Swindle (G1)

2025-12-31T06:59:38Z

Blu Gy: originally mislabeled as left leg, changed to properly denote him as the right leg (aotp swindle description)

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard}}
{{disambig3|Swindle}}
:''Swindle is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Swindleg1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He'd sell you for a nickel, that schemer.]]

Capitalist first, Decepticon second, '''Swindle''' is a con-man, an opportunist, a hustler—or as he would put it, an entrepreneur. Unlike his fellow Combaticons, he considers the Autobot-Decepticon war to be merely an opportunity for networking, cutting deals, and making profit. He's an expert on all manner of weaponry and their market prices, and he prides himself on being able to sell anything to pretty much anybody.

Despite being a weaselly, opportunistic sneak, Swindle is one of the few Decepticons who could adapt to a post-war Cybertron. After all, there will always be demand for a black market, regardless of whoever wins. He knows all he has to do is keep his chin up, and he'll always have a customer. All he needs is a smile.

Swindle can combine with the other Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

{{bigquote|It's not my fault, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]! This greed is built into my [[personality component]]!|Swindle|"[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Johnny Haymer]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese, "Aerial Assault"), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese, ''2010''), [[Yoku Shioya]] (Japanese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2"), [[Minoru Inaba]] (Japanese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese, "Webworld")|[[Xia Zhiqing]] (Chinese), [[Alejandro Abdalah]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, "Five Faces of Darknes, Part 2 - 4" & "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Gerhard Acktun]] (German, "Webworld"), [[Imo Heite]] (German, "The Ultimate Weapon"), [[Ulf-Jürgen Wagner]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub of "Starscream's Brigade"), [[Peter Zilles]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub of "The Ultimate Weapon"), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French), [[Albert Augier]] (European French, "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Michel Barbey]] (European French, "Five Faces of Darkness", Parts 2 & 4), Unknown (European French, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[François Leccia]] (European French, "Webworld"), [[Júlio César]] (Portuguese), [[Marcos Miranda]] (Portuguese, "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Carlos Marques]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2"), [[André Filho]] (Portuguese, "The Ultimate Weapon")}}

[[File:StarscreamsBrigade CombaticonsMegs.jpg|left|thumb|Step right up! Step right up! Everyone's a winner; bargains galore!]]
Swindle was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. Swindle in particular was put in a {{w|Willys Jeep}},<ref>"Starscream's Brigade" shooting script</ref> and unlike his teammates, he didn't immediately reconfigure himself into a different vehicle form. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel. While their first missions for Starscream were initially successful, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' intervention meant the brigade's defeat, and Megatron exiled all six to a remote asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:AerialAssault Swindle Ali.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|It picks up the kids from school; it gets rid of unwanted facial hair; it gets rid of embarrassing ink spots; it delivers a pizza!]]
The Combaticons later escaped the asteroid and attacked Cybertron together as Bruticus. After being defeated again, Swindle and the Combaticons were reprogrammed to be loyal to Megatron. It's debatable how well that reprogramming took with Swindle. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Megatron next ordered the Combaticons to steal fighter planes by using Middle-Eastern criminals as go-betweens. Swindle was the personal ride of [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]], the thief leader, and led the caravans with parts to Megatron. He later merged with the others to form Bruticus, who was defeated by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] as [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

[[File:BOT Swindle grabbed.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Act now! Act now! And receive as our gift to you, they come in all colors, one size fits all!]]
Bruticus was next defeated by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and Swindle was the sole survivor of the team. He proceeded to sell the parts of his comrades to various [[El Presidente|people]] for a sweet finder's fee. Megatron was less than happy with this, however, as he had just constructed a giant death-ray for Bruticus to wield for him. No Combaticons, no Bruticus. Swindle tried to plead off his greed as a programming flaw, but Megatron wasn't having any of it. He installed a bomb in Swindle's head and gave him 15 hours to rebuild his fellow Combaticons or suffer their fate. The most elusive piece was [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'s personality component, which had been raided from a junkyard by [[Elise Presser|some]] [[Martin and Roland|high school kids]] building a [[B.O.T. (G1)|homemade robot]]. Swindle had to fight through a trio of Autobots in order to recover the personality component, but succeeded in time to have the bomb removed. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

Swindle is plainly a team player.

[[File:FiveFaces2 Scourge and Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man!]]
After the Decepticons were exiled to a burnt-out husk of a planet called [[Chaar]] in 2006, they dropped dangerously low on energon. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When they spotted [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] spying on them, Swindle and the other Decepticons charged, only to find that their weapons were next to useless through lack of energon. The two Autobots were picked up by a [[Skuxxoid]] spaceship, and Swindle commented that the Skuxxoids would sell out to anyone, unaware that the ship had been commandeered by Autobots. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the [[Quintesson]]s arrived on Chaar, [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] went out to meet them, and when they announced they wanted to make a deal, Dead End deferred to Swindle's negotiating skills. After determining that the energon the Quintessons were offering was good, Swindle talked to the Quintessons about a deal, and when it turned out they wanted the Decepticons to help them destroy the Autobots, the Decepticons were happy to volunteer their services. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

The Decepticons were taken to [[Goo Number 8739-B|Goo]] to attack the Autobots, only for [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] to arrive partway through the battle and demand the Decepticons return to him. Swindle, perhaps foolishly, asked what Galvatron would provide for them that the Quintessons hadn't. After some more "negotiations", Galvatron entered into an alliance with the Quintessons too. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} As part of a two-pronged attack, Swindle was part of the Decepticon forces who went to Earth. They were unable to prevent [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] gaining a new [[Transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]] however. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[File:WebWorld Swindle and Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|left|Get away from me, kid; ya bother me.]]
Swindle and the other Combaticons accompanied Galvatron to [[Paradron]], where at one point they were assigned to guard the Paradronian prisoners and failed to fend off an Autobot assault. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} When the Autobots threw a surprise party for [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]], the Combaticons threw a surprise attack on the Autobots, however [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] proved too much for them and they retreated in Blast Off. {{storylink|Surprise Party}}

Later, Swindle, along with [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], finally became so dissatisfied with Galvatron leadership that he openly grumbled that the Autobots would be doing the Decepticons a favor by killing Galvatron. [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] interpreted this as treason, but Swindle brushed him off. Both he and Motormaster warned Cyclonus that if Galvatron's madness wasn't cured, the Unicron-forged pair would face rebellion. {{storylink|Webworld}}

[[File:UltimateWeapon FirstAid Swindle.jpg|thumb|You got it buddy; the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away!]]
On another occasion, Swindle singlehandedly infiltrated [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] for Galvatron and miraculously managed to fend off a lone Autobot pacifist like [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to steal the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]'s transformation cog. After returning from his mission, though, Swindle's greed got the best of him, and he attempted to make Galvatron bid for the cog. After Megatron put a bomb in his head, why Swindle thought bargaining with the even less stable Galvatron was a good idea is anyone's guess. Lucky for Swindle, Galvatron was in one of his less manic phases at the time and only blasted the greedy Combaticon a few times instead of ripping out his primary fuel pump with his [[teeth]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

In their combined Bruticus form, the Combaticons fought Defensor but had to split up and flee when Rodimus Prime and Sky-Lynx arrived to provide backup. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Also as part of Bruticus, Swindle was one of the victims of the [[Hate Plague]]. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

Swindle took part in a major assault on Cybertron, when the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s arrived, resulting in an Autobot defeat. The Combaticons were then put to work building a rocket engine to move Cybertron to Earth's solar system. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====

=====Scramble City=====
When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were held up by the Aerialbots, so the Combaticons were sent to aid them. Swindle combined with the others to form Bruticus, who teamed up with Menasor to defeat Superion. Unfortunately, Scramble City was finished in the meantime, and soon arrived on the scene and defeated Bruticus. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[File:Swindleart.jpg|left|thumb|Nice to meet you! Please disregard the gun.]]
In 2003, Swindle used his contacts to reverse-engineer the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus and ensure a large percentage of the Autobot force on Earth was incapacitated. {{storylink|Binaltech Is... (Chapter 1)|Binaltech Is...}} When the Autobots joined forces with Earth's manufacturing industries to create the Binaltech project, Swindle worked with Starscream and his Decepticon faction to infiltrate the project for their own ends. Using modified [[cerebro-shell]] technology to turn human workers into sleeper agents, the Decepticons managed to sneak some of their own personality components into the facilities and replace them with those of the Autobots planned for the new bodies. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}}

Thanks to the Decepticons' efforts, the Central City Institute of Technology thought they were upgrading the Autobot [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], only to have Swindle come online instead. Swindle's bait-and-switch wasn't totally effective, though—the Binaltech warriors only had their weaponry fully equipped and activated after coming online and arriving at Autobot City, so Swindle was not equipped with functioning versions of Trailbreaker's [[force field]] and other abilities, having to instead outfit himself with armaments from his own munitions depots. He was also banned from the Binaltech [[electro-cell]] recharging centers after his ruse was uncovered, and therefore had to rely on the [[Exponential Generator]] technology provided by Starscream's human ally, [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Though upgraded since its inception, the generators were historically unstable (like, "might blow up an entire planet" unstable). {{storylink|Expose All of Evil's Designs!}}

======BT World======
A team of Autobots zeroed-in on a base of operation of the [[Concurrence]], finding Swindle working alongside the humans. Together, Swindle and the Concurrence had built an enormous artificial transformer, powered by the energies of Prowl's Spark, currently lost across dimensions. After the giant's defeat, Swindle was taken into custody. He pleaded his innocence, stating that building the artificial transformer was the humans' idea, and that he had merely advised them throughout the process. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[File:Hm4 Swindle Gun.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Swindle and the Combaticons were among Galvatron's troops when he ordered an all-out Decepticon invasion of Cybertron, {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} but even the power of Bruticus couldn't stand up to the newly arrived [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} The Combaticons were subsequently sent to Earth to stop [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] from bringing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to Optimus Prime, but were ambushed by the Protectobots and buried in a rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} They were next seen defending [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s city mode from [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|an Autobot spy]], but were distracted by the Aerialbots. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Galvatron eventually managed to invade Cybertron once more, and Swindle and the others were again part of the attack. They soon encountered those pesky Protectobots again, {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} and were taken out of action by Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} As Galvatron was thought lost in the battle, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] took control of the Decepticon forces and ordered the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to protect a giant carnivorous plant he had planted in [[San Francisco]]. When the Autobots arrived to kill it, Bruticus dueled with the [[Trainbot]] combiner [[Raiden]]. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} The Combaticons later fell under [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]'s command, and he ordered them, along with the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]], to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} They unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Swindle was later present at Scorponok's inauguration as [[Decepticon leader]] after Galvatron had died for real. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} The Combaticons were then stationed at the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], where they failed to lure Fortress Maximus away from their base. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} As Scorponok's plan to destroy Earth came close to fruition, Swindle was part of Bruticus as the combiner sunk the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' and defended a [[Death Tower]] in [[Australia]] from Defensor. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
[[Trickdiamond]] was rumored to have dealings with Swindle. {{storylink|Trickdiamond#Unite Warriors 2|''Unite Warriors'' Trickdiamond bio}} During an illegal arms trading market hosted by the Combaticons, Swindle decided to sell some home-made missiles... as well as Brawl's weapons. He was seen trying to explain his actions after his angry comrade noticed what was going on. {{storylink|Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!}}

=====''Zone'' cartoon, manga, and story pages=====
Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], [[Emperor of Destruction|Decepticon Emperor]] [[Violengiguar]] gathered together the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]], upgrading them with powerful new armor and weaponry, then sent them forth to conquer planets. Swindle was of those summoned, but only as part of Bruticus. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 1}} {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|Transformers: Zone}} {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}
{{-}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|Parts 13, 14, 16}}}}
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Swindle and the rest of the Combaticon team came to assist [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] when he got into trouble with [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. As Bruticus, the team broke Defensor apart easily enough, but fell victims to Superion's [[electrostatic discharger rifle]]. The weapon hit Swindle and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], who disconnected from Bruticus, allowing two [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to steal their positions as Bruticus's legs. Swindle was left chasing after Bruticus as the Autobots took control of the combiner's flight systems and flew away with him. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

Megatron later ordered the Combaticons to capture an escaped [[Battle Dog]] which he had imbued with energy. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] eventually arrived to stop them, leading to the dog using its energy to give the Autobot [[Scramble Power]]. Swindle combined with his teammates to destroy Powerglide, but he and his [[Mini-Vehicle|Minibot]] friends used Scramble Power to [[Minibot combiner|combine]] and drill a hole straight through Bruticus, forcing him to retreat. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Swindle participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia. He and his team merged into Bruticus in order to battle alongside Menasor and Devastator against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}
{{note|Swindle only appears as a component of Bruticus}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
Galvatron kidnapped Doctor [[Dalton]] of [[Eran]] to upgrade the might of his combiner warriors. When the Autobot combiners arrived to save Dalton, Swindle and his teammates were deployed at high speeds from Onslaught's launcher mode. They met Superion in mid-air, and the force of their deployment enabled the combiner teams to tear him apart. The Combaticons then merged into Bruticus to move in for the kill. They were ultimately outwitted by the Autobots, however, who rescued Dalton and safely returned to Metroplex. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Roll up! Roll up! Buy ten packets of Energon for only E999.99! Contents may have settled during transit...]]
Swindle was part of a [[Elite Guard|Cybertron Elite Guard]] special ops unit created by [[Magnum]] to take out the various [[Decepticon leader|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}} During introductions, Swindle admired [[Dion (G1)|Dion]]'s [[Nitronium launcher]]s and offered him an [[Ajax P-9000 Grade-B Jump Launch Accelerator]] (Swindle had named his own "[[Thunderblast (G1)|Thunderblast]]" after an old flame). The Combaticons were teamed with [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team for a mission to an archeological dig in [[Median]]. The dig had uncovered the [[Heart of the Dragon]], a powerful artifact coveted by the Decepticon [[Rage (G1)|Rage]] and his [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtrooper]]s. When the teams arrived and discovered that the archaeologists were all females, he announced the odds were high that they would all score.

They began to fortify the site, though Onslaught had to remind Swindle that he wasn't there to sell them the fortifications. He still managed to organize a trade with [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]], providing the Autobot with a drone. He also lent [[Lancer]] his [[Gyro gun|Gyro-Gun]] and a dose of sexual harassment. The Decepticons still managed to break in to steal the urn, and even Swindle's idea of having the autoturrets shoot anyone trying to escape the city failed when the autoturrets apparently malfunctioned.

Tracking the Stormtroopers back to their mobile base, the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], Swindle and the others were confronted by Rage's bizarre creations, the [[Minotoron]]s. Dion suggested that Swindle use a device he'd removed from Over-Run's drone to produce a high-pitched noise and subdue the beasts. Seeing an opportunity to sneak inside, [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], Swindle and Dion mounted the creatures when they were summoned back inside the Metrotitan.

The teams reassembled inside the base, only to be confronted by [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], a small but powerful Transformer with atom-smashing breath, brought to life by the Heart of the Dragon. In the face of this new threat, they were forced to retreat while attempting to find a way to destroy it. Even [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]'s explosives weren't enough to stop the creature, but the small frame proved to be insufficient to contain Brimstone's energies, and it soon exploded, destroying the Metrotitan. Swindle and the Elite Guard managed to escape the blast radius, and reported back to Magnum about a job well done. Swindle's report apparently read like a romance holo-pulp. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

[[File:ComingStorm3 Swindle looks for loot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.95|Come on, buddy. [[Swindle (Animated)|This should be a no processor...er]] for you.]]
The Combaticons and Strike Team continued to be teamed up for missions. They tracked down the Decepticon [[Shadowcaster]]'s base and Swindle was given the task of dropping a [[fog grenade]] in to drive the officers out into the open. He hoped there was something he could loot, but Onslaught reminded him he was on a mission. He still managed to enlist Vortex's help in looting a particularly large piece of machinery, once the mission was completed. While the Strike Team went back to base, the Constructicons stuck around to investigate the area, and were captured by Decepticons. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

Swindle was mostly impressed by the energy bars on their cell, as he knew someone who'd pay a small fortune for the technology. The Combaticons were brought before [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], though Swindle was unable to take his eyes off the mountains of gold the Decepticon possessed. Deathsaurus persuaded the team to join his group of Decepticons. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}} He bestowed on the team new armor, and the ability to merge into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. A week later, the Combaticons took part in an attack on Elite Guard HQ, and when confronted by [[Sentinel Major]], showed off their new [[Combiner]] mode. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus managed to slaughter pretty much all of the Guard before Dion blinded the giant, forcing them to separate. They headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

Repairs proceeded, but the Combaticons were startled to learn that Deathsaurus could force them to combine into Bruticus at will. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} They still turned out to help defend the base against the remnants of the Elite Guard. In mid battle, Swindle tried to interest Dion in a supply of quasar weapons, much to the Autobot's surprise. As the Combaticons gained the upper hand, they attempted to merge, only to be blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} They picked themselves up only to find that Blast Off was missing, so they couldn't make another try at forming Bruticus. Swindle was almost attacked by Dion, but another Decepticon surprised the Autobot from behind. At the end of the fight, the Combaticons failed to retreat fast enough and were subsequently taken into Elite Guard custody. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

In the hands of the compromised [[Gyronian Sentry|Gyronian Sentry Team]], the Combaticons were whisked away to Deathsaurus's fortress, now under Megatron's control. Though Megatron gave them the option, none of them cared to help Deathsaurus, and they were imprisoned and their personality components subsequently interred in the Decepticon Detention Center. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 5}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Buster combaticons second generation.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
''Thanks to his brief time housing the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] in his mind, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] experienced a series of dreams outlining the future of Cybertronian technology: the [[Special Teams]]. These dreams were random and chaotic at first, as he was chased through his dreamscape by [[Combiner]] robots and witnessed the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] merge into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. After [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] joined Buster in his dreams, the information became more linear, and the Autobot and human beheld a future scenario in which Swindle and the Combaticons joined forces with the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] against the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. Working off this information, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] began to conceive a way to reverse-engineer and improve upon [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s combination technology. Unfortunately for the Autobots, [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] had managed to tap into Buster's dream frequency, and the Decepticons received the same information to build their own Special Teams.'' {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[File:Swindle brawl afterdeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
On his first mission on Earth, Swindle joined the Combaticons and [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] on a mission to invade the company Energy Futures Industries in order to steal a [[hydrothermocline]], which the Decepticons wanted to take for their own energy resources. When they arrived, they were met by Optimus Prime and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], laying in wait for them. Swindle combined with his team to form Bruticus, but before the giant got a chance to brawl with [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Ethan Zachary|a human]] suggested that they'd play a [[Multi-World|video game]] over the plant instead. Optimus Prime and Megatron both agreed, and Swindle was sent into the video game along with the other Combaticons, Protectobots, and faction leaders. Swindle teamed up with [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] to destroy [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] in the "Vineland" area of the game. However, they were tripped up by a bunch of vine creatures, [[Decrystallizer cannon|crystallized]], and [[Compressed air cannon|blown to smithereens]]. Game over. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

[[File:Swindle marvel uk 137.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|This is all kinds of wrong.]]
Swindle was idling about in Megatron's throne room, where he witnessed the now mentally unhinged faction leader lash out erratically to all those around him. He soon accompanied his fellow Decepticons to a new base in the [[Caribbean Sea|Caribbean]], during which time Megatron disappeared and Shockwave assumed command of the Earth-bound Decepticons. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}} ''Shortly afterwards, Shockwave dispatched Swindle and the other Combaticons to assassinate [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who had been buried under cooled lava at [[Mount Verona]]. The Combaticons made short work of the human military camped around the site, then proceeded to set up explosive charges to eliminate the potential usurper once and for all. As Swindle was setting his share of the charges, he was struck down by the combined efforts of [[Joy Meadows|three]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Cindy Newell|women]], out to save [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]], also buried within the volcano. The rest of the Combaticons were driven off with the additional help of the [[Throttlebot]]s, earning them the ire of Swindle and his teammates.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}}

[[File:Swindle marvel uk 138.jpg|thumb|Lamb bhuna last night?]]
Swindle and his team tracked the Throttlebots to a used car lot, finding their prey immobilized in their vehicle modes. But to get to them, the Combaticons had to contend with both the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and a squadron of [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] operatives. In order to avoid wholesale destruction of his lot, the proprietor of the dealership suggested each faction put in a bid for the Throttlebots, and all present accepted. Onslaught had nothing to bargain with however, and zero intention of actually following through with the agreement. He instructed Swindle to simply terminate the auctioneer, [[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]], only for Blaster to leap forth from a hiding spot and toss Swindle away before he got his shot in. This triggered an all-out brawl to start, ending with the Combaticons retreating and the Throttlebots in RAAT custody. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} The Combaticons decided to ambush the Protectobots once more, this time meeting them in a sprawling train yard. The group was forced to regroup and combine into Bruticus early in the fight, the combiner's brute strength securing them a victory over the similarly merged [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. But the dim-witted Bruticus was then tricked by Blaster into lowering his guard, and the Autobot collapsed an electrical tower onto his opponent, knocking his components into unconsciousness. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

Swindle had better success during the Decepticon ambush of the Autobots on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], where the Autobots had gathered to resolve a leadership dispute. Swindle attacked [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] with his Scatter Blaster and commented that although Brawn was not a great Autobot warrior, he would have a bright future as spare parts (presumably to be sold at a premium by Swindle himself). When the combined forces of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] managed to pierce the ship's protective force field, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] commanded all Decepticons on the surface of the Moon to return to the ship and retreat. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Swindle also served as part of the "friendly" staff on the beach of the Decepticons' Caribbean island when the Decepticons used the base as a human vacation resort. Swindle was there to serve every need that the humans might require. {{storylink|Club Con!}}
{{-}}

''Eventually, the Combaticons fell under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. On his orders, Swindle's team staged a raid on the [[Rutter U.S. Military Base]]. There, they secured two armed warheads and components from an advanced guidance computer. The Protectobots intervened part-way through the theft, but once Blast Off cleared the area with the loot, the rest of the team used hit-and-run tactics to fend their rivals off, eventually managing their own getaway.''

''Afterwards, the remaining Combaticons went to check on [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s progress at [[Alternate Reality, Inc.]], where Scorponok had likewise tasked them to steal a [[floppy disk]] containing a back-up copy of Optimus Prime's mind. They found [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] about to shoot the jets out of the sky, and blasted the Combiner in the back, crippling him before he could pull the trigger. With the mission a success, Swindle's group then made themselves scarce.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|Transformers in Action: He Who Laughs Last ...}}}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:TheGatheringDarkness-Swindle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|The skull of the former Decepticon leader is always the highlight of Swindle's tour of their headquarters.]]
Swindle gave [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] a tour of the [[Warworld]] when the Decepticon leader forcibly took command of the Decepticons back from [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. This ultimately led to a chamber where many [[Bludgeon's new army|new Decepticon bodies]] awaited, needing the Matrix to give them life. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness|Tales of Earth Part Three}}

He was later seen briefly as part of the first wave of defenders when the Warworld was attacked by the next-generation Cybertronians commanded by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] after the Autobots and Decepticons had forged an alliance of necessity against said forces. Swindle's fate was not revealed, but considering the Cybertronian troops—led by the traitor [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]]—killed several Decepticons and ultimately overtook the battleship, it didn't look too good for Swindle. {{storylink|Total War!}}
{{-}}

===The Special Teams===
Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons were created by Starscream on a remote Pacific island, by combining military vehicles with Energon cubes. They then drove to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], passing Optimus Prime en route, though the Autobot leader was none-the-wiser to the Decepticons in disguise. Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle arrived first on the battlefield, coming upon Menasor already engaged in battle with Defensor. Onslaught then ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Swindle was among the Decepticons under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s leadership who set up a secret base in a [[human]] industrial estate within striking distance of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. When [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] came snooping around, Swindle spotted him and gave chase, but Bumblebee hid among the wrecked cars in a wreckers yard. Apparently Swindle never told anyone their base had been found, as it was a complete surprise when the Autobots later attacked and drove the Decepticons off. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons served under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on a Decepticon ship, when they managed to shoot down the ship being captained by Ultra Magnus. After the Autobots crash-landed on planet [[Barrenikon]], the Decepticons landed their ship nearby to finish off their enemies. In the many possible adventures that followed, Swindle and the other Decepticons often underestimated you, which often led to them losing to the Autobots, leaving them either stranded on Barrenikon, or fleeing after they received too much damage. That is, if you somehow didn't get yourself killed at their hands. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:WarWithin4 Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Want to see more of me? Well, you can't.]]
Swindle sided with Starscream when the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] briefly usurped command of the Decepticons from Megatron, shortly after the onset of the Cybertronian civil war. He assisted in forcibly extracting data from [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] so that Starscream could uncover the full extent of Megatron's plans before his supplanting. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}}

Millions of years later, Swindle, along with his fellow Combaticons, was imprisoned by Shockwave, presumably as war criminals under the terms of the new peace treaty with the Autobots. {{Storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} He was sprung by Starscream after the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'''s crew returned to Cybertron, though, in a bid to plunder Earth of its ressources while the Autobots were too busy overthrowing Shockwave's regime. {{Storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Returning to the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' via an uncooperative [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Starscream realized he needed to take parts from the Autobots' [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] if he ever hoped to get the ''Nemesis'' flying again, and for that he needed considerable firepower. Fortunately, there was a nearby abandoned military testing ground from which the Combaticons could scan Earth-based alternate modes. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} When the attack on the ''Ark'' was launched, the Autobots had little problem defending against the first wave, successfully capturing [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], but several of the Autobots were soundly beaten when the Combaticons showed up and combined into the mighty Bruticus. The behemoth attacked the ''Ark'' freeing his Decepticon compatriots before going after [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Unfortunately, the Autobots activated their ship's self-destruct before escaping, damaging the Combaticons in the resulting explosion. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}

Damaged or not, the Combaticons soon had to face a powerful enemy when the crazed zealot [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] appeared on Earth, but before they could attack him, Bruticus' head was blown apart by [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] in the Autobot supply ship ''[[Orion]]''. In the aftermath, Bruticus's barely-conscious body was battered upon by an angry Brawn. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

[[File:G1 DWSwindle deal routetoallevil.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb|Who wouldn't trust a bot named "Swindle"?]]
The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal, where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. When Swindle commented on Starscream's mental state, Brawl agreed, stating that he'd like to pull the Air Commander's cerebro circuits straight out of his faceplate so they could get a better look at them, to which Swindle suggested a "deal" for this to happen. Starscream overheard their conversation and informed the smaller Decepticon that the only "deal" he needed to worry about was how Starscream would deal with Swindle for his scheming. Starscream nevertheless let it pass for the moment in order for the Combaticons to test themselves against the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Swindle, Brawl and Onslaught nearly getting crushed by the Lynx's right paw.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon as Sky Lynx was deactivated. As the Combaticons closed in on the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] [[combiner]], Swindle had trouble keeping up with the rest of the group before they formed Bruticus. This encounter also did not end well. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''The Beast Within''===
During a particularly violent battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons, Swindle combined with his fellow Combaticons in order to square off against [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]]. It didn't go well, to say the least. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]

[[File:LawAndDisorder-Swindle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Honest Swindle seems nice enough, but there's something about him I don't trust." <br> "Maybe it's the fact his office is an SUV with the engine running."]]
Shortly prior to the formation of the Decepticons, Swindle was working as a lackey for [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] during the height of his gladiator period. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} During the tenure of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]], Swindle was busted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]]'s officers for peddling [[simultronic]]s. {{storylink|Post}} He was soon back on the street, now running a weapons-manufacturing warehouse and creating weapons that were later used to kill forty-three citizens of [[Peptex]]. His operations were soon busted by Orion Pax's officers again.{{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

Later, Swindle was once again the target of Orion Pax's team in the streets of [[Nyon]], where he was selling stolen Autobot materials to some sleepers. He fought against Orion Pax, who quickly overpowered him and ordered him to give more details about Megatron. However, Swindle preferred to explain how the Decepticons were about to bring Cybertron to a new era, freed from oppression and corruption, and how, by using uncontrolled violence, Orion Pax was proving him right. The latter, about to shoot Swindle in the head, was stopped by Bumblebee, and Swindle was captured alive. {{storylink|Law and Disorder}} When he failed to provide any useful intel on the Decepticons during interrogation, [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] decided to use Swindle as an example of the [[vamparc ribbon]]'s power. He was taken to the [[Primacy Auditorium]], where Zeta used a vamparc unit to drain his energy in order to demonstrate its powers to the [[Senate]]. {{storylink|Parasites}}

Establishing the [[Raw Deal]] pawn broker, Swindle began selling information gathered from other Decepticons, though his sources dried up after Megatron's first defeat. This got him into trouble with [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], who was using his info to plan heists, but luckily the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobot]] thought he might come in handy later and opted not to send the Autobots after him. {{storylink|Derelicts}} Swindle was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] declared himself the new Decepticon leader, but doubted his claim to have exiled Megatron to the mythical planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. {{storylink|Wreckage (issue)|Wreckage}} He and the other Combaticons opposed Scorponok's ruthless reign and left Cybertron, making their way to the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]], the location of an old armory Swindle had bought access codes to. Within they found [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], who had leaked the codes to Swindle for a chance to meet the Combaticons and let them know Megatron was back. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}}

[[File:SpotlightUltraMagnusSwindle.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Swindle: Master salespitcher.]]
As the war began in earnest between the Autobots and Decepticons, Swindle, [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] were stationed on [[Varas Centralus]]. The Constructicons committed some atrocity that was enough to cause Sky-Byte to abandon the Decepticon cause. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

In modern times, Swindle was an arms dealer being hunted down by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] for violating the [[Tyrest Accord]]. After failing to hide from Magnus on the planet [[Zull]] 29 solar cycles in the past, he managed to deal for his freedom by selling Magnus information on the whereabouts of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Magnus later caught Swindle again, but it would seem he managed to bargain for his freedom once again. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ultra Magnus}}

Quite some time later, Swindle was one of several Decepticons who were stranded on Earth after Megatron's defeat in [[New York City]]. Ever the opportunist, he saw a market open to him in the chaos that had followed, and made contact with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]] of [[Skywatch]] to secretly supply the human organization with Cybertronian weaponry. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

[[File:TF Ongoing issue 3 Swindle.jpg|left|thumb|Cool story, bro.]]
Swindle then joined a small band of other stranded Decepticons. At first, the group tried to follow the high-ranking [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]], but his disenchantment with the Decepticons and the war led them to fall in behind Swindle, the fast-talking cheat, the one who could always survive against all odds. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}} For three months Swindle led them into a canyon where they stalked the mighty Autobot [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], waiting for a chance to strike. However, when they observed a group of Autobots led by [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] in discussions with Omega, Swindle realized he could fool the hot-headed and naive Autobot for his own designs. Launching a seemingly ill-conceived attack on the Autobots, Swindle quickly manipulated Hot Rod by asking the very question that had been on the Autobot's mind: What were they fighting about? What reason was there to continue fighting? Posing these questions to all the assembled transformers, Swindle proposed an alliance between the two groups with the aim of getting off-planet. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} After the alliance was made, while Hot Rod tried to enlist the assistance of [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] to help them build their starship, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] had their doubts about working with the Decepticons, and Swindle grinning at them didn't improve their mood any. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}}

While their ship was under construction, Swindle attempted to pressure Hot Rod into allowing the Decepticons to retrieve the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] who had been imprisoned by [[Skywatch]], but Hot Rod wisely refused. Seeing this path going nowhere, Swindle instead suggested the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] rescue [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], and before Hot Rod was able to voice opposition, Swindle smoothly massaged Hot Rod's ego, claiming the Autobot was the "architect of a new age", that the others admired him, and that these "followers" had given him a new moniker: "Rodimus Prime". With Hot Rod distracted by these praised and accolades, Swindle was given the go-ahead to rescue Breakdown. Unfortunately, as he was discussing his plans with the Stunticons, Ultra Magnus showed up, forcing Swindle to hide. When Magnus discovered and tried to arrest the Decepticon criminal, "Rodimus Prime" stepped in and refused to allow his fellow Autobot to capture Swindle. The Decepticon was seemingly grateful to Rodimus, but Thundercracker knew he was up to something, but wasn't sure what. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}}

[[File:Enemies of the System Swindle combiner tech.jpg|thumb|right|"Remember, no refunds!"]]
Soon afterwards, the Stunticons successfully rescued Breakdown from the clutches of Spike Witwicky, an officer in Skywatch. Bringing him back to base, Swindle worked on Breakdown for over three hours, under the pretense that the battered Decepticon needed significant repairs, much to the ire of the Autobots, bar the ever-naive Hot Rod. Ultra Magnus returned, this time with [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and several of his Autobots. When the Autobots started arguing, Swindle stepped in, revealing that the Decepticons had always planned to steal the space ship after killing as many Autobots as they could. When Ultra Magnus countered that the Autobots had them outnumbered, Swindle unveiled his latest creation—the Stunticons [[combiner|combined]] into the powerful gestalt [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. As the Autobots gaped, Swindle ordered Menasor to kill Magnus first. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 4: "Enemies of the System"|Enemies of the System}}

[[File:PoliceAction3-Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Swindle's disarming smile backfires.]]
Swindle gloated in triumph as Menasor tore through the assembled Autobots. He was so enamored with this that he failed to notice Optimus Prime being air-dropped by Skywatch until he had landed on him. Heavily damaged, Swindle climbed from the impact crater and watched in horror as Prime led the Autobots against Menasor, resulting in the destruction of the escape ship. Despite his damages, Swindle was able to slip away before Skywatch seized control of the area, much to Ultra Magnus's chagrin. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

In need of energy, Swindle traveled to [[North Korea]] and struck a deal with local ruler [[Kim Jong Du]], offering him the Combaticons as an invasion force in exchange for energon. He then got out of there as soon as he got what he needed, leaving the other Combaticons behind. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

Returning to America, Swindle created [[Ben Simpson]], a [[facsimile construct]] who would act as a spokesman of the anti-Transformer group [[Earth's Children]]. Using Simpson, he fanned the flames of human hatred against Autobots, allowing him to sell them powerful and mind-corrupting weapons built from Megatron's parts. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}} When [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] began investigating Spike Witwicky, Swindle had [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] try to kill him, but the attempt failed. He had, however, planted a failsafe in Brawl's body that shut him down when Prowl tried to find out who sent him. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}} Soon afterwards, Ultra Magnus decided that the Autobots had had enough of Ben Simpson's campaign against them, and went with Skywatch to his home to detain him. Swindle, based nearby, tried to make his escape, but was beaten down by Ultra Magnus, had his arm ripped off and was dragged back to Autobot HQ. During interrogation he revealed everything about his schemes, including the fact that Witwicky had been playing both sides, causing the Autobots to sever their connections with Skywatch. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

[[File:HowToSayGoodbyeAndMeanIt-Swindle.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|"I don't want to sell you death sticks. I want to go home and rethink my life."]] When the Autobots returned to Cybertron, they brought Swindle with them and imprisoned him alongside the other Decepticons. He tried to strike a deal with Optimus Prime to get out, but was unsuccessful. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime}} It wasn't long before he got back in business, however, selling [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|golden discs]] containing footage of Cybertronians dying. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Interiors}} Swindle was later working with cleaning trash out of the reclamation tunnels and annoyed [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] by rambling nonstop about how Starscream was making things better for the Decepticons by getting them jobs and such. {{storylink|Devisive}} After witnessing Prowl's murder of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and the Constructicons, Dirge shared his story with Swindle who in turn shared it with Sky-Byte when he came looking for information on Cybertron's post-war society. Swindle took him to meet Dirge and Needlenose only to be discovered by Prowl's Autobots, though he and Dirge managed to escape during the confusion of the ensuing fight. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

Believing that Starscream was getting too friendly with the Autobots to represent Decepticon interests, Swindle instead brought Dirge and his witness testimony to [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] in hopes that ''he'' would become Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} Following a bombing on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Dirge began to worry that Shockwave had orchestrated the attack after hearing what he had to say, making him indirectly responsible. Swindle advised him to just let things happen and not try to make things about him, a lesson he himself had learned after his experiences on Earth, but Dirge couldn't just stand by and spilled the beans to Starscream, who in turn help hide him and Swindle from Prowl ''and'' Shockwave. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}}

[[File:BeforeTheDawn AstrotrainSkracratssh.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|"Astrotrain, you're costing me an arm and a leg!"]]
When the return of Megatron was causing the other Decepticons to riot in the streets, the two were plucked out of their hiding place by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] and brought to [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. There, Dirge announced that he was willing to testify against Prowl directly to Autobot leader Bumblebee, against Swindle's protests that it was a terrible idea. {{storylink|The Verge}} Convinced that something was up with Prowl, Bumblebee took Dirge, Swindle and several others with him to investigate, but as the group was attacked by Decepticons as they approached Prowl's quarters. Run down by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Swindle lost an arm and leg and was left behind as the others were taken away to see Megatron. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

Having survived only thanks to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] pushing him out of the train's way, a grateful Swindle brought him and several other injured Autobots to safety away from the Decepticon riots. In the process he was discovered by [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]], who was unimpressed by his empathy and prepared to execute the Autobots, only to be chased away by some neutrals. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}} Having had enough of all the fighting, Swindle renounced his faction and remained in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] when Starscream, now leader of the neutrals, had all Autobots and Decepticons banished from the city. {{storylink|Second Exodus}} He was among those who helped Blurr rebuild Maccadam's Old Oil House after it was burned down during the riots, {{storylink|Three Monologues}} and was standing guard at the city walls when the light of the [[Necrotitan]]'s arrival lit up Iacon. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

Several months later, Swindle was at Blurr's bar when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] stopped by looking for information on Starscream, and let her know that even ''he'' was disgusted by the Seeker's way of selling people out. {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}} When Windblade's snooping got her, Blurr and others imprisoned by Starscream, Swindle helped [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] bust them out. {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade #3}} He continued to visit Maccadam's and seemed to be becoming very good friends with Blurr. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}} During an investigation into several murders in the Decepticon ghetto, Swindle provided intel on where to find the [[Firecon]]s, the main suspects. {{storylink|Quest for Fire}}

[[File:FirstContact SwindleEnigma.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right|"It surges, it merges. It turns a quintet into a boxset!"]]
After an enjoyable day watching the Stunticons try and fail to take on Optimus Prime, he was approached by Starscream who offered him use of the [[Enigma of Combination]] in robbing the colony world [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] of its riches. Despite having told himself he had put his glory days behind him, Swindle was blinded by greed and accepted, using the Enigma to turn the Stunticons back into Menasor and bringing him to Caminus. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} Finding none of the promised riches, however, he quickly realized Starscream had tricked him. Failing to convince the raging Menasor to return to Cybertron, he tried to sneak away by himself only to be captured by one of Starscream's [[Badgeless]]. {{storylink|The Sum and Its Parts}} His pleas that it was all Starscream's idea were, of course, in vain, and he was spirited away to Starscream's secret prison. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

Before long, Swindle was broken out by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], who told him to cause a diversion while he stole the Enigma. Agreeing to the deal, he took Menasor and set out to occupy the city's [[space bridge]] chamber, recruiting all manner of unhappy Decepticons with the promise that they could start a new life on Caminus. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} During their stand-off with the bridge's guards, Windblade and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]], Starscream arrived and shot Swindle in the back, mortally wounding him. He whispered to Rattrap that there was proof of his deal with Starscream, then seemingly expired. {{storylink|All That Remains}} Rattrap and Wheeljack secretly moved his body into the depths of Metroplex, where Wheeljack tried his best to save Swindle's life so that they might learn what evidence Swindle had against Starscream. He did, sorta: Swindle was alive, but brain dead. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

[[File:ThingsWeSaidWedNeverDo SwindleBrainDead.jpg|thumb|left|''zzzzzzzzz...<small>no refunds</small>...zzzzzzzzz'']]
The other Combaticons would later begin spray-painting the phrase "Swindle Lives" on walls as a symbol of their resistance against the [[Council of Worlds]] {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} because a mysterious informant known as "[[Rattrap (BW)|DC-357]]" sent Onslaught a message regarding Swindle's possession of information against Starscream. {{storylink|07:00:00}} Later, Rattrap and Wheeljack were forced by the Combaticons to lead them to Swindle. Unperturbed by his brain-dead status, Onslaught had Rattrap retrieve the Enigma of Combination, {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} which he used on his team so that they might find Swindle's evidence. Swindle became the left leg of their combined form, [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], but his brain dead mind wreaked havoc on the combiner's psyche. After rampaging through Iacon, Bruticus was eventually brought down. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Starscream, wanting another combiner on his side, had the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] repair Swindle's body, and try to manipulate the Combaticons' minds so that he would have Bruticus under control. Because the Combaticons minds had imprinted on each other during their combination, Airachnid found them more susceptible to the process, and she and Starscream bribed the aware-of-the-manipulation Blast Off into covering any holes in the story. As a result, Swindle would believe that he and the other Combaticons were Starscream's secret bodyguards, and that he had been blasted in the line of duty with some angles making it appear that Starscream had shot him, with the Combaticons forming of Bruticus having been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life. {{storylink|The Price of You}} After a few days, Blast Off demanded to see Swindle himself. As Airachnid was finishing up on manipulating and repairing him, Swindle greeted his teammate, thanking Blast Off for how far he and the others had apparently gone to save him. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

During the final debate before the election to decide the new leader of Cybertron, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, Swindle and the other Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{--}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Swindle stumbled onto a goldmine—selling off the Decepticon arsenal to the [[human]]s. Unfortunately one of his clients, [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Faghadi]], was pushy and demanded his weapons ''now'', at length, while Swindle was trying to work. Swindle realized there was a way he could turn even this to his advantage. With the help of one of his [[Sato Noriko|other clients]], he was able to set Faghadi up to be captured by [[NATO]], demonstrating the weapons in the process, and making an even bigger sale to the Japanese into the bargain. Everything went perfectly, except Megatron found out where the Decepticon weapons had been disappearing to, and dispatched [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to bring Swindle in. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===''TransTech''===
[[File:Swindleswindleandswindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Perhaps you'd be interested in something every homeowner cannot be without: volcano insurance!"]]
There are three Swindles running the pawn shop "[[Swindle, Swindle and Swindle]]". The jingle says it all. As does the image of three grinning Swindle heads on their sign.
<blockquote>"Three times the Swindle means three times the deal.
Come on down, it's a total steal!"</blockquote>

*Swindle the first: He's red!
*Swindle the second: He's tan but purple-chested.
*Swindle the third: He's tan but gray-chested.

[[Bad Boy]] and [[Treds]] stumbled on Swindle, Swindle and Swindle while looking for a bodyshop [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] had visited. They managed to persuade one of the Swindles that it would be in his best interest if he told them about Bug Bite's visit. Swindle showed them to the repair bay where they discovered Bug Bite had adopted a new [[C1186-P0019]] body. Before the pair left, Swindle raised the matter of Bug Bite's outstanding account, and they reluctantly paid it. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

Finding himself trapped in a lowtech body, [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]] dropped in to Swindle, Swindle and Swindle for an examination to prove he'd been [[spark]] transplanted. Though the Swindles didn't seem to quite believe his story, they conducted the tests and found nothing. After getting the trio to make some repairs to himself, Bulletbike continued on his quest. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

During his time as a columnist for [[Axiom Nexus News]], [[Vector Prime]] bought a [[hyper-frame]] [[Anatomic euphemism#Manifold|manifold]] from Swindle, Swindle and Swindle on one day, {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 2, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 02/08/2015}} and a [[Cyber-forcep|cyberforcep]] on another day. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 24, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 24/08/2015}} After Vector Prime abdicated the position {{storylink|Source:Axiom Nexus News Editor#October 1, 2015|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 01/10/2015}} and Grimlock's tenure was abruptly cut short {{storylink|Source:Axiom Nexus News Editor#October 3, 2015|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 03/10/2015}}, one of (or perhaps all of) the Swindles took the post, answering questions while advertising the many products available at Swindle, Swindle & Swindle. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Guest column#Swindle's Spiel|Swindle's Spiel}} After a few days, Swindle was fired from the column due to subverting the terms of his paid contract, which specified that he would only answer questions. {{storylink|Source:Axiom Nexus News Editor#October 6, 2015|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 06/10/2015}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}}}

===Starscream's New Power===
[[File:Starscream's New Power Combaticons.jpg|thumb|100px|left]]
Swindle attempted to apprehend Starscream, only to be driven back when the latter got his hands on weapons from [[Shockwave's Tower|Shockwave's lab]]. {{storylink|Starscream's New Power}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:KreoComic7 swindle hydra oldsnake.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Summoned by Starscream to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Swindle rolled onto the scene alongside [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], and a repainted [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]. When Onslaught and Brawl declared their specialties (strategy and destruction respectively), Swindle proudly offered to sell-off any blocks they recovered. Like Onslaught and Brawl, Swindle was irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. Even though the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. When Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, Swindle joined his teammates in happily informing their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

Swindle was able to steal [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[Transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]], but his looking forward to being rewarded was interrupted when the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] tracked him down to take back his loot. He combined with his team to form Bruticus, but was defeated by the Protectobots' own combined form, [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and taken back to the Autobot base to have his injuries treated by the gentle [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]. {{storylink|Bad at Fighting? Rescue Team Protectobots, Dispatch!}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons infiltrated [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguised as their vehicles, with Swindle taking on the form of an APC. During the Decepticon-[[Cobra]] attack on the [[United Nations]], the Combaticons revealed themselves and combined into Bruticus to fight [[GIJONIN]]. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}
===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===

Swindle was following [[Megatron (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Megatron]] before the Decepticon movement even existed, and was one of few Decepticons to survive every second of the Great War. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

The [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] fought multiple tours together. It's likely that the first one of these was when they all changed their alternate modes to Earth-based ones. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The team often needled and frustrated [[Brawl (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Brawl]] in order to make better use of his focused battlefield fury. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

Swindle had a real reputation for being the most famous con-man on Cybertron, to the point where the Combaticons only get along with him because they knew better than to trust him with ''anything''. He also had a bad habit of trading Cybertronian technology with other species, which put him on the wrong side of the [[Tyrest Accord]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Ultra Magnus]]. As a result, he stuck close to his teammates. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

Bruticus as a combined form was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

[[Blast Off (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Blast Off]] was captured at one point, leaving the team unable to form Bruticus. Eventually, they were reunited. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The Combaticons were posted on Cybertron during the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Vortex's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

===''Combiner Wars'' cartoon===
Swindle was among the Decepticon troops who bore witness to a pivotal duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, one meant to end the war before the never-ending arms race between the two factions spiralled further out of control. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Optimus Prime}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Swindle served as the defense lawyer for [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and their [[binary bonding|binary bond]] partners at their trial following the disastrous [[Great Push]]. Thanks to his efforts, the defendants were acquitted of some of the charges, but Galvatron and Scourge were ultimately sentenced to execution. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

===''Bumblebee'' graphic novels===
[[File:WinIfYouDare-Swindle.jpg|thumb|right|250px|PEPE SILVIA!]]
Although he'd been kicked out of the Decepticons, Swindle remained in touch with his Combaticon allies and sought to get himself back into Megatron's good graces by stealing [[human]] military secrets, a mission that led him to stake out a small [[California]]n town where the United States Air Force prepared to test their new [[B-2 stealth bomber]], a secret anti-Decepticon weapon, at the [[Sierra Station]] airbase. Swindle and the other Combaticons moved into an [[Herman's Military Surplus and Museum|abandoned airfield]] on the outskirts of town by strongarming the owner [[Herman]] into complying, and turned the run-down facility into a makeshift base while the team planned their heist—stealing and applying the plane's stealth technology would make them invisible to human and Autobot sensors.

In between spying on the military, Swindle blew off steam by participating in illegal street races in [[Yosemite National Park]]. During one such race, Swindle nearly ran his competitor [[Mateo Cruz]] off the road, and the teenager likely would've died if not for the surprise intervention of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. The next morning, Swindle spied on project director [[Angela Cruz]] as she prepared to unveil the project the next day, unaware that his target was also Mateo's mother. Later that day, Bumblebee and Mateo headed into town to find the "mystery Jeep" from the previous night for a rematch, and a tipoff from Mateo's friend [[Nicole]] led the duo to Herman's museum. Mateo confronted Herman and accidentally uncovered evidence of the Combaticon plot; momentarily fearing that the Autobots had caught onto his plan, Swindle fled the base, successfully outmaneuvered his foe at a railroad crossing, and warned the little yellow Autobot to stay out of his way.

[[File:WinifYouDare-SwindleAltMode.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Dude, those animals are so slagging funny they make me wanna merge without looking! YEAH, RUMSFELD!!"]]

That night, Swindle sabotaged the road to Sierra Station to blow Angela Cruz's tires, then masqueraded as a military police vehicle to lure her inside his [[alternate mode]]. Once she took the bait, Swindle captured her and took her back to Herman's museum, where he and three of the Combaticons intended to intimidate Angela into handing over the secrets behind the human stealth process. However, while Swindle was momentarily distracted by footage of Vortex battling Bumblebee, Angela momentarily distracted the Decepticon jeep long enough to make her escape and commandeer one of the decommissioned planes to make a daring escape. Swindle and the other Combaticons gave chase and confronted Bee outside of Sierra Station; with the compound now on high alert and their careful plan falling apart, the Combaticons decided to throw caution to the wind, form Bruticus, and simply smash the base to take what they wanted. Agile as ever, Bumblebee proved able to outwit the combiner, and a second barrage from the human military reduced the combiner back into his components. Onslaught advised simply stealing the aircraft and reverse-engineering the process later, but Swindle refused, shouting that he ''needed'' this win to prove himself to Megatron. Amidst the chaos, the Combaticons didn't notice Bumblebee and his human friends piloting the bomber they sought to steal, and a subsequent barrage of electromagnetic pulse bombs knocked the five out cold. The next morning, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots arrived to take the incapacitated Decepticons into custody. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}
{{-}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Open Comms|''Transformers'' Valentine's Day Special]] (cameo); [[Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|''Transformers'' #20]] (full)}}

[[File:Swindles-SwindleTeam.jpg|thumb|right|350px|"Trademark "''Team Swindle''", I want a [[shanix]] every time someone says it!"]]

At some point, Swindle posed in a group photo with many Cybertronians, including [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. {{Storylink|Open Comms}} Swindle owned and operated [[Swindle's]], an illicit entertainment venue where patrons could bet on [[skitter]] races and enjoy under-the-table [[energon]]. As the proprietor, Swindle employed a variety of like-minded 'bots to help run numbers, work the crowd, and procure black market goods; these included [[Trickdiamond]], [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]], [[Headlock (G1)|Headlock]], and [[Singe]]. Swindle's various business ventures made him known to [[Security Operations]], and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] enjoyed a particularly contentious relationship with him; despite Swindle's borderline criminal activities, Prowl was never able to nail him on concrete charges. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}} In fact, some in Security Operations even found Swindle useful. Back when [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] was running Sec-Ops, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] went to work for Swindle, using him to eliminate the more dangerous criminal, [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Smokescreen learned a good deal about Swindle's operation during this "seconding". {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}}

Forever seeking new avenues of profit, Swindle began stealing and selling energon to the terrorist group known as [[The Rise]]; when the [[Tether]] fell, Singe and Gutcruncher were outsourcing some stolen energon for their new client [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}} However, Singe ran afoul of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and wound up in police custody; {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}} when Mindwipe arrived at Swindle's to pick up his shipment, Swindle informed him that his agents had been intercepted during the heist. Furious, Mindwipe shouted that Security would have already traced them back to Swindle. When Prowl's team ''did'' arrive, Swindle feigned innocence during the scuffle, but Prowl had Swindle taken into custody regardless. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}}

[[File:WarWorldHunt-jailbreak.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Swindle was cooling his heels in jail, however, the sitting government fell before the Rise and the Ascenticon party, forming the Decepticons in its wake. Trickdiamond and Headlock haggled with Swindle to free him from lock-up, blowing out his bars and the wall of his cell. Hearing that his muscle Gutcruncher had run off to join the revolution, Swindle decided to do some quick shopping before they left. Surveying the other cells, Swindle decided there was no profit left in Singe, and [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]] was a zealot who wouldn't play ball. [[Roughstuff]], however, was a scorned ex-member of the Rise, and a nice source of muscle. Finally, Swindle was impressed with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s story, killing a veteran soldier like the Rise's [[Quake (G1)|Quake]]. In exchange for getting Bumblebee next to his new target, [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]], Swindle negotiated for the little yellow bot's services. {{storylink|War World: Hunt}}

As Iacon quickly became a city for Decepticons only, Swindle negotiated with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] of the Decepticon Guard to stay open. Once their license for business was secured, Swindle had Trickdiamond prep their favorite game of pumping loud-mouthed customers for information they could sell or otherwise profit from. [[Twirl (G1)|Twirl]], [[Nautilator]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] were three inebriated Decepticon ripe for the questioning. Swindle learned that [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] (Bumblebee's sympathetic former boss from the [[Ascenticon Guard]]) was being moved through Decepticon custody. In exchange for further debt, Swindle arranged for [[Charger]] and [[Fire Beast]] to help Bumblebee spring her. Bumblebee was surprised to find Barricade guarding Elita-1. While he let go of his vendetta and didn't kill Barricade given the chance, he was suspicious of Swindle setting him up. Swindle denied it when confronted, pointing out he would have made Bumblebee pay more if he knew Barricade was involved. When Swindle mentioned his "targeted questioning" had uncovered information about the [[Enigma of Combination]], Bumblebee convinced him to expand his list of contacts. By selling this information to Optimus Prime and the Autobots, Swindle would be able to hedge his bets against either side winning the war. Seeing the appeal, Swindle allowed Bumblebee to use tech to pass the intelligence on to Prime. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Swindle's II|Swindle's II}}

[[File:DarknessOnceGazedUponPartTwo-Swindle.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Swindle kept his business running, although martial law under the Decepticons gave him new, sterner overlords that cut back on his illegal activities. Roughstuff wasn't doing his job as bouncer once, forcing Swindle to step in directly and escort the non-aligned Cyclonus from his bar. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}}

Another nasty surprise came when Smokescreen got back in touch with Swindle through the old tunnels. The charming former Sec-Ops agent offered to pay Swindle for a speedy and discreet exit from Iacon, after he acquired a "bulky package". Swindle needed the profit, and working under the Decepticons meant his bar was practically a charity, so he closed down for the rest of the cycle. Trickdiamond couldn't believe it, though, and when she heard about the side deal with Smokescreen, she passed on the info to Decepticon Intelligence. As it happened, Smokescreen was less than forthcoming too—he arrived at the door with armed Autobots and the prisoner, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], escaping from Megatron's dungeons. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}} Swindle was caught redhanded dealing with Autobots when Sixshot blew in his wall with a squad of Decepticons. Roughstuff saw an opportunity and "detained" Swindle for Sixshot, switching sides to get back in his old Rise lieutenant's good graces. Swindle was allowed to remain useful for the Decepticons as a supplier, but his days of independence seemed to be numbered. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Three}}

{{--}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
[[File:StuntFlying-net.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|A literal green-eyed monster.]]

Swindle was one of the many Decepticons brainwashed by [[King Sombra]] during his invasion of Cybertron. Along with Sombra's other slaves, he fired on the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s and [[Wonderbolts]] until [[Rainbow Dash]]'s powerful "Sonic Rainboom" manoeuvre disoriented him and the others long enough for the Seekers to entangle him with net missiles. {{storylink|Stunt Flying}}

{{--}}

===Energon Universe===
Swindle and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] chased down [[Elita One (G1)#Energon Universe|Elita One]], cornering her. Before he could follow [[Onslaught (G1)#Energon Universe|Onslaught]] and [[Brawl (G1)#Energon Universe|Brawl]], the [[Autobot]] shot the [[Space bridge|spacebridge]] severing the connection between the two worlds. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9}}

{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Swindle, [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] were part of a Decepticon attack force that assaulted the Autobots' launch site. All three were rammed by Ultra Magnus in his vehicle mode as he entered the fray. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus commercial}}
*Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons charged down a ravine to face-off against [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they neared him, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus and took to the skies. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
*Swindle was part of a massive battle between Kreons. After being knocked around by the Autobots some, he and the Combaticons combined into Bruticus. They then chased the Autobots off alongside [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
When a team of Autobots led by [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] went on the offensive, Blast Off, Swindle, and Vortex used superior military tactics to fight them off. {{storylink|War Dawn (Legends)|War Dawn}} Swindle was among the Decepticons who joined with the Quintessons in an attempt to destroy the Autobots. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 2}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsSwindle.jpg|thumb|400px|If you order now, I'll throw in a second beating absolutely free!]]
Swindle participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 160 units of Cybermetal, and 95 units of Transmetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Online'' (2017 video game)===
[[File:Swindle TFO.jpg|thumb|upright=.66|[insert random Wolverine reference here]]]
{{bigquote|Let's make a deal without starting a war.}}

Looks can be deceiving, as one may perceive when dealing with Swindle. If it's anything Swindle desired the most, it would be Megatron's right hand firearm, Carnage. However, the key question is whether Swindle can deal for Megatron's bazooka without batting an eye. In comparison to his comrades, Swindle is not a devoted militant. Rather, he prefers to never miss an opportunity to profit, even if it means dealing with the Autobots... so long as Swindle, himself, is confident enough to take action.

In battle, Swindle wielded a pair of "[[Nether Claws]]" and the "[[Saboteur]]" [[grenade launcher]]. His active skill was "Spider Mine":
*'''Spider Mine'''—Swindle dispatches a Spider Mine unit. When this unit comes in contact with enemy targets, the Spider Mine wreaks havoc by jettisoning into the air and showering Swindle's opponents with a flurry of projectiles that deal 110 points of damage every 0.2 seconds. {{storylink|Transformers Online (2017 video game)|Transformers Online}} <ref>[http://tfol.qq.com/act/a20160726data/hero6.shtml Swindle on the Transformers Online website]</ref>
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Swindle-Earth-Wars.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.75| What's the point of me having a fusion cannon if I am never going to use it? Oh right I was gonna sell it! One fusion cannon for 150000 cyber coins!]]
With Swindle, it's always deal - never no deal. He'd trade Megatron's right arm for a toaster if he saw both opportunity and profit.

Swindle is the first Combaticon to make it to Earth. Starscream wanted the location of a fragment of the [[Fractal Map]], and Swindle found it for him, but there was an Autobot outpost in the way, so he took care of the short-range Laser Turrets. After the battle, Swindle traded insults with some of the Autobots posted there, and then reminded Starscream that he owes him. Big time. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Power Play Campaign}}

When Swindle caught wind that the Autobots were on the move towards a signal in the arctic first discovered by [[Cyclonus (G1)|that one guy that still hates him]], Swindle was ready to leave. But Brawl didn't help though because he attracted the attention of Starscream. Starscream took direct control of Swindle's operation and took them to the Arctic, but not before Swindle offered him a de-icer for sale. But unknown to him, Swindle had an arrangement with Megatron, so he let him in on their plan so Megatron could get there first and tell them what they found was a [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events| Arctic Signal}}

When Shockwave selected the next candidates for the Decepticons' next combiner, Swindle asked what was in it for him. Megatron responded by threatening to strangle the energon from his inner spark if he didn't comply. As they were slowly making progress on the combining process, Swindle made a deal: If the Combaticons successfully combined at maximum strength before the Autobots, he'll give back everything he had taken from everyone (including his angry comrades), or else pay him equivalent value.

Megatron decides to push the Combaticons to their limits and combines the Combaticons prematurely. The result is Bruticus, the Combaticons highly mentally unstable combined form. Megatron honestly doesn't care anymore what the other Combaticons say, he just wants them to stay in their combined form. Unfortunately, the celebrations are cut short when Megatron receives word Optimus has perfected his own second combiner, and so sends out Bruticus to fight against this new combiner. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Countdown to Combination}}

When Shockwave announced his plan to recruit allies from alternate realities, Swindle saw a profitable, glowing opportunity. He contacted Hot Rod to meet on neutral ground for the location and encryption key for the Decepticon's Space Bridge project in exchange for pure unaltered Energon. He was dismayed that Hot Rod brought Dinobot muscle along just as the Combaticons, who have been tracking Swindle, ambushed them. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Rogue Trader}}
Amidst the fighting between the Dinobots and Combaticons, Hot Rod made the exchange with Swindle. Starscream, who had been following Swindle the whole time, offered him a lift out, which he gladly accepted.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}}

Swindle offered Soundwave a deal. Optimus Prime and Megatron were stuck in the past, with [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] gaining power, something Swindle knew Soundwave didn't want. He offered the cassette tape player a way to accomplish his goals. He knew of a way to get the [[Dark Star Saber]] away from [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]. Soundwave accepted Swindle's offer. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Target: 1984}}

Swindle stole the Dark Star Saber away from Deathsaurus by whistling. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|The Dark Ages}}

*'''Class:''' Gunner
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 1 star
*'''Weapons:''' Swindle uses a standard grenade launcher to damage defenses from a long distance.
*'''Ability:''' '''Incendiary Barrage''' - Shoots 6 rockets that engulf a large area in flames dealing damage over time.
**'''Cost:''' 7 ability points +2 cost increase.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:swindle Swindle at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOSwindle.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Swindle was in command of the eleventh Decepticon base attacked and destroyed by the Autobots during a series of raids. He pursued the invaders in jeep mode launching several bombs and missiles against his target, but foolishly ran over his own bombs and blew himself up. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Swindle was a member of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

On Earth, Swindle and the other Combaticons acted as a liaison between the Decepticons and the forces of Cobra, offering them advanced alien technology in exchange for their full cooperation. While meeting with [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in southern [[France]], the Autobots attacked; in the ensuing fight, Swindle and Chameleon fled, leaving the other Combaticons unable to form Bruticus. The pair retreated to the small town of [[Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges]], which had been acquired by Cobra and turned into a covert staging ground for future operations. Ultimately, however, a joint Autobot-[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] taskforce entered the city and successfully captured the two villains as they tried to flee. {{storylink|Cobra/Con Fusion}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1-toy Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Eh, I'd rather have elbows than shoulders anyway.]]
*'''Swindle''' (Combaticon, [[1986]]/[[1987]])
**''Team ID number'': '''C2'''
**''Takara/GiG ID number'': '''D-68'''
**''Accessories'': Large "[[Scatter blaster]]" gun, small "Gyro-Gun" pistol

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Swindle transforms into a tan {{w|FMC XR311}} combat support vehicle. He features a large, back-mounted cannon with a small pistol attached to its side. In robot mode, he is armed with both weapons, which are used as hand-held artillery. Swindle normally operates as Bruticus's right leg, but as a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner toy, he can also be used in any other available limb slot with any torso-robot.

:There are two different versions of the original release. The initial version uses purple-painted [[die-cast]] metal for his chestplate. This was later replaced with gray plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Swindle/swindle.htm More information on Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Bruticus}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (Gift set, [[1985]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''D-69'''

:In addition to his single release, Swindle was also sold in a "Bruticus" [[giftset]] alongside the other Combaticons. The gift set was never available in the USA or Canada, but only in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

: In 1988, [[GiG]] also re-released the Bruticus set in Italy, with five random "Exogini Transformers" ([[Decoy (G1)|Decoy]]s) added.

{{-}}{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Decepticon Swindle''' ([[1991]])
**''Accessories'': Large "[[Scatter blaster]]" gun, small "Gyro-Gun" pistol

:Swindle was re-released in 1991 as part of the [[Europe]]an-market ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line. This version (which uses the plastic chestplate) was [[retool]]ed to remove the [[rubsign]] indent from his vehicle mode hood, a change made to a lot of the toys in this series.
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Red Dead Redemption 3]]
*'''Swindle''' ([[1994]])
**''Team ID number'': '''C2'''
**''Accessories'': Large "[[Scatter blaster]]" cannon, small "Gyro-Gun" pistol

: For the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' toyline]], Swindle had all of his tan parts redecoed to bright red with purple camouflage paint and his windshield painted black. (This latter color was a sticker on the original release.) In robot mode, he has a bright purple torso, making this release quite garish.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Swindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Generation 2'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{anchor|Amazon}}
[[File:G2toy-SwindleAmazon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|So yeah, don't expect a [[Leyland]] homage from this mold anytime soon.]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, [[2012]])
**''Accessories'': Blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

:Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Swindle is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Fall of Cybertron (2012–2013)|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Swindle (FOC)#Generations|Swindle]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. Swindle transforms into a Cybertronic jeep-like vehicle. He can form any arm or leg of Bruticus, but his nominal placement is as the right leg, as usual. Some of the purple camo was lost between the stages of [[:File:Generationstoy-G2Swindle.jpg|stock photography]] and final production.

:This mold was later retooled into [[Roadbuster (Prime)#Generations|Roadbuster]].
{{-}}

===''Alternators''===
{{anchor|Alternators/Binaltech}}
[[File:Alternators Swindle toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|If you buy from this Jeep, it won't be cheap.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Jeep Wrangler Swindle''' (Alternator, [[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Alternator ID number'': '''8'''
:*''Binaltech ID number'': '''BT-09'''
:*''Binaltech release date'': [[November 11]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Handgun
{{toydesigner|[[Mark McCall]] (Hasbro)|[[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' Swindle is a retool of [[Hound (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Hound]] from the same line, with his [[alternate mode]] being a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]] 1:24 scale yellow {{w|Jeep Wrangler (TJ)}} Sport. Changes from Hound include larger [[rubber tires]] and a modified front bumper with an added bullbar, plus a new head sculpt in robot mode. In vehicle mode, Swindle's doors open to reveal a realistic interior, his hood opens to reveal a fake (and inaccurate) engine bay, and his tailgate opens by hinging up at one end. As with Hound, he lacks the steering feature common in other ''Alternators'' toys but has spring-loaded suspension instead.

:In robot mode, Swindle is armed with a small laser pistol that can be stored in his spare tire. He is otherwise mostly identical to Hound except for the changed parts and color. The new head sculpt head is actually based on a cross between Generation 1 [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s original toy head and his [[character model|cartoon model]]'s head, since this retool was originally intended for an ''Alternators'' version of Trailbreaker, which was canceled due to [[trademark]] issues, among other things.

:The main difference between Hasbro's ''Alternators'' version and the Japanese ''Binaltech'' version is that the latter features parts made of [[die-cast]] metal for some of its vehicle mode shell, and has the entire vehicle shell painted.

:Swindle was later redecoed into the ''Alternators''-only [[Rollbar (G1)#Alternators|Rollbar]].

::*[[Source:Transformers Binaltech bios#9|Archive of ''Binaltech'' Swindle's bio and tech specs]]
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/AltSwindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{AlternatorsHoundMold}}
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Dolla dolla bill y'all]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' ([[2008]])
**''Series'': '''G1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Swindle is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Blackout (combiner)#Toys|Blackout]]/[[Stormcloud (Energon)#Toys|Stormcloud]] sculpt, transforming into a tan assault helicopter somewhat similar to an AH-1 Cobra. Appropriately enough, his markings include dollar signs ($) on the air intake housings flanking his cockpit. When combined with the other Combaticons, Swindle is nominally [[Bruticus (G1)#Universe (2008)|Bruticus Maximus]]'s right leg, though he can be used in any other limb position.

:He was only available as part of the ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus [[giftset]], which also contains [[Vortex (G1)#Universe (2008)|Vortex]], another redeco of the same sculpt used for Swindle. The ''Universe'' version of the giftset was initially intended to be released as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States, but ultimately ended up being only available in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, American markets eventually received a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this giftset (with no changes to the toys themselves) in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging (thereby creating new [[live-action film series]] [[Swindle (ROTF)|Swindle]] and [[Vortex (Movie)|Vortex]] characters), exclusively available at Target stores in the United States and at Zellers stores in Canada.

:This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Topspin (Classics)#Toys|Topspin]], as well as the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' versions of Swindle (see [[#United|below]]) and [[Vortex (G1)#United|Vortex]]. Another planned redeco, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Reverb (Movie)#Toys|Reverb]], was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetSwindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Universe'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!''===
[[File:TF-Henkei-Deluxe-Detritus.jpg|upright=.66|thumb|Hey, [[Shortround (Cybertron)|you!]] Can I interest you in an unreleased Transformers toy?]]
*'''Swindle'''? (Deluxe Class, <s>200?</s>)
:*''Accessories'': Missile launcher

:A redeco of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class [[Hound (G1)/toys#Univ2008Dx|Autobot Hound]] in Swindle colors (with a deco layout based on [[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|''Henkei! Henkei!'']] [[Hound (G1)/toys#Henkei! Henkei!|Hound]]), with a Decepticon insignia, was displayed as part of an exhibit at [[Transformers Expo]] in 2014, including a seemingly unchanged [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ravage]].<ref name="tfexpo1">[https://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/tf-expo-pics-masterpiece-star-saber-in-color-and-more-180923/ "TF Expo Pics - Masterpiece Star Saber In Color and More!"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="tfexpo2">[https://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/tf-expo-pics-part-2-g1-prototypes-movie-props-and-more-masterpiece-180925/ "TF Expo Pics Part 2 - G1 Prototypes, Movie Props, and More Masterpiece!"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="tfexpo3">[https://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/tf-expo-pics-part-4-prototypes-and-figure-displays-from-diaclone-g1-g2-beast-wars-180933/ "TF Expo Pics Part 4 - Prototypes and Figure Displays from Diaclone, G1, G2, Beast Wars"] at TFW2005.</ref>
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number:'' '''16'''

:A reissue of the original G1 Swindle toy at first sight, this toy is actually a redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Rollbar retool of the sculpt. This version of Swindle was only available as part of a Bruticus gift set released under [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line of reissues.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy-RetailSwindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|(''Hasbro Version Pictured'')]]
[[File:TF-Generations-JP-TG06-Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember folks, always stay gold. With a bang. (''TakaraTomy Version Pictured'')]]
*'''Swindle''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Series/number'': '''01/#005'''
**'''PART 4 OF 5!'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TG06'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 26]], [[2013]]
**''Accessories'': Blaster
{{repurposed|as=versions of Generation 1 Swindle|toy=''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toys of "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]" [[Swindle (FOC)#FOCDeluxe|Swindle]]|plural|by=various sources beginning|year=2013}}

:A [[redeco]] of Swindle from the [[Bruticus (WFC)#FOCDeluxe|Decepticon Bruticus]] gift set was available individually alongside his fellow Combaticons as part of the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]''-themed 2012-onwards Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' assortment. These versions of the Combaticons replace the [[show-accuracy|game-accurate]], [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired decos with more "flashy" colors apparently homaging the color scheme of [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]]. Swindle replaces the ocher from his gift set release with a bright shade of yellow.

:Aside from the colors, mass retail Swindle is identical to the version from the Decepticon Bruticus gift set.

:The Takara release of Swindle has the yellow plastic from Hasbro's release covered in a gold paint. He features more game-accurate colors, including a painted purple visor, more detailed shoulderpads, and silver feet.

:Unsurprisingly for an Aligned toy inspired by Generation 1, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Swindle was used in multiple Generation 1-based stories, with the Hasbro deco [[Swindle (G1)#Starscream's New Power|appearing]] in the short comic "[[Starscream's New Power]]" and the TakaraTomy deco [[Swindle (G1)#Transformers: All Spark|appearing]] in the ''[[Transformers: All Spark]]'' manga series and the ''[[Transformers Cloud]]'' stories.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Swindle/swindle.htm More information on retail Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United Bruticus Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*'''Bruticus''' ([[November 7]], [[2012]])
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has colours similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a greater emphasis on G1-accuracy. Swindle is monochromatic compared to the previous release, replacing the sand and brown plastic with a uniform tan colour scheme. Additionally, the quad blaster/combined mode foot/hand previously cast in translucent coloured plastic is now opaque grey, though his energon star remains red.
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:BotShots Swindle.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Combaticons''' (Multi-pack, 2013?)
**''Number'': '''T0??'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
***''Fist strength'':
***''Blaster strength'':
***''Sword strength'': '''537'''

:A redeco of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Bot Shots|Ironhide]], Swindle automatically transforms from spoiler-equipped pickup truck to robot when a sharp impact is applied to his front end. He was to be sold in a five-pack with [[Onslaught (G1)#Bot Shots|Onslaught]], [[Brawl (Movie)#5Pack|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Blast Off (G1)#Bot Shots|Blast Off]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Bot Shots|Vortex]], but this never saw release.

:This mold was also used to make [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)#Bot Shots|Super Bot Dirt Boss]] and [[Hound (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Blitz Shot Autobot Hound]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-toy SwindleKreon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Sneaky little bastard. He probably rips open blind-packs at the store and sells the contents for double the price.]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, [[2013]])
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
**''Pieces'': '''79'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:[[Kreon]] Swindle can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a jeep. He can also contribute his bricks to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Kre-O|Bruticus]]. He was only available as part of the Bruticus [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, part of the first assortment of Combiners available.

:Interestingly, he is the only one in the set to be based on his original [[Character model|animation model]], with his fellow Kreon Combaticons painted to resemble their original toys instead.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OSwindle/swindle.htm More information on Swindle at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)
**''Set number'': '''B6425'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol

:In 2016, Dollar General stores in the US got a three-pack of [[Superion (G1)#Kre-O|Superion]], Bruticus, and [[Menasor (G1)#Kre-O|Menasor]] that sold for a mere $14. Given the original kits retailed at $10 apiece, wow. While a couple of the Kreons inside had small changes, Swindle was one of the ones identical to his original release.
{{--}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CW-toy Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hey, a swindler remolded from a rook! Geddit? Geddit?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle''' (Deluxe Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Gun, double-barreled gun/fist/foot
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released as part of wave 5 of the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Deluxe Class figures, Swindle is a heavy [[retool]] of ''Combiner Wars'' [[Rook (CW)#Toys|Rook]], featuring a significant alternate mode alteration to look like a teched-out military SUV. He comes with a three-barreled minigun-rifle and a hand/foot/gun for limb mode. Later versions of Swindle featured a [[variant#Running changes|running change]] in the form of a slight retool to his smaller weapon, adding nubs to its end allowing it to attach over his shoulder (for [[Hound (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Hound]], his later retool). If the seat and steering wheel visible in his alt-mode are intended for humans, his jeep is supposed to be [[scale#|the same size]] as Brawl's tank.

:Being a ''Combiner Wars'' figure, Swindle can combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Combaticons]] to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Combiner Wars|Bruticus]] as either an arm or a leg. He can also combine with any ''Combiner Wars''-style Voyager Class figure or even form one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber's]] legs. He has a 5mm post accessible in his combiner leg mode that allows a ''Combiner Wars'' [[Scrounge (G1)#Combiner Wars|Scrounge]] or a ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Cosmos (G1)#Titans Return|Cosmos]] to attach as a shin guard.

:Unfortunately, due to the internal molding of his shins, repeatedly transforming Swindle will eventually create horizontal scratch marks across the hip joints. Swindle also has a hard time holding together solidly; when squeezing his legs together for vehicle mode, the vehicle mode front angles down. When tabbing the hood section into the legs, it pops the legs apart, but straightens up the front of the vehicle. The details between the arms, the hood section, and the legs also never line up completely in vehicle mode. It is entirely likely that this is all caused by the aforementioned internal molding of the shins.

[[File:UWSwindlePrototype.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left|Don't worry, I know where I can get a better gun.]]

:An early "gray model" resin [[prototype]] of Swindle featured a different version of his handheld weapon with a single, large barrel. Images of this appeared in both the Japanese ''[[Figure Ō]]'' magazine,<ref name="figureoh216">[https://web.archive.org/web/20180611031701/https://www.allspark.com/2016/01/figure-king-215-216-hi-res-transformers-scans-unite-warriors-blast-off-mp-primal/ Figure Oh! 216 scans] at The Allspark (via the Internet Archive).</ref> and the behind-the-design "On Deck Genesis" section in the back of ''Combiner Wars'' Swindle's pack-in comic, which also featured early sketches of the figure wielding the same weapon. Very early solicitations of ''Unite Warriors'' Bruticus also displayed Swindle with this weapon. These are the only instances this version of his weapon have ever been used, as the gray model prototype on display at [[Wonder Festival]] 2016 Winter, the official promotional Hasbro CG render for the ''Combiner Wars'' figure and all [[stock photography|stock photo]]s for both the ''Combiner Wars'' and the ''Unite Warriors'' version depict the regular weapon.

:In the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, Swindle came in English-only packaging including a copy of "''Combiner Wars'' #4" (actually [[City on Fire|''Robots in Disguise'' #12]]). In Canada, Latin America, and Europe, he was available in different types of [[multilingual packaging]] including a character card featuring his comic book cover/[[package art]] instead. He and the last three waves of Combiner Wars Deluxe and Voyager figures later showed up at TJ Maxx at reduced prices with the collector card.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWSwindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{CWRookMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|G2BruticusSet}}
[[File:CW-toy Swindle G2.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Orange you glad my colors are inaccurate?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Gun, double-barreled gun/fist/foot

: The entire ''Combiner Wars'' Combaticon team was redecoed into close approximations of their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors; Swindle turned out more a reddish-orange than the more pure-red of the "original", plus his optics are red rather than his normal spiffy purple. Unfortunately, he still has the original Decepticon faction symbol, not the ''Generation 2'' style one.

: This version of the team was only available as a large boxed set, which also included a ''Generation 2''-ish version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#CWG2|Shockwave]]. This was the fourth of five different combiner "Collection Pack" box sets, which were "shared exclusives" sold by numerous online retailers... though many ultimately ended up at US discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Swindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Generation 2 Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW07-Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''Accessories'': Gun, double-barreled gun/fist/foot

:''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Swindle is a redeco of the ''Combiner Wars'' mold in a color scheme based on his cartoon appearance, most obviously by painting his lower torso and hood purple and his face silver. He also features additional paint details on places like his hands and rims, and his hand-foot-gun is cast in the same yellow as his body. Swindle was sold only in a multi-pack with the other Combatrons. As with the G2 Bruticus set, Swindle does not use the retooled blaster from the later releases of the mold.

:As a Deluxe Class ''Unite Warriors'' figure, he can combine to form the leg or arm of any combiner from Hasbro's ''Combiner Wars'' subline or any ''Unite Warriors'' figure, but would usually be associated with [[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|Bruticus]].
{{CWRookMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:AOTP-Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Sorry, no discounts!"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combaticon Swindle''' (Voyager Class, [[2026]])}} </ul>
:*'''5 of 5: [[Bruticus (G1)#Age of the Primes|Bruticus]]'''
:*''Accessories:''
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMdjxMNBa7k Footage of the joint Hasbro/McFarlane Toys/Iron Studios panel] at [[CCXP#2025|CCXP 2025]] with [[Nate Purswell]] and [[Emily Bader]], recorded at the "Oficina dos Joes" YouTube channel</ref>

:Released in 2026 in the second Voyager wave of that year's ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' line, Combaticon Swindle transforms from a cartoon-accurate robot mode to a vehicle with the front half of an unlicensed approximation of the cartoon's Willys Jeep and the back half of the original toy's FMC XR311.

:Much like his fellow Combaticon [[Brawl_(G1)#Age_of_the_Primes|Brawl]], Swindle is a Voyager class figure. This bumped-up price point permits additional complexity, largely in service of the combined Bruticus. The most noticable addition is a small trailer (with some detail from the one he uses in [[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]) to tow in vehicle mode, which transforms into a giant blaster for Bruticus to wield.

:As is standard for post-[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron]] combiner components, Swindle is designed to slot into a frame included with Commander [[Onslaught (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticon Onslaught]] to become a leg. The ankle tilt being built inside this figure means that ''un''like prior Generations combiners, he only works as the ''right'' leg.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Bruticus and Defensor.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb]]
*'''Guardian & Bruticus Set''' ([[December]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''71 & 72'''

:Released as part of the tenth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "[[Defensor (G1)|Guardian]]" (with his components [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Groove (G1)|Groove]], and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]) and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (with ''his'' components [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], Swindle and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#71|Translation of Defensor's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
===Blokees===
====Defender Version====
[[File:Blokees-TF-DV05-Swindle-vehicle.jpg|thumb|250px|On his way to sell Special Armor Types with the highest possible prices!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle (Vehicle)''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 05 - Traitor to Tyranny'''

:Released as part of the fifth wave of the ''Defender Version'' line of blind boxes, this [[Blokees]] kit of Swindle is molded in his jeep form. Like the Constructicon vehicles, Swindle features two combiner hardpoints for [[Bruticus_(G1)#Blokees|Bruticus]].
{{--}}

====Blokees Wheels====
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle''' (Blokees Wheels, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Blokees Wheels Transformers 01 - Roll Out!'''
:*''Pull rate:'' 1/12

:Part of the first wave of the Blokees Wheels series of blind-boxed 1/64-scale vehicles, this Swindle model kit is a generic Jeep. His turret rotates and his windshield can fold down. While everything else is molded in ABS plastic, the main vehicle shell is made out of "2.5x density" Solidex to evoke the feeling of die-cast cars like [[Hot Wheels]]. He uses the same universal Chassis Connector as the rest of the lineup, and his open top allows the chase kits' driver figures to sit inside.
:Swindle shares a mold with his wavemate [[Hound (G1)/toys#Blokees Wheels|Hound]], just with a slightly different turret and front bumper.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*The [[character model]]s of the Combaticons are kinda... okay, heavily made-up. Swindle is particularly glaring, as his original 1986 toy was based on an {{w|FMC XR311|XR311}} combat vehicle (a predecessor to the {{w|High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle|AM General Humvee}}), whereas his character model was a much smaller Jeep, including a Jeep front on his robot chest, which the fiction has stuck with ever since. [[:File:G1OddCombat.jpg|Early models of the team]] which were a bit more accurate to the toys—except for the heads, oddly enough—have shown up in various sourcebooks, though Swindle's is still off in some very odd ways.
*Swindle is the only Combaticon that doesn't have a faceplate or visor. Perhaps he sold it?
*In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Swindle's vice is, predictably enough, his Greed.
*Unlike his fellow Combaticons, Swindle [[:File:A better tomorrow Swindle Sky Byte.jpg|did not notably sport]] a redesign in "season 1" of the 2012 ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series based on [[Swindle (FOC)|his Aligned counterpart]]'s [[:File:FOC-Swindlecap.jpg|video game model]] in [[High Moon Studios]]' ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]''.
*The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] toy depicted the Combaticons in new color schemes, despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Swindle''' (スィンドル ''Swindoru'')
*''French:'' '''Filou''' (Canada, "Swindler")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Svindli''' ("Spoof")
*''Italian:'' '''Crasher'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Zhàpiàn''' (诈骗, "Swindle")
*''Russian:'' '''Fingal''' (Фингал, "Black Eye")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Vígaro'''

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:G1OddCombat.jpg
File:EuroClassicsCombaticons.jpg
File:CW Swindle cvr.jpg|''Combiner Wars'' comic packaging art
File:EW-skin-Swindle-G2.jpg|''Earth Wars'' ''Generation 2''-themed skin
File:Transformers 2023 14 2nd Ptg Cover B.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Alternators Decepticons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Merchants]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Decepticons]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Swindle (G1)