MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Grimlock (G1)/toys

2020-09-18T22:11:30Z

Arsnof: /* Device Label */ .

{{suite}}
[[File:G1 Grimlock boxart.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Me Grimlock have been shaking fists at uptight paleontologists since 1985.]]
Me [[Grimlock (G1)|'''Grimlock''']] have lots of toys and merchandise!
{{picsneeded|silver G2 toy, Decoy, Myclone}}

==Toys==
===The Transformers===
[[File:G1Grimlock toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And the debate goes on: "Me Grimlock am greatest warrior!" "No! Me Grimlock am greatest warrior!"]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Dinobot, [[1985]]/[[1986]]/[[1990]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''26'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Energo weapon|'Energo' sword]], twin 'stunner' laser rifle, galaxial rocket launcher, 3 rockets
:Grimlock's toy was originally part of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Diaclone]]'' Dinosaur Robo series. When [[Hasbro]] imported the toy in 1985 for the ''Transformers'' line, its blue pelvis was changed to red, its sword was changed from chrome to flat red, the Diaclone driver mini-figure was dropped but still retained the cockpit though later releases had it permanently locked shut, and its teeth were altered [[for safety reasons]].

:The original Grimlock changes from robot into a robotic ''{{w|Tyrannosaurus}}'', and comes with a red [[energo weapon|energo-sword]], a black double-barreled rifle, and a rocket launcher with three silver rockets.

:In Japan, he and the other four Dinobots were offered as mail-away items during ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]''; Grimlock cost 2300 yen (his original retail price) and 2 [[Robot Point]]s.

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-dinobots-grimlock/671/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Grimlock at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Generation 1 Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|Pretender}}
[[File:G1-toy GrimlockPretender.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock have fleshy bits!]]
*'''Grimlock''' ([[Classic Pretender]], [[1989]])
**''Accessories:'' Pretender shell, helmet, "Atom-Smashing Submachine Gun", "rocket launcher" dino-tail
:The [[Classic Pretender]] version of Grimlock is much smaller, simplified and slightly modified, but still transforms into a robotic ''T. rex''. His dino tail becomes a rocket-launcher-gauntlet thing that can be held by either the inner robot or outer shell, but either way has got to be a ''bear'' to aim properly. He came with a large human [[Pretender]] shell with a rather knight-like armor theme, with a helmet and large cannon with a blade on the barrel, giving him a pseudo-sword.

:His shell's head looks a lot like a younger {{w|Ed Asner}}.

{{note|Pretender Classic Grimlock's function was "Lieutenant Commander" instead of "Dinobot Commander", very likely due to the lack of other Dinobots for sale at the time.}}

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Pretender Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|G1Legend}}
[[File:GrimlockLegends toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock say cut it out.]]
*'''Grimlock''' ([[Legends (G1)|Legends]], 1989)
**''Accessories:'' "rocket launcher" dino-tail
:A [[Kmart]] [[exclusive]] in its [[Hasbro]] release, this version of Grimlock is simply the inner robot of his Classic Pretender form without the shell or its accessories, leaving him only his tail/gun.
{{-}}
{{anchor|HeroSet}}
[[File:G1toy japanese legends giftset.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Hero Set''' (Multi-pack, 1989)
**''Accessories:'' Tail/gun
:In Japan, Legends Grimlock was available only in a boxed "Hero Set" with the Legends versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Jazz]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#G1Legend|Starscream]]. Grimlock was mostly unchanged from to the Hasbro release, but sported a silver painted face instead of Hasbro's orange painted one.

:In Italy, [[GiG]] released their own version of the Hero Set, named "Set Commandos", instead of the Classic Pretender versions of the toys. Grimlock, was renamed from "Tiran" to "Drago", originally the Italian name of [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]]. The "Set Commandos" toys were identical to the Japanese "Hero Set" versions.
{{-}}
{{anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[File:G1Grimlock ActionMaster.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|Me Grimlock no longer able to transform, so me Grimlock over-compensate with really big gun.]]
*'''Grimlock with anti-tank cannon''' (Action Master, [[1990]])
**''Accessories:'' Anti-tank cannon partner, "[[particle beam cannon]]"
:Part of the initial assortment of non-transforming [[Action Master]] figures, Grimlock's design combines his cartoon model with extra toy-based detailing. He came with the [[Anti-tank cannon]] "partner" machine which could be ridden by Grimlock (or any other Action Master) or unfolded via spring-loaded [[gimmick]] to form a really ''big'' hand-held "long-range mortar launcher". He is compatible with any other Action Master vehicle or weapon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Action Master Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

*'''Grimlock''' (1991)
**''Accessories'': [[Energo weapon|'Energo' sword]], twin 'stunner' laser rifle, galaxial rocket launcher, 3 rockets

:Grimlock's original toy was reissued in the European/Australian-exclusive "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" series, with no notable changes. In Greece, these releases were added to re-releases of the [[Defensor (G1)#Toys|Defensor]] and [[Devastator (G1)/toys#Toys|Devastator]] [[giftsets]].

===Generation 2===
[[File:G2GrimlockBlue.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me am Blue! Me am Blue! You could be too! ''(Blue variant pictured)'']]
[[File:TF-G2-Turquoise-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''(Turquoise variant pictured)'']]
*'''Grimlock''' (Dinobot, [[1993]])
**''Accessories:'' 'Energo' sword, twin 'stunner' laser rifle,
:Grimlock's original toy was [[redeco]]ed for release in ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', this time lacking the missile launcher accessory. He was available in three different colors; the first—and rarest—in his original silver (the easiest way to spot if this is a ''Generation 2'' or original is by the "Autobot" [[tampograph]] on his leg), then in a medium turquoise-blue, and finally (and most commonly) in a dark blue.

{{note|Grimlock outranked Optimus Prime in the Generation 2 toyline! Prime had a rank of 9.}}

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/Grimlock/grimlcok.htm More information on ''Generation 2'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars===
[[File:BWtoy-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Ben Yee]] think me Grimlock look like dalmatian... :(]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Deluxe, [[1997]])
**''Accessories:'' "Spinning slasher sword", tail-bone-sword

:The only new toy in the third wave of second-year ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Deluxes, Grimlock is a [[redeco]] of [[Dinobot (BW)#Toys|Dinobot]] in gray and gold with black spots, transforming into a "raptor" of some variety. His tail detaches and separates to form a gear-powered, spinning blade weapon, while the central "tail bone" separates to be used as a sword. The entire assembly can store in [[robot mode]] by flipping down the tail-mount and pegging the blade's base to the peg on his lower back. He also has a "mutant mask", halves of a dino-skull that flip up to cover his more robotic head. Thankfully these pieces are not pinned in, and can be easily removed for better clearance. He was also slightly [[retool]]ed from the original mold to have ratcheting shoulders and space for an "energon chip" [[rubsign]].

: Grimlock is extra-notable for suffering from [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]], making his hip-joints in particular prone to snapping off. Grim.
{{BWDinobotMold}}

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Beast Wars'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators/Binaltech===
[[File:AlternatorsGrimlock toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock no can munch metal, but can burn rubber!]]
* '''Grimlock''' (2005)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''9'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-10'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, energo-sword

: For the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line, Grimlock's [[alternate mode]] was changed from a dinosaur into a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]], 1:24 scale silver {{w|Ford Mustang}} with opening doors, hood, and trunk, a detailed interior, [[rubber tires]] and a working steering mechanism. His engine transforms into a double-barreled gun, and he also carries an orange "energo-sword" which can attach to the underside of his vehicle mode. The toy is one of the most-complained-about ''Alternators'' toys, due to its notoriously finicky transformation (with many small steps that must be performed in exactly the right order) and to several pieces which have a tendency to pop off with relatively small amounts of force. And it's a Grimlock who doesn't transform into a ''Tyrannosaurus rex.

: The main difference between Hasbro's ''Alternators'' version of the toy and the Japanese ''Binaltech'' version is that the latter has its vehicle shell partially made out of painted [[die-cast]] metal parts, whereas the ''Alternators'' version is made entirely out of plastic (not counting the rubber tires). In addition, the ''Binaltech'' version's engine/gun and the wheel's rims are [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metalized]], whereas they're simply painted silver for the ''Alternators'' version.

:This sculpt was retooled into ''Alternators/Binaltech'' [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Wheeljack]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/AltGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Classics===
[[File:Grimlockclassicstoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock want to try new appearance, how me look in thigh high boots and stiletto heels?]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, removable tail

: ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Grimlock, a gray and gold ''Tyrannosaurus rex'', is a re-imagined form of his original toy, and is notably designed to run rather than drag (theories on the ''T. rex'' having changed from "caveman adversary" to "Carl Lewis in lizard skin" since the Generation 1 incarnation).

:This mold features a few design elements likely influenced by Grimlock's Pretender toy; his bayonet blaster is an homage to his gun/blade combo weapon from said toy, and his tail detaches to become a handheld weapon as it does for the inner robot of his Pretender toy. Another similarity is the ''T. rex'''s upper-body forming the [[robot mode]] legs (though the ''T. rex'' head forms his feet this time around).

:Grimlock's bayonet blaster can be deployed in either mode and fires a clear red projectile. Both weapons can be stored on his back when not used. As with most ''Classics'' toys, Grimlock features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]], placed on the left side of the tyrannosaurus torso/his left leg.

:A common complaint about the figure is the size of the peg being too small in relation to the peg-hole, making it impossible to lock the arms into place. The black shoulder flaps above are apparently meant to tab into these and lock the whole thing together, but the flaps are remarkably out of alignment and the tabs themselves are too short to even reach the slots. In addition, the bayonet blaster has a hair-trigger and for no apparent reason, his fist holes are a few fractions of a millimeter too small to accommodate standard 5mm peg accessories that most modern ''Transformers'' toys use.

:An unpainted ''Classics'' Grimlock was used at the [[BotCon 2007]] customization classes to create ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Overkill (G1)#Timelines|Overkill]]. The mold was also [[redeco]]ed to make [[Grimlock (SG)#Toys|''Shattered Glass'' Grimlock]] and [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|''Universe'' (2008)]] Overkill.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Classics'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{ClassicsGrimlockMold}}



*'''Jetfire and Grimlock Twin Pack''' (2-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, removable tail

:''Classics'' Grimlock was available in Asian markets in a two-pack with [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Grimlock2pack|''Classics'' Jetfire]]. Both toys are identical to their normal individual releases.

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[File:TitaniumWarWithin Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Me Grimlock turn into tank? Me mash brains with style!]]

*'''Grimlock''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, Energo-sword

:Based upon his appearance from ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'', this version of Grimlock transforms into a Cybertronic heavy tank. This transforming partly die-cast and plastic Grimlock was initially unreleased due to the cancellation of the ''Transformers'' series of ''Titanium'' toys at retail (the line would continue on for ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' at the three-inch scale). The toy was eventually released in the fall of 2008 as a Toys-R-Us exclusive, alongside the also-almost-unreleased War Within [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Prowl]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TitGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Titanium'' Cybertron Heroes Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[File:TakaraTomy-Henkei!Henkei!-C-03-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Witness me Grimlock, shiny and chrome!]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Deluxe, 2008-[[March 13|03-13]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, removable tail

: ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Grimlock is an extensive redeco of ''Classics'' Grimlock, with generally more intricate paint detailing to make him more closely resemble the ''Generation 1'' toy. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' release, and instead features vacuum-metalized "chromed" plastic (in a similar [[gimmick]] to the ''Beast Wars'' [[Transmetal]]s toys). The vac-metal is used on his [[beast mode]] feet, as well as the ''Tyrannosaurus'' torso, which was, oddly enough, in Hasbro's original deco plan for ''Classics'' Grimlock.
{{ClassicsGrimlockMold}}
{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[File:Grimlock Masterpiece.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock be smaller than Prime, but me Grimlock more expensive!]]
*'''Grimlock''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-8'''
**''Accessories:'' Energo sword, twin 'stunner' lasers rifle, waiter apron, waiter bow tie, waiter tray, 7 unique waiter glasses, intelligence transfer helmet, crown (reissue exclusive), flame (reissue exclusive)

: Released in March of 2009, ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Grimlock is based upon his original toy and cartoon model, transforming into an outdated view of the ''Tyrannosaurus'' rather than the more accurate depiction seen on ''Classics'' Grimlock. Of all the Masterpiece figures, Grimlock features both the least complex transformation, as well as the least deviation from his original toy's essential [[transformation scheme]].

: ''Masterpiece'' Grimlock features the usage of [[die-cast]] metal for his dinosaur mode's toes and an LED mounted within his right fist which illuminates both his gun's barrels and his sword. As a result of said mechanism, the only articulated part of his right hand is the thumb. Similarly his left hand is modeled much like [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Masterpiece Starscream's]] hands with the thumb and index finger fully articulated with the remaining fingers joined together. Possibly as a show of good faith regarding the sacrificed articulation, [[TakaraTomy]] designed his alternate mode's arms to be highly poseable, featuring full articulation of the claws with the arms themselves attached to the body with ball joints.

: He features many gimmicks, including the ability to change his eye color in either mode from red to blue with the flip of a switch found at the back of his head in robot mode, and by opening the top of his head in dino mode and switching the eyes around. This allows the owner the choice of representing the use of blue in the cartoon (and his IDW alternate mode) or the use of red in most other media, including his original toy. His tail is connected to his head, and by wiggling and moving it, the head rotates at the base of the neck. Pushing down on his torso in dinosaur mode makes his legs move up higher into his body, and as a result his head will look up. His alt mode's head features jaws that snap shut at the press of a button hidden on his cheek; in addition, it also has a tiny sculpted flame thrower in its mouth, but [[for safety reasons|for your safety]], it does not actually breathe fire (boo). Besides his weapons, he also comes with a cloth apron and bow tie to go with a drinks serving tray he carried in "[[Madman's Paradise]]", as well as the device he used to transfer his super-intelligence into [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] in "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]".

:When he was reissued, he came with a crown redecoed from the King Grimlock release and a new flame attachment to go over his sword.

{{-}}{{anchor|King}}{{anchor|MP8X}}
[[File:Masterpiecetoy-GrimlockKing.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Best accessory ever! Me Grimlock know you know it.]]
*'''King Grimlock''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-8X'''
**''Accessories:'' Energo sword, twin 'stunner' lasers rifle, crown

:King Grimlock is a redeco of the ''Masterpiece'' Grimlock with a color scheme based on his appearance in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|G1 Marvel comic]]. All of his previously flat gray surfaces are coated in silver paint, his gold chrome is more vibrant, and his previously black plastic is now a dark blue in reference to the limited color palette of the Marvel Comics issues. The colorless chrome used for his tail and arms is now a light blue chrome. He also features some different paint applications: on his dinosaur chest, inside the clear panel on his robot mode chest, and on his robot mode knees. His toes are now metallic yellow instead of metallic gray. He lacks the faceplate paint of the original Masterpiece Grimlock. His sword is also tinted orange rather than neutral clear, and the clear panel on his chest is clear dark green plastic instead of neutral clear. Curiously what were the red eyes in dinosaur mode on the original ''Masterpiece'' Grimlock are now the blue eyes on King Grimlock, and the blue eyes are now the red. The product also features the crown worn by Grimlock in the comics instead of the accessories from the cartoon, such as the waiter apron or the glasses. The [[package art]] is drawn in an homage to the early style of ''The Transformers'' published by Marvel Comics, as well as a bilingual ''[[The Transformers Universe|Transformers Universe]]'' style [[bio]] on the back of the package.

:King Grimlock was only available via [[TakaraTomy Mall|Toy Hobby Market]], the official shopping site of TakaraTomy. Pre-orders were open through [[July 31]]st through [[September 11]]th 2009, with the toy shipping out in December.

{{-}}{{anchor|2013CybCon}}
*'''Grimlock''' (2013)
**''Accessories:'' Energo sword, twin 'stunner' lasers rifle, crown

:Another release of the Masterpiece Grimlock figure, in conjunction with [[Cybertron Con]] alongside a redeco of ''[[Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#CC2013|Jetfire]]. Like Hasbro's previous 2010 release, includes all the accessories from the MP-08X "King" version with the figure in traditional Grimlock colors. Packaged in minimalist black and white Chinese-themed box.

{{-}}{{anchor|2014MP}}
[[File:Masterpiece-grimlock-hasbro-2014.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Me Grimlock's legs backwards! Me need [[Ratchet (G1)|doctor]] to fix Grimlock's legs!]]
*'''Masterpiece Grimlock''' (2014)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Dinobot Crown of Leadership, sword, twin 'stunner' laser rifle

:(Yet) another Hasbro re-release of the figure, four years after the ''Transformers'' version (see below), ''again'' available as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive.

:This figure was also available as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in many international Hasbro markets such as Canada, Australia, and Europe. Unusually for a Hasbro-branded release, if purchased through Toys"R"Us in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, or mainland China, or Toys Retailing in Thailand, this figure included a Hasbro Asia "Masterpiece King Grimlock" [[collector coin]].

:Oddly, the Hasbro stock photos display his dino-mode legs as being ''backwards''.

{{-}}

===Device Label===
*'''Device Grimlock''' (Device Label, 2009)
[[File:Device Label Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Mouse-terpiece Grimlock]]
: Takara's ''[[Transformers Device Label|Device Label]]'' Grimlock transforms from a working USB laser mouse into a mechanoid raptor. He shares this mold with ''Device Label'' [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]].

: According to early [[BigBadToyStore]] solicitations, the mice were originally supposed to depict Generation 1 [[Overkill (G1)#Device Label|Overkill]] and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Dinobot (BW)#Device Label|Dinobot]].
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
{{anchor|MPHasbro}}
[[File:MPGrimlock Hasbro.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Beryllium baloney not included. Grimlock: 1. Slag: 0.]]
*'''Masterpiece Grimlock''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' [[Dinobot Crown of Leadership]], sword, twin 'stunner' laser rifle

: [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'']] Grimlock is a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Grimlock with King Grimlock's accessories (also redecoed). His gray is darker, he features additional painted details on his thighs, biceps, and waist to mimic label stickers included on the original 1985 figure, the dark gray painted details on his robot mode toes are now gold, the dinosaur mode's toenails are now coated in a thick gold paint rather than the polished golden look of the TakaraTomy version, and the red paint used on the metal area on his crotch is a lighter shade, matching the adjacent red plastic less.

:Grimlock's teeth and claws have been slightly rounded for this release.

:The stock photography to the right is mistransformed, depicting Grimlock's beast mode claws as pointing straight down (as they are in robot mode) instead of laying flat to the ground.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/MasterpieceGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on 2010 Masterpiece Grimlock at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generations fall of cybertron voyager grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Talk about monkey paw wishes—the most [[geewun]] version of this mold is on the ''Age of Extinction'' Grimlock page.]]
[[File:Generationstoy-TakaraTomy-Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Voyager Class, 2012)
**''Series / number'': '''1 / #003'''
**''Japanese release date:'' '''[[2013]]-[[June 29|06-29]]'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''TG19'''
**''Accessories'': Sword, shield
{{note|''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Grimlock (WFC)#Generations|Grimlock]] was repurposed as Generation 1 Grimlock by ''Transformers Legends'' and ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]''.}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Voyager Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Grimlock transforms into a robotic ''[[Popular beast alternate modes|Tyrannosaurus rex]]''. He comes with a sword with a [[5 mm post|5mm handle]] and a peg on either side of the hilt, as well as a shield which can mount via its single peg. Grimlock features 5mm ports for his hands, as well as on his forearms/lower dino legs and shoulders/dino hips. Interestingly, the hollow sides of his dinosaur arms feature [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]-compatible [[C joint|3mm ports]].

:His main [[gimmick]]s, however, are that he has a light in his dinosaur mouth, and a chomping dinosaur jaw. When a lever behind his dino head is pulled, his mouth opens, and the light turns on, strongly illuminating his head. This gimmick can also be used in robot mode, as his dino head ends up inside his hollow chest, although it's not as effective. The [[insignia]] on his chest is the Lightning Strike Coalition variant of the Autobrand.

:The [[TakaraTomy]] version, part of the seventh wave of Japanese ''Generations'' toys, replaces his gray plastics with darker shades, coats much of his gold plastic in shiny metallic gold paint, paints his tail tip silver and his abdomen red, and features more [[Paint operation|paint details]], among other deco changes.

:This toy was [[redeco]]ed for all the other versions of ''Fall of Cybertron'' Grimlock, but was also used for ''Age of Extinction'' [[Grimlock (AOE)#Voyager Class toys|Grimlock]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/FOCGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Generations'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|DinobotsSet}}
====Platinum Edition====
[[File:Platinum-Edition-G1-Dinobots-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me talk pretty one day!]]
*'''Dinobots''' (Platinum Edition 5-pack, 2015)
**''Accessories'': Two-piece spiked maul

:Part of the ''Generations [[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' Dinobots 5-pack, Grimlock is a redeco and retool of [[Grimlock (AOE)#Voyager Class toys|''Age of Extinction'' Voyager Class Grimlock]], sporting a Generation-1 inspired deco and a head. This release also suffers from a small degree of mold deterioration: the ''T. rex'' heels that connect with his forearms and the shoulders/''T. rex'' upper jaw halves seemed to connect loosely.

:Grimlock was bundled with Slug, Slog, Snarl, and Strafe.

: This set was initially released as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive in Canada in October 2015, followed by Singapore a month later (although it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular store there or not). Much later, it became available via the Australian Toys"R"Us website (but never found in stores). In the United States, it was initally only available online via [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]] before being found at discount chain Ross a year after its intial release in Canada.
{{-}}

====Cyber Series====
[[File:Generations-Cyber-Battalion-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock having identity crisis!]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Cyber Battalion, 2015)
:Part of the new ''Generations'' Cyber Battalion series, this new Voyager-sized mold of Grimlock transforms from robot to dinosaur and back. The figure has a far greater range of articulation than many other Cyber Series figure to date. A small switch on the back of his beast-mode head moves his jaw up and down.

:This version of Grimlock is a unique amalgamation of three versions of the character; the robot mode head, torso, and transformation scheme take cues from [[Grimlock (RID 2015)#Warrior Class|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' Grimlock]], the coloration is borrowed from [[Grimlock (AOE)#Toys|the toys of the live-action movie Grimlock]], lastly the styling and (scientifically outdated) stance of the dinosaur mode resembles the classic G1 Grimlock look.

:Like all of the ''Cyber Series'' figures, Grimlock did not get distribution in the United States, but has been reported showing up in Asian markets and was also solicited to South America. Toy importers did stock this series in a limited capacity and they sold out quickly in 2015 and effectively disappeared at that time.

{{-}}{{anchor|Clobber}}

====Titans Return====
[[File:TitansReturntoy-Clobber.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.77|Now me Grimlock can take any form me want! Tank, dragon, car, me Grimlock do it all!]]
*'''Clobber''' (Titan Master, 2016)
**''Accessories:'' Dragon/bird/gun accessory

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Titan Master]]s, Clobber is a retool of [[Squeezeplay (G1)#Generations|Crashbash]] and transforms from a robot into a head compatible with any Deluxe-or-larger figure in the line. Clobber features a new head piece based on ''Generation 1'' Grimlock's animation model. [[Hasbro]] stated at [[BotCon 2016]] that Clobber ''is'' Grimlock himself, leaving the reasons for his name unclear, but some kind of attempt to avoid confusion with the contemporaneous ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Grimlock (WFC)|character]] seems a likely explanation. Clobber features peg holes in his feet to allow him to stand on a variety of ''Titans Return'' figures, and is packaged with a beast accessory with three modes: a dragon for Clobber to ride, a ''T. rex'' formed by combining with Clobber, or a 5mm-compatible gun for larger figures. His new face piece was molded in black plastic, rather than gunmetal.

:As with Crashbash, Clobber's instructions feature the same error for steps 6(5)-8(7).

:This toy also doubles as the independent ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' character [[Clobber (BW)|Clobber]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/TRClobber/clobber.htm More information on ''Titans Return'' Clobber at TFU.info]''
{{TRCrashbashMold}}
{{-}}

====Power of the Primes====
[[File:PotP Grimlock.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.77|Bandicoots! Me Grimlock can squash Bandicoots.]]
*'''Dinobot Grimlock''' (Voyager Class, 2017)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''PP-15'''
**''Japanese release date'': '''[[2018]]-[[June 30|06-30]]'''
**''Accessories'': 2 Prime Armor/combiner feet, [[Enigma of Combination#Generations|Dinobot Enigma]]
:''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' "Dinobot Grimlock" is a brand new mold which transforms into a very Generation 1-inspired, wide-hipped robotic ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. He can combine with his fellow Dinobots to form [[Volcanicus (Generations)#Toys|Volcanicus]] and can attach any ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]''-style Deluxe Class figure. Like the other Dinobots in this subline, he features translucent plastic with gold paint on the inside to give him a 'layered' look reminiscent of [[#Generation 1|his original toy]]. He also includes two pieces of Prime Armor that each can hold a [[Prime Master#Toys|Prime Master]] (and by extension, an [[Enigma of Combination#Generations|Enigma]] or [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Power of the Primes|Matrix core]]) and attach to his forearms as battle claws. These also double as feet for Volcanicus. Like all the other Voyager Class figures, Grimlock includes an Enigma of Combination (dubbed the ''Dinobot Enigma''), based on a Prime Master, which can attach to him via the previously mentioned Prime Armor. In beast mode, he can carry an Enigma, Matrix core, or Prime Master ''in his mouth'', where Volcanicus's chest would be. If you're particularly creative, you could place a Matrix in his mouth.

:In China, Grimlock was also released along with the other four Deluxe Dinobots as a gift-set, exclusive to Hasbro China's TianMao site.<ref>https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=559183834163&skuId=3853426938808</ref>
{{-}}

====Selects====
[[File:TF-Generations-Selects-Grimlock.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.77|Me Grimlock don't have pesky stickers anymore! Now spend $207 on me Grimlock!]]
*'''Volcanicus''' (Gift set, 2021)
** ''Japanese release date'': '''[[2021]]-[[February|02]]'''
** ''Accessories'': 2 guns, 2 swords, 2 Magma Swords, 2 arm-mounted cannons, twin 'stunner' laser rifle, 2 foot-plates, left & right fists
:''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' Grimlock is a redeco of his earlier ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' [[Grimlock_(G1)/toys#Power_of_the_Primes|self]], but now with a G1 cartoon-inspired deco, which includes his blue visor from said cartoon. He STILL doesn't have his 'Energo' Sword, but he can more than compensate by using the newly-molded guns or even one of the two Magma Swords (based on the one from his ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Grimlock_(G1)/toys#Generations|self]]) that the set comes with.

:Plus, you can make him a flying ''T. rex'' by plugging the Magma Swords onto his dinosaur mode's back.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

===Age of Extinction===
{{anchor|TRUEvolution}}
[[File:AOEtoy-1984Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Me Grimlock feel like me once had [[Mega-Dinobot|bigger purpose in life]]...]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Evolution 2-Pack, 2014)
**'''24 OF 30'''
**''Japanese release date'': '''[[2014]]-[[August 3|08-03]]'''
**''Accessories:'' Sword

: Available only at [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] stores in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, this ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]''-branded two-pack features "1984 Grimlock" in the form of a Generation 1-inspired redeco of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Grimlock (Energon)#Toys|Grimlock]]. The toy is slightly retooled to give it [[5 mm post|5mm ports]] in its hands, allowing it to hold the included redeco of [[Razorclaw (G1)|Generation 1 Razorclaw]]'s sword (not pictured in stock photography). Undocumented in the instructions, he can be combined with ''Energon'' [[Swoop (Energon)#Toys|Swoop]] to form an inter-continuity version of [[Mega-Dinobot]]. As an Evolution 2-Pack, Grimlock was packaged alongside an ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Voyager Class [[Grimlock (AOE)#TRUEvolution|Grimlock]] toy.

: The two-pack was one of the three Evolution 2-packs available as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in Japan, with no changes on the figures with an exception of the packaging, which the front box features Japanese translated versions of the English text, shrunken character renders for both Grimlocks, and a sticker on the back confirming that this was a Japanese release. The sword is also packaged on the center of the bubble, instead of hiding underneath it. This figure was also the first release of the [[Grimlock (Energon)#Toys|''Energon'' Grimlock]] mold in Japan.
{{-}}

===Transformers (2014)===
{{Anchor|SDCCDinobots}}
[[File:TF2014toy-SDCCGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Me Grimlock make the Bayformer style look ''good''!]]
*'''Dinobots Generation One 4-pack''' (Voyager, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Mace head, mace shaft

:Available only as part of the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] [[exclusive]] "Dinobots Generation One 4-pack" that was first made available at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] [[2014]], Grimlock is a redeco of the ''Age of Extinction'' Voyager Grimlock figure, and features heavy use of vacuum metalization, transparent plastic and paint applications to recreate the look of the Generation 1 Grimlock toy. He retains the mace accessory, and its head, or the entire weapon, can be attached to Grimlock's dinosaur mode tail. Grimlock was packaged with [[Swoop (G1)#SDCCDinobots|Strafe]], [[Snarl (G1)#SDCCDinobots|Snarl]], and [[Slag (G1)#SDCCDinobots|Slug]], and their box unfolds into a diorama of the crashed [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] in [[Mount St. Hilary]].
{{-}}

{{Anchor|LegionClass}}
[[File:TF2014toy-LegionGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Me Grimlock get ''bad'' [[Beast (G1)|feelings]] about combining...]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Legion, 2014)

:Part of the Generation 1-inspired 2014 Legion Class assortment, Grimlock is a redeco of ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' ''[[Beast Hunters (toyline)|Beast Hunters]]'' [[Rippersnapper (Prime)|Rippersnapper]], and transforms into a vaguely shark-like dragon, although his package art, recolored from the [[:File:MTMTE8 cvrRI.jpg|RI cover]] of [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|''More than Meets the Eye'' #8]], and the Hasbro website product description would have you believe that it's a mechanical ''T. rex''. Being the sixth use of the sculpt, it's starting to show instances of [[Mold#Deterioration|mold deterioration]], as several sections (such as the tabs that hold the robot mode torso together, or the parts of the beast mode neck formed by the robot mode feet) don't fit properly anymore.

:In the United States, Grimlock has thus far been found at Big Lots and Family Dollar stores. In Australia and Europe, he is available at general retail again, just like the previous [[wave]] of Legion Class figures. In 2015, he was re-released in redesigned packaging now resembling the currently released ''Combiner Wars''-era ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]''' packaging template, but replacing the name ''Generations'' with "Authentic Transformers".

:The [[stock photography|stock photo]] on the back of the packaging depicts him with ''Beast Hunters'' Cyberverse Commander Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#BHCyberverse|Optimus Prime]]'s sword, which is also listed as an accessory in the Hasbro website product listing for this toy. The actual toy doesn't include a weapon. Furthermore, the [[instructions]] printed on the back of the packaging of the 2014 release are completely inaccurate, as they are for an [[Grimlock (AOE)#WalmartENmold|entirely different "Grimlock" toy]]! (This was fixed for the 2015 release.) Even if the instructions ''had'' been accurate, they probably wouldn't have mentioned that Grimlock can also form a leg of [[Abominus (Prime)#Beast Hunters|Abominus]] (or a combiner of his redecoes).
{{PrimeRippersnapperMold}}
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|GrimlockUnleashed}}
[[File:Kre-o-grimlock-unleashed-kreon-and-dino-grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*'''Grimlock Unleashed''' (2014)
**''Set number'': '''A8600'''
**''Pieces'': '''333'''
**''Kreons'': [[Bumblebee (Movie)#Grimlock Unleashed|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Grimlock Unleashed|Galvatron]], Grimlock, [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Grimlock Unleashed|Lockdown]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)#Grimlock Unleashed|Optimus Prime]]
**''Accessories'': Sword, crown

:Available only in the "Grimlock Unleashed" set, both the buildable Grimlock and the Grimlock Kreon are based on the Generation One looks of the character, despite the other Kreons on the set being based on their Age of Extinction versions. The Kreon comes with his Energo-Sword and two optional helmets, a Sideswipe-style one and a crown based on the time Grimlock led the Autobots. Unlike other Kreons, Grimlock has his faceplate printed on the figure face instead of added by the helmet.

:It is incredibly poseable and well-built by Kre-O standards.

: This set popped up at ToysЯUs a few short weeks after the initial product without any advance warning... and retailed for a mere $25, despite the size of the set.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Kre-OGUGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Grimlock Unleashed Grimlock at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2015}}
*'''Kreon Class of 1985''' (Kreon figure set, [[2015]])
**''Set number'': '''B5152'''
**''Voted'': Me Best Looking
**''Accessories'': Sword

:[[Kreon Class of '85]] Grimlock's deco is extra-detailed, even above the amount of the first figure. Like the rest of the set, he uses the almost-totally-[[retool]]ed 2015 style of Kreon body.

:This box set of thirty Kreons was a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2015 [[exclusive]], with leftovers being sold on [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online after the show.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChanger}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changers-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Time to play some foosball again.]]
* '''Grimlock''' (Battle Changers, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0718'''
**''Pieces'': '''82'''
**''Accessories'': Energon-Sword

:Part of the new Battle Changers series, Battle Changers Grimlock transforms from a really badly-proportioned ''T. rex'' into a robot and back without removing any parts! His appearance is reminiscent of his Generation 1 counterpart, while the deco is based on his ''Age of Extinction'' counterpart's toys. Like all of the Battle Changers, Grimlock uses a new hip piece using larger balljoints than the normal Kreons. He also comes with a weapon that, once stickers are applied, resembles the sword used by ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], and can be wielded by his C-joint hands.

:All of the 2015 ''Transformers [[Kre-O]]'' product was skipped by retailers in the US (at first), seeing release in Canada, Australia and various Asian markets. In late 2015, much of the line was finally released at discount in the US through TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores, including this set.

{{-}}

===Hero Mashers===
[[File:HM-toy Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Me Grimlock no need robot mode! Me Grimlock king!]]
* '''Electronic Grimlock''' (Electronic Action, 2014)
**''Pieces'': '''18'''
**''Accessories'': Twin-cannon, left & right missile launchers, 2 missiles, left & right gun-pods, large rifle, flame-blast

: Part of the first (and only) wave of Electronic Action ''[[Hero Mashers]]'' toys, Grimlock is a non-transforming is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints... and considerably larger than any other figure in the line at that. His design is based on his ''Age of Extinction'' counterpart, but also takes some cues and the coloration from the Generation 1 version of the character. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount any ''Hero Mashers'' accessory.

: He is designed with a removable head, forelimbs, thighs, lower legs, and tail, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any other ''Hero Mashers'' figure... which includes figures from [[Marvel Comics]], ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'', and ''[[Jurassic Park|Jurassic World]]'', meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

: His large size is augmented by a large number of accessories and gimmicks. The signature electronic aspect is a light-up mouth, used to illuminate his "flame blast" accessory, or any other transparent accessory you care to stuff into his gaping maw. He also comes with two spring-loaded missile launchers.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/HMGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Hero Mashers'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Legends===
{{anchor|HeadmasterSet}}
[[File:TF-Legends-LG-EX-Headmaster-Set-Grimlock.jpg|thumb|WHERE IS CLOB...no, WHERE ME GRIMLOCK'S BODY GO?]]
*'''Headmaster Set''' ([[2017]]-[[February 19|02-19]])
**''ID Number'': '''LG-EX'''

:Released as a Wonder Festival 2017 exclusive, this Grimlock is a redeco of the ''Titans Return'' [[#Clobber|Clobber]] head, featuring plastic color changes and extensive paint apps to resemble his appearance in the cartoon.

:Grimlock is released along with "[[Stylor#Legends|Chromedome]]", [[Brawn (G1)/toys#Legends|Gong]], "[[Duros#Legends|Hardhead]]", [[Flywheels#Legends|Flywheel]], and "[[Arcana#Legends|Brainstorm]]".

{{TRCrashbashMold}}

{{-}}

===Authentics===
[[File:Authentics_7inch_Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|{{w|Jurassic World|"She is learning where she fits on the food chain, and I'm not sure you want her to figure that out."}}]]
*'''Dinobot Grimlock''' (7 inch, 2018)
:''[[Transformers Authentics|Authentics]]'' "Dinobot Grimlock" is an all-new Voyager-sized toy based on his [[evergreen]] design. He transforms into a robotic ''T. rex'' in just seven steps. His "wings" and dinosaur head come detached in the packaging.

{{-}}{{anchor|5 inch}}
[[File:TF-Authentics-5-Inch-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock's arms are flatter than a pancake!]]
*'''Dinobot Grimlock''' (5 inch, 2018)
:This new mold of Grimlock is basically a downscaled version of the 7-inch figure to the size of a Commander/Legends/Scout Class toy, and his ''T. rex'' arms are permanently molded on his "wings"/dinosaur body. Grimlock's dinosaur head comes detached in the packaging. While the neck is painted gold unlike the 7-inch figure, the paint operations on Grimlock's robot torso, the robot legs, and the ''T. rex'' toes are omitted.

:This Grimlock was first found at Australian shops. He was also available at some Malaysian Family Mart shops.
{{-}}{{anchor|Titan Changer}}
*'''Grimlock''' (Titan Changer, 2020)

:This Grimlock is an all-new mold that scales with the rest of the Titan Hero/Guardian/Changer figures, utilizing a different transformation scheme compared to his previous Authentics figures.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Grimlock''' (Decoy, 1986)
**''Decoy ID number:''

: Coming packaged at random on carded ''Transformers toys'' during 1986, [[Decoy]] Grimlock is a red soft-rubber figure depicting him in his robot mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Grimlock/grimlock.htm More information on Decoy Grimlock at TFU.info]''

===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:SCF Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Me Grimlock see dead people.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (March 2001)
**''Act'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Brainwave Transfer Device, stand

:A three-inch-tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Grimlock's dinosaur mode was available in the second wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full-color figure and a clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

: He comes with the [[Brainwave Transfer Device]]<ref>Unnamed here, but later called as such on Takara's ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Grimlock figure.</ref> seen in the cartoon episode "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]", which... ''can'' sit on his head, but it's not a great fit and falls off at the slightest provocation, especially if you keep the hose attached. Speaking of, in the color version of the figure, the post on top of the helmet may be painted over, making it too thick to fit into the ''very'' small hole in the hose.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Cybertron/ClearGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on clear Grimlock at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|SCFchase}}
*'''Grimlock''' (September 2001)
**''Act'': '''4'''
**''Accessories'': Brainwave Transfer Device, stand

:The original Grimlock PVC was re-released in a solid metallic color for the fourth act of the "Super Collection Figure" series, available only as a rare "[[chase figure|Secret Figure]]", packed at a ''presumed'' ratio of one in every ten cases. (This ratio was given for Secret Figures in later Acts, and it seems unlikely it would change.)

:It is unknown if he replaced a random figure in the lucky case, or was a consistent replacement for a specific one.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Cybertron/ClearGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on clear Grimlock at TFU.info]''

===Heroes of Cybertron===
[[File:HOC Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Me Grimlock join Mechs Without Hats.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (2003)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'', this version of the ''Super Collection Figure'' Grimlock mold was cast in translucent blue plastic and painted over, leaving his eyes and a stripe on the top of his head unpainted to attempt a [[light-piping]] gimmick. This version lacks the Brainwave Transfer Device from the Japanese release, which, let's be honest, was probably for the best.

: This toy was sold on a blister card rather than blindpacked, and a collector card of the character was included instead of the stand.

{{-}}

===Hard Hero===
[[File:HardHero Grimlock bust.JPG|upright=1.2|thumb|'''ME GRIMLOCK DEMAND TO KNOW WHERE ME GRIMLOCK'S LEGS ARE!''']]
*'''Grimlock''' (2003)

: [[Hard Hero]]'s Grimlock is a 6.5 inches tall cold-cast porcelain bust, sculpted after his cartoon appearance (complete with blue eyes) and holding a white energo-sword in his right hand. The bust was limited to 2500 pieces, with an additional 100 being specially signed by sculptor [[Jason Ray]]. Grimlock was number 9 in Hard Hero's main series of ''Transformers'' busts.

{{-}}

===MyClone===
*'''Grimlock''' (Takara, 2003)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MTF015'''
** ''Accessories:'' Grey display stand

:Released in the second wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this [[super deformed]] Grimlock comes with a hexagonal grey display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other ''MyClone'' figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other ''MyClone'' figure, though he stands out as rather unique about the Transformers MyClones, as he's the only one in alternate mode.
{{-}}
===Generation 1 Figure-Collection===

[[File:Bottlecap grimlock.JPG|thumb|Me Grimlock in black-and-white movie...me feel like [[Godzilla]]!]]

*'''Grimlock''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-5'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:At only one inch in height, this Grimlock "bottlecap" figurine (so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap) was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers [[Generation 1 Figure-Collection]]. The figure was rendered in a "retro" black and white color scheme, and came with a leaflet, personalized with cartoon screen captures.
::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Generation 1 collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[File:Titanium RM Grimlock.jpg|125px|thumb|Me Grimlock say boogie down!!]]
*'''Grimlock''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, sword, Autobot stand

: ''[[Titanium Series]]'' Grimlock is a non-transforming, three inch die-cast metal figurine based on his toy and comic/cartoon model. He has very limited articulation, in his neck, waist and shoulders. Grimlock is posed squatting and/or dancing.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Titanium'' Robot Masters Grimlock at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
*'''Grimlock''' (Booster, 2007)

[[File:Attacktix Grimlock.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Me Grimlock can't move. [[The Last Stand|Seem]] [[Blast from the Past|to]] [[Spotlight: Shockwave|happen]] [[Still Life!|a lot]].]]
:Attacktix Grimlock is depicted in his ''Tyrannosarus'' mode, and has a sculpt based heavily upon his original G1 toy. Pressing down on his back will cause his head to extend and presumably hit whatever he's facing.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{-}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
* '''Grimlock''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

[[File:Grimlock Mini-bust.jpg|thumb|When me Grimlock get legs back, you in ''BIG TROUBLE!'']]
: A mini-bust of Grimlock based on his appearance in the cartoon was released by Diamond Select in 2007. The figure includes the upper body of Grimlock, wielding his energo-sword, acting as if rushing into the battlefield. There is the head of his beast mode sculpted into the base of the statue.

{{-}}

* '''War Within Grimlock''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

[[File:Grimlock sdcc.jpg|thumb|Me Grimlock say no fun to be exclusive all of time.]]
: War Within Grimlock was an Action Figure Xpress exclusive at the 2007 [[San Diego Comic-Con]]. He was sculpted by Chris Lee of Art Asylum and limited to 600 pieces. The sculpt features Grimlock holding his flaming sword. The front of his vehicle mode is sculpted onto the base of the bust.

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
*'''Grimlock Vs Shockwave''' (Two Pack, 2007)

[[File:G1 RobotHeroes ShockwaveVsGrimlock.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Me Gwimwock no cutie, me king!]]
: Packed with [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]], ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Grimlock is a detailed two-inch tall soft-plastic figurine with exaggerated, cartoonish proportions and an amusing "raised eyebrow" look on his face. He is sculpted holding his sword in his right hand. He has swivel joints at his shoulders and neck. He brings cuddly wuddly death.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/RHGrimlock/grimlock.htm More information on ''Robot Heroes'' Grimlock at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[File:3DBattleCard Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A head to match his ego.]]
*'''Grimlock''' (2007)

: A 48-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Grimlock "transforms" into a gray vague approximation of a ''T. rex''. He uses the same parts layout as [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]] and [[Cruellock]].

{{-}}
===Mighty Muggs===
[[File:MightyMuggs Grimlock.jpg|thumb|Me Grimlock am huuge hit with lady-bots!]]
*'''Grimlock''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Energo-sword

: This [[super deformed]], non-transformable PVC figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in Grimlock's neck and arms. He comes with a similarly super-deformed version of his trademark energo-sword.
{{-}}

{{anchor|2018mightymugg}}
[[File:MightyMuggs 2018 Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.55|Me Grimlock not appreciate recurring head trauma.]]
*'''Grimlock''' ([[2019]])

: Influenced by his [[evergreen]] design, this new Grimlock is part of the second wave of the line's 2018 relaunch. Gently push his precious little head to access one of three different faces: irritable, impatient, and incensed.
{{-}}

===Titan Warriors===
*'''Titan Warrior 5-Pack''' (2013)
:Available at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2013, this Grimlock is a 6" PVC [[Titan Heroes|Titan Warrior]] figure (similar to Bandai's ''Ultra/Sentai/Rider Hero, Movie Monster Series'') with articulated arms. He was packed with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Titan Warriors|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#Titan Warriors|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/merchandise#Titan Warriors|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/merchandise#Titan Warriors|Soundwave]]. Unlike the other four, Grimlock never received an individual release.

{{-}}
===EX Gōkin===
*'''Grimlock''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two fists, two open hands, two gripping hands, energo-sword, stunner laser, galaxial rocket launcher, alternate head, display stand

: A 7-inch tall non-transforming Grimlock action figure was produced by [[Art Storm]] as part of their ''EX Gōkin Transformers Series'' line. He comes with a number of extra hands as well as the energo-sword, double-barreled rifle and (non-firing) rocket launcher of the original toy. While his mold and paint details are heavily based on the original Generation 1 Grimlock toy, his proportions are cartoon-based and he includes an alternate blue-eyed headsculpt based on his [[:File:Grimhead.JPG|early cartoon head]].

::*''[http://artstorm.co.jp/exgokin_transformersseries_grimlock.html More information on ''EX Gōkin'' Grimlock at Art Storm's official site]''

{{-}}

===Thrilling 30===
*'''Grimlock''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #19'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Grimlock was released among the blindpacked [[Thrilling 30#Collectible Figurines|''Thrilling 30'' Collectible Figurines]] by [[Goldie Marketing]]. He comes with a base to help him stand, a collector's card that doubles as a puzzle piece, and a checklist.

*'''Collectible Figurines''' (5-pack, 2014)
**''Series:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' 5 collector's bases
:The same Grimlock figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Thrilling 30|Shockwave]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Rodimus]].

{{-}}

===Tiny Titans===
[[File:TinyTitans-Series6-Grimlock.jpg|right|thumb|Me Grimlock say don't eat yellow lightsaber!]]
*'''Grimlock''' (Tiny Titans, 2016)
**''Series'': '''6'''
**''Number'': '''10/12'''

: Part of the sixth and final assortment of ''[[Tiny Titans]]'' [[blindpacking|blindpacks]], this version of Grimlock is a very small, soft-plastic figure of him in robot mode.

: He includes a collectible card that renders him in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'']] styling. The card includes a scan-badge for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]], which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.
{{-}}

===Magic: The Gathering===
[[File:MTG-Grimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Tap for mana?" Me Grimlock no just tap, me smash!]]
*'''Grimlock, Dinobot Leader / Grimlock, Ferocious King''' (Hasbro and [[Wizards of the Coast|Wizards]], 2017)
: A [[HasCon 2017]] exclusive, this trading card was released as part of the "2017 ''Magic: The Gathering'' HasCon Collection" three-card promo set, alongside "[[Nerf]] War" and "Sword of Dungeons & Dragons" cards. The card is reversible, depicting Grimlock in robot mode on one side ("Dinobot Leader") and his alternate mode on the other ("Ferocious King"), with each side having different stats and abilities. Each side of the card's flavor text features a different Grimlock quote: one from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', and one from "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]". The card bears a silver border, indicating it is illegal to use in official ''Magic'' tournament play.

{{-}}
===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W1Grimlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Grimlock, Dinobot Leader''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T21/T40'''
**''Stars: ''10
:'''Grimlock, Dinobot Leader''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The artwork on the card is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile card game.
{{-}}
[[File:W2Grimlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Grimlock, Powerful Commander''' (2019)
**'''Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T27/T46'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Grimlock, Powerful Commander was released as part of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]] Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners. Like all other members of [[combiner]] teams released in the set, Grimlock, Powerful Commander is a folding card, with the Bot and Alt modes being depicted when the card is folded in half, and a holofoil portion of the the combined mode depicted when unfolded. The reverse of Grimlock, Powerful Commander depicts [[Volcanicus (Generations)|Volcanicus']] head and torso, which is formed by Grimlock in the artwork.

:The artwork for Bot and Alt Mode is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile game.

:Grimlock, Powerful Commander can be used to form Volcanicus, Fiery Champion with the use of the Action card [[Enigma of Combination|Dinobot Enigma]] while he and the other Wave 2 Dinobots are in Bot mode on the battlefield or KO area.

{{-}}
[[File:W5Clobber.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Clobber''' (2020)
**'''Wave 5: Titan Masters Attack'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T15/T46'''
**''Stars: ''4

:This card's set was originally set for an April 2020 release, however due to the global COVID-19 pandemic the release was pushed back to May 29, 2020.
{{-}}

===ReAction Figures===
[[File:TF-Super-7-ReAction-Figures-Grimlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Grimlock''' (2020)
**''Accessories'' Energo Sword, Twin Laser Rifle

:Released as part of [[Super7]]'s ReAction Figure line, this Grimlock is a non-transforming 3 3/4 inch toy that features a rather limited articulation akin to the vintage action figures from Kenner. Grimlock also comes with his signature accessories.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:DiacloneGrimlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Me Diaclone Grimlock...kinda boring.]]
[[File:Grimlock Natural History Museum.JPG|upright=1.3|thumb|Me Grimlock '''BIG''' person, so they put Grimlock's statue in Natural History Museum!]]
[[File:G2GrimlockArtwork.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Heavy Metal Greymon.]]
* Grimlock was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Dinosaur Robo Tyrannosaurus". The only differences between this incarnation and the ''Transformers'' release is that the ''Diaclone'' version has a silver-chromed sword and a blue crotch piece rather than red, as well as coming with a green-and-black Diaclone pilot figure.
* The original ''Diaclone'' commercial for the mold that became Grimlock showed him spewing fire from his mouth. So much for truth in advertising!
* There is a Grimlock toy placed in the showcase in the dinosaur section of the {{w|Natural History Museum}} in [[London]], [[United Kingdom]]; oddly, this doesn't make him the [[Slag (G1)|only one]].
* Grimlock's function is [[Lieutenant Commander]] instead of Dinobot Commander on his Pretender Classic and Alternator toys. Lieutenant Commander is [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]'s rank. Deal with it, egobot.
* Despite being released in three different color schemes during the ''Generation 2'' toyline, a piece of recolored card artwork—seemingly from the collection of a former [[Hasbro]] employee—has surfaced on [[eBay]] (alongside recolored artwork of [[:File:G2SwoopArtwork.jpg|Swoop]] and [[:File:G2SludgeBoxart.jpg|Sludge]]), showing what may have been an intended fourth version of the Grimlock toy for that line. Being bright yellow with teal stripes, it certainly ''looks'' very [[neon|'90s]].
* [[T-Wrecks]] may have been intended to be a new form for Grimlock, based on the references in his tech spec bio to his ''Beast Wars'' "Attack Specialist" function and other hints. However, T-Wrecks' appearances in the [[3H Productions]] ''[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|Universe: The Wreckers]]'' comics suggest he is a new, unrelated character.
* A working name for the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' Ford Mustang mold which ultimately ended up as Grimlock was "[[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]]", according to various early store listings.
* The [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] toy released in the [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'' toyline]] was originally created by [[Hasbro]] for release as a special new-mold addition for the [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|2003 ''Universe'' toyline]], and was intended to represent Generation 1 Grimlock. However, it wasn't and it didn't for the combination of budgetary concerns and keeping the combination gimmick (since he combines with the packed-in [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]] to form "[[Mega-Dinobot]]") only in the ''Energon'' toyline, which had combination as a central theme.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Maximals]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Dinobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Hero Mashers Autobots]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Power of the Primes Autobots]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titan Masters]]
[[Category:Titans Return Autobots]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]

Information creep

2020-01-24T18:03:32Z

Arsnof: /* 2005 IDW continuity */ Clarifying whose identity was forgotten

{{disambig2|the condition that affects Transformers|[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'s piece of experimental theatre named after it|Information Creep}}
:''Information creep is an illness from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

'''Information creep''' is a malady that afflicts robotic lifeforms: i.e. [[Transformer]]s. It consists of the corruption of data in the [[Brain module]] that results in memories being subconsciously (or rather, unconsciously) re-interpreted.

{{quote|On '''[[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]''' we called it '''blurred data'''. [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] says—and I love this—she says with blurred data, '''you have to squint to see it.'''|[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], "[[Twenty Plus One]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
In the earliest days of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Adaptus]] proposed invading alien planets so that the crucible of conflict would force the Cybertronian race to evolve into something stronger. Cast out by the rest of the [[Guiding Hand]] for his ideas, Adaptus fled to [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] where he blasted the planet with an electromagnetic weapon, wiping the memories of the population and creating what would become known as "information creep". Having absorbed the brunt of the blast, [[Rung (G1)|Primus]] not only forgot his own identity but became compulsively forgettable by everyone. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

Under undivulged circumstances, Primus – or Rung as he now called himself – rediscovered his ability to produce [[photonic crystal]]s, manufacturing them at [[Nova Prime]]'s order, before the [[expansion]] was halted and Rung once again forgot his talent. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}}

While rummaging around in [[Overlord (Masterforce)#2005 IDW continuity|Overlord]]'s brain, [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] commented that Overlord was showing signs of ''eidetic decay'', or ''memory fatigue'': in Overlord's memory of a crowd during a gladiatorial battle, most of the crowd was the same color, and one out of every three or four faces was missing. He estimated that level of imperfect recall meant Overlord was about 4.2 million years old. Chromedome doesn't refer to this process as "information creep", but since it involves the gradual corruption and loss of old memories, it's possible that memory fatigue or eidetic decay are the same or related to information creep. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Following the disappearance of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and the necessity of 20 'bots cramming into the [[Rodpod]], they began talking amongst themselves. During one of the conversations, [[Ammo]], [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]], and [[Getaway]] told [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] about the "Ten-Step Program" that MTOs had to pass in order to be declared "world-ready" (which Riptide hated), [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] weighed in with anecdotal info about the high percentage of MTOs who claimed to have had mystical experiences, which he claimed were neurological hallucinations that were a product of their virtually-newborn senses. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] took offense, pointing out that faith wasn't a new idea, but Skids countered that with a brief lecture on a condition known to affect long-lived robotic lifeforms known as "information creep"—over a long period of time, the corruption of brain data results in memories being unconsciously reinterpreted. Nautica was familiar with the condition, which was known on [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] as "blurred data". {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

During a conversation on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] cited information creep to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] as the reason why present day Transformers were unable to remember "legendary" figures from their past like the [[Guiding Hand]], despite having been alive during that era. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

While on [[Necroworld]], Rung revealed to [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] that he was so old that information creep had caused him to forget much of his past, including his ability to forge photonic crystals. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} Adaptus later identifying Rung and Tyrest as the new identities of Primus and [[Solomus]] caused their ancient memories to be restored. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The phenomena of information creep had distorted the memories of the [[Unicron War]] causing some to doubt that [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] had ever even existed. [[Deluge (G2)|Deluge]] was spared this and educated [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] about information creep. {{storylink|The Inexorable March}}

==Notes==
*In real life, human beings are subject to "memory errors", which includes memory loss, remembering events that never occurred, or remembering them differently from the way they had actually transpired. They can happen for a myriad of differing reasons, including emotions/stress level during the particular situation, expectations, and changes to environment. This sounds much like "information creep" in robotic lifeforms.
*"Information creep" is a term used by Wikipedia to describe the slow feed of information into an article that winds up shifting its perspective and/or readability over time.
*The concept of Cybertronians losing their memories of their pasts as a result of their brain compartmentalizing and suppressing older data was also a plot point in ''[[Transformers: Retribution]]''.

==External links==
*{{w|Memory errors}} at Wikipedia

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising]]
[[Category:IDW (2005)]]

Punch (G1)

2020-01-07T23:46:44Z

Arsnof: /* Foreign names */

{{factions|autobot|decepticon|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Punch}}
:''Counterpunch is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. His [[Autobot]] counterpart, Punch, is nearby. Real nearby.''
[[File:G1 PunchCounterpunch art.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|He takes his energon shaken, AND stirred.]]
'''Punch''' (aka '''Nightbeat'''<ref name="nightbeat">The ''[[Kre-O]]'' line featured a [[Kreon]] [[Micro-Changer]] figure that was sold under the name "Nightbeat", but was very clearly designed to represent Punch, rather than the ''actual'' character named [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] who is ''not'' the same guy.</ref>) possesses a unique transformation ability that allows him to adopt a second robot mode—posing as a Decepticon named '''Counterpunch''' to spy on the 'Cons as a double agent.

On the surface, Punch is a stoic individual that can take charge and keep others calm in a crisis. However, this is an act that hides how paranoid he's become. His responsibilities as a spy, in addition to the things he's seen among the Decepticons, have made him a mess internally. Punch's entire personality changes when he becomes Counterpunch—although still loyal to the Autobots, Counterpunch is a violent brute that even Decepticons prefer to avoid. More recently Punch has suffered blackouts while disguised, the invented Counterpunch personality taking on a life of its own.<ref>Dreamwave [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'' #5]]</ref> Punch is suspicious of all those around him, fearing that there could be a double agent among the Autobots operating as easily as he does among the Decepticons.

Punch is armed with a twin mortar launcher. Counterpunch wields a photon cannon which fires a circuit-scrambling energy stream. All Autobots are given an energy damper that protects them from the gun's effects but generates pyrotechnics to keep Punch's cover.

In one universe, Punch gives in completely to his Counterpunch persona and combines with the [[Wrecker]]s to form [[Wreckage (G1)|Wreckage]].

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[John Moschitta]] (English), [[Katsuhisa Hōki]] (Japanese)|[[Hans-Rainer Müller]] (German, ''The Rebirth, Part 1'')}}
[[File:Rebirth punch and counterpunch.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"You're all of you quite out of your depth!"]]
In [[2007]], when the Decepticons attacked [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] after the end of a [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2|short-lived truce]], Punch observed [[Pounce]] and [[Wingspan]] breaking into the city while the other Autobots were occupied with the battle. Seeking to discover their objective, he transformed into Counterpunch and caught up to them when they were breaking into a vault within the city. Informing them that [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] had told him to check up on them, Counterpunch's offer of help was rebuffed by the two clones, and Counterpunch departed, making a big noise about how he had heard his "Autobot counterpart" was "nearby... real nearby."

[[File:TheRebirth pt1 Punch FAILS.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Look I found James Bond! Punch him!]]
Naturally, Counterpunch promptly transformed back to Punch as soon as he had stepped out of the clones' line of sight, and opened fire on them from behind. Wingspan was able to get behind Punch and grabbed him, holding him so that Pounce could savage him in puma mode. Punch collapsed, and the two clones made off with the contents of the vault – the [[key to the Plasma Energy Chamber|key]] to the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] soon discovered Punch's unconscious body and roused him, but Punch could only silently point to the empty vault, confirming Prime's worst fear.

Punch was subsequently part of an Autobot contingent led by Prime who pursued the Decepticons to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. At Prime's order, Punch, [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]] and [[Fastlane]] began searching the planet for the key, but unbeknownst to them, it had already been been used to briefly open the Plasma Energy Chamber. The resulting energy discharge blasted a group of Autobots led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] across the galaxy to the planet [[Nebulos]], and the key with them. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} Punch and the Autobot clones soon reported back to Prime that there was no sign of Kup's team or the key, prompting Prime to consult [[Vector Sigma]] for answers. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}
{{-}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Masaharu Satō]] (Japanese)|[[John Culkin]] (English, Omni Productions dub)}}

[[File:Headmasters cartoon punch.jpg|left|thumb|Queens up front.]]
By [[2011]], Punch was installed within the Decepticon ranks as Counterpunch and serving as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s closely-trusted informant. Among the true information Counterpunch fed the Decepticon leader in order to maintain his cover were details of the movements of the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] when they attempted an impassioned attack on [[Chaar]] after the destruction of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. Using the information, Scorponok repelled their attack, much to the chagrin of [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]], who was particularly infuriated that Counterpunch had "somehow" turned up information that his own spying had failed to. Soon thereafter, Punch returned to the Autobot base on [[Athenia]], and informed Autobot [[Supreme Commander]] [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] that Scorponok was about to hold a ceremony on [[Earth]]'s [[moon (moon)|moon]] to coronate himself emperor of the Decepticons. During the ceremony, Galvatron returned from his prior apparent demise, and retook leadership of the Decepticons from Scorponok. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}

When both the Autobots and Decepticons received an SOS signal from the energy-deprived planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]], Fortress was unsure how to proceed. Punch arrived to with information to help him come to a decision, as he let him know that the Decepticons had chosen to ignore the signal. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

[[File:Headmasters cartoon counterpunch.jpg|225px|thumb|Brooklyn's in the back.]]
Later, Punch informed the Autobots on Athenia of the arrival of the newest Decepticon warriors, the [[Horrorcon]]s, on Chaar. Not long after, when Galvatron departed for Earth to conduct potential peace talks with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], Punch soon received a nasty surprise when he discovered that Spike was actually debating with a disguised [[Sixshot]], and that the true Galvatron was still on Chaar, preparing to lead the Decepticons on an interplanetary energy raid while the Autobots were distracted. Punch snuck away from the crowd to radio the Autobots on Athenia and clue them in, but unfortunately, even with Punch's inside information, the Autobots were unable to stop the Decepticons from departing on their mission of evil. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

As Counterpunch, Punch stayed with the Decepticons as they hopped from planet to planet. He met up with his Autobot comrades again when the Decepticons set down on the planet [[Daros]], informing them that Scorponok had sent the Decepticon Headmasters to kill a local [[Beastformer]] that knew of the location of Scorponok's secret weak spot. Punch informed the Autobot Headmasters that he believed the Beastformer, [[Tekna]], to be hiding in the [[South-North Caves]], and [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] set off to search for him. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}}

[[File:Punch sneakity sneak.jpg|left|thumb|Turn around! Your cover's blown!]]
Eventually, the Decepticons returned to Chaar with a huge stockpile of [[energon cube]]s, and it was Punch's duty to find out what Galvatron's master plan for the amassed energy was. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} Punch had little luck at first, bluffing his way through a carelessly-worded conversation with Galvatron and failing to learn anything more about the Decepticon leader's plan, other than that he was about to depart for Earth. Despite his lack of information, Punch raced to Earth to report his finding to Fortress with such speed that he almost forgot to transform out of his Counterpunch form before entering Autobot City. Completing his report, he then headed for the Decepticons' Earth base, in hopes of listening in on the schemes Galvatron was cooking up there. Again, he bumbled his way through an altercation with Scourge, claiming that he had been kneeling by a door because he had dropped something and quickly crawling off around a corner in search of this phantom object. He even considered switching out of his Counterpunch disguise, before he realized how foolish he was being. Finally, Punch found success with the time-honored tradition of listening through an air-vent, and discovered that Galvatron's master plan was to use the energy to fuse himself with the Earth itself. In the course of the conversation, Galvatron revealed that his head was his weakest point, and Punch quickly returned to Autobot City to reveal all he had discovered to Fortress. Fortress flew Punch to Alaska, where a battle was currently raging between Galvatron and the Autobot Headmasters, and Punch called out to inform them of Galvatron's weak spot. Enraged to discover that Punch was a spy, Galvatron soon found insult added to injury, as the Headmasters used Punch's information to finally defeat him and entomb him beneath the polar ice. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[File:Punch and fortress.jpg|thumb|He's been caught red-handed!]]
With the demise of Galvatron, Scorponok once again seized Decepticon leadership, a fact which Punch quickly passed along to the other Autobots. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} When Scorponok took the Decepticons back to planet Master, Punch, as Counterpunch, went with them, then returned to Earth after Scorponok successfully forged his [[Zarak Shield]]. Setting down in the [[Strait of Gibraltar]], Scorponok instructed Counterpunch to observe the Autobots movements for him. Counterpunch leapt from Scorponok to the shore, but before he could even turn around, Scorponok had vanished beneath the waves, leaving Punch unable to inform Fortress of the evil emperor's whereabouts. Punch vowed to locate Scorponok for his commander. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Little could Punch have known that Scorponok was operating out of the sub-oceanic ruins of [[Lemuria (myth)|Lemuria]], and was using the sunken continent's [[crysmagnetal]] to forge "[[Death Tower]]s" that would rip the Earth apart. Punch soon discovered that Scorponok was planning to outfit the Death Towers with energy induction boosters that would magnify their destructive effects, and informed Fortress and the Autobots that the villain was on his way to [[Egypt]] to do so with the Death Tower there. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

====''Unite Warriors''====
Punch and his comrades' involvement in Galvatron's defeat and icy entombment was recounted. {{storylink|Grand Galvatron Chapter}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' manga====
Years later, Punch was among the Autobots on Athenia when the Autobot [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] was brought to the planet so that Fortress could pass the mantle of Supreme Commander on to him. Unfortunately, this led to an attack by the Decepticons under the command of [[Devil Z]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====''Regeneration One''====
[[File:Punch scorponok grimlock natural selection.jpg|thumb|left|275px|"C'mon, Grimlock! I'm still waiting for my [[Legacy of Rust|series]] to come out!"]]
After more than twenty years of peace between the Cybertronian factions, the restored [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] invaded Cybertron and began an assault against the Autobots by manipulating their [[CNA]] with a device he dubbed the [[Gene Key]]. He found Punch to be curiously immune to the key's personality-warping effects. Deeming therefore, that the Autobot was superfluous to his plan, Scorponok ordered [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] to execute him. Grimlock however, was not able to go through with the deed. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part Three}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers '84''====
Intensely loyal to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], Punch was the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]'s premier spy. As Cybertron, shaken loose from its orbit by the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], sailed into the path of an asteroid field, Optimus commissioned the starship [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to clear a path through the rocks, ordering Punch to allow [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] to become aware of this development. At [[Castle Decepticon]], in his Decepticon disguise "Counterpunch", Punch reported this to the tyrant, who'd already known about it thanks to [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]], before he met Optimus in the [[Badlands (Cybertron)|Badlands]] and informed him of the mission's success. Punch then queried about the purpose of his mission, noting that it seemed as though Optimus wanted the Ark to be attacked. Wearily, Prime revealed that was his intent. With so many of the Autobots' most elite troops aboard one ship, the Decepticons would strike, whereupon Optimus intended to crash the warship on some distant world, hoping that by removing the Decepticon elite, the Autobots remaining on Cybertron would have a fighting chance. Before Optimus left, he issued Punch a final command: Ensure, no matter what, that the Ark would ''never'' be found.

Four million years later, in [[1017]], Counterpunch was part of a Decepticon scouting party that was following the Autobot rescue ship ''[[Mantlo]]'' for clues on the Ark. When on [[Earth]], [[Wingspan]] located the Ark forcing the spy to execute the [[Clone (subgroup)|Clone]]. Blaming the death on the Autobots, the Decepticons came to blows with [[Fastlane]] and [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]]. Despite their numerical superiority and critically wounding Cloudraker, the Decepticons were defeated. As Fastlane carried his brother to the ''Mantlo'' so they could try and reach the Ark, Counterpunch, full of self-loathing, followed his Prime's last command and shot the ship's cockpit causing it to crash out of control into [[Stansham Castle]] where it became buried.

Reflecting on these events, Punch would grimly note that, although he dabbled in secrets daily, war was an awful thing that left no one unsoiled. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}

===''TransTech''===
A Punch/Counterpunch who found his way to [[Axiom Nexus]] wound up in professional sports. He became rivals with his own alter-ego in the ring. During one match up, Counterpunch won after twelve rounds. Punch graciously conceded his defeat. The two of them then took turns answering questions for reporters, switching back and forth between the two modes. {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/04}}

===''Of Masters and Mayhem''===
[[File:TheTruthWeMake PunchCounterpunch.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Hello, Doctor Banner. FYI: I'll be taking over the body from now on.]]

Before the war, Punch used to be an actor from [[Harmonex]]. When the war began, he was among the first denizens of his city to join the Autobots. The destruction of Harmonex twenty-seven years later drove Punch into a reckless rage, one that ended with the unit under his command massacred. Punch himself was impaled on a girder in the ensuing fight.

When he came to, he was approached by Autobot command, who revealed to the wounded soldier that his [[Transformation cog|T-cog]] carried an incredibly rare, one-in-a-trillion mutation that would allow him to assume a second robot form—perfect for the High Command, who were in desperate need of a mole within the 'Cons. Using his acting talents, Punch created Counterpunch to go along with Punch the infiltration expert, and masquerading as these two characters allowed him to bury his grief.

As the war ground on, Punch was stationed at [[Gargoid]], where he began acting increasingly erratic. When his boss [[Suppressor (Generations)|Suppressor]] discussed the recent conflict on [[Athenia]] and Counterpunch's role in the Autobot slaughter—and raising the question of why Punch didn't report the information to the Autobots, displaying a damning video feed of Counterpunch enabling the attack. This evidence was enough to get the Autobot thrown in the brig. While imprisoned, he started hallucinating Counterpunch, who claimed that "Punch" was a lie and that he was a convenient secret identity for the Decepticon... and the reason why nobody had ever heard of Harmonex. What's more, Counterpunch had decided that he'd had enough of being Punch, and it was time for the Autobot to die.

[[File:TheTruthWeMake DecepticonsShootPunch.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Counterpunch came to seconds before a Decepticon extraction squad arrived to spring their old friend, and joined in as the team stormed the base and finished off the Autobot garrison. Counterpunch was challenged by Punch's old rival [[Firecracker]], eager to finally finish off the "traitor" in the Autobots ranks. Counterpunch froze up—even after [[Crash Test (G1)|Crash Test]] took the blow for him and finished off the Autobot. The sight of his dead ex-comrade shocked Punch back to life... who declared that no matter ''who'' he was, the Decepticons had killed his friends and he would finish them off. Shooting Crash Test, he was exposed to a volley of fire from the other Decepticons, taking him out. His last thoughts before passing out were of Harmonex. {{storylink|The Truth We Make}}

Punch was taken to [[Paradron]] for repairs and left in [[Lifeline (G1)|Lifeline]]'s care. She managed to save the Autobot's life, as most of the damage was confined to one form. The complications of having two beings inhabiting one body meant that she wasn't able to save his original "Punch" robot mode, leaving him confined to his "Counterpunch" body and vehicle mode. {{storylink|Insight}} {{storylink|The Truth We Make}} In the wake of [[Thunder Mayhem]]'s rampage, [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], desperate for new recruits, recruited the monumentally confused Counterpunch into the newest iteration of the [[Wrecker]]s. {{storylink|The Truth We Make}}

[[File:LivelyPursuit Wreckers.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
Their next stop was the jungle world of [[Chicxulania]], where they picked up [[Fractyl]]. Counterpunch fitted the pterosaur Transformer with some new upgrades after the Predacon reformatted himself back into his original jet body. {{storylink|Life Finds a Way}} Fractyl's access to some old Decepticon files allowed them to find a lost experimental base, where they recruited the sociopathic bioweapon [[Toxitron (G1)|Toxitron]]. {{storylink|The Toxic Transformer}} The next two inductees, [[Offroad]] and [[Alpha Bravo]], prompted Impactor and Fractyl to reveal their plan to take down Thunder Mayhem: merging the five Wreckers into a brand new combiner of their own. Once everybody had undergone the augmentation process, the team headed down to a planet infested with [[Mecannibal]]s to put their skills to the test. Their new combined form, [[Wreckage (G1)|Wreckage]], trounced the threat... but then went berserk. Realizing that their combined form was an even worse liability than Thunder Mayhem, Alpha Bravo shot Offroad and then allowed himself to die, depriving the team of their most powerful asset. {{storylink|Foundation and Wreckage Part 1: Deadly Aim|Deadly Aim}}

Impactor was on the verge of quitting after that, but Counterpunch pushed him into following up on a distress signal from Cybertron. They found the Autobot gunner [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] living among the ruins. Bluestreak had been promised by the alien [[Teklaan]]s that they could restore Cybertron through terraforming, but needed some sparks to jumpstart the revival of the Cybertronian race. Bluestreak initially turned over the Wreckers to the Teklaans, but they betrayed him in order to add another spark to their formula. Counterpunch got the Wreckers out of their cell and they attacked the terraforming emitter. With Impactor and Bluestreak incorporated into the mix, Wreckage was reformed and destroyed the Teklaans' systems. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}

Counterpunch and the Wreckers received a signal tracking Thunder Mayhem to the planet [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Pandora's Gift}} There they teamed up with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and the humans and [[Mega Pretender]]s of another reality to battle Thunder Mayhem. The human [[Lisa|Elizabeth]] used her power to channel Wreckage's energies and shatter the [[Matrix of Malice]], forcing the evil combiner apart. Counterpunch and the Wreckers took the Mayhem Attack Squad into custody following that exchange. {{storylink|Finale}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Punch infiltrated the Decepticon Justice Division as Counterpunch and became Megatron's most elite spy. He made his way to the Decepticon capital [[Helex (polity)|Helex]] and, with the help of the locals, assassinated a [[triumvirate]] of Decepticon warlords who had decided to govern the city-state in Megatron's absence.

In the proto-former era, statues of the DJD remain standing at the [[Mandala]], home to the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. The statue of Counterpunch had long been removed, leaving behind a plinth that merely read "''Helex: Never forget''."

[[Wolfang (Predacon)|Wolfang]]'s faction-switching body owed something to Punch's cyberbiology. {{storylink|Trigger Warnings}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{Note|Punch is a non-playable character. He appears among the legion of Autobot duplicates in the Decepticon campaign.}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsPunchCounterpunch.jpg|thumb|right|420px|Big gun, little guy.]]
Punch participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a promotional Super Rare character who could be recruited via the Space Bridge. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[File:PunchCounterpunchCommercial.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Unfortunately for the Autobots, Counterpunch was TWICE as loyal to the Decepticons.]]
*Within a mechanical room, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] handed Punch an unknown device while [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] looked on. Saluting, Punch assured Rodimus that he could trust him. He then transformed and drove off, speeding to a rocky area where [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] awaited him. Changing from vehicle mode into Counterpunch, he gave Galvatron the device. Saluting, Counterpunch assured Galvatron that he could trust him. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Punch and Clones|Punch/Counterpunch and Clones commercial}}
{{-}}

[[File:BotCon2010Promo-PunchCounterpunch.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|He's not a double agent, he just doesn't want to clash with his surroundings.]]
*When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] gathered Counterpunch and [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] to brainstorm ideas for ultimate weapons, Breakdown suggested they might find what they're looking for at [[BotCon 2010]]. Counterpunch brought this information to the Autobots as Punch, and the Autobots likewise made BotCon plans. {{storylink|BotCon 2010 Promo}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1toy-Punch.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|One toy, twice the fun!]]
*'''Punch-Counterpunch''' (Doublespy, [[1987]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-111'''
**''Accessories:'' "Twin Mortar Launcher", "Photon Cannon"
:Punch transforms into a blue Pontiac Fiero. He has two distinct robot modes, with separate guns and [[rubsign]]s for each. They have separate arms, but the backs of Punch's torso, legs, and even head are the fronts of Counterpunch's and vice versa. The top of their shared head tilts to disguise the face not currently being used.

:The transformation for Punch's robot mode depicted in the toy's instructions and animation is, in fact, not the intended transformation for the toy. As illustrated in the inset of the image at right, rather than extend all the way, as they do for Counterpunch, the legs are supposed to fold back at the "knee" with Counterpunch's feet folded out 180 degrees to become Punch's own (this, then, gives a purpose to the otherwise-pointless ridges on his feet, which now serve to keep the robot stable). This transformation—depicted in the toy's box art and on the front of his instruction booklet (sans feet)—creates a much smaller robot mode for Punch, more in-line with the proportions of the 1984 and 85 Autobot Cars, that serves to further distinguish him from Counterpunch.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Punch/punch.htm More information on Punch at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:Timelinestoy-Punch.jpg|thumb|upright=2.55|Headlights are painted over for extra G1 accuracy!]]
*'''Punch-Counterpunch''' (Deluxe Class, [[2010]])
**''Accessories:'' Pistol, engine supercharger intakes

:One of two [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] [[exclusive]] toys offered in [[2010]], Punch-Counterpunch is a [[retool]]ing of the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'' series]] [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Sunstreaker]]/[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Sideswipe]] mold, transforming into a ''heavily'' modified {{w|Lamborghini Gallardo}} with customized engine supercharger intakes mounted just behind the roof. This supercharger can form a sort of "jetpack" by attaching to his back in Punch mode, chest armor in Counterpunch mode, or be attached to the pistol to make a larger gun. The pistol can also be mounted on a peg-hole in the robot-mode shoulder.

:Punch-Counterpunch makes use of the mold's two robot-mode configurations as a single toy. His new head replicates the original toy's two-faced "flip-cap" head, hiding the eyes of whichever face he isn't using at the time. (The fists need to be [[Partformer|physically swapped between the two if you ''really'' want to be super-accurate]].) Punch's face now has a mouth as per his "[[The Rebirth]]" model, but retains the toy's separate eyes. His head is very very very tiny, likely to accommodate his fliptop forehead during transformation. Coincidentally, Fun Publications failed to release photos of his robot mode until after the toy was already in buyers' hands.

:Punch went up for pre-order on the Club site on the evening of [[March 26]], 2010 at a price of $59. Despite pictures of his robot modes remaining unseen throughout, all 1800 units sold out by the morning of [[March 29]], the biggest and fastest sell out of a Club exclusive yet. Punch started shipping [[June 15]]. So great was the demand for Punch that a second run of only 300 figures was produced, which went on sale on [[August 11]]. These were limited to one-per-customer, and were only available to customers who had not purchased a Punch previously, but despite these restrictions, they were sold out within only a few hours.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''/''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Henkei! Henkei!|Red Alert]] and the [[BotCon 2010]] exclusive [[Breakdown (G1)#Timelines 2|Breakdown]]. This iteration of the mold also inspired the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' version of [[Wolfang (Predacon)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Wolfang]].

:Punch features the hole where the light bar would screw in on ''Henkei! Henkei!'' Red Alert on the top of his car mode roof, though it is covered with a rub symbol.

:Anyone looking to buy this figure on the aftermarket be warned, there is a similar-looking [[knockoff]] that's been making the rounds since at least 2014, with the packaging bearing a small "CHMS" logo on it.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/TFCCPunch/punch.htm More information on TFCC Punch at TFU.info]''
{{UniverseSunstreakerMold}}
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
[[File:KreO-Toy Nightbeat.jpg|thumb|right|300px|DEATH BY CHOCOLATE REAL NEAR BY]]

*'''Nightbeat''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2014)
**''Bag number'': '''40551 50'''
**''Accessories'': Stand brick, scoped pistol

: Part of the fifth assortment of [[blindpacking|blind-bagged]] [[Kreon]] [[Micro-Changer]]s, <s>Punch</s> Nightbeat can be rebuilt from robot mode into a car based on Punch's vehicle mode. He sports [[Sideswipe (Kre-O)|Sideswipe's]] helmet.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Kre-ONightbeat/nightbeat.htm More information on Nightbeat at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|TFSS}}

===Generations===
====Combiner Wars====
[[File:TFSS-5.0-Counterpunch.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the reason there will never be a ''Combiner Wars'' [[Slicer (Decepticon)|Slicer]].]]
*'''Wrecker Counterpunch''' (TFSS 5.0, [[2017]])

:Part of the [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service#Series 5.0 (2016)|Figure Subscription Service 5.0]], ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' "Wrecker Counterpunch" (who doesn't turn into his Punch form) is a retool of ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe Class [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Wheeljack]] using the mold's alternate head, transforming from a supercar resembling a Lancia Stratos to robot and back! As a ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe limb he is able to combine with any ''Combiner Wars''-style Voyager Class figure or form one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber]]'s legs, though he is normally the left arm of [[Wreckage (G1)#Generations|Wreckage]].

:Counterpunch was released along with [[Toxitron (G1)#Toys|Wrecker Toxitron]] and [[Starscream (SG)#Generations|Shattered Glass Starscream]].
{{CWBreakdownMold}}
{{-}}

====Power of the Primes====
[[File:TF-Generations-Deluxe-Class-Special-Edition-Punch.jpg|upright=2.66|thumb|I heard your wallet is nearby. ''Real nearby.'']]
*'''Punch-Counterpunch''' (Special Edition, [[2018]])
**''Japanese release date'': [[February 23]], [[2019]]
**''Japanese ID number'': '''PP-44'''
**''Accessories'': [[Prima#SpecialEdition|Prima Prime]] Prime Master, gun, Prime Armor/Combiner Hand, Prime Master filler/gun
:''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Punch-Counterpunch is an all-new "Special Edition" Deluxe Class mold that transforms into either robot mode as well as a supercar resembling an Infiniti G37 with the front end of a Camaro and Volk TE37 wheels. The transformation includes a flip-out helmet and fists for each robot mode, as well as two-way knees, elbows, and a simple rearrangement of [[kibble]]. Instead of the Twin Mortar Launcher and/or the Photon Cannon, Punch-Counterpunch comes with a single orange gun based on his weapon in [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'' cartoon]].

:Like all other ''Power of the Primes'' Deluxe Class figures, he comes with Prime Armor (identical to the one included with [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Power of the Primes|Jazz]]) with a place for a [[Prime Master#Toys|Prime Master]], [[Enigma of Combination#Generations|Enigma]], or [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Power of the Primes|Matrix core]] that can transform into a hand for a separate combiner. He also comes with the Prime Master [[Prima#SpecialEdition|Prima Prime]], which can interact with the figure via the [[Titan Master#Toys|Titan Master]]/Prime Master pegs on the back of his car or the included Prime Armor. In an undocumented (and likely accidental) feature, Prima can be stored folded up inside the driver's compartment in car mode. Punch's gun can also be mounted on either of the Prime Armor's 5mm holes or mount on the top of his car mode or be clipped under the chassis.

:Unlike all other Deluxes in the subline, Punch-Counterpunch lacks the combiner peg, making him the first non-Combiner Deluxe or Voyager Class figure released in this lineup.

:Punch-Counterpunch also suffers a slight [[misassembly]]: his shoulder joints are installed upside down, making it harder for the arms to tab in properly in vehicle mode. This can be easily repaired without any tools. His box art shows Punch's chest and the gun accessory to be yellow colored, instead of the orange of the actual figure. Also, care must be taken while rolling his vehicle mode as Punch's chest piece and Counterpunch's painted feet are very, '''VERY''' close to the ground. While rolling him on a flat surface is fairly safe, a rough surface can damage both of these areas.

:This set was an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the U.S., initially revealed via preorder listing without any prior announcement from Hasbro. It was also available at general retail in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TF-Punch-Prototype-Heads.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|MY FACE ACCEPTS ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS.]]
*Punch sports a considerably different prototype face during his first commercial, one that may have served as inspiration for the design of his faced used in the 1987 commercial and the American cartoon. Counterpunch is the same, however.
*The Doublespy concept seems to have been kicking around for a while before actually being executed:
**A concept sketch exists that depicts Punch/Counterpunch as a hi-tech jet more in line with the 1986+ aesthetic which transforms in a way somewhat similar to the final car version.<ref>[[Transformers Generations|Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p97.</ref>
**Not one but two early patents were filed for a car Doublespy. The first patent depicts a car that can turn into a large robot or split straight across the middle, with the front and back ends of the car each transforming into a separate robot. It uses a car model identical to the final Punch/Counterpunch.<ref>[http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?DB=EPODOC&II=0&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=19860524&CC=JP&NR=S61106187A&KC=A Patent #JP61-106187]</ref>
**The second patent keeps the car as a single unit, however the car now folds along the center from the front bumper to the rear windshield. One robot mode is formed when the car is transformed normally, the other is formed when the car is transformed and folded to reveal a new head, chest, and arms. This model has an identical leg transformation to the final version.<ref>[http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?DB=EPODOC&II=1&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=19880219&CC=JP&NR=S6338484A&KC=A Patent #JP63-038484]</ref>
*At the 2010 [[San Diego Comic-Con]], a Punch/Counterpunch miniseries known as "[[Legacy of Rust]]" was announced.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/san-diego-comic-con-33/san-diego-comic-con-2010-idw-publishing-panel-highlights-170274/</ref> However, the miniseries was never released (and with the end of IDW's original G1 continuity, likely never will be), but it's been stated that [[Stuart Moore]] wrote all four issues.<ref>http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/27/windblade-returns-in-transformers-combiner-wars/</ref>

===Foreign names===
====Punch====
*''Japanese:'' '''Spacepunch''' (スペースパンチ ''Supēsupanchi''), '''Punch''' (パンチ ''Panchi'')
*''French:'' '''Pugilil''' (Canada)
*''Thew:'' '''Couch'''
*''Italian:'' '''Spy'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shuāng Miàn Rén''' (双面人, "Double-faced Man")
*''Russian:'' '''Punch''' (Панч ''Panch'')

====Counterpunch====
*''Japanese:'' '''Counterpunch''' (カウンターパンチ ''Kauntāpanchi'')
*''French:'' '''Contrecoup''' (Canada, "Counterpunch")
*''Thew:'' '''Puntercouch'''
*''Italian:'' '''Ultraspy'''
*''Russian:'' '''Vyshibala''' (Вышибала, "Bouncer")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Fan Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Power of the Primes Autobots]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Decepticons]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Decepticons]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]

Sideswipe (RID 2015)

2019-11-26T02:49:38Z

Arsnof: /* Legion Class */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3.5|the Autobot from ''Robots in Disguise''|the Autobot of the same name from ''War for Cybertron''|Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe}}
:''Sideswipe is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] portion of the [[Aligned continuity family]].''
[[File:Rid2015-sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The next master of Hatenko's Fist of the Key.]]

Rebel, bad-boy, competitive; these are all things that describe '''Sideswipe''', who's always happy to show off his prowess in the heat of battle. Sideswipe is, at his core, a lone wolf who tends to look out for himself, but when push come to shove, he heeds the call to action, jumping into the fight with his sword at the ready. Sideswipe is always quick with his words, and quicker with his hands, and is all about getting the drop on his enemies. And he always makes sure to look cool while doing it!

He's also a bit of a smart-aleck, and this tends to cheese off his comrades, and his predilection for going off and doing his own thing usually gets under the skin of his teammates. His rebellious nature belies his obvious disdain for authority, even his leader [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. Don't even get him started on his teammate [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] who rarely fails to reprimand him when he bends the rules. Although Sideswipe still has a lot of growing up to do, he's basically a good kid underneath his cocky exterior–once he gets over his obvious issues with teamwork.

Sometimes he works with the [[Mini-Con]]s [[Windstrike]], [[Barithunder]], or [[Great Byte]]. He can also combine with Bumblebee to form [[Beeside]], and they can combine even further with the rest of the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] to form [[Ultra Bee]].

==Fiction==
===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Darren Criss]] (English), [[Daiki Hamano]] (Japanese)|[[Li Zhengxiang]] (Chinese), [[Alexander Kovriznyh]] (Russian), [[Ruggero Andreozzi]] (Italian), [[Bastian Sierich]] (German), [[Arturo Castañeda]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Ridha Hassani]] (Arabic), [[Heikki Mäkäräinen]] (Finnish), [[Valéry Bendjilali]] (French)}}
[[File:PilotPart1 Sideswipe Cybertronian vehicle.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sideswipe is a big fan of the Fish of Fury strategy.]]
In the past, Sideswipe was moved around from home to home, leaving him with deep abandonment issues. {{storylink|Exiles}}

In [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon City]], {{storylink|Can You Dig It?}} Sideswipe was tearing up the pavement under a statue of [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] when he was apprehended by [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]]. Handcuffed to her, he was basically forced to accompany her as she followed [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], and was put to work getting a [[space bridge]] functional so the trio could go to [[Earth]]. Once there, Sideswipe wasted no time in making himself scarce, and swiftly encountered both [[Russell Clay]] and the Decepticon [[Underbite]]. {{storylink|Pilot (Part 1)}} Basically forced to choose between helping Bumblebee or listen to [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] chatter, Sideswipe picked the former option, and ended up being instrumental in stopping Underbite by luring the Decepticon to a quarry. {{storylink|Pilot (Part 2)}}

[[File:TrustExercises Grimbee.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Just who is that mysterious but totally cool stranger?]]
Strongarm and Sideswipe continued having trouble working together, inadvertently resulting in Strongarm's comms being damaged. When the pair went sent on a mission to investigate fugitive signals, they split up, and Sideswipe later returned to base to discover Strongarm had gone missing. When he and Russell found Strongarm had been taken captive by [[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]], Sideswipe masqueraded as the Decepticon "Grimbee" as a distraction, and Strongarm was successfully freed. {{storylink|Trust Exercises}} Sideswipe took part in the capturing of [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]]. He and the team later found themselves tangling with [[Chop Shop (RID)|Chop Shop]], and were unprepared for the Decepticon's ability to split into component parts. Though impressed with the rocket Chop Shop had constructed, Sideswipe and the rest of the team captured him. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye (RID)|More than Meets the Eye}}

Sideswipe and Strongarm continued to squabble even as they went to a [[Crown City Museum of Natural History and Sciences|museum]] to investigate a Decepticon signal. Splitting up, the team was unable to capture [[Terrashock]] until Bumblebee came up with a way to hunt the Decepticon on his own terms. {{storylink|W.W.O.D.?}} When Sideswipe's slacking off resulted in [[Grimlock (RID 2015)|Grimlock]] being demolished by [[Thunderhoof (RID)|Thunderhoof]], he ended up being forced to help Bumblebee track down the Decepticon. Sideswipe appeared to be enthusiastic about helping Thunderhoof use the space bridge he'd built to return to Cybertron but ended up helping Bumblebee destroy the space bridge when it threatened to create a black hole and destroy Earth. {{storylink|As the Kospego Commands!}}

[[File:CollectEmAll Sideswipe rescues Denny.jpg|thumb|left|270px]]
Sideswipe was teamed with Strongarm to search for the Decepticon [[Filch]], and became increasingly annoyed with her sticking to the rulebook. After Sideswipe helped hold up a bridge, and saved Denny from atop a huge statue, he was able to render Filch unconscious by throwing a bridge beam at her head. {{storylink|Collect 'Em All}} When Grimlock appeared to turn on the other Autobots and stole a stasis pod, Sideswipe believed he was being coerced into it. After they tracked Grimlock to the [[Crown River Dam]], it turned out Sideswipe was correct and Grimlock was under the control of the Decepticon [[Minitron]]. {{storylink|True Colors}} While Bumblebee and Strongarm were away on a mission, Sideswipe and Grimlock got to be spectators for a feud between Fixit and Denny. {{storylink|Rumble in the Jungle}}

When [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] visited, Sideswipe saw him as a role model and attempted to get tips from him. The pair hunted [[Ped (RID)|Ped]] together, albeit unsuccessfully, and Sideswipe later lured Ped into a stasis pod, successfully capturing the Decepticon. {{storylink|Can You Dig It?}} During an attempt to capture [[Quillfire (RID)|Quillfire]], Bumblebee was hit with toxin, regressing to immaturity. Sideswipe liked this new prank-pulling version of their leader, and subsequently Strongarm left him and Russell to babysit Bumblebee. They were not very good at it. {{storylink|Adventures in Bumblebee-Sitting!}}

[[File:Sideways Sideswipe car mode.jpg|thumb|right|370px|Auditioning for ''The Fast and the Furious'']]
When [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] and [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]] came to Earth to collect the bounty on Bumblebee, Sideswipe was captured by the Decepticon to use as a ransom along with the other Autobots. {{storylink|Hunting Season}} Sideswipe continued to bicker with Strongarm, even as the team hunted the [[Skunkticon]] gang led by [[Malodor]], hampering the chase at several points. {{storylink|Out of Focus}}

After discovering that Strongarm had been sneaking off the base, Sideswipe blackmailed her into doing undesirable jobs for him. After they tangled with Steeljaw's gang, Bumblebee revealed he already knew about Strongarm sneaking out, and Strongarm revealed she had been using a nearby carwash. {{storylink|Sideways (episode)|Sideways}}

During a horror movie watchthrough, Sideswipe, Strongarm and Grimlock tried to scare Russell to no avail. On a mission to track down a Decepticon in a cave, the team were captured by [[Nightstrike]], who caused them to live out their worst fears — Sideswipe's involved being stuck in traffic — so he could feed on their energon. {{storylink|Even Robots Have Nightmares}}

[[File:SomeBodyAnyBody Strongarm carries Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|350px|"I'm living in a gefilte fish jar."]]
During a mission in the subways, Sideswipe was captured by [[Vertebreak (RID)|Vertebreak]], who removed Sideswipe's head so he could graft his own head to Sideswipe's body. While Vertebreak tested out Sideswipe's capabilities on the rest of the team, Bumblebee and Fixit found Sideswipe's head. With Sideswipe's instructions, the team were able to overcome Vertebreak, and Fixit reunited Sideswipe's body and head, though afterwards Sideswipe found himself unable to transform and needed some more work done on him. {{storylink|Some Body, Any Body}} After Drift and his Mini-Cons returned to earth, they joined Sideswipe and the rest of the team in recapturing Quillfire and [[Springload (RID)|Springload]]. {{storylink|One of Our Mini-Cons Is Missing}}

The team traveled to an undersea derelict spacecraft with the aim of capturing [[Octopunch (RID)|Octopunch]]. During the mission, Sideswipe became trapped in a room with Drift, [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] and [[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]], whose meditating drove him nuts. {{storylink|Deep Trouble (RID)|Deep Trouble}} When [[Groundpounder (RID)|Groundpounder]] and [[Headlock (RID)|Headlock]] were sighted at the [[Rumbledome]], Sideswipe was among the team members who attempted to [[GroundBridge]] there and instead ended up hundreds of miles away. By the time they drove back, the Decepticons had been defeated. {{storylink|The Champ}}

After having a run-in with a bear, Sideswipe joined the rest of the team in contending with an overpowered Fixit when the Mini-Con's guard programs reactivated. {{storylink|The Trouble with Fixit}} Sideswipe and the other Autobots found themselves trapped outside their own base after Steeljaw's team moved in and set up a subsonic field to keep them out. He, Strongarm and Grimlock created diversions while the Mini-Cons were sneaked in to deactivate the field, and the Autobots were able to retake the scrapyard. {{storylink|Lockout}} Sideswipe took part in the pursuit and capture of [[Scowl (RID)|Scowl]], though his method of clearing a resort spa by claiming there was a wild kangaroo loose left a lot to be desired. {{storylink|Similarly Different}}

[[File:Battlegrounds2 Sideswipe in armor.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
After blowing off another of Strongarm's briefings, Sideswipe encountered [[Windblade (RID)|Windblade]] and was taken with the new arrival. He had the opportunity to pull off some slick moves to impress her during a mission to take down [[Zizza]], however he was disappointed when she opted not to stick around afterwards. {{storylink|The Buzz on Windblade}} Humoring Bumblebee who claimed there were nice places to visit on Earth, Sideswipe and the other Autobots found themselves in the ghost town of [[Edmondville]], where they ended up capturing the Decepticon [[Pseudo]]. {{Storylink|Ghosts and Impostors}}

While on a training mission with Strongarm, Sideswipe was captured by Thunderhoof and Underbite. He, Strongarm and Windblade ended up chained to the huge statue outside Crown City, as it was used as an energy sink as [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] was drawn across the dimensional barrier. {{storylink|Battlegrounds, Part 1}} The three Autobots were freed after Optimus joined the fight, and were able to take down Steeljaw's team. After the Autobots discovered that the Decepticon Hunters combined gave them a huge power up, Sideswipe helped drop the arm of the statue on Megatronus, then joined with Bumblebee and Strongarm to blast the Decepticon into nothing. He later opted to stay on Earth as someone needed to keep Strongarm in line. {{storylink|Battlegrounds, Part 2}}

[[File:OverloadedPart2-ArcticSideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|250px|And all the girlies say he's pretty fly for a white guy.]]

While watching Denny and Fixit play Go Fish, Sideswipe got into yet another fight with Strongarm. When Bumblebee assigned Drift and Windblade to hunt Decepticons far from the scrapyard, Sideswipe insisted on joining that team, however on their first mission to the [[Arctic]], they found themselves having to cope with an Optimus Prime weakened by having the power of the Primes removed. {{storylink|Overloaded, Part 1}} Despite his misgivings about Optimus, Sideswipe himself was injured during an avalanche and managed to jeopardize the mission when he accidentally alerted [[Polarclaw]] to their presence. After Optimus came up with a plan that successfully led to the Decepticon's capture, Sideswipe admitted he'd been wrong about Prime's effectiveness. {{storylink|Overloaded, Part 2}}

Although he sported a new, desert-themed paintjob, Sideswipe continued to drive the other Autobots batty with his ceaseless chattering, even as they hunted another Decepticon; this time he wouldn't stop gloating about the time he had tricked Strongarm into thinking he had a seventh gear that allowed him to travel through time. Though he succeeded in rescuing Windblade after she fell into a river and was swept away by its current, he and Drift were later trapped in a metal cocoon by [[Razorpaw]]'s Mini-Cons [[Swelter]] and [[Glacius]]. {{storylink|Cover Me}}

Sideswipe increasingly encouraged Jetstorm and Slipstream to get more respect from Drift, encouraging the Mini-Cons to make their own decisions rather than allow themselves to be forever tethered to their teacher's choices. Investigating possible interference with one of Windblade's caches, Optimus's team found themselves up against [[Stockade (RID)|Stockade]] and his army of Mini-Cons. Sideswipe found himself locked in an armory with Drift's Mini-Cons, and discovered he was able to link with them. Deciding to use this newfound tactical advantage in a surprise attack, Sideswipe contacted Stockade and told him he wished to surrender vital information in exchange for his freedom. Once the Mini-Con troops had lowered their guard, Sideswipe launched Slipstream and Jetstorm from his arms, and the trio managed to quickly take down the squadron surrounding them. Sideswipe next freed Optimus and Windblade, who had been trapped in a bunker, and together they come to an injured Drift's aid. The Autobots' final push resulted in the capture of Stockade. The stealth team then learned that the scrapyard's GroundBridge had been repaired, and traveled through a portal with Grimlock with Windblade's cache in hand back to base. {{storylink|Graduation Exercises}}

[[File:DecepticonIsland2 Sideswipe thumbs up.jpg|thumb|right|320px]]
After a chance encounter resulted in [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] joining the team, the Autobots got a lead to the location of the remaining Decepticons on Earth; [[Toolbox]], recent escapee from "Decepticon Island." The Autobots disguised Grimlock as a Decepticon, and used a ruse wherein the rest of the team posed as captives to infiltrate the crashed ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]],'' base to the Decepticons. Despite making good headway at first, Sideswipe and the others were discovered by the Decepticon higher ups after an argument between Bumblebee and Optimus caused the mission to stall out. The Autobots then found themselves completely surrounded by Steeljaw's troops. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 1)}} Thanks to Windblade providing them with a distraction, the Autobots were able to break away and split up. Strongarm, Grimlock and Sideswipe were then sent to try and free the Mini-Cons being held captive by the Decepticons. They ended up in a communications room where they fought with Groundpounder and Thunderhoof until Sideswipe incapacitated them with a high-frequency signal, holding onto consciousness just long enough for the Decepticons to slip offline first. After using the communications equipment to free the Mini-Cons, the trio escaped the ship before the [[cryo-gas]] bomb froze everyone aboard.

With the Decepticon threat dealt with, several Autobots planned to return to their home planet. Sideswipe wasn't among them however; claiming he had "outgrown" Cybertron, he said his goodbyes to Windblade, Optimus, and Ratchet, then headed off to build a new, permanent base of operations for the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 2)}} When news of the Bee Team's exploits reached Cybertron, Sideswipe became one of the many Autobots blacklisted by the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] for being a supporter of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Enemy of My Enemy (RID)|Enemy of My Enemy}}

[[File:TRID S2 E14 HL SC 4.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Bumblebee took his team on a tour of interesting locations on Earth, culminating in them visiting the remains of [[Autobot Outpost Omega One]], only to find a strange bomb had been set up to detonate. Thrilled to finally have some excitement, Sideswipe fought [[Paralon (RID)|Paralon]] and [[Buzzstrike]], managing to recover a weapon they'd found, though the pair themselves escaped. As a bonus, Sideswipe also found Bumblebee's old diary, which included an exercise video. {{storylink|History Lessons}}

Following a training exercise that went wrong, Sideswipe was amused to find he had a higher [[PASERQuAT]] score than Strongarm. The team was split up to investigate sites of Cybertronian significance on Earth, with Sideswipe going to [[South America]], until they were all bridged back to the scrapyard because Denny and Russell didn't know what they were doing. {{storylink|Strongarm's Big Score}} Continuing the search, Bumblebee and Sideswipe ended up in a desert. They later joined Grimlock when the Dinobot encountered [[Thermidor]] and [[Tricerashot]], however during the pursuit, Sideswipe and Strongarm attempted to work together and ended up crashing. {{storylink|Pretzel Logic}}

[[File:Worthy Sideswipe injured.jpg|thumb|right|270px]]
After the team retrieved a [[high energy pulse generator]] from [[Egypt]], Sideswipe destroyed the device when Jetstorm and Slipstream accidentally triggered it. The Mini-Cons became annoyed at his jokes at their expense, and Sideswipe was forced to try to find a way to apologize, however he missed his chance due to the three Mini-Cons being abducted by [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], who then used them as leverage to capture Bumblebee. {{storylink|Mighty Big Trouble}} Joined by Optimus, the team split up to search for Starscream. Sideswipe and Strongarm stumbled on the Weaponizer Mini-Cons, and the initial hostilities were brought to an end when the Mini-Cons recognized Optimus. A short time later, they ran into the Scavengers, and then during the fight with them, the Mini-Cons were captured by Starscream. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}} The Scavengers defeated, the team located Starscream's ship, and during the ensuing battle, Sideswipe took a shot meant for Jetstorm and Slipstream. He was later able to distract Starscream while the three Mini-Cons found a way to separate the Weaponizer Mini-Cons from the Decepticon, and ultimately Starscream was defeated. Sideswipe later attempted to apologize to the trio, though they believed his earlier actions apology enough, and Jetstorm and Slipstream opted to team up with Sideswipe for a while. {{storylink|Worthy}}

Bored with endless sparring, Sideswipe finally got the action he craved when he and Strongarm were sent to investigate a Decepticon signal. After attempting to capture [[Heatseeker]] themselves, they were forced to call in the rest of the team when the [[Stunticon (Prime)|Stunticon]] endangered a nuclear waste disposal site. {{storylink|King of the Hill (Part 1)}} The pair were assigned the task of getting a [[hermit]] to vacate the danger zone, which they accomplished before rejoining the rest of the team. An explosion resulted in the entire team being merged into [[Ultra Bee|one robot]] while unconscious and ultimately Heatseeker got away. {{storylink|King of the Hill (Part 2)}}

[[File:BeeCool Blurr and Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|320px]]
The Autobots' next mission took them to [[Antarctica]], where they had to recapture [[Crustacion]] after the Decepticon was freed from one of Windblade's caches. Sideswipe and Strongarm worked to rescue the humans at a base while the rest of the team caught the Con. {{Storylink|Defrosted}} When a stricken plane endangered another cache, Sideswipe's failure to stop it resulted in him having to be rescued by Rescue Bot [[Blurr (Prime)|Blurr]]. Sideswipe's paranoia that Blurr was out to take his spot on the team resulted in [[Ragebyte]] escaping, and Sideswipe took off in an attempt to prove himself. With Blurr tagging along, he managed to track down Ragebyte and defeat the Decepticon, at which point Bumblebee suggested he take on Blurr as a temporary intern. {{storylink|Blurred}}

Sideswipe, along with the rest of the team, found themselves coveting the [[Sphere of Doradus]], thanks to the strange energies it gave off, and had to resist it long enough to capture Springload. {{storylink|Sphere of Influence}} Sideswipe and Blurr took part in a mission to capture the Decepticons [[Dragstrip (WFC)|Drag Strip]] and [[Wildbreak]], though they had to put up with Bumblebee's jealousy of their innate coolness. {{storylink|Bee Cool}}

[[File:TheGreatDivide-twosideswipes.jpg|thumb|right|350px|"I'm not taking that from a Bot as good looking as you!"]]
After another impromptu combination occurred while the Autobots were chasing Drag Strip, Sideswipe was somehow split into two versions of himself — one confident and one with no confidence. His two sides were at odds with each other as the team tried to track down Drag Strip, until the wimpier version saved the confident version from falling rubble, and the pair worked together to take down the Con. Fixit subsequently came up with a way to merge the pair back into one Sideswipe. {{storylink|The Great Divide}}

Strongarm's work in tracking down [[Boostwing|three]] [[Pilfer|Decepticon]] [[Jacknab|brothers]] led Sideswipe to do the unthinkable and apologize for doubting her judgment. {{storylink|Get a Clue}} Grimlock and Sideswipe were temporarily fused together during another of Fixit's combiner experiments. They and the rest of the team helped Drift recover his two Mini-Cons students after they were kidnapped by the Decepticon [[Shadow Raker]]. {{storylink|Out of the Shadows}}

Another of Fixit's combiner experiments led to the Autobots temporarily switching bodies. Stuck as Strongarm, Sideswipe faced tremendous hardship trying to control her sirens and lights, but eventually used them to his advantage while fighting the Stunticons during the subsequent road race mission. {{storylink|Disordered Personalities}} A visit by Strongarm's old friend [[Nightra]] turned out weird when the team discovered Nightra was actually a criminal being hunted by the Autobot bounty hunter [[Blastwave]]. {{storylink|Guilty As Charged}}

Sideswipe was left at the scrapyard and had to put up with Grimlock dabbling in the art world. {{storylink|The Golden Knight}} Then later while the team was trying to recapture [[Simacore]], they had to also deal with Grimlock given super speed by another of Fixit's experiments. {{storylink|The Fastest Bot Alive!}} When Slipstream accidentally broke one of Drift's swords, Sideswipe covered for him by secretly replacing it with a nerf sword. This turned out to cause problems during the subsequent mission to prevent the Stunticons interfering with a maglev train, despite Sideswipe's attempts to keep the incident covered up, and as a result he copped the blame until Slipstream admitted what he'd done. {{storylink|Railroad Rage}}

[[File:RiD2015 - Combine and Conquer - Reaction Faces.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Discussion subject: following Da Rulz.]]
Bumblebee announced strict new discipline as they continued the hunt of the Stunticons, and much to Sideswipe's displeasure, their leader became bossier than Strongarm. The team managed to combine into their Ultra Bee form without the aid of Fixit's equipment and fought Menasor. {{storylink|Combine and Conquer}} When Optimus visited to recruit Drift for a mission, Sideswipe and Strongarm started competing to prove they were worthy of going instead. A call from Windblade sent the team to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where they succeeded in preventing the Stunticons from accessing a cache, and defeated the Decepticon team once and for all. Optimus later told the pair he didn't want to deprive Bumblebee of their skills. {{storylink|Moon Breaker}}

During a sudden assault on the scrapyard, Sideswipe was separated from the other Autobots and developed abandonment issues. The team had to take shelter in the nearby cave system. They later tracked the Decepticon culprits to the Crown River Dam and discovered Steeljaw and his pack were back to make problems for them. {{storylink|Exiles}} Quickly developing stir craziness, Sideswipe went out "on patrol" despite 'Bee's orders to stay in the cave, and as a result he and Strongarm were trapped in a cargo container together by Clampdown. The pair eventually managed to get free and help Bumblebee, whom the 'Cons had also captured, get some payback on their captors. {{storylink|Breathing Room}}

[[File:CollateralDamage Sideswipe horror host.jpg|thumb|right|240px]]
The team tangled with the Decepticons again, this time interrupting them while they were trying to steal nuclear waste. In the process, Sideswipe helped Grimlock work through some issues separating work and leisure. {{storylink|Prepare for Departure}} Another attempt by the pack to steel nuclear fuel from a power plant resulted in Sideswipe having to prevent a meltdown while the others took (most of) the pack captive. {{storylink|Prisoner Principles}} After crushing Russell's TV in his eagerness to head out on a mission, Sideswipe was berated about it and later put on a live performance of ''[[Showcase of Shivers]]'' to make it up to the kid. In between, he also helped defeat Soundwave and prevented the Decepticon from irradiating the entire planet. {{storylink|Collateral Damage}}

After Underbite got loose and began randomly teleporting thanks to a piece of space bridge he'd eaten, Sideswipe quickly worked out that the 'Con was teleporting on every third hiccup, ultimately helping the team recapture him. {{storylink|Something He Ate}} Even being struck down by [[Wingcode]]'s nanovirus was not enough to stop Sideswipe complaining. He and the others were cured by Fixit once Grimlock and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] captured the 'Con. {{storylink|Sick as a Bot}} While pursuing Steeljaw, the Bee Team found themselves arrested by Strongarm's old instructor [[Dropforge]], whom it later turned out had been under the influence of a mind control signal from Cybertron. Freed, Dropforge let the team go, though he still though Sideswipe looked shifty. {{storylink|Five Fugitives}}

A visit by Optimus sent the Bee Team to Cybertron in ''[[Prime Force One]]'', where after evading the planetary defenses, they landed and were immediately surrounded by security. {{storylink|Enemy of My Enemy (RID)|Enemy of My Enemy}} With the help of Dropforge and Steeljaw, the team managed to gain entry to the [[High Council Tower]]. Discovering that the council were actually disguised Decepticons, Sideswipe got [[Skyjack (RID)|Skyjack]] to crash into [[Cyclonus (WFC)|Cyclonus]]. The team later merged into Ultra Bee to combat the Decepticons' [[Galvatronus (RID)|own combined form]] while Fixit disabled the Decepticon mind control. A protracted battle followed, but the Autobots prevailed, and in the aftermath, Optimus assigned the Bee Team as ambassadors to Earth. The team returned to the planet they now regarded as home, and found themselves again pursuing Steeljaw. {{storylink|Freedom Fighters}}
{{--}}

===''Robots in Disguise'' shorts===
Sideswipe watched Grimlock and Fixit perform in a talent show. {{storylink|Fixit Jam}} Sideswipe covered Bumblebee in mud while speeding around near the car wash. {{storylink|Sticky Situation}} Sideswipe took a would-be car thief for a short, sharp ride. {{storylink|Carjacked!}}

When a movie that he wanted to watch started on TV, Sideswipe found [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] in his seat. He informed the Mini-Con he had called "dibs" on the seat, and explained the entire concept of "dibs" to both Drift and his Mini-Con companions. They were very impressed by this "honorable" system. Fixit then detected a signal from an open stasis pod, and informed the entire Bee Team that the [[Cyclone]]s [[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] and [[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]] were at large. Sideswipe expressed skepticism at the concept that Mini-Cons could be considered "highly dangerous," but Drift assured him that this was indeed the case. {{storylink|The Power of Dibs}}

===IDW ''Robots in Disguise'' comic===
[[File:IDWRID3 Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
Sideswipe's goofing off resulting in Bumblebee yelling at him and restricting him to base, however when Russell told him about [[Fun-A-Rama]] amusement park, Sideswipe opted to head there with Russell for some fun. On arrival they were attacked by [[Flamefeather (RID)|Flamefeather]] and Bumblebee soon found them, having tracked the Decepticon there. Sideswipe was able to deduce that Flamefeather had mistaken the [[Space Battle 7]] ride for an actual rocket, allowing the Autobot to ambush and capture the Decepticon, though he was still given the task of carrying Flamefeather back to base. {{storylink|Fire, When Ready!}} During a training exercise, Sideswipe squabbled with Strongarm and was jumped on by Grimlock, resulting in a team loss. He and Strongarm were sent to investigate activity, but proved unable to capture [[Spinhead]] and had to return to the scrapyard empty handed. Fortunately Bumblebee came up with a plan and the whole team managed to defeat the Decepticon. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise issue 1|Robots in Disguise #1}}

Sideswipe and Grimlock aided in the capture of [[Transit (RID)|Transit]] by directing the Decepticon into a traffic jam engineered by Fixit. During a visit by [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]]'s team, Sideswipe took part in a plan to capture [[Clipshade]], though his attempt to tackled the Decepticon resulted in him ending up underneath Grimlock again. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise issue 2|Robots in Disguise #2}} While the rest of the team hunted [[Overhead]], Sideswipe, Denny and Russell toured nearby storage facilities in an attempt to distract Ultra Magnus, whom they assumed was monitoring them. To Sideswipe's annoyance, Denny took the opportunity to do some shopping. On rendezvousing with the rest of the team, Sideswipe learned that Clipshade was actually an Autobot double-agent. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise issue 3|Robots in Disguise #3}}

As the only Autobot who hadn't been seen by Overhead, Sideswipe was sent in for reconnaissance, after a small amount of coaching on his acting. Despite not lasting long under [[Skullcruncher (RID)|Skullcruncher]] and [[Razorgrille (RID)|Razorgrille]]'s scrutiny, he managed to get enough information out of them that the other Autobots could move in. When Overhead turned her space bridge into a black hole, Sideswipe had the unfortunate experience of Razorgrille biting his leg to avoid being sucked in. He later tried to use his experiences to persuade Ultra Magnus to let him off some traffic violations. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise issue 4|Robots in Disguise #4}}

Following the defeat of Megatronus, Sideswipe and the rest of Team Bee were lured to [[Fort Tucker]] as a distraction while Steeljaw and [[Steve (Vehicon)|Steve]] abducted Fixit and Russell from the scrapyard. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise issue 5|Robots in Disguise #5}} Returning to base, the team found empty stasis pods and the computer trashed, and were forced to resort to their own wits to work out where Steeljaw was. They successfully located the cave in question, rescuing Fixit and Russell before engaging Steeljaw's crew. Sideswipe found himself grappling with Thunderhoof until the three Vehicons realized that Steeljaw was not part of Megatron's command. In the aftermath Team Bee was left with the majority of Steeljaw's team as prisoners. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise issue 6|Robots in Disguise #6}}

===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' books===
During a training session, Sideswipe decided to encourage Grimlock to play lob-ball using Fixit as the ball. When the Autobots detected [[Scuzzard]] on the loose, somehow the plan involved Sideswipe being the bait, which he didn't much enjoy. After Scuzzard was captured, he was promptly snatched from them by the newly escaped Filch, and the Autobots were forced to track down and capture both of the birdbots. {{storylink|Bumblebee Versus Scuzzard}} Detecting Autobot signals at the docks, the Autobots stumbled on a fight between Underbite, Thunderhoof, and [[Slink]]'s gang. Sideswipe found himself in a one-on-one fight with Thunderhoof and required Strongarm's help to hold his ground. After the team managed to capture Slink and her gang, Sideswipe again tangled with Thunderhoof and managed to send the elkbot to the bottom of the harbor. {{storylink|Sideswipe Versus Thunderhoof}}

After the team captured [[Forager]] who appeared to rescue Drift, throwing doubt on the Autobot's motives, Sideswipe was prepared to give Drift the benefit of the doubt. He and the rest of the team were captured a short time later when [[Foxtrot]] and [[Stilts]] took over the scrapyard and put the team in stasis pods. The team was eventually freed with Drift's help, and turned the tables on the Decepticons. {{storylink|Drift's Samurai Showdown}}

Sideswipe attempted to play football with Russell and Grimlock until Grimlock destroyed the ball. When Bumblebee became distracted during a fight with [[Skinkbomb]], Sideswipe attempted to save him from a grenade, only to become seriously injured himself. He was taken back to the scrapyard where Fixit was able to repair him, though Bumblebee recommended that he take it easy for a few cycles. {{storylink|The Trials of Optimus Prime}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Autobot World Tour}}}}

===''Transformers Legends'' comic===
Sideswipe and the other members of Bumblebee's team responded when Optimus Prime called their names in a display of his [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Adventure|new toy]]'s speaking gimmick, then joined Optimus in dancing to "[[Try☆Transformers Adventure↑↑↑]]". {{storylink|TAV21 Optimus Prime Now on Sale!}}

When [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] and [[Tigatron]] appeared among the Autobots, Sideswipe was mostly shocked to see a rat wearing a necktie. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}}

===Signature ''Robots in Disguise'' comic===
A bored Sideswipe jumped at the chance to get out of the yard and transport the Decepticon [[Springload (RID)|Springload]], and also to mock Strongarm while he was at it. He was hoisted by that petard when Springload tricked his way into escaping captivity and knocked him over, and Sideswipe was further embarrassed when he chased the Decepticon down against Bumblebee's orders, ignorant of how Springload could simply jump over obstacles (almost like he's a frog or something) and almost getting Russell and Denny killed in the process.

Bumblebee admonished him to use his head more. He took this to heart, and when Springload was sighted at a film set, Sideswipe figured out that his foe was a bit out of touch with reality: so he 'allowed' the guy to escape, knowing he'd crash into a painted wall thinking it was outside. Bumblebee gave him props for letting Springload defeat himself. {{Storylink|Signature Robots in Disguise issue 1|Look Before You Leap}}

===''Rescue Bots'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Darren Criss]] (English)}}

[[File:TheNeedForSpeed Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Finally I get to appear on the main ''Transformers'' show!"]]
Sideswipe intercepted the Mini-Con delinquent [[Bounce]] on the mainland. When the Mini-Con escaped through the team's [[GroundBridge]], he teleported to the island of [[Griffin Rock]], prompting Sideswipe to pursue him. While chasing down the Cyclone, he encountered [[Blurr (Prime)|Blurr]], and immediately assumed that he was a Decepticon. The misunderstanding was cleared up shortly after the other [[Rescue Bot]]s arrived. Back at the firehouse, [[Heatwave (RB)|Heatwave]] filled him in on their mission on Earth. Blurr was impressed by Sideswipe and asked him for some rescue tips - but Sideswipe wasn't particularly interested in helping humans. He promised Blurr that he would recommend him to Bumblebee once he returned to the mainland, and offered him the opportunity to join the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]].

Using an electromagnetic trap, Blurr and Sideswipe attempted to herd Bounce towards the park and spring the trap, but Bounce managed to outspeed them, escaping into the sewers. While [[Cody Burns|Cody]] and [[Servo (RB)|Servo]] flushed out Bounce, Sideswipe and Blurr used energize tools to reroute the Minicon's path, safely directing him into the trap. Blurr was upset that he didn't apprehend the Mini-Con, but Sideswipe pointed out that he had saved several humans during the operation, inspiring Blurr to stay on Griffin Rock and continue honing his Rescue Bot skills. Sideswipe returned to the mainland, convict in hand. {{storylink|The Need for Speed}}

{{-}}

==Games==

===''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' mobile game===
{{note|The Starter Sideswipe is already unlocked when the game is turned on for the first time, until the latest update requires 500 Energon Cubes to unlock him.}}
<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:65%"
|-
! scope="col" width="30%" | '''Version'''
! style="background: #00CCFF; color: black" scope="col" width="35%" | '''Unlock Cost (Energon)'''
! style="background: #BF00FF; color: white" scope="col" width="35%" | '''Unlock Cost (Ultra Sparks)'''
|-
|Starter
|500
|N/A
|-
|Titan Guardian
|1000
|20
|-
|Legion
|1500
|30
|-
|Legion Alpine
|1500
|30
|-
|One-Step
|2000
|40
|-
|One-Step Ninja
|2000
|40
|-
|One-Step Blizzard
|2000
|40
|-
|Switchblade
|2000
|40
|-
|Titan Hero
|3000
|60
|-
|Warrior
|4000
|80
|-
|Warrior Clash
|4000
|80
|-
|Battlepack
|4000
|80
|-
|Battlepack Alpine
|4000
|80
|-
|Titan Changer
|4000
|80
|-
|Hero
|6000
|120
|-
|Power Hero
|8000
|140
|-
|Combiner
|3800
|75
|}
</center>

When Crown City was overrun by Decepticons as a result of a stasis pod modified to clone an army, the Autobots were forced to battle them throughout the city and surrounding landscape. They eventually found that Steeljaw and another Decepticon had constructed a [[space bridge]] and defeated the pair. {{storylink|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|Robots in Disguise}}

{{Note|The Sideswipe Kreon is part of the player's power-up: They served as the player's support by attacking enemies. However the Kreons can suffer friendly fire from the player itself.}}

===''Protect Crown City''===
Sideswipe, Strongarm, Bumblebee and Grimlock captured escaped Decepticons, and secured them back in their stasis pods. {{storylink|Protect Crown City}}

==Toys==
===Robots in Disguise (2015)===
{{note|Virtually every toy in this list has a scannable [[insignia]] sticker on it. For [[Hasbro]] releases, it temporarily unlocks that toy as a playable character in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]], and can only be scanned once per day. [[TakaraTomy]] releases simply check that off on their mobile app's collection list. It's honestly quicker and less redundant to say which toys '''don't''' have this feature. Meanwhile, scanning the ''Combiner Force'' toys' insignia stickers gives the player Tickets, which can be spent by giving them to [[Cryostase]] via the main map menu.}}
====Legion Class====
{{anchor|Legion}}
[[File:RID2015-Legion-Class-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Spikeswipe.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Legion Class, 2015/2017)
:Part of the second wave of Transformers: Robots in Disguise Legion Class figures, Sideswipe transforms from a robot into a futuristic sports car, and features 3mm ports for his hands. Due to his transformation scheme, Sideswipe features articulated legs and pivoting feet. Unfortunately, his wheels on his vehicle mode does not roll well for some reason. The spikes on his arms could ''possibly'' break if you attempt to roll his vehicle mode on uneven surfaces. His scannable Autobot insignia is on his robot/vehicle mode left arm.

:Despite being succeeded by the "Alpine Strike" redeco in wave 4, the original red deco of the figure made a comeback in the 10th & 13th waves, as part of the "Combiner Force" [[subline imprint]]. However, the 13th wave reissue of Sideswipe never saw release in many (if not, all) toy stores in Asian countries like Malaysia, so fans must rely on a very small number of hobby shop dealers to get him. In December 2018, a number of Legion Sideswipes (along with a Twinferno and a reissued Groundbuster) is later available in a 6-day event held by a shop, and later in April 2019; He and the entire wavemates is finally released at retail...in limited numbers at Popular Book Stores, in a discounted price of RM15.90 (approx $3) as part of the "Must Buy!" offers.

{{-}}{{anchor|AlpineStrikeLegion}}
[[File:RID2015-legion-alpine-strike-sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Why do I feel like I'm being watched all of a sudden?]]
*'''Alpine Strike Sideswipe''' (Legion Class, 2015)

:A redeco of the Legion Class Sideswipe figure above, Alpine Strike Sideswipe features a coloration based on [[Red Alert (G1)|Generation 1 Red Alert]].

:Like his original Legion Class figure, his scannable Autobot insignia is on his robot/vehicle mode left arm.

{{-}}{{anchor|ClearLegion}}
[[File:TF-Adventure-EZ-Collection-Clear-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|From this to that!]]
*'''Sideswipe Clear Ver.''' (EZ Collection, 2015)
:A redeco of Legion Class Sideswipe in clear plastic, Sideswipe Clear Ver. was given away at Japanese stores like Hakuhinkan TOY PARK Ginza, White Peony Ishinomaki shop, Yamada Denki toy department, and Yodobashi Camera from [[Calendar|July]] 2015 to customers who spent ¥3000 or more on ''Adventure'' product. Like most of the clear colored ''Adventure'' Legion Class exclusives, Sideswipe has no paint operations save for his face.

{{-}}{{anchor|TAV34}}
[[File:TAV-34-EZ-Collection-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I faded in the wash.Buy me again!]]
*'''Team Bumblebee VS Megatronus set''' (EZ Collection 4-pack, 2015)
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV34'''
:Available for this set, this version of Sideswipe is a redeco of the original Legion Class Sideswipe, featuring minor paint details. He was released as a four-pack along with [[Strongarm (RID)#TAV34|Strongarm]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#TAV34|Bumblebee]], and [[The Fallen#TAV34|Megatronus]].

:Unlike the Hasbro release, the toy features no scan-badges on the toy, instead it was printed on one small card, along with the other 3 badges.

:Like the rest of the ''Adventure'' EZ Collection sets, some online retailers like Amazon Japan were still selling it 2 years later at greatly reduced prices (70% off).
{{-}}

====One-Step Changers====
{{anchor|OneStep}}
[[File:2015 RID OneStep Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Won't be able to do all those flips any more.''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Easy-dynamic-series-TED-03-sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm not just a red brick with wheels anymore!''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''Sideswipe''' (One-Step Changer, 2015)
**''Japanese release date'': '''2015-[[March 21|03-21]]'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''TED03'''

:Part of the first wave of the Transformers: Robots in Disguise One-Step Changers, Sideswipe is a simplified toy that transforms in one step. He features articulation in the shoulders, which can swivel outward, forward, and backward. His hands are sculpted to fit 5mm weapons into his hands. This Sideswipe can ride on [[Grimlock_(RID_2015)#Stomp_.26_Chomp|Stomp & Chomp Grimlock]], but does not activate any of the larger figure's gimmicks.

:While not a retool, he shares a [[transformation]] scheme with One-Step Changer Movie [[Drift (AOE)#Toys|Drift]].

:His scannable Autobot insignia is on his robot mode left chestplate.

:The TakaraTomy release of the One-Step Change Sideswipe (as part of the Easy Dynamic Series lineup) features additional paint details in robot mode: the fake hood, the gunmetal grey feet, and the metallic red "暖速" detailing. He also features a different scan-badge, which is compatible with TakaraTomy's ''Transformers Chronicle'' app. Although the badge is covered by a dummy sticker, there is no way to scan the badge if he's packaged in vehicle mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/OSCSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on One-Step Changer Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStepNinja}}
[[File:RID2015-One-Step-Changer-Ninja-Mode-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He's like a ninja.....A ''reeeeeaaly'' agile ninja.]]
*'''Ninja Mode Sideswipe''' (One-Step Changer, 2015)

:Part of the fourth wave of the Transformers: Robots in Disguise One-Step Changers, Ninja Mode Sideswipe is a redeco of the One-Step figure above, with it colors inverted with the exception of the dark gray plastic is changed into light gray.

:Like his original One-Step toy, his scannable Autobot insignia is on his robot mode left chestplate.

{{-}}{{anchor|RIDCollection}}
[[File:RID2015-One-Step-Changers-Collection-6-pack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, why is Prime's side of the box cooler than mine?]]
*'''Robots in Disguise Collection''' (6-pack, 2015)

:A 6-pack featuring the One-Step figures of [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#RIDCollection|Bumblebee]], [[Steeljaw (RID)#RIDCollection|Steeljaw]], [[Grimlock (RID 2015)#RIDCollection|Grimlock]], Sideswipe, [[Underbite#RIDCollection|Underbite]] (all of them unchanged from their individual releases), and a new One-Step [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#RIDCollection|Optimus Prime]] figure available only in this set. This set was exclusive to [[Target]] stores in the United States and to [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in Canada.

: Sideswipe, Steeljaw, Underbite, and Bumblebee's badges are all scannable in-package.

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStep2016}}
[[File:RID2015-One-Step-changer-Patrol-Mode-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now I transform into a red ''rectangle'' with wheels!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (One-Step Changer, 2016)

:A new mold of One-Step Changer Sideswipe, he transforms into a more cartoon accurate version of his vehicle mode. When you flip up his exhaust pipes, he transforms into robot mode in a single step. He features articulation at his shoulders. Unlike his previous toy, this Sideswipe cannot ride on [[Grimlock_(RID_2015)#Stomp_.26_Chomp|Stomp & Chomp Grimlock]], due to how the legs are molded.

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStepBlizzard}}
[[File:TF-RID2015-One-Step-Blizzard-Strike-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Blizzard Strike Sideswipe''' (One-Step Changer, 2016)

:Blizzard Strike Sideswipe is a redeco of the first One-Step Changer Sideswipe in White & Blue with little black detailing.

{{-}}{{anchor|CombinerForce1Step}}
[[File:TF-RID-Combiner-Force-1-Step-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Combiner Force One-Step Changer, 2017)

:Released as part of 10th wave of ''Combiner Force'' One-Step Changers, this Sideswipe is an entirely new mold and a new transformation scheme which consists of twisting his vehicle rear/robot mode legs to turn him into a robot. He features a very limited articulation on the elbows. His scannable badge is on the front vehicle hood, accessible while in-package. As with the 2016 One-step Changer figure, this Sideswipe cannot ride on [[Grimlock_(RID_2015)#Stomp_.26_Chomp|Stomp & Chomp Grimlock]] due to how the legs are molded.

{{-}}

====Warrior Class====
{{anchor|Warrior}}
[[File:TransformersRobotsinDisguise2015WarriorClassSideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|Red. ''(Hasbro version Pictured)'']]
[[File:Transformers-Adventure-Series-TAV-22-Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Redder. ''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Warrior Class, 2015)
**''Japanese release date'': '''2015-[[July 25|07-25]]'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''TAV22'''
**''Accessories'': Sword

:Part of the third wave of ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Warrior Class figures, Sideswipe transforms from a futuristic sports car to robot and back! Sideswipe also comes with a sword, which can be wielded by his pair of 5mm-compatible hands, and can be stored on his vehicle mode's rooftop. His head features a light-piping gimmick, but due to the clear parts being molded in colorless plastic, the gimmick was neutered by painting his eyes blue.

:His scannable Autobot insignia is on his vehicle mode front/robot mode back, impossible to be accessed in-package.

:Warrior Class Sideswipe also suffers two design flaws: His robot mode chest cover prevents his vehicle mode to move, while his shoulder part's pegs can't lock at the back of the chest plate as well.

:The TakaraTomy release of Sideswipe (as part of the ''Adventure Series'' lineup) features additional paint details. He also features a different scannable badge, which is compatible with TakaraTomy's ''Transformers Chronicle'' app.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/Sideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Warrior Class Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ClashWarrior}}
[[File:CotT-Warrior-Class-Sideswipe-Hasbro-Version.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Can you spot the difference? ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Clash-of-the-Transformers-Warrior-Class-Sideswipe-TakaraTomy-Ver.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's right under your nose! Well, his nose. Wait, does he even have a nose? ''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Clash of the Transformers, 2015)
**''Accessories'': Sword
:A redeco of Warrior Class Sideswipe based on his appearance in the ''Robots in Disguise'' season 1 finale. this figure was released as part of the ''Clash of the Transformers'' [[subline imprint]] that's [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]] stores around the world, including Japan.

:Like his original toy, his scannable Autobot insignia is on his vehicle mode front/robot mode back.

:The TakaraTomy release of the toy is also a Toys"R"Us exclusive, and for some reason features a different scan-badge on his chest, rather than his vehicle mode front. Scanning this in the ''Transformers Chronicle'' app unlocks Clash Sideswipe as a playable character.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/OSCSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on ''Clash of the Transformers'' Warrior Class Sideswipe at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Hyperchange Heroes / 3-Step Changers====
[[File:2015RIDHyperchangeSideswipe.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|Finally, I'm somewhat presentable.''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Transformers-Adventure-TED-15-Big-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now with 25% bigger headlights.''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Hyper Change Hero / 3-Step Changer, 2015)
**''Japanese release date'': 2015-[[November 14|11-14]]
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TED-15'''

:Part of the fourth wave of Hyper Change Heroes, Sideswipe transforms from a robot to a futuristic car and back in just three easy steps! He comes packed in an open-front box, so that children can touch him. He also possesses a very similar transformation to [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Hyper Change Heroes .2F 3-Step Changers|3-Step Bumblebee]].

:His scannable Autobot insignia is on his Robot Mode chest.

:The TakaraTomy release of the toy, titled '''Big Sideswipe''', feature minor additional paint details. He also features a different scan-badge, which is compatible to TakaraTomy's ''Transformers Chronicle'' app.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/HCHSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on Hyperchange Heroes/3-Step Changer Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

====Titan Changers====
[[File:RID2015-Titan-Changer-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I traded in my paint apps for these leg extensions!]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Titan Changer, 2016)

:Part of the second wave of Titan Changers, Sideswipe transforms from a futuristic sports car into a robot in just 4 easy steps! Titan Changers Sideswipe also features limited articulation on his shoulders, and 5mm compatible hands.
{{-}}

====Mini-Con Battle Packs====
[[File:RID2015-Minicon-Battle-Pack-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm not Sideswipe, I'm....Grim....Bee.]]
*'''Decepticon Hunter Sideswipe VS Mini-Con Anvil''' (Mini-Con Battle Pack, 2016)
**''Accessories'': Energon spear, claw gauntlets x2,chestplate/helmet, spike band, leg armor.

:Part of the first wave of Mini-Con Battle packs, Sideswipe is a new Legends/Scout-class-sized mold that scales with the Warrior Class figures (Optimus Prime and Megatronus, for example), and includes the Decepticon [[Anvil (RID)|Anvil]], a Cyclone Mini-Con which is designed to be launched from the [[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]] [[Crazybolt (RID)#Toys|Crazybolt]] and [[Overload (RID)#Toys|Overload]] toys. His transformation is largely the same as the Legion Class version of the figure just with some minor variations. His Energon armor parts can either be worn as battle armor, or combined into a capture claw.

:His scannable Autobot insignia is in his chest, accessible in Robot Mode and in-package.

{{-}}{{anchor|MiniBattlePackAlpine}}
[[File:RID2015-Weaponizer-Battle-Pack-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Why do I have a feeling that this Mini-Con is going to kill me?]]
*'''Sideswipe & Mini-Con Windstrike''' (2016)
**''Accessories'': Armor pieces

:Release as part of the 3rd wave of Mini-Con Battle packs, this Sideswipe is a redeco of the figure above, featuring another Red Alert-inspired color scheme. He also comes with Windstrike, a Mini-Con who transforms from robot to 5mm sword accessory. He is packaged with a set of clear armor that either he or Sideswipe can wear in robot mode, or which can be attached to Windstrike's sword mode for a larger weapon.

{{-}}{{anchor|TAV43}}
[[File:TF-Adventure-TAV43-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Barithunder & Sideswipe Thunder Armor''' (Mini-Con Battle Pack, [[April 29|4-29]]-2016)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''TAV43'''
**''Accessories'': Thunder Armor (Energon spear, claw gauntlets x2,chestplate/helmet, spike band, leg armor), Barithunder Mini-Con

:The ''Adventure'' release of the Mini-Con Battle Pack Sideswipe is a repaint of the Hasbro mold, featuring some paint applications to closely resemble his appearances in the cartoon.

{{-}}{{anchor|TAV44}}
[[File:TF-Adventure-TAV44-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe and Bumblebee - Supreme Armor set''' (4-Pack, [[May 28|5-28]]-2016)
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV44'''
**''Accessories'': Bumblebee's weapons (Gun, ''Kotetsu'' Armor (combine to form a weapon), Sideswipe's weapons (Energon spear, claw gauntlets x2,chestplate/helmet, spike band, leg armor), Ironjam Mini-con, Barithunder Mini-Con

:Another release of the ''Adventure'' Mini-Con Battle Pack Sideswipe, this toy features transparent blue battle axe and armor parts.

:Sideswipe is bundled with Bumblebee and his Mini-Cons Ironjam and Barithunder redecoed in different colors.
{{-}}{{anchor|TAV58}}
[[File:TF-Adventure-TAV-58-Battle-Pack-Clear-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I got a standard release? Something's not right here.]]
*'''Windstrike & Sideswipe Wind Armor''' (Mini-Con Battle Pack, [[October 29|10-29]]-2016)
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV58'''
**''Accessories'': Windstrike's Armor sprue

:Another redeco of the Battle Pack mold, Sideswipe features transparent red parts to evoke his clear version of the EZ Collection toy. He also comes with a Windstrike Micron, which can be wielded by Sideswipe.

{{-}}

====Power Heroes====
[[File:TF-RID2015-Power-Surge-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Power Surge Sideswipe with Mini-Con Windstrike''' (2016)
**''Accessories'': Windstrike Mini-Con

:Power Surge Sideswipe is a new Voyager-sized mold that transforms into a robot to vehicle in several steps, and it's packed with a voice gimmick, activated by pressing on his head! He also comes with a Windstrike Mini-Con, which can be transformed into both a sword or chest armor for Sideswipe, the latter of which triggers different sound effects from his partner.
{{-}}
====Crash Combiners====
[[File:TF-RID2015-Crash-Combiner-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe & Bumblebee''' (Crash Combiner, 2017)

:Part of the first wave of the ''Combiner Force'' subline, Sideswipe is a roughly Scout-class sized figure that changes from his futuristic car into a robot in three extremely simple steps. His individual robot mode only has limited articulation on his shoulders, but he can also spread his legs for a more dramatic pose thanks to his combined form's transformation scheme. He also has a little green arrow above the connector on the front bumper indicating where to crash him to combine with other figures. A 5mm post hole on top of his vehicle mode can accommodate a compatible accessory or Weaponizer Minicon, though he cannot use it in his individual robot mode.

:Sideswipe comes packaged with Bumblebee and is intended to combine with him to form Beeside's upper torso. Connecting them to each other will activate Bumblebee's automatic transformation, but Sideswipe must be converted manually. He can also combine with any other Crash Combiner figure to form a random Combiner.

{{-}}

====Activator Combiners====
{{anchor|Activator}}
[[File:TF-RID2015-Activator-Combiners-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Great Byte / Sideswipe''' (Activator Combiner, 2017)

:Released as the only new toy of the second wave of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2015_toyline)#Activator_Combiners|Activator Combiners]], this Sideswipe is a larger-but-simpler-than-Warrior figure that transforms into his usual sports car mode in just 6 steps. Plugging an Activator Mini-Con, such as is pack-in partner [[Great Byte]], onto his vehicle-mode roof activates "Throttle Up" mode, opening his front side-panels and popping out his front bumper into a Futuristic-F1-Racer-thingamajig mode.
{{-}}

====Team Combiners====
{{anchor|TeamCombiner}}
[[File:TF-RID2015-Team-Combiner-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Ultra Bee''' (Team Combiner, 2017)

:Released as part of the [[Ultra Bee]] set, Sideswipe transforms from robot to vehicle, and combines with Bumblebee, Strongarm and Grimlock to form Ultra Bee. As a Team Combiner limb, Sideswipe can also form the left or right arm of any other Team Combiner.

:Unlike Strongarm, Sideswipe's arms cannot be fully splayed out due to the obstruction between the joints and the upper plastic, though this can be amended if one thinly slice off the excess plastic very carefully. Also, care must be taken while rolling Sideswipe's vehicle mode; as his spiky hair faces ''dangerously close'' against the ground, rolling him roughly can eventually scratch the paint off or even worse, damage his hair piece.

:Each toy uses the same universal combination joint as the other Team Combiners and the [[Crash Combiner]]s, which can lead to some... ''interesting'' combinations, given that most robots form very specific body parts when combined. Mixing Crash Combiners with Team Combiners leads to some ''especially'' weird results.

{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|RoadwayRundown}}
[[File:Kre-O 2015 Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|Still has more articulation than most of his other toys.]]
[[File:Kre-O-RID2015-Sideswipe-vehicle-build.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|So, does this count as an Action Master vehicle?]]
*'''Sideswipe Roadway Rundown''' (2015)
**''Set Number'': ''B1548''
**''Kreons'': Sideswipe, [[Hammerstrike (RID)#Kre-O|Hammerstrike]]
**''Pieces'': 98
**''Accessories'': 2 Swords

:Available only for the Sideswipe Roadway Rundown set, this Sideswipe Kreon uses the new 2015 style of Kreon hips and torso, with a hollow hip-peg and a central post inside the torso for increased grip... which also makes them incompatible with about four years' worth of Kreons, and he's based on ''Robots in Disguise'' Sideswipe. He also comes with a buildable vehicle mode of himself. The good news is: He finally has a pair of swords, which is reused from [[Springer (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Springer]]'s/[[Drift (Kre-O)|Drift]]'s. He also reuses [[Knock Out (Prime)#Kre-O|Knock Out]]'s helmet.

:Like the rest of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Building sets, the sets are released early in some Asia regions.
{{-}}{{anchor|CustomRID2017}}
*'''Armor Up Sideswipe''' (Custom Kreon, 2017)
**''Set Number'': '''B5710'''
*'''Blizzard Strike Sideswipe''' (2017)
**''Set Number'': ??
*'''Night Strike Sideswipe''' (2017)
**''Set Number'': '''B5714'''
***''Pieces'': 26
***''Accessories'': 2 Katanas, 2 Sais, 2 Shoulder armors, Extension parts (arms, legs)

:Released (again) without any prior announcement from Hasbro, this Sideswipe is the ''very'' first Custom Kreon of the said character, and he features extension parts for the arms and legs used for the Kreons included in the China exclusive ''Armor Hero Captor'' sets. On the other hand, the Kreon can be displayed without adding any armor parts.

:Sideswipe was also available is three different versions: the standard Armor-Up, the redecoes Blizzard Strike and Night Strike. So far the building sets saw first release on Dollar General.

{{-}}

===Rescue Bots===
{{anchor|Supercharger}}
*'''Sideswipe''' (Supercharger, 2016/17)
[[File:RB-Supercharger-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Rescue me!]]

:Along with [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Superchargers|Bumblebee]] forming the first (and only) wave of "Superchargers", Sideswipe is a new mold standing slightly larger than a Rescan figure, transforming from robot to race car mode in just a few easy steps. As a Supercharger, he features a pull-back motor gimmick in vehicle mode. This gimmick, located at the rear of the vehicle mode, further limits the figure's articulation even by Rescue Bots standards, as the legs do not splay out.
{{-}}

{{anchor|Flip}}
*'''Griffin Rock Racing Team''' (Flip Racer 3-pack, 2017)
[[File:RB-Sideswipe-FlipRacer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Sideswipe found the donuts.]]

:Part of the first wave of three-pack [[Flip Racers]], Sideswipe transforms automatically from car to robot when the vehicle mode is lifted up and placed on its end. He comes in a pack with [[Chase (RB)#Flip|Chase the Police-Bot]] and [[Blurr (Prime)#Flip|Blurr]].

*'''Sideswipe''' (Flip Racer, 2017)

:A seemingly unchanged Flip Racer Sideswipe was also released as part of the second wave of single-packed Flip Racers.
{{--}}

{{charstubtoys}}

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Tiny Titans===
[[File:RID2015 TinyTitans Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Tiny Titans, 2015)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''5/12'''

: Part of the initial assortment of ''[[Tiny Titans]]'' [[blindpacking|blindpacks]], this version of Sideswipe is a very small, soft-plastic figure of him in robot mode, performing a sliding kick.

: He includes a collectible card that includes a scan-badge for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]], which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/TTSideswipe/sideswipe.htm More information on ''Tiny Titans'' Sideswipe at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TinyTitans2}}
*'''Sideswipe''' (Tiny Titans, 2015)
**''Series'': '''4'''
**''Number'': '''2/12'''

: Part of the fourth ''Tiny Titans'' series, this version of Sideswipe has him on his feet, brandishing a pair of ''katana''-like swords.

:As per usual, he includes a collectible card that includes a scan-badge for the ''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game, which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

{{-}}
===Radz===
*'''Sideswipe''' (Radz candy dispenser, 2015)
**''Blindbag code'': '''G'''

: The [[Radz]] candy-dispenser version of Sideswipe is a plastic sphereoid with feet, spiky "hair", and a keychain fob. Pulling the hair back opens the toy's "mouth" and projects a little bowl-like tongue, dispensing a single colored sugar pellet. The hair can be taken off to refill the dispenser, and swapped with any other Radz.

:Sideswipe was available only in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] baggie, though the bag has a code number on the back under the "best by" date that tells you what's inside (only the last letter is the important part). He comes with a bag of sugar pellets, and a mini-poster with a collection checklist on the back.

===Surprise Drinks===
[[File:TF-RID2015-Surprise-Drinks-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (2016)

:There are two different ''Surprise Drinks'' Sideswipe toys. The more common one is a show-accurate 1.5-inch non-transforming figure, the other is a "pencil topper" of his head. As the toys are hidden inside the opaque capsule taped to the bottle, they can be found in any randomly-packed bottles, regardless of who's on the label, so... good luck.
{{-}}

===Kinder Surprise===
*'''Transformers: Robots in Disguise''' (2015)
[[File:RID2015KinderEggSideswipe.jpg|thumb|180px|right|]]
:Only available inside a blindpacked chocolate egg as part of Kinder's ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' series, this buildable Sideswipe mini-figure consists of a generic "cog" onto which his limbs and armor can be clipped to construct him. He has articulation in his shoulders and hips.
{{-}}

===Hero Mashers===
[[File:RID2015-Hero-Mashers-Sideswipe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Fear my.....Butter knife.....On a stick...with a handle.]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (2015)
**''Pieces'': '''10'''

: Part of the third wave of ''Transformers [[Hero Mashers]]'' —and the first of the ''Robots in Disguise''-themed product— Sideswipe is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints, about five inches tall. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount any ''Hero Mashers'' accessory.

: He is designed with a removable head, biceps, arms, and legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any other ''Hero Mashers'' figure... which includes figures from [[Marvel Comics]], ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'', and ''[[Jurassic Park|Jurassic World]]'', meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

{{-}}
===Titan Heroes===
[[File:RID2015 TitanHeroes Sideswipe.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Titan Hero, 2015)

:''[[Titan Heroes]]'' Sideswipe is a 16-inch tall non-transforming figure.

{{-}}
[[File:RID2015 TitanGuardians Sideswipe.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Sideswipe''' (Titan Guardian, 2015)

:Part of the smaller Guardian size class, this Sideswipe is 6 inches tall and has more limited articulation.

{{-}}

==Notes==
*Sideswipe's working name during early development of ''Robots in Disguise'' was '''Fastlane'''.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/2015/03/robots-in-disguise-sideswipe-concept-art-revealed/#more-41008 Robots in Disguise Sideswipe Concept Art Revealed]</ref> This makes sense, as Sideswipe's overall personality is quite similar to the original [[Fastlane]] (an immature, thrill-seeking showoff).
* He is the only ''Robots in Disguise'' exclusive character to have appeared in ''Rescue Bots''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Hero Mashers Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Rescue Bots Autobots]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]

Our Darkest

2019-09-14T21:33:30Z

Arsnof: /* Errors */

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' #0
|prev=The Curtain
|next=Last Stand (Unicron)
|next2=Unstopped and Unstoppable
|image=TFUnicron0_cvr.jpg
|caption="Hear me and rejoice. You have had the privilege of being saved by the Great Titan."
|title="Our Darkest"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 5]], [[2018]]
|coverdate=May 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Sebastian Cheng]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''The Transformers come to the aid of Elonia when Unicron attacks.'''

==Synopsis==
From across the cosmos, reports reach [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] of a colossal, planet-sized entity roaming the spaceways, consuming other worlds. One by one, planets that are home to both [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]'s [[Regenesis]] ores and Cybertron's colonies fall; first the time-tossed [[LV-117]], then the dead worlds of [[Gorlam Prime]] and [[Prion (planet)|Prion]], then the planet of speed, [[Velocitron]], each physically adding to the monster's mass as it devours them. The Transformers are able to deduce that this entity has been summoned by two transmissions recently sent by Cybertron itself into deep space, the second of which identified the planet-eating monster as "[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]." And Unicron is not finished dining; now, it appears in the skies over [[Elonia]], home of the [[Solstar Order]], and begins to feed. Optimus Prime leads a team aboard the ''[[Ark-Zero]]'', the only vessel fast enough to get there in time, in a desperate bid to save the planet's population...

Prime's team are met by [[Rom]] the [[Space Knight]], and Prime explains the situation to him. With no idea what Unicron is or why it's doing what it's doing, stopping it seems impossible, but [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] has an alternative: a massive, planet-wide [[Space bridge|Space Bridge]] to teleport the entire population of Elonia to Cybertron. Rom appreciates the offer, but he and the Space Knights think they can deal with Unicron, and head out to confront it. While Rom and [[Livia]] skim Unicron's surface, discovering it littered with the remains of dead Transformers absorbed along with Velocitron, the rest of their team flies straight into Unicron's maw... only to be immediately destroyed when a blast of energy emerges from it. Rom and Livia are caught in the blast and hurled down to Elonia's disintegrating surface.

The Transformers [[orbital jump|teleport]] down to Elonia and begin setting up Space Bridge pylons in strategic locations around the planet. As they work, Bumblebee befriends an Elonian girl and her pet. Before long, everything is ready to go, but when Wheeljack flips the switch, nothing happens! [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] deduces that a counter-signal is blocking the activation of the Space Bridge, the source of which Optimus Prime and [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] discover when they go the spot where Rom fell: an ancient Cybertronian [[Titan (group)|Titan]] named [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]], who has lain hidden for millions of years beneath the [[Thrail Mineral Mine]] and has been exposed by the planetary break-up. The mine is source of the metal used to create the Space Knights' armor; examining a handful of the metal, Optimus realizes that it is [[Ore-12|another of Shockwave's Regenesis ores]], confirming that Elonia is being targeted by Unicron because it is another of the thirteen lost "colonies" of Cybertron.

Wheeljack sees no option but to teleport back to the ''Ark-Zero'' before the planet is destroyed, but Bumblebee refuses to leave the Elonians to die, and Wheeljack is justly shamed. Arcee has a drastic solution—she buries her swords in Emissary's brain, killing him, causing the counter-signal he is generating to cease. Wheeljack is briefly alarmed by an energy spike that accompanies the cessation of the signal, but then quickly composes himself and activates the Space Bridge. Everyone teleports out... except Wheeljack himself, bravely resigned to the fact that he must stay behind to operate the Bridge to get everyone away safely. Satisfied, Wheeljack dies with Elonia as Unicron gorges upon it.

As Unicron completes its feeding, it disappears in a flash, teleporting away to somewhere else in the galaxy, leaving only blackness in its wake, the stars winking out from the sky. Aboard ''Ark-Zero'', Soundwave confirms that two-thirds of Elonia's population has been saved. [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] joins the group via teleconference hologram to explain the full extent of Unicron's actions to Rom, and, knowing that this threat is far from over, they begin planning for next time.

But, across the universe, "next time" is already ''now'', as Unicron appears in the skies over [[Eukaris]] and begins to feed...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Pyra Magna]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'s corpse (18)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (20)
*[[Aileron]] (23)
*[[Skyburst (G1)|Skyburst]] (24)
*[[Stormclash]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (28)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (32)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (27)

|h3=[[Solstar Order]]
|c3=
*[[Rom]] (6)
*[[Nikomi]] (11)
*[[Butin]] (12)
*[[Livia]] (13)
*[[Q'b]] (14)
*[[Prim]] (15)
*[[Maur]] (16)
*[[Carax]] (22)
*[[Sata]] (30)
*[[Guar]] (31)

|c4=
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] (1)
*Elonian girl (2)
*Pet [[Mutt (IDW)|mutt]] (3)
*[[Override (BW)|Override]]'s corpse (17)
*"''Energon'' [[Hot Shot (Henkei!)|Hot Shot]]"'s corpse (19)
*[[Strafe (IDW)|Strafe]] (21)
*[[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]] (26)
*[[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] (29)
*[[Manta Ray (BW)|Manta Ray]] (33)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (34)
*"''Beast Wars'' [[Prowl II|Prowl]]" (35)
}}

==Quotes==
"It shoulda '''worked!''' I tell ya, my calculations are '''never''' off! I mean, sure, '''sometimes'''—but not '''now!'''"
:—'''Wheeljack''' reacts to the space bridge's failure to activate

"The '''Titans'''... your kind see them as like unto '''gods.'''" 
"I said it before, knight... I don't '''pray''' much."
:—'''Rom''' is surprised by '''Arcee'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s decision to kill Emissary

"''Heh''. Guess there're are '''worse''' ways to go than savin' an entire-"
:—'''Wheeljack's''' last words.

<big>'''"I HUNGERRR..."'''</big>
:—'''Unicron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s first words

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This issue occurs partway through the pages of [[Unstopped and Unstoppable|''Optimus Prime'' #22]], which also includes the setup for the events that unfold here, and the fallout that bridges the gap between this issue and ''Unicron'' #0. However, it was released several months ahead of time, as a [[Free Comic Book Day]] 2018 "teaser" for the ''Unicron'' event, in the same month as [[The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|''Optimus Prime'' #19]]. This made it the first story to reveal that Bumblebee would be returning to life a few months in advance of it actually ''happening'', though any ''Optimus Prime'' readers can't have found that to be a shocker of a revelation.
*Optimus refers to the Solstar Order as one of "three grand dominions" in the galaxy. One of the others is definitely the [[Galactic Council]]; it's unclear if the third is the [[Black Block Consortia]], Cybertron and its [[Council of Worlds]], or some unknown force.
*The Elonian girl's pet is a [[Mutt (IDW)|purple porcine animal]] we've seen before; [[Stardrive]] had a plush toy of one in [[Shining Armor issue 1|''Shining Armor'' #1]], and a dead one was glimpsed in [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|''Optimus Prime'' #18]].
*Speaking of ''[[Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor|Shining Armor]]'', Bumblebee mentions that he's "happy to see Rom again," having met him in that mini-series.
*Rom's ''other'' Space Knight ally, the serpentine officer [[Orphion]], is conspicuous by his absence; that's because he died fighting [[Baron Karza]] and the [[Dire Wraith]]s in {{i|Gods and Monsters|''Rom & The Micronauts'' #5}}, released the week after this issue came out.
*Livia postulates that Unicron might be a [[Warworld]], a [[Decepticon]] ship class that appears over in [[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'']]/[[The Transformers: Lost Light|''Lost Light'']].
*Optimus and Arcee use an [[orbital jump]] to get from ''Ark-Zero'' to Elonia, a form of short-range teleportation from an orbiting craft to a planet's surface introduced waaay back at the start of IDW continuity. But, see "Errors", below.
*Emissary was revealed to have crashed on prehistoric Elonia in ''Optimus Prime'' #18.
*The Thrail Mineral Mine was introduced in the {{i|Cold Fire|2017 ''ROM'' annual}}. It has previously been strongly implied that the ore found there was one of Shockwave's Regenesis ores (a running gag in the Hasbro Universe even has various humans mistake Rom and his compatriots for Cybertronians); this issue confirms it, identifying the ore as [[Ore-12]]. Optimus observes the ore's "hexagonal lattice"; this has previously been described as a feature of [[Solus Prime]]'s [[Creation Lathe]] in [[Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #46]], suggesting it is a common feature of Cybertronian metal, or at least ancient and powerful ones.
*When relating that two-thirds of Elonia's population has been saved, Soundwave makes a point of stressing this includes animal life. Soundwave has a fondness for animals; he considers [[elephant]]s his favorite Earth creatures (humans are #2!), as noted in [[New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|''Optimus Prime'' #4]].
*The first signal was sent to Unicron in [[First Strike issue 6|''First Strike'' #6]], which was the story that introduced the planet-eater into IDW continuity. The second signal was the flare of healing [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] energy released in [[The Curtain|''Transformers vs. Visionaries'' #5]]; not that there was any indication in ''that story'' that any signal was being sent, but it's clarified in the recap section at the back of this issue (see "Other trivia," below).
*The destruction of LV-117 took place in [[Syndromica (2)|''Robots in Disguise'' #10]]. The visuals of the planet's destruction strongly suggested Unicron at the time, years before his formal introduction. Optimus Prime was there to witness it; from his perspective, it was years ago, but as Windblade explains, LV-117 moved freely through time, and was only destroyed a week ago.
*The dead colony of Prion was introduced in [[White Heat|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #57]].
*A little strange to hear that Gorlam Prime has been consumed, given that, when we last saw it in [[Homecoming (IDW)|''Robots in Disguise'' #19]] (when Optimus rose the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Titan]] he speaks of here), it collapsed into a portal into the [[Dead Universe]]. Maybe Unicron ate the portal?
*Velocitron was visited by the Transformers in [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|''Windblade'' vol. 2 #4]]-[[Race Against the Light|#5]]. The body of the planet's leader, [[Override (BW)|Override]], is among the corpses seen in this issue, next to [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], who Optimus notes took a team to Velocitron when Unicron attacked it and disappeared with it. Cliff's only made [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|one cameo appearance]] in the last four years, so he was pretty expendable.
*Bumblebee's specific concern for Cliffjumper presumably stems from his old pre-war friendship with him, as depicted in [[Ghost Stories|2017 ''Transformers'' annual]].
*It's been unclear for some time now exactly what the relationship between the planets Shockwave chose for his thirteen Regenesis ores (explained in [[The Crucible|''Robots in Disguise'' #34]] to be the final resting places of the [[Thirteen|Thirteen Primes]]) and the thirteen colony worlds of Cybertron (one for each Prime, founded by a Titan connected with that Prime). We'd initially assumed that they were ''not'' necessarily the same group of thirteen planets, since multiple ore worlds had no colonies, multiple ''colony'' worlds had no ''ores'', and multiple ''Primes'' either died or never left Cybertron, and so could not have been lain to rest on those worlds. Well, with the explicit identification of Elonia as one of the thirteen Regenesis planets ''and'' one of the thirteen "colony Titan" worlds, and the mentioning of other colonies (Velocitron, Eukaris, Prion) and Regenesis worlds (Gorlam Prime, LV-117) in the same breath, it looks like that's been soft-retconned; they ''are'' the same thirteen planets, and the worlds are not the ''resting places'' of the Primes, just connected with them. This would indicate that the colony worlds we've seen have (or had) ores of their own we never saw, which seems massively coincidental, until you remember that this is ''aaaaall'' being pinpoint-precisely executed as an ontological paradox by the time-travelling [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]. Further, this implies: 1) that the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] was the colony Titan of Gorlam Prime; 2) that the biomechanical transhuman civilization that existed on Gorlam Prime may therefore have been of Cybertronian origin; and 3) that it's even possible the [[Ardurian roc]]s of the Regenesis world of [[Arduria]] and the [[Varta|shapeshifting natives of LV-117]] have similar Cybertronian connections. The rocs were even ''called'' "cousins" of Cybertronians back in [[Syndromica (1)|''Robots in Disguise'' #6]]! We know we say this a lot, but... John ''friggin<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' Barber, man.

===Transformers references===
[[File:Cliffjumper Dead on Unicron.jpg|thumb|right|"I don't think you appreciate the gut reaction people have to these things."]]
*The title of this story is, of course, a reference to the Transformers' "[[darkest hour]]", part of the prophecy surrounding the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and connected with the coming of Unicron, introduced in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*Like Optimus, Soundwave, Windblade, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], and [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] before him, Bumblebee's return to life has seen him redesigned into his "[[evergreen]]" character design.
*In addition to Cliffjumper and Override, a Transformer based on the ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' version of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] appears among the dead Velocitronians. But we know this is just a [[generic]], because the ''real'' [[Hot Shot (Henkei!)|Hot Shot]] lives on [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and has an ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''-based design! Alex Milne has previously demonstrated his love for [[Unicron Trilogy]] cameos by including ''Energon'' Hot Shot in [[The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|''More than Meets the Eye'' #35]].
*As Unicron opens fire on Elonia, Bumblebee despairs: "Oh Primus... what are we gonna do now?"—a, ahem, ''sanitized'' version of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]]'s infamous reaction to Unicron in ''The Transformers: The Movie'', "Oh shit, what are we gonna do now?"
[[File:Prowl2IDW2005.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Prowl 3? ...4? Ahhh, who cares.]]
*Bumblebee introduces the Transformers to the Elonian girl as "[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (franchise)|rescue bots.]]"
*Unicron's size increasing following his consumption of planets is an obscure fact about the character first established in ''[[The Transformers Universe]]''.
*During Unicron's attack on the planet, the other Eukarian Transforner seen in addition to established Eukarian tribe leaders Cheetor and Manta Ray is ''Beast Wars'' character [[Prowl II|Transmetal 2 Prowl]]. That's probably not his name in ''this'' continuity... and a robot based on him had also previously appeared as a Cybertronian member of [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]] in [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|''Sins of the Wreckers'' #5]], but it... uh, well, it hardly matters now, does it?

===Real-life references===
*Bumblebee uses the extremely mild swear "Hokey Smokes!" which was the catchphrase of {{w|Rocky the Flying Squirrel}} on ''{{w|The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends}}''.
*When introducing himself to the Elonian girl, Bumblebee more specifically refers to the Cybertronians present as "'''friendly neighborhood''' rescue bots", almost certainly a reference to one of his [[Dan Gilvezan|G1 voice actor's]] most famous [[Spider-Man|other role]].
*Unicron's declaring "I Hunger" to introduce himself may reference a line (made famous as an Internet meme) from the classic arcade game ''{{w|Sinistar}}'', where it was the introductory line used by the game's villain—himself a very large, animate spacecraft that devoured all it touched...

===Errors===
*Elonia is referred to as the "capitol of the Solstar Empire" when it should be "capital". A "capitol" is a legislative building; a "capital" is the geographic location. This is corrected in the trade paperback.
*"Space Bridge" is spelled as two words in this issue when IDW has been spelling it as one word for the past half-decade or so.
*Optimus calls the teleport jump he and Arcee take down to Elonia an "orbital bounce", but he should be calling it an "orbital jump". A "bounce" is when one teleports up ''from'' the surface, to the orbiting craft, then is beamed back down to another location right away.
*Page 9: Elonia is "one of Cybertronian's {{sic}} 13 lost colonies." This is corrected to "Cybertron" in the trade paperback.
*Also page 9: "And it's down us [sic] to fix it." This is ''not'' corrected in the TPB as a "to" is added between "down" and "us" but is now missing between "us" and "fix it."
*One sentence of "The Writers Guide to Unicron #0", contains an extra "was" causing it to say "...and learned was that Onyx was..."
*In the "Read More About..." ''[[The Transformers: Windblade#Collections|Transformers Windblade: The Last City]]'' is misspelled as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dora_and_the_Lost_City_of_Gold "Lost City"].

===Other trivia===
[[File:TFUnicron0 early cvr.jpg|right|thumb|upright=.75|"Permission to strike this from the record, Sir?"]]
*This issue was released on [[Free Comic Book Day]] 2018. It includes the 16-page main story, summarized above, and numerous additional pieces of backmatter, including:
**A letter from IDW associate editor David Mariotte, describing how ''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' marks the end of the current IDW ''Transformers'' universe.
**The announcement image for the series by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]] shown at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2017, in print for the first time.
**Preview images for [[Alex Milne]] and [[Andrew Griffith]]'s covers to [[Last Stand (Unicron)|issue #1]] and [[Casey Coller]]'s cover to [[Stranger Eons|issue #2]], and layouts of [[James Raiz]]'s six interlocking covers for the whole series.
**A reprint of the double-page spread of Unicron's first appearance from ''First Strike'' #6.
**"The Writers Guide to Unicron #0" by John Barber, summarizing the events leading up to the series. In the process, it gives away a few more details of Shockwave's scheme over in ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' that hadn't been entirely explained at the time of publication.
**A "Read More About..." section offering an overview of the IDW ''Transformers'' library of graphic novels.
*This issue was originally solicited with a very different logo that incorporated his maw as the "O". The logo was likely updated because it obscured much of Unicron himself (see right).

===Deathlist===
* The populations of [[Velocitron]], [[Eukaris]], and [[LV-117]] — eaten by Unicron
* Wheeljack, Cliffjumper — devoured by Unicron on Elonia and Velocitron, respectively
* Most of the Solstar Order — disintegrated by Unicron
* Emissary — stabbed in the brain by Arcee
{{--}}

===Covers===
*'''Regular cover:''' Starscream, Arcee, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Windblade stare up at Unicron, by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]]; Starscream and Arcee are hidden by a white box commonly added to Free Comic Book Day comics where stores can stamp their name.
<gallery>
File:TFUnicron0_cvr.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*[[Last Stand (Unicron)|''Transformers: Unicron'' #1]]
*''[[Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare]]'' graphic novel
*''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' checklist

==External links==
*[https://previewsworld.com/Catalog/Prevue/JAN180006 Preview]

[[Category:Unicron issues]]

The PriÂ¢e of Life!

2019-07-25T17:28:07Z

Arsnof: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #70
|prev=Eye of the Storm
|next=Surrender!
|title="The Pri¢e of Life!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #309–310
|prev2=Eye of the Storm
|next2=Surrender!
|image=MarvelUS-70.jpg
|caption="Hey, let's do 'Get Help'." "We are not doing 'Get Help'."
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=July [[1990]]
|coverdate=September 1990
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|penciler=[[Andrew Wildman]]
|inker=[[Stephen Baskerville]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Rick Parker]]
|editor=[[Rob Tokar]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''The coming of... Ratchetron! Uh, Mega-Chet? Uh... I don't even know anymore.'''

==Synopsis==
Shock. With the hideous fusion of [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] having been retrieved from [[Transwarp|unspace]] and deposited before them, the only word which can describe the feelings of the assembled [[Autobot]]s is shock. The unreality of the moment ends when [[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] enters the room and, seeing the Megatron side of the creature, takes aim with his laser. His distraction gives Megatron an opening to belt [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] in the face, and Kup then fires on the [[Decepticon]]. Before any more damage can be done, though, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] disarms his fellow [[Autobot]] and forces him to take a second look—at Ratchet. As Nightbeat explains the situation, Kup has to question whether Ratchet would even WANT to go on living in his current condition. Before the discussion can heat up from there, "Megatron" rams through the Autobots, leaving them stunned.

As Kup gets up to pursue the creature, Optimus Prime picks up Nightbeat's side of the conversation and the two begin to debate the survival of Ratchet versus the danger of Megatron. As [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] security officer, Kup insists the creature is too much of a threat to everyone on board the longer it remains functional, and yet Optimus cannot choose to throw away his friend's life so wantonly after just getting him back, whatever his condition.

[[File:Grimlockpriceoflife.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|ME GRIMLOCK HATE HYDRUS FOUR!]]
Meanwhile, on [[Hydrus Four]], [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] begins his search for the well of [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]]. With a [[Hydrusian guide|local mechanoid]] as his guide and comic-relief sidekick, Grimlock is forced to endure another round of blatant exposition until, mercifully, the "dumb guide" is chased off by one of the [[Nucleon guardian|Hydrusian mechanoids]] who has been driven mad by the Nucleon. The creature is rotting away, yet somehow still capable of animation, and gives Grimlock a meager fight before it is too damaged to continue struggling.

Back on the Ark, things have gotten worse. The fusion creature has damaged [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and sealed itself in the engine room, creating serious wreckage out of critical systems just as the Ark is beginning to make planetfall to meet the [[Decepticon]]s for the surrender. Kup lays this all on Optimus Prime's head and goes so far as to threaten to invoke the [[Crisis Act]] and relieve him of command; after this incident and Optimus's decision to surrender the Autobots to [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]], Kup is sure many of the crew would back him in that action. Turning to look the other Autobots in the eyes, Prime realizes his security officer isn't half wrong. Without another word, he takes the gun offered to him by Kup and bashes his way into the engine room. When Prime's gone, Kup admits to Sureshot that he's not just more bothered about it than he let on, he's partly driven by the view that Ratchet's better off dead than suffering like this.

[[File:PriceofLife-Icannot.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Hey, kids! Comics!]]
The fight is short-lived; despite all its power, the Megatron fusion is in constant agony and totally off-balance. Optimus Prime quickly overwhelms the entity, but as he is staring down the barrel of the gun into its optics, Prime just can't go through with the deed. He's then shocked when the creature (clearly under Ratchet's control at this point) pulls the gun back into line with itself and begs Prime to end its life.

On Hydrus Four, Grimlock is forced to deal with the second guardian of the well the same way he did the first: brutally. Reaching [[Farooth|the island]] where the well of Nucleon sits, he finds the last of the three guardians, who is far more coherent and far less violent than his friends. He tells Grimlock that Nucleon is not the prize he thinks; it revitalizes mechanoids, sure, and truly doesn't affect any two the same way, but it also causes wasting depletion and utter madness. In order to satisfy his doubts, Grimlock exposes himself to the Nucleon first before his fallen Dinobots. He emerges from the well feeling magnificent and prepares to load his comrades into the energy post-haste. The little dying robot can only say, "Time will tell..."

In the Ark's medi-bay, Optimus Prime receives a prognosis on the patient(s) from [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]]. The good news is, the doctor can save Ratchet's life. The bad news is, he cannot do so without also saving Megatron; the two robots have become so tightly entwined with one another that it would be impossible to do otherwise. Under the hard stares of his fellow Autobots, Optimus tells Fixit to preserve the life of both patients...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (3)
*[[Waverider]] (4)
*[[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] (5)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] (6)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (9)
*[[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] (10)
*[[Slag (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Slag]] (11)
*[[Snarl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Snarl]] (12)
*[[Siren (G1)|Siren]] (15)
*[[Getaway]] (16)
}}
|c4=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]/[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (1)
*[[Hydrusian guide]] (7)
*First [[Nucleon guardian]] (8)
*Second Nucleon guardian (13)
*Third Nucleon guardian (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Dhhh Awabus!" 
"Nuuuh -- nuuuh!" 
"Yuuus!"
:— the fusion-slurred rantings of '''Megatron''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Thought '''Earth''' was the pits, but this place got it beat! Me '''dirty, corroded, tired -- and very ticked-off! @$*#&!!''' Where dumb guide go now? Paid enough for him -- expect good service!" 
"Ah. There you are. For the delay, '''much sorry.''' But I... erm... '''got lost.'''" 
"Must be '''mad!''' Remind me someone, please -- '''tell why I bother!'''" 
"Oh, that is '''easy.''' You are here because up ahead is the island of Farooth, the '''Medi-Center''' and the '''nucleon'''!" 
"'''Nnn.''' Give me strength..."
:— '''Grimlock''' calls on all his strength to deal with the '''guide robot'''

"Defend the well!"
:—'''First Nucleon guardian'''. Note the double meaning in that phrase.

"Me no taste for this! This not warrior's work--me '''surgeon''', cutting away '''diseased tissue!'''"
:—'''Grimlock''' waxes poetic as he destroys the First Nucleon Guardian

"*zzsk* Defend the well *zzsk* None must *zzsk* none must *zzsk* none must" 
"Must '''what?!''' Me think your '''needle stuck!'''" 
"Feed *zzsk* none must feed *zzsk* '''Defend!'''" [''opens fire''] 
"Enough! You go defend '''somewhere else!'''"
:—'''Nucleon guardian''' vs. '''Grimlock'''

"'''No.''' Be strong. Be resolute! '''Be merciless!''' ...I -- '''cannot!''' It is '''not''' my way, not '''the Autobot way!''' Matrix for give me, but I ca-- Wha--?"
:— '''Optimus Prime''' tries to coach himself into killing the Megatron-Ratchet fusion... only to find the creature begging to be killed.

==Notes==
===Artwork and technical errors===
*In the previous issue, Grimlock took [[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Swoop]] and Snarl with him. This issue shows Snarl and Slag instead. However in "[[...All This and Civil War 2]]" Grimlock will be seen with all four Dinobots. Obviously some were just off panel this issue and the last.

===Continuity errors===
*So why didn't anyone use the Crisis Act on ''Grimlock'' back when he was being a rubbish leader?

===Continuity notes===
*Kup states there are around thirty active Autobots on the Ark, along with ''sixty'' deactivated and in stasis - almost exactly in line with the current count (see Bot Roster, below.) Since less than sixty have been confirmed as killed on-panel in events like "[[Dark Star]]", then this would seem to confirm that characters who've vanished (like the [[Monsterbot]]s) should be assumed to be offline.
*Despite the central focus of the last two issues, Ratchet and Megatron would not be addressed again until "[[The Void! (US)|The Void!]]".
*Nightbeat outlines his theory from last issue again, explaining the events from the end of "[[Skin Deep]]".
*Prime's announcement that he plans to surrender to the Decepticons also happened last issue.
*Though there are still a few glitches, this issue is the closest "turning point" where the UK [[Earthforce]] Saga could reasonably break off from the standard comic timeline. Megatron is back (sort of) as well as Shockwave building a crew, the Dinobots are going to be back due to Nucleon (and Decepticons wanting to know how they dun it is key to "[[Two Steps Back!]]"), and [[Galvatron II]] has not yet committed to attacking Cybertron. We know from "[[The Magnificent Six!]]" that the attempts at allying with Scorponok, starting in the next issue, do not work out in Earthforce.

===Real-life references===
*The subplot involving the horrific fusion of Ratchet and Megatron is strongly influenced by the classic horror movies ''{{w|The Fly (1958 film)|The Fly}}'' and its {{w|The Fly (1986 film)|remake}}.
**A terrible fusion accident involving teleportation is the major plot device in both movies.
**The scene where Ratchet/Megatron points Optimus' ion blaster at their head is a direct reference to the finale of the 1986 film.
**The "HELP US" on the cover is a reference to Delambe's phrase in the climax of the 1958 film.

===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: 30 active, plus 1 fused with Megatron; 8 rogue Micromasters; 1 in storage, 31 offline, 24 presumed offline.
*Decepticons: 21 active, 5 gone rogue; 25 offline, 25 presumed offline, 2 offline/missing. (78 total)

===Other trivia===
*In the credits, over the merged Transformers, editor Rob Tokar and editor-in-chief [[Tom DeFalco]] are said to "Share One Brain".
*The running theme in all of this is whether characters should be euthanised or live in suffering. While most of the ''Ark'' cast believe Ratchet and Megatron should be dead (and so do Megatron and Ratchet), Grimlock thinks this about the Nucleon victims, and the third guardian thinks it about himself, both subplots end with a character (Prime and Grimlock) rejecting the idea. Both decide they were right to do so as they can, in fact, save their comrades but have to deal with consequences as a result (saving Megatron and the later [[Action Master|loss of transformation]]).
*A ''[[The Transformers Universe|Transformers Universe]]'' profile for [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Powermaster Prime]] is found after the main story.
*Note in the quotes that Megatron and Ratchet can both think and talk independently to each other.

===UK printing===
'''Issue #309:'''
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[The Enemy Within]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''Machine Man'' - "He Lives Again" and ''[[Combat Colin]]''
*'''[[Transformers AtoZ|AtoZ]]:''' [[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] - a full colour reprint of the AtoZ from issue [[Manoeuvres!|#283]]
*'''Free gift:''' A Megatron/Ratchet hybrid bookmark.
*The UK #309 cover tagline is derived from "{{w|21st Century Schizoid Man}}", the opening song of {{w|King Crimson}}'s 1969 prog rock opus ''{{w|In the Court of the Crimson King}}''.
*With this issue the UK comic changed from a weekly to fortnightly schedule. The remaining 24 UK issues would return to the old format used on most of the UK run (from [[Repeat Performance!|issue #27]] until [[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|issue #213]]) of a single Transformers story and a backup strip. The remaining 24 UK issues would each contain half a US issue.
*The Machine Man story was previously printed, starting way back in [[Repeat Performance!|Issue #27]]

'''Issue #310:'''
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "The Enemy Within"
*'''Other strips:''' ''Machine Man'' - "He Lives Again" and ''Combat Colin''
*'''AtoZ:''' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (updated)
*'''Free gift:''' An A2 poster by Jeff Anderson, featuring a group of Autobots and Decepticons facing up

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #70 cover:''' Ratchet/Megatron fusion, by [[Andrew Wildman]].
*'''UK issue #309 cover:''' Ratchet/Megatron fusion, by [[Frances Farmer]].
*'''UK issue #310 cover:''' Grimlock tests out the nucleon, by [[Staz|Stewart Johnson]] and [[Robin Bouttell]].
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-70.jpg|'''US issue #70''' - Ouch.
File:MarvelUK-309.jpg|'''UK issue #309''' - AND he won't stop dribbling!
File:MarvelUK-310.jpg|'''UK issue #310''' - Tough love from Grimlock.
</gallery>

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

===Reprints===
* '''''[[Transformers: All Fall Down]]'' TPB:''' Powermaster Optimus Prime, Megatron/Ratchet, Starscream, Shockwave and half of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], by [[Andrew Wildman]].
* '''''Transformers: All Fall Down'' [[BotCon]] exclusive cover:''' Powermaster Optimus Prime and Unicron, by [[Geoff Senior]] & [[Oliver Harud]].
* '''''Transformers: All Fall Down'' standard HC:''' [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], by [[Howard Chaykin]] & [[Chris Blythe]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: The Best of Simon Furman]]'':''' Cybertron, by [[Don Figueroa]].
*'''''[[Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm]]'':''' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]], by Andrew Wildman.
<gallery>
File:All_fall_down_tpb_cover.jpg|'''''Transformers: All Fall Down'' TPB''' (Titan Books, 2001)
File:All_fall_down_botcon_cover.jpg|'''''Transformers: All Fall Down'' hardback Botcon exclusive cover''' (BotCon Exclusive, 2001)
File:All_fall_down_hb_cover.jpg|'''''Transformers: All Fall Down'' hardback standard cover''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:BestofSimon.jpg|'''''The Best of Simon Furman''''' (IDW Publishing, 2007)
File:Best of Transformers.jpg|'''''Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm''''' (Titan Books, 2008)
</gallery>
*'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 5|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5]]:''' panels from this issue, "[[Deadly Obsession]]", "[[All Fall Down]]" and "[[...All This and Civil War 2]]".
*'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 6|''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 6]]:''' [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], by [[Guido Guidi]].
*'''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|''Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection:Volume 18: Edge of Extinction'']]''': [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], above an interior scene ([[The Void! (US)|issue #74]]) of of Powermaster [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] battling the [[Acolyte of Unicron|Acolytes of Unicron]]. Grimlock art by [[Guido Guidi]], Retro art by [[Andrew Wildman]] (pencils) and [[Stephen Baskerville]] (inks).
<gallery>
File:Classic Transformers Vol5.jpg|'''''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5''' (IDW Publishing, 2009)
File:TFClassicsVol6.jpg|'''''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 6''' (IDW Publishing, 2013)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v18.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 18: Edge of Extinction''''' (Hachette Partworks, 2017)
</gallery>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Price of Life!}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Nightbeat (ROTF)

2019-06-25T19:59:08Z

Arsnof: Nuggetbeat

{{factions|autobotfilm}}
{{disambig3|Nightbeat}}
:''Nightbeat is a [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] portion of the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:ROTF-toy_Nightbeat.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Nuggetbeat]]

'''Nightbeat''' is a detective who prefers to investigate in solitude, rather than fight in the crowds of combat. He's got a face only [[Dracula]]'s mom would love.

==Toys==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
*'''Nightbeat''' (Scout, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:Nightbeat is a [[redeco]] of the Scout Class [[Dead End (ROTF)|Dead End]], transforming into a modified blue and tan [http://www.carsbase.com/photo/Peugeot_9009_Concept_model_6893.html Peugeot 9009] concept car. His license plate reads "NGTB34T." In addition to his otherwise fairly normal articulation, his jaw can open to reveal rows of jagged teeth.

:This mold was also used to make ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Slap Dash]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Nightbeat/nightbeat.htm More information on Nightbeat at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Of course, his bio and look make him an [[homage]] to the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], even though the toy was originally conceived as an homage to [[Packrat]], according to [[Alex Androski|his deco artist]]. Marketing felt the name "Packrat" wouldn't appeal enough to children, and "Nightbeat" was the fallback name. The deco on the sides was subsequently changed to flames, along with the name on the license plate, but the gold still hints of Packrat's influence.

[[Category: Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category: Toy-only characters]]

Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self

2017-04-19T01:44:35Z

Arsnof: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=19
|prev=Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus
|next=Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely
|image=MTMTE19 cvrRI.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 31]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=July 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Kevin Smead]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}
'''Answers come thick and fast as the history of Ultra Magnus is revealed, Tyrest's plan is laid bare, Ratchet gets in over his head, and Cyclonus and Whirl get ready to stage a daring rescue.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Ambus Unveiled.jpg|thumb|left|POP goes Perfection!]]
''Carried to [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] by his stolen shuttle, the comatose [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s body is recovered by [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] and brought to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who is able to save his shrinking spark. Awakening, Magnus is immediately punched in the face by Tyrest; the Chief Justice is angry over Magnus's slide from fearsome lawman to public joke, which he considers the product of a nervous breakdown caused by Magnus applying the weight of the rules of war to those of everyday life in order to cope with the onset of peacetime. Tyrest deactivates Magnus's armor, which falls away from his body and reveals his true form, [[Minimus Ambus]], within. When Ambus mistakes the [[Legislator]]s for his replacement, Tyrest corrects him by introducing his new enforcer: [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]].''

Ambus explains the history of the Ultra Magnus identity to a confused [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], which originated with a no-nonsense law enforcer whose reputation inspired Tyrest to keep his legend alive after his passing with a suit of armor cast in his likeness. Tyrest selected multiple 'bots to wear the armor, take the name, and serve as his enforcer, each one's body returned to Tyrest after they died by a recall trigger in the armor so the identity could be passed on to the next. Ambus was particularly suited to the job, as he is a kind of [[Point One Percenter]] known as a "load bearer", possessing a [[spark]] with a particularly strong animating force that allows his body to integrate the Magnus armor where a normal 'bot could not. This talk of the strength of Ambus's spark prompts [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] to ask how he can still be alive, given his fatal condition when last they saw him, and seems to find hope for his own worsening [[Cybercrosis]] in Ambus's explanation of Tyrest's miracle-working doctor. At Rodimus's further inquiry, Ambus continues to explain that the ''Lost Light''ers are to be put to death for "harboring a criminal suspect", and that he had himself placed in the cell so he could record their conversation and prove to Tyrest that they were ignorant of the criminal: [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. Having been unaware of Tyrest's alliance with [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] or the presence of the [[Titan (IDW)|Titans]], and baffled by their supposed crimes against creation, Ambus lets himself out to investigate. A moment after he leaves, the unconscious Skids and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] appear in the cell in a flash of light.

[[File:Whirl Cyclonus TheDividedSelf.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7]]
Meanwhile, just outside the prison—revealed to be suspended over a giant [[smelting pool]]—[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] concoct a strategy to rescue their teammates. Though Cyclonus is reluctant to bring their time on Luna 1 to an end yet, he nevertheless follows Whirl to a nearby armory, where the cyclopean Autobot rambles about his worldview and coping strategies while struggling with some door handles. Cyclonus opens the door for him, but as he steps back, a Legislator suddenly impales him from behind. Whirl springs into action, chopping the Legislator to bits with one of the many swords in the armory, blaming his own reflexes for saving Cyclonus's life. The pair investigate further, and soon discover the swords' captive owners, the [[Circle of Light]]. The Circle are quickly freed, and they all tool up for an attack on the wall of Legislators guarding the prison.

In Tyrest's medibay, the unhinged Pharma espouses the virtues of facility's bleeding-edge tech, with which he professes he can perform supposedly impossible medical procedures. Observing that Pharma has not taken back his original hands, [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] tries taunting him, accusing him of not being ''able'' to remove them from his body. Ratchet proposes a contest: the pair will work on two patients with the same injury, and the first to complete the surgery wins the hands. Pharma agrees and reattaches Ratchet's head and spark to his body, but Ratchet awakens to see with horror that his deranged counterpart has selected [[Ambulon]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to be their patients. Pharma ignores his attempts to beg off the contest, and announces he will be cutting them in half. Ratchet assures them that bisection from the waist is an easy fix... until Pharma buries his chainsaw in Ambulon ''lengthways'', splitting him from head to crotch!

[[File:Getawaymtmte.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Back in the prison, Swerve has come around and explained to Rodimus and the others about the capture of the ''Lost Light'', and that he and Skids were taken by Star Saber, who they know as a holy warrior from Cybertron's past who tried to orchestrate the genocide of unbelievers. Theorizing on Skids's possible crime, [[Chromedome (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Chromedome]] recalls his "invisible gun", believing he must have stolen it. Just as Skids starts to awaken, Star Saber himself arrives outside their cell with another prisoner in tow, and Chromedome realizes something: when he read Skids's memories months ago and detected only a "need to escape", he had actually been sensing a ''name''. The name of Skids's old partner, who stands before them in chains now: [[Getaway]]!

[[File:Tyrest and the matrix.jpg|thumb]]
Elsewhere, Ambus confronts Tyrest and demands answers, which Tyrest flatly supplies. He was one of those appointed by [[Nova Prime]] to develop the means by which Transformers were "constructed cold", in response to Nova's (correct) fear that the pulsewaves that generated new "forged" sparks would eventually stop. But contrary to what the public believes, constructed Transformers were ''not'' brought to life using the energy of other sparks: their sparks were, in fact, generated from the [[Matrix of Leadership]] by Tyrest and his team's manipulations of the talisman, before a team member had an attack of conscience and hid it away. Years later, during the [[Aequitas]] trials, Tyrest realized that every single Autobot prosecuted had been constructed cold, and came to believe that he had perverted the forces of creation and was responsible for spawning a tainted, evil subspecies. Wracked with guilt, he began drilling holes in his armor in a form of self-flagellation, eventually drilling one into his own brain that caused an "epiphany". Tyrest believed he had found the location of the [[Knights of Cybertron]] and their [[Cyberutopia]], and now plans to use his [[space bridge]] to join them there after atoning for his sins: destroying every Matrixed spark through the activation of a [[universal killswitch]]. Ambus refuses to allow Tyrest to complete his plan, so Tyrest implements the newest amendment to his self-titled accord—pre-emptive execution—and has a Legislator crush Ambus's head to powder.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]/[[Minimus Ambus]] (2)
*[[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]] (3)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (4)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (7)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Brainstorm]] (8)
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'' (9)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (10)
*''[[Delta Magnus]]'' (11)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Chromedome]] (12)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (14)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Ambulon]] (18)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Perceptor]] (21)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (22)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (23)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (24)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (25)
*[[Getaway]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (1)
*[[Legislator]]s (5)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (6)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] (20)
*''[[Nova Prime]]'' (27)
*''Matrix thief'' (28)
}}

==Quotes==

"How many Decepticons did you kill back there? Y'know, overall." 
"I wasn't keeping count. 
... 
Six. You?" 
"Dunno. More than six."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus'''

"This medibay, Ratchet—it's an '''embarrassment of riches.''' Every piece of ''avant garde'' Cybertronian technology that Magnus has ever repossessed... it's all here. Stuff I've never even '''seen''' before." 
"You always did like your instruments." 
"Ah, but it's not just the instruments—it's the way they're played. A skilled musician can make sounds no one's ever '''heard''' before."
:—'''Pharma''' shows off to '''Ratchet'''

"You think—wait. You think I wired '''your''' hands—the ones I attached to '''my''' body—you think I '''wired them to explode?'''" 
"I... think it's a possibility, yes." 
"Or maybe... maybe you're scared of '''failure.''' Maybe you're afraid you won't be able to pick the lock or loosen the wiring, so you want '''help.''' I get it, Pharma. It took me a while, but—it makes sense now. '''I'm better than you.'''" 
"A better doctor? '''Please.''' I overtook you years ago. I don't need my hands back to slap you down."
:—'''Ratchet''' goads '''Pharma'''

"I don't understand why you don't get yourself '''fixed.''' If not the face, then the claws." 
"You wanna know a '''secret''', hornhead? Life's messed up. '''I'm''' messed up. I've done bad things and I '''continue''' to do bad things, because the voice telling me '''not to'''...? He's not said much for a while. And y'know what keeps me going? <big>'''ANGER.'''</big> Anger's an '''insulator'''. Stops life getting '''too close'''. If I got myself "fixed," maybe the anger would leave me—and then I really '''would''' be screwed."
:—'''Cyclonus''' gets the inside scoop on '''Whirl'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s worldview

"So here's the plan: I'll watch your back and you watch mine. And if we make it out of this alive, then all scores are '''settled,''' okay? No more trying to kill me. What do you say?" 
"I say focus on the fight."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus''' prepare for battle

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The screen in Tyrest's "Repository" reads "Tyrest Accord Section 19 (80) 4: Thought Warfare". This clause was mentioned back in [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]], at which time it was obvious Tailgate had drawn the connection with the chants of "1984" (here revealed to be more like "nineteen, eighty, four") uttered by the Legislators as they hunted Skids in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]]. It's obvious at this point that this is the crime Skids is guilty of.
*[[Delta Magnus]] is shown as a former comrade of the original Ultra Magnus; he was previously mentioned in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]]. He's only called "Delta" here, but his similarity to Ultra Magnus (see Transformers references, below) makes his identity evident, and indicates that they are both related and members of the "House of Magnus" Tyrest mentions in this issue.
*Minimus Ambus's description of how people perceived the original Ultra Magnus ("People loved and feared him in equal measure.") strongly resembles Whirl's own feelings about him, as expressed in [[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]].
*In retrospect, there have been a number of hints in past IDW stories as to Ultra Magnus's true nature:
**Since [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]] we had been given occasional instances of seeing the action from his point of view. But unlike with any other character's POV panels, these were presented with comprehensive Heads Up Displays, distortion effects and outlines of his visor.
**He was mentioned to have miraculously recovered from a [[zero point]] in the prose story, uh, "[[Zero Point]]". We can now surmise the truth behind that.
**In [[Interiors|issue #6]], Skids mentions that he used to be more prone to wisecracks.
**In the MTMTE [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|annual]], he prescriptively describes himself using the third person, twice.
**The fatal damage done to Magnus in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|#15]], the damage First Aid says can't be fixed, is the same type of damage First Aid says Magnus survived once before in [[Before & After|#12]].
**[[The Gloaming|Issue #16]]: See below.
*The series of flashbacks shown in issue #16 are revealed not to be the past experiences of Minimus Ambus, but the deaths of the multiple previous holders of the Ultra Magnus name. In addition to the three scenes from that issue ([[Clemency]], [[Simanzi]], and the [[Battle for Hell's Point]]), another Magnus's death is mentioned in connection with something called "the [[Fast-Folding Sun]]". It is now clear that Magnus displaying traits he was actively known for not possessing in these scenes was not intended to chart the evolution of his personality, but were actually hints that the 'bots within the armor were not the same as the present-day Magnus. Only two of them are named: [[Suture (G1)|Suture]] and [[Datum]], the latter being the Magnus who fell from ''[[Hell's Point]]''.
*It is revealed that the Magnus armor has a trigger that returns it to Tyrest upon the wearer's death; the comatose Magnus clenching his fist in the final moments of issue #16 is now revealed to be the activation of that trigger, rather than an expression of rage at the announcement of Drift's betrayal, as the visual juxtaposition of the scene intimated at the time. Similarly, the slow clenching of Magnus's fist across the flashback sequence in #16 was not a metaphorical representation of his fading life, but each of the past Magnuses (Magni?) tripping the trigger themselves.
*The Ultra Magnus armor is revealed to contain [[attention deflector]]s to prevent anyone from discovering the 'bot inside; these devices were just introduced last issue.
*Tailgate is able to recall that "harboring a criminal suspect" violates section 17 (21) of the Tyrest Accord, thanks to the education Magnus gave him in the code starting back in issue #5. This was the number the Legislators were chanting as they attacked the ''Lost Light'' across the last two issues.
*When Rodimus is speculating on the identity of the criminal aboard the ''Lost Light'', he lists off known unstable crew members Whirl and [[Atomizer]]. Two new names are revealed: [[Lancet]] and [[Ammo]]; given that his name starts with A, Ammo is more than likely one of the undesirables listed off by Magnus way back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]].
*Though the cast themselves never seemed to quite become aware of it, a flash of images revealed to the audience that the Circle of Light had been captured by the Legislators in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 ''More than Meets the Eye'' annual]].
*Skids's mysterious "invisible gun" hasn't been mentioned in a good long time; here, Chromedome recounts its debut from issue #2.
*Chromedome read Skids's memories back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*Getaway's only appearances in IDW continuity before now was a brief crowd-filling cameo in ''[[Spotlight: Blaster]]''.
*The mysterious history of the Matrix of Leadership is finally explained in full, after [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]] revealed that it was replaced at some point with a fake. Here we learn that Nova Prime did indeed hold the real thing, after some doubt had been cast on that matter. The identity of the robot who steals the Matrix is unknown, but it is noted that he hid the talisman in the [[Undergrid]], where it would then be found by Orion Pax in [[Transformation (issue)|''Autocracy'' #9]].
*Tyrest lists off some of Ultra Magnus's experiences that led to the enforcer no longer being respected, including [[Nanocon]]s, which forced him to smile in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|annual]], Hedonia, where he got drunk in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]], doorframe audits, which were mentioned by Rung in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]], and his constant obsession with badges. "Hugging" would not be explained until later, in the flashback from [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*On the letters page, Roberts establishes that [[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] is a crew member of the ''Lost Light'' ("sure, why not") and he turns into the Cybertronian equivalent of a train.

===Transformers references===
*Delta Magnus is visually based on the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Powered Convoy" toy, the figure which would be recolored to become the original Generation 1 Ultra Magnus toy.
*Tyrest's fears that Matrixed sparks are predisposed to sin is reminiscent of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Marvel G2]] comics, who actually ''were'' amoral and ruthless because [[Reproduction#Budding|the method of their creation]] had led to the dilution of Primus's essence within them.
*The Legislators being mindless drones created from the recycled bodies of their victims is reminiscent of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon forces]] being created in a similar manner.
*Ultra Magnus being a small robot inside a big robot is [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|a feature of the original toy]].
*Minimus Ambus was "just a soldier" before becoming Ultra Magnus, referencing one of Ultra Magnus's lines in [[The Transformers: The Movie]].

===Real-life references===
*This issue's subtitle is taken from {{w|R. D. Laing}}'s ''The Divided Self'', a seminal work on understanding madness. On the surface, the title's usage can obviously simply refer to the dual identity of Minimus Ambus/Ultra Magnus, but on a deeper level, aspects of the work's examination of insanity (broadly, the manifestation of an alternate self to cope with doubt in the place one's real self has in the world) are also incorporated into the story. Plus, in a more literal sense, Ratchet's condition and the fate of poor Ambulon.
*Pharma's claim of being "a doctor, not a bomb-disposal expert" is reminiscent of Dr. McCoy of ''[[Star Trek]]'' fame.
*The decision to present the normally squeaky-clean hero of heroes, Star Saber, as a brutal villain in [[IDW Generation 1 continuity]] is pretty clearly drawn from [[James Roberts]]'s days as part of the [[Transmasters UK|Transmasters UK fanfic group]], which depicted the character in this way. He's a ''different'' type of villain as Roberts wanted to respect his former collaborators and not poach their ideas.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 19:24 - 31:07]</ref>

===Errors===
*Pages 4–5, panel 8: "Soldier" is misspelled "solider", this was corrected in the TPB.
*When describing himself, Ambus draws a distinction between himself and "heavyweight class" Point One Percenters, naming [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] and [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] as examples of that group. However, ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' informed us that Impactor had been found guilty during the Aequitas trials, and this issue tells us that all those found guilty were Constructed Cold, while one has to be Forged in order to be a Point One Percenter. The text was amended for the trade to remove this mistake, replacing Impactor's name with [[Grimlock (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Grimlock]]'s.
*Page 18, panel 4: Tyrest says, "Only us higher beings are troubled..." which technically should be "Only we higher beings..." While plenty of people disregard this rule in casual conversation, the high-falutin' Chief Justice really doesn't seem the type. Apparently IDW editorial agree and this was also corrected in the TPB.

===Crew manifest===
*Contrary to Rodimus's claim of 300 "give or take" last issue, on the letter's page James Roberts says the crew has about 230, including Delphi's Faders.
*Tailgate's cybercrosis continues to advance, as he can now barely move.
*Minimus Ambus and Ambulon both suffer arguably fatal injuries, but are not yet confirmed deceased. (You're not fooling us again, [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism#Crew Manifest|Red Alert]]!)
*12 deaths, three in terminal condition, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 "A Dazzling End"] from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' {{w|Doctor Who: Series 4 (soundtrack)|Series 4 soundtrack}}, by {{w|Murray Gold}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k "The Universal"] by {{w|Blur (band)|Blur}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Star Saber, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Cyclonus and Whirl, ready for action with some scavenged swords, by [[Sean Chen]] and [[Tom Chu]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Ultra Magnus's empty helmet, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE19 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE19 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE19 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Homecoming (IDW)|#19]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part Three|#93]]
*''KISS Kids''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: The Magic Begins'' (back cover)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/20857/news.html Preview]

Convoy (episode)

2017-04-11T14:45:26Z

Arsnof: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Convoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. [[Fowler's V-tol|His plane]]'s been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] says that using the [[GroundBridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[File:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (WFC)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[File:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them 'textbook drivers'."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Sy, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—Overly-attached '''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

"Maximum overdrive!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' coining a new catchphrase.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.
* When the Autobots first transform in front of the platoon of Eradicon Jets and reveal themselves to MECH in the process, there is no plateau near their right side to safely place Fowler on, but in the very next shot, it is right next to them, even though the Autobots never moved from their position.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimum force. That was the minimum force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimum force". During the short battle, they flip over three cars and blow up a fourth. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
** The force could be justified by the Autobots being used to fighting Decepticons; the destructive blows they land on MECH's cars ''would'' be little more than a deterrent to the Vehicons. Even after they identify their pursuers as humans, the 'Bots might just not know how to limit their strength enough to avoid totaling MECH's vehicles.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The number of MECH cars is somewhat inconsistent, as are their positions. Three cars initially pull up behind and to the sides of Bulkhead. An additional car appears to replace the one that pulls ahead to block Bumblebee, and another appears to replace the one that pulls up to Optimus' driver side to force him to pull over. When the Autobots begin applying force, the car that was in front of Bumblebee has moved to Optimus' passenger side. After this, four of the pursuing cars are dispatched through various means, leaving only one, yet three cars are chasing the Autobots when they reach the train tunnel. The cars vanish from the story completely after this.
* Silas deems the Autobots' use of the train tunnel a tactical error because it only has one exit, but then makes no effort to stop them on the other side.
* In the beginning of the episode Optimus tells Fowler he will handle the driving but later on in the episode we see Fowler driving. It might be that Agent Fowler just kept his hands on the steering wheel or that Optimus was just being kind.

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.
*Miko makes reference to that episode when she follows up Fowler's comment that he had been shot out of the sky with an "again?"

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]].
*[[Convoy_(rank)| "Convoy"]] is the Japanese equivalent to the English [[Prime_(rank)| "Prime"]]

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].

===Trivia===
*The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of "Con Job". What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
*As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
[[File:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So I married an axe murderer.]]
*On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a [[fire extinguisher]], like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
*When Jack and Miko grab the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they apparently forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
*Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode seems a bit reckless, given its nuclear core. However, there's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
*This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jack's arm.
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.
*This episode is the first to feature a human enemy to the Cybertronians (both Autobots and Decepticons). However, they do not meet the leader, Silas, until much later; the Autobots only hear him speak this episode.
*Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Optimus Under Threat]]'' titled "Off the Rails", and a storybook version for younger readers as ''[[Optimus Prime and the Secret Mission]]''.
*Optimus Prime has a cup holder. Whether this is a default part of his [[alt mode]] or for Fowler's benefit is unspecified.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoi'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 25|25 November]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoj'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pengamanan Senjata Penghancuran Masal'''" ("Saving of the Weapon of Mass Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' 12 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoglio'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Bōsō Henkei! Dingus o Mamore!''' (暴走変形!ディンガスを守れ!, ''Reckless Transformation! Protect the Dingus!'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 2|2 June]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Comboio'''" ("The Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 4|4 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 2|2 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoy'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 2: Meister und Schüler ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK) 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Convoy (episode)

2017-04-11T14:39:17Z

Arsnof: /* Transformers references */

{{disambig3|Convoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. [[Fowler's V-tol|His plane]]'s been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] says that using the [[GroundBridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[File:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (WFC)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[File:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them 'textbook drivers'."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Sy, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—Overly-attached '''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

"Maximum overdrive!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' coining a new catchphrase.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.
* When the Autobots first transform in front of the platoon of Eradicon Jets and reveal themselves to MECH in the process, there is no plateau near their right side to safely place Fowler on, but in the very next shot, it is right next to them, even though the Autobots never moved from their position.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimum force. That was the minimum force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimum force". During the short battle, they flip over three cars and blow up a fourth. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
** The force could be justified by the Autobots being used to fighting Decepticons; the destructive blows they land on MECH's cars ''would'' be little more than a deterrent to the Vehicons. Even after they identify their pursuers as humans, the 'Bots might just not know how to limit their strength enough to avoid totaling MECH's vehicles.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The number of MECH cars is somewhat inconsistent, as are their positions. Three cars initially pull up behind and to the sides of Bulkhead. An additional car appears to replace the one that pulls ahead to block Bumblebee, and another appears to replace the one that pulls up to Optimus' driver side to force him to pull over. When the Autobots begin applying force, the car that was in front of Bumblebee has moved to Optimus' passenger side. After this, four of the pursuing cars are dispatched through various means, leaving only one, yet three cars are chasing the Autobots when they reach the train tunnel. The cars vanish from the story completely after this.
* Silas deems the Autobots' use of the train tunnel a tactical error because it only has one exit, but then makes no effort to stop them on the other side.
* In the beginning of the episode Optimus tells Fowler he will handle the driving but later on in the episode we see Fowler driving. It might be that Agent Fowler just kept his hands on the steering wheel or that Optimus was just being kind.

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.
*Miko makes reference to that episode when she follows up Fowler's comment that he had been shot out of the sky with an "again?"

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]].
*[[Convoy_(rank)| "Convoy"]] is the Japanese equivalent to the English [[Prime_(rank)| "Prime"]]

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].

===Trivia===
*The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of "Con Job". What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
*As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
[[File:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So I married an axe murderer.]]
*On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a [[fire extinguisher]], like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
*When Jack and Miko grab the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they apparently forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
*Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode seems a bit reckless, given its nuclear core. However, there's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
*This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jack's arm.
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.
*This episode is the first to feature a human enemy to the Cybertronians (both Autobots and Decepticons). However, they do not meet the leader, Silas, until much later; the Autobots only hear him speak this episode.
*Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Optimus Under Threat]]'' titled "Off the Rails", and a storybook version for younger readers as ''[[Optimus Prime and the Secret Mission]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoi'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 25|25 November]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoj'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pengamanan Senjata Penghancuran Masal'''" ("Saving of the Weapon of Mass Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' 12 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoglio'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Bōsō Henkei! Dingus o Mamore!''' (暴走変形!ディンガスを守れ!, ''Reckless Transformation! Protect the Dingus!'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 2|2 June]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Comboio'''" ("The Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 4|4 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 2|2 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoy'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 2: Meister und Schüler ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK) 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Convoy (episode)

2017-04-08T17:42:24Z

Arsnof: /* Transformers references */

{{disambig3|Convoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. [[Fowler's V-tol|His plane]]'s been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] says that using the [[GroundBridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[File:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (WFC)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[File:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them 'textbook drivers'."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Sy, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—Overly-attached '''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

"Maximum overdrive!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' coining a new catchphrase.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.
* When the Autobots first transform in front of the platoon of Eradicon Jets and reveal themselves to MECH in the process, there is no plateau near their right side to safely place Fowler on, but in the very next shot, it is right next to them, even though the Autobots never moved from their position.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimum force. That was the minimum force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimum force". During the short battle, they flip over three cars and blow up a fourth. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
** The force could be justified by the Autobots being used to fighting Decepticons; the destructive blows they land on MECH's cars ''would'' be little more than a deterrent to the Vehicons. Even after they identify their pursuers as humans, the 'Bots might just not know how to limit their strength enough to avoid totaling MECH's vehicles.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The number of MECH cars is somewhat inconsistent, as are their positions. Three cars initially pull up behind and to the sides of Bulkhead. An additional car appears to replace the one that pulls ahead to block Bumblebee, and another appears to replace the one that pulls up to Optimus' driver side to force him to pull over. When the Autobots begin applying force, the car that was in front of Bumblebee has moved to Optimus' passenger side. After this, four of the pursuing cars are dispatched through various means, leaving only one, yet three cars are chasing the Autobots when they reach the train tunnel. The cars vanish from the story completely after this.
* Silas deems the Autobots' use of the train tunnel a tactical error because it only has one exit, but then makes no effort to stop them on the other side.
* In the beginning of the episode Optimus tells Fowler he will handle the driving but later on in the episode we see Fowler driving. It might be that Agent Fowler just kept his hands on the steering wheel or that Optimus was just being kind.

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.
*Miko makes reference to that episode when she follows up Fowler's comment that he had been shot out of the sky with an "again?"

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]].

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].

===Trivia===
*The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of "Con Job". What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
*As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
[[File:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So I married an axe murderer.]]
*On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a [[fire extinguisher]], like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
*When Jack and Miko grab the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they apparently forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
*Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode seems a bit reckless, given its nuclear core. However, there's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
*This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jack's arm.
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.
*This episode is the first to feature a human enemy to the Cybertronians (both Autobots and Decepticons). However, they do not meet the leader, Silas, until much later; the Autobots only hear him speak this episode.
*Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Optimus Under Threat]]'' titled "Off the Rails", and a storybook version for younger readers as ''[[Optimus Prime and the Secret Mission]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoi'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 25|25 November]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoj'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pengamanan Senjata Penghancuran Masal'''" ("Saving of the Weapon of Mass Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' 12 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoglio'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Bōsō Henkei! Dingus o Mamore!''' (暴走変形!ディンガスを守れ!, ''Reckless Transformation! Protect the Dingus!'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 2|2 June]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Comboio'''" ("The Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 4|4 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 2|2 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoy'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 2: Meister und Schüler ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK) 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Convoy (episode)

2017-04-08T17:41:50Z

Arsnof: /* Transformers references */

{{disambig3|Convoy}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 9
|prev=Con Job
|next=Deus ex Machina
|image=TFP Convoy highway hijack.jpg
|caption=Ain't it a beautiful sight?
|title="Convoy"
|airdate=[[March 4]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Joseph Kuhr]]
|directed by=[[Todd Waterman]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''The Autobots assist Fowler with transporting a nuclear device.'''

==Synopsis==
The Autobots get an angry call from [[William Fowler|Fowler]]. [[Fowler's V-tol|His plane]]'s been shot down while transporting the hi-tech [[Dynamic Nuclear Generation System]], or the "Dingus", a volatile nuclear device, and he needs help in completing his mission. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] says that using the [[GroundBridge]] to transport it would be too dangerous, so instead they'll have to take it by road. They soon have it loaded into a [[trailer]] which Prime starts hauling, with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] as an escort. Fowler's disappointed he doesn't get to drive. [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and the kids monitor their journey from [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]].

Optimus is irritated by Fowler's enthusiasm with the horn. Unknown to any of them, the convoy is being observed by a helicopter. Fowler and Optimus are discussing whether there was any evil on Earth before the Decepticons came, when they spot the helicopter, which Fowler believes is a [[Decepticon]]. Five green sportscars move in on the convoy, but Optimus warns everyone to maintain their cover and stay in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Ratchet's surprised that they're not showing up on his sensors. All is made clear when one of the cars draws level with Optimus's cab, and a masked human aims a gun at Fowler. Optimus orders the other Autobots to use non-lethal force only. Bumblebee knocks one of the cars, flipping it over, but another drives up alongside Optimus. One of the masked goons climbs onto Optimus and starts attempting to sever the trailer. After Prime knocks the car off the mountainside road, Fowler climbs out and grabs the masked goon, but loses him before he can start the interrogation.
[[File:Prime-Silas.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|I want this mission high and tight. I wanna be home for dinner.]]
The fellow in the helicopter makes contact over the walkie and introduces himself as [[Silas]], part of the [[MECH]] organization, who intend to steal the Dingus for their own use. One of the cars pulls up behind Optimus and the MECH goons blow the trailer's back door open, only for [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] to jump out in motorcycle mode and flip their car, causing it to explode. While Optimus warns Fowler not to take Silas lightly (due to [[Megatron (WFC)|personal experience]]), Ratchet informs them they're nearing the rendezvous point.

On the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has intercepted the communications, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] sends a bunch of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] to join the party.

The Autobots reach the rendezvous point and duck into a rail tunnel alongside a train. Bulkhead seals off the incoming end. A short time later, they and the train emerge from the other end of the tunnel, and Silas continues to follow the Autobots. As luck would have it, the Vehicons take this opportunity to appear and open fire on the convoy. The Autobots avoid getting hit, but Prime's trailer is shaken loose and explodes. The Vehicons transform and move in, forcing Optimus to inform Fowler that they're going to have to break cover to survive. Silas observes the fight and notes that the rumors he's heard of living technology are true. He lets Fowler know that he's aware the Dingus was transferred onto the train while the Autobots were in the tunnel, and the helicopter moves off to intercept the cargo. Unfortunately, while Fowler's giving Optimus the bad news, the Autobot leader takes a tree trunk to the face and falls off a nearby cliff.

The kids have a frantic discussion about a plan B. [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]]'s in favor of Ratchet ground-bridging the kids onto the train so they can fight the MECH goons. With [[Raf Esquivel|Raf's]] help, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] and Miko are soon on the train. As the MECH helicopter tries to land on top of the train, Raf flips a point switch to make the train go off along another line. In response, the helicopter's pilot hacks Raf's laptop, causing it to short out. On the second try, the helicopter lands atop the carriage the Dingus is in, and the MECH guys start cutting through the carriage roof.

Not far away, the Autobots continue their fight with the Vehicons. Optimus comes around and sees the train in trouble.
[[File:Convoy-trainstop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|More powerful than a locomotive!]]
Miko and Jack grab weapons, which they wave at the MECH guys when the ceiling's opened. Back in the chopper, Silas spots Optimus running alongside and sounds a retreat. As the helicopter heads away, he fires a missile and takes out the track ahead of the train. Due to Raf's laptop being out of commission, Ratchet no longer has the train's coordinates and can't bridge the kids out. They prepare to jump, but Optimus [[Maximum overdrive|zooms past]], grabs the front of the train and brings it to a halt in the nick of time. Hovering in the helicopter nearby, Silas promises that next time the playing field will be leveled. Optimus reports back to Ratchet that the kids and the Dingus are safe, but notes that a new player has entered the game...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] (3)
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (9)

|c2=
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)

|c3=
*[[William Fowler]] (1)
*[[Jack Darby]] (5)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (6)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (7)
*[[MECH]] goons (10)
*[[Silas]] (11)
*[[MECH Navigator]] (12)

}}

==Quotes==
"Ah-ah, no need, Agent Fowler. I will handle the driving." 
"It's going to be a long trip."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' lets '''Agent Fowler''' in on his no-touch policy.

"Agent Fowler. Is that really necessary?" 
"Oh, don't tell me you're one of them 'textbook drivers'."
:— '''Optimus Prime''' isn't very keen on '''Agent Fowler's''' use of the horn.

"How about some radio? You seem like a Nashville sound kinda guy."
:—'''Agent Fowler''' to Optimus Prime.

"That's the one! The 'Con who shot me down! Who is he? Wingnut? Dingbat? Skyguy?"
:—'''Fowler''' shares some awesome Transformer name ideas.

"Gentlemen, stop their engines."
:—'''Silas'''

"Is that so? Tell me, Sy, what's the market price for a Dingus these days?" 
"What makes you think we intend to sell it, Agent Fowler?"
:—'''Agent Fowler''' and '''Silas''' discussing the value of Fowler's Dingus.

"After a long road trip, feels good to get out of the car, stretch my legs, and kick some tailpipe!"
:—'''Bulkhead''', the reigning king of one-liners.

"You want me to not only bridge you into a confined space, but one traveling at 90 miles per hour? I can't even count the number of things that can go wrong—mass displacement trauma, twisted limbs, metal burn!... Well, maybe not the last one."
:—Overly-attached '''Ratchet''' to the kids.

"First rule of combat: Never leave the enemy with the spoils."
:—'''Silas'''

"Maximum overdrive!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' coining a new catchphrase.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* While Silas delivers his last line, the straps that cross his chest clip into each other.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Ratchet asks Agent Fowler why Starscream would bother with "such primitive technology" (i.e., the Dingus), a small light can be seen inside his open mouth, as if the light coming from his left optic sensor can be seen through it.
* When the Autobots first transform in front of the platoon of Eradicon Jets and reveal themselves to MECH in the process, there is no plateau near their right side to safely place Fowler on, but in the very next shot, it is right next to them, even though the Autobots never moved from their position.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Convoy-kablooie.jpg|thumb|upright|"I used minimum force. That was the minimum force necessary to ensure they ''never bother us again.''"]]
* The Autobots have a curious definition of "minimum force". During the short battle, they flip over three cars and blow up a fourth. The latter most likely killed the passengers. It's amazing the others came out unharmed, considering one was hanging out of the sunroof of his car at the time.
** The force could be justified by the Autobots being used to fighting Decepticons; the destructive blows they land on MECH's cars ''would'' be little more than a deterrent to the Vehicons. Even after they identify their pursuers as humans, the 'Bots might just not know how to limit their strength enough to avoid totaling MECH's vehicles.
* On the monitor inside the Autobot base, the fork is shown to be on the right side of the rails. When the scene changes to show the running train, it is shown to be on the left.
* The number of MECH cars is somewhat inconsistent, as are their positions. Three cars initially pull up behind and to the sides of Bulkhead. An additional car appears to replace the one that pulls ahead to block Bumblebee, and another appears to replace the one that pulls up to Optimus' driver side to force him to pull over. When the Autobots begin applying force, the car that was in front of Bumblebee has moved to Optimus' passenger side. After this, four of the pursuing cars are dispatched through various means, leaving only one, yet three cars are chasing the Autobots when they reach the train tunnel. The cars vanish from the story completely after this.
* Silas deems the Autobots' use of the train tunnel a tactical error because it only has one exit, but then makes no effort to stop them on the other side.
* In the beginning of the episode Optimus tells Fowler he will handle the driving but later on in the episode we see Fowler driving. It might be that Agent Fowler just kept his hands on the steering wheel or that Optimus was just being kind.

===Continuity notes===
*The plane Fowler was transporting the Dingus on is the same one he had in "[[Masters & Students]]". And he's ''still'' flying without any kind of pilot gear on. Dude is ''hard core''.
*Miko makes reference to that episode when she follows up Fowler's comment that he had been shot out of the sky with an "again?"

===Transformers references===
*Optimus's [[trailer]] is adorned with the same paint scheme as his [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Generation 1'' counterpart]]'s [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]].
*[[Convoy_rank|Convoy]] is the Japanese equivalent to the English rank of [[Prime_rank|Prime]]

===Real-world references===
* This episode is the first in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' to feature a reproduction of an actual real-world vehicle: The locomotive depicted hauling the 'Phase II' train is a very accurate model of a four-axle GP series model produced in La Grange, Illinois (Later London, Ontario) by [[wikipedia:Electro-Motive Diesel|Electro-Motive Diesel]].

===Trivia===
*The train set piece germinated from [[Alex Kurtzman]]'s desire to have a Train Transformer, which would have been too expensive.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Pb3MeUDdY Roundtable interview with ''Prime'' staff at BotCon 2011]</ref>
*The fact that the Autobots were battling humans rather than Decepticons - a not insignificant twist in the plot - was spoiled by the next-episode preview shown during the Hub's airing of "Con Job". What is this, [[Ultra Magnus Dies!!|Japan?]]
*As was previously featured in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 4]]", this episode features an Autobot transforming while carrying a human passenger. Fowler somehow ends up sitting in Optimus's hand rather than inside him, though.
[[File:JackFireExtinguisherMikoAxe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So I married an axe murderer.]]
*On board the train, Jack and Miko each pick a "weapon" of choice to face the MECH goons. Appropriately, Miko happens to take an axe, like she did [[Darkness Rising, Part 5|to face Soundwave's tentacle]], while Jack takes a [[fire extinguisher]], like he did [[Scrapheap (episode)|a couple of episodes ago]].
*When Jack and Miko grab the fire extinguisher and the fire axe to fight MECH, they apparently forget that there is a gun on the floor, dropped by the immobilized soldier. However, neither (presumably) has had firearms training, and it's unlikely that Optimus would appreciate trigger-happy allies.
*Silas' attempt to destroy the Dingus at the end of the episode seems a bit reckless, given its nuclear core. However, there's no indication he's aware of just how nasty that thing going up would be; when the decoy trailer goes up, the MECH pilot merely indicates there's no detectable radiation. If they knew about the five-state irradiation deal, they'd probably be just a ''wee'' bit more on edge and wondering why they weren't dead.
*This episode ''might'' imply that Jack has feelings for Miko. So far, however, it seems to be kinda one-sided. But Miko was seen a few times grabbing Jack's arm.
*This episode may contain human [[death]]. After Arcee jumps off one of MECH's vehicles, it rolls right into another vehicle and the two explode. No humans are seen exiting the vehicles during the accident, so it is likely that they perish in the explosion.
*This episode is the first to feature a human enemy to the Cybertronians (both Autobots and Decepticons). However, they do not meet the leader, Silas, until much later; the Autobots only hear him speak this episode.
*Adaptations of this episode include a prose version in ''[[Optimus Under Threat]]'' titled "Off the Rails", and a storybook version for younger readers as ''[[Optimus Prime and the Secret Mission]]''.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoi'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 25|25 November]] [[2011]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Konvoj'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 19|19 January]] [[2012]]

'''Indonesian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pengamanan Senjata Penghancuran Masal'''" ("Saving of the Weapon of Mass Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' 12 September [[2012]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoglio'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[2011]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' '''Bōsō Henkei! Dingus o Mamore!''' (暴走変形!ディンガスを守れ!, ''Reckless Transformation! Protect the Dingus!'')
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 2|2 June]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hosong Jakjeon'''" (호송 작전, "Operation Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 26|26 September]] [[2011]]

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2011]]

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Comboio'''" ("The Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 4|4 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' ?
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 2|2 January]] [[2012]]

'''Spanish (Spain)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Convoy'''" ("Convoy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 29|29 October]] [[2011]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Folge 2: Meister und Schüler ([[EDEL:kids]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Volume 2: Unfamiliar Enemies (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Vol. 5 ([[Avex Trax]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1 Vol. 2: Terrain miné ([[Universal|Universal Pictures France]]) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Stagione 1 Vol. 2: Terre Pericolose ([[Universal|Universal Pictures IT]]) — English, Italian, Dutch, French and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2013 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One: Dangerous Ground ([[Universal|Universal Pictures UK]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2014 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Saison 1: L'intégrale (Universal Pictures France) — English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2015 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Universal Pictures UK) 
;Blu-ray
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Season One Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers Prime'' — Staffel 1 - Das Bündnis (EDEL:kids) — English and German audio. 

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Talk:Scalp

2017-04-06T14:39:19Z

Arsnof: Created page with "Should it be assumed that Scalp may have been from the same or a similar project to the one that created Ambulon?"

Should it be assumed that Scalp may have been from the same or a similar project to the one that created Ambulon?