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Barricade (Movie)/toys

2023-04-23T01:27:39Z

Auride: /* Robot Fighters Game */

{{suite}}[[Image:MovieBarricade render1.jpg|350px|thumb|I kill everyone who sees me!]]

[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] got a bigger merchandising push for the first movie than [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]!

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:TF-2007-Legends-Class-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Yes, he is movie-accurate.]]
* '''Barricade''' (Legends Class, [[2007]])
**''TakaraTomy name:'' '''EZ Collection Barricade'''

: Available in the first wave of ''Transformers'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] figures, Barricade transforms into a licensed Saleen S281 Police Cruiser and features limited articulation and detail. Compared to the other Movie Legends, Barricade is quite close in appearance and transformation to the larger deluxe figure. Legends Barricade's instructions overlook the fact that his grill is intended to flip down to fill out his torso and raise his chest higher.

:The toy was also later released as part of the blind-packed EZ Collection lineup, distributed via TakaraTomy's subsidiary Subarudo.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/LegendsBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Legends Class Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BftAS}}
[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Round up the usual suspects.]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Toys'R'Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)#TRULegendsPack|Jazz]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Starscream]], and Barricade.

{{-}}{{anchor|Allspark2pack}}
[[File:TF-2007-Allspark-Battles-Legends-Class-Recon-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Blue-blooded Bad Cop.]]
*'''Cliffjumper vs. Recon Barricade''' (Legends Allspark Battles multi-pack, 2007)

: Released as part of the ''AllSpark Battles'' refresh of the ''Movie'' toyline, Legends class Recon Barricade is a redeco of the regular Legends class Barricade in a paint scheme based upon the Deluxe class Recon Barricade. Yes. He comes packed with Legends class [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], itself a redeco of Legends class Bumblebee.

{{anchor|Recon}}
*'''Recon Barricade''' (Legends, [[2008]])
: An individually packaged release of the Legends class toy, released within Europe and New Zealand.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsReconBarricade/barricade.htm More information on ''Allspark Battles'' Recon Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Movie DeluxeBarricade toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The secret love child of [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]] and [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]].]]
* '''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy ID Number:'' '''MD-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Barricade transforms into an accurate {{w|Saleen|Saleen S281 Police Cruiser}}. As with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|MOST]] deluxe-class cars in the ''Movie'' line, he features clear windows for his windshield and doors, but oddly his rear window is opaque black plastic. Stored inside the engine bay, behind the car's ram bar is a mini-figure [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] disguised as Barricade's grill. We say mini, but Frenzy would be about six feet tall, [[scale]]-wise.

: In robot mode, Barricade quite faithfully reproduces the CGI design, though his chest cannot deform to the same extent. He features a reasonable amount of articulation with ball joints for his shoulders and upper legs, ratcheting and swivels for his elbows and double-jointed knees (although the knees make it difficult to properly align the upper and lower portions of his legs). Barricade has no neck joint as the two car hood halves slot into place between the bottom of the head and the base on which it sits. Barricade does not have any [[Automorph Technology|Automorphing]] [[gimmick]] to speak of; in its place is a spring-loaded extending "punching" attack on his left arm.

: As with almost all Transformers toys issued over the last few years, a few of his transformation quirks are undocumented; in robot mode front wheel panels on his shoulders are [[Ball joint|ball-joint]]ed, allowing one to position them in a manner similar to what is seen in the movie renders. Additionally, the sections that become his claws (apart from the thumb hinge) can swing up slightly to make themselves more pronounced, and spikes on the top of his feet can be swung up. His head can also be pulled up further past his hood panels while they're pulled open, allowing for a less "Hunchback of Cybertron" look, with the base of his un[[Articulation|articulate]]d head resting on top of the panels.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/Barricade/barricade.htm More information on Deluxe Class Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FirstEncounter}}
[[Image:Bumblebee Barricade deluxeboxset.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Mullethead vs. Cop]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter''' (Wal*Mart exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: This Wal*Mart exclusive battle pack contains the deluxe-class Barricade and the 1974 Camaro deluxe-class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] figures, based upon their confrontation as seen in the movie. The box features a diorama-style background from a movie scene, but toys themselves are unchanged from their original carded releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|DeluxeRecon}}
[[Image:ReconBarricade.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Barricade escaped by disguising himself as [[Prowl (Energon)|''Energon'' Prowl]].]]
*'''Recon Barricade''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: A [[redeco]] of the normal Deluxe Barricade toy, this time in a "local security" blue and gray pattern. All the [[gimmick]]s remain the same, including his little pal [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who is now colored more [[FIRRIB|G1-accurate]] (as well as [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] colored eyes not seen on any other Frenzy toy).

: Recon Barricade's license plate reads "[[Joe Kyde#SAGE2764|SAGE2764]]", a reference to the screenname of a member of a Chinese newsgroup used by [[Joe Kyde]] (who would later design the deco for Recon Barricade) to disseminate [http://tformers.com/Unknown-Megatron-Drawing-Possible-Movie-Design/6030/news.html hoax information] for his senior capstone project.

:For the United Kingdom market, Recon Barricade was initially announced to be a store exclusive.<ref name="reconukexc">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/transformers-movie-deluxe-recon-barricade-to-be-a-store-exclusive-in-the-uk-152743/ "Transformers Movie Deluxe Recon Barricade to be a Store Exclusive in the UK"] at TFW2005.</ref> Ultimately, he shipped in solid cases and was found mostly at Woolworth, but also at [[Toys"R"Us]] and (possibly) The Entertainer.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/ReconBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Deluxe Class Recon Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|First Encounter}}
[[Image:Movie ScreenBattles FirstEncounter.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Which one of these is different from the others? Go ahead, guess!]]
*'''First Encounter''' (Screen Battles, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''SB-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Sam Witwicky figure, Mikaela figure and Frenzy figure

: This Screen Battles pack features a largely unchanged Deluxe class Barricade figure. The only real difference is the Frenzy mini-figure, which is now cast entirely in black plastic, sports ''no'' paint applications and is supposed to be stuck permanently inside Barricade's chest thanks to a new, additional piece of plastic (as a matter of fact, the Frenzy figure is also neither advertised on the packaging nor depicted in the instructions).

:This only applies to the Hasbro version, however—TakaraTomy's Japanese release of the pack features a Barricade that is identical to the single pack version, including an easily removable Frenzy figurine cast in grey plastic with painted red eyes.

:The pack also comes with [[Slug figure|non-posable figurines]] of Sam Witwicky in a running pose, Frenzy menacing [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] holding the power saw she uses to attack Frenzy. The set is packaged in a special window box with a diorama depicting the battle between Barricade and Bumblebee.

:According to details listed in an official checklist on Hasbro's website,<ref name="checklist">[http://web.archive.org/web/20090228233314/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=Collectors/Checklist Hasbro Transformers Collectors Checklist]</ref> this pack was originally supposed to feature Sam with a bike, and Mikaela with a scooter.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/ScreenBattlesBarricade/barricade.htm More information on ''Screen Battles'' First Encounter at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AllsparkEnhanced}}
[[Image:Movie-toy_AllSparkBarricade.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Keith David|What would you have your Arbiter do?]]]]
*'''AllSpark-Enhanced Barricade''' (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: This [[Target]] [[exclusive]] features the Deluxe Class Barricade in unique cylindrical packaging, with the only difference from his standard release being that key robot mode parts are highlighted by the 'AllSpark Blue' color for no other reason than [[to sell toys]]. In what can only be explained as an "''answer''" to Recon Barricade's blue [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], ''this'' release's Frenzy is cast in red plastic with a minor black color application to the chest area, making him now resemble [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. Thanks to Hasbro, the debate [[FIRRIB|continues]]...

: This toy was also sold exclusively at The Warehouse in [[New Zealand]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/AllsparkBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Deluxe Class Allspark-Enhanced Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Premium}}
[[Image:Movie Deluxe PremiumBarricade.JPG|right|300px|thumb|I thought the Makeup Department would never get their butts in gear!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class "Premium Series", 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: ''This'' version of Deluxe Barricade features a slightly more [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] deco, with additional "911" markings that were missing on earlier releases, as well as some additional paint details for his face. Confusingly however, his windows have a movie-inaccurate frosted paint deco applied to them for no apparent reason, other than to make the toy look 'different'.

:Unlike some earlier "Premium Series" toys, Barricade was available at general retail.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/Barricade/barricade.htm More information on Deluxe Class ''Premium Series'' Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ACG2008}}
[[File:ACG-HK-2008-Transformers-Commemorative-Box-Set.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Commemorative Box Set (Decepticon)''' (2008)

:Released an an exclusive for Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong (ACG, also known as Ani-Con) 2008, The ''Premium Series'' Barricade toy is released without any changes along with [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#PremiumLeader|''Premium Series'' Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#DeepSpace|Deep Space Starascream]], [[Blackout (Movie)#Premium|''Premium'' Blackout]], and a [[Brawl (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Brawl]]. The toys are packaged with a synthetic, leather-like box with a half-trimmed Decepticon Symbol, and it comes with a sheet of Certificate of Authenticity.

:The boxsets are limited to 100 pieces.
{{-}}

====''Fast Action Battlers''====
[[Image:FABBarricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Wait, how's this "yo-yo" thing work again?]]
* '''Blade Shield Barricade''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)

: ''Fast Action Battlers'' Barricade is similar to the regular Deluxe class toy. However, the details are simplified, and the proportions in both vehicle mode and robot mode are less realistic, generally skewed towards a more stylised and exaggerated appearance. Instead of the punching hand gimmick seen on the Deluxe class toy, FAB Barricade's left arm features a flip out arm extension with a shield made out of blades based on his spinning blades from the Movie.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/FABBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Blade Shield Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====''Cyber Slammers''====
[[Image:Barricade-CS.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Awwwwwww. Bawwicade's so cute, he'll kill us all!]]
* '''Barricade''' (Cyber Slammers, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

:''Cyber Slammers'' Barricade is an ''amazingly cute'' Saleen S281 police car that transforms into an amazingly cute treacherous Decepticon pretending to be a cop. "Slam" his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along for a while, then pops back up into robot mode. Like most ''Cyber Slammers'', Barricade manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.

{{-}}{{anchor|CyberSlammerPatrol}}
[[Image:Movie CyberSlammers PatrolBarricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Cute evil, now in Blue!]]
*'''Patrol Barricade''' (Cyber Slammers, 2008)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

: This adorable, pudgy version of Barricade's car mode zips forward with a little motor. The robot mode Patrol Barricade pops up after a little while, rolling along. So cute! The colors are similar to Recon Barricade, but oddly enough, the scheme is different, and the markings are for a sheriff's car.
{{-}}

====''Robot Replicas''====
[[Image:Movie RobotReplica Barricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|SOMEone spent a little too much time in the bathtub...]]
* '''Barricade''' (Robot Replica, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Robot Replicas]] Barricade hews much closer to the CGI model of the character (albeit wrong paint job). With joints similar to the [[Revoltech]] series, he is also more posable than his transforming counterpart, plus features replacement arms that feature his "blender-blade tires" alternate hands briefly seen in the movie.

:Barricade's shoulders/upper arms and shins (including the feet) are incorrectly assembled as compared to the CG design used for the [[Transformers (film)|movie]]. This can easily be fixed due to the interchangability of the Robot Replica limbs. (Although the CG design raises the question how exactly his transformation in the movie is supposed to work. The markings on the arms are located on opposite sides of the body as compared to the vehicle mode.)

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/RRBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Robot Replicas Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====''Micro IR Transformers Cars''====
[[Image:Movie Barricade MicroIR.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Weirdest police gun we've ever seen!]]
* '''Barricade''' (2007)

: Made under license by [[RadioShack]]. Three-function infrared remote, in Barricade's signature colors, gives you control of the car with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a vehicle styled after the Movie character, the car also transforms to robot mode. The transformation is very reminiscent of the Generation 2 [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], but the toy is an entirely new mold. Curiously, his head is Bumblebee's, only silver and black.

:The top of the gun-shaped IR remote serves as a storage point for Barricade, but the remote can't stand freely so it's nearly useless for display. The tip of the gun's barrel can also be unscrewed to reveal a ballpoint pen, which... wait... what? It's actually just a pen cartridge which sorta hangs freely and is difficult to use for writing, because you have to hold it and support the entire gun's weight while you do.

:Each of the Micro IR toys comes with a generic instructions sheet printed in black and white and showing the transformation for all three toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/RSBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Micro IR Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{picsneeded|robot mode}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Interrogator Barricade ROTF deluxe toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Comes with NIPPLE ARMS!]]
*'''Interrogator Barricade''' (2009)

:This "retool" of 2007's Barricade (in the broadest sense of the term) replaces the Frenzy figure from the original toy with a set of "tool arms" based on the scene in 2007's ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' movie in which he threatens Sam Witwicky with those arms. They can either be placed on the back of his head by sliding them into the vehicle mode panels, or they can be placed into his chest either stored, or deployed and with the arms appropriately covering the headlights.

:Surprisingly, his deco seems to be ''exactly the same'' as the original toy, ignoring the Premium Series update.

:During part of 2010, [https://web.archive.org/web/20100705115820/http://www.hasbro.com:80/transformers/en_US/discover/transformers-toy-giveaway.cfm Hasbro did a promotion] wherein US fans could receive three free Deluxes in exchange for receipts showing the purchase of $25 or more of select Transformers product. As noted in [https://web.archive.org/web/20200327174024/https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/69645-buy-25-worth-of-tfsget-three-deluxes-for-free/ this thread over at Allspark.com], and later confirmed by [http://web.archive.org/web/20110221171904/http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HT83971G3 this listing here], this version of Barricade was one of a pool of eight figures (all from the same wave) from which the free Deluxes were drawn, with several people having noted receiving him.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Barricade/barricade.htm More information on Interrogator Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====''Human Alliance''====
[[Image:ROTF_HumanAlliance_Barricade%26Frenzy.jpg|right|thumb|300px| [[Keith David|Rise up and I will kill you! Again and again!]]]]
*'''Barricade with Frenzy''' (2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''RD-24'''
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:[[Human Alliance]] Barricade comes with a posable figure of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who can either sit inside the car in vehicle mode or be stored in Barricade's chest as with the Deluxe figure. Barricade also comes with two fold-out arms / weapons in vehicle mode that approximate the 'Interrogator Arms' he uses to threaten Sam Witwicky.

:In Barricade's robot mode, his main weapon is a spinning spiked flail which replaces his left hand, similar to the one seen during his duel with Bumblebee in the first movie. Aside from the interrogator arms (which can also flip out in robot mode to act as a sort of weapon for a chest-mounted Frenzy) his only other weapon is a cannon / missile rack in his right shoulder, which Frenzy is supposed to be able to operate from his seat (see the stock photo). There seems to be a bit of forced perspective going on with that; the gun rack is too far from the seat for Frenzy to actually be able to reach. Barricade's eyes have red light-piping, and instead of a battle-mask, his mouth can be opened and closed by tilting the top of his head. The chest is also capable of more deformation than shown in the stock photo to make him more movie-accurate, by angling the two bumpers up and adjusting the tilt of the grille.

:There's something odd going on with his hips; they only come out to a 45° angle, which prevents his legs from being fully straightened, This is most likely to simulate his crouching position seen in the movie and his deluxe toys. The socket is capable of the full rotation, though, and the blocking plastic can be easily sliced off. Additionally, the waist was at one point capable of rotation, but this has been oddly blocked by the addition of a small blocking bar molded on to plastic rotation axis. This weird mold change can also be easily sliced out to restore full functionality.

:Unfortunately for many fans, like Human Alliance [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], he is sold in rather limited quantities. Making him quite hard to find and rather expensive. Like the rest of the Human Alliance brethen, Barricade is a frequent victim of being [[knockoff|counterfeited]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/HABarricade/barricade.htm More information on Human Alliance Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====''Gravity Bots''====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_GravityBots_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I can no longer command ships, lead troops into battle.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
:[[Gravity Bot]] Barricade is a cute, blocky little toy that [[Autotransformation|autotransforms]] in a really neat fashion using gravity.

:Like the second half of the Gravity bots figures, Barricade is not released in Japan.
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:HFTD huntersrumble barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|First person who laughs dies.]]
*'''Hunters Rumble''' (Target exclusive 2-pack, 2010)

:This [[Target]] [[exclusive]] bundle includes redecos of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Interrogator Barricade and Deluxe-class [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. His interrogator arms are now a dark grey with menacing red "eyes".

:With his yellow and blue {{w|Battenburg markings}} and Chinese lettering, Barricade's deco is presumably based on a {{w|File:HKPF Hybrid Police Patrol Car AM8944.JPG|Hong Kong police car}}.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Decepticon/TargetBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Hunters Rumble Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon''===
====''Cyberverse''====
[[Image:DOTM_Cyberverse_Barricade_toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Not Pr--oh wait, maybe I am!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Cyberverse Legion, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Hasbro ID number:'' '''002'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'':
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:For the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' line, Legends Class Barricade was redecoed in white and blue with a minor retool of a right hand intended to be able to grip [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] accessories.

:The instructions still neglect the transformation scheme consists of the front grill.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/LegBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Cyberverse Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CybertronianWarriors}}
[[Image:TRUCybertronianWarriors4Pack.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Cybertronian Warriors Pack''' (Cyberverse 4-pack, 2011)

:A [[redeco]] of the Legion figure in white and gray, decoed similarly to [[Crankcase (DOTM)#CybertronianWarriors|Crankcase]], who was redecoed to emulate the {{w|Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia}} SUV that was hit by a Bumblebee stunt car during filming.

:As part of a multi-pack [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]], he was packaged with redecoed versions of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#CybertronianWarriors|Bumblebee]] (with [[Mobile Battle Bunker#CybertronianWarriors|Mobile Battle Bunker]]), [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#CybertronianWarriors|Ironhide]], and Crankcase.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/TRUBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Cybertronian Warriors Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM_MechTechDeluxe_Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Free back scratcher!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Mechtech Deluxe, 2011)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''DD03
**''Accessory:'' Mechtech Blaster/Robot Wrecking Claw
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Released in the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe class figures, Barricade once again transforms into a licensed Saleen S281 Police Cruiser. He includes a [[MechTech]] weapon, a Gatling gun-barreled Blaster that can transform into a "Robot Wrecking Claw" when a lever on the side is pulled. Like almost all Deluxe class MechTech weapons, it cannot be locked into place. However, the weapon still can stay in it's transformed state if the claw is pushed forward while in deployed mode.

:Much like [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 4|Bumblebee]] from the Dark of the Moon line, Barricade features an undocumented semi-stealth force configuration while in vehicle mode. By raising up the rear of the vehicle, one can reveal a pair of small, forward-facing blasters inside the trunk. These blasters are also present in his robot mode, mounted on his legs.

:The stock photos of the figure are mistransformed: in robot mode, the chest & lower torso is not arranged correctly and his pair of "wings" can be folded up, and his vehicle mode's grill is flipped into his robot's chest grill instead. The Japanese release comes packed with a character card and an accompanying transparent plastic card of his MechTech weapon for the MechTech Wars online game.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/Barricade/barricade.htm More information on ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:Bot Shots Barricade.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Barricade''' (2012)
**''Number'': '''B004'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}
::*''Fist strength'': '''390'''
::*''Blaster strength'': '''400'''
::*''Sword strength'': '''840'''

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'', Barricade is a teeny little police car with a spring-loaded automatic transformation to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. He has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels. His robot mode is heavily based on the [[Barricade (Movie)|live-action movie Barricade]], though run through a bit of an [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] filter.

:This mold was also used to make [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Prowl]] and [[Streetwise (G1)#Bot Shots|Protectobot Streetsmart]]. His main car body, arms and legs were also used to make [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Bumblebee]], [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSBarricade/barricade.htm More information on Barricade at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireAssaultTeam}}
[[File:BotShots FireAssault Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|What kind of precinct paints their squad cars orange?]]
*'''Decepticon Fire Assault Team''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T019'''
***''Fist strength'': '''715'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''562'''
***''Sword strength'': '''333'''

:A redeco of the original Barricade mold in orange and yellow, this version of Barricade was available in a five-pack with similar redecos of [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]], and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSDFABarricade/barricade.htm More information on Fire Assault Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''BeCool''===
[[File:BeCool American Patrol Car.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''American Patrol Car (Decepticon Barricade)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''B17'''

:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "American Patrol Car" is practically identical to the original ''Bot Shots'' Barricade toy, the only difference being that his stickers don't depict power levels but instead drawings of a lightbar, a traffic light and a stop sign.
{{-}}

===''Asia Premium Series''===
*'''Barricade & Soundwave''' (Human Alliance 2-pack, 2015)
**''ID number:'': '''APS-03'''
**''Accessories'': Decepticon Frenzy figure, Laserbeak figure, Mr. Gould figure, Soundwave's missile

:''[[Asia Premium Series]]'' Barricade is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] Barricade ([[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Human Alliance|see above]]) and retains all of the features and accessories of the original, including [[Frenzy (Movie)#Asia Premium Series|Frenzy]]. The biggest change is that some dark grey parts are now a dark olive green. He is packed with an unchanged ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Human Alliance [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Asia Premium Series|Soundwave]] and, by extension, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)#Asia Premium Series|Laserbeak]] and [[Dylan Gould#Asia Premium Series|Mr. Gould]].

:Buying this pack from certain retailers will include a [[die-cast]] Frenzy in his boombox mode.
{{-}}

===''The Last Knight''===
====Legion Class====
[[File:TF-TLK-Legion-Class-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Turbo-revving Old Evil Law Enforcer.]]
*'''Barricade''' (Legion Class, 2017)
**''Accessories:'' lightbar

:Legion Class Barricade is a redeco of ''Prime: [[Beast Hunters (toyline)|Beast Hunters]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 3|Series 3 ''Cyberverse'']] [[Smokescreen (Prime)#Cyberverse|Smokescreen]] (which is ironic, what with [[Barricade (WFC)#Timelines 2|''Timelines'' Barricade]] being a redeco of the Deluxe Prowl/Smokescreen mold) with [[Prowl (WFC)#Cyberverse|Prowl]]'s lightbar, and transforms into a police car loosely based on a McLaren MP4-12C. Any weapons with 3 mm posts can be held in Barricade's hands or mounted onto the sides of his vehicle rear/robot feet. The lightbar can be removed to reveal another 3 mm mounting point.

:Barricade is slightly mistransformed in both his stock photo and in-package: his arms are not adjusted properly in robot mode, and the figure's chest is shown as a solid block while in-package.

:From August 29th to September 29th, the entire 1st wave of ''The Last Knight'' Legion Class figures that ''massively'' shelfwarmed in Malaysia's Toys"R"Us stores (including Barricade) were sold as individual giveaway items for customers who purchased ''The Last Knight'' toys for a price of RM200 (approx $46) in a single receipt.

:This mold was also used to make ''Prime'' [[Bluestreak (Prime)#Cyberverse|Bluestreak]].
{{-}}

====''Turbo Changers''====
{{anchor|TurboChanger}}
[[File:TF-TLK-One-Step-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Would you like a glass of Water?]]
*'''Barricade''' (1-Step Turbo Changer, 2017)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Speed Change Barricade'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TLK-08'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': '''2017-[[April 29|04-29]]'''

:This Turbo Changer Barricade is an all new-mold, transforming from robot to police car in just one-step (well duh). His chest also features an insignia covered by a blacklight paint, which can be revealed by glowing UV lights (marked as a "Cyberfire" Gimmick). Unlike several Turbo Changers in the subline, Barricade features a 5 mm-compatible right hand.

{{-}}{{anchor|BigWTurboChanger6Pack}}
[[File:TF-TLK-RtS-Turbo-Changer-6-pack-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''1-Step Turbo Changer 6 Pack''' (2017)
**''Accessories'': Axe, Club, 2 spear-like weapons, Scimitar, Shield

:This Barricade is a redeco of the figure above, featuring red wheels (and multi-barreled gun) and various [[Tech Spec]]-esque patterns on the front vehicle hood, the sides of the vehicle back, and his robot mode chest. These can be decoded with the pack-in transparent red weapons, molded in a sprue similar to the ones used for the Arms Microns kits & ''Robots in Disguise (2015)'' Mini-Con figures. Barricade can use any weapons included in the set, although his primary "weapon" is a shield.
{{-}}

====''Tiny Turbo Changers''====
[[File:TLK-toy TTC-Barricade.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Barricade''' (Tiny Turbo Changer, 2017)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Bag Code'': '''H'''

:[[Tiny Turbo Changers]] Barricade is a soft-plastic, stumpy, [[blindpacking|blind-bagged]] mini-figure that transforms from robot to police cruiser (with his rear-mounted blasters deployed) and back in a few super-simple steps. He has articulated shoulders, and his hands are compatible with ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' weapons and other 3 mm-peg accessories. Like all Tiny Turbo Changers, his vehicle mode's wheels are immobile, sorry.

:He shares the same transformation scheme as his rival Bumblebee.
{{-}}

====''Allspark Tech''====
[[File:TF-TLK-Allspark-Tech-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Rejected from ''Rescue Bots'' as Chase's rival.]]
*'''Barricade''' (Allspark Tech, 2017)

:''Allspark Tech'' Barricade transforms from a ''Rescue Bots''-styled robot into a deformed police car and back. His chest also features a cavity for the electronic Allspark Cube, which gives him different sound effects for his robot & vehicle modes.
{{-}}

====''Premier Edition''====
{{anchor|TLKDeluxe}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Deluxe-Class-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It is with THIS hand that I shall begin to label my waffle! It is with THIS hand that I shall continue labeling my waffle!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class, 2017)
**''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''TLK-02'''
**''TakaraTomy Release Date'': [[2017]]-[[May 1|05-01]]
**''Accessories'': Pistol, nightstick, wrist-mounted gun
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:Released as part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]] Premier Edition'' Deluxes, Barricade converts into a Saleen 302 Mustang in police colors (albeit a genericized and unlicensed version). He is armed with a nightstick and pistol, both of which can be held in his hands or mounted on his hips for storage in robot mode and underneath the car in vehicle mode. The nightstick has a sculpted "barrel" on the tip, so it can double as a cannon by plugging it into a port on Barricade's wrist. He also has a wrist-mounted gun that can be unfolded and mounted on the rear windshield in vehicle mode. Amusingly, he has knuckle-dusters on both fists that say "PROTECT" and "SERVE" written backwards so anything he punches would be stamped with the motto. His light-bar can also be removed to reveal two 3 mm ports.

:Care should be taken when handling and transforming Barricade, as his backpack is made entirely of transparent plastic, which makes its tabs and the C joint connecting the backpack to him more susceptible to breakage than usual. The tabs that secure his feet to the car's trunk in vehicle mode have been reported to have stress wear straight out of the package. It is currently unknown if these stress marks expand into cracks that affect the tab's functionality. It has also been reported that his shoulder kibble hinges can get loose almost instantly! This results in his shoulder armor flopping over at the slightest touch.

:Barricade's instructions seem to ignore the hinge that connects his arms to his torso. This hinge is a necessary part of transformation, since it is the only way to give Barricade's arm and hood proper clearance.

:His unpaintable beige plastic is prone to [[photodegradation]] even if not exposed to sunlight.

:The wheels of Barricade's vehicle mode have very loose ratchets that create an engine revving noise when the toy is rolled, no doubt to simulate Barricade's penchant for driving without a muffler in the movie. These ratchets also reduce the friction between the wheels and the vehicle, allowing Barricade to roll very well, even on carpet or cloth! Unfortunately, the sound effect only works on a surface that is either soft or completely smooth. If Barricade is rolled on an uneven surface, the clicking of his wheels against the ground will drown out the engine noise.

:Along with Berserker, Barricade saw re-release in the fourth wave of the ''Premier Edition'' Deluxe lineup...despite wave 1 ''severely'' [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarming]].

{{-}}{{anchor|TLKBattleDamaged}}
[[File:TF-TLK-TRU-Exclusive-Battle-Damaged-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now with more brutality.]]
*'''Barricade''' (Tsim Sha Tsui Toys"R"Us exclusive, 2017)
**''Accessories'': Pistol, nightstick, wrist-mounted gun

:Limited to 300 pieces, this Barricade is hand-painted in a battle-damaged deco, and it was offered to customers who spent a minimum purchase worth $1200 in ''Transformers: The Last Knight'' products in Toys"R"Us located at Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong. This figure is also available in Malaysia's Toys"R"Us stores at 22 September to 22 October (only 4 of them are selected), and he can be obtained by buying RM350 (approx $82) worth of ''The Last Knight'' products in a single receipt.
{{-}}

====''Turbo Change Series''====
[[File:TF-Turbo-Change-Series-TC-15-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I got better paint apps. Buy me again.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2018)
**'''ID Number''': '''TC-15'''
**''Release Date'': [[2018]]-[[December 27|12-27]]

:''Turbo Change Series'' Barricade is a redeco of the Turbo Changer toy above, with additional paint apps on the chest, legs, & the "police" tampograph on his side doors. Additional changes include the painted Decepticon insignia on his robot mode chest, the white paint on the front shoulder changed to the sides and the removal of the blacklight paint on his car hood.
{{-}}

===''Masterpiece Movie Series''===
{{anchor|Masterpiece}}
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MPM-5-Barricade-(Hasbro).jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"This Hand of mine spins with an awesome power!"]]
*'''Barricade''' ([[2018]])
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number'': '''MPM-5'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[April 21]], 2018
**''Accessories'': "Rotor Blade Wheel", stand
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released as the fifth figure of the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece Movie Series]]'', this Barricade is based on his original appearance in the 2007 film, transforming from a roughly Voyager-sized robot into a {{w|Saleen}} S281 police cruiser. Unusually for a Masterpiece toy, he features a high proportion of [[die-cast]] parts, with sizeable portions of his chest, feet, and lower legs constructed out of painted metal. Additionally, he is one of the few Masterpiece toys with a working jaw. He also comes packaged with a "Rotor Blade Wheel" to wield, as well as stand to put it on when not in use. His forearms, thighs and legs are erroneously painted in metallic blue instead of metallic purple.

:Barricade's existence was first revealed in early 2017 via a leaked [[Toys"R"Us]] listing, followed by a listing from [[Amazon (website)|Amazon Spain]]. The latter listing was later removed, and a customer inquiry was answered to the fact that Barricade was "canceled". The figure was eventually revealed by Hasbro much later that year, and subsequently released in Hong Kong, but under a different Hasbro product code number than those early listings (E2316 instead of C0896). The EAN barcode linked to listings at several European Amazon subsidiaries is also different than the one for the previous listing from Amazon Spain.

:Like previous Hasbro products, Barricade was released in some Asian countries before the US and Japan.

:Due to coinciding with the liquidation of the Australian division of [[Toys"R"Us]], he ended up being one of the last Toys"R"Us exclusive in [[Australia]], along with [[Thundercracker (Movie)#Studio Series|Thundercracker]]. Since both toys were not released until the sales started, both toys were available at discounted prices. Following the closings of Toys"R"Us stores in the US, this figure became an Amazon exclusive.
{{-}}

===''Movie Edition''===
[[File:TTC-toy Movie-Edition-Barricade.jpg|300px|thumb]]
*'''Barricade''' (Tiny Turbo Changer, 2018)
**''Series:'' '''3'''
**''Bag Code:'' '''P'''
:Released in series 3 of Tiny Turbo Changers, Barricade is a new mold based off of his design in the 2007 movie. While his claws are much too large to hold 3 mm post accessories like most other Tiny Turbo Changers, he has tiny notches molded on his knuckles which can hold them instead.

:This mold is also used to make [[Shatter#Generations|Shatter]].
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:Studio-Series-MV1-Deluxe-Class-Barricade.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|My toy is too short?! *punch* Watch your mouth! Without ''Studio Series'', you’d be just another fan tracking down my Human Alliance figure on eBay for $100! Now get lost, and think about that!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class, [[2018]])
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''28'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-21'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 26]], 2019
**''Accessories'': Rotor blade wheel, "Police Chase" backdrop

:Released in wave 5 of ''[[Studio Series]]'' Deluxe class figures, Barricade is based off his appearance in the first ''Transformers'' film and transforms into a licensed Saleen S281 Police Cruiser. He includes a rotor blade wheel accessory based off he uses in the film and a cardboard backdrop display depicting the encounter with [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Barricade features articulated hands that can open and close like his ''Dark of the Moon'' Mechtech Deluxe, but unlike the previous toy he features a more stable 5 mm hand as his fingers are able to lock together when closed. His rotor blade wheel, front grill, head & his fake "wing" kibble is molded in soft plastic. Unfortunately, due to size and mold limitations, the headlight covers of his vehicle mode are molded in one piece with his front fenders, rendering them non-transparent black and concealing his actual headlights. Aspiring [[Customizing|customizers]] could carefully cut said pieces out with a knife and glue transparent pieces in their place, which will allow the headlights to show through them correctly or simply leave the headlight exposed.

:Make sure the fingers are evenly swung back against the rear windows/forearm panels until it clicks, so the rear trunk can clip in securely in vehicle mode. Also make sure that the arms are fully tabbed into the hips in vehicle mode - this is easier if one pegs the arms into place on the legs ''before'' moving the car roof into position, unlike the instructions which suggest the opposite.

:His bio on the back of his box also amusingly misspells Sam’s eBay username as "Lad'''ys'''man217". Both the TakaraTomy and Hasbro stock photos are mistransformed; the roof panel on his back should swivel into the rest of the backpack, rather than hanging past the hips. [https://www.ubuy.vn/productimg/?image=aHR0cHM6Ly9tLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL0kvODE2aG5RZDM2YkwuX0FDX1NMMTUwMF8uanBn.jpg One] even shows his car doors (which become his upper arms) remaining in the vehicle mode position, instead of being pushed up, thus making his arms long enough to scratch his feet.

:The toy's rear packaging features a QR code for the [https://www.ford.com/window-sticker/ "Chance To Win A FORD" sweepstakes] contest, which allows the customers to participate the contest by scanning the code (if this doesn't work, you can type the 2 codes [http://www.vmp.mobi/ford to this site]).
{{-}}

===''Bumblebee''===
[[File:EnergonIgnitersSpeedBarricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Anyone else feeling some 2007 nostalgia?]]
*'''Barricade''' (Speed Series, 2018)

:''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' Speed Series Barricade transforms from robot to an '80s muscle car decorated in a police livery with an attached lightbar inspired by [[Sheriff Lock]]'s police cruiser seen in [[Bumblebee (film)|the film]]'s chase scene with Bumblebee. The figure's engineering is highly reminiscent of Barricade's original 2007 Legends Class toy. Like other Speed figures, he can use the Cores of larger Energon Igniters figures as a small towable trailer, and due to the toy being lightweight, it can propel his vehicle mode forward very quickly.

:Like [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#SpeedCamaro|Camaro Bumblebee]] and [[Hot Rod (DOTM)#Bumblebee|Hot Rod]], Barricade also features pinned wheels instead of the simple-assembly ones. As the port is 5 mm compatible, Barricade can mount smaller weapons with the same post size, making him an efficient weapons-toting killer police vehicle. Due to the placement of the core's hole, Barricade had his port sticking out from his left knee, which makes it glaring in robot mode, but more convincing as a "jet booster" in vehicle mode. His hands are compatible with 3 mm weapons and accessories.

:This mold was also retooled to make [[Hot Rod (DOTM)#Bumblebee|Energon Igniters Speed Hot Rod]].

{{-}}{{anchor|TFFanbook2019}}
[[File:TF-Transformers-Fanbook-2019.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Fanbook''' (TV-Magazine Mook, 2019)

:The Hasbro release of the Energon Igniters Speed Barricade mold is available with Speed Series Camaro Bumblebee for this book released by Kodansha.

{{-}}{{anchor|Nitro}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Energon-Igniters-Nitro-Barricade.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Russell Clay|Rusty]]'s in for a shock if he mistakes this dude for [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]] and flags him down for a ride to the scrapyard.]]
*'''Barricade''' (Nitro Series, 2018)
**''Accessories'': Igniter core

:Standing at approximately 7 inches, the ''Bumblebee'' Nitro version of Barricade transforms into a generic 1980s American coupe. He includes a red core that pops into the hood once the hidden weapons underneath are deployed. Much like the rest of the figures in the line, Barricade features 5 mm ports in his hands but no weapons to hold. The figure features above average articulation for his pricepoint with a ball-jointed neck, universal joints in the shoulders, hinge elbows, wrist swivels and knees but for whatever reason his hips only move out to the side, rendering said knees slightly useless for posing.

:The figure features a common missassembly where each hand is on the wrong arm. As shown by the stock render on Barricade's packaging, his fingers should curl in a way that leaves the index finger furthest from the thumb. It's easiest to notice this when the hands are spun round and the stamps showing 'L1' and 'R1' on the thumbs become visible. Sadly swapping the hands round is nigh on impossible due to the pinned construction of the forearms.
{{-}}

===''Buzzworthy Bumblebee''===
[[File:Buzzworthy-Bumblebee-Clunker-Bumblebee-VS-Barricade.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Clunker Bumblebee VS Barricade''' (Battle Pack, 2021)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number'': '''28BB'''
**''Accessories'': Rotor blade wheel, "Police Chase" backdrop
:''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' Barricade is a re-issue of the above ''Studio Series'' figure, released in a battle pack with the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BW27|Clunker Bumblebee]] figure from the same line. The pack itself is inspired by their showdown in ''Transformers''.

:Notably, this version lacks the To "Punish & Enslave" slogan tampograph.
{{--}}

===''Rise Of The Beasts''===
[[File:TF-ROTB-Autobots-Unite-Barricade.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Barricade''' (Speed Series, 2023)

: The ''Bumblebee'' Speed Series Barricade figure was repackaged as part of the ''Autobots Unite'' subline.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''3D Battle-Card Game''===
[[Image:3DBattleCard_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|250px| If they came to hear me beg, they will be disappointed.]]
*'''Barricade''' (3D Battle Card, 2007)
**''Card number'': '''14'''

: Barricade is a 33-point "Rare" piece in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]. Constructed of punch-out pieces from randomly packed plastic cards (two full robots per pack), he can be assembled into his car mode or into a rather stumpy robot mode. His twin blaster-weapons can be mounted on his arms (their nominal placement) or on his shoulders.

: His card art was done by [[Lucio Parrillo]], and he uses the same construction as [[Earth]]-mode [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Dino|Mirage]], [[Swerve (Movie)|Swerve]], and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2007)===
{{anchor|ChessSet}}
*'''TRANSFORMERS Chess Set''' (2007)

: Two identical silver-colored plastic statues of Barricade serve as the [[Chess#Transformers (2007)|Chess Set]]'s Autobot-side Bishops.
{{-}}

====''Transformers Movie Danglers''====
[[Image:Barricade2007Dangler.jpeg|right|173px|thumb]]
*'''Barricade''' (2007)

:Released by [[Gacha International|Tomy Yujin]] in November 2007<ref name="TomyYujin">[http://www.gachausa.com/transformersdanglers.html Tomy Yujin ''Transformers'' page]</ref> as part of the [[Danglers Collection]], this toy is a weird plastic [[super deformed]] version of Barricade that poops out his vehicle mode when you squeeze him. This little figurine has a little strap on it so that it can be put on cell phones or portable gaming devices.
{{-}}

====XMODS Evolution Transformers====
* '''Barricade''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''60-185'''

[[Image:Movie Barricade XMODS.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Don't you think about pissing me off, or I'll turn you into a pancake.]]
[[Image:Movie Barricade XMODS weapons.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Look into my pokey eyes and see the future...]]
:Barricade is one of the first Transformers characters to be licensed by [[RadioShack]] from [[Hasbro]] and [[DreamWorks]] for their XMODS Evolution line of radio control cars. "The maximum in modification", Barricade is a base kit that can be upgraded with '''XMODS Evolution Weapons and Light Kit for Barricade''', a weapons and light kit featuring the weapons/manipulators he uses in the film and rocket launchers that were cut from the film (''Model Number'': '''600-barricade3'''), as well as any of the optional motor upgrades, body kits, steering and suspension upgrades, and more available for the brand.
{{-}}

====ZipZaps Micro RC====
* '''Barricade''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''6000181'''

[[Image:Movie Barricade ZipZap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oooh...scary!]]
:Barricade is also one of the first Transformers characters licensed by RadioShack for their ZipZaps line of pocket-size radio control cars. As a ZipZap, Barricade can be customized, trimmed, and tuned with any other accessories available for the brand. He has working headlights and requires four "AAA" batteries for the charger.
{{-}}

====''Unleashed''====
*'''Blackout and Barricade''' (2008)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

[[Image:Movie UnleashedTurnarounds BlackoutBarricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Invading Australasia NOW!]]
: The Blackout and Barricade turnaround is a 3D sculpture of the two characters in both robot mode emerging from rubble and explosions, with a movie-accurate sculpt (compared to the various transforming toys.) The 'turnaround' aspect of these sculptures simply means one can turn the piece around to display a raised-relief of the movie-style Decepticon sigil instead.

: This product's release was cancelled for the US market, but was released in Australia and in Asia.
{{-}}

====Basic Fun====
[[Image:2007MovieBasicFunKeychains.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Barricade''' (Figural keychain assortment, 2007)

: Produced by [[Basic Fun]], this keychain is a likeness of Barricade's robot mode with articulated arms, legs, head, waist, and a keyring sticking out of his ass.
{{-}}

====Transformers Movie Screen Cleaners====
[[Image:Movie Barricade screencleaner.jpg|right|97px|thumb|To polish and enslave.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2008)

:Released by Tomy Yujin on January 2008, this dangler is a faction logo-shaped screen cleaner for your cell phone, with a stock image of Barricade printed on the other side.
{{-}}

====''Robot Fighters'' Game====
[[Image:2007_Robot_Fighters_Bumblebee_Barricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Presumably cancelled because they talked about Fight Club.]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Barricade''' (<s>2007</s>)

:This toy set would have had Bumblebee and Barricade in a fighting game similar to "Rock'em Sock'em Robots". Presumably, each figure would come with a base that would allow it to be controlled by a player.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
====Nestlé====
*'''Barricade''' (Surprise Cup, 2009)
: A small figurine based on Barricade in his robot mode, with an attached cord on top to be used as either a keychain or a cellphone dangler, was one of eight possible miniatures that could be found as a freebie in the bottom of each [[Nestlé]] [[Surprise Cup]]. Interestingly, these first started popping up in European ice cream booths around March 2009, a good couple of months before the usual assortment of toys and merchandise for Revenge of the Fallen hit retail shelves.
{{-}}

====''RPMs - Robot Powered Machines''====
[[Image:ROTF-toy_RPM_Bumblebee_vs_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Frozen in car-bonite!]]
*'''Bumblebee VS Barricade''' (2009)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series'''
**''Number:'' '''01 of 08'''

:''[[Robot Powered Machines]]'' Barricade is a small, ''Hot Wheels''-style Saleen S281 Police Cruiser. The toy doesn't transform, but has Barricade's robot mode sculpted and painted onto its underside, along with his name and faction insignia. It features through-axle construction which lets it reach high speeds on smooth surfaces. He was sold in a two-pack with the 1970's Camaro version of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMCommander}}
[[Image:ROTFRPMCommanderSeriesBarricade.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*'''Barricade''' (2009)
**''Series:'' '''Commander Series'''
**''Number:'' '''03 of 04'''

:Barricade was also available by himself as part of the "Commander Series" of RPMs. The toy is identical to its two-pack release.

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMVsNightwatch}}
[[Image:ROTFRPMBattleSeries2PatrolBarricade.jpg|thumb|300px|My Soundwave cosplay is beyond compare!]]
*'''Nightwatch Bumblebee VS Patrol Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''02 of 06'''

:Coming in a two-pack with a black and yellow redeco of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise|Bumblebee]], "Battle Series 2" Patrol Barricade is a blue and black redeco of the ''RPM'' Barricade mold. Battle Series 2 did not get released through normal retail outlets in the United States, instead showing up for sale first in Canada, Asia and Europe. Later, though, it would show up in the US though [[Toys"R"Us|Toys"R"Us Express]] mall stores and discount chains like Ross and TJ Maxx. Its deco would serve as the basis for the ''Speed Stars'' release of "Battle Series 2" Patrol Barricade.

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMHighway}}
[[Image:ROTFRPMMetalHeroesHighwayPatrolBarricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Highway Patrol Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Metal Heroes'''
**''Number:'' '''05 of 08'''

:"Metal Heroes" Highway Patrol Barricade is a silver and black redeco of the ''RPM'' Barricade mold. This series is only known to have been released in Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries. Its deco would later serve as the basis for the ''Speed Stars'' release of "Metal Heroes" Highway Patrol Barricade.

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMStunticon}}
[[Image:ROTFRPMStunticonBarricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Stunticon'''
**''Number:'' '''02 of 03'''

:"Stunticon" Barricade is... confused. When the toy was originally revealed by a downloadable poster on the official ''Transformers'' website of Turkey (see inset), it was shown to be a black, white, and red redeco of the ''RPM'' Barricade mold. However, a Barricade redeco resembling the color scheme of the eventual ''Speed Stars'' Stunticon Barricade (but with more paint operations) was displayed at [[Toy Fair 2010]]. ''Presumably'' the existence of this white and black version means the one on the poster was an abandoned concept, but it's impossible to say for certain because ''RPM'' Stunticon Barricade was not released in any market.

{{canceledrpmspeedstar}}

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMCyberHunt}}
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Cyber Hunt'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 04'''

:"Cyber Hunt" Barricade was listed on the back of the Asian market release of "Cyber Hunt" Bumblebee. It was never depicted anywhere, but as the ''Speed Stars'' version is blue, black and silver with [[cyberglyphics]], it '''probably''' would have looked similar to that.

{{canceledrpmspeedstar}}

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMRevealers}}
[[Image:ROTFRPMRevealersBarricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Man, Bumblebee really did a number on him.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Revealers'''
**''Number:'' '''03 of 03'''

:"Revealers" Barricade is a small, ''Hot Wheels''-style Saleen S281 Police Cruiser with robot bits poking out in an attempt to capture Barricade in a moment of mid-transformation. It features through-axle construction which lets it reach high speeds on smooth surfaces. The version seen at [[Toy Fair 2010]] lacked painted hubcaps, which the vehicle was seen to have in a downloadable poster found on the official ''Transformers'' website of Turkey (see inset).

:Only Ironhide is known to have been released of the ''RPM'' "Revealers" series. The mold was going to be used in ''Speed Stars'', but that appears to have been canceled as well.

{{canceledrpmspeedstar}}

{{-}}{{anchor|RPMRadiocontrol}}
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Radio Control'''

: Radio Control Barricade is a non-transforming remote-control car, larger than his previous Micro IR and ZipZaps toys. Unlike previous Radio Control toys (Optimus Prime and Bumblebee), his remote controller is not shaped like his robot mode—it's just a generic design featuring a stock photo of Barricade on the front. Batteries (of Hasbro's own [[Powrfuel]] brand) were included for the controller, but not for the car.

{{-}}
{{picsneeded}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BumblebeevsBarricade.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Just about the only fiction-accurate RH pack. Ever.]]
* '''Bumblebee & Barricade''' (Two-pack, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}

:The first ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' version of Barricade, he's sculpted in a bit of a hunched, thuggish crouch. He has the standard ''Robot Heroes'' articulation: Both shoulders swivel, and his head rotates. He was packed with [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#Robot Heroes|Bumblebee]].

{{anchor|RHBlindpack}}
*'''Barricade''' (Single-pack, 2008)

: In some countries outside of North America, this Barricade was released individually in a blindpack with no notable changes.

{{-}}{{anchor|RHOptimus}}
[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BarricadeVsOptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Fast as fast can be, you can never catch me.]]
* '''Optimus Prime & Barricade''' (Two-pack, 2008)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}

:This ''Robot Heroes'' pack features Barricade in a running/attacking pose, and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#RHBarricade|Optimus Prime]] posed as he was in the movie as he awaited Bonecrusher's attack. This version of Barricade only has articulation at the shoulders, and oddly enough has his shoulder pylons attached to his torso, as opposed to his arms.

{{-}}{{anchor|RHRatchet}}
[[Image:Ratchet_and_barricade_robot_heroes.jpg|thumb|300px|Medic versus police! Who will win?! (Okay, EVIL law enforcement-impersonator, that is.)]]
*'''Autobot Ratchet & Barricade''' (Two-pack, 2009)
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}

:A redeco of the first ''Robot Heroes'' Barricade mold, now packaged with [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#RHBarricade|Ratchet]], was released in the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toyline.
{{-}}

===''Speed Stars''===
====Mini-Vehicles====
[[Image:Speedstars_metalheroes_highwaypatrolbarricade.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Putting the DIE in DIEcast.]]
*'''Highway Patrol Barricade''' (August, 2010)
**''Series:'' '''Metal Heroes'''
**''Number:'' '''05 of 08'''

: A redeco of the ''Robot Powered Machines'' Barricade mold, now in ''[[Speed Stars]]'' packaging with a silver and black paint job, and also some kicky red walled tires. Barricade's robot mode remains sculpted on the bottom, but contrary to what his package artwork promises, it is made entirely out of black plastic, with only a few silver paint applications. His name remains entirely unpainted. He has some slight deco differences compared to the RPM version of this toy: the "robot" mode in the this version is colored in silver instead of black, and is sculpted in black/red (see below) plastic instead of silver. The Speed Stars version also lacks his Decepticon police badge and the "To punish and enslave" and "call 911" decals present in the previous RPM versions of Barricade.

: Aside from the version pictured to the right, a [[variant]] exists which replaces the black underside of the vehicle (and therefore the robot mode relief) with red, with the running boards painted silver.

: During the period between 26 December 2010 and 31 January 2011, Hasbro ran their "Supercharge Your Holidays" promotion: for every $20 spent on Hasbro-branded product, customers could receive a free, random product from a list provided by Hasbro. Among the items on the list were "Transformers Combiners and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle" and "Transformers Activator and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle." According to [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75487 this discussion thread on Allspark.com], Speed Stars Highway Patrol Barricade was one of the figures distributed.

{{picsneeded|Red underside variant}}
{{-}}{{anchor|SpeedStunticon}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_Stunticon_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Putting the.... CON in Stunti... crap. Do over?]]
[[Image:SpeedStarsStunticonBarricadePoster.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Stunticon'''
**''Number:'' '''02 of 04'''

: Stunticon Barricade is a redeco of the RPM mold in primarily white, with black and red details.

: An early version of this toy, with black door stripes and yellow windows and flashers, appears on a digital poster on the ''Speed Stars'' website. Unlike the retail release, the early version also has Barricade's name printed on the bottom of his vehicle mode.

: During the period between 26 December 2010 and 31 January 2011, Hasbro ran their "Supercharge Your Holidays" promotion: for every $20 spent on Hasbro-branded product, customers could receive a free, random product from a list provided by Hasbro. Among the items on the list were "Transformers Combiners and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle" and "Transformers Activator and Speed Star Mini-Vehicle." According to [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=75487 this discussion thread on Allspark.com], Speed Stars Stunticon Barricade was one of the figures distributed.

{{-}}{{anchor|SpeedVsNightwatch}}
[[Image:Speedstars battleseries patrolbarricade.jpg|300px|thumb|right| We are the arm of Megatron, Barricade, and you are the blade.]]
*'''Nightwatch Bumblebee VS Patrol Barricade''' (2010)
**''Series:'' '''Battle Series 2'''
**''Number:'' '''02 of 06'''

: For the second series of two-packs, the Speed Stars version of Patrol Barricade is mostly similar to his RPM version, but lacks paint details. He came with the Speed Stars version of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#SpeedVsBarricade|Nightwatch Bumblebee]], who uses a different mold than their first versus pack, and also has less paint details than his RPM counterpart. Like all ''Speed Stars'' toys, the Decepticon insignia on the bottom of his car mode is not included, despite it being clearly depicted in the package art. A ''[[Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' code card is included in the two-pack.

{{-}}{{anchor|SpeedCyberHunt}}
[[Image:SpeedStarsCyberHuntBarricade.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010?)
**''Series:'' '''Cyber Hunt'''
**''Number:'' '''04 of 04'''

: Cyber Hunt Barricade is a blue, black and silver redeco of the ''RPM'' Barricade mold covered in [[cyberglyphics]]. It was erroneously depicted as being a single-packed version of Battle Series Patrol Barricade on a digital ''Speed Stars'' poster.

{{canceledrpmspeedstar}}
{{-}}{{anchor|SpeedRevealers}}
[[Image:SpeedStars_Revealers_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Frenzy's attempts to put Barricade back together were... less than successful.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010?)
**''Series:'' '''Revealers'''
**''Number:'' '''03 of 03'''

: Revealers Barricade is sculpted with various robot-mode parts protruding from his car mode, as if he's in mid-transformation.

{{canceledrpmspeedstar}}
{{-}}

====Radio Control====
[[Image:SpeedStars_RadioControl_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|This is WORSE than looking at the mirror.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2010)

: Radio Control Barricade is, unsurprisingly, another non-transforming remote-controlled car. It uses the same controller and wheel molds as Radio Control Bumblebee.
{{-}}

====''Stealth Force''====
[[Image:SpeedStars_StealthForce_Barricade.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Due to police budget cuts, we couldn't afford weapons that fired, but it's important to have a visible deterrent.]]
*'''Barricade''' (Basic, 2010)

: ''[[Stealth Force]]'' Barricade is a non-transforming car with several non-firing hidden weapons throughout his frame, activated by lifting up his spoiler. His license plate reads "2PN-SLV", in reference to "To punish and enslave..." on the sides of the car.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Decepticon/SFBarricade/barricade.htm More information on ''Stealth Force'' Barricade at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Thrilling 30''===
*'''Barricade''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #30'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base

:A super-deformed Barricade 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 Barricade figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Shockwave (Movie)#Thrilling 30|Shockwave]], [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Thrilling 30|Ironhide]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]].
{{-}}

===Simba Smoby===
[[File:TF-TLK-Simba-Smoby-Barricade-robot-figure.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb]]
*'''Barricade Robot'''{{sic}} (Die-cast Figurine, 2017)

:This Barricade is a non-transforming robot mode figure, and like the MetaColle figures, he is made partially out of die-cast metal.

:The [[:File:TF-TLK-Dickie-Toys-Barricade-figure-prototype.jpg|prototype of the figure]] had him molded to resemble his Premier Edition Deluxe Class toy before he was replaced with an all-new mold that closely resembles his on-screen counterpart.

{{-}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Dickie-Toys-Barricade-car.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb]]
*'''Barricade''' (Die-cast cars, 2017)

:This Barricade is a 1/64 non-transforming but screen-accurate vehicle mode based on his alternate mode seen in the film. He features opening doors and through-axle construction wheels, allowing for super-speedy racing on smooth surfaces, and his car mode is compatible with many tracks and playsets from ''Hot Wheels'' and ''Matchbox''.

:The final product had the police markings & the headlight details added to the formerly blank original.
{{-}}

===Jada Toys===
====''Metals Die Cast''====
{{Note|The 1/24 and 1/32 scale replicas saw release in Japan in November 2017.}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Jada-1-24-Scale-Barricade-car.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb]]
*'''Barricade''' (Scale 1/24 Die Cast Vehicle, 2017)
**''Accessories'': Eight-barreled cannon, collectible coin
:Released by [[Jada Toys]], this 1/24 scale non-transforming die-cast car with rubber tires is based on Barricade's ''The Last Knight'' form (although more on his Deluxe class toy rather than his actual appearance in the movie) and features opening doors, front hood and back trunk to reveal highly detailed interiors, including chromed engines and steering wheel. Similar to the ''Robot Powered Machines'', the car features a sculpted robot mode underneath. His infamous "To punish and enslave..." slogan has been replaced by "Keep calm and hail Megatron". He also features a metallic blue paint to evoke his CGI transformation in the movie as opposed to the darker night blue color which his vehicle prop and all of his transforming toys used.

:Barricade comes with a removable eight-barreled cannon and is available with and without a collectible coin with his face engraved on it.

{{-}}{{anchor|TLK1-32}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Jada-Toys-1-32-Barricade-car.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb]]
*'''Barricade''' (Scale 1/32 Die Cast Vehicle, 2017)
**''Accessories'': Eight-barreled cannon
:A medium-sized replica of Barricade much similar to the version above. He retains the removable cannon, but the opening gimmick is limited to the doors only.

{{-}}{{anchor|TLK1-64}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Jada-1-64-Scale-Barricade-car.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb|Since the manufacturer was completely unable to find a good picture of him, Barricade decides to be a complete dick and steal Optimus Prime's spot instead. He did not regret it.]]
*'''Barricade''' (Scale 1/64 Die Cast Vehicle, 2017)
**''Accessories'': Eight-barreled cannon, display base
:A smaller, Hot Wheels/Matchbox-sized version of Barricade is also available. This version features only the robot mode's face sculpted underneath, and still includes the removable cannon.

:Earlier releases of Barricade included [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#TLK1-64|Optimus Prime]]'s display base instead, but later releases amended the issue. When his correct base is aligned side-by-side with the other 1/64 bases, they create a unified backdrop.
{{-}}

====''Nano Hollywood Rides''====
*'''Hot Shot / Barricade / Ironhide''' (1.65" Die Cast Vehicle 3-pack, <s>2020</s>)
:''Nano Hollywood Rides'' Barricade was to be a small non-transforming die-cast car measuring approximately 1.65 inches long, similar to the 1/64 scaled replica, but never got released. Due to the use of a placeholder image of his original Deluxe class toy during the announcement, it is more likely that he was going to be based on his 2007 appearance.

:Barricade was part of a 3-pack alongside [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Jada Toys|Ironhide]] and, surprisingly, [[Hot Shot (AOE)|Hot Shot]], although the latter was almost certainly just a placeholder for another character.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Prime 1 Studio===
[[File:Prime 1 Studio Museum Masterline Barricade.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb]]
*'''Barricade''' (2017)
**''Movie:'' '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number:'' '''MMTFM-15'''
**''Accessories'': Base

:Limited to 300 pieces, [[Prime 1 Studio]] ''Museum Masterline'' Barricade is a huge non-transforming sculpture based on his first movie appearance. The statue is made of polystone along with other materials and features light-up LED eyes.

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:EarlyMovieBarricadeHead.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Different name, different head, same guy. As far as we know, anyway!]]
[[Image:Movie2007 Barricade carweapon.jpg|thumb|200px|This looks familiar!]]
*An early working name for Barricade was '''Brawl''',<ref name="barribrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour]</ref> which was later given to [[Brawl (Movie)|another movie character]] (but not in the movie itself).
* Early concept art for Barricade<ref name="barribrawl"/> also suggests that he was originally going to transform into a white and black Crown Victoria (somewhat akin to Prowl's original G1 color scheme).
*The head design from this early concept artwork managed to show up on a few pieces of merchandise for the first film (such as a set of temporary tattoos), and would later inexplicably show up as a profile link for Barricade's [[Battle Bio]] on Hasbro's website.
* In the first movie, Barricade sports the [[license plate]] "1-4027E", registered in Oklahoma. It can be briefly glimpsed when he slows down after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee, but is more clearly seen in set photos. Oddly enough, that plate ''also'' shows up on ''[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s robot mode chest in the same movie. The Deluxe Class Recon Barricade [[redeco]] toy, meanwhile, sports the plate "SAGE2764", a reference pertaining to deco designer [[Joe Kyde]], the [[Premium Series]] redeco of the Deluxe toy sports the plate "DCPTCN" for "Decepticon", and the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] toy sports the plate "2PN-SLV", referring to Barricade's infamous "To punish and enslave..." markings.
* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie, Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. Until artist [[Sean Haworth]] uploaded a photo of the weapon prop onto his website, the only official proof of the existence of these weapons was page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation issue 2|''Movie Adaptation'' #2]] and the RadioShack ''XMODS® Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit.
{{--}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Bumblebee Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Human Alliance]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Rise of the Beasts Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Studio Series Decepticons]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Decepticons]]

For safety reasons

2023-04-23T01:20:24Z

Auride:

{{disambig2|why you can't have that awesome toy|the Autobot from ''Operation Combination''|Safety}}
[[File:TF-Commemorative-Series-Megatron.jpg|upright=2|thumb|This was deemed insufficiently safe for release in the mid-2000s. Think about that.]]

Toys should not hurt people. If a child is injured (or, heaven forbid, killed) by use or abuse of a toy, that child's parents are very likely to sue the toy manufacturer. Plus there is the cavalcade of bad press and word-of-mouth that will accompany the suit, ruining a toymaker's reputation. On top of, of course, ''injured kid. That's bad.''

As such, [[Hasbro]] puts its toys through rigorous testing and design work '''for safety reasons'''. Sometimes, a [[Toy|Transformers toy]] has to be [[design change|altered from the original design]] in order to maintain safety standards; some of these standards are self-imposed, while others are mandated at the state or national level. These also often change with the times, and vary from country to country, or even within different regions of a single country. Since Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy]] want [[To sell toys|to sell their toys]] in as many markets as possible, all of these standards must be taken into account when creating a new ''Transformers'' toy.

{{TOCclear}}

==Safety issues and ''Transformers''==
===Toxic materials===
One of the earliest safety standards involves the banning of toxic materials in toys, such as lead-based paints. Though this predates ''Transformers'' by a considerable amount of time and was pretty much not an issue in most major markets by the 1980s, it actually ''was'' an issue with the short-lived [[The Transformers (toyline)#Mexican & South American Transformers|Mexican ''The Transformers'' line]], when those toys somehow ended up being dumped into various European markets years later, where it was discovered that yes, they used lead paint. Yikes!

{{-}}
===Breakage issues===
[[File:DVD 20thPrime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Stubbimus Prime]]
Obviously, toys ostensibly for children should not break easily. More importantly, they should not break in a way as to create sharp or jagged pieces that can cause lacerations. This makes what materials the toys are made out of vitally important. Long, thin parts potentially prone to breakage may end up being made with a softer, more pliable plastic than the base toy, such as the wings and sword of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Vector Prime#Cybertron|Vector Prime]], or the permanently-attached-to-the-roof long gunbarrels of ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Topspin (DOTM)#Studio Series|Topspin]] (which are notoriously rubbery). One trade-off to this technique is that most of these materials are "[[Unpaintable plastic|unpaintable]]", thus they can only be one single, solid color.

Or, those elements might be made of the normal, paintable, harder plastic, but also be shortened enough so that there is not enough leverage to "reliably" break the piece. This has been the case with ''many'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime toys]] over the years, as many of these toys featured shortened smokestacks in the U.S. (it's a common mistake to assume this started in 1988 with the [[Powermaster]] version;<ref>For one thing the pegs on Powermaster Prime's shoulder-cannons were brittle as hell!</ref> however, it was actually the Japanese [[Ginrai (human)|Super Ginrai]] version that had the shorter stacks, not the Hasbro Optimus Prime version). Not every long/thin piece needs to be made of softer plastic, mind; most toys' weapons are not permanently attached to the toys, and are far more likely to pop out of the attachment socket than break should the toy be dropped. Speaking of dropped...

Hasbro's safety testing also extends to toy packaging, ensuring that were a packaged toy to be dropped, said packaging would take the full force of the fall, leaving the toy inside intact. Thus, Hasbro performs the "drop test" on their toys both loose and packaged. As its name implies, this involves dropping a toy from various heights in order to ascertain whether or not said toy will break, where it might, if any of the parts which may have broken loose could potentially injure a child, and if the packaging is insufficient to prevent damage. Failure to pass this test is often cited as the reason the original [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Fortress Maximus]] mold has not been reissued in the United States.

Interestingly, these safety standards ultimately provided a boon to ''Transformers'' toy design, though it would be a good decade-plus before it was realized. During the time Hasbro started to make its own molds to represent characters as toys instead of importing from other toy lines, the safety standards of a toy had to withstand a pulling force of twenty pounds to deem them safe. Because most toys in those days had little to no outward movement in their legs or arms, they could rather quickly break with little force, so most figures were made with fused legs, preventing kids from pulling them apart. Because of this, most of the toys dropped articulation to make the figures stronger, turning a large amount of them into "[[Brick (term)|brick]]s". During the time [[Takio Ejima]] started working on the brand, he noted that they could make the toys safer by the use of [[ball joint]]s, making it easier for the toy to pass the test by simply allowing the limbs to pop free rather than break (and be easily re-attached), and still have full range of motion. This idea saw its first steps in late ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', and come ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', would change the standard of articulation both inside and outside the ''Transformers'' brand.

{{-}}
===Blunt force trauma===
[[File:TFU03-toy Movor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Movor got less pointy over the years.]]

The use of softer materials for key parts also plays into another safety concern, namely "what happens if kid A jabs toy B into person C or self A." Obviously not much can be done about a toy being used as a cudgel, but ''normal play accidents'' should not result in injury. Thus, "flying" toys in particular are subject to much greater design scrutiny than your average car-former. Even as early as 1985, [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Jetfire]] and [[Swoop (G1)#Toys|Swoop]] were altered to have blunted nosecones, and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] jets had rubber nosecones instead of hard plastic. The ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Armada|Starscream]] toy was designed with a slight "droop" to its nosecone/cockpit component, so that were a child "flying" it around end up ramming it nose-cone-first into a wall (or sibling), that ever-so-slight droop would more easily cause the force of the impact to push the nosecone down on its transformation hinge, thus better dispersing the force of the blow.

As with many safety standards, these are always in a state of flux: [[Movor]]'s toy from 2001 is a redeco of [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], with no detectable physical changes, but in 2003 another redeco of the same sculpt had to be retooled to round off the nosecone. For the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']]/''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (G1)#Universe (2008)|Superion]] [[Superion (ROTF)|giftset]], Hasbro retooled the nosecone of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Treadshot (Energon)#Toys|Treadshot]]/[[Windrazor (Energon)#Toys|Windrazor]] sculpt to be less pointy—a sculpt that had originally been released a mere five years earlier.

{{-}}

===Choking hazards===
[[File:G1Thunder clash toy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|I'm a choking hazard!]]
[[File:MW-toy OptimusPrime.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|I'm not!]]
There are also "choke" laws designed to prevent small parts, '''''especially''''' projectiles, from being lodged in a child's windpipe. Easily the biggest impetus for this came in 1979, when there were [http://theswca.com/textf/toydeath.html multiple instances of children choking on accidentally-fired missiles from a ''Battlestar Galactica'' toy], including one death. This quickly scuppered [[Kenner]]'s plans for a missile-firing ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' [[Boba Fett]] figure, and resulted in a change to how projectiles were developed in toys from then on out. In the original ''Transformers'' toys, this mostly meant just replacing the launchers' springs with incredibly weak springs (providing just enough tension to keep the projectiles locked in place, but not enough to propel them more than a fraction of an inch once released), as the missiles were right in that "small enough to swallow, big enough to potentially get caught on the way down" range. When all-new-mold toys began development, the issue was circumvented almost entirely by simply not giving them projectile launchers in the first dang place.

Come ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'', spring-loaded projectile launchers returned in a big way, quite literally. The missiles for these toys now measured nearly three inches in length, far too long to slip into an esophagus. Some vintage molds used in the line, like [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Inferno]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)#Generation 2|Constructicons]], had their launchers and missiles extensively altered to remove the launching mechanisms altogether, the "projectiles" now simply pegged into place and held by friction. Disc launchers also came into play; these projectiles were made both wide enough to make swallowing them difficult, and had holes cut through them so air could pass through unobstructed just in case they somehow did get lodged in. These standards are still in effect today, and probably will be indefinitely (even though launching projectiles have been increasingly infrequent in ''Transformers'' toylines in the latter half on the 2010's).

Of course, this is mostly how the U.S. toys needed to be made. The European and Japanese markets had, and still have, considerably laxer standards for projectiles. Thus, the Takara releases of the original ''Transformers'' toys retained their full spring-launching capability, as have every reissue of those molds up to today. The European [[Turbomaster]]s and [[Predator (subgroup)|Predators]] from 1992 (also released in Japan) had spring-fired missiles a mere one inch long. Notably, the larger Turbomasters and Predators were released in the U.S. for the ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' toyline, and Hasbro took two different approaches to the un-safe missiles: the Autobot toys had their launchers heavily altered to use new, much larger missiles (likely because said launchers were integral to the toys), where the Decepticons simply had their (non-integrated) launchers removed altogether, with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Machine Wars|Starscream]] keeping the missiles to use the the toy's non-spring-loaded "carpet bombing" gimmick.

{{-}}

===Firearm replicas===
[[File:Megatronclassicstoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|right|Acceptable in 2006... and not a day later.]]
Aaaaaand then there are toy gun laws which are designed to prevent scenarios where police (or others) mistake a "realistic" toy gun, like say, [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|the original Megatron]], for an actual firearm and shoot or arrest the person carrying it. U.S. law requires that toy guns have either an orange plug in the barrel, or a barrel made out of unpainted orange plastic.

Some states have even more stringent laws (particularly [[California]], which is such a huge market that it effectively makes those ''nationwide'' standards), which require that toy guns must be brightly colored and must not resemble real-world firearms (such toy guns are almost exclusively water guns, Nerf-style "blasters", or resemble real firearms but have [[neon]] colors and cartoonish proportions). Some retailers won't even carry realistic toy guns ''anyway'', so that's a double-whammy in some places.

Note that the major federal toy gun law was enacted in 1988, and applies to all toy guns manufactured after May 1989. As such, it is entirely legal for dealers to sell original 1984 Megatron figures, as they are grandfathered in; but any later American release of the toy WOULD have to meet these standards, hence the "Safety/Lava Bath Megatron" toy pictured at the top of this article, which STILL failed to meet these guidelines, as the entire external surface was not (and likely could not be) made from a single color of plastic. As a result, an American reissue of the original Megatron toy has never happened, yet it's been reissued like crazy in Japan, which has very different toy safety laws and doesn't have any restrictions on toy guns.

The range of what is "acceptable" for a gun-toy has also gotten ever-increasingly narrow over the years. ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Megatron]], released in 2006, turns into a weapon heavily inspired by a [[Nerf]] N-Strike Maverick blaster with a bright orange cap on the end of both the scope and the barrel. With Hasbro's ever-more-conservative legal department, even this deco was not deemed sufficient for long. This figure would not see release again in the U.S. for ''ten years'', and when it finally did come out again it was [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#Platinum Edition|almost entirely stop-sign red]]. Considering [[wikia:nerf:N-Strike Elite#Blasters|what color schemes]] [[wikia:nerf:Elite XD#Elite XD products|''actual'' Nerf blasters]] released at retail in the interim time have sported, how much of this is ''really'' due to genuine safety concerns and how much is just down to Hasbro's concern for the public perception of the ''Transformers'' brand is anyone's guess. Though given, well, ''the news'', this is probably for the best.

In fact, toys with "role-play"-sized gun modes have all but vanished from the modern Hasbro line. While tiny [[Mini-Con]]s and [[Battle Master]]s can turn into sci-fi gun accessories for other toys no problem, if it's feasibly big enough to be held by a child like a gun, they're going to dodge around that. While the original [[Sixshot (G1)#Toys|Sixshot toy's]] "gun" mode is ''incredibly'' hard to mistake for a realistic firearm, the updated ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Sixshot (G1)#Titans_Return|Sixshot]] doesn't have a "gun" mode, but it ''does'' have a "submarine" mode that ''totally isn't'' the exact same configuration just turned upside-down how could you even think that. This has also happened to most modern [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Shockwave toys]], turning his ray-pistol mode into a "spaceship". On the more extreme end, most modern "Generation 1"-based Megatron toys, like ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Megatron]], tend to be robots that ''look'' like they should maybe turn into a gun like the old toy, but instead turn into a tank. [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Modern Galvatron toys]] keep the artillery cannon mode, but omit the "pistol" mode altogether, even significantly altering the cannon back-end to further distance him from turning into a "role play" gun.

Also note that there's no size limitation anywhere in the legal regulations. As a consequence, even the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Megatron (G1)/toys#2010Legend|Megatron]], which turned into a tiny "realistic" pseudo-Walther P-38, had to sport an orange barrel, despite his tiny size.

{{-}}

===Fire!===
[[File:G2-toy Sparkstalker.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Underwear, beware!]]
The [[sparking gimmick]] found in the [[Firecon]]s/[[Sparkabot]]s and [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s would spit "cold" sparks out, simulating fire-breathing or fire-exhaust. In 1991, a "Rollerblade Barbie" doll with a similar action feature reportedly set a child's underwear on fire. [http://diswww.mit.edu/tla/humor/442 No, seriously.] The Barbie doll was quickly recalled due to the potential for lighting flammable things on fire, even though the incident in question also involved hair spray (highly flammable!), but, well, yeah, dolls, hair spray... yeah. Thanks to this instance, sparking toys more or less just stopped happening in the US. Curiously, the European ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' series included recolors of the spark-throwing Firecons and Sparkabots conspicuously absent in the U.S. version of the line.

While sparking eventually returned to America in the form of the ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]]'' "Dino Sparkers", those toys kept the sparks contained ''within'' the clear-plastic toys rather than spewed out, preventing possible pyrotechnics.

{{-}}

==Safety standards in other countries==
The USA isn't the only country with rigid toy safety standards that affect Transformers. In fact, some countries have safety standards that are even ''more'' rigid than anything the USA has. Examples:

[[File:GiGmissiles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right|Awww ''come on'', Italy.]]
*In Italy's ''[[Trasformer]]'' {{sic}} line by [[GiG]], many toys' missile launchers didn't have their springs removed, but the missiles ''did'' have comically-huge giant rubber balls attached to the tips. Some of the subsequent, officially-licensed-by-Hasbro ''Transformers'' re-releases of those toys still featured the same kind of missiles. Makes those elongated [[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] missiles seem not so bad after all, huh?
*Whereas European toy gun laws are more relaxed, hence making the import of [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Megatron]] reissues and ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Megatron less of a legal hassle, Australia actually has ''harsher'' regulations than the US, officially classifying MP Megatron as a "firearm replica". Some Australian states even consider the ''possession'' of the toy ''illegal'', even if it was painted in bright orange or sported a permanently glued on orange plug. In the state of Queensland the only way to circumvent this problem requires joining some kind of registered ''firearms'' Collectors' Club.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20170218100232/http://www.csapo.com.au/ttf/TCTF_Club.htm Details about the legal situation concerning the import and possession of Masterpiece Megatron in Australia] (archived copy)</ref>
*Members of the European Union don't consider American safety regulations sufficient, but require their own safety tests, with the toys having to adhere to the European standard EN 71. As a consequence, toys that are perfectly fine to be released in the USA might occasionally not be considered suitable for the European market. And since Hasbro has long since abandoned producing international "variants" of toys beyond mere packaging differences, that would mean those toys simply won't come out in Europe at all. (However, while specific examples are unconfirmed, it's highly doubtful that this affects a large number of toys.)
*Conversely, Japan has comparatively ''lax'' toy safety regulations. The Japanese toy safety standard is called "ST", which can be applied to toys aimed at children under the age of 14; however, that doesn't mean that a toy ''can't'' be sold if it ''doesn't'' sport the "ST" seal. The only difference is that parents will receive a compensation if their child gets injured by playing with an "ST"-approved toy, therefore parents are more likely to buy toys that are "ST"-approved than toys that are not.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:CommemorativeSeriesIIIStock.jpg|upright=2.0|thumb|Yeah, if only..]]
* At one point Hasbro apparently considered selling the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' reissues as "adult collectables" to avoid having to adhere to US toy safety standards. [[Stock photography|Stock photos]] for the Series III figures [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Commemorative Series|Thundercracker]], [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Commemorative Series|Silverstreak]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Commemorative Series|Autobot Jazz]] depict [[prototype#Packaging prototypes|sample packaging]] labeled as "adult collectable", as does a Toys"R"Us print ad published in [[The War Within issue 6|issue 6]] of [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s first ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' mini-series,<ref name="truad">[http://www.battlegrip.com/2003-toysrus-transformers-toy-reissue-advertisement/ 2003 ToysRUs Transformers Toy Reissue Advertisement] at Battlegrip.com.</ref> while the final packaging has those labels covered with stickers containing choking hazard safety warnings, in addition to stickers containing "Ages 5+" recommendations. Ultimately, the toys would end up with either functional launchers with extended missiles (looking ridiculous), or original-length missiles with non-functional launchers. (Also noteworthy: many missiles and weapons that were [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]] in their original releases ended up made from matte, slightly-softer plastic in this series, potentially due to safety/breakage concerns.)
* You know how the original Megatron turns into a realistic-looking handgun? And how there are various laws prohibiting the sale of realistic-looking toy handguns? [http://www.unicron.com/news_item/1877/ Yeah.] C'mon, you knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.

==External links==
*[http://theswca.com/textf/toydeath.html Page featuring articles on the genesis of the choke-gate test, due to a missile-firing ''Battlestar Galactica'' toy.]
*[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title15-vol3/xml/CFR-2011-title15-vol3-part1150.xml CFR Title 15, Part 1150, the official federal law on "realistic" toy guns and the markings thereof.]
*[http://www.btha.co.uk/toy-safety/btha-guidance-documents/toy-safety-directive/ Overview on toy safety standards in the UK]
*[http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/102973/toypremguid04.pdf Pages five and six of this article give a brief summary of the federal safety guidelines regarding breakability testing.] (PDF format.)
*[https://www.theonion.com/fun-toy-banned-because-of-three-stupid-dead-kids-1819565691 ''The Onion''{{'}}s slightly snarkier take on the subject, for those who like their snarky snark snarkiness.]
*[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/leader-of-the-decepticons-yes-replica-firearm-no/article4222576/ Canadian ruling that Masterpiece Megatron does not constitute a "replica firearm" for importing purposes.]

{{-}}
==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Toys]]

Shockwave (Movie)

2023-04-22T08:33:17Z

Auride: /* McDonald's */

{{factions|decepticonfilm|primusvanguard|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action movie]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:ShockwaveDOTMgamepromo.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most bewildering foe: the faceless!]]
'''Shockwave''' was left to watch [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] long ago, but he would eventually follow the call of the [[AllSpark]] to [[Earth]]. Deadly efficient with a cold devotion to logic, Shockwave is a killing machine like few others and one of the very few who could rival Megatron. This has made him quite popular amongst the Decepticons; [[Astrotrain (DOTM)|some]] respect him enough to willingly work with him while [[Nitro Zeus|others]] idolize him to the point of avenging his death. Nevertheless, Shockwave is ready and willing to destroy whichever [[Autobot]]s dare stand in his way with his arm-mounted [[Astro Magnum|AstroMag Cannon]].

{{bigquote|Emotionless, coldly logical, utterly ruthless... killing is all Shockwave lives for.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Dark of the Moon issue 1|''Dark of the Moon'' #1]]}}

==Fiction==
===Movies===
{{note|The six movies are the primary component of the live-action movie continuity family. Their events should be taken as canon for all other pieces of fiction listed below, unless otherwise specified.}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[File:Shockwave-ROTFnewspaper.jpg|thumb|300px|Quick, add him to the character list!]]
At some point during 2009, Shockwave was caught on film and the event was written up for a newspaper article. A newspaper page with the headline "Mysterious Robot Spotted" was discarded in [[Egypt]], where it was sucked up by a rampaging [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]. {{Storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
{{voiceactor|[[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Jirō Saitō]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Yaohan]] (Chinese), [[Horst Lampe]] (German), [[Alessandro Ballico]] (Italian), [[Miguel Ángel Ghigliazza]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Bernard Métraux]] (European French), [[Stéphane Rivard]] (Canadian French), [[Oğuz Özoğul]] (Turkish), [[Luiz Laffey]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:DOTM - ShockwaveDriller.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We have wormsign."]]
Shockwave and his pet [[Driller]] attacked the Autobots when they were summoned to [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]] by the Decepticon agent [[Alexi Voskhod]]. This was done as an act of misdirection to ensure that the Autobots did not realize that the Decepticons actually wanted them to find the fuel cell from the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] located within the facility. After Optimus retrieved the fuel cell from the Driller, Shockwave emerged from it to reveal himself to Optimus, and the pair quickly retreated underground, leaving Optimus very disturbed to see Shockwave on Earth.

[[File:DOTM-Shockwavecloseup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The four tall tales of Robodian the one-eyed jerk.]]
Later, Shockwave took part in the invasion of [[Chicago]]. He and the Driller emerged from beneath the convoy of Autobots, and the Driller separated Optimus from his trailer. Shockwave left the Driller and proceeded to track down the Autobots. The [[Wreckers]] were sent to distract him, peppering his armor with fire from their machine-guns. He used a car as a shield and fired at them, and once they drove off, he menacingly began to pursue them down the road, missing the two small Autobots, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], who quickly fled.

[[File:830px-Dotm-shockwave&driller-film-chicago.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Wanna pet my worm?]]
Later, he noticed humans inside a building, and sent his Driller into the fray to topple a building and kill [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Carly Spencer]], [[Robert Epps]], and the other humans inside. However, the beast was killed by Optimus Prime using his flight gear. Enraged by the death of his pet, Shockwave opened fire on the Autobot leader, briefly disabling him and taking him out of the fight.

[[File:DOTM-OptimusShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Welcome to the refinery.]]
He soon joined [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] in rounding up the other Autobots. Brains and Wheelie forestalled the Decepticons from further executing their prisoners by taking control of a Decepticon gunship, and dropping [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighters]] onto the battlefield. Shockwave retreated further away with Barricade and some other Decepticons, but the human soldiers had set a trap and fired upon them. Shockwave's face was obscured by one of their parachutes, and his eye was then shot out by the Wreckers, causing it to dangle by its wires. He then attempted to escape, but Optimus Prime came charging back into the battle, and when Shockwave fired at him, the Autobot dodged the shot, donned a set of [[knuckle-spikes]], and punched Shockwave so hard that part of his abdomen shattered. Even ''this'' did not put Shockwave down, but Prime did not give up - he punched Shockwave again, pinned the Decepticon down and tore his dangling eye out through his throat, finally killing the bloodthirsty Decepticon. Optimus then used Shockwave's cannon to shoot out the control pillar set up in the city. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}
{{note|Shockwave’s involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the novels "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]" and "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]"; the "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]" and "[[Movie Trilogy]]" comics; and the storybooks "[[The Lost Autobot]]," "[[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]]," "[[Dark of the Moon: Action Pop-ups!]]" and "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Mix & Match]]."}}

====''Age of Extinction'' film====
Five years after the Battle of Chicago, Shockwave was listed as "deceased" by the CIA taskforce, [[Cemetery Wind]].<ref>[[:File:AOE-Kill-Cards-Set-1.jpg]]</ref> {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

====''The Last Knight'' film====
[[File:TLK-history-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
Shockwave was active in a battle during the 1560s, where his exploits were recorded in a painting. He later participated in [[World War I]] around 1917, where his silhouette had been used on a war poster. Both of these events were covered up by the [[Order of the Witwiccans]].

After the battle of Chicago, Shockwave's death greatly angered fellow Decepticon, [[Nitro Zeus]].<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/seibertron-exclusive-image-and-casefile-for-nitro-zeus-from-transformers-the-last-knight/38369/ Nitro Zeus' '''TRF prisoner dossier''' bio]</ref>

When [[Viviane Wembly]] was abducted by [[Hot Rod (DOTM)|Hot Rod]], she remarked that her captor had better be a famous Transformer, like Shockwave or Soundwave, perhaps unaware that both Decepticons were deceased. Hot Rod retorted that he was more impressive than either of them. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}
{{--}}

====''Bumblebee'' film====
[[File:Bumblebee-Shockwave-arrives.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|All of ''Bumblebee''{{'}}s continuity errors are no doubt his fault.]]
{{voiceactor|[[Jon Bailey]] (English), [[Shinnosuke Ogami]] (Japanese)|[[Alejandro Orozco]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}
{{note|''Bumblebee'' takes place before the other films (supposedly), but was released last. As such, it is placed at the bottom here.}}
After [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had disappeared, Shockwave and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] assumed command of the Decepticon army. Under their joint leadership, the Decepticons conquered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] forcing the Autobots to abandon the planet. When the Decepticons launched a final assault on the last Autobot city, Shockwave ordered the [[Seeker (Movie)|Seekers]] to destroy the launch pad and prevent the Autobot evacuation. Despite the Seekers' attack, all the Autobots but [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] managed to escape immediate danger. After Prime was attacked by [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]], Shockwave and the other Decepticons closed in to attack the Autobot leader. Despite this, Prime managed to escape the planet. {{storylink|Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Titan movie comics===
While Starscream didn't like or trust Shockwave, he respected his intelligence and, if he had to choose, would give the nod to Shockwave being his successor. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|#21's Star Screams}}

===IDW movie comics===
[[File:Foundation1-Shockwavedoesntlikeit.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"'''Your star burns!''' I require frozen treats."]]
Eons after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were vanquished, Cybertron fell into dark times. The [[AllSpark]] had been buried somewhere within Cybertron and been dismissed as a legend, and the planet itself lacked a star to orbit. As energy became more and more scarce, Cybertronians segregated into tribes. Shockwave chose to rally behind [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], who claimed to be descended from [[Primus]] himself. However, he faced opposition from the non-believer [[Thetacon (tribe)|Thetacons]], and Shockwave joined [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], and several others in repelling their attacks. Ultimately, Sentinel Prime won the day, as he and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] were successful in locating the lost AllSpark and harnessing a new sun to orbit. This, however, did not please Shockwave. Now that the war was over, he was dissatisfied, and he no longer knew his purpose. This shocked his old friend, Megatron, and Shockwave explained that it was the journey he enjoyed, not the destination. Plus, well, that new sun was kind of bright. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

The next day, Megatron detailed to Shockwave how he had eavesdropped on a conversation between Sentinel and Optimus, where Sentinel had tried to pass on leadership to Optimus, who refused, unable to accept he was also a Prime. At the outskirts of [[Thetacon (polity)|Thetacon]], they encountered a [[Driller]], a subterranean lifeform that had been brought to the planet's surface by the new energy flowing through it, which was attacking a group of [[Hatchling]]s and their protector [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Shockwave was amazed by the creature and called it "magnificent". After besting it, he joined the Cybertronian [[Defense Force]] that Sentinel placed under Megatron's command, rooting out dissident Transformers. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}}

After the war broke out he joined the Decepticons. As Starscream was asking what to do next minutes before the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|''Nemesis'']] went to space, Shockwave told him that they would obey Megatron's orders without any question. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} When the Autobots attacked [[Simfur Temple]], Shockwave attempted to apprehend [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]], but with no success. When Starscream blew up the [[Ark (DOTM)|ship]] carrying Sentinel and his [[pillar|secret weapon]], Shockwave ordered the annihilation of the retreating Autobots, but Megatron made him stand down, gleefully predicting Optimus would return with a vengeance. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Shockwave returned with Megatron to his [[Lord High Protector citadel|citadel]] during Optimus's revenge attack. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} Shockwave asked Megatron if he could kill Optimus Prime and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] after they had been stuck by the [[smelting pool]], but Megatron was disappointed by Shockwave's lack of vision. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} Optimus got inside to fight Megatron, while Starscream and Shockwave attempted to kill their former comrade Ironhide. Suddenly, the skies darkened: the Autobots had attacked the citadel to distract the Decepticons from their true goal of stealing the AllSpark from the temple. Optimus blasted Starscream and Shockwave, and the two Autobots escaped. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

[[File:RisingStorm2-ShockwaveAllSpark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]] Some time later, after the Autobots sent the All Spark into space, Starscream left Shockwave in charge of the Decepticons still on Cybertron as he went in search of his prize. During a battle with a team of Autobots, Shockwave heard the scream of the AllSpark when it was found by [[Sector Seven]]. Leaving [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] in charge of the Decepticons on Cybertron, Shockwave set out in an impossibly fast ship, swearing not to return without the AllSpark. He crashed in [[Tunguska]], [[Siberia]] in [[1908]].<ref>''Rising Storm'' issue 2 reveals that Shockwave caused the mysterious real-life [[Tunguska event]].</ref> He remained buried there in [[stasis lock]], healing until [[Soviet Union|Soviet Russia]] found him ten years later. Using stolen research from the U.S., who had found Megatron the same way, the Russians reverse-engineered his technology to invent nuclear power plants. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} {{storylink|Frozen}}

There were no digital records of Shockwave's existence, and the physical documents pertaining to him were lost, burned, shredded or stolen in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse. The Siberian facility was abandoned and Shockwave was left forgotten. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}

[[File:RisingStorm_Shockwave_and_astrotrain.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Astrotrain, go away. You're spoiling the G1 ambiance around me."]]
Soundwave discovered the satirical article and its photograph, and deduced it was based on stolen Soviet documents. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} In [[2010]], Megatron freed Shockwave and brought him to his "base" in [[Namibia]], where he was eager to get back to killing Autobots as soon as possible. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}

Shockwave and [[Astrotrain (DOTM)|Astrotrain]] made their presence known on Earth near [[Dalian]], [[China]], where they quickly disposed of the Autobots [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] and stole material for a mysterious construction project.

Shockwave began following the exploits of Earth's stranded Transformers from afar, and derided its war's combatants as idiots after watching a skirmish in [[California]]. After contacting Astrotrain for an update on their project, he tracked [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]]'s radiation trail back to Starscream's current base of operations, in a junkyard on the outskirts of [[Mexico City]]. Blasting his way through the Decepticons unwise enough to try defending Starscream, Shockwave informed the treacherous air commander that Megatron had "requested his services." Before the conversation could go any further, Astrotrain radioed Shockwave with some bad news: the "[[Brains|brain unit]]" scrap drone that held the control software for the machine he was constructing had escaped. Shockwave charged Starscream and his followers with recovering the drone. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}

[[File:Risingstorm_3_shockwave_on_NEST.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Shock blast!]]
Shockwave contacted an angry Starscream who thought he was promised the Autobots would be occupied. Shockwave countered that they were occupied, but, you know, with Starscream, leaving Shockwave free to leave a message for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] at the [[NEST]] Headquarters in [[Diego Garcia]]. After killing [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]], [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]], and other Autobots who stood in his way, Shockwave confronted the trembling humans left to fend for themselves. When Shockwave asked who was in command, [[Theodore Galloway]] told him that he was. Shockwave killed Galloway and the other humans save one, and he asked his question one more time. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

After killing [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]], he and [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] left Diego Garcia, then he arrived in [[Philadelphia]] killing [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] in the process and shot down [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Dino|Mirage]]. Enraged by the death of Elita-One and the other Autobots, Optimus Prime battled Shockwave, quickly overpowering him and brutally pummeling the sadistic Decepticon. Prime was about to kill Shockwave, till Shockwave's [[Driller|"pet"]] came to save his master. The badly damaged Shockwave returned to Namibia along Starscream and Soundwave. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}
{{-}}

===''BeCool'' shorts===
On a team with [[Brawl (Movie)|Tank]], '''Battle Tank''' (バトルタンク ''Batoru Tanku'') took part in the ''Quiz! BeCool'' show. Despite only being able to speak in computer noises, Battle Tank led his team to victory by correctly answering the last question. {{storylink|The Story of Quiz! BeCool}} Battle Tank later watched the filming of a movie that was interrupted by the fire brigade who confusedly thought it was an emergency. {{storylink|The Story of the Fire Brigade Dispatch!}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Battle Tank was a member of the [[Purple Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. Through a screen, he oversaw the containment of [[G1 World|interdimensional]] warlord [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects Special Comic (1)|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and his turncoat [[Straxus (G1)#Precursor World|Straxus]] followers by the Order's [[Pretender Monster]] creations such that his commander [[Purple Wicked Convoy]] could propose an alliance. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: The Game'' (console)===
{{voiceactor|[[Daniel Riordan]]}}
[[File:Tf2007console shockwave.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|1% assorted Shockwave parts, 99% weapons.]]
Under the orders of Starscream, Shockwave attacked [[Tranquility]] in an effort to interfere with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s attempt to rescue [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] from [[Sector Seven]]. Prime actually had a grip on the helicopter net that held Bumblebee, but the force of Shockwave's entry mode's impact knocked him off, allowing Sector Seven to get away.

[[File:Tf2007console shockwave turret.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Death Cannon OF LOGIC!]]
Landing in downtown, the [[Triple Changer|triple-changing]] Shockwave adopted a helicopter and an artillery emplacement as his alternate modes, promptly transforming into the latter and lobbing explosives around the city. Prime, forced to cut off his rescue, charged in and pounded Shockwave until the goliath transformed and retreated to another position. Prime doggedly kept at Shockwave, following him every time he retreated, eventually defeating the Decepticon and saving Tranquility. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

Later, when the Autobots returned to Cybertron, Shockwave appeared on the planet alongside (and presumably leading) an army of Decepticon drones. Optimus quickly defeated the drones and once more defeated Shockwave.

{{note|Shockwave is not a playable character in the game, appearing only as a boss character during the Autobot campaign. He also appears (but does not transform) as one of the enemies battled in the Autobot campaign's bonus level set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but what this implies about Shocky is debatable at best, given the level's questionable in-game continuity.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Autobots/Decepticons''===
Shockwave's body-type is used for only a few Apache-based helicopter modes: the Attack Copter, the Recon Copter, and the Stealth Copter. {{Storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)===
{{voiceactor|[[Daniel Riordan]]}}
[[File:Shockwave movie psp.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He makes up for his loss of weapons by being the most awesome character in the game. It is only logical.]]

The massive Shockwave might ''look'' like he's purely about muscle and firepower, but he's actually remarkably shrewd and cunning. Coveting the position of Decepticon leader for himself, Shockwave has been working to oust Megatron for years. As you might imagine, he and Starscream don't get along very well.

When the Decepticons arrived on Earth in search of their lost leader, Megatron, Shockwave adopted a tank as his alternate mode. Shockwave was supposed to join [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] in his attack on the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]], but instead busied himself surrepticiously searching for leads to the location of the [[AllSpark]]. After receiving a communique from [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who informed him that the Autobots were on Earth and had discovered their own leads to the location of Megatron, Shockwave had [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] airlift him to Qatar, where he helped Blackout take care of the last few military units opposing him. He relayed Frenzy's message to Blackout, then departed for the Arctic with Thundercracker, intending to investigate the site where Megatron's body was discovered.

In the Arctic, Shockwave and Thundercracker faced resistance from an Autobot unit in the area, but fought their way through them to discover that Megatron's body had been moved by [[Sector Seven]]. The trip was not a wasted one, however: after scanning a computer terminal in the cavern, Shockwave discovered that Megatron had brought an army of drones with him to Earth to help in the search for the All Spark. These drones were presently lying dormant all over the Earth, and Shockwave schemed to reactivate them so that they could serve him as his personal army. The signal required to reanimated the drones had to be broadcast from a great height, so Shockwave and Thundercracker quickly made their way to a rocket launch site, where Shockwave programmed the code into a rocket that subsequently beamed the signal down over the Earth from space. Drones sprang to life all over the planet, and began attacking the Autobots. Shockwave's control of his
self-made army was short lived, however, as Autobots [[Trailbreaker (Movie)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] successfully transmitted a virus that shut the drones down. Simultaneously, Shockwave received another message from Frenzy that the he had discovered the location of Megatron, and that the Decepticon leader was about to reawaken.

After the Autobots defeated Megatron and most of the other Decepticons in battle in [[Center City]], Shockwave retreated back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as did Starscream. Back on their homeworld, Shockwave and Starscream faced off for leadership of the Decepticons, with Starscream ultimately claiming victory. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

{{note|In contrast to the console version of the game, Shockwave ''is'' a playable character on the PSP.}}

===Autobot Stronghold===
{{bigthumb|Shackwave autobotstronghold.gif|70px}}
Shockwave was used as the basis for an army of [[drone]] units, who were part of the constant attacks on the Autobot's [[LG]] Stronghold. For some reason, these drones had ''two'' Sparks. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

===''Web Wars''===
[[File:Shockwave Web Wars.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
Shockwave battled the Autobots across the digital frontier, vying to wrestle control of numerous websites across the internet from their hands! {{storylink|Web Wars}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
{{voiceactor|[[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] (Wii version only)}}

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====
[[File:Dark of the Moon game Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Shockwave on the warpath.]]
{{Note|Shockwave is unlocked for multiplayer by completing the campaign, with an Astro Mag Cannon as primary weapon and the Mark Target ability. He is notably unable to transform, although his melee attack can kill Scouts in one hit.}}

Shockwave had crashed on Earth thousands of years ago and fell into stasis mode. He was later discovered by the Russians and a facility was built to contain him, where he was frozen to prevent him from waking up.

Three years after Megatron was wounded, the Decepticons took refuge in that same Russian facility to repair themselves. His leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] decided to release him, since he was needed for the upcoming operation. The base came under fire, however, thanks to Starscream leading the [[Autobot]]s straight to Megatron. The 'Cons abandoned base and left Shockwave and his [[Driller]] to thaw out.

[[File:Transformers DOTM Shockwave Game.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66|Give me your fac—er, I mean eye!]]
Optimus discovered Shockwave and ordered [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] to activate more freeze tanks to keep him frozen. Unfortunately, Shockwave's [[Driller|pet]] awoke from its slumber, and lashed out at the intruders. The attempts to keep him frozen eventually failed, and Shockwave woke up and decided to destroy the Autobot leader. Years under stasis meant that he wasn't fully combat ready, and it was something Optimus took advantage of when he attacked the Decepticon assassin. Shockwave soon managed to fully recover and lashed out at Prime with everything he had. Autobot reinforcements arrived to help in Optimus' assault, but were dispatched quite easily. During their skirmish, Optimus Prime (with a little help from Ratchet) deduced his weak spot as the three cylinder-shaped generators mounted on his back. With this knowledge, Optimus Prime was then able to take down Shockwave with his jetpack/machinegun upgrades, until the Driller decided to intervene, and blocked off the shots while retreating with its master.

Shortly after, Shockwave met up with Megatron, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Nambia, Africa. He was ordered to find a device in a nuclear power plant called Chernobyl. Shockwave agreed, and Megatron told him and the others of Operation Pillar... {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)}}

====Autobots/Decepticons====
[[File:DOTMDS Shockwave.jpg|thumb|Hey look gamers, it's me, not playable or a boss battle in this game!!|upright=1.4]]
Shockwave was in some state where he needed to be revived and was stored in the Decepticons' base in [[Siberia]]. When the Autobots invaded the base, Megatron was forced to revive Shockwave early, but managed to get the assassin out and began preparing for the next stage of the plan. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons|Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' (mobile game)===
{{charstubgame}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (mobile game)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

===''MechTech Weapons Challenge''===
Bumblebee could use Shockwave's particle wave blaster to aid him in his missions to retrieve MechTech weapons technology stolen by the Decepticons. {{storylink|MechTech Weapons Challenge}}

===Bot Shots Battle Game!===
[[File:BSSHockwavescreen.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|"''You're next.''"]]
Shockwave (in his Super Bot form) was the final challenge that [[you]]r Bot Shot had to face and defeat in the [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] gladiatorial pits. Your Bot Shot prevailed, and Shockwave was knocked offline.

Shockwave also created some ''eeevil'' creatures in his lab, which your Bot Shot ''also'' had to face. Good thing your Bot Shot defeated them, then!

{{Note|Shockwave is also one of the many random Bot Shots the player can encounter in the game, and he can also be purchased in the "Bot Shop".}}
{{storylink|Bot Shots Battle Game!}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Human Alliance''===
Shockwave surfaced in the North Africa Desert, his sudden appearance on Earth greatly disturbing Optimus Prime. Shockwave tangled with Optimus for a bit, growling Optimus's name repeatedly the entire time, before being driven off by the combined efforts of Optimus, [[Jake (HA)|Jake]], and [[Vanessa]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Human Alliance}}

==Commercial appearances==
Shockwave duked it out with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] in front of a [[Burger King]] restaurant, while some of the patrons inside were too enraptured with savoring their Bacon Cheddar Ranch Tendercrisp sandwiches to notice. {{storylink|Commercial/Dark of the Moon#Burger King|Dark of the Moon Burger King tie-in commercial}}

==Toys==
===''Dark of the Moon''===
====''Cyberverse''====
{{anchor|CyberverseActionSet}}
[[File:TF-DOTM-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|It's a fusion of terror...]]
[[File:TF-DOTM-Cyberverse-Shockwave-Fusion-Tank-add-on-acessory.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|... and more terror.]]
*'''Shockwave / Fusion Tank''' (Cyberverse Action Set, [[2011]])
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''006'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV19'''
**''Accessories:'' Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade, missile, Chicago
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro), [[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] Commander class Shockwave is cast in a lighter purple than his Voyager class figure. Like that larger toy, he transforms into a Cybertronian tank, and features a removable cannon, blade, and hose. He also has a [[Fusion Tank add-on|back component]] that attaches to his vehicle to form a "Fusion Tank," and that can separately transform into "Ground Weapon" and "Battle Base" modes. For safety reasons, his knee spikes are molded in rubbery plastic. Likewise, his chest ribs are also molded with the same soft plastic. Due to the hose's slightly short length, raising the shoulder-mounted cannon in a firing position with the hose attached will cause it to occasionally pop off. Care must be taken on the tank mode's front wheels: Since they're painted, rolling them on uneven surfaces can cause the paint to chip.

:Shockwave's alternate mode has some rather annoying problems with the treads refusing to straighten out or peg onto his body and front "wheels" securely. As a result, combining him with the action set to form the "Fusion Tank" mode will result in the back treads becoming parallel with the rest of the tank... while the front treads split open and detach from the wheels.

:Like other action sets, Shockwave comes with a cardboard backdrop. In his case, it’s a scene of Chicago under attack. Oddly, the box bio mentions ''Shockwave''{{'}}s ability to drill through the ground, with no mention of his [[Driller|friend]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/FTShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Cyberverse Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[File:DOTM_Shockwave_Voyager.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Observation: gun hose. Conclusion: awesome.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DD05'''
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager Class [[MechTech]] toys, Shockwave transforms into a purple Cybertronian tank. He has a large, detachable MechTech Battle Cannon on his right arm with a rubber tube which connects to his back, and a removable blade on his left arm. When a button is pushed on the rear of his arm cannon, MechTech gearing opens up the cannon, widening it and exposing more gun barrels. [[C joint]] rungs are located on Shockwave's arm-blade, with one concealed underneath said blade, two on his AstroMag cannon, two more on his backpack, and two more on his feet. Other MechTech weapons can peg into Shockwave's hands, on the barrel of his cannon, and behind each shoulder blade. Due to the nature of his MechTech weapon being integrated with his arm, it is not a prime candidate for swapping with other toys; although it does fit with the Dark of the Moon Voyager Megatron, due to its shape and color.

:The instructions tell you to keep the cannon attached to his right arm in tank mode, though it is possible to stick it in between the arms. This is done by sliding the cannon's bottom in between Shockwave's thumbs. It is fairly stable, matches some stock photography, and makes for a more coherent tank.

:Shockwave's stock photography depicts him with a different color scheme as well as wrist articulation that the final toy does not have. Although partly cropped, his packaging photography on the box-front depicts an alternative placement of his gun hose in tank mode, plugging into the port on the side of his rear treads, which actually aligns better than the awkward frontal position depicted in the [[instructions]]; in the box-back. The gun hose in vehicle mode is not shown, but since the picture was taken from a left profile, it could just be covered by the toy itself, reinforcing the alternate placement.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Voyager Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CyberArmour}}
[[File:DOTM-VoyagerShockwave-CyberArmour.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager-Class two-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Exclusive to Canadian [[Costco]] stores, this repaint of Shockwave was advertised as "'''SHOCKWAVE with CYBER METAL Armour'''" via a sticker on the packaging. This two-pack also contains an unchanged ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#CyberArmour|Optimus Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|StreetsideBotBrawl}}
[[File:DOTMVoyShockwaveStreetsideBotBrawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Streetside Bot Brawl''' (Multi-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Part of the [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive "Streetside Bot Brawl" three-pack, this grey and purple redeco of Shockwave (which was an homage to the [http://tfsource.com/products/view/product_id/1672/ 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]'s colors) was sold with battle-damaged redecos of ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe-Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Bumblebee]] and ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager-Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/TRUSBBShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on "Streetside Bot Brawl" Shockwave at TFU.info]
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShotsS1 Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Decepticon Brawl / Shockwave / Ironhide''' (Multi-pack, [[2012]])
**''Number'': '''BP010'''
***''Fist strength'': '''235'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''835'''
***''Sword strength'': '''550'''

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' three-packs, Shockwave is a small, purple tank with a spring-loaded [[Autotransformation|automatic transformation]] to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. He has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels.

: He comes with [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#3pack|Super Bot Ironhide]] and [[Brawl (Movie)#3pack|Decepticon Brawl]]. He shares parts with the Brawl and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Megatron]] molds.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on three-pack Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SuperBot}}
[[File:Bot_Shots_Super_Bot_Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Super Bot, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 005'''
***''Fist strength'': '''300'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''995'''
***''Sword strength'': '''330'''

:Part of the fifth wave of ''Bot Shots'' single-packs, this [[redeco]] of Shockwave is cast in translucent purplish-blue, with minimal [[paint operation]]s. As a Super Bot, he was [[Shortpacking|packed one per case]], and has more lopsided stats than normal Bot Shots, such as his really, ''really'' good Blaster stat.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSSBShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Super Bot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireAssaultTeam}}
[[File:BotShots FireAssault Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|EMOTIONLESS & LOGICAL BURNING JUSTICE]]
*'''Decepticon Fire Assault Team''' (Multi-pack, [[2013]])
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T017'''
***''Fist strength'': '''483'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''867'''
***''Sword strength'': '''272'''

:A redeco of the original Shockwave mold in orange and red, this version of Shockwave was available in a five-pack with similar redecos of [[Megatron (G1)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Starscream]], [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Barricade]], and [[Lockdown (ROTF)#FireAssaultTeam|Lockdown]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSDFAShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Fire Assault Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''BeCool''===
[[File:BotShots_BeCool_BattleTankShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Isn't a tank's purpose always to battle?]]
*'''Battle Tank (Shockwave)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''B16'''
:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "Battle Tank" is practically identical to the first, multi-packed ''Bot Shots'' Shockwave toy, the only difference being that his stickers don't depict power levels, instead depicting drawings of his vehicle mode firing away, a compass, and a walkie-talkie.
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|KreoArmy}}
[[File:KreO-toy ShockwaveKW Army.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
*'''Army Shockwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0945'''
**''Collection'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, hand grenade
:Part of the first wave of ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Kreon]] Warriors, Shockwave has been re-imagined as if he was part of a World War I era fighting force, with tank-kibble deco, a military-style helmet, and a combat knife taking the place of his traditional gun "hand". His "face" deco is very much ''Dark of the Moon'' Shockwave, even if his colors owe more to the [[Shockwave (G1)|original Shockwave]].

:Like all the Kreons released that year (at normal retail at least), he uses the new 2015-tooling Kreon body, which basically involves small construction changes on every part below the head, making them largely incompatible with the prior Kreon parts (heads still work fine), but the new tooling adds some extra functionality and structural support.

:The Kreon Warriors were only released in Canada, Australia, and various Asian markets. The individual bags had also abandoned any kind of coding that identified the contents. This means getting the one you want from an unopened bag involves either trying to feel out the unique parts, or just buying the whole dang case.

{{-}}{{anchor|KreONinja}}
[[File:KreO-toy ShockwaveKW Ninja.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The purpose of the ninja is to flip out and calculate percentages.]]
*'''Ninja Shockwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0945'''
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, sai, 2 pegged shuriken
:Also part of the first wave of Kreon Warriors, Ninja Shockwave replaces his gun-hand with a huge lavender stabby-blade, and has a pair of shuriken pegged to his legs for quick throwing. He even has a ninja hood to emulate his enclosed helmet.

:All the aggravation of the blind-bagged, non-US distribution above applies to this one as well.

{{-}}
===''Movie The Best''===
[[File:Transformers-Movie-MB-04-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Voyager, [[2017]]-[[February 4|02-04]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''MB-04'''
**''Accessories'': [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade
:Released as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Movie The Best]]'' toyline to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the [[live-action film series]], this Shockwave is an extensive redeco of his Voyager Class toy. Shockwave features a deco similar to, but not the same as, the ''Dark of the Moon'' prototype figure's paint applications.
{{-}}

===''The Last Knight''===
[[File:TLK-toy TTC-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Decepticon Shockwave''' (Tiny Turbo Changer, 2017)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Bag Code'': '''A'''
:Released in Series 2 of [[blindpacking|blindbagged]] [[Tiny Turbo Changers]], Shockwave is a small soft-plastic transformable figure based on his appearance in ''Dark of the Moon''. He changes from robot to Cybertronian tank in a few simple steps. He has articulated shoulders and his hands can grip 3mm posts and other small accessories. Like all Tiny Turbo Changers, he can't roll in vehicle mode.

:His [[instructions]] show his front-scoops/feet-soles with tech detailing that does not exist on the actual toy.
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-Leader-Class-Shockwave.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|All of these accessories and no Driller? We were robbed!]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Leader Class, [[2019]])
**''Movie'': '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''Hasbro ID number:'' '''56'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-45'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 29]], [[2020]]
**''Accessories:'' [[Brains#Studio Series|Brains]] figure, [[Wheelie (ROTF)#Studio Series|Wheelie]] figure, [[NEST#Studio Series|NEST Paratrooper]] with parachute, arm blade, "Battle of [[Chicago]]" backdrop (3rd version)

:''[[Studio Series]]'' Shockwave transforms from robot mode to a Cybertronian tank in 17 steps. He is a mostly new sculpt, though he reuses some parts from the ''Studio Series'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Studio Series|Voyager Class ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Megatron figure]], notably the neck, elbows, hips, and tank treads, as well as sharing engineering cues with said Megatron. He comes with a cardboard backdrop display depicting a war-torn Chicago.

:While the original promotional render showcased his purple coloring in the solid, brighter shade, the figure itself has purple color applied mostly with extensive dry-brushed paint applications over black plastic, with solid purple paint on his feet. A similar silver dry-brushing technique is also present in his arm-blade, hands, lower torso, and foot spikes.

:While roughly Voyager-height (as stated before, he even reuses some parts from a Voyager Class figure), he is sold under the Leader Class price point, with the additional budget being devoted to his bulkier physique, large cannon, arm-blade, extensive paint applications, and also to a surprising ''three'' additionally included [[Slug figure|figurines]]: a scale accurate Brains, Wheelie, and the parachuting NEST soldier that obscures his face with a parachute made from clear white plastic film.

:With Wheelie and Brains being 1.5cm tall, you will ''definitely'' lose them. Unfortunately, the parachuting soldier does not descend slowly when you drop him from a high altitude. He can, however, plug onto two pegs on Shockwave's back.

:This mold uses rubbery plastic extensively, possibly [[for safety reasons]], with his gun barrel, hose, arm-blade, hand, right thumb, and spikes on his legs being cast from said material.

:Although the instructions show the hose port facing backward in the tank mode, on the actual figure it is impossible to do this due to the short length of the hose. Fortunately, the port can be rotated downwards and even inwards avoid awkwardly disconnecting the hose. While also not mentioned in the instructions, there is another port further back on his cannon arm that the hose can connect to. This is more than likely where the hose is ''supposed'' to go in vehicle mode to stop the aforementioned issue.

:Depending on the individual quality of the figure, it can be a bit tricky to get Shockwave to stand up straight, as the weight of his backpack can cause him to fall back on his ankles.

:He first saw release in Hong Kong in December 2019.

{{-}}{{anchor|SSBB}}
[[File:Studio-Series-Core-Class-Bumblebee-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|My first transforming figure in this design's this... small? Rather... illogical.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Core Class, [[2022]])
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-79'''
** ''TakaraTomy release date'': [[May 28]], 2022
**''Accessories'': Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro), [[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)| [[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist), [[Felipe Hamame]] (instruction designer)}}<ref>Sam Smith's [https://www.instagram.com/p/CbwGwERMeE_/ Instagram post] for Core Shockwave</ref>

:Part of the Core Class introduction of ''[[Studio Series]]'', Shockwave is a faithful recreation of his ''Bumblebee'' movie appearance and turns into a tank similar to his [[Shockwave (WFC)|''Prime'' incarnation]]'s alternate mode. Like the majority of Cybertronian characters from the movie, this alt mode was created for the toy as the CG model was not designed to transform. At the point of his introduction, Shockwave was unique in that he was the first ''Studio Series'' character to be produced at an entirely different scale to the rest of his contemporaries, being a pocket-sized toy. During a Q&A, Hasbro stated that this did not preclude him getting another, larger toy at a later date.<ref>"Shockwave is the only one not true to scale. They wanted to highlight the Core class scale with a popular character. This is a low price point for affordable figures. Taking cues for a classic robot look. Chose Cybertronian tank mode. Has the opportunity to see another scale in the Studio Series line later."—[https://tformers.com/transformers-studio-series-kingdom-roundtable-report-with-official-reveals-arcee-hot-rod/43969/news.html TFormers, paraphrasing the Hasbro roundtable on 2021/12/03]</ref>

:Shockwave comes with a cannon which can be equipped in either hand and pegs into the top of his tank mode to create the tank's turret. As it is mounted on his head, this turret can rotate. The front end of the turret peg is also compatible with [[Fire Blast effect]]s. Due to the hexagonal hole on Shockwave's rear head, it can be somewhat difficult to pull the cannon back out when converting into robot mode.

:The instructions omit rotating the forearms so that the treads face down in vehicle mode, and consistently display the arms incorrectly from that step on.

:While the Core Class lacks the backdrops included with all other ''Studio Series'' classes, the insides of Shockwave's packaging are decorated with the artwork used as the second version of the "Cybertron Falls" backdrop.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Burger King===
[[File:Burger King DOTM Flip-Out Shockwave.jpg|thumb|My, what a big eye you have!]]
*'''Flip-Out Shockwave''' (Burger King, 2011)
:Part of the 2011 [[Burger King]] ''Dark of the Moon'' promotion, Shockwave is a simple figure with [[Super deformed|bobble-head-like]] proportions, but is otherwise reasonably accurate to his on-screen appearance. The entirety of his body flips out of his enormous head when it is opened. A similar gimmick is present in all the toys part of this promotion. Pushing the button on his back projects a red Decepticon symbol out of his chest. There is an on/off switch on his back.
{{-}}

===''Thrilling 30''===
*'''Shockwave''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #27'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Shockwave 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 Shockwave figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Thrilling 30|Ironhide]], [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]] and [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Thrilling 30|Barricade]].
{{-}}

===McDonald's===
[[File:2018-McD-Authentics-Bumblebee-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.22|thumb|These government surveillance drones are getting ridiculous, man.]]
*'''Decepticon Shockwave''' (Happy Meal Toy, 2018)
:Released as part of the [[McDonald's]] June 2018 Happy Meal Toys along with [[My Little Pony]], this [[super deformed]] Shockwave is a rerelease of the [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#McDonald's|''Authentics'' figure]], but under ''Bumblebee'' branding. His [[gimmick]] consists of his little pop-out rocket boots. They are activated when you pull his arms forward.
{{-}}

===Prime 1 Studio===
[[File:Prime 1 Studio Museum Masterline Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb]]
*'''Shockwave''' (2020)
**''Movie:'' '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''ID number:'' '''MMTFM-14'''
**''Accessories'': Base

:[[Prime 1 Studio]] ''Museum Masterline'' Shockwave is an absurdly huge non-transforming sculpture based on his ''Dark of the Moon'' appearance. The statue is made of polystone along with other materials and features LED lights on his eye, cannon and backpack.

:The statue's base is designed after the [[Driller#Prime 1 Studio|Driller]], with two of its tentacles sprawling out of it. It was limited to 888 pieces.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TF2007game-ShockwaveConcept-ApacheTransform.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Being [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] is illogical. Resembling him is logical.]]
*[[Transformers The Game (console)|''Transformers: The Game'']] Shockwave was designed by artist [[Ken Christiansen]]. His original flying altmode was to be an {{w|Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Warthog}}, but to reduce the mass discrepancy with the {{w|howitzer}} mode, Christansen changed this to an {{w|Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64 Apache}} and bulked up the Howitzer into a made-up "super-howitzer".<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-01.html TF1 - Shockwave 01:] ...apparently in the Traveler's Tales game design... they had Shockwave as a triple changer. Somehow Hasbro let us have it, and I went to work. Working on mass and trying to keep the ratios consistent on the other drones, I piped up and said no way a Howitzer can change into a Warthog. So I pitched the Apache helicopter, (because they wanted to retain the flying dynamic) with it's very slender body, it could at least be plausible to change into a Howitzer, with a little help..the math came out to the Apache having about 32% more mass than the Howitzer. So I took the opportunity to invent a SUPER Howitzer; to beef up the mass, add a few helicopter armament cues, and pull in some G1 Shockwave character cues, namely the diamond shaped chest elements, to create a more well-rounded three way mode</ref>
*Christansen originally intended TFTG Shockwave to be a dull green, as seen right, but was asked to make him purple for the final version, after attempting a "compromise" black.<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-03.html TF1 - Shockwave 03:] I had set up Shockwave to be a military green, to match the other military based movie Decepts, but I did get asked to explore the purple. I thought it looked a little silly - OK, a lot silly - being the true purple of G1 lore, so I tried a compromise with a purple based black color...</ref>
*The "Attack Copter", "Recon Chopper" and "Stealth Chopper" [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-]][[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|A-Bot]] vehicle modes from the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS video games]] transform into robot modes bearing some resemblance to Shockwave. The Attack Chopper is the only one that can be customized to appear purple, though.
*The photo on the newspaper article in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' is of [[:Image:Shockwaveministatue.jpg|Palisades's statue]] of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]], with something digitally added in the foreground.
**Ironically, it appears that Shockwave's appearance in the game Autobot Stronghold is also [[:File:ShockwaveAutobotStronghold.jpg|based]] on the same statue according to concept art shown in [https://cargocollective.com/mattr/LG-Autobot-Stronghold cargocollective.com.]
*Promotion for ''Dark of the Moon'' heavily touted Shockwave as the new main villain of the film, presumably to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. Media coverage often described Shockwave as the ruler of Cybertron while the other Transformers were fighting on Earth,<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> and while IDW's comics would toy with this idea a little bit, it had no bearing on his depiction in the film. It's generally thought to have been a {{w|Chinese whispers|chinese whisper}} that resulted from mainstream media independently researching the character and reporting information on his [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]] (though that didn't stop its inclusion in the ''official plot summary'' from Paramount's German branch, which also claimed that Shockwave was the robot inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>
*In what was presumably an attempt to hide his finalized movie design, Shockwave appeared in IDW's prequel comic with an alternate Cybertronian body with a jet alternate mode before being badly damaged at the end of ''Rising Storm'', necessitating his reconstruction into his movie form. While his toy transforms into a tank, he never transforms in either the film or the video game.
[[File:ShockwaveBoxartFace.jpg|thumb|150px|right|"Logically, I must gnaw your head off."]]
*Bucking tradition, this Shockwave has a mouth.
*In contrast to his highly promoted nature and major presence in the movie comics, Shockwave receives minimal screentime in the finished film, with only one understandable line of dialogue (snarling Optimus's name at Chernobyl). As with [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] in the first film, and multiple characters in the second, he emits a lot of gnashing, gurgling noises that could be mistakenly interpreted as dialogue if one strains hard to hear something in them—one of his snarls to the Driller before it dives into the skyscraper, for instance, sounds sort of like "Commence". As happened with [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] on the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVD, the subtitle writer misinterpreted one of Shockwave's snarls as the hilarious sentence, "Driller-bot is thirsty". In contrast, while he still has a minimal presence in ''Bumblebee'', he has two lines of intelligible dialogue more in line with [[Shockwave (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]].
*In the DOTM novel adaptation, Shockwave is described as gray colored.
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]]'s original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]] had no desire to return to the role for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement". He noted that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, {{w|David Warner (actor)|David Warner}}, was rumored to have been considered,<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> but in the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].
*Hasbro's online bio for Shockwave claims he had spent decades trapped under Chernobyl, but this was not reflected in any actual media; both the video game and ''Rising Storm'' comics have him held at a different Russian facility from which he is freed shortly before the film's events, and the film itself doesn't give any indication that his appearance at Chernobyl in its opening scenes is an "escape" of any kind.
*Shockwave's AstroMag cannon is a reference to [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Notes|the original Shockwave]]'s toy mold being first released by ToyCo as the "[http://www.robot-japan.com/Gallery/Takara/Transformers/G1/AstroMagnum/Toybox-Astro-Magnum.asp 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]". Though described as a particle or laser cannon in most related ''Dark of the Moon'' media, it appears to be some variety of cluster missile launcher in the movie proper.
*Select [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in the US had a promotion for a Shockwave poster with the purchase of any [[Transformers brand]] [[toy]] from [[June 5]], 2011 to [[June 11]], 2011.
[[File:DOTM-Shock TLK-Nitro head comp.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Logically, ''we'' must gnaw your head off."]]
*Early artwork for Shockwave for ''Dark of the Moon'' showed '''Blitzwing''' as a working name for the character, obviously an attempt to hide his identity during production.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
*Shockwave's appearance in a [[Burger King]] commercial that depicts him fighting Optimus Prime does not depict any scene in the film. Rather, the animation places Shockwave's model over Sentinel Prime's motions during part of his own fight against Optimus.
*In subsequent films, Shockwave's model is reused for the "[[Two Head]]"s, with the biggest differences being a second one-horned head and the lack of an arm cannon. His head design is also reused and modified for [[Nitro Zeus]], hence the reason Shockwave is mentioned in his TRF prisoner dossier bio.
*[[Harold Attinger|Attinger]]'s playing card of Shockwave was barely visible in ''Age of Extinction''. It wasn't until a prop auction for the ''Transformers'' film series held in 2019 that a clearer view of the card was shown.<ref>''[https://profilesinhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/101TransformersSs.pdf Transformers: The Auction]'' by Profiles in History</ref>
*Shockwave's design in ''Bumblebee'' is heavily inspired by his Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]].
{{--}}

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Sokkoló''' ("Shocker")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jèn-dàng-pō''' (震盪波, "Shock Wave"), '''Zhèngdàngbō''' (震荡波, "Shock Wave")

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=Shockwave
|disambig=Shockwave (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon who's to blame for everything from [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]].
*[[Shockblast]], the murderous Decepticon berserker from [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|''Energon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]], the loyal Decepticon spy from [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|''Animated'']].
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon scientist from the [[Aligned continuity family]].
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon mad scientist from [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|''Cyberverse'']].}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*''Transformers: The Game'' Shockwave [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-01.html concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-02.html vehicle mode renderings], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-03.html robot mode and head concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-04.html final robot mode rendering] and [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-05.html transformation animation guide] on Ken Christiansen's blog.
*[https://www.gamespot.com/videos/transformers-the-game-interview-1/2300-6172356/ ''Transformers: The Game'' video interview with Daniel Suarez, featuring Shockwave footage]

[[Category:Age of Extinction Decepticons]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Bumblebee Decepticons]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Human Alliance Decepticons]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Purple Order]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Studio Series Decepticons]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]

Shockwave (Movie)

2023-04-22T08:31:50Z

Auride: /* McDonald's */

{{factions|decepticonfilm|primusvanguard|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action movie]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:ShockwaveDOTMgamepromo.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most bewildering foe: the faceless!]]
'''Shockwave''' was left to watch [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] long ago, but he would eventually follow the call of the [[AllSpark]] to [[Earth]]. Deadly efficient with a cold devotion to logic, Shockwave is a killing machine like few others and one of the very few who could rival Megatron. This has made him quite popular amongst the Decepticons; [[Astrotrain (DOTM)|some]] respect him enough to willingly work with him while [[Nitro Zeus|others]] idolize him to the point of avenging his death. Nevertheless, Shockwave is ready and willing to destroy whichever [[Autobot]]s dare stand in his way with his arm-mounted [[Astro Magnum|AstroMag Cannon]].

{{bigquote|Emotionless, coldly logical, utterly ruthless... killing is all Shockwave lives for.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Dark of the Moon issue 1|''Dark of the Moon'' #1]]}}

==Fiction==
===Movies===
{{note|The six movies are the primary component of the live-action movie continuity family. Their events should be taken as canon for all other pieces of fiction listed below, unless otherwise specified.}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[File:Shockwave-ROTFnewspaper.jpg|thumb|300px|Quick, add him to the character list!]]
At some point during 2009, Shockwave was caught on film and the event was written up for a newspaper article. A newspaper page with the headline "Mysterious Robot Spotted" was discarded in [[Egypt]], where it was sucked up by a rampaging [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]. {{Storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
{{voiceactor|[[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Jirō Saitō]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Yaohan]] (Chinese), [[Horst Lampe]] (German), [[Alessandro Ballico]] (Italian), [[Miguel Ángel Ghigliazza]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Bernard Métraux]] (European French), [[Stéphane Rivard]] (Canadian French), [[Oğuz Özoğul]] (Turkish), [[Luiz Laffey]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:DOTM - ShockwaveDriller.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We have wormsign."]]
Shockwave and his pet [[Driller]] attacked the Autobots when they were summoned to [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]] by the Decepticon agent [[Alexi Voskhod]]. This was done as an act of misdirection to ensure that the Autobots did not realize that the Decepticons actually wanted them to find the fuel cell from the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] located within the facility. After Optimus retrieved the fuel cell from the Driller, Shockwave emerged from it to reveal himself to Optimus, and the pair quickly retreated underground, leaving Optimus very disturbed to see Shockwave on Earth.

[[File:DOTM-Shockwavecloseup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The four tall tales of Robodian the one-eyed jerk.]]
Later, Shockwave took part in the invasion of [[Chicago]]. He and the Driller emerged from beneath the convoy of Autobots, and the Driller separated Optimus from his trailer. Shockwave left the Driller and proceeded to track down the Autobots. The [[Wreckers]] were sent to distract him, peppering his armor with fire from their machine-guns. He used a car as a shield and fired at them, and once they drove off, he menacingly began to pursue them down the road, missing the two small Autobots, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], who quickly fled.

[[File:830px-Dotm-shockwave&driller-film-chicago.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Wanna pet my worm?]]
Later, he noticed humans inside a building, and sent his Driller into the fray to topple a building and kill [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Carly Spencer]], [[Robert Epps]], and the other humans inside. However, the beast was killed by Optimus Prime using his flight gear. Enraged by the death of his pet, Shockwave opened fire on the Autobot leader, briefly disabling him and taking him out of the fight.

[[File:DOTM-OptimusShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Welcome to the refinery.]]
He soon joined [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] in rounding up the other Autobots. Brains and Wheelie forestalled the Decepticons from further executing their prisoners by taking control of a Decepticon gunship, and dropping [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighters]] onto the battlefield. Shockwave retreated further away with Barricade and some other Decepticons, but the human soldiers had set a trap and fired upon them. Shockwave's face was obscured by one of their parachutes, and his eye was then shot out by the Wreckers, causing it to dangle by its wires. He then attempted to escape, but Optimus Prime came charging back into the battle, and when Shockwave fired at him, the Autobot dodged the shot, donned a set of [[knuckle-spikes]], and punched Shockwave so hard that part of his abdomen shattered. Even ''this'' did not put Shockwave down, but Prime did not give up - he punched Shockwave again, pinned the Decepticon down and tore his dangling eye out through his throat, finally killing the bloodthirsty Decepticon. Optimus then used Shockwave's cannon to shoot out the control pillar set up in the city. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}
{{note|Shockwave’s involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the novels "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]" and "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]"; the "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]" and "[[Movie Trilogy]]" comics; and the storybooks "[[The Lost Autobot]]," "[[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]]," "[[Dark of the Moon: Action Pop-ups!]]" and "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Mix & Match]]."}}

====''Age of Extinction'' film====
Five years after the Battle of Chicago, Shockwave was listed as "deceased" by the CIA taskforce, [[Cemetery Wind]].<ref>[[:File:AOE-Kill-Cards-Set-1.jpg]]</ref> {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

====''The Last Knight'' film====
[[File:TLK-history-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
Shockwave was active in a battle during the 1560s, where his exploits were recorded in a painting. He later participated in [[World War I]] around 1917, where his silhouette had been used on a war poster. Both of these events were covered up by the [[Order of the Witwiccans]].

After the battle of Chicago, Shockwave's death greatly angered fellow Decepticon, [[Nitro Zeus]].<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/seibertron-exclusive-image-and-casefile-for-nitro-zeus-from-transformers-the-last-knight/38369/ Nitro Zeus' '''TRF prisoner dossier''' bio]</ref>

When [[Viviane Wembly]] was abducted by [[Hot Rod (DOTM)|Hot Rod]], she remarked that her captor had better be a famous Transformer, like Shockwave or Soundwave, perhaps unaware that both Decepticons were deceased. Hot Rod retorted that he was more impressive than either of them. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}
{{--}}

====''Bumblebee'' film====
[[File:Bumblebee-Shockwave-arrives.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|All of ''Bumblebee''{{'}}s continuity errors are no doubt his fault.]]
{{voiceactor|[[Jon Bailey]] (English), [[Shinnosuke Ogami]] (Japanese)|[[Alejandro Orozco]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}
{{note|''Bumblebee'' takes place before the other films (supposedly), but was released last. As such, it is placed at the bottom here.}}
After [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] had disappeared, Shockwave and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] assumed command of the Decepticon army. Under their joint leadership, the Decepticons conquered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] forcing the Autobots to abandon the planet. When the Decepticons launched a final assault on the last Autobot city, Shockwave ordered the [[Seeker (Movie)|Seekers]] to destroy the launch pad and prevent the Autobot evacuation. Despite the Seekers' attack, all the Autobots but [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] managed to escape immediate danger. After Prime was attacked by [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]], Shockwave and the other Decepticons closed in to attack the Autobot leader. Despite this, Prime managed to escape the planet. {{storylink|Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Titan movie comics===
While Starscream didn't like or trust Shockwave, he respected his intelligence and, if he had to choose, would give the nod to Shockwave being his successor. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|#21's Star Screams}}

===IDW movie comics===
[[File:Foundation1-Shockwavedoesntlikeit.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"'''Your star burns!''' I require frozen treats."]]
Eons after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were vanquished, Cybertron fell into dark times. The [[AllSpark]] had been buried somewhere within Cybertron and been dismissed as a legend, and the planet itself lacked a star to orbit. As energy became more and more scarce, Cybertronians segregated into tribes. Shockwave chose to rally behind [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], who claimed to be descended from [[Primus]] himself. However, he faced opposition from the non-believer [[Thetacon (tribe)|Thetacons]], and Shockwave joined [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], and several others in repelling their attacks. Ultimately, Sentinel Prime won the day, as he and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] were successful in locating the lost AllSpark and harnessing a new sun to orbit. This, however, did not please Shockwave. Now that the war was over, he was dissatisfied, and he no longer knew his purpose. This shocked his old friend, Megatron, and Shockwave explained that it was the journey he enjoyed, not the destination. Plus, well, that new sun was kind of bright. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

The next day, Megatron detailed to Shockwave how he had eavesdropped on a conversation between Sentinel and Optimus, where Sentinel had tried to pass on leadership to Optimus, who refused, unable to accept he was also a Prime. At the outskirts of [[Thetacon (polity)|Thetacon]], they encountered a [[Driller]], a subterranean lifeform that had been brought to the planet's surface by the new energy flowing through it, which was attacking a group of [[Hatchling]]s and their protector [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Shockwave was amazed by the creature and called it "magnificent". After besting it, he joined the Cybertronian [[Defense Force]] that Sentinel placed under Megatron's command, rooting out dissident Transformers. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}}

After the war broke out he joined the Decepticons. As Starscream was asking what to do next minutes before the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|''Nemesis'']] went to space, Shockwave told him that they would obey Megatron's orders without any question. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} When the Autobots attacked [[Simfur Temple]], Shockwave attempted to apprehend [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]], but with no success. When Starscream blew up the [[Ark (DOTM)|ship]] carrying Sentinel and his [[pillar|secret weapon]], Shockwave ordered the annihilation of the retreating Autobots, but Megatron made him stand down, gleefully predicting Optimus would return with a vengeance. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Shockwave returned with Megatron to his [[Lord High Protector citadel|citadel]] during Optimus's revenge attack. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} Shockwave asked Megatron if he could kill Optimus Prime and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] after they had been stuck by the [[smelting pool]], but Megatron was disappointed by Shockwave's lack of vision. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} Optimus got inside to fight Megatron, while Starscream and Shockwave attempted to kill their former comrade Ironhide. Suddenly, the skies darkened: the Autobots had attacked the citadel to distract the Decepticons from their true goal of stealing the AllSpark from the temple. Optimus blasted Starscream and Shockwave, and the two Autobots escaped. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

[[File:RisingStorm2-ShockwaveAllSpark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]] Some time later, after the Autobots sent the All Spark into space, Starscream left Shockwave in charge of the Decepticons still on Cybertron as he went in search of his prize. During a battle with a team of Autobots, Shockwave heard the scream of the AllSpark when it was found by [[Sector Seven]]. Leaving [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] in charge of the Decepticons on Cybertron, Shockwave set out in an impossibly fast ship, swearing not to return without the AllSpark. He crashed in [[Tunguska]], [[Siberia]] in [[1908]].<ref>''Rising Storm'' issue 2 reveals that Shockwave caused the mysterious real-life [[Tunguska event]].</ref> He remained buried there in [[stasis lock]], healing until [[Soviet Union|Soviet Russia]] found him ten years later. Using stolen research from the U.S., who had found Megatron the same way, the Russians reverse-engineered his technology to invent nuclear power plants. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} {{storylink|Frozen}}

There were no digital records of Shockwave's existence, and the physical documents pertaining to him were lost, burned, shredded or stolen in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse. The Siberian facility was abandoned and Shockwave was left forgotten. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}

[[File:RisingStorm_Shockwave_and_astrotrain.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Astrotrain, go away. You're spoiling the G1 ambiance around me."]]
Soundwave discovered the satirical article and its photograph, and deduced it was based on stolen Soviet documents. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} In [[2010]], Megatron freed Shockwave and brought him to his "base" in [[Namibia]], where he was eager to get back to killing Autobots as soon as possible. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}

Shockwave and [[Astrotrain (DOTM)|Astrotrain]] made their presence known on Earth near [[Dalian]], [[China]], where they quickly disposed of the Autobots [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] and stole material for a mysterious construction project.

Shockwave began following the exploits of Earth's stranded Transformers from afar, and derided its war's combatants as idiots after watching a skirmish in [[California]]. After contacting Astrotrain for an update on their project, he tracked [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]]'s radiation trail back to Starscream's current base of operations, in a junkyard on the outskirts of [[Mexico City]]. Blasting his way through the Decepticons unwise enough to try defending Starscream, Shockwave informed the treacherous air commander that Megatron had "requested his services." Before the conversation could go any further, Astrotrain radioed Shockwave with some bad news: the "[[Brains|brain unit]]" scrap drone that held the control software for the machine he was constructing had escaped. Shockwave charged Starscream and his followers with recovering the drone. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}

[[File:Risingstorm_3_shockwave_on_NEST.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Shock blast!]]
Shockwave contacted an angry Starscream who thought he was promised the Autobots would be occupied. Shockwave countered that they were occupied, but, you know, with Starscream, leaving Shockwave free to leave a message for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] at the [[NEST]] Headquarters in [[Diego Garcia]]. After killing [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]], [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]], and other Autobots who stood in his way, Shockwave confronted the trembling humans left to fend for themselves. When Shockwave asked who was in command, [[Theodore Galloway]] told him that he was. Shockwave killed Galloway and the other humans save one, and he asked his question one more time. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

After killing [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]], he and [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] left Diego Garcia, then he arrived in [[Philadelphia]] killing [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] in the process and shot down [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Dino|Mirage]]. Enraged by the death of Elita-One and the other Autobots, Optimus Prime battled Shockwave, quickly overpowering him and brutally pummeling the sadistic Decepticon. Prime was about to kill Shockwave, till Shockwave's [[Driller|"pet"]] came to save his master. The badly damaged Shockwave returned to Namibia along Starscream and Soundwave. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}
{{-}}

===''BeCool'' shorts===
On a team with [[Brawl (Movie)|Tank]], '''Battle Tank''' (バトルタンク ''Batoru Tanku'') took part in the ''Quiz! BeCool'' show. Despite only being able to speak in computer noises, Battle Tank led his team to victory by correctly answering the last question. {{storylink|The Story of Quiz! BeCool}} Battle Tank later watched the filming of a movie that was interrupted by the fire brigade who confusedly thought it was an emergency. {{storylink|The Story of the Fire Brigade Dispatch!}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Battle Tank was a member of the [[Purple Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. Through a screen, he oversaw the containment of [[G1 World|interdimensional]] warlord [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects Special Comic (1)|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and his turncoat [[Straxus (G1)#Precursor World|Straxus]] followers by the Order's [[Pretender Monster]] creations such that his commander [[Purple Wicked Convoy]] could propose an alliance. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: The Game'' (console)===
{{voiceactor|[[Daniel Riordan]]}}
[[File:Tf2007console shockwave.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|1% assorted Shockwave parts, 99% weapons.]]
Under the orders of Starscream, Shockwave attacked [[Tranquility]] in an effort to interfere with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s attempt to rescue [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] from [[Sector Seven]]. Prime actually had a grip on the helicopter net that held Bumblebee, but the force of Shockwave's entry mode's impact knocked him off, allowing Sector Seven to get away.

[[File:Tf2007console shockwave turret.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Death Cannon OF LOGIC!]]
Landing in downtown, the [[Triple Changer|triple-changing]] Shockwave adopted a helicopter and an artillery emplacement as his alternate modes, promptly transforming into the latter and lobbing explosives around the city. Prime, forced to cut off his rescue, charged in and pounded Shockwave until the goliath transformed and retreated to another position. Prime doggedly kept at Shockwave, following him every time he retreated, eventually defeating the Decepticon and saving Tranquility. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

Later, when the Autobots returned to Cybertron, Shockwave appeared on the planet alongside (and presumably leading) an army of Decepticon drones. Optimus quickly defeated the drones and once more defeated Shockwave.

{{note|Shockwave is not a playable character in the game, appearing only as a boss character during the Autobot campaign. He also appears (but does not transform) as one of the enemies battled in the Autobot campaign's bonus level set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but what this implies about Shocky is debatable at best, given the level's questionable in-game continuity.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Autobots/Decepticons''===
Shockwave's body-type is used for only a few Apache-based helicopter modes: the Attack Copter, the Recon Copter, and the Stealth Copter. {{Storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)===
{{voiceactor|[[Daniel Riordan]]}}
[[File:Shockwave movie psp.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He makes up for his loss of weapons by being the most awesome character in the game. It is only logical.]]

The massive Shockwave might ''look'' like he's purely about muscle and firepower, but he's actually remarkably shrewd and cunning. Coveting the position of Decepticon leader for himself, Shockwave has been working to oust Megatron for years. As you might imagine, he and Starscream don't get along very well.

When the Decepticons arrived on Earth in search of their lost leader, Megatron, Shockwave adopted a tank as his alternate mode. Shockwave was supposed to join [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] in his attack on the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]], but instead busied himself surrepticiously searching for leads to the location of the [[AllSpark]]. After receiving a communique from [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who informed him that the Autobots were on Earth and had discovered their own leads to the location of Megatron, Shockwave had [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] airlift him to Qatar, where he helped Blackout take care of the last few military units opposing him. He relayed Frenzy's message to Blackout, then departed for the Arctic with Thundercracker, intending to investigate the site where Megatron's body was discovered.

In the Arctic, Shockwave and Thundercracker faced resistance from an Autobot unit in the area, but fought their way through them to discover that Megatron's body had been moved by [[Sector Seven]]. The trip was not a wasted one, however: after scanning a computer terminal in the cavern, Shockwave discovered that Megatron had brought an army of drones with him to Earth to help in the search for the All Spark. These drones were presently lying dormant all over the Earth, and Shockwave schemed to reactivate them so that they could serve him as his personal army. The signal required to reanimated the drones had to be broadcast from a great height, so Shockwave and Thundercracker quickly made their way to a rocket launch site, where Shockwave programmed the code into a rocket that subsequently beamed the signal down over the Earth from space. Drones sprang to life all over the planet, and began attacking the Autobots. Shockwave's control of his
self-made army was short lived, however, as Autobots [[Trailbreaker (Movie)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] successfully transmitted a virus that shut the drones down. Simultaneously, Shockwave received another message from Frenzy that the he had discovered the location of Megatron, and that the Decepticon leader was about to reawaken.

After the Autobots defeated Megatron and most of the other Decepticons in battle in [[Center City]], Shockwave retreated back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as did Starscream. Back on their homeworld, Shockwave and Starscream faced off for leadership of the Decepticons, with Starscream ultimately claiming victory. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

{{note|In contrast to the console version of the game, Shockwave ''is'' a playable character on the PSP.}}

===Autobot Stronghold===
{{bigthumb|Shackwave autobotstronghold.gif|70px}}
Shockwave was used as the basis for an army of [[drone]] units, who were part of the constant attacks on the Autobot's [[LG]] Stronghold. For some reason, these drones had ''two'' Sparks. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

===''Web Wars''===
[[File:Shockwave Web Wars.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
Shockwave battled the Autobots across the digital frontier, vying to wrestle control of numerous websites across the internet from their hands! {{storylink|Web Wars}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===
{{voiceactor|[[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] (Wii version only)}}

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====
[[File:Dark of the Moon game Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Shockwave on the warpath.]]
{{Note|Shockwave is unlocked for multiplayer by completing the campaign, with an Astro Mag Cannon as primary weapon and the Mark Target ability. He is notably unable to transform, although his melee attack can kill Scouts in one hit.}}

Shockwave had crashed on Earth thousands of years ago and fell into stasis mode. He was later discovered by the Russians and a facility was built to contain him, where he was frozen to prevent him from waking up.

Three years after Megatron was wounded, the Decepticons took refuge in that same Russian facility to repair themselves. His leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] decided to release him, since he was needed for the upcoming operation. The base came under fire, however, thanks to Starscream leading the [[Autobot]]s straight to Megatron. The 'Cons abandoned base and left Shockwave and his [[Driller]] to thaw out.

[[File:Transformers DOTM Shockwave Game.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66|Give me your fac—er, I mean eye!]]
Optimus discovered Shockwave and ordered [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] to activate more freeze tanks to keep him frozen. Unfortunately, Shockwave's [[Driller|pet]] awoke from its slumber, and lashed out at the intruders. The attempts to keep him frozen eventually failed, and Shockwave woke up and decided to destroy the Autobot leader. Years under stasis meant that he wasn't fully combat ready, and it was something Optimus took advantage of when he attacked the Decepticon assassin. Shockwave soon managed to fully recover and lashed out at Prime with everything he had. Autobot reinforcements arrived to help in Optimus' assault, but were dispatched quite easily. During their skirmish, Optimus Prime (with a little help from Ratchet) deduced his weak spot as the three cylinder-shaped generators mounted on his back. With this knowledge, Optimus Prime was then able to take down Shockwave with his jetpack/machinegun upgrades, until the Driller decided to intervene, and blocked off the shots while retreating with its master.

Shortly after, Shockwave met up with Megatron, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Nambia, Africa. He was ordered to find a device in a nuclear power plant called Chernobyl. Shockwave agreed, and Megatron told him and the others of Operation Pillar... {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)}}

====Autobots/Decepticons====
[[File:DOTMDS Shockwave.jpg|thumb|Hey look gamers, it's me, not playable or a boss battle in this game!!|upright=1.4]]
Shockwave was in some state where he needed to be revived and was stored in the Decepticons' base in [[Siberia]]. When the Autobots invaded the base, Megatron was forced to revive Shockwave early, but managed to get the assassin out and began preparing for the next stage of the plan. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons|Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' (mobile game)===
{{charstubgame}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (mobile game)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

===''MechTech Weapons Challenge''===
Bumblebee could use Shockwave's particle wave blaster to aid him in his missions to retrieve MechTech weapons technology stolen by the Decepticons. {{storylink|MechTech Weapons Challenge}}

===Bot Shots Battle Game!===
[[File:BSSHockwavescreen.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|"''You're next.''"]]
Shockwave (in his Super Bot form) was the final challenge that [[you]]r Bot Shot had to face and defeat in the [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] gladiatorial pits. Your Bot Shot prevailed, and Shockwave was knocked offline.

Shockwave also created some ''eeevil'' creatures in his lab, which your Bot Shot ''also'' had to face. Good thing your Bot Shot defeated them, then!

{{Note|Shockwave is also one of the many random Bot Shots the player can encounter in the game, and he can also be purchased in the "Bot Shop".}}
{{storylink|Bot Shots Battle Game!}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Human Alliance''===
Shockwave surfaced in the North Africa Desert, his sudden appearance on Earth greatly disturbing Optimus Prime. Shockwave tangled with Optimus for a bit, growling Optimus's name repeatedly the entire time, before being driven off by the combined efforts of Optimus, [[Jake (HA)|Jake]], and [[Vanessa]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Human Alliance}}

==Commercial appearances==
Shockwave duked it out with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] in front of a [[Burger King]] restaurant, while some of the patrons inside were too enraptured with savoring their Bacon Cheddar Ranch Tendercrisp sandwiches to notice. {{storylink|Commercial/Dark of the Moon#Burger King|Dark of the Moon Burger King tie-in commercial}}

==Toys==
===''Dark of the Moon''===
====''Cyberverse''====
{{anchor|CyberverseActionSet}}
[[File:TF-DOTM-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|It's a fusion of terror...]]
[[File:TF-DOTM-Cyberverse-Shockwave-Fusion-Tank-add-on-acessory.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|... and more terror.]]
*'''Shockwave / Fusion Tank''' (Cyberverse Action Set, [[2011]])
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''006'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV19'''
**''Accessories:'' Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade, missile, Chicago
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro), [[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] Commander class Shockwave is cast in a lighter purple than his Voyager class figure. Like that larger toy, he transforms into a Cybertronian tank, and features a removable cannon, blade, and hose. He also has a [[Fusion Tank add-on|back component]] that attaches to his vehicle to form a "Fusion Tank," and that can separately transform into "Ground Weapon" and "Battle Base" modes. For safety reasons, his knee spikes are molded in rubbery plastic. Likewise, his chest ribs are also molded with the same soft plastic. Due to the hose's slightly short length, raising the shoulder-mounted cannon in a firing position with the hose attached will cause it to occasionally pop off. Care must be taken on the tank mode's front wheels: Since they're painted, rolling them on uneven surfaces can cause the paint to chip.

:Shockwave's alternate mode has some rather annoying problems with the treads refusing to straighten out or peg onto his body and front "wheels" securely. As a result, combining him with the action set to form the "Fusion Tank" mode will result in the back treads becoming parallel with the rest of the tank... while the front treads split open and detach from the wheels.

:Like other action sets, Shockwave comes with a cardboard backdrop. In his case, it’s a scene of Chicago under attack. Oddly, the box bio mentions ''Shockwave''{{'}}s ability to drill through the ground, with no mention of his [[Driller|friend]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/FTShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Cyberverse Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[File:DOTM_Shockwave_Voyager.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Observation: gun hose. Conclusion: awesome.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DD05'''
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager Class [[MechTech]] toys, Shockwave transforms into a purple Cybertronian tank. He has a large, detachable MechTech Battle Cannon on his right arm with a rubber tube which connects to his back, and a removable blade on his left arm. When a button is pushed on the rear of his arm cannon, MechTech gearing opens up the cannon, widening it and exposing more gun barrels. [[C joint]] rungs are located on Shockwave's arm-blade, with one concealed underneath said blade, two on his AstroMag cannon, two more on his backpack, and two more on his feet. Other MechTech weapons can peg into Shockwave's hands, on the barrel of his cannon, and behind each shoulder blade. Due to the nature of his MechTech weapon being integrated with his arm, it is not a prime candidate for swapping with other toys; although it does fit with the Dark of the Moon Voyager Megatron, due to its shape and color.

:The instructions tell you to keep the cannon attached to his right arm in tank mode, though it is possible to stick it in between the arms. This is done by sliding the cannon's bottom in between Shockwave's thumbs. It is fairly stable, matches some stock photography, and makes for a more coherent tank.

:Shockwave's stock photography depicts him with a different color scheme as well as wrist articulation that the final toy does not have. Although partly cropped, his packaging photography on the box-front depicts an alternative placement of his gun hose in tank mode, plugging into the port on the side of his rear treads, which actually aligns better than the awkward frontal position depicted in the [[instructions]]; in the box-back. The gun hose in vehicle mode is not shown, but since the picture was taken from a left profile, it could just be covered by the toy itself, reinforcing the alternate placement.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Voyager Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CyberArmour}}
[[File:DOTM-VoyagerShockwave-CyberArmour.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager-Class two-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Exclusive to Canadian [[Costco]] stores, this repaint of Shockwave was advertised as "'''SHOCKWAVE with CYBER METAL Armour'''" via a sticker on the packaging. This two-pack also contains an unchanged ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#CyberArmour|Optimus Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|StreetsideBotBrawl}}
[[File:DOTMVoyShockwaveStreetsideBotBrawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Streetside Bot Brawl''' (Multi-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Part of the [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive "Streetside Bot Brawl" three-pack, this grey and purple redeco of Shockwave (which was an homage to the [http://tfsource.com/products/view/product_id/1672/ 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]'s colors) was sold with battle-damaged redecos of ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe-Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Bumblebee]] and ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager-Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/TRUSBBShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on "Streetside Bot Brawl" Shockwave at TFU.info]
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShotsS1 Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Decepticon Brawl / Shockwave / Ironhide''' (Multi-pack, [[2012]])
**''Number'': '''BP010'''
***''Fist strength'': '''235'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''835'''
***''Sword strength'': '''550'''

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' three-packs, Shockwave is a small, purple tank with a spring-loaded [[Autotransformation|automatic transformation]] to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. He has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels.

: He comes with [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#3pack|Super Bot Ironhide]] and [[Brawl (Movie)#3pack|Decepticon Brawl]]. He shares parts with the Brawl and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Megatron]] molds.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on three-pack Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SuperBot}}
[[File:Bot_Shots_Super_Bot_Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Super Bot, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 005'''
***''Fist strength'': '''300'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''995'''
***''Sword strength'': '''330'''

:Part of the fifth wave of ''Bot Shots'' single-packs, this [[redeco]] of Shockwave is cast in translucent purplish-blue, with minimal [[paint operation]]s. As a Super Bot, he was [[Shortpacking|packed one per case]], and has more lopsided stats than normal Bot Shots, such as his really, ''really'' good Blaster stat.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSSBShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Super Bot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireAssaultTeam}}
[[File:BotShots FireAssault Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|EMOTIONLESS & LOGICAL BURNING JUSTICE]]
*'''Decepticon Fire Assault Team''' (Multi-pack, [[2013]])
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T017'''
***''Fist strength'': '''483'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''867'''
***''Sword strength'': '''272'''

:A redeco of the original Shockwave mold in orange and red, this version of Shockwave was available in a five-pack with similar redecos of [[Megatron (G1)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Starscream]], [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Barricade]], and [[Lockdown (ROTF)#FireAssaultTeam|Lockdown]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSDFAShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Fire Assault Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''BeCool''===
[[File:BotShots_BeCool_BattleTankShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Isn't a tank's purpose always to battle?]]
*'''Battle Tank (Shockwave)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''B16'''
:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "Battle Tank" is practically identical to the first, multi-packed ''Bot Shots'' Shockwave toy, the only difference being that his stickers don't depict power levels, instead depicting drawings of his vehicle mode firing away, a compass, and a walkie-talkie.
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|KreoArmy}}
[[File:KreO-toy ShockwaveKW Army.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
*'''Army Shockwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0945'''
**''Collection'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, hand grenade
:Part of the first wave of ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Kreon]] Warriors, Shockwave has been re-imagined as if he was part of a World War I era fighting force, with tank-kibble deco, a military-style helmet, and a combat knife taking the place of his traditional gun "hand". His "face" deco is very much ''Dark of the Moon'' Shockwave, even if his colors owe more to the [[Shockwave (G1)|original Shockwave]].

:Like all the Kreons released that year (at normal retail at least), he uses the new 2015-tooling Kreon body, which basically involves small construction changes on every part below the head, making them largely incompatible with the prior Kreon parts (heads still work fine), but the new tooling adds some extra functionality and structural support.

:The Kreon Warriors were only released in Canada, Australia, and various Asian markets. The individual bags had also abandoned any kind of coding that identified the contents. This means getting the one you want from an unopened bag involves either trying to feel out the unique parts, or just buying the whole dang case.

{{-}}{{anchor|KreONinja}}
[[File:KreO-toy ShockwaveKW Ninja.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The purpose of the ninja is to flip out and calculate percentages.]]
*'''Ninja Shockwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0945'''
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, sai, 2 pegged shuriken
:Also part of the first wave of Kreon Warriors, Ninja Shockwave replaces his gun-hand with a huge lavender stabby-blade, and has a pair of shuriken pegged to his legs for quick throwing. He even has a ninja hood to emulate his enclosed helmet.

:All the aggravation of the blind-bagged, non-US distribution above applies to this one as well.

{{-}}
===''Movie The Best''===
[[File:Transformers-Movie-MB-04-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Voyager, [[2017]]-[[February 4|02-04]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''MB-04'''
**''Accessories'': [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade
:Released as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Movie The Best]]'' toyline to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the [[live-action film series]], this Shockwave is an extensive redeco of his Voyager Class toy. Shockwave features a deco similar to, but not the same as, the ''Dark of the Moon'' prototype figure's paint applications.
{{-}}

===''The Last Knight''===
[[File:TLK-toy TTC-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Decepticon Shockwave''' (Tiny Turbo Changer, 2017)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Bag Code'': '''A'''
:Released in Series 2 of [[blindpacking|blindbagged]] [[Tiny Turbo Changers]], Shockwave is a small soft-plastic transformable figure based on his appearance in ''Dark of the Moon''. He changes from robot to Cybertronian tank in a few simple steps. He has articulated shoulders and his hands can grip 3mm posts and other small accessories. Like all Tiny Turbo Changers, he can't roll in vehicle mode.

:His [[instructions]] show his front-scoops/feet-soles with tech detailing that does not exist on the actual toy.
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-Leader-Class-Shockwave.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|All of these accessories and no Driller? We were robbed!]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Leader Class, [[2019]])
**''Movie'': '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''Hasbro ID number:'' '''56'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-45'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 29]], [[2020]]
**''Accessories:'' [[Brains#Studio Series|Brains]] figure, [[Wheelie (ROTF)#Studio Series|Wheelie]] figure, [[NEST#Studio Series|NEST Paratrooper]] with parachute, arm blade, "Battle of [[Chicago]]" backdrop (3rd version)

:''[[Studio Series]]'' Shockwave transforms from robot mode to a Cybertronian tank in 17 steps. He is a mostly new sculpt, though he reuses some parts from the ''Studio Series'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Studio Series|Voyager Class ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Megatron figure]], notably the neck, elbows, hips, and tank treads, as well as sharing engineering cues with said Megatron. He comes with a cardboard backdrop display depicting a war-torn Chicago.

:While the original promotional render showcased his purple coloring in the solid, brighter shade, the figure itself has purple color applied mostly with extensive dry-brushed paint applications over black plastic, with solid purple paint on his feet. A similar silver dry-brushing technique is also present in his arm-blade, hands, lower torso, and foot spikes.

:While roughly Voyager-height (as stated before, he even reuses some parts from a Voyager Class figure), he is sold under the Leader Class price point, with the additional budget being devoted to his bulkier physique, large cannon, arm-blade, extensive paint applications, and also to a surprising ''three'' additionally included [[Slug figure|figurines]]: a scale accurate Brains, Wheelie, and the parachuting NEST soldier that obscures his face with a parachute made from clear white plastic film.

:With Wheelie and Brains being 1.5cm tall, you will ''definitely'' lose them. Unfortunately, the parachuting soldier does not descend slowly when you drop him from a high altitude. He can, however, plug onto two pegs on Shockwave's back.

:This mold uses rubbery plastic extensively, possibly [[for safety reasons]], with his gun barrel, hose, arm-blade, hand, right thumb, and spikes on his legs being cast from said material.

:Although the instructions show the hose port facing backward in the tank mode, on the actual figure it is impossible to do this due to the short length of the hose. Fortunately, the port can be rotated downwards and even inwards avoid awkwardly disconnecting the hose. While also not mentioned in the instructions, there is another port further back on his cannon arm that the hose can connect to. This is more than likely where the hose is ''supposed'' to go in vehicle mode to stop the aforementioned issue.

:Depending on the individual quality of the figure, it can be a bit tricky to get Shockwave to stand up straight, as the weight of his backpack can cause him to fall back on his ankles.

:He first saw release in Hong Kong in December 2019.

{{-}}{{anchor|SSBB}}
[[File:Studio-Series-Core-Class-Bumblebee-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|My first transforming figure in this design's this... small? Rather... illogical.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Core Class, [[2022]])
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-79'''
** ''TakaraTomy release date'': [[May 28]], 2022
**''Accessories'': Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro), [[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)| [[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist), [[Felipe Hamame]] (instruction designer)}}<ref>Sam Smith's [https://www.instagram.com/p/CbwGwERMeE_/ Instagram post] for Core Shockwave</ref>

:Part of the Core Class introduction of ''[[Studio Series]]'', Shockwave is a faithful recreation of his ''Bumblebee'' movie appearance and turns into a tank similar to his [[Shockwave (WFC)|''Prime'' incarnation]]'s alternate mode. Like the majority of Cybertronian characters from the movie, this alt mode was created for the toy as the CG model was not designed to transform. At the point of his introduction, Shockwave was unique in that he was the first ''Studio Series'' character to be produced at an entirely different scale to the rest of his contemporaries, being a pocket-sized toy. During a Q&A, Hasbro stated that this did not preclude him getting another, larger toy at a later date.<ref>"Shockwave is the only one not true to scale. They wanted to highlight the Core class scale with a popular character. This is a low price point for affordable figures. Taking cues for a classic robot look. Chose Cybertronian tank mode. Has the opportunity to see another scale in the Studio Series line later."—[https://tformers.com/transformers-studio-series-kingdom-roundtable-report-with-official-reveals-arcee-hot-rod/43969/news.html TFormers, paraphrasing the Hasbro roundtable on 2021/12/03]</ref>

:Shockwave comes with a cannon which can be equipped in either hand and pegs into the top of his tank mode to create the tank's turret. As it is mounted on his head, this turret can rotate. The front end of the turret peg is also compatible with [[Fire Blast effect]]s. Due to the hexagonal hole on Shockwave's rear head, it can be somewhat difficult to pull the cannon back out when converting into robot mode.

:The instructions omit rotating the forearms so that the treads face down in vehicle mode, and consistently display the arms incorrectly from that step on.

:While the Core Class lacks the backdrops included with all other ''Studio Series'' classes, the insides of Shockwave's packaging are decorated with the artwork used as the second version of the "Cybertron Falls" backdrop.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Burger King===
[[File:Burger King DOTM Flip-Out Shockwave.jpg|thumb|My, what a big eye you have!]]
*'''Flip-Out Shockwave''' (Burger King, 2011)
:Part of the 2011 [[Burger King]] ''Dark of the Moon'' promotion, Shockwave is a simple figure with [[Super deformed|bobble-head-like]] proportions, but is otherwise reasonably accurate to his on-screen appearance. The entirety of his body flips out of his enormous head when it is opened. A similar gimmick is present in all the toys part of this promotion. Pushing the button on his back projects a red Decepticon symbol out of his chest. There is an on/off switch on his back.
{{-}}

===''Thrilling 30''===
*'''Shockwave''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #27'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Shockwave 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 Shockwave figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (Movie)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Thrilling 30|Ironhide]], [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]] and [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Thrilling 30|Barricade]].
{{-}}

===McDonald's===
[[File:2018-McD-Authentics-Bumblebee-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.22|thumb|These [[Bird|government surveillance drones]] are getting ridiculous, man.]]
*'''Decepticon Shockwave''' (Happy Meal Toy, 2018)
:Released as part of the [[McDonald's]] June 2018 Happy Meal Toys along with [[My Little Pony]], this [[super deformed]] Shockwave is a rerelease of the [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#McDonald's|''Authentics'' figure]], but under ''Bumblebee'' branding. His [[gimmick]] consists of his little pop-out rocket boots. They are activated when you pull his arms forward.
{{-}}

===Prime 1 Studio===
[[File:Prime 1 Studio Museum Masterline Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb]]
*'''Shockwave''' (2020)
**''Movie:'' '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''ID number:'' '''MMTFM-14'''
**''Accessories'': Base

:[[Prime 1 Studio]] ''Museum Masterline'' Shockwave is an absurdly huge non-transforming sculpture based on his ''Dark of the Moon'' appearance. The statue is made of polystone along with other materials and features LED lights on his eye, cannon and backpack.

:The statue's base is designed after the [[Driller#Prime 1 Studio|Driller]], with two of its tentacles sprawling out of it. It was limited to 888 pieces.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TF2007game-ShockwaveConcept-ApacheTransform.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Being [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] is illogical. Resembling him is logical.]]
*[[Transformers The Game (console)|''Transformers: The Game'']] Shockwave was designed by artist [[Ken Christiansen]]. His original flying altmode was to be an {{w|Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Warthog}}, but to reduce the mass discrepancy with the {{w|howitzer}} mode, Christansen changed this to an {{w|Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64 Apache}} and bulked up the Howitzer into a made-up "super-howitzer".<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-01.html TF1 - Shockwave 01:] ...apparently in the Traveler's Tales game design... they had Shockwave as a triple changer. Somehow Hasbro let us have it, and I went to work. Working on mass and trying to keep the ratios consistent on the other drones, I piped up and said no way a Howitzer can change into a Warthog. So I pitched the Apache helicopter, (because they wanted to retain the flying dynamic) with it's very slender body, it could at least be plausible to change into a Howitzer, with a little help..the math came out to the Apache having about 32% more mass than the Howitzer. So I took the opportunity to invent a SUPER Howitzer; to beef up the mass, add a few helicopter armament cues, and pull in some G1 Shockwave character cues, namely the diamond shaped chest elements, to create a more well-rounded three way mode</ref>
*Christansen originally intended TFTG Shockwave to be a dull green, as seen right, but was asked to make him purple for the final version, after attempting a "compromise" black.<ref>[http://badflipblog.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-03.html TF1 - Shockwave 03:] I had set up Shockwave to be a military green, to match the other military based movie Decepts, but I did get asked to explore the purple. I thought it looked a little silly - OK, a lot silly - being the true purple of G1 lore, so I tried a compromise with a purple based black color...</ref>
*The "Attack Copter", "Recon Chopper" and "Stealth Chopper" [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-]][[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|A-Bot]] vehicle modes from the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS video games]] transform into robot modes bearing some resemblance to Shockwave. The Attack Chopper is the only one that can be customized to appear purple, though.
*The photo on the newspaper article in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' is of [[:Image:Shockwaveministatue.jpg|Palisades's statue]] of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]], with something digitally added in the foreground.
**Ironically, it appears that Shockwave's appearance in the game Autobot Stronghold is also [[:File:ShockwaveAutobotStronghold.jpg|based]] on the same statue according to concept art shown in [https://cargocollective.com/mattr/LG-Autobot-Stronghold cargocollective.com.]
*Promotion for ''Dark of the Moon'' heavily touted Shockwave as the new main villain of the film, presumably to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. Media coverage often described Shockwave as the ruler of Cybertron while the other Transformers were fighting on Earth,<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> and while IDW's comics would toy with this idea a little bit, it had no bearing on his depiction in the film. It's generally thought to have been a {{w|Chinese whispers|chinese whisper}} that resulted from mainstream media independently researching the character and reporting information on his [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]] (though that didn't stop its inclusion in the ''official plot summary'' from Paramount's German branch, which also claimed that Shockwave was the robot inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>
*In what was presumably an attempt to hide his finalized movie design, Shockwave appeared in IDW's prequel comic with an alternate Cybertronian body with a jet alternate mode before being badly damaged at the end of ''Rising Storm'', necessitating his reconstruction into his movie form. While his toy transforms into a tank, he never transforms in either the film or the video game.
[[File:ShockwaveBoxartFace.jpg|thumb|150px|right|"Logically, I must gnaw your head off."]]
*Bucking tradition, this Shockwave has a mouth.
*In contrast to his highly promoted nature and major presence in the movie comics, Shockwave receives minimal screentime in the finished film, with only one understandable line of dialogue (snarling Optimus's name at Chernobyl). As with [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] in the first film, and multiple characters in the second, he emits a lot of gnashing, gurgling noises that could be mistakenly interpreted as dialogue if one strains hard to hear something in them—one of his snarls to the Driller before it dives into the skyscraper, for instance, sounds sort of like "Commence". As happened with [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] on the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVD, the subtitle writer misinterpreted one of Shockwave's snarls as the hilarious sentence, "Driller-bot is thirsty". In contrast, while he still has a minimal presence in ''Bumblebee'', he has two lines of intelligible dialogue more in line with [[Shockwave (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]].
*In the DOTM novel adaptation, Shockwave is described as gray colored.
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]]'s original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]] had no desire to return to the role for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement". He noted that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, {{w|David Warner (actor)|David Warner}}, was rumored to have been considered,<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> but in the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].
*Hasbro's online bio for Shockwave claims he had spent decades trapped under Chernobyl, but this was not reflected in any actual media; both the video game and ''Rising Storm'' comics have him held at a different Russian facility from which he is freed shortly before the film's events, and the film itself doesn't give any indication that his appearance at Chernobyl in its opening scenes is an "escape" of any kind.
*Shockwave's AstroMag cannon is a reference to [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Notes|the original Shockwave]]'s toy mold being first released by ToyCo as the "[http://www.robot-japan.com/Gallery/Takara/Transformers/G1/AstroMagnum/Toybox-Astro-Magnum.asp 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]". Though described as a particle or laser cannon in most related ''Dark of the Moon'' media, it appears to be some variety of cluster missile launcher in the movie proper.
*Select [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in the US had a promotion for a Shockwave poster with the purchase of any [[Transformers brand]] [[toy]] from [[June 5]], 2011 to [[June 11]], 2011.
[[File:DOTM-Shock TLK-Nitro head comp.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Logically, ''we'' must gnaw your head off."]]
*Early artwork for Shockwave for ''Dark of the Moon'' showed '''Blitzwing''' as a working name for the character, obviously an attempt to hide his identity during production.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
*Shockwave's appearance in a [[Burger King]] commercial that depicts him fighting Optimus Prime does not depict any scene in the film. Rather, the animation places Shockwave's model over Sentinel Prime's motions during part of his own fight against Optimus.
*In subsequent films, Shockwave's model is reused for the "[[Two Head]]"s, with the biggest differences being a second one-horned head and the lack of an arm cannon. His head design is also reused and modified for [[Nitro Zeus]], hence the reason Shockwave is mentioned in his TRF prisoner dossier bio.
*[[Harold Attinger|Attinger]]'s playing card of Shockwave was barely visible in ''Age of Extinction''. It wasn't until a prop auction for the ''Transformers'' film series held in 2019 that a clearer view of the card was shown.<ref>''[https://profilesinhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/101TransformersSs.pdf Transformers: The Auction]'' by Profiles in History</ref>
*Shockwave's design in ''Bumblebee'' is heavily inspired by his Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]].
{{--}}

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Sokkoló''' ("Shocker")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jèn-dàng-pō''' (震盪波, "Shock Wave"), '''Zhèngdàngbō''' (震荡波, "Shock Wave")

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=Shockwave
|disambig=Shockwave (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon who's to blame for everything from [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]].
*[[Shockblast]], the murderous Decepticon berserker from [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|''Energon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]], the loyal Decepticon spy from [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|''Animated'']].
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon scientist from the [[Aligned continuity family]].
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon mad scientist from [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|''Cyberverse'']].}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*''Transformers: The Game'' Shockwave [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-01.html concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-02.html vehicle mode renderings], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-03.html robot mode and head concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-04.html final robot mode rendering] and [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-05.html transformation animation guide] on Ken Christiansen's blog.
*[https://www.gamespot.com/videos/transformers-the-game-interview-1/2300-6172356/ ''Transformers: The Game'' video interview with Daniel Suarez, featuring Shockwave footage]

[[Category:Age of Extinction Decepticons]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Bumblebee Decepticons]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Human Alliance Decepticons]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Purple Order]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Studio Series Decepticons]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]

Mini-Con

2022-12-02T22:01:30Z

Auride: /* Conceptual history */

{{factions|minicon|{{factions/icons|custom=PotP-MicronusPrime.png|cSize=30px|cLink=Micronus Prime}}|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Minicon}}
[[File:Minicon symbol.png|upright=1.4|thumb|Intentionally designed to look like the letter "M", the Mini-Con symbol is also reflected in the design of Unicron's helmet.]]

'''Mini-Cons''' (aka '''Minicons''') are a race of small [[Transformer]]s. Like the [[Micromaster]]s they resemble, Mini-Cons are roughly human-sized—quite small compared to most [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s—but while the Micromasters deliberately downsized into smaller bodies to conserve fuel, the naturally diminutive Mini-Cons overflow with energy. Most Mini-Cons possess the ability to impart a portion of this power on larger Cybertronians, granting them extra abilities or greatly increasing their strength through a process known as [[Powerlinx]]ing.

Various stories have connected these mystical abilities to the influence of various godly beings: across the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], different continuities have depicted them as the children of [[Unicron]], the [[Last Autobot]], or [[Micronus Prime]]. Regardless of their origins, however, their abilities make them useful allies and valuable partners—valuable to the point where different factions have come into conflict over these deceptively powerful beings.

{{bigquote|Our presence is a '''catalyst''' for war. It follows us around like a bad smell.|[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]]|''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Transformers: Armada]]'' [[Dreamwave Armada issue 9|#9]]}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:Metamorphcontact.JPG|thumb|left|250px]]

Mini-Cons debuted as the signature [[gimmick]] of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise and in doing so resurrected the "micro [[play pattern]]" that began with the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Cassette]]s from the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline. Compared to these predecessors, however, the Mini-Cons sported increased articulation, a wide variety of [[alternate mode]]s, and relatively complex transformation schemes, with some even able to [[combiner|combine]] into an accessory or a larger super robot. Each Mini-Con figure included a [[Powerlinx]] port, a [[5 mm post|5mm]] round peg-slot that allowed them to connect to a larger toy and, in most cases, activate a spring-loaded play feature.

While every piece of tie-in ''Armada'' fiction featured Mini-Cons in some capacity, individual stories offered radically different portrayals of the Mini-Cons and their role in the conflict. The ''Armada'' cartoon initially portrayed them as artificial "smart tools" who communicated using [[R2-D2]]-style bleeps and bloops, occasionally manifested supernatural powers, and later revealed that [[Unicron]] had deliberately created them to deliberately agitate the raging Autobot-Decepticon war. [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' manga, a midquel set around the same time as the ''Armada'' television show, substantially expounded upon their biology and psychology, and explained various developments in the cartoon by introducing new concepts like [[Digital Entity Frame]]s and the eponymous [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]]. [[Dreamwave Productions]]' [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|''Armada'' comic]], on the other hand, merely depicted the Mini-Cons as an ordinary Cybertronian subgroup unconnected to Unicron. Unlike their cartoon counterparts, these Mini-Cons were fully articulate beings who resented their role in the war, to the point where extremists like [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] renounced both factions in the name of Mini-Con independence.

[[File:11MicronusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''[[W:Green Lantern Corps|In brightest day, in blackest night...]]'']]

Although ''Armada'''s early storylines—which generally focussed on capturing small, colourful characters with limited vocabularies—drew [[Pokeformers|unfavourable comparisons]] from cynical members of the adult fandom, the concept proved a smash hit with the target audience, and Hasbro and Takara extended the gimmick into both ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''. After that, however, Mini-Cons faded into the background; promotional material from the [[Live-action film series|live-action films]] identified a number of small Decepticons like [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] as Mini-Cons, and the vaguely film-adjacent ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' line featured Mini-Cons who could become either weapons or armor for their larger partners. From this point on, most stories dropped the conceit that Mini-Cons were a third faction unto themselves; like Micromasters before them, Mini-Con was used merely to describe their abilities rather than a factional designation.

Although some subsequent stories batted around other origins for the Mini-Cons that never caught on, it would be the launch of the [[Aligned continuity family]] in [[2010]] that pushed the Mini-Cons back into the forefront. As per the [[Binder of Revelation]] created to underpin the endeavour, the Mini-Cons were a diminutive race of Cybertronians who inhabited the planet's [[Moonbase One|two]] [[Moonbase Two|moons]]. In a notable departure from what had come before, Hasbro backported the term to apply to basically ''all'' small Transformers, including characters like [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] and [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]]. The Aligned continuity would go on to introduce a new origin story for the Mini-Cons that would carry forward into the next decade and largely eclipse ''Armada's'' Unicron mythology: 2013's ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]'' introduced [[Micronus Prime]], a member of the [[Thirteen]] and the first Mini-Con. Comments from Hasbro representatives at the time clarified that, in this continuity, all Mini-Cons were his descendants. 2015's ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon featured a number of new Mini-Con characters; carrying on from [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s relationship with [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] in the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' cartoon, the show used the pre-existing term "[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]" to describe those Cybertronians who formed a partnership with one or more Mini-Cons, and later "[[Weaponizer (RID)|Weaponizer]]" in reference to a different group of Mini-Cons who transformed into weapons for their partners to wield.

With the end of the Aligned continuity in 2020 and the subsequent rise of heavily-[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]]-focused media like the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'', franchise, Mini-Cons again fell by the wayside after Hasbro shifted back to marketing small characters as Micromasters and Mini-Cassettes. As a result, it remains to be seen if 2022's ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' toyline will feature their return to coincide with the release of other "[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]" characters like [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]].

{{--}}

==Powerlinx==
{{Main|Powerlinx}}
[[File:HotShotPowerlinx.gif|thumb|left|250px]]

Across the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]], all Mini-Cons possess the ability to [[Powerlinx]] with other forms of technology—including both sentient [[Transformer]]s and mundane machines—and instantly reconfigure their physical construction by sharing their own supernatural power. In this way, a Mini-Con for instance, modify ordinary cars into jet-powered assault vehicles, or upgrade Transformers with new weapons or additional functions. The Mini-Con is not required in order to activate these weapons again, but linking to a Mini-Con again simply enhances their firepower.

The Japanese ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Legends of the Microns]]'' dub called the phenomenon "Evolution", and had Autobots call out the phrase when they Powerlinxed. This has caused some confusion in the Armada viewing audience due to dub issues and the downplaying of the "Evolution" theme, although the term was used twice in the American series by Megatron.

Other [[continuity family|continuity families]] have offered alternate interpretations of the process. Many of the Mini-Cons who have appeared in "[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]]"-based stories appear to lack the ability entirely; in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity family]], meanwhile, Mini-Cons can voluntarily interlock with larger Transformers but require genetic augmentation to access the ability to share their energy with their partners.

{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Unicron Trilogy continuity family===

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity====
[[File:Armada3-wooooosh.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The ultimate friends to the boys and girls.]]

Mini-Cons were a second race of Transformer whose diminutive proportions and physical fragility led to Cybertronians treating them as second-class citizens. Despite their lowly status on pre-war Cybertron, each Mini-Con can naturally tap into a unique extradimensional power source, but most, naturally wary of this seemingly unlimited power, have installed inhibitors designed to prevent them from accessing this ability. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye #3}}

In the years before the Autobot-Decepticon war, the Mini-Cons inhabited a designated Mini-Con Sector on Cybertron and divided that sector into a number of loose, largely autonomous "villages". However, this isolation left them open to attack when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] led his Decepticons on capture raids. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1|Dreamwave Armada #1}} Through experimentation on Mini-Con prisoners, the Decepticons used an ancient technological process to forcibly rewire their prisoners so that they could [[Powerlinx]] with them against their will. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye #3}} Fleeing the Decepticon advance, a small group of Mini-Cons escaped to the planet's abandoned [[Garbage Disposal District]] salvaged [[Exodus (Armada)|a junked ship]] with the intent of rescuing as many Mini-Cons as they could. As Megatron and his army used their new slaves to conquer [[Cyber City]], [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]], [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]], and [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] led a raid on Megatron's primary prison complex, freed as many Mini-Cons as they could, and escaped Cybertron. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

[[File:Armada11-moonbasedestroyed.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Y'know, Megatron, most people just bring a gift basket when they come over.]]

While Megatron and the Decepticons used their monopoly on the remaining Mini-Cons to run amok, the ''Exodus'' suffered a debilitating engine failure that ended with the ship breaking apart—half the ship crash-landed on ancient Earth and scattered dormant Mini-Cons across the planet, while the other half landed on the Moon. One million years later, [[Rad White]] and his friends discovered the crashed starship and inadvertently tripped the ship's restoration protocols, which alerted the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the remaining Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} When the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth to find the Mini-Cons, Sparkplug and a number of recently reactivated Mini-Cons made the decision to Powerlinx with the Autobots to defeat the Decepticons, but made it clear that this alliance had to be a two-way partnership: if the Autobots treated them like slaves, they'd walk. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

Not all Mini-Cons willingly fell in with the Autobots, however: some, like the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team|Land Military Team]], remained free agents who openly distrusted both the Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}} Others took the concept of Mini-Con independence to its logical extreme: marooned on the Moon with a small group of Mini-Cons who'd survived the crash, [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] took command of the group and spent the next million years establishing a concealed [[Mini-Con Moonbase]]; ostensibly a place where Mini-Cons could live freely. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} The reactivation of the Earthbound Mini-Cons prompted Dualor to forcibly de-escalate the situation by sending a specialized "[[Mini-Con Ark]]" to Earth, which hypnotized the Mini-Cons and brought them back to Dualor's lunar fortress. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} Despite his attempts to convince [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], and [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] of his good intentions, Sparkplug felt that the paranoid, abusive Dualor would force them to join his cause, just as the Autobots and Decepticons had. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}}

Although Dualor's followers successfully repelled the first Decepticon incursion, a full-scale assault ended with the destruction of their moonbase; while many Mini-Cons boarded escape pods to Earth, Dualor, [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] fell into a triumphant Megatron's clutches. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}} However, thanks to a cleverly integrated failsafe program, they were able to prevent Megatron from using their power against their will and allowed Dualor to strike a deal: they'd help him in exchange for a degree of leadership. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} After their combined power drove Cyclonus insane, Megatron mused that he knew that the Mini-Cons would betray him as he retrieved them. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[File:Mini-cons.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gotta catch 'em all!]]

Fleeing the advance of a dimension-hopping [[Unicron]], the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] abandoned his native universe aboard a [[null-reality pod]] in the hopes of finding another dimension that could stand up to the planet-eater. He brought with him the [[Mini-Con Matrix]], an artifact into which all the Mini-Cons of his universe had placed their spark essences. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}} Upon arriving, he immediately set up a beacon which attracted the attention of [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s alike. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] arrived first but were shot down by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who attempted to claim Over-Run for himself, seeing him merely as another Mini-Con to be used for battle and not realizing his origins. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} After realizing Over-Run's true nature, he joined the Autobots as they tried to locate Optimus Prime, who'd been cast adrift in the [[multiverse]] by Over-Run's arrival. Upon rallying Sparkplug and a number of other Mini-Cons to break into the Decepticon's base and retrieve the pod, the Mini-Cons transported themselves to [[Primax 703.09 Gamma|another dimension]] and rescued Optimus and Jetfire moments before Unicron destroyed that reality's Cybertron. The Mini-Con Matrix powered up all five of their forms, allowing Optimus Prime and Jetfire to combine, while the Mini-Cons linked with them, and together they blasted Unicron hard enough to make him notice them before warping back to their universe. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

After bringing together all of [[Earth]]'s Mini-Cons, Over-Run led them through a space bridge portal to Cybertron, where they channeled all of their spark essences through the Mini-Con Matrix and destroyed Unicron. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====Cartoon continuity====
[[File:Prehistory-MiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|It's time to battle, for a battle, 'till you drop.]]

Mini-Cons are unique "digital entities": while other Cybertronians comprised of [[living metal]] derive life and sentience from their individual [[spark]]s, Mini-Cons are entirely comprised of a unique form of self-sustaining energy known as a "[[Digital Entity Frame]]", Part soul, part genome, this inexhaustible power source dictates a Mini-Con's programming and physical appearance and allows them to physically alter an object's molecular structure or [[Powerlinx]] with larger Transformers. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}} If needed, a Mini-Con can enter a unique form of low-power [[stasis lock|stasis]] by dissipating their physical forms and converting back into pure energy stored within a tiny, nearly-indestructible "[[Mini-Con storage panel|storage panel]]". {{storylink|Prehistory}}

All Mini-Cons possess a "[[Servility Program]]" that compels them to imprint upon the "[[bulk]]" who activates them and obey their new partner, no matter how cruelly they might be treated. {{storylink|Linkage Part 5}} Although all Mini-Cons are creations of Unicron, "free" Mini-Cons who have developed the capacity for thought and free will are connected through a metaphysical dimension known as the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage]]. Without a physical form to ground them in the material world, they will diffuse into the sea of consciousness. The [[Master Key]] acts as a final failsafe; should a Mini-Con deviate from their original programming by connecting to the Linkage, they will lose access to their full power. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}}

Although the vast majority of Mini-Cons spoke an indecipherable binary language, {{storylink|Force of Habit}} Mini-Cons can choose to form a mental link with other beings to allow for a more direct medium of communication. {{storylink|Linkage Part 2}}

{{--}}

=====''Armada'' cartoon=====
[[File:Drift-MiniConBirth.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Unicron created the Mini-Cons from his own cells, mindless drones who would agitate and amplify the civil war raging on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Once unleashed on Cybertron, the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s would battle for control of these power-enhancing "smart tools"; the negative psychic energy unleashed by the rampant death and destruction would indirectly fuel Unicron; once he'd gathered enough power, the Mini-Cons would incapacitate their partners and Unicron would fully awaken to consume Cybertron and eliminate his biggest obstacle to devouring all of existence. {{storylink|Origin}} Unicron invested a large portion of his power into three Mini-Con teams who combined into weapons: the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]], and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. This not only made them weapons of unimaginable power and potent sources of energy, but also the key to awakening Unicron from his hibernation. {{storylink|Portent}}

A number of other Mini-Cons displayed unusual powers: some could [[combiner|combine]] to form a larger robot, {{storylink|Comrade}}, others could Powerlinx with and control inanimate machines like [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer, {{storylink|Jungle}}, and one, [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], displayed the ability to manipulate time. Through this ability, three [[human]] children from the future--[[Rad White]], [[Carlos Lopez]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang]]--were sent to the Mini-Cons' birthing chamber inside [[Unicron]] just seconds before the small robots emerged from their pods. As the Mini-Cons had been designed to form mental bonds with other life forms, Rad's contact with a newborn High Wire caused the newborn race to develop free will, empathy, and the capacity for self-determination. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

[[File:Street action team.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Catch you, catch me.]]

At some point after this, the Mini-Cons emerged on Cybertron in the midst of the Autobot-Decepticon civil war. The Decepticons quickly discovered the power offered by Powerlinxing and began enslaving every Mini-Con they encountered; in response, a group of Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] formed an alliance with the heroic Autobots and willingly shared their power with their partners. As the war dragged on, both sides realized the Mini-Cons had become the centerpiece of their conflict, and an agreement was made: the Mini-Cons would receive a [[Exodus (Armada)|ship]] that would let them leave Cybertron and find a new home somewhere else in the universe. To make the trip, the majority of Mini-Cons converted themselves into storage panels, leaving only a skeleton crew to pilot and maintin their ship. However, when the ''Exodus'' launched, the Decepticons ambushed the ship in an attempt to claim all the Mini-Cons, but the Autobots provided enough cover fire for the ship to safely warp out of Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Prehistory}} Unfortunately, the Decepticon attack and strain of passing through multiple [[warp gate]]s damaged the ship and sent it and its cargo drifting aimlessly through space for many millions of years. Finally, the ''Exodus'' finally collided with [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]] and broke apart. As half of the ship fell into Earth's atmosphere, emergency systems fired Mini-Con panels in every direction and scattered them across the planet. {{storylink|First Encounter}}

While most of the Mini-Cons remined hidden over the intervening millennia, an advanced ancient culture discovered the three Mini-Cons who formed the Star Saber; when they unleashed its power during a war with another nation, the energies unleashed sunk their city beneath the sea and gave rise to the legend of [[Atlantis]]. {{storylink|Ruin}} Another civilization in the [[Sahara]] discovered [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]]'s panel and built a temple around it. {{storylink|Palace}}

[[File:Origin-Unicrons.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Everybody Polkamon!]]

In the year [[2010]], Rad, Carlos, and Alexis discovered the wreckage of the ''Exodus'' buried beneath [[Lincoln, Nebraska]] and inadvertently activated a beacon that summoned both the Autobots and Decepticon to Earth in search of the newly-reactivated Mini-Con panels. {{storylink|First Encounter}} {{storylink|Prehistory}} The two factions hunted Mini-Con after Mini-Con, but the three Mini-Con weapons eventually ended up in the hands of the Decepticons thanks to Unicron's servant [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] and the conflicted loyalties of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} They'd be used to power the Decepticon's planet-destroying [[Hydra Cannon]], which was only prevented from destroying Earth by Optimus Prime's sacrifice {{storylink| Threaten}}{{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}} By pooling their power with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the Autobot-allied Mini-Cons were capable of restoring Optimus to life. {{storylink|Miracle}}

When the Autobot and Decepticons found themselves under assault by Unicron's minion [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], the assembled Mini-Cons used their powers as a group to restore and empower their larger partners. {{storylink|Puppet}} When their creator finally reared his head to assault Cybertron, the Mini-Cons would merge into [[Unicron of Light|a giant doppelganger]] to face him. {{storylink|Union}} However, Unicron was able to temporarily reset the Mini-Cons and return them to their original mindless states, although the deep connection between the Rad and his Mini-Con friend High Wire permanently broke Unicron's hold over them. {{storylink|Origin}}

{{--}}

=====''Linkage'' comic=====
[[File:Arm-art Linkage01-UnderAttack.jpg|thumb|left|300px|]]

When humanity interfered with the newly-born Mini-Cons at the moment of their creation and granted them something akin to a soul, not ''all'' the Mini-Cons were freed. A small number of Mini-Cons remained loyal to their creator and made it their mission to hunt down their "renegade" brethren—specially programmed [[Fixer Bug]]s forcibly Powerlinxed with their victims and cut them off from the Linkage by overwriting their core programming and reducing them back to a storage panel form. Once reactivated and released, the "new" Mini-Con would once again be a slave to Unicron. {{storylink|Linkage Part 5}}

In the modern day, Unicron loyalists [[Midship]] and [[Top Gear]] travelled to Earth to capture and reprogram the Mini-Cons recently loosed upon the planet. After forcibly recruiting [[Tailslide]] to their side, the trio pursued the recently-reacitvated [[Super Stunt Team]], who'd recently taken shelter with the [[human]] [[Stella Holley]] after using their powers to hastily reconfigure her car into a weapon. {{storylink|Linkage Part 2}} In between trying to elude their Unicronian brethren activating other Mini-Cons, [[Redline]] began searching for a way to truly free his people, inspired by a vision of "the terrible one" while freeing [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]]'s spirit from the Linkage, he turned his attention to finding a way to unlock the [[Master Key]]: when Mini-Cons gained sentience and free will, Unicron's failsafe would activate and "lock away" much of their power. {{storylink|Linkage Part 8}}

[[File:Arm-art Linkage13-City.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Thanks to obtaining scans of the Unicron-allied Mini-Cons, Redline devised an "evolution" device that would allow them to finally unlock the Master Key programming, break their Servility Programs, and awaken their true abilities. {{storylink|Linkage Part 9}} However, as they prepared for this momentous leap forward, the [[Aqua Raider Team]] unleashed the murderous, [[Doomstone]]-enhanced [[Ravenus]] on the free Mini-Cons; using his enhanced [[Powerlinx]] abilities, he forcibly Powerlinxed witih [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]] and [[Servo (Armada)|Servo]] with the intent of using this link to unleash the Doomstone's negative psychic energy into the Linkage and permanently return the Mini-Cons to their original state by destroying the Linkage. {{storylink|Linkage Part 10}} The upgraded Mini-Cons, now growing in number as the Master Key spread to all "free" Mini-Cons through the Linkage, used their new powers to reverse the mutations and return Ravenus to his original form, as well as safely remove the Doomstone from his body. Following this, the remaining Mini-Cons on Earth departed to meet up with the Autobots as they prepared for their battle against Unicron. {{storylink|Linkage Part 12}}

After Unicron's destruction, all of the Mini-Cons created [[Mini-Con city|a city]] somewhere on Earth, safe from the machinations of Unicron or the Decepticons, and extended an invitation to their friend Stella to join them. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}
{{--}}

=====''Cloud''=====
The existence of [[Mini-Con]]s as a great source of power was not known to the denizens of the [[Cloud World]] till the [[Starscream (Cloud)|Starscream]] of that world forced a pursuit into the [[spacetime]] known as 15-MD. The native [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] of that spacetime was seeking a Mini-Con when the Cloud Worlders arrived, and so Cloud Starscream joined his counterpart to find the Mini-Con in some [[South America]]n ruins. {{storylink|Encounter}} In the resulting battle that ensued between [[Optimus Prime (Cloud)|Optimus Prime]], [[Brawn (Cloud)|Brawn]], and the two Starscreams, the [[Mini-Con storage panel]] was destroyed by Cloud Starscream, angering everybody else involved. {{storylink|Hammer (Cloud)|Hammer}} However, the soul of the Mini-Con within the panel—[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]]—was able to contact [[SARA]], and the Cloud World entity was able to tap into the power of the Mini-Cons through incorporating this soul within her. Using the Mini-Cons' energy as a form of "[[spacetime energy]]", SARA was able to return all of the visitors to their home reality. {{storylink|Return}}

=====''Energon'' cartoon=====

Ten years after Unicron's defeat, most of the Mini-Cons had left Earth, although the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] remained active in [[Ocean City]]. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} Later, the [[Energon Saber|Energon Saber Mini-Con Team]] fled [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]'s attack on [[Mars City]], and used their combined form to great effect as [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] 's private weapon. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

{{--}}

=====''Cybertron'' cartoon=====
{{note|[[Fun Publications]] fiction has linked the ''Cybertron'' Mini-Cons, who otherwise had no real origin story in the cartoon, to the original group from ''Armada'' by implying that an ancestral population of Mini-Cons migrated to planets like [[Gigantion]], [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]], and [[Velocitron]] along with full-sized Cybertronian colonists. However, this does not fully line up with the fiction, as the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' are explicitly shown appearing during the Autobot-Decepticon war, long after the collapse of the galactic [[space bridge]]s.}}

[[File:Scourge-BudMiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Aloha e komo mai.]]

During the war against the forces of [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]], the citizens of [[Gigantion]] used their [[Cyber Planet Key]] to grow to colossal sizes and emerged triumphant. However, the sudden size discrepancy left them unable to interact with many of the computers and delicate machines they utilized. Thus, the Mini-Cons who’d arrived with the original colonists found a new role as “little detail” workers who assisted their larger companions with the delicate tasks and intricate work they could no longer perform as they toiled away on their endless construction projects. As a result of these unique selective pressures, future generations of Mini-Cons would convergently evolve a brain structure similar to a [[human]]’s, which offered an increased capacity for creative thought and lateral thinking. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}} As on Cybertron, individual Cybertronians could Powerlinx and formed symbiotic partnerships with their larger comrades. {{storylink|Giant}}

The citizens of Gigantion built an entire Mini-Con scaled city to house these smaller workers in-between construction projects; to accommodate the unique, human-like needs of its citizens, it featured ample greenery, playgrounds, museums, and even an amusement park. In time, however, this city, like all the other cities created by the citizens of Gigantion, would be quietly abandoned and sealed over millennia. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}}

During the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, [[Vector Prime]] brought [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] to Earth, where they quickly befriended the human children [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]]. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} When the search for the four Cyber Planet Keys brought Optimus Prime and his allies to Gigantion, several Mini-Cons accompanied Bud to the lower levels of their homeworld, where [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] taught his human friend their history. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}}

After reaching the ''[[Lemuria (Cybertron)|Lemuria]]'' at the core of Giant Planet, Gigantion leader [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] was forced to fight the renegade [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]]. Their battle ended when their respective Mini-Cons [[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] and [[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] leapt in the way and forced the pair to come to a peaceful resolution. {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}} After [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]’s final defeat, a number of Mini-Cons, both Cybertron and Gigantion, took part in the ceremony that marked the rebirth of the long-abandoned [[space bridge]] project. {{storylink|Beginning}}

{{--}}

=====''Cybertron'' comic=====
[[File:RevelationsPart5-MiniConCivilWar.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

By the time of the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, most of the Mini-Cons living on Cybertron had relocated to Cybertron's moons, where they established a number of self-sufficient colonies under the governance of an appointed [[Mini-Con Council of Sages|Council of Sages]] who desired independence from both the Autobots and Decepticons. As the Singularity threatened to consume Cybertron and its myriad satellites, Council member [[Anti-Blaze]] began work on a self-sufficent evacuation fleet that would take every Mini-Con to the [[S-K System]]... only for [[Thrust (Cybertron)|Thrust]], agent of a group of Mini-Con insurgents, to destroy six stellar cycles of work in an hour. This opening salvo heralded the beginning of the [[Mini-Con Civil War]] between Anti-Blaze's independents and a group of malcontents led by the [[Sky Terror Mini-Con Team]] and abetted by the [[Decepticon]]s. Although Anti-Blaze quickly marshalled a fighting force and pushed the rebels back into a neighbouring asteroid field, {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 11|Anti-Blaze, Scythe, & Checkpoint's profile in Club magazine #11}} rumours of a Decepticon superweapon prompted Anti-Blaze to swallow his pride and contact Cybertron for help. {{storylink|Revelations Part 4}}

Aided by a dimension-hopping [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Sentinel Maximus]], the remaining Autobots on Cybertron took the fight to the insurgents; the brief war came to a swift end shortly afterwards, when a reborn [[Unicron]] arrived on the battlefield and killed many of the rebel Mini-Cons while absorbing the life forces of their Decepticon partners. After Primus's reactivation and the subsequent closure of the Unicron Singularity, [[Alpha Trion (Energon)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] promised to assist Anti-Blaze in hunting down the remaining Mini-Con separatists. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}}

{{--}}

=====''Timelines''=====
[[File:Astrotrain-CybComic.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

A hidden arsenal on [[Combatron (planet)|Combatron]] housed many of the most dangerous weapons known to Cybertronians, including several Mini-Con storage panels. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

The Powerlinx process involved a data transfer protocol; through this, a full-sized Cybertronian could obtain information from one or more Mini-Cons by linking with their data banks and reading their memories. The Powerlinx process could also prove extremely addictive, {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}} to the point where some Cybertronians who'd completely succumbed to their addiction would force unwilling Mini-Cons to bond with them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}} A few 'bots like [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] would turn a mere partnership into a true symbiosis by undergoing a [[binary bonding]] process that physically merged the two together into a single shared robot form. {{storylink|Force of Habit}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}}

In the years after Unicron's second defeat, some Mini-Cons switched over to speaking [[Cybertronian Standard]] to facilitate communication with their larger partners, {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}} although by this time some Cybertronians eschewed Mini-Cons and [[Energon star|energon chip]]s in favour of the more reliable [[Cyber Key]]s. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

{{--}}

====Panini ''Armada'' comic====
[[File:CounterStrike MirageCaptured.jpg|thumb|right|300px|They'll trip you up, give you a flat tire, or make your socks go missing in the dryer.]]

The war on Cybertron began with a series of Decepticon raids upon the planet's Mini-Con villages. Decepticons found ways to forcibly re-engineer the Mini-Cons so that they would power-link with unwilling partners. Although the Autobots rose up to fight back, some Mini-Cons viewed both sides with distrust—on one occasion, the Mini-Con separatist Dualor engineered a phony crisis that would wipe out both Optimus Prime and Megatron, but [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] warned Optimus of the ruse and foiled his plan. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} Eventually, Sparkplug and most of the remaining free Mini-Cons departed Cybertron aboard a spaceship, which later crashed on Earth's moon and scattered multiple Mini-Cons across Earth. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

In [[1959]], the United States military chanced across the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]], who'd they found buried underneath [[Los Angeles]]. The top-secret [[Extra-Terrestrial Response Division]] made an effort to understand the aliens, and later used [[inhibitor clamp]]s to turn them into mindless weapons, but the trio overrode the clamps, went rogue, and escaped to the nearby town of [[Stillwater]] before the ETRD recaptured their assets, but not before the team passed along a message to local human [[Amos Hume]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Blast from the Past!}} Fifty years later, Rad White and his friends chanced across the crashed spaceship and triggered a planetary reactivation beacon that reached Cybertron. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

[[File:FriendsAndFoes-MiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|300px|From the stars and the ancient past; they come to play, but they'll never last.]]

As the Autobots and Decepticons arrived to locate the lost Mini-Cons, Sparkplug and his allies initially declined to choose a side in the war, but later joined forces with Optimus and his troops. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} Despite the misgivings of both the humans and the Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime later decided to send the Mini-Cons back through a [[space bridge]] to Cybertron for safekeeping, but when they stood their ground against a Decepticon attack Optimus let them stay. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} Although Sparkplug, [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] tried to free the Decepticon Mini-Cons, they found that Leader-1 and his compatriots were quite happy to serve the Decepticons. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|Into the Lions' Den}} Other Mini-Cons like the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] were quite happy to remain independent from the war, {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} but later found themselves captured by the ETRD and learned what had befallen their brethren in the Land Military Team. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|'We Are Not Alone!'}} The team eventually crashed an ETRD auction and rescued their fellow Mini-Cons with the assistance of Rad and Amos. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|Sale of the Century!}}

In the meantime, Optimus and his forces rescued a number of dormant Mini-Cons from Megatron on the moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}} [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] later tried to force the Air Defense team to form the mighty Star Sabre by deactivating their personality chips, but without their individual personalities to modulate the sword's power Starscream nearly lost control of his weapon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|[The Two-Edged Blade!}} Later, Optimus pretended to surrender the Mini-Cons in exchange for amnesty; {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}after his successful doublecross, the Mini-Cons adrift aboard a [[solar barge]] rescued themselves from [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Lost in Space!}} Dualor and the other members of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], seeking vengeance against ''all'' Cybertronians, Powerlinxed with Cyclonus and overrode his own motor functions until Starscream used a [[Sonic destabiliser]] to forcibly disengage the Powerlinx. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

====Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels====
Four million years ago, the Mini-Cons found themselves caught in the middle of the Autobot-Decepticon war, which came to a head when the Mini-Cons were gathered in a giant orbiting storage facility as the ultimate prize. However, after the destruction of Cybertron's moon, both sides called a truce and sent the Mini-Cons away aboard a starship. Tho keep the Mini-Cons from being used by other alien races, their ship included a [[warp gate]] that would teleport representatives from both the Autobots and Decepticons should the need arise. However, gathering the Mini-Cons together had an unexpected side effect; their collective intelligence grew, and they developed feelings of independence and solidarity. By the time that their ship crashed on the Moon, the Mini-Cons' existence became a half-forgotten legend amongst the other Transformers as war reignited between the two factions; when humans discovered the Mini-Cons, the warp gate brought Cybertronians to Earth to continue their battle. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
In one reality, many thousands of years after their return to Cybertron, the Mini-Cons remembered and honoured the generosity of their long-dead human friends by celebrating [[Halloween]]. {{storylink|Something Robotic This Way Comes}}

In another universe, the Mini-Con [[QuickFire]] brought his comatose partner [[Riptide (Armada)|Riptide]] to Earth to recover. While Riptide's body and mind healed, Quickfire, who transformed into Riptide's engine block, could remotely control his larger partner's alternate mode. {{storylink|Lonesome Diesel}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
In a unique variation of {{w|Batesian mimicry}}, a number of Mini-Cons have adopted the names of particularly powerful or dangerous Cybertronians in an attempt to intimidate those who might otherwise capture them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/15}}

In universe [[Aurex 1104.30-DB Zeta]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] reverse-engineered [[combiner]] technology and applied it to a number of Mini-Cons. The upgrade changed them into [[Micromaster]]s, an entirely new breed of Transformer; with six beings Powerlinxing together, they packed tremendous energy into a frame no larger than the average Cybertronian. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 31/7/2015}}

The Mini-Cons of [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]] were creations of [[Primacron]], and sparked a three-way war between the Autobots, Decepticons, and [[Omnicon]]s until [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] and the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]]s invaded. From this conquest, Megazarak acquried [[Caliburn (Armada)|Caliburn]] as his personal Mini-Con. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

In [[Aurex 1104.30-JH Zeta]], time-travelling [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s fought the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] for control of the Mini-Cons hidden on Earth. Although some Mini-Cons willingly joined forces with the Beast Warriors, others remained neutral. The conflict ended with [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his followers rescuing all the Mini-Cons in [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s custody. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 8, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/13}} Another parallel-universe iteration of the Beast Wars in [[Aurex 615.03 Epsilon]] had the Mini-Con crews of the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Doomsday]]'' journey to [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]'s [[Alpha Q's universe|universe]] to provide reinforcements. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/23}}

[[Vector Prime]] observed the many similarities between Mini-Cons, [[Micromaster]]s, and [[Cyberdroid]]s, and noted that, due to [[Trans-dimensional harmonic resonance|trans-dimensional harmonic resonance]], a Mini-Con might have identical counterparts who belonged to one of these other groups in other universal clusters, while small Autobots like [[Minimus Ambus]] had Mini-Con, Micromaster, and Cyberdroid counterparts elsewhere in the [[multiverse]]. More than once, Vector opined that the distinction between the three subgroups boiled down to linguistics—in his opinion, different realities used different names to describe the same core concept. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/20}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/07}}

====Spacewarp's Log====
Early in her career, [[Spacewarp]] spent her time searching for a rumoured "lost tribe" of Mini-Cons who'd fled the war and established a colony somewhere in the vicinity of the planet [[Tasumo|Tasmos]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/30}}

===Generation 1 continuity family===
====3H comics====
[[Ramulus]] sardonically compared the timid [[CatSCAN]] to an "apologetic Mini-Con". {{storylink|Betrayal}}

====''Classics''====
[[File:Lastautobotnewworld.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

In the aftermath of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s devastating attack on Cybertron in [[1991]], [[Hi-Q]] and a group of humans discovered the mythical [[Last Autobot]] and roused him from his slumber. Although the Last Autobot realized that his power would be needed elsewhere, he recognized that Cybertron had suffered severe damage and created a race of stewards who would gradually rebuild Cybertron and nurse the wounded world back to health. Using data acquired from the [[binary bonding|binary-bonded]] fusion of Hi-Q and the rebuilt [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Action Master]] body, he created the Mini-Cons, and imbued each with a fragment of his own [[spark]] so that they could access his own formidable powers. [[Modus Prime]], the first Mini-Con created, became the leader of this new race.

Over the next fifteen years, the Mini-Cons worked to repair Cybertron, in anticipation of the day when all Cybertronians could return home; in addition to rebuilding the planet's infrastructure, the Mini-Cons waged a brutal extermination campaign against the [[Demon]]s and [[Mutant (G1)|Mutant]]s who dwelt in the planet's labyrinthine underlevels. However, as their work neared completion, a number of Mini-Cons began questioning their appointed roles after one Mini-Con, [[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]], discovered the Decepticon philosophy; after more than a decade of waging war against Primus's discarded experiments, he grew fearful that Primus would cast ''them'' aside too. In the name of preserving the world they'd built for Mini-Cons and Mini-Cons alone, Broadside orchestrated the assassination of Modus Prime, silenced anyone who'd seen the crime, and lied about a fabricated "madness plague" to justify the quarantine of Cybertron. However, news of Broadside's role in the murder soon spread, and before long Cybertron collapsed back into a new civil war between Broadside's rogue faction and the loyalists. {{storylink|The New World}}

{{--}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
[[File:LegendsVol19-Groundshaker.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
The Mini-Cons of this universe are a sub-set of the diminutive [[Micromaster]]s. When most of the Micromaster population fell under the command of [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] to found their own civilization on [[Micro|Planet Micro]], some elected to remain with the Autobots to help them continue the war. These little 'bots partnered up with larger Transformers, adopting weapon and equipment [[alternate mode]]s (in addition to their vehicular forms) which their partners could wield. Like the Mini-Cons from other universes, they provide their partners with a power-up by connecting to them when in weapon mode. Some of the earliest known include [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s partners [[Groundshaker (Legends)|Groundshaker]] and [[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]]. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}}

Evidence suggests that Mini-Cons would persist into the [[Beast Era]]: the enigmatic [[Wedge Shape]], as well as several of the combatants involved in the "[[Micron Booster#Micron Booster Ver. 4: Endless Battle—Eternal Prisoner|Eternal Prisoner]]" conflict, professed [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] allegiances. {{storylink|Micron Booster|Micron Booster Ver. 4}} Additionally, Mini-Con [[Dragoyell]] took part in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|Dragoyell|Dragoyell's bio}}
{{--}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:ThePermanentRevolution-toocooltoenunciate.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

After the conclusion of the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]], [[Micronus Prime]] left Cybertron aboard the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]] and together they colonized a [[Prion (planet)|distant world]]. {{storylink|White Heat}} Using the [[Hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] within his body, Prion birthed a civilization of Mini-Cons. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} Approximately seven million years ago, Micronus left the colony to fend for itself while he retreated into a unique sub-atomic realm known as [[Microspace]]. {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}}

In the 21st century, the peaceful planet met its end when the robo-phobic [[Black Block Consortia]] discovered and promptly sterilized the planet. The sole survivor, a female four-changer named [[Nickel]], joined up with the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] when they chanced across the ruined world a few days after the attack. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

When the Transformers first encountered the [[Stentarian]] species, they mistook the tiny [[Ammonite]]s for miniature Decepticons, and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] nicknamed them "Minicons". {{storylink|Little Victories}}

===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] referred to his Micromaster partner [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]] as his "Mini-Con", short for "mini-Decepticon". {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|Whisper's profile in Club magazine #25}}

{{--}}

===Live-action film series===
[[File:HeavyweightvsAutotrooper-CMW.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Mini-Cons are a mysterious group of small Transformers. Known Mini-Cons include [[Longarm (Movie Mini-Con)|Longarm]], [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Chopster]], and [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]].

In a reality where [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] won the battle of [[Chicago]], he recruited a trio of Mini-Cons that included [[Boombox]], Scalpel, and [[Heavyweight]]. {{storylink|Cybertron's Most Wanted}} The whole lot of them were transported to [[Axiom Nexus]] when Megatron plummeted off a space bridge after a battle against [[Hot Rod (DOTM)|Rodimus Prime]]. Though Heavyweight and the other Mini-Cons were identified by the TransTechs, they overlooked Megatron himself, believing his truck mode to simply be a derelict heap. {{storylink|Megatron (Movie)#TransTech|BotCon 2015 Megatron bio card}}

{{--}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
[[Commander (PCC)|Commander]]s had the ability to combine with Mini-Cons, which powered up their abilities in vaguely defined ways.<ref>[[Smolder (PCC)|Smolder]]'s bio, [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]]'s bio, [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]]'s bio, and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]]'s bio.</ref> Some power ups are given more specific descriptions: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] became faster, stronger, and smarter; [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] got extended operational duration; [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] became invisible to sensors; and [[Darkstream]] received enhanced maneuverability.<ref>See respective toy bios.</ref>

{{--}}

===''Animated''===
[[File:TheStunticonJob-Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The Autobots used Mini-Cons to guard high-security prison facilities like [[Trypticon Prison]] in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}} Although Mini-Cons were supposedly loyal to the Autobot regime, a few cynics like [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] had their doubts. {{storylink|The AllSpark Almanac Addendum}}

{{--}}

===Aligned continuity family===
[[File:Deployer DarknessRising3.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

'''Mini-Cons''' (sometimes spelled '''Minicons''') are a race of small, human-sized Transformers who inhabit Cybertron's two moons. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} Descendants of [[Micronus Prime]], the first Mini-Con,<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011-hasbro-story-building-panel-172316/ TFW coverage of Botcon 2011 Hasbro Story Building Panel]</ref> they come in a great variety of shapes; though some adopt humanoid forms, others possess animalistic [[beast mode]]s instead.

In these realities, the majority of Mini-Cons do not Powerlinx with larger Transformers, and only Mini-Cons who have been specifically altered at the [[CNA|genetic level]] can utilize a variation of this power. Instead, Mini-Cons who form partnerships with the Autobots or Decepticons adopt specialized [[alternate mode]]s that allow them to interlock with their larger partners to form an additional layer of armor. These specialized "[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]s", as they are known, can be summoned into action by their larger partner, whereupon they detach and transform back into their robot configurations. By the time of Cybertron's restoration following the end of the war, such Mini-Cons are subdivided into three groups: Autobot "buzzsaws," Decepticon "torpedoes," and unaligned "Cyclones," who have spherical alternate modes. {{storylink|Knock, Knock!}}

{{--}}

====Aligned novels====
Although some Cybertronians displayed prejudice against Minicons—[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] despised them, while [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]] associated them with distrust—they nevertheless had a political presence in the pre-war era, with representative [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] serving on the planet's [[Autobot High Council|High Council]]. Minicons could choose to communicate with other Cybertronians, but while conducting espionage or sabotage missions they usually communicated via a series of tightly coded electronic pulses.

During the buildup to the planet's Great War, the nascent Decepticon movement made extensive use of Minicons in various terrorist acts: thirty-six Decepticon-allied Minicons bombed the [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]] amusement park, and another destroyed [[Fort Scyk]]. A number of Mini-Cons attended the fateful meeting of the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] that saw Orion Pax promoted to the rank of [[Prime (rank)|Prime]].

When war broke out in earnest, a pair of Autobot-allied Minicon saboteurs stole the secrets of Decepticon [[combiner]] technology, which allowed the Autobots to create [[Defensor (WFC)|Defensor]]. Multiple Decepticon Minicons served aboard the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] facility during the final battle before the exodus to [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Prime'' cartoon=====
[[File:DeusExMachina AMT-Party.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Did you bring hummus?]]

{{note|The Arms Micron backstory was told specifically in reference to the "partner" Microns packed in with larger toys, but it is assumed that it holds true for all toys called "Arms Microns" regardless of release type.}}

A new group of Mini-Cons were created on [[Earth]] when the planet's energon infused the Transformers' weapons with life and the power to transform. These new robots became known as the [[Arms Micron]]s. {{storylink|Arms Micron Theater}}

{{--}}

=====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon=====
[[File:HuntingSeason Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

During the Great War, Decepticon scientists captured and genetically modified seven Mini-Cons into "[[Weaponizer (RID)|Weaponizer]]s", an aberrant group of Mini-Cons who could transform into weapons and override the motor functions of the Transformers who Powerlinxed with them. Anyone who could Powerlinx with all seven at once would become even stronger than even a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}} {{storylink|Worthy}} The project was incomplete when Megatron dissolved the Decepticons, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] discovered their stasis-locked bodies in the depths of [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]] while fleeing [[Skylynx (Prime)|Skylynx]] and [[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]]. Before he could turn them to his own ends, however, the Weaponizers escaped and fell in with the [[Scavenger (RID 2015)|Scavengers]] to take them somewhere off Cybertron before Starscream could find them. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}}

Another group of Mini-Cons, known as [[Caretaker Mini-Con|Caretaker]]s, appear to have been mass-produced through some unknown process. While some members of this group, including those found aboard a wrecked spaceship from the Great War, acted like pre-programmed [[drone]]s, {{storylink|Deep Trouble (RID)|Deep Trouble}} the [[Autobot High Council]] considered them self-sufficient to the point where they could autonomously run large prison ships such as the ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]''. Some of these Caretakers, most prominently [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]], possessed the capability for free will and independent thought, but reverted to a mindless "sentry mode" when [[Denny Clay]] tampered with his internal workings. {{storylink|The Trouble with Fixit}} When the ''Alchemor'' crashed on Earth, the freed Decepticon prisoners revolted and enslaved the Mini-Cons. When the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] arrived to take the ship, they joined in overthrowing their captors and eventually returned to Cybertron. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 2)}}

[[File:MightyBigTrouble-Weaponizers.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Shortly after this, the Weaponizers arrived on Earth, pursued by Starscream and a number of rogue agents; after clashing with the Scavengers a few times, the Weaponizers sided with the Autobots. Starscream attempted to merge with the Mini-Cons, only for it to fail because [[Tricerashot]] was missing, but even after obtaining the power of all seven Fixit was able to activate a signal and separate [[Aerobolt]]. Aerobolt Powerlinxed with Optimus, and gave the Autobot leader the last boost of power he needed to destory the super-powered Starscream. Afterwards, Aerobolt and his fellow Mini-Cons left Earth aboard the Scavenger's sub-orbital ship to find a new planet where they could live in peace. {{storylink|Worthy}}

The [[Autobot High Council|Cybertronian High Council]] experimented on the Mini-Cons [[Stuntwing]], [[Trickout]], [[Goldgear]], and [[Hi-Test (RID)|Hi-Test]]; in addition to erasing their memories, they also received the power to upgrade Transformers through Powerlinxing and open [[GroundBridge]]s to the [[Shadowzone (dimension)|Shadowzone]] in order to assist Soundwave in his escape. {{storylink|Collateral Damage}}

{{--}}

=====''Rescue Bots'' cartoon=====
[[File:TheNeedForSpeed Bounce.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Back against the wall, you gonna give it your all.]]

After escaping the prison ship ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]'', the rogue Mini-Con [[Bounce]] fled through the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]]'s [[GroundBridge]] and made a mess of [[Griffin Rock]] until [[Blurr (Prime)|Blurr]] and [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] recaptured him. {{storylink|The Need for Speed}}

{{--}}

===''TransTech''===
The first dimensionally-displaced Mini-Cons to arrive in the city of [[Axiom Nexus]] were misidentified as [[Micromaster]]s until the discovery of the [[Aurex]] cluster. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}} During the "Mass Reemergence", numerous [[Mini-Con]]s in the Aurex Cluster suddenly appeared on the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s' scanners. These Mini-Cons became pawns in the Autobot-Decepticon war and eventually attracted [[Unicron]], who sought to use them to make himself more powerful. Howeve,r the Mini-Cons combined their power to single-handedly defeat Unicron, and an unlikely peace prevailed when the Mini-Cons demanded to be left alone. The [[Transcendent Technomorph]] [[Heinrad (TransTech)|Heinrad]] emerged into this Aurex universe and offered the Mini-Cons a choice: stay and help the Autobot-Decepticon war effort, or leave to live in peace in [[Axiom Nexus]]. Most chose the latter option. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}}

Upon arriving in Axiom Nexus, many Mini-Cons who hailed from "Alpha" universal clusters, where Mini-Cons spoke their own unique language, failed the [[Ambus Test]] used to gauge the sentience of mechanical beings. Eventually, the Mini-Con [[Sprite]], native of a "Gamma" universe in which Mini-Cons spoke intelligibly, campaigned for increased awareness of Mini-Con rights. Thanks to her efforts, the Ambus Test was subsequently phased out and replaced with the more inclusive [[Turtler Test]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}}

==Toys==
[[File:Armada Blackout toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Blackout Powerlinxing with Demolishor]]
:Mini-Con toys debuted as the signature element of the ''Armada'' franchise, bringing the "micro [[play pattern]]" back to ''Transformers'' after many years' absence. Much like ''Armada'' itself, the Mini-Cons proved to be a smash hit with fans and kids, and Hasbro scrambled to include them in the subsequent franchises.

:Most Mini-Cons stand around 2" tall, roughly the same size as their [[Micromaster]] predecessors. Most Mini-Cons are considerably more complex, as well; unlike Micromasters, there's no single dominant transformation scheme. With dozens of molds, Mini-Cons cover a wide range of articulation, size, [[alternate mode]]s, and complexity. Aesthetically, their facial designs tend toward the unorthodox.

:Each Mini-Con includes one or more [[Powerlinx]] ports somewhere on their body, a [[5 mm post|5mm]] round peg-slot that allows them to be attached to any "[[Bulk]]" figure with a corresponding Powerlinx peg. These pegs were standard-issue on the larger, original-mold ''Armada'' toys, where at least one such peg could be used to activate various gimmicks on each large figure. Toys from subsequent franchises have featured Powerlinx pegs only as a static feature. Due to the center-peg of the Powerlinx port, they are incompatible with normal 5mm posts. Later Mini-Cons (starting with the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' series) would sometimes have 5mm holes without the "signature" center-peg.

{{note|Because of the overwhelming number of Mini-Con redecos—we're talking well into the hundreds—the following list is of unique first-use ''molds'' only.}}

===''Armada''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Adventure Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]] (dune buggy), [[Iceberg]] (snowcat), [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]] (jeep)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (Concorde jet), [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (supersonic bomber), [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (space shuttle)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (cargo jet), [[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (recon jet), [[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (stealth bomber)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (excavator), [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (mining vehicle), [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] (tank)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Emergency Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (fire engine), [[Makeshift (Armada)|Makeshift]] (VTOL plane), [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (police cruiser)}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (missile transport), [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (armored personnel carrier), [[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (tracked missile platform)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Race Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (rally SUV), [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (Le Mans racer), [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (Indy racer)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Sea Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Oceanglide]] (solar-powered boat), [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (speedboat), [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (hovercraft)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Space Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Astroscope]] (space station), [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] (rocket transporter), [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] (rocket)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (skateboard), [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (dirtbike), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (motor scooter)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (sportscar), [[Oval]] (sportscar), [[Spiral]] (sportscar)}}
|[[File:Armada airmilitaryteam toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Air Military Mini-Con Team]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (partner: [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Refute (Armada)|Refute]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Hot Shot]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (partner: [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Liftor]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] (partner: [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (partner: [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (partner: [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (partner: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]])}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (partner: [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (partner: [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]] (partner: [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderclash (Armada)|Thunderclash]] (partner: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (partner: [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (partner: [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] (partner: [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] (partner: [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] (partner: [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]])}}
|
[[File:Armada Leader1 toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Leader-1, with wider hips than were entirely necessary.]]
</ul>
|}

===''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Armadatoy unicron of light.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Unicron of Light]]
*'''Hikari no Unicron''' (campaign prize item)
**''Accessories:'' Chest missile, 6 leg missiles

: The "[[Unicron of Light]]" toy is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in an emerald, light green, blue, and white color-scheme. This Unicron was the prize for a lucky-draw contest in Japan.
{{-}}

===''Energon''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Energon Saber]] Team''': [[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (Concorde), [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (space shuttle), [[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (supersonic bomber)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (hoverboard), [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (motorbike), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (four-wheeler)}}
|[[File:Energon saber.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|The Energon Saber]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Other'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Kicker/Highwire 2-pack}}
|[[File:Energon Kicker HighWire toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Kicker with High Wire]]
</ul>
|}

===''Cybertron''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (partner: [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Stripmine]] (partner: [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] (partner: [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (partner: [[Vector Prime]])}}
|
[[File:Cyb-toy HeavyLoad.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Menasor's partner Heavy Load]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''3-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Recon Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (helicopter), [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (LeMans race car), [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (pickup truck)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Deepdive (Cybertron)|Deepdive]] (submarine), [[Longarm (Cybertron)|Longarm]] (double-crane truck), [[Overcast (Cybertron)|Overcast]] (military cargo plane)}}
|
[[File:Cyb-toy SixSpeed Kabaya.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Kabaya Six-Speed]]
</ul>
|}

===''Classics''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Demolition Team]]''': [[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]], [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]], [[Wideload (Classics)|Wideload]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Dinobot (Classics)|Dinobots]]''': [[Knockdown (Classics)|Knockdown]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Terrorsaur (Classics)|Terrorsaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Night Rescue Team]]''': [[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]], [[Firebot (Classics)|Firebot]], [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Clear Skies Team]]''': [[Nightscream (Classics)|Nightscream]], [[Steel Wind]], [[Thunderwing (Classics)|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Dirt Digger Team]]''': [[Dirt Rocket (Classics)|Dirt Rocket]], [[Grindor (Classics)|Grindor]], [[Oil Slick (Classics)|Oil Slick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Predator Attack Team]]''': [[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]], [[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]], [[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]]}}
|[[File:TFC Clear Sky.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Clear Skies Team]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Star Wars Transformers''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*[[TIE Fighter]]s (partner: [[Darth Vader]])
|[[File:SWTIE Fighter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|TIE Fighters]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe .282008.29|Hot Shot]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys|Cyclonus]])}}
|
[[File:UniverseHotShotJolt.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Jolt with Hot Shot]]
</ul>
|}
{{note|Nightstick, despite being a [[Nebulan]] [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]], is oddly identified as a Mini-Con on the "Battle in Space" packaging.}}
{{-}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airlift (PCC)|Airlift]] (partner: [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Backwind]] (partner: [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Caliburst (PCC)|Caliburst]] (partner: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw]] (partner: [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chopster]] (partner: [[Smolder (PCC)|Smolder]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundspike]] (partner: [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pinpoint]] (partner: [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Throttler]] (partner: [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Waterlog (PCC)|Waterlog]] (partner: [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]])}}
|
[[File:PCC-toy Chopster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Chopster (with Smolder)]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Prime''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (WFC)|Ravage]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
|[[File:Primetoy-HasbroTakaraTomy-Laserbeaks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Laserbeak with Soundwave]]
</ul>
|}
{{note|Neither Laserbeak or Ravage were branded as Mini-Cons on-package, with Ravage instead being referred to as a "mini-figure".}}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Arms Microns'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Arc]] (Partner: [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee Blade]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[B.B.]] (Partner: [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Baro]] (Partner: [[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (WFC)|Thundercracker]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[B.H.]] (Partner: [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bido]] (Partner: [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bogu]] (Partner: [[Unicron]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bulkhead Knuckle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee Sword]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[C.L.]] (Partner: [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dado (Prime)|Dado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dago]] (Partner: [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dobo]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Giza (Prime)|Giza]] (Partner: [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gobu]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Gora]] (Partner: [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Guru]] (Partner: [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hades]] (Partner: [[Megatron (WFC)|Darkness Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ida]] (Partner: [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Igu]] (Partner: [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Iro]] (Partner: [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jaze]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Jida]] (Partner: [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Jigu]] (Partner: [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[L.P.]] (Partner: [[Lio Convoy]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Magi]] (Partner: [[Silas|Silas Breakdown]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron Cannon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Noji]] (Partner: [[Vehicon (Prime)|Jet Vehicon]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[O.P.]] (Partner: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Blaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ozu (Prime)|Ozu]] (Partner: [[Wildrider (Prime)|Wildrider]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pral]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[R.A.]] (Partner: [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet Spanner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[S.S.]] (Partner: [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sou]] (Partner: [[Swerve (Prime)|Swerve]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ulma]] (Partner: [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack Kunai]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wuji]] (Partner: [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Zado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Zori]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
|[[File:Prime-toy OP.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|O.P.]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Mini-Con Assault Team]]''': [[Heavytread (Generations)|Heavytread]], [[Runway (Generations)|Runway]], [[Windshear]]}}
|[[File:Generationstoy-TakaraTomy-Centuritron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Centuritron and the Mini-Con Assault Team]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Robots in Disguise'' (2015)===
{{stub|All the new Minicon toys, plus partners/enemies must be included}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Individual Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Aerobolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Bashbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Beastbox (RID)|Beastbox]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Back|Decepticon Back]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Anvil (RID)|Decepticon Anvil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (RID 2015)|Decepticon Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Dragonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Glacius]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Lancelon]]}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Major Mayhem]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sandsting]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sawback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sawtooth (RID)|Sawtooth]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tricerashot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Velocirazor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windstrike]]}}
|
[[File:Slipstream RID 2015 toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Slipstream]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] (Partner: [[Drift (RID)|Drift]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]] (Partner: [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hammer (RID)|Decepticon Hammer]] (Partner: [[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] (Partner: [[Overload (RID)|Overload]])}}
|[[File:RID15-toy Backtrack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Overload's partner Backtrack]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Other'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] (One Step Changer)}}
{{Bp-a1|Fixit (Legion Class)}}
|[[File:2015 RID One-Step Fixit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|One-Step Fixit]]
</ul>
|}

==Merchandise==
===''Attacktix''===
[[File:AttacktixMiniConS1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Goooood.]]
*'''Mini-Con''' (Booster, 2006)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF01
|faction=Autobot
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback - 4/26 (15%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

: The first assortment of Transformers ''[[Attacktix]]'' figures included a "generic" Mini-Con, based on [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]]. Each Mini-Con figure has 3 points of articulation, including waist and shoulders; however, their shoulders move together due to their gun. One of the shortest, most squat ''Attacktix'' figures, the Mini-Con is very stable despite its small base.

:Its Special Power, "Attackback", allows a free move and attack for any of your in-play Autobot pieces. Mini-Con is an excellent support figure for [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], whose "Shootback" power allows up to three Mini-Cons to make a free attack.

{{-}}
[[File:AttackitxMiniConS2.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Eeeevil.]]
*'''Minicon''' (Booster, 2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF03
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

:An as-yet unreleased redeco of the ''Attacktix'' "Minicon" (''sic'') piece is set for the second series' Booster Packs, though this time as a Decepticon-aligned piece. It features a color scheme not on any incarnation of the actual [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]/Skyboom toy, but wouldn't that be neat? The exact details of its Attackback special power are as yet unknown.

: This piece was later characterized as "[[Bunker-Buster]]" in the members-only portion of the [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] website.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Why are they called Mini-Cons, with a "con" as in Decepticons? According to [[Aaron Archer]], the thought just didn't occur to Hasbro!<ref>"Mini-Bot was too generic, for sure... I don't think we thought of it that deep! The way you just described it, I don't think we realized that maybe we should have considered that nomenclature?"—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNgWvNmMJfE&t=1894s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2021/12/14]</ref>
*During the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line, the term "Mini-Con" was also the name of a [[size class]] which consisted of three-packs of small toys (which were also individually referred to as "Mini-Cons"). Other size classes from the ''Armada'' line were named "Super-Con", "Max-Con" and "Giga-Con". However, the name "Mini-Con" was the only one actually used in the corresponding fiction. In the toyline, it was ''also'' used for other small figures of the same size that were available as companion figures with the larger toys. Due to its use in fiction, the name was also carried over into subsequent lines such as ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', and was used as (part of) the name of a price point again in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, the "Mini-Con Class" consisting of two-packs. The later ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' toyline returned to the original three-pack style.
* Perceptor, the Star Saber, the Skyboom Shield and the Requiem Blaster were the earliest Mini-Con products developed, with a common combining play-pattern, before the decision was made to pack an individual Mini-Con in with each larger robot.<ref>"The idea that they combined was an early idea, and I think they combined with almost those forms too! Takara had those in 2D concept when we were going over different things. Because we did the Requiem Blaster, the [Skyboom] Shield, Star Saber and Perceptor here—we did all those at the same time. We wanted to turn three of the Mini-Cons into a combining robot, and then that could be another type of protector for the kids as well."—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=2217s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2022/10/25]</ref> These toys ended up being split across the first three waves of the line.
* There have been a number of characters or toys that either have Powerlinx "catcher" ports but are not Mini-Cons, or are recolored from Mini-Con molds (often even having the molded-in faction symbol) but who are nonetheless, according to their associated bios or fiction, not actually Mini-Cons. These include ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Caliburn (Universe)|Caliburn]], ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]], and the [[Search and Destroy Robot]]. Conversely, the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (franchise)|Rescue Bots]]'' [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|toyline]] credits [[Servo (RB)|Servo]] as a Mini-Con, while in the actual television show he's merely referred to as a "Cybertronian Helper Bot".
* According to [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], Hasbro and Takara's design departments originally conceived the [[Omnicon]]s and [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] as being "evolved" forms of the ''Armada'' Mini-Cons. Takara's marketing department, the only people directly talking to [[We've]], completely ignored this, so the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]] established an entirely different backstory for the group. <ref name="ichikawa">[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/43847f79db724831 "Wing Saber vs. Mega-Dinobot: A Lesson"], Hirofumi Ichikawa at alt.toys.transformers</ref> A vestige of this idea ''may'' have persisted into [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)|Energon]]'' comic, which depicts the Omnicons inhabiting the former Mini-Con villages, and features a scene in which the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] describes them as the product of an artificially-induced "evolutionary step". However, the comic never explicitly confirms that they ''are'' evolved Mini-Cons, so draw your own conclusions. Fun Publications would later canonise the idea for the pack-in comics continuity with [[Armada Volume 5|''Armada'' Volume 5]].
* A proposed episode of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'''s [[Transformers Animated season 4|unproduced fourth season]] would've focused on the Mini-Cons, who nominally ran Trypticon Prison, running amok in [[Detroit]] after Megatron teleported the prison complex to [[Earth]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Micron''' (マイクロン ''Maikuron''), '''Mini-Con''' (ミニコン ''Minikon'')
*''Dutch:'' '''Miniteam'''
*''French:'' '''Minican''' (France, cartoon dub), '''Minimodus''' (Canada and France, toys)
*''Korean:'' '''Micron''' (마이크론 ''Maikeuron'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Mínǐ Jīn'gāng''' (迷你金刚, "Mini Vajra")
*''Spanish:'' '''Minimodus'''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Wars species]]
[[Category:Classics species]]
[[Category:Cybertron species]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons| ]]
[[Category:Unicron]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

Mini-Con

2022-12-02T21:40:59Z

Auride: /* Conceptual history */ humor

{{factions|minicon|{{factions/icons|custom=PotP-MicronusPrime.png|cSize=30px|cLink=Micronus Prime}}|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Minicon}}
[[File:Minicon symbol.png|upright=1.4|thumb|Intentionally designed to look like the letter "M", the Mini-Con symbol is also reflected in the design of Unicron's helmet.]]

'''Mini-Cons''' (aka '''Minicons''') are a race of small [[Transformer]]s. Like the [[Micromaster]]s they resemble, Mini-Cons are roughly human-sized—quite small compared to most [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s—but while the Micromasters deliberately downsized into smaller bodies to conserve fuel, the naturally diminutive Mini-Cons overflow with energy. Most Mini-Cons possess the ability to impart a portion of this power on larger Cybertronians, granting them extra abilities or greatly increasing their strength through a process known as [[Powerlinx]]ing.

Various stories have connected these mystical abilities to the influence of various godly beings: across the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], different continuities have depicted them as the children of [[Unicron]], the [[Last Autobot]], or [[Micronus Prime]]. Regardless of their origins, however, their abilities make them useful allies and valuable partners—valuable to the point where different factions have come into conflict over these deceptively powerful beings.

{{bigquote|Our presence is a '''catalyst''' for war. It follows us around like a bad smell.|[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]]|''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Transformers: Armada]]'' [[Dreamwave Armada issue 9|#9]]}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:Metamorphcontact.JPG|thumb|left|250px|"So, are you also a diversity hire?"]]

Mini-Cons debuted as the signature [[gimmick]] of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise and in doing so resurrected the "micro [[play pattern]]" that began with the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Cassette]]s from the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline. Compared to these predecessors, however, the Mini-Cons sported increased articulation, a wide variety of [[alternate mode]]s, and relatively complex transformation schemes, with some even able to [[combiner|combine]] into an accessory or a larger super robot. Each Mini-Con figure included a [[Powerlinx]] port, a [[5 mm post|5mm]] round peg-slot that allowed them to connect to a larger toy and, in most cases, activate a spring-loaded play feature.

While every piece of tie-in ''Armada'' fiction featured Mini-Cons in some capacity, individual stories offered radically different portrayals of the Mini-Cons and their role in the conflict. The ''Armada'' cartoon initially portrayed them as artificial "smart tools" who communicated using [[R2-D2]]-style bleeps and bloops, occasionally manifested supernatural powers, and later revealed that [[Unicron]] had deliberately created them to deliberately agitate the raging Autobot-Decepticon war. [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' manga, a midquel set around the same time as the ''Armada'' television show, substantially expounded upon their biology and psychology, and explained various developments in the cartoon by introducing new concepts like [[Digital Entity Frame]]s and the eponymous [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]]. [[Dreamwave Productions]]' [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|''Armada'' comic]], on the other hand, merely depicted the Mini-Cons as an ordinary Cybertronian subgroup unconnected to Unicron. Unlike their cartoon counterparts, these Mini-Cons were fully articulate beings who resented their role in the war, to the point where extremists like [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] renounced both factions in the name of Mini-Con independence.

[[File:11MicronusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Although ''Armada'''s early storylines—which generally focussed on capturing small, colourful characters with limited vocabularies—drew [[Pokeformers|unfavourable comparisons]] from cynical members of the adult fandom, the concept proved a smash hit with the target audience, and Hasbro and Takara extended the gimmick into both ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''. After that, however, Mini-Cons faded into the background; promotional material from the [[Live-action film series|live-action films]] identified a number of small Decepticons like [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] as Mini-Cons, and the vaguely film-adjacent ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' line featured Mini-Cons who could become either weapons or armor for their larger partners. From this point on, most stories dropped the conceit that Mini-Cons were a third faction unto themselves; like Micromasters before them, Mini-Con was used merely to describe their abilities rather than a factional designation.

Although some subsequent stories batted around other origins for the Mini-Cons that never caught on, it would be the launch of the [[Aligned continuity family]] in [[2010]] that pushed the Mini-Cons back into the forefront. As per the [[Binder of Revelation]] created to underpin the endeavour, the Mini-Cons were a diminutive race of Cybertronians who inhabited the planet's [[Moonbase One|two]] [[Moonbase Two|moons]]. In a notable departure from what had come before, Hasbro backported the term to apply to basically ''all'' small Transformers, including characters like [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] and [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]]. The Aligned continuity would go on to introduce a new origin story for the Mini-Cons that would carry forward into the next decade and largely eclipse ''Armada's'' Unicron mythology: 2013's ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]'' introduced [[Micronus Prime]], a member of the [[Thirteen]] and the first Mini-Con. Comments from Hasbro representatives at the time clarified that, in this continuity, all Mini-Cons were his descendants. 2015's ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon featured a number of new Mini-Con characters; carrying on from [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s relationship with [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] in the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' cartoon, the show used the pre-existing term "[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]" to describe those Cybertronians who formed a partnership with one or more Mini-Cons, and later "[[Weaponizer (RID)|Weaponizer]]" in reference to a different group of Mini-Cons who transformed into weapons for their partners to wield.

With the end of the Aligned continuity in 2020 and the subsequent rise of heavily-[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]]-focused media like the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'', franchise, Mini-Cons again fell by the wayside after Hasbro shifted back to marketing small characters as Micromasters and Mini-Cassettes. As a result, it remains to be seen if 2022's ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' toyline will feature their return to coincide with the release of other "[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]" characters like [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]].

{{--}}

==Powerlinx==
{{Main|Powerlinx}}
[[File:HotShotPowerlinx.gif|thumb|left|250px]]

Across the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]], all Mini-Cons possess the ability to [[Powerlinx]] with other forms of technology—including both sentient [[Transformer]]s and mundane machines—and instantly reconfigure their physical construction by sharing their own supernatural power. In this way, a Mini-Con for instance, modify ordinary cars into jet-powered assault vehicles, or upgrade Transformers with new weapons or additional functions. The Mini-Con is not required in order to activate these weapons again, but linking to a Mini-Con again simply enhances their firepower.

The Japanese ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Legends of the Microns]]'' dub called the phenomenon "Evolution", and had Autobots call out the phrase when they Powerlinxed. This has caused some confusion in the Armada viewing audience due to dub issues and the downplaying of the "Evolution" theme, although the term was used twice in the American series by Megatron.

Other [[continuity family|continuity families]] have offered alternate interpretations of the process. Many of the Mini-Cons who have appeared in "[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]]"-based stories appear to lack the ability entirely; in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity family]], meanwhile, Mini-Cons can voluntarily interlock with larger Transformers but require genetic augmentation to access the ability to share their energy with their partners.

{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Unicron Trilogy continuity family===

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity====
[[File:Armada3-wooooosh.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The ultimate friends to the boys and girls.]]

Mini-Cons were a second race of Transformer whose diminutive proportions and physical fragility led to Cybertronians treating them as second-class citizens. Despite their lowly status on pre-war Cybertron, each Mini-Con can naturally tap into a unique extradimensional power source, but most, naturally wary of this seemingly unlimited power, have installed inhibitors designed to prevent them from accessing this ability. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye #3}}

In the years before the Autobot-Decepticon war, the Mini-Cons inhabited a designated Mini-Con Sector on Cybertron and divided that sector into a number of loose, largely autonomous "villages". However, this isolation left them open to attack when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] led his Decepticons on capture raids. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1|Dreamwave Armada #1}} Through experimentation on Mini-Con prisoners, the Decepticons used an ancient technological process to forcibly rewire their prisoners so that they could [[Powerlinx]] with them against their will. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye #3}} Fleeing the Decepticon advance, a small group of Mini-Cons escaped to the planet's abandoned [[Garbage Disposal District]] salvaged [[Exodus (Armada)|a junked ship]] with the intent of rescuing as many Mini-Cons as they could. As Megatron and his army used their new slaves to conquer [[Cyber City]], [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]], [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]], and [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] led a raid on Megatron's primary prison complex, freed as many Mini-Cons as they could, and escaped Cybertron. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

[[File:Armada11-moonbasedestroyed.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Y'know, Megatron, most people just bring a gift basket when they come over.]]

While Megatron and the Decepticons used their monopoly on the remaining Mini-Cons to run amok, the ''Exodus'' suffered a debilitating engine failure that ended with the ship breaking apart—half the ship crash-landed on ancient Earth and scattered dormant Mini-Cons across the planet, while the other half landed on the Moon. One million years later, [[Rad White]] and his friends discovered the crashed starship and inadvertently tripped the ship's restoration protocols, which alerted the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the remaining Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} When the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth to find the Mini-Cons, Sparkplug and a number of recently reactivated Mini-Cons made the decision to Powerlinx with the Autobots to defeat the Decepticons, but made it clear that this alliance had to be a two-way partnership: if the Autobots treated them like slaves, they'd walk. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

Not all Mini-Cons willingly fell in with the Autobots, however: some, like the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team|Land Military Team]], remained free agents who openly distrusted both the Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}} Others took the concept of Mini-Con independence to its logical extreme: marooned on the Moon with a small group of Mini-Cons who'd survived the crash, [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] took command of the group and spent the next million years establishing a concealed [[Mini-Con Moonbase]]; ostensibly a place where Mini-Cons could live freely. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} The reactivation of the Earthbound Mini-Cons prompted Dualor to forcibly de-escalate the situation by sending a specialized "[[Mini-Con Ark]]" to Earth, which hypnotized the Mini-Cons and brought them back to Dualor's lunar fortress. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} Despite his attempts to convince [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], and [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] of his good intentions, Sparkplug felt that the paranoid, abusive Dualor would force them to join his cause, just as the Autobots and Decepticons had. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}}

Although Dualor's followers successfully repelled the first Decepticon incursion, a full-scale assault ended with the destruction of their moonbase; while many Mini-Cons boarded escape pods to Earth, Dualor, [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] fell into a triumphant Megatron's clutches. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}} However, thanks to a cleverly integrated failsafe program, they were able to prevent Megatron from using their power against their will and allowed Dualor to strike a deal: they'd help him in exchange for a degree of leadership. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} After their combined power drove Cyclonus insane, Megatron mused that he knew that the Mini-Cons would betray him as he retrieved them. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[File:Mini-cons.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gotta catch 'em all!]]

Fleeing the advance of a dimension-hopping [[Unicron]], the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] abandoned his native universe aboard a [[null-reality pod]] in the hopes of finding another dimension that could stand up to the planet-eater. He brought with him the [[Mini-Con Matrix]], an artifact into which all the Mini-Cons of his universe had placed their spark essences. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}} Upon arriving, he immediately set up a beacon which attracted the attention of [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s alike. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] arrived first but were shot down by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who attempted to claim Over-Run for himself, seeing him merely as another Mini-Con to be used for battle and not realizing his origins. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} After realizing Over-Run's true nature, he joined the Autobots as they tried to locate Optimus Prime, who'd been cast adrift in the [[multiverse]] by Over-Run's arrival. Upon rallying Sparkplug and a number of other Mini-Cons to break into the Decepticon's base and retrieve the pod, the Mini-Cons transported themselves to [[Primax 703.09 Gamma|another dimension]] and rescued Optimus and Jetfire moments before Unicron destroyed that reality's Cybertron. The Mini-Con Matrix powered up all five of their forms, allowing Optimus Prime and Jetfire to combine, while the Mini-Cons linked with them, and together they blasted Unicron hard enough to make him notice them before warping back to their universe. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

After bringing together all of [[Earth]]'s Mini-Cons, Over-Run led them through a space bridge portal to Cybertron, where they channeled all of their spark essences through the Mini-Con Matrix and destroyed Unicron. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====Cartoon continuity====
[[File:Prehistory-MiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|It's time to battle, for a battle, 'till you drop.]]

Mini-Cons are unique "digital entities": while other Cybertronians comprised of [[living metal]] derive life and sentience from their individual [[spark]]s, Mini-Cons are entirely comprised of a unique form of self-sustaining energy known as a "[[Digital Entity Frame]]", Part soul, part genome, this inexhaustible power source dictates a Mini-Con's programming and physical appearance and allows them to physically alter an object's molecular structure or [[Powerlinx]] with larger Transformers. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}} If needed, a Mini-Con can enter a unique form of low-power [[stasis lock|stasis]] by dissipating their physical forms and converting back into pure energy stored within a tiny, nearly-indestructible "[[Mini-Con storage panel|storage panel]]". {{storylink|Prehistory}}

All Mini-Cons possess a "[[Servility Program]]" that compels them to imprint upon the "[[bulk]]" who activates them and obey their new partner, no matter how cruelly they might be treated. {{storylink|Linkage Part 5}} Although all Mini-Cons are creations of Unicron, "free" Mini-Cons who have developed the capacity for thought and free will are connected through a metaphysical dimension known as the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage]]. Without a physical form to ground them in the material world, they will diffuse into the sea of consciousness. The [[Master Key]] acts as a final failsafe; should a Mini-Con deviate from their original programming by connecting to the Linkage, they will lose access to their full power. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}}

Although the vast majority of Mini-Cons spoke an indecipherable binary language, {{storylink|Force of Habit}} Mini-Cons can choose to form a mental link with other beings to allow for a more direct medium of communication. {{storylink|Linkage Part 2}}

{{--}}

=====''Armada'' cartoon=====
[[File:Drift-MiniConBirth.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Unicron created the Mini-Cons from his own cells, mindless drones who would agitate and amplify the civil war raging on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Once unleashed on Cybertron, the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s would battle for control of these power-enhancing "smart tools"; the negative psychic energy unleashed by the rampant death and destruction would indirectly fuel Unicron; once he'd gathered enough power, the Mini-Cons would incapacitate their partners and Unicron would fully awaken to consume Cybertron and eliminate his biggest obstacle to devouring all of existence. {{storylink|Origin}} Unicron invested a large portion of his power into three Mini-Con teams who combined into weapons: the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]], and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. This not only made them weapons of unimaginable power and potent sources of energy, but also the key to awakening Unicron from his hibernation. {{storylink|Portent}}

A number of other Mini-Cons displayed unusual powers: some could [[combiner|combine]] to form a larger robot, {{storylink|Comrade}}, others could Powerlinx with and control inanimate machines like [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer, {{storylink|Jungle}}, and one, [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], displayed the ability to manipulate time. Through this ability, three [[human]] children from the future--[[Rad White]], [[Carlos Lopez]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang]]--were sent to the Mini-Cons' birthing chamber inside [[Unicron]] just seconds before the small robots emerged from their pods. As the Mini-Cons had been designed to form mental bonds with other life forms, Rad's contact with a newborn High Wire caused the newborn race to develop free will, empathy, and the capacity for self-determination. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

[[File:Street action team.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Catch you, catch me.]]

At some point after this, the Mini-Cons emerged on Cybertron in the midst of the Autobot-Decepticon civil war. The Decepticons quickly discovered the power offered by Powerlinxing and began enslaving every Mini-Con they encountered; in response, a group of Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] formed an alliance with the heroic Autobots and willingly shared their power with their partners. As the war dragged on, both sides realized the Mini-Cons had become the centerpiece of their conflict, and an agreement was made: the Mini-Cons would receive a [[Exodus (Armada)|ship]] that would let them leave Cybertron and find a new home somewhere else in the universe. To make the trip, the majority of Mini-Cons converted themselves into storage panels, leaving only a skeleton crew to pilot and maintin their ship. However, when the ''Exodus'' launched, the Decepticons ambushed the ship in an attempt to claim all the Mini-Cons, but the Autobots provided enough cover fire for the ship to safely warp out of Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Prehistory}} Unfortunately, the Decepticon attack and strain of passing through multiple [[warp gate]]s damaged the ship and sent it and its cargo drifting aimlessly through space for many millions of years. Finally, the ''Exodus'' finally collided with [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]] and broke apart. As half of the ship fell into Earth's atmosphere, emergency systems fired Mini-Con panels in every direction and scattered them across the planet. {{storylink|First Encounter}}

While most of the Mini-Cons remined hidden over the intervening millennia, an advanced ancient culture discovered the three Mini-Cons who formed the Star Saber; when they unleashed its power during a war with another nation, the energies unleashed sunk their city beneath the sea and gave rise to the legend of [[Atlantis]]. {{storylink|Ruin}} Another civilization in the [[Sahara]] discovered [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]]'s panel and built a temple around it. {{storylink|Palace}}

[[File:Origin-Unicrons.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Everybody Polkamon!]]

In the year [[2010]], Rad, Carlos, and Alexis discovered the wreckage of the ''Exodus'' buried beneath [[Lincoln, Nebraska]] and inadvertently activated a beacon that summoned both the Autobots and Decepticon to Earth in search of the newly-reactivated Mini-Con panels. {{storylink|First Encounter}} {{storylink|Prehistory}} The two factions hunted Mini-Con after Mini-Con, but the three Mini-Con weapons eventually ended up in the hands of the Decepticons thanks to Unicron's servant [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] and the conflicted loyalties of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} They'd be used to power the Decepticon's planet-destroying [[Hydra Cannon]], which was only prevented from destroying Earth by Optimus Prime's sacrifice {{storylink| Threaten}}{{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}} By pooling their power with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the Autobot-allied Mini-Cons were capable of restoring Optimus to life. {{storylink|Miracle}}

When the Autobot and Decepticons found themselves under assault by Unicron's minion [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], the assembled Mini-Cons used their powers as a group to restore and empower their larger partners. {{storylink|Puppet}} When their creator finally reared his head to assault Cybertron, the Mini-Cons would merge into [[Unicron of Light|a giant doppelganger]] to face him. {{storylink|Union}} However, Unicron was able to temporarily reset the Mini-Cons and return them to their original mindless states, although the deep connection between the Rad and his Mini-Con friend High Wire permanently broke Unicron's hold over them. {{storylink|Origin}}

{{--}}

=====''Linkage'' comic=====
[[File:Arm-art Linkage01-UnderAttack.jpg|thumb|left|300px|]]

When humanity interfered with the newly-born Mini-Cons at the moment of their creation and granted them something akin to a soul, not ''all'' the Mini-Cons were freed. A small number of Mini-Cons remained loyal to their creator and made it their mission to hunt down their "renegade" brethren—specially programmed [[Fixer Bug]]s forcibly Powerlinxed with their victims and cut them off from the Linkage by overwriting their core programming and reducing them back to a storage panel form. Once reactivated and released, the "new" Mini-Con would once again be a slave to Unicron. {{storylink|Linkage Part 5}}

In the modern day, Unicron loyalists [[Midship]] and [[Top Gear]] travelled to Earth to capture and reprogram the Mini-Cons recently loosed upon the planet. After forcibly recruiting [[Tailslide]] to their side, the trio pursued the recently-reacitvated [[Super Stunt Team]], who'd recently taken shelter with the [[human]] [[Stella Holley]] after using their powers to hastily reconfigure her car into a weapon. {{storylink|Linkage Part 2}} In between trying to elude their Unicronian brethren activating other Mini-Cons, [[Redline]] began searching for a way to truly free his people, inspired by a vision of "the terrible one" while freeing [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]]'s spirit from the Linkage, he turned his attention to finding a way to unlock the [[Master Key]]: when Mini-Cons gained sentience and free will, Unicron's failsafe would activate and "lock away" much of their power. {{storylink|Linkage Part 8}}

[[File:Arm-art Linkage13-City.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Thanks to obtaining scans of the Unicron-allied Mini-Cons, Redline devised an "evolution" device that would allow them to finally unlock the Master Key programming, break their Servility Programs, and awaken their true abilities. {{storylink|Linkage Part 9}} However, as they prepared for this momentous leap forward, the [[Aqua Raider Team]] unleashed the murderous, [[Doomstone]]-enhanced [[Ravenus]] on the free Mini-Cons; using his enhanced [[Powerlinx]] abilities, he forcibly Powerlinxed witih [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]] and [[Servo (Armada)|Servo]] with the intent of using this link to unleash the Doomstone's negative psychic energy into the Linkage and permanently return the Mini-Cons to their original state by destroying the Linkage. {{storylink|Linkage Part 10}} The upgraded Mini-Cons, now growing in number as the Master Key spread to all "free" Mini-Cons through the Linkage, used their new powers to reverse the mutations and return Ravenus to his original form, as well as safely remove the Doomstone from his body. Following this, the remaining Mini-Cons on Earth departed to meet up with the Autobots as they prepared for their battle against Unicron. {{storylink|Linkage Part 12}}

After Unicron's destruction, all of the Mini-Cons created [[Mini-Con city|a city]] somewhere on Earth, safe from the machinations of Unicron or the Decepticons, and extended an invitation to their friend Stella to join them. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}
{{--}}

=====''Cloud''=====
The existence of [[Mini-Con]]s as a great source of power was not known to the denizens of the [[Cloud World]] till the [[Starscream (Cloud)|Starscream]] of that world forced a pursuit into the [[spacetime]] known as 15-MD. The native [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] of that spacetime was seeking a Mini-Con when the Cloud Worlders arrived, and so Cloud Starscream joined his counterpart to find the Mini-Con in some [[South America]]n ruins. {{storylink|Encounter}} In the resulting battle that ensued between [[Optimus Prime (Cloud)|Optimus Prime]], [[Brawn (Cloud)|Brawn]], and the two Starscreams, the [[Mini-Con storage panel]] was destroyed by Cloud Starscream, angering everybody else involved. {{storylink|Hammer (Cloud)|Hammer}} However, the soul of the Mini-Con within the panel—[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]]—was able to contact [[SARA]], and the Cloud World entity was able to tap into the power of the Mini-Cons through incorporating this soul within her. Using the Mini-Cons' energy as a form of "[[spacetime energy]]", SARA was able to return all of the visitors to their home reality. {{storylink|Return}}

=====''Energon'' cartoon=====

Ten years after Unicron's defeat, most of the Mini-Cons had left Earth, although the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] remained active in [[Ocean City]]. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} Later, the [[Energon Saber|Energon Saber Mini-Con Team]] fled [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]'s attack on [[Mars City]], and used their combined form to great effect as [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] 's private weapon. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

{{--}}

=====''Cybertron'' cartoon=====
{{note|[[Fun Publications]] fiction has linked the ''Cybertron'' Mini-Cons, who otherwise had no real origin story in the cartoon, to the original group from ''Armada'' by implying that an ancestral population of Mini-Cons migrated to planets like [[Gigantion]], [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]], and [[Velocitron]] along with full-sized Cybertronian colonists. However, this does not fully line up with the fiction, as the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' are explicitly shown appearing during the Autobot-Decepticon war, long after the collapse of the galactic [[space bridge]]s.}}

[[File:Scourge-BudMiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Aloha e komo mai.]]

During the war against the forces of [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]], the citizens of [[Gigantion]] used their [[Cyber Planet Key]] to grow to colossal sizes and emerged triumphant. However, the sudden size discrepancy left them unable to interact with many of the computers and delicate machines they utilized. Thus, the Mini-Cons who’d arrived with the original colonists found a new role as “little detail” workers who assisted their larger companions with the delicate tasks and intricate work they could no longer perform as they toiled away on their endless construction projects. As a result of these unique selective pressures, future generations of Mini-Cons would convergently evolve a brain structure similar to a [[human]]’s, which offered an increased capacity for creative thought and lateral thinking. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}} As on Cybertron, individual Cybertronians could Powerlinx and formed symbiotic partnerships with their larger comrades. {{storylink|Giant}}

The citizens of Gigantion built an entire Mini-Con scaled city to house these smaller workers in-between construction projects; to accommodate the unique, human-like needs of its citizens, it featured ample greenery, playgrounds, museums, and even an amusement park. In time, however, this city, like all the other cities created by the citizens of Gigantion, would be quietly abandoned and sealed over millennia. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}}

During the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, [[Vector Prime]] brought [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] to Earth, where they quickly befriended the human children [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]]. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} When the search for the four Cyber Planet Keys brought Optimus Prime and his allies to Gigantion, several Mini-Cons accompanied Bud to the lower levels of their homeworld, where [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] taught his human friend their history. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}}

After reaching the ''[[Lemuria (Cybertron)|Lemuria]]'' at the core of Giant Planet, Gigantion leader [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] was forced to fight the renegade [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]]. Their battle ended when their respective Mini-Cons [[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] and [[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] leapt in the way and forced the pair to come to a peaceful resolution. {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}} After [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]’s final defeat, a number of Mini-Cons, both Cybertron and Gigantion, took part in the ceremony that marked the rebirth of the long-abandoned [[space bridge]] project. {{storylink|Beginning}}

{{--}}

=====''Cybertron'' comic=====
[[File:RevelationsPart5-MiniConCivilWar.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

By the time of the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, most of the Mini-Cons living on Cybertron had relocated to Cybertron's moons, where they established a number of self-sufficient colonies under the governance of an appointed [[Mini-Con Council of Sages|Council of Sages]] who desired independence from both the Autobots and Decepticons. As the Singularity threatened to consume Cybertron and its myriad satellites, Council member [[Anti-Blaze]] began work on a self-sufficent evacuation fleet that would take every Mini-Con to the [[S-K System]]... only for [[Thrust (Cybertron)|Thrust]], agent of a group of Mini-Con insurgents, to destroy six stellar cycles of work in an hour. This opening salvo heralded the beginning of the [[Mini-Con Civil War]] between Anti-Blaze's independents and a group of malcontents led by the [[Sky Terror Mini-Con Team]] and abetted by the [[Decepticon]]s. Although Anti-Blaze quickly marshalled a fighting force and pushed the rebels back into a neighbouring asteroid field, {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 11|Anti-Blaze, Scythe, & Checkpoint's profile in Club magazine #11}} rumours of a Decepticon superweapon prompted Anti-Blaze to swallow his pride and contact Cybertron for help. {{storylink|Revelations Part 4}}

Aided by a dimension-hopping [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Sentinel Maximus]], the remaining Autobots on Cybertron took the fight to the insurgents; the brief war came to a swift end shortly afterwards, when a reborn [[Unicron]] arrived on the battlefield and killed many of the rebel Mini-Cons while absorbing the life forces of their Decepticon partners. After Primus's reactivation and the subsequent closure of the Unicron Singularity, [[Alpha Trion (Energon)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] promised to assist Anti-Blaze in hunting down the remaining Mini-Con separatists. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}}

{{--}}

=====''Timelines''=====
[[File:Astrotrain-CybComic.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

A hidden arsenal on [[Combatron (planet)|Combatron]] housed many of the most dangerous weapons known to Cybertronians, including several Mini-Con storage panels. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

The Powerlinx process involved a data transfer protocol; through this, a full-sized Cybertronian could obtain information from one or more Mini-Cons by linking with their data banks and reading their memories. The Powerlinx process could also prove extremely addictive, {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}} to the point where some Cybertronians who'd completely succumbed to their addiction would force unwilling Mini-Cons to bond with them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}} A few 'bots like [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] would turn a mere partnership into a true symbiosis by undergoing a [[binary bonding]] process that physically merged the two together into a single shared robot form. {{storylink|Force of Habit}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}}

In the years after Unicron's second defeat, some Mini-Cons switched over to speaking [[Cybertronian Standard]] to facilitate communication with their larger partners, {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}} although by this time some Cybertronians eschewed Mini-Cons and [[Energon star|energon chip]]s in favour of the more reliable [[Cyber Key]]s. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

{{--}}

====Panini ''Armada'' comic====
[[File:CounterStrike MirageCaptured.jpg|thumb|right|300px|They'll trip you up, give you a flat tire, or make your socks go missing in the dryer.]]

The war on Cybertron began with a series of Decepticon raids upon the planet's Mini-Con villages. Decepticons found ways to forcibly re-engineer the Mini-Cons so that they would power-link with unwilling partners. Although the Autobots rose up to fight back, some Mini-Cons viewed both sides with distrust—on one occasion, the Mini-Con separatist Dualor engineered a phony crisis that would wipe out both Optimus Prime and Megatron, but [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] warned Optimus of the ruse and foiled his plan. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} Eventually, Sparkplug and most of the remaining free Mini-Cons departed Cybertron aboard a spaceship, which later crashed on Earth's moon and scattered multiple Mini-Cons across Earth. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

In [[1959]], the United States military chanced across the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]], who'd they found buried underneath [[Los Angeles]]. The top-secret [[Extra-Terrestrial Response Division]] made an effort to understand the aliens, and later used [[inhibitor clamp]]s to turn them into mindless weapons, but the trio overrode the clamps, went rogue, and escaped to the nearby town of [[Stillwater]] before the ETRD recaptured their assets, but not before the team passed along a message to local human [[Amos Hume]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Blast from the Past!}} Fifty years later, Rad White and his friends chanced across the crashed spaceship and triggered a planetary reactivation beacon that reached Cybertron. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

[[File:FriendsAndFoes-MiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|300px|From the stars and the ancient past; they come to play, but they'll never last.]]

As the Autobots and Decepticons arrived to locate the lost Mini-Cons, Sparkplug and his allies initially declined to choose a side in the war, but later joined forces with Optimus and his troops. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} Despite the misgivings of both the humans and the Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime later decided to send the Mini-Cons back through a [[space bridge]] to Cybertron for safekeeping, but when they stood their ground against a Decepticon attack Optimus let them stay. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} Although Sparkplug, [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] tried to free the Decepticon Mini-Cons, they found that Leader-1 and his compatriots were quite happy to serve the Decepticons. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|Into the Lions' Den}} Other Mini-Cons like the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] were quite happy to remain independent from the war, {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} but later found themselves captured by the ETRD and learned what had befallen their brethren in the Land Military Team. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|'We Are Not Alone!'}} The team eventually crashed an ETRD auction and rescued their fellow Mini-Cons with the assistance of Rad and Amos. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|Sale of the Century!}}

In the meantime, Optimus and his forces rescued a number of dormant Mini-Cons from Megatron on the moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}} [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] later tried to force the Air Defense team to form the mighty Star Sabre by deactivating their personality chips, but without their individual personalities to modulate the sword's power Starscream nearly lost control of his weapon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|[The Two-Edged Blade!}} Later, Optimus pretended to surrender the Mini-Cons in exchange for amnesty; {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}after his successful doublecross, the Mini-Cons adrift aboard a [[solar barge]] rescued themselves from [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Lost in Space!}} Dualor and the other members of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], seeking vengeance against ''all'' Cybertronians, Powerlinxed with Cyclonus and overrode his own motor functions until Starscream used a [[Sonic destabiliser]] to forcibly disengage the Powerlinx. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

====Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels====
Four million years ago, the Mini-Cons found themselves caught in the middle of the Autobot-Decepticon war, which came to a head when the Mini-Cons were gathered in a giant orbiting storage facility as the ultimate prize. However, after the destruction of Cybertron's moon, both sides called a truce and sent the Mini-Cons away aboard a starship. Tho keep the Mini-Cons from being used by other alien races, their ship included a [[warp gate]] that would teleport representatives from both the Autobots and Decepticons should the need arise. However, gathering the Mini-Cons together had an unexpected side effect; their collective intelligence grew, and they developed feelings of independence and solidarity. By the time that their ship crashed on the Moon, the Mini-Cons' existence became a half-forgotten legend amongst the other Transformers as war reignited between the two factions; when humans discovered the Mini-Cons, the warp gate brought Cybertronians to Earth to continue their battle. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
In one reality, many thousands of years after their return to Cybertron, the Mini-Cons remembered and honoured the generosity of their long-dead human friends by celebrating [[Halloween]]. {{storylink|Something Robotic This Way Comes}}

In another universe, the Mini-Con [[QuickFire]] brought his comatose partner [[Riptide (Armada)|Riptide]] to Earth to recover. While Riptide's body and mind healed, Quickfire, who transformed into Riptide's engine block, could remotely control his larger partner's alternate mode. {{storylink|Lonesome Diesel}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
In a unique variation of {{w|Batesian mimicry}}, a number of Mini-Cons have adopted the names of particularly powerful or dangerous Cybertronians in an attempt to intimidate those who might otherwise capture them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/15}}

In universe [[Aurex 1104.30-DB Zeta]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] reverse-engineered [[combiner]] technology and applied it to a number of Mini-Cons. The upgrade changed them into [[Micromaster]]s, an entirely new breed of Transformer; with six beings Powerlinxing together, they packed tremendous energy into a frame no larger than the average Cybertronian. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 31/7/2015}}

The Mini-Cons of [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]] were creations of [[Primacron]], and sparked a three-way war between the Autobots, Decepticons, and [[Omnicon]]s until [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] and the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]]s invaded. From this conquest, Megazarak acquried [[Caliburn (Armada)|Caliburn]] as his personal Mini-Con. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

In [[Aurex 1104.30-JH Zeta]], time-travelling [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s fought the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] for control of the Mini-Cons hidden on Earth. Although some Mini-Cons willingly joined forces with the Beast Warriors, others remained neutral. The conflict ended with [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his followers rescuing all the Mini-Cons in [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s custody. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 8, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/13}} Another parallel-universe iteration of the Beast Wars in [[Aurex 615.03 Epsilon]] had the Mini-Con crews of the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Doomsday]]'' journey to [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]'s [[Alpha Q's universe|universe]] to provide reinforcements. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/23}}

[[Vector Prime]] observed the many similarities between Mini-Cons, [[Micromaster]]s, and [[Cyberdroid]]s, and noted that, due to [[Trans-dimensional harmonic resonance|trans-dimensional harmonic resonance]], a Mini-Con might have identical counterparts who belonged to one of these other groups in other universal clusters, while small Autobots like [[Minimus Ambus]] had Mini-Con, Micromaster, and Cyberdroid counterparts elsewhere in the [[multiverse]]. More than once, Vector opined that the distinction between the three subgroups boiled down to linguistics—in his opinion, different realities used different names to describe the same core concept. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/20}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/07}}

====Spacewarp's Log====
Early in her career, [[Spacewarp]] spent her time searching for a rumoured "lost tribe" of Mini-Cons who'd fled the war and established a colony somewhere in the vicinity of the planet [[Tasumo|Tasmos]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/30}}

===Generation 1 continuity family===
====3H comics====
[[Ramulus]] sardonically compared the timid [[CatSCAN]] to an "apologetic Mini-Con". {{storylink|Betrayal}}

====''Classics''====
[[File:Lastautobotnewworld.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

In the aftermath of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s devastating attack on Cybertron in [[1991]], [[Hi-Q]] and a group of humans discovered the mythical [[Last Autobot]] and roused him from his slumber. Although the Last Autobot realized that his power would be needed elsewhere, he recognized that Cybertron had suffered severe damage and created a race of stewards who would gradually rebuild Cybertron and nurse the wounded world back to health. Using data acquired from the [[binary bonding|binary-bonded]] fusion of Hi-Q and the rebuilt [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Action Master]] body, he created the Mini-Cons, and imbued each with a fragment of his own [[spark]] so that they could access his own formidable powers. [[Modus Prime]], the first Mini-Con created, became the leader of this new race.

Over the next fifteen years, the Mini-Cons worked to repair Cybertron, in anticipation of the day when all Cybertronians could return home; in addition to rebuilding the planet's infrastructure, the Mini-Cons waged a brutal extermination campaign against the [[Demon]]s and [[Mutant (G1)|Mutant]]s who dwelt in the planet's labyrinthine underlevels. However, as their work neared completion, a number of Mini-Cons began questioning their appointed roles after one Mini-Con, [[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]], discovered the Decepticon philosophy; after more than a decade of waging war against Primus's discarded experiments, he grew fearful that Primus would cast ''them'' aside too. In the name of preserving the world they'd built for Mini-Cons and Mini-Cons alone, Broadside orchestrated the assassination of Modus Prime, silenced anyone who'd seen the crime, and lied about a fabricated "madness plague" to justify the quarantine of Cybertron. However, news of Broadside's role in the murder soon spread, and before long Cybertron collapsed back into a new civil war between Broadside's rogue faction and the loyalists. {{storylink|The New World}}

{{--}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
[[File:LegendsVol19-Groundshaker.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
The Mini-Cons of this universe are a sub-set of the diminutive [[Micromaster]]s. When most of the Micromaster population fell under the command of [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] to found their own civilization on [[Micro|Planet Micro]], some elected to remain with the Autobots to help them continue the war. These little 'bots partnered up with larger Transformers, adopting weapon and equipment [[alternate mode]]s (in addition to their vehicular forms) which their partners could wield. Like the Mini-Cons from other universes, they provide their partners with a power-up by connecting to them when in weapon mode. Some of the earliest known include [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s partners [[Groundshaker (Legends)|Groundshaker]] and [[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]]. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}}

Evidence suggests that Mini-Cons would persist into the [[Beast Era]]: the enigmatic [[Wedge Shape]], as well as several of the combatants involved in the "[[Micron Booster#Micron Booster Ver. 4: Endless Battle—Eternal Prisoner|Eternal Prisoner]]" conflict, professed [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] allegiances. {{storylink|Micron Booster|Micron Booster Ver. 4}} Additionally, Mini-Con [[Dragoyell]] took part in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|Dragoyell|Dragoyell's bio}}
{{--}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:ThePermanentRevolution-toocooltoenunciate.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

After the conclusion of the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]], [[Micronus Prime]] left Cybertron aboard the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]] and together they colonized a [[Prion (planet)|distant world]]. {{storylink|White Heat}} Using the [[Hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] within his body, Prion birthed a civilization of Mini-Cons. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} Approximately seven million years ago, Micronus left the colony to fend for itself while he retreated into a unique sub-atomic realm known as [[Microspace]]. {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}}

In the 21st century, the peaceful planet met its end when the robo-phobic [[Black Block Consortia]] discovered and promptly sterilized the planet. The sole survivor, a female four-changer named [[Nickel]], joined up with the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] when they chanced across the ruined world a few days after the attack. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

When the Transformers first encountered the [[Stentarian]] species, they mistook the tiny [[Ammonite]]s for miniature Decepticons, and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] nicknamed them "Minicons". {{storylink|Little Victories}}

===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] referred to his Micromaster partner [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]] as his "Mini-Con", short for "mini-Decepticon". {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|Whisper's profile in Club magazine #25}}

{{--}}

===Live-action film series===
[[File:HeavyweightvsAutotrooper-CMW.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Mini-Cons are a mysterious group of small Transformers. Known Mini-Cons include [[Longarm (Movie Mini-Con)|Longarm]], [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Chopster]], and [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]].

In a reality where [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] won the battle of [[Chicago]], he recruited a trio of Mini-Cons that included [[Boombox]], Scalpel, and [[Heavyweight]]. {{storylink|Cybertron's Most Wanted}} The whole lot of them were transported to [[Axiom Nexus]] when Megatron plummeted off a space bridge after a battle against [[Hot Rod (DOTM)|Rodimus Prime]]. Though Heavyweight and the other Mini-Cons were identified by the TransTechs, they overlooked Megatron himself, believing his truck mode to simply be a derelict heap. {{storylink|Megatron (Movie)#TransTech|BotCon 2015 Megatron bio card}}

{{--}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
[[Commander (PCC)|Commander]]s had the ability to combine with Mini-Cons, which powered up their abilities in vaguely defined ways.<ref>[[Smolder (PCC)|Smolder]]'s bio, [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]]'s bio, [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]]'s bio, and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]]'s bio.</ref> Some power ups are given more specific descriptions: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] became faster, stronger, and smarter; [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] got extended operational duration; [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] became invisible to sensors; and [[Darkstream]] received enhanced maneuverability.<ref>See respective toy bios.</ref>

{{--}}

===''Animated''===
[[File:TheStunticonJob-Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The Autobots used Mini-Cons to guard high-security prison facilities like [[Trypticon Prison]] in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}} Although Mini-Cons were supposedly loyal to the Autobot regime, a few cynics like [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] had their doubts. {{storylink|The AllSpark Almanac Addendum}}

{{--}}

===Aligned continuity family===
[[File:Deployer DarknessRising3.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

'''Mini-Cons''' (sometimes spelled '''Minicons''') are a race of small, human-sized Transformers who inhabit Cybertron's two moons. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} Descendants of [[Micronus Prime]], the first Mini-Con,<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011-hasbro-story-building-panel-172316/ TFW coverage of Botcon 2011 Hasbro Story Building Panel]</ref> they come in a great variety of shapes; though some adopt humanoid forms, others possess animalistic [[beast mode]]s instead.

In these realities, the majority of Mini-Cons do not Powerlinx with larger Transformers, and only Mini-Cons who have been specifically altered at the [[CNA|genetic level]] can utilize a variation of this power. Instead, Mini-Cons who form partnerships with the Autobots or Decepticons adopt specialized [[alternate mode]]s that allow them to interlock with their larger partners to form an additional layer of armor. These specialized "[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]s", as they are known, can be summoned into action by their larger partner, whereupon they detach and transform back into their robot configurations. By the time of Cybertron's restoration following the end of the war, such Mini-Cons are subdivided into three groups: Autobot "buzzsaws," Decepticon "torpedoes," and unaligned "Cyclones," who have spherical alternate modes. {{storylink|Knock, Knock!}}

{{--}}

====Aligned novels====
Although some Cybertronians displayed prejudice against Minicons—[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] despised them, while [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]] associated them with distrust—they nevertheless had a political presence in the pre-war era, with representative [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] serving on the planet's [[Autobot High Council|High Council]]. Minicons could choose to communicate with other Cybertronians, but while conducting espionage or sabotage missions they usually communicated via a series of tightly coded electronic pulses.

During the buildup to the planet's Great War, the nascent Decepticon movement made extensive use of Minicons in various terrorist acts: thirty-six Decepticon-allied Minicons bombed the [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]] amusement park, and another destroyed [[Fort Scyk]]. A number of Mini-Cons attended the fateful meeting of the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] that saw Orion Pax promoted to the rank of [[Prime (rank)|Prime]].

When war broke out in earnest, a pair of Autobot-allied Minicon saboteurs stole the secrets of Decepticon [[combiner]] technology, which allowed the Autobots to create [[Defensor (WFC)|Defensor]]. Multiple Decepticon Minicons served aboard the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] facility during the final battle before the exodus to [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Prime'' cartoon=====
[[File:DeusExMachina AMT-Party.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Did you bring hummus?]]

{{note|The Arms Micron backstory was told specifically in reference to the "partner" Microns packed in with larger toys, but it is assumed that it holds true for all toys called "Arms Microns" regardless of release type.}}

A new group of Mini-Cons were created on [[Earth]] when the planet's energon infused the Transformers' weapons with life and the power to transform. These new robots became known as the [[Arms Micron]]s. {{storylink|Arms Micron Theater}}

{{--}}

=====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon=====
[[File:HuntingSeason Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

During the Great War, Decepticon scientists captured and genetically modified seven Mini-Cons into "[[Weaponizer (RID)|Weaponizer]]s", an aberrant group of Mini-Cons who could transform into weapons and override the motor functions of the Transformers who Powerlinxed with them. Anyone who could Powerlinx with all seven at once would become even stronger than even a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}} {{storylink|Worthy}} The project was incomplete when Megatron dissolved the Decepticons, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] discovered their stasis-locked bodies in the depths of [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]] while fleeing [[Skylynx (Prime)|Skylynx]] and [[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]]. Before he could turn them to his own ends, however, the Weaponizers escaped and fell in with the [[Scavenger (RID 2015)|Scavengers]] to take them somewhere off Cybertron before Starscream could find them. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}}

Another group of Mini-Cons, known as [[Caretaker Mini-Con|Caretaker]]s, appear to have been mass-produced through some unknown process. While some members of this group, including those found aboard a wrecked spaceship from the Great War, acted like pre-programmed [[drone]]s, {{storylink|Deep Trouble (RID)|Deep Trouble}} the [[Autobot High Council]] considered them self-sufficient to the point where they could autonomously run large prison ships such as the ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]''. Some of these Caretakers, most prominently [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]], possessed the capability for free will and independent thought, but reverted to a mindless "sentry mode" when [[Denny Clay]] tampered with his internal workings. {{storylink|The Trouble with Fixit}} When the ''Alchemor'' crashed on Earth, the freed Decepticon prisoners revolted and enslaved the Mini-Cons. When the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] arrived to take the ship, they joined in overthrowing their captors and eventually returned to Cybertron. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 2)}}

[[File:MightyBigTrouble-Weaponizers.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Shortly after this, the Weaponizers arrived on Earth, pursued by Starscream and a number of rogue agents; after clashing with the Scavengers a few times, the Weaponizers sided with the Autobots. Starscream attempted to merge with the Mini-Cons, only for it to fail because [[Tricerashot]] was missing, but even after obtaining the power of all seven Fixit was able to activate a signal and separate [[Aerobolt]]. Aerobolt Powerlinxed with Optimus, and gave the Autobot leader the last boost of power he needed to destory the super-powered Starscream. Afterwards, Aerobolt and his fellow Mini-Cons left Earth aboard the Scavenger's sub-orbital ship to find a new planet where they could live in peace. {{storylink|Worthy}}

The [[Autobot High Council|Cybertronian High Council]] experimented on the Mini-Cons [[Stuntwing]], [[Trickout]], [[Goldgear]], and [[Hi-Test (RID)|Hi-Test]]; in addition to erasing their memories, they also received the power to upgrade Transformers through Powerlinxing and open [[GroundBridge]]s to the [[Shadowzone (dimension)|Shadowzone]] in order to assist Soundwave in his escape. {{storylink|Collateral Damage}}

{{--}}

=====''Rescue Bots'' cartoon=====
[[File:TheNeedForSpeed Bounce.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Back against the wall, you gonna give it your all.]]

After escaping the prison ship ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]'', the rogue Mini-Con [[Bounce]] fled through the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]]'s [[GroundBridge]] and made a mess of [[Griffin Rock]] until [[Blurr (Prime)|Blurr]] and [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] recaptured him. {{storylink|The Need for Speed}}

{{--}}

===''TransTech''===
The first dimensionally-displaced Mini-Cons to arrive in the city of [[Axiom Nexus]] were misidentified as [[Micromaster]]s until the discovery of the [[Aurex]] cluster. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}} During the "Mass Reemergence", numerous [[Mini-Con]]s in the Aurex Cluster suddenly appeared on the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s' scanners. These Mini-Cons became pawns in the Autobot-Decepticon war and eventually attracted [[Unicron]], who sought to use them to make himself more powerful. Howeve,r the Mini-Cons combined their power to single-handedly defeat Unicron, and an unlikely peace prevailed when the Mini-Cons demanded to be left alone. The [[Transcendent Technomorph]] [[Heinrad (TransTech)|Heinrad]] emerged into this Aurex universe and offered the Mini-Cons a choice: stay and help the Autobot-Decepticon war effort, or leave to live in peace in [[Axiom Nexus]]. Most chose the latter option. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}}

Upon arriving in Axiom Nexus, many Mini-Cons who hailed from "Alpha" universal clusters, where Mini-Cons spoke their own unique language, failed the [[Ambus Test]] used to gauge the sentience of mechanical beings. Eventually, the Mini-Con [[Sprite]], native of a "Gamma" universe in which Mini-Cons spoke intelligibly, campaigned for increased awareness of Mini-Con rights. Thanks to her efforts, the Ambus Test was subsequently phased out and replaced with the more inclusive [[Turtler Test]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}}

==Toys==
[[File:Armada Blackout toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Blackout Powerlinxing with Demolishor]]
:Mini-Con toys debuted as the signature element of the ''Armada'' franchise, bringing the "micro [[play pattern]]" back to ''Transformers'' after many years' absence. Much like ''Armada'' itself, the Mini-Cons proved to be a smash hit with fans and kids, and Hasbro scrambled to include them in the subsequent franchises.

:Most Mini-Cons stand around 2" tall, roughly the same size as their [[Micromaster]] predecessors. Most Mini-Cons are considerably more complex, as well; unlike Micromasters, there's no single dominant transformation scheme. With dozens of molds, Mini-Cons cover a wide range of articulation, size, [[alternate mode]]s, and complexity. Aesthetically, their facial designs tend toward the unorthodox.

:Each Mini-Con includes one or more [[Powerlinx]] ports somewhere on their body, a [[5 mm post|5mm]] round peg-slot that allows them to be attached to any "[[Bulk]]" figure with a corresponding Powerlinx peg. These pegs were standard-issue on the larger, original-mold ''Armada'' toys, where at least one such peg could be used to activate various gimmicks on each large figure. Toys from subsequent franchises have featured Powerlinx pegs only as a static feature. Due to the center-peg of the Powerlinx port, they are incompatible with normal 5mm posts. Later Mini-Cons (starting with the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' series) would sometimes have 5mm holes without the "signature" center-peg.

{{note|Because of the overwhelming number of Mini-Con redecos—we're talking well into the hundreds—the following list is of unique first-use ''molds'' only.}}

===''Armada''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Adventure Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]] (dune buggy), [[Iceberg]] (snowcat), [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]] (jeep)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (Concorde jet), [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (supersonic bomber), [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (space shuttle)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (cargo jet), [[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (recon jet), [[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (stealth bomber)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (excavator), [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (mining vehicle), [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] (tank)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Emergency Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (fire engine), [[Makeshift (Armada)|Makeshift]] (VTOL plane), [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (police cruiser)}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (missile transport), [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (armored personnel carrier), [[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (tracked missile platform)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Race Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (rally SUV), [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (Le Mans racer), [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (Indy racer)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Sea Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Oceanglide]] (solar-powered boat), [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (speedboat), [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (hovercraft)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Space Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Astroscope]] (space station), [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] (rocket transporter), [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] (rocket)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (skateboard), [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (dirtbike), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (motor scooter)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (sportscar), [[Oval]] (sportscar), [[Spiral]] (sportscar)}}
|[[File:Armada airmilitaryteam toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Air Military Mini-Con Team]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (partner: [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Refute (Armada)|Refute]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Hot Shot]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (partner: [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Liftor]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] (partner: [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (partner: [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (partner: [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (partner: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]])}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (partner: [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (partner: [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]] (partner: [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderclash (Armada)|Thunderclash]] (partner: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (partner: [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (partner: [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] (partner: [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] (partner: [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] (partner: [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]])}}
|
[[File:Armada Leader1 toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Leader-1, with wider hips than were entirely necessary.]]
</ul>
|}

===''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Armadatoy unicron of light.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Unicron of Light]]
*'''Hikari no Unicron''' (campaign prize item)
**''Accessories:'' Chest missile, 6 leg missiles

: The "[[Unicron of Light]]" toy is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in an emerald, light green, blue, and white color-scheme. This Unicron was the prize for a lucky-draw contest in Japan.
{{-}}

===''Energon''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Energon Saber]] Team''': [[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (Concorde), [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (space shuttle), [[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (supersonic bomber)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (hoverboard), [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (motorbike), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (four-wheeler)}}
|[[File:Energon saber.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|The Energon Saber]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Other'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Kicker/Highwire 2-pack}}
|[[File:Energon Kicker HighWire toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Kicker with High Wire]]
</ul>
|}

===''Cybertron''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (partner: [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Stripmine]] (partner: [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] (partner: [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (partner: [[Vector Prime]])}}
|
[[File:Cyb-toy HeavyLoad.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Menasor's partner Heavy Load]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''3-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Recon Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (helicopter), [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (LeMans race car), [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (pickup truck)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Deepdive (Cybertron)|Deepdive]] (submarine), [[Longarm (Cybertron)|Longarm]] (double-crane truck), [[Overcast (Cybertron)|Overcast]] (military cargo plane)}}
|
[[File:Cyb-toy SixSpeed Kabaya.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Kabaya Six-Speed]]
</ul>
|}

===''Classics''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Demolition Team]]''': [[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]], [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]], [[Wideload (Classics)|Wideload]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Dinobot (Classics)|Dinobots]]''': [[Knockdown (Classics)|Knockdown]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Terrorsaur (Classics)|Terrorsaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Night Rescue Team]]''': [[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]], [[Firebot (Classics)|Firebot]], [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Clear Skies Team]]''': [[Nightscream (Classics)|Nightscream]], [[Steel Wind]], [[Thunderwing (Classics)|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Dirt Digger Team]]''': [[Dirt Rocket (Classics)|Dirt Rocket]], [[Grindor (Classics)|Grindor]], [[Oil Slick (Classics)|Oil Slick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Predator Attack Team]]''': [[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]], [[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]], [[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]]}}
|[[File:TFC Clear Sky.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Clear Skies Team]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Star Wars Transformers''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*[[TIE Fighter]]s (partner: [[Darth Vader]])
|[[File:SWTIE Fighter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|TIE Fighters]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe .282008.29|Hot Shot]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys|Cyclonus]])}}
|
[[File:UniverseHotShotJolt.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Jolt with Hot Shot]]
</ul>
|}
{{note|Nightstick, despite being a [[Nebulan]] [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]], is oddly identified as a Mini-Con on the "Battle in Space" packaging.}}
{{-}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airlift (PCC)|Airlift]] (partner: [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Backwind]] (partner: [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Caliburst (PCC)|Caliburst]] (partner: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw]] (partner: [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chopster]] (partner: [[Smolder (PCC)|Smolder]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundspike]] (partner: [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pinpoint]] (partner: [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Throttler]] (partner: [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Waterlog (PCC)|Waterlog]] (partner: [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]])}}
|
[[File:PCC-toy Chopster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Chopster (with Smolder)]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Prime''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (WFC)|Ravage]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
|[[File:Primetoy-HasbroTakaraTomy-Laserbeaks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Laserbeak with Soundwave]]
</ul>
|}
{{note|Neither Laserbeak or Ravage were branded as Mini-Cons on-package, with Ravage instead being referred to as a "mini-figure".}}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Arms Microns'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Arc]] (Partner: [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee Blade]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[B.B.]] (Partner: [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Baro]] (Partner: [[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (WFC)|Thundercracker]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[B.H.]] (Partner: [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bido]] (Partner: [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bogu]] (Partner: [[Unicron]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bulkhead Knuckle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee Sword]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[C.L.]] (Partner: [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dado (Prime)|Dado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dago]] (Partner: [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dobo]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Giza (Prime)|Giza]] (Partner: [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gobu]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Gora]] (Partner: [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Guru]] (Partner: [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hades]] (Partner: [[Megatron (WFC)|Darkness Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ida]] (Partner: [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Igu]] (Partner: [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Iro]] (Partner: [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jaze]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Jida]] (Partner: [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Jigu]] (Partner: [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[L.P.]] (Partner: [[Lio Convoy]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Magi]] (Partner: [[Silas|Silas Breakdown]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron Cannon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Noji]] (Partner: [[Vehicon (Prime)|Jet Vehicon]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[O.P.]] (Partner: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Blaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ozu (Prime)|Ozu]] (Partner: [[Wildrider (Prime)|Wildrider]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pral]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[R.A.]] (Partner: [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet Spanner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[S.S.]] (Partner: [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sou]] (Partner: [[Swerve (Prime)|Swerve]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ulma]] (Partner: [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack Kunai]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wuji]] (Partner: [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Zado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Zori]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
|[[File:Prime-toy OP.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|O.P.]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Mini-Con Assault Team]]''': [[Heavytread (Generations)|Heavytread]], [[Runway (Generations)|Runway]], [[Windshear]]}}
|[[File:Generationstoy-TakaraTomy-Centuritron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Centuritron and the Mini-Con Assault Team]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Robots in Disguise'' (2015)===
{{stub|All the new Minicon toys, plus partners/enemies must be included}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Individual Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Aerobolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Bashbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Beastbox (RID)|Beastbox]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Back|Decepticon Back]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Anvil (RID)|Decepticon Anvil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (RID 2015)|Decepticon Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Dragonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Glacius]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Lancelon]]}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Major Mayhem]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sandsting]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sawback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sawtooth (RID)|Sawtooth]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tricerashot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Velocirazor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windstrike]]}}
|
[[File:Slipstream RID 2015 toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Slipstream]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] (Partner: [[Drift (RID)|Drift]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]] (Partner: [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hammer (RID)|Decepticon Hammer]] (Partner: [[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] (Partner: [[Overload (RID)|Overload]])}}
|[[File:RID15-toy Backtrack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Overload's partner Backtrack]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Other'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] (One Step Changer)}}
{{Bp-a1|Fixit (Legion Class)}}
|[[File:2015 RID One-Step Fixit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|One-Step Fixit]]
</ul>
|}

==Merchandise==
===''Attacktix''===
[[File:AttacktixMiniConS1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Goooood.]]
*'''Mini-Con''' (Booster, 2006)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF01
|faction=Autobot
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback - 4/26 (15%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

: The first assortment of Transformers ''[[Attacktix]]'' figures included a "generic" Mini-Con, based on [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]]. Each Mini-Con figure has 3 points of articulation, including waist and shoulders; however, their shoulders move together due to their gun. One of the shortest, most squat ''Attacktix'' figures, the Mini-Con is very stable despite its small base.

:Its Special Power, "Attackback", allows a free move and attack for any of your in-play Autobot pieces. Mini-Con is an excellent support figure for [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], whose "Shootback" power allows up to three Mini-Cons to make a free attack.

{{-}}
[[File:AttackitxMiniConS2.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Eeeevil.]]
*'''Minicon''' (Booster, 2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF03
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

:An as-yet unreleased redeco of the ''Attacktix'' "Minicon" (''sic'') piece is set for the second series' Booster Packs, though this time as a Decepticon-aligned piece. It features a color scheme not on any incarnation of the actual [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]/Skyboom toy, but wouldn't that be neat? The exact details of its Attackback special power are as yet unknown.

: This piece was later characterized as "[[Bunker-Buster]]" in the members-only portion of the [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] website.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Why are they called Mini-Cons, with a "con" as in Decepticons? According to [[Aaron Archer]], the thought just didn't occur to Hasbro!<ref>"Mini-Bot was too generic, for sure... I don't think we thought of it that deep! The way you just described it, I don't think we realized that maybe we should have considered that nomenclature?"—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNgWvNmMJfE&t=1894s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2021/12/14]</ref>
*During the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line, the term "Mini-Con" was also the name of a [[size class]] which consisted of three-packs of small toys (which were also individually referred to as "Mini-Cons"). Other size classes from the ''Armada'' line were named "Super-Con", "Max-Con" and "Giga-Con". However, the name "Mini-Con" was the only one actually used in the corresponding fiction. In the toyline, it was ''also'' used for other small figures of the same size that were available as companion figures with the larger toys. Due to its use in fiction, the name was also carried over into subsequent lines such as ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', and was used as (part of) the name of a price point again in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, the "Mini-Con Class" consisting of two-packs. The later ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' toyline returned to the original three-pack style.
* Perceptor, the Star Saber, the Skyboom Shield and the Requiem Blaster were the earliest Mini-Con products developed, with a common combining play-pattern, before the decision was made to pack an individual Mini-Con in with each larger robot.<ref>"The idea that they combined was an early idea, and I think they combined with almost those forms too! Takara had those in 2D concept when we were going over different things. Because we did the Requiem Blaster, the [Skyboom] Shield, Star Saber and Perceptor here—we did all those at the same time. We wanted to turn three of the Mini-Cons into a combining robot, and then that could be another type of protector for the kids as well."—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=2217s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2022/10/25]</ref> These toys ended up being split across the first three waves of the line.
* There have been a number of characters or toys that either have Powerlinx "catcher" ports but are not Mini-Cons, or are recolored from Mini-Con molds (often even having the molded-in faction symbol) but who are nonetheless, according to their associated bios or fiction, not actually Mini-Cons. These include ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Caliburn (Universe)|Caliburn]], ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]], and the [[Search and Destroy Robot]]. Conversely, the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (franchise)|Rescue Bots]]'' [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|toyline]] credits [[Servo (RB)|Servo]] as a Mini-Con, while in the actual television show he's merely referred to as a "Cybertronian Helper Bot".
* According to [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], Hasbro and Takara's design departments originally conceived the [[Omnicon]]s and [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] as being "evolved" forms of the ''Armada'' Mini-Cons. Takara's marketing department, the only people directly talking to [[We've]], completely ignored this, so the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]] established an entirely different backstory for the group. <ref name="ichikawa">[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/43847f79db724831 "Wing Saber vs. Mega-Dinobot: A Lesson"], Hirofumi Ichikawa at alt.toys.transformers</ref> A vestige of this idea ''may'' have persisted into [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)|Energon]]'' comic, which depicts the Omnicons inhabiting the former Mini-Con villages, and features a scene in which the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] describes them as the product of an artificially-induced "evolutionary step". However, the comic never explicitly confirms that they ''are'' evolved Mini-Cons, so draw your own conclusions. Fun Publications would later canonise the idea for the pack-in comics continuity with [[Armada Volume 5|''Armada'' Volume 5]].
* A proposed episode of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'''s [[Transformers Animated season 4|unproduced fourth season]] would've focused on the Mini-Cons, who nominally ran Trypticon Prison, running amok in [[Detroit]] after Megatron teleported the prison complex to [[Earth]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Micron''' (マイクロン ''Maikuron''), '''Mini-Con''' (ミニコン ''Minikon'')
*''Dutch:'' '''Miniteam'''
*''French:'' '''Minican''' (France, cartoon dub), '''Minimodus''' (Canada and France, toys)
*''Korean:'' '''Micron''' (마이크론 ''Maikeuron'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Mínǐ Jīn'gāng''' (迷你金刚, "Mini Vajra")
*''Spanish:'' '''Minimodus'''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Wars species]]
[[Category:Classics species]]
[[Category:Cybertron species]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons| ]]
[[Category:Unicron]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

Bulkhead (Animated)

2020-05-18T02:02:38Z

Auride: /* Merchandise */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Bulkhead}}
:''Bulkhead is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:AniBulkheadPromoModel.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] called; he wants his head back.]]

The biggest and strongest of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s crew, '''Bulkhead''' appears to be little more than a big, dumb lummox at first glance. The second and third glances don't do much to improve that impression. Raised on a backwater [[energon farm]], he joined the Autobot academy to achieve the lofty goal of becoming a lowly [[space bridge]] [[Space bridge technician|technician]] rather than a warrior. He also has an unfortunate tendency to break stuff by accident due to his sheer strength and natural clumsiness. He's wrecked major thoroughfares and toppled skyscrapers in his zeal to be ''helpful''; when he gets angry, he's capable of berserker charges that even the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] have learned to respect and fear. His penchant for being a little too eager to please others and getting a little too emotional at times further leads him to act without thinking. Add in a seeming lack of skills beyond "destruction", and it does not paint a pretty picture.

But despite all these shortcomings, one is hard-pressed to find a bot with a bigger spark, and he has astounding (if sometimes well-hidden) depths. He hates being thought of as the clumsy brute of the team, which has bred a certain amount of careful forethought and cautiousness. He's endlessly loyal to and protective of his friends, especially his best buddy [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and the [[human]] girl [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]], even if their impulsive behavior is sometimes annoying. Since coming to [[Earth]], he has discovered a love of art and the urge to express his true feelings through it. He's not very good at it, but he keeps trying anyways. Perhaps most surprising of all is that he is [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s foremost expert in space bridge technology, even though he may not be able to build one himself without accidentally breaking at least half the components.

{{quote|You guys got it easy. All people want me to do is break stuff. I've got a sensitive side too, you know... but breaking stuff ''is'' kinda fun.|Bulkhead meditates on his lot in life|"[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
{{voiceactor|[[Bill Fagerbakke]] (English), [[Kenta Miyake]] (Japanese)|[[Alexander Kovriznyh]] (Russian), [[Tilo Schmitz]] (German), [[Ireneusz Załóg]] (Polish), [[Lorenzo Scattorin]] (Italian), [[Fábio Moura]] (Portuguese), [[Rolando Silva]] (Latin American Spanish, seasons 1 and 2), [[Ju-chang Lee]] (Korean), [[Julio Lorenzo]] (Castillo Spanish), [[Bruno Lähteenmäki]] (Finnish), [[Frédéric Cerdal]] (French, seasons 1, 2 and first half of 3), [[Gérard Rouzier]] (French, second half of season 3)}}

[[File:AutobootCamp-Bulkhead.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Having read every space bridge schematic he could get his hands on, {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}} the 'bot who would become "Bulkhead" left the [[energon]] farm to attend [[Autobot boot camp]] in the hopes that he could become a qualified space bridge engineer. It was there that he first met Bumblebee and their trainer, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Minor]], who gave him his codename after deciding that the gentle giant was "all bulk and no brains." Bumblebee initially had no interest in befriending Bulkhead, mockingly calling him a "mudflap", but an unlikely friendship blossomed after Bulkhead saved Bumblebee from some "malfunctioning" turrets, accidentally dropping a building on Sentinel in the process. Although it seemed as though Bumblebee would go on to bigger and better things in the Autobot [[Elite Guard]] after outing their fellow Autobot cadet [[Wasp]] as a Decepticon spy, Bumblebee voluntarily took the blame for injuring Sentinel and the pair were both given the boot and reassigned to space bridge detail {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} aboard the starship ''[[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Orion]]'' under the command of Elite Guard washout [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]. While on maintenance detail, the team discovered [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] meditating on an asteroid, and after accidentally blowing up [[Dawn Treader|his ship]] the stoic ninja joined their crew until they could return home to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

While repairing one malfunctioning space bridge in an asteroid field far from Cybertron, Bulkhead got his wrecking ball stuck in a rock face and later had to be rescued by Optimus when the space bridge malfunctioned and threatened all five members of the crew with debris. In doing so, however, the team discovered the long-lost [[AllSpark]], which had been deliberately hidden by the Autobots during the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]]. In doing so, however, the team had provoked [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]]s, who had also been searching for the life-giving artifact. While trying to evade the Decepticon warship after Megatron seemingly perished aboard their ship, Bulkhead did his best to hang on while the Autobots flew their ship through the space bridge and splashed down in [[Lake Erie]] after the crew entered [[stasis pod]]s to survive.

[[File:Bulkh alt.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Let's see {{w|Grave Digger (truck)|Grave Digger}} beat this!]]

Fifty years later, the ship's autonomous systems detected a glob of rogue nanotechnology and reactivated its crew. Although the five Autobots decided to intervene against the nanotech monster wreaking havoc in [[Detroit]], the Autobots mistook [[human]]-built robots and machinery for Earth's dominant lifeforms and reformatted themselves with local vehicle modes to blend in. Bulkhead requested help from a group of local drones, then noticed [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] trying to take her keycard away from her robot dog, [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]]. Assuming Sari was the pet, Bulkhead greeted her—which promptly sent her running and screaming. Although the monster was eventually defeated, [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] was left gravely wounded and the Autobots retreated to their underwater vessel to repair him, unaware that Bumblebee had inadvertently smuggled Sari into their ship. Using the power of the AllSpark to energize her keycard, Bulkhead watched incredulously Sari used her "[[AllSpark Key]]" to save Prowl's life.

In the days that followed their arrival on Earth, the five Autobots became local celebrities as they tried to learn about Earth and its customs, with Bulkhead experiencing a traffic jam firsthand. Eventually, Sari helped fix up the Autobots with a more convineient base of operations by getting them to move into an [[Autobot Earth Base|abandoned automobile factory]]. The Autobots were later on hand to witness the unveiling of the [[Fully Automated Rapid Transit System]], a ceremony that was interrupted by the arrival of [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], who sought to take the AllSpark. The Autobots engaged him in a fierce game of keep-away, and at one point successfully knocked the Decepticon flier out of the air with his wrecking ball. Although the Autobots now had a reputation as local superheroes, the team found that, in the wake of their destructive battle, they'd have to help repair the city. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[File:HomeIsWhereTheSparkIs-Bulkhead.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

The Autobots continued to settle into their new lives, although Bulkhead remained resentful that humans mostly just wanted him to break things—after all, he had a sensitive side as well, even if breaking stuff ''was'' fun. When Sari came to stay at their factory for a night, Bulkhead and Bumblebee played Twister and listened to a scary story before [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] was able to hack into the deactivated machinery in an attempt to take out the Autobots, and although Bulkhead was able to get in touch with his inner breaker, he was captured and pinned down beneath a hydraulic press before Optimus Prime saved him. Bulkhead tried to catch a [[Pocketbot|tiny machine]] that looked like it might be the culprit, but accidentally smashed the little robot when he grabbed it. {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}}

When Bumblebee had a bout with [[Colossus Rhodes]] that escalated into a parking lot brawl, Bulkhead arrived with the others to stop the mad giant and tease Bumblebee about his size. Bulkhead's size proved a liability, however, when he got caught in an opening in [[Sumdac Tower]]'s defense shield. In a second bout with Rhodes, Bulkhead used his wrecking ball to send the brute flying, and when the shield was deactivated he was the first into the tower, scooping up [[Meltdown (Animated)|Meltdown]] in his fist... a very bad mistake, since the villain was made of acid. {{storylink|Total Meltdown}}

[[File:Stiletto-Bulkheadgetsowned.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

''Bulkhead was with the rest of the team when they watched a news broadcast, showing Prowl and Bumblebee inadvertently exposing the [[Wraith]]'s modus operandi. Later, when Bumblebee apprehended Colossus Rhodes, Bulkhead helped sign autographs for the grateful Detroiters. Later still, when the Autobots saw "Bumblebee" attack Michigan Stadium, Bulkhead helped clear the little Autobot's name by halting what was really a plot by the increasingly jealous and irrational Wraith.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 2|Attention Surplus Disorder}}

''Bulkhead joined the rest of the Autobots into investigating a theft at Sumdac's laboratories. They found out that the crime in question had been committed by an industrial saboteur going by the name of "[[Stiletto (Animated)|Stiletto]]." She soon attempted to collapse Detroit's Ambassador Bridge, prompting the Autobots to leap into action. During the confrontation, Bulkhead attempted to apprehend Stiletto by clobbering her with his wrecking ball weapon. As he swung it around, however, Stiletto severed the wrecking-ball's cord. This caused the weapon to fly into Bulkhead's head, knocking him out for the remainder of the battle. The Autobots nonetheless managed to capture Stiletto, and Bulkhead could later be seen being fixed at Autobot headquarters.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 3|Stiletto}}

[[File:BlastFromThePast-Bulkhead.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

After an embarassing incident at the [[Dino Drive]] theme park, Prowl tried to help Bulkhead to become a more graceful warrior, but was unable to impart any of his [[Cyber-Ninja]] training on the lunkish green Autobot. Things got worse when Bulkhead tried to use Prowl's methods against the rampaging [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]], animatronic dinosaurs upgraded by Cybertronian technology. Finally, Prowl encouraged Bulkhead to do what ''Bulkhead'' would do, and Bulkhead's blunt, powerhouse approach proved to have its place and time for proper use and helped trap the Dinobots in molten tar. Prowl suspected the Dinobots were actually alive, not mere machines, so he enlisted Bulkhead's help in secretly transporting them from their prison to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|a deserted island]] on Lake Erie. Prowl had realized that just because something was big and lumbering and destructive was no reason to give up on it, and Bulkhead knew just what he meant. {{storylink|Blast from the Past}}

When [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], a bounty hunter from Ratchet’s past, appeared on Earth to abduct Optimus, Bulkhead and the other Autobots intervened. Though Bulkhead managed to get by the defenses of [[Death's Head (Animated)|Lockdown’s ship]], Lockdown managed to paralyze Bulkhead with a quick-drying adhesive spray. Thankfully, Ratchet was able to best the bounty hunter and rescued Optimus while the rest of the team was indisposed. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}}

[[File:Nanosec-BulkheadWreckingBall.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Bulkhead was trying to enjoy some fireworks while Bumblebee attempted to apprehend the petty thief [[Nanosec|Nino Sexton]], and an argument caused the two Autobots to collapse the pier on which they were standing. The next day, Optimus had Bulkhead and Bumblebee join Prowl on a training exercise, but the three found that Sexton had resurfaced as the impossibly fast supervillain "Nanosec" and were forced to pursue him; during the chase, Bulkhead had to stop a speeding train from crushing his friend. To prevent Detroit’s destruction after Nanosec's capture, Bulkhead hurled Bumblebee up into the Earth's atmosphere, where the unstable [[Destronium]] sample Nanosec had stolen could safely explode. {{storylink|Nanosec (episode)|Nanosec}}

On [[Halloween]] night, Sari tried to teach Bulkhead and Bumblebee the true meaning of the holiday by taking them trick-or-treating. Deciding that he wanted to be a ghost for the night, Bulkhead settled for dressing in a fumigation tent, but the three ran afoul of the Decepticon [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]]. Bumblebee and Bulkhead were easily charmed and subdued by Blackarachnia's feminine wiles, allowing her to stun both of them. By the time they came to, Blackarachnia had already taken off with Sari; the duo rescued her after Blackarachnia threw her off a rooftop after unsuccessfully attempting to purge her own organic components from her systems. {{storylink|Along Came a Spider}}

[[File:SoundAndFury-BulkheadPunch.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

While on a shopping trip for Sari's birthday present, Bulkhead worked with Sari to rein in the pesky [[Professor Princess]]. The next day, Sari's birthday party began poorly, as the guests were all children of Sumdac Industries employees who found Sari too weird for their tastes. The Autobots' arrival made things a little more interesting, but Bulkhead and Sari found themselves ignored while the kids took rides with the other Autobots. Bulkhead wanted to give Sari her gift, a xylophone, but was too embarrassed to do so when he saw Dr. Sumdac's gift, a musical robot named "[[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]]." For the next several days, Sari's attention was drawn away from her friend as she spent her free time plugging her key into the toy to upgrade it. Bulkhead realized that there was something off about Soundwave, but his attempts to prove it just forced a wedge between Sari and himself, a wedge that grew bigger when Megatron—the mastermind behind the Soundwave toy—began manipulating events to further divide the friends. Eventually, Sari upgraded the toy to the point where Soundwave gained sentience and attempted to spark a machine rebellion across Detroit. Bulkhead came to her rescue, and after feigning a change of heart to get close to Soundwave he smashed the musical menace to bits before the pair reconciled. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}}

Soon afterwards, trouble arrived in the form of [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]. Answering their challenge, the Autobots confronted the pair in a construction yard. Bulkhead charged Lugnut and the two engaged in a grapple, but even Bulkhead's power wasn't enough against the massive Decepticon, who threw him aside. The second round didn't go too well either, as Lugnut never had a chance to fight before the Decepticons were defeated by the Autobot ship's main cannon. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}} After Sari was abducted by the Dinobots, Prowl and Bulkhead went to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]] to investigate. What they found was Meltdown, who damaged Bulkhead to the point of unconsciousness and trapped Prowl and [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] (who had been tailing them) underground. After restoring Bulkhead with her key, Sari showed him that she could take care of herself by kicking him, who pretended to be hurt and accidentally fell into the ship's hold. {{storylink|Survival of the Fittest}}

[[File:Caged bulkhead.jpg|thumb|right|300px|And now we know how the caged Bulkhead sings...]]

After destroying a good portion of a city block trying to stop a missile impact, Sari suggested to Bulkhead that he explore his more creative talents to show the people of Detroit that he could do more than smash things. Bulkhead had difficulty making his creations (his paint brushes kept snapping between his fingers) and panicked when he learned that Sari had arranged an art show for him. While lamenting his lot in life, he was knocked out cold by a sudden electrical surge. When he came back online, he found that his body had been stolen. As Bumblebee attempted to help him finish his art pieces in time for the show, the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] used Bulkhead's body to take control of a [[Sidney Biggles-Jones Memorial Solar Fusion Plant|solar fusion plant]], intending to detonate it unless he was paid a hefty ransom. Optimus used the ransom delivery to sneak the Autobots into the plant, where they defeated the Headmaster and reattached Bulkhead to his body...backwards. As the reactor reached critical, Bulkhead came up with a drone that would set the rods back, but the drone melted in the process. Not to be daunted, Bulkhead added it to his art collection, showing the citizens of Detroit his art without them even knowing it. {{storylink|Headmaster (episode)|Headmaster}}

[[File:Insincerest-BulkheadhasPowell.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

''[[Porter C. Powell]] decided to use Bulkhead's image as a public figure to market the SWAT vehicle he used as an altmode as a vehicle for everyday citizens, such as "soccer moms." This infuriated Bulkhead, though Powell informed him that legally, there was nothing he could do about it. Powell rub salt in the wound by using highly doctored footage of Bulkhead to make it seem as though the Autobot endorsed the vehicle in Powell's commercials. The "Bulkheads" proved to be popular vehicles in Detroit, providing further grief for the same-named Autobot. It nearly spoiled a stake-out, when a couple mistook Bulkhead for their own vehicle, and led to further trouble when it turned out both Professor Princess and the Angry Archer possessed Bulkheads, using them to further their criminal careers. Powell's marketing plot was brought to an end when Bulkhead disguised himself as a contestant on a "Pimp my Bulkhead" competition, and managed to trick Powell into admitting that his vehicles were dangerous death-traps on-camera.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 4|The Insincerest Form of Flattery}}

When Decepticon energy signals were detected, the Autobots quickly realized that they were outnumbered. Bulkhead mentioned that the Dinobots might be able to help, not aware that Prowl hadn't told Optimus they had moved them to Dinobot Island. Prime was furious and ordered the two to take him there at once. After searching the island, the Autobots found the Dinobots. They were unwilling to help, so the Autobots left, unsure of their next move. When Bumblebee contacted Prime, saying that Starscream was at Sumdac Tower, he ordered him to stand down. When they arrived at the tower, they saw Bumblebee fighting Starscream. Prime dryly noted that disobeying orders was becoming a habit, but Bulkhead wasn't too insulted. He was too busy being shocked by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] bursting through Sumdac Tower. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}} Quickly regaining his composure, Bulkhead charged Megatron, only to have his wrecking ball severed and be thrown into a building. After the short battle, Sumdac told them how he had rebuilt Megatron. Bulkhead sounded as if he was about to crush the professor, but Prime told him that it was unimportant. Using excess key energy in Sumdac's equipment, the Autobots repaired themselves, and Prime apologized for his harsh words. Ratchet and Sari came by in the ship, picking up the Autobots, but they were shot down over Dinobot Island. During the subsequent battle, Bulkhead brought down Lugnut. The zealous Decepticon was stronger than Bulkhead, but as he activated [[Punch of Kill Everything|his punch]], Bulkhead used his wrecking ball to detonate it, sending Lugnut flying. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

[[File:TheEliteGuard-arguments.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The Autobots managed to drive off the Decepticons, but at a high cost—not only had the AllSpark's physical container been destroyed, scattering fragments of its essence across Detroit, but despite their best efforts to rebuild Prime's Autobots also found that the human residents of the city now viewed them as potential menaces instead of heroes. As Bulkhead bemoaned their situation, [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]], and Sentinel Prime arrived on Earth to investigate, but Sentinel's refusal to believe Prime's story caused tension between the two Autobot teams. Eventually, however, Prime and his team proved their worth by helping Magnus dfeat an endless army of police drones at a malfunctioning Sumdac factory. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} Shortly afterwards, Bulkhead greeted Sari when she was thrown out of Sumdac Tower by [[Porter C. Powell]] and forced to live with the Autobots. He and Bumblebee tried to cheer her up by saying that living together would be like a non-stop party, making her food and teaching her about "stuff and how it works", but were met with limited success. Prowl intervened, and advised the pair to simply listen to their friend. Sari then let out her frustration over recent events, while Bumblebee and Bulkhead comforted her. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}} Bulkhead later helped stop a runaway train powered by an AllSpark fragment. When Starscream stopped by again, Bulkhead tried to knock him out with his wrecking ball, to little effect. Thankfully, Jazz, Sentinel and Optimus were able to take down the AllSpark-powered Decepticon. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

Bulkhead helped clear trash from the city of Detroit during a garbage dispute in an effort to mend strained Autobot/human relations. {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}} Later, he helped search for an AllSpark fragment, only for the mission to be interrupted by a group of illegal street racers, the [[Street Demon]]s, zooming by. When one of the racers caused two others to crash, Bulkhead stopped to help [[Roxy Sparkles]] out of his wrecked vehicle. Seeing as he and Sari were fans of the Speed Demon broadcasts, he also took the opportunity to ask for an autograph. But as Captain Fanzone dropped by to arrest the criminals, Bulkhead realized that Sari had mislead him about the legality of the Street Demons' show. He confronted the girl, only for Bumblebee to step in and assure Bulkhead that he would straighten her out instead. Turns out, Bumblebee had become fixated on beating one of the racers, and planned to participate in the races himself. Bulkhead found out, and was none too pleased about this development. He was coaxed into allowing Bumblebee to go through with his plan but followed him to the race, just to be safe. Before he could step in, he was frozen solid by Blitzwing, and only freed later when the adventure was mostly over. {{storylink|Velocity (episode)|Velocity}}

[[File:RiseOfTheConstructicons-chugchugchug.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

While repairing a damaged overpass, Bulkhead had his life saved by the newly-created [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] and [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]], [[oil]]-guzzling construction machines who rescued him after he used dangerous outdated fixatives. Although Bulkhead maintained that these "Constructobots" meant well, their crass mannerisms didn't impress the other Autobots, and eventually Prime evicted the pair after a game of frisbee severed Sari's pigtails. The next day, Bulkhead went looking for his friends but discovered that they had fallen in with Megatron and stolen parts on his behalf. Despite Bulkhead's efforts to turn them back to the Autobots, the newly-minted [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]] eventually took Bumblebee hostage, and demanded the AllSpark fragments the Autobots had gathered. Bulkhead was able to outwit them by spiking their oil with the same outdated fixative he had used earlier, and the subsequent explosion scrambled their memory circuits. Bulkhead drove the amnesiac Transformers away and sadly admitted that he had been wrong to trust them. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

Bulkhead accompanied Prowl to investigate reports of unusual behaviour on Dinobot Island. Prowl discovered a spike wedged in Grimlock's foot, and he and Bulkhead worked together to remove it. Later, when Prowl decided to go off on his own after Starscream, Bulkhead attempted to talk him out of it unsuccessfully. Later still, the Autobots found Prowl, equipped with new Samurai armor, tied up in the middle of the street. After freeing him, Prowl urged them to go after Lockdown, believing that he had captured [[Clone number 2716057|Starscream]], but the Autobots encountered [[Clone number 3370318|''another'' Starscream]] shortly after taking off. It soon became clear that both Starscreams were clones of the original, and on discovering that the clones were rigged with bombs Bulkhead watched as Prowl used his armor to launch the clones into the sky, right into the flight path of the fleeing Decepticons. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}} When Nanosec went on another crime spree, Bulkhead took part in the chase, but the pursuit was abruptly cut short when Bumblebee was temporarily slowed to nothing. Later, Bumblebee alerted the rest of his team that [[Swindle (Animated)|a Decepticon]] had built a machine that could freeze any electronic machine within its range,just as he had been earlier that day. Bulkhead and the others sped out to take on the threat. They were all affected by the device's power before they could reach their destination, and were only able to take on Swindle once Sari had deactivated this weapon. {{storylink|SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy}}

[[File:AutobootCamp-Bulkheadaltmode.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After [[Wasp]] escaped, Bulkhead tagged along with Bumblebee in an attempt to track a leaked signal, but 'Bee's attitude became unbearable, and Bulkhead stormed off. The kindhearted bot couldn't stay away, however, and helped Bumblebee out of a minor scrape. Bumblebee apologised, but Bulkhead shook it off; their friendship had rock-solid foundations. Reconciled, the two headed back to base, having missed a rather conspicuous mine shaft entrance. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Bulkhead learned that Meltdown was broken out of prison through a news report and stayed behind at the Autobots' headquarters while Optimus, Prowl and Bumblebee dealt with the escaped criminal. Once Meltdown had been liquified by his own [[genetic modifier]], Bulkhead accompanied Optimus and the others to explain what had transpired to Captain Fanzone. {{storylink|Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday}}

Bulkhead found himself going crazy over a persistent dripping noise coming from somewhere in the Autobots' base... looking about, he discovered that the dripping was coming from Bumblebee, who had fallen into the habit of neglecting his chassis. Bulkhead and Ratchet pointed this out to the little 'bot, but Bumblebee was in complete denial over the fact that he might need a tune-up. The conversation was interrupted by Optimus, who informed the Autobots that Scrapper and Mixmaster had resurfaced. The Autobots searched Detroit for the pair, but without Sari's key to track their AllSpark signatures, the search proved fruitless. Then, Blitzwing dropped out of the sky and took on the whole crew. During the fight, the Autobots learned that Sari was dealing with the Construcitcons on her own back at headquarters. But having to deal with Blitzwing, they couldn't head back... until Blitzwing suddenly decided to ditch the battle. The Autobots then headed back to help Sari immediately, but on returning to base, they found out that Sari had taken care of the intruders all by herself. {{storylink|Sari, No One's Home}}

[[File:TFA ABTC1 Bulkhead Sumdac.JPG|thumb|left|300px]]

Bulkhead later made an abstract painting of Sari in the style of Picasso, but the other Autobots' suggestions ended up ruining the painting. He and Sari took a walk to clear his head, and Bumblebee came and genuinely tried to apologize. This went rather poorly, and got even worse when Megatron arrived to kidnap Bulkhead and take him to his base. Megatron revealed that [[Shockwave (Animated)|his double agent]] had learned that Bulkhead was Cybertron's top space bridge technician, and forced Bulkhead to help the Decepticons repair a space bridge they had reverse engineered. If Bulkhead refused, Megatron would use a Headmaster unit to steal his body and kill all of Bulkhead's friends, starting with Professor Sumdac. Bulkhead agreed to help, but Professor Sumdac believed that Bulkhead was trying to sabotage the device, and told Bulkhead to let him give the instructions to avoid sounding preposterous. Furious at everyone doubting his skill, Bulkhead actually ''fixed'' the space bridge, allowing Megatron to teleport the Decepticons to an underdefended Cybertron. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

During a three-way battle between the Autobots, the Decepticons, and Starscream's [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]], Bulkhead tried to shut down the space bridge, but was locked with [[stasis cuffs]] by a [[Slipstream (Animated)|female clone]]. Trying to amplify the space bridge, Megatron tried to fix the problem by adding Starscream's severed, AllSpark-powered head into the power core. Unfortunately, this caused an overload which Bulkhead theorized would suck up all of Michigan. Fortunately, Ratchet had been able to successfully rouse their old starship to life, revealed to be the ancient [[Omega Sentinel (Animated)|Omega Sentinel]] [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], who arrived and allowed himself to be sucked into the portal along with Megatron and Starscream. When the Autobots escaped, Bulkhead theorized that they had merely been transported somewhere in space, and hoped that Omega was still alive. Unfortunately, any effort to locate Omega was put on hold when Sari noticed that the skin of her arm had been torn, revealing robotic circuitry underneath! {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

[[File:TransWarped-Bulkheadchestdrawer.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

While Bumblebee and Bulkhead were surprised and concerned about Sari's revealed techno-organic nature, they remained focused on the more imminent problem; namely that their old friend Longarm was really a Decepticon spy. However, because Omega Supreme had been transwarped elsewhere in the galaxy, they no longer had a way to contact Cybertron. The Autobots eventually hit on the idea of building their ''own'' Space Bridge to Cybertron, and Bulkhead and Bumblebee set about salvage whatever they could find from the ruins of the Decepticon base, finding a [[plasma dynamic thruster]] and [[retrieval beacon generator]]. However, the malfunctioning thruster accidentally sent Bumblebee on a transwarp jaunt of his own through space, and while Bulkhead had his back turned he was attacked by Henry Masterson, having commandeered his old [[Headmaster unit]] to pilot Starscream's discarded body, easily trouncing Bulkhead and burying him under a pile of rocks.

Ratchet found Bulkhead and brought him back to base for repairs before Sari used her key to heal him, much to Ratchet's annoyance. When Bumblebee's energy signature could not be found on Earth, Bulkhead realized that he wasn't on Earth. The plasma dynamic thruster must have caught a stray transwarp field and sent Bumblebee to another part of the galaxy. Using the beacon generator, Bulkhead was able to reel Bumblebee back to Earth; Bumblebee, however, had been swallowed by a [[Rock Lord|giant rock creature]], who was also transported to Earth and attacked the city. Bulkhead proved unable to damage the alien without also hurting Bumblebee, and in a spur-of-the-moment decision Sari used her key to upgrade her own body, using her new form to quickly defeat the monster. Sari's powers quickly went wild, however, and the Autobots worked together to remove the key from her system after she accidentally stabbed Bumblebee. Although Bulkhead's advice nearly caused her to self-destruct, Ratchet was finally able to shut her down with his EMP generator.

Later, the group was at the plant, mulling over the events of the day, including Optimus revealing the Autobots' secret base to Professor Sumdac. When Bumblebee threatened to transwarp again, Bulkhead took the plasma dynamic thruster from Bumblebee's backpack and turned it off. But then Omega Supreme appeared, under the control of Megatron. The group headed for the river to keep Megatron from damaging more of the city. Bulkhead and Bumblebee acted as decoys while Prowl and Optimus worked on freeing Omega from Megatron's control. Their plan worked, only for Starscream's head, which Megatron was using as a battery, to take over Omega's body and toss out Prowl and Optimus. With them unable to get back in and Starscream threatening to transwarp to Cybertron and use Omega to take it over, Bumblebee and Bulkead got the idea of using the plasma dynamic thruster on Omega Supreme. With a little teamwork from them and Optimus Prime, they attached the plasma dynamic thruster to Omega Supreme, causing him to go on an endless and random transwarp cycle throughout the galaxy. However, they still needed to find a way to contact Cybertron about Shockwave. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[File:TFAni Threes a Crowd Stop Hitting Yourself.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Stop hitting yourself. Stop hitting yourself. Stop hitting yourself!]]

Construction on the space bridge began at Sumdac Tower, using an AllSpark fragment as an improvised power source—but Bulkehead's overconfidence led to an accident and the apparent loss of the AllSpark fragment. Realizing that he needed some architectural expertise, Bulkhead set about recruiting the Constructicons and was able to talk the resentful duo into some "off the books work" for him. At the tower, however, they discovered that the accident had combined the AllSpark fragment with a forklift and Sumdac's recovered Headmaster unit to create [[Dirt Boss (Animated)|Dirt Boss]], a mouthy little control freak with big dreams... and the power to force others to do his bidding. Dirt Boss and his new Constructicon henchmen set about stealing oil to hold the city for ransom, and—since the other Autobots were busy with Lugnut—Bulkhead pursued the trio and learned of their plan to destroy Detroit's fossil fuel refinery.

Captured by the three Decepticons after getting his wrecking ball stuck in Mixmaster's cement mixer, Bulkhead was dragged to the refinery and nearly brainwashed into igniting the spark that would light the oil tank, even fighting the other Autobots when they arrived to stop Dirt Boss. When the fire proved impossible to contain, Prof. Sumdac came up with the idea of transporting it with the plasma dynamic thruster. The tank, as well as the Constructicons who were on top of it, was transwarped over Lake Erie near Dinobot Island, where it exploded harmlessly. The Autobots still needed to cart away Lugnut, but discovered that he had been freed by [[Ramjet (Animated)|someone]]. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd}}

When Wasp came to Earth, he attacked Bumblebee and traded identities with him by switching helmets and using an [[electronic paint job]]. Even Bulkhead was confused by the ruse and nearly smashed "Wasp" with his wrecking ball. Fortunately, Bumblebee was able to make Bulkhead realize who he ''really'' was by reminding them of their time at Autobot boot camp together, and after a brief misunderstanding with Sentinel Prime and his new cadets [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]], the Autobots returned to the plant to confront the impostor, pitting the two against one another in a round of [[Ninja Gladiator]] to prove who was the real Bumblebee. When it became clear that Wasp's cover would be blown, Wasp panicked and threatend to slag Bumblebee, claiming that he had once been a good 'bot—but Bulkhead told him that he had always been mean to the two of them and had ''never'' been a good bot. Wasp then shot the lights out and made a break for it. Bulkhead found him outside lying on the ground and jumped on top of him, only to find that Wasp had switched identities ''again'' and Bulkhead had pounded Bumblebee. Oops. {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}} Bulkhead later witnessed Optimus Prime tell Jetfire and Jetstorm to stop taunting Sentinel behind his back, but later was instructed by Ratchet to roll on home along with Bumblebee and Prowl so Optimus and Sentinel could speak in private. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Animated)|Predacons Rising}}

[[File:TFA Human Error Part 1 Automen.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

While celebrating Christmas Eve with Sari, the Autobots fell victim to Soundwave's new scheme, where, after consuming some spiked oil nog, the Autobots were all trapped inside an elaborate virtual construct. Within this digital simulation, it appeared as though the Autobots had been mysteriously transformed into humans, and the five set off for Sumdac Tower in the hopes that Professor Sumdac could help them. While on the way there, the group stopped off at a nearby Burger-bot restauraunt, where Bulkhead stuffed his face with hamburgers and wound up having to go ot the bathroom to deal with an embarassing "malfunction". Finally, after taking the bus to Sumdac Tower, the team dicsovered that the Decepticons had seemingly launched a full-scale attack on Detroit! Realizing that this couldn't be real, the human Autobots were able to defeat the virtual Decepticons and revert to their true forms, only for Soundwave to directly intervene and blast them with electricity. {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

Although momentarily freed when Sari damaged Soundwave's system, the Decepticon quickly regained control over the network and turned the Autobots back into humans. Ratchet explained that they needed to find Soundwave's interface with the system, and pursued an avatar of Soundwave's alternate mode throughout the city in some conveniently placed vehicles, although their driving skills were poor. They eventually cornered Soundwave in a drive-in movie theater parking lot, but Soundwave had actually trapped them there, and he succeeded in reprogramming the Autobots. Under Soundwave's control, Bulkhead battled the [[Substitute Autobot]]s and wound up getting frozen by Scrapper. Once freed from Soundwave's control, Bulkhead joined the rest of the Autobots in watching the Disposal Droids (and [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]]) clean up the city. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

[[File:DecepticonAir-Bulkhead.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Bulkhead and Sumdac eventually finished building a space bridge in record time, but soon got into an argument over whose fault it was that the bridge wasn't already operational. After Sari settled the matter by getting the bridge running, Optimus received a call for help from Sentinel. Bulkhead located a transwarp field on the Elite Guard flagship that they could use to transwarp Prime to the ship, though it took Sari's skill to lock the space bridge onto the field. Bulkhead was unsure if they'd be able to transwarp Optimus back to Earth, but his leader insisted on going. Before long, the transwarp field separated from the ship, and Bulkhead seriously began to doubt he could transwarp Optimus back—but Sentinel gave Optimus a direct lift back to Earth, so it wasn't necessary. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

Bulkhead eventually helped Bumblebee transwarp to the Moon in order to spy on the Decepticons. 'Bee learned of their ultimate plans for Omega Supreme and managed to open Arcee's com-link, allowing them to listen in on the Decepticons from Earth. Bulkhead and his buddy discovered that the Decepticons were almost ready and warned the others. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} When the [[Lugnut Supreme]]s attacked Detroit, Prime ordered Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Ratchet to go to the Moon and sever Lugnut's connection to the clones, and Sari came with them. On the Moon, Bulkhead and Bumblebee took on Shockwave, while Ratchet and Sari got Arcee inside of the real Omega Supreme. Once they defeated and captured Shockwave, Bulkhead and Bumblebee took Sari to the part of the ''Nemesis'' so she could see the protoforms there for herself and better understand her origins. Bulkhead rode back to Earth on Omega Supreme to battle the Starscream Supremes, and was later stunned to hear that Prowl had sacrificed himself in order to save the city. After witnessing Optimus ultimately defeat and arrest Megatron, Bulkhead joined the Autobots when they went back to Cybertron, and he helped carry Prowl's coffin in their return victory/funeral parade. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

[[File:StunticonJob-Maincastbox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]
''Bulkhead attended the Stunti-Con's show in Kaon, unaware that the entire affair was a Decepticon plot to break Megatron out of the nearby Trypticon Prison. Thankfully, [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] and [[Cheetor (Animated)|Cheetor]] interrupted the show, and with [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]]'s help thwarted the Decepticons' plans.'' {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}}

===Animated shorts===
[[File:BulkheadandGrimlock.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.67|]]
[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] attempted to jump over him and the other Autobots as part of a stunt. {{storylink|Evel Knievel Jump}}

Bulkhead saw a mime performance along with Sari and Bumblebee. Sari had to explain to the two confused Autobots what a mime was. After Bumblebee successfully upstaged said mime, the audience applauded. Bulkhead decided to join them... and clapped with such force the shockwaves and wind blew most of the crowd away, prompting Bumblebee and Sari to sneak away in the chaos. {{storylink|Mime Time}}

He played fetch with Grimlock once, using a tree. Grimlock liked that. {{storylink|Catch}}

Bulkhead was the subject of some less-than-delicate surgery at Ratchet's hands once, with Sari playing nurse. Rather declared the operation a success, though Bulkhead wondered just what all those ''other internal parts'' lying around were all about. After a brief pause, Ratchet quickly scooped them up and stuffed them into Bulkhead's mouth, forcing him to swallow, then strolled away, whistling nonchalantly. {{storylink|Operating Table}}

{{-}}

===''Be the Hero'' books===
{{notemultipath}}
====''Prime Suspect''====
Bulkhead met the rest of the Autobots outside [[HomeTech]]'s laboratory, after [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Prime]] was caught on camera breaking in the night before. He knocked a hole in the side of the building to allow [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] and [[You|another kid]] to venture inside in search of the footage. When that line of inquiry turned up a sample of oil, the Autobots headed for HomeTech's main warehouse, where they encountered [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], the actual perpetrator behind the crime. Bulkhead helped defeat him. {{storylink|Prime Suspect}}
====''Quest for the AllSpark''====
Bulkhead's favorite places in [[Detroit]] were the [[City Art Gallery]] and [[Detroit Sculpture Park]]. When [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] made an attempt to obtain the [[AllSpark]] by taking control of Detroit's robot workforce, the Autobots came up with a plan to hide useless copies of the AllSpark, and Bulkhead opted to head for one of those locations to hide it. [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] managed to find him at the Sculpture Park, trapped in a force field dome created by the AllSpark and, with [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]]'s help, extracted him. {{storylink|Quest for the AllSpark}}
====''Web of Deception''====
When Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Prowl found the Autobot ship inactive, Bulkhead briefly considered using his wrecking ball to "nudge" a power conduit — an idea swiftly shot down by [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]. After they discovered Optimus was missing, Bulkhead set out with Bumblebee, Prowl, Sari and a friend to investigate the presence of [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s ship on the lake bed nearby. While fighting the bounty hunter, they discovered the involvement of [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], who wanted revenge on Prime. They hunted for Blackarachnia, but Bulkhead took a moment to admire an engraving on a cave wall, which inadvertently led to them finding their foe and her downfall. {{storylink|Web of Deception}}

====''Time-Quake''====
After strange time disturbances began appearing across Detroit, the Autobots searched the city using special scanners. Bulkhead finally struck pay dirt when he encountered a time-displaced ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. After dealing with the beast, he and a [[You|human]] tracked the signal back to the [[Lions Tower]] in Detroit's financial district where they met up with Bumblebee. On the top floor, the trio found an unstable time machine, that sent Bulkhead and his human friend hurtling back through time. The pair encountered several historical figures, retrieving the time machine's two missing control spheres before returning to the twenty-second century. The culprit behind the time machine's activity turned out to be the Decepticon [[Blast-X]], whom Bulkhead subsequently defeated with a good solid punch. {{storylink|Time-Quake}}

===Titan Magazines===
[[Hasbro|Toy companies]] have made an action figure of him! {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 3|Crossroads!}}

The Dinobots saved him and the others from [[Starscream clone (Animated)|Starscream clones]], which was good. They then didn't leave and Bulkhead's sleeping space was taken up by Grimlock, which was not good. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 17|Dino-MIGHT!}}

Later, the Autobots were buried by the villain [[Quake-Maker]]. Bulkhead's great strength freed them from the ground, and then he ''vanished completely'' from the battle. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 1|Burnout}}

On his day off, Bulkhead was dragged to a [[basketball]] game by Sari, Prowl and [[Afterburn]]. Bulkhead didn't see the point of the game and was being mistaken for a litter bin by the humans. Luckily a demented supervillain attacked Detroit and they had to leave the game—but as a diversionary tactic, the evil [[Crossroads]] blackmailed Detroit into trying to destroy the Autobots! The Autobots saw through this and intercepted the villain at [[Sumdac Tower]], with Bulkhead taking down reprogrammed security drones. After beating the villain, Bulkhead now enjoyed basketball and happily watched the game ''for no reason''. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 3|Crossroads!}}

When the Decepticons raided the Autobot base, Bulkhead joined the gang in successfully driving them back out. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Megatron's Revenge}}

When Prowl and Bumblebee decided to have a race to see who was fastest, Bulkhead was eager to join in, much to Bumblebee's mockery. Nevertheless, off Bulkhead went... and, thanks to the other two being distracted by Decepticons, he ''won'' and was officially King of Speed. Optimus and Ratchet lifted him up in a display of victory (their shoulders hurt!). {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}

===''The Cool'' comic===

Witnessing the mysterious Allspark being uncovered, Bulkhead along with the rest of Optimus Prime's crew fled through a space bridge gate in order to keep the artifact out of Decepticon clutches. Unfortunately, Megatron was able to board their ship and left Bulkhead defeated on the floor, leaving Optimus to deal with the Decepticon leader by himself. {{storylink|The Cool Extra issue 3}}

Bulkhead was among the Autobots who traveled to the [[Earth]] city of [[Detroit]] in order to protect the [[AllSpark#Animated|AllSpark]] from the Decepticons. When [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] and [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] attcked, Bulkhead joined in the fray. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 1}}

[[File:The CoolAutobotsRevivePrime01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]

Bulkhead proved unable to prevent Starscream from seizing the AllSpark (the Decepticon snatching right out of his hands) and was subsequently helpless to defend himself from Starscream's AllSpark-powered aerial attacks. When [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] died stopping Starscream, and was quickly revived by the power of [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]]'s [[AllSpark Key|key]], Bulkhead was there to greet him. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 2}}

Bulkhead later took part in defending [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]] from a Decepticon raid. He was unable to counter [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]'s aerial bombardments, however, and proved little more than a rather large target. Once the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]]s saved the day, however, Bulkhead saw them off along with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 3}}

After [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]] buried Optimus under tons of rubble during a Detroit battle, Bulkhead aided Bumblebee in digging their leader out. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 4}}

Bulkhead was present at [[Sumdac Systems]] headquarters when Megatron was resurrected in a new body. Megatron made short work of Bulkhead, grabbing his mace weapon and yanking him to the ground. Bulkhead survived the altercation and later joined Optimus Prime in greeting the [[Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 5}}

Bulkhead later joined the Autobots in a battle against [[Clone number 2716057|Clone #2716057]]. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 6}}

Bulkhead joined in the battle for the Decepticon [[space bridge#Animated cartoon|Space Bridge]]. When Megatron attempted to power it with Starscream's [[AllSpark#Animated|AllSpark]] fragment, Bulkhead warned him not to, as the power would cause an overload. Bulkhead's prediction came to and he was powerless to stop the Space Bridge, which was sucking everything and everyone into itself. Luckily, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] arrived and sacrificed himself to save the day. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 8}}

When Starscream attacked Detroit in Omega Supreme's body, Bulkhead was the first to wonder where Optimus Prime had gone to. Prowl informed him that Prime would be back soon, but until then, it was up to them to fend off the villain. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 9}}

When Optimus returned with the Magnus Hammer and his flight pack, Bulkhead stood heroicly beside him, along with the rest of the Autobot crew, ready to face off against the Decepticon threat. {{storylink|The Cool Extra issue 1}}

Upon Megatron's defeat, Bulkhead accompanied the rest of the Autobots back to planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where they were all hailed as heroes by the citizenry and even [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel]]. {{storylink|The Cool Episode Final}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
[[File:KreO_Bulkhead.jpg|right|thumb|What [[mouthplate]]? All I see is his ''wiiide'' smile.]]

Bulkhead was one of the [[Autobot]]s who left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the ''[[Ark (Kre-O)|Ark]]'' in search for energy blocks to alleviate their hunger. Thanks to the boarding of the ''Ark'' by [[Decepticon]]s, the ''Ark'' crashed and the [[Transformer]]s fell into a four million year-long sleep. They woke up to a world filled with blocks. {{storylink|Kreon Story}}

===''Generations Selects'' comic===
Several incarnations of Bulkhead were members of the [[Green Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. They were present when [[Primus]] warned the Orders of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and were on the [[Green Planet]] when [[Sea Phantom]] attacked the Green Order to steal [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Green Tender Convoy]]'s [[Green Matrix]]. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Transformers Animated: The Game===
{{voiceactor|[[Bill Fagerbakke]] (English)}}
[[File:TFAnimated Game Bulkhead.jpg|thumb|right|136px]]
After [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] decided some more training was in order, [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] set up the factory as an obstacle course and Prime, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and Bulkhead tackled it. No sooner had they finished than word arrived that the robots at a [[Sumdac Systems]] factory had gone haywire. They traveled there with [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] and blasted their way through the rogue robots until they found the problem — an [[AllSpark]] fragment lodged in a control console. Some of the drones escaped, so Prime left to take care of them while Bumblebee and Bulkhead continued at the plant. It turned out [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] was planning to assault [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], so the three Autobots scoured the plant for more AllSpark fragments before tracking a [[Decepticon Transmitter Drone]] to the Decepticon lair.

After fighting their way into the mine, Optimus, Bumblebee and Bulkhead confronted Megatron, who TransWarped out after they managed to defeat him. The Autobots used the AllSpark fragments they'd gathered to power up Megatron's Space Bridge and step through, however on arrival, Optimus and Bulkhead realized that Bumblebee had been left behind when the Space Bridge closed. They searched fruitlessly for Megatron until Bumblebee arrived, having found a way to repower the bridge. Bulkhead intercepted a Decepticon transmission indicating that the Decepticons had captured a bunch of Space Bridges, and the trio made their way to the Space Bridge Nexus, where they used Cybertron's defense system against him. Megatron was again forced to flee. The Autobots returned to Earth, where Bulkhead announced that he needed a nice long stasis nap. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The Game}}

===Transformers Animated: ''Action Packs''===
{{note|Bulkhead is featured as a playable game card. He is a green card, has a value of 9 points, and has no additional powers.}} {{storylink|Transformers Animated: Action Packs}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
====Voyager Class====
[[File:TFAnimated Voyager Bulkhead toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|right|And the world wants his kibble to turn into a chair. ''(Hasbro Version Pictured)'']]
[[File:AnimatedVoyagerBulkheadJapan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Then new villains came along, and blew away his powers! Bulkhead was in a fix, and now has gone Metallix! ''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]
* '''Bulkhead''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-03'''
:Bulkhead transforms from an armored, six-wheeled military-type van into a [[robot mode]] that is a bit on the short side for a Voyager, due to the stout, stocky nature of the character. The toy features two "[[Automorph Technology|automorph]]"-style gimmicks in its transformation: after flipping down the back doors, pulling down on them retracts a pair of black tabs holding his arms into pace, allowing them to spring forward into position; and moving his chest into place automatically causes a panel to flip over, exposing his head.

:The figure's left arm contains the character's signature gimmick, his wrecking ball. A concealed lever activates a pressure-launch system that fires the ball, which is attached to Bulkhead's arm by a sturdy string. Bulkhead's right arm, meanwhile, features a rather strange gimmick: after straightening the arm at the elbow, pressing the black lever on the upper arm causes Bulkhead's forearm to flip upwards. It ''might'' be an uppercut or some other sort of punch attack (although mentioned in the ''Transformers Animated "Starting Dash"'' DVD Promo as a "punching action"), but whatever this feature is supposed to be, it is not mentioned in either the toy's instructions, or on its packaging. [https://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/animated/bulkhead/1355/1/ A pre-release sample] features a normal expression before it was changed in the final product.

:No, his kibble can't transform into a chair. ''Aww''.

:The [[TakaraTomy]] version of Bulkhead (titled "Ironhide") replaces all his matte green with a blueish green, coats the majority of it with ''very'' shiny metallic green paint, and replaces his silver Autobot symbol with a more traditional red and white one.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Bulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Voyager Bulkhead at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|RockinBattle}}
*'''Rockin'On Battle: Ironhide VS Soundwave''' (Voyager-Deluxe two-pack, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-D'''

: This Japanese-[[exclusive]] two-pack contains unchanged toys of the TakaraTomy versions of Voyager Class "Ironhide" and Deluxe Class [[Soundwave (Animated)#RockinBattle|Soundwave]] (with [[Laserbeak (Animated)#RockinBattle|Laserbeak]].)

{{-}}{{anchor|Mudbuster}}
[[File:AnimatedVoyMudbusterBulkhead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Bulkhead, el Hijo del Acero. LUUUCHAAARAAAAN!]]
* '''Mudbuster Bulkhead''' (Voyager)

: A [[redeco]] of the original Bulkhead in green and black, with caution stripes on the sides of the vehicle.

{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}

====Leader Class====
{{anchor|Leader}}
[[File:TFAnimated Leader Bulkhead toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|right|Tired of being known as "the big guy with a gentle heart", Bulkhead became more trigger happy than [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]].]]
[[File:TFAnimated Leader Bulkhead toy TakaraTomy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|right]]
* '''Bulkhead''' (Leader, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-43'''
**''Accessories'': Four "air torpedoes", [[Headmaster unit]]

: This version of Bulkhead is decidedly more heavily armed than others, sporting several rather uncharacteristic weapons over his body; designer [[Eric Siebenaler]] envisioned them as alterations the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] would have made if he had possessed Bulkhead's body longer.<ref>[http://community.livejournal.com/tf_animated/271043.html Derrick Wyat Q&A] on tf_animated LJ community.</ref> Additions to his arsenal include a double-barreled turret for his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], two missile racks (one per arm, each holding two removable "air torpedoes"), and a buzzsaw in his right hand which spins when a black tab on his forearm is pressed. He ''doesn't'' have a wrecking ball, but his other hand does feature a "grabby" action, allowing you to clench and open his fingers by sliding a tab in his arm.

: Bulkhead is outfitted with a significant array of electronic light and sound gimmicks. Pressing the Autobot insignia on his chest in robot mode causes his head to turn and his mouth to open as he speaks one of three sound clips—"Sorry, my bad," "You can do it, buddy!", and "Time for the big guns!"—accompanied by flashing yellow lights in his chest, shoulders and eyes. During transformation, when the vehicle mode turret is snapped into or out of place, the classic transformation sound effect plays as his lights flash. In vehicle mode, pressing the Autobot insignia activates a siren noise, which lasts as long as the button is held down and is accompanied by flashing red LEDs that illuminate his vehicle's light bar. Bulkhead also comes packaged with the Headmaster unit, which can fit over the figure's head, altering his sound and changing his yellow lights to red, except for his eyes. Once in place, the Headmaster will scream "Ownage! Total ownage!", and all of Bulkhead's lights flash, illuminating the villain's translucent horns. This is the Headmaster's only phrase; pressing Bulkhead's insignia repeats the effects. The Headmaster accessory fits over all other Leader class figures, but only changes the lights and speech of Bulkhead.

: The packaging photography and lineart indicate that Bulkhead's electronic lights shine a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] blue (well, accurate for his eyes, anyway). The final produced toy has yellow lights instead, because blue LEDs are apparently really expensive.

: ''This'' version of Bulkhead ''can'' transform his kibble into a chair! Hooray!

: The TakaraTomy version of the toy features "dirt-wash" [[Paint operation|paint application]]s on his green parts, as well as painted mud on his feet.

:This mold was used to make the second prize of the [[Hasbro UK exclusive limited Edition Handmade Samples]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LeaderBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Leader Bulkhead at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

====Activators====
{{anchor|Activator}}
[[File:TFAnimated Activators Bulkhead.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|right|"Whoa, I thought I was super-deformed ''before''..."]]
* '''Bulkhead''' (Activator, 2008)

: [[Activators]] Bulkhead can autotransform from a compressed version of a SWAT military van into his robot form when the middle siren bar is pressed. The vehicle mode lacks the back section's doors and bumper to better accommodate the gimmick, which leaves his [[robot mode]]'s hands sticking out.

: His kibble is unable to become a chair as well. '''''Awww'''''. Unless you take the back-piece and switch it round and have him sit on it in a kind of... warped way.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/ActBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Activators Bulkhead at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|AnimatedSuperCollection}}
[[File:AnimatedSuperCollectionVol2Bulkhead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*'''Animated Super Collection Vol. 2''' (multipack, 2010)

: Released on [[October 2]]nd in Japan, the "Animated Super Collection Vol. 2" giftset contained slight redecos of Activators Bulkhead, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] and [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]. Bulkhead's insignia went from silver to a more traditional red and white.

:While the stock photography of the individual toys showed Animated Super Collection Bulkhead as being a darker green than its American counterpart, this seems to have been a trick of the lighting, as the released toy remained its standard color.

{{-}}

====Bumper Battlers====
{{anchor|BumperBattler}}
[[File:BumperBattlers Bulkhead toy.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|right|Bulkhead now knows how [[Han Solo]] feels.]]

* '''Bulkhead''' (Bumper Battler, 2008)

: Bulkhead is part of the second wave of [[Bumper Battlers]]. Pressing on the vehicle mode's front bumper activates electronic noises and pops up the roof, revealing a relief of Bulkhead's robot form. Pressing on the Autobot [[Insignia|faction symbol]] on the hood activates a randomly-assembled collection of sound effects and voice samples.

: His face is disturbingly goofy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/BBBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Bumper Battlers Bulkhead at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Workzone}}
[[File:AniBumperBattlersWorkzoneBulkhead.jpg|thumb|Now all he needs are some tiny ninja turtles.]]
* '''Workzone Bulkhead''' (Bumper Battler, 2009)

: A [[redeco]] of Bumper Battlers Bulkhead. Alongside [[Jazz (Animated)|Stealth Ninja Jazz]], it saw release in Australian stores, and has seen some limited release in North America (Canada and the US) in 2010.<ref>http://www.unicron.com/sightings/item_view.php?itemID=1409</ref>

{{-}}

===Kre-O===
[[File:KreO-Toy BulkheadKreon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Why does my jaw feel so weak?]]
*'''Bulkhead''' (Micro-Changer, 2013)
**''Collection'': '''2'''
**''Bag number'': '''***** 66'''
**''Accessories'': Logo brick, 2 clip-on rifles

: As part of the second wave of [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] [[Micro-Changer]]s, Bulkhead can be rebuilt into a military vehicle of some sort. He uses the [[Hound (Kre-O)|Hound]] helmet.

:Care must be taken from his vehicle mode: His face's tampograph (which it serves as his bumper joint) is prone for being scratched off if the toy's vehicle mode is "rolled" on the flat surface. Try to replace it with a black/grey 1x1 cylinder block will amend this, or you can just turn the head around and make sure to lift the cockpit off before taking the head off again.

: This Collection was still in circulation at "dollar" stores and drug stores up through 2015. They eventually lost the individual-identifying bag codes, but other changes were hidden inside the bag. The 2015 releases replaced the 2x4 logo stand-brick with a new 3x4 logo plate. The Kreon was also given the slight [[retool]]ing to the arm seen in the 2014 Kreons, making the "cuff" parts more sharp-cornered and better adapted to being used as studs. Some of the add-on pieces may also be slightly off-color, possibly due to a change in factories in mid-production.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/Kre-OBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Bulkhead at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{Anchor|2016}}
* '''Bulkhead''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2016)
**''Collection'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Logo plate, 2 clip-on rifles

:In 2016, Collection 2 was re-released in a whole new production run for Dollar General stores in the US as part of a large collection of re-released ''Kre-O'' sets. But where most of these releases are nigh-identical to the originals, the re-released Micro-Changer blind-bags use the almost-entirely-retooled 2015 Kreon, with slightly-differently-hued plastics than the originals; Bulkhead's olive plastic is particularly lighter than his first release. (It is possible for some of the add-on pieces to be in the older hues.) Bulkhead's [[tampograph]]s also got a bit of a tweak, changing the "toe" paint to black, the tummy-grille gray to shiny silver, and adding a white outline to his Autobot symbol.

:Sadly, this release has no individual-identification code on the bag, requiring you to use the feel-through-the-bag method or just buy blind and hope.

==Merchandise==
[[File:TFA-Board-Game-Bulkhead-figurine.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Well, at least I don't have a beer belly anymore.]]
*'''Transformers Animated Game Collection''' (2008)

: Released as part of the board game set, this Bulkhead is a (very) show-accurate, but out-of-scale mini-figure figure based on his animation model.

: Bulkhead is also sold with Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Prowl minifigures, and of course: 3 board games (''Transformers Animated Game, Checkers, and Tic Tac Toe), and a 100-piece puzzle.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:RedBulkhead.jpg|thumb|right|Bulkred. Redhead? [[Big Red (G1)|Big Red]]! Wyatt totally got paid for this.]]

* Bulkhead's design and demeanor likely owe themselves to Crunch from ''{{w|Mighty Orbots}}'', a series [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] has admitted as being an inspiration.

* {{w|Patrick Star|Another}} big lug with a [[Bill Fagerbakke|similar]] voice, Bulkhead is best friends with a {{w|SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|little}} [[Bumblebee (Animated)|yellow guy]]. Obviously this analogy [[Tom Kenny|only goes]] [[Starscream (Animated)|so far]].

* Upon seeing a red [[Prototype|test shot]] of Bulkhead's ''Voyager''-class toy, Derrick J. Wyatt recolored a Bulkhead character model in the test shot's colors—on company time!<ref>http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2007/09/bulkhead-toy.html</ref>

* After his reformatting into his APC mode, Bulkhead's robot mode [[kibble]] changes from the ''front'' of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] (where it forms the scoop of the bulldozer) to the ''back'', where it forms the doors of the truck.
[[File:Bulkheadchair.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|right|The next step in Transformers evolution is here!]]

* Bulkhead can form his [[kibble]] into a chair. This is awesome.

* Bulkhead has a storage place in his chest which opens in at least two ways, like a drawer or like a door.

* Bulkhead's eyes can extend from his face and act as a microscope, as shown in "[[Rise of the Constructicons]]". This is slightly strange, but also awesome.

* In spite of the visual differences, it would appear that rather than simply swapping out his hands for his signature wrecking balls, Bulkhead's hands actually transform to ''become'' the wrecking balls. Although most episodes show his hand simply retract and then be replaced by the ball, a few instances show it actually stay in place, blur and change into the ball. Furthermore, in cases where Bulkhead has had the tether-line of his wrecking ball severed, he remains conspicuously handless until the ball is re-attached, such as in "[[Transform and Roll Out]]" and "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]".

* Bulkhead's vehicle mode design was used as the basis for [[Blurr (G1)|Generation 1 Blurr]]'s personal transport in ''[[Spotlight: Blurr]]''.

* Of all the vehicles that Teletran 1 scanned, the SWAT vehicle Bulkhead was reformatted into was the only one that didn't match his color scheme.

* Bulkhead's vehicle form strongly resembles a futuristic version of the real world: "2007 DURO IIIP 6x6 (Protected Military Tactical Vehicle)" made by General Dynamics: European Land Systems (MOWAG). This mode also has some design traits from the "Unimog" by Volvo.

*For the Japanese release of ''Animated'', Bulkhead was renamed "Ironhide" to keep the names of the primary ''Animated'' Autobots consistent with the names of the primary [[Transformers (film)|Movie]] Autobots. ''Animated'' [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]] was in turn renamed "Armorhide" to escape confusion.

*[[TakaraTomy]] marketing director [[Masahiko Yamazaki]] <ref>Figure Ō #144 magazine interview</ref> stated that Bulkhead actually ''was'' [[Ironhide (Movie)|Movie Ironhide]], as Animated was supposed to be reworked in order to take place within Movie continuity, and Bulkhead would have his "world view" modified appropriately. The actual ''dub'' of the series contradicted Yamazaki's statements, as Bulkhead remained a big dumb lug as opposed to a psychotic gun enthusiast. In fact, he was played off as even ''dumber'' than in the English version, being prone to screaming things such as "Mommy!" when frightened. The only documented change to Bulkhead to make him more similar to Movie Ironhide was a brief statement in his TakaraTomy online bio, which said that he was "something of a weapons specialist".<ref>http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/animated/ta03.html</ref>

*Bulkhead has the honor of being one of the few Autobots whose name Megatron actually remembers, the others being Ultra Magnus, Omega Supreme, and eventually, Optimus Prime.

*In the ''Transformers Animated'' profile shorts, Bulkhead is introduced to the audience by Optimus in "[[Meet Bulkhead]]" and likewise introduces Prowl in "[[Meet Prowl]]."

*An almost-realized [[BotCon]] [[exclusive]] from [[Fun Publications]] was a redeco of [[#Voyager Class|Voyager Class Bulkhead]] into [[Strika (Animated)|Strika]].<ref>[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14br.html BotCon 2014 attendee report]</ref>

*In fellow Derrick J. Wyatt-produced show ''Ben 10 Omniverse'', a Bulkhead toy can be seen in the background of [[Ben 10|Ben]]'s bedroom.

*In the unproduced fourth season, Bulkhead would have remained on Cybertron with Sari while Ironhide took his place.
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ironhide''' (アイアンハイド ''Aianhaido'')
*''Russian:'' '''Tverdoloby''' (Твердолобый, "Hard Head")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:Demolitions specialists]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Green Order]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]

Prowl (Animated)

2020-05-18T01:54:41Z

Auride: /* Animated cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Prowl}}
:''Prowl is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:AniProwlPromoModel.jpg|right|250px|thumb|True warriors must move like water. NINJA water.]]

Some people are team players, and some... well, aren't. '''Prowl''' falls into the latter category. A loner at heart, he has little interest in teamwork, something [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] finds extremely frustrating. Prowl feels cooperation with the [[Bumblebee (Animated)|loud]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|unsubtle]] Autobots around him would cramp his style: a keen [[Cyber-Ninja Corps|Cyber-Ninja]] prowess with elements of [[Circuit-Su]]<ref>Prowl's on-package [[bio]]</ref> and [[Metallikato]].<ref name="TEG">"[[The Elite Guard]]"</ref>

Seemingly bound up in his martial-arts philosophy is his deep, deep fascination with [[Earth]]'s natural environment. His quarters on [[Earth]] is missing most of its ceiling, allowing him a permanent window into nature. In fact, he seems to have a deeper appreciation of his new surroundings than the [[Human|humans]] who grew up with them. The phrase "stop and smell the roses" is a life truth for Prowl, and he can spend hours motionless, watching the organic world play out around him.

When called to battle, Prowl uses an array of throwing weapons, such as cutting discs, that he can hurl with high accuracy. While useful as projectiles, these weapons tend to be far more damaging at close range and will occasionally bounce off their target with little damage if thrown from too great a distance. He can project [[Hologram|holograms]] of himself, using them to misdirect his enemies. He also has a jetpack, granting him limited flight.

Prowl is probably the most skilled fighter of his comrades, but this might not be saying much, as they were a mere [[space bridge]] repair crew before finding themselves suddenly defending the [[AllSpark]] against the resurgent [[Decepticon|Decepticons]].<ref>"[[Transform and Roll Out]]"</ref> In fact, [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]], witnessing him in action, remarked that Prowl must not have ''finished'' his cyber ninja training.<ref name="TEG">"[[The Elite Guard]]"</ref> The true story is more complex: having failed to protect the infant protoforms<ref>"[[Five Servos of Doom]]"</ref>, Prowl ended his studies in disgrace, seeking to commune with the Allspark. His quest for redemption and inner peace has ended in failure...so far.

{{bigquote|Stillness... then ''strike''.|Prowl getting past motion detectors|"[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
{{voiceactor|[[Jeff Glen Bennett]] (English), [[Kōji Yusa]] (Japanese)|[[Lutz Schnell]] (German), [[Louis van Beek]] (Dutch), [[Gianluca Iacono]] (Italian), [[Junseok Song]] (Korean), [[Fritz Gianvitto]] (Portuguese), [[Rodrigo de la Paz]] (Latin-American Spanish, seasons 1 and 2), [[Mario Gutiérrez]] (Latin-American Spanish, season 3), [[Joonas Suominen]] (Finnish), [[Vincent Violette]] (French)}}

[[Image:TFA Five Servos Yoketron vs Prowl.JPG|thumb|left|300px|This looks ''way'' more exciting in motion.]]

Prowl tried to avoid being drafted into fighting in the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], but was apprehended by [[Warpath (Animated)|Warpath]] and taken to [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]]'s [[Cyber-Ninja Dojo|dojo]]. Seeing potential in the young 'bot, Yoketron offered to teach Prowl in exchange for dropping the charges against him. Despite some initial difficulties, Prowl soon became an accomplished martial artist, and eventually Yoketron deemed him worthy of a place in the [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. After recieving the shurikens that would become his signature weapons, Yoketron showed Prowl a hidden room in the dojo, accessible only via the advanced [[processor-over-matter]] technique. This room contained the [[protoform]]s the Cyber-Ninja Corps had sworn to protect, a last-ditch reserve of potential soldiers should [[Project Omega]] fail. However, Prowl proved unable to operate the door, and Yoketron thus sent him on an optics quest to master the skill and become a true Cyber-Ninja.

Prowl continued to struggle with the technique, however, and on returning to the dojo he discovered that an [[Lockdown (Animated)|unknown assailant]] had ransacked the dojo, stolen the protoforms, and mortally wounded Yoketron. Prowl attempted to save his master's life by transferring Yoketron's [[spark]] into the last remaining protoform, but only managed to make his master unhappy by sacrificing a little of the future to save the past. Assured by Yoketron that he would understand some day, Prowl watched his sensei's spark expire and mourned his loss. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[File:TransformAndRollOut-Prowljetpack.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''I'm not the bot they think I am at home oh no no no'']]

Determined to find a way to finish his training, Prowl eventually left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] entirely aboard his own personal [[Dawn Treader|starship]] and secluded himself in deep space for at least a million stellar cycles in the hopes of communing with the [[AllSpark]]. While meditating on a remote asteroid, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[space bridge]] repair crew stumbled across the Cyber-Ninja. [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] promised to work around him, but an [[energon cube]] set by [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] fell into the cavern and accidentally destroyed Prowl's ship. Stranded, Prowl grudgingly accepted Optimus Prime's offer to take him back to Cybertron after completing their tour of the sector, but fumed that his path had taken so many twists and turns that he didn't even know where he was... a sentiment to which Optimus Prime could relate. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

As the impromptu fifth member of Optimus Prime's repair crew aboard the starship ''[[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Orion]]'', Prowl showed a lack of interest in both teamwork and in Optimus Prime's motivational speeches. While performing some routine maintenance on a malfunctioning space bridge, the team abruptly discovered the AllSpark itself, the life-giving artifact which had been hidden offworld during the Great War. However, the presence of the AllSpark ''also'' attracted the attentions of a group of [[Decepticon]]s led by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Determined to sieze the artifact for himself, Megatron boarded the ''Orion'' and fought the Autobots inside, with Prowl responsible for cutting off one of Megatron's arms. The ship careened through the active space bridge and rematerialized over the planet [[Earth]]; though Prime managed to eject Megatron—wounded due to [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s sabotage—from their vessel, they were unable to stop the ship from crash-landing beneath [[Lake Erie]] and entered [[stasis pod]]s to survive.

[[File:TransformAndRollOut-Prowl.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Fifty years later, a glob of nanotechnological matter found its way into the vessel, which triggered the ship's autonomus systems and brought its Autobot crew back online. The Autobots decided to help the locals defend themselves from the nanotech monster wreaking havoc in nearby [[Detroit]], but mistook cars and trucks for the native life-forms and reformatted themselves into suitable disguises. The Autobots successfully took down the monster, but Prowl's refusal to work with the team led to him taking on the creature by himself and getting absorbed for his troubles. Gravely wounded, the Autobots rushed him back to their ship where Ratchet unsuccessfully tried to operate on him—it's likely that he might have died had [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] not discovered the power of her [[AllSpark Key]] and used it to miraculously save his life.

Over the next few days, the Autobots settled into life on Earth, became local celebrities, and set up shop in an [[Autobot Earth Base|abandoned factory]] while Prowl discovered he had a particular fondness for the planet's organic fauna. During the team's next major battle against [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], Prowl showed that he had become a much better team player after working with Bumblebee and Sari to save [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]] and [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] from the airborne Decepticon, using his thrusters to slow a falling train car. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}} {{storylink|Dispatches}}

[[File:HomeIsWhereTheSparkIs-Prowl.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Prowl watched a local [[Skippy|cat]] stalk a bird and found it fascinating, but was aggravated when he was interrupted by human fans. Returning to base, he hid out in his Japanese-themed room, only to be interrupted by Prime and Bumblebee. Even worse, Sari threw a slumber party, pushing Prowl to the edge with the commotion. Ironically, when [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] took over the factory, Prowl was able to show Bumblebee the value of stillness in battle, something the pair would work on later in a game of Twister. {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}}

Prowl joined Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead in an attempt to learn about Earth customs by watching television. They eventually stumbled upon a program wherein [[Meltdown (Animated)|Prometheus Black]] pitted the bio-enhanced [[Colossus Rhodes]] against Bumblebee, and the other four Autobots had to come to Bumblebee's rescue after Rhodes lost control of his augmentations. Prowl managed to take down Rhodes by throwing a couple of shurikens at the pistons that triggered Rhodes's enhancements and later helped rescue Professor Sumdac after Black had become the mutated "Meltdown." Finding Sumdac Tower in defense mode upon their arrival, Prowl, Bulkhead and Ratchet were pitted against Colossus Rhodes once more. Prowl tried to take Rhodes out as he had before, only to learn that Rhodes’s one weakness had been reinforced since their last encounter. The battle was eventually won when Prowl noticed that a nearby church bell's toll was interfering with Rhodes's upgrades. Using this to their advantage, the Autobots managed to defeat the villain. Through some quick thinking, the Autobots then overpowered Meltdown by using the same force-field that had kept the Autobots from reaching him beforehand. {{storylink|Total Meltdown}}

[[File:AttentionSurplusDisorder-WraithandProwl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|Prowl becomes afflicted with a severe case of Bieber Fever.]]

''Bumblebee and Prowl inadvertently exposed the [[Wraith]]'s modus operandi on live television when they captured the Angry Archer. Later, when a news broadcast showed the Wraith using his holographic equipment to pass off as a ghostly figure, Bumblebee asked why the fellow couldn't just "scan a new altmode." Prowl explained that, even if the Wraith could, it would make little difference; the vigilante relied on mystery to aid him in his crime-fighting career. Since he and Bumblebee had stripped away the mystery, a change of appearance would hardly make a difference.''

''Later, when Bumblebee apprehended Colossus Rhodes, Prowl helped sign autographs for the grateful Detroiters. Later still, when the Autobots saw "Bumblebee" attack Michigan Stadium, Prowl helped clear the little Autobot's name by halting what was really a plot by the jealous Wraith. Prowl attempted to capture the Wraith as he made his getaway, only to realize he had been fooled by one of the masked vigilante's many holographic projections. Thankfully, Optimus Prime grabbed the real Wrait, who was shipped off the an asylum for treatment.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 2|Attention Surplus Disorder}}

[[File:Stiletto-SarifixesProwl.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]

''Prowl joined the rest of the Autobots in investigating a theft at Sumdac's laboratories. They discovered that the crime in question had been committed by an industrial saboteur going by the name of "[[Stiletto (Animated)|Stiletto]]." She soon attempted to collapse Detroit's Ambassador Bridge, prompting the Autobots to leap into action. During the confrontation, Prowl used his holographic abilities to blindside Stiletto. Stiletto managed to recover quickly from Prowl's trickery. She then used trickery of her own to dupe Bumblebee into exploding a truck's payload of gasoline, rendering Prowl unconscious for the remainder of the battle. The Autobots nonetheless managed to capture Stiletto, and Prowl was later patched up at Autobot headquarters.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 3|Stiletto}}

''Prowl and the other Autobots had to calm Bulkhead down when Porter C. Powell began to market Bulkhead's altmode as a vehicle for the masses, and further rubbed salt in the wound by using highly-doctored footage to have Bulkhead "promote" the vehicle. Thankfully, Sari and Bulkhead proved that the vehicle wasn't safe for the everyday citizen. Prowl later watched an announcement on television declaring that the "Bulkhead" line was being recalled.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 4|The Insincerest Form of Flattery}}

[[File:BlastFromThePast-ProwlsNinjaSkills.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

In an attempt to get [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] to be less bumbling and destructive after an embarrassing incident at the [[Dino Drive]] park, Prowl tried to teach Bulkhead how to move with ninja-lke grace. His unsuccessful attempts to teach Bulkhead only undermined the green Autobot's confidence, and Prowl was taken out of commission when the park's rebuilt animatronics malfunctioned and Bulkhead fell on him. Finally, when these newly-minted [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] escaped from a Sumdac lab and ran amok, Prowl realized that Bulkhead's destructive approach had its place and encouraged him to do what he did best. After the capture of the Dinobots, Prowl sensed [[Spark|sparks]] within the trio and, unwilling to let them be destroyed, secretly hid them on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|a small island]] before they were melted down. As he explained to Bulkhead, "Just because something's big and lumbering and destructive, doesn't mean you give up on it." {{storylink|Blast from the Past}}

When [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], a bounty hunter from Ratchet’s past, appeared on Earth to abduct Optimus, Prowl and the other Autobots intervened. Though Prowl got passed the defenses of [[Death's Head (Animated)|Lockdown’s ship]], and got the drop on the bounty hunter with his ninja skills, Lockdown managed to shut down Prowl by using one of his trophies: Ratchet’s old [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP generator]]. Thankfully, Ratchet was immune to the device, and rescued Optimus while the other Autobots were indisposed. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}}

[[File:Nanosec-ProwlsHologram.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Prowl was put on a training assignment to help Bumblebee and Bulkhead learn how to better blend in with their environment. Bumblebee’s impatience put an early end to the exercise, and the yellow 'bot ran afoul of [[Nanosec]], a criminal that had nearly gotten away from him the day before. Prowl was unable to stop the speedy villain when he joined in trying to apprehend him. Later, the Autobots caught news of Nanosec robbing Sumdac Laboratories and pursued him across town until Nanosec's high-tech suit accelerated his aging until he collapsed from fatigue. With his boosters, Prowl aided Bumblebee as the yellow Autobot hurled Nanosec's stolen [[Destronium]] supply into Earth's upper atmosphere, where it exploded harmlessly. Prowl asked Bumblebee if he would like to race him back to base, but Bumblebee declined, having gotten enough high-speed chases for the day. {{storylink|Nanosec (episode)|Nanosec}}

Prowl and the other Autobots attended Sari's eighth birthday party. Though he wound up entertaining Sari's guests, Sari herself was left behind with Bulkhead. A few days after the event, Sari's birthday present [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] gained sentience and became a Decepticon, taking control of Detroits robots in an attempt to subjugate the city's human population. Prowl teamed up with Ratchet to fight back against the hostile robots, but between their sheer numbers and Soundwave interfering with their communications, the pair were soon overwhelmed until Bulkhead took out Soundwave and returned the malfucntioning robots to normal. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}}

When the Decepticons [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] arrived on Earth, the Autobots were quickly bested by the duo, and Optimus Prime decided that the AllSpark was no longer safe on the planet. When Prowl and the others headed off to fix their ship at the bottom of lake Erie, they encountered Blitzwing and Lugnut once more and fought them underwater, where their enemies couldn't use their flight powers. Optimus kicked up dirt from the bottom of the lake as cover, which Prowl used to great advantage to sneak up on and attack Blitzwing before the Autobots retreated back to their ship... which had been armed by Ratchet and Sari while Prowl and the others had bought them time. The Decepticons were blown away, and Prowl returned to their Earth base for repairs. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

[[File:SurvivalOfTheFittest-ProwlAndFanzone.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Reasoning correctly that the Decepticons would target Sari to get at the AllSpark Key, Prowl took to instructing her in the art of "ninja nerve blows." It was shortly after one of these sessions that his decision to save the Dinobots seemingly came back to haunt him when the gargantuan robots kidnapped the girl. He headed to their island home with Bulkhead in tow, the suspicious [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] shadowing them somewhat clumsily the whole way. However, the police captain was not prepared for the environmental hazards of the secluded island and had to be rescued by the pair of Autobots. Together, the three of them discovered that the Dinobots had been coerced into kidnapping Sari by [[Meltdown (Animated)|Prometheus Black]], whose corrosive touch they had come to fear. Forced along with Fanzone to fight the mad geneticist's [[Fusion creature|creations]] in a gladiatorial arena, Prowl began to develop a bond with the captain, who in turn came to trust Prowl. {{storylink|Survival of the Fittest}}

After his latest rescue mission ended in destructive disaster, Bulkhead attempted to pick up painting, to prove he could create as well as destroy. Prowl showed some appreciation for Bulkhead's new hobby, admiring his friend’s capability of creating an image whole-cloth from his imagination... until he learned that the painting he was contemplating was, in fact, a still life depicting an "accident" Bulkhead had with Ratchet’s blowtorch. Later, [[Headmaster (Animated)|Henry Masterson]], aka "The Headmaster" stole Bulkhead's body and used it to hold the entire city at ransom by threatening to overload the city's [[Sidney Biggles-Jones Memorial Solar Fusion Plant|power plant]]. Unable to overpower the Headmaster or prevent the power plant from overloading Sari the Autobots instead quickly built and animated a makeshift robot that took the fatal trip into the plant's core and halted the chain reaction from within. The city safe once more, Prowl and the other Autobots attended the successful opening of Bulkhead's art show. {{storylink|Headmaster (episode)|Headmaster}}

[[File:Barnacle bots.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

When the Autobots detected a non-sentient Cybertronian energy signature form the woods outside of Detroit, Optimus sent Prowl, Bumblebee, and Sari to investigate on an impromptu "camping trip." Though Prowl felt at home in the middle of nature, his two companions weren't as well-adjusted to the change of scenery: Sari had an idealized vision of what camping was based off of movies, and Bumblebee simply couldn't cope without techonology. Prowl attempted to teach the other two the value of disconnecting one's self from the technological, only for the lesson to be cut short when a monstrous colony of mutant [[space barnacle]]s attacked. Prowl's attempt to fight the creature proved ineffective and he was eventually infected by the alien creatures, pursuing and eventually turning Bumblebee into a monster as well. By this time, however, Sari had found the boiler room within one of her father's mines and turned the scalding water on the Autobots to eradicate the aliens and restore them to normal. Returning to base, the Autobots came to the agreement that nature and technology could work in harmony to achieve greater things than either could on its own. {{storylink|Nature Calls}}

[[File:MegatronRisingPart1-DinobotIsland.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

When Decepticon energy signals were detected, the Autobots quickly realized that they were outnumbered. Bulkhead mentioned that the Dinobots might be able to help, not aware that Prowl hadn't told Optimus they had moved them to Dinobot Island. Prime was furious and ordered the two to take him there at once. After searching the island, the Autobots found the Dinobots. Prime's introduction was less than friendly, and Prowl was forced to smooth things over with Grimlock. They were unwilling to help, so the Autobots left, unsure of their next move. When Bumblebee contacted Prime, saying that Starscream was at Sumdac Tower, he ordered him to stand down. When they arrived at the tower, they saw Bumblebee fighting Starscream. Prime dryly noted that disobeying orders was becoming a habit, but Prowl wasn't too insulted.

He was too busy being shocked by Megatron bursting through Sumdac Tower. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

Quickly regaining their composure, the Autobots attacked, only for Megatron to defeat all three of them himself. After the battle, Sumdac revealed his role in Megatron's resurrection, explaining that he had built his robotics empire by reverse-engineering Cybertronian technology; although Prowl and the other Autobots were furious at learning this, Prime reminded them that they had other priorities. Using residual AllSpark Key energy in Sumdac's lab, the Autobots repaired themselves, and Prime apologized for his harsh words. Although Ratchet and Sari had gotten the ''Orion'' flightworthy, the ship was shot down over Dinobot Island, where the Autobots made their last stand. During the subsequent battle, Prowl noticed that [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing's]] multiple personalities were connected to his [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]]. To cause his hotheaded side to emerge and transform into a tank, Prowl suggested that Bumblebee use his greatest strength—his obnoxious personality. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

[[File:TheEliteGuard-ProwlAndJazz.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Though the Autobots managed to drive off the Decepticons, the cost proved high: not only had the AllSpark been lost, its essence shattered into a thousand crystalline fragments, and not only had Isaac Sumdac disappeared, kidnapped by the Decepticons as the villains went into hiding, but the destructive battle meant that humanity now viewed the team as potential menaces, despite their best efforts to repair the damage. Eventually, [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] and several members of the Autobot [[Elite Guard]] touched down in the city, and Prowl joined the rest of the team in meeting them aboard the ''[[Sigma Supreme]]''. Unable to detect the energy signatures of the hidden Decepticons, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] doubted the veractity of Prime's tale, and tensions nearly boiled over until the two Autobot teams worked together to quell a flood of police robots at a malfunctioning Sumdac plant. During the fight, Prowl was awed by Jazz's superior cyber-ninja skills. Prowl helped Jazz and Optimus infiltrate the plant while the others kept the drones busy, and together they removed the AllSpark shard that had caused the disaster—proving that Prime's story had some truth to it after all. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}

Shortly afterwards, Sari was kicked out of her home by [[Porter C. Powell]]. Bumblebee and Bulkhead attempted to cheer up their friend after she moved in to live with the Autobots, but they botched every attempt they made. Prowl eventually felt the need to intervene, and advised the pair to simply listen to Sari. It turned out to be sound advice. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}} Prowl later helped stop a runaway train powered by an AllSpark fragment. When Starscream stopped by again, Prowl was tasked with keeping civilians out of harm's way while Sentinel, Optimus and Jazz took down the AllSpark-powered Decepticon. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} Prowl helped clear trash from the city of Detroit during a garbage dispute in an effort to mend strained Autobot/human relations. {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}} Later, he helped search for an AllSpark fragment, only for the mission to be interrupted by a group of illegal street racers, the Street Demons, zooming by. When one of the racers caused two others to crash, Prowl stopped to help [[Ming-Li]] out of her wrecked vehicle. {{storylink|Velocity (episode)|Velocity}}

[[Image:Samprowl.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Got to get back... Back to the past. Samurai <strike>Jack</strike> <strike>Jazz</strike> Prowl.]]

As the Autobots helped fix an overpass as part of their ongoing repair efforts,, the group spotted Blitzwing and Lugnut trying to sneak off with some construction supplies and had to stay late to fix it after failing to capture the duo. That night, Bulkhead returned home with two new 'bots in tow: [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]], two former construction vehicles brought to life by a pair of AllSpark fragments. Prowl tried his best to keep Sari away from the crass duo, and her encounter with the Constructibots left her without her signature pigtails. Though these new "Constructibots" were insufferable to begin with, they became an actual threat when they allied themselves with Megatron. Now calling themselves the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s, the duo attempted to snatch away the Autobots' AllSpark fragments for their new boss, but Bulkhead was able to drive off the pair. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

While responding to a report of rampages on Dinobot Island, Prowl and Bulkhead were given Ratchet's EMP generator and stasis cuffs to detain the Dinobots. Discovering that Grimlock had a metal shard wedged in his foot, Prowl used the generator to dull Grimlock's sensors and remove the shard. However, they then received a call from [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] that Starscream had escaped. Heading to the Autobots' crashed ship, Prowl used [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Teletran-1]] to scan for Starscream, discovering him on the Moon. When Bulkhead refused to go on the mission, deeming it a suicide run, Prowl stole a shuttle and went off by himself. Locating Starscream on the Moon, he managed to place stasis cuffs on the Decepticon, but [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] appeared to take Starscream off Prowl's hands. During their fight, Starscream escaped and destroyed Prowl's shuttle. Stowing away on Lockdown's ship, Prowl suggested an alliance to capture him and Lockdown gave him a set of armor that would assist him in the hunt. Together, the pair cornered [[Clone number 3370318|what appeared to be Starscream]], but Lockdown revealed that he was working for Megatron. Prowl would not allow "Starscream" to be taken, but Lockdown tied Prowl up and left.

[[Image:Samurai prowl altmode.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]

The other Autobots arrived and chewed out Prowl for his actions, but Prowl insisted that they retrieve Starscream first. During their pursuit, a [[Clone number 2716057|second Starscream]] somehow showed up and offered an alliance against Megatron. Prowl took down Starscream, but in his actions, he destroyed a bird's nest. Realizing that the modifications he had were going to his head, he resolved to abandon them... once they got Starscream. Prowl initially flubbed an attempt to spy on the meet between Megatron and Lockdown and quickly found himself outgunned until the other Autobots arrived with the second Starscream. During the standoff that followed, the two Starscreams revealed that they had bombs inside them. Prowl used the armor he had been given to send them into the sky, saving Detroit from destruction. Lockdown then contacted Prowl, offering him a partnership, but Prowl declined and returned Ratchet's EMP generator. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}}

Prowl took part in a pursuit to catch Nanosec after the super-speedy villain got a second wind, but the chase came to an end when Bumblebee mysteriously slowed down to a stop. After the other Autobots returned to base for repairs, Bumblebee alerted the rest of his team that [[Swindle (Animated)|a Decepticon]] had built a machine that could freeze any electronic machine within its range, just as he had been earlier that day. Prowl and the others sped out to take on the threat. They were all affected by the device's power before they could reach their destination, and were only able to take on Swindle once Sari had deactivated his weapon. {{storylink|SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy}}

Prowl and the other Autobots gathered to listen in on an all-points bulletin from Ultra Magnus, alerting them that the criminal [[Wasp]] had escaped from prison. Later, Bumblebee told the rest of his team that he had stumbled upon a Decepticon transmission, and they reported his findings to the head of [[Cybertron Intelligence]], [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm Prime]]. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

[[File:BlackFriday-BlackarachniaProwl.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Due to his inability to stay quiet, Prowl placed a bet on Bumblebee—that he couldn't go 10 cycles without talking. Should he keep to this, Prowl would fork over a case of axel grease. Bumblebee kept on slipping up, though Prowl was gracious enough to give him multiple shots at winning the bet. Prime took Prowl and Bumblebee with him to Dinobot Island to investigate Meltdown's prison break. The pair's bet was put on hold after both Prowl and Bumblebee were off-lined by Blackarachnia's cyber venom. After the day was saved, Prime used the antidote on the bots, and Bumblebee pointed out he'd been quiet for ages! Prowl dryly noted it took Bumblebee being comatose to achieve this, but the yellow bot didn't care—he just wanted his grease! {{storylink|Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday}}

Prowl had been helping Sari train through an obstacle course when he learned from Optimus that the Constructobots had resurfaced. The Autobots looked high and low throughout Detroit for Mixmaster and Scrapper, but without Sari's key to track their AllSpark signatures, the search proved fruitless. Then, Blitzwing dropped out of the sky and took on the whole crew. Pinned down by the Decepticon the Autobots learned that Sari was dealing with the Constructobots on her own back at headquarters, but couldn't get back to help her until Blitzwing abruptly ditched the battle. Although the Autobots raced home, they found that Sari had taken care of the intruders all by herself. {{storylink|Sari, No One's Home}}

[[File:ABridgeTooClosePart2-processorovermatter.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

When Bulkhead was kidnapped, Bumblebee brought the Autobot intelligence agent [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] to the plant, who revealed that Megatron was building a space bridge to conquer Cybertron from within. As Sari and Ratchet went to repair the ship, Prowl went with the others to rescue Bulkhead and shut down the space bridge. However, they were incapacitated by the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]]... just in time for Starscream and [[Starscream clone (Animated)|his clones]] to attack. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Escaping the Constructicons, Prowl was able to lock stasis cuffs on [[Ramjet (Animated)|a lying clone]], but was soon occupied with [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]]. When Prowl managed to disengage long enough to check on an injured Prime, [[Sunstorm (Animated)|a fawning clone]] managed to place stasis cuffs on him. Once he came back online, Prowl once again tried the processor-over-matter technique to disable his stasis cuffs, a gamble that ultimately paid off, and Prowl was able to throw a shuriken at Prime's stasis cuffs as he was being thrown through the space bridge. Unfortunately, power problems with the bridge arose, causing Megatron to add Starscream's AllSpark infused head to the mix. This caused a power overload which sucked up Megatron and Starscream, and nearly sucked up the Autobots as well. Fortunately, Ratchet had gone to the ''Orion'' and brought his old friend [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] back online; their transformed ship allowed himself to be sucked into the malfunctioning space-bridge, overloading and destroying the structure. Although the Autobots managed to rescue Professor Sumdac and reunited him with his daughter, Sari discovered that the skin of her right arm had been torn, revealing robotic circuitry underneath! {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

[[File:TransWarped-Prowl.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Hearing of Professor Sumdac's sketchy explanation of Sari's origins, Prowl infiltrated Sumdac's lab, scanned the professor and accessed his computer data. He later revealed his conclusions: Sari had begun her existence as a Cybertronian protoform. When a [[Rock Lord]] was TransWarped to Earth with Bumblebee inside, Prowl was surprised that Ratchet was taking his EMP generator into battle again. They barely got a chance to face the thing when Sari upgraded herself with her key and smashed the Rock Lord into bits. Unfortunately her upgrades went out of control and she wounded Bumblebee. While Ratchet tended to Bumblebee, Prime, Bulkhead and Prowl attempted to remove Sari's key from her. Prowl's ninja moves allowed him to extract the key and he rushed it back to Ratchet, only to find its charge had been expended.

After all that excitement was done, the Autobots were surprised when Omega Supreme, now under Megatron's control, transwarped into view and attacked them. Optimus and Prowl infiltrated the giant's leg, and Prowl headed for Omega's spark chamber while Optimus went to keep Megatron distracted. Prowl jacked in to Omega's memory, and was able to successfully encourage Omega Supreme to reject Megatron's control and reassert his own. The victory was short-lived, as Starscream took the opportunity to take over and eject both Prowl and Optimus from Omega Supreme. The problem was later solved via the application of a [[plasma dynamic thruster]], which sent Omega Supreme and his two prisoners randomly transwarping across the galaxy. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

With Professor Sumdac back on their side, the Autobots set about tracking down what remained of the Earthbound Decepticons. The first one they ran into was Lugnut. Optimus and Prowl managed to get stasis cuff onto him while the others kept him distracted. Of course, then they had the problem of getting him out of the crater, but while they were doing that, Bulkhead got into some trouble with the Constructicons and they were forced to go help. Prowl warned Bumblebee not to make any sparks because there was oil everywhere, but otherwise stood around watching everyone else win the fight. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd}} Prowl's keen ninja senses somehow failed to detect when [[Wasp]] switched identities with Bumblebee. He and Bulkhead hunted the city for the now fugitive "Wasp" and found him attacking a [[Hot Dog Bot]]. He managed to convince the pair he was Bumblebee, but they were attacked by [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]]. Prowl eventually clarified Bulkhead's garbled explanation to Optimus and Sentinel, after which they returned to the plant to unsuccessfully try to catch the real Wasp. {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}}

[[Image:TFA Five Servos processor over matter.JPG|300px|right|thumb|Everyone knows ninjas have magical powers like that.]]

Assisting Optimus and the Elite Guard in hunting down a Decepticon, Prowl was as stunned as anyone else when Sentinel Prime apparently caught their quarry all by himself—and it was only the most recent of several solo captures Sentinel had made. He then learned that Optimus had spotted a silhouette wearing a unique helmet that evening. Going over the helmets in the data banks with Optimus, Prowl was amazed when his commander identified Yoketron's old helmet as the one he'd seen. As Prowl unsuccessfully tried to solve the mystery, Sentinel continued to capture Decepticons, but realized that all of the Decepticons were missing their unique weapons and modifications, despite Sentinel showing him Lugnut's power-punch mods in storage. Prowl still suspected something was up, however, and his theories were borne out when he overheard Sentinel talking via communicator to an unknown party.

Alerting Jazz, Prowl set out after Sentinel and discovered he'd been working with none other than Lockdown, who was wearing Yoketron's helmet. However, even as Prowl watched, Lockdown and the Starscream clone he'd just captured double-crossed Sentinel, and Lockdown revealed he'd been a student of Yoketron's too. Realizing who'd killed his sensei and destroyed the protoforms, Prowl attacked Lockdown and demanded the helmet. Lockdown complied, but the helmet had been rigged to spring a trap, and Prowl found himself bound tight and hauled aboard Lockdown's ship, there to have his mods removed and added to a duplicate of the power armor sidecar Lockdown had once lent him. However, Prowl was able to master the processor-over-matter technique to free himself, don the armor and battle Lockdown back outside. They landed by the Starscream clone just in time to have a scoreboard fall on them, but Prowl's processor-over-matter saved them from injury. The clone was captured, though Lockdown got away, and with a line to Cybertron finally open, Prime reported to [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] that Prowl was responsible for capturing all the Decepticons they had on the ship. Back in his quarters, Prowl graciously accepted Jazz's compliment that Yoketron would approve of the helmet's new owner, vowing to do all he could to be worthy of it. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

Prowl turned out with the other Autobots to see off Sentinel and his team as they left Earth for Cybertron. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Animated)|Predacons Rising}}

[[File:TFA Human Error Part 1 Automen.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

At [[Christmas]], Prowl theorized that [[Santa Claus]] could use holograms to deliver billions of presents in one night. He joined the other Autobots in drinking [[oilnog]], unaware that their drink had been spiked by Soundwave, who took the opportunity to trap the five 'bots in a virtual reality world of his own making. In this simulation, the Autobots awoke on Christmas to discover that they'd somehow turned into humans. Only Prowl seemed at ease with the change, taking the opportunity to experience life from a different perspective as the Autobots made their way to Sumdac Tower, playing with a [[Nancy Witwicky|baby]] and trying vegetarian food at a [[Burger Bot]] restauraunt. The peace was interrupted by a Decepticon attack, and the Autobots helped rescue people from a damaged building. Prowl dashed inside to rescue [[Gary]], exiting the building with a spectacular leap that ''should'' have been impossible. After an abortive attempt to fight the Decepticons in their new human forms, Prowl suggested they proceed to Sumdac Tower by bus.

They reached the tower, only to see the planet Cybertron move into view and blast it. As Megatron and a host of Decepticons landed, Prowl and Optimus began to come to the realization that none of what they were experiencing was real. When Megatron picked up Prowl, the Autobot was able to slice Megatron's arm off with one blow and resist being stepped on by Blitzwing. Prowl proceeded to float in the air, menacing Starscream before phasing through his foe's head. After the Decepticons evaporated, the Autobots found they were able to return to their robot forms just by willing it. At that point, a giant [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] scooped them up, while in the real world, Soundwave planned to reprogram them into Decepticons. {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

[[File:TFAni Human Error Part2 Evil Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After Soundwave's reprogramming was interrupted, Prowl used processor over matter to escape the virtual world. Soundwave promptly caught him trying to free Optimus and put him back into the simulation, turning them back into humans and forcing them to pursue Soundwave's virtual avatar in nearby vehicles that matched their alternate modes. They had great difficulty adapting to driving and Prowl inadvertently did wheelies on his police cycle. The five Autobots were cornered by Soundwave, who began reprogramming them. Prowl was successful in using processor-over-mater to resist Soundwave's control, and when Soundwave used the Autobots in the real world to attack Sari and the group of "[[Substitute Autobot]]s" she'd gathered, he carefully made sure no one was harmed. As Soundwave focused on getting Optimus to offline Sari, Prowl took the opportunity to knock [[Ratbat (Animated)|Ratbat]] out of the Decepticon's hands, breaking his control. Soundwave responded by having Ratbat grab Prowl, lift him into the air and drop him into a building. After Optimus managed to defeat Soundwave, the Autobots reassembled, and Prowl reflected on how much they'd learned about what it meant to be organic. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

[[Image:EndgamePart2-Prowlsmiles.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Prowl turns that frown (and his sunglasses) upside down.]]

When Omega Supreme's energy signature was detected on the Moon, Optimus decided that he needed an upgrade to keep up with Megatron. Prowl offered his boosters for Ratchet to study, and also offered to go to the Moon to check things out. Jazz insisted he stay on Earth and try to complete his cyber-ninja training. The pair retired to some woods, where Prowl was able to reconstitute an AllSpark fragment through meditation. After returning to base, they watch Ratchet repair Optimus after the testing of Prime's boosters, and Prowl encouraged his leader to take up the [[Magnus Hammer]]. As the Autobots discovered when they rushed outside, Megatron had created three clones of Omega Supreme, and they were on their way to Detroit. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

With the three [[Lugnut Supreme]]s bearing in on the city, Optimus had serious doubts over whether he could take them. Prowl reassured him, saying that he'd be behind Optimus every step of the way. The two took to the sky, but despite their best efforts, the Lugnut Supremes couldn't be taken individually. When Prowl suggested looking for a way to remove them all at the same time, Prime used his Magnus Hammer to carry them away to Dinobot Island with a whirlwind. This destroyed one and disabled flight capabilities for the remaining two, but still they advanced.

Prime ordered Prowl and Jazz to help evacuate the city's humans towards Sumdac Tower, since its force shields should make it a safe place. After this was accomplished, Prowl and Jazz tried to stop the Lugnut Supremes with their melee weapons, but they were ineffectual. Prime radioed Prowl, telling him that the only way to stop them from destroying the city was to gather the power of the AllSpark. Prowl took Jazz back with him to the tower, which had just lost its force shield. As the two cyber-ninjas meditated, fragments of the AllSpark were telekinetically gathered from all corners of the city, thanks to their mastery of [[Processor-over-matter]]. Starscream was an unwitting casualty of this, as the Decepticon had flown too close, and the AllSpark fragment that kept him alive was yanked from his skull.

[[Image:EndgamePart2-lastminutesave.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Who's that playing "Unchained Melody"?]]

But Prowl and Jazz couldn't muster enough AllSpark fragments to serve their needs. Some of it was missing! With the Lugnut Supremes now threatening to blow up the city and everything else in a 100-mile radius, Prowl made a tough choice. He levitated himself up towards their growing AllSpark fragment collection and relinquished his own [[spark]], despite Jazz's protests. With one last serene smile, Prowl was lost momentarily in a flash of light. His uncolored body fell into Jazz's arms as the light dimmed.

[[File:EndgamePartII-CorpsemasterProwl.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Inaction Master Prowl, available at stores near you.]]

This last, desperate act enveloped the final Lugnut Supreme in an AllSpark-powered shell, capturing both Optimus Prime and Megatron inside. Prowl appeared once more, as an AllSpark ghost, to carry Prime away to safety.

With Megatron seemingly destroyed, Jazz carried the dead body of Prowl to the others. But before the Autobots could begin to mourn, Megatron reappeared, though heavily damaged. Prime fought the Decepticon leader with renewed vigor in the knowledge that this battle cost the life of his friend, but he stopped just short of killing the villain. Megatron and the other Decepticons were taken in captivity back to Cybertron, along with Prowl's body. Bumblebee, Jazz, Ratchet, and Bulkhead were Prowl's pallbearers, and the crowds of Cybertron cheered their victory. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

{{-}}

===''Be the Hero'' books===
{{notemultipath}}
====''Prime Suspect''====
When the police began pursuing [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] for breaking and entering, Prowl protected [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] and [[You|another kid]] who had been caught up in things, using his holograms to distract the cops. The trail led the Autobots to [[HomeTech]]'s laboratory, where the two kids were sent in to find the security footage of Prime apparently breaking in, which later necessitated a rescue by Prowl and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]. The Autobots continued to follow the clues to HomeTech's main warehouse, where they fought [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], the real mastermind behind the theft. {{storylink|Prime Suspect}}
====''Quest for the AllSpark''====
Prowl chose [[Texas]] to conceal a fake [[AllSpark]] when [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] took control of [[Detroit]]'s robot workforce in an attempt to locate the artifact. He returned to Detroit in time to join [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] as they went to help Optimus and [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] fight [[Crush-A]]. {{storylink|Quest for the AllSpark}}
====''Web of Deception''====
Prowl saved Sari and her friend from drowning after their [[Sumdac Aquaskimmer Mk 1|Aquaskimmer]] was destroyed on the surface of Lake Erie. He, Bumblebee and Bulkhead subsequently found that the Autobot ship was offline and Optimus missing. Once everything was working again, Ratchet's scans located [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s ship parked on the lake bed nearby, sending Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Prowl and the two young humans on a mission to investigate. While fighting the bounty hunter, they discovered the involvement of [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], who wanted revenge on Prime. After the clash, Prowl found he had to use [[Circuit-Su]] mediation to realign his inner processes before he could continue, however the delay led to Sari's young friend locating Blackarachnia and her eventual defeat. {{storylink|Web of Deception}}
====''Time-Quake''====
When strange time distortions began occurring across Detroit, the Autobots split up with special scanners to try and track down the cause of the problem. Prowl traced the signal to a disused warehouse on the Detroit River, arriving at around the same time as Bulkhead and a random [[You|human]]. Within, Prowl narrowly rescued the human when the floor collapsed, and in the basement the trio found a time machine. After Bulkhead and the human were plunged back in time, Prowl remained at the warehouse, but it was several days before the pair returned, having jaunted around history. Meanwhile, the other Autobots had tracked down the culprit behind the strange machine. Prowl and Bulkhead joined them at said culprit's hideout, but the foe was able to keep the Autobots at bay, forcing the human to go in to wrap things up. {{storylink|Time-Quake}}

===Titan Magazines===
When [[Quake-Maker]] attacked Detroit with, yep, earthquakes, Prowl was there saving people from falling rubble before the villain temporarily buried him. Once he got out, he found himself following the orders of new arrival [[Afterburn]] and helped beat Quake-Maker. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 1#Burnout|Burnout}}

On his day off, Prowl went to a [[basketball]] game with Bulkhead, Sari and Afterburn. The speed, grace and tactics of the game thrilled him, leaving him with the belief they could learn much from basketball. Unfortunately he had to duck out of the game to stop the supervillain [[Crossroads]], who was causing robotic systems across Detroit. Working out with Sari that this was a diversionary tactic so Crossroads could reach [[Sumdac Tower]], Prowl and the others headed for the building, and Prowl disabled the villain's robot-controlling gauntlets with well-aimed shurikens. And he spouted basketball terms while doing this for... well, we dunno.

He stood in front of Afterburn while saying they should all keep their eyes out for the enemy. Surely a coincidental posing! {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 3|Crossroads!}}

[[Image:Prowl_CRUNK!.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Take that, ''Shattered Glass'' Bumblebee!]]

When Bumblebee was boasting about his incredible speed, Prowl pointed out that he was also reckless and a dangerous driver. Why, if Bumblebee had to follow rules when he drove, Prowl could whip him! This throwing of the gauntlet led to the two Autobots having a race at [[Crazy Coyote Canyon]], with Bulkhead joining in for the heck of it. With his superior reflexes and ''driving over'' his opponent, Prowl shot into the lead, smugly noting that reckless actions get you into trouble...

...and then, not looking where he was going, ran into a Decepticon trap. With Lugnut planning to use him as a piñata, only Bumblebee's arrival saved him, and reckless action saw the two escape. If that wasn't embarrassing enough for Prowl, Bumblebee beat him in the rest of the race and ''Bulkhead'' won the whole thing... ! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}

{{--}}

===''Lil Formers''===
Prowl shared his weight loss secrets with a [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] from another universe. {{storylink|Lil Formers}}

===''The Cool'' comic===

Witnessing the mysterious Allspark being uncovered, Prowl along with the rest of Optimus Prime's crew fled through a space bridge gate in order to keep the artifact out of Decepticon clutches. Unfortunately, Megatron was able to board their ship and left Prowl defeated on the floor, leaving Optimus to deal with the Decepticon leader by himself. {{storylink|The Cool Extra issue 3}}

Prowl was among the Autobots who traveled to the [[Earth]] city of [[Detroit]] in order to protect the [[AllSpark]] from the Decepticons. When [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] and [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] attacked, Prowl joined in the fray, pitting his skills against Blackarachnia. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 1}}

[[Image:The CoolAutobotsRevivePrime01.jpg|thumb|200px|right|]]

The Autobots were unable to prevent Starscream from seizing the AllSpark, however, and Prowl was helpless to defend himself from Starscream's AllSpark-powered aerial attacks. When [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] died stopping Starscream, and was subsequently revived by the power of [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]]'s [[AllSpark Key|key]], Prowl was there to greet him. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 2}}

Prowl later took part in defending [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]] from a Decepticon raid. He expressed displeasure at [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]'s aerial bombardments, observing that their weapons didn't have the range to counterattack. Once the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]]s saved the day, however, Prowl saw them off along with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 3}}

Prowl was present at [[Sumdac Systems]] headquarters when Megatron was revived in a new body. He fared poorly in battle, as Megatron swatted him away with a single blast of his [[fusion cannon]]. Prowl survived the fight and later greeted the [[Elite Guard]] when they arrived on Earth. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 5}}

Later, Prowl joined up with Lockdown, donning a set of power-boosting armor in order to take down [[Clone number 3370318|Clone #3370318]] (whom he mistook for the real Starscream). When Prowl learned that Lockdown would be selling "Starscream" to Megatron rather than Ultra Magnus, he attempted to stop his ex-partner, only to be subdued and rendered unconscious. Prowl eventually came to, joining the rest of the Autobots as [[Clone number 2716057|Clone #2716057]] attacked. Prowl defeated the clone, but destroyed an entire city park in the process. Prowl then recalled a lesson from his [[Cyber-Ninja Corps|Cyber-Ninja]] master, [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]], regarding power and choices. Realizing there was one Starscream too many, Prowl and the Autobots then rushed to a warehouse where Lockdown was meeting Megatron. The ''real'' Starscream had rigged the clones to explode and kill everyone. Using his head, Prowl attached his armor's rocket packs to the clones and sent them flying; harmlessly detonating in the sky. Prowl then discarded his armor, vowing to the memory of Yoketron that he would start his training over from scratch. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 6}}

Prowl then joined in the battle for the Decepticon [[space bridge#Animated cartoon|Space Bridge]]. He registered horror at the sight of Optimus Prime being blasted by [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 7}} When the battle for the Space Bridge had ended, Prowl joined the other Autobots in bidding farewell to [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], who sacrificed himself in the fight. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 8}}

At Autobot HQ, Prowl performed a full body-scan on Sari and determined that she was originally a Transformer [[protoform]] that scanned Professor Sumdac's DNA, creating an entirely new lifeform. Suddenly, the Autobots were attacked by Starscream in Omega Supreme's body! Prowl encouraged Bulkhead to keep the fiend busy until Optimus could return from wherever it is that he went. Once Optimus ''did'' return and vanquished the Decepticon, Prowl was put in charge of finding Starscream's leftovers and pulling them out of Omega Supreme. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 9}}

Prior to the final confrontation against the Decepticons, Prowl stood heroically alongside his fellow Autobots. {{storylink|The Cool Extra issue 1}}

When Optimus was nearly killed during his epic showdown with Megatron, Prowl joined the rest of the Autobots in looking on in horror. However, when the Autobots returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] victorious, Prowl was nowhere to be seen. His fate remains a mystery. {{storylink|The Cool Episode Final}}

===''Generations Selects'' comic===
Prowl was a member of the [[White Order]] and present when [[Primus]] informed [[Optimus Prime (G1)|White Gallant Convoy]] to be on his guard, as the [[Blue Order]] had been destroyed by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron]] and the [[Straxus (G1)|Straxuses]]. [[Halfshell]] soon arrived on the [[White Planet]] looking for the [[White Matrix]], and Prowl attempted to fight back with the rest of the White Order. They were not successful. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===Transformers Animated: The Game===
{{voiceactor|[[Jeff Glen Bennett]] (English)}}
[[Image:TFAnimated Game Prowl.jpg|thumb|left|120px]]
Prowl set up the Autobots' headquarters into an obstacle course for [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]], [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] to practice their skills on. When Ratchet picked up a Decepticon signal, Optimus dispatched Prowl to investigate. Taking to the roads, Prowl located a [[Decepticon Transmitter Drone]] and shot it down. After Ratchet modified the drone to return home, it escaped from the Autobot base and Prowl chased after it but failed to catch up with it. He later tracked down and captured [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], after the bounty hunter gave Bumblebee some trouble. He joined Bumblebee at the Decepticon mine base, and offered [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] a lift back to headquarters. Following the safe return from Cybertron of Optimus, Bumblebee and Bulkhead, he expressed incredulity that Optimus had turned down the chance to join the [[Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The Game}}
===Transformers Animated: ''Action Packs''===
{{note|Prowl is featured as a playable game card. He is a black card, has a value of 6 points, and has the following power: "x2 if any Starscream is in play."}} {{storylink|Transformers Animated: Action Packs}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Transformers Animated===
[[Image:Prowl anim toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No, you're not seeing things, both of his wheels are part of his robot mode, and it's still symmetrical.]]
*'''Prowl''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-05'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 traffic light "chain" weapon

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Prowl transforms into a black and gold police "superbike" of made-up model. Two of his hubcaps are removable, and they both can reconfigure into three-bladed "mecha stars" which he can hold in robot mode. The mecha stars have a pseudo-[[Automorph Technology|automorph feature]]; pulling out on one blade simultaneously opens the other two. He also comes with a traffic light "chain" weapon which he can hold in robot mode, but it cannot be stowed in superbike mode. As advertised on the back of the box, his rear bike mode lights can flip forward to form "flash blasters".

:Partly due to his lithe proportions, as well as both the waist ball joint and double-jointed knees required for his transformation, Prowl is ''extremely'' [[Articulation|poseable]].

:The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] release features a glossy, shiny paint job for the entire front of his bike, painting his headlights, and having an almost [[Vacuum metallizing|vac-metal]]-like finish for his headlights and gold parts. The Autobot [[insignia]] on his abdomen/vehicle front is now in full color, bordered in white.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Prowl/prowl.htm Prowl at TFU.info]

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[[Image:Legends animated prowl.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Even as a legend he keeps the epic transformation.]]
*'''Rescue Ratchet''' (Animated 3-pack, 2008)

: A [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] Prowl toy came packaged with this version of [[Ratchet (Animated)#Rescue|Ratchet]], as well as a Legends [[Starscream (Animated)#Legends Class|Starscream]]. It features a slightly different deco from the ''Universe'' release of the mold, including a silver chevron and a silver Autobot sigil.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/AniLegendsProwl/prowl.htm Prowl (Rescue Ratchet 3-pack) at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleInSpace}}
*'''Battle in Space''' (Deluxe 2-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 street lamp "chain" weapon

: This Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] two-pack features an unchanged Deluxe Prowl and an unchanged Battle Damaged Deluxe [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] from the ''Battle Begins'' two-pack. The bundle was a 2008 [[Walmart]]-[[exclusive]] [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] release in 2008.

{{-}}{{anchor|Samurai}}
[[Image:Samuraiprowldeluxe.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Bludgeon redeco in 5...4...3...]]
*'''Samurai Prowl''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-34'''
**''Accessories'': Sidecar/battle armor, wheel/"sword", 2 bladed mecha stars

: Part of the sixth wave of ''Animated'' Deluxe Class toys, this [[redeco]] and heavy [[retool]] of Prowl includes an all-new sidecar which transforms into the "samurai" armor that appeared in "[[A Fistful of Energon]]". Roughly 80% of the original robot mode is retooled, leaving only parts such as the biceps, interior of the arms, and the lower legs untouched. Among other deco changes, his gold is paler, and all of his translucent plastic is now teal. The robot mode "wings" are now designed to fold upwards, and a pair of slots were added to accommodate the body of the samurai armor. A new, smaller head with a translucent plastic visor replaces the original head so that the samurai helmet can fit, and either of the new pegs on his forearms can be used to mount the new wheel/blade weapon. Additionally, he gains thigh [[Swivel joint|swivel]]s, making him even ''more'' posable.

[[Image:Samuraiprowlsplitwheels.jpg|left|125px|thumb|Yours won't do this.]]
:A change was made to the wheel/sword weapon between the photography and final production stages. The Hasbro stock photography shows that the wheel was originally able to split down the middle, with each half pegging onto a forearm. However, this is not possible on the production version. The two halves are screwed together, and there's no hint of a second connection piece when disassembled. It's probable that the divided pieces constituted [[For safety reasons|a choking hazard]]. This modification, on the other hand, allows the sidecar to actually roll.

:Prowl's bladed ninja stars don't really seem to be intended to be removed from his legs, but with a bit of force, you can still pry them out of there. They have, however, been remolded so they're now fused together and no longer able to open, but they are exchangeable with the stars from the original Deluxe Prowl. While not being included, he can also still hold the chain traffic light from the original version.

:Prowl loses a lot of his original maneuverability when you put his Samurai armor on, and also becomes a little more tricky to balance, but that's the price you pay for the ability to blind your enemies with overexposure to pure awesomeness and teal translucent plastic.

:The Japanese TakaraTomy release is virtually identical to the Hasbro version, with the only notable change to the Japanese version being the use of a white and red Autobot symbol on his torso rather than a non-outlined silver one.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/SamuraiProwl/prowl.htm Samurai Prowl at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|ClearSmokeLOC}}
[[Image:AniLegendsProwlClearSmoke.jpg|thumb|300px|Clear smoke? Future Detroit's air filtration systems are truly amazing!]]
*'''Prowl Clear Smoke Ver.''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

: A redeco of Legends Prowl in smokey translucent black, with some opaque grey parts. He was only available at Apita stores in Japan, given away for free to customers who purchased Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] or [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|ClearVerCollection}}
[[Image:AniEZLimited.jpg|300px|thumb]]
*'''EZ Collection Limited Clear Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

:The "EZ Collection Limited Clear Version" set included a redeco of Legends Prowl in mostly translucent black with some opaque parts. The set was given away at Family Mart stores in Japan as part of their raffle token promotion. Unlike Prowl Clear Smoke Version, this version of Prowl is painted to resemble his normal coloration, only clear. The "EZ Collection Limited Clear Version" set was prize D, and included four different translucent EZ Collection figures, the other three being Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Starscream.

{{-}}{{anchor|EliteGuard}}
[[Image:AniDeluxeEliteGuardProwl.jpg|thumb|300px|Now he's a different kind of assassin.]]
*'''Prowl Elite Guard Ver.''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 street lamp "chain" weapon

:Available [[exclusive]]ly at [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2010, Prowl Elite Guard Ver. is a redeco of the original Deluxe-class Prowl toy in a color scheme based on [[Prowl (G1)|G1 Prowl]]. The packaging is unchanged from the original retail release, bar a sticker on the front of the bubble.

{{-}}{{anchor|EliteGuardLOC}}
[[Image:AniEZEliteGuardProwl.jpg|thumb|300px|This needs Saba badly.]]
*'''Prowl Elite Guard Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

:A white, black, and gold redeco of Legends Prowl, Prowl Elite Guard Version shares its overall deco with the above Tokyo Toy Show exclusive. It was only available blindpacked in TakaraTomy's EZ Collection Volume 4.

{{-}}{{anchor|BITD}}
*'''Battle in the Dark: Prowl VS Blitzwing''' (Two-pack, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 traffic light "chain" weapon

: This Japanese two-pack contains the TakaraTomy versions of the original Deluxe Class Prowl, as well as Voyager Class [[Blitzwing (Animated)#BITD|Blitzwing]].

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Legends animated prowl.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Itty-bitty ninja.]]
*'''Prowl''' (Legends, 2008)

:A slight repaint of the Legends Prowl included with the Rescue Ratchet 3 pack was available in the Universe 2008 line as well as Legends versions of Starscream (also included in the 3 pack), Optimus and Bumblebee. He was also available as part of a ''Universe'' three-pack with the three aforementioned slightly repainted Legends figures.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/AniLegendsProwl/prowl.htm More information on ''Universe'' Prowl at TFU.info]''

===EZ Collection===
*'''Prowl''' (EZ Collection, 2010)
**''ID Number'': '''EZ-19'''
:In Japan, The ''Universe'' Animated Prowl toy was re-released as part of the 3rd volume of EZ Collection, in blindpacked packaging.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
[[File:TFA-Board-Game-Prowl-figurine.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Animated Game Collection''' (2008)

: Released as part of the board game set, this Prowl is a (very) show-accurate mini-figure figure based on his animation model.

: Prowl is also sold with Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Optimus Prime minifigures, and of course: 3 board games (''Transformers Animated'' Game, Checkers, and Tic Tac Toe), and a 100-piece puzzle.

{{-}}

==Notes==
* Prowl's eyes are a reference to {{w|2000 AD (comic)|2000 AD}}'s {{w|ABC Warriors}}.<ref>[https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21975298&postID=8564559979841180115 Comment section for "Back from Botcon" entry in Derrick Wyatt's blog]</ref>, specifically to the character Joe Pineapples.
* Prowl's general robot mode design, down to his khaki legs, tall boots, and helmet-shaped head, is meant to evoke a {{w|California Highway Patrol}} motorcycle cop, circa ''{{w|CHiPs}}''. Eat your heart out, {{w|Erik Estrada}}.<ref name="Hey">[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2008/09/hey-everybody-its-prowl.html Derrick Wyatt explains Prowl's design in his personal blog]</ref>
* Despite his alternate mode being the smallest among the core cast, [[Size changing|Prowl's robot mode is about the same height as Ratchet's, and much taller than Bumblebee's]].
* Since he was in the AllSpark energy and able to save Optimus Prime after he relinquished his spark he seems to have fused with it much like [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Vector Sigma]]. It also seems possible that his spark, rather than truly being extinguished has fused with the AllSpark since he did appear as a spark ghost.
* Amazingly, Hasbro hadn't originally intended to make a Samurai Prowl toy until one of their team saw the episode.<ref>[http://community.livejournal.com/tf_animated/271043.html Derrick J. Wyatt Q&A... answers!]</ref> The on-show introduction of the samurai armor certainly wasn't your typical [[To sell toys|marketing vehicle]], considering Prowl's speech about how he didn't need the armor after all and everybody crediting him with a wise choice when he abandoned and destroyed it. This leads to some mildly amusing backtracking once Hasbro finally produced the toy, with a [[Five Servos of Doom|new episode]] airing that just happened to feature a second, identical set of armor that Prowl could now wear because he <strike>had a new toy out</strike> had grown as a person and could now handle the responsibility.
* Prowl's retractable [[mouthplate]] was inspired by [[Snake-Eyes]] from [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]<ref>[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2008/09/hey-everybody-its-prowl.html Response to comments in "Hey Everybody, It's Prowl!" article on Derrick Wyatt's blog]]</ref>
* Prowl shares his [[body-type]] with fellow Autobots [[Horsepower (Animated)|Horsepower]] and [[Sparkride (Animated)|Sparkride]].
*In the Transformers Animated profile shorts, Prowl is introduced to the audience by Bulkhead in "[[Meet Prowl]]."

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Prowl''' (プロール ''Purōru'')
*''Russian:'' '''Syshhik''' (Сыщик, "Detective")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:Cyber-Ninja Corps]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:White Order]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Prowl (Animated)

2020-05-18T01:53:09Z

Auride: /* Animated cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Prowl}}
:''Prowl is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:AniProwlPromoModel.jpg|right|250px|thumb|True warriors must move like water. NINJA water.]]

Some people are team players, and some... well, aren't. '''Prowl''' falls into the latter category. A loner at heart, he has little interest in teamwork, something [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] finds extremely frustrating. Prowl feels cooperation with the [[Bumblebee (Animated)|loud]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|unsubtle]] Autobots around him would cramp his style: a keen [[Cyber-Ninja Corps|Cyber-Ninja]] prowess with elements of [[Circuit-Su]]<ref>Prowl's on-package [[bio]]</ref> and [[Metallikato]].<ref name="TEG">"[[The Elite Guard]]"</ref>

Seemingly bound up in his martial-arts philosophy is his deep, deep fascination with [[Earth]]'s natural environment. His quarters on [[Earth]] is missing most of its ceiling, allowing him a permanent window into nature. In fact, he seems to have a deeper appreciation of his new surroundings than the [[Human|humans]] who grew up with them. The phrase "stop and smell the roses" is a life truth for Prowl, and he can spend hours motionless, watching the organic world play out around him.

When called to battle, Prowl uses an array of throwing weapons, such as cutting discs, that he can hurl with high accuracy. While useful as projectiles, these weapons tend to be far more damaging at close range and will occasionally bounce off their target with little damage if thrown from too great a distance. He can project [[Hologram|holograms]] of himself, using them to misdirect his enemies. He also has a jetpack, granting him limited flight.

Prowl is probably the most skilled fighter of his comrades, but this might not be saying much, as they were a mere [[space bridge]] repair crew before finding themselves suddenly defending the [[AllSpark]] against the resurgent [[Decepticon|Decepticons]].<ref>"[[Transform and Roll Out]]"</ref> In fact, [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]], witnessing him in action, remarked that Prowl must not have ''finished'' his cyber ninja training.<ref name="TEG">"[[The Elite Guard]]"</ref> The true story is more complex: having failed to protect the infant protoforms<ref>"[[Five Servos of Doom]]"</ref>, Prowl ended his studies in disgrace, seeking to commune with the Allspark. His quest for redemption and inner peace has ended in failure...so far.

{{bigquote|Stillness... then ''strike''.|Prowl getting past motion detectors|"[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
{{voiceactor|[[Jeff Glen Bennett]] (English), [[Kōji Yusa]] (Japanese)|[[Lutz Schnell]] (German), [[Louis van Beek]] (Dutch), [[Gianluca Iacono]] (Italian), [[Junseok Song]] (Korean), [[Fritz Gianvitto]] (Portuguese), [[Rodrigo de la Paz]] (Latin-American Spanish, seasons 1 and 2), [[Mario Gutiérrez]] (Latin-American Spanish, season 3), [[Joonas Suominen]] (Finnish), [[Vincent Violette]] (French)}}

[[Image:TFA Five Servos Yoketron vs Prowl.JPG|thumb|left|300px|This looks ''way'' more exciting in motion.]]

Prowl tried to avoid being drafted into fighting in the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], but was apprehended by [[Warpath (Animated)|Warpath]] and taken to [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]]'s [[Cyber-Ninja Dojo|dojo]]. Seeing potential in the young 'bot, Yoketron offered to teach Prowl in exchange for dropping the charges against him. Despite some initial difficulties, Prowl soon became an accomplished martial artist, and eventually Yoketron deemed him worthy of a place in the [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. After recieving the shurikens that would become his signature weapons, Yoketron showed Prowl a hidden room in the dojo, accessible only via the advanced [[processor-over-matter]] technique. This room contained the [[protoform]]s the Cyber-Ninja Corps had sworn to protect, a last-ditch reserve of potential soldiers should [[Project Omega]] fail. However, Prowl proved unable to operate the door, and Yoketron thus sent him on an optics quest to master the skill and become a true Cyber-Ninja.

Prowl continued to struggle with the technique, however, and on returning to the dojo he discovered that an [[Lockdown (Animated)|unknown assailant]] had ransacked the dojo, stolen the protoforms, and mortally wounded Yoketron. Prowl attempted to save his master's life by transferring Yoketron's [[spark]] into the last remaining protoform, but only managed to make his master unhappy by sacrificing a little of the future to save the past. Assured by Yoketron that he would understand some day, Prowl watched his sensei's spark expire and mourned his loss. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

[[File:TransformAndRollOut-Prowljetpack.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''I'm not the bot they think I am at home oh no no no'']]

Determined to find a way to finish his training, Prowl eventually left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] entirely aboard his own personal [[Dawn Treader|starship]] and secluded himself in deep space for at least a million stellar cycles in the hopes of communing with the [[AllSpark]]. While meditating on a remote asteroid, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[space bridge]] repair crew stumbled across the Cyber-Ninja. [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] promised to work around him, but an [[energon cube]] set by [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] fell into the cavern and accidentally destroyed Prowl's ship. Stranded, Prowl grudgingly accepted Optimus Prime's offer to take him back to Cybertron after completing their tour of the sector, but fumed that his path had taken so many twists and turns that he didn't even know where he was... a sentiment to which Optimus Prime could relate. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

As the impromptu fifth member of Optimus Prime's repair crew aboard the starship ''[[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Orion]]'', Prowl showed a lack of interest in both teamwork and in Optimus Prime's motivational speeches. While performing some routine maintenance on a malfunctioning space bridge, the team abruptly discovered the AllSpark itself, the life-giving artifact which had been hidden offworld during the Great War. However, the presence of the AllSpark ''also'' attracted the attentions of a group of [[Decepticon]]s led by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Determined to sieze the artifact for himself, Megatron boarded the ''Orion'' and fought the Autobots inside, with Prowl responsible for cutting off one of Megatron's arms. The ship careened through the active space bridge and rematerialized over the planet [[Earth]]; though Prime managed to eject Megatron—wounded due to [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s sabotage—from their vessel, they were unable to stop the ship from crash-landing beneath [[Lake Erie]] and entered [[stasis pod]]s to survive.

[[File:TransformAndRollOut-Prowl.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Fifty years later, a glob of nanotechnological matter found its way into the vessel, which triggered the ship's autonomus systems and brought its Autobot crew back online. The Autobots decided to help the locals defend themselves from the nanotech monster wreaking havoc in nearby [[Detroit]], but mistook cars and trucks for the native life-forms and reformatted themselves into suitable disguises. The Autobots successfully took down the monster, but Prowl's refusal to work with the team led to him taking on the creature by himself and getting absorbed for his troubles. Gravely wounded, the Autobots rushed him back to their ship where Ratchet unsuccessfully tried to operate on him—it's likely that he might have died had [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] not discovered the power of her [[AllSpark Key]] and used it to miraculously save his life.

Over the next few days, the Autobots settled into life on Earth, became local celebrities, and set up shop in an [[Autobot Earth Base|abandoned factory]] while Prowl discovered he had a particular fondness for the planet's organic fauna. During the team's next major battle against [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], Prowl showed that he had become a much better team player after working with Bumblebee and Sari to save [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]] and [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] from the airborne Decepticon, using his thrusters to slow a falling train car. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}} {{storylink|Dispatches}}

[[File:HomeIsWhereTheSparkIs-Prowl.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Prowl watched a local [[Skippy|cat]] stalk a bird and found it fascinating, but was aggravated when he was interrupted by human fans. Returning to base, he hid out in his Japanese-themed room, only to be interrupted by Prime and Bumblebee. Even worse, Sari threw a slumber party, pushing Prowl to the edge with the commotion. Ironically, when [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] took over the factory, Prowl was able to show Bumblebee the value of stillness in battle, something the pair would work on later in a game of Twister. {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}}

Prowl joined Optimus, Ratchet and Bulkhead in an attempt to learn about Earth customs by watching television. They eventually stumbled upon a program wherein [[Meltdown (Animated)|Prometheus Black]] pitted the bio-enhanced [[Colossus Rhodes]] against Bumblebee, and the other four Autobots had to come to Bumblebee's rescue after Rhodes lost control of his augmentations. Prowl managed to take down Rhodes by throwing a couple of shurikens at the pistons that triggered Rhodes's enhancements and later helped rescue Professor Sumdac after Black had become the mutated "Meltdown." Finding Sumdac Tower in defense mode upon their arrival, Prowl, Bulkhead and Ratchet were pitted against Colossus Rhodes once more. Prowl tried to take Rhodes out as he had before, only to learn that Rhodes’s one weakness had been reinforced since their last encounter. The battle was eventually won when Prowl noticed that a nearby church bell's toll was interfering with Rhodes's upgrades. Using this to their advantage, the Autobots managed to defeat the villain. Through some quick thinking, the Autobots then overpowered Meltdown by using the same force-field that had kept the Autobots from reaching him beforehand. {{storylink|Total Meltdown}}

[[File:AttentionSurplusDisorder-WraithandProwl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left]]

''Bumblebee and Prowl inadvertently exposed the [[Wraith]]'s modus operandi on live television when they captured the Angry Archer. Later, when a news broadcast showed the Wraith using his holographic equipment to pass off as a ghostly figure, Bumblebee asked why the fellow couldn't just "scan a new altmode." Prowl explained that, even if the Wraith could, it would make little difference; the vigilante relied on mystery to aid him in his crime-fighting career. Since he and Bumblebee had stripped away the mystery, a change of appearance would hardly make a difference.''

''Later, when Bumblebee apprehended Colossus Rhodes, Prowl helped sign autographs for the grateful Detroiters. Later still, when the Autobots saw "Bumblebee" attack Michigan Stadium, Prowl helped clear the little Autobot's name by halting what was really a plot by the jealous Wraith. Prowl attempted to capture the Wraith as he made his getaway, only to realize he had been fooled by one of the masked vigilante's many holographic projections. Thankfully, Optimus Prime grabbed the real Wrait, who was shipped off the an asylum for treatment.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 2|Attention Surplus Disorder}}

[[File:Stiletto-SarifixesProwl.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]

''Prowl joined the rest of the Autobots in investigating a theft at Sumdac's laboratories. They discovered that the crime in question had been committed by an industrial saboteur going by the name of "[[Stiletto (Animated)|Stiletto]]." She soon attempted to collapse Detroit's Ambassador Bridge, prompting the Autobots to leap into action. During the confrontation, Prowl used his holographic abilities to blindside Stiletto. Stiletto managed to recover quickly from Prowl's trickery. She then used trickery of her own to dupe Bumblebee into exploding a truck's payload of gasoline, rendering Prowl unconscious for the remainder of the battle. The Autobots nonetheless managed to capture Stiletto, and Prowl was later patched up at Autobot headquarters.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 3|Stiletto}}

''Prowl and the other Autobots had to calm Bulkhead down when Porter C. Powell began to market Bulkhead's altmode as a vehicle for the masses, and further rubbed salt in the wound by using highly-doctored footage to have Bulkhead "promote" the vehicle. Thankfully, Sari and Bulkhead proved that the vehicle wasn't safe for the everyday citizen. Prowl later watched an announcement on television declaring that the "Bulkhead" line was being recalled.'' {{storylink|The Arrival issue 4|The Insincerest Form of Flattery}}

[[File:BlastFromThePast-ProwlsNinjaSkills.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

In an attempt to get [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] to be less bumbling and destructive after an embarrassing incident at the [[Dino Drive]] park, Prowl tried to teach Bulkhead how to move with ninja-lke grace. His unsuccessful attempts to teach Bulkhead only undermined the green Autobot's confidence, and Prowl was taken out of commission when the park's rebuilt animatronics malfunctioned and Bulkhead fell on him. Finally, when these newly-minted [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] escaped from a Sumdac lab and ran amok, Prowl realized that Bulkhead's destructive approach had its place and encouraged him to do what he did best. After the capture of the Dinobots, Prowl sensed [[Spark|sparks]] within the trio and, unwilling to let them be destroyed, secretly hid them on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|a small island]] before they were melted down. As he explained to Bulkhead, "Just because something's big and lumbering and destructive, doesn't mean you give up on it." {{storylink|Blast from the Past}}

When [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], a bounty hunter from Ratchet’s past, appeared on Earth to abduct Optimus, Prowl and the other Autobots intervened. Though Prowl got passed the defenses of [[Death's Head (Animated)|Lockdown’s ship]], and got the drop on the bounty hunter with his ninja skills, Lockdown managed to shut down Prowl by using one of his trophies: Ratchet’s old [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP generator]]. Thankfully, Ratchet was immune to the device, and rescued Optimus while the other Autobots were indisposed. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}}

[[File:Nanosec-ProwlsHologram.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Prowl was put on a training assignment to help Bumblebee and Bulkhead learn how to better blend in with their environment. Bumblebee’s impatience put an early end to the exercise, and the yellow 'bot ran afoul of [[Nanosec]], a criminal that had nearly gotten away from him the day before. Prowl was unable to stop the speedy villain when he joined in trying to apprehend him. Later, the Autobots caught news of Nanosec robbing Sumdac Laboratories and pursued him across town until Nanosec's high-tech suit accelerated his aging until he collapsed from fatigue. With his boosters, Prowl aided Bumblebee as the yellow Autobot hurled Nanosec's stolen [[Destronium]] supply into Earth's upper atmosphere, where it exploded harmlessly. Prowl asked Bumblebee if he would like to race him back to base, but Bumblebee declined, having gotten enough high-speed chases for the day. {{storylink|Nanosec (episode)|Nanosec}}

Prowl and the other Autobots attended Sari's eighth birthday party. Though he wound up entertaining Sari's guests, Sari herself was left behind with Bulkhead. A few days after the event, Sari's birthday present [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] gained sentience and became a Decepticon, taking control of Detroits robots in an attempt to subjugate the city's human population. Prowl teamed up with Ratchet to fight back against the hostile robots, but between their sheer numbers and Soundwave interfering with their communications, the pair were soon overwhelmed until Bulkhead took out Soundwave and returned the malfucntioning robots to normal. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}}

When the Decepticons [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] arrived on Earth, the Autobots were quickly bested by the duo, and Optimus Prime decided that the AllSpark was no longer safe on the planet. When Prowl and the others headed off to fix their ship at the bottom of lake Erie, they encountered Blitzwing and Lugnut once more and fought them underwater, where their enemies couldn't use their flight powers. Optimus kicked up dirt from the bottom of the lake as cover, which Prowl used to great advantage to sneak up on and attack Blitzwing before the Autobots retreated back to their ship... which had been armed by Ratchet and Sari while Prowl and the others had bought them time. The Decepticons were blown away, and Prowl returned to their Earth base for repairs. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

[[File:SurvivalOfTheFittest-ProwlAndFanzone.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Reasoning correctly that the Decepticons would target Sari to get at the AllSpark Key, Prowl took to instructing her in the art of "ninja nerve blows." It was shortly after one of these sessions that his decision to save the Dinobots seemingly came back to haunt him when the gargantuan robots kidnapped the girl. He headed to their island home with Bulkhead in tow, the suspicious [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] shadowing them somewhat clumsily the whole way. However, the police captain was not prepared for the environmental hazards of the secluded island and had to be rescued by the pair of Autobots. Together, the three of them discovered that the Dinobots had been coerced into kidnapping Sari by [[Meltdown (Animated)|Prometheus Black]], whose corrosive touch they had come to fear. Forced along with Fanzone to fight the mad geneticist's [[Fusion creature|creations]] in a gladiatorial arena, Prowl began to develop a bond with the captain, who in turn came to trust Prowl. {{storylink|Survival of the Fittest}}

After his latest rescue mission ended in destructive disaster, Bulkhead attempted to pick up painting, to prove he could create as well as destroy. Prowl showed some appreciation for Bulkhead's new hobby, admiring his friend’s capability of creating an image whole-cloth from his imagination... until he learned that the painting he was contemplating was, in fact, a still life depicting an "accident" Bulkhead had with Ratchet’s blowtorch. Later, [[Headmaster (Animated)|Henry Masterson]], aka "The Headmaster" stole Bulkhead's body and used it to hold the entire city at ransom by threatening to overload the city's [[Sidney Biggles-Jones Memorial Solar Fusion Plant|power plant]]. Unable to overpower the Headmaster or prevent the power plant from overloading Sari the Autobots instead quickly built and animated a makeshift robot that took the fatal trip into the plant's core and halted the chain reaction from within. The city safe once more, Prowl and the other Autobots attended the successful opening of Bulkhead's art show. {{storylink|Headmaster (episode)|Headmaster}}

[[File:Barnacle bots.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

When the Autobots detected a non-sentient Cybertronian energy signature form the woods outside of Detroit, Optimus sent Prowl, Bumblebee, and Sari to investigate on an impromptu "camping trip." Though Prowl felt at home in the middle of nature, his two companions weren't as well-adjusted to the change of scenery: Sari had an idealized vision of what camping was based off of movies, and Bumblebee simply couldn't cope without techonology. Prowl attempted to teach the other two the value of disconnecting one's self from the technological, only for the lesson to be cut short when a monstrous colony of mutant [[space barnacle]]s attacked. Prowl's attempt to fight the creature proved ineffective and he was eventually infected by the alien creatures, pursuing and eventually turning Bumblebee into a monster as well. By this time, however, Sari had found the boiler room within one of her father's mines and turned the scalding water on the Autobots to eradicate the aliens and restore them to normal. Returning to base, the Autobots came to the agreement that nature and technology could work in harmony to achieve greater things than either could on its own. {{storylink|Nature Calls}}

[[File:MegatronRisingPart1-DinobotIsland.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

When Decepticon energy signals were detected, the Autobots quickly realized that they were outnumbered. Bulkhead mentioned that the Dinobots might be able to help, not aware that Prowl hadn't told Optimus they had moved them to Dinobot Island. Prime was furious and ordered the two to take him there at once. After searching the island, the Autobots found the Dinobots. Prime's introduction was less than friendly, and Prowl was forced to smooth things over with Grimlock. They were unwilling to help, so the Autobots left, unsure of their next move. When Bumblebee contacted Prime, saying that Starscream was at Sumdac Tower, he ordered him to stand down. When they arrived at the tower, they saw Bumblebee fighting Starscream. Prime dryly noted that disobeying orders was becoming a habit, but Prowl wasn't too insulted.

He was too busy being shocked by Megatron bursting through Sumdac Tower. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

Quickly regaining their composure, the Autobots attacked, only for Megatron to defeat all three of them himself. After the battle, Sumdac revealed his role in Megatron's resurrection, explaining that he had built his robotics empire by reverse-engineering Cybertronian technology; although Prowl and the other Autobots were furious at learning this, Prime reminded them that they had other priorities. Using residual AllSpark Key energy in Sumdac's lab, the Autobots repaired themselves, and Prime apologized for his harsh words. Although Ratchet and Sari had gotten the ''Orion'' flightworthy, the ship was shot down over Dinobot Island, where the Autobots made their last stand. During the subsequent battle, Prowl noticed that [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing's]] multiple personalities were connected to his [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]]. To cause his hotheaded side to emerge and transform into a tank, Prowl suggested that Bumblebee use his greatest strength—his obnoxious personality. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

[[File:TheEliteGuard-ProwlAndJazz.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Though the Autobots managed to drive off the Decepticons, the cost proved high: not only had the AllSpark been lost, its essence shattered into a thousand crystalline fragments, and not only had Isaac Sumdac disappeared, kidnapped by the Decepticons as the villains went into hiding, but the destructive battle meant that humanity now viewed the team as potential menaces, despite their best efforts to repair the damage. Eventually, [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] and several members of the Autobot [[Elite Guard]] touched down in the city, and Prowl joined the rest of the team in meeting them aboard the ''[[Sigma Supreme]]''. Unable to detect the energy signatures of the hidden Decepticons, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] doubted the veractity of Prime's tale, and tensions nearly boiled over until the two Autobot teams worked together to quell a flood of police robots at a malfunctioning Sumdac plant. During the fight, Prowl was awed by Jazz's superior cyber-ninja skills. Prowl helped Jazz and Optimus infiltrate the plant while the others kept the drones busy, and together they removed the AllSpark shard that had caused the disaster—proving that Prime's story had some truth to it after all. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}

Shortly afterwards, Sari was kicked out of her home by [[Porter C. Powell]]. Bumblebee and Bulkhead attempted to cheer up their friend after she moved in to live with the Autobots, but they botched every attempt they made. Prowl eventually felt the need to intervene, and advised the pair to simply listen to Sari. It turned out to be sound advice. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}} Prowl later helped stop a runaway train powered by an AllSpark fragment. When Starscream stopped by again, Prowl was tasked with keeping civilians out of harm's way while Sentinel, Optimus and Jazz took down the AllSpark-powered Decepticon. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} Prowl helped clear trash from the city of Detroit during a garbage dispute in an effort to mend strained Autobot/human relations. {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}} Later, he helped search for an AllSpark fragment, only for the mission to be interrupted by a group of illegal street racers, the Street Demons, zooming by. When one of the racers caused two others to crash, Prowl stopped to help [[Ming-Li]] out of her wrecked vehicle. {{storylink|Velocity (episode)|Velocity}}

[[Image:Samprowl.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Got to get back... Back to the past. Samurai <strike>Jack</strike> <strike>Jazz</strike> Prowl.]]

As the Autobots helped fix an overpass as part of their ongoing repair efforts,, the group spotted Blitzwing and Lugnut trying to sneak off with some construction supplies and had to stay late to fix it after failing to capture the duo. That night, Bulkhead returned home with two new 'bots in tow: [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]], two former construction vehicles brought to life by a pair of AllSpark fragments. Prowl tried his best to keep Sari away from the crass duo, and her encounter with the Constructibots left her without her signature pigtails. Though these new "Constructibots" were insufferable to begin with, they became an actual threat when they allied themselves with Megatron. Now calling themselves the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s, the duo attempted to snatch away the Autobots' AllSpark fragments for their new boss, but Bulkhead was able to drive off the pair. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

While responding to a report of rampages on Dinobot Island, Prowl and Bulkhead were given Ratchet's EMP generator and stasis cuffs to detain the Dinobots. Discovering that Grimlock had a metal shard wedged in his foot, Prowl used the generator to dull Grimlock's sensors and remove the shard. However, they then received a call from [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] that Starscream had escaped. Heading to the Autobots' crashed ship, Prowl used [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Teletran-1]] to scan for Starscream, discovering him on the Moon. When Bulkhead refused to go on the mission, deeming it a suicide run, Prowl stole a shuttle and went off by himself. Locating Starscream on the Moon, he managed to place stasis cuffs on the Decepticon, but [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] appeared to take Starscream off Prowl's hands. During their fight, Starscream escaped and destroyed Prowl's shuttle. Stowing away on Lockdown's ship, Prowl suggested an alliance to capture him and Lockdown gave him a set of armor that would assist him in the hunt. Together, the pair cornered [[Clone number 3370318|what appeared to be Starscream]], but Lockdown revealed that he was working for Megatron. Prowl would not allow "Starscream" to be taken, but Lockdown tied Prowl up and left.

[[Image:Samurai prowl altmode.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]

The other Autobots arrived and chewed out Prowl for his actions, but Prowl insisted that they retrieve Starscream first. During their pursuit, a [[Clone number 2716057|second Starscream]] somehow showed up and offered an alliance against Megatron. Prowl took down Starscream, but in his actions, he destroyed a bird's nest. Realizing that the modifications he had were going to his head, he resolved to abandon them... once they got Starscream. Prowl initially flubbed an attempt to spy on the meet between Megatron and Lockdown and quickly found himself outgunned until the other Autobots arrived with the second Starscream. During the standoff that followed, the two Starscreams revealed that they had bombs inside them. Prowl used the armor he had been given to send them into the sky, saving Detroit from destruction. Lockdown then contacted Prowl, offering him a partnership, but Prowl declined and returned Ratchet's EMP generator. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}}

Prowl took part in a pursuit to catch Nanosec after the super-speedy villain got a second wind, but the chase came to an end when Bumblebee mysteriously slowed down to a stop. After the other Autobots returned to base for repairs, Bumblebee alerted the rest of his team that [[Swindle (Animated)|a Decepticon]] had built a machine that could freeze any electronic machine within its range, just as he had been earlier that day. Prowl and the others sped out to take on the threat. They were all affected by the device's power before they could reach their destination, and were only able to take on Swindle once Sari had deactivated his weapon. {{storylink|SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy}}

Prowl and the other Autobots gathered to listen in on an all-points bulletin from Ultra Magnus, alerting them that the criminal [[Wasp]] had escaped from prison. Later, Bumblebee told the rest of his team that he had stumbled upon a Decepticon transmission, and they reported his findings to the head of [[Cybertron Intelligence]], [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm Prime]]. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

[[File:BlackFriday-BlackarachniaProwl.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Due to his inability to stay quiet, Prowl placed a bet on Bumblebee—that he couldn't go 10 cycles without talking. Should he keep to this, Prowl would fork over a case of axel grease. Bumblebee kept on slipping up, though Prowl was gracious enough to give him multiple shots at winning the bet. Prime took Prowl and Bumblebee with him to Dinobot Island to investigate Meltdown's prison break. The pair's bet was put on hold after both Prowl and Bumblebee were off-lined by Blackarachnia's cyber venom. After the day was saved, Prime used the antidote on the bots, and Bumblebee pointed out he'd been quiet for ages! Prowl dryly noted it took Bumblebee being comatose to achieve this, but the yellow bot didn't care—he just wanted his grease! {{storylink|Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday}}

Prowl had been helping Sari train through an obstacle course when he learned from Optimus that the Constructobots had resurfaced. The Autobots looked high and low throughout Detroit for Mixmaster and Scrapper, but without Sari's key to track their AllSpark signatures, the search proved fruitless. Then, Blitzwing dropped out of the sky and took on the whole crew. Pinned down by the Decepticon the Autobots learned that Sari was dealing with the Constructobots on her own back at headquarters, but couldn't get back to help her until Blitzwing abruptly ditched the battle. Although the Autobots raced home, they found that Sari had taken care of the intruders all by herself. {{storylink|Sari, No One's Home}}

[[File:ABridgeTooClosePart2-processorovermatter.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

When Bulkhead was kidnapped, Bumblebee brought the Autobot intelligence agent [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] to the plant, who revealed that Megatron was building a space bridge to conquer Cybertron from within. As Sari and Ratchet went to repair the ship, Prowl went with the others to rescue Bulkhead and shut down the space bridge. However, they were incapacitated by the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]]... just in time for Starscream and [[Starscream clone (Animated)|his clones]] to attack. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Escaping the Constructicons, Prowl was able to lock stasis cuffs on [[Ramjet (Animated)|a lying clone]], but was soon occupied with [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]]. When Prowl managed to disengage long enough to check on an injured Prime, [[Sunstorm (Animated)|a fawning clone]] managed to place stasis cuffs on him. Once he came back online, Prowl once again tried the processor-over-matter technique to disable his stasis cuffs, a gamble that ultimately paid off, and Prowl was able to throw a shuriken at Prime's stasis cuffs as he was being thrown through the space bridge. Unfortunately, power problems with the bridge arose, causing Megatron to add Starscream's AllSpark infused head to the mix. This caused a power overload which sucked up Megatron and Starscream, and nearly sucked up the Autobots as well. Fortunately, Ratchet had gone to the ''Orion'' and brought his old friend [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] back online; their transformed ship allowed himself to be sucked into the malfunctioning space-bridge, overloading and destroying the structure. Although the Autobots managed to rescue Professor Sumdac and reunited him with his daughter, Sari discovered that the skin of her right arm had been torn, revealing robotic circuitry underneath! {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

[[File:TransWarped-Prowl.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Hearing of Professor Sumdac's sketchy explanation of Sari's origins, Prowl infiltrated Sumdac's lab, scanned the professor and accessed his computer data. He later revealed his conclusions: Sari had begun her existence as a Cybertronian protoform. When a [[Rock Lord]] was TransWarped to Earth with Bumblebee inside, Prowl was surprised that Ratchet was taking his EMP generator into battle again. They barely got a chance to face the thing when Sari upgraded herself with her key and smashed the Rock Lord into bits. Unfortunately her upgrades went out of control and she wounded Bumblebee. While Ratchet tended to Bumblebee, Prime, Bulkhead and Prowl attempted to remove Sari's key from her. Prowl's ninja moves allowed him to extract the key and he rushed it back to Ratchet, only to find its charge had been expended.

After all that excitement was done, the Autobots were surprised when Omega Supreme, now under Megatron's control, transwarped into view and attacked them. Optimus and Prowl infiltrated the giant's leg, and Prowl headed for Omega's spark chamber while Optimus went to keep Megatron distracted. Prowl jacked in to Omega's memory, and was able to successfully encourage Omega Supreme to reject Megatron's control and reassert his own. The victory was short-lived, as Starscream took the opportunity to take over and eject both Prowl and Optimus from Omega Supreme. The problem was later solved via the application of a [[plasma dynamic thruster]], which sent Omega Supreme and his two prisoners randomly transwarping across the galaxy. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

With Professor Sumdac back on their side, the Autobots set about tracking down what remained of the Earthbound Decepticons. The first one they ran into was Lugnut. Optimus and Prowl managed to get stasis cuff onto him while the others kept him distracted. Of course, then they had the problem of getting him out of the crater, but while they were doing that, Bulkhead got into some trouble with the Constructicons and they were forced to go help. Prowl warned Bumblebee not to make any sparks because there was oil everywhere, but otherwise stood around watching everyone else win the fight. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd}} Prowl's keen ninja senses somehow failed to detect when [[Wasp]] switched identities with Bumblebee. He and Bulkhead hunted the city for the now fugitive "Wasp" and found him attacking a [[Hot Dog Bot]]. He managed to convince the pair he was Bumblebee, but they were attacked by [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]]. Prowl eventually clarified Bulkhead's garbled explanation to Optimus and Sentinel, after which they returned to the plant to unsuccessfully try to catch the real Wasp. {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}}

[[Image:TFA Five Servos processor over matter.JPG|300px|right|thumb|Everyone knows ninjas have magical powers like that.]]

Assisting Optimus and the Elite Guard in hunting down a Decepticon, Prowl was as stunned as anyone else when Sentinel Prime apparently caught their quarry all by himself—and it was only the most recent of several solo captures Sentinel had made. He then learned that Optimus had spotted a silhouette wearing a unique helmet that evening. Going over the helmets in the data banks with Optimus, Prowl was amazed when his commander identified Yoketron's old helmet as the one he'd seen. As Prowl unsuccessfully tried to solve the mystery, Sentinel continued to capture Decepticons, but realized that all of the Decepticons were missing their unique weapons and modifications, despite Sentinel showing him Lugnut's power-punch mods in storage. Prowl still suspected something was up, however, and his theories were borne out when he overheard Sentinel talking via communicator to an unknown party.

Alerting Jazz, Prowl set out after Sentinel and discovered he'd been working with none other than Lockdown, who was wearing Yoketron's helmet. However, even as Prowl watched, Lockdown and the Starscream clone he'd just captured double-crossed Sentinel, and Lockdown revealed he'd been a student of Yoketron's too. Realizing who'd killed his sensei and destroyed the protoforms, Prowl attacked Lockdown and demanded the helmet. Lockdown complied, but the helmet had been rigged to spring a trap, and Prowl found himself bound tight and hauled aboard Lockdown's ship, there to have his mods removed and added to a duplicate of the power armor sidecar Lockdown had once lent him. However, Prowl was able to master the processor-over-matter technique to free himself, don the armor and battle Lockdown back outside. They landed by the Starscream clone just in time to have a scoreboard fall on them, but Prowl's processor-over-matter saved them from injury. The clone was captured, though Lockdown got away, and with a line to Cybertron finally open, Prime reported to [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] that Prowl was responsible for capturing all the Decepticons they had on the ship. Back in his quarters, Prowl graciously accepted Jazz's compliment that Yoketron would approve of the helmet's new owner, vowing to do all he could to be worthy of it. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}}

Prowl turned out with the other Autobots to see off Sentinel and his team as they left Earth for Cybertron. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Animated)|Predacons Rising}}

[[File:TFA Human Error Part 1 Automen.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

At [[Christmas]], Prowl theorized that [[Santa Claus]] could use holograms to deliver billions of presents in one night. He joined the other Autobots in drinking [[oilnog]], unaware that their drink had been spiked by Soundwave, who took the opportunity to trap the five 'bots in a virtual reality world of his own making. In this simulation, the Autobots awoke on Christmas to discover that they'd somehow turned into humans. Only Prowl seemed at ease with the change, taking the opportunity to experience life from a different perspective as the Autobots made their way to Sumdac Tower, playing with a [[Nancy Witwicky|baby]] and trying vegetarian food at a [[Burger Bot]] restauraunt. The peace was interrupted by a Decepticon attack, and the Autobots helped rescue people from a damaged building. Prowl dashed inside to rescue [[Gary]], exiting the building with a spectacular leap that ''should'' have been impossible. After an abortive attempt to fight the Decepticons in their new human forms, Prowl suggested they proceed to Sumdac Tower by bus.

They reached the tower, only to see the planet Cybertron move into view and blast it. As Megatron and a host of Decepticons landed, Prowl and Optimus began to come to the realization that none of what they were experiencing was real. When Megatron picked up Prowl, the Autobot was able to slice Megatron's arm off with one blow and resist being stepped on by Blitzwing. Prowl proceeded to float in the air, menacing Starscream before phasing through his foe's head. After the Decepticons evaporated, the Autobots found they were able to return to their robot forms just by willing it. At that point, a giant [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] scooped them up, while in the real world, Soundwave planned to reprogram them into Decepticons. {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

[[File:TFAni Human Error Part2 Evil Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

After Soundwave's reprogramming was interrupted, Prowl used processor over matter to escape the virtual world. Soundwave promptly caught him trying to free Optimus and put him back into the simulation, turning them back into humans and forcing them to pursue Soundwave's virtual avatar in nearby vehicles that matched their alternate modes. They had great difficulty adapting to driving and Prowl inadvertently did wheelies on his police cycle. The five Autobots were cornered by Soundwave, who began reprogramming them. Prowl was successful in using processor-over-mater to resist Soundwave's control, and when Soundwave used the Autobots in the real world to attack Sari and the group of "[[Substitute Autobot]]s" she'd gathered, he carefully made sure no one was harmed. As Soundwave focused on getting Optimus to offline Sari, Prowl took the opportunity to knock [[Ratbat (Animated)|Ratbat]] out of the Decepticon's hands, breaking his control. Soundwave responded by having Ratbat grab Prowl, lift him into the air and drop him into a building. After Optimus managed to defeat Soundwave, the Autobots reassembled, and Prowl reflected on how much they'd learned about what it meant to be organic. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

[[Image:EndgamePart2-Prowlsmiles.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Prowl turns that frown (and his sunglasses) upside down.]]

When Omega Supreme's energy signature was detected on the Moon, Optimus decided that he needed an upgrade to keep up with Megatron. Prowl offered his boosters for Ratchet to study, and also offered to go to the Moon to check things out. Jazz insisted he stay on Earth and try to complete his cyber-ninja training. The pair retired to some woods, where Prowl was able to reconstitute an AllSpark fragment through meditation. After returning to base, they watch Ratchet repair Optimus after the testing of Prime's boosters, and Prowl encouraged his leader to take up the [[Magnus Hammer]]. As the Autobots discovered when they rushed outside, Megatron had created three clones of Omega Supreme, and they were on their way to Detroit. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

With the three [[Lugnut Supreme]]s bearing in on the city, Optimus had serious doubts over whether he could take them. Prowl reassured him, saying that he'd be behind Optimus every step of the way. The two took to the sky, but despite their best efforts, the Lugnut Supremes couldn't be taken individually. When Prowl suggested looking for a way to remove them all at the same time, Prime used his Magnus Hammer to carry them away to Dinobot Island with a whirlwind. This destroyed one and disabled flight capabilities for the remaining two, but still they advanced.

Prime ordered Prowl and Jazz to help evacuate the city's humans towards Sumdac Tower, since its force shields should make it a safe place. After this was accomplished, Prowl and Jazz tried to stop the Lugnut Supremes with their melee weapons, but they were ineffectual. Prime radioed Prowl, telling him that the only way to stop them from destroying the city was to gather the power of the AllSpark. Prowl took Jazz back with him to the tower, which had just lost its force shield. As the two cyber-ninjas meditated, fragments of the AllSpark were telekinetically gathered from all corners of the city, thanks to their mastery of [[Processor-over-matter]]. Starscream was an unwitting casualty of this, as the Decepticon had flown too close, and the AllSpark fragment that kept him alive was yanked from his skull.

[[Image:EndgamePart2-lastminutesave.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Who's that playing "Unchained Melody"?]]

But Prowl and Jazz couldn't muster enough AllSpark fragments to serve their needs. Some of it was missing! With the Lugnut Supremes now threatening to blow up the city and everything else in a 100-mile radius, Prowl made a tough choice. He levitated himself up towards their growing AllSpark fragment collection and relinquished his own [[spark]], despite Jazz's protests. With one last serene smile, Prowl was lost momentarily in a flash of light. His uncolored body fell into Jazz's arms as the light dimmed.

[[File:EndgamePartII-CorpsemasterProwl.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Inaction Master Prowl, available at stores near you.]]

This last, desperate act enveloped the final Lugnut Supreme in an AllSpark-powered shell, capturing both Optimus Prime and Megatron inside. Prowl appeared once more, as an AllSpark ghost, to carry Prime away to safety.

With Megatron seemingly destroyed, Jazz carried the dead body of Prowl to the others. But before the Autobots could begin to mourn, Megatron reappeared, though heavily damaged. Prime fought the Decepticon leader with renewed vigor in the knowledge that this battle cost the life of his friend, but he stopped just short of killing the villain. Megatron and the other Decepticons were taken in captivity back to Cybertron, along with Prowl's body. Bumblebee, Jazz, Ratchet, and Bulkhead were Prowl's pallbearers, and the crowds of Cybertron cheered their victory. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

{{-}}

===''Be the Hero'' books===
{{notemultipath}}
====''Prime Suspect''====
When the police began pursuing [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] for breaking and entering, Prowl protected [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] and [[You|another kid]] who had been caught up in things, using his holograms to distract the cops. The trail led the Autobots to [[HomeTech]]'s laboratory, where the two kids were sent in to find the security footage of Prime apparently breaking in, which later necessitated a rescue by Prowl and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]. The Autobots continued to follow the clues to HomeTech's main warehouse, where they fought [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], the real mastermind behind the theft. {{storylink|Prime Suspect}}
====''Quest for the AllSpark''====
Prowl chose [[Texas]] to conceal a fake [[AllSpark]] when [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] took control of [[Detroit]]'s robot workforce in an attempt to locate the artifact. He returned to Detroit in time to join [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] as they went to help Optimus and [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] fight [[Crush-A]]. {{storylink|Quest for the AllSpark}}
====''Web of Deception''====
Prowl saved Sari and her friend from drowning after their [[Sumdac Aquaskimmer Mk 1|Aquaskimmer]] was destroyed on the surface of Lake Erie. He, Bumblebee and Bulkhead subsequently found that the Autobot ship was offline and Optimus missing. Once everything was working again, Ratchet's scans located [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s ship parked on the lake bed nearby, sending Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Prowl and the two young humans on a mission to investigate. While fighting the bounty hunter, they discovered the involvement of [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], who wanted revenge on Prime. After the clash, Prowl found he had to use [[Circuit-Su]] mediation to realign his inner processes before he could continue, however the delay led to Sari's young friend locating Blackarachnia and her eventual defeat. {{storylink|Web of Deception}}
====''Time-Quake''====
When strange time distortions began occurring across Detroit, the Autobots split up with special scanners to try and track down the cause of the problem. Prowl traced the signal to a disused warehouse on the Detroit River, arriving at around the same time as Bulkhead and a random [[You|human]]. Within, Prowl narrowly rescued the human when the floor collapsed, and in the basement the trio found a time machine. After Bulkhead and the human were plunged back in time, Prowl remained at the warehouse, but it was several days before the pair returned, having jaunted around history. Meanwhile, the other Autobots had tracked down the culprit behind the strange machine. Prowl and Bulkhead joined them at said culprit's hideout, but the foe was able to keep the Autobots at bay, forcing the human to go in to wrap things up. {{storylink|Time-Quake}}

===Titan Magazines===
When [[Quake-Maker]] attacked Detroit with, yep, earthquakes, Prowl was there saving people from falling rubble before the villain temporarily buried him. Once he got out, he found himself following the orders of new arrival [[Afterburn]] and helped beat Quake-Maker. {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 1#Burnout|Burnout}}

On his day off, Prowl went to a [[basketball]] game with Bulkhead, Sari and Afterburn. The speed, grace and tactics of the game thrilled him, leaving him with the belief they could learn much from basketball. Unfortunately he had to duck out of the game to stop the supervillain [[Crossroads]], who was causing robotic systems across Detroit. Working out with Sari that this was a diversionary tactic so Crossroads could reach [[Sumdac Tower]], Prowl and the others headed for the building, and Prowl disabled the villain's robot-controlling gauntlets with well-aimed shurikens. And he spouted basketball terms while doing this for... well, we dunno.

He stood in front of Afterburn while saying they should all keep their eyes out for the enemy. Surely a coincidental posing! {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 3|Crossroads!}}

[[Image:Prowl_CRUNK!.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Take that, ''Shattered Glass'' Bumblebee!]]

When Bumblebee was boasting about his incredible speed, Prowl pointed out that he was also reckless and a dangerous driver. Why, if Bumblebee had to follow rules when he drove, Prowl could whip him! This throwing of the gauntlet led to the two Autobots having a race at [[Crazy Coyote Canyon]], with Bulkhead joining in for the heck of it. With his superior reflexes and ''driving over'' his opponent, Prowl shot into the lead, smugly noting that reckless actions get you into trouble...

...and then, not looking where he was going, ran into a Decepticon trap. With Lugnut planning to use him as a piñata, only Bumblebee's arrival saved him, and reckless action saw the two escape. If that wasn't embarrassing enough for Prowl, Bumblebee beat him in the rest of the race and ''Bulkhead'' won the whole thing... ! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}

{{--}}

===''Lil Formers''===
Prowl shared his weight loss secrets with a [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] from another universe. {{storylink|Lil Formers}}

===''The Cool'' comic===

Witnessing the mysterious Allspark being uncovered, Prowl along with the rest of Optimus Prime's crew fled through a space bridge gate in order to keep the artifact out of Decepticon clutches. Unfortunately, Megatron was able to board their ship and left Prowl defeated on the floor, leaving Optimus to deal with the Decepticon leader by himself. {{storylink|The Cool Extra issue 3}}

Prowl was among the Autobots who traveled to the [[Earth]] city of [[Detroit]] in order to protect the [[AllSpark]] from the Decepticons. When [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] and [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] attacked, Prowl joined in the fray, pitting his skills against Blackarachnia. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 1}}

[[Image:The CoolAutobotsRevivePrime01.jpg|thumb|200px|right|]]

The Autobots were unable to prevent Starscream from seizing the AllSpark, however, and Prowl was helpless to defend himself from Starscream's AllSpark-powered aerial attacks. When [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] died stopping Starscream, and was subsequently revived by the power of [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]]'s [[AllSpark Key|key]], Prowl was there to greet him. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 2}}

Prowl later took part in defending [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]] from a Decepticon raid. He expressed displeasure at [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]'s aerial bombardments, observing that their weapons didn't have the range to counterattack. Once the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]]s saved the day, however, Prowl saw them off along with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 3}}

Prowl was present at [[Sumdac Systems]] headquarters when Megatron was revived in a new body. He fared poorly in battle, as Megatron swatted him away with a single blast of his [[fusion cannon]]. Prowl survived the fight and later greeted the [[Elite Guard]] when they arrived on Earth. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 5}}

Later, Prowl joined up with Lockdown, donning a set of power-boosting armor in order to take down [[Clone number 3370318|Clone #3370318]] (whom he mistook for the real Starscream). When Prowl learned that Lockdown would be selling "Starscream" to Megatron rather than Ultra Magnus, he attempted to stop his ex-partner, only to be subdued and rendered unconscious. Prowl eventually came to, joining the rest of the Autobots as [[Clone number 2716057|Clone #2716057]] attacked. Prowl defeated the clone, but destroyed an entire city park in the process. Prowl then recalled a lesson from his [[Cyber-Ninja Corps|Cyber-Ninja]] master, [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]], regarding power and choices. Realizing there was one Starscream too many, Prowl and the Autobots then rushed to a warehouse where Lockdown was meeting Megatron. The ''real'' Starscream had rigged the clones to explode and kill everyone. Using his head, Prowl attached his armor's rocket packs to the clones and sent them flying; harmlessly detonating in the sky. Prowl then discarded his armor, vowing to the memory of Yoketron that he would start his training over from scratch. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 6}}

Prowl then joined in the battle for the Decepticon [[space bridge#Animated cartoon|Space Bridge]]. He registered horror at the sight of Optimus Prime being blasted by [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 7}} When the battle for the Space Bridge had ended, Prowl joined the other Autobots in bidding farewell to [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], who sacrificed himself in the fight. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 8}}

At Autobot HQ, Prowl performed a full body-scan on Sari and determined that she was originally a Transformer [[protoform]] that scanned Professor Sumdac's DNA, creating an entirely new lifeform. Suddenly, the Autobots were attacked by Starscream in Omega Supreme's body! Prowl encouraged Bulkhead to keep the fiend busy until Optimus could return from wherever it is that he went. Once Optimus ''did'' return and vanquished the Decepticon, Prowl was put in charge of finding Starscream's leftovers and pulling them out of Omega Supreme. {{storylink|The Cool Episode 9}}

Prior to the final confrontation against the Decepticons, Prowl stood heroically alongside his fellow Autobots. {{storylink|The Cool Extra issue 1}}

When Optimus was nearly killed during his epic showdown with Megatron, Prowl joined the rest of the Autobots in looking on in horror. However, when the Autobots returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] victorious, Prowl was nowhere to be seen. His fate remains a mystery. {{storylink|The Cool Episode Final}}

===''Generations Selects'' comic===
Prowl was a member of the [[White Order]] and present when [[Primus]] informed [[Optimus Prime (G1)|White Gallant Convoy]] to be on his guard, as the [[Blue Order]] had been destroyed by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron]] and the [[Straxus (G1)|Straxuses]]. [[Halfshell]] soon arrived on the [[White Planet]] looking for the [[White Matrix]], and Prowl attempted to fight back with the rest of the White Order. They were not successful. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===Transformers Animated: The Game===
{{voiceactor|[[Jeff Glen Bennett]] (English)}}
[[Image:TFAnimated Game Prowl.jpg|thumb|left|120px]]
Prowl set up the Autobots' headquarters into an obstacle course for [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]], [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] to practice their skills on. When Ratchet picked up a Decepticon signal, Optimus dispatched Prowl to investigate. Taking to the roads, Prowl located a [[Decepticon Transmitter Drone]] and shot it down. After Ratchet modified the drone to return home, it escaped from the Autobot base and Prowl chased after it but failed to catch up with it. He later tracked down and captured [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], after the bounty hunter gave Bumblebee some trouble. He joined Bumblebee at the Decepticon mine base, and offered [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] a lift back to headquarters. Following the safe return from Cybertron of Optimus, Bumblebee and Bulkhead, he expressed incredulity that Optimus had turned down the chance to join the [[Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The Game}}
===Transformers Animated: ''Action Packs''===
{{note|Prowl is featured as a playable game card. He is a black card, has a value of 6 points, and has the following power: "x2 if any Starscream is in play."}} {{storylink|Transformers Animated: Action Packs}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Transformers Animated===
[[Image:Prowl anim toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No, you're not seeing things, both of his wheels are part of his robot mode, and it's still symmetrical.]]
*'''Prowl''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-05'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 traffic light "chain" weapon

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Prowl transforms into a black and gold police "superbike" of made-up model. Two of his hubcaps are removable, and they both can reconfigure into three-bladed "mecha stars" which he can hold in robot mode. The mecha stars have a pseudo-[[Automorph Technology|automorph feature]]; pulling out on one blade simultaneously opens the other two. He also comes with a traffic light "chain" weapon which he can hold in robot mode, but it cannot be stowed in superbike mode. As advertised on the back of the box, his rear bike mode lights can flip forward to form "flash blasters".

:Partly due to his lithe proportions, as well as both the waist ball joint and double-jointed knees required for his transformation, Prowl is ''extremely'' [[Articulation|poseable]].

:The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] release features a glossy, shiny paint job for the entire front of his bike, painting his headlights, and having an almost [[Vacuum metallizing|vac-metal]]-like finish for his headlights and gold parts. The Autobot [[insignia]] on his abdomen/vehicle front is now in full color, bordered in white.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Prowl/prowl.htm Prowl at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|RescueRatchet}}
[[Image:Legends animated prowl.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Even as a legend he keeps the epic transformation.]]
*'''Rescue Ratchet''' (Animated 3-pack, 2008)

: A [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] Prowl toy came packaged with this version of [[Ratchet (Animated)#Rescue|Ratchet]], as well as a Legends [[Starscream (Animated)#Legends Class|Starscream]]. It features a slightly different deco from the ''Universe'' release of the mold, including a silver chevron and a silver Autobot sigil.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/AniLegendsProwl/prowl.htm Prowl (Rescue Ratchet 3-pack) at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleInSpace}}
*'''Battle in Space''' (Deluxe 2-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 street lamp "chain" weapon

: This Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] two-pack features an unchanged Deluxe Prowl and an unchanged Battle Damaged Deluxe [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] from the ''Battle Begins'' two-pack. The bundle was a 2008 [[Walmart]]-[[exclusive]] [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] release in 2008.

{{-}}{{anchor|Samurai}}
[[Image:Samuraiprowldeluxe.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Bludgeon redeco in 5...4...3...]]
*'''Samurai Prowl''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-34'''
**''Accessories'': Sidecar/battle armor, wheel/"sword", 2 bladed mecha stars

: Part of the sixth wave of ''Animated'' Deluxe Class toys, this [[redeco]] and heavy [[retool]] of Prowl includes an all-new sidecar which transforms into the "samurai" armor that appeared in "[[A Fistful of Energon]]". Roughly 80% of the original robot mode is retooled, leaving only parts such as the biceps, interior of the arms, and the lower legs untouched. Among other deco changes, his gold is paler, and all of his translucent plastic is now teal. The robot mode "wings" are now designed to fold upwards, and a pair of slots were added to accommodate the body of the samurai armor. A new, smaller head with a translucent plastic visor replaces the original head so that the samurai helmet can fit, and either of the new pegs on his forearms can be used to mount the new wheel/blade weapon. Additionally, he gains thigh [[Swivel joint|swivel]]s, making him even ''more'' posable.

[[Image:Samuraiprowlsplitwheels.jpg|left|125px|thumb|Yours won't do this.]]
:A change was made to the wheel/sword weapon between the photography and final production stages. The Hasbro stock photography shows that the wheel was originally able to split down the middle, with each half pegging onto a forearm. However, this is not possible on the production version. The two halves are screwed together, and there's no hint of a second connection piece when disassembled. It's probable that the divided pieces constituted [[For safety reasons|a choking hazard]]. This modification, on the other hand, allows the sidecar to actually roll.

:Prowl's bladed ninja stars don't really seem to be intended to be removed from his legs, but with a bit of force, you can still pry them out of there. They have, however, been remolded so they're now fused together and no longer able to open, but they are exchangeable with the stars from the original Deluxe Prowl. While not being included, he can also still hold the chain traffic light from the original version.

:Prowl loses a lot of his original maneuverability when you put his Samurai armor on, and also becomes a little more tricky to balance, but that's the price you pay for the ability to blind your enemies with overexposure to pure awesomeness and teal translucent plastic.

:The Japanese TakaraTomy release is virtually identical to the Hasbro version, with the only notable change to the Japanese version being the use of a white and red Autobot symbol on his torso rather than a non-outlined silver one.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/SamuraiProwl/prowl.htm Samurai Prowl at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|ClearSmokeLOC}}
[[Image:AniLegendsProwlClearSmoke.jpg|thumb|300px|Clear smoke? Future Detroit's air filtration systems are truly amazing!]]
*'''Prowl Clear Smoke Ver.''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

: A redeco of Legends Prowl in smokey translucent black, with some opaque grey parts. He was only available at Apita stores in Japan, given away for free to customers who purchased Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] or [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|ClearVerCollection}}
[[Image:AniEZLimited.jpg|300px|thumb]]
*'''EZ Collection Limited Clear Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

:The "EZ Collection Limited Clear Version" set included a redeco of Legends Prowl in mostly translucent black with some opaque parts. The set was given away at Family Mart stores in Japan as part of their raffle token promotion. Unlike Prowl Clear Smoke Version, this version of Prowl is painted to resemble his normal coloration, only clear. The "EZ Collection Limited Clear Version" set was prize D, and included four different translucent EZ Collection figures, the other three being Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Starscream.

{{-}}{{anchor|EliteGuard}}
[[Image:AniDeluxeEliteGuardProwl.jpg|thumb|300px|Now he's a different kind of assassin.]]
*'''Prowl Elite Guard Ver.''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 street lamp "chain" weapon

:Available [[exclusive]]ly at [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2010, Prowl Elite Guard Ver. is a redeco of the original Deluxe-class Prowl toy in a color scheme based on [[Prowl (G1)|G1 Prowl]]. The packaging is unchanged from the original retail release, bar a sticker on the front of the bubble.

{{-}}{{anchor|EliteGuardLOC}}
[[Image:AniEZEliteGuardProwl.jpg|thumb|300px|This needs Saba badly.]]
*'''Prowl Elite Guard Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

:A white, black, and gold redeco of Legends Prowl, Prowl Elite Guard Version shares its overall deco with the above Tokyo Toy Show exclusive. It was only available blindpacked in TakaraTomy's EZ Collection Volume 4.

{{-}}{{anchor|BITD}}
*'''Battle in the Dark: Prowl VS Blitzwing''' (Two-pack, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' 2 bladed mecha stars, 1 traffic light "chain" weapon

: This Japanese two-pack contains the TakaraTomy versions of the original Deluxe Class Prowl, as well as Voyager Class [[Blitzwing (Animated)#BITD|Blitzwing]].

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Legends animated prowl.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Itty-bitty ninja.]]
*'''Prowl''' (Legends, 2008)

:A slight repaint of the Legends Prowl included with the Rescue Ratchet 3 pack was available in the Universe 2008 line as well as Legends versions of Starscream (also included in the 3 pack), Optimus and Bumblebee. He was also available as part of a ''Universe'' three-pack with the three aforementioned slightly repainted Legends figures.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/AniLegendsProwl/prowl.htm More information on ''Universe'' Prowl at TFU.info]''

===EZ Collection===
*'''Prowl''' (EZ Collection, 2010)
**''ID Number'': '''EZ-19'''
:In Japan, The ''Universe'' Animated Prowl toy was re-released as part of the 3rd volume of EZ Collection, in blindpacked packaging.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
[[File:TFA-Board-Game-Prowl-figurine.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Animated Game Collection''' (2008)

: Released as part of the board game set, this Prowl is a (very) show-accurate mini-figure figure based on his animation model.

: Prowl is also sold with Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Optimus Prime minifigures, and of course: 3 board games (''Transformers Animated'' Game, Checkers, and Tic Tac Toe), and a 100-piece puzzle.

{{-}}

==Notes==
* Prowl's eyes are a reference to {{w|2000 AD (comic)|2000 AD}}'s {{w|ABC Warriors}}.<ref>[https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21975298&postID=8564559979841180115 Comment section for "Back from Botcon" entry in Derrick Wyatt's blog]</ref>, specifically to the character Joe Pineapples.
* Prowl's general robot mode design, down to his khaki legs, tall boots, and helmet-shaped head, is meant to evoke a {{w|California Highway Patrol}} motorcycle cop, circa ''{{w|CHiPs}}''. Eat your heart out, {{w|Erik Estrada}}.<ref name="Hey">[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2008/09/hey-everybody-its-prowl.html Derrick Wyatt explains Prowl's design in his personal blog]</ref>
* Despite his alternate mode being the smallest among the core cast, [[Size changing|Prowl's robot mode is about the same height as Ratchet's, and much taller than Bumblebee's]].
* Since he was in the AllSpark energy and able to save Optimus Prime after he relinquished his spark he seems to have fused with it much like [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Vector Sigma]]. It also seems possible that his spark, rather than truly being extinguished has fused with the AllSpark since he did appear as a spark ghost.
* Amazingly, Hasbro hadn't originally intended to make a Samurai Prowl toy until one of their team saw the episode.<ref>[http://community.livejournal.com/tf_animated/271043.html Derrick J. Wyatt Q&A... answers!]</ref> The on-show introduction of the samurai armor certainly wasn't your typical [[To sell toys|marketing vehicle]], considering Prowl's speech about how he didn't need the armor after all and everybody crediting him with a wise choice when he abandoned and destroyed it. This leads to some mildly amusing backtracking once Hasbro finally produced the toy, with a [[Five Servos of Doom|new episode]] airing that just happened to feature a second, identical set of armor that Prowl could now wear because he <strike>had a new toy out</strike> had grown as a person and could now handle the responsibility.
* Prowl's retractable [[mouthplate]] was inspired by [[Snake-Eyes]] from [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]<ref>[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2008/09/hey-everybody-its-prowl.html Response to comments in "Hey Everybody, It's Prowl!" article on Derrick Wyatt's blog]]</ref>
* Prowl shares his [[body-type]] with fellow Autobots [[Horsepower (Animated)|Horsepower]] and [[Sparkride (Animated)|Sparkride]].
*In the Transformers Animated profile shorts, Prowl is introduced to the audience by Bulkhead in "[[Meet Prowl]]."

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Prowl''' (プロール ''Purōru'')
*''Russian:'' '''Syshhik''' (Сыщик, "Detective")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:Cyber-Ninja Corps]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:White Order]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Tripp Summers

2020-05-17T23:49:27Z

Auride:

:''Tripp Summers is a [[human]] from the [[Bumblebee (franchise)|Bumblebee]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Bumblebee Tripp Summers.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''I'm too sexy for my shirt too sexy for my shirt'']]
'''Tripp Summers''' knows how to impress the ladies, and that's by taking his shirt off and jumping off of cliffs.

==Fiction==
===''Bumblebee'' film===
:''Actor:'' [[Ricardo Hoyos]]
{{voiceactor|[[Shinba Tsuchiya]] (Japanese)|[[Marcel Navarro]] (Spain Spanish), [[Tommy Rojas]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Amit Diondyi]] (Hindi), [[Petr Neskusil]] (Czech)}}
Tripp was hanging out with his girlfriend [[Tina Lark]] and [[Tina's girlfriends|her friends]] at the [[Brighton Falls Boardwalk]] when [[Charlie Watson]] accidentally walked into him, covering him with a drink. Not one to squander an opportunity, he stripped off his shirt and suggested the group head off.

Sometime later, Tripp was at a party on a beach-side clifftop and challenged the crowd present to jump into the sea with him. He got only one taker, Charlie, whom he quickly recognized as someone who'd been in the school dive team with his sister. Tripp jumped off first, ending up safely in the water and shouted up for Charlie to dive in too. {{storylink|Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee}}
{{note|Tripp Summers's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, was also chronicled in the novel "[[Transformers: Bumblebee: The Junior Novel]]".}}

==Notes==
*According to Hoyos, there is a deleted scene where Tripp would have called out Tina and her friends for bullying Charlie. Other deleted scenes involving Tripp had him with the girls at a bowling alley and a bonfire.<ref>[https://www.tribute.ca/news/ricardo-hoyos-on-bumblebee-plus-autographed-blu-ray-toy/2019/04/02/ Ricardo Hoyos on Bumblebee – plus autographed Blu-ray/toy!]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Tripp Summers''' (トリップ・サマーズ ''Torippu Samāzu'')

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Bumblebee humans]]
[[Category:Live-action-only characters]]