteen spawned between the opposing warriors [[Prima]] and [[The Fallen|Megatronus]], Onyx Prime had a more balanced and elemental quality. He was a fierce warrior and fought valiantly in the battle with Unicron, but also had a spiritual side that intrigued some of his fellows while flummoxing others. He was very close to [[Solus Prime]] (often to Megatronus's chagrin) and was perhaps best friends with [[Micronus Prime]].

The death of Solus Prime hit Onyx harder than any other member of the Primes. It was Onyx who discovered her body in her workshop, and the cry he let loose chilled [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] to his very oil. He had to be physically restrained by [[Vector Prime]]'s power after finding Solus, and held in that position to prevent him from seeking vengeance on Megatronus himself. When the division between Megatronus and [[Liege Maximo]] came to a head, all the remained Thirteen warred with one another in a battle lust that was divorced from all possible reason. When they regained their senses, the Thirteen found Maximo dead and Onyx Prime gravely injured.

As Megatronus declared himself "The Fallen" forevermore and exiled himself from Cybertron, the Thirteen questioned what to do next. Solus Prime's body had melted down to the core of Cybertron, creating a font of life that could potentially produce new Cybertronians. As his dying act, Onyx Prime volunteered to catalyze the process, journeying down into this [[Well of All Sparks]] with the power of his Triptych Mask reorganizing the thirteen patterns of the Thirteen into an endless variety of new Cybertronians. They believed the power of Primus would preserve Onyx Prime at the core forevermore, keeping him from the death awaiting his injuries. [[Quintus Prime]], [[Alchemist Prime]], and [[Amalgamous Prime]] each contributed some of their power and skills to this experiment as well, ensuring its success. In the end, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and Micronus Prime chose to journey down into the Well with Onyx. Optimus intended to be reincarnated among the new sparks, allowing him to live among them and learn from them. Micronus could not bear to be parted from Onyx, and chose to exile himself to the core with his mortally wounded friend as well.

The experiment was a success, and the Well of All Sparks soon erupted with an endless array of new lifeforms, brought into existence by Onyx Prime and the power of his brothers and sisters. The [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]]s of the [[Age of Evolution]] certainly drew strongly from Onyx's pattern, as did the other beastformers that followed in their wake over time. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[File:OneShallRise1-WellofAllSparks.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
According to legend, at the beginning of time, [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] battled each other for eons, with neither side remaining victorious for long. Till, that is, Primus created the [[Thirteen]]. These Thirteen defeated Unicron and cast him into space. {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 1}}

{{-}}
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====2005 IDW continuity====
{{main|Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Onyx Prime}}
{{first|[[The Crucible|''Robots in Disguise'' #34]] (mentioned); [[Ghost Stories|''Transformers'' Annual 2017]] (Shockwave as Onyx Prime); [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|''Optimus Prime'' #18]] (true Onyx)}}
[[File:IDW Onyx.jpg|thumb|left|Something happened on [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|the day he died]]. Spirit rose a metre then stepped aside. [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Somebody else]] took his place, and then he cried…]]
In the barbarian age after the departure of the [[Knights of Cybertron]], Onyx was the leader of a flock of wayward and mistreated Cybertronians, searching for whatever [[energon]] they could find. One day, they came across the time-lost [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], transported twelve million years into the past as a result of the destruction of his [[chronal drive]]. The kindly Onyx offered the damaged Shockwave some of their energon and introduced himself; realizing the crucial role that Onyx would play in Cybertron's history, Shockwave took him up on his offer after killing him and seizing control of his herd. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

Disguising himself as the newly-styled "Onyx Prime," Shockwave used his knowledge of Cybertronian history to ensure the perpetual dominance of the Cybertronian species, seeding history with ontological paradoxes (including the "[[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron]]" prophecy that his younger self would one day attempt to bring about) and the means by which he would one day find himself transported backwards in time. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}} By establishing, and subsequently tearing down, every myth and legend that his fellow Transformers believed in, Shockwave aimed to destroy every faith, faction, and creed, sacrificing Cybertron itself to forestall [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], and uniting what remained of the Cybertronian species under a new banner—his own. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}}
{{-}}

====''Power of the Primes'' toy bios====
Onyx Prime's [[Spark]] passed into the possession of one of the twelve [[Prime Master]]s; hidden within a suit of decoy armor, they safeguarded the abilities of the Primes until the present day. By uniting with a larger Transformer, the Prime Master could channel the powers of Onyx's Spark and grant them unique abilities that varied with each new partner. {{storylink|Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes}}

{{note|For a list of every permutation of Onyx Prime's abilities, see [[Prime Master/Combinations|this link]].}}

===Fun Publications===
[[File:OnyxArtemisAVPHolomatter.jpg|upright=.8|thumb]]

[[Vector Prime]] fondly remembered the time he spent with his siblings, including Onyx Prime, who Vector noted to be in tune with nature and especially the organic. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/14}} Vector also noted that both [[Liege Maximo|Liege]] and Onyx utilized female [[holomatter]] avatars when interacting with humans. Onyx's avatar inspired/co-opted the myth of '''Artemis'''. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/20}} Vector Prime also noted that there were [[universal stream]]s where Onyx went by the name Onyx [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/24}}

When Nexus Prime united the [[Terminus Blade]] and [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] with the intent of thickening the walls between realities to prevent dimensional travel, Onyx Prime and the other members of the "multiversal singularity" incarnation of the Thirteen gathered to witness this momentous event. When Nexus brought the blades together, Onyx and the Thirteen ceased to exist as singularities and were splintered into multiple different incarnations across the multiverse. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

{{note|The individual Thirteen were not identified on-panel in "Out of the One, Many", but an orange, winged, vaguely bird-like Transformer depicted in the comic was possibly Onyx.}}

{{-}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
[[File:Cyberverse-S3E19-Thunderhowl-Onyx-Prime.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Onyx Prime was one of the [[Thirteen]]. {{storylink|Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)|Dweller In The Depths}} {{storylink|Silent Strike}} {{storylink|The Other One}}
{{charfictionstub|{{storylink|Thunderhowl (episode)|Thunderhowl}}{{storylink|The Perfect Decepticon}}}}

==Toys==
===''Power of the Primes''===
[[File:POTP-Titan-Onyx-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Predaking''' (Titan Class, [[2018]])

:''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Predaking comes packaged with Onyx Prime as a [[Prime Master]]. Since he is a Prime Master he can plug into any decoy armor's Pretender or weapon form, or replace a ''Power of the Primes'' Leader's [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Power of the Primes|Matrix]] core. Onyx Prime can also ride Legends Class figures and attach to Deluxe Class figures' chest armor, Voyager Class figures' bucklers, or Voyager Class figures' combined mode. It includes the frame for the [[Onyx Matrix]], and can attach to it as a Prime Master would to a normal Matrix frame. When connected to the frame, he can hide in Predaking's chest, under Razorclaw's beast head. His presence among them might be due to the animalistic nature of the team.

:Onyx Prime was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as the [[Matrix Gauntlet|Yellow Matrix]] wielded by [[Optimus Prime (Universe)|Yellow Splendid Convoy]] in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:OnyxPrime cop idw infographic.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
* Like other members of the Thirteen, Onyx Prime was once as a [[multiversal singularity]] who existed as one being across all space and time, but that is [[Shroud|no longer the case]].
* The artwork of Onyx Prime in the ''Covenant of Primus'' (at the top of this article) is a little hard to decipher, which for a while led many fans to believe that he had been drawn incorrectly in IDW's comics. He is a ''centaur'', as can clearly (if briefly) be glimpsed in his ''Prime'' cartoon appearance, but the ''Covenant'' artwork depicts him rearing up on his hind legs, obfuscating his forelegs and supposedly leading several IDW artists to misinterpret his design, either mis-drawing his forelegs or omitting them entirely, thereby drawing him as a normal two-legged 'bot. Artist [[Kei Zama]] would later state on [https://twitter.com/Golby_mkII/status/953724243102986240 her Twitter] that she views Onyx's "normal" position as a centaur but that he's facultatively bipedal and prone to standing on his hind legs for the sake of appearing imposing. This was eventually [[retcon]]ned in [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|''Optimus Prime'' #18]] into being a subtle piece of foreshadowing: the ''real'' Onyx was a quadruped, but his natural stance was the one thing that the bipedal Shockwave could not replicate while impersonating him.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Onyx Prime''' (オニキスプライム ''Onikisu Puraimu'')

{{-}}{{Thirteen}}

[[Category:Cyberverse Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Prime Masters]]
[[Category:Prime Transformers]]
[[Category:Thirteen]]

Onyx Prime

2022-07-21T20:11:29Z

Androzani84: /* Generation 1 continuity family */

{{faction|onyxprime}}
{{featured}}
{{disambigm|Onyx (disambiguation)|Artemis (disambiguation)}}
[[Image:10OnyxPrime.jpg|thumb|400px|Move over, [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]]!]]

Of the [[Thirteen]], '''Onyx Prime''', the "Lord of Beasts", is the most spiritually-minded of their number, in tune with both the creatures of the natural world and the intangible realm of the spirit. He alone has the ability to properly use the three-faced [[Triptych Mask]] given to him by Primus; this artifact allows him to cast his spirit across vast distances to commune with the dreams of far-off beings, or even track the journey of a [[Spark]] across the [[Transformer afterlife|afterlife]]. Though some view these strange mental voyages across distant realms as mere flights of fancy, Onyx and his visions make him one of the most inspirational Primes.

Onyx Prime's spiritual aptitude allowed him to cultivate an inscrutable presence that made him appear mysterious and slightly intimidating at the best of times, even to the other members of the Thirteen. In spite of his powers, Onyx Prime is a kind-hearted and friendly individual at [[Spark]], a trait that made him one of the most liked members of the Thirteen. Indeed, all of his siblings treated him as a fiercely loyal companion and a steadfast confidant—[[Micronus Prime]], in particular, once regarded Onyx as his closest friend. As the first Transformer to possess a [[beast mode]], those Transformers who revere him as the greatest of the Primes tend to eschew the vehicular [[alternate mode]]s of other Transformers, preferring to wear the animalistic forms exemplified by their spiritual progenitor.

==Fiction==
===Aligned continuity family===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
[[File:COP-WellOfAllSparks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Onyx Prime was the eighth member of the [[Thirteen]] produced by [[Primus]], to serve as his children and warriors against his opposite, [[Unicron]]. As one of the mid-level Thirteen spawned between the opposing warriors [[Prima]] and [[The Fallen|Megatronus]], Onyx Prime had a more balanced and elemental quality. He was a fierce warrior and fought valiantly in the battle with Unicron, but also had a spiritual side that intrigued some of his fellows while flummoxing others. He was very close to [[Solus Prime]] (often to Megatronus's chagrin) and was perhaps best friends with [[Micronus Prime]].

The death of Solus Prime hit Onyx harder than any other member of the Primes. It was Onyx who discovered her body in her workshop, and the cry he let loose chilled [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] to his very oil. He had to be physically restrained by [[Vector Prime]]'s power after finding Solus, and held in that position to prevent him from seeking vengeance on Megatronus himself. When the division between Megatronus and [[Liege Maximo]] came to a head, all the remained Thirteen warred with one another in a battle lust that was divorced from all possible reason. When they regained their senses, the Thirteen found Maximo dead and Onyx Prime gravely injured.

As Megatronus declared himself "The Fallen" forevermore and exiled himself from Cybertron, the Thirteen questioned what to do next. Solus Prime's body had melted down to the core of Cybertron, creating a font of life that could potentially produce new Cybertronians. As his dying act, Onyx Prime volunteered to catalyze the process, journeying down into this [[Well of All Sparks]] with the power of his Triptych Mask reorganizing the thirteen patterns of the Thirteen into an endless variety of new Cybertronians. They believed the power of Primus would preserve Onyx Prime at the core forevermore, keeping him from the death awaiting his injuries. [[Quintus Prime]], [[Alchemist Prime]], and [[Amalgamous Prime]] each contributed some of their power and skills to this experiment as well, ensuring its success. In the end, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] and Micronus Prime chose to journey down into the Well with Onyx. Optimus intended to be reincarnated among the new sparks, allowing him to live among them and learn from them. Micronus could not bear to be parted from Onyx, and chose to exile himself to the core with his mortally wounded friend as well.

The experiment was a success, and the Well of All Sparks soon erupted with an endless array of new lifeforms, brought into existence by Onyx Prime and the power of his brothers and sisters. The [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]]s of the [[Age of Evolution]] certainly drew strongly from Onyx's pattern, as did the other beastformers that followed in their wake over time. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[File:OneShallRise1-WellofAllSparks.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
According to legend, at the beginning of time, [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] battled each other for eons, with neither side remaining victorious for long. Till, that is, Primus created the [[Thirteen]]. These Thirteen defeated Unicron and cast him into space. {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 1}}

{{-}}
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====2005 IDW continuity====
{{main|Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Onyx Prime}}
{{first|[[The Crucible|''Robots in Disguise'' #34]] (mentioned); [[Ghost Stories|''Transformers'' Annual 2017]] (Shockwave as Onyx Prime); [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|''Optimus Prime'' #18]] (true Onyx)}}
[[File:IDW Onyx.jpg|thumb|left|Something happened on [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|the day he died]]. Spirit rose a metre then stepped aside. [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW Continuity|Somebody else]] took his place, and then he cried…]]
In the barbarian age after the departure of the [[Knights of Cybertron]], Onyx was the leader of a flock of wayward and mistreated Cybertronians, searching for whatever [[energon]] they could find. One day, they came across the time-lost [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], transported twelve million years into the past as a result of the destruction of his [[chronal drive]]. The kindly Onyx offered the damaged Shockwave some of their energon and introduced himself; realizing the crucial role that Onyx would play in Cybertron's history, Shockwave took him up on his offer after killing him and seizing control of his herd. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

Disguising himself as the newly-styled "Onyx Prime," Shockwave used his knowledge of Cybertronian history to ensure the perpetual dominance of the Cybertronian species, seeding history with ontological paradoxes (including the "[[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron]]" prophecy that his younger self would one day attempt to bring about) and the means by which he would one day find himself transported backwards in time. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}} By establishing, and subsequently tearing down, every myth and legend that his fellow Transformers believed in, Shockwave aimed to destroy every faith, faction, and creed, sacrificing Cybertron itself to forestall [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], and uniting what remained of the Cybertronian species under a new banner—his own. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}}
{{-}}

====''Power of the Primes'' toy bios====
Onyx Prime's [[Spark]] passed into the possession of one of the twelve [[Prime Master]]s; hidden within a suit of decoy armor, they safeguarded the abilities of the Primes until the present day. By uniting with a larger Transformer, the Prime Master could channel the powers of Onyx's Spark and grant them unique abilities that varied with each new partner. {{storylink|Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes}}

{{note|For a list of every permutation of Onyx Prime's abilities, see [[Prime Master/Combinations|this link]].}}

===Fun Publications===
[[File:OnyxArtemisAVPHolomatter.jpg|upright=.8|thumb]]

[[Vector Prime]] fondly remembered the time he spent with his siblings, including Onyx Prime, who Vector noted to be in tune with nature and especially the organic. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/14}} Vector also noted that both [[Liege Maximo|Liege]] and Onyx utilized female [[holomatter]] avatars when interacting with humans. Onyx's avatar inspired/co-opted the myth of '''Artemis'''. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/20}} Vector Prime also noted that there were [[universal stream]]s where Onyx went by the name Onyx [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/24}}

When Nexus Prime united the [[Terminus Blade]] and [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] with the intent of thickening the walls between realities to prevent dimensional travel, Onyx Prime and the other members of the "multiversal singularity" incarnation of the Thirteen gathered to witness this momentous event. When Nexus brought the blades together, Onyx and the Thirteen ceased to exist as singularities and were splintered into multiple different incarnations across the multiverse. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

{{note|The individual Thirteen were not identified on-panel in "Out of the One, Many", but an orange, winged, vaguely bird-like Transformer depicted in the comic was possibly Onyx.}}

{{-}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
[[File:Cyberverse-S3E19-Thunderhowl-Onyx-Prime.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Onyx Prime was one of the [[Thirteen]]. {{storylink|Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)|Dweller In The Depths}} {{storylink|Silent Strike}} {{storylink|The Other One}}
{{charfictionstub|{{storylink|Thunderhowl (episode)|Thunderhowl}}{{storylink|The Perfect Decepticon}}}}

==Toys==
===''Power of the Primes''===
[[File:POTP-Titan-Onyx-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Predaking''' (Titan Class, [[2018]])

:''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Predaking comes packaged with Onyx Prime as a [[Prime Master]]. Since he is a Prime Master he can plug into any decoy armor's Pretender or weapon form, or replace a ''Power of the Primes'' Leader's [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Power of the Primes|Matrix]] core. Onyx Prime can also ride Legends Class figures and attach to Deluxe Class figures' chest armor, Voyager Class figures' bucklers, or Voyager Class figures' combined mode. It includes the frame for the [[Onyx Matrix]], and can attach to it as a Prime Master would to a normal Matrix frame. When connected to the frame, he can hide in Predaking's chest, under Razorclaw's beast head. His presence among them might be due to the animalistic nature of the team.

:Onyx Prime was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as the [[Matrix Gauntlet|Yellow Matrix]] wielded by [[Optimus Prime (Universe)|Yellow Splendid Convoy]] in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:OnyxPrime cop idw infographic.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
* Like other members of the Thirteen, Onyx Prime was once as a [[multiversal singularity]] who existed as one being across all space and time, but that is [[Shroud|no longer the case]].
* The artwork of Onyx Prime in the ''Covenant of Primus'' (at the top of this article) is a little hard to decipher, which for a while led many fans to believe that he had been drawn incorrectly in IDW's comics. He is a ''centaur'', as can clearly (if briefly) be glimpsed in his ''Prime'' cartoon appearance, but the ''Covenant'' artwork depicts him rearing up on his hind legs, obfuscating his forelegs and supposedly leading several IDW artists to misinterpret his design, either mis-drawing his forelegs or omitting them entirely, thereby drawing him as a normal two-legged 'bot. Artist [[Kei Zama]] would later state on [https://twitter.com/Golby_mkII/status/953724243102986240 her Twitter] that she views Onyx's "normal" position as a centaur but that he's facultatively bipedal and prone to standing on his hind legs for the sake of appearing imposing. This was eventually [[retcon]]ned in [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|''Optimus Prime'' #18]] into being a subtle piece of foreshadowing: the ''real'' Onyx was a quadruped, but his natural stance was the one thing that the bipedal Shockwave could not replicate while impersonating him.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Onyx Prime''' (オニキスプライム ''Onikisu Puraimu'')

{{-}}{{Thirteen}}

[[Category:Cyberverse Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Prime Masters]]
[[Category:Prime Transformers]]
[[Category:Thirteen]]

Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)

2022-07-14T13:54:27Z

Androzani84: Works better with the intended reference

{{disambig3.5|the 2001 cartoon|the 2015 cartoon|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{nav-rid2001}}
[[File:CarRobots poster.jpg|thumb|250px|The On Her Majesty’s Secret Service of major ''Transformers'' iterations.]]

'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise''''', known as '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット) in Japan, is the first Japanese-original ''Transformers'' cartoon ever officially dubbed and broadcast for a US audience. Debuting about eighteen months after its Japanese incarnation, it aired—not without problems—from [[September 8]], [[2001]] to [[March 30]], [[2002]], in support of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|toyline]] of the same name.
{{TOCclear}}

==Story==
[[File:RiD Cartoon Intro Title.JPG|thumb|upright=1.15|left|There's the signpost up ahead... your next stop: The T-AI-Light Zone.]]
When Earth is targeted by [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and his [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots prepare for their coming by installing themselves in secret among human society, masquerading as everyday vehicles used by humankind with no knowledge of their true nature. When Megatron strikes and kidnaps famous scientist [[Kenneth Onishi|Dr. Kenneth Onishi]], the Autobots ally with his son [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] to rescue him before Megatron can pry from his mind the truth about an ancient secret hidden somewhere on Earth.

After successfully re-energizing his ailing craft, the ''[[Megastar]]'', Megatron rips the first clue from Doctor Onishi's mind, and tracks the location of an ancient Cybertronian [[O-Part]], only to lose it to the Autobots. Incensed by failure, Megatron recovers six Autobot [[protoform]]s from a crashed spaceship and brainwashes them into the [[Decepticon]]s, led by the dark clone of Optimus Prime, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]. These new warriors prove much tougher opponents for the Autobots, who then have to deal with attacks from their own side when Optimus Prime's embittered brother, [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]], arrives on Earth to steal the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from Prime. Realizing the Matrix can be shared between them, the brothers put aside their differences and gain the power to combine into [[Omega Prime]], as well as using the Matrix's power to give the [[Autobot Brothers]] new super-charged bodies.

Fearful of losing his position to Scourge, the bumbling [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] accidentally frees Doctor Onishi when he attempts to use the scientist to locate all the remaining missing O-Parts. Onishi is then able to help the Autobots gather all the O-Parts, which together form a map that points the way to [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], an ancient Cybertronian battle station hidden on Earth for untold ages and controlled by the will of human children. The awakening of Maximus in turn awakens Scourge's ambition, and he leaves Megatron to perish in a collapsing temple so that he can take command for himself. Megatron, however, is transformed into the more-powerful Galvatron and puts down Scourge's rebellion before confronting Omega Prime in a final battle at the [[Earth's core]], where he is defeated by the [[Matrix Blade]] created by a fusion of Maximus's energy with Magnus and Prime's Matrix.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot#2001 Robots in Disguise|Autobots]]|c1=
{{collist|2|
;Main Cast
*[[Omega Prime]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])
**[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Neil Kaplan]])
**[[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Kim Strauss]])
*[[T-AI]] ([[Sandy Fox]])
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] ([[Wayne C. Lewis]])
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] ([[Wally Wingert]])
*[[X-Brawn]] ([[Bob Joles]])
*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] ([[Steve Blum]])
**[[Emissary (RID)|The Emissary]]
**[[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] ([[Steve Kramer]])
;[[Team Bullet Train]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]] ([[David Lodge]])
**[[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] ([[Mike Reynolds]])
**[[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] ([[Keith Diamond]])
**[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (David Lodge)
;[[Spy Changer]]s
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] ([[Michael McConnohie]])
*[[R.E.V.]] (Steve Kramer)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] ([[Dan Woren]])
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (Michael McConnohie)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (Wally Wingert)
;[[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]]
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] ([[Michael Reisz]])
**[[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]] (Michael Reisz)
**[[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] ([[Daran Norris]])
**[[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] ([[Joe Ochman]])
**[[Grimlock (RID 2001)|Grimlock]] ([[Tom Wyner]])
;Others
*[[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] ([[Michael Lindsay]])
*[[Tow-Line (RID)|Tow-Line]] ([[Lex Lang]])
}}

|h2=Antagonists |c2=
;[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron/Galvatron]] (Daniel Riordan)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] ([[Peter Spellos]])
*[[Predacon Field Squadron]]
**[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] ([[Peter Lurie]])
**[[Gas Skunk]] ([[Jerry DeCapua]])
**[[Dark Scream]] (Steve Blum)
;[[Decepticon]]s
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] ([[Barry Stigler]])
*[[Commando (RID)|Commandos]]: [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] ([[Bob Papenbrook]])
**[[Mega-Octane]] (Bob Papenbrook)
**[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] (Neil Kaplan)
**[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] ([[Richard Epcar]])
**[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] (Michael Lindsay)
**[[Movor]] ([[Robert Axelrod]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
*[[Koji Onishi]] ([[Jason Spisak]])
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] ([[Philece Sampler]])

;Others
*[[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]] ([[Kirk Thornton]])
*[[Dorie Dutton]] ([[Tifanie Christun]])
*[[Carl (RID)|Carl]] ([[Joshua Seth]])
*[[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] ([[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]])
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes}}

The three clip shows of ''Robots in Disguise'' differ between the English and Japanese versions. Both are listed at the appropriate numbers.

{{collist|4|
#[[Battle Protocol!]]
#[[An Explosive Situation]]
#[[Bullet Train to the Rescue]]
#[[Spychangers to the Rescue]]
#[[The Hunt for Black Pyramid]]
#[[The Secret of the Ruins]]
#[[Sideburn's Obsession]]
#[[Secret Weapon: D-5]]
#[[Mirage's Betrayal]]
#[[Skid Z's Choice]]
#[[Tow-Line Goes Haywire]]
#[[The Ultimate Robot Warrior]]
#[[Hope for the Future]]{{dag|red}} [[Gigatron's Ambitions Revealed!]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Decepticons]]
#[[Commandos]]
#[[Volcano (episode)|Volcano]]
#[[Attack from Outer Space]]
#[[The Test (episode)|The Test]]
#[[The Fish Test]]
#[[Wedge's Short Fuse]]
#[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]
#[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]
#[[A Test of Metal]]
#[[Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!]]
#[[Lessons of the Past]]{{dag|red}} [[Assemble! New Troops]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Two Faces of Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Power to Burn!]]
#[[Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus]]
#[[Koji Gets His Wish]]
#[[A Friendly Contest]]
#[[Peril from the Past]]
#[[Maximus Emerges]]
#[[The Human Element]]
#[[Mystery of the Ultra Magnus]]{{dag|red}} [[Gelshark's Blues]]{{dag|red}}
#[[Mistaken Identity]]
#[[Surprise Attack!]]
#[[Galvatron's Revenge]]
#[[The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle]]
}}
{{dag|red}} ''[[Clip show]]''

==Japanese release==
{{Nav-cr}}

Running from [[April 5]] to [[December 17]], [[2000]] immediately following the conclusion of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals|Beast Wars Metals]]'', ''Transformers: Car Robots'' inherited the by-then-traditional ''Transformers'' slot at [[TV Tokyo]] from [[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers|Japan's ''Beast Wars'' franchise]], airing at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays. ''Car Robots'' utilized the same traditional cell-based 2D animation as prior Japanese-only productions ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', and featured a healthy contingent of returning cast and crew. In a major change from prior productions, principal animation duties were handled by [[Studio Gallop]] and [[Dong Woo Animation]] rather than long-time ''Transformers'' veterans [[Ashi Productions]]. The cartoon was produced by [[We've]], [[Nihon Ad Systems]], and (unsurprisingly) TV Tokyo, all also returning from the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' seasons and all of whom would return for the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]] in [[2002]].

Still set on [[Earth]] at the turn of the century, the story of original ''Car Robots'' cartoon features a subtly distinct framing from ''Robots in Disguise'' as it follows a "[[Dimensional Patrol]]" led by "[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]]" protecting the planet and its long-lost Cybertronian artifacts from the ambitions of the evil "[[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]]" and his new "[[Predacon (BW)#Japanese Generation 1 continuity|Destronger]]" faction.

What exactly that *means* was the subject of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle|no small amount of confusion]], but to skip to the end, ''Car Robots'' is the final Japan-exclusive season of the behemoth [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], with a cast composed of all new characters, having time-traveled from the distant future some time after the events of ''Neo''.

''Car Robots''<nowiki>'</nowiki> opening song is "[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" and its ending theme is "[[Marionette]]".

{{stub}}

==Production==
[[File:Ridcartoon.jpg|right|thumb]]

When [[Hasbro]] scrapped their plans for the ''[[Transtech]]'' series that was initially intended to follow ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', material was suddenly needed to fill the void until a new series could be developed. At the eleventh hour, the Japanese series ''Car Robots'', which had screened in Japan the previous year, was selected for this task, and in the process, it became the first ''Transformers'' anime to make the leap across the Pacific in an official capacity. Although "only" filler, the series marked a partial return to the roots of Transformers fiction, reintroducing the Autobot and Decepticon factions and [[insignia]]s and realistic modern Earth vehicles to the brand, after the [[Beast Era]]'s five years of [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s and [[alternate mode]]s based on animals or abstract/futuristic vehicles.

Given Takara's method of operation at the time, ''Car Robots'' was aimed at a younger audience than that targeted by Hasbro, meaning that it featured a more light-hearted, comedic tone overall, with storylines that were typically light or goofy and sometimes relied on bad jokes, absurd imagery and slapstick. This approach divided fans, but regardless, comic foil [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] became the real breakout character of the series and a fan-favourite whose enduring popularity saw him break into the top five nominations for the [[Transformers Hall of Fame/2012|2012 Transformers Hall of Fame]]'s fan vote.

The animation of the series, meanwhile, was cel-based, a significant change from the CGI that had been a hallmark of ''Transformers'' television series in the US since 1996. In-keeping with the show's general tone, the cartoon features many standard anime light-comedy stylings, and is replete with overdone facial expressions, comic effects like sweat drops surrounding a character's head to signify confusion or consternation, and the traditional streaked background behind the character for high-action shots or [[stock footage]] transformation/attack sequences.

The ''Robots in Disguise'' English dub was produced by [[Saban Entertainment]], who were riding high at the time with the early 21st Century anime boom in full force, and broadcast on the [[Fox Kids]] programming block, which was at the peak of its popularity. The series was subject to some notable editing and re-writing in the traditional Saban style ([[#Prominent adaptational changes|see below]]). As a dubbed product, most of the voice actors involved in the series, though veterans of other Saban properties, had never worked on a Transformers series before, save for actor/director [[Michael McConnohie]].

Perhaps the best-remembered element of ''Robots in Disguise''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s legacy, however, was the fate that befell it following the [[September 11]], 2001, terrorist attacks, which occurred after only two episodes of the series had been broadcast. A scramble resulted to re-edit multiple episodes of the series before they reached air to remove scenes that were considered distasteful after these events, but as the first two-thirds of the series was airing ''six days a week'', this quickly left the series airing in a disjointed, out-of-order fashion, with sheer misfortune causing the majority of episodes effected to be ones that dealt with the show's sporadically-referenced ongoing [[O-Part]]s plot. The first victim was "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]", production on which had already been finished, and had to be pulled from broadcast to be re-written. A trio of episodes—"[[Attack from Outer Space]]", "[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]" and "[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]"—could not be salvaged and were simply not aired in the US at all; it seems possible that at least two of the three clip shows (see "Prominent adaptational changes", below) were specifically re-created to patch over the holes in the plot that resulted from the removal of these episodes, though the episodes did later air in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Canada]] with their questionable plot elements intact.

The Walt Disney Company acquired ownership of ''Robots in Disguise'' when it purchased Saban's assets in late 2001. Disney's ownership and apparent lack of desire to do anything with the show has resulted in it being the only American-broadcast Transformers cartoon to not be even partially released on DVD in the United States (though the complete series was released in the UK). Although Saban did reacquire several of their programmes in 2010, there is presently no evidence that ''Robots in Disguise'' was among them. Due to these factors, as of this writing, it remains the sole cartoon released in English-language markets that Hasbro does not retain full ownership of.

===Prominent adaptational changes===
[[File:FishTest removed reaction shots.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]

As tended to be the wont of Saban productions, ''Robots in Disguise'' was altered from the original Japanese ''Car Robots'' in multiple ways—some subtle, others less so. Dialogue would, for the most part, stick to the intent of the original, but at times certain conversations could be about entirely different things in English versus Japanese; as a lighthearted show, ''Car Robots'' is particularly fond of Japanese cultural humor and wordplay, and ''Robots in Disguise'' often had to work around such exchanges, replacing them with English-language jokes that could either be comparable or entirely different. Several characters' personalities were entirely reworked for the English dub; Darkscream, for instance, lost the samurai overtones of his Japanese counterpart, Megatron became incredibly theatrical and prone to explosive tantrums, Rapid Run went from being a gruff, older warrior into a young, cool dude, and Midnight Express was changed from the timid, junior member of Team Bullet Train into a British fusspot, to name a few. Curiously, the three [[clip show]]s that were part of ''Car Robots'' were cut entirely, and replaced with brand ''new'' clip shows, created whole cloth from reused footage by the American production team.

The visuals of the show were also edited, with new CGI [[scene transition]]s based on the classic [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] transitions inserted into the proceedings, sometimes in place of the simple wipes used in ''Car Robots''. In the early portion of the series, CGI "POV" overlays were occasionally added as characters targeted their opponents for attack, though this particular practise was not employed much as the series went on. The entire soundtrack of the show was changed for ''Robots in Disguise'', with new tunes being provided by Saban mainstays [[Shuki Levy]] and [[Paul Gordon]] as well as [[Glenn Scott Lacey]].

Perhaps one of the most notable traits of the ''Robots in Disguise'' dub was the insertion of numerous references to other ''Transformers'' series, typically added to scripts by Hasbro employee [[Andrew Frankel]] after they were submitted for approval—though this did create some debate in the fandom ([[#Continuity confusion|see below]]).

Outside of these major overarching examples, there are sometimes other changes both major and minor made to the content of individual episodes for numerous reasons. {{SITENAME SHORT}} notes such changes on the individual episode articles.
{{--}}

===Credits===
{{see|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)/credits}}

==Continuity confusion==
{{main|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle}}
{{cleanup||Chop down to cartoon-relevant information only}}

====''Car Robots''====
When the first [https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm16590450 television promo] for ''Car Robots'' aired immediately after the [[Remix: I Forgot the Banana!|final episode]] of ''Beast Wars Metals'', said promo featured [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]] thanking the [[Maximal]] Beast Warriors for preserving [[Earth]]'s history and promising to keep the modern day safe from the Destrongers.<ref group="note">This information was largely lost on larger English-speaking world due to a lack of widespread knowledge that this obscure promo had even existed, let alone what was said in its Japanese dialogue.</ref> Preliminary information found on [https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/carobot/index.html TVTokyo's website] described ''Car Robots'' as "The next great entry in the ''[[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers|Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars]]'' series" and even mentioned by name the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] of old. Said site and the [http://web.archive.org/web/20200526192751/https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/150486-car-robots-robots-in-disguise-2001-general-discussion/page-3#entry3747453 first toy catalog] also claimed the Destrongers had come to the 21st century through a dimensional rift, with Fire Convoy's team being a "[[Dimensional Patrol]]" sent to oppose them; the catalog even described the series premise as "[[Diaclone#Car Robots|Car Robots]] versus [[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]".

Coupled with the [[Battle Protocol!|first episode]] featuring a celebration for the new millennium, setting it in the year [[2000]], all this led to initial speculation that the series would be set in the [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|existing Japanese ''Transformers'' continuity]], during the at-the-time unexplored gap between the second season of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] and [[The Transformers: The Movie|its movie]], with the ''Car Robots'' cast having time-traveled from the future à la ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''. Plus, while not known to the fandom at the time, early concept art for Fire Convoy (released publicly in [[2015]]) even depicts him with a [[Maximal]] symbol instead of an Autobot one.<ref>[https://twitter.com/walruslaw/status/1488875871847043072 Walruslaw on Twitter] reveals Fire Convoy concept art from ''[[Transformers Generations 2015]]''.</ref>

As the series continued, however, it began to feel more like a fresh start, presenting itself as a self-contained story isolated from everything that had come before it.<ref group="note">The [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars II'' cartoon]] was similarly isolated and self-contained, but the appearance of [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] in both its first toy catalog and [[Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!|its movie]] made it easier for fans to accept it as part of the existing timeline.</ref> There were no obvious ties or references to the Generation 1 cartoon that it apparently was set within contemporaneously,<ref group="note">The [[Cybertron Base (RID)|Autobots' base]] and [[Global Space Bridge|underground transit system]] were strikingly similar to ones first introduced in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Issue #4]] of the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (manga)|''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' manga]]; a series that not many Westerners were familiar with at the time.</ref> no guest appearances from any Generation 1 characters (who, logically, ought to have noticed the globally Earth-based conflict of Fire Convoy and Gigatron's forces),<ref group="note">Even the similarly self-contained [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon]] had a brief guest cameo appearance from [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] in its [[Birth! Headmaster Jrs|third episode]].</ref> and Fire Convoy's team took a more covert role in their relationship with humanity, using their vehicle modes to hide themselves when not in battle, unlike the Generation 1 Autobots who regularly interacted with humans in their robot modes. In fact, none of the early information about the characters being time travelers was ever brought up in the show, with almost no indication of the cast being anything but native to the year 2000 (save for one extremely brief moment in [[The Ultimate Robot Warrior|episode 12]] where Fire Convoy vaguely hints at having originally come from another time).

Thus, fans began to reconsider the series' original continuity placement and wondered if it might instead be an alternate universe—a sort of continuity reboot—dismissing the early time-traveling info as mere rumors or dropped concepts (or simply never knowing about it in the first place). But, as this thinking persisted, ''Car Robots'' moved into its second half and ''finally'' began to do some actual world-building, introducing [[Energon Matrix|concepts]] and [[Vector Sigma#Japanese cartoon continuity|lore]] originally from ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', two Japanese series that the greater Western fandom had only sparse knowledge about at the time. Those who did catch these new references (and ''hadn't'' fully dismissed the original continuity speculation) theorized if maybe the cast of ''Car Robots'' had come from a future set after ''Beast Wars Neo''. But, the more vocal [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers#JBWchronology|fandom belief]] of ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'' taking place chronologically before ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' challenged this theory and [http://web.archive.org/web/20121116084945/http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=490 attempted to silence it.]

====''Robots in Disguise''====
The ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon, on the other hand, was unambigously the first total reboot of Transformers fiction. As the first official material not set in any Generation 1 universe it established the first alternate [[continuity family]] in the line's history. However, as this was such a new idea, it took a while for fans to accept the "reboot" idea, and many would try to figure out how to fit the series into existing Generation 1 cartoon continuity. Aiding them in this endeavor were the numerous "[[easter egg]]" references added to the ''Robots in Disguise'' dub that mentioned characters and events from earlier ''Transformers'' series . This mindset died off with time, especially after subsequent series would create more and more reboots, eliminating the uniqueness of ''Robots in Disguise''.

====Legacy====
[[File:Japaneseflowchart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
In [[2006]]–[[2007]], Takara surprised the Western fandom by directly clarifying ''Car Robots''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s place in continuity. The ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' series featured a time-jumping story in which the series' protagonists traveled through time aboard Brave Maximus, the very same one from ''Car Robots''. One of their jumps even took them to the first episode of ''Car Robots'' without any dimension-hopping, only time-hopping. The series ended with Brave Maximus crash-landing on [[Master (planet)|Planet Master]] at a point set before the planet's refugee inhabitants had developed the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster technology]], with Brave Maximus's wreckage even providing the catalyst for not just the technology but also the construction of the physically-identical [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Other print media even produced a long, [[Source:Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|highly detailed timeline]] that mapped out just how the hell this all worked.

Essentially, Takara had stuck to the original claims of the series' preliminary info by officially declaring ''Car Robots'' to have been part of the massive, sprawling [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]] all along, hand-waving the cartoon's lack of previous-series Transformers appearing on Earth by utilizing the abrupt ending of a [[Transformers: The Battle of the Star Gate|short-lived, rather obscure Generation 1-based manga]] first published in [[2003]]. Said manga took place in the latter 1990s and ended, ''very conveniently'', with virtually the entire Generation 1 cast getting swept away from Earth after a cataclysmic battle in space.

With much of the fandom having already grown used to the idea of ''Car Robots'' being as much of a reboot as ''Robots in Disguise'', this revelation was initially met with quite the startled reaction; many even wrote it off as a nonsensical [[retcon]]. Regardless, [[Transformers Legends (comic)|subsequent]] [[Transformers Unite Warriors|Japanese media]] would adhere to this decision, leaning ''into'' the once-quelled idea of the ''Car Robots'' cast originally hailing from a future time set at some point near or after ''Beast Wars Neo''. The aforementioned ''Robotmasters'' Wrecker Hook and ''Binaltech Asterisk'' Junko would even be confirmed to be the same characters as their ''Car Robots'' counterparts, in [[2013]]'s "[[Metrowars]]" and [[2016]]'s ''[[Unite Warriors Offshot]]'', respectively.

Hasbro, on the other side of the pond, had '''NO''' such plans to align the English version with any of this. To this day, the ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon remains its own little separate, distinctly non-Generation 1 thing, and Hasbro has shown little inclination to revive its characters or concepts; most of the callbacks have come from licensees [[Fun Publications]] and [[IDW Publishing]], but a ''few'' characters and ideas have persisted in toy form from Hasbro proper. Thus, ''Car Robots''/''Robots in Disguise'' is in the unique position of being simultaneously part of Generation 1 and completely separate from Generation 1... depending on which side of the globe you're looking at.

==Home video releases==
===''Car Robots''===
[[File:Tf car robots vol 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Pony Canyon}}
The ''Car Robots'' version of ''Robots in Disguise'' was released on VHS and DVD by Pony Canyon in [[Japan]] while the series was still on air.
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 2 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 3 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 4 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 5 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 6 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 7 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 8 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 9 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 10 (2001)
{{--}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[File:RiD Box Set 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Maximum Entertainment}}
Maximum Entertainment, in association with [[Fox Kids|Jetix]], released the entire ''RiD'' series in the UK... several times.
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 2 of 2 ([[April 15]] 2005)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Evil Intent (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battling the Predacons (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — 3 DVD Mega Pack (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation / Action Man'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season Two (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (2008)

===Italy===
{{main|Stormovie}}
Stormovie released ''RiD'' in Italy, but... not entirely. At first the first 16 episodes were released in 4 DVDs, then the series was interrupted and later they released two "movies" made of various episodes. While the first one is just five episodes back to back, the second one is slightly messier, being made of five episodes back to back with two 1-minute clips from other episodes to stitch them (the scene in "[[Koji Gets His Wish]]" where Scourge lets Sky-Byte go to search for Cerebros and the part of "[[Maximus Emerges]]" when the Autobots find Cerebros), but still kinda confusing since the beginning part of "[[Surprise Attack!]]" has the characters talking about things that were left out from the "movie".
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 1''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 1-4.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 2''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 5-8.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 3''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 9-12.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 4''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 13-16.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Battle Protocol!|1]], [[An Explosive Situation|2]], [[The Decepticons|14]], [[Volcano (episode)|16]] and [[The Fish Test|19]].
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film: Battaglia Finale''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Fortress Maximus (episode)|29]], [[Koji Gets His Wish|30]], [[Peril from the Past|32]], [[Maximus Emerges|33]], [[Surprise Attack!|37]], [[Galvatron's Revenge|38]] and [[The Final Battle (RID)|39]].
{{--}}

==Notes==
* ''Robots in Disguise'' is the lone ''Transformers'' show that aired between 1996 and 2006 that does not feature a Canadian voice cast for its English language release, being recorded in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]; all others, including its [[Beast Era]] predecessors and its [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] successors, were recorded in Vancouver, [[British Columbia]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット ''Toransufōmā Kā Robotto'')
*''Korean:'' '''''Jeonguiui Yongsa: Car Bot''''' (정의의 용사 카봇, "Brave Heroes of Justice: Car-Bots")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: A Nova Geração''''' (Brazil, "Transformers: The New Generation")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: Nueva Generación''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: New Generation")

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Footnotes===
<references group="note"/>

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info RiD Forever]
*{{w|lang=ja|トランスフォーマーカーロボット|''Transformers Car Robots'' on Japanese Wikipedia}}
*[https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/carobot/index.html ''Transformers: Car Robots'' on TVTokyo]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Robots in Disguise (cartoon)}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001)| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Dreadwind's Xmas!

2022-07-08T15:52:37Z

Androzani84: /* Reprints */

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #302
|prev=Rhythms of Darkness!
|title="Dreadwind's Xmas!"
|next=The Human Factor!
|image=MarvelUK-302.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|coverdate=[[December 29|29th December]] [[1990]]
|writer=''Unknown''
|chronology=Xmas [[Marvel Comics timeline|1990]]
|continuity=[[Letters page (Marvel UK)|Letters page]]
}}
'''Dreadwind has had too much of the Christmas spirits...'''

==Synopsis==
Dreadwind has barricaded himself into his room at the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[United Kingdom|UK]] offices, resisting his replacement as the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]] answerer. After some weeks he has become bitter and twisted. Then on [[Christmas|Christmas Eve]] he is visited at midnight by three apparitions. The first resembles [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and states it is "the ghost of the past". It tells Dreadwind to give up and go back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The second resembles [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and is the "ghost of the present" who asks Dreadwind what has been achieved other than turning his bitterness on himself. The third is cowled but reveals itself to be a distorted version of Dreadwind who tells the Decepticon that this is what he will become if he doesn't change his ways. The spirits vanish and Dreadwind cries. At dawn he abandons his occupation and leaves, heading home to plot vengeance on the Ultimate Beings...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c2=
*[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] (1)
|c4=
*[[Ghost of the past]] (2)
*[[Ghost of the present]] (3)
*[[Ghost of the future]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
"Bah, Hot Rod!" he moaned.
:—'''Dreadwind''' channels Dickens.

==Notes==
===Artwork and technical errors===
*This was a text only story.

===Continuity errors===

===Continuity notes===
*There is no mention of [[Hi-Test (G1)|Hi-Test]].

===Real-life references===
*This was based on ''{{w|A Christmas Carol}}'' by [[Dickens|Charles Dickens]].
*The ghost of the present quotes from ''{{w|Thus Spoke Zarathustra}}'' by {{w|Friedrich Nietzsche}}.

===Other trivia===
*With the UK comic no longer producing originated comic stories, this text story served as the year's [[Christmas]] tale and appeared on the ''Transformation'' page.
*No credits are given for this story.
*The title only appears on the cover.
*Dreadwind had been replaced as the letters page answerer from [[Rhythms of Darkness!|issue #300]]; however the ''Transformation'' page in that issue reported on his refusal to be evicted from his office.
*This story is ''the only UK story'' not known to have been reprinted anywhere. However a scan appeared at [[Lew Stringer]]'s blog ''Blimey! It's another blog about comics!'' in December 2011.<ref>[[Lew Stringer|Stringer, Lew]], "[http://lewstringer.blogspot.com/ Blimey! It's another blog about comics!]: [http://lewstringer.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-comics-transformers-1990.html Christmas Comics: TRANSFORMERS (1990)]", 13/12/2001, accessed 20/12/2001</ref>

===Back-up material===
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[The Human Factor!]]"
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[In the National Interest]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|G.I. Joe the Action Force]]'' - "Alliance of Convenience" and ''[[Combat Colin]]''

===Covers===
<gallery>
File:MarvelUK-302.jpg|'''UK issue #302'''
</gallery>
*'''UK issue #302 cover:''' Dreadwind is looked upon by three ghosts, by [[Staz|Stewart Johnson]] and [[John Burns]].

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

===Reprints===
*[[Best of the Rarities]]

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK text stories]]

Deathbringer (issue)

2022-07-08T15:50:30Z

Androzani84:

{{disambig3|Deathbringer}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #235–236
|prev=Prime's Rib!
|next=The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!
|title="Deathbringer"
|image=MarvelUK-235.jpg
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=[[September 9|9th September]] and [[September 16|16th September]] [[1989]]
|coverdate=16th September and [[September 23|23rd September]] 1989
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|art=[[Geoff Senior]] (#235) [[Staz]] (#236)
|letterer=[[Gary Gilbert|Glib]]
|cover=[[Geoff Senior]] and [[Lee Sullivan]]
|chronology=[[Marvel Comics timeline|1989]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]] ([Marvel UK and Marvel US, see [[#Notes|Notes]])
}}
'''A ravaging mechanoid rampages across Earth... and holds a clue to the Creation Matrix's whereabouts.'''

==Synopsis==
Aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], [[Siren (G1)|Siren]] recites a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] myth about a god-like being called the [[Deathbringer (Marvel)|Deathbringer]], which has the power to create and destroy worlds.

The [[Autobot]]s are aboard the Ark recovering from the [[Underbase]] [[Dark Star|battle]] and the [[Time Wars]]. [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] asks [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] why he can't use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] to repair all the injured Autobots. Optimus reveals (for the first time) that when the Autobots launched his old body into space, they unknowingly launched the Matrix along with it. Thus, the Matrix is lost.

A communication comes in from [[Cloudburst]] of [[Rec Team Two]], which was sent to check out a disturbance on [[Earth]]. Cloudburst is badly damaged and asks for help before his communication signal is lost.

Optimus Prime and several Autobots, including Nightbeat, head to Earth, where they encounter a being calling itself Deathbringer. Deathbringer claims his purpose is to "wipe the stain of life from this planet", as he annihilates the city.

Suddenly, Optimus Prime recognises that the being possesses the power of the Matrix, and he refuses to fight back against it. The other Autobots try to fight back, but Deathbringer quashes their attempt and heavily damages them.

Meanwhile, Nightbeat radios the Ark, and asks [[Waverider]] for information on Deathbringer. Waverider reveals that there are two records: one the legend that Siren recited earlier, and the other a mechanoid that kills beings gripped by plague or mental illness in order to grant them relief from their suffering. Nightbeat notices that Deathbringer is being slowly eaten away by the Matrix's power, and informs Deathbringer of this. Deathbringer follows its purpose and kills itself.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Siren (G1)|Siren]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (6)
*[[Cloudburst]] (7)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (8)
*[[Getaway]] (9)
*[[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] (10)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (11)
*[[Waverider]] (12)
}}
|c4=
*[[Deathbringer (Marvel)|Deathbringer]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"I am '''Deathbringer!''' I come to cleanse, to wipe the stain of '''life''' from this planet!"
:—'''Deathbringer'''

"'''Unf! Getaway''' and the others are getting slaughtered, and '''no wonder!''' If that thing really is fuelled by the matrix, it's like trying to fight '''a god!'''"
:—'''Nightbeat'''

"A '''hollow''' victory." 
"Yes. Not only have we lost our one chance of finding the creation matrix, but an '''innocent being''' has died. Its sole function was to provide relief and we destroyed it. Our sacred life force...'''has become a deathbringer!'''"
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Artwork and technical errors===

===Continuity errors===

===Continuity notes===
*This incident was referred to in "[[Dark Creation]]", one of the few times a UK story was acknowledged in the US comic.
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' further links this story to the Marvel US continuity when [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] observes the end of the battle in "[[Less Than Zero]]", where the city that the Deathbringer attacks is retroactively identified as [[Denver]], [[Colorado]].

===Real-life references===

===Other trivia===

===Back-up material===
'''Issue #235'''
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[King Con!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|Action Force]]'' - "Airshow" and ''[[Combat Colin]]''
'''Issue #236'''
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''Action Force'' - "Beginnings... and Endings" and ''Combat Colin''

===Foreign Localization===
'''Swedish'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Dödsbringaren'''" ("The Deathbringer")

===Covers (2)===
*'''Issue #235 cover:''' the Deathbringer floats above a defeated Prime, by [[Geoff Senior]].
*'''Issue #236 cover:''' half Deathbringer, half Prime, all cover, by [[Lee Sullivan]].
<gallery>
File:MarvelUK-235.jpg|'''Issue #235'''
File:MarvelUK-236.jpg|'''Issue #236'''
</gallery>

===Reprints===
*'''''[[Transformers: Aspects of Evil]]'':''' [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] fight, by [[Stephen Baskerville]]. Cropped version of issue [[White Fire|#254]]'s cover.
*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Volume 17: Matrix Quest:''''' Nightbeat and Prime's corpse by [[Makoto Ono]] and [[Geoff Senior]].
<gallery>
File:Titan B&W Compilation-Aspects of Evil.jpg|'''''Aspects of Evil''''' (Titan Books, 2005)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v17.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 17: Matrix Quest''''' (Hachette Partworks, Ltd., 2018)
</gallery>

[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Ceremony

2022-07-07T23:49:32Z

Androzani84:

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' #6
|prev=Assembly (Unicron)
|next=Post
|image=TFUnicron6_cvrA.jpg
|caption="What did it cost?" "''Everything.''"
|title="Ceremony"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 14]], [[2018]]
|coverdate=October, 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Sara Pitre-Durocher]] (pg 1-10), [[Andrew Griffith]] (pg 11-14, 17, 32, 36) [[Alex Milne]] (pg 15-16, 20, 26-29, 33-35, 37-40), [[Kei Zama]] (pg 18-19, 21-25, 30-31)
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''In the final battle against Unicron and his servants, many of our heroes are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to prove that faith and compassion can triumph over the fear and chaos born from the legacy of the Primes.'''

==Synopsis==

[[Mount Rushmore]] has become the new home of all the [[spark]]s that were being nurtured within [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], having been removed from the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] to keep them safe during the battle that now rages in [[Earth]] orbit. As [[Marissa Faireborn]] comforts [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]], [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] arrive with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], who have been brought at the request of [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] to help with a plan that may yet save the day...

Chaos reigns above the Earth as an army of [[Autobot]]s, [[Decepticon]]s, and everyone in-between—transported into space by Trypticon and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]—attack [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] and its servants, keeping them occupied in order to allow [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] to transport [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], and the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] down to Unicron's surface. The stubborn [[Slide]] is reluctant to join the battle, unwilling to fight and die in the name of Optimus Prime. Punctuating her words, Trypticon becomes the first to fall, slain by one of Unicron's eye-beams.

Down below, all across the Earth, from [[Venice]] to [[São Paulo]], the planet's heroes and villains fight alongside their alien allies to defend their world against Unicron's [[Maximal]]s. In [[Toronto]], [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] watch from the [[CN Tower]] as [[Stardrive]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] battle the Maximals in the streets below. Shockwave deems the fight a lost cause, and contacts [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], ordering him to bring his [[Worldsweeper]] down from orbit to collect Shockwave and Rhinox so that they may leave the Earth to its fate, and deal with Unicron another day. Bludgeon, however, refuses; always a servant of chaos, he has thrown in his lot with Unicron, rapturous at the notion that he will be able to watch the entire universe be uncreated at the planet-eater's hands. Shockwave is dumbfounded at the very idea, but barely has time to process Bludgeon's betrayal before he is attacked from behind by Rhinox; this once-loyal Maximal has also decided to side with Unicron after learning that the divine "Onyx Prime" whom he once believed in was nothing but a trick played by Shockwave. Shockwave attempts to fire on Rhinox, only to discover that the new cannon-arm the Maximal provided him with will not work on the Maximals. Rhinox overpowers Shockwave and tears the cannon-arm off, preparing to turn it on his former master... only for his head to suddenly be blown off by a blast from behind, fired by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]!

[[File:Unicron6 Starscream's Sacrifice.jpg|thumb|250px|left|"You will ''never'' be a god."]]

Up in orbit, Thundercracker is hit by Maximal fire and falls behind the rest of his group, finding himself surrounded by enemy forces. After depositing Arcee on Unicron with Starscream and Optimus, Skywarp reluctantly goes to his fellow [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s aid, teleporting into the path of a Maximal blade to save Thundercracker's life so that he can get the Talisman to the others. Refusing to leave Skywarp behind, Thundercracker tosses the Talisman to Starscream down on Unicron's surface and dives into the fight. It doesn't seem possible that the two can survive, and that poses a problem to the rest of the group: without Skywarp's teleporting powers, they can't get through Unicron's miles-thick armor. Starscream hits upon a solution and implements it before anyone can object; with one last egotistical grin born of the knowledge that he was the one to save the day, he asks Prime and Arcee to give Windblade his best, then activates the Talisman, sacrificing his life as its magical energies consume him and begin burning their way down into Unicron.

Watching from the battlefield, [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Aileron]] are stunned by Starscream's sacrifice, but [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] always knew he had it in him. [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] isn't interested in debating Starscream's merits right now, as the Maximals continue to attack; a moment later, [[Icebird|one of the beasts]] pounces on Ironhide and tears him in half. As Bumblebee fends the Maximal off, Jazz rushes to Ironhide's side, assuring him that he will make it through—but Ironhide is too far gone, and dies in peace in his friend's arms, feeling that he finally understands the meaning of the phrase "[['Til all are one|'til all are one.]]"

Nearby, Slide continues to find other things to complain and argue about rather than the actual threat at hand when the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] approach her. She and [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] immediately start fighting over the tragic outcome of [[Time Will Rust|their recent clash on Earth]], but [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] interrupts them, motioning toward Bludgeon's Worldsweeper as it heads down to Earth to rain devastation on the planet. Slide relents, and she, the colonists, and the Dinobots head down to the planet to lend their aid.

[[File:Unicron6 Optimus Into The Void.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"A soul... for a soul."]]
Following the path the Talisman is burning through Unicron, Optimus Prime and Arcee venture into the depths of the planet-eater once more, fighting their way through its [[Unicron's antibodies|antibody monsters]]. Arcee proposes that Prime leave the mission to her, that she may make amends for her part in the devastation of [[Antilla]] that began this nightmare, but Prime refuses; as "[[The Arisen]]," one of the [[Thirteen|Thirteen Primes]], he ultimately traces all their misfortunes to the failures of himself and his lineage. Arcee is confused; she ''knew'' the Thirteen, and ''knows'' that Optimus wasn't one of them, but before she can press the issue, the pair arrive at Unicron's heart, where the supermassive black hole around which the monster planet once orbited now rests. As they watch, the Talisman disappears into the singularity... and a moment later, Optimus bids Arcee farewell and leaps in after it. His physical body is compressed to pure information, and Prime once again finds himself in [[Infraspace]], the transitional limbo between life and death, with the Talisman at his feet. But he is not alone in this twilight realm: from out of the darkness appears the form of the [[Unicron's creator|Antillan scientist]] who created the Talisman, whose rage and desire for vengeance is what is driving Unicron from beyond the veil. Prime attempts to talk to the scientist, telling him that his anger toward the Cybertronians is justified, but the alien is not interested in words and lashes out at him.

Prowl drags Shockwave out into the street, where Stardrive stands ready to play her part in the complex plan Prowl and Soundwave have assembled. While Stardrive uses her Wraith magicks to invade Shockwave's body and mind, across the continent, Jetfire follows Soundwave's instructions, remotely linking Stardrive into the [[Enigma of Combination]]—saved from Cybertron by Soundwave—via their communications systems. Next, the Aerialbots combine into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] for the first time since absorbing the duplicate Enigma created by [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] out of Earth's communications network years ago. The energies of the Earth Enigma fill the air—but they're not ''all'' that are in the air, as Bludgeon's Worldsweeper appears overhead, and [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] leaps out to attack Superion! As the two combiners clash, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] arrives with the Dinobots and colonists. The Dinobots all leap aboard the Worldsweeper, intent on taking the ship down, while Slide and the colonists argue about what to do. Some unexpected help arrives in the form of [[Pyra Magna]] and the surviving [[Torchbearer]]s, who have been clinging to the hull of Bludgeon's ship, and who now boldly attempt to form [[Victorion]], despite the loss of [[Stormclash]], to buy the Dinobots the time need to enter the ship and defeat Bludgeon. As a partial combiner herself, Slide feels the energies of the Earth Enigma running wild around her, and embraces them, joining with the Torchbearers as they merge, becoming the new leg of Victorion. Together, Victorion and Superion overpower and finally destroy Monstructor.

Meanwhile, the Dinobots fight their way onto the Worldsweeper's bridge and seize the [[Void Scepter]] Bludgeon is using to control the vessel, sending the ship flying away in the direction of [[Washington, D.C.]], in order to give Soundwave time to execute his plan. [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] are slain in the subsequent fight; as Bludgeon and Slug grapple, the Decepticon tells Slug that their deaths mean nothing, as Unicron will still destroy them all. Slug disagrees; he has faith that Unicron will be stopped, and moreover, he knows the Dinobots are relics of the war, unable to let go of their old hatred, and so they ''must'' die if the Cybertronian race is to move forward unburdened by them. With that, both Bludgeon and Slug die as the Worldsweeper crashes into the [[White House]]. Some of the Maximals aboard survive and emerge to menace the [[President of the United States|President]] and her G.I. Joe bodyguards [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] and [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]], but at the last minute, [[Rum-Maj]] and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] arrive with their [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] to finish off the beasts and save the humans.

Back at Mount Rushmore, Soundwave senses that the time is right to execute the final step of his plan. The Enigma of Combination has always had the power to combine not just ''bodies'', but hearts, minds, and ''spirits''—and now, by the power of ''two'' Enigmas, using his own faith as an anchor, Soundwave is able to make contact with and unite the spirits of all those who have died in the war against Unicron, and more. In Toronto, via Stardrive, Shockwave can feel what is happening and begs Prowl to convince Soundwave the plan will not work—that "faith" is a fabrication invented by Shockwave himself millions of years ago, incapable of accomplishing anything. But Prowl disagrees; "faith," he says, is just another name for having the strength to conquer the fears within yourself. And Shockwave... the original false Prime, progenitor of a corrupt lineage that has loomed over Optimus Prime all his life and been the root cause of every conflict that has brought Cybertronian history to this climactic moment... Shockwave represents everything that Optimus Prime has ever feared. Soundwave disintegrates as the combined spirits of the dead are united with Shockwave's thoughts via Stardrive, and sent by her Wraith magicks, linked to the Talisman, to Optimus Prime.

[[File:Unicron6 The Last Hug.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"He is in anguish... he mourns!"]]
In Infraspace, all this wonder and terror floods into Optimus; every fear he has ever known, embodied in Shockwave's thoughts, and the memory of everyone who has ever stood behind him, which gives him the strength to face those fears and overcome them. As the Talisman surges back to life and the landscape of Infraspace begins to crumble away under its power, Prime now knows what he must do: rather than attempting to ''defeat'' the spirit of Unicron's creator, he instead extends a hand toward him in peace. Casting aside his assumed title one last time, the Autobot introduces himself as Orion Pax, and asks for the alien's own name. Confused and in pain, the scientist admits that he can no longer remember... but he does remember the name of his daughter, who died during Antilla's war with Cybertron, setting him on this path of death and revenge. Pax pulls the alien into an embrace, and calls upon him to remember that name now, at the end. Thus do they die in peace together, the last of the Primes overcoming the legacy of his ancestors by showing compassion to the monster birthed by their crimes, as the power of the Talisman collapses Unicron's body into the black hole at its own heart.

As Unicron collapses, all the combatants in Earth orbit make for the planet's surface, save for Bumblebee and Aileron, who fly through the maelstrom to rescue Arcee before she is sucked into the singularity. The trio set down on Earth's moon, where Aileron and Arcee joyously reunite, and they are presently joined by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], revealed to have survived Bludgeon's attack on [[Sanctuary Station]]. At Mount Rushmore, Marissa believes Thundercracker must surely have perished, but Buster thinks otherwise, and is proven right seconds later when Thundercracker descends from the sky, carrying the damaged but also-still-living Skywarp with him. As Thundercracker is welcomed by his friends, Skywarp laughs at the ridiculousness of the situation, but recognizes his brother-in-arms as a true Seeker. Prowl and Stardrive take a despondent Shockwave into custody; [[Rom]] and [[Livia]] console a young [[Elonian]] orphan; [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] thinks of [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his brother]] as he watches Buster, [[D.0.C.]], and [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] play; Windblade and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] discuss Windblade's future as the leader of Cybertron on Earth; [[Swift (G1)|Swift]] digs the lone surviving Dinobots, Swoop and [[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]], from the wreckage of the Worldsweeper; and with the survivors of Cybertron and its colonies now destined to be permanent residents of Earth, the President starts making plans for their future together.

Pyra Magna recovers the [[Mistress of Flame]]'s [[Forgehammer]] from where she left it, wedged in Metroplex's armor, and realizes now that "faith" is not what ''others'' tell you to believe, but what you believe in your own heart. Pyra takes the mantle of Mistress of Flame upon herself, and invites Slide to join the Torchbearers full-time; Slide, overjoyed to know belonging once again, and realizing that she and Pyra were wrong about Optimus Prime all along—that he never wanted to ''rule'' them, but to build a better world for them to live in—tearfully accepts.

With Earth now lit by twin stars of light and darkness—the [[sun]] and Unicron's black hole in perfect balance—the Transformers enter a new era on a new homeworld, an era without Primes, without Autobots or Decepticons, without even the distinction between Cybertronian, colonist, or Earthling. Thanks to Optimus Prime, his sacrifice, and his belief in those who followed him...

[['Til all are one|...all are one.]]
[[File:Unicron6 Peace At Last.jpg|thumb|300px|center|"Where to, Cap?" "... ''home.''"]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic'' text appear only in spirit form. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]? (4)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (5)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]? (6)
*[[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] (7)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (8)
*[[Alpha Bravo]] (9)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]? (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Aileron]] (13)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (15)
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (16)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (19)
*[[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]] (20)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (23)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (25)
*? (27)
*[[Slide]] (28)
*[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] (29)
*[[Bump]] (30)
*[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (31)
*[[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] (33)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (34)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (36)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (37)
*[[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]] (38)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (40)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (44)
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (46)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (47)
*[[Strongarm (G1)|Strongarm]] (62)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (81)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (90)
*[[Dust Up]] (92)
*[[Jumpstream]] (93)
*[[Pyra Magna]] / Mistress of Flame (94)
*[[Skyburst (G1)|Skyburst]] (95)
*[[Rust Dust]] (96)
*[[Victorion]] (97)
*''[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'' (98)
*''[[Ambulon]]'' (101)
*''[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'' (103)
*''[[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'' (105)
*''[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]]'' (106)
*''[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]'' (107)
*''[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'' (108)
*''[[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]]'' (110)
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'' (111)
*''[[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'' (112)
*''[[Fastlane]]'' (113)
*''[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]]'' (114)
*''[[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]]'' (115)
*''[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'' (122)
*''[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]'' (123)
*''[[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]'' (124)
*''[[Gimlet]]'' (125)
*[[Goldbug (IDW)|Goldbug]] (135)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (136)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Fat Tankor]] (21)
*[[Octane|Tall Tankor]] (22)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (26)
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (43)
*[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (52)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (63)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (64)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] (70)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (72)
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (73)
*[[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]] (74)
*''[[Horri-Bull]]'' (100)
*''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]'' (109)
*''[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]'' (116)
*''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]'' (117)
*''[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]'' (118)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (133)

|c3=
'''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'''
*[[Scarlett]] (56)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike]] (58)
*[[Zilong Qian|Talon]] (59)
*[[Ayana Jones|Mayday]] (65)
*[[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]] (67)
*[[Agent Helix]] (69)
*[[Cover Girl]] (86)
*''[[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]]'' (121)
*[[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] (127)
*[[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] (128)

'''[[M.A.S.K.]]'''
*[[Matt Trakker]] (57)

'''[[Cobra]]'''
*[[Red Shadows]] (51)
*[[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Tempest]] (68)

'''[[V.E.N.O.M.]]'''
*[[Miles Mayhem]] (48)
*[[Sly Rax]] (53)

'''[[Action Man Programme|AMP]]'''
*[[Action Man]] / Ian Noble (54)
*Action Man / [[Terrence Salmons]] (55)

'''Others'''
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (1)
*[[Iron Klaw]] (49)
*[[Doctor X]] (50)
*[[President of the United States|President of the United States]] (126)

|h4=Other Cybertronians|c4=
'''[[Maximal]]s'''
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (66)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (71)
*[[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] (75)
*[[Shokaract]] (76)
*[[Airraptor]] (77)
*[[Icebird]] (see "Errors", 78)
*[[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]] (see "Errors", 79)
*[[B'Boom]] (80)
*[[Transquito]] (see "Errors", 83)
*[[Soundwave (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Soundwave]] (see "Errors", 84)
*[[Skydive (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Skydive]] (85)
*[[Snarl (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Snarl]] (see "Errors", 87)
*[[Coelagon]] (129)

'''Others'''
*[[Sideswipe (IDW)|''Generation 2'' Sideswipe]] (11)
*[[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (14)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (35)
*[[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] (41)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] (42)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (45)
*[[Stardrive]] (88)
*''[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'' (99)
*''[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]'' (102)
*''[[Mistress of Flame]]'' (104)

|h5=Others|c5=

'''Space Knights'''
*[[Rom]] (17)
*[[Livia]] (18)
*''[[Maur]]'' (119)
*''[[Prim]]'' (120)

'''Dire Wraiths'''
*[[Dire Wraith|Wraith]]s (60)
*[[Countdown (G.I. Joe)|Countdown]] (61)

'''[[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]'''
*[[Rum-Maj]] (131)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (132)

'''Others'''
*[[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] (2)
*[[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] (24)
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] (32)
*[[Unicron's antibodies|Unicron's immune system]] (82)
*[[D.0.C.]] (89)
*''[[Unicron's creator]]'' (91)
*[[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] (130)
*[[Garnak]] (134)
*[[Elonian]] girl (137)
*Pet [[Mutt (IDW)|mutt]] (138)
}}

==Quotes==
"Faith. The last refuge of those '''left behind.'''"
:—'''Marissa Faireborn'''

"Never before have I thought this... but that is a big one." 
"Imagine how '''I''' feel. You're the size of a '''city'''—I'm only '''six feet tall.'''" 
"You are 5'10<nowiki>''</nowiki>, Garrison."
:—'''Metroplex''' and '''Garrison Blackrock''' discuss the size of Unicron

"I never imagined the fate of '''everything''' would end up in '''your''' hands, Starscream." 
"That's funny, because '''I''' always knew it '''would.'''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Starscream'''

"Tell '''Windblade''' to take good care of '''Earth''', will you? Aw, who am I kidding? She probably won't even '''try''' to conquer the place."
:—'''Starscream''''s last words

"[Orion] thinks the '''shadowplay''' that stripped me of emotion changed me '''fundamentally.''' But as Rhinox said, I was '''always''' pulling strings. '''I''' gave Orion the capacity to carry a '''Matrix.''' I '''made''' him into '''Optimus Prime'''. He was the one who changed... when he stopped viewing my actions as '''just.'''"
:—'''Shockwave'''

"Slug—you won't last a '''minute.'''" 
"Then we'll get this done in '''forty-five seconds.'''"
:—'''Pyra Magna''' gives '''Slug''' some "encouragement", who takes it in stride

"Faith is a '''lie!''' I '''invented''' it! '''Faith''' will not stop the '''uncreator!'''" 
"You '''still''' don't see. Soundwave believes in a '''higher power''', sure. But guys like '''you''' and '''me'''—we don't '''have''' to. All we need to believe in is the inherent '''good''' of '''doing good'''... and that someday, '''ultimately,''' that will be enough to stop '''evil.'''" 
"'''Logic''' is neither good '''nor''' evil. '''None''' of us are. We contain the capacity for '''both.'''" 
"Faith is just '''one path''' to the '''ultimate trick:''' '''confronting''' the evil in '''ourselves'''... and defeating '''that.'''"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Prowl''' discuss belief

"Operation: '''Absolution.'''"
:—'''Soundwave''''s last words

"I am '''not''' a piece of '''your''' history... I am the '''end''' of my '''own!'''"
:—'''Unicron's creator'''

"I was forged '''Orion Pax.''' As war began, I was called '''Optimus Prime.''' Now some call me The '''Arisen''', the Thirteenth Prime. But the '''masks''' are gone now. I am '''Orion Pax'''. Before this... who were '''you?'''" 
"So long ago... I can't '''remember.''' But I know the name of my '''daughter''', who your kind '''murdered'''..." 
"Then that shall be the '''word.''' Rather than the fire of '''hatred'''... let her name—her '''memory'''—[[Darkest hour|'''light''' this dark hour]]."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' allows '''Unicron's creator''' to die knowing compassion

"I thought... I would make us '''strong...'''" 
"Take it from me: strong doesn't mean '''right.'''"
:—A defeated '''Shockwave''' is carted away by '''Stardrive'''

"'''Optimus Prime''' is gone... and with him ends the era of Autobot and Decepticon, Cybertronian and colonist, human and machine. What survives is his '''faith.''' Perhaps he never believed in any '''higher power''' guiding our hands... but he believed in '''us.''' I am '''Pyra Magna'''... the '''Mistress of Flame'''. '''Spiritual leader''' of my people; defender of my homeworld... '''Earth.''' And we will light our way against '''all''' our '''darkest hours'''... as '''one.'''"
:—'''Pyra Magna''''s closing monologue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:Unicron6 Predaking.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"We have a combiner."]]
*In the montage of heroes and villains fighting around the Earth, Predaking is seen in the service of Iron Klaw. The Predacons have been under his control since before the events of [[The Iron Klaw|''Revolutionaries'' #4]]; it seems he's managed to repair [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] after Kup blew his head off in that story.
*Action Man declares "This is for Kup" as he blasts a Maximal; the pair were buddies in ''Revolutionaries'', until Kup's death in [[Schismatic|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #1]].
*Terrence Salmons is now wearing the Action Man uniform too. As seen in the {{i|''Action Man'' comic}}, he was considered next-in-line for the position until Ian Noble, the current Action Man, slipped in ahead of him, but it looks like extenuating circumstances have seen him take up the mantle alongside Ian.
*Scarlett has joined Matt Trakker in Detroit, where his team were located when we last saw them in [[Our Finest|issue #3]]'s {{i|back-up strip}}.
*Last issue, as the battle with the Maximals concluded, it was abruptly noted that Mayday was now in command of the human forces, despite the fact that nothing had been shown to happen to previously established leaders Spike and Talon on-panel. This issue shows that Spike got shot down by the Maximals, and unintentionally took Talon down with him, but both men have survived and are stranded in a jungle somewhere. Spike notes that he "always figured [he'd] have a bigger role" in the final battle; while most IDW readers are no doubt glad he doesn't, this hearkens back to the fact Spike leads his life like he's "the star of an action movie," as originally observed in [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #27]].
*Pressed into fighting alongside Strongarm in defense of Earth, Rumble and Frenzy grumble that they "shoulda unionized," a joking reference to the recent success the pair have found in Hollywood, as seen in [[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|the 2018 ''Optimus Prime'' annual]].
*Starscream uses the Talisman to burrow through Unicron's surface, in the same manner as it burrowed its way down through Cybertron in ''[[Transformers vs. Visionaries]]''.
*Slug and the Dinobots continue to clash with Slide following the events of [[Time Will Rust|''Optimus Prime'' #23]]-[[A Sunrise Dark|24]], which included the death of her fellow colonist soldier [[Gimlet]].
*Rhinox provided Shockwave with his new gun-arm in [[Road's End|issue #4]]. He evidently built it himself, indicating this Rhinox shares the engineering abilities of his counterpart in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].
*Shockwave notes that he didn't simply become evil when subjected to Shadowplay, having always been a manipulator with dodgy leanings. He illustrates this with the specific example that he was the one who gave Optimus a Matrix chamber (which we learned in [[Chaos Theory Part 2|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #23]]), but the darker side of his pre-Shadowplay life was previously emphasized in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|''More than Meets the Eye'' #11]] when [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] dug up some intel on him and learned about the various covert projects he was investing in, which he was keeping secret from his allies.
*Ironhide's dying realization that he now knows the meaning of [[Pax Cybertronia]] references his vision of a peaceful future Cybertron, as seen in ''The Transformers'' [[Pax Cybertronia (issue)|#31]], and his search for the meaning of this vision formed a significant portion of Ironhide's character development during the final years of "Phase 2."
*Soundwave got the Enigma of Combination out of storage in issue #3.
*Galvatron turned Earth into a large-scale Enigma of Combination in [[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #53]]. Superion absorbed the Earth Enigma code to prevent it from working in [[All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #54]]; this is the first time the team have combined since then.
*Optimus Prime returns to Infraspace by entering the black hole at the heart of Unicron, the same way he did by entering the singularity in Crystal City in [[The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|''Optimus Prime'' #19]].
*The Dinobots settle their recurring rivalry with Bludgeon, begun in ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]'' and continuing through ''[[The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation]]'' and [[The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|''Optimus Prime'' #13]]-[[The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|14]].
*Bludgeon previously used his Void Scepter to control Trypticon in ''Salvation''.
*The ability of the Enigma to combine not just bodies, but hearts and minds, has always been implicit in the way combiners work, with a gestalt personality emerging as Transformers' bodies are merged. However, it was previously established that it was possible for it to work in a more spiritual way, combining minds ''without'' combining bodies, back in [[Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #37]], when it was credited with subtly uniting the thoughts and ideas of early humans, leading to the development of human cities and civilizations.
[[File:Unicron6 Spirits of the Dead.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Allfathers, let the dark magic flow through me one last time!"]]
*The spirits who appear before Soundwave specifically include all those notables who have died throughout the ''Unicron'' mini-series itself (Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, and the Solstar Knights from [[Our Darkest|issue #0]], Dirge and the Mistress of Flame from [[Last Stand (Unicron)|issue #1]], Omega Supreme from [[Stranger Eons|issue #2]], Scattershot, Fastlane, and Cloudraker from [[Our Finest|issue #3]], Blurr, Elita One, Cosmos, Sky-Byte, and Laserbeak from [[Road's End|issue #4]], and Ironhide from this issue) and its tie-in issues in ''Optimus Prime'' (Mainframe and Gimlet), along with other significant characters who have died during "Phase 2" of the IDW Universe: Alpha Trion ([[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|''Optimus Prime'' #16]]), Ambulon ([[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]), Horri-Bull ([[The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|''Robots in Disguise'' #1]]), Kup ([[Schismatic|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #1]]), Metalhawk ([[Heavy Is the Head|''Robots in Disguise'' #16]]), Pipes ([[Under Cold Blue Stars|''More than Meets the Eye'' #15]]), Ravage ([[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|''More than Meets the Eye'' #55]]), Rung ([[Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|''Lost Light'' #24]]), Sideswipe ([[The Life of Sideswipe|''Optimus Prime'' #10]]), Skids ([[The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|''More than Meets the Eye'' #54]]), and Trailcutter ([[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|''More than Meets the Eye'' #34]]).
*The president notes that the White House has been reinforced since the "last attack," referring to the [[Dire Wraith]] attack in ''[[Thundercracker & Buster Save the World|The Transformers: Revolution]]'' one-shot.
*Optimus Prime had a vision of a Worldsweeper crashing into the White House in [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]].
*Buzzsaw was implied to have perished in issue #4, but is here revealed to have survived his brush with death.
*The Elonian girl and her [[Mutt (IDW)|pet creature]] are presumably the same ones that appeared in [[Our Darkest|''Unicron'' #0]], and on the last page they're drawn posed as they were on the first page of issue #0.
*The 'reality shards' surrounding Unicron on Cover A depict notable moments of the 2005 IDW continuity thus far; non-'portrait' sections include [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] [[:File:LastStandoftheWreckers5 Guzzle Overlord.jpg|tearing]] [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] in half ([[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #5]]), [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] collapsing the tunnels of New York ([[All Hail Megatron issue 2|''All Hail Megatron'' #2]]), Optimus Prime [[:File:AHO-earthannexed.jpg|annexing Earth]] ([[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]]), [[Virulina]] [[:File:Schismatic-KupDies.jpg|killing Kup]] ([[Schismatic|''Transformers vs Visionaries'' #1]]), and the [[Vekktral]]-possessed [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Shining Armor issue 4|''Shining Armor'' #4]]). Of note is that the scenes have not been copied from their respective issues; they were entirely redrawn by Alex Milne.
*It's the end of ''Transformers: Unicron'', but not quite the end of the universe; the story continues into [[Post|''Optimus Prime'' #25]], the final issue and epilogue to the entire [[2005 IDW continuity]].

===Transformers references===
*The Maximal who kills Ironhide is [[Icebird]], one of the [[Mutant (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Mutants]], who had two beast modes, but no robot mode, save for a robot head hidden inside their bodies. Icebird is here drawn with his robot head deployed; notably, the character's head is red per the toy's prototype, rather than the blue of the mass-market release. But, see "Errors" below.
*Sky Lynx recalls an adventure on [[Regulon Four|Regulon IV]], a planet with several previous mentions in Transformers media, originating in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]."
*After Ironhide's death, Aileron rallies the others with a variation on a well-used [[Furmanism#CAN I DO LESS.3F|Furmanism]].
* After his destruction, Unicron is reduced to a massive black hole, similar to what happened in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Though this one seems considerably less apocalyptic.
===Real world references===
*Wreck-Gar's classic habit of peppering his speech with snippets of pop culture continues:
**He greets the humans in the White House with the cry of "Hi-ho, True Believers and Believerettes," the blusterous term {{w|Stan Lee}} regularly used to refer to faithful fans of [[Marvel Comics]].
**He quotes the opening theme to ''{{w|Mister Rogers' Neighborhood}}'', declaring it a "beautiful day in the neighborhood," and hoping they'll "be [the Junkions'] neighbors."
**He paraphrases the title of the 1987 movie ''{{w|Good Morning, Vietnam}}'' with a whoop of "Goooood Morning, Planet Earth!"
*The Action Men are fighting Maximals outside {{w|London King's Cross railway station|King's Cross station}}, one of London's major train stations.
*Beneath his signature on the final page (pictured above), artist Alex Milne bids the reader farewell with a handwritten note of "So long and thanks for all the fish", the dolphins' famed final message to humanity in ''{{w|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy}}''.

===Errors===
*The name caption for a certain white-clad ninja identifies her as "Storm Shadow"—which she ''used'' to go by in the IDW continuity. However, in [[Scarlett's Strike Force issue 3|''Scarlett's Strike Force'' #3]], it was established that—following the return of the ''original'' Storm Shadow—she had taken up the name of "Tempest".
*As a helicopter, Alpha Bravo is easily identifiable among the Aerialbots arrived on page 1, panel 3, and Air Raid appears roughly-on model as well, but the other Aerialbots don't seem to match their ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' designs, and aren't really recognizable as any particular members of the group, hence the "?"s in our list above.
*On page 3, Trypticon is credited as a "Decepticon Titan," but he hasn't been a Decepticon for ages.
*Rumble and Frenzy's ID captions (or colors!) are [[FIRRIB|swapped]].
*Shockwave's conversation with Bludgeon almost beat-for-beat repeats their exchange from the prior issue: Shockwave observes the deteriorating situation, concludes that alternative measures must be taken to destroy Unicron, and then commands Bludgeon to help carry out this plan, whereupon Bludgeon refuses, stating that his true allegiance is to Unicron rather than to Shockwave himself. It's not at all clear why Shockwave is in this issue surprised at Bludgeon's disobedience, or why he issued those same orders a second time, given Bludgeon's statements in the last issue. We will point out, however, that the framing of that issue makes it possible that Bludgeon's line simply came ''after'' Shockwave cut the transmission, and Bludgeon is just now ''openly'' revealing his true colors.
**Additionally, Bludgeon's claim that he serves the science of chaos rather than Shockwave's science of order seems rather ignorant of Shockwave's explicit statements during "The Falling" storyline that ''he'' now serves "the higher order that is chaos."
*On page 9, panel 1, Thundercracker states "''I'm'' think I'm in trouble."
*Unfortunately, it seems that no one supplied Andrew Griffith a roster of Maximals who died in previous issues.
**On page 11, the orbital Maximal team includes [[Icebird]],<ref name="Griffith lineart">Andrew Griffith's lineart for page 11</ref> drawn with his distinctive "robot mode" head. However, Icebird was among the dead Maximals (single-handedly ''annihilated'' by Arcee) seen in [[The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|''Optimus Prime'' #20]].
**Also in page 11, panel 1 is Antagony,<ref name="Griffith lineart"/> who pivotally appeared and died as a non-Maximal in ''[[First Strike]]''!
**[[Transquito]]<ref name="Griffith tweet">[https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1063207113193742336] Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 15 November 2018</ref> appears in page 17, panel 1. While the block-coloring used in the pages of ''Optimus Prime'' made identifying Maximals and discerning between American and Japanese characters tricky, in this case, ''both'' Transquito and [[Bigmos]] should be dead, with the remains of one appearing in ''Optimus Prime'' #20, and the other dying on-panel in [[The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|''Optimus Prime'' #21]].
**Likewise, [[Soundwave (BW)|Soundwave]] (the Mutant bat)<ref name="Griffith tweet"/> appears in the same panel despite Soundwave's severed wing appearing in ''Optimus Prime'' #20 among Arcee's failed captors.
**And finally, [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]]<ref name="Griffith tweet"/> appears in the same panel. This body-type is also accounted for; one was also among dead remains seen in ''Optimus Prime'' #20, and his Japanese counterpart [[Tasmania Kid]] is a native Eukarian, not a Maximal, who was seen in ''Optimus Prime'' #23.
*As Optimus and Arcee follow the Talisman to the centre of Unicron, Prime tells her "I need you to hold off the Maximals", which she later repeats, when the two are in fact facing off against [[Unicron's antibodies]].
*Starscream's absence from the spirits of the dead is so pronounced it ''can't'' be an error, but the fact that ''Stormclash'' isn't among them (given the inclusion of nobodies like Fastlane, Cloudraker, and the dead Space Knights) feels like an oversight.
*In the panel where Sunstreaker watches Bob and the other "pets" play, his chestplate is colored black instead of yellow. It COULD be intended as battle damage, but it's probably an error.
*One last time, the chart at the end of the issue misspells "[[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]" as "Divisiun."
*The bonus material refers to [[Prion (planet)|Prion]] as having been devastated by the Black Box Consortia, which should be the [[Black Block Consortia|Black ''Block'' Consortia]]. It isn't a complete error, though—the Black Box Consortia was the equivalent organisation in the [[Functionist Universe]], as seen over in [[The Transformers: Lost Light|''Lost Light'']].
*That same bonus material lists the [[Regenesis]] [[Ore-10|ore of deception]] as growing on "[[Vigilem|Carcer]]". This seems implausible: Firstly, the young Shockwave was aiming his Regenesis missiles at planets for the Energon ore to spread out while growing. Even if a Regenesis missile somehow impacted a mobile spacefaring Titan, it seems incredibly unlikely that a subsequent Maximal invasion to harvest ore from Carcer would have gone unnoticed by the incumbent Carcerian First or that this major historical event would never have been mentioned again. Whether this incredibly convoluted chain of events really happened, we couldn't tell you. Then again, Shockwave is the original "Wizard who did it".

===Deathlist===
[[File:Rhinox SKROOM.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Kill away."]]
*Trypticon; killed by one of Unicron's eye-beams
*Starscream; sacrifices himself activating the Talisman
*Ironhide; torn in half by Icebird
*Rhinox; killed by Prowl
*Optimus Primal; finished off by Stardrive and Snake Eyes
*Monstructor; killed by Victorion and Superion
*Broadside; roasted by Strafe
*Sledge; decapitated by Strafe
*Soundwave; gives up his life to combine the spirits of the dead with the Enigma of Combination
*Sludge and Snarl; die in the battle aboard the Worldsweeper
*Slug and Bludgeon; die in the crash of the Worldsweeper
*Unicron; consumed by the black hole at its own heart
*Optimus Prime; sacrifices himself to destroy Unicron

===Other trivia===
*Intended for release in October, this issue arrived late in the middle of November. ''Optimus Prime'' #25 was consequently pushed back to ensure it was released afterward.
*This super-sized final issue is 48 pages in length, with 40 pages of story. In addition to the sixth and final installment in a series of interviews with creators from IDW history, this time with ''Unicron'' writer and artist [[John Barber]] and [[Alex Milne]], backmatter for this issue also includes a complete listing of all thirteen [[Cybertronian colonies]], complete with Prime, [[Regenesis]] ore, Titan, current status, and (if applicable) representative on the [[Council of Worlds]], filling in several pieces of information that have never been revealed on-panel (like which Prime goes with which planet, and the names of previously unidentified ores and Titans). Of note is the confirmation that Carcer did somehow possess an ore, despite not being based on a planet... though see "Errors" above.

===The Lost Colonies of Cybertron===
Part of this issue's backmatter is a graphic detailing all of the Cybertronian colony worlds that fills out any previously unconfirmed information such as their [[Regenesis]] ores and connected Primes.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[LV-117|Lenocinium Velnero-117]]
**Ore: [[Ore-1|Time]]
**Prime: [[Vector Prime]]
**Titan: [[Tempo]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Gorlam Prime]]
**Ore: [[Ore-2|Death]]
**Prime: [[Quintus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Quintessa (IDW)|Quintessa]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Prion (planet)|Prion]]
**Ore: [[Ore-3|Size]]
**Prime: [[Micronus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]
**Ore: [[Ore-4|Gravity]]
**Prime: [[Solus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Caminus (Titan)|Caminus]]
**CoW rep: [[Mistress of Flame]]
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]
**Ore: [[Ore-5|Combination]]
**Prime: [[Nexus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Devisiun (Titan)|Devisiun]]
**CoW rep: [[Vanquish]] and [[Fireshot]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Arduria]]
**Ore: [[Ore-6|Cold]]
**Prime: [[Alchemist Prime]]
**Titan: [[Metrobase]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Antilla]]
**Ore: [[Ore-7|Change]]
**Prime: [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]
**Titan: [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]]
**CoW rep: None
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Tsiehshi]]
**Ore: [[Ore-8|Destruction]]
**Prime: [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]
**Titan: [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]
**CoW rep: None
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Velocitron]]
**Ore: [[Ore-9|Space]]
**Prime: [[Amalgamous Prime]]
**Titan: [[Navitas]]
**CoW rep: [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Vigilem|Carcer]]
**Ore: [[Ore-10|Deception]]
**Prime: [[Liege Maximo]]
**Titan: Vigilem
**CoW rep: [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]]
**Ore: [[Ore-11|Evolution]]
**Prime: [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]
**Titan: [[Chela]]
**CoW rep: [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Elonia]]
**Ore: [[Ore-12|Protection]]
**Prime: [[Prima]]
**Titan: [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]]
**CoW rep: None
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Earth]]
**Ore: [[Ore-13|Power]]
**Prime: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]
**Titan: [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]
**CoW rep: [[Marissa Faireborn]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
*[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]
**Ore: [[Ore-14|Resurrection]]
**Prime: ?
**Titan: [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]
**CoW rep: [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}

===Covers (6)===
*'''Cover A:''' Unicron surrounded by shards of reality depicting images from throughout IDW history, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Sebastian Cheng]]
*'''Cover B:''' Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ironhide, Doctor X, and [[Baroness|Cobra Commander]], by [[James Raiz]] and [[David García Cruz]]; connects to Raiz's other covers for the series to form [[:File:Unicron-Bcovers-JamesRaiz.jpg|a larger image]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover A:''' Optimus Prime, Starscream, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Windblade, and Unicron, by [[E. J. Su]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover B:''' Jetfire by [[Francesco Francavilla]]; connects to Francavilla's other covers for the series to form a larger image
*'''KRS Comics exclusive cover A:''' Unicron takes the place of Thanos in an homage to the cover of [[wikia:marvel:Infinity Gauntlet Vol 1 4|''The Infinity Gauntlet'' #4]], beckoning unseen parties toward him and declaring "You belong to me!" (a line from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'') by [[John Paras]]
*'''KRS Comics exclusive cover B:''' Paras's ''Infinity Gauntlet'' homage, but with a blank white background and a blank speech bubble

<gallery>
File:TFUnicron6_cvrA.jpg|An entire universe, once and for all.
File:TFUnicron6_cvrB.jpg|Yibambe!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrRIA.jpg|Bring me Unicron!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrRIB.jpg|DOC, give me some juice!
File:TFUnicron6_cvrREA.jpg|We’re in the endgame now.
File:TFUnicron6_cvrREB.jpg|I finally rest; watch the sun rise on a grateful universe.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*[[Post|''Optimus Prime'' #25]] and [[How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2|''Lost Light'' #25]], with a tagline that reads: "THE TRANSFORMERS WILL RETURN IN 2019."
*''[[Go-Bots (comic)|Go-Bots]]'' [[Go-Bots issue 1|#1]]
*''Unicron'' checklist

===Reprints===
Other than [[Transformers: Unicron#Collections|reprints of the full series]]
* N/A

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.comiccrusaders.com/exclusive-preview-transformers-unicron-6-of-6/ Preview]

[[Category:Unicron issues]]

Kakuryu (G1)

2022-07-07T14:09:24Z

Androzani84:

{{factions|decepticon|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the evil Decepticon|the heroic Decepticon Dinocon|Kakuryu (SG)}}
:''Kakuryu is a [[Decepticon]] [[Dinoforce]] member from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Victory]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Kakuryu.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|In a former life he was Dumbheart Bear in Care-a-lot.]]
While none of the [[Decepticon]] [[Dinoforce]] are particularly smart, '''Kakuryu''' (カクリュウ ''Kakuryū'') is easily the dumbest member of the team. Stooge-like, hopelessly clumsy, and innocent in nature, he's very much the "Curly" to commander [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]]'s "Moe"; taking blow after angry blow from his leader but handling it all with a care-free stride. Perhaps it's his barrier cannon, which projects a field that renders him invulnerable to harm, or his blind devotion to his commander that allows him to be so indifferent to the pummelling he often suffers, or maybe he really is just that oblivious to the extent of his lot in life. Give Kakuryu a motivation he can get behind and he'll perform well, but it seems like the Decepticon agenda is anything but motivating to this luckless little guy. He likes to dance and play, would rather sleep than fight, and has a soft spot for cute little flesh creatures, especially bugs, which he thinks are cuddly-wuddly adorable. Why he's a Decepticon is anyone's guess.

It is perhaps no great surprise, then, to note that Kakuryu ''did'' eventually end up switching sides, joining the Autobots, becoming a [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]], and participating in the [[Power Core Combination|Power Core Combiner]] program under the codename '''Grimmaster''' (グリムマスター ''Gurimumasutā'').

While [[combiner]] team leaders usually form the torso of their gestalt form, Kakuryu has the rare distinction of being a low-ranking Decepticon who forms the main body of his team's combined form, [[Dinoking]].

{{bigquote|I'm sorry!|Kakuryu's catchphrase}}
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Victory'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Masato Hirano]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Victoryep1 kakuryu falling behind.jpg|left|thumb|225px|The least bad bad guy.]]
Kakuryu and the Dinoforce were responsible for the attack that claimed the life of [[Jan Minakaze]]'s parents. {{storylink|Attack! Leozack}} Several years later, in [[2025]], when [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] targeted the planet [[Earth]], the Dinoforce served as the vanguard of his invasion. The ever-hapless Kakuryu lagged behind his teammates when they made their first strike against humanity by attacking Earth's [[Lunar Base (Victory)|Lunar Base]], but fared well in battle against the [[Autobot]] [[Brainmaster]]s, even if his choice of weapon—a puny six-shooter—left something to be desired. When [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] arrived to join the fight, Kakuryu "generously" offered his commander [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]] the chance to engage the Autobot leader in battle first, but was shouted down, and didn't last long against the galaxy's greatest swordsman. {{storylink|The Brave Hero of the Universe - Star Saber}} The base's human crew was relocated to the Autobots' [[Galaxy Base]], and a little later, Kakuryu sent his shell to join the other Dinoforce shells in attacking the station while he and the rest of the team ambushed [[Wingwaver]]. Over-eager, Kakuryu kept crashing into Goryu throughout the fight until the team combined into [[Dinoking]], and were then defeated by Star Saber. {{storylink|Sneak Attack! Dinoking}}

[[File:Victoryep3 kakuryu floaties.jpg|thumb|225px|Safety first]]
Following the Autobots down to Earth's surface, the Decepticons' vessel, the ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'', concealed itself within a lake, causing Kakuryu to become very flustered when he was ordered to depart on a mission, as he couldn't swim. Goryu supplied him with an inner tube and goggles, enabling Kakuryu to join in the team's attack on Star Saber at the [[Schwimmbad School]]. {{storylink|Attack! Leozack}} Later, Kakuryu joined in the Dinforce's effort to capture a human energy plant, but during the attack, he wound up doused in oil and accidentally set on fire by Goryu's fire breath. {{storylink|Unite!! Multiforce}} Retiring to a desert island to train with his team, Kakuryu used a palm tree for a punching bag, but only wound up clonking himself on the head with coconuts and collapsing the tree on top of himself. He wound up in similar straits during the Dinoforce's subsequent attack on the [[Ocean Exhibition]] amusement park when he accidentally collapsed some support columns onto himself while playing with the park's displays. {{storylink|Move Out! Rescue Team}}

[[File:Victoryep6 kakuryu clobbered.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Goryu and Kakuryu's audition to the ''batsu'' games.]]
Kakuryu's clumsiness made the Decepticon attack on the [[Neo Uranium Mine]] a particularly trying experience for Goryu, as he trod on his shell's tail, dropped a stack of uranium canisters on him, and clobbered him with his axe. Goryu returned the favor with his club. {{storylink|Infiltration... The Uranium Mine}} Kakuryu went on to help load and defend the Decepticons' energy base in the [[Amazon]] jungle with no major screw-ups (although he was pretty dejected when he had to be told not to fire his weapons around the energy). {{storylink|Explosion!! The Energy Base}} He kept out of sight for a while afterwards, popping up only to fetch [[Leozack]] on Deathsaurus's orders. {{storylink|Attack the Shuttle Base!!}}

[[File:Victory12 kakuryu surprised.jpg|thumb|225px|He may not be much of a villain but Kakuryu is one heck of a gymnast.]]
Kakuryu was part of the Decepticon team that invaded [[Marine City]] to plant a [[neutron bomb]], but while he was running around scaring the populous, Kakuryu happened upon a car that looked very familiar. Said car promptly transformed into [[Blacker]], who grabbed Kakuryu and forced him to spill the beans on their bomb plan before he was rescued by Goryu. {{storylink|Tanker Hijack Operation}} Kakuryu was also the downfall of the Decepticons' next plan, when the villains captured Jan and [[Holi]], and he was assigned guard duty, only to wind up letting them escape when he was fooled by a drawing Jan placed in front of their cell's security camera. {{storylink|Rescue Jan!!}} He had no more luck when he and the rest of the Dinoforce helped drain energy from captured human spaceships, struggling to open an access panel on one ship and accidentally bashing Goryu when he attempt to smash the panel open. {{storylink|A Fierce Battle!! The Asteroid}}

[[File:Victory22 kakuryu flag.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]
Kakuryu and the Dinoforce accompanied Deathsaurus back to the [[Dark Nebula]] where his de-powered [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]] lay for a test of the integrity of the fortress's systems. On the return trip, they crossed paths with the Autobot [[Galaxy Shuttle]], and the Dinoforce tried to board the vessel, only to be repelled by the [[Rescue Patrol Team]]. In retaliation, the Dinoforce launched a bomb at the shuttle, but the Rescue Team sent it right back at them... but when it impacted, it didn't even explode, since Kakuryu had forgotten to install the ignition plug! {{storylink|Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress}} Upon their return to Earth, the Decepticons attacked the [[Schaeffer Energy]] Plant; during the loading of the captured Schaeffer Energy, Kakuryu tried to snack on some and got bonked by Goryu for his troubles. Undeterred, when the Autobots attacked, Kakuryu tried to make off with a case-full of Schaeffer Energy for himself but blundered straight into Blacker and got blasted out of the fight. {{storylink|Battle Up of Wrath!!}}

[[File:Victory24 kakuryu foam.jpg|thumb|225px|Man, [[Kakuryu#Victory|I remembered that the shell is quite slimy & icky inside]].]]
When the Decepticons attacked an oil field, Kakuryu was given the task of guarding the captured human workers, which he managed to do even while spending most of his time asleep. To save the humans, the Rescue Patrol Team took the direct approach, blasting both robot and shell with [[fire-retardant foam]]; Goryu gave him some brushes and towels to clean off and rejoin the fight. {{storylink|Crisis! Ambush in the Desert}} Kakuryu also took part in a Decepticon raid on a solar power station, and was the first to spot the Autobots' approach in the installation. Although he dropped a case of energy on his foot in the process, he did successfully raise the alarm, but in firing upon the Autobots, he wound up knocking a satellite dish off a nearby tower and onto Goryu. {{storylink|Ginrai Dies!!}}

[[File:Victory30 kakuryu panic.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]
Kakuryu was part of the failed Decepticon attempt to steal energy from a tanker on the [[Energy Road]]. {{storylink|Fight!! Victory Leo}} The villains had more luck when they threatened the Earth with orbital missile bombardment, preventing the Autobots from acting while they stole energy. Carefree Kakuryu earned himself a scolding from Goryu when he goofed around carrying more energy than he could manage, and took particular delight in taunting the helpless Autobots, but when Star Saber combined with [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]] to gain the power to outrace the missiles, he got on the horn to Deathsaurus to warn him of the Autobot leader's new abilities. {{storylink|The Tide Is Turned! The Ultimate Weapon, the Victory Unification}}

[[File:Victory31 kakuryu fountain.jpg|thumb|225px]]
Kakuryu and [[Rairyu]] were tasked with staking out the Schwimmbad School as part of a plan concocted by Goryu, but the appearance of Jan's new mecha, the ''[[Illumina II]]'', threw a wrench into the works. At Kakuryu's urging, Goryu decided to table his plan in order to test the mech's abilities, resulting in a fight that ended with the Dinoforce's defeat at the hands of Star Saber. As Goryu attempted to protect his subordinates by offering his life to Star Saber, Kakuryu lunged forward and grabbed Star Saber's leg, trying to hold him back with the exclamation that he was the unimportant one, and that it was Goryu who should survive. The rest of the Dinforce followed his lead, and the impressed Star Saber let them be, telling them to heal up for their next encounter. {{storylink|Jan - Defend the Campus!!}}

[[File:Victory33 kakuryudorya.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Get it off, '''GET IT OFF!''']]
The insect-loving Kakuryu was thrilled when [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] bred a swarm of [[Doriya]] in the ''Thunder Arrow'' bio-room, recalling a fun time when he went bug-catching on the planet [[Dammar]]. When the insects were presented to Deathsaurus, Kakuryu was the one instructed to open the canister containing them... at which point, the metal-eating monsters swarmed all over him and began munching their way through his armor! [[Drillhorn (G1)|Drillhorn]] scooped up a fallen piece of Kakuryu's arm and used it to lure the bugs off him, and the injured Kakuryu was taken to the infirmary. {{storylink|The Death-Bringing Space Insects!!}}

When Deathsaurus raised [[Atlantis]] to raid its energy stockpiles, the Dinoforce loaded the ''Thunder Arrow'' with the recovered energy, but were then abandoned by Deathsaurus for their many failures and left to be washed away by a tidal wave when the continent sank back beneath the ocean. {{storylink|The Terror of the Giant Tidal Waves}} [[File:Victory37 kakuryus new job.jpg|thumb|225px]] At first, Kakuryu thought this meant they could have a vacation, but Goryu refused to believe they had been deserted, and kept them busy stealing energy. When they were caught in the meteor bombardment of Earth carried out by Deathsaurus's reactivated fortress, however, they were forced to accept that their emperor had discarded them. Kakuryu begged his injured captain not to die, and allowed the Autobot Rescue Patrol Team to carry out first aid on him. {{storylink|The Wrath of the Resurrected Giant Fortress!}} Reawakening the Autobot base, Goryu called Kakuryu to his side and had him fetch an Autobot so he could pay Deathsaurus back by giving the Autobots' information on the fortress's weak spot. With this information, the Autobots triumphed and destroyed the Fortress and Deathsaurus with it. {{storylink|Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification}}

In the aftermath of Deathsaurus's defeat, while his fellow Dinoforcers went to work in construction, Kakuryu took a job at an amusement park, where he became very popular with children. {{storylink|Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification}}
{{-}}

====''United EX''====
[[File:UnitedEX5 dragon dues.jpg|left|thumb|275px]]
Once, Star Saber saved Kakuryu's life under some undisclosed circumstances. Seeking to pay the Autobot leader back for his kindness, at some point over the ten years that followed Deathsaurus's defeat, Kakuryu left his theme park job behind and signed up to become a fully-fledged Autobot. Admitted to the ranks of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], he spent a decade training on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]] to finally become strong and skilled, and even took part in the Autobots' [[Power Core Combination|Power Core Combiner]] program, gaining control of four Dinobot drones built by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and the new code-name of "Grimmaster".

[[File:UnitedEX6 destruction regeneration.jpg|thumb|275px]]
After a series of Decepticon attacks caused the loss of a team of Autobot drones and left [[Blaze Master|Choppermaster]] missing in action, the Autobots' human military ally [[Clouder|Major Clouder]] decided to call Grimmaster up to active duty and dispatched [[Tread Bolt|Jetmaster]] to Dinobot Island to tell him so. Grimmaster promised to fight his best for the Autobots and for Earth. {{storylink|The Dragon Pays His Dues}} On their return trip, while flying over a landfill, the pair were shot down by [[Detritus (G1)|Roadmaster]], who proposed that Grimmaster return to the Decepticon ranks in exchange for great fiscal reward. Unswayed by the offer, Grimmaster attacked, but found that Roadmaster's regenerative abilities posed a challenge. {{storylink|Destruction and Regeneration}} Nevertheless, he was able to triumph over his seemingly-invincible foe, only to be ambushed by [[Grindcore (G1)|Tankmaster]], who had been hiding nearby. Fortunately, he was saved from execution at Tankmaster's hands by [[Manta Ray (G2)|Marinemaster]]. {{storylink|Ocean Encounter}}

[[File:UnitedEX8 ocean encounter.jpg|left|thumb|275px]]
The Autobots were able to obtain the location of the Decepticons' base from Tankmaster, and Grimmaster took part in the subsequent attack. When the Autobots' human ally [[Clouder]], piloting the [[Eldedroid|Assaultmaster]] mech, found himself on the losing side of a one-on-one struggle with [[Gravedigger|Buildmaster]], Grimmaster came to his aid and took over the fight. {{storylink|Unearthed Future}}
{{-}}

====Metrowars====
After an immense battle where [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] and his comrades were sent fleeing, Grimmaster and his drones did clean-up so that [[Guard City]] could perform his emergency repairs. {{Storylink|Metrowars}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[File:CybertronAllianceReborn.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
In [[2039]], Grimmaster was on planet [[Micro|Zone]] when [[Dark Nova]]'s forces attacked. He cheered on his inspirational leader Star Saber, while [[Jan Minakaze]] rode the Illumina III drone. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 5: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part Two|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part Two}}

A year later, Grimmaster was present at the unveiling of the [[Cybertron Alliance]] where [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] shook hands. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

====''Generations Selects Special Comic''====
In [[2050]], Grimmaster was late attending a meeting with the other [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], and was made fun of for being late, to his annoyance. They were interrupted when a time gate opened to reveal the [[Quintesson]]s, who sought to subdue the Dinobots to sell as merchandise. To aid them in their endeavor, the Quintessons summoned [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], and Grimmaster tried to defend [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], only to be crushed under the combiner's foot. Grimmaster survived and tossed his [[Energon Matrix]] to the Dinobots, which allowed them to combine into [[Volcanicus (POTP)|Volcanicus]]. After the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and the Quintessons fled, Grimmaster watched on as the Dinbots got a call from [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] requesting assistance with the [[Selector]] revolt. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 1}}

===''Victory'' comic===
[[File:Victorymanga4 kakuryu starsaber.jpg|left|thumb|275px|Can I be in idw?]]
When Deathsaurus launched his attack against the Earth, Kakuryu and the Dinoforce were at the forefront of the assault, riding their shells into action as they ransacked a city. They attempted to escalate the devastation by forming [[Dinoking]], but were stopped cold by the power of [[Landcross (G1)|Landcross]]. {{storylink|So Cool! Our Ally, Star Saber!}}

[[File:Goryu and his little guy.jpg|right|thumb|275px|If even Kakuryu can get laid, what's ''your'' excuse?]]
Kakuryu continuously underwent extensive personal training in order to earn the respect of his peers and his emperor—though that training evidently didn't extend to his mind, as he figured the best way to put his new skills to use would be to hide underground on the off-chance that Star Saber would wander by and he could ambush him. It took three days, but Star Saber eventually did happen by, so Kakuryu leapt out to assault the Autobot Supreme Commander. While grappling with his foe from behind, Kakuryu commanded his shell to gore Star Saber's chest with his horns, hoping to penetrate down to his [[Brainmaster]]. Star Saber was only momentarily caught off-guard, however, and in seconds he had the upper hand after unleashing his Saber Vacuum Tornado Pacifier attack. Kakuryu bounced across the landscape and nearly fell over a cliff thanks to the awesome maneuver. Hanging from the edge, Kakuryu was defiant to the end and told Star Saber to hurry up and kill him if he was going to do it. Instead, Star Saber pulled his opponent to safety, and congratulated Kakuryu on his effort. {{storylink|Star Saber, Warrior of Love!}}

Kakuryu and the Dinoforce were stationed aboard the Decepticon Space Stronghold when Deathsaurus turned its power against the Earth, but were scattered by a sudden, forceful Autobot invasion of the vessel. The fighting soon ceased as the Decepticons revealed they only sought energy for their families, including the adorable [[Baby Dinoforce|Dinobabies]]. Kakuryu's a daddy! {{storylink|The Grand Victory War}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:ThePermanentRevolution-Dinoforce.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|’Kay, thanks.]]
Kakuryu was part of [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]'s contingent of Decepticons stationed in their [[Warworld]]. In agreement with [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]], Deathsaurus and his forces joined with the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] to continue the Decepticon dream and eliminate [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Victory}}
[[File:Victory-toy Kakuryu.jpg|thumb|300px|We use "warrior" to describe Kakuryu in the same way we use "comedian" to describe Tom Green.]]
*'''Kakuryu''' (''Dinoforce'', [[1989]])
**''ID number'': '''D-324'''
**''Accessories'': ''Triceratops'' shell, shell back, "Tricera Gun", "Dino Blaster" Dinoking gun, Dinoking head

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Pretender Monster]] [[Slog (G1)#Generation 1|Slog]], Kakuryu transforms into a squat pincher monster via a simple process similar to the [[Transformation|transformation scheme]] of both Goryu and [[Doryu (G1)|Doryu]]. The largest among the inner robots of the Dinoforce, he unfolds in a comparatively complex fashion to combine with them to form the shoulders and upper torso of Dinoking. His robot form fits inside his soft-plastic shell, an armored ''Triceratops'' (albeit one with three horns in a row, unlike the actual dinosaur), which mounts both his smaller "Tricera Gun"—which he wields in robot mode—and his larger "Dino Blaster", Dinoking's weapon. Dinoking's head stores on the rear of the larger weapon.

: The Dinoforce shells are notable for developing a green patina on the painted-gold portions, as well as a slimy texture over their whole surface over time. What causes this is unknown, but ''ick''. Even previously unopened samples will develop this nastiness. While some water and a little bit of hand soap should take care of the slime, there's not much to be done about the green discoloration.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Destron/Kakuryu/kakuryu.htm More information on Kakuryu at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Dinoking}}
[[File:Victorytoy dinoking giftset.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Dinoking''' (''Dinoforce'' gift set, 1989)
**''ID number'': '''D-328'''
**''Accessories'': ''Triceratops'' shell, shell back, "Tricera Gun", "Dino Blaster" Dinoking gun, Dinoking head

:All six members of [[Dinoforce]] were available both in individual boxes, and in a complete six-piece gift set. While there are no differences in the toys themselves, the gift set lacks any [[bio]] or [[Tech Spec]] cards for the individual components, only having cards for the combined mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Destron/Dinoking/dinoking.htm More information on Dinoking at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United EX''===
[[File:UnitedEXtoy grimmaster.jpg|thumb|400px|Moral of the story: switching sides nets you a sweet promotion.]]
*'''Grimmaster Prime Mode''' ([[October 20]], [[2012]])
**''ID number'': '''EX 04'''
**''Accessories'': Cross-Ryu Drone, Caesar-Ryu Drone, Illumina III Drone, Saber-Ryu Drone

:Grimmaster is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Grimstone (PCC)#Toys|Grimstone]] toy, transforming into a robotic ''Styracosaurus''. He also has a "Prime Mode" where he becomes the torso of a super robot, capable of using any auto-transforming Power Core Combiner drone-machine molds for limbs.

:Light gray and light red were changed to darker gray and darker red. The gold paint color was changed and the red toes on the ''Pachycephalosaurus'' limb are now painted silver.

:He comes with four prehistoric creature drone-limbs, redecos of the [[Dinobot (PCC)|Dinobot]] drones. Each one has a square socket for a Power Core Combiner connection; when attached via the blue plugs on a Commander figure, the creatures automatically transform into a super-robot limb, and snap back to creature mode when disconnected. Despite the universal connector, each drone can only form one limb type (but can be swapped from left to right):

:*'''Cross-Ryu Drone''' (''Ankylosaurus'')—Leg (Grimmaster's left)
:*'''Caesar-Ryu Drone''' (''Pachycephalosaurus'')—Leg (Grimmaster's right)
:*'''Illumina III Drone''' (''Parasaurolophus'')—Arm (Grimmaster's left)
:*'''Saber-Ryu Drone''' (''Dimetrodon'')—Arm (Grimmaster's right)

:The drones are all named after concepts from ''Victory'', specifically [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Road Caesar]], [[Landcross (G1)|Landcross]], and Jan Minakaze's ''[[Illumina II]]''.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:VictoryKakuryuColorModel.jpg|thumb]]
*''Kakuryū'' is short for "三角竜" (''Sankakuryū'', "three-horned dinosaur") in Japanese, referring to ''{{w|Triceratops}}''.
*Kakuryu's Tech Specs seem to mix him up with Goryu when describing the components of Dinoking that they form. While Goryu is incorrectly described as forming the combiner's head—actually Kakuryu's role—Kakuryu's listed abilities include the power to create earthquakes using Dinoking's foot, a piece included with Goryu's toy, not his.
*Kakuryu's [[character model]] brightens him up with some notable color changes that owe nothing to either his toy or that of his American predecessor Slog, including a distinctive golden torso and arms that were likely inspired by the gold of Dinoking's torso, which Kakuryu becomes when combined in that form.
*The ''Victory'' anime depicted the Dinoforce members as carrying melee weapons, rather than the blasters the toys actually came with; Kakuryu carried an axe that could shoot blasts from its blade and handle, in addition to the [[:File:Victory1 kakuryu revolver.jpg|wimpy, ineffective pistol]] he was seen with in both "[[The Brave Hero of the Universe - Star Saber]]" and "[[Explosion!! The Energy Base]]".
*The Dinoforce shells tend to develop a slimy green layer of glop over their gold paint, and a similarly sludgy texture over their entire outsides. It's unknown what causes that, but it's ''disgusting''. Some hand soap and water gets rid of the sludge, but you can't do much about the green goop.

===Foreign names===
*''English:'' '''Slog''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jiānjiǎoguài''' (China, 尖角怪, "Sharp-horned Monster")
*''Russian:'' '''Prishibala''' (Пришибала, "Knock Out")

[[Category:Dinoforce]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Dinobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Dinobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United EX Autobots]]

Fallen (episode)

2022-07-06T23:52:06Z

Androzani84: /* Quotes */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'''Bud:''' "Lori, Lori. When life gives you lemons... Make orange [[soft drink|soda]]!" 
'''Lori:''' "Orange... soda?" 
:—'''Bud''' hilariously mangles a classic phrase.

'''Thundercracker:''' (After his airstrike misses Landmine) "Oh, man! That was a waste of perfectly good missiles! I'll get him this time!" 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "I hope you don't mind if I ''butt in''!" (rams Thundercracker) 
'''Thundercracker:''' "Where the heck did ''he'' come from?!" 
:—'''Optimus''' makes a dramatic entrance

'''Optimus Prime:''' (After appearing in Super Mode, completely unharmed by Thundercracker's missiles) "''That'' was your best shot, Thundercracker? That's just sad." [''brings his heavy cannons to firing position''] "Here's mine." 
'''Thundercracker:''' "How's this?!" [''Angrily fires off another missile volley]'' 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "Gee, nice fireworks." [''shoots the missiles, blowing them up in Thundercracker's face and sending him flying''] "Decepticon in the corner pocket!"
:—Thus begins the practice of '''Thundercracker''' channeling the spirit of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

"Vector Prime, sir. We must act quickly, before those fiendish Autobots get back. Those evil Transformers would steal the power of Primus. We must find the Cyber Planet Keys first.
:—'''Megatron''' tries to trick Vector Prime.

==Notes==

===Differences with ''Galaxy Force''===
[[File:ScanningLifeForms_Fallen.jpg|thumb|225px|Big deal. You can get the same effect from a pair of X-Ray Specs.]]
This episode is a composite of the first two Japanese ''Galaxy Force'' episodes, "The Sacred Homeworld, Planet Cybertron, Destroyed?!" and "Encounter with the Transformers". This is effectively accomplished by beginning the episode ''in medias res'', kicking off with the Transformers already in the process of evacuating Cybertron and Landmine being warped to Earth. The opening and closing scenes of the first episode (the family having their barbecue and the kids finding Landmine) are then presented back-to-back, and all the other events of the first episode are presented in heavily truncated form as flashbacks told by Landmine. No real plot points or important actions from the first episode are lost in this manner—things are just more condensed—but removed footage includes:

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

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

Also, in ''Galaxy Force'', despite that version of the series not being intended to follow ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Super Link]]'', Bud somehow knows of the existence of Transformers before anyone tells him. However, dialogue in future episodes of ''Galaxy Force'' suggests that Transformers are urban legends, not unlike Bigfoot, meaning it's not completely impossible for someone like Bud to know about the Transformers.

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

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

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

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:GalaxyForcevsCybertron.jpg|thumb|150px|Weird. Just weird.]]
Strangely, this episode features some scenes using different animation from their Japanese counterparts.

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

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

===Transformers references===
* Optimus drops one of the franchise's most famous taglines: "Robots in disguise".

===Trivia===
*For an unknown reason, this episode was skipped when the ''Cybertron'' series began airing, even in foreign markets like the UK, suggesting that the decision to combine the two episodes may have been a late one. The second episode, "[[Haven]]", was also skipped domestically, and neither aired in the U.S. until ''Cybertron'' moved to the [[Kids' WB]] afternoon programming block, several months after the series had debuted. The second episode saw a VHS release, at least.
*Megatron is not voiced in this episode by his regular voice actor, [[David Kaye]], but by [[Trevor Devall]], doing his best Kaye impression.
*Speaking of voices, Coby's is a heck of a lot reedier and whinier in this episode than in all others. He's still being voiced by his regular actor, [[Sam Vincent]], but holy hell, he constantly sounds like he's about to burst into tears.
*"Moriturus" is Latin for "[I] am going to die," likely derived from the famous phrase "''Morituri te salutant''"—"We who are about to die salute you"—spoken by Roman gladiators saluting the Emperor prior to combat. Or perhaps someone on staff is a fan of the hapless "wizzard" Rincewind of the ''{{w|Discworld}}'' series...
* Optimus' vehicle transformation does not match up entirely with the fire truck he scanned, only the cab is the same. The truck he scanned looks more like a normal fire truck of the variety with a "cherry-picker" bucket-lift. Said truck would also appear to be based on early designs for his toy. The other Autobots' vehicle modes also deviate slightly from the scans (to accommodate their Cyber Key slots), but not to the same extent.
* Optimus is apparently familiar with the game of billiards, or pool.
* This is the first appearance of (among others) Optimus's Super Mode stock footage sequence, though the final segment where he poses against. Admit it, it's pretty bad ass the first couple times.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force — Sound Pack 1'' ([[Victor Entertainment]]) — Limited edition, Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Galaxy Force'' — Vol. 01 (Victor Entertainment) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Cybertron'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Cybertron episodes]]

Primacy issue 4

2022-07-03T19:24:13Z

Androzani84: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=primacy|issueno=4
|prev=Primacy issue 3
|next
|caption=
|image=Primacy4_regcvr.jpg
|title=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 19]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=November 2014
|story by=[[Chris Metzen]] & [[Flint Dille]]
|art by=[[Livio Ramondelli]]
|letters by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Early in the war]]
}}
'''As the Autobots counterattack, Megatron makes a desperate attempt to purge the evil of Pentius... but will Optimus Prime fight to stop him, or help him?'''

==Synopsis==
The vision of [[Pentius]] he has just witnessed leaves [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] disoriented and distracted as the [[Decepticon]]s' aerial forces bombard the [[Autobot]]s' command position, but soon, the villains' tactics start working against them. The atmospheric alterations brought on by the [[acid rain]] they previously unleashed starts to affect the Decepticons' systems, and they begin dropping out of the sky; once on the ground, they are met in battle by the fighting-mad Autobots—joined at last by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]—who have survived their bombardment thanks to [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s forcefield. Leaving his men to fight, Megatron makes for [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s fallen body, hoping to transfer Pentius's spark out of the giant before the Quintesson restores him, in order to save [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from being consumed by the beast. Before departing, he gives [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] one last order: if he fails, burn [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] to the ground to spare it that fate.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] comes up against [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], but is saved by his old friend [[Slinger]], who now sees the error he made in joining the Decepticons. No sooner have the two comrades made peace, however, than Slinger is ripped limb from limb in a surprise attack by the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], leaving Hot Rod to face them alone. Fortunately, help soon arrives for the young Autobot: having slain his old foe [[Blackwall]] by stabbing him through the head with his [[Energo weapon|firesword]], [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] rallies his [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] and brings them to Hot Rod's aid. Hot Rod and Grimlock take on [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] together, and Grimlock shatters the Predacon leader's jaws by pulling them apart with his bare hands.

Megatron easily fights his way through the Autobot unit at the base of Trypticon, but is given momentary pause when faced with [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]], who can see fear in Megatron's eyes. Though impressed with the little 'bot's courage and perception, Megatron impales him on some debris and carries on his way. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] spots his old enemy and heads after him; [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] tries to bar his way, but as the two charge each other in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Optimus proves himself King of the Road, barrelling into the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] leader and hurling him aside. Omega Supreme deals with the rest of the Stunticons, preventing them from interfering with Optimus's mission, and the Autobot leader soon catches up to Megatron atop the fallen Trypticon's head. As the pair engage in combat with energy weapons, Megatron cryptically warns Optimus of the threat posed by the Quintessons, and tries to goad the Prime into killing him, seeing it as the only way to destroy Pentius—the essence of whose [[spark]] remains fused to his own—before he can revive Trypticon. Realizing what Megatron is trying to force him to do, Optimus offers to help him find a way to destroy the malign presence, but Megatron believes it impossible without his death. Optimus refuses to accept this, and unleashes the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]; its burning white fire successfully eradicates Pentius, but Megatron expresses no gratitude, vowing instead that he will never stop hating Optimus despite what he has done for him. Optimus, sadly resigned to the fact that the spark of the 'bot he once considered a friend became corrupt long before Pentius influence touched it, knocks the weakened Megatron out with a single punch.

Moments later, Prime addresses the Autobots and Decepticons via a huge hologram broadcast, announcing Megatron's defeat, calling for an end to the fighting and vowing that the Decepticons will face justice. Megatron is subsequently imprisoned, and Optimus's surety in, and dedication to, the Autobot cause is left stronger than ever.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (9)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]? (12)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (13)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (16)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (17)
*[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] (18)
*[[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] (22)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] (24)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (38)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (39)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (40)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (41)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (44)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (46)
*[[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]] (47)
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (48)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (49)
{{!}}}

|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (1)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]]? (2)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (6)
*Another Seeker (7)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (19)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (20)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gar]] (21)
*[[Blackwall]] (23)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (25)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (26)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Slinger]] (27)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (28)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (29)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (30)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (31)
*[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (32)
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (33)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (34)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (35)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (36)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (37)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (42)
{{!}}}

|c4=
*[[Pentius]] (43)
*"[[Slave Cy-Kill]]" (45)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Tantrum:''' "I can smell the fear on this Autobot." 
'''Divebomb:''' "He'll taste sweet—like '''molten steel'''. First bite's '''mine.'''" 
'''Hot Rod:''' "It won't be that easy, Predacon." 
'''Grimlock:''' "I think they almost believed ya, kid." 
'''Hot Rod:''' "Grimlock?" 
'''Grimlock:''' "Just a thought—but next time someone's tryin' to kill you, use your big-boy voice."

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Megatron refers to the "torture [Bumblebee] experienced at [his] hands", a callback to [[Rise|''Autocracy'' #10]].
*A pointy-headed robot shows up in the background of the first panel on page 16, just over Swerve's shoulder; he's a [[Slave Cy-Kill|NAIL]] who previously appeared ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|#1]], [[The World & Everything in It|#2]], and [[Stick Together|#3]] (in which he died), and whose color scheme was based on the ''[[GoBots]]'' [[gbwiki:Cy-Kill#Black|"Series 2" redeco]] of the original [[Cy-Kill (GoBots)|Cy-Kill]] toy.
*Sandstorm appears with the design he had in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''; previously, this was the chronologically earliest appearance Sandstorm had in IDW continuity, so his physical appearance here is in-keeping with that.
*Megatron's imprisonment adds a note of finality to Dille and Metzen's IDW trilogy, but of course, we know he cannot stay incarcerated for long. Chronologically, the next known event in Megatron's timeline is, sure enough, revealed in [[Post]] to be his escape from the jail, aided by his Decepticons.
*Speaking of finality, the last page of this issue repeats the ''first'' page of [[Law and Disorder|''Autocracy'' #1]], with the panels in reversed order (plus a few minor changes, such as the Matrix glowing inside Optimus Prime's chest, which he—then still as Orion Pax—didn't have yet at the beginning of ''Autocracy''), bringing the whole trilogy full circle.

===Transformers references===
*Optimus and Megatron wheel out their [[energon-axe]] and [[energon mace]], originally seen in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".
*Motormaster's (literal) head-to-head confrontation with Optimus Prime is, of course, a reference to his infamous clash with Prime in the G1 cartoon episode "[[Masquerade]]", itself derived from Motormaster's original [[bio]], which noted his desire to beat Prime and his inability to prevail in a collision with him.

===Errors===
*We didn't get a proper look at Breakdown when the Stunticons were introduced in [[Primacy issue 2|issue #2]] so we don't have any evidence to say whether it's consistent with the new designs created for the team, but he's coloured red instead of his traditional off-white as Omega Supreme takes the Stunticons out.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave, by [[Livio Ramondelli]]. Part of an interlocking image with the regular covers of the other three issues.
*'''Subscription cover:''' Optimus versus Megatron, by [[Saren Stone]].
*'''30th Anniversary cover:''' The second in November's series of three 30th Anniversary covers by [[Andrew Griffith]], depicting [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]'s battle from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''
<gallery>
File:Primacy4 regcvr.jpg|
File:Primacy4 subcvr.jpg|
File:Primacy4 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|Drift - Empire of Stone]]''
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|#35]]
*''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|#35]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Form Follows Function|#4]]
*''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Monstrosity|Monstrosity]]''
*IDW Transformers graphic novel library
*IDW Micro Comic Fun Packs
*''[[Angry Birds Transformers (comic)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'' (back cover)

===Reprints===
Other than [[The Transformers: Primacy#Collections|collections of the full series]].
* N/A

===External links===
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=24640 Preview]

[[Category:Primacy issues]]

Kicker Beware!

2022-07-02T21:13:47Z

Androzani84: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=13
|prev=Crisis in Jungle City
|next=Energon Grid (episode)
|title="Kicker Beware!"
|japanese=狙われたキッカー
|romaji=Nerawa re ta Kicker
|translation=Kicker Targeted
|image=E13_titlecard.jpg
|caption=You're in for a scare!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Mitsuru Kawasaki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[April 2|2 April]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[June 25]], 2004 (Canada) [[June 30]], 2004 (USA)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Kicker and the Autobots make a series of startling discoveries amid the ruins of Lunar City.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Dangling-Decepticons.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Megatron practices using his new tentacles on his loyal soldiers.]]
Sitting atop his control throne, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] angrily flashes back to the activation of the [[energon tower]]s on [[Earth]]. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] speculate on what's got him so grumpy. Overhearing them, he snares them both with tentacle—wires and bawls them out. Suddenly, Megatron suspects Demolishor isn't telling him something about how the [[Autobot]]s are finding [[energon]]; Cyclonus mentions that it's some [[human]] who's allowing them to do it, and Megatron extracts [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]'s name from him.

[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] reports that a [[Battle Ravage|Command Jaguar]] [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] has been captured by the Autobots and transferred to [[Lunar City]]. As the city was reduced to a ruin months ago, Megatron suspects the Autobots have found an energon motherlode, and prepares his troops to attack.

[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] contemplates the news of a human who can sense energon. As his faces struggle with one another, his calm face says that he wants to meet this boy.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and Kicker are searching the ruins of Lunar City for energon, but Ironhide has his doubts. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Omnicon]]s voice their trust in Kicker's abilities. Using a tethered Terrorcon, the search continues. Kicker suspects they're being watched.

Suddenly, Kicker, Ironhide, and [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] come across Demolishor, who says he's deserted Megatron. As proof, he tells them to follow. When Ironhide has doubts, Demolishor says that he stole the [[Decepticon mobile fortress]], and will be finished if Megatron finds out. Before they go any further, a horde of Terrorcons storms toward the group and surrounds them. Ironhide reports to Prime that he's engaged the enemy, and he thinks they're after Kicker.

[[File:Energon-Battle-Ravage-Leashed.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Good doggiebot|Good doggiebot!]]

Megatron attacks Optimus Prime, who sends his copter drone to help out Ironhide, and calls for backup from [[Ocean City]] on [[Earth]]. Kicker's worried parents watch the Autobots depart.

Watching from nearby, [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] tells [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] that it's not their place to interfere in the battle. Elsewhere, Kicker agrees to head off with Demolishor and the Terrorcons; Demolishor threatens force when Ironhide tries to suggest otherwise. His parents observe the unarmed Kicker walking off among the Terrorcons and continue to worry; Rodimus also watches, planning to keep an eye on the situation.

Kicker and company arrive at the Decepticon mobile fortress. Within, Scorponok watches. Alpha Q laments Demolishor's betrayal, and tells Scorponok to keep Megatron away from Kicker, and to destroy them all when they arrive.

[[File:Energon-Lunar-Megafortress.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|left|So, where's the door?]]

Suddenly the fortress begins to rise into the air, to Demolishor's surprise. The blast knocks him aside. When Ironhide runs to help him, he refuses, telling Ironhide that he came here to trick him.

The fortress approaches Megatron's battle site and opens fire on the Autobots, though it also blasts Megatron. Meanwhile, Kicker and Ironhide observe some seismic upheavals in the moon's surface; Ironhide is worried, but Kicker tells him everything is fine, and that "they're on their way". A huge construct breaks through the ground, and a horde of Omnicons storms forth—the city's inhabitants survived!

Prime [[radio]]s [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] to send up the energon tower, as they have a foundation. With a lot of grunting, the Signal Flares prepare the way. Megatron orders his troops to destroy the tower, and Prime works to counter it. The tower lands and is energized; the pulsewaves drive off the Decepticons.

[[File:Energon-Snow-Cat-1st-Appearance.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|After a while, it starts to feel kinda good.]]

Kicker tells his Terrorcon captors that they'd best split while the splitting is good, but one of them suddenly channels the voice of Alpha Q. Alpha Q explains that he plans to rule the [[universe (universe)|universe]], but needs lots of energon to do it, and tells Kicker to stay out of his way. Kicker demands to know more, but the energy blast from the tower arrives and destroys the Terrorcons. Prime's copter drone retrieves him.

Aboard the airborne fortress, Scorponok looks down on the moon and bids Megatron farewell, only to find himself at the point of Megatron's [[Energon Sword|sword]]. Demolishor emerges from the dirt, to find Ironhide demanding to know whose side he's on. Demolishor says he's a Decepticon serving Megatron, and is evacuated by Cyclonus. They nearly grab Kicker while escaping, until fire from an unseen group drives them off. Kicker wonders who saved him. Nearby, Rodimus quietly says that he'll find out in due time.

Cyclonus says he's damaged and needs repairs, so Megatron reformats him into a new body. Megatron is faintly glad that Scorponok failed to destroy the Autobots, leaving Prime for him.

Dr. Jones rejoices over the completion of the new tower, till [[Sally Jones|Sally]] tells him to calm down. Kicker and [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] reflect on the battle's outcome. Kicker says it's almost like he's got a guardian angel. Misha wonders if it's Alpha Q, but Kicker doubts it. They both lament the endless fighting, but Misha says that one day they'll understand everything about the universe.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (8)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]]s (10)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (11)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Prime Force]] (14)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (16)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (17)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (18)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (21)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (22)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (25)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus/Snow Cat]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (5)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (15)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (7)
*[[Brian Jones]] (19)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (20)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (23)
*[[Sally Jones]] (24)
*[[Rad White]] (26)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (6)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (9)
}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
[[File:Cyclonusscareddifferenc.jpg|upright=1|thumb|{{w|Wonder Woman}} features in the [[DC Comics|DC]] vs ''Transformers'' crossover.]]
*The essence of the opening conversation among the Decepticons is unchanged in ''Energon''; however, it's not nearly as disjointed in ''Super Link''.
*Kicker's ''It's a good thing they have no idea I know exactly what I'm doing!'' thought is originally a more modest reflection that he doesn't quite understand the sensations he's picking up either.
*When Rodimus refuses to jump in and help Optimus on the Moon, he merely ''thinks'' an explanation. ''Super Link'' features him saying it out loud, with mouth animation. He also further explains that there's nothing they could do that Optimus couldn't, with some implication that Rodimus feels himself lost in Prime's shadow.
*Demolishor explicitly asks Kicker to come with him, rather than Kicker randomly figuring out that the trap was for him. As they start off, Kicker's original comment is that Demolishor should have just stated his business clearly right from the start.
*In ''Super Link'', Alpha Q doesn't express a desire to ''rule the universe''; instead he calmly states that the energon is his only hope for reviving his world, and he rather gently requests that Kicker not interfere. This is clearly another attempt at [[Hasbro]] pushing the Alpha Q villain status.
*In ''Super Link'', Scorponok doesn't say "Farewell, Megatron," which would be a pretty bad thing to be caught saying; instead he merely wonders if "this is the end". Megatron later implies that ''of course'' Scorponok didn't mean to target him along with the Autobots, another bit of interplay lost in ''Energon''.
*In ''Super Link'', Ironhide rather calmly and sadly lets Demolishor go, regretfully wishing he'd rejoin the Autobots. In ''Energon'', the scene is played more for anger at Demolishor's betrayal.
*Misha and Kicker's final conversation in ''Super Link'' has more to do with discussing how the Omnicons survived (because the tunnels were so vast, and by detecting Prime's emergency transmission to Earth), and with the sadness of Alpha Q's words. Misha concludes that one day they'll understand Alpha Q's enigmatic words about energon being his only hope; ''Energon'' bizarrely mutates this into her saying, "Don't worry, I believe that one day we'll understand the whole universe!"
*When Cyclonus becomes Snow Cat, ''Super Link'' has him with his mouth open in a gasp, while ''Energon'' has him with his mouth closed.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 16
*"We need/they want energon": 3
*"It's time to": 1
*"Let's do it": 1
*"Gimme a break": 4

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Kicker Beware-Rodimus using Optimus's gun.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*During the opening scene when Demolishor and Cyclonus are suspended by cables, Megatron is missing from the fullscreen shot, despite being face to face with them in every other shot.
*The Battle Ravages are referred to as "Command Jaguar Terrorcons." Command Jaguar is their Japanese name, meaning the English name wasn't swapped in during dubbing.
**This is also the first instance of any of the Terrorcons being referred to by a title, even if it is the ''wrong'' one.
*Everyone's movements on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] are once again too fluid and "normal," making it realistically incorrect; this fault is likely due to the animation.
*When Kicker is riding inside Ironhide, Ironhide's steering wheel is drawn in the form of a plane's steering.
*After Optimus Prime (in his [[Super Mode]]) launches Copter-2 to watch over Kicker, it's still shown serving as Optimus's left arm.
*When Landmine tells Rodimus he can't leave Optimus in danger, his mouth is covered up by a green square.
*When [[Team Rodimus (Energon)|Team Rodimus]] fires on Demolishor and Cyclonus, saving Kicker, Prowl and Landmine's cannons are correctly shown, however, Rodimus appears to be using Optimus Prime's standard blaster, rather than his own. It's highly likely that Rodimus's gun wasn't rendered in CGI at the time this episode was made/released, which is further reinforced when characters like Jetfire and Cyclonus were wielding unfinished/incorrectly colored weapon models in the first few episodes.
**Following this clip, however, Rodimus pulls his hand back, making it seem as if he was firing from his wrist blaster. Weird.

===Continuity notes===
*This is the first appearance of Alpha Q's fourth "calm" face.
*Signal Flare uses the Battle Ravage that Kicker caught back in "[[Megatron Resurrected]]" to detect the energon on the Moon.
*Cyclonus gets upgraded into Snow Cat due to damages sustained by Team Rodimus's hidden attack.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Signal Flare uses an energy leash to hold the Battle Ravage.
**[[Powerlinx]] Inferno fires his arm-mounted Plasma Blaster for the first time.
**The Skyblasts use their [[Energon weapon|Energy Spear]]s for the first time. One Skyblast is also wielding a claw, which is presumably a piece of mining equipment.
**Likewise, the Strongarms use their Energy Axes. Another Strongarm is seen carrying what appears to be an I-beam that's about twice his size.
**Alpha Q uses the Autobots' captive Battle Ravage to communicate with Kicker. This also partially explains why Battle Ravages have cameras on their heads, as Alpha Q is shown talking with a hologram of Kicker back at his base.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime Super Mode
**Powerlinx Inferno with Hot shot
**Landmine Brute Mode (first use, shoulder cannon only)

===Continuity errors===
*How Demolishor was planning to trick Alpha Q isn't clear at all in either version of the show.
*After this episode, Megatron seems to forget about Kicker completely and never tries going after him again despite learning about his energon-sensing ability. And let’s face it, we’d all be rooting for the Autobots to lose for once.

===Trivia===
*Jetfire's [[stock footage]] transformation sequence has all of his red colored closer to the brown-ish color of his toy. The following scene has his colors return to bright red.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 004 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Cyclonus (Armada)

2022-07-02T21:12:22Z

Androzani84:

{{factions|decepticon|primusvanguard}}
{{disambigm|Cyclonus (disambiguation)|Snow Cat (disambiguation)}}
:''Cyclonus is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:Cyclonus-AR-DVD.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Why am I with Blackout?!]]
Cautious. Reliable. Uneager. These are not words to describe '''Cyclonus''' (sometimes '''Snow Cat'''). He is one wild and craaaaaaazy guy. Seriously, he's the guy in the group that even the other Cons think is a little unbalanced. His usual battle tactic is to rush straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing, all while laughing maniacally. Other times, he yodels while rushing straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing.

He loves combat, and isn't particularly picky about which side he's on, so long as he gets to shoot things. He's not especially bright, but [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] knows the value of a soldier largely without fear.

He is oftentimes partnered with the [[Mini-Con]] [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]], whose optics were opened up to just how much ''fun'' lunatic charges can be. The two get along amazingly well, both having an undying love for the sheer excitement of blowing stuff up real good.

He also sometimes partners up with [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]].

{{bigquote|Morale? We've never had morale around here!|Cyclonus|"[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
[[File:Armada V1 Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|Ow, I crashed into this stupid turret.]]

When [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] turned an energon-draining device on [[Cyber City]], Cyclonus and Crumplezone guarded it against Autobot intervention. The duo powerlinked and threatened [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] with a super-cannon when he arrived to foil their plans. Hot Shot's partner [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] arrived, however, giving him super-speed and driving claws to outmaneuver the Decepticons. Cyclonus and Crumplezone were caught in an explosion when Hot Shot dumped the Decepticon device in a ravine. {{storylink|Armada Volume 1}}

[[File:Energon V4 Decepticons.jpg|thumb|left]]

Somehow, Megatron was able to ambush [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], and forced him to battle Snow Cat, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]], and [[Shockblast]] without back-up. Luckily for Prime, [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] arrived with a new Powerlinx mode for the two of them, enabling Prime to annihilate Snow Cat and the other Decepticons with heavy firepower. {{storylink|Energon Volume 4}}
{{-}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Don Brown]] (English), [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Mauro Ramos]] (Brazil-Portuguese), [[Tobias Lelle]] (German), [[José María Carrero]] (Spain-Spanish), [[Frank Carreño]] (Latin-American Spanish, first voice), [[Renzo Jiménez]] (Latin-American Spanish, ''[[Awakening (Armada)|Awakening]]'' onwards), [[Peter Kjellström]] (Swedish), [[Jyrki Kovaleff]] (Finnish), [[Olivier Destrez]] (French), [[Sergio Di Giulio]] (Italian)}}
[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|"No, your Jim Carrey impression isn't funny, Cyclonus."]]
Cyclonus was a wild soldier under [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s command, possessing a maniacal personality. He had a tendency to fire at targets frantically, risking damage to his own teammates. Cyclonus was caught snoozing at the Decepticons' [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] base when Megatron, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] returned from their first attempt at capturing a Mini-Con on [[Earth]]. At his comrades' arrival, he sprung up to ask how their mission went, only to learn that it had ended in failure.

[[File:Cyclonus Comrade.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Cyclonus pleaded with Megatron to allow him the "honor" of scanning the planet for the Mini-Cons. Megatron permitted it, only to return after a short while with a Mini-Con already in hand. Megatron demanded to know how Cyclonus could be so incompetent as to not detect a Mini-Con he had found himself right outside their base. Cyclonus tried to weasel his way out of his failure, but Megatron assured him that he would be spared; he still served some use, after all. The Decepticon leader got [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] to shoot around Cyclonus some to "inspire" him to work harder though. Two more Mini-Cons were then detected awakening on Earth, and this time around Cyclonus accompanied the others on the recovery mission. Before they headed planet-side, Megatron had them all adopt modified vehicle modes to blend in better. They then came upon the three Mini-Cons [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], accompanied by three Earth children. Taking them for easy pickings, the Decepticons surrounded their targets, only to be prevented from acquiring them by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobot warriors. {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis}} In the battle that followed, Cyclonus managed to land a few good shots on Optimus, bringing the Autobot leader to his knees. The Decepticons still felt it more cautious to retreat, but before they did so, Cyclonus managed to grab a couple of dormant Mini-Cons. He kept [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] for himself, and presented the other to Megatron, who in turn gave it to Demolishor. {{storylink|Base}}

[[File:Soldier sinkyiceberg.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Cyclonus was eager to claim the next Mini-Con as his own as well, though Starscream protested that their next acquisition rightfully belonged to him. Megatron ordered the pair to put aside their differences, and the Decepticons headed down to [[Grand Canyon|Big Canyon]], where the newest Mini-Con signal emanated from. Though Cyclonus managed to sideline [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] there, the Decepticons still lost out on adding <s>Leader-1</s>[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] to their ranks.{{storylink|Comrade}} The Decepticons' next attempt at capturing a Mini-Con took them to the Antarctic. Megatron had Demolishor and Cyclonus keep tabs on Starscream during their search, though they lost track of him rather quickly. The glow of the Mini-Con panel led them back to their fellow Decepticon, then being overpower by Hot Shot. Megatron, Cyclonus, and Demolishor ganged up on the lone Autobot, with Cyclonus being granted permission to deliver the finishing blow. The execution was spoiled by Red Alert's arrival. The Decepticons continued to fight so long as they outnumbered the Autobots, but as soon as Optimus showed up, they warped back to base. {{storylink|Soldier (episode)|Soldier}}

After Cyclonus, Starscream, and Demolishor failed a holographic training exercise, Megatron criticized Starscream for his poor show of leadership. Cyclonus then taunted the second-in-command, but before their exchange could escalate into a squabble, the Decepticons' computer signaled that another Mini-Con had been detected.

[[File:Jungle-Not quite fist bump.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|"Wow, dodged a bullet on that one! Thank [[Primus]] my minions are so incompetent!"]]

The Decepticons warped down into a forest, where they started a forest fire during a clash against the Autobots. While the Autobots ran off to deal with the blaze, the Decepticons focused on acquiring the Mini-Con. Though the Autobots caught up to them, Starscream managed to have [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] imprint on him, and the Decepticons made another tactical retreat. {{storylink|Jungle}} During some downtime, the Decepticons continued to repair their base of operations. As they were working, Cyclonus got a good laugh at Demolishor being a clumsy oaf and getting on Megatron's nerves.{{storylink|Carnival}}

[[File:Confrontation-Cyclonus and Rad.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.3|Somebody defaced this animation cell!]]
While scouring the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]] for a Mini-Con, Cyclonus was taken for an enemy unit by Demolishor and fired upon. After yelling at his fellow Decepticon some, Cyclonus informed him he was having a lot of difficulty finding anything in the sandy expanse, and took off again. He circled back around to find the Autobots, and helped keep them at a standstill until Demolishor managed to swipe the Mini-Con and bring it back to base. {{storylink|Palace}} Later, Cyclonus came upon the children riding their Mini-Cons in the open. He failed to capture his initial targets, so instead settled on abducting Fred and Billy. Cyclonus then had the other three children convey his ransom message to Optimus; Fred and Billy would be released in exchange for all of the Mini-Cons in the Autobots' possession. When the Autobots turned up, Cyclonus acted as his faction's negotiator in the exchange. As usual, the negotiations quickly devolved into a firefight between the two factions. Cyclonus was punched out of the sky by Hot Shot and fell unconscious. While he was out of it, the Autobots gained the upper hand, and Cyclonus woke up just in time to skedaddle from the scene. {{storylink|Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation}}

[[File:Confrontation-Cyclonus vs Hot Shot.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]
The Decepticons searched a city's subway system for the next Mini-Con. This frustrated Cyclonus; the confined spaces of the underground disallowed him from flying and moving comfortably. By the time the Decepticons made their way to the Mini-Con's location, the Autobots' children allies had already gotten a hold of its panel. Cyclonus's attempt to smash the brats under-foot was halted by Smokescreen, though the new Autobot wasn't able to deal with all of Megatron's goons by himself. Cyclonus activated the Mini-Con, [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]], who bonded to him, and the Decepticons left the Autobots to dig out Smokescreen from some rubble. {{storylink|Underground (episode)|Underground}}

Cyclonus and the other Decepticons tracked a Mini-Con signal within [[Atlantis|a city]] at the bottom of the ocean. Instead of heading for it immediately, they lay in wait to ambush the Autobots when they arrived in turn. Despite their surprise attack, the Autobots were able to press on. The Decepticons left, Mini-Con in hand, as the entire underwater structure began collapsing on itself. {{storylink|Ruin}} Their next venture took them to a volcanic island. Cyclonus successfully plucked a Mini-Con panel from a lava flow there, while the other Transformers busied themselves with firing at one another. But when the Autobot-aligned Mini-Cons joined the fray and shot Cyclonus out of the sky, Cyclonus lost the panel to Red Alert. {{storylink|Prehistory}}

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Cyclonusteleport.jpg|thumb|200px|Hey I found a nickel!]]
Megatron determined the general location of the Autobots' base thanks to [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]'s ability to sense the other two members of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] trio. He sent out Cyclonus out to pinpoint it, and after searching for a whole day, Cyclonus finally uncovered it. With the base's defenses turned off, the Decepticons thought it would be a cakewalk to get the Mini-Cons. But the Autobots had trickier tactics to get rid of the intruders. After being confounded by a smokescreen and split up from the others, Cyclonus chanced upon the human children. Figuring he could have another go at holding them ransom for Mini-Cons, Cyclonus chased after them, only to be tricked into stepping into the warp gate. He was teleported away to the Arctic. Before Cyclonus could figure out where he was, Megatron sounded a withdrawal and warped all his minions back to the moon. {{storylink|Swoop (episode)|Swoop}}

[[File:Overmatch Cyclonusslicebutt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Misfortune continued to ail Cyclonus; on his next mission he nearly managed to grab a Mini-Con panel, only to be knocked out of the sky by Starscream's blade, cleaved from its hilt and sent flying by Hot Shot and the Star Saber. Frustrated over the continuous setbacks they suffered, Megatron brought in the mercenary [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] to assist the Decepticons. Though Scavenger helped out in their next venture, he came in late enough that Cyclonus had already lost his helicopter mode's tail pylon to Hot Shot's blade. At least the mercenary bought him the time he needed to fetch the Mini-Con panel while everyone else was fighting. {{storylink|Overmatch}}

[[File:Credulous Hot Shot beatdown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Cyclonus was next assigned to guard a highway tunnel while Scavenger was within, digging for their next prize. He also caused a gridlock to slow the Autobots down. Hot Shot sidestepped the traffic jam, and Cyclonus ambushed him while he was fighting Scavenger. After Sideways joined the fight, Cyclonus went back to the tunnel... until Hot Shot drove by, provoking him to give chase. Cyclonus was lured to a bridge which Hot Shot then cut down, sending Cyclonus and Scavenger plummeting. Cyclonus ditched Scavenger and took off. Not much of an attention span, that Cyclonus. {{storylink|Gale}}

[[File:Conspiracy-Showoff.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
Despite his own lackluster performance on the battlefield, Cyclonus took to mocking Megatron during their next encounter with the Autobots. Though, between Sideways joining the Autobots and Hot Shot being in possession of the Star Saber, none of the Decepticons were faring well against their opponents. The Decepticons retreated, accidentally warping Sideways and Hot Shot along with them to their moonbase. Megatron told his minions that whichever Decepticon took the Star Saber would get to keep it, but Cyclonus's attempt at stealing it only left him with his rotor chopped off. He recovered in time to beat up Hot Shot after Sideways betrayed him and passed the sword to Starscream. {{storylink|Credulous}} Cyclonus rejoiced over the Decepticons' subsequent series of victories in gathering Mini-Cons. But the Star Saber being in Starscream's hands also led to trouble, as the ambitious 'bot was quick to use the blade in response to any criticism his fellow Decepticons had against him. After failing to take down Optimus on his own during the next mission, Cyclonus suggested taking the Star Saber away from Starscream; due to a set-up orchestrated by Megatron, the rest of the Decepticons were led to believe that Starscream was too unstable to wield it safely. With the sword now being wielded by Megatron, the Decepticons managed to snag the second Mini-Con of the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] trio. {{storylink|Conspiracy}}

[[File:Trust-Scavenger-Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Let go of me! I'm allergic to touching!]]
When Starscream voiced his concerns that Scavenger might have went and joined the Autobots after deserting the Decepticons, Cyclonus and Demolishor pointed out that there was no evidence that the mercenary had actually switched sides. Seeing him among the Autobot ranks changed Cyclonus's mind. Cyclonus powerlinxed with [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] to try and stab Scavenger, but the turncoat was too agile to be hit. Cyclonus then fell victim to Scavenger's [[Dozer Cannon]] and was taken out of the rest of the fight. {{storylink|Trust (Armada)|Trust}}

Afterwards, Megatron took out his frustration on his troops by putting them through a "training exercise" where he chased them around with the Star Saber. Cyclonus was able to skip out on most of it, as Megatron focused primarily on chasing Sideways. {{storylink|Vacation}}

[[File:Reinforcement-Cyclonus yoink.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]
After losing out a Mini-Con to the Autobot team's newest member, [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], Cyclonus participated in a chase for the last member of the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] trio, [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]]. Thanks in great part to Blurr and Hot Shot butting heads the whole time, Cyclonus managed to snatch the Mini-Con. With this acquisition, the Decepticons now possessed both the Skyboom Shield and the Star Saber! {{storylink|Reinforcement}} With both weapons in hand, Megatron decided to issue a message to the Autobots, and challenge them to a final clash that would potentially end their war. Throughout the fight, Cyclonus ran interference, preventing the Autobots from coming to Optimus's rescue as Megatron beat him down. He was taken out by a shot that, unbeknownst to him, came from Sideways. Seizing this opening, the Autobots managed to snatch away the Skyboom Shield, and the Decepticons hightailed it back to the moon. {{storylink|Decisive Battle}} Despite this setback, Megatron was quick to orchestrate another confrontation between himself and Optimus. To do so, he set up a trap where a series of warp gates would scatter the Autobots around the globe. Cyclonus was tasked with keeping track of the Warp Gates so the Decepticons could retrieve Megatron if anything went wrong. Being Cyclonus, he lost track of the gates almost immediately. He sorted them out just before Megatron could get beaten down by the bulk of the Autobot forces, and the Decepticons pulled the plug on the operation. {{storylink|Vow}}

[[File:Cyclonus asleep.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
The Decepticons warped back to their base after yet another failed mission, the sound for a retreat having this time been sounded because Sideways had a leg injury. Cyclonus made fun of Sideways's "boo-boo," but collapsed mid-mockery due to exhaustion. He then slept through most of Sideways's plot to turn the Decepticons against one another, only coming to when he heard that Megatron and Starscream were about to duel. Eager to get a good view, he rushed out giddy with anticipation. The duel ended with Starscream being humbled after Megatron beat him down with his bare hands. {{storylink|Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion}}

Despite the Decepticons benefiting from improved morale after Starscream's failed coup, they were unable to best the Autobots, who were growing increasingly effective in their battle tactics. When Cyclonus attempted to fetch [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]]'s Mini-Con panel, he was shot out of the air by Smokescreen, and left blubbering on the ground until the Decepticons pulled out. A new arrival, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], provided the Decepticons with tactics that surpassed those of the Autobots, and Cyclonus next took part in an ambush that nearly spelled the end of Optimus Prime. But [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] unexpectedly joined the fray, reversing the balance of power once more. {{storylink|Tactician}} Though Demolishor was quick vent his anger towards Thrust, Cyclonus and the other Decepticons still retained faith in their new recruit. Cyclonus, Starscream, and the Decepticons' flying Mini-Cons were organized into a aerial attack-squad that ambushed Jetfire over the ocean, where the other Autobots couldn't come to his aid. The battle was going in the Decepticons' favor until Optimus warped in mid-air, and displayed his ability to combine with Jetfire. Together, the two Autobots took out their Decepticon opponents one-by-one. {{storylink|Linkup}}

[[File:Arm30 bobbleheads.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
The Decepticons gathered on the Moon so that Thrust could explain why his plans weren't working out. The tactician pointed out that the Decepticons lacked unity, and the reason behind their in-fighting was soon revealed: Sideways was caught reporting to his [[Unicron|unseen master]], admitting that he was keeping the Decepticons from gaining ground on the Autobots. Cyclonus helped his teammates gun down the traitor, only for Sideways to enter his "[[Trans-phase mode]]" and fly off to parts unknown. The Decepticons and Autobots then met in a beachfront battle, {{storylink|Detection}} where Cyclonus was sent wailing off in terror when [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] came bearing down on the scene. He then learned that the new arrival was on his side. Cyclonus continued his assault on the Autobots, only to get shot up by Optimus. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} Cyclonus continued to fight on, though a Decepticon victory seemed assured after it was revealed that Tidal Wave could combine with Megatron to grant him flight capabilities and additional firepower. Cyclonus attacked Hot Shot, but lost the tussle between the two. The Autobots then secured a victory by acquiring the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. {{storylink|Desperate}} What followed was some uneventful downtime, during which Cyclonus mostly stood around, made jokes that only he found funny, and pestered Thrust after he had been tasked with tracking down the Space Mini-Con team. {{storylink|Runaway}}

Cyclonus was on hand when [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] was welcomed into Megatron's forces. {{storylink|Past II}}

After the bulk of the Autobots had been lured away from their base, Cyclonus participated on an attack on the enemy headquarters which ended with the Requiem Blaster in Megatron's hands, and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] at death's door. {{storylink|Sacrifice}} The Decepticons regrouped at their base, where Megatron congratulated Thrust for getting him the Requiem Blaster. Cyclonus and Demolishor griped that Thrust was taking credit for their part in the weapon's acquisition. Starscream then walked in, and took out his frustration on being left behind on Thrust. Cyclonus rather enjoyed the show. Megatron stopped the fight however, and sent his troops off. Cyclonus and Wheeljack rushed back to Megatron's throne room when they heard that Starscream was rebelling against Megatron. Starscream shot them both before they could intervene, and left to join the Autobots. {{storylink|Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration}}

The Decepticons were gathered in Megatron's throne room when an alarm sounded throughout their base. Wheeljack suggested that maybe the alarm signaled an incursion from the Autobots, but Cyclonus dismissed the idea as preposterous. As far as he was concerned, there was no way the Autobots were smart enough to get passed their security system. He was wrong, of course, and the Autobots led a siege that ended with nearly all of the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons being liberated under their care. {{storylink|Rescue}} Cyclonus and the others were stuck filling in for the tiny 'bots, picking up where they'd left off on the construction of a spaceship, and cutting into the time the Decepticons would have otherwise spent gossiping, and watching Megatron vent his anger by destroying the lunar landscape. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

[[File:Cyclonus Return to Cybertron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Cyclonus participated on an attack on the Autobot base. Though he was shot down immediately, elsewhere on the battlefield Thrust convinced Starscream to return to the Decepticons with the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} With the sword, the shield, and the blaster now in hand, the Decepticons finalized the construction of the [[Hydra Cannon]], powered by all three Mini-Con weapons. They then used its awesome firepower to obliterate a comet before turning their sights towards the Earth.{{storylink|Threaten}} As the Hydra Cannon aligned itself, Megatron gave Thrust the new nickname "Squidhead." Cyclonus found this moniker especially hilarious. When Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrived to stop the Decepticon ship from unleashing its power against Earth, Cyclonus, Demolishor, and Wheeljack dealt with Jetfire, pinning him down and leaving him unable to stop Optimus from sacrificing himself to stop the cannon's blast. {{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}}

With Optimus destroyed, Cyclonus and the other Decepticons set course back to Cybertron. {{storylink|Remorse}} Cyclonus expressed confusion over why Megatron seemed so morose after the death of Optimus Prime. Wheeljack explained to him that the sudden loss of an eternal rival could be discomforting. {{storylink|Depart}} After Megatron turned the Decepticons' ship around to crush their Autobot pursuers, Cyclonus battled against Blurr amidst an asteroid field. The fighting came to an end when Optimus was revived by the Mini-Cons, and used the power of his Super Mode to push Megatron back. {{storylink|Miracle}} Cyclonus was further confused by Megatron laughing to himself over Optimus Prime's return to the living. Demolishor pointed out to him that it was better than Megatron yelling at them all the time, and Cyclonus agreed. {{storylink|Puppet}}

[[File:Dash.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
Arriving on their home planet ahead of Optimus Prime and his soldiers, the Decepticons managed to take Cybertron by force. During a war-charge led by Galvatron (formerly Megatron), Cyclonus and the others came upon Optimus and Jetfire. The Decepticons retreated when the Autobots brought to their attention a black hole overhead the Mini-Cons were in the process of keeping at bay, and warned of the approach of "[[Unicron]]." {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} Cyclonus encountered Hot Shot when the Autobot attempted to infiltrate Galvatron's fortress. Though all too happy to gun down the intruder, Cyclonus stepped down to allow Wheeljack his revenge against Hot Shot. But Hot Shot managed to convince his opponent to allow him to deliver his message to Galvatron. In the throne room, Cyclonus was mostly confused over the talk of Unicron and betrayals. Galvatron made things clearer by ordering him to pursue Thrust, revealed to be an agent of Unicron, as the traitor absconded into the depths of Cybertron with the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster in hand. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}}

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Cyclonus was present when Starscream pled with Galvatron to put aside his enmity towards Optimus, and join forces with the Autobots. Galvatron refused to acknowledged the greater threat of Unicron, and Cyclonus sided with him, saying their leader knew what he was doing. Cyclonus later accompanied Galvatron as he attacked Optimus's forces in a canyon. He was kept occupied by the enemy soldiers while Optimus tried to reason with Galvatron. The Autobots' and Decepticons' firefight was interrupted by an energy discharge from Unicron, and soon thereafter Galvatron was swayed by Starscream's death to unite his forces with Optimus's. {{storylink|Cramp}} Cyclonus showed no grief over his fellow Decepticon's demise, though a punch from Galvatron made him shut his yap on the subject. Cyclonus then attended a formal alliance ceremony where the Autobots and Decepticons officially joined forces, grudgingly shaking hands with Side Swipe. He and Demolishor subsequently joined Hot Shot and Side Swipe on a reconnaissance mission to Unicron's surface, though Cyclonus deviated from the mission immediately in a trigger-happy craze. As Unicron began transforming, Cyclonus nearly fell to his death down a chasm, but was saved thanks to the combined efforts of Demolishor and the Autobots. The scouting party was then rescued from Unicron's surface by Jet Optimus and Galvatron. {{storylink|Alliance}} All attempts to damage Unicron proved futile. Determining their best plan of attack laid in attacking Unicron from within, Optimus and Galvatron infiltrated their gargantuan foe's body. Meanwhile, Cyclonus and the rest of the troops kept Unicron occupied with their ships, in the hopes of forestalling Cybertron's annihilation. {{storylink|Union}}

Thankfully, Galvatron, Optimus, the kids and their companion Mini-Cons managed to travel within Unicron and remove the Mini-Con weapons powering him. Unicron became inert. Cyclonus then joined Jetfire on a flight over to the evil planet to retrieve their respective leaders, though Unicron began to stir en route. A final assault was launched on Unicron, though it proved unnecessary; within him, Galvatron sacrificed himself after a ferocious duel with Optimus. Robbed of the hatred Galvatron provided him, Unicron was no longer able to sustain himself, and vanished from existence. Afterwards, Cyclonus joined the Autobots' unit, though with reservations. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

=====Alternate timeline=====
In a timeline where the Cybertronians' conflict never left their home planet, the Mini-Cons' influence on the Autobots and Decepticons subjugated the larger robots. Cyclonus and the rest of his kind were left entangled in a semi-organic growth spawned from Unicron's cells, and were shut down by Unicron's power. Carlos, Alexis, and Rad appeared before him, visitors from another time, and beheld Cyclonus's inert form before shooting off into time once more, eventually leading to Cyclonus's fate being prevented. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

====''Cloud''====
At some point after [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] joined the Autobots on Earth, Starscream encountered a small group of Transfomers who had travelled to their world from the other-dimensional [[Cloud World]]. This caused him to miss a scheduled check-in with the Decepticon base, and Demolishor and Cyclonus were dispatched to see what had happened. They arrived after the otherworldly travellers had left, and faced off against the trio of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], and Side Swipe. {{storylink|Return}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Don Brown]] (English), [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[José María Carrero]] (Spain-Spanish), [[Renzo Jiménez]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Imre Józsa]] (Hungarian), [[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish, Cyclonus), [[Anders Öjebo]] (Swedish, Snow Cat), [[Ari Wirta]] (Finnish), [[Olivier Destrez]] (French), [[Sergio Di Giulio]] (Italian)}}
{{noteslonly}}
[[File:Energon Stars Cyclonus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Cyclonus was stationed as the guardian of the [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]] [[Lunar City|based on the moon]]. Although he served in his role dutifully, he was yearning for the days of combat. Not long after the attacks on Mars and Asteroid City, the Moon would also be attacked, a battle through which Cyclonus would hold up a small resistance before he was presumed destroyed. {{storylink|Energon Stars}}

[[File:MegatronsSword demolishor and cyclonus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I know it sounds crazy, but they both have that rare blend of expendable and invulnerable that makes for a perfect henchman]]
As [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] prepared for more [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] assaults on Earth, Cyclonus surfaced, having tucked tail and ran, abandoning the Cybertron City on the moon to be looted of its [[Energon]]. Cyclonus had learned of Megatron's potential rebirth, and shared the news with Demolishor during some friendly sparring. He then assisted Demolishor and the Autobots defend [[Plains City]] until [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] showed up wielding [[Megatron's Sword]], a blade forged by [[Alpha Quintesson]] from the Spark of Megatron. Believing that it was proof of Megatron's impending return, Cyclonus abandoned the Autobots and Demolishor, joining Alpha Quintesson's forces. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

[[File:Energon-Cyclonus-Galvatron-Corpse.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Returning from an Energon-gathering mission, Cyclonus and Tidal Wave found Megatron's remains within Unicron. Cyclonus attempted to reawaken their leader, to no effect. Both Decepticons then questioned Scorponok about Megatron's status; now that they had seen in what poor condition he was in, doubts began to seep in over whether or not it was truly possible for Megatron to be revived. Scorponok and Alpha Q dismissively told the pair to keep on task. Cyclonus, Tidal Wave, and a horde of Terrorcons zeroed in on an Energon expedition led by Hot Shot, and triggered an avalanche to sweep away the Autobot. The Autobots regrouped, fought back, and during the battle verbally sparred for Demolishor's loyalty with Cyclonus. Despite Scorponok arriving late into the battle with reinforcements, Cyclonus and his team were forced to pull back after the Autobots warped in an entire city atop the Energon cache, securing it under Autobot control. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}}

[[File:Cyclonus kicks Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Cyclonus was the first to enter a battle for [[Jungle City]] but also the first to leave when he realized that the Autobots had fitted the installation with automated defensive artillery. After the rest of the Terrorcons followed suit, Cyclonus and Tidal Wave apologized to their inert leader for not securing the energon needed to revive him. Cyclonus then grew irritated over their situation, and kicked Megatron's corpse. Suddenly, Megatron's voice filled the cavern, telling his former minion to stop doing that. Tidal Wave defended Megatron, but Cyclonus reminded him how badly they had been treated under his command and stated that he preferred that Megatron remained powerless, kicking him again. Megatron spoke up once more, making Cyclonus realize he would wind up in big trouble when his leader did revive. Scorponok then entered the cavern brandishing Megatron's [[Energon Sword]]. Scorponok claimed that Megatron had been siphoning their energon reserves for himself, and that he intended to rectify this problem. He stabbed Megatron's spark with his Energon Sword, inadvertently completing the Decepticon's resurrection. Cyclonus laughed maniacally as Megatron burst out of his old body, like an insect from its cocoon. Lucky for him, Megatron was now too preoccupied with Scorponok to follow up on his previous threat.

[[File:Decepticons aboard Tidal Wave.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
When Megatron was about to deliver a killing blow to Scorponok, Cyclonus backed up the former chamberlain's claim that his actions were at the bidding of Alpha Q. Megatron spared Scorponok to pursue Alpha Q instead, though he escaped the Decepticons aboard Unicron's head. Shifting his attention once more, Megatron led Cyclonus and the rest of his minions in an attack on [[Plains City]], from which they emerged victorious. {{storylink|Megatron Resurrected}} Cyclonus cackled gleefully as Megatron allowed their enemies retreat to lick their wounds. He later joined in an attack on Ocean City, only to be beaten back by Hot Shot, wielding a copy of Megatron's energon sword. {{storylink|Megatron Raid}} Cyclonus accompanied Megatron on an attack on Lunar City, though their forces were pushed back before they could acquire more Energon. {{storylink|Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary}} The next raid on Lunar City was more successful, as the Autobots had left it unguarded while venturing to Asteroid City. Cyclonus accompanied Megatron on that attack, and then journeyed with him into the asteroid belt. There, they retrieved Scorponok from an Autobot interrogation, and detonated an energon-rich asteroid to cover their escape. {{storylink|Battle of the Asteroid Belt}}

[[File:Energon-Decepticons-Flee-Tower.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
As Megatron's soldiers scrounged up the last remaining morsels of Energon on Mars, Cyclonus complained about being bored. Megatron promised him some action once their preparations were done, and delivered on his promise when he led his troops on another attack on Ocean City. Cyclonus engaged Jetfire in aerial combat for most of the conflict, only to be sniped down by Inferno. He returned to the battle just in time to fly headlong into Tidal Wave, and be forced away by the activation of the Autobots' newest weapon, an Energon Tower. {{storylink|Energon Tower (episode)|Energon Tower}} After that venture, Cyclonus was no longer too keen on launching another attack on the Earth. He then took a nap, only to be awoken when Starscream made an assassination attempt on Megatron. But Megatron had grown too powerful for the mercenary, and Cyclonus witnessed his leader psychologically torment Starscream before reprogramming him into a loyal Decepticon. {{storylink|The Legend of Rodimus}} Cyclonus watched as Starscream was inducted fully into Decepticon ranks, and then joined in on an attack on [[Jungle City]]. The Decepticons gained control of the city, but it was detonated by the Autobots, preventing the Decepticons from acquiring the Energon housed within. {{storylink|Crisis in Jungle City}}

[[File:Energon-Dangling-Decepticons.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Boss, there's a monster down there!" "I think it was two ninjas taped together to make one giant ninja!"]]
Megatron then learned through Demolishor of Kicker's extra-sensory power to detect energon. Intrigued, Megatron tasked Cyclonus to help him distract Optimus while Demolishor went after the boy. Amidst the ruins of Lunar City, the Autobots managed to warp in another completed Energon Tower, forcing the Decepticons to retreat once more, foiling the abduction. On their way out, Cyclonus retrieved Demolishor, but sustained damage doing so. He begged Megatron to repair him back at the Decepticons' base. In a rage, Megatron bound Cyclonus to the wall using [[Unicron]]'s internal tentacles, and infused him with Unicron's essence in a painful manner. This resulted in Cyclonus being upgraded into '''Snow Cat''' {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}} Megatron left him strapped to the wall as he enacted his next plot, this one involving sending artificially-created meteors towards the Earth in the hopes of destroying it. The plan failed when the Autobots managed to activate a planet-wide, protective [[energon grid]] around the Earth. {{storylink|Energon Grid (episode)|Energon Grid}}

[[File:Energon-Snow-Cat-1st-Appearance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"For your upgrade, we're taking away your flight mode, making your voice even more high-pitched, and making sure you look nothing like your previous toy."]]
Once released from his restraints, Snow Cat took up skiing amidst debris fields in the void of space, yodeling all the while. Using his new weaponry to first freeze some of the debris, he then sent it earth-wards, only for the energon grid to send laser beams in his direction, forcing Snow Cat to flee. Later, when Megatron's suspicions about Scorponok still working for Alpha Q came to a head, Megatron strapped Scorponok to another artificial comet and sent him hurling towards the Earth's energon grid. Snow Cat taunted him briefly as he approached his impending doom. {{storylink|Rodimus Friend or Foe?}} Rodimus arrived to rescue Scorponok, and the Decepticons engaged him and his crew. During the fight, [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] grabbed Snow Cat by the head and tossed him away. Knocked silly, Tidal Wave had to retrieve Snow Cat before the Decepticons pulled back. Later, Snow Cat alerted Megatron that they had detected an Autobot ship heading for their position. This ship was Optimus's vessel, the ''Miranda II'', built for tracking down Unicron's body in the far reaches of space. The ship deployed an [[Energon Ring]] to generate its own ship-sized warp gate, but Snow Cat disabled the device before the Autobots could activate it. He then gunned for Skyblast and Strongarm as they attempted to fix the ring, forestalling the Autobots' departure further. Ironhide ran interference with only partial success, as he knocked Snow Cat into the Omnicons, preventing them outright from completing their task. Kicker managed to do the job himself, and after the ''Miranda II'' activated its Energon shield, destroying Demolishor in the process, Megatron ordered his troops to retreat. {{storylink|Go for Unicron!}}

[[File:Energon-Snowcat-New-Demolishor.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"If you two were any dumber, you'd be the story from ''Kingdom Hearts''."]]
Snow Cat somehow tracked the Autobots to an icy planet in another galaxy. Learning that Optimus Prime had found a stockpile of Energon on this distant world, Snow Cat transmitted his findings to Tidal Wave, who in turn informed Megatron. Snow Cat goofed off in the wintery landscape until he was joined by Demolishor, now reborn in a new body. Together, they tracked down a small team of Autobots led by Kicker, and drove them away from an energon repository. They watched over several Battle Ravages gathering up energon until they were in turn attacked by [[Cruellock|a new breed of Terrorcons]]. Though they lost several of their own Terrorcon units, the Decepticons were eventually left in control of the planet, as they destroyed the new Terrorcons and the Autobots were forced to flee. {{storylink|The Return of Demolishor}} After that, Snow Cat took part in a rather half-hearted attack on the ''Miranda II'' in deep space, and was again driven off. {{storylink|A Tale of Two Heros}} He later engaged Hot Shot in a vehicle mode battle on the ''Miranda II''{{'}}s hull as both the ship and Unicron returned to Cybertron via space bridge. The Decepticons were forced to warp away when the Autobots turned the planet's energon grid on, inflicting massive damage onto Unicron's body. {{storylink|Battle Stations}}

[[File:Snow Cat Ice Beam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
The sight of Unicron in the skies of Cybertron led the Decepticons on the planet to revolt—news that Snow Cat and Demolishor happily brought to Megatron, though he wasn't particularly bothered. {{storylink|Alpha Q: Identity}} Snow Cat was part of the unit sent down to Cybertron's surface to recruit Decepticon war criminal [[Shockblast]]. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}} Several Decepticon refugees then followed Shockblast's example, and fled Cybertron to join Megatron. Snow Cat was tasked with overlooking these refugees as they assembled within Unicron. He used his authority to goof around until Megatron began to lose control of Unicron. Several energon-draining spikes sprung out of Unicron's interiors and skewered the new arrivals, with Snow Cat barely managing to evade being killed himself. Unicron only calmed down once he absorbed enough Energon to sate his hunger for the time being. {{storylink|Survival Instincts}} With that situation now under control, Snow Cat was sent as part of a team back down to Cybertron to create an opening in the planet's energon grid. They managed to fell only a few towers before they had to retreat due to Tidal Wave sustaining heavy damage. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} With Tidal Wave (rebuilt as "Mirage") leading another raid, Snow Cat helped hold off the Autobots while Terrorcons gathered energon from the planet's core. This energon re-powered Unicron enough for Megatron to have him transform, and Snow Cat helped keep the attacking Autobots busy while the process completed itself. {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}} When Unicron's transformation was done, Megatron opened his surface beneath Demolishor and Snow Cat so they could escape a standoff with Scorponok, but the Terrorcon leader dogged them through Unicron's interior, foiling their every attempt to battle the Autobots. {{storylink|Open Fire!}} Subsequently, an unstable energon reaction initiated by Alpha Q opened up a rift in space, through which Demolishor, along with Unicron and all the other Decepticons, were sucked into. {{storylink|Ripped Up Space}}

On the [[Alpha Q's universe|other side of the rift]], Alpha Q used Unicron's head and his energon to begin recreating all the planets that Unicron had once eaten, and Snow Cat and the Decepticons began stealing the energon growing within them to continue Megatron's plans for Unicron's body. The Autobots followed, and succeeded in apprehending Shockblast. Snow Cat and the other Decepticons purposely left him in Autobot custody when they ventured to [[Iron Planet]] to acquire its energon reserves. {{storylink|Protection}} After Shockblast apologized and promised to pledge his renewed loyalty to Megatron, the Decepticons put the effort forward to rescue him from the Autobots. As the others cornered Shockblast's jailer, Inferno, Megatron tasked Snow Cat with calling in Scorponok and the Terrorcons in anticipation of Optimus turning up. Optimus arrived before Scorponok did though, and Snow Cat came to be on the receiving end the Autobot leader's laser-blasts with no back-up. {{storylink|Imprisoned Inferno}}

During the Decepticon attack on [[Jungle Planet (Energon)|Jungle Planet]], Snow Cat helped run interference in orbit to keep the Autobots from getting down to the planet's surface, but he and his team-mates were taken down by new Autobot arrivals [[Team Bulkhead]]. {{storylink|Jungle Planet (episode)|Jungle Planet}} Undeterred, Snow Cat and the Decepticons soon made another play for Jungle Planet's energon, only to be repelled when the Autobots erected a new energon tower to shield the planet. {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}}

Snow Cat was part of attack force on [[Blizzard Planet]] who failed to prevent another energon tower from being activated there. Afterwards, he accompanied Megatron as he investigated a Decepticon signal emanating from Inferno, then struggling to overcome mind-altering reprogramming the Decepticon leader had inflicted upon him. When Megatron was called away to [[Ocean Planet]], he brought Snow Cat, Shockblast, and Mirage along with him, while the other Decepticons were left to help Inferno through his "transition." Snow Cat tried to destroy the Autobots' last energon tower before it could come online, but as on his last mission, met with too much Autobot resistance to see this through. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}}

[[File:ReturnOurScorponok demolishor and snowcat.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
''With an energon grid now protecting most of the planets, the Decepticons had to scavenge what they could from the half-formed world outside the grid. Just as Snow Cat begun his menial labor, Starscream came to fetch him with some news: [[Planet Q]] had just been revitalized outside the grid! Snow Cat took part in the battle on the newly-formed world, but when Scorponok deviated from his mission parameters, Megatron called a retreat.'' {{storylink|Return! Our Scorponok}}

Between fights, Demolishor and Snow Cat shuttled supplies around, but had to contend with tremors that shook Unicron, spawned by Megatron's impatience. {{storylink|Crash Course}}

On their next energon-gathering mission, Snow Cat and his buddies came under attack from the Autobots, but managed to cover the Terrorcons' escape, allowing them to deliver the final payload of energon needed to power Unicron back up to the stage where he could move again. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}} Snow Cat and the other 'Con grunts then battled the Autobots on Unicron's surface, preventing them from interfering with Megatron's successful reintegration of Unicron's body and head. Though Megatron succeeded, his actions seemed so brash throughout the process that Snow Cat of all people begun to question his leader's sanity. {{storylink|A Heroic Battle}}

Optimus used new powers granted to him by his combination with Omega Supreme to toss Snow Cat and Mirage around like rag dolls as he made his way towards Megatron's throne room. As soon as the pair recovered, they were hounded by a team of Autobots led by Hot Shot, leaving them unable to help Megatron gather the last bit of Energon he needed to fully awaken Unicron. As the battle went on, Snow Cat learned that it was no longer Megatron, but Shockblast that was now controlling Unicron, a revelation that sent him into a panic. Once he regained his composure, Snow Cat and Mirage continued to battle Autobots seeking an audience with Megatron. Then... the voice of the Decepticon leader was heard throughout the planet, declaring Megatron was no more: Unicron was now in command of the Decepticon's body! {{storylink|The Power of Unicron}} Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage struggled to escape the planet-eater's internal defenses. They failed, and ended up bound to Unicron's surface by energy-tendrils, giving them a front-row seat for Unicron/Megatron's battle with the giant-size, [[Primus]]-empowered Optimus Supreme. {{storylink|Optimus Supreme}} Fortunately for them, they were freed by a barrage of Autobot fire moments before Optimus destroyed Unicron, and captured by [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]. {{storylink|Unicron Perishes}}

[[File:Snow Cat Ballerina.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
With Megatron having apparently perished along with Unicron, Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage were incarcerated on Cybertron. There, Snow Cat made the acquaintance of [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]], Shockblast's brother, and told him that Optimus had slain his sibling. The jailbirds were then freed by Starscream, who revealed that Megatron still lived. {{storylink|Ambition}} After finding Mirage (who had previously gotten separated from the group) Snow Cat passed on the news that their leader was still alive. Mirage was overjoyed, and Snow Cat joined him in sowing wanton destruction in celebration. {{storylink|Wishes}}

Six Shot succeeded in taking control of the energon gas powering the grid and using it to force the Autobots off the planet, and Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage soon began to feel a bit under-appreciated as Megatron (now "Galvatron" again after exposure to Super Energon) praised Six Shot for his accomplishments. However, following a battle on the hull of the ''Miranda II'', during which Snow Cat and Demolishor were clobbered by Omega Supreme, they all enjoyed watching Galvatron beat Six Shot up for taking action without orders. {{storylink|Galvatron!}} The Autobots were soon to find a way to break through the gas shroud and return to Cybertron; Snow Cat took part in the battle that followed, which concluded with the Autobots escaping underground. {{storylink|Break Through}}

[[File:Distribution FusionDance.JPG|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
At some point, Snow Cat took part in a virtual fighting tournament, thanks to Six Shot hacking into an Autobot training program. Fighting as a tag team, he and Demolishor went up against [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] and [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]], and won when the two Autobots took themselves out of the fight by powerlinxing incorrectly—though in the process, the two Decepticons were inspired to try powerlinxing themselves, even if they couldn't get it quite right. Proceeding to the next round, they discovered their opponents were Galvatron and Starscream, who had already beaten virtual duplicates of the pair in their original bodies in the previous round. Frustrated to have found his minions goofing off in the game, Galvatron thrashed them, then quit the tournament. {{storylink|Distribution}}

Hoping to get a taste of the Super Energon that had empowered Galvatron and Starscream, Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage went searching for the subterranean reservoir that held the miracle fuel, accidentally stumbling into Primus's chamber in the process. Finding Rad and the Jones family taking refuge there, Snow Cat and Demolishor left Mirage to stand guard and forced [[Brian Jones]] to lead them to the [[Super Energon Temple|temple]] containing the Super-Energon. {{storylink|The Omega Train}} They hesitated over immersing themselves in it, but were finally about to go through with it when a horde of [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon Terrorcon drones]] burst out of the reservoir's depths and spooked them away. {{storylink|Decepticon Army}} Fleeing from the Insecticons, grown to giant size by the Super Energon, the two Decepticons headed back to the surface and sent word of the creatures' approach to Galvatron, news-reporter style. They then rejoined their leader on the battlefield, just in time for Optimus to have his spark of combination re-energized by Primus's awakening. Once more able to combine with Omega Supreme, Optimus blew away all of his enemies with a whirlwind attack. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}}

Once the rogue Terrorcons were back under control, the Decepticons turned to the business of using the energon towers to move Cybertron through space, through the rift back to Alpha Q's realm. Snow Cat helped battle the Autobots as the planet moved through the rift, and later tried to defend the towers against Autobot attack, though both times, he had to contended with Six Shot's ambition constantly undermining their battlefield movements. {{storylink|Formidable}}

[[File:Snow Cat and Mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage were made spectators as Galvatron beat Six Shot for the umpteenth after the insubordinate Decepticon defied orders. To make sure Six Shot wouldn't start any more trouble in his absence, Galvatron had the trio keep a constant eye on him. Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage abandoned their post when Six Shot tricked them into thinking they should make another attempt at super-charging themselves with super energon. Six Shot then remotely trapped the "blockheads" inside the base's corridors but lowering blast doors all around them. They were found and berated by Starscream for once again failing at the simplest of tasks. The lecture was cut short by the arrival of the Autobots, who managed to drive out the Decepticons from their base and retake control of Cybertron's warp gate system. Everyone's attention then shifted towards a more pressing matter: Galvatron had used super energon to grow himself into a giant. {{storylink|Galvatron Terror}} The Decepticons asked their great leader what was going on, but Unicron's influence on his mind having grown alongside his physical size, Galvatron only answered by laughing menacingly. Despite the lack of an intelligible response, Snow Cat and the others continued to ward off the Autobots as they tried to swarm the colossus. Eventually, Galvatron became so large that Snow Cat suggested the Decepticons vamoose, to avoid getting stepped on. Once Galvatron took to space, Starscream insisted they follow him. The Decepticons continued to make war with the Autobots, fluttering about like skirmishing insects around the now Unicron-sized Galvatron. {{storylink|Destructive Power}}

[[File:Not the brightest.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Aw, he never was too bright." "Pretty rich coming from you, Snow Cat."]]
When Optimus Prime used the power of Unicron to grow to a titan of equal height, Snow Cat and Demolishor broke off from the battle to excitedly watch the two giant leaders duke it out on Jungle Planet. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}} Unable to make much in the way of a contribution to the huge scale of the final battle, Snow Cat, Demolishor, and Mirage could only spectate as the possessed Galvatron shook off Unicron's influence long enough to sacrifice himself by plunging into a foundling energon sun created by Primus. While loyalists Starscream and Mirage followed their leader into solar oblivion, the long-suffering Snow Cat and Demolishor could only float in space and ponder what to do next with their lives. {{storylink|The Sun}}

====''Universe'' toy bio====
Following The Powerlinx Battles, Snow Cat went totally starkers (it wasn't a long trip), and without Megatron to guide him, wandered the streets of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], a raving loon during the planet's evacuation. {{storylink|#Universe (2003)|Snow Cat's ''Universe'' toy bio}}

====Force of Habit====
During the search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, Decepticon sniper [[Swindle (Cybertron)|Swindle]] bitterly remarked on Demolishor and Snow Cat's disappearance from the Decepticon ranks, considering it evidence of how little good loyalty to Megatron would do to advance a 'bot's standing in life. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
====''Armada'' comic====
Before the war with the Autobots began, Cyclonus was part of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s inner circle. He and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] attacked [[Mini-Con Sector|Mini-Con Village C52]], capturing most of its population after getting past its [[Filtrek|forceshield]] by simply attacking from underground. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1|Armada #1}} After picking C52 resident [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] as his personal slave, Cyclonus participated in the Decepticon assault on [[Cyber City]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

One million years later, Cyclonus was present when the Decepticons learned that the Mini-Cons who had fled from Cybertron during the war had ended up on [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} He, Demolishor and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] traveled to the alien planet via [[space bridge]] and assaulted a military base for new [[alternate mode]]s. After complaining about the humans' stench and taking out their communications systems, Cyclonus scanned a helicopter and joined Megatron for some Mini-Con hunting. He found out the hard way that the Autobots had also come to Earth when [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] caved his cockpit in. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} Cyclonus and the others fought a short battle with the Autobots, but were forced to retreat when their enemies got some Mini-Cons of their own. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

Cyclonus later helped capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], which led to Megatron getting his hands on the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6|Armada #6}} Using this mighty weapon, the Decepticons attacked the Autobots' headquarters. Cyclonus overheard Starscream complaining that Megatron didn't even need his loyal troops now that he had the power of the Star Saber, and told him to stop being so whiny: they were Megatron's eyes and ears, and he would never forget about them! He then fought with the Autobots, lost, and retreated in short order. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}

Megatron eventually came up with the idea to mix Cybertronian technology with human anatomy to create a power source, similar to that of the Mini-Cons, and had Starscream send out Swindle into the wild to lure out some specimens. Cyclonus and Starscream surveyed the Mini-Con from overhead, and moved in once he had secured two targets: Carlos and Rad! Hot Shot, Smokescreen, and Red Alert turned up to rescue their friends, and Cyclonus got knocked out of the sky by a solid right-hook dispensed by Hot Shot. But when Megatron involved himself, the would-be-rescuers were quickly defeated. Afterwards, Swindle demanded his freedom for his part in the Decepticons' plot. The bulks laughed at the Mini-Con, making it clear that nothing would ever convince them to grant him such a thing. This provoked Swindle to free the Autobots from their bonds, forcing Cyclonus and the other Decepticons to retreat. {{storylink|Armada Free Comic Book Day}}

Some time later at the Decepticons' [[Silver Ridge]] base, Cyclonus went to put the Mini-Cons <s>to bed</s> back in their cells, but found that the little 'bots had run away. When he tried to recall them, he found that they had tampered with the base's internal defenses, turning them against him. Cyclonus, who had forgotten the emergency override code, was promptly imprisoned in the base and blasted by laser turrets. Luckily, the lasers were only set to harm Mini-Cons, so he wasn't too injured to participate in the hunt for the escaped Mini-Cons. The Decepticons followed their Mini-Cons to a [[Mini-Con Ark|structure]] in [[Kansas]], but failed to stop them from entering it and blasting off into space. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}}

The Decepticons found that the Mini-Cons had traveled to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], and soon followed them there. The flying Decepticons and Megatron attacked the [[Mini-Con Moonbase]], but were driven off by its automated defenses. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} Cyclonus doubted that the moonbase had any weaknesses at all, but Megatron scoffed at this and fought his way into it using a [[Mini-Con Moonbase breacher|really big drill]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}} With help from [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], he took control of the base's defenses and ordered Cyclonus to renew his assault... only for Leader-1 to betray the Decepticons and reactivate the defenses. After retreating again, Cyclonus decided to pick a fight with a newly arrived Autobot shuttle instead, but this turned out to be a poor decision as the ship heavily outgunned him. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}}

Megatron eventually wrecked the moonbase and captured the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] who had built it. However, the Mini-Con trio proved capable of overloading anyone who [[powerlinx]]ed with them, so rather than using them himself, Megatron decided that Cyclonus had volunteered to try them out. He was sent to help [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] retrieve some Mini-Cons in [[Alaska]], but shortly after he took out the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], the Destruction Team indeed overloaded him. Driven mad with power, Cyclonus attacked Thrust in a berserker rage. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} The Destruction Team's power allowed him to easily defeat his Decepticon comrade, and he even outmatched an entire team of Autobots which arrived shortly afterward. He was eventually knocked out by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], powered up with every ounce of [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]'s energy. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}} The heavily damaged Cyclonus was eventually retrieved and placed in a repair tank in the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

After recovering, Cyclonus participated in an all-out ssault on the Autobots, who had lost Optimus Prime. The attack went well, up until a [[Galvatron (G1)|powerful stranger]] arrived on the scene and effortlessly took out all the Decepticons other than Megatron. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} When the threat of [[Unicron]] reared its ugly head, the Decepticons had no choice but join forces with the Autobots. Cyclonus released the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons back into the wild, then returned to Cybertron to do battle with Unicron. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
Some time in Cybertron's past, during the war, Cyclonus participated in a battle in which [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] led an attack on an Autobot bunker. He watched the battle from a Decepticon saucer-ship, alongside Megatron, Starscream, Thrust, and Demolishor. {{storylink|No Exit}}

Ten years after the destruction of Unicron, Cyclonus was spotted in [[Cyber City]], oddly not blowing anything up. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

Later, Snow Cat was located in a [[Abyss|small town]] in the Yukon, under the command of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]. He busied himself in sabotaging [[Base Unit 1]] so that the [[Energon]] it'd produce would rerouted to feed Unicron. A band of [[Omnicon]]s stumbled upon his base, but he managed to quickly disable and capture them. Snow Cat then rigged the Omnicons to a [[Spark Rewriter]], a device that would brainwash them into obedient Decepticons. However, the Omnicons learned the value of teamwork thanks to the shared-hallucination-induced disembodied advice-giving head of [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], broke free, and fled out into the open. Snow Cat gave chase, and held them at a disadvantage, seeing as he was better equipped for the snowy environment. But the Omnicons discovered an underground pocket of natural gas, and detonated it at the right moment to knock Snow Cat silly. Snow Cat was then captured and brought to Hot Shot. {{storylink|Omni-Potent}}

Much later, Snow Cat was one of several Decepticons who attempted to "sneak" into [[Ocean City]] and steal the data for the Autobots' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme prototype]]. He rushed into the dark hangar, smacked into a scaffolding like a big dumb doof, and was chased out by security. Megatron didn't buy Snow Cat's recounting of how his daring and skill was thwarted by a "sub sea earthquake" for one second. {{storylink|Perspective}}

{{Unreleased energon comic}}
The Omnicons' experience in fighting Snow Cat was instrumental in defeating a ghostly Starscream, who was invulnerable to conventional attacks. By pooling their minds together, as they had learned in their encounter with Snow Cat, they were able to drain the Energon from Starscream, reverting him to a material being once more. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
In the early days of the war, Cyclonus, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] performed an airstrike on the [[Autobot Command HQ]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} As the war with the Autobots continued for millions of years, and Cyclonus was seen fighting alongside Starscream some more. During one of his battles, Cyclonus was forced to retreat after Optimus Prime unleashed the power of his battle station onto the Decepticon forces. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

When the Mini-Cons were discovered on [[Earth]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] summoned the two fliers and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to scour the planet. Shortly after arriving, they got into a battle with the Autobots again, and Cyclonus was rammed out of the sky by a flying [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} The Decepticons later attacked the Autobots to stop them from sending some Mini-Cons back to Cybertron. The Mini-Cons ultimately decided to remain on Earth, though the Decepticons destroyed their space bridge anyway. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} When Megatron went looking for Mini-Cons on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], he took Cyclonus and Demolishor with him. They didn't do much searching, though, as they soon ran into two Autobots sent to stop them. Cyclonus spent some time strafing [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] until the latter got his [[Rollbar (Armada)|own Mini-Con powerup]] and presumably defeated the crazy copter. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

The Decepticons remained on the Moon and built a new base, from which they prepared to fire missiles at the Autobot base on Earth. When the Autobots' Mini-Cons surrendered in exchange for their friends' lives, Cyclonus was sent to pick them up in a [[solar barge]] and take them to the Moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}} Unfortunately, the Mini-Cons broke out during the trip and cut the cable connecting Cyclonus and the barge. When the Decepticon noticed, he prepared to destroy the pesky Mini-Cons, but was shot by [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]'s electrical darts. This crashed his guidance systems, and he was sent floating aimlessly through space. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Lost in Space!}} Cyclonus crashed on the Moon's surface, where he was found by the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]. The three Mini-Cons power-linked with him, taking control of his body in order to use it against the other Decepticons. As he was forced to bombard his headquarters and grapple with his leader, Cyclonus could do naught but plead that it wasn't his fault. Eventually, Starscream used a [[sonic destabiliser]] to disconnect the Destruction Team from him. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

===Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels===
Cyclonus was one of the Decepticons teleported to Earth by the warp gate within the remains of a Mini-Con ship. Despite the radical change in scenery, Cyclonus continued to do battle against the Autobots who had been teleported alongside them. The fighting came to an end, temporarily, thanks to the efforts of [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]]. The Decepticons then retreated to Earth's moon, where they began reinforcing the partial remains of the Mini-Cons' ship as a base of operations. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}

Cyclonus worked furiously on reinforcing the Decepticons' base, as Megatron grew increasingly impatient. While working on the ship's exterior, he accidentally dropped his calibration device, which nearly hit Megatron on its way down. Cyclonus began blubbering and made excuses for his clumsiness, but Megatron interrupted him and ordered him to dig instead. The calibration device had hit something metallic upon landing on the ground, and Megatron had correctly guessed that a Mini-Con panel was buried underneath. The Mini-Con that emerged from the panel bonded with Megatron, and was named "Leader-1". Cyclonus was forced to duck for cover when Megatron decided to give Leader-1's weapon mode a test-run, and peppered the scenery with machine-gun fire. Megatron then instructed Cyclonus to adopt an Earth vehicle mode alongside the rest of his inner-circle, Starscream and Demolishor. Cyclonus took on the form of an army helicopter as his disguise.

The Decepticons then attacked the Autobots' base, until the children, Carlos, Alexis and Rad showed up. Megatron ordered the Decepticons hault their attack so that he could demand the humans hand over their companion Mini-Cons. But close behind were the Autobots, who launched a counter-attack. Though they managed to get a few hits on Optimus, Starscream and Cyclonus were forced to double back to Megatron's side when the Autobot leader assumed his “Super Optimus Prime” form and swatted the Decepticon fliers out of the air. Cyclonus soon recovered and helped Starscream and Demolishor rush the Autobots. This proved to be a futile tactic, and Optimus swatted Cyclonus out of the sky once more. Outmatched, Megatron called a retreat, but Cyclonus opted to linger behind as his compatriots warped away. Feinting an attack towards the Autobots, he changed his course at the last moment and managed to snatch a couple of Mini-Con panels that the children had uncovered during the fight. As a reward for his grab, Megatron allowed Cyclonus to keep one of the Mini-Cons for himself. Cyclonus named the robot that emerged from his panel "Crumplezone," and vowed to learn how to use his power to defeat the Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: Race for the Mini-Con Robots|Race for the Mini-Con Robots}}

===The Balance of Power===
When [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] entered Decepticon territory in the search for an ancient Mini-Con artifact, Cyclonus accosted them, backed up by hundreds of [[Decepticlone]]s. [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] then discovered the artifact, and soon after he activated it, a portal opened to the Mini-Cons' hiding place: Earth. Cyclonus, Starscream, and Megatron went through the portal to begin the search for the Mini-Cons in earnest on this new world. {{storylink|The Balance of Power}}
{{note|This comic was written as a tie-in to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' video game]], but its details differ from the introduction seen in the game itself. [[#PS2|See below]] for Cyclonus's role in the game.}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:Snow_Cat_Kre-O_Character_Image.jpg|thumb|upright=0.4|Talk about having a faulty navigation system.]]
Snow Cat was among [[Bludgeon (Kre-O)|Bludgeon]]'s troops when they discovered the legendary [[Red Bucket]]. How he got there with skis, nobody knows. {{storylink|Treasure Competition! Defeat with Block Power!}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Snow Cat was a member of the [[White Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. He looked on alongside [[Icebird|a bestial Warrior]] and some of the planet's natives as his commander [[White Gallant Convoy]] and his retinue drove by their home on the [[White Planet]]. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 2}}
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==Games==
===''Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{voiceactor|[[Daran Norris]] (English)|[[Enrique Suárez]] (Castilian Spanish)}}
[[File:Transformers PS2 Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
When a [[Mini-Con]] signal drew the Decepticons to Earth, Cyclonus was deployed in the [[Amazon]] to find the signal's origin. The Autobots were not far behind, and once they reached the hilltop where the signal had originated, he revealed himself, declaring Earth to be Decepticon property before departing, leaving a [[Heavy Unit]] behind to deal with them.

After the defeat of [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] in [[Antarctica]], the Autobots returned to the Amazon, venturing deeper into the jungle to an ancient temple. There, Cyclonus attacked again, tossing the Autobots all across the temple's surroundings and strafing them in copter mode. Eventually, the Autobots managed to deal him a finishing blow that sent him spiraling out of control in copter mode as his internal components exploded. {{storylink|Transformers (PS2)|Transformers}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Cyclonus-Armada.jpg|thumb|400px]]
Cyclonus Armada participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Epic character who was first available as a reward to 2500 players in the third "Armada: Episode 1" mini events, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
[[File:Armada Cyclonus toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Craaaaaaazy air-taxi! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:LOTM Sandstorm.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|(''Takara version pictured'')]]
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Super-Con Class, 2002/2003)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''MD-04'''
**''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con (aka "Deluxe") toys, Cyclonus transforms into a Cybertronian flat-nosed assault helicopter. His primary [[gimmick]] is a trigger-activated gear assembly that runs through the length of the vehicle mode; pulling the trigger both spins the rotor blade and a gear system in the cockpit area. Attaching a compatible geared Mini-Con to the square frame on the underside of his cockpit (any [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#Toys|Destruction Mini-Con Team]], [[Adventure Mini-Con Team#Toys|Adventure Mini-Con Team]], or [[Refute (Armada)#Toys|Refute]] mold) allows the gear system to activate ''their'' gear-wheel gimmicks as well by pulling the trigger. On top of that, flipping up his cockpit reveals a unique attachment point for his included Mini-Con partner [[Crumplezone (Armada)#Toys|Crumplezone]] in his long-nosed "cockpit" form; once attached pulling to rotor trigger also makes Crumplezone's under-slung cannon move back and forth. That's ''three'' different action features from just one trigger!

: Cyclonus also has more conventional Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] gimmicks: plugging a Mini-Con into the [[5 mm post|hardpoints]] on either of his arms/wing-mounted weapon pods launches a spring-loaded missile, while attaching a Mini-Con to the plugs on either side of his legs will make a spring-loaded (non-firing) cannon pop up from his shins. His booster tail piece can be detached and slid into his right wrist sculpted twin cannons for a hand blaster but cannot do the same on his left arm. Additionally, his rotor blade is detachable and can be mounted onto any of his Powerlinx plugs, although this will not activate any gimmicks.

: The tips of his rotor blades differ in shape from those in the toy's original promotional images, which featured rounder, more cyclindrical edges.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Legend of the Microns'' release of "Sandstorm" has some slight color differences from the [[Hasbro]] version, the most immediately-noticeable being a "separated" painted Decepticon sigil, and a much brighter white plastic.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)#Toys|Buzzsaw]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Cyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on Cyclonus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|J-MiniPack}}
*'''Sandstorm & Destruction Micron''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MS-04'''
**''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: Takara's "Sandstorm" was sold both as an individual and in a multi-pack with the Destruction Mini-Con Team, whose gear-gimmicks were designed to function with Cyclonus's gearing system. All of the toys in the set are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|Powerlinx}}
[[File:Powerlinx Cyclonus toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Still Crazy In Spite Of All These Gears.]]
*'''Powerlinx Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Super-Con Class, 2003)
**''Takara release date'': [[September 27]], 2003
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: Released in the seventh wave of ''Armada'' Super-Cons, this [[redeco]] of Cyclonus uses mostly bright green plastic, as well as dark grey and chocolate-brown. He retains all of his original gimmicks and still has [[Crumplezone (Armada)#Powerlinx|his Mini-Con partner]]. He may have been designed as something of a questionable [[homage]] to [[Springer (G1)|Springer]].<ref>[[Aaron Archer]], in an "Orson's World" post, once noted that if he had his way, he'd have named the toy as a new character called "Sprigger". We ''assume'' he actually meant "Springer"...</ref>

: This toy was not released as part of the normal ''Legends of the Microns'' series in Japan, but was straight-imported as a [[USA Edition]] exclusive to [[LaOX]] stores.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/PXCyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on Powerlinx Cyclonus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BonusMiniCon}}
*'''Powerlinx Cyclonus with Powerlinx Crumplezone''' (Super-Con Class, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: In November of 2003, US [[Toys"R"Us]] stores had special bonus pack Super-Con toys, which came with a single bonus Mini-Con attached to the card over their sticker, for ''less'' than the price as a normal Super-Con during Toys"R"Us' post-Thanksgiving-day sale. Like Powerlinx [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#ArDxPx|Hot Shot]], Powerlinx Cyclonus came with one of the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Dune Runner (Armada)#Toys|Dune Runner]], [[Iceberg#Toys|Iceberg]], or [[Ransack (Armada)#Toys|Ransack]].
{{-}}

===''Built to Rule!''===
[[File:BTR-toy Cyclonus.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Let's make some crazy Energon!]]
*'''Megatron with Leader-1 / Cyclonus with Crumplezone''' (Built to Rule!, 2003)

: Part of the largest ''[[Built to Rule!]] Armada'' set, Cyclonus is based around a "Trans-Skeleton", a generic bodyplate that converts from robot to vehicle-mode base, with the individual robot and vehicle modes rebuilt around it. Cyclonus transforms as usual to a Cybertronic helicopter; his rotor blade spins, but not freely. He has a spot behind the rotor with a 2x2 "[[Powerlinx]]" peg-plate to mount any ''BTR'' or normal Mini-Con, though the grip on the latter is not terribly good. Cyclonus is the only non-Mini-Con ''Built to Rule!'' "figure" that does not have some kind of missile launcher.

: He came with a block-version of his Mini-Con partner [[Crumplezone (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Crumplezone]], as well as the larger [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Built to Rule!|Megatron]] with [[Leader-1 (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Leader-1]] model.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/BTRCyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on ''Built to Rule!'' Cyclonus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Energon''===
[[File:En-toy CyclonusArm.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb]]
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Combat Class, 2004)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''SD-03'''
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: This is an "arctic camouflage" redeco of Cyclonus, presented in mostly shades of gray with black and lavender. The majority of the paint applications are black and white in a camouflage pattern. He retains all of his gimmicks and [[Crumplezone (Armada)#Energon|Mini-Con partner]].

: Released at the start of the Japanese ''Super Link'' line, this toy did not appear in the American ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line until late 2004 as a [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]], alongside the similarly-previously-''Super-Link''-only version of [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Cyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on KB Toys Cyclonus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|SnowCat}}
[[File:Energon Snowcat toy.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Does not come with Frostbite :(]]
*'''Snow Cat''' (Combat Class, 2004)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''SD-10'''
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

:Snow Cat transforms into a ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[Snow Cat (G.I. Joe)|"Snow Cat" SAM half-track]]<ref>{{instagram|I loved 80s #GIJOE , #Snowjob and the snowcat were favorites. It was fun to homage a vehicle that I loved as a kid.|https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAvpGDnmFk/|Aaron Archer|2019|03|15}}</ref> cast in primarily white and light blue plastics, with clear and burgundy for accents. In vehicle mode, the front wheel-hubs and side-skirts can be lowered to form skis for the vehicle to travel on, while the sideskirt-skis fold down from his feet in robot mode to allow him to "ski". He has one non-functional Mini-Con port on his left arm, which is on a small swiveling panel that swaps to the right side in vehicle mode. This is one of the most frequently lost pieces for second-hand figures.

:He features twin spring-loaded missile launchers available to him in both modes; in robot mode, they end up as a back-mounted over-shoulder assembly. His missiles are cast in the same clear blue plastic as his windshield with the front ends painted gold. This makes them look ''awesome'' in flight. There are also two 5 mm post holes on each missile launcher. Unusually for Transformers of this era, he has a visible cockpit interior with a partially frosted windshield and working windshield wiper, further homaging the ''G.I. Joe'' toy he was designed after.

:Snowcat's vehicle mode features no physical means of securing its back end together beyond the luck of friction in the waist swivel meant for transformation and against his stored feet, both of which are highly prone to failure. Due to this, simply picking him up in this mode is likely to result in the bottom half of the back end swinging out of place, especially if the skis are deployed. Although mistransforming the ski-based side panels diagonally in vehicle mode can offer some assistance to hold the vehicle mode together, it is by no means secure, and for obvious reasons is of no help in ski mode. Snowcat also does not include the ski poles seen in the cartoon, although in a pinch his missiles can be loosely held to simulate them. Snowcat's instructions also configure the folded-up skis mounted on his angles onto the side of his shins rather than the back as they appear in the cartoon. While the back skis can be folded in back to be show-accurate, doing so drastically reduces the already-low range of motion in his knees due to obstruction. The skis do not secure regardless of where they are placed, and are highly prone to falling out of place, as are the front skis.

:The Takara ''Super Link'' release of Snowstorm has only one color difference compared to the Energon Snow Cat figure. The treads, fists and upper arms are in a burgundy plastic while the Hasbro version has them in brown plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Snowcat/snowcat.htm More information on Snow Cat at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.yojoe.com/archive/actfig/snowcat/ Additional information and comparison images at YoJoe.com]''
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2003)===
[[File:TFU03-toy SnowCat.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|[http://www.yojoe.com/action/subteams/nightforce.shtml Night Force] Snow Cat?]]
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe Class, 2005/2006)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: The ''Energon'' Snow Cat mold was redecoed in superdark blue with orange accents and released as an [[exclusive]] to [[KB Toys]] stores in 2005, along with a redeco of ''Energon'' [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]]. However, at the time KB was undergoing financial troubles, closing numerous stores across the United States, and it appears that the two toys did not make it to a great many of the stores that remained open. Many did make their way to Toy Liquidator outlets, a sub-company within KB mostly found in outlet malls. In 2006, the toys eventually made it to a wider distribution through the remaining KB stores.

:This Snow Cat's colors appear to be a homage to the ''GI Joe: Night Force'' repaint subline, which has never featured the GI Joe Snow Cat!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Snowcat/snowcat.htm More information on ''Universe'' Snow Cat at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.yojoe.com/archive/actfig/snowcat/universesnowcat.shtml Additional information at YoJoe.com]''
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===McDonald's===
[[File:McdonaldsArmadaCyclonustoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]
*'''Cyclonus''' (Happy Meal toy, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Rotor

: Part of the [[McDonald's]] ''Armada'' promotion, this extremely simplified version of Cyclonus transforms into a long-nosed assault helicopter seemingly drawing from Crumplezone's cockpit configuration. Rolling his vehicle form forward spins his rotor prop, which launches into the air after picking up enough speed, a gimmick like that of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Rotor Force]] toys. With a prominent Powerlinx hardpoint and several 5mm ports, he could combine with the Happy Meal versions of [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Fast food promotions|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)#McDonalds|Starscream]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] toys to form a "[[Mighty Vehicle]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/McCyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on McDonald's Cyclonus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:SCF Cyclonus Armada.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Sandstorm''' (2003)
**''Act'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

: A soft-plastic PVC figurine of Cyclonus was released in the tenth and final "Act" of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. He is in a very odd tippie-toe pose, but his tail acts as a tripod to keep him upright. He was available in both full-color and pewter-finish versions, with one of each packed into every case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figurines.

: Act 10 is notable for using ''much'' softer plastic than previous waves, which can make it difficult to push connector pegs into their intended sockets. This can be exacerbated on the pewter versions as the pegs can sometimes end up with a layer of paint on them, which can also lead to sticking and tearing pegs when trying to move or remove parts. Lightly shaving the inside of the socket with a hobby knife is usually sufficient to solve the issue.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:GHC Cyclonus Sandstorm.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]]
* According to designer [[Aaron Archer]], Cyclonus (alongside Demolishor) was an early test for the Mini-Con play pattern, and he always thought of the characters as a pair.<ref>{{instagram|Cyclonus was a early concept model for ways the mini cons could work. Him and Demolishor were early tests and that is why they naturally got paired up in the show. we always thought of them together|https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzqRavnhlk/c/18025188925116526/r/18026310700117791/|Aaron Archer|2019|03|10}}</ref> His alt-mode was inspired by sea rescue helicopters, not unlike [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] from the [[live-action film series]].<ref>{{instagram|His design was based off of sea-based rescue copters (similar to Movie Blackout), The toy has a lot of play value that future dlx items would lose. His #minicon gimmick was the best of all the deluxe figures. If i were to redesign him today, he would have a stronger body form. the toy is gangly. #kneecannons|https://www.instagram.com/p/CEpFr7vgfCY/|Aaron Archer|2020|09|02}}</ref>
* According to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' PlayStation 2 game]] instruction booklet, Cyclonus's ''Armada'' body has the following statistics:

:Height: 19' 7" (17' 1" vehicle mode)
:Weight: 16,550 lbs
:Power: 1800 shaft horsepower
:Vehicle top speed: 190 mph

* In the cartoon, Cyclonus almost never had the right Mini-Con. In one episode, it is [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] that he uses, while in another episode, it is [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (whom he refers to as Crumplezone). However, in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]", he is shown with Crumplezone in cockpit mode.
* In the game ''[[Transformers Armada: The Energon Within]]'', the "Decepticon Scout" units are based on Cyclonus's design.
* Snow Cat may have been originally intended as a separate character. [[Hasbro]] appears to have implied this is the case, saying that designing the toys before the show was completed led to "some characters not aligning together in the animation and toy expressions".<ref>[[Hasbro Q&A/August 2009: Answers]]</ref>
* Kreon Snow Cat is made purely from existing ''Kre-O'' parts like other non-toy robot Kreons from the comics (especially in [[Hayato Sakamoto]]'s writing period). He uses the [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]] helmet (with extra paint applications to better resemble his original counterpart), a backpack piece with two cannons, and a set of skis and ski poles from the G.I. Joe [[Snow Job]] figure.
* Cyclonus made a few [[Easter egg]] cameo appearances in the [[2005 IDW continuity]]. A Cybertronian based on his ''Armada'' Cyclonus form appears in [[The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|''More than Meets the Eye'' #35]] and [[The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|''Optimus Prime'' #20]] while the former issue also contains a separate Cybertronian based on his ''Energon'' Snow Cat form.
* According to a Aaron Archer at a TFcon Toronto Panel, the name “Cop-Tur” would have been considered for Cyclonus had his name not been available for trademark.<ref>[https://youtu.be/-eb7DrK1KqQ How To Name a Transformer - Toy Trademarks with Designer Aaron Archer]</ref>

===Foreign names===
====Cyclonus====
*''Japanese:'' '''Sandstorm''' (サンドストーム ''Sandosutōmu''), '''Cyclonus''' (サイクロナス ''Saikuronasu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Ciklonusz''' (''Armada''), '''Ciklon''' (''Energon'', "Cyclone")
*''Korean:'' '''Sandstorm''' (샌드스톰 ''Saendeuseutom'')
*''Polish:'' '''Cyklotron'''
*''Russian:'' '''Ciklon''' (Циклон, "Cyclone")

====Snow Cat====
*''Japanese:'' '''Snowstorm''' (スノーストーム ''Sunōsutōmu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Hósapka''' ("Snow Cap")
*''Russian:'' '''Snegohod''' (Снегоход, "Snowmobile")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Built to Rule!]]
[[Category:Cloud Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Energon Decepticons]]
[[Category:KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:White Order]]

Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard

2022-07-02T13:13:28Z

Androzani84:

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=29
|prev=Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World
|next=Earthfall Part 3: The Mind Bomb
|caption=Can't [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|you]] [[Marissa Faireborn|two]] just [[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|kiss and make up]]?
|image=RID29 cvr.jpg
|title="Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 28]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=May 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Andrew Griffith]] (present day) [[Guido Guidi]] (Earth flashback) [[Brendan Cahill]] (Cybertron flashback)
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] (present day) [[Joana Lafuente]] (flashbacks)
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline#2014|Current era (2014)]]
}}
'''Beset by the allied forces of the Decepticons and the Earth Defense Command, the Autobots' attempts to first fight back, then to flee are met with failure, forcing Prowl and his team to take devastating action.'''

==Synopsis==
''The forces of the [[Earth Defense Command]], led by General [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Daniel Witwicky]] and Director [[Marissa Faireborn]], are summoned to a meeting with [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] at the [[Antarctica|South Pole]]. Marissa angrily recounts her experiences in [[New York City]] during the [[Decepticon]] invasion of [[Earth]], questioning why the [[human]]s should trust them; Galvatron is all too willing to fight if that is their desire, but Soundwave keeps things calm, explaining to Faireborn that the Decepticons, at their core, have a belief in equality, and have distanced themselves from [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], the mastermind of attack on Earth, and instead rallied behind Galvatron as their new leader on a path to "harmony". The [[Autobot]]s, however, have accepted Megatron into their ranks...''

Surrounded by the Decepticons and the EDC, a dumbfounded [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] tries to make sense of the situation, attempting to explain that the Autobots have only come searching for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], and warning Faireborn against their current Decepticon alliance. Marissa is not interested in his words, however, and Prime is forced to accept the reality of the situation, suddenly ordering the Autobots into close-range combat to prevent the humans from utilizing their projective weaponry effectively.

On the ''[[Ark-7]]'', orbiting the far side of the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] and his little drone buddy [[D.0.C.]] try to hold the ship together as it is eaten alive by the micro-bots unleashed by the EDC's missiles. Deducing that the micro-bots have been reverse-engineered from Cybertronian biology, Jetfire hits upon the plan of using an aerosol made of the ship's liquid memory core to overload and short out the metal-munching menaces, but when he and D.0.C. head out to start spraying the ship, they find that the micro-bots have already been exterminated the old fashioned way by the unlikeliest members of the ''Ark-7'' crew: the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]! Annoyed to learn that [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] ignored him and called the Constructicons, Jetfire tries to raise the police-bot on the comm line, but the ex-Decepticons stop him with the assurance that Prowl has everything planned out...

As the Autobots continue their battle with the Decepticons and the EDC, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] pulls a particularly dirty trick, swooping low and causing [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] to nearly shoot some human soldiers. Alarmed and distracted by thoughts of his previous killing of [[John Powell|a human]], he is clobbered by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], prompting Optimus Prime to call a retreat. Faireborn is happy to let the Decepticons give chase, as the 'Cons themselves know its in their own best interests to maintain a low profile—except, of course, for [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]], who has no intention of fighting and is happy simply to be reunited with his dog [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]]. The fleeing Autobots are joined by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]], sent in by Prowl, who is busy putting his own plan for retaliation into effect—he has taken [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] to the ''Ark-7'' for reinforcements and is now heading back down to Earth.

''A month ago, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], around a week after the conclusion of Megatron's trial, a furious Prowl rages at Optimus over the outcome of the judicial proceedings. Prime contests that Megatron is aware of this ''wrongness'' of his actions, and wonders how Prowl views his own ruthless deeds carried out in the name of the supposed "greater good". Struck by the remark, Prowl calms somewhat and admits that he has never been good at dealing with feelings, suggesting that the death of [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] is clouding his judgement. Prime invites Prowl to join him on his mission to Earth, and Prowl accepts, recalling the brief change of heart he experienced on the planet, and wondering aloud if perhaps it and its people have more to teach him. As soon as he's outside, though, Prowl is met by the Constructicons, and informs them that rather than going with Megatron on the ''[[Lost Light]]'', they will be accompanying him to Earth—because he knows that going back to the planet is a mistake, but a mistake he can't let Optimus make without him there to fix everything...''

With Prowl's plan having left them only one road to escape down, the Autobots' flight takes them to the small town of [[Poverty Flat]], but Galvatron is unfazed, sending Blitzwing and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] to circle the town and cut off their means of escape at the other side. Horrified, and with Thundercracker playing the "I-told-you-so" card, Faireborn attempts to get the Decepticons to stand down; Soundwave sees the sense in her words, but Galvatron refuses to back down from a fight. Prime proposes that they mutually relocate to continue their fight, but just then, Sky Lynx appears in the night sky, and Prowl and the Constructicons leap out of him. Gathering the Decepticons in a human settlement and forcing them to risk exposure was Prowl's plan all along... and to exploit the advantage he has gained over the villains, he once again combines with the Constructicons to form [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]]!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] (16)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (17)
*[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] (18)
*[[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] (20)
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (29)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] (30)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (31)
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (32)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (33)
*''[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'' (34)
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'' (2)
*''[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'' (3)
*''[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'' (7)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] (8)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (10)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (14)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (15)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (27)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (28)
{{!}}}
|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (4)
*''[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Daniel Witwicky]] (9)
|h4=Others|c4=
*[[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]] (1)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] (19)
*[[D.0.C.]] (21)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (22)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (23)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (24)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (25)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (26)
*''[[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]]'s remains'' (35)
}}

==Quotes==
"D.0.C.—'''synthesize''' the core fluid and load your '''hoses'''—we have a '''ship''' to '''clean'''." 
"'''BEE-BREEP?'''" 
"What? No, not at '''all.'''" 
"'''BREEEEEEP...?'''" 
"Okay, yeah, fine. It'll be '''just''' like spraying for Belvadurian rock-mites."
:—'''Jetfire''' and '''D.0.C.'''

"'''Attention terrorists!''' Step outside of your '''vehicles''' with your hands in the air, or we, the Army of the '''United Steaks of America'''—" 
"States!" 
"—whatever, we'll have to '''blast''' you to the '''Afterspark'''!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' and '''Brawl''' threaten the Autobots under false identities

"Oh '''yeah''', Thundercracker? You've been living by yourself in the mountains long enough to become a '''master''' of conducting '''covert operations?'''" 
"Well, I played a '''lot''' of real-time strategy games, so '''yeah'''. Basically."
:—'''Marissa''' and '''Thundercracker'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:RID Issue 29 Matrix.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
*The issue opens on a flashback to the Decepticon attack on [[New York City]] as seen in the first few pages of ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', drawn by returning ''All Hail'' artist Guido Guidi.
* Marissa has 15 different versions of Jazz’s murder of [[John Powell]] from [[Burning Chrome]]. Prime’s shocked reaction and Jazz’s repsonse indicate that the former was not aware of this action until now.
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]'s half of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] reappears in this issue after not appearing since ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]''; though he and Rodimus were only shown being given halves of the crystal core of the Matrix, 'Bee's half is here shown with half of the artifact's shell as well.
*Prowl refers to the brief change of heart he had on Earth, as seen in ''[[Ride-Along|Spotlight: Prowl]]''.
*The Constructicons are all in new bodies. Most obviously, Long Haul now towers over the others, likely because [[Scale|he's a mining truck.]]

===Transformers references===
*Jetfire's aerosol can invoke [[robotic insecticide]].
*The final page of Devastator smashing the ground features some familiar faces: [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]], [[Rad White]], and [[Carlos Lopez]] are fleeing the scene. And... {{w|Homer Simpson}}?

===Real-life references===
*This issue takes its title from the {{w|The Sisters of Mercy|Sisters of Mercy}} song of the same name.
*Marissa took part in the {{w|Occupy Wall Street movement}}; see "Other trivia", below.

===Errors===
*On the credits page Brendan Cahill's last name is misspelled as "Cahil".
*In the last panel on page 22 "Cybertronians" is misspelled as "Cybertonians". This was corrected in the trade paperback.
*When the Constructicons make their entrance, all their visible Decepticon symbols have been partially scraped away (but they haven't taken on Autobot symbols, which is why we list them under "Other" for now in the cast list). However, in the final panel on the same page, their symbols are intact.
*After the ''beat'' panel in Prowl's conversation with the Constructicons, Bonecrusher's lower "jaw" becomes the same lighter-gray color as the rest of his face.

===Other trivia===
*The Occupy movement is shown to take place concurrently with ''All Hail Megatron''. In real life, the movement began in 2011, but ''All Hail Megatron'' was set in 2007, based on the dates given in IDW comics by that time. This seems to imply a {{w|floating timeline}} for IDW continuity, but information given in the next issue complicated this.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' Optimus Prime surrounded by the Decepticons and the EDC, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]].
*'''Subscription cover:''' The Constructicons by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''30th Anniversary cover:''' Optimus Prime, [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]], and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] embroiled in battle, by [[Marcelo Matere]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]. Part of a series of "30th Anniversary" covers by Matere, these appear to have been released in reverse-order, with this one depicting the characters on Cybertron and therefore logically coming first, [[A Long Way Down|''Windblade'' #2]]'s cover showing them being rebuilt, and [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|''More than Meets the Eye'' #29]] depicting them on Earth, with Prime now in an Earth-mode body. This cover appears to be paying slight homage to the cover of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue of the Marvel Comics series]], with Optimus crushing a Decepticon in mid-air.
<gallery>
File:RID29 cvr.jpg|
File:RID29 subcvr.jpg|
File:RID29 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Earthfall Part 3: The Mind Bomb|#30]]
*''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' [[A Long Way Down|#2]]
*''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|#29]]
*IDW ''Littlest Pet Shop'' comic
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: Robots in Disguise Volume 6''''' ([[November 19]], [[2014]]) ISBN 1631401645 / ISBN 978-1631401640
:*Contains issues #28 to #32
:*Bonus material: cover gallery.

*'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 7''''' ([[March 21]], [[2018]]) ISBN 1684051495 / ISBN 978-1684051496
:*Contains issues #28 to 34, and ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #28 to #34.

*'''''Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 62: Earthfall''''' ([[August 8]], [[2018]])
:*Hardcover collection of ''Robots in Disguise'' issues #28 to 34, ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #26 to #27 and ''Dark Cybertron'': Finale one-shot.
:*Bonus content includes the lowdown on the (new) human cast and rare promotional posters for the [[Dawn of the Autobots]] event.

<gallery>
File:RID vol6.jpg|'''''Robots in Disguise'' Volume 6'''; cover art by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V7.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 7'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]] and [[Tom B. Long]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v62.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 62: Earthfall'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Galvatron) and [[Andrew Griffith]] (retro)
</gallery>

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/21204-optimus-prime-vs-the-human-race-in-transformers-rid-29.html Preview]

Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1

2022-06-19T16:32:34Z

Androzani84:

{{disambig3.5|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 1|Five Faces of Darkness}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|prev=The Transformers: The Movie
|ep=66
|series2=2010
|ep2=1
|prev2=The Transformers: The Movie
|next2=Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2
|image=Ffod1.jpg
|caption=Cyclonus and the gang get REALLY into paintball at the company picnics.
|title="Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"
|production code=#700-86
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|airdate=[[September 15]], 1986
|written by=[[Flint Dille]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp7qxd3c31s
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''In the wake of Unicron's defeat, the battered Decepticons struggle to survive, and the Autobots enjoy a period of peace and celebration. But peace never lasts...'''

==Synopsis==
''The closing scenes of [[The Transformers: The Movie]] show us the destruction of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] and the [[Autobot]]s' escape, along with their victory celebration on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].''

It is the year [[2005]]. Autobots have reclaimed Cybertron while the [[Decepticon]]s, now squabbling with each other for [[energon]], retreated to the planet [[Chaar]]. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] returns to the planet with a pitiful number of [[energon cube]]s, resulting in a tussle as the Decepticons fight for their share. [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] realizes that to return the Decepticons to fighting form, they need drastic measures.

[[File:Blurr watching jazz.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Blurr would have that not-Jazz eat his vapor trails... instead he gets a date with rhyming boy.]]
Somewhere else, the first [[Galactic Olympics]] are being held. [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] is griping about being stuck in a mission with [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] when he wants to join the events. But [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] wants them to go to [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] on Earth, to deliver the new [[transformation cog]] for [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], as his old one was damaged during the [[Battle of Autobot City|battle]] the [[The Transformers: The Movie|year before]].

Meanwhile, the Galactic Olympics are being sabotaged. A [[Skuxxoid]] detonates the Olympic flame, raining smoke down on the area and allowing a group of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] to land. The Autobots fight back, but in the confusion, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] are kidnapped. Rodimus Prime immediately suspects Decepticon shenanigans and orders the planet quarantined, but they are unable to prevent the Skuxxoid's spaceship from taking off. [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] set off to find a spacecraft of their own so they can pursue it.

[[File:FFOD1 Cyclonus in Unicron.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Cyclonus is looking for free porn.]]
Cyclonus, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] sneak into Unicron’s head, still orbiting Cybertron. They're able to access Unicron's memory banks and watch footage of [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus]]'s battle with [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]], culminating in the Decepticon leader being flung into space. Cyclonus then does some fast calculations and works out that Galvatron would eventually have reached the planet [[Thrull]]. There they see their leader soaking in the hot lava pools.

On Earth, [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] and [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] go to the [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Federated Republic of Carbombya]] to investigate [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] reports of Decepticons in that country. Despite the country's ruler, [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]], claiming that they would never harbour such criminals, the Autobots land. Outback, equipped with a "[[Decepticon detector]]", then flushes out [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]. The two Autobots get the coordinates of Chaar from them... which they report to Rodimus Prime who wants to go there to investigate.

[[File:FFOD1 Springer Arcee threaten Skuxxoid.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Oh, boy, kill'em! Kill'em all!]]
Arcee and Springer, meanwhile, have pursued the Skuxxoid to an asteroid, which he ducks behind. The Autobots follow, only for their ship to be seized by a huge claw. They evacuate the ship, only to find that the "asteroid" is actually a [[Rockeroid|disguised spacecraft]]. Springer hijacks it from the Skuxxoid, who escapes in his smaller ship and then calls his benefactor to confirm that the Autobots indeed suspect the Decepticons to be behind the disruption. The [[Quintesson|tentacled, egg-shaped benefactor]] listens to the report and then tunes out as he sees their prisoners, Spike, Kup and Ultra Magnus, being led by a Sharkticon.

[[File:FFOD1 Cyclonus Astrotrain energon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"It's probably just the Energon talking... but I love you, man."]]
Cyclonus, Scourge and the Sweeps return to Chaar, where the rest of the Decepticons are convinced that the solution to their problems is to have a strong leader again. They cheer when they hear that Galvatron lives, and are desperate enough that they give their remaining scraps of energon for reviving him. Rodimus Prime and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] are spying nearby. Rodimus almost pities them, while Grimlock finds it funny (giving a rather possessed-sounding chuckle). Rodimus realizes that the Decepticons are too down on their luck to be the ones responsible for the kidnappings. Their cover suddenly gets blown and the Decepticons attack.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (2)
*[[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (6)
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (7)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (12)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] (13)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (14)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (15)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (24)
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (25)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (26)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] (29)
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] (30)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (34)
|c2=
{{collist|2|
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (16)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (17)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (17)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (17)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (17)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (17)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (17)
*[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (18)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (19)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (20)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (21)
*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (22)
*[[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] (23)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (28)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (32)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (33)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (35)
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (36)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (37)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (38)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (39)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (40)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (41)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (42)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (43)
*[[Octane]] (44)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (45)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (46)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (47)
}}
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (9)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (10)
*[[Carly]] (28)
*[[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]] (31)
|c4=
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head (8)
*[[Skuxxoid]] (27)
*[[Quintesson]]s (34)
}}

==Quotes==
"Let's do it!" 
"Didn’t you want to say something about concord and tranquility in the galaxy?" 
"Aww, give me a break. ''Start the games!''"
:—'''Rodimus Prime''' and '''Ultra Magnus''' open the Galactic Olympics

"Ah, Rodimus is missing a few chips." 
"Nah, I was the same way until I got blown apart a few times."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Kup'''

[[File:Grimlock happy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Perceptor and Rodimus watch as Grimlock does a jaunty jig on the enemies' heads.]]
'''Cyclonus''': There’s nothing to fear; Unicron is dead. 
''[They hear a groan]'' 
'''Cyclonus''': Must be the wind. 
'''Scourge''': There ''is'' no wind in space. 
'''Cyclonus''': Quiet!
:—Cyclonus and Scourge learn that [[Unicron/Generation 1|daddy]]'s still home.

"Our charts don’t show any planets in that sector—no, wait. Here it is. I thought it was a smudge on the screen." 
"Yeah, that fits their description of Chaar."
:—'''Rodimus Prime''' and '''Outback'''

"Ah, the old hyperdrive-past-the-asteroid trick." 
"You'd think he'd do something more original!" 
''[A giant claw grabs and crushes their ship.] 
"You got any snappy last words?"
:—'''Springer''' and '''Arcee''' are suddenly and dramatically broken out of their cynicism.

"I say we pulverowderize the Autobots! I say we powderulverize 'em!"
:—'''Rumble'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s inspirational rally.

"If we surrender our energon, we're doomed." 
"If we don't, we're doomed, too." 
"Face it. We're doomed."
:—'''Dead End''' and '''Breakdown''' realize they're screwed.

"These guys are hurtin'. I never thought I’d feel sorry for the Decepticons." 
"Me Grimlock, not feel sorry. Me Grimlock laugh!" ''[snickers]''
:—'''Rodimus Prime''' pities the Decepticons, while '''Grimlock''' mocks them with a disturbing chuckle.

==Season 5==
{{note|When this episode was rebroadcast in [[The Transformers (cartoon)#Season 5|the fifth season]] of ''The Transformers'', it contained new bookending segments with original story material.}}
[[File:TommySurprisesPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Gettin' real sicka yer shit, Tommy."]]
[[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrives in the barren wasteland looking for [[Tommy Kennedy|Tommy]], but he's nowhere to be found. Suddenly, Tommy climbs up on Prime's shoulder and screams, surprising the Autobot. Optimus is not happy with the joke, warning Tommy that he could have mistaken him for a Decepticon. Tommy doesn't understand Prime's attitude and asks if he's ever been surprised before. Prime says that few have ever ''tried'' to surprise him. However, he does recall "a time when the Autobots faced surprises at every turn". It was shortly after [[Unicron War|the war with Unicron]]...

Tommy finds the [[cliffhanger]] distressing and Optimus does nothing to calm his fears, promising that Rodimus and Grimlock were going "to get the electrons knocked out of them". Even worse, he warns Tommy that soon Rodimus would learn the startling identities of those who kidnapped Kup, Ultra Magnus and the others. Tommy begs Prime not to leave him hanging in suspense, eliciting satisfaction from the Autobot, who says he thought Tommy ''liked'' surprises. Prime then promises to tell him the next chapter of the story tomorrow, when he returns to transform Tommy's day into an adventure. He then sets Tommy back down in the barren wasteland and rocket-boots away into outer space.
{{--}}

==Notes==

===Production information===

* First draft script submitted: 4th March 1986

===Continuity notes===
[[File:FFOD1 Dirge and Ramjet shot down.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Cyclonus laments the Decepticons "scrap like [[slaarg]]s" over a few Energon cubes. The [[Arcadroid]]s represent the [[Nalva System]] in the [[Galactic Olympics]]. [[Thrull]] circles the red giant star [[Hydran]].
*This episode picks up an unspecified amount of time after ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (which had played in theaters during the summer preceding this episode's debut), and draws directly on many of its events. References include the [[Battle of Autobot City]], Unicron's head orbiting Cybertron, the loss of Optimus Prime, the rise of Galvatron and his lieutenants, the defeat of the Decepticons, and the Autobots regaining control of Cybertron.
*The episode even opens with some of the closing scenes from the movie. The scenes were re-soundtracked with the cartoon's standard background music for television airing. A second movie excerpt, also re-soundtracked, is used to show the end of Rodimus's battle with Galvatron.
*First appearances: Outback, Octane, Tantrum (who probably shouldn't be here yet) and Abdul Fakkadi.
* This episode also introduces the [[transformation cog]], which would become a recurring element of Transformers physiology in modern-day stories.
*Dirge's "Death comes to he who crosses me," line is a slight paraphrase of a line cut from the original ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers: The Movie]]'' script, "[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/tftm_script.txt Death comes to anyone who crosses me.]" It was to be delivered aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] as the Decepticons squabbled over leadership. Another iteration comes in the later episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" ("I know, I know - 'Death comes to anyone who hides behind my marker!'"), though Dirge is not mentioned by name.

===Real-world references===
[[File:FiveFaces1 Athenia stadium.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The [[Galactic Olympics]] are, obviously, based on the modern Olympic Games, including the opening parade of "nations" and the Olympic torch presiding over the events.
*Middle East tensions in the 1980s resulted in the extremely racist spoof called [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]].
*In one scene, Blurr asks why Metroplex's new [[transformation cog]] wasn't shipped via [[Galactic Express]], an allusion to the fact that [[John Moschitta]] had previously appeared in a series of Federal Express commercials.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**Kickback and Shrapnel fly in with ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine whine, and take off with the ship's engine burst noise.
**Ramjet and Dirge get the [[TIE Fighter]] engine sound as they lose control amid Outback's explosive. Some ''Millennium Falcon'' engine whine can be heard as well.

===Animation and technical errors===
Animated by the low-budget animation house of AKOM (with assistance from fellow Korean contractor [[Sam Young Studio]]), "Five Faces of Darkness" features a lot of substandard artwork, which becomes even more obvious against the interspersed scenes from the Movie; it is one (five) of the most notoriously error-plagued episodes in the entire series. Brace yourself...
*Continuing their grand tradition, AKOM somehow wound up with incorrect color models for a variety of characters, which appear across the entire 3rd season. Among them are:
**Most of the new characters introduced in the Movie have the inside of their mouths colored based on their exterior colors: the inside of Magnus's mouth is blue (or red), Wheelie's is dark orange, Blurr's is blue, Arcee's is pink, Springer's is green, and Cyclonus's is purple.
**Cyclonus (sometimes) has dark purple eyebrows.
**Rodimus Prime carries a red gun, which should be black. The indentations on his shoulders are colored the same burgundy-red as his arms, when they should be white. The "windshield" details on his pelvis are white, when they should be a lighter burgundy, and there should be a trapezoid of the same color in the centre of his pelvis.
**Many Movie-based characters are intermittently drawn with their discarded preliminary character models instead of the correct "second-round" revisions. The Sweeps, for example, show up with their [[robot mode]] heads sticking out of the top of their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s. This will be a standard feature of AKOM episodes for the rest of the season; in particular, Rodimus Prime will constantly switch designs at random, from scene to scene.
*Quite a few Transformer voices appear to be processed with a very heavy bass end in this episode, including Rodimus, Arcee, Outback, and Springer.
[[File:FFOD1 Chaar landscape.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Chaar's moon and sun are bizarre. If the opening animation is to be believed, the moon takes about 20 seconds to orbit the planet (with the sun going in the opposite direction!), yet when we see it again later, it's just sitting there. The moon also appears to set with the red dusk sky ''behind'' it. The sky is a red dusk despite the sun having passed overhead in the opposite direction. The red dusk sky is also visible along the horizon in all directions. Maybe Chaar sits in a nebula?
*Long Haul is missing when the Constructicons combine.
*After he knocks Astrotrain away from the energon cube, Devastator's mouth does some lip-flapping, but there's no dialog to go with it.
*Menasor's "hi-yah!" sword grunts aren't in his voice. He sounds more like an unprocessed Astrotrain or Bonecrusher. When he finally speaks a non-grunt line, he suddenly goes to his own voice, right after a generic-voice grunt.
[[File:FFoD1 devastator nomnom.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Devastator goes from his usual eyeband, to two large separate eyes as he grabs the energon cube, to two small separate eyes as Menasor whacks him apart.
*Menasor's first sword strike clearly knocks Devastator into his components (well, ''some'' components, anyway; none of them look like actual pieces of Devastator.) Devastator then re-forms with no transformation noise.
*When Menasor smashes Devastator apart the second time, only Bonecrusher, Scavenger, Hook and Long Haul are shown. Bonecrusher shouldn't be there (he didn't "have the energy to hang on"), and Scrapper and Mixmaster are totally unaccounted for.
*As a shot hits the energon cube next to him, Kickback grunts with the same generic voice that Menasor had earlier.
*Kickback is drawn with the more toy-centric version of his insect mode, wherein his robot face is clearly visible on the bottom of his insect head; he even visibly emotes and looks around with it. Most episodes portray him with his robot face concealed in his insect mode.
*As Cyclonus and company approach, Astrotrain finally completes his transformation to robot mode, but with no transformation noise.
*The first Sweep to transform and land is also missing his transformation sound.
*Coloring errors:
**As Warpath and Bumblebee watch Ultra Magnus on-screen, Magnus's microphones are colored as part of his chest.
**As Jazz races towards the finish line, the Autobot symbol on his hood is colored in reverse (it's white with red inlays).
**The center piece of Rodimus's spoiler is yellow instead of orange as he watches Springer and Arcee leave the stadium.
**As Perceptor tells Rodimus to take Grimlock with him to Chaar, his Autobot symbol is all-gray (it's usually red with a slim gray outline).
**The Skuxxoid's ship is white when it leaves the Olympics planetoid, but light orange as Arcee and Springer pursue it through space.
**Drag Strip has a gray optic visor during the "I'll think of something" line. It should be red.
**The final shot has Soundwave colored mostly in purple instead of blue. Also, his chest door disappears for a moment.
[[File:Munka Spanka hurdles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Jazz is shown winning the first race in the Galactic Olympics, but a few seconds later an announcer declares that "the winner is [[Munka Spanka]] of the [[Orgenon Cluster]]." It's possible a generic character was intended for use in the scene and Jazz was mistakenly picked at random; however, given Jazz's prominent survival of the movie, it seems more likely that an editing mistake failed to portray the passage of time (and other races) after Jazz's win. Fans also have speculated that this was an intentional name change, prompted by the fact that [[Scatman Crothers]], Jazz's voice actor, had recently passed away, though why this would be necessary for a non-speaking part is unclear.
*The Quintesson monitor shows Magnus and company against a blue sky, when they'd been standing against an orange wall a second earlier.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**How did the Quintessons get that footage of the Autobots, anyway?
**Okay, ''maybe'' Unicron can monitor and record events within his own body. But does he really have a camera ''outside'' himself to show things like Galvatron flying out of him and off into the distance?
*In addition to lighting up, the button that the Quintesson pushes changes shape when pushed.
*One of the scrambling Olympians walks right through a column during the torch attack.
*Arcee and Springer's "cooking my sensors" lines carry an echo that shouldn't be there, as if they were in a soundproof room.
*When Rodimus starts shooting, he gets the second half of Optimus Prime's laser rifle sound effect. A second later, he gets the whole sound effect. Later, his rifle has the standard Autobot laser sound. Later episodes would generally give his rifle the full Optimus Prime sound effect, though not very consistently.
*How are the Sharkticons so consistently in shadow when ''everyone'' else is not?
*Rodimus is missing the "age lines" on his face as he threatens to trash the Decepticons, which basically makes him Hot Rod.
*Cybertron's appearance has changed a LOT since the movie. The first shot shows it looking like one of its own moons, with almost no detailing. The second shows it with much more detailing, but still very different than its previous appearance.
*Cyclonus is far too large as he stands on Unicron's face, taller than Unicron's eyes. He should be a speck at that distance.
*One of Scourge's helmet rims is white instead of blue as he says the "no wind in space" line.
*Unicron's snoozing groan is recycled as Scourge spots Galvatron's hand on Thrull. Is Scourge supposed to be hearing Galvatron snore from across millions of miles of space?
*The first time we see Blaster, his left eye has a line through it.
*The helmet rim around Outback's eyes is consistently colored blue instead of light gray. This could be an alternate model sheet, given its consistency. Later episodes would show him with his eyes the same color as the rest of his face.
*Rodimus's "smudge on the screen" is a sharp, glowing, blinking dot. He's also shown wiping it, but is too far away from it in the subsequent shot to have been able to reach it.
*In an odd moment of [[Humanization|humanizing]], Springer and Arcee clench their eyes shut when their ship is grabbed by the claw.
*Springer and Arcee's ship is clearly shown facing to the left of the claw before the commercial break, but afterward it's facing to the right.
*A repeat of the establishing shot of Chaar includes its moon (which, by the by, is a recycled Cybertron moon design.) This time, instead of warping around the planet, the moon is hanging in the sky, stationary.
*Two different pans across the assembled Decepticons show quite a few robots that don't correspond to any actual character. The characters are distant enough that the animators probably figured we wouldn't notice.
[[File:Ffod1 cons on chaar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Dirge is with the Decepticons on Chaar as they debate leadership. How'd he get back there from Earth? In the same shot, Soundwave's shoulder button is blue instead of white, and Blast Off's forehead is colored as though it were an optic visor.
*Cyclonus has consistently had three Sweeps up to this point, but as they return to Chaar there's suddenly half a dozen of them.
*The subsequent shots of cheering Decepticons are infamously screwed up. The first one features:
**Tantrum well before the Predacons have actually been introduced to the series. To be fair, the Predacons' later introduction is so ambiguous that it might not be a genuine screwup to have one of them present.
**An off-model non-conehead Seeker in Dirge's colors
**Octane also makes his inauspicious debut here, without any sort of explanation or introduction, though it doesn't actually contradict anything to have him there.
*The second cheering shot has Soundwave with a malformed, half-colored visor.
*When Motormaster throws down his energon, Hook and Long Haul are standing nearby. When he falls over in the subsequent shot, they've both been replaced by generics in the same pose. Also, after the Energon is thrown, Motormaster's mouth moves without us hearing any dialog.
[[File:Decepticons w galvatron.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Yeah! We're going to save that guy on the left from the deadly lava pools of Thrull!]]
*The third cheering shot ("Giiiiive till it hurrrrts!") features two more made-up Seeker models, a random blue guy, and ''Galvatron himself'' cheering for his own imminent rescue.
*As the Decepticons rally to attack Rodimus and Grimlock, two Motormasters run past the camera.
*When Cyclonus fires on the rock outcrop, some guy in Fireflight's colors is behind him. The subsequent shot of charging Decepticons includes several made-up guys.
*The line of charging Decepticons at the end includes a Seeker in Silverbolt's colors.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:KickbackShrapnelFFOD1.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Most of the character screwups on Chaar are probably just cheap/lazy/screwed up animation; in fact, all the off-model and made-up designs could really be excused as generic Decepticons we've never met before, if one is so inclined (and one is prepared to accept that for some reason, we never see them again, either.) However, Kickback and Shrapnel have a whole sequence dedicated to them landing, trying to munch an energon cube, and then fleeing, which is far too long and explicit not to be a scripted appearance. Both characters were supposedly reformatted into Sweeps during ''Transformers: The Movie''.
*Why does Astrotrain wait until he's landed to gobble some of the energon he's struggling to reach?
*So why didn't Menasor grab and eat the energon cube he just fought so hard for?
*Perceptor's description of the transforming cog is rather confusing. He introduces it as ''Autobot City's'' transformation cog, but then says "it controls ''Metroplex''{{'}}s ability to transform". This begins an ongoing trend of the cartoon dialog treating the two as if they were one and the same, despite the animation showing them as two distinct (though [[:File:G1 Autobot City.JPG|sometimes related]]) entities.
*"How we gonna find the Decepticons? It's like looking for a needle in a haystack!" It would be, Blaster, except that they conveniently left their Decepticon insignias in place for you to see.
*How do Arcee and Springer hear the Skuxxoid's voice? He's inside a ''space ship'', and they're on the outside. Does the ship have its own external atmosphere?
[[File:FFoD1 DamagedOnslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"What is our chance of defeating the Autobots, when we can barely remember what our own voices sound like?"]]
*Voice consistency for the show's more obscure characters took a nosedive after the movie, starting with this episode:
**Ramjet has nearly the right voice, but it lacks the clipped mannerism that characterized his speech throughout the second season. Instead of sounding like an enforcer, he sounds... cheerful. In fairness, he occasionally lost that mannerism during Season 2.
**Onslaught's lines, beginning with "I admire your passion, my friend...", are provided by [[Terry McGovern]] in this episode, as opposed to his regular actor, [[S. Marc Jordan]]. Jordan would later be replaced again by [[Steve Bulen]] for Onslaught's final line of the series in "[[The Rebirth, Part 3]]".
**Terry McGovern tries on a brand new voice for Wildrider's two lines. He'll also develop a hick accent that he didn't have before in "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]".
*We never do find out why Cyclonus is carrying around a big black box. It's not present in the next episode.

===Trivia===
*In an interview with Flint Dille, he said that the Quintesson origin story came from "[[The Secret of Cybertron]]," an aborted script for the movie by him and his fellow writer, [[Jay Bacal]].<ref>[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/flint-dille/flint-dille-2.html Flint Dille interview on the Cybertron Chronicle]</ref>
*This episode establishes Grimlock's new role as a prominent recurring character in the cast, complete with a friendlier, goofier personality whereas he had previously been depicted as a slow-witted but fierce warrior.
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] is mentioned in the [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] [[:File:FFoD01CastSparkplug.jpg|cast list for this episode]]—and the relevant [[dialogue script]] reveals that he was indeed supposed to make an appearance! He would have been with [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] and [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] aboard the [[Earth Defense Command|E.D.C.]] shuttle sent to investigate reports of Decepticon activity in [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]]. His one line—"How're we gonna find the Decepticons? It's like a needle in a haystack."—was reassigned to Blaster in the final cut of the episode.
*When originally aired, this and the other four parts of the story all had a unique set of opening credits. Unfortunately, the DVD release of the mini-series only includes this opening on parts 3 and 5.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Les cinq visages du mal, partie 1'''" ("The Fives Faces of Evil, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die fünf Gesichter der Finsternis, Teil 1'''" ("The Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 26]], [[1990]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Arata Naru Tatakai'''" (新たなる戦い, "The New War")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 14]], [[1986]]
:*In Japan, season 3 was rebranded as a new series titled ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (franchise)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010]]''. As the title implies, the year was changed from 2005 to 2010.
:*''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' was not released in Japan until 1989. In order to keep the kids at home up to date, the events of the movie were summarized in the pages of ''[[TV Magazine]]''.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''I cinque volti del male, Parte 1'''" (First dub, "The Five Faces of Evil, Part 1"), "'''Le cinque facce dell'oscurità, Parte 1'''" (Second dub, "The Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wǔmiànguài (1)'''" (五面怪 (一), "Five-Faced Monsters (1)")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pyatj likov tjmy (Chastj 1)'''" (Пять ликов тьмы (Часть 1), "Five Faces of Darkness (Part 1)")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
[[File:FHE-FFoD.jpg|thumb|Boy, I sure did love that part in "Five Faces of Darkness" where [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Powermaster Optimus Prime]], [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]], [[Cloudburst]] and [[Rev]] fought a giant floating Quintesson head.]]
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1990 — ''The Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1990 — ''The Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness (Family Home Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Five Faces of Darkness: Parts 1-5 (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 4: Series 3.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-3/synopses/700-86.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482022/ IMDb's page for this episode]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/12M1KqmPdsyaZ49J_orbYY-16yM6pGCNb/view?usp=sharing Full episode script]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

4 Guards

2022-06-05T23:53:25Z

Androzani84: /* Notes */

{{faction|decepticon}}
:''The 4 Guards are a [[Decepticon]] subgroup from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:UW 4 Guards.jpg|thumb|400px]]

The '''4 Guards''' (4ガード ''Fō Gādo'') are a group of female Decepticons that act as [[Megaempress]]'s personal bodyguards. Each possesses their own unique power over the four elements, and their weapons help bring forth their elemental strengths. They can combine with their leader to form the mighty [[Megatronia]].

The 4 Guards include:
*[[Lunaclub]]
*[[Moonheart]]
*[[Flowspade]]
*[[Trickdiamond]]

==Fiction==
===''Unite Warriors''/''Legends''===
Lunaclub and Moonheart were created by Megaempress to be members of the 4 Guards. Suspicious of Megaempress, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had Flowspade infiltrate the 4 Guards to spy on the others, but she was brought over to Megaempress's side by her sheer charisma. {{Storylink|#Unite Warriors 2|Megatronia bios}}

In [[2021]], the 4 Guards joined the newly reemerged Megaempress in observing a battle between [[Grand Galvatron]] and [[Sky Reign]]. {{storylink|Sky Reign Chapter}}

{{storylink|Megatronia Chapter}} {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part Two}} {{storylink|Unite Warriors Offshot#Customary Car Wash Meeting in the Bath!|Customary Car Wash Meeting in the Bath!}}

In [[2022]], Lunaclub and Moonheart journeyed to the [[Legends World]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 57|Bonus Edition Vol. 57}}

==Toys==
===Unite Warriors===
[[File:TakaraTomy UniteWarriors UW-EX Megaempress4Guards.jpg|300px|right|thumb|]]
*'''Woman Destron Combined Female Soldier Megatronia''' (giftset, [[January 31]], [[2017]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-EX'''
**''English name:'' '''Woman Decepticon Warrior Combiner Megatronia'''
:The 4 Guards are redecos of the Deluxe Class [[Rust Renegade]]s from the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Victorion]] giftset. Unlike their leader, Megaempress, the 4 Guards feature black color schemes with their own personal color as a secondary part of their decos. They can form any limb for any ''Combiner Wars''-styled Combiner.

:The 4 Guards were only available with Megaempress in the ''[[Unite Warriors]]'' Megatronia giftset, released exclusively in Japan via [[TakaraTomy Mall]].

==Notes==
*The 4 Guards are all based on the traditional suits in a deck of playing cards, and the group's name is itself a pun on "cards" (カード ''kādo'').
** Relatedly, their colors match up with the cast members of ''DokiDoki Pretty Cure'' who share their motifs, though Lunaclub and Trickdiamond are swapped from Cure Diamond and Cure Rosetta, Cure Heart and Cure Sword are good matches for Moonheart and Flowspade.

[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors subgroups]]

Mistaken Identity

2022-05-29T21:44:23Z

Androzani84: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=RiD
|ep=36
|series2=Transformers: Car Robots
|ep2=36
|prev2=Gelshark's Blues
|title="Mistaken Identity"
|japanese=ブラックコンボイの野望
|romaji=Black Convoy no Yabō
|translation=Black Convoy's Ambition
|image=Mistaken Identity Carl.jpg
|caption={{w|Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad|Let's Samuraize, guys!}}
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Yukiyoshi Ōhashi]] (Japanese) [[Michael McConnohie]] (English)
|director=[[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[December 6|6 December]] [[2000]] (Japanese) [[March 2]], [[2002]] (English)
|continuity=
}}
'''Sky-Byte needs Koji''' 
'''To move Fortress Maximus''' 
'''Oops, got the wrong kid'''

==Synopsis==
[[Carl (RID)|Carl]] and [[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] find their friend [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] in a park, pondering how to control [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]]. They're both impressed that Koji was able to control the giant robot, but their discussion is interrupted by the arrival of [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] and [[Mega-Octane]], who attempt to kidnap Koji. Fortunately the [[Autobot Brothers]] are nearby and soon chase the two Decepticons off. Back at base, [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus]] explains he's detailed the three brothers with protecting Koji since the Decepticons seem to think he's their best bet at controlling Maximus.

[[File:Mistaken Identity Kojicarl.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Psst—I know why he's called "Side Burn".]]
Indeed, in the [[Megastar]], Scourge is telling [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]] the same thing. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] questions Scourge's loyalty, but Galvatron will hear nothing of it, and demands that Koji be captured and brought to him.

Meanwhile, Koji and Carl are skateboarding, and Koji laments that the Autobots are keeping him from wandering far, but he has a plan. Soon afterwards, [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] follows "Koji", only to find that the two boys have switched clothing, and he's following the wrong one. Side Burn and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] quickly catch up with the real Koji and take him back to base to be told off by Optimus. [[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]] suddenly calls in to report in panic that Koji has just been kidnapped by Sky-Byte—which Koji quickly realises means that the Predacons have Carl.

[[File:Mistaken Identity Skybytesack.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|And what has Santa-Byte brought for you today?]]
Sky-Byte's pride in having successfully done Galvatron's bidding is short-lived, as Scourge points out the captured boy is not actually Koji. Galvatron rages, but Scourge suggests that they should try having Carl attempt to control Fortress Maximus. [[Movor]] reports that Maximus is currently located in a forest in Sector Gamma Four, and it doesn't take long for the three evil-doers to arrive there with Carl and [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]]. Carl is able to command Maximus to transform, and a tractor beam pulls him into Maximus's command centre. At Scourge's order, he makes Maximus punch a mountain, with devastating results.

[[T-AI]] manages to trace Maximus's location, and Optimus and the Autobot Brothers set out, with Koji managing to persuade Side Burn to take him along.

[[File:Mistaken Identity Maximus.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Mother!]]
Carl finds controlling Maximus exhilarating and realises he can now help the Autobots by destroying the Decepticons. On the ground, Scourge orders Carl to destroy Galvatron and Sky-Byte, much to their respective fury and alarm. Galvatron transforms into "Iron Mammoth" mode and waits. As it turns out, Maximus refuses to obey the command, and stops short of crushing the pair underfoot.

[[File:Mistaken Identity Galvatronscourge.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|He sorta looks like a mammoth if you squint.]]
The Autobots arrive and begin attacking Galvatron. Sky-Byte sees his chance to capture Koji, but Carl has Maximus grab the Predacon and toss him away. The giant expels Carl gently onto the ground, and he's reunited with his friend. A second attempt by Sky-Byte to capture Koji is foiled by the newly arrived [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]. [[Omega Prime]] and the powered-up Autobot Brothers are soon seeing off Galvatron, but not before he disables Scourge and promises pain in the Decepticon's future. Fortress Maximus sinks into the ground once more.

Koji apologises to Carl for letting him get kidnapped, but Carl is just happy to have gotten the chance to command Maximus.
{{--}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (8)
*[[X-Brawn]] (9)
*[[T-AI]] (10)
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]] (14)
*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] (15)
*[[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] (17)
*[[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] (18)
*[[Omega Prime]] (19)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Mega-Octane]] (5)
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] (6)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]] (12)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (13)
*[[Movor]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (1)
*[[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] (2)
*[[Carl (RID)|Carl]] (3)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (4)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Carl:''' Bet I could control it. 
'''Jenny:''' Who'd do what you'd say?
:—Carl and Jenny will probably end up married someday.

'''Prowl''': Hey! You don't bother kids on my watch. 
'''Side Burn''': In fact, you just don't do it at all!
:—The Autobots do not approve of bothering kids. [[The Human Element|Teleporting them into a desert]] is all good, though.

"In those clothes, he looked exactly like Koji."
:—'''Side Burn''' subtly brings the deficiencies of the character design to our attention.

'''Scourge''': That is not Koji. You failed ''again!'' 
'''Sky-Byte''': Urrrghhh! I have no idea how this could've happened, sir. I was led astray! 
'''Galvatron''': You will pay for this!! 
'''Sky-Byte''': Would you... take a check? 
'''Galvatron''': Shut your mouth, fool. How'll you fix it? Tell me that. 
'''Sky-Byte''': Well, I still have the receipt, I could see about doing an exchange.
:—Sky-Byte attempts to dig himself out of a hole. Even by his standards, it's a poor effort.

"Pompous fool! I am here for Fortress Maximus. When I awoke from protoform stasis, I got more than you planned. I got a heavy dose of your ambition!"
:—'''Scourge''' demonstrates the overlooked pitfalls of cloning your [[spark]] when you're a ruthless, egotistical megalomaniac.

"Sir, you may not have noticed, but actually, he's just a little bit larger than you..."
:—'''Sky-Byte''', on the other hand, is highly observant.

'''Galvatron''': Sky-Byte, bring Scourge back to base. Don't hurt him... that's something ''I'm'' looking forward to.
:—Hell hath no fury like a jet-bat-dragon-hand-car-transport-griffin-mammoth-robot scorned.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', Koji is glum at the start of this episode because of the troubles he's having controlling Fortress Maximus. In ''Car Robots'', however, he's glum because of the "scolding" his dad gave him in the Japanese version of "[[The Human Element]]" (though that's a harsh way of describing Onishi's firm but kindly-phrased words).
*Jenny has heard of Fortress Maximus in ''Robots in Disguise'', but not in ''Car Robots'' (Carl has heard of him in both versions).
*When Jenny asks how Koji controlled Maximus, in ''Car Robots'', the boy explains that the giant robot responds to the "heroic spirit of human children". In ''Robots in Disguise'', this is replaced with gag-ish dialogue about how Maximus isn't a lawnmower that one drives, and that he responds to voice commands. ''Robots in Disguise'' does go a little further in describing the mental/spirital natural of the connection with Koji's next few lines, as he talks about how one has to "really concentrate" on what they want Maximus to do; in ''Car Robots'', these lines involve Koji describing past instances where he and other human children controlled Maximus.
*When Carl talks about how he wants to control Maximus, ''Car Robots'' has him note that he should be able to do it because he's a human child. After Jenny jokes about it, Carl's clenched-fists-shouting-mouth routine is played as annoyance at her remarks in ''Robots in Disguise'', while in ''Car Robots'', he's having a little rant about how jealous he is that Koji gets to control Maximus.
*When the Autobots talk about how the Decepticons want Koji for his ability to control Maximus, in ''Robots in Disguise'' Koji points out that he doesn't know how he did it, while in ''Car Robots'', he notes that he's not the only one who can do it (on the whole, the opening scene of ''Robots in Disguise'' seems to have forgotten about the climax of "The Human Element" and the other children who got involved, as any reference to anyone other than Koji controlling Maximus has been omitted, though it's probably not a deliberate thing).
*''Robots in Disguise'' extends the scene of Galvatron, Scourge and Sky-Byte by adding a second close-up shot of Galvatron before Scourge starts outlining his plan.
*When Carl and Koji agree to swap outfits, Fortress Maximus is mentioned in different contexts depending on the version: in ''Car Robots'', Carl thinks this stunt will give him a chance to control the giant, while in ''Robots in Disguise'', he tells Koji he has to take him to see Maximus as a favour for going along with the switch.
*When Wedge radios the Autobot base, ''Robots in Disguise'' extends the shot of him reacting to the fact Koji's is safe, and the shot of Prime ordering the Build Team back to base.
*''Robots in Disguise'' has Wedge give excuses for his inability to save "Koji" from Sky-Byte ("There was this huge traffic jam! And I'm not designed to chase flying sharks!"), while ''Car Robots'' has him simply explain that Sky-Byte flew off before Wedge (and the Build Team, presumably) could intervene.
*After Wedge signs off, a ''Car Robots'' scene transition is replaced with a ''Robots in Disguise'' one.
*When Galvatron bellows at Sky-Byte during the split-screen shot after they find out he's captured Carl instead of Koji, ''Robots in Disguise'' loops the footage a little so Galvatron's rant is a bit longer.
*While Galvatron remarks in ''Robots in Disguise'' that he is running out of patience with Scourge's theories, in ''Car Robots'', he's puzzled at the notion Carl could control Maximus, which is what prompts Scourge to point out their similar age.
*''Robots in Disguise'' shortens the scene of Maximus's emergence in the jungle by removing an oddly-timed dissolve from ''Car Robots'', specifically from the top-down shot of him rising out of the ground to the shot of Movor's monitor. It compensates for the time lost by slightly extending the shot of Galvatron saying he wants to head out as well, just before the scene transition.
*After Carl looks up at Maximus and remember's Koji's words, Scourge's subsequent line of dialogue is an instruction to the boy in ''Robots in Disguise'', but in ''Car Robots'', he's calling out to Maximus, entreating him to activate in response to Carl.
*Right afterward, while looking terrified and thinking to himself, ''Car Robots'' sees Carl recall the events of "[[Sideburn's Obsession]]", when the Predacons took over Carl's dad's car-crushing facility. The reference is removed from ''Robots in Disguise''; again, probably not a purposeful erasure, but just a case of the writers not being able to remember what was being referred to.
*''Robots in Disguise'' goes to commercial break after Carl has Maximus punch the mountain; when it returns, it adds 7 extra seconds of footage to the scene of T-AI reporting to Optimus by adding some re-used footage to the start. In ''Car Robots'', the scene starts when she turns back from the console.
*In a truly baffling bit of dialogue, ''Car Robots'' has Koji convince Side Burn to take him into the fight because this will allow Carl to operate Brave Maximus in front of him, which will make Koji ''humble'', after his showing-off in the first scene. ''Robots in Disguise'' wisely takes this out and replaces it with Koji blaming himself for Carl being taken.
*When Side Burn goes back to base for Koji, a ''Car Robots'' scene transition is replaced with a ''Robots in Disguise'' one.
*While Scourge rants about stomping Galvatron and Sky-Byte into bits of metal in ''Robots in Disguise'', in ''Car Robots'', he's pointing out the irony of the situation, considering the impending stomp to be "repayment" for the evil Galvatron instilled in him. Sky-Byte's whimpers that they'd rather not have "this kind of repayment".
*When the Autobots emerge from the space bridge, ''Robots in Disguise'' adds Prowl and X-Brawn's transformation [[stock footage]].
*The dialogue from Koji that follows Scourge blasting X-Brawn differs across the two shows: in ''Robots in Disguise'', he's calling out to X-Brawn, but in ''Car Robots'', he's calling to Carl.
*In a strange move, ''Robots in Disguise'' cuts out a shot of robot-mode Cerebros landing in front of Omega Prime, after Maximus disappears. With the removal of this shot, it's not particularly clear that the Autobots have finally obtained Cerebros, as he only appears again mostly hidden at the back of a group shot.
*''Robots in Disguise'' cuts to commercial after Maximus disappears again, removing the dissolve that links this scene to the next in ''Car Robots''.
*In the final scene of the episode, ''Car Robots'' features the Autobots driving through the "wireframe" version of the Global Space Bridge seen intermittently throughout the series. Oddly, for the first time since it debuted in "[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]", ''Robots in Disguise'' finds it necessary to replace these visuals with footage from other episodes of the CGI version of the space bridge.
*Where ''Robots in Disguise'' has Koji tell Carl to leave things to the Autobots in the future, in ''Car Robots'', he asks him not to brag about the fact he got to control the giant. The conversation between the two boys plays out over the final shot of the Autobots heading home, as Carl describes the inside of Maximus's command module, but in ''Robots in Disguise'', this is replaced with Optimus telling the Autobots to roll.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Sky-Byte dumps Carl on the ground in front of Galvatron, both his and Sky-Byte's shadows appear purple.
*At the start of the scene where Fortress Maximus transforms into robot mode, Galvatron is coloured as Megatron for a single shot.

===Continuity errors===
*Scourge appears ignorant of the fact that Fortress Maximus responds to any human biosignature, only realising the truth midway through this episode; apparently, he has totally forgotten that he already worked this out in "[[The Human Element]]", and had previously used the knowledge to control Fortress Maximus himself. This is true for the ''Car Robots'' version of the episode as well.
*In the previous episode, Maximus responded fairly well to Scourge until several bullet trains' worth of humans arrived on the scene. In the absence of Koji and a thousand other children, Scourge should, once again, be able to use his amplified signal to control Maximus, rather than taking the risk of bestowing Carl with the power to crush them all.
*Previously, entering the command center was a matter of getting the door to open and climbing in. Carl however was directly beamed in by Maximus.

===Transformers references===
*Fortress Maximus appears to be common knowledge among the humans (but then, he ''did'' stomp around in a major city and was then yelled at by one thousand small children, so...).

===Trivia===
*Koji's helmet has a "Y" on the back, which stands for his Japanese name, Yūki, whilst the "K" on Carl's stands for his Japanese name, Kenta, as well as his English one.
*Speaking of names, Scourge seems to have a bit of difficulty remembering Galvatron's. [[Renaming|It can be hard to keep up sometimes]]...
*Wedge isn't designed to chase flying sharks. A completely understandable oversight.
*Judging from the bit of paper he holds up when he says it, it would appear that Sky-Byte genuinely ''does'' have a receipt for the child he kidnapped. Commerce works strangely in [[Metro City]]...
*With the series just a few episodes from ending, this one begins the rush to introduce Galvatron's new alternate modes. Here, we get the debut of the "Iron Mammoth" (the "Devil Elephant" in ''Car Robots''), which Galvatron was going to use against Fortress Maximus, but didn't get to since Maximus stopped moving before Galvatron could use it. He then uses it to mostly stand around and do nothing for the rest of the episode (except spank Scourge with his trunk once). Yet apparently, he likes calling out “Iron Mammoth”, since he does it for every alt mode transformation for the rest of the series.

===Foreign localization===
'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Troca de Identidades'''" ("Change of Identities")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 9 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 2 of 2 ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season Two (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-36-mistaken-identity "Mistaken Identity" transcript on RiDForever.info]

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes]]

Fortress Maximus (episode)

2022-05-29T21:24:17Z

Androzani84:

{{disambig3|Fortress Maximus}}

{{episode
|series=Rid
|ep=29
|title="Fortress Maximus"
|japanese=浮上! サイバトロンシティ
|romaji=Fujō! Cybertron City
|translation=Arise! Cybertron City
|image=Fortress Maximus Titlecard.JPG
|caption=No, this looks like [[Metro City]] to me.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Kazuhiko Gōdo]] (Japanese) [[Richard Epcar]] (English)
|director=[[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[October 18|18 October]] [[2000]] (Japanese) [[October 27]], [[2001]] (English)
|continuity=
}}

'''Hallucinations.''' 
'''Episode name is spoilers.''' 
'''Underground ruins.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Fortress Maximus Wedgehightower.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|That's not how we form Landfill, Wedge!]]
[[Koji Onishi|Koji's]] father, [[Kenneth Onishi|Dr. Onishi]], oversees a drilling operation, digging underground to a new energy source within a buried castle. But his equipment starts to malfunction as the apparatus hits some form of electronic shielding. The scene fades out, and is revealed to be a dream the doctor had in the captivity of the Predacons. The Predacons are dissatisfied with the amount of information they've obtained from their prisoner, but [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] orders [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] to take the Decepticons and investigate the location.

[[File:Fortress Maximus Railspikerapidrun.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Aw, crud.]]
Meanwhile, [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] does what he usually does, chasing [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] in the hopes of scoring with her sports car. At [[Cybertron Base (RID)|Cybertron Base]], [[T-AI]] reports that she has extracted information on the ruins Dr. Onishi was excavating, and the suspicion is that they contain something from Cybertron. The [[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]] is called in to be briefed. They recall that the last time they were excavating in that area, they experienced disturbing hallucinations and began seeing each other as Predacons; Wedge resolves that this time, they won't let hallucinations fool them. When reports come in that the Decepticons have been sighted in the area, T-AI dispatches the [[Spy Changer]]s, [[Autobot Brothers]], and [[Team Bullet Train]] to protect the work.

Above the ruins, the Spy Changers confront the Decepticons. [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] stay to fight, while the other Decepticons head underground and encounter the Autobot Brothers. Though they escape the brothers, [[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] and [[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] arrive and [[Movor]] and [[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] are left to fight them. [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] interferes and unintentionally floods the subway tunnel.

[[File:Fortress Maximus Rollbarskybyte.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Wait, something seems fishy.]]
The Build Team begin to hear ghostly voices as their digging nears the ruins, and begin to hallucinate Predacons again. When [[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] contacts HQ, [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus]] says he believes the hallucinations are caused by Cybertronian radiation. Elsewhere in the tunnels, Side Burn is drawn away from the others when he sees a subway train as a line of red sports cars, and [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], looking for the Decepticons, chows down on a subway car in the belief it's a cake. He also locates [[Mega-Octane]] and Scourge, who have reunited with the other Decepticons, and begins tailing them.

[[File:Fortress Maximus Scourgemaximus.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Aw, you broke it!]]
Underground, the Build Team find the ruins, suspended in a mysterious underground lake of green liquid with stone replicas of Transformer heads around it. The rest of the assembled cast also flow towards the ruins, brought there by either hallucinations or the flow of water. The Decepticons, Build Team, and Team Bullet Train all transform into their larger combined forms. Prime even shows up to combine with Ultra Magnus.

Scourge fires toward Omega Prime, and the missiles are stopped before hitting the ruins by a force field. Scourge steps closer to the ruins, which prompts them to begin to crumble as the platform they sit on rises out of the water, revealed to be a vast metal fortress adorned with an Autobot symbol...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (7)
*[[X-Brawn]] (8)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[T-AI]] (11)
*[[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]] (16)
*[[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] (17)
*[[Grimlock (RID 2001)|Grimlock]] (18)
*[[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] (19)
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] (20)
*[[R.E.V.]] (21)
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (22)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (23)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (24)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] (25)
*[[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] (26)
*[[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] (27)
*[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (28)
*[[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] (29)
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] (31)
*[[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]] (32)
*[[Omega Prime]] (33)
*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] (34)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (2)
*[[Mega-Octane]] (3)
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] (4)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] (12)
*[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] (13)
*[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] (14)
*[[Movor]] (15)
*[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]] (1)
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (6)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Koji:''' I can't remember how long it's been. 
'''X-Brawn:''' You mean since he started chasing that red car? It's been over two hours.
:—Two hours, twenty-seven episodes...same thing, really.

'''X-Brawn''': All right, that's far enough. Not another step. 
'''Prowl''': This area is restricted! 
'''Side Burn''': Besides, we don't like you.
:—The Autobot Brothers lay down the law.

"There's something wrong with me, I keep having bad headaches." 
"Maybe if you quit pounding your head, it will stop."
:—'''Wedge''' consults Dr. '''Hightower'''.

"Look at that! A delicious cake in the subway! Well, I am kind of hungry."
:—Side Burn sees red sports cars, everyone else sees an enemy, '''Sky-Byte''' sees a cake. What that says about him, we're not sure.

'''Wedge''': Look at that. It's some sort of castle or something. What do you think is so important about it? 
'''Heavy Load''': I dunno, but I really like what they've done with the place.
:—Heavy Load appreciates good housekeeping, even 1.2 miles below the surface of the Earth.

'''Ultra Magnus:''' Nice to see you. But I don't need your help, I can handle this. I'm doing fine on my own. 
'''Optimus Prime:''' I know, but right now we have to unite to prevent them from getting to the ruins. 
'''Magnus:''' I've never taken orders from you, Optimus, and I'm not about to start now. 
'''Optimus:''' It's not an order, Magnus. I'm asking you for your help. 
'''Magnus:''' Well, if you put it ''that'' way...
:—Optimus can play Magnus like a fiddle...

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*''Robots in Disguise'' has Doctor Onishi note that there is a tangible energy source in the ruins he has discovered; this seems to have been done to keep things in-line with the [[Battle Protocol!|first episode]]'s decision to redefine his speciality as energy, rather than archaeoastronomy. In ''Car Robots'', he merely refers obliquely to a "great power" that the ruins contain.
*''Robots in Disguise'' also inserts repeated reference to a "energy shield" that is responsible for scrambling Onishi's instruments. ''Car Robots'' leaves it mysterious.
*''Robots in Disguise'' takes the position that this is not the first time the Decepticons have seen this vision of Onishi's; the dialogue inicates it has been repeatedly cut off at this point, and that Sky-Byte is attempting to push Onishi further so that they may see more while the others spectate, but cannot because the doctor has built up a tolerance to the [[psycho-probe]]. By contrast, in ''Car Robots'', this is the villains' first time seeing it, and it is only cut off because Sky Byte, who is not supposed to be there, accidentally interferes with the machine while trying to gain some more [[O-Part]]s information from the good doctor.
*T-AI's supposition that the ruins Onishi has found might be from Cybertron is an addition for ''Robots in Disguise''.
*As usual, ''Robots in Disguise'' removes the [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID numbers]] from the member select screen. In both versions of the show, the footage of the screen is recycled from "[[Volcano (episode)|Volcano]]"; as in the English version of that episode, only the Spy Changers English names are added (the English production crew probably recycled the altered footage directly from that episode, rather than edit it again, as has become the standard in the show's second half). ''Robots in Disguise'' also holds on final shot of the screen for a little longer than ''Car Robots'' does.
*''Robots in Disguise'' extends the scene of Railspike and Rapid Run shielding themselves from Movor and Ro-Tor's fire by re-ordering and repeating some shots.
*''Car Robots'' has Ultra Magnus note that he's been drawn to the area because he "heard Side Burn shrieking"; Rapid Run tells him he saw him just a minute ago and that he was fine. This singling-out of Side Burn is quite deliberate; going forward, ''Car Robots'' shows Magnus having a fondness for the youngest Autobot Brother following their conversation in the previous episode, and when he finds the Autobot Brothers later in the episode, he goes directly to Side Burn to talk and find out why they're there.
*The quick pre-commercial explanation Optimus offers for the hallucinations the Build Team suffer—"Cybertronian radiation"—is another ''Robots in Disguise'' addition.
*Just before the Build Team breach the cavern containing Maximus, in ''Car Robots'', Wedge calls Heavy Load by Slapper's name, then shakes his head clear and corrects himself. ''Robots in Disguise'' replaces this with some generic "nearly there"/"keep going" dialogue; the head-shake is undeleted, and becomes a non-sequiter.
*''Robots in Disguise'' extends the scene of Optimus and Magnus talking before they merge by repeating a close-up shot of Prime's head, providing enough extra time to add in a little extra dialogue where Magnus refuses to follow an order from Optimus, but relents when Optimus tells him it's not an order, but a request for help.
*When ''Robots in Disguise'' returns from commercial break for the final scene, shots of the cracking cavern ceiling and Scourge staring upward are repeated to re-establish the scene.
*As Scourge is bathed in the light, ''Car Robots'' has him specifically talk about he now "remembers", building on the earlier scene in which a memory begins to return to the surface in his mind; in ''Robots in Disguise'', though the earlier scene is still present, this follow-up is changed to Scourge simply ranting about how he "must have [Maximus]'s power".

===Trivia===
*X-Brawn states Side Burn's been chasing Kelly for ''two hours''; Kelly herself notes she can't even go shopping without being followed, all while yelling at him to leave her alone. ''Brrr.''
*Entering the ruins begins to open up old memories in Scourge. This idea is expanded on future episodes.
*The stone Transformer heads around the lake resemble Optimus' head. Evidence of a previous, similar Prime or just a cheap option for the animators? YOU decide!
*The Build Team remember how they were fooled by those hallucinations that one time. Then later in the episode, they're fooled in exactly the same way, again. They are, evidently, not especially smart (Heavy Load excepted).
*T-AI selects the Spychangers to monitor the activities of the Decepticons, as their "stealth capabilities make them the perfect choice for undercover work". Unfortunately, the Spychangers' idea of stealthy undercover work seems to involve charging out in front of the Decepticons at the first possible opportunity, whereupon all six of them are dispatched offscreen by Rollbar and Armorhide. You're really earning your keep there, guys.
*Just where did Optimus show up from at the end, anyway?

===Foreign localization===
'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Fortaleza do Poder'''" ("The Fortress of Power")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 8 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 2 of 2 ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season Two (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-29-fortress-maximus "Fortress Maximus" transcript on RiDForever.info]

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes]]

Predacons Rising (Animated)

2021-06-21T08:37:55Z

Androzani84: /* Quotes */

{{disambig3|Predacons Rising}}
{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|image=PredaconsRising-WaspinatorBlackarachnia.jpg
|caption=Battle of the arthropods.
|ep=36
|ep2=33
|prev2=Five Servos of Doom
|next2=Human Error, Part I
|title="Predacons Rising"
|airdate=[[April 11]], 2009
|written by=[[Larry DiTillio]] [[Bob Forward]]
|directed by=[[Kalvin Lee]] [[Yutaka Kagawa]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]]
|continuity=[[Animated cartoon continuity]]}}

'''Blackarachnia has plans... for Wasp!'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s engage in a high-speed chase after [[Wasp]] through the city of [[Detroit]]. Though [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] says he believes even Wasp doesn't know where he's going, the fugitive former Autobot makes clear one thing: they're not going to take him while he's still online. [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] nearly catches Wasp, but the interference of [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] allows him to get away again. Optimus insists that Sentinel's responsibility lies on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and that he ought to deliver the remaining prisoners to the stockade. Sentinel counters that he's sure that Wasp knew about the attack on [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]], and he intends to bring him in.

[[File:TFAni Predacons Rising Wasp Cornered.jpg|thumb|left|"Word on street izzz you're a jerk!"]]
With the help of [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]], the crew finally corners Wasp. Bumblebee tries to talk him down, but finds that his excuses fail to placate the fugitive. Optimus tells Wasp that the espionage charges against him have been dropped, but Sentinel again interferes and the two Primes get into an argument about jurisdiction. In the confusion, Wasp escapes again.

Taking pursuit, the Autobots are stymied when Wasp is plucked from the ground by the arrival of [[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]]. They are only able to pursue the flying [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]] to the pier before being forced to break off. Sentinel is infuriated, and has the twins grapple him to continue the chase. Optimus, realizing that Swoop is likely taking Wasp to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]], begs Sentinel to hold off, as he hasn't yet explained what his former comrade would find there. Sentinel disregards this, and tells the twins to continue onward.

Wasp is brought to [[Meltdown (Animated)|Meltdown's]] [[Meltdown's Subterranean Lab|old lab]], which has seen a considerable refit. In charge now is [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], who looks him over. Satisfied that he has pure Cybertronian circuitry, she decides that he is ideal for her purposes and offers him a chance to have enough power to get his revenge on the Autobots. Showing him a [[transwarp]] generator, she explains that it has only been used for transport before, but she has found a new application.

[[File:TFAni Predacons Rising Wasp Change.jpg|thumb|"Why Wasp always get seated in smoking section?"]]
After reaching the island (with mild discomfort), Sentinel orders the twins to distract the Dinobots. They take this as a chance to attack, with Jetfire engaging in a dogfight with Swoop, and Jetstorm using his wind cannon to knock poor [[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] offline and lead [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] away from the entrance to the lab. Making his way inside, Sentinel is surprised by Blackarachnia and finds himself disgusted at the prospect of a Cybertronian with an organic mode. His disgust turns to horror when she reveals that she was Elita-1. Sentinel tries to explain that it was Optimus's fault for leaving her behind and that he'd always assumed she was dead. Instead, he finds her current condition a fate worse than death. As they talk, the transwarp pods begin to overload, and out of the explosion comes Wasp—now a techno-organic wasp who has renamed himself Waspinator!

[[File:TFAni Predacons Rising Blackarachina Unmasked Sentinel.jpg|thumb|left|Now we know what lies behind her masquerade!]]
Reaching the island, Bumblebee has given up on trying to talk things out with Wasp, while Optimus says that he could start by apologizing first. In the lab, Sentinel is horrified by what Blackarachnia has done to Wasp and says that she has to be stopped. Blackarachnia is not that surprised that he's willing to kill his old friend, but Sentinel screams that she is not Elita-1, driving his [[lance]] forward and knocking her helmet off...revealing the horrifying technorganic face she now has underneath. Not wanting to see "Spider-bot" hurt, Waspinator attacks, but flies out of the room and crashes into Bumblebee. Taken aback by Wasp's new appearance, Bumblebee says that he's sorry for everything he did and didn't do during boot camp. Thinking about it, Wasp admits that he can forgive Bumblebee. Unfortunately, ''Waspinator'' is more interested in revenge. As he tries to attack, however, Waspinator begins to discharge transwarp energy.

[[File:TFAni Predacons Rising Blackarachina sans Helmet.jpg|thumb|You! You're not Sylvia! You're one of the Kung Fu Creatures on the Rampage....2!]]
In the lab, Optimus confronts Blackarachnia and says that he's the one responsible for her condition, not Sentinel. Blackarachnia doesn't care; she has every right to destroy them both because of what happened to her. She also explains that she changed Wasp in the hopes that if she could change him back, she could change herself back into Elita-1. She isn't that concerned if he goes offline in the process. Unfortunately, Waspinator hears that comment and begins trying to attack Blackarachnia. With Waspinator's body starting to go critical, Blackarachnia flees outside, as do the Autobots, where the twins have dispatched the Dinobots. However, to contain Waspinator, Blackarachnia wraps him in a cocoon, and the Autobots barely manage to avoid being caught in the blast, which appears to destroy most of Dinobot Island. Optimus believes that Blackarachnia sacrificed herself to save them, but Sentinel believes that she sacrificed Waspinator to allow herself to escape.

At the Elite Guard ship, Optimus Prime's crew is seeing the [[Elite Guard]] off, though Sentinel is late. The twins poke fun at Sentinel's fear of organics, but Optimus tells them to give Sentinel a break: For all his flaws, Sentinel is still a good bot, in Optimus's opinion. Sentinel then arrives to have a private conversation with Optimus. Optimus apologizes for not letting Sentinel to go back and try to save Elita, and for not telling him sooner about Blackarachnia. Sentinel says that he's sorry they ever went to that planet, but it's too late for apologies, and the two Primes finally appear to bury the hatchet. Optimus points out that Cybertron's need for a leader is top priority, and that Sentinel is that leader, for better or worse.

[[File:TFAni Predacons Rising Waspinator Hazz Planzzz.jpg|thumb|left|Some pieces are made to detach if excessive force is applied.]]
Elsewhere, in a strange-looking jungle, Waspinator is still online, but must reassemble himself, muttering that he has "planzzz". A short distance away, Blackarachnia finds herself confronted with some local animals...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] (4)
*[[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] (5)
*[[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] (6)
*[[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]] (7)
*[[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]] (8)
*[[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] (10)
*[[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] (11)
*[[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (14)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (15)
|c2=
*[[Wasp|Wasp/Waspinator]] (1)
*[[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Bumblebee''': Hate to say it, but Sentinel's got a point. I'd feel a lot safer with Wasp behind bars. 
'''Optimus''': That's not your call to make, Bumblebee. 
'''Sentinel''': And it's not ''your'' call to make either, Optimus. I'm in command. 
'''Optimus''': On ''Cybertron''. This planet is ''my'' jurisdiction. 
'''Sentinel''': This is a Cybertronian fugitive, and I'll enforce my authority as the...the uh...''primer'' Prime! 
'''Optimus''': Did you just make that up?! 
'''Sentinel''': No! 
'''Optimus''': There's no such thing as a Primer Prime! 
'''Sentinel''': It's a real term. Look it up. 
'''Optimus''': I'm not gonna look it up! 
'''Sentinel''': 'Fraid I'm right?
:—Optimus and Sentinel engage in what can be politely described as a pissing contest.

'''Sentinel''': Right, okay. Here's the plan. Give me a few nanokliks to get into position and, then, give me a diversion to draw them away from the entrance. 
'''Jetfire''': De version? Vat kind of version? 
'''Jetstorm''': Means for we to blow something up! 
'''Jetfire''': Oh, good! I am liking de version!
:—The Twins enjoy blowing stuff up.

“Should we be taking notes?”
“On what not to do?”
:—‘’’Jetfire and Jetstorm''' observing Sentinel’s (lack of) conduct.

"I just never knew, never imagined that something this... unspeakable could have happened to you. How can you even live like that?! It's horrible! It's disgusting!" 
"Okay, okay, I get it! It's bad, but it's not ''that'' bad, all right?!" 
"No. It's worse. You should have gone offline."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' has more issues with '''Blackarachnia'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s condition than she does.

'''Blackarachnia''': So that's it?! You just slag your old friend Elita-1? 
'''Sentinel Prime''': ''Don't say that name!'' You don't deserve to say that name! 
''(Sentinel swipes, knocking Blackarachnia's helmet off, revealing her true face)'' 
'''Sentinel Prime''': You're not Elita-1, you mutant freak. Elita-1 went offline a long time ago.
:—Sentinel may actually be right for once, albeit coming from the wrong direction.

"Let him go, Blackarachnia." 
"Why should I, Optimus?" 
"Because I'm the one who left you behind. Sentinel's not the one to blame for what you look like." 
"What I look like is only half the story. What I am is a lot more complicated."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Blackarachnia''', as the latter attacks Sentinel

'''Bumblebee''': Soooo, Wasp... -inator, you've gotten taller. And you can fly! That's-that's cool. 
'''Waspinator''': Wazzpinator megacool, thanks to new friend. 
'''Bumblebee''': Hey, speaking of friends, I wanted to say I'm sorry—you know, for everything I did and didn't do. 
'''Waspinator''': ''(with Wasp's voice)'' Wasp forgive Bumble-bot. 
'''Bumblebee''': Oh. Really? 
'''Waspinator''': ''(with normal voice)'' BUT WAZZPINATOR NEVER FORGIVE!
:—Bumblebee makes his final attempt to make amends with Wasp(inator)... and totally blew it.

"C'mon, ease up, you two. [Sentinel]'s been through a lot." 
"Never thought I'd hear ''you'' sticking up for S.P." 
"He's a good bot... even if he doesn't know how to let go of a grudge."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' surprises '''Jazz''' and the audience.

"Wazzpinator cannot go offline. Wazzpinator have planzz."
:—'''Waspinator''', foreshadowing.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* When Sentinel Prime attacks Blackarachnia, he knocks off a helmet that she was wearing to hide her true mutant face. The helmet was previously seen in "[[Along Came a Spider]]" as Optimus entered a room in the wrecked Decepticon warship.

===Transformers references===
[[File:PredaconsRising-craziestofcameos.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95|What, no eagle/wolf Fuzor?]]
*As the plot of this episode centers on Blackarachnia and Waspinator, the ''Animated'' staff recruited Larry DiTillio and Bob Forward, the head writers of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' animated series, to script it. It was also the final script written by DiTillio prior to his passing in 2019. Consequently, the episode has quite a few references to ''Beast Wars'', including:
**The title itself is, of course, a reference to the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] from ''Beast Wars'', but it's a reference that doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense to anyone who doesn't already know what a Predacon is, since no one in the episode is actually ''called'' a Predacon at any stage.
**Although it's hardly a ''Transformers''-specific term, Sentinel instructs Jetfire and Jetstorm to fire their jets at "Maximum Burn", which was a pretty common command phrase used by the Beast Warriors for firing their own jets. If it were anybody but DiTillio and Forward on scripting duties, we'd probably write it off, but...
**Just like [[Waspinator (BW)|his predecessor]], this Waspinator can survive being blown to scraps.
**The immortal phrase "Waspinator has plans!" was first uttered by the original ''Beast Wars'' incarnation of the character in "[[Other Voices, Part 2]]", and has since become one of the lovable little guy's most famous and popular lines amongst the fandom, leading to a reprisal in "[[Nemesis Part 1]]". In context, he was bemoaning his apparent looming demise and merely indicating that he had stuff he wanted to do with his life, but like a lot of the aspects of the original Waspinator that are adapted into ''Animated'' Waspy, here, it just comes off as pretty ''sinister''.
**At the end of the episode, Blackarachnia comes face to face with [[Optimus Primal|a gorilla]], [[Rhinox (BW)|a rhino]], [[Cheetor (BW)|a green-eyed cheetah]], [[Rattrap (BW)|and a very large rat]]. Interestingly, the script even calls the setting where this scene takes place a "primitive Earthlike planet." Hmmm. [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] [http://twitter.com/DerrickJWyatt/status/1500152931 encourages us] not to read too much into the scene, however.
* "It's too late for apologies" is one of the most infamous lines of dialogue from the hilariously inept [[Omni Productions]] dub of the Japanese ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' cartoon, where it was spoken by a Goth-angsty [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]].

===Animation errors===
* When Waspinator confronts Blackarachnia (immediately after she confesses to using him), his mandible does not move as he speaks. A screenshot of this error can be seen at the top of this page.
* In one scene, the Jet Twins' Elite Guard symbols on their hips are missing.
* Just after Waspinator runs into Bumblebee in pursuit of Blackarachnia, Bumblebee's chest plate briefly shrinks while tumbling then reverts to normal size after.

===Real-world references===
*When Blackarachnia presses some buttons on her computer, they sound the [[theme song|theme]] from ''{{w|Close Encounters of the Third Kind}}''.
*The transwarp experimentation chambers look and function exactly like the telepods from David Cronenberg's [[Fly|''The Fly'']].

===Trivia===
*Bumblebee can drive up the sides of buildings! [[Spy Changer|He's not the only one]].
*When Optimus contacts Sentinel Prime to warn him about Dinobot Island, Sentinel shuts him off by tilting the 'antenna' on the left side of his head. [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)#Animated|His Deluxe toy actually does allow you to do this]], but backwards.
*In the English language, ''"optimus"'' is a synonym for ''"prime"'', both of which are synonyms of "elite" or "best". So, by definition, Optimus Prime's name literally means ''"Primer Prime"''. Too bad for you, Sentinel.
*Waspinator wasn't the only one damaged in the transwarp explosion. If you take a close look at Blackarachnia at the end of the episode, you'll notice that her 'stingers' (which act as her [[beast mode]]'s front legs) have been blown off.
*When Optimus and Sentinel discuss Sentinel taking over from Ultra Magnus, observe Optimus as he says "...and for better or worse..." He appears to squint uncomfortably, almost as if it pained him to say what he's going to say. [[This Is Why I Hate Machines|Huh.]]
*Speaking of jerk-face, Sentinel's drill-sergeant side is still very much in evidence when he barks at the twins to not "stand around with your pistons in your servos", a [[Anatomic euphemism|euphemistic]] Cybertronian equivalent of a rather off-color fleshling phrase we can't repeat here.
*Prowl continues to wear his new samurai armor even when he's not really needing it. [[To sell toys|Gotta sell that brand-spankin' new figure, you know?]]
*This episode marked the last appearance of Blackarachnia and Waspinator.
*The animals that observe Blackarachnia are roughly the same size she is. Unless they are on an alien world where [[Scale|the creatures are all over-sized]], those animals are positively HUGE.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Révolte des Predacons'''" ("Predacons Revolt")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kanashiki Seimeitai'''" (悲しき生命体, "Sorrowful Lifeform")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 13|13 November]] [[2010]]

'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Os Predadores Ressurgem'''" ("Predators Resurface")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Spanish (Latin America)'''
:*''Title:'' "''' Los Predacons Crecen '''" ("The Predacons Grow")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 17|17 November]] [[2009]]

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2011 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Vol. 9 ([[Paramount]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Madman Entertainment]])

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Combine and Conquer

2021-05-30T21:51:04Z

Androzani84: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' (2015) ep 60
|image=RID2015 - Combine and Conquer - Menasor In The House.jpg
|caption=God? No, I'm not God. But I'm a close second.
|prev=Railroad Rage
|next=Moon Breaker
|title="Combine and Conquer"
|airdate=[[August 12]], [[2017]] (Canada) [[August 26]], 2017 (US)
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|writer=[[Guy Toubes]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]], [[drop]] (2D)
|director=[[Todd Waterman]]
}}
'''Bee's new leadership style is put to the test when Motormaster and the Stunticons go after a Meteorite Deflector Dish; the Bee Team is forced to combine and improvise together to take on Menasor.'''

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:TRID S3 E15 CAC SC 1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"We have waited centuries for this moment. The rivers will flow with the blood of those who oppose us!"]]
Both [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Motormaster (WFC)|Motormaster]] are unhappy with their respective teams' lack of progress in defeating their enemies. Bumblebee rejects [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] and [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]]'s claims they've done all right against the [[Stunticon (Prime)|Stunticon]]s and orders [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] to step up efforts on figuring out the combiner process before imposing strict new discipline on the rest of the team. Motormaster, meanwhile, has a plan to draw the Autobots into a trap.

Some time later, the Autobots drive down the road as Bumblebee ensures they keep precise distance from each other. [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]]'s unsure of whether he's helping, since he's just sitting on a trailer, but Bumblebee assures him that he's the rear lookout. Strongarm reports she's intercepted a CB transmission from a trucker that suggests he was run off the road by the Stunticons. Bumblebee checks on how Fixit's going, but at that moment Fixit's [[plasmodic capacitor]] overloads, leaving his combination machinery useless. [[Denny Clay|Denny]] sees this as a challenge.

[[File:TRID S3 E15 CAC SC 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"I have always believed that faith was measured in deeds, not words."]]
The Autobots locate the stricken truck, but when Drift prepares to move in to help, Bumblebee orders him to hang back and starts instructing the team on their parts in the rescue. They manage to pull the truck back onto the road, and [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] spots the remains of one of [[Heatseeker]]'s missiles. As the team starts following the tire marks the Stunticons have left behind, Sideswipe grouses about how much of a dictator Bumblebee is being.

Elsewhere the Stunticons pause to bicker before spotting the incoming Autobots; [[Heatseeker]] and [[Slashmark]] suggest combining into [[Heatmark]] makes Motormaster's plan to introduce their "new weapon" unnecessary, but Motormaster insists his plan will be followed. Bumblebee attempts to arrest the group of Decepticons, but after introducing himself, Motormaster transforms and runs the Autobots down. The Autobots simply pick themselves up...only to witness the Stunticons merging into [[Menasor (RID)|Menasor]]. Menasor swings his sword at the team, who scatter, and Menasor is left trying to pull his sword back out of the ground. Bumblebee disagrees with his team when they suggest they should combine too, instead coming up with a plan to knock Menasor down the side of the mountain. This is unsuccessful, with the Autobots taking the plunge after Menasor manages to recover his sword. The Autobots commence bickering, however Menasor starts heading for a nearby human base and Bee announces they can't let him get the satellite dish there, so the team heads off.

[[File:TRID S3 E15 CAC SC 3.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"The time for questioning is over. Rising from our trenches, our bunkers, our factories, we must all now partake in the technology of peace."]]
Back at the scrapyard, Denny has rigged up a substitute for the plasmodic capacitor, though Fixit is skeptical it'll work. Surprisingly it does, Denny overjoyed that it didn't expode. Bumblebee orders them to bring the device to the field though they'll need a power source for it. When Drift puzzles over the satellite dish, Bumblebee explains it is part of a meteor deflection system, based on Cybertronian principles, which Menasor likely wants to turn on the Autobots.

Menasor enters the base and immediately comes under attack from some automated tanks which he makes short work of. As the Autobots arrive at the outskirts of the base, Fixit arrives via [[GroundBridge]] with the combiner equipment. They need to get the equipment to the power source for the satellite dish, and Bumblebee has a plan to get them past Menasor. Using tanks as cover, they manage to get close enough to the shed that they can just drive the rest of the way. Once there, Fixit starts linking up the equipment, and Strongarms take the opportunity to talk to Bumblebee about his recent overbearing command style. The equipment is soon ready and Fixit fires it up, linking the Autobots together into [[Ultra Bee]]. Ultra Bee punches Menasor and demands he surrender.

[[File:TRID S3 E15 CAC MSS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Our enemies believe that we have been defeated, and that I am no longer among the living. They are ''gravely'' mistaken."]]
Grimlock, as it turns out, has trouble kicking Menasor while he's down, and the Decepticon combiner manages to get up and knock Ultra Bee flying, almost flattening Fixit. The Autobots, it turns out, are still having difficulty working their combiner mode, giving Menasor the upper hand. They manage to get themselves together enough to knock Menasor flying. Bee manages to instruct the team to pull the satellite dish down, using its deflection to send Menasor flying off into the sky. Once they have the dish back in place, the combiner effect wears off and they separate. As the human authorities start arriving, Fixit goes to disconnect the combiner equipment, only to find it's already unplugged.

Back at the scrapyard, the team puzzles over how they managed to combine if the equipment was unplugged. They leave Fixit to work on figuring it out, while they go watch Bumblebee's optical cache of the victory.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Drift (RID)|Drift]] (3)
*[[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]] (4)
*[[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] (5)
*[[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] (6)
*[[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] (11)
*[[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] (14)
*[[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]] (15)
*[[Ultra Bee]] (18)
|c2=
*[[Motormaster (WFC)|Motormaster]] (2)
*[[Heatseeker]] (7)
*[[Wildbreak]] (8)
*[[Slashmark]] (9)
*[[Dragstrip (WFC)|Drag Strip]] (10)
*[[Heatmark]] (16)
*[[Menasor (RID)|Menasor]] (17)
|c3=
*[[Denny Clay]] (12)
*Truck driver (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well if I hadn't been forced to work with ''these'' buffoons-" 
"I'm gonna hit ''you'' in the buffoon if you keep talkin' like that!"
:—'''Slashmark''' and '''Heatseeker''' demonstrate Stunticon teamwork at its finest.

"Welcome to the end of the road! Courtesy of MENASOR!"
:—'''Menasor'''

"It sounds like Menasor is a entirely different personality than Motormaster, and he's having trouble controlling his team." 
"I bet you can relate."
:—'''Bumblebee''''s emphasis on the chain of command is not to '''Sideswipe''''s liking.

"Surrender in peace, Menasor! Or in pieces. Your call."
:—'''Ultra Bee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Ultra Bee finally forms deliberately for the first time, after the Bee Team's accidental combinations in "[[King of the Hill (Part 2)]]" and "[[The Great Divide]]". Perhaps Fixit's mad science wasn't needed after all?

===Prisoner manifest===
* ''In stasis'': [[Crustacion]], [[Ragebyte]], [[Zorillor]], [[Springload (RID)|Springload]], [[Boostwing]], [[Jacknab]], [[Pilfer]], [[Shadow Raker]], [[Flamesnort]], [[Simacore]].
* ''Known at Large'': [[Heatseeker]], [[Motormaster (WFC)|Motormaster]], [[Dragstrip (WFC)|Drag Strip]], [[Wildbreak]], [[Slashmark]].

===Transformers references===
[[File:Superion Bee comparison.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Peace through power.]]
*Though ''Robots in Disguise'' Menasor has a completely different design and personality, this episode references the inter-personality clash that all the [[Stunticon (G1)|Generation 1 Stunticon]]s have while combined.
*Ultra Bee's looming over a fallen Menasor is ''extremely'' similar to [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]'s gesture in "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]".
*Fixit swears by 'Sweet [[Solus Prime]]!'
* Like the [[IDW 2005 Continuity]], Menasor’s first defeat is at the hands of Bumblebee figuring out his weakness.
{{-}}

===Real-world references===
*The episode's title references (and reverses) the maxim of "{{w|Divide and conquer}}".

===Errors===

===Trivia===
* Fixit's plasmodic capacitator uses the same animation model as the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]]'s storage mode.
* While neither is the traditional "[[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]" gestalt, Ultra Bee is truly the sum of his separate parts, but Menasor (as Bumblebee observes) shows a distinct ''individual'' personality separate from Motormaster's despite still having to work at having his components cooperate.
*Speaking of Menasor, his sword appears to be composed of Motormaster's grille and front bumpers, meaning he's basically ''hitting people with his face''. Hardcore!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' '''Un adversaire de taille''' ("An Opponent of Size")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 15]], 2017

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' '''Egyesülj és uralkodj''' ("Combine and Conquer")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 2]], 2017

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2018 — ''Transformers Robots in Disguise: Combiner Force'' — Combine & Conquer ([[Beyond Home Entertainment]]) 
{{epstub}}

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) episodes]]

Overload (RID)

2021-05-05T21:31:25Z

Androzani84: /* 2015 Robots in Disguise cartoon */

{{factions|decepticon|}}
{{disambig3|Overload}}
:''Overload is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] portion of the [[Aligned continuity family]].''
[[File:RID2015 Overload BoxArt.jpg|300px|thumb|right|I'd like to thank the Academy, my agent and most of all, my operating system, Windows Vista.]]

Raise the curtain and let '''Overload''' take center stage—the most daring, dashing [[Decepticon]] saboteur and spy [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] has ever known. No mere bit player is he; this roguish thespian combines his natural strength and impenetrable armor plating with the quick wit and charisma befitting a lead player. If Overload has ''any'' weakness, it's perhaps that his own vanity overrides his better tactical judgment, particularly when it comes to that utter plebeian [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]. Sometimes, he's partnered with the [[Cyclone]] [[Mini-Con]]s [[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] and [[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]].

{{quote|Hello? Are you not listening? This is quality stagecraft, you savage!|Overload|"[[Overloaded, Part 2]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' shorts===
Once, Overload shot a Cyclone at a young Slipstream, which stole his first ball bearing, causing him to go live a life of crime. {{storylink|The Tragedy of Slipstream}} When the ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]'' crashed on Earth, his stasis pod was lost. {{storylink|The Power of Dibs}}

===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Dave Fennoy]] (English), [[Masaki Aizawa]] (Japanese)|[[Tamás Bognár]] (Hungarian), [[Giorgio Bonino]] (Italian), [[Olivier Francart]] (French), [[Frédéric Meaux]] (French, ''Decepticon Island''), [[Ronald Nitschke]] (German), [[Raúl Solo]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}

[[File:IllusionaryDecepticon.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"Wearing a costume, pretending to be someone else; it goes against my every instinct as an actor."]]
During the war on Cybertron, Overload was the top spy for the Decepticons and his work resulted in the destruction of a number of Autobot installations, and the injuring of [[Bumblebee (WFC]|Optimus Prime’s rookie scout]]. Eventually, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] found Overload out and stopped him. He was placed in stasis and eventually stored aboard the ''Alchemor''. {{storylink|Overloaded, Part 1}}

While Optimus Prime was training in the [[Realm of the Primes]], [[Micronus Prime|Micronus]] created an illusionary Decepticon resembling Overload to test him. The robot, physically identical to Overload save for his lack of a head, deployed his Mini-Cons to terminate a group of humans who had made their way into the [[Realm of the Primes]]. The robot spent most of his time just standing around while his Mini-Cons did most of the dirty work. Overload and the Mini-Cons were ultimately defeated when Optimus climbed a hill to activate his [[Prime Decepticon Hunter]] and it turned out the Decepticons and humans were mere illusions. {{storylink|Out of Focus}}

[[File:Overloadedpart1-Overload.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"I was all of history's great acting robots: Acting Unit 0.8, Thespo-mat, David Duchovny!"]]
After reviving from stasis, Overload sensed Optimus Prime and went looking for his old foe. Arriving in the [[Vintage Salvage Depot for the Discriminating Nostalgist|scrapyard]], he found only [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] and [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]]. He dealt with them and opted to head for [[Crown City]], reasoning he could draw out Prime by threatening humans, and on the way teamed up with the [[Cyclone]] Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Overloaded, Part 1}} Overload found a human vehicle which he began smashing as a warm up to the main show, until Bumblebee found him. Though Overload proved more than a match for the Autobot, Bumblebee managed to turn the two Mini-Cons on him, and render him unconscious with a punch. Overload was carted back to the scrapyard to get stored away. {{storylink|Overloaded, Part 2}}

After [[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]] broke into the scrapyard, he deactivated Overload's stasis pod, alongside several others, as part of a bid to bolster [[Glowstrike]]'s forces. When [[Thunderhoof (RID)|Thunderhoof]] brought up Steeljaw's past failures at leadership, Steeljaw informed the Decepticons of his alliance with Glowstrike, and gave them coordinates to follow while he remained at the scrapyard. The escapees later reconvened at Steeljaw's coordinates, where they were inspected by Glowstrike, who seemed pleased by the new cadre of "[[Steeljaw's Pack|elite warriors]]". {{storylink|Misdirection}}

Overload gathered with Steeljaw's other remaining followers on the roof of the ''Island'', where Steeljaw updated them on his plans to overthrow Glowstike, until she and [[Saberhorn]] arrived to talk with Steeljaw alone. {{storylink|Portals}}

[[File:DecepticonIslandP2-TimeToLeaveTheStage.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"Don't tell me how to do humble! My humble ranks among the greatest in the history of the universe!"]]

Overload was present after the Autobots staged a raid on the Decepticon base, and were subsequently surrounded by the base's occupants. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 1)}} Though the rest of the Autobots managed to escape at this time, [[Windblade (RID)|Windblade]] was captured, and Overload was tasked with guarding her (much to his chagrin as he wanted to fight Optimus or at least Bumblebee). He still got to fight someone, as [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] came to rescue his prisoner. He was able to subdue them, but [[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]] and [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] slipped away as Drift was put in another pod. The Mini-Cons managed to free Windblade and Ratchet, and after delivering a decisive blow to Overload's face, the Autobots were able to stuff their would-be-captor into a pod of his own. Overload's stasis pod was then taken back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by Optimus Prime, Windblade and Ratchet. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 2)}}

{{--}}

==Games==
===''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game===
{{charstubgames|{{storylink|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|Robots in Disguise}}}}

==Toys==
===Robots in Disguise (2015)===
[[File:RID15-toy OverloadDeployer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Well, I do owe you for giving me this unholy... ACTING.... ''TALENT''! ''(Hasbro Version Pictured)'']]
[[File:TF-Adventure-TAV-46-Overload.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|If you want Calculon to race to the laser gun battle in his hover-Ferrari, press one. If you want Calculon to double-check his paperwork, press two. Enter now. ''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]
*'''Overload & Backtrack''' (Deployer, 2016)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''TAV46'''

: Part of the second assortment of [[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]s, Overload transforms into a Cybertronian tank. In this mode, the front clamp between his treads can be loaded with any [[Cyclone]]-style Mini-Con —such as his pack-in partner [[Backtrack (RID)#Toys|Backtrack]]— and launched by pushing the trigger on Overload's gunbarrel. (You ''can'' wedge (ha) Torpedo-style Mini-Cons into this launcher, but they don't hold very well.) This launcher will not work if the small "safety" on his tank mode underside is not pushed in, either by setting him on a flat surface or by doing so manually. This launcher is also inoperable in robot mode, though at least you can still store a Cyclone in it. His tank barrel has tabs to mount Backtrack's blaster accessories.

: His shoulders have an undocumented feature, small tabs that allow you to attach Mini-Cons to them via the armor-sprue attachment points. Obviously Cyclones fit best, but Torpedos can attach as well, albeit slightly awkwardly. Buzzsaws have ridges that prevent them from attaching securely, however.

: Overload also has a battle mask, which is both intended to cover his face in vehicle mode and also homage the rectangle-eye of the illusionary Decepticon warrior from "[[Out of Focus]]".

: His [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]] scan-badge is located on his right forearm, impossible to scan while still in-box.

: The ''Adventure'' release of Overload features extensive paint details to resemble his appearances in the cartoon. He also features a scan-badge, which was compatible to the ''Transformers Chronicle'' app.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/Overload/overload.htm More information on Deployers Overload at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Overload's appearance in "[[The Power of Dibs]]" depicts him as having the same headless design as the illusionary Decepticon in "[[Out of Focus]]", which is ironic considering his love for his own face. It also seems to suggest he shared the same stasis pod with the Cyclone Mini-Cons, despite them apparently meeting each other for the first time later in the cartoon.
*Though his toy turns into a tank, Overload never transforms in any of his appearances in the series. However, he is seen transforming in a commercial, suggesting he did have an animated model for his alternate mode.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Overload''' (オーバーロード ''Ōbārōdo'')

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Steeljaw's Pack]]

Pilot (Part 2)

2021-05-05T21:27:56Z

Androzani84: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' (2015) ep 2
|image=RID2015 Underbite chases autobots.jpg
|caption="Hey, I didn't order this dinner to go!"
|prev=Pilot (Part 1)
|next=Trust Exercises
|title="Pilot (Part 2)"
|airdate=[[February 21]], [[2015]] (Australia/NZ) [[March 14]], [[2015]] (USA)
|production company=[[Allspark (company)|Hasbro Studios]]
|writers=[[Adam Beechen]], [[Duane Capizzi]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|director=[[David Hartman]]
}}

'''Bumblebee and his new team must stop Underbite from reaching nearby Crown City.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:PilotPart2 Underbite Grimlock square off.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Walking with Beasts: Hasbro Edition'']]
[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] prevents [[Russell Clay|Russell]] from pursuing [[Underbite]], insisting it's too dangerous, but [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] points out the incoming [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]], who transforms to dino mode. Though Bumblebee's braced to fight Grimlock off, the Dinobot simply sniffs at them and then dashes off into the woods after Underbite. Telling the others to stay put, Bumblebee gives pursuit, however when Russell runs off as well, [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] uses it as an excuse to follow suit. Also [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]]'s jabbering results in Sideswipe going after them. Grimlock intercepts Underbite at [[Vintage Salvage Depot for the Discriminating Nostalgist|the scrapyard]] and the pair begin grappling. Though Underbite suggests that they're on the same side and therefore don't need to fight, Grimlock disagrees and they continue to toss each other around, while an oblivious [[Denny Clay]] puts away the [[Billy the Breakfast Beaver]] statues he's bought. Bumblebee arrives and prepares to subtly intervene, however the element of surprise is spoiled by the arrival of the rest of his team, who dive straight in. After tossing Grimlock aside, Underbite starts chowing on the Beaver statues, until Strongarm manages to attract his attention.

[[File:PilotPart2 Denny is anguished.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Yeah, Fowler had that reaction too the first time we broke something of his."]]
Sideswipe and Russell find Denny in the old diner, and Russell points his dad to the Autobots and Decepticon rapidly bearing down on them. Grimlock jumps on Underbite and begins punching him repeatedly. While the Decepticon is thus busy, Bumblebee suggests Denny take his son somewhere safe and complains about his team not following orders. Underbite again manages to get the better of Grimlock, and begins chowing down on the junk, however he soon spots [[Crown City]] in the distance, and immediately sets out for it. With the Autobots gathering themselves together, Grimlock again springs to his feet, only to find his foe has gone. Realizing where Underbite is headed, Bumblebee prepares to give chase, and the others insist on going too. Strongarm scans a new vehicle mode on Bumblebee's insistence that they maintain a low profile. Fixit also arrives with the news that he's got a single [[stasis cell]] back online, and some capture devices which he distributes to the team. Bumblebee, Strongarm, Denny, and Grimlock soon roll out, leaving Sideswipe to take care of Russell.

[[File:PilotPart2 Bumblebee Strongarm vs Underbite.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]], and [[William Fowler|Fowler]] were right, this ''is'' tingly!]]
Driving along, Underbite is slowly weakening from the lack of sustenance — organic material being unsuitable for him to consume. Meanwhile, Sideswipe finally finds a car to scan, and Russell has the idea to take along the rest of the Beaver statues. The rest of the team has already caught up with Underbite at the bridge to Crown City and start using Fixit's capture tools on him, however the tools swiftly fail. They attempt to block Underbite's way, though a fight proves unnecessary as Sideswipe arrives and lures Underbite away with the trailer-load of Beaver statues. They lead the Decepticon to the edge of the quarry, and the team starts trying to push Underbite over the edge. Unfortunately when Sideswipe joins in, it allows Underbite to grab some statues from the Autobot's trailer and powers himself up. Tossed aside, the Autobots can only watch in alarm as Underbite picks up Denny's truck and begins crushing it.

[[File:PilotPart2 Optimus ex Machina.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Did you really think Hasbro would let him [[To sell toys|stay]] [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|dead]]?]]
At which point [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] suddenly grabs Underbite and tosses him into the quarry. After revealing that Denny is fine, Optimus admits he's not quite sure whether he's alive or not. After complimenting the team Bumblebee has put together, Optimus gives a stirring speech and tells them he does not know what fate has in store for him, before dematerializing. Some time later, Underbite is resecured in the working stasis cell as the Autobots move the equipment salvaged from the ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]'' in to the scrapyard. Grimlock's concerned that they'll put him back into a stasis cell too, but Bumblebee instead puts him on probation. The inevitable team squabbling begins.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] (4)
*[[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]] (6)
*[[Underbite]] (8)

|c3=
*[[Russell Clay]] (2)
*[[Denny Clay]] (7)

}}

==Quotes==
"Oh mercy, his dad's in there!" <pause> "What's a dad?" 
"Um...it's an older member of this planet's dominant species that shares genetic material with the younger member and assists in the rearing and education of that member." 
"Oh. Why didn't you just say that?"
:—'''Fixit''' gets a brief lecture on [[relatives]] from '''Bumblebee'''.

"I'm no fighter either, I'm a lover. Let's see if ol' Fixit can find something to help out with these fugitives. Maybe some weapons... gear... I can tell we're going to be great friends, Sideswipe. Hey, do you have a nickname? No no, wait, let me guess. Scooter? Rumblejack? Bill? Mine is M.C. It's actually a loooong story... Sideswipe? Hello?"
:—'''Fixit'''

"We got a dance to finish skrud!" 
"You're from the prison ship too. I'm not gonna eat the whole planet. Just the crunchy parts. So why're you botherin' me?" 
"I like to pick on things my own size. And just because we rode here together, doesn't make us travel buds." 
:—'''Grimlock''' picks a fight with '''Underbite'''.

"Fixit, you are my favorite Mini-Con." ''[Capture device breaks]'' "Fixit, I'm rethinking my rankings."
:—'''Bumblebee'''

"Together you will confront many challenges. The forces facing Earth are immense and formidable, but I am certain you will accomplish great things. As you did today." 
"But we needed your help, Optimus. We always will." 
"You are ready to lead, Bumblebee, do not doubt yourself." 
:—''' Optimus Prime''' talks to '''Bumblebee''' and gives Team Bumblebee the pep talk.

"YEAH! I'm on probaaaation. Yes on probaaation."
:—'''Grimlock'''

"I... we... won't let you down Optimus. And if I say it enough, maybe I'll actually believe it."
:—'''Bumblebee''' has high hopes for his new team.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* In this and part 1, the capsules holding the Decepticons are referred to as "stasis cells", whereas in later episodes they're referred to using the more standard name "stasis pods". This change appears to have been made due to the amount of spitting the term "stasis cell" produced in the recording booth.[https://twitter.com/sonnova/status/576869010010075136]
* The capture devices Fixit brings are:
**A device Bumblebee uses which looks like the [[Decepticon Hunter]] introduced in "[[As the Kospego Commands!]]". It's unclear if this is actually meant to be another Decepticon Hunter, and it doesn't function the same way.
** A crossbow claimed by Strongarm, which malfunctions in this episode, but she'll be seen using it in later episodes.
** A sword, which goes unclaimed but can be seen being used by Sideswipe in later episodes.
* When the Autobots confront Underbite near the bridge, Underbite is so low on energy that he can barely walk. However, even after being attacked by Bumblebee and Strongarm, he somehow has the energy to run after Sideswipe and then transform and chase after him. It's ''possible'' that the weapons Bumblebee and Strongarm used somehow energized Underbite, but there's nothing in the scene to suggest this.

===Prisoner manifest===
* ''In stasis'': [[Underbite]]
* ''On probation'': [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]]
* ''Countless others all missing, presumed at large''

===Transformers references===
* Fixit's nickname M.C. could stand for [[Mini-Con]].

===Real-world references===

===Animation and technical errors===

===Trivia===
*The first thirteen episodes of the series, this included, first premiered in Mandarin on Chinese streaming video site M1905.
* The bird Underbite tries asking for directions appears to be entirely hand-drawn, compared to anything else on the show,

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Piloto - Part 2 '''" ("Pilot - Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 31]], 2015

'''Chinese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dìqiú Rènwù (xià)'''" (地球任务（下）, "Mission Earth (Part 2)")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 31]], [[2014]]

'''Danish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pilot - Del 2'''" ("Pilot - Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Finnish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pilotti - Osa 2'''" ("Pilot - Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le dévoreur'''" ("The Devourer")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 9]], [[2015]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mission Erde - Episode 2'''" ("Mission Earth - Episode 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 4]], 2015

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Robotok álruhában'''" ("Robots in Disguise"; both pilot episodes shared the same title with no numbering, despite being aired separately)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 17]], 2015

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Più di quanto non sembri, parte 2'''" ("More than how it looks like, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 28]], 2015 (preview in select cinemas); [[March 7]], 2015 (TV airing)

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Team Bumblebee, Tanjō'''" (チーム・バンブルビー、誕生, "The Birth of Team Bumblebee")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 22]], 2015

'''Norwegian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pilot - Del 2'''" ("Pilot - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Polish''':
:*''Title:'' "'''Pilot - część druga'''" ("Pilot - part two")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 17]], 2015

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 3]], 2015

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Пилот, часть 2'''" (Pilot, Part 2)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 3]] (Along with "Pilot, Part 1")

'''Spanish (Latin American)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Piloto. parte 2''" (Pilot, part 2)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 31]] (Along with "Pilot, Part 1")

'''Swedish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pilot - Del 2'''" ("Pilot - Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Robots in Disguise'' — Collect 'em All ([[Beyond Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2015 — ''Transformers Robots in Disguise'' — A New Autobot Mission ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2016 — ''Transformers Robots in Disguise'' — A New Mission ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2016 — ''Transformers Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) episodes]]

Hikaru Midorikawa

2021-05-02T08:55:22Z

Androzani84: This is the official romanisation

[[Image:Hikaru Midorikawa.jpg|right|thumb|200px|He's not going to pull out a gun or sword, is he?]]
'''Hikaru Midorikawa''' (緑川光 ''Midorikawa Hikaru'', born [[May 2]], [[1968]]) is a Japanese voice actor and is represented by {{w|Aoni Production}}. While he's been voice acting since 1988, he's also a singer, part of the music group E.M.U. (Entertainment Music Unit) alongside fellow Transformers actors [[Ryōtarō Okiayu]], [[Nobutoshi Canna]], and [[Hideo Ishikawa]]. Hikaru is also known to play the saxophone, collects Gundam models, basketball, and dislikes sushi.

Some of Hikaru's many roles include Joe Rival from [[Brave (franchise)|''The Brave Express Might Gaine'']], Oliver the Great Western Engine from ''Thomas & Friends'', Tokiya Mikagami of ''Flame of Recca'', Firion in ''Dissidia: Final Fantasy'', Wiserue in ''Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger'' (and numerous other ''Super Sentai'' characters), Gridman in Tsuburaya's ''Gridman'' series, and Marth in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Fire Emblem'' series. His most famous roles are that of Heero Yuy from ''Gundam Wing'', Zelgadis Greywords from the ''{{w|Slayers}}'' series, Softon from ''Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo'', Eiru/Seijūrō Ginga from ''Sailor Moon R'' as well Fiore in ''Promise of the Rose'', Android 16 in ''Dragon Ball Z'' as well the current voice of Tenshinhan in the franchise and current media, and Leon Magnus/Judas from ''Tales of Destiny''/''Tales of Destiny 2''.

Midorikawa is nicknamed by his fans as '''Green River Light''', which is the literal English translation of his name.

==Roles==
===''Victory''===
* [[Doryu]] ("[[Jan - Defend the Campus!!]]")

==Notes==
*English voice actors [[Mark Hildreth]], [[Kirby Morrow]], [[Liam O'Brien]], and [[Yuri Lowenthal]] have all dubbed and shared a few roles with Hikaru Midorikawa but so far none have shared the same ''Transformers'' role yet.

==External links==
*[http://www3.tok2.com/home/wingzero/ Hikaru's Bar], Midorikawa's personal website ''(Japanese)''
*[http://blog.spalog.jp/?cid=21761 Hikaru's Voice], Midorikawa's personal blog ''(Japanese)''
*[http://www.aoni.co.jp/actor/ma/midorikawa-hikaru.html Official profile] at Aoni Production ''(Japanese)''
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0585640/ Hikaru Midorikawa] at the Internet Movie Database
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=546 Hikaru Midorikawa] at Anime News Network

{{DEFAULTSORT:Midorikawa, Hikaru}}
[[Category:Japanese voice actors]]

Project Predacon

2021-04-28T21:42:11Z

Androzani84:

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 57
|prev=Rebellion (Prime)
|next=Chain of Command (Prime)
|image=ProjectPredacon-skull.jpg
|caption=Okay, who cooked the turkey too long?
|title="Project Predacon"
|airdate=[[May 17]], [[2013]]
|written by=[[Duane Capizzi]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''The Decepticons launch a new scheme to clone an army of beasts.'''

==Synopsis==

[[File:ProjectPredacon-MASKdivision.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Back repainting strikes again|Can you name the truck with four wheel drive, smells like a steak, and seats thirty five? Canyonero! Canyonero!]]

[[William Fowler|Fowler]] arrives at the [[Autobot]]s' [[Hangar E|new base]] driving a massive military truck, described as an "experimental, all-terrain, expeditionary fighting vehicle". [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] gives his approval and begins to scan it.

The next day, [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] return from the rubble of the former Autobot base with what little they could find. Wheeljack is happy enough to find their [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball, which he immediately throws to [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to initiate a game. Unprepared, Bulkhead is unable to catch the ball and it bounces off him, very nearly crushing [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]], who is pulled to safety by [[Jack Darby|Jack]]. Ultra Magnus admonishes Wheeljack's reckless behavior, once again citing his distaste for [[Wrecker]] behavior. He tells Wheeljack that if he'd rather not follow orders, he's free to walk away, as he did back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Wheeljack remarks that if [[Jackhammer (Prime)|his ship]] wasn't destroyed, he'd do just that.

Meanwhile, Optimus flies with his new [[jet pack]] to investigate recent [[Decepticon]] activity. He comes upon a cave entrance in the side of a mountain and transforms into his new vehicle mode to enter.

Miko wishes all of the Autobots had jet packs, but [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] reminds everyone that the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] had been depleted of its power. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] returns from scanning new "war paint", but this fails to impress Ultra Magnus, who immediately assigns him a menial duty. Smokescreen grumbles about how he nearly became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], yet is still treated like a rookie, but pretends to have said something else when Ratchet overhears.

In the cave, Optimus comes across a group of [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s excavating some very large skeletal remains, and makes short work of most of them, but he is unable to prevent [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] from escaping with a piece of the fossil.

Optimus returns the rest of the fossil to the base, and reveals that it's the remains of a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]]. Smokescreen notes that Predacons are supposed to have been extinct since before most life began on Cybertron. The Autobots deduce that the recently returned [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] is behind [[Predaking (Prime)|the one they already fought]], and most likely plans to clone more of them.

[[File:ProjectPredacon-Predacons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Once upon a time, robot animals ruled the earth.]]

Aboard the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] reacts to the presence of Predacon remains on Earth with cynicism. [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] explains that the remains actually belong to an army of clones that he had commissioned during the war. They were sent to Earth to kill Autobots and gather [[energon]], and they remained there until succumbing to the ravages of time. Shockwave confirms that he can create new clones from the endomatter of the deceased batch.

Ratchet shows the children images of Predacons from Cybertronian historical texts. Jack recognizes them as robotic versions of creatures from Earth's own various mythologies. Optimus notes that the Predacons were very likely the inspiration for such tales.

Ratchet revisits his [[Synthetic Energon|synthetic energon]] formula, in hopes of replenishing the energon stores lost when their base was destroyed. Fowler suddenly reports that satellites have picked up Decepticon activity in both [[Texas]] and [[Scotland]]. Optimus assigns Ultra Magnus, now wielding the depowered Forge, to lead the Wreckers to Scotland. Meanwhile he, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], and Smokescreen [[GroundBridge]] to a field of [[oil]] derricks in Texas and split up.

Alone together, Smokescreen asks Bumblebee if he'd ever wanted to be a Prime. Bumblebee says his only aspiration is to be a warrior. When Smokescreen asks why Optimus hasn't promoted him from scout yet, Bumblebee reveals that it's his choice. When Smokescreen asks him why he wants to wait, Bumblebee responds that he would rather be promoted on Cybertron. Smokescreen notes that this would be more meaningful, and that Bumblebee was one patient guy, musing that he ought to take a cue from him. They then interrupt a squad of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, only to be interrupted by Shockwave toting the remains of a Predacon. Shockwave flees from the Autobots but runs into Optimus, who blasts him out of vehicle mode. Just then, a GroundBridge opens and [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] emerges in alt-form for some altitude-combat with a flying Optimus. Shockwave makes a run for the GroundBridge, but is attacked by Bumblebee and Smokescreen.

[[File:ProjectPredacon-wishbone.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Ultimate Tug of War: Who Will Take Home the Wishbone???]]

While Optimus fends off Soundwave, [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] is deployed and gets in close, delivering an electrical shock that sends Optimus crashing to the ground. On the highway overpass above him, Bumblebee and Smokescreen are able to wrest the Predacon fossil away from Shockwave, but not without breaking it, sending a small piece falling over the edge. Optimus rushes back into the air to catch it, but Soundwave activates a second GroundBridge that catches the falling fossil in mid-air and deposits it into Megatron's waiting hand aboard the ''Nemesis''. Their mission complete, the Decepticons retreat through the GroundBridge from which Soundwave emerged.

On the ''Nemesis'', Megatron decides that Shockwave is much too valuable to Project Predacon to risk using in the field. Shockwave agrees to confine himself to his lab and leave the task of collecting bones to Starscream. Megatron notes how anxious he is to set his army of beasts on humankind.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (5)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] (10)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (11)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (12)

|c2=
*[[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]] (13)
*[[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] (14)
*[[Decepticon Miner]] (15)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (16)
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] (17)
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] (18)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s (19)
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (20)
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (21)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Jack Darby]] (7)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)

}}

==Quotes==
"What were you thinking, soldier?" 
"I was thinking Bulk could catch that lob."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Wheeljack''' air their grievances like mature adults who hate each other.

"I was nearly a Prime, but somehow I'm still a rookie."
:—'''Smokescreen''' bemoans the show's return to status quo.

'''Raf''': They're like Earth's dinosaurs. 
'''Jack''': Which means for you guys, running into one would be like us meeting a T-Rex. 
'''Miko''': So, then what were Dinobots? 
'''Bulkhead''': [[Dinobot (FOC)|Totally different]].

"Autobots, we must become Beast Hunters."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' sees the writing on the package--Er, wall

"Pfft. Another scavenger hunt?"
:—'''Starscream''' says the audience's line for us.

"How logical would it really be to locate all the dusty remains of your former pets?" 
"You are not suggesting that I would send my creations to a distant planet without first having them microchipped?" 
"Well, I-- Well, I was. But... seriously? You did?"
:—'''Starscream''' is shut down by '''Shockwave'''

"Um... what's a kilt?" 
"Agent Fowler can at times be oblique. I find it best to simply nod and mobilize."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on Earth culture, proving again that the best comedy comes from having [[Shake Up|no sense]] [[Chase (RB)|of humor.]]

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*When Optimus scans his new vehicle mode, the beams from his eyes are blue instead of green like previously shown scans. However, [[Skyquake (Prime)|the]] [[Airachnid (Prime)|other]] [[Dreadwing (Prime)|scanners]] were all Decepticons and/or non-Primes, so that may be a factor.
*While not an outright error, it's worth noting that in this episode Bumblebee states to Smokescreen that it was his own choice to not yet graduate from scout to warrior, which contradicts with Prime's belief in "[[Masters & Students]]" that Bumblebee wasn't experienced enough in the field. However, it's possible that Prime has since changed his mind on the subject.
*When Soundwave transforms to robot mode and lands on the clifftop, he's wearing Laserbeak, even though at that point his deployer's separated from him.
*There's no logical reason for the tug of war for the Predacon jawbone. Since Smokescreen is wearing the phase shifter, he could have simply pulled it right through Shockwave's hand, as demonstrated in "[[New Recruit]]" and "[[Inside Job]]". Shockwave, meanwhile, is using his only hand to pull back, instead of shooting or punching Smokescreen and Bumblebee with his free cannon arm.

===Continuity notes===
*Wheeljack finds his and Bulkhead's Lobbing ball from "[[Con Job]]" in the rubble of the former Autobot base and brings it back to the new base to continue the fun.
*Ultra Magnus confirms he led the Wreckers back on Cybertron, as in [[Alex Irvine]]'s ''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Exiles|Exiles]]'' novels. However, he also notes that the assignment was given to him by Optimus Prime, and refers to them as "your Wreckers" to Wheeljack, indicating that he had no part in founding the team.
*The [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobots]], a subgroup of Autobots mutated by Shockwave into dinosaur forms and who serve as the main characters in the tie-in ''[[Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots|Rage of the Dinobots]]'' and [[Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic)|''Beast Hunters'' comics]], have at least been mentioned in passing to Miko in the past.
*Megatron reveals that he had an army of Predacon clones commissioned during the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|war for Cybertron]]. Included in the artistic flashback appear to be [[Hun-Gurrr (Prime)|Hun-Gurr]] (or [[Twinstrike (Prime)|Twinstrike]]), [[Lazerback (Prime)|Lazerback]], [[Grimwing (Prime)|Grimwing]], [[Rippersnapper (Prime)|Rippersnapper]], [[Ripclaw (Prime)|Ripclaw]], [[Skystalker (Prime)|Skystalker]] and a previous incarnation of [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]]. Also, the Predacon picture Ratchet shows the kids looks somewhat similar to Ripclaw, minus the Siphon Claw on her tail.
*Ratchet returns to work on the synthetic energon formula he last tried replicating in "[[Stronger, Faster]]".
*Laserbeak is apparently up and running now. Soundwave must have repaired him since "[[Darkmount, NV]]".
*Megatron mentions Shockwave's apparent demise in the space bridge accident in "[[Out of the Past]]".
*This episode appears to occur concurrently with the [[Chain of Command (Prime)|following]] episode.

===Real-World references===
*Micro-chipping pets is a human method of identifying lost dogs, cats and other pets through use of a sub-dermal chip implant. Mind you, in the real world, it works by scanning the animal directly to see if it even has a chip that stores the owner's information, rather than the show's GPS-like take.

===Transformers references===
*Wheeljack's near-lethal game of catch is quite similar to the one in "[[Rise of the Constructicons]]" from [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated.]] It even has Bulkhead involved, albeit as the failed catcher instead of the tosser.
*Smokescreen uses the "robots in disguise" tagline as justification for his new paint job.
*Bulkhead refers to the potential threat of a cloned Predacon army as a "[[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]". Megatron continues the trend by saying he sent his army of Predacon clones to Earth to "unleash the beast" on Autobots stationed there.
*Ultra Magnus arms himself with [[Magnus Hammer|a very large hammer]].

===Trivia===
[[File:ProjectPredacon-UnitE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*This episode premieres a new [[title sequence]] with significantly more [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] and Shockwave in it, and also features Prime's new body and Bumblebee's new paint job. There's no Wheeljack, Ultra Magnus, or Smokescreen, though.
*This is one reference-heavy episode, isn't it?
*In possibly the most self-indulgent meta-reference in ''Transformers'' ever, the Autobots' new base is set up inside "[[Unit:E]]". This was the title of Hasbro's more-or-less stillborn [[Unit:E (issue)|crossover franchise]], mixing numerous properties Hasbro owned yet didn't have much going on with at the moment, including ''Micronauts'', ''[[Jem]]'', ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'', ''Stretch Armstrong'', ''Candyland'' (no, really), and more. ''Transformers'' and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' also had cameos as part of a colossal multiverse. Fowler's office door even uses the ''Unit:E'' logo. While "[[Grill]]" made a background reference to it, this episode is pretty blatant in its reference to it.
*As part of the gleeful shamelessness, Fowler says that the truck Optimus scans comes from the "[[M.A.S.K.]]" division. ''M.A.S.K.'' was all about humans piloting (mostly) ordinary-looking vehicles that transformed into battle-modes.
*Megatron says that the cloned Predacons fell victim to "the ravages of time" between their being stationed on Earth and the rest of the Decepticons arriving. Unless it's a side effect of the cloning process, this could suggest the Predacons have a much shorter life span than other Cybertronians, including the similarly-animalistic Insecticons.
*This episode establishes that when a Transformer upgrades their body the alternate mode for that body is reset and they must choose another appropriate one.
*As of this episode, Optimus is the only Autobot to use a weapon in Alt mode.
*With Optimus Prime, this episode marks the first time we've seen an Autobot scan their vehicle mode on-screen.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Projekt Predacon'''" ("Project Predacon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4|4 October]] [[2013]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Predacon művelet'''" ("The Predacon Procedure")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Projeto Predacon'''" ("Project Predacon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 1|1 November]] [[2013]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Progetto Predacon'''" ("Project Predacon")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 6|6 September]] [[2013]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 2: Race for Salvation ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Saison 3 Volume 1: Le règne de Mégatron ([[Primal Screen]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season 3 Volume 1: Battle for Darkmount (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Staffel 3 Teil 1: Schlacht um Darkmount (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Intégrale Saison 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Die komplette Staffel 3 (Primal Screen) — English, German, Dutch and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — The Complete Season 3 (Primal Screen) — English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian audio. 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2016 — ''Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters'' — Season Three Collection (Madman Entertainment) 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger

2021-04-21T07:35:12Z

Androzani84: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=Masterforce
|ep=17
|image=Thirdgodmaster.jpg
|caption=You'll never guess what Ranger does for a living.
|title="An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger"
|japanese=敵? 第三のゴッドマスターレインジャー
|romaji=Teki? Daisan no Godmaster Ranger
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[August 16|16 August]] 1988
|writer=[[Toyohiro Ando]]
|director=[[Katsutoshi Sasaki]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Attempting to track down new leads on the location of the remaining Godmasters, the Autobots venture into the Rocky Mountains, where they cross paths with a forest patrolman named Ranger, but Minerva suspects that he is working with the Decepticons!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:ThirdGodmasterRanger we're going where.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"We're going to Canada?!"]]

At [[Decepticon Base]], [[Giga]] and [[Mega]] are incensed that another [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] has joined with the [[Autobot]]s. As they chew out [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] and the [[Pretender]]s, [[Devil Z]] silences them all by issuing one of his rare vocal orders, instructing them to scan the memories of Hydra and Buster's [[transtector]]s to try and find some lead to the location of the remaining ones. Performing this task, they are rewarded with a map of North America, and plan a widespread search of the continent.

Meanwhile, the Autobot Pretenders and [[Headmaster Junior]]s have all gathered at the [[Ocean Research Institute of California]], where [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] introduces them to [[Lightfoot (Masterforce)|Lightfoot]]. Lightfoot has suggested that they search the [[Rocky Mountains]] for leads on the remaining Godmaster transtectors, since the raw materials that his father used to build his Transtector were mined there. [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and [[Phoenix (Masterforce)|Phoenix]] are unable to accompany them, but [[Lander]] offers to put his geological skills to use in the search, and the Juniors are just happy to get a vacation.

Time passes, and the Autobots make their way to Canada. Setting up camp at the base of the Rockies, [[Cab (human)|Cab]] decides to go fishing for their dinner while Ginrai, Lightfoot, Lander and [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] head off to investigate the mines. At the entrance of the mine that contained the ore used in the construction of Lightfoot's transtector, the group is warned not to enter by a [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police|Mountie]], who cautions them that there have been a lot of cave-ins lately. He is somewhat bemused that they completely ignore his warning and head on into the mine.

[[Image:ThirdGodmasterRanger Ranger has a fish.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"That's a funny looking dog, mister!"]]

As the Autobots' bad luck would have it, Canada is also where the [[Decepticon]]s have begun their search, with their Headmaster Juniors searching the woods around the Rockies. While picking mushrooms, [[Minerva (Masterforce human)|Minerva]] spots [[Bullhorn (Masterforce)|Bullhorn]] talking with the forest patrolman and immediately suspects him of being a Decepticon. She returns to camp to alert Cab and [[Shūta Gō|Shūta]] (who have turned up nothing but a log in their attempts to catch dinner), but the patrolman soon appears on the shore alongside them, out to catch his own meal. When he succeeds in seconds, he offers the boys some of his special home-made bait, and Cab soon catches a huge king salmon. The Mountie introduces himself as [[Ranger]], and tells the boys that if their party needs anything, to drop in on his log cabin.

[[Image:ThirdGodmasterRanger Juniors with cocoa.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"That man gave us hot cocoa! He must be a Decepticon!"]]

That evening, after dinner has been eaten, Cab is somewhat on the miffed side that Minerva's cooking skills are being more highly praised than his fishing. The Autobots' venture in the mine, meanwhile, has turned up nothing but ordinary iron ore. Soon, a ferocious storm kicks up, and the Autobots are unable to stay in their tent, so Cab suggests that they go to Ranger's cabin; Minerva is unable to voice her concerns before he has already told everyone his idea. They quickly make their way there, and Minerva is able to tell Cab and Shūta what she saw while Ranger tells the other Autobots his life story. Lander notices a large number of paintings that Ranger has made of one particular mountain, and with a bit of prodding to explain his fascination with it, Ranger tells them of how he found a strange, glowing black rock on it one day. After revealing that he brought the rock back to his cabin and stored it in his barn, the Autobots all ask Ranger to show it to them. Entering the barn, Ginrai and Lightfoot's [[Master-Brace]]s begin to glow, as does the rock, confirming their suspicion that it is a transtector. Wasting no time, they slap a pair of bracelets on Ranger, who finds that he cannot remove them. There's no doubt about it—Ranger is the newest Godmaster! But Ranger is a man who thinks that "Transformers" are a circus group, and finds the Autobots' tales of people becoming robots very hard to believe.

[[Image:ThirdGodmasterRanger Ginrai and Ranger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"There he is, my little guy. There he is, my little guy. Isn't he cute?"]]

They talk all through the night, but their discussion is interrupted by the arrival of the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors, who have been spying on them, and who steal the transtector-rock. Stunning Ranger as they transform to robot mode, Ginrai, Lightfoot, Metalhawk and Lander pursue the punks, while the Autobot Juniors see to the damage to Ranger's cabin and injuries inflicted on his horse. In the midst of the ensuing struggle, Ginrai and [[Wilder (Masterforce)|Wilder]] tumble into a river, but Hydra and Buster soon arrive on the scene and depth-charge them out, confronting the injured Ginrai on the river bank. Just then, a fighting-mad Ranger appears atop the hill overlooking this scene, shotgun in hand, and opens fire on Hydra. Buster simply shoots the hill out from under him, but as Ranger falls, Ginrai tells him the necessary command phrases that allow him to combine with his transtector. Following the instructions, Ranger dons his armor, and the black rock glows and transforms into a dune buggy, with which he combines, assuming his robot mode for the first time. Ginrai becomes Super Ginrai, but even that is not enough to dissuade Hydra and Buster from attacking... until the other Autobots all arrive as well. Across the river, Bullhorn and [[Cancer (Masterforce)|Cancer]] meet up with Wilder as he hauls himself out of the river—furious that the Godmaster brothers had indiscriminately dropped depth-charges on both him and Ginrai, he has the Juniors retreat, leaving Buster and Hydra to their fate. Badly outnumbered, the two Godmasters pull out and return to base, where an enraged Devil Z tortures them for their failure.

As the sun sets over the Rockies, Minerva explains to Ranger that she had thought he was a Decepticon. Ranger laughs, asking if he actually looks that evil—Cab and Shūta remark that they could have believed it if it was Ginrai, and he chases the two boys around as Ranger accepts Hawk's offer to join the Autobots.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (11)
*[[Phoenix (Masterforce)|Phoenix]] (12)
*[[Lander]] (13)
*[[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] (16)

'''Human Autobots'''

*[[Lightfoot (Masterforce)|Lightfoot]] (1)
*[[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] (10)
*[[Cab (human)|Cab]] (14)
*[[Shūta Gō]] (15)
*[[Minerva (Masterforce human)|Minerva]] (17)
*[[Ranger]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Blood]] (2)
*[[Gilmer]] (3)
*[[Dauros]] (4)
*[[Devil Z]] (9)

'''Human Decepticons'''

*[[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] (5)
*[[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] (6)
*[[Giga]] (7)
*[[Mega]] (8)
*[[Bullhorn (Masterforce)|Bullhorn]] (20)
*[[Wilder (Masterforce)|Wilder]] (21)
*[[Cancer (Masterforce)|Cancer]] (22)

|c4=
*[[Parrot and armadillo|Parrot]] (18)
*[[Parrot and armadillo|Armadillo]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"There's been a lot of cave-ins around here! Only those who don't value their lives are free to go in!" 
"Well, I guess we're free to go in, then! Let's go!"
:—'''Ranger''' warns '''Ginrai''' about entering the mine.

[[Image:ThirdGodmasterRanger facefault.jpg|thumb|right|200px|One shall herp, one shall derp.]]
'''Lightfoot:''' You're one of us! 
'''Ranger:''' One of you? 
'''Ginrai:''' That's right! We're Transformers! 
'''Ranger:''' Is that a circus group?

==Notes==
===Continuity errors===
*What exactly occurs when a human becomes a Godmaster is woefully inconsistent. When Ginrai first donned his bracelets (in "[[A Hero Is Chosen - His Name Is Ginrai]]"), they had to touch accidentally before his powers activated, and he didn't have to say "Masterforce!" Conversely, when Lightfoot first put on his bracelets (in "[[Lightfoot: A Dramatic Encounter]]"), they were automatically pulled together (though he still didn't have to say the command phrase). Now, when Ranger puts on his bracelets, he has to manually cross them and say "Masterforce" before his armor appears.
*According to his supplementary [[bio]] card, Ranger is 17 years old. That actually makes him ''too young'' to be a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which requires a minimum age of 18.<ref>http://www.ehow.com/how_2045251_join-canadian-mounties.html</ref>
* At the start of the episode, Mega is annoyed that the Autobots have claimed “three” Godmasters, when so far, they’ve only claimed two.

===Continuity notes===
*Ginrai found the new Master-Braces indicating the existence of other Godmasters in his glove compartment in "[[A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva]]". Although he has only one set left after this episode, it is reaffirmed that there are, in fact, TWO more Godmasters out there.
*Ranger's Transtector appearing in the form of a rock calls to mind the similar state of Ginrai's trailer before he found it in "[[Friend or Foe!? The True Form of the Monster!!]]" This would appear to be the "default" form of the Transtectors when they arrived on Earth, although in most cases, when found by their human partners, they have already adopted vehicular form through unexplained means.
*Tying in with this, the [[Lightfoot: A Dramatic Encounter|previous episode]] did not explain how a car built by his father could be Lightfoot's Transtector—based on this episode, we might postulate that a rock-form Transtector was mined and used as ore in the construction of the car, thereby making it a Transtector itself.

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Birth of the Third Powermaster'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 23]], [[1990]]

:*''Title:'' "'''An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 2 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Super God Masterforce'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Super-God Masterforce'' (Shout! Factory)

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger}}
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce episodes]]

Eliminate the Godmaster Ginrai

2021-04-18T08:23:27Z

Androzani84: /* Notes */ this isn’t the exact word he uses (I have no idea how to spell that word), but the error was pointed out to me.

{{episode
|series=Masterforce
|ep=14
|image=Eliminateginrai.jpg
|caption=Winner of the [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] lookalike contest.
|title="Eliminate the Godmaster Ginrai"
|japanese=ゴッドマスタージンライを抹殺せよ
|romaji=Godmaster Ginrai o Massatsuseyo
|production code=
|production company=[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], [[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|writer=[[Hiroyuki Hoshiyama]]
|director=[[Yoshikata Nitta]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|airdate=[[July 19|19 July]] 1988
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The command goes out for the Decepticons to utterly destroy Ginrai, and he inadvertently makes himself easy to find when he appears on television searching for the remaining Godmasters!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:EliminateGinrai Devil Z speaks.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Well done, Alpha! Now we have a team of teenagers with attitude. Um...now what?"]]
The [[Decepticon]]s are still smarting over the fact that an [[Autobot]] [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] has been created in [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]], but [[Giga]] is given pause to wonder—if, as he has been led to believe, all Godmasters originated with a Decepticon soul, how is it that one bonded to a human who sympathizes with the Autobots? Before the question can sink into the minds of those around him, however, a voice cuts through the air that insists there is no time to question the matter. This voice emanates from the pulsating globe of light that has for so long lain silent, perched on an altar in the middle of the Decepticon base—it is the voice of [[Devil Z]], the mysterious emperor of the Decepticons! Giga and [[Mega]] fall to their knees when their lord speaks, and hear his command that no further Godmasters must become Autobots. Spurred on by these words, Giga turns to [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] and issues his newest command—Ginrai must die!

Having acquired a trailer for his [[Transtector]], Ginrai has returned to America to show it to [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and [[Lander]]. Steadily becoming more and more convinced that destiny has something in store for him, Ginrai decides to get proactive, and has had an idea that will help him to find the three fated owners of the [[Master-Brace]]s, but decides to keep it as a surprise for the two worried Pretenders.

[[Image:EliminateGinrai Ginrai on TV.jpg|thumb|right|200px|...now we Transformers don't have organic internal organs, and can't get cancer. But ''you'' do, and ''you'' can.]]
Elsewhere in America, the Decepticon [[Headmaster Junior]]s are drowning their sorrows at a bar after failing to defeat Ginrai in their last encounter. [[Cancer (Masterforce)|Cancer]] flips on the television to an [[Wideshow|entertainment show]] that is just beginning its audience participation segment, where a viewer named "Mr. X" is about to show the viewers an "interesting vehicle". Cancer just about manages to stay upright when "Mr. X" turns out to be Ginrai, who transforms to robot mode right there on live television and introduces himself, before making a plea—if anyone feels like they're being manipulated by fate, or have had strange and unusual things happen to them, contact him through the show. [[Bullhorn (Masterforce)|Bullhorn]] is all fired up to go on the offensive, but the others tell him to leave it to Buster and Hydra. Lander has also seen the broadcast, and tells Diver about it, but they both take it in stride.

[[Image:EliminateGinrai throw rocks at Ginrai.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"You guys realize those rocks are really small and I could just step on you, right?]]
The next day, Ginrai tunes his radio into the show to hear the responses that have come in, but unfortunately, they're all from crazies, including one guy who claims that both he and Ginrai are aliens from the [[Magellanic Nebulae]]. As he travels along, [[Gilmer]] pinpoints his location and radios it to Hydra and Buster, who quickly track him down—but the brothers opt instead to wait until Ginrai has entered the nearby city, planning to blame him for the devastation their fight will cause to increase anti-Autobot sentiment among humans. They shadow Ginrai as he arrives at his delivery point, and then begin their attack, injuring Ginrai's client, [[Sam (transport boss)|Sam]]. Ginrai transforms to robot mode and battles the two Godmaster brothers, but the fight has the desired effect—as their workplace is steadily destroyed, Ginrai's fellow truckers all begin hurling junk at him to get him to leave. With the plan working, Hydra and Buster lead him further into the city, deliberately rounding up humans as spectators to watch as they fight; Buster even tells them that Ginrai began the duel. The brothers beat Ginrai down and summon some [[Lobclaw]]s to finish him off, but just then, Lander and Diver arrive and take care of the [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] while Ginrai pursues the fleeing Decepticon Godmasters. Enraged by what they have done to him and his reputation, he unleashes a major burst of [[Chōkon Power]], knocking the villains from their feet; Lander and Diver soon arrive, having disposed of the Seacons, and the Godmasters flee.

[[Image:EliminateGinrai Ginrai forgiven.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"We are gathered here today to pay tribute to Sam's magnificent mustache."]]
A little later, Ginrai visits the injured Sam in the hospital with his fellow truckers. He apologizes for the fight, but Sam brushes it off. Sam has thought long and hard about Ginrai's incredible powers, and has come to one conclusion—they are the work of [[God]], who is telling Ginrai to protect others with them. Sam has brought all the other truckers around, and they all apologize to Ginrai for their earlier actions. A little later, Ginrai meets with Diver, who tells him that Lander is running damage control and informing the people that saw the fight that he had nothing to do with it. Diver does point out, however, that if Ginrai is already that self-conscious about his reputation and that of the Autobots, it makes him a good candidate for leader for someday...

Meanwhile, back at the Decepticon base, yet another failure has forced Mega and Giga's hand—it is time for them to play their trump card, in the form of the mighty Seacon combiner, [[King Poseidon]]!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Lander]] (7)
*[[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] (8)

'''Human Autobots'''

*[[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] (6)

|c2=
*[[Devil Z]] (5)
*[[Gilmer]] (13)
*[[Lobclaw]] (15)
*[[Turtler]] (16)
*[[Tentakil (Masterforce)|Tentakil]] (17)
*[[Kraken]] (18)
*[[Gulf]] (19)
*[[Overbite (Masterforce)|Overbite]] (20)
*[[King Poseidon]] (21)

'''Human Decepticons'''

*[[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] (1)
*[[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] (2)
*[[Mega]] (3)
*[[Giga]] (4)
*[[Cancer (Masterforce)|Cancer]] (9)
*[[Wilder (Masterforce)|Wilder]] (10)
*[[Bullhorn (Masterforce)|Bullhorn]] (11)

|c3=
*[[Douglas (Masterforce)|Douglas]] (12)
*[[Sam (transport boss)|Sam]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Everything Ginrai does makes me feel like I'm going to have a heart attack!"
:—'''Lander'''

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*The announcer from the TV show can be heard to start speaking, offscreen, before Cancer actually changes the channel.
*Bullhorn's scar switches to the right-hand side of his face when he throws his drink at Cancer.
*Also, after Bullhorn throws his drink the arcade machines disappear from beside the poster.
*As Hydra and Buster gloat to Ginrai that they've turned the humans against him, there's a shot of a completely empty street. The following shot suggests that it should have been full of horrified humans.
* Ginrai refers to the cab of the truck as the “curburator”.

===Continuity notes===
*At long last, it speaks—the glowing sphere that the audience has frequently seen within the Decepticon base since "[[Terror! The Decepticons' Manhunt]]" is finally revealed in this episode to be the Decepticon emperor, Devil Z. However, do not expect to learn anything ''more'' about him—it is never explained in the series as broadcast exactly what he is or where he comes from. It was not until "[[Shūta and Grand's Masterforce Super-Secrets!]]" that he was explained to be an energy being from the far reaches of the galaxy (and even that's not especially satisfactory).
*Ginrai found the three sets of Master-Braces in "[[A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva]]".
*Ginrai asks Diver to "say hi to the [[dolphin]]" for him, referring to the dolphin he delivered into his care back in "[[A Hero Is Chosen - His Name Is Ginrai]]".

===Real-world references===
[[Image:Youcandance.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Cancer attempts to will Madonna's clothes off]]
*Pinned up on the wall of the bar the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors visit is a poster for "You Can Dance" (based on the cover of the cassette release), an album by singer [[Madonna]]. Of course, that album was contemporary for the time the show was being aired (released as it was in November 1987)—but given that ''Super-God Masterforce'' is supposed to take place several years after 2011, that bar might want to think about redecorating...
*[[Gordon's Gin]] still comes in bottles almost identical to the one Sam produces at the end of the episode.

===Trivia===
*Beginning with this episode, two new eye-catches ([[commercial bumper]]s) are introduced. The familiar Metalhawk, King Poseidon and Goshooter bumpers remain, while the Blood and Ginrai bumpers are phased out and replaced with one of Hydra and Buster merging into Darkwings, and one of Ginrai combining with his trailer to form Super Ginrai. Of course, he doesn't do this in the show itself until ''next'' episode—rather amazingly, the "next episode" preview ''didn't'' spoil this, revealing simply the name and a silhouetted image of Super Ginrai, instead of just showing the character, so obviously, it was up to the bumper to pick up the slack and deprive the audience of any kind of surprise.
*Hydra displays some shockingly bad combat tactics in this episode. At one point, he is wielding both his blasters, and is within arm's reach of an unarmed Ginrai... and instead of ''shooting him'', he flips his blasters around, grabs them by the barrels and uses them as clubs! Then, when Buster is holding Ginrai in a headlock, Hydra approaches, blaster in hand... only to shunt it away, punch him a bit and then call up a Lobclaw! Dude, JUST SHOOT HIM.
*Lander appears to have been on another date when he calls Diver...

===Foreign localization===
'''English'''
:*''Title:'' "'''The Hunt has Begun'''" ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 2]], [[1990]]

:*''Title:'' "'''Eliminate the Godmaster Ginrai'''" ([[Shout! Factory]] sub)
::*Name changes: Turtler subtitled as [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]] and King Poseidon as [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote|jsubs}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' — DVD Box 01 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — The Takara Collection Vol 2 — ''Transformers: Super-God Masterforce'' ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Takara Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''The Transformers: Super God Masterforce'' ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Japan Generation 1'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers: The Japanese Collection'' ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Japanese Collection: Super-God Masterforce'' (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Super-God Masterforce episodes]]

Crash Course

2021-03-06T21:51:34Z

Androzani84:

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|series2=Transformers: Super Link
|ep=33
|ep2=34
|prev2=Return! Our Scorponok
|prev=Farewell Inferno
|next=Omega Supreme (episode)
|title="Crash Course"
|japanese=特訓だぁ! ロードバスター
|romaji=Tokkun dā! Roadbuster
|translation=Special Training! Roadbuster
|image=E33_titlecard.jpg
|caption= That moment when ''Energon'' went all ''{{w|Wacky Races}}''. We're just as befuddled as you are.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Kei'ichirō Kawaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[August 27|27 August]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[November 8]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots hold a race to unwind for a bit, while Megatron beats up Shockblast.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] views a video message from his [[Brian Jones|dad]], [[Miranda Jones|mom]], and [[Sally Jones|sister]], with Dr. Jones waxing enthusiastic over the new [[energon grid]]. Of course, he urges Kicker to keep looking for more [[energon]]. Kicker turns the message off in frustration, only to have Sally show up in person. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] also arrives and tells everyone that their work is not done yet, as the [[Decepticon]]s are still running rampant.

[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] leads a horde of [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] and [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] drones on a bombing run. Below ground, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is impatient for [[Unicron]]'s restoration to be completed. [[Shockblast]] comments that it's his own fault for failing to defeat the [[Autobot]]s, and Megatron orders him to fight him.

[[File:E33 skyblastemcees.jpg|thumb|Skyblast is...um...what in the world are you doing, Skyblast?]]

[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] laments that he still feels like a rookie. Hot Shot takes him off on a [[space bridge]] run, to "show him something". Feeling bored, [[Jetfire (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Jetfire]] and Kicker follow, to [[Misha Miramond|Misha]]'s frustration. [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] notes that "the boys" are treating the new planet as their personal playground. Hot Shot and Ironhide arrive there, and Hot Shot announces that they're going to work on driving skills.

They arrive to find they're here for the [[Autobot Grand Prix]], hosted by Sally and [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (who somehow found sunglasses in his size)... and Ironhide's entered! The other 'bots are doubtful that the rookie can handle it, but Hot Shot gives him a vote of confidence.

[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] reports the race to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who's a bit surprised, but takes it in stride when Rodimus admits to organizing it. Ironhide crashes while trying to pass the others, and Kicker joins him to help out. Jetfire and [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] go to "make things interesting". [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] wind up in a pileup, but keep going. Kicker shows Ironhide how to cheat by drafting off of Downshift, which Ironhide interprets as a cue to sideswipe Prowl out of the way.

[[File:Energon-Ironhide-Cel-Crash.jpg|thumb|left|Ah, what's the use? I'm just not good enough to be CGI-rendered.]]

Bulkhead decides it's a good idea to open fire on the track, destroying a section of it, delaying some of the racers. Kicker lectures Ironhide on what Hot Shot's been trying to teach him.

Only Hot Shot and Ironhide make it past all the obstacles, when Jetfire decides to add more missile fire to the mix. Optimus shows up with <s>his valet</s> [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] in tow and, after verifying that the laser fire is harmless, decides to join in the shooting-at-one's-comrades fun.

Prime lands in the race course, and Hot Shot and Ironhide must get past him. Ironhide ends up holding Optimus at a standstill, and urges Hot Shot to reach the finish line. But before Hot Shot can get there, Arcee and a mysterrrrious helmeted rider with a lot of long, flowing black hair passes them all and reaches the finish line. It's Misha! OMG! Who coulda guessed?

In a shiny place, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] laughs with the Autobots as they celebrate, and finds he likes laughing. His planet is safe!

[[File:E33 mishakamenrider.jpg|thumb|Misha rides Arcee hard.]] Hot Shot and Sally says farewell to Kicker and Misha, and depart.

Megatron has beaten the stuffing out of Shockblast, and only stops at the behest of Starscream, who needs him to finish the reconstruction of Unicron.

Dr. Jones finds what he suspects is an ancient temple where an ancient life force awaits to help protect the planet. Suddenly a figure emerges from the floor; energy strikes it, bringing it to life: [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (13)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Jetfire]] (14)
*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] (16)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (17)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (18)
*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] (19)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (20)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (21)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (23)
*[[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] (24)
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (25)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] (27)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (8)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Shockblast]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Brian Jones]] (1)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (2)
*[[Sally Jones]] (3)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (4)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (5)

|c4=
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (7)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (26)

}}

==Quotes==
"What's going on?! Is it an earthquake?" 
"It's Megatron. He's on the throne again!" 
"What has he been ''eating''?" 
"It's energon. He's crazy for it! He sits around in the dark 'cause he doesn't want to waste any of it."
:—'''Snow Cat''' and '''Demolishor'''

“Driving? Did Kicker say I was a lousy driver? Hot Shot!
:—“”Ironhide””, as he and Hot Shot walk to their destination.

"I hope you're using blanks." 
"Oh, I am, sir."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Jetfire''' pretty much sum up the entire show

"Go.. get 'em... sir?"
:—'''Jetfire''', suitably confused

"What happened? It feels like I've been hit by a semi."
:—'''Kicker''', stating the obvious

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
* Ironhide is particularly miserable in this episode because of his recent defeat at the hands of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], and his desire to beat him is mentioned several times in the original version of the episode. This defeat, however, occurred in the undubbed episode "[[Return! Our Scorponok]]", and these references are removed from the dubbed version of this episode to pave over the hole that the absence of "Return!" left.
* The dub omits the fact that while Jetfire is firing blanks at the competitors, Optimus uses ''real'' shots, which is why Hot Shot actually gets affected when he's hit.
* Continuing the ''Energon'' dub's bizarre fixation with trying to push Primus out of the picture by giving his lines to other characters or just cutting it out entirely, the final scene of this episode totally omits the dialogue between Primus and Doctor Jones featured in the original version. All the necessary information is still conveyed by Doctor Jones (who is, uh, talking to himself), but it makes it seem as though he has somehow discovered Omega Supreme's shrine on his own, when Primus originally led him there.

===Pain count===
* "Uh?": 9
* Team: 2
* Energon is great: 2
* "Let's do it!": 6
* Stock footage: 1

===Continuity errors===
*Dr. Jones tells Kicker he's just arrived on Cybertron via the ''[[Miranda II]]'', and points helpfully to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]''.

===Trivia===
* When Kicker first asks who brought Sally from Earth, the music playing is a considerably inappropriate violin piece. When combined with Hot Shot's also inappropriately sombre delivery of the line "I'm sorry, Kicker", it makes it seem like something sad has happened. It's the sort of music that would play if Hot Shot was about to tell Kicker his parents were killed and he brought Sally there for safety. Instead, he just brought Sally there so she could be the commentator for the race, and apologizes because Kicker isn't the only one on a special mission. Even with the Decepticons, nothing particularly dark is happening in this episode, so who's idea was it to slap that score into that scene?!
* This is the first episode where they finally unscramble [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift's]] and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper's]] names and voice actors.
* Although Inferno himself doesn't put in an appearance, there are a number of generic bots that use his animation model; all of them are white with limited highlights. The first one appears in the background of the sequence where the pit is shown, and the rest are in an early pan shot of the audience.
** Additionally a number of silver Hot Shots in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] appear throughout the episode, a few bots using Arcee's animation model towards the end.
* After he crashes on a curve, there's yet another scene with Ironhide drawn by hand.
* Arcee is also hand-drawn in the final scene.
*Two robots who turn into cars arrive on a racetrack planet... and ''walk'' to their destination.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 4: Omega Supreme ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]])
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 009 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 4: Omega Supreme (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Rhyming Omnicon fanboys

2021-02-20T22:07:56Z

Androzani84: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|{{factions/icons|custom=Team Ironhide symbol.png|cLink=Team Ironhide|cSize=40x40px}}}}
{{noname-nickname}}
[[Image:E45 fanboys.jpg|thumb|right|350px|It's like [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] is in this show! Only times three, that's got to blow...]]
The '''rhyming Omnicon fanboys''' are trio of red-yellow-blue-colored junior [[Omnicon|Omnicons]] obsessed with [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]—yes, ''Ironhide''. They think he is heroic and brave and smells nice (but in a manly way), and throw themselves at his feet, begging to serve under him.

This baffles pretty much everyone around them.

The trio seems to have one personality between them, even finishing one other's sentences—''in rhyme''. On the rare occasions that they speak individually, the blue fanboy serves as spokesmech slightly more often, but this does not seem to reflect any actual internal ranking.

{{quote|Ooh, Ironhide, you're so tough!}}
{{quote|And buff!}}
{{quote|And so ''rugged'', he-he!|Red, blue and yellow, "[[The Omega Train]]"}}
==Fiction==
===''Energon'' cartoon===
:''Voice actors:'' 
:*Blue—[[Tony Sampson]] (English), ? (Japanese) 
:*Red—? (English), ? (Japanese) 
:*Yellow—? (English), ? (Japanese) 

[[File:E46 titlecard.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
The three rhyming Omnicon fanboys were among Autobot holdouts working with [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] below the surface of Cybertron to avoid the paralytic [[Energon gas]]. While the others were delighted with Optimus Prime's arrival, believing he was there to rescue them (he wasn't), these three were more interested their idol Ironhide! When Ironhide led a team of Omnicons to liberate the [[Medical Center]] they finagled their way onto the mission despite being, by human standards, quite underaged. They panicked when confronted by live fire, but Ironhide renewed their confidence by encouraging them to "Fake it!" {{storylink|The Omega Train}}

The trio crafted custom [[Team Ironhide]] faction symbols for everyone to wear, and were being taught the fine art of the g-rated marching song by the delighted Ironhide. They found the Medical Center under siege and liberated it by force, the trio wading in with guns blazing and a surprising degree of competence. Their confidence inspired Ironhide, who broke the Decepticon line with his burning, burning, burning heart of justice. Joining with the Medical Center's patients ([[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]], [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]]) Team Ironhide headed out to rescue the wounded Optimus Prime from Galvatron. {{storylink|Decepticon Army}}

Later Team Ironhide happened across Dr. [[Brian Jones]], who had escaped his Decepticon captors, but also ran into [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and a swarm of giant-sized [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]].
Ignoring Ironhide's orders to stay back, the trio brazenly charged in to fight Scorponok themselves—and were instantly killed. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}}

==Notes==
* Red-Yellow-Blue is the color combination associated with three-man {{w|Super Sentai}}/{{w|Power Rangers|Power Ranger}} teams. This is not a coincidence.
* The English dub of ''Energon'' certainly made some heavy changes to the trio. First of all, they don't rhyme in the Japanese version of the episodes. Second, they aren't Omnicons, they're simply normal Autobots. They ''are'' still raving fanboys, though.
* Like so many generics, the fanboys are a "Frankensteining" of toy-character models. Their upper torsos appear to be largely those of [[Battle Ravage]]; their upper legs and helmets are modified from their idol Ironhide.
* They get Kicker to stop kicking Ironhide, so they can’t be all bad, right?

[[Category:Cartoon-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Omnicons]]
[[Category:Poets]]

Threaten

2021-02-02T21:59:24Z

Androzani84: /* Trivia */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=38
|prev=Crack (episode)
|next=Crisis (Armada)
|title="Threaten"
|furigana=ひゅどらきゃのん
|japanese=脅威
|romaji=<nowiki></nowiki>''Hydra Cannon''<nowiki></nowiki>
|translation=Threat: ''Hydra Cannon''
|image=threaten.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-38
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[August 18]], [[2003]] (English, Canada) [[September 23]], [[2003]] (Japanese) [[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''With the Star Saber, Skyboom shield and Requiem Blaster in their possession, the Decepticons combine the three weapons into the ''Hydra Cannon''.'''

==Synopsis==
The kids are understandably upset that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] has betrayed them, taking the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] with him. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] both throw down the stones which the [[Decepticon]] had brought back from [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. While [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and [[Rad White|Rad]] both try to calm them, [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] drops his huge lump of rock and howls. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] silently leaves, watched by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]].

[[File:Hydra minicons.jpg|200px|thumb|left]]
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] thanks Starscream for bringing him the two [[Mini-Con]] weapons, though [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] wants to check they're real. Once Starscream hands them over, Megatron holds him at swordpoint before chuckling and suggesting the Decepticon take some time off. He then instructs Thrust to make sure the "project" is completed.

[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] tries to interrupt Hot Shot's target practice, but is stopped by [[Jetfire (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Jetfire]], who suggests they let Hot Shot get it out of his system. Alexis also mopes and is comforted by [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]].

[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] are busy working on the Decepticon spaceship when Thrust lets them know he's going out. Starscream tails Thrust, dragging the Decepticon aside, but the pair have been seen by Demolishor, who hurries off to tell Megatron. Megatron is too busy admiring his new toys to care and tells Demolishor to get back to work. Starscream demands Thrust tell him what the mysterious project is, and Thrust is happy to enlighten him: They plan to harness the combined power of the three Mini-Con weapons. Once Thrust manages to convince Starscream that they're allies, Starscream leaves...and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] appears to congratulate Thrust on his performance.

The kids are all at home—Rad channel surfing, Carlos snoring, and Alexis pondering Starscream. At base, Hot Shot believes they should act now before the Decepticons attack. Jetfire thinks there's a way they can get the three weapons back, but Side Swipe reports that the Decepticon warp gate is locked tight. They realise that the only way to get there is via the spacecraft they've been working on, which means they have to finish it fast. Jetfire offers to pilot the ship, but Optimus wants him to stay behind due to his anger towards Starscream.

The Decepticon project is complete—the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''. Thrust explains it is named Hydra because it harnesses nine Mini-Cons, and the Hydra had nine heads. Megatron is keen to try it out, and Thrust suggests a test in space to avoid any risk to themselves.

The kids find the [[Autobot]]s frantically working to complete their spaceship and wonder why they're in such a hurry to leave Earth. Hot Shot explains they're working to get back the Mini-Con weapons. The kids' conversation turns to Starscream, and they resolve not to talk about him again, though Rad observes that Alexis seems saddened by their comments. Fred announces that they should go see a comet. Rad apologises to Alexis, but she says she's OK.

The Decepticon spaceship launches from the Moon, but falters. Demolishor reports they don't have enough power to reach escape velocity, but they push the engines to maximum and are able to lift off. Thrust apologises that his calculations must have been inaccurate, and Megatron hopes that the calculations for the ''Hydra Cannon'' aren't so.

[[Kelly Bomgartner]] from Channel 4 is covering the comet and complains to her cameraman about the crowd of people. At the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]], a couple of technicians look bored.

[[File:Hydra Cannon.jpg|200px|thumb|What do you mean "Freudian"?]]
The Decepticons have also spotted the comet and decided it would make an excellent target for their testing of the ''Hydra Cannon''. At Megatron's command, Starscream readies the cannon for firing. The front of the ship unfolds and the cannon extends.

Near the [[Autobot]] base, the five kids manage to spot the comet. Alexis, depressed, tells them she's going home, and is followed by Rad.

Starscream hits the big purple button to fire the cannon and, after an extended build-up of energy, a fiery beam erupts from the front of the ship. The Decepticons struggle to keep the ship from flying backwards from the recoil, then watch as the comet explodes in a blaze of light.

On Earth, the kids look up in shock as the sky lights up with the comet's destruction. The computers at the research center all shut down, and Kelly has to prompt her cameraman to point his camera in the right direction. The Autobots have seen the destruction too, and Side Swipe manages to locate the Decepticon ship. On the Moon, Sideways looks up at the devastation and laughs.

The Decepticons celebrate the success of their weapon, and Thrust suggests they return to Cybertron and conquer it. Megatron, however, says they have some unfinished business to take care of first and tells Starscream to target the Autobot base. Though Starscream points out that will destroy the entire Earth, Megatron is determined. They turn the ship towards Earth, and Starscream struggles to make a decision whether to save the Earth or obey his leader.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jetfire (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Jetfire]] (2)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (3)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (13)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (15)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (16)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (1)
*[[Rad White]] (4)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (6)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (7)
*[[Kelly Bomgartner]] (19)
*[[Roger|Jimmy]] (20)
*[[Pauly]] (21)
*Pauly's workmate (22)
*[[Brad (Armada)|Brad]] (23)
*Brad's workmate (24)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've always been your ally, Starscream. I just had to hide it from the others so they wouldn't get suspicious."
:—'''Thrust''' is unconvincing to everyone but Starscream.

"Hot Shot has been more than a handful lately. Besides, don't give up on Starscream just yet. There's no doubt he's a hardened Decepticon, but he's still a Transformer. He still could come around, and I'm hoping that all Transformers will make peace with each other someday."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', dreamer

"Throughout Human history, they believed a comet was a sign of bad luck, but good luck for us when we blow it to pieces!"
:—'''Thrust'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===

===Animation and technical errors===
*Megatron says Starscream has brought the three most powerful weapons with him, but Megatron already had the Requiem Blaster.
*Alexis is wearing long-sleeved pajamas, but in the closeup shot of the Mars rock on her desk, her arms are bare.
*In the high-shot of the Autobot control center, Side Swipe is miscoloured.
*Optimus says the energy wave which destroyed the comet came from the Moon when it came from the Decepticon ship.
*Thrust says the Autobot base is on the other side of the planet from them, but the comet was apparently visible from its location.

===Continuity errors===
*The Decepticons were building their spaceship long before they knew that the three Mini-Con weapons could combine into the ''Hydra Cannon'', so how did they know to design the ship to accommodate it?
*Kelly calls her cameraman Jimmy in this episode, however he was called Roger in his previous appearance in "[[Vacation]]".

===Continuity notes===
*Kelly and her cameraman, as noted above, were previously introduced way back in "Vacation".

===Trivia===
*Alexis gets Sureshock's name right!
*For some reason, this was the only episode to not air in the usual Friday slot during ''Legends of the Microns''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s original run; rather, it aired on a Tuesday.
* Among the news programs Rad cycles through, we see an idol singing a song about loving the Transformers, a game show, and a news report about a comet. The first one just raises a lot of questions.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Drohung'''" ("The Threat")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV, but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fenyegetés'''" ("Threat")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 선택 2부'''" ("Scream's Choice Part 2")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ameaça'''" ("Threat")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Teruaki Ogawa

2020-10-02T16:39:40Z

Androzani84:

'''Teruaki Ogawa''' (小川輝晃 ''Ogawa Teruaki'' born [[August 29]], [[1968]]) is a Japanese voice actor. He is best known for his screen roles in the ''Super Sentai'' series as Sasuke/NinjaRed in ''{{w|Ninja Sentai Kakuranger}}'' (alongside [[Hiroshi Tsuchida]]) and Hyūga/BullBlack in ''{{w|Seijū Sentai Gingaman}}'' and episode 20 of ''{{w|Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger}}''. His small sample of dubbing credits includes of Leo Corbett in ''Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy'', Derek Dietl in ''Monsters vs Aliens'' and Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrook) in ''Logan''.

==Roles==
===''Beast Wars Neo''===
*[[Mach Kick]]

==External links==
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=8343 Teruaki Ogawa] at Anime News Network

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ogawa, Teruaki}}
[[Category:Japanese voice actors]]

Dweller (Cyberverse)

2020-07-21T21:49:07Z

Androzani84: Someone pointed out the Dweller’s resemblance to Ben 10 antagonist Vilgax, so I decided to add that to this wiki somehow.

{{disambig2|the Titan from ''Cyberverse''|the Trans-Organic from Generation 1|Dweller (G1)}}
:''The Dweller is a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] from the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|Cyberverse]] [[continuity family]]''
[[File:Dweller-Cyberverse-Boulder-model.jpg|thumb|200px|In his house at the Argon Sea, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming]]

In the abyssal reaches of the Argon Sea, the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] known only as the '''Dweller''' lies sleeping. Long abandoned and forgotten by the world above it, this tentacled monstrosity is capable of exuding a strange gas that brings those foolish enough to intrude upon it in its slumber under its immense psychic thrall, so that they may serve this leviathan as its new citizens... ''forever''.

==Fiction==
===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Dick Terhune]] (English)}}
A monster of a Titan, the damaged and "incomplete" Dweller was banished to the depths of the [[Argon Sea]]. Becoming something of a local legend, the Dweller was guarded by [[Hammerbyte]], the guardian of the Argon Sea. Some time after the Earth year [[2007]], the [[Quintesson]]s invaded [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. In liberating the planet from the aliens, the [[cityspeaker]] [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] overexerted herself freeing the Titan [[Croaton]], her mind fracturing. One of these psychic shards found its way to the Dweller, reactivating him. Taking pity on the incomplete cityspeaker, the Dweller possessed Hammerbyte when confronted by the beastformer and had him retrieve Windblade's body. Once he'd repaired the cityspeaker, the Dweller planned to use her to assimilate all of Cybertron's population.

[[File:Cyberverse_dweller.JPG|thumb|left|[[Steven Blum|Bring me Ben Tennyson’s Omnitrix]],]]
Windblade's allies followed Hammerbyte with the Dweller managing to enthral [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]]. When confronted by [[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]], the Dweller explained his history and motives before he sent his thralls to attack the Autobot. Once Chromia had managed to turn Bumblebee's [[Stinger (weapon)|stinger]] on both Autobots, its electrical effects freeing them from the mind control, the Dweller flooded the room with his hypnotic gas only for the Autobots to flee, Hammerbyte seizing Windblade's body. Though the Dweller was quick to follow, the Autobots managed to breach the surface of the Argon Sea and abandon their shuttle, the Dweller unknowingly taking the empty craft back into the depths with him. After returning Windblade to her friends, Hammerbyte dived back into the Sea, noting that the Dweller's presence made protecting it even more difficult now. {{storylink|Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)|Dweller In The Depths}}

[[Category:Cartoon-only Transformers]]
[[category:Cyberverse Transformers]]
[[category:Titans]]

Enemy of My Enemy Part Two

2020-06-24T19:12:14Z

Androzani84: /* Featured characters */ corrected a numbering error

{{disambig3|Enemy of My Enemy}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers vs. The Terminator]]'' #2
|prev=Enemy of My Enemy Part One
|next=Enemy of My Enemy Part Three
|image=TFTerminator 2 cvrB.jpg
|title="Enemy of My Enemy Part Two"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]] and [[Dark Horse Comics]]
|date=[[June 24]], [[2020]]
|coverdate=June 2020
|story by= [[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[John Barber]]
|written by=[[David Mariotte]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[Tom Waltz]], [[Riley Farmer]] and [[Megan Brown]]
}}

'''The Terminator battles Megatron's forces while Sarah Connor makes some unexpected allies, but can the T-800 cooperate with the very beings he's been sent to destroy?'''

==Synopsis==
With the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' having reawakened [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and his [[Decepticon]]s, it seems as though nothing can spoil the Decepticon leader's moment of triumph as he levels his [[fusion cannon]] at the still-dormant [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]... but he didn't bargain on the [[T-800]]! Although his first shotgun blast simply bounces off his enemy's armor, Megatron's bemused overconfidence gives the Terminator—armed with superhuman aim and extensive knowledge of Cybertronian weak points—an opening to take out his left optic with one well-placed shot! Wounded and furious, Megatron orders [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] to destroy the intruder. The Terminator's unwilling companion [[Sarah Connor]] weighs her options and decides to make a run for it before the aliens notice her, but Soundwave detects her presence and dispatches [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to eliminate her.

Soundwave and Starscream struggle to pin down the smaller and more maneuverable T-800, but Megatron's chief concern is getting his fellow Decepticons back online, using [[Teletraan I]]'s restorative beam to repair and reactivate the remaining Decepticons before eliminating the [[stasis lock]]ed-Autobots. In the meantime, the Terminator withstands Soundwave's sonic blasts and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s lasers, then returns fire by hefting a discarded Cybertronian weapon off the ground and using it to send the purple [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] flying. Ravage pursues Sarah Connor as the [[human]] clambers up a nearby cable and the chase takes them onto Teletraan's console. Ravage's pounce knocks the computer's scanner so that the repair beam intended for [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] hits ''Optimus'' instead; as Starscream and Soundwave try to pin down the Terminator, they're caught off-guard when the revitalized Autobot leader promptly catches the two by surprise and sends them both sprawling! The Decepticons promptly break off their attack on the Terminator and turn their attention to Prime; correctly deducing that there might be ''two'' factions at play here, Sarah turns the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s repair systems on another robot who sports Optimus Prime's symbol... and, a few seconds later, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] joins the fight!

A panicked Starscream assumes that ''all'' the Autobots are coming back to life and orders a retreat. Despite his low opinion of the air commander, Megatron sees wisdom in Starscream's words, and orders his Decepticons to fall back as he blasts a hole in the side of the ship and flies off. The explosion leaves Prime and Bumblebee shaken but unhurt...but Prime, dismayed, notes the collateral damage has killed many Autobots and left more badly injured. Optimus thanks his strange rescuer for intervening, but the Terminator, now reduced to his metal endoskeleton, informs the pair that they too must be terminated!

The Terminator lands a shot on Optimus before Bumblebee wrestles him to the ground, but all three of the robots stop in their tracks when Sarah intervenes, and points out that, as far as she can tell, the Terminator's aggression makes him the ''real'' menace. As an intrigued Optimus mulls over the prospect of sentient organics, Sarah demands an explanation of his mission and whether she should simply let the two bigger machines destroy him. The Terminator finally admits the course that history takes from this point: after the [[Mount St. Hilary]] eruption awakens the Cybertronians, Megatron's war against humanity will prompt the people of Earth to form [[Skywatch]], an anti-Transformer taskforce, and develop the [[Skynet]] supercomputer network to coordinate armies of man-made Terminator robots. But, despite Skynet's efforts, the war will end with total Cybertronian victory, the complete conquest of Earth... and mankind's extinction. Skynet only survives by feigning surrender and secretly constructing a time machine to retroactively win the war, but the Terminator's explanation deliberately omits the ''other'' part of his time-travelling mission—to ensure the creation of ''Skynet''.

Although Bumblebee's unmoved, Optimus mulls over the implications of this story. In the Terminator's future, he eventually concludes, he and the Autobots must have died today, or else they surely would've stood up against Megatron's tyranny. Thus, the Terminator's interference has ''already'' altered the timeline; if that's true, Prime concludes, then they still have a chance to work together, prevent this dire future from ever coming to pass, and ensure the freedom of ''all'' sentient beings on Earth—biological or mechanical. With Sarah's encouragement, the Terminator weighs his options and then, reluctantly, accepts Prime's truce. The strange alliance ratified, Optimus asks for Sarah's help with reviving more Autobots; Sarah accepts, if he'll take her home afterwards... but when the Autobot leader assumes his new [[alternate mode]], based on the truck that the Terminator hijacked to get them to [[Oregon]] in the first place, the reminder causes her to turn down the free ride.

On Oregon's west coast, the Decepticons regroup at a beach, where Starscream explains that their mysterious attacker was a cleverly-disguised machine, not one of the planet's native organic sentients. The fragile humans should give them no trouble, and Starscream illustrates this point by casually annihilating a nearby group of beachgoers. Pleased at the prospect of easy conquest, Megatron turns his attention to [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] as they return from scouting the surrounding area for energy. [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] reports that they've found a suitable power source to fuel their invasion: a nearby robotics laboratory that he suspects might be connected to their mechanical foe. The Decepticons eagerly lay siege to the lab, unaware of the building's portentous position in history... the [[Cyberdyne Systems]] factory!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (10)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (15)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (16)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (19)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (21)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (5)
* [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] (6)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (7)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (11)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (12)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (13)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Sarah Connor]] (8)
* Beachgoers (22)

|h4=[[Skynet]]|c4=
* [[T-800]] (4)

}}

==Quotes==
"Goodbye, Optimus Prime. You die as you lived... ignorant and useless."
:—'''Megatron'''

"Look, I get that you have your reasons, but right now, I only see '''one''' killer robot. I mean, the yellow one's called Bumblebee. That's ridiculous."
:—'''Sarah Connor''' chews out '''the Terminator'''

"Together, we shall ensure '''both''' your people's survival... for freedom is the right of '''all''' sentient beings."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Refraktor (or, well, ''a'' Refraktor)'s dead body appeared in [[Enemy of My Enemy Part One|the previous issue]]; the T-800's story in this issue shows an army of Terminators gunning him down in the post-apocalyptic [[Los Angeles]] battleground we glimpsed in the first splash panel of issue #1.
* Curiously, this series depicts the three [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s as stasis-locked Decepticons aboard the ''Ark''. This isn't true for the [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], which introduced the trio as having bailed from the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' during its crash in the episode "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]," nor the [[Marvel Comics continuity]], where the three travelled to Earth from Cybertron by [[space bridge]].

===Transformers references===
* As he prepares to put down Optimus Prime, Megatron takes a moment to thank Skywarp for waking him first; this sequence of events is consistent with "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", where Skywarp was the first Transformer aboard the ''Ark'' to be reformatted and reactivated by Teletraan I, and promptly interfered with the computer's scanning beams to bring Megatron and the other Decepticons back online.
* The Terminator's tactical overlay identifies Starscream as "MODEL 0022^15" in reference to both his traditional {{w|McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15}} alternate mode and his [[Starscream (Movie)|film counterpart]]'s {{w|Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor|F-22}} form, Soundwave as "MODEL MC^10", a nod to the [[Micro Change|Micro Change "Cassette Man"]] toy and the "MC-10" molded on its door, and, finally, Megatron as "MODEL P38^UNC", an allusion to his {{w|Walther P38}} altmode and its prominent appearance on the television show {{w|''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.}}''
* A cocky Skywarp sardonically compares his battle against the Terminator to "shooting [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]]s in a barrel."
* It's not clear if [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] is dead or simply injured after Megatron leaves, but he's shown leaking fire and smoke from a hole on his left side, evoking his death in the infamous opening battle of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Other Cybertronians, such as [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], are colored gray, evoking [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s fate from the film.
* In this universe, [[Skynet]] is revealed to have been created by [[Skywatch|Sky''watch'']]; first a clandestine US government agency, then a full-blown international taskforce, this anti-Transformer organization was an off-again, on-again antagonist during IDW Publishing's [[2005 IDW continuity|first ongoing ''Transformers'' continuity]], before the more famous [[Earth Defense Command]] replaced it during a [[2014]] storyline.
* The Terminator's story shows a victorious Megatron defacing the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]] by turning it into his personal throne, in reference to a similar moment from ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]". The scene recieved a prior shout out during the second act of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''.
* Bumblebee calls Prime "Big Bot," a nickname [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] used for [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoons.
* The dune buggy on the beach is drawn and colored to resemble [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]'s [[alternate mode]].

===Terminator references===
* As she reactivates Bumblebee, Sarah ruefully notes that it "seems like Judgement Day's coming anyway" in reference to both {{w|Terminator 2: Judgment Day|the second ''Terminator'' film}} and the [[fandom:terminator:Judgment Day|in-universe event]]—although the latter incident does not actually appear to have ''occurred'' in this particular timeline, with the devastated landscape from issue #1 apparently the result of a protracted Decepticon occupation, not a nuclear apocalypse.
* The [[fandom:terminator:Cyberdyne Systems|Cyberdyne Systems]] corporation plays a major role in ''Terminator'' lore; the factory that Megatron attacks is based on the location from {{w|The Terminator|the first ''Terminator'' film}}, where Sarah finally outsmarted the killer robot and fatally crushed him beneath a hydraulic press. {{w|Terminator 2: Judgment Day|The sequel}} then revealed that Cyberdyne had helped ''create'' Skynet's technology after salvaging and reverse-engineering the Terminator's remains in a classic {{w|bootstrap paradox|bootstrap paradox}}. As the Skynet of ''this'' universe, is, at least in part, a creation of Skywatch, it remains to be seen just how Megatron's attack on the facility might change the future...

===Errors===
* On page five, Sideswipe is colored gray instead of red before the fight breaks out—although, given the nature of the scene, it’s possible that he's already dead.

===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for an April 22nd release, this issue was deliberately pushed back to late June due to [[IDW Publishing]] temporarily suspending operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
* Backmatter for this issue is a four-page "How the Machines Are Made," feature, which feature a behind-the-scenes look at how the first two pages went from script, to layout, to inks, to color.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Optimus Prime and a time sphere, by [[Gavin Fullerton]]
* '''Cover B''': The T-800 triumphant, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[David García Cruz]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''': Optimus Prime and an army of Terminators, by [[Freddie E. Williams]] and [[Jeremy Colwell]]

<gallery>
File:TFTerminator 2 cvrA.jpg
File:TFTerminator 2 cvrB.jpg
File:TFTerminator 2 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

==External links==
[http://majorspoilers.com/2020/06/23/preview-transformers-vs-the-terminator-2/ Preview]

[[Category:Transformers vs. The Terminator issues]]

The End Of The Universe IV

2020-04-26T21:27:59Z

Androzani84: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 53
|image=
|caption=
|prev=The End Of The Universe III
|next=Enemy Line
|title="The End Of The Universe IV"
|airdate=[[February 21]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=[[Zac Atkinson (writer)|Zac Atkinson]] [[Mae Catt]] [[Gavin Hignight]] [[Dan Salgarolo]]
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=[[Ehud Landsberg]]
}}

'''With no way left to fight against Croaton, the Cybertronians are suddenly saved by an unexpected arrival.'''

==Synopsis==
Resting in the remains of [[Iaconus]], an unconscious [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] is awoken by [[Laserbeak (Cyberverse)|Laserbeak]]. Picking up a message from [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] proclaiming the fight is not over, Windblade spies the [[Quintesson]]-controlled [[Croaton]] on the march. Vowing that he must be stopped, Windblade transforms and flies off.

Without a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] of their own, the Autobots and Decepticons can do nothing against Croaton, who at Judge [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]]'s orders begins obliterating them and whatever is left of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon City]] (much to Judge Starscream's amusement). A detachment of fliers try shooting the Titan but their attacks are ineffectual. On the streets below, Autobots and Decepticons battle the Quintesson forces. [[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] and [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] come face to face with a squadron of alternate Soundwaves from across the multiverse, who attack them.

Windblade lands on Croaton and tries using her [[Cityspeaker]] powers to talk to him, but the Titan is unresponsive. At Laserbeak's indication, she heads inside the Titan's superstructure. On the streets below, Optimus, [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] and [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] evade some Prosecutors only to find several defeated Autobots and Decepticons being rounded up and penned in by the Quintessons. Their momentary shock allows Judge Starscream to get the drop on Optimus, blasting him. Once again, the former Decepticon proclaims Optimus guilty of crimes against him, for which the penalty is doom! Before he can pass sentence, a portal opens up in the sky, and a purple shuttle emerges, from which leaps none other than [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]].

''[[Kup (Cyberverse)|Kup]] tells his audience that while he was not particularly happy to see Megatron again, sometimes the most despicable piece of scrap is exactly what you need.''

Judge Starscream tells Megatron that he is too late to save the Decepticons, but he is just in time to be judged. As he fires a laser, Megatron declares "Decepticons, attack!" and begins to glow with a strange energy, summoning a barrier that protects him from Judge Starscream's attack. Megatron explains to the stunned Cybertronians that he has travelled the multiverse and gained new powers, asking if they would like some as well. [[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]] whole-heartedly agrees. As Judge Starscream announces no power can stop him, Megatron shares the energy between Optimus, Bumblebee, Soundwave, and Shadow Striker. At the sight of this, Judge Starscream orders the Quintesson forces to destroy them all.

With their new power, the Cybertronians effortlessly defeat the [[Sharkticon (Cyberverse)|Sharkticon]]s and Prosecutors. Declaring his doppelgangers inferior, Soundwave uses his power boost to blow the alternate Soundwaves away. Watching from Croaton's shoulder, a frustrated Judge Starscream declares the fight over and deems everyone guilty, sentencing them to total annihilation. Globs of unspace substance begin raining down on the battlefield from a portal opened by Judge Starscream, disappearing Autobots and Decepticons alike. Seeing this, Megatron orders the shuttle, known as [[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]], to seal the portal. As Astrotain approaches, he is caught by Croaton and a gloating Judge Starscream proclaims that no-one can stop him.

Inside Croaton, Windblade uses her powers to get into the Titan's mind, finding it overrun with the same Quintesson tendrils that cover his body. Croaton explains he is under their control. Vowing to free him, Windblade summons up her strength and splits into multiple copies of herself. Attacking the Quintesson controls, she succeeds in freeing Croaton. However, this causes her to collapse, portions of energy shooting out of her in every direction. The restored Croaton tries talking to Windblade but gets no response. Breaking free of the Quintesson restraints, he begins marching away from the battle, promising to give Windblade somewhere she can rest.

Seeing the Titan leave, Judge Starscream declares he does not need him anyway and tries stopping Astrotrain on his own. Down below, Megatron notes his mistreatment of Starscream and how he must now destroy him. Calling to Optimus, he says they must join powers to defeat his treacherous lieutenant and reveals that he has has obtained his own [[Matrix of Leadership]] during his multiversal trip. Though Optimus insist this cannot be, Megatron responds that it is and they must now save the universe. Together, the two use their Matrixes to blast Judge Starscream. With a great burst of light, the former Seeker vanishes, allowing Astrotrain able to seal the portal to unspace.

''Finishing his tale, Kup tells his audience that sometimes there is a price to existence, and sometimes that price is getting along with someone you do not like. Do that, and maybe the universe will not end.''

With the war against the Quintessons over, Optimus and Megatron stare down while [[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]], [[Shrapnel (Cyberverse)|Shrapnel]], [[Kickback (Cyberverse)|Kickback]], and [[Bombshell (Cyberverse)|Bombshell]] disembark from Astrotrain. Optimus notes that because they have saved the universe, they are all in Megatron's debt. When asked what his price is, Megatron responds that he may call in that debt, one day, but for the moment he has one demand: half of Cybertron. The Decepticons will stay on their half, and the Autobots on theirs, or there will be consequences. Reluctantly, Optimus agrees.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Autobot soldiers (7)
*[[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]] (10)
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] (17)
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] (18)
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] (20)
*[[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]] (22)
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]] (24)
*[[Kup (Cyberverse)|Kup]] (25)

|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (Cyberverse)|Laserbeak]] (2)
*Decepticon soldiers (8)
*[[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]] (11)
*[[Dirge (Cyberverse)|Dirge]] (12)
*[[Skywarp (Cyberverse)|Skywarp]] (13)
*[[Ramjet (Cyberverse)|Ramjet]] (14)
*[[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] (19)
*[[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seeker]]s (26)
*[[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]] (27)
*[[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]] (29)
*[[Shrapnel (Cyberverse)|Shrapnel]] (30)
*[[Kickback (Cyberverse)|Kickback]] (31)
*[[Bombshell (Cyberverse)|Bombshell]] (32)

|c4=
*[[Croaton]] (6)
*Judge [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Sharkticon (Cyberverse)|Sharkticon]]s (16)
*Alternate Soundwaves (21)
*[[Quintesson]] [[Prosecutor (Cyberverse)|Prosecutor]]s (23)
}}

==Quotes==

''Soundwave'' superior. Sound waves inferior.

- At least he’s got som “crasma” when he says this

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*They're back, baby! Megatron (and Dead End) took off into the multiverse in "[[The Judge (episode)|The Judge]]". Looks like he has been a lot busier than Optimus was, sporting several scars, altered parts, an extra barrel on his fusion cannon, some magic superpowers, and a ''Matrix'' of his own.
**Despite wanting to take over the rest of the Multiverse in "The Judge", Megatron's priorities changed when he saw [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|his doppelganger]]. Realizing he was a horrible tyrant, that scared him enough to return to his home universe and not kill Optimus, making peace no matter what.<ref name="Q+A">"[https://shikai-the-storyteller.tumblr.com/post/613237429097365504/i-absolutely-didnt-go-back-through-and-edit-this Transformers: Cyberverse – Mae Catt Q&A Session (Unedited Edition)]"</ref>
*It totally looks like Starscream's been destroyed this time; his death will be confirmed [[Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire And Cosmos|later on]]…

===Transformers references===
*Yeah, yeah, another "Soundwave Superior". Get some original lines, Soundwave.
*Astrotrain is a new version of the [[Astrotrain (G1)|locomotive/space shuttle]] [[Triple Changer]] from Generation 1, with his robot mode being based off the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Classics|toy]]. In this episode, he mostly appears in shuttle mode, which is modeled after the more recent ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege (toyline)|Siege]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|toy]]. At the end of the episode, he appears in train mode, which is modeled after the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Titans Return|toy]].
*Briefly seen disembarking from Astrotrain alongside Dead End are the Insecticons, who are modeled after [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'s [[Shrapnel (G1)#Generations|''Thrilling 30'' toy]]. While they are portrayed as a trio much like their Generation 1 [[Insecticon (G1)|namesakes]], the fact that all three of them share the same body-type could be a reference to the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' cartoon, where all the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s in that show shared the same model as [[Hardshell]].
**To tell the trio apart, [[Shrapnel (Cyberverse)|Shrapnel]] shares the exact same purple and yellow color scheme as Generation 1 Shrapnel. [[Kickback (Cyberverse)|Kickback]]'s brown and green color scheme appears to be based off [[Kickback (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Kickback]]. Meanwhile, [[Bombshell (Cyberverse)|Bombshell]] has a blue and red color scheme resembling an inverted version of [[Zaptrap]].

===Real-world references===
*TBA

===Other trivia===
*When last seen, the alternate Soundwaves are blasted away by Soundwave and are incapacitated, through their unconscious bodies just sort of disappear.
*Starscram's death in this episode hurt [[Mae Catt]] the most. In fact, she wanted Starscream to emerge from the remains of his Quintesson Judge body, though she is okay that idea got scrapped.<ref name="Q+A" />

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:End Of The Universe IV}}
[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Hitomi Nabatame

2020-04-26T21:19:14Z

Androzani84: /* Notes */

[[File:HitomiNabatame.jpg|right|thumb|250px|]]
'''Hitomi Nabatame''' (生天目仁美 ''Nabatame Hitomi'', born [[August 4]], [[1976]]) is a Japanese voice actress who is affiliated with voice talent agency Ken Production. Her voice roles have included Nobue Itoh in ''Strawberry Marshmallow'', Mikoto Suou in ''School Rumble'', Shizuka in the ''Queen's Blade'' series, Ruko Ayase in ''Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu'', Eriko Torii in ''Maria Watches Over Us'', Unchō Kan'u in ''Ikki Tōsen'', Yukiji Katsura in ''Hayate the Combat Butler'' and Margery Daw in ''Shakugan no Shana''. While a portion of her dubbing credits include of Johanna Mason (Jena Malone) in ''The Hunger Games'' series and Aunt Grandma in ''Uncle Grandpa''.

She has also performed the opening themes for a number of anime including ''Strawberry Marshmallow'', ''Best Student Council'', ''Acchi Kocchi'', and ''Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu''.

==Voice Roles==
===''Transformers: Prime''===
*[[June Darby]]

===''Transformers Adventure''===
*[[Windblade (RID)|Windblade]]

===''Transformers Adventure -Prime of Micron-''===
*Windblade

==Notes==
*Nabatame has formed a voice acting team with fellow voice actress [[Shizuka Itō]] named Hitoshizuku (ひとしずく). Unsurprisingly they both provide voices in the Japanese dub of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' (Itō voices [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]]).
*Nabatame has a habit of nicknaming the women she works with as “wives”. Despite this, her eventual marriage was to a man.

==External links==
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=17354 Hitomi Nabatame at Anime News Network]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nabatame, Hitomi}}
[[Category:Japanese voice actors]]

KÅichi Yamadera

2020-03-28T22:55:16Z

Androzani84:

[[File:Yamadera.jpg|right|thumb|250x|Bang.]]
'''Kōichi Yamadera''' (山寺宏一 ''Yamadera Kōichi'', born [[June 17]], [[1961]]) is a Japanese voice actor. Best known for his roles as [[Steve Blum|Spike Spiegel]] from ''Cowboy Bebop'', Beerus from ''Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods'', The Laughing Man & [[Crispin Freeman|Togusa]] from ''Ghost in the Shell'', Ryoji Kaji from ''[[Transformers × Evangelion|Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'', Cheese from ''Anpanman'' & [[Michael Donovan| Ryōga Hibiki/P-chan]] from ''Ranma ½''. He also has a role in every Pokémon movie.

In terms of dubbing, he is official Japanese voice of [[Donald Duck]], as well as Genie from ''Aladdin'', Stitch from ''Lilo & Stitch'' and many more Disney characters. While other roles consisted of Cyclops from [[TV Tokyo]]'s dub of ''[[X-Men]]'', Plucky Duck from ''Tiny Toons Adventures'', [[Batman]] & Lord/President Business from ''The LEGO Movie'' as well Batman solely in ''The LEGO Batman Movie'', [[Michael Jackson|Leon Kompowsky]] from ''The Simpsons'', Manny from ''Ice Age'', the [[Mighty Eagle]] from ''The Angry Birds Movie'', Fender from ''Robots'', Michael Jordan from ''Space Jam'', the eponymous hero of ''Wreck-It Ralph'', Star-Lord in ''Guardians of the Galaxy'', the opening Narrator of ''Batman: The Animated Series'' and ''[[Tom Kenny|Spongebob Squarepants]]'' among other roles.

==Roles==
===''Transformers: Age of Extinction''===
* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] (Japanese Radio Voice)

==External Links==
* [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=1009 ANN Profile]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yamadera, Koichi}}
[[Category:Japanese voice actors]]

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