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Whirl (G1)

2013-12-21T03:59:03Z

FortMax Prime: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Whirl}}
:''Whirl is an [[Autobot]] [[Deluxe Vehicle]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:G1Whirl boxart.jpg|300px|thumb|Whirl enjoys making hand puppets in his own image.]]

[[Units of time|Vorns]] before [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] coined the phrase "Sometimes crazy works", '''Whirl''' was living it in action. Whirl believes that, logically speaking, insanity makes an extremely effective weapon. Enemies flee in terror before the absolutely insane maneuvers he pulls on the battlefield. His extreme maneuverability in helicopter mode lets him spin, bob, weave, dive, and bank like someone totally out of control. Or totally out of his mind.

Needless to say, Whirl is a rather reckless fighter and can take damage because of it. He's okay with that, because he absolutely LOVES his job...perhaps a little ''too'' much. Many of Whirl's comrades remain unsure if his wild behavior is truly an affectation, or if his increasingly-fleeting displays of rationality are actually the facade hiding a troubled psyche.

Whirl is (or was) a member of the elite [[Wrecker]]s unit.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
Whirl was a member of the elite Wreckers unit under the command of [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]. Alongside [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], he accompanied his commander as Impactor argued with [[Xaaron]] over [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]' trip to [[Earth]] to investigate the disappearance of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]].

[[File:Whirl copter Target 2006.jpg|left|250px|thumb|This is one choppah you cannot get to.]]
Later, the Wreckers continued preparing for [[Operation: Volcano]], an attempt to eliminate some of the [[Decepticon|Decepticons']] [[Ten Deadliest Killers|deadliest killers]]. During the simulation, Whirl demonstrated his trademark aerial combat style to draw fire away from his teammates. As the simulation concluded, Impactor decided that without Ultra Magnus' support, the operation would basically become a suicide mission for the Wreckers. Whirl and the others agreed with him and Impactor left to tell Xaaron that the Wreckers were bowing out of Volcano. Taking some downtime, Whirl, Roadbuster, and [[Twin Twist]] went to [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] to unwind. While Roadbuster and Twin Twist were having uneasy feelings about the decision to ditch Volcano, Whirl seemed fine with it, pointing out that it was only logical and no one would say that they were in the wrong. Their discussion was interrupted when they noticed [[Fang]], a Decepticon who began bullying a [[Piano Transformer guy|smaller Transformer]] in the place. Twin Twist violently intervened, realizing that as Autobots, it was their duty to always do their best to stop the Decepticons. His sudden revelation seemed to energize Whirl and Roadbuster, and after Impactor was convinced by Xaaron to go through with Operation: Volcano, the rest of the Wreckers eagerly volunteered.

[[File:Target 2006 Whirl Roadbuster Do It.jpg|250px|thumb|My face is down here, Roadbuster...I think.]]
Unfortunately, Operation: Volcano failed when most of the targeted Decepticons were unknowingly ordered clear of the ambush by [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. Only [[Macabre]] went ahead and attempted to assassinate Xaaron, shooting and mortally-wounding Impactor instead. Whirl and the rest of the Wreckers immediately gunned Macabre down in retaliation. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

Later, Whirl was seen alongside Ultra Magnus and his fellow Wreckers on a hunt for a Decepticon spy posing as Optimus Prime. This was revealed, thanks to the efforts of [[Outback (G1)|Outback]], to be a product of Decepticon misinformation and Prime was welcomed back into the fold. {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[File:Whirl Triton Peace.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Hands, glorious hands!]]
In an alternate version of [[2510]], Whirl and the Wreckers led the final Autobot offensive against Decepticon held territory, bringing the war to a close. At the ceremony where he officially announced the end of the war, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] chose to make [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], leader of the Wreckers, his successor as Autobot leader and carrier of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]]. One Autobot named [[Triton]] objected to the idea, though: he said Springer was a fighter, not a tactician, and Ultra Magnus would be a better leader for a world at peace. Whirl took offense to Triton putting down his commanding officer, and shoved the little guy in the back, asking where was his "precious Ultra Magnus" when the Wreckers were winning the war? Triton struck back, and the situation turned from bad to worse as the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] sided with Ultra Magnus against the Wreckers. Shots were fired, battle lines were drawn, and a new war picked up where the old one left off. Tragically, it seems no one took the time to examine Triton's fallen body, and the hidden Decepticon insignia on his chest. The last act of the last Decepticon was to see that there would never truly be peace on Cybertron. {{storylink|Peace}}
{{-}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{noterg1}}
[[File:Whirl LooseEnds2.jpg|150px|thumb|]]
Along with the other [[Wrecker]]s Whirl voted to follow [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s plan to leave Cybertron to visit the other planets touched by the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] and so they hitched a ride with [[Berko]]'s [[Cosmic Carnival]] to Earth. Whirl looked on in horror as their surveillance drones showed a devastated planet, and worse still—Megatron! Before any of the Wreckers could react, the Decepticon promptly launched nuclear warheads at their shuttle, apparently destroying it. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 1}}

The Wreckers managed to make it to Earth's surface in escape pods, and Whirl was sent to survey the ruined planet. He spied an incoming horde of [[Zombie|reanimated Decepticons]] sent by Megatron and reported back to the others. The Wreckers' priority then became to get a message back to Cybertron about the situation on Earth. They eventually found the [[Deep Space Network]] located in [[Goldstone]], and put a plan into action to utilize its radio transmitter to send a distress call. Whirl joined Kup and Springer in making a break for the facility while the other Wreckers distracted Megatron's forces. They succeeded in sending their message to Cybertron, but Kup was captured in the process. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 2}}

The Wreckers soon encountered [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Circuit Smasher]]—formerly Spike Witwicky, one of the last vestiges of resistance on Megatron's conquered Earth. Despite some initial hostility on his part, the Wreckers were soon invited to [[Argus Base]], the human resistance's headquarters. On the way there, Whirl asked Spike how things had gotten so bad on Earth. Spike filled them in on the tale of Megatron's rise and humanity's fall. After arriving at Argus Base and convening with the leader of the resistance, [[G.B. Blackrock]], the Wreckers agreed to aid them in destroying Megatron's chief power base—the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 3}}

Whirl embarked on a rescue mission with Springer and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] to retrieve Kup and also to divert Megatron's forces from the assault on the Ark. While Sandstorm considered the plan to be "reckless suicide", Whirl cheerfully voiced his approval of it. They soon encountered Megatron's air defenders, and experienced trouble fighting them, as the undead Decepticons apparently no longer felt any pain. While Whirl managed to fly circles around [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] for a bit, he was eventually shot down. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 4}}

After returning to Cybertron, Whirl was present with the other Wreckers as they attempted to defuse a tense situation between civilians on a main highway road. They failed and it erupted into a brawl. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Two}} He later participated in an attack on [[Fort Scyk]] to root out [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s cell of Decepticon insurgents, but was flung through the air when the whole place exploded. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Three}}
{{-}}

===Milton Bradley mini-comic===
Whirl was among the Autobots under [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s command who launched in the [[Ark (G1)|ark]] to clear a path through an asteroid belt. When the Decepticons attacked the ship, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] sent it crashing into [[Earth]], knocking everyone aboard offline. Four million years later, they were repaired when the ship's systems were reactivated by a volcanic eruption. {{storylink|In the Transformers}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics===
[[File:War and Peace 4 RoadbusterWhirl.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"RAGH, WHIRL NOT IN [[The Transformers (cartoon)|CARTOON]]!! MENASOR REMOVE FROM STORY!"]]
When the Autobots split into multiple factions after the disappearance of their leaders, Whirl joined Springer's group, known as the Wreckers. During the Dark Ages of Cybertron, he participated in an attack against [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Much later, during [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s rule of Cybertron, Whirl continued with the Wreckers, now a small unit of Autobots dedicated to keeping the peace wherever (and however) necessary. When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] released the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] from their imprisonment in Cybertron's [[Detention Banks]], the Wreckers were sent in to deal with the escapees. Unfortunately, both Whirl and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] were crushed before [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] brought down the Stunticons' combined form, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. {{storylink|War and Peace}}
{{-}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
{{ongoing}}

[[File:Interiors WhirlPreEmpurataFlashback.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
{{quote|Twice voted "Autobot most likely to defect".|{{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|''Meet The Crew''}}}}

In the pre-war era, under the reign of [[Nominus Prime]], Whirl was a member of the [[Aerial Corps]]. Dissatisfied with his lot, Whirl managed to accomplish what was thought impossible, defying the function he was created with and actually changing professions to become a watchmaker. And Whirl was ''good'' at what he did—so good, unfortunately, that local criminal elements demanded a cut of his profits. When he refused, their enforcers the [[Heavies]] were sent to destroy his business, leaving Whirl destitute and roaming the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], where he hung out with a bad crowd and started getting into fights. His combat prowess caught the attention of the [[Senate]]'s agents, who press-ganged a reluctant Whirl into their service. Whirl was made to do despicable things in the Senate's employ. {{storylink|Interiors}} When he tried to resist, he was put through the barbaric [[empurata]] ritual, costing him his original hands and effectively neutering his watchmaking skills. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}}

[[File:Ongoing22 WhirlbeatsMegatron.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''I'M THE HERO I CAN DO WHAT I WANT!'']]
Whirl was eventually granted a position in the [[Rodion]] police force. When a rabble-rousing miner named [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] was brought in for brawling with other law enforcement officers, the Senate ordered Whirl to kill him, presumably to silence his increasingly loud voice of dissension. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} {{storylink|Interiors}} Failing to finish the job, Whirl was arrested by his captain [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]], so the Senate sent more men to free him, fearing his actions would be exposed. Their men attacked the Rodion police station and freed Whirl, but Orion Pax wouldn't stand for it and defeated them, shooting Whirl's leg off in the process. Whirl warned his captain that the Senate would not be happy if any further harm came to him, but Orion merely picked him up, went to the [[Grand Imperium]] in person and confronted the entire Senate with his actions. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 2}}

[[File:Whirl Orion Patternism.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
Due to Orion Pax's public display of Whirl's crime, the Senate had no choice but to send him to [[Garrus-1]]. After Whirl's mistreatment of Megatron in Rodion was exposed, he found himself suffering constant attacks and beatings in prison by Decepticon sympathizers. Whirl saved his one [[communicube]] call for an appropriate occasion, and found it when his former handler [[Kroma]] briefly became his cellmate. Whirl was told of an impending Senate plot involving assassination and a city-destroying bomb. He consequently used his one call to bring Orion Pax to Garrus-1, where he informed his former captain of all he had heard. While Orion initially assumed Whirl was acting out of compassion, Whirl immediately corrected him, explaining that he just wanted revenge against the Senate for mutilating, using, and abandoning him. After Orion left, Whirl was introduced to his new cellmate- [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], who promptly beat him into critical condition. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}}

Whirl eventually wound up in the [[Kaon]] Security Service, where he witnessed the full extent of what his actions had wrought, as Megatron, now convinced that violence was the only way forward, assaulted the city and slew [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], beginning the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2}} Orion Pax—now Optimus Prime—personally invited Whirl to join the Autobots before the Decepticons reached him: "forgiveness as a weapon of war", as Whirl put it. After "bouncing around a bit", he changed his name to "Jetstream" and became a flight instructor at the [[Iaconian Aerial Academy]]. {{storylink|Interiors}}

One of his most promising cadets at the academy was [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]], but he insisted on berating him in private, his verbal abuse eventually evolving into regular unprovoked beatings. After one particularly savage beating, "Jetstream" shoved Rotorstorm into the academy's newly-installed [[CR chamber]], and by the time Rotorstorm recovered, his instructor had moved to a training facility in another province. Whirl later returned to using his original name, and attended the ceremony when Rotorstorm received the [[Novic Medal for Outstanding Valor]], applauding and cheering from the front row. {{storylink|Bullets}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers4-triumphoverevil.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Category: Things That Do Not Exist.]]
Whirl eventually joined the Autobot special operations taskforce, the Wreckers. He was with the team when they triumphed in final battle over their longtime rivals [[Squadron X]] on the planet [[Pova]], only to discover they had no jurisdiction on the planet and would be required to let the Squadron go. Refusing to accept this, Wrecker leader Impactor murdered the entire squadron while Whirl looked away in apparent shame, but took no action. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}} The incident was covered up by [[Autobot High Command]], and to avoid being implicated in the crime alongside their leader, Whirl and the other Wreckers lied and told Springer that they had no idea what Impactor was planning on doing. Springer believed them and defended their inaction at Impactor's trial, also agreeing to become the new leader of the Wreckers at Whirl and the others' request. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

At some point during the war, Whirl established a rivalry with the wand-wielding Decepticon known as [[Killmaster]]. The rivalry ended when Whirl broke into a medical center where Killmaster was recharging, crushed the Decepticon's brain as he slept, and shoved his wand up his- ''AHEM!'' {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}}

[[File:Whirl copter Stormbringer4.jpg|thumb|250px|Is [[Obsidian (BM)|"Obsidianesque"]] a word?]]
Years later, Whirl was deployed with the other Wreckers to [[Varas Centralus]] to help [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]'s counter-insurgency team deal with the Decepticon [[infiltration protocol|infiltration team]] there, which had just activated Siege Mode. Partway into the battle, they were forced to pull out and return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] when news came through of the possible resurgence of [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} Arriving at their homeworld, the team saved the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] and [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] from a patrol of [[Centurion droid]]s, then joined Optimus Prime in attacking [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s secret base. Whirl and Roadbuster helped Jetfire from his imprisonment, but they were too late: Bludgeon had indeed recalled Thunderwing home. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3|Stormbringer #3}} Whirl joined Springer and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] in attacking the mindless [[Pretender]], but their weapons were disabled when he ionized the air around them, forcing them to back off. Fortunately, a team of Decepticons led by [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] arrived to supplement the Autobot forces and the day was soon won. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer #4}}

The Wreckers got a rematch with Thunderwing some time later when the denizens of the [[Dead Universe]] took control of him and stationed him on [[Corata-Vaz]] to guard one of the [[Nega-Core]]s required for their [[Expansion]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} Whirl fought hard alongside his teammates {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}} and eventually the Wreckers were able to disable the Nega-Core when [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] lost control of Thunderwing. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

During the [[Surge (event)|Surge]], when the Decepticons launched a devastating simultaneous attack against the Autobots across the galaxy—Whirl and several other Wreckers were captured by Decepticons under the command of [[Turmoil]]. [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] led an extraction team to rescue the Autobots from a Decepticon cruiser, and they were ultimately saved thanks to the efforts the former Decepticon [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

[[File:Whirl Sparkeaterweapon Interiors.jpg|220px|thumb|left|"What, ''this''? It's uhm...just his new [[Beast Hunters]] armor! Yeah, that's it."]]
Around three years later, when putting together a squad to liberate [[Garrus-9]] from the clutches of the deranged Decepticon [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]], Springer ruled Whirl out of the mission on account of his recently becoming something of a liability. {{storylink|Bullets}} The mission to Garrus-9 left Springer in a comatose state, and Whirl and Roadbuster were assigned the task of watching over him and tending to his needs until he awoke. Convinced that this was never going to happen, Whirl attempted to euthanize his leader with Roadbuster's [[Sparkeater (weapon)|Sparkeater weapon]], but was caught in the act by Roadbuster and ejected from the Wreckers by the power of "the veto"—the ability of a Wrecker to have another member of the unit removed at any time. {{storylink|Interiors}} He wound up in prison for his actions, but was released and given a "final warning" by Ultra Magnus to stay out of trouble. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

After the war was ended and Cybertron was returned to a primordial state, Whirl and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] were tasked with policing a mob of [[NAIL|neutral Transformers]] that had recently returned to Cybertron. They came upon Optimus Prime being harassed by [[Tappet|one of the mob]], and promptly began bullying the smaller neutral. Optimus Prime had to pointedly lower Whirl's gun and asked to be filled in on current events. Later, the mob revolted and dragged Whirl to the ground during the ensuing riot. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

[[File:Whirl Sweeps Liars.jpg|thumb|250px|Dear God...they're no longer mint in box!]]
Frustrated with the NAILs and having been kicked out of the Wreckers, Whirl acquired a disturbing method of stress relief: gathering up several leftover [[Sweep]] carcasses, pinning them to a wall inside a shabby structure out in Cybertron's wastelands, and apparently mutilating them. Eventually deciding that he'd had his fun, Whirl doused the ruins with fuel and bid a very creepy thank you and farewell to the remains, planning to burn it all—quite possibly, himself included. Interrupted by [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], who had misidentified the Sweeps' energy readings as those of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Whirl immediately attacked him and set the place ablaze to cover his tracks. Their battle carried them to the [[Mitteous Plateau]], where they were discovered by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], and [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]], prompting Whirl to try and pin all the blame on Cyclonus before killing him so he couldn't contradict his story. Before he could, however, a huge subterranean explosion triggered by [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] erupted beneath Whirl, heavily damaging him and knocking him offline. Figuring that Whirl was too dangerous to leave lying around, Ratchet had him brought along with Tailgate aboard the ''[[Lost Light]]'' as it left Cybertron. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:HangersOn Whirl Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|left|110px|Expressions, glorious expressions!]]
Whirl awoke in the medibay of the ''Lost Light'', his first instinct being to reach out and throttle the nearest person to him, which turned out to be [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]. Brought to his senses with the warning that he'd go back to prison if he didn't behave, Whirl left to skulk around the hallways, where he was found by Ultra Magnus and brought him into a meeting between [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and Cyclonus. Advised to make his peace with Cyclonus, Whirl continued to dodge all responsibility for starting the fight but nonetheless offered him a hand of "forgiveness", only to have Cyclonus respond by drawing him into a ''hug''... followed by a whispered threat that he would kill him at some point and the Autobot would never see it coming.

Later, Rodimus addressed the crew to update them on the situation. When he asked if there were any important questions, Whirl made a point to speak up and state that he was embarrassed to be among this group and that they at least needed a decent name. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

When a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] was reported to be loose on board the ''Lost Light'', the crew were ordered to pair off and lock themselves into habitation suites until the creature was dealt with. Being a jerk, Whirl locked himself in without waiting for his temporary roommate [[Animus]] and ignored the other Autobot's pleas to enter, resulting in his being killed by the Sparkeater. Whirl attacked the creature, but his missiles were intercepted by [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s [[force field]] to prevent the catastrophic detonation of the sparks the monster was digesting inside it. Whirl was nonplussed. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

During a therapy session with Rung, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s extra-sensitive ears overheard Whirl having a "blazing row" with...himself. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} Whirl later attempted to cheer up and advise a despondent Trailbreaker on changing his image. His advice consisted of telling Trailbreaker to change his name, always talk big of himself, and then suggested he get [[Brainstorm]] to build him a new weapon. After one of Brainstorm's inventions malfunctioned the entire crew of the ''Lost Light'', save the newly-rechristened Trail''cutter'', were temporarily frozen in place when a [[Titan Hunters|group of Decepticons]] inconveniently boarded the ship. Whirl was in the middle of watching a furious Rodimus chew Rewind out on the bridge when he was frozen, and Trailcutter was forced to use his inert body as a shield against gunfire, stealing the guns mounted on Whirl's chest to return fire. {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

[[File:Whirl Interiors yes.jpg|thumb|150px|Whirl: '''1'''. {{-}} Hostage situation: '''-2'''.]]
Not long thereafter, Whirl was having a session with Rung when recent crew addition [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] had an acute psychotic episode and went on a rampage through the ship, holing up in Rung's office and immobilizing Whirl by stabbing him to the floor with a pipe. Unfazed, Whirl taunted Maximus, trying to bait him into killing him, but Maximus only grew more curious about Whirl's mental state and reputation, and threatened Rung in order to force Whirl into telling his life story. The story provided [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] enough time to position themselves outside Rung's office and distract Maximus with a projection of his tormentor, Overlord. Whirl used the distraction to tear the pipe out of his gut, unpinning himself from the floor. When a shot intended to take Maximus out went wild and hit Rung in the head instead, Whirl took the opportunity to stab the distraught Max with the pipe, ending the hostage situation after three-plus hours. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Whirl graffiti MTMTEAnnual2012.jpg|thumb|210px|left|"Yeah well, I'll build my own spaceship! With blackjack! And hookers! In fact, forget the spaceship!"]]
Whirl joined Rodimus, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] in being shrunk down and sent to deal with a swarm of [[Nanocon]]s that had been revived within Ultra Magnus' body, where he showed some difficulty with his "no guns" orders. After Magnus smiled them to death, Whirl managed to leave some graffiti inside Ultra Magnus, a fact that he would proudly inform First Aid of during Tailgate's [[Act of Affiliation]] ceremony.

Later, Whirl was among the Autobots that were teleported to the surface of [[Theophany]] by representatives of the [[Galactic Council]]. After the group found [[Crystal City]] in ruins, Whirl openly mocked Drift's despair at seeing the desolation and was decked by the former Decepticon for his irreverence. The group ventured into the ruins and soon discovered an inert [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitan]], which had once been used to power the city. An abortive attempt by Chromedome to hack into the giant's [[brain module]] accidentally woke the Metrotitan, causing it to fire an eye-blast that hit the Council's ship, ''[[The Benign Intervention]]''. Whirl was ordered to take a team to hold off the troops sent to take revenge on the Cybertronians, with Rodimus stressing to the trigger-happy bot that there should be ''no fatalities''. Whirl and the others successfully fended off their attackers until the Autobots were all teleported back to the ''Lost Light'' by the freed Metrotitan, before the ship quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

[[File:BeforeAndAfter-WhirlLocksCyclonusIn.jpg|thumb|upright]]
Whirl declined to attend Rewind's movie night when he learned the [[Proteus|subject matter]] of the film. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} He did, however, agree to aid in Rewind's attempt to expedite Rung's mental recovery. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} Rewind brought together a group who each took turns telling their parts in a story of past events from before the war. When Whirl's turn began, he became quite agitated when Ratchet brought up the tender subject of Whirl's encounter with Megatron in Rodion. He settled down and told the others of Orion Pax's visit to Garrus-1 and what they had discussed. When Whirl mentioned that Impactor was his cellmate for awhile, Rewind became excited and posited that Impactor had earmarked Whirl then and there for the Wreckers. Whirl shot down that suggestion and admitted that he just got badly beaten-up and he and Impactor met again years later under different circumstances. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} Everyone took a break from storytelling, giving Swerve an opportunity to leave and bring back some booze. Whirl wouldn't let him back into the room without uttering the password- ''"Whirl is a million billion times tougher than Cyclonus"''. He later had fun positioning Rung's eyebrows to make the still-unresponsive psychiatrist look cross. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

When Rodimus led a mission to [[Temptoria]] to fight Decepticons, Whirl was only to happy to volunteer. Aboard the ''[[Leading Light]]'', he had Rewind record him limbering up, and joined in with some impromptu battle chants with the other Autobots. As they fought Decepticons, his attempt to bond with Cyclonus was rebuffed rather bluntly. He subsequently faked a door malfunction, trapping Cyclonus and Rewind with an exploding bomb. He apparently at least had the courtesy to take Rewind back to the ''Leading Light'', and when it turned out he had a compatible [[spark]], allowed First Aid to use him to jumpstart Rewind, earning him Chromedome's gratitude. {{storylink|Before & After}}

[[File:Whirlholomatter.jpg|left|thumb|250|]]
Whirl tagged along with Swerve's group when the crew of the ''Lost Light'' was granted leave on the planet [[Hedonia]]. He was granted a new human-based [[holomatter]] avatar, which he seemed to approve of based solely on the fact that it carried weapons. When the group found a Transformer-friendly bar, Whirl got Ultra Magnus black-out drunk after slipping him a drink containing weapons-grade [[Nucleon]], much to everyone's chagrin. While waiting for Magnus to regain consciousness, the group played "the nemesis game", each sharing their own personal arch-enemies. Whirl named the deceased Killmaster as his, and proceeded to describe the graphic nature of how he ended their rivalry before being cut off by Rung. When Magnus began to stir, the group left Swerve to deal with him and took a trip to a nearby gift shop. Whirl opted to remain outside and continually bang his head against a display case- something he felt relieved pressure on his brain. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} {{storylink|Signal to Noise}}

Sometime later, the group encountered a group of [[Ammonite|Ammonites]]- a mechanical race similar to Transformers who were entangled in a long and bitter war with their hated foes, the [[Terradore|Terradores]]. Whirl and Skids engaged in a bit of a "my war is bigger than yours" contest with them, with the Ammonites outclassing them in most categories. When [[Imperius Drax]], the leader of the Terradores unexpectedly entered the same bar as them, Whirl took it upon himself to show the Ammonites a thing or two about war. He walked up to chat with Drax, things escalated, and then Whirl simply killed the guy. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

Ultra Magnus was still out cold when they returned to check on him, so Whirl hatched a plan to get him back in time for pick-up. He ferried the others to the shuttle, then they projected their holomatter avatars back to the bar to drive Magnus' vehicle mode through an organics-only section. While forcing Magnus into vehicle mode proved difficult, they eventually managed it and drove him home. Whirl admitted to the others that, difficulties aside, he had a fun time. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}}

Whirl was among those interviewed for Rewind's documentary, "Little Victories". A "Person You'd Like To Punch" theme night at [[Swerve's]] had an overwhelming majority of people who attended pick Whirl. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] allowed Whirl to vent some frustration and blow up a few asteroids in the ''Lost Light'''s path. They were interrupted by [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]], who wanted to record a message to send back to Cybertron whenever Blaster managed to repair the subspace communications channel. Whirl and Blaster would be the last Autobots to see Pipes alive, as the hapless [[Mini Vehicle|Minibot]] was murdered by [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] minutes later. Having escaped from his cell underneath the ''Lost Light'', Overlord was quickly discovered and dozens of Autobots threw themselves into battle with him. For Whirl's part, he only managed to be used as a club and smashed into [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] during the fight. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} In the aftermath, Whirl attended the funeral of those who lost their lives fighting Overlord and engaged in some speculation with Swerve and Skids over what was in Brainstorm's ever-present briefcase. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

When a search for the abducted Ultra Magnus led the ''Lost Light'' to discover the long-missing [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], Rodimus asked Whirl to be part of an advance landing party. Finding the "miracle moon" to be a hot spot seething with newborn [[Spark|sparks]], Tailgate asked the others to define for him the difference between being "forged" and being "constructed cold". When Chromedome identified himself as someone who had been constructed cold, Whirl couldn't help but point out that he himself had been forged and "perfected" in a hot spot just like the one they were standing in. Shortly thereafter, the group was attacked by [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]]'s [[Titan Hunters]], forcing Whirl and the others to flee from superior numbers. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} Retreating didn't sit well with Whirl, and he invited Cyclonus to join him in a counterattack on their pursuers. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}}

Their attack was successful only in that they didn't get captured along with the others. Whirl couldn't help himself in claiming that he had killed more Decepticons than Cyclonus during the battle. On smelling the enriched Nucleon of a nearby armory close to a jail suspended over a [[smelting pool]], Whirl was eager to organise a jailbreak to free Rodimus and Co.
[[File:Whirl Cyclonus TheDividedSelf.jpg|thumb|300px|right||"You know what I keep thinking about, Cyclonus? You know the end of Butch Cassidy? Redford and Newman are almost out of ammunition, and the whole Bolivian army is out in front of this little hut?"{{-}} "Whirl, I'm going to make you pay for this."]]

In company with a far more cautious Cyclonus, Whirl found that he couldn't open the armory door due to his unwieldy claws and needed Cyclonus to help him. Occupied with the door mechanism, Cyclonus inquired of Whirl why he never had his empurata features "fixed". Whirl replied that he was messed up, that he had done and would continue to do bad things. While he remained angry about his mutilations, he was insulated against the voice of his conscience. If fixed he "really would be screwed". In the spirit of ''quid pro quo'' Whirl tried to ask Cyclonus about the gashes on his face, but the reply was lost when a stealthy [[Legislator|Legislator]] stabbed Cyclonus through the midriff with his sword.

Fortunately, Whirl (or unfortunately for Whirl) he fought Cyclonus's attacker off so that Cyclonus could remove the blade without too much injury. The pair then teamed up with other rescued prisoners, [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] and the remaining survivors of the ill fated [[Circle_of_Light|Circle of Light]], just as an army of Legislators attacked en masse. Whirl asked Cyclonus to call off his previous death threats if they made it out of the fight alive as they rushed into battle wielding [[Great Sword|Great Swords]] procured from the armory. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}

In the middle of the battle Whirl noticed something very unusual about Cyclonus' Great Sword, it was, in Whirl's words, "frikkin nuclear-powered", glowing with light and cutting a swathe through the attacking Legislator army. Cyclonus had a surprisingly deep connection with his sword for a novice, as only Dai Atlas could manage a similar feat with his own sword. Dai Atlas suggested to Whirl that "your friend is clearly ''devout''". Whirl was more surprised by the use of the word "friend" than the rest of Atlas' explanation.

However much headway they were making, it wasn't fast enough for Cyclonus. Cyclonus' rather obtuse comment of being "needed elsewhere" made Whirl respond cattily that he was dragging their battle out for fun, that he’d just finish up himself. Dai Atlas asked Cyclonus if Whirl was being sarcastic, and Cyclonus replied that he didn't believe that even Whirl knew. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

Whirl and the surviving members of the Circle of Light continued to fight the Legislators, but they were eventually overwhelmed. Moments from being killed, Whirl was saved when Chief Justice [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] called all remaining Legislators to his position. In the battle's aftermath, Whirl and Cyclonus conferred on the edge of the smelting pool. A heavily-damaged and unable-to-fly Whirl asked Cyclonus if he was still willing to let bygones be bygones in regards to their mutual death threats against one another. Despite briefly entertaining a fantasy of shoving Whirl into the pool, a preoccupied Cyclonus agreed and departed.

Later aboard the ''Lost Light'', Whirl would reveal that Dai Atlas had commented on the unnatural strength of Cyclonus's spark- demonstrated while Cyclonus was wielding a Great Sword. Atlas had wondered if Cyclonus had the spark of a newborn with the intense energy he was producing. Relaying this information to Cyclonus, Whirl indirectly helped save Tailgate's life, as Cyclonus consequently used his excess spark energy to revitalize his dying roommate. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}}

[[File:Whirl fightfightfight BlackMetal.jpg|left|thumb|300px|]]

The ''Lost Light'' received a distress call from Orion Pax and headed to [[Gorlam Prime]]. They rescued the ''[[Skyroller]]'' from the collapsing planet's gravity well and welcomed Orion and his crew aboard. Whirl derived amusement from [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]'s outright hostility toward Cyclonus. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} Later, when Orion and Rodimus were looking for volunteers to journey into the [[Dead Universe]], Hardhead took another verbal potshot at Cyclonus. Whirl was gleeful at first, but then disappointed when they didn't come to blows. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

{{-}}

==Games==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
Whirl was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1Whirl toy.jpg|250px|thumb|Shockwave's younger brother? Only in the wild world of [[Fan fiction|fanfic]]s.]]
*'''Whirl''' (Deluxe Vehicle, 1985)
**''Accessories'': "Null-Ray Module", "[[Paralyzo box]]", "Photon Beam Rifle", "Shell Cannon"

:Whirl transforms into a light blue Cybertronian attack helicopter, similar to a Bell [[Wikipedia:AH-1 Cobra|AH-1 Cobra]]. In this mode, he has two wing-mounted weapons installed: a Gatling-like "Shell Cannon" and a four-tube "Photon Beam Rifle".

:In robot mode, Whirl is unusual in that he appears quite different from the other Transformers in the line at the time. He has no humanoid hands; instead, his arms end in a pair of mechanical pincers. A "[[Null-ray|Null-Ray]] Module" cannon can be fitted over either pincer, while his "Paralyzo-Box" weapon slides onto the fin on his right leg.

:There is a variation in the construction of his canopy; while most are smooth and featureless, some have raised "cage" outlines on the edges.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Whirl/whirl.htm More information on Whirl at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Classics===
[[File:ClassicsWhirl toy.jpg|250px|thumb|Am I blue? Am I blue? Ain't these tears in my eye tellin' you?]]
*'''Autobot Whirl''' (Legends, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Rotor blade

:A [[redeco]] of ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' [[Evac (Cybertron)#Cybertron|Evac]], Whirl transforms into a blue Eurocopter Dauphin rescue helicopter. A ''heavily'' simplified version of the Voyager-class Evac toy, his vehicle mode has a back mounted (non-firing) twin missile launcher which is carried onto his robot mode, and he is also armed with a rotor blade on his left arm which can rotate, but does not spin freely.

:In terms of articulation, he has ball-jointed hips and knees and can rotate his arms, although the arms can otherwise barely move beyond pointing straight down due to his ball-jointed shoulders being blocked by plastic.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Blades (G1)#LOC|Blades]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/ClassicsWhirl/whirl.htm More information on ''Classics'' Whirl at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Generations===
*'''Autobot Whirl''' (Voyager, 2014)
[[Image:Whirl generations voyager.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Not as super-unvincible as people were hoping.]]
: Whirl is heavily styled after his Generation 1 toy, right down to replicating sticker detail, but sports a more curved head and reverse knee "chicken legs" which evoke (but do not match) his appearance in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''. He also features an official "GERWALK mode". Just as with his original toy, he has a pair of mechanical pincers which a weapon similar to his "Null-Ray Module" cannon can be fitted over.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[File:3DBattleCard Whirl.jpg|thumb|300px| Soi soi soi soi]]
*'''Whirl''' (2007)

:A 30-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Whirl "transforms" into a blue helicopter. He uses the same parts layout as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Evac (Movie)|Evac]], and [[Vortex (Energon Wars)|Vortex]].
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Both [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s were licensed from [[Takatoku Toys]] by [[Hasbro]] for inclusion in the 1985 line, and hence were not included in the Japanese line, the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], or the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|US Marvel comics]]. Whirl was originally the "Oberon Gazette" from the ''Armored Trooper Dorvack'' toyline, although the toy's dark and light blues were inverted for the ''Transformers'' release.
*In recent years, toys sporting the name "Whirl" require an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Whirl'''".
*Poor Whirl never got a printed ''[[The Transformers Universe|Transformers Universe]]'' bio. One was written though, and finally revealed to the fans on [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2011/01/extended-bio-whirl.html ''Disciples of Boltax''] in 2011.
*Whirl is possibly the most influential character in the entire [[IDW timeline|IDW Generation 1 continuity]], as Megatron explicitly points to him as the one who "taught" him how to hate and use violence instead of peaceful means; without that, no [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. Of course, the Senate had pressed him into service and it was the Senate that Megatron was initially rebelling against, but ultimately, it was Whirl's influence on Megatron that caused him to rebel with violence. Thanks, buddy.

===Foreign names===
*''French:'' '''Tourbillon''' (Canada, "Whirlwind")

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]

Super Energon

2013-11-02T07:37:18Z

FortMax Prime: /* Energon cartoon */

:''Super Energon is a variant of energon from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Wishes Super Energon.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

'''Super Energon''' is a bright blue colored [[energon]] that was hidden in the core of Cybertron. It is identified as a prophetic fuel that meant "hope" for the Transformers race.

==Fiction==
===''Energon'' cartoon===
Discovered in a pool beneath the surface of [[Cybertron|Cybertron]], Super Energon is a rarer and more potent form of Energon. This mysterious substance was used to upgrade [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], as well as increase the size of some curious [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]]. A striking trait of the fuel was that it was so powerful, it destroyed many [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] as their bodies tried to refine it into [[energon chips]].

The Super Energon also caused Galvatron to grow to planet size, serving as the new body and host of the evil [[Unicron]]. [[Primus]] used the Super Energon to create a new sun. It was completed when Galvatron, possessing the spark of Unicron, dove into it, igniting it and saving the Q-system from destruction.

===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
The Super Energon-created sun would not last forever, as the breakdown of Unicron's spark within led to a collapse and the creation of the [[Unicron Singularity]].

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Super Energon''' (スーパーエネルゴン ''Sūpā Enerugon'')

{{stub}}

[[Category:Energon]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]
[[Category:Power sources]]

Starscream (Armada)

2013-11-02T07:34:02Z

FortMax Prime: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Starscream}}
{{featured}}
{{suite}}
:''Starscream is a [[Decepticon]] and briefly [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Starscreamut.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Starscream's back, and he's a [[Linkin Park]] song.]]

'''Starscream''' is disillusioned by his leader [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. It took a while for Starscream to come to grips with Megatron's faults, but there's no turning back. Megatron doesn't respect him, doesn't appreciate him, and would casually toss Starscream's life away if it got him something he wanted. If following Megatron is the school of hard knocks, then Starscream is the valedictorian—but not without a few scars. Starscream may have once been compassionate, he may once have known what true friendship is, but all that has been replaced, scab for scab, with the lessons of Megatron's abuse.

Unwittingly, Megatron may have created a monster even he cannot ultimately control.

Starscream's nominal [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], though he has been seen to work with [[Zapmaster]].

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
[[Image:Armada V2 Starscream.jpg|left|thumb|Yes, throw the flying guy off a cliff. Great plan.]]

Starscream, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], and the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] were sent to destroy an Autobot satellite dish that could have helped detect [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. Attacking from the air, Starscream successfully destroyed the dish, then moved in to finish off [[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] up close and personal. Rollbar's partner [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] didn't take kindly to this, and plowed off Starscream off the cliff into the sea. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 2}}

Much later, Starscream battled [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], and [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] with [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Battle Ravage]]. {{Storylink|Energon Volume 2}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:StarscreamEnergon-NoExit.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Starscream is only really helpful when he can be a dick at the same time.]]
One million years ago, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s relative peace was shattered by the appearance of Megatron and his new "Decepticon" army, who captured and performed [[Mecha-sectioning|horrible experiments]] on the diminutive [[Mini-Con]]s so that they could interface with and [[Powerlinx|draw power]] from the tiny 'bots. Starscream was a member of this malevolent menagerie, one of many soldiers who followed Megatron out of greed for the power the Mini-Cons could impart upon them. When the Decepticons introduced themselves to the Cybertronian public by attacking [[Cyber City]], Starscream was there, and bested both [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] whilst augmented with the power of his Mini-Con, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. The Decepticons triumphed over [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots, but as they were gloating, Starscream discovered that the [[Decepticon Headquarters (Armada)|Decepticon base]] had been broken into, and the Mini-Cons held captive there had escaped and fled the planet. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

Years later, as the war raged on, during a Decepticons mission to seek out entrenched Autobot bunkers, Starscream noted to Megatron that even though the Decepticon leader's plans were smarter and more practical, the action-before-thought demonstrations of the warrior [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] were a greater "crowd-pleaser." Starscream warned his leader that Scorponok's antics might be seen as some as a challenge. {{storylink|No Exit}}

[[Image:DWArmada4_Starscream_jetmode.jpg|thumb|left|300px|]]
After a million years of war, during which the Mini-Con empowered Decepticons steadily conquered the planet, Starscream joined Megatron, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] in traveling to the distant world of [[Earth]] when a Mini-Con distress beacon from the planet reached Cybertron. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} While Megatron went after a group of Mini-Cons led by [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] and their newfound human friends, Starscream led the other Decepticons to a nearby military base to find suitable Earthly vehicles whose forms they could adopt. Regrouping with Megatron outside [[Science City]], Starscream downloaded Megatron's new vehicle mode into him in characteristic fashion: by suddenly stabbing him in the back with the data injector. Just as Megatron was complimenting Starscream on his choice of vehicle, the Mini-Cons came roaring by, and Starscream and Cyclonus led the chase after them, until they were stopped by the Autobots and momentarily disabled. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} [[Image:DWArmada5_Starscream_Ineednoone.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]In the ensuing fight, Starscream and Cyclonus tried to get the jump on Scavenger, until Hot Shot and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] intervened. Starscream went up against Hot Shot, but the Decepticons were forced to retreat when the Mini-Cons all powerlinked with the Autobots and the Decepticons were unable to match their power since, as Starscream pointed out Megatron had powerlinked with all their own Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

Starscream went with the Decepticons to [[Rapid City]], [[South Dakota]] to capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], but chafed at Megatron's greed and began trying to think up a way to stymie his plan to forge all three Mini-Cons into a [[Star Saber (Armada)|sword]]. Stalking the halls of their new [[Silver Ridge]], [[Nebraska]] base as he pondered the subject, he came across Sparkplug's Mini-Con group breaking into the base to rescue to the Air Defense Team and attempted to captured them, but they brought the room's ceiling generator down on him. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6|Armada #6}} By the time he had dug himself out, Megatron had completed the forging of his new "Star Saber", and Starscream joined him in attacking [[Lincoln, South Dakota]] to lure the Autobots out of hiding. Grumbling to the other Decepticons that the Megatron's latest power trip had caused him to forget about them, he decided to give their leader a reminder of their importance by instructing Megatron's Mini-Con partner [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] to disrupt his control of the Star Saber. When Megatron subsequently lost control of the blade and the Mini-Cons making it up ecaped, Starscream mocked his loss and left. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}

[[Image:DWArmada10_StarscreamThrust_whiner.jpg|thumb|left|350px|]]
When the Mini-Cons from both factions disappeared, Starscream tracked them to a strange obelisk in [[Tranquility, Kansas|Tranquility]], [[Kansas]]. Weaponry in the obelisk held Starscream back, and a battle that erupted following the Autobots' arrival distracted both sides long enough for the obelisk to blast off into space with the Mini-Cons onboard. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} The Decepticons followed the obelisk to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], where Starscream was shot down by the defense systems protecting the Mini-Con moonbase that had been built there. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} While Megatron worked on getting around the defenses, Starscream and newcomer [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] were sent back to their Silver Ridge headquarters to retrieve some equipment, griping at each other all the way. Coming across the unconscious body of Demolishor outside and realizing the Autobots had come a-calling, Starscream sprayed the base control with laser fire, unaware that the 'Bots in question had hidden themselves in the vents. A little later, as the pair were trying to figure out ''why'' the Autobots had broken in, Hot Shot and Red Alert suddenly burst from their hiding place and blasted Starscream into the computer behind him, to prevent the Decepticons from tracking the space bridge movements of Optimus Prime. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}} Megatron did eventually succeed in capturing the creators of the moonbase, the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team|Destructicon Team]], but found he could not control their power, much to Starscream's amusment. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}}

[[Image:DWArmada13_Starscream_smirk.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]

When Megatron was about to test his newest weapon, the [[Solar Scalpel]], Starscream alerted him to a shuttle of Autobots that would make the perfect guinea pigs. Starscream lambasted his leader for destroying only their shuttle, but Megatron retorted that he wanted the Autobots to see their doom coming. Starscream had the last laugh, however; [[Space Mini-Con Team]] member [[Sky Blast]] destroyed the Solar Scalpel, scuttling Megatron's plans. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[File:Armada14 clean cover.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]

Lacking the skills necessary to fix the Decepticons' malfunctioning space brige, Starscream instead went out on patrol and came upon Hot Shot and several of the Autobot Mini-Cons travelling from [[Big Sur National Park]] to [[San Francisco]] and decided to follow, unaware he himself was being followed by Thrust. Blasting the Autobots out of the sky as they arrived at the construction site, Starscream spotted an [[Over-Run (Armada)|unfamiliar Mini-Con]] and made a bid to grab him, only to be knocked unconscious by a blow from behind delivered by the mysterious [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

When Leader-1 discovered the Autobots were scanning [[transwarp|subspace]] for the absent Optimus Prime, Megatron decided to strike [[Autobase|Autobase: Earth]]. Starscream fired the opening shot in the battle that followed, destroying the computer console Red Alert was stationed at and felling Red himself, but was prevented from delivering a killing blow by Megatron, who wanted to finish off the Autobot himself. Fortunately for the Autobots, Galvatron attacked the Decepticons and handily defeated all of Megatron's lackeys. {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}}

The Decepticons eventually retreated after Megatron bested Galvatron, but were soon contacted by the returned Optimus Prime with the proposal of an alliance against Galvatron's master, the world-eating being known as [[Unicron]]. The Decepticons agreed, and everyone returned to Cybertron to prepare for the coming battle, but when Unicron appeared in the skies over their homeworld, and incredulous Starscream refused to fight, and was sure that he had seen the last of Megatron when he jetted off into the fight. As it turned out, he was right. {{Storylink|The End}}

[[File:Energon issue 33.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]

Ten years later, in the wake of the unification of Autobots and Decepticons following Unicron's defeat, Starscream had tried to ingratiate himself with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the rest of the remaining Decepticons. His wheedling didn't last long, though, as [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] showed up and promptly blasted him into an Energon ore processor, which ground his body down and smelted what remained. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}} Contrary to appearances, however, this would not be the last of Starscream: later, during the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] attack on Earth, he returned in a new form, the bizarre circumstances of his death having somehow allowed him to transcend death as an Energon "ghost" of sorts. Investigating a blast in the processing facility, Demolishor was attacked by the spectral Starscream, who drained his energy. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}}

{{note|Due to Dreamwave's subsequent bankruptcy, the ''Energon'' comic ceased publication before Starscream's story could continue. The following would have taken place in unpublished issues.}}

Seeking to absorb more and more Energon, Starscream set out looking for other Transformers to drain, and came across the ever-unfortunately [[Dropshot (Armada)|Dropshot]] being menaced by Decepticons. The 'Cons scattered at the sight of a "ghost", while Starscream drained Dropshot dry. He then targeted the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], having sensed his connection to the Energon-rich core of Cybertron and intending to feed on it through him. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 1}} After killing Over-Run, Starscream battled with the [[Omnicon]]s, and proved to be more than a match for their [[Energon weapon]]s, which only made him stronger. The Omnicons allowed Starscream to begin draining their energy, but as he did so, they merged their minds together and defeated him with combined force of will. Reverted into a solid form by this experience, Starscream fled. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}}

{{note|Starscream's murder of Over-Run would later be recounted in the cartoon-continuity [[Balancing Act|''Cybertron'' comic]], as the [[Unicron Singularity]] caused the comic and cartoon continuities to intertwine; see Starscream's [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity#Cybertron comic|cartoon article]] for details.}}
{{--}}
====''More than Meets the Eye: Armada''====
{{note|Although supposedly set in the same universe as Dreamwave's ''Armada'' comic, the ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guidebook published after the conclusion of the series contained multiple scenarios that were incompatible with the comic's story, including some points drawn from Starscream's portrayal in the ''Armada'' cartoon.}}

Starscream was originally revolted by the idea of powerlinking, but came to accept it when he realised the power the Mini-Cons could provide him. He doesn't entirely trust Swindle, suspecting he may just be "fattening him up for the kill", but knows they make a powerful team together.

According to [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], Starscream botched the first mission they went on together on Cybertron, and left him for dead in the process. Tidal Wave has carried a grudge against Starscream ever since, which was only magnified when he discovered that Starscream had allegedly developed a fondness for human beings. Starscream himself confirmed this, feeling that the small creatures had opened his mind to new ways of thinking. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye: Armada #3}}

===Cartoon continuity===
{{main|Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity}}
[[File:Armada starscream cartoon continuity.jpg|left|thumb|400px]]
Starscream accompanied the Decepticons to Earth in the year 2010, but his relationship with his leader was a troubled one; where Starscream craved Megatron's respect, Megatron gave him not one ounce of it, consistently berating and even brutalizing him in some kind of twisted attempt to drive him to realize the Decepticon potential he could see within the younger 'bot. Granted control of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] but abandoned on the battlefield as part of a feint scheme, Starscream turned against his comrades and sided with the Autobots—not out of any desire to do good, but because he hoped they would help him destroy Megatron. Although he befriended the Autobots' young human allies—[[Alexis Thi Dang]] in particular—and appeared to slowly be coming around to their way of thinking, he fell victim to the manipulations of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]], who tricked him into returning to the Decepticon fold. When the threat of [[Unicron]] appeared, however, Starscream could see that the only way forward was for Autobots and Decepticons to unite under Optimus Prime's leadership. Coming to a fatal decision, Starscream challenged Megatron to one last battle for respect, then attacked Unicron himself, sacrificing his life to convince his leader of the threat the chaos-bringer posed.

Ten years later, Starscream was resurrected by the alien [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] using the power of [[Energon]], sans his memories, with the intent that he destroy Optimus Prime and Megatron both. But Megatron was able to harness Unicron's power and even further mindwipe Starscream, transforming him—ironically enough—into his most loyal soldier in the war for Energon. When Megatron hurled himself into an Energon sun to entrap Unicron's spark, Starscream plunged into the star alongside his leader, and was believed dead. However, in 2030, when the sun collapsed into a [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]], Starscream and Megatron were freed, and Starscream—his mind now his own once more—had a new ambition: to take leadership of the Decepticons for himself. He opted to bide his time at first, supervising the search for the [[Omega Lock]] on Earth while Megatron sought out the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, but when he located an army of [[Ancient Decepticon]]s, he made his big move. Taking on the entire Autobot army, Starscream stole the Omega Lock and the Cyber Planet Keys, and channeled from them the power of Primus, transforming himself into a skyscraper-sized giant. In a final battle with Megatron on the planet Gigantion, Starscream disappeared in a reality-sundering discharge of energy, apparently swept away across the dimensions.
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===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[File:PaniniArmada1 starscream shot down.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
During the war on Cybertron, Starscream participated on multiple raids on Mini-Con villages. The enraged Mini-Con [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] sought revenge by luring the Decepticons into a attacking an Autobot outpost, planning to blow them all up; Starscream, Cyclonus and Megatron took the bait, but Dualor's plan failed thanks to interference from [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}}

Although the Mini-Cons would later abandoned the planet, the war continued after their departure. In one of many battles, Starscream strafed some Autobots, but was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer cannon despite his Mini-Con augmentation. [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] punished him by taking [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] away, which Starscream protested against. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} When Megatron found the Mini-Cons on Earth, he summoned Starscream, Cyclonus and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to the planet through a [[space bridge]]. After spending some time searching for Mini-Cons and shooting at Autobots, he was shot down by [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} Starscream was later present when the Decepticons made a failed grab for the Autobots' Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|No Way Back!}}
[[File:PaniniArmada7 starscream vs perceptor.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
In order to boost his own strength and overthrow Megatron, Starscream made a plan to capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]. Knowing that the Mini-Con trio enjoyed saving humans, he arranged for a satellite to fall on [[Chicago]] to draw them out. True to their nature, the Air Defense Team showed up and diverted the satellite, letting Starscream attack and capture [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]]. Unfortunately, an Autobot team showed up and saved the Mini-Cons, but Starscream had still managed to plant a tracking device on Jetstorm. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} Following his tracker, he soon found and ambushed the Air Defense Team again, successfully capturing them, shutting off their personality chips and combining them into the powerful [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. Unsatisfied with even the sword, Starscream went after the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]] to ensure he had enough power to best Megatron. They resisted and attacked Starscream in the form of [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], and he fought back with his new Star Saber. However, disengaging Air Defense Team's personalities had been a mistake — without them, the Star Saber's power soon went wild. Lightning filled the air and Starscream began panicking as he couldn't let go of the weapon, but thankfully Optimus Prime took it from him and separated it. With his plan failed, Starscream ran away. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|The Two-Edged Blade!}}
[[File:PaniniArmada9 starscream sonic destabiliser.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
After the Decepticons built a grandiose base on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Starscream was shocked to hear that Megatron planned to spare the Autobots in exchange for their Mini-Cons. Megatron confirmed that ''of course'' he was just going to trick the Autobots and blow them up after he got their Mini-Cons, and Starscream even got to fire the missiles for the job. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}} After the plan failed, Starscream first reported that Cyclonus was missing, and then that he was returning with too much power inside him. It turned out that Cyclonus was powered up and under the control of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], and while the other Decepticons attacked the "traitor", Starscream had an idea. He used a [[sonic destabiliser]] to safely separate the Destruction Team from Cyclonus, and after they escaped, he contacted them and offered them a deal... {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

{{note|The cancellation of the Panini ''Armada'' comic meant that Starscream's schemes never reached fruition. He did, however, have another memorable role in the comic's pages: he [[Letters page|answered letters]] in the "Starscream's Hate Mail"! A mere wiki article write-up cannot convey how rude he was to the five-year-old letter-writers.}}

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===The Balance of Power===
[[File:BalanceofPower starscream datacon.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
During the war on Cybertron, the Autobots and Decepticons met in battle while searching for a mysterious relic that could allegedly reveal what had become of the Mini-Cons who had long ago vanished from the planet. While Cyclonus and an army of [[Decepticlone]]s kept the Autobots busy, Starscream snuck away from the combat and managed to unearth the relic, which turned out to be a [[Data-Con]]. The device contained a recording left by the Mini-Cons that provided a flight plan and tracking codes for their vessel, which Starscream intended to keep for himself. However, just as he was attempting to perform a deep-space probe to locate the craft's current resting place, either by coincidence or consequence, a Mini-Con distress beacon screamed to life, alerting all the other combatants to the Mini-Cons' current location. Starscream and the Decepticons took off through a space bridge, tracking the signal back to the source, and the Autobots pursued... {{storylink|The Balance of Power}}
{{note|This comic was written as a tie-in to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' video game]], but its details differ from the introduction seen in the game itself. [[#PS2|See below]] for Starcream's role in the game.}}

===''Galaxy Force'' manga===
[[File:GFmanga2 starscream.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
After the Autobots relocated to Earth to escape the [[Unicron Singularity|gigantic black hole]] that was threatening Cybertron, Starscream and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] tracked them down. Optimus Prime and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] intercepted the Decepticon pair before they could discover the location of their base, but in the mid-air combat that ensued, the villains' [[Cyber Key]] powers allowed them to gain the upper hand. Impaling Optimus Prime through the shoulder with his Cyber Key swords, Starscream broke off the battle and retraced the Autobots' flight path, looking for their base, evening managing to shoot Prime down when he attempted to pursue. Fortunately for the Autobots, their human ally [[Coby Hansen]] was able to get the base's shielding up in time to hide it from Starscream's prying eyes, and the Decepticon was then taken down by an unexpected blast from Optimus Prime's Cyber Key-powered cannons. {{storylink|The Devil's Dogfight! Coby's Courage}}

Following Megatron's disappearance in the explosion of the starship ''[[Atlantis]]'', Starscream took control of what small Decepticon force was currently active, and dispatched Thundercracker to [[Velocitron]] to obtain that world's [[Cyber Planet Key]]. Unsurprisingly, the Autobots defeated him and took the key for themselves. {{storylink|Fastest Dream! Hot Shot's Run}} They also later obtained the key from [[Animatron|Jungle Planet]], where Starscream watched their victory from afar. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.7}}
[[File:GFmanga8 super starscream.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
With two keys and their focusing device the [[Omega Lock]] now gathered in one place, Starscream was able to send his newest recruit [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] to steal them all from the Autobots at once, then rejoined with him at the location of the third Cyber Planet Key, hidden on Earth itself. Optimus Prime and [[Vector Prime]] had followed Sideways, however, and a battle over the key broke out; although a blast from Optimus took off nearly half of Starscream's face, he still triumphed over the two Autobots, wrested the Earth key from its pedestal and added it to the Omega Lock. The combined energy of the three keys flowed into Starscream, transforming him into a skyscraper-sized giant. As if this were not enough, the activation of the Earth key also awoke an army of ancient Decepticons slumbering on Earth, who began laying seige to the planet at Starscream's command. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.8}} The Autobots proved no match for Starscream's new powers, as he took Optimus down with his new Cyber Key blaster, blowing his chest open and exposing the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. When the Autobot aerial ace [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] arrived with news that [[Primus]] had awoken, however, the bolstered Prime rose, protected from Starscream's blasts by the Matrix, and merged with Wing Saber into his "Sonic Wing" mode. The combined Autobots tore into Starscream, and the titanic Decepticon was vanquished in a huge explosion. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.9}}

{{note|The ''Galaxy Force'' manga was cancelled before it could reach the end of the story, so it's unknown if Starscream would have returned in later chapters the way he did in the cartoon.}}

===''Cybertron'' Cyber Key Code content===

Years ago, Starscream was responsible for slicing off Red Alert's hand with his sword during a battle on Cybertron. Red has held a grudge against Starscream ever since.<ref>Red Alert's Cyber Key Code entry</ref>

In addition to Thundercracker, Starscream had another soldier under his command during his time on Earth in the first stage of the black hole crisis: the bumbling [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]. To ensure that this fool did not ruin his plans, Starscream assigned him the time-wasting task of faking alien activity by creating crop circles and stealing livestock.<ref>Skywarp's Cyber Key Code entry</ref>

==Games==
===The Energon Within===
[[File:EnergonWithin megatron orders.jpg|right|thumb]]
[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] ordered Starscream to secure 100 [[energon cube]]s from an Autobot mine. He did so successfully, though at a high cost, and still got a verbal drubbing from Megatron anyway. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Energon Within|The Energon Within}}
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{{anchor|PS2}}
===''Transformers''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Matt Hetherington]] (English)

[[Image:Starscream-GameBurn.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Sephiroth! Sephiroth! 'Cause all bad guys walk in flames and not get burned to hell!]]
Starscream was stationed in [[Antarctica]], overseeing [[Decepticlone]] operations in recovering the [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s found in the area, using a human research center they overran as his base of operations. When the Autobots ventured too close, Starscream attacked (blowing up the hangar he was holed up in first), but was shot out of the sky and left for dead.

[[Image:Starscream-Cmere.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Hey, look! Prime's a THROTTLED-bot! Get it? Throttle? Like choking? I'll be here all week. Tip your server.]]
Having survived his initial defeat, Starscream followed the Autobots to [[Alaska]]. There he collided his starship into a mountain in an attempt to crush them, but the Autobots escaped unscathed. This also gave them the chance to infiltrate the downed ship and free the captive Mini-Con [[Aftershock (Armada)|Aftershock]] from the control room. Starscream used his null laser cannons at full power in an attempt to finish off his foes, but only succeeded in cutting the rock face below the ship, which collapsed and sent the precariously balanced ship plunging into the valley below. The impact of the crash buried the bow deep into the earth, forcing the Autobots to climb their way up and out to the surface.

When the Autobots pulled free from the buried ship and got back to ground-level, Starscream attacked again. But this battle too ultimately ended in defeat, leading Optimus Prime to interrogate him as to the whereabouts of Megatron. When Starscream refused and attempted to fire his functional null ray at point-blank range, Optimus knocked him unconscious with a well-aimed punch. He then ordered Red Alert to hack the treacherous Decepticon's warp transponder, which led them to Megatron's [[Pacific Island]] base. {{storylink|Transformers (PS2)}}
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==Toys==
===Armada===
[[Image:Armada SS toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|He's Emo-tastic!]]
*'''Starscream with Swindle''' (Mega-Con, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles

: Starscream transforms into a Cybertronic jet fighter, loaded with electronic sound effects that function in both modes. Pulling back and releasing his rearmost Mini-Con port activates a take-off sound effect, while holding it follows up the sound with an extended engine roar that lasts a few seconds. Placing a Mini-Con on the port, such as his included partner [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], releases two spring-activated over-shoulder spring-loaded missile launchers, and pulling back on the port with a Mini-Con attached triggers a laser-firing noise that lasts ''just'' long enough to be too long. Pressing his cockpit canopy activates a pulsing sound effect; Swindle can also snap into place under his nosecone, and pops free with an explosion effect when the canopy is pressed down hard. His left wing detaches and unfolds to form a large sword for use in robot mode.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version of this toy uses a brighter light gray plastic, gold paint instead of yellow, more detailed, contiguous paint applications on the wings, and has a "separated" Decepticon sigil deco. The nosecone on the Japanese version is parallel to the rest of the jet mode, while the American version was retooled to slope downward [[for safety reasons]], making it "collapse" easier if pressed point-first into, say, your little brother.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed to create ''Armada'' [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], and [[retool]]ed to make ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Armada'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
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{{anchor|JapaneseSuper}}
[[Image:Armada Thundercracker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm afraid I just blue myself.]]
*'''Starscream Supermode with Spark Grid''' (Mega-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-09'''
**''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles

: While this blue redeco of the ''Armada'' Starscream figure was released in Hasbro markets as the separate character of Thundercracker, Takara repurposed it as a powered-up version of Starscream, and used it as such in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]]. The Takara toy is almost identical to Hasbro's Thundercracker, but uses darker, more vivid blue and red plastics, and has the parallel nosecone of the Takara Starscream.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm More information on Thundercracker/Starscream Supermode at TFU.info]''

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===Built to Rule===
[[Image:BTR Armada Starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Starscream's attempts to take over [[Block Town]] were less than successful.]]
*'''Starscream with Swindle''' (Built to Rule, 2003)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: ''[[Built to Rule]]'' Starscream is a building-brick set that can be assembled into a Cybertronic fighter jet or a robot, or to whatever else you feel like. He came with a building-brick version of Swindle. The set features two missile launchers that use a unique "twist-block" pressure-launch mechanism.

: This set was later released in different colors as Thundercracker and [[Zapmaster]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/BTRStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Built to Rule'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
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{{anchor|BTREnergon}}
[[Image:BTR EnergonStarscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Starscream's attempt to infiltrate the Space Police was only marginally more successful.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Built to Rule, 2004)

: The ''Energon'' version of ''Built To Rule'' Starscream was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic jet fighter with pressure-launch missiles, to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

: Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the ''Built to Rule'' line overall, the ''Energon'' versions only had a limited, test market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many "Tuesday Morning" chain discount stores at drastically dropped prices.

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===Energon===
[[Image:Energon Starscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hasbro Starscream, all spooky.]]
[[Image:Superlink Nightscream Toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Takara Starscream, now with G1 sweetening.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Energon sword, energon rifle, 2 missiles

: ''Energon'' Starscream transforms into a jet fighter loosely based upon the F/A-22 Raptor (which would later be used as the alt-mode of [[Starscream (Movie)|another Starscream]]), cast mostly in dark clear-green plastics to emphasize his "energon ghost" status. The toy also features numerous spots down the right-hand side of the robot mode's front, back, shoulder and wings where Starscream appears only partially-constructed, along with asymmetrical plastic-color layouts, to further enhance the "half-formed" effect—though [[Aaron Archer]] would later remark that he felt these design cues did not come across properly. He comes with two very large accessories, a sword and a non-firing blaster, which can combine to form a ''really'' large sword. In jet mode he has two wing-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers, which can flip up over his robot-mode shoulders for "Hyper Mode".

: The Japanese version of this mold, called '''Nightscream''', uses gray plastics instead of stony-blue, a lighter shade of red paint, and darker blue plastic and paint.

: There was much controversy upon the toy's announcement since at first glance it appears to be a simple [[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen]]. However, Starscream is in fact an all-new mold which simply uses a similar transformation scheme.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] and [[Leozack]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Energon'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

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{{anchor|SamClub}}
[[Image:Energon-toy_2-pack_Starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Prowl with Longarm & Starscream with Zapmaster''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 missiles

: Part of a Sam's Club [[exclusive]] set, the [[#Armada_2|''Armada'' Starscream toy]] was [[redeco]]ed in primarily dark gray with burgundy and black accents, patterned after the color scheme of his Deluxe ''Energon'' figure. His Mini-Con partner was [[Zapmaster]] this time around rather than Swindle. The set also included ''Energon'' [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] as an ''Armada'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] redeco with [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/SamsStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Sam's Club Starscream at TFU.info]''

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{{anchor|EnergonEnergon}}
[[Image:Energon Energon Starscream Toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hasbro Starscream has twice the G1 for half the price.]]
[[Image:Superlink Nightscream Reverse Toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Takara "Nightscream" has two scoops of G1 in every toy.]]
*'''Energon Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-19'''
**''Accessories:'' Sword, rifle, 2 missiles

: Representing Starscream in a powered-up form following his immersion in [[Super Energon]], ''Energon'' Starscream was redecoed into a more [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired color scheme, primarily light gray with blue and red accents. Though the sculpted "half-formed" sections remain, the figure's new paint layouts ignore them, sometimes painting directly over the top of them, which coupled with the figure's new lack of translucent plastic seems to suggest that this is a non-ghosty version of the character, though his asymmetrical arm coloration remains due to the use of [[unpaintable plastic]] needed for structural support. He was released under the name "Energon Starscream", thus making him ''Energon'' Energon Starscream, though when he was first listed in Walmart computers it was under the name "[[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp Inerceptor]]", perhaps indicating an aborted intent for the toy.

: The Takara "Nightscream Rebirth" release of the toy is almost entirely different, using clear-blue plastics in the place of some of the solid-gray in the Hasbro version. Gray plastic was used in place of black, and many paint details were different. It also came with a yellow version of ''Energon'' [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]]'s [[Energon weapon|energon drill weapon]] and Decepticon-style [[Energon star|energon chip]]. This was the deco used for Starscream's powered up appearance in the ''Energon'' cartoon.

: The Hasbro version of this mold was used as the model for the [[#Attacktix|unreleased ''Attacktix'' vehicle-mode Starscream piece]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/EStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Energon'' Energon Starscream at TFU.info]''
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===Cybertron===
[[Image:GalaxyForce Starscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiya- I mean, I will be leader of all Decepticons!]]
*'''Starscream''' (Voyager, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GD-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, Decepticon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] [[Cyber Planet Key]]

:Exclusive to Takara's ''Galaxy Force'' line, this version of Starscream draws much of its influence from [[Don Figueroa]]'s design for [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 Starscream]] in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'', transforming into a Cybertronic starfighter. In both modes, plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into his back end flips out a spring-loaded blade from each arm. His spring-loaded missile launcher can be used as either a hand-held weapon, or mounted under his jet-mode nosecone. He comes with a Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Planet Key.

:Although essentially the "standard" version of ''Cybertron'' Starscream, this figure was not released in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, presumably so it would not interfere with the sales of the much larger (more expensive) Supreme Starscream toy (see below). A redeco would be made available later in the line (again [[#VsVector|see below]]).

:This toy was redecoed to create ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Starscream (SG)#Timelines|Starscream]] and the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Dirge (G1)#Universe (2008)|Dirge]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Galaxy Force'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

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{{anchor|Supreme}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy supreme starscream.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Honeycomb big? Yeah Yeah Yeah! It's not small? No No No!]]
*'''Starscream''' (Supreme, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Missile, "Crown of Leadership", Decepticon Cybertron Cyber Key, Gold Earth Cyber Planet Key

: Supreme Starscream is a colossally-upscaled version of the Voyager-class Starscream toy, with quite a few changes. The most notable is the change in his Cyber Planet Key [[gimmick]]: each arm has a separate Key jack in it rather than the Voyager's single joint-jack. While the right arm still deploys a blade, the left arm now reveals a spring-loaded missile-firing "null laser cannon" with expanding prongs. The original back-mounted Key jack is still present, though it does not activate any gimmicks and merely serves as a Key storage space (a rarity among ''Cybertron'' toys). A second storage-only jack is found on the underside of the same assembly. The two small guns on the sides of his cockpit can swivel up to firing position in robot mode, and he also has several electronic light and sound gimmicks, including one activated by moving his sword-arm. His eyes are, for some strange reason, green.

: He comes with a Decepticon "Crown of Leadership", based on Generation 1 Starscream's crown from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' that fits over his noggin (which, together with his considerable size, has earned him the nickname "King Starscream" among fans.) He is also the only ''Cybertron'' toy to come with ''two'' Cyber Keys, a Decepticon Cybertron Key, and a gold-bordered Earth Planet Key. Both Keys have the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''s5a3'''" [[Tampograph|tampographed]] on their backs. The placement of these accessories in the box varies in later releases.

: Supreme Starscream was released in the first wave of ''Cybertron'' toys, long before Starscream was transformed into a giant in the third quarter of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. [[To sell toys|To sell]] this large, expensive figure at this early stage, a few other toys in the ''Cybertron'' line were changed—predominantly, the standard Voyager Starscream figure went unreleased in Hasbro markets. Also, to keep Starscream's Cybertron-style Cyber Key exclusive among the early figures, Jetfire and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]]—who had Cybertron-style keys in the cartoon, and in the Takara toyline—had their keys changed to Earth and Jungle Planet keys respectively.

: In Japan, this toy was released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive, basically unchanged in US packaging.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

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{{anchor|VsVector}}
[[Image:Tru2005Cybertronstarscream.JPG|right|300px|thumb|Thrust? No wait... Ramjet?]]
*'''Starscream vs. Vector Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, Decepticon Cybertron-style Cyber Planet Key

: The Voyager Starscream mold was made available by Hasbro in a two-pack with an unaltered [[Vector Prime]], now sporting a burgundy paint job. The two-pack was exclusive to Toys "R" Us stores, and wa sold for slightly less than the cost of two Voyagers.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/TRUStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Toys "R" Us Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|LOC}}
[[Image:CybScream-LOC.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Starsqueak.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)

: A colossally ''downscaled'' and simplified version of the ''Cybertron'' Starscream figure was released as part of the first wave of the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' series. He transforms into the same Cybertronic starfighter altmode, and has flip-out weapons (one sword, one non-firing blaster).

: In Japan, the toy was sold as part of the ''very'' short-lived "EZ Collection". It was given more extensive [[paint operation]]s than the Hasbro version.

: This mold was used to make ''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)#Cybertron|Ramjet]], [[Skywarp (Armada)#Cybertron|Skywarp]], and [[Sunstorm (LOC)#Toys|Sunstorm]], ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ramjet (G1)#Classic Series|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)#Classic Series|Thrust]], ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (WFC)#War for Cybertron|Starscream]], and [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|''Dark of the Moon'']] [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#BeeStarscream|Cybertronian Starscream]]. Phew!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/LOCStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Legends of Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy clear ez starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)

: A Japanese exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" Starscream, Megatron and Optimus Prime recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Prime's case, both his grey became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to ''[[TV Magazine]]'' in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

::*''[http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2007/07/photo-review-takara-galaxy-force-ez-telemag-exclusive-3pack More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net]
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generations armada starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cuz once you got a theory of how the thing works, everybody wants the next thing to be just like the first.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:A modern update of the original ''Armada'' Starscream figure, ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Starscream was repurposed by [[IDW Publishing]] as a new body for Generation 1 Starscream in their ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic book series.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Happy Meal toy===
{{anchor|McDonalds}}[[File:Armadatoy mcdonalds starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
: Part of the McDonald's ''Armada'' promotion, this version of Starscream is based on his larger toy and features a pull-back motor gimmick that propels his jet-mode forward, then leaps up to instantly convert to robot mode, like the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Jumpstarter]]s. In jet mode, he can combine with the other three Happy Meal Decepticons to form a goofy-looking super vehicle.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/McStarscream/starscream.htm More information on McDonald's Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:SCF armada starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:A three-inch tall non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released in the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''-specific ninth wave of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. The figure came in both full colour and metallic silver "pewter" variants, available at an equal ratio one each in every case of twelve blindpacked figures.
{{-}}
===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[File:MegaSCF starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' 13
**''Accessories:'' Swindle figure, sword
: A five-inch tall non-transforming, highly-articulated PVC figure of Starscream was the thirteenth and final release in Takara's ''Mega Super Colleciton Figure'' series. Like other toys in the line, he came with a few extra pieces, like a separate wing-sword, and a mini-PVC of his [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. The miracle of universal pegs also allows him to wield weapons belonging to other ''Mega SCF'' figures, most characteristically approrpriate being the Star Saber that came with Optimus Prime.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act133/ More information on Mega SCF Starscream at TFKenkon.com]''
{{-}}
===Transformers Figure===
[[File:TFfigure starscream.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
:A non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released by [[Omron Entertainment]] as part of their simply-named ''[[Transformers Figure]]'' line of gaming arcades prizes, standing around 5" tall. Despite there being a nationwide commercial for the figures, their distribution was poor, and not many arcades actually wound up carrying them.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act127/ More information on Omron PVC figures from TFKenkon.com]
{{-}}
===Battle for Cybertron Game===
[[File:BattleforCybertron starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Transformers: Armada - Battle for Cybertron Game''' (2003)
:A small figurine of Starscream was among the eight Transformers character playing pieces included with the [[Milton Bradley]] ''[[Battle for Cybertron Game|Battle for Cybertron]]'' board game.
::*''[http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6841/transformers-armada-battle-for-cybertron More information on Battle for Cybertron at BoardGameGeek.com]''
{{-}}

===Bubble Twist===
[[File:BubbleTwist starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
:A small solid-color PVC figurine of Starscream was among the [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] toys available with [[Bubble Twist]] bubble gum, produced by Hasbro's subsidiary [[Cap Candy]] and only available at Toys"R"Us. Like all figures in the series, Starscream was available in red, blue, purple, grey and black.
::*''[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=2059 More information on Bubble Twist at TFormers.com]''
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[Image:AttacktixScream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He keeps flying in circles for some reason.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF08
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Captain
|special=Rally - 14/26 (54%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=6
|attacktype=Shooter (Large Missile)
}}
{{-}}
: ''[[Attacktix]]'' Starscream is based on his [[#Cybertron_2|''Cybertron'' incarnation]]. His Special Power, ''Rally'', enables a player to return any one of their already-defeated [[Decepticon]] pieces to play. If Starscream's speed wheel reads 8 stop moving him there—you'll be able to move him 2 extra tix next turn and even if he gets shot down his special power is always white when he's on 8 speed.

: A Captain figure Starscream works very well with his own redeco, [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]], supporting his ''Infiltration'' power.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/AttacktixStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Attacktix_EnergonStarscream.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
*'''Starscream''' (Booster, <strike>2007</strike>)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF11
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Captain
|special=Rally - 14/26 (54%) success ratio
|cost=30
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Small Missile)/Flight
}}
{{-}}
: This unreleased Starscream is a missile launching piece based on his [[#EnergonEnergon|"''Energon'' Energon" form's vehicle mode]]. His vehicle form can detach from his base and fly on a string, enabling him to get better shots of opposing pieces, or even airlift allies (or enemies... is that a legal move?). His "Transform" power would probably allow you to bring any Starscream figure into play from your back-ups—making Starscream an even more effective figure when working with Skywarp. But as the toy was never released, we'll never know.

: Several pieces of this mold would also have been used to make [[Skywarp (G1)|Generation 1 Skywarp]], who also went unreleased.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* According to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' video game]]'s instruction booklet, Starscream (in his ''Armada''-era body) has the following statistics:

:Height: 19' 7" (15' 1" vehicle mode length)
:Weight: 22,050 lbs
:Thrust: 28,000 lbs
:Vehicle Top Speed: Mach 2.7
[[Image:Speaker.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Starscream's emptiness can only be filled by love or electronics.]]

* ''Armada'' Starscream's body parts made frequent cameos in the CGI models of the generic Decepticon and Autobot soldiers during the ''Energon'' cartoon series, despite Starscream not actually ever appearing in his ''Armada'' body during the series.

* It's a popular rumor that the Starscream who appears in ''Super Link'' (the Japanese version of ''Energon'') is not the original, but a clone. Popular, but entirely wrong. Although not ''explicitly'' referred to with the name "Starscream" in dialogue, he is identified as one of Megatron's former soldiers, randomly given a new name by Alpha Q, and things just roll on from there without a backward look.

* ''Cybertron'' Voyager Starscream was designed with a [[soundbox]] in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics.

* Starscream's arc across the end of ''Armada'' and the beginning of ''Energon'', in which he is [[Cramp|killed by Galvatron]] while Unicron was causing trouble, returned in ghostly form, and his complete resurrection within Unicron, is reminiscent of [[Starscream's Ghost|his]] [[Ghost in the Machine|arc]] in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]].

* It is interesting to note that, out of all the characters in ''Armada'', or the entire Unicron Trilogy for that matter, Hasbro chose Starscream in his first body to rebuild. Perhaps this is due to his ''Armada'' form being the one in which he was the most kid-friendly in the cartoon.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Starscream''' (スタースクリーム ''Sutāsukurīmu''), '''Nightscream''' (''Super Link'', ナイトスクリーム ''Naitosukurīmu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Csillagsikoly''' (''Armada'', "Starscream"), '''Surranó''' (''Energon'', "Sneaker"), '''Üstökös''' (''Cybertron'', "Comet")
*''Korean:'' '''Scream''' (스크림 ''Seukeurim''), '''Mega Starscream''' (''Cybertron'', 메가 스타스크림 ''Mega Seutaseukeurim'')
*''Polish:'' '''Krzykotron''' (''Armada'', "Screamtron")
*''Russian:'' '''Skandalist''' (second ''Armada'' dub, "Troublemaker")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Energon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Armada Autobots]]

Lockdown (G1)

2013-10-19T06:02:27Z

FortMax Prime: /* IDW Generation 1 continuity */

{{disambig3|Lockdown}}
{{faction|decepticon}}
:''Lockdown is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Drift2-Lockdown.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"'Scuse me, I'm looking for a medic, yea tall, kinda old an' cranky? No? Well, whatever, I'll take the dude with the swords."]]

'''Lockdown''' will pay top dollar to get what he wants... so he can earn an even topper dollar!

==Fiction==
===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
When the infamous Decepticon [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]] failed in a mutiny against his commander and deserted, [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] called on the bounty hunter Lockdown to find him and return him to the Decepticons. Lockdown, with the help of some slave traders, found Deadlock on an unassuming planet where a mysterious third, neutral faction had been in hiding for eons. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}}

Lockdown explained to Deadlock that even though Deadlock's former boss, [[Turmoil]], wanted Deadlock dead, Megatron felt that Deadlock was too important to his plans to have him be destroyed. The slave traders had other ideas, and noted that there were other Transformer deserters somewhere on the planet, ones who must have partially rebuilt Deadlock. In exchange for helping find Deadlock, they demanded to be led to the hidden Transformers; if not, they would take Deadlock for their own purposes. Lockdown suggested that Deadlock lead the hidden Transformers into an ambush, and commented that Megatron's faith in Deadlock had best not be misplaced. However, when they met Deadlock at the arranged site, he had an army of Transformer deserters with him ready for a fight, plus he had been completely rebuilt and renamed himself "Drift". {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Lockdown was furious at Drift for abandoning the Decepticon cause, and scoffingly dismissed him as an "idealist" when Drift claimed he found something better to fight for. Their personal combat was interrupted when the lead Slaver killed Drift's mentor, [[Wing (G1)|Wing]], and Drift broke off to avenge his friend. After he killed the Slaver, and [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] arrived with a fresh crowd of third faction warriors, Lockdown chose to depart in the face of overwhelming odds. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

At some point Lockdown was put in charge of a team of [[Titan Hunters]] by Chief Justice [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]], who tasked them with hunting down and killing [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]] for their parts. In order to retrieve a Titan fragment, they boarded the ''[[Lost Light]]'' while the entire crew was paralyzed. ...the entire crew except [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]], that is. Though Trailcutter's forcefield powers were shorted out at the time, unbeknownst to the Decepticons, he managed to bluff Lockdown and his team off his ship with some creative use of its gravity generators and his [[magnawheel]]s. {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Some months later, Lockdown and his Titan Hunters confronted the crew of the ''Lost Light'' again when they found [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], Tyrest's headquarters. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] led them on a merry chase across the moon and through the corpses of their titan victims, but Lockdown was eventually able to capture the intruders and bring them before Tyrest. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}} The Titan Hunters were later ordered by Tyrest to suppress the attacking [[Circle of Light]], who had escaped confinement thanks to [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Image:ROTF_deluxe_Lockdown.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Oh god, I'd rather be back in those [[Transformers: Cyber Missions| Cyber Missions]].]]
* '''Lockdown''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-26'''
**''Accessories'': Engine

{{note|This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] Lockdown.}}
:''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)| Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]'s design is a strong homage to his [[Lockdown (Animated)|''Transformers Animated'' counterpart]]. Lockdown transforms into an amalgam of a 1980s Corvette and a 1960s Cougar, with lots of spikes and a cow-catcher on his bumper. The toy's [[Mech Alive]] feature rotates cylinders inside his thighs as his lower legs rotate, and pneumatic cylinders extend as his [[Capture Hook]] is deployed.

:Lockdown may have the most articulated neck ever for a Transformer, having three ball joints and a swivel joint. Craziness.

:Similar to his ''Animated'' counterpart, Lockdown's arm-mounted hot rod engine weapon can be removed and can be replaced by ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]'s weapon. Likewise, Ratchet can store Lockdown's engine on his roof; it cannot, however, attach to his arm. Interestingly, the plug for Lockdown's engine is the same general shape as the plug for ''Animated'' Lockdown's EMP blaster/engine, but smaller; as such, it isn't compatible with ''Animated'' Lockdown, or with ''Animated'' [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] or [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]], for that matter.

:This mold was retooled to make [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010]] [[Axor]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Decepticon/Lockdown/lockdown.htm More information on Lockdown at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Artist [[Alex Milne]] had originally come up with an original design for Lockdown, but was asked by Hasbro to use the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Lockdown's design instead.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=195127&highlight=#195127 "i did come up with a new design, but was asked by hasbro to use the ROFT design. thats why i used it."]</ref> It was editor [[Denton J. Tipton]] who suggested to writer [[Shane McCarthy]] to bring Lockdown into the Generation 1 universe.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=195247#195247 Denton J. Tipton saying it was totally his idea for Lockdown to be in the Drift book, among other things.]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category: Bounty hunters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category: Repurposed toys]]

Kicker Jones

2013-10-17T00:47:51Z

FortMax Prime: /* Notes */

:''Kicker is a [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Kicker-card.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I wanna be Bob Dylan, Kicker Jones wishes he was someone just a little more funky.]]
'''Kicker Jones''' is the son of [[Brian Jones (Energon)|Dr. Brian Jones]] and [[Miranda Jones]]. He's brash and headstrong, always ready to leap before he looks. During the war over [[energon]], Kicker accompanied the [[Autobot|Autobots]] on many of their missions, even fighting [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] and [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] himself by utilizing a high-tech battlesuit developed by his father. He is a top-notch cyclist, though his real strength is in his mysterious ability to detect and harness the power of energon.

Traumatic experiences while traveling with his father as a child have left Kicker a neuroses-riddled mess; agoraphobia, claustrophobia, technophobia, homophobia <small>(don't ask)</small>, scotophobia, gigaentomophobia and borderline attachment disorder are just the beginning of his problems. He's slowly learning to trust others and, with the Autobots' continued love and support, might even one day be on speaking terms with his father!

True to his name, he tends to kick things. Usually his Autobot [[Ironhide (Energon)|partner]].

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Energon'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Brad Swaile]] (English), [[Daisuke Kishio]] (Japanese), [[Masumi Asano]] (Young Kicker, Japanese), [[Johan Svensson]] (Swedish), [[Jimmy Redler]] (French)
{{noteslonly}}

[[Image:Energon ep1 Autobot jerks.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Meanies.]]

As the Unicron Battles ended, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] assumed command of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to lead the new Autobot-Decepticon alliance. With it came contact and diplomatic ties to Earth's governments, including Dr. Brian Jones, humanity's foremost expert on the newly discovered ore, energon. Doctor Jones travelled to Cybertron to meet with the Autobots, and he brought along his young son, Kicker. Kicker was initially very afraid of the strange, metal world and its towering robot inhabitants. While his father was busy, Kicker ran away, hiding in a long-ruined part of Cybertron. This led Optimus Prime to search for him, warning that the areas was strictly off-limits. While trying to escape the Autobot leader, Kicker accidentally fell down a long shaft only to be saved by a mysterious glowing sphere - [[Primus]], the living heart of Cybertron. Fascinated by the boy, Primus imbued him with a special gift - the ability to detect energon, which manifested itself as an eerie, yellow glowing of his hair. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}

[[Image:Energon Kicker DrJones Mars.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A father and son walk on the surface of a hostile planet... sounds fun.]]

Dr. Jones exploited his son's new talent, dragging the young Kicker from planet to planet, wherever they expected to find energon. At times, he would strap Kicker into a space suit, and send him out into the void alone, with nothing but a radio and a single tether line connecting them. On one occasion, Kicker's line detached and he floated miserably in the vacuum of space, unable to contact his father or control his movement. When he eventually landed on an asteroid and managed to recontact his father, Dr. Jones continued to insist Kicker press onwards to find more energon. This experience gave Kicker an extreme fear of dark places and being alone in the vacuum. Over time, due to this and many similar experiences, Kicker came to greatly resent his father and the Transformers. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}} {{storylink|The Legend of Rodimus}} Nevertheless, he still cared about his family, especially his younger sister, [[Sally Jones|Sally]], and would fight to protect them. As he grew up, Kicker and his family came to live in [[Ocean City]], a subaquatic mining facility that was one of many established around the globe by the Earth-Cybertron alliance to search for energon. He formed a relationship with [[Misha Miramond]], a young scientist stationed on a research outpost in [[Desert City]].

[[Image:Kicker hit wall.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Feel my angst, stupid wall!]]

Some ten years later on the day Ocean City discovered energon, Kicker was still bitter at his ordeal and his status as a tool for his father's scientific research, which concerned his mother. After the [[Mars City|Cybertron City on Mars]] was destroyed by [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]]. Kicker was the first to realize Ocean City was their next target, thanks to his innate Primus-given sensitivity. Riding outside the city with [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] in tow and concerned for the safety of his family inside, Kicker lured the strange beast Transformers away until he was surrounded but was saved at the last moment by Optimus Prime's Autobot reinforcements. Angry that his father had asked Optimus Prime to look after the boy, Kicker took off again away from the city and soon ended up in trouble despite assistance from the young Autobot [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]. Once again, Optimus Prime came to his rescue by throwing him a special suit developed by Dr. Jones specifically to protect Kicker in dangerous situations. After the dust settled, Optimus Prime explained that Dr. Jones knew Kicker would refuse to allow the Autobots to protect him, so the suit was made so Kicker could fight alongside the Autobots. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}

Kicker did not follow orders easily, and he loudly interrupted a strategic meeting between Optimus Prime and Alexis over what to do about the Terrorcon threat. Ocean City and the other mining colonies were evacuated of the human civilians and most of the staff, for fear of further attacks. Kicker's mother and sister left Ocean City behind, but he was very concerned about Misha, who chose to stay behind in Desert City with a skeleton research staff. Optimus teamed Kicker with [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]], a young Autobot rookie, but Kicker ditched the big galoot the first chance he got to go flying into battle with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] in defense of Lunar City. Optimus Prime gave Kicker a stern warning after the battle, threatening to send the young punk home to his mother if he didn't watch out for his partner in the future. {{storylink|Energon Stars}}

Now that the Terrorcons had passed the energon mining colonies on the asteroid belt, Mars, and the Moon, Optimus was sure that one of the Earth cities was their next target. Kicker correctly predicted that Desert City, Misha's colony, was the next target, and the Autobots bridged out to Desert City to save Misha and Hot Shot, who was on scene. Kicker and Ironhide fought their way into the mining facility past the Terrorcons, and successfully pulled Misha and the research team to safety. {{storylink|Scorpinok}} Despite his hotheadedness, Kicker slowly became comfortable following orders. When Mars City was attacked, Kicker was eager to leap into action and defend the miners, but Optimus chose to keep the team in reserve on Earth, fearing a sudden Terrorcon strike if the planet was left unguarded. Kicker reluctantly listened and, when Prime proved to be correct, he also followed orders in battle on Earth that initially kept him away from the fighting and on crowd control. In this battle, Kicker encountered the [[Energon Saber]] Mini-Cons for the first time, and began his rather unorthodox use of the sword as a personal hoverboard. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

[[Image:Energon KickerGrindor Ep5.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He's competing against Daniel in the hoverboard championship.]]

Kicker experienced a vivid dream of a new source of energon in the frozen mountains. After locating the mountain from his dream online, he led an expedition out into the ice to pinpoint the energy source. During the search, however, the ground gave out underneath him and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], causing them to tumble into a crevice. Luckily, the crevace turned out to be the source of the energon they were looking for. Unluckily, the Terrorcons arrived at the location, hunting for the same energon that Kicker was now sitting right on top of. The other Autobots managed to hold the Terrorcons off long enough for [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] to pull Kicker and Grindor to safety, and they triggered a Space Bridge signal to Cybertron. Once that signal went out, Doctor Jones lowered an entire energon-mining installation down on top of the energon...and the Terrorcons. Kicker was impressed with how his dad saved the day and, looking back, he began to realize that his father had always been looking out for him on their energon expeditions, too. He finally began to accept that his dad DID care about him as a son, not just as an energon detector. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}}

As the Autobots and Omnicons began to steady themselves for invasion, the various energon cities were reinforced with considerable firepower and defenses. Kicker congratulated Misha on her idea to use energon in place of regular power for the gun turrets, although she was reluctant to accept the idea that her work was being used for war. During a Terrorcon raid, Kicker shanghaied a [[Battle Ravage]] and used it to find energon in the mine FOR the Omnicons, knocking it out once it did its job. Things seemed to be going well for the Autobots...too well, as [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] soon returned and assumed control of Alpha Q's operation. Kicker and the Autobots arrived at Plains City to find Megatron had demolished the installation and dismembered Hot Shot. {{storylink|Megatron Resurrected}} Optimus Prime benched Kicker from the next fight, out of genuine fear for what Megatron would do if he learned of Kicker's abilities. Despite this, Kicker eventually entered the battle anyway, providing Prime with a clone of Megatron's sword to counter the Decepticon leader in personal combat. {{storylink|Megatron Raid}}

At Ocean City, Kicker started to get a vague sense that something was wrong. Trusting his feelings, he eventually identified [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], an invisible assassin sent to Earth by Alpha Q to eliminate Optimus Prime. Despite Prime's protests, Kicker helped organize the other Autobots to keep watch over their leader and prevent him from coming to harm. Optimus soon fled to the moon, hoping to lure his assassin away from any comrades that could be hurt in the crossfire. When Prime fell in battle, Kicker worked desperately with [[Sky Blast]] to bring him back on-line, and Optimus later told Kicker how touched he was by the boy's dedication. {{storylink|Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary}}

When the Autobots discovered a mysterious signal emanating from the asteroid belt, Kicker and the team Bridged out into space to search for it. The Autobots were relying on Kicker's intuition to guide them to the threat, but he had difficulty locking onto it. This was partly because Kicker was being plagued by visions of a previous space mission with his father as a young boy, where he tumbled untethered through space for a time. Without any means of propulsion on his own, Kicker felt very exposed out in the vacuum, especially after Ironhide and the others left him behind to confront the enemy. Caught in a mega-blast when an enemy ship exploded, Kicker nearly lost it as he was tossed uncontrollably through the vacuum. The Autobots rescued him and brought him home to Ocean City, where he lamented about his poor showing during the mission. Misha managed to cheer him up, though, reminding Kicker that even Optimus was a young rookie once, and he just needed to push past his weaknesses and do better next time. {{storylink|Battle of the Asteroid Belt}}

Kicker had a lot of trouble adjusting to his father's return to Earth. Their relationship hadn't improved any by Kicker's time with the Autobots, and he showed no interest in making an effort to improve it either. He ran off to [[Jungle City]] with Misha to avoid spending time with his father, and missed it when a Terrorcon attack struck Ocean City. Despite hearing cries for help over the radio, Kicker initially refused to return to Ocean City, childishly declaring that his dad would fix everything, and EVERYTHING would be fine as long as the great Doctor Jones was there. Only after his sister Sally got on the line and lied to Kicker, claiming his father was badly wounded, did he swallow his resentment and rush back to his father's aid. {{storylink|Energon Tower}}

Kicker was assigned by his father to lead an energon prospecting team in the dark mines below [[Blizzard City]], as the energon tower landing on top needed a power source. He initially lashed out at his teammates to cover his own discomfort, but Kicker eventually came to realize that, unlike his father who lowered him alone into dark scary places as a child, his friends were here ''with'' him and weren't going to abandon him — even if he kicked them. {{storylink|The Legend of Rodimus}}

On a visit to [[Jungle City]], Kicker and Misha went out to their favorite place to meet as children, the steps of the long abandoned Mayan temples which sat overlooking the energon mining facility. As they spent the day together reminiscing, Kicker suddenly got a flash of insight that there were Terrorcons nearby, and he alerted the Autobots. Sure enough, Alpha Q had sent new [[Command Ravage|stealth-capable Terrorcons]] to steal the energon right from under the Autobots' watchful eyes. As Misha and the civilians were evacuated for safety, she had Optimus Prime promise to do his best to preserve the Mayan ruins because of how special those memories were to her and Kicker. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Decepticons and their Terrorcons as well as Alpha Q's pushed the situation to its breaking point, and Kicker and the Autobots were forced to destroy Jungle City and the surrounding area to prevent their enemies from getting the energon. Back at Ocean City, were regretting the day's losses when Kicker had another special insight...there was still energon on [[Lunar City]]! {{storylink|Crisis in Jungle City}} In order to help search for the intermittent energon readings he was getting, Kicker had [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] lasso a [[Battle Ravage]] drone salvaged from one of their battles, using its senses to guide them to the energon. Out on the surface of the moon, they were met by Demolishor, who half-heartedly attempted to hide the fact that he was there to kidnap Kicker for Megatron. Kicker agreed to go along with Demolishor, believing he could spy on Megatron's forces in the process. Plans changed when the true source of the energon readings was revealed...Omnicon survivors from the earlier raids on Lunar City. By raising their tower base, Doctor Jones was able to dispatch an energon field generator from Cybertron, unleashing a wave of energon that blasted the Decepticons and Terrorcons off of ol' Luna. As it powered up, however, the leashed Ravage began speaking to Kicker, in the voice of [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]. The Terrorcon's mysterious creator talked to Kicker, asking him how he could sense energon. Before the conversation got too in depth, though, the Ravage was destroyed by the energon tower's shockwave, leaving Kicker with many questions about Alpha Q. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}}

Back on Earth, the energon towers' construction was nearly complete at the various cities. In was just in time too, as Megatron launched a set of artificial comets from Unicron at the Earth, which could potentially wipe out human civilization. [[Desert City]]'s tower failed to power-up properly, so Kicker took Misha and Ironhide out to check on the problem. Inside the tower, Kicker and Ironhide found a pair of wounded Terrorcons causing the malfunction. Instead of attacking the Terrorcons, Kicker tried offering them an energon star, which they accepted and then voluntarily left the tower, allowing it to come online in time to save the Earth. As the Terrorcons departed, Kicker first began to realize that Alpha Q and the Terrorcons might not be as big a threat as Megatron. {{storylink|Energon Grid}}

With the [[energon grid]] activated, Earth and its energon were effectively secured against any further attacks by Megatron or Alpha Q. The Autobots no longer needed to devote most of their efforts to defensive work, and Optimus Prime began drafting a battle plan to return to space and seek out Unicron to destroy him before someone resurrected him. Kicker was nonplussed about returning to the void of space, and Ironhide's bumbling attempts to take his mind off it only helped a little. {{storylink|Rodimus Friend or Foe?}} As the ''[[Miranda II]]'' prepped for launch, Kicker was surprised to learn that Optimus recruited Misha for the away mission as well. On their way out of the solar system, the Autobots deployed a mobile warp gate to continue their travels, but it was damaged by a Decepticon attack before they could pass through. The Autobots and Omnicons exited to repair the gate and confront the Decepticons, but several were injured during the melee. Eventually, Kicker was the only teammate still available to fix the gate, forcing him to overcome his fear of space. Stepping out into the vacuum alone, Kicker faltered at first and nearly went into a panic attack. With Ironhide and the rest of the team cheering him on over the commlink, though, Kicker marshaled his courage and reached the gate, repairing it in time for the team to press onwards. {{storylink|Go for Unicron!}}

As they proceeded along their search for Unicron, Kicker temporarily halted their progress when he sensed energon on a nearby planet as they passed. Optimus Prime ordered them into the planet's atmosphere for a search expedition, but the extreme sub-zero weather caught the ship in some fast-forming ice. Kicker began to blame himself and his abilities for their predicament, and his self-contempt only increased when Jetfire got injured during a Terrorcon attack and couldn't make it back to the ship. Jetfire finally snapped at him and told Kicker to quit taking responsibility for every mishap—they were soldiers, it was war, bad stuff happens. The important thing was to support your team. Together, Kicker and Ironhide helped get Jetfire back to the ''Miranda II'', and everyone made it safely off-planet. {{storylink|The Return of Demolishor}}

When Rodimus arrived to meet with Optimus about leaving Alpha Q alone, it didn't go well. Ironhide chose to sneak onto Rodimus's ship as he departed to follow him back to Alpha Q's hiding place. Despite the danger involved, Kicker supported his partner and gave him a kick farewell. {{storylink|A Tale of Two Heros}} During the battle that followed at Unicron, however, Kicker's sensitivity warned him that Ironhide was in danger, and he broke off from the fight to go looking for his missing friend. Misha joined him, and they were soon met by Rodimus who offered them a lift to their destination, as Alpha Q was anxious to meet Kicker in person. {{storylink|Battle Stations}}

Inside Unicron's head, Kicker and Alpha Q came face-to-face (...to-face-to-face-to...), but Kicker immediately sensed something was wrong. His intuition told him that NONE of the faces Alpha Q showed him were real, but instead they were all "masks". He attacked Alpha Q physically, and pushed the creature into revealing his past to Kicker. Kicker saw how Planet Q was devoured by Unicron, and felt Alpha Q's suffering at the loss of his world. Nevertheless, he pulled no punches with Alpha Q, and demanded that he step up and join the Autobots in opposing Megatron. Otherwise, Unicron could be resurrected for evil purposes once more. As Kicker, Misha and Ironhide prepared to depart, Alpha Q gave his answer and began to move Unicron's head through space, joining the fight at Kicker's side. {{storylink|Alpha Q: Identity}}

As Unicron's head arrived in Cybertronian space, Kicker forced Optimus and Rodimus to put aside their differences and meet peacefully with Alpha Q to discuss an alliance. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}} During the negotiations, Unicron began to go wild, mindlessly reaching out for more energon to feed his hunger. Rodimus attempted to coordinate a squad to reach Unicron's core and feed energon directly into his systems, but the creature's unguided instincts kept making it block their way. Kicker reached out to Alpha Q, who was still able to exert a limited influence over Unicron's systems, to open up the passageways for them. {{storylink|Survival Instincts}} When Alpha Q shut down after the effort and refused to talk to Kicker, Misha decided to have a go at it. Kicker tried to explain to Misha that she was a girl and therefore inadequate in every way, but she had it in her head to try anyway. Miraculously, Misha's efforts to talk to and empathize with Alpha Q got him out of his shell faster than threatening to play "kick the can" with his head. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}}

With the threat of Unicron heating up, Kicker continued to demand things of Alpha Q just as he lamented that his father always demanded things of him. Alpha Q pointed out this hypocrisy to Kicker, and it gave Kicker the "kick" in the pants he needed to ask his father for help, calling upon the energon of Earth for the fight against Unicron. {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}} Once the energon arrived from Earth, Kicker had it directed straight into Unicron's head, giving Alpha Q the jolt he needed to begin reviving his planets. {{storylink|Open Fire!}} Megatron tried to stop them, however, by releasing energon from Unicron's body. The backlash of this energon crossing with Alpha Q's own supply would have been catastrophic, and so Kicker insisted Alpha Q flee the area. Alpha Q could not bring himself to leave Scorponok behind, though, and the resulting energon conflagration tore a hole through space and time. Alpha Q, Unicron, and most of the Autobots and Decepticons fell through the rift into the unknown beyond. Kicker and Misha rallied the Omnicons and their other allies to prepare to pursue Optimus and the others through the rift, and rescue their friends. {{Storylink|Ripped Up Space}} They traveled through the rift in the ''Miranda II'', and eventually emerged from the other side. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}}

Kicker and the ''Miranda II'' located Prime inside the rift, where Alpha Q had recreated all the lost planets from Unicron as a new solar system filled with life. Kicker's unique abilities kept him in contact with Alpha Q, even though the creature was now stationary inside Unicron's head, effectively the new star for the solar system. Kicker, Arcee, Ironhide and the others joined Optimus Prime's team on [[Iron Planet]], where they captured the Decepticon, [[Shockblast]]. {{storylink|Protection}} Kicker and Misha brought the ''Miranda II'' to [[Jungle Planet (Energon)|Jungle Planet]] at Alpha Q's direction, as one of the many new worlds Alpha Q was vitalizing through the energon sun. It had a purified, Earth-like atmosphere and was very nearly a paradise. {{storylink|Imprisoned Inferno}} When Jungle Planet was attacked by the Decepticons, Kicker fought alongside Ironhide and Inferno against Scorponok's Terrorcons to defend the world. {{storylink|Jungle Planet (episode)|Jungle Planet}}

As the Autobots began to secure Alpha Q's new planets, Kicker made contact with his family back home so that they knew he was okay. An energon tower was sent from Cybertron to Jungle Planet as a defense against further Decepticon invasions. {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}} In time, the Autobots fortified [[Rock Planet]] and [[Blizzard Planet]] with towers as well, but the tower meant for [[Ocean Planet]] fell before Mirage. Inferno had been infected with a Decepticon virus, but he volunteered to use his affliction to lure the Decepticons away from Ocean Planet long enough for a replacement tower to be sent. Kicker went with Ironhide and several Autobots to back him up just in case the Decepticon influence on his system became too strong. As Inferno began to succumb to Megatron's control, Kicker ordered Signal Flare to blast him with an energon star, which temporarily restored Inferno's true personality. Inferno eventually managed to purge himself completely of the Decepticon power in the light of Alpha Q's energon sun, but his body was destroyed in the process. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}}

''Once the energon grid was established, Kicker and the Autobots had successfully protected all the developed worlds behind and impenetrable barrier. The problem was, this cut Alpha Q off from Scorponok as well, and he still harbored hopes that his companion could be redeemed. Despite Kicker's objections, Alpha Q irradiated a planet outside the grid with energon, making it a fine prize for the Decepticons. Alpha Q hoped to lure Scorponok to this recreation of their home world and reach him, but his efforts failed. Kicker and Ironhide fought against Scorponok in the ruins of Planet Q's palace until Alpha Q drove him back. Afterwards, Kicker provided comfort to both Ironhide and Alpha Q and they mourned the loss of the true Scorponok. {{storylink|Return! Our Scorponok}}''

On Ocean Planet, Kicker received word from his parents and sister on Cybertron, checking up on him. Even a short video message from his father was enough to push Kicker's buttons, so he was less than enthusiastic to discover Sally had convinced Hot Shot to bring her over from Cybertron in person, too. When Hot Shot and Ironhide took off through the Space Bridge, Kicker took the opportunity to fly off after them with Jetfire, and discovered the first Autobot Grand Prix being held on [[Circuit Planet]]. When he saw his partner Ironhide struggling with the race, Kicker hopped out to join him and took the wheel. Working as a team, Kicker and Ironhide rapidly closed the gap with the lead racers, and pulled into second place behind Hot Shot. Ultimately, though, it was Misha and Arcee who won the race, showing up Kicker after he ditched her on Ocean Planet to go gallivanting with Jetfire. {{storylink|Crash Course}}

Kicker operated aboard the ''Miranda II'' with Misha and Arcee during the big confrontation with Unicron. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}} When the energon grid failed to prevent Unicron from reclaiming his head from Alpha Q's [[Energon Orb]], Kicker kept encouraging Alpha Q not to give up, even once he was in Unicron's grasp. Alpha Q sent the ''Miranda II'' to a new planet he had grown. Thinking this was part of a plan to defeat Megatron, Kicker agreed, but when he arrived on [[Plains Planet|Grass Planet]] he found only wide empty pastures of green grass. Alpha Q explained to Kicker that he created this planet especially for him, as it matched the images in Kicker's mind of the peaceful place he and Misha played together when they were children. It was his final gift to them before Megatron and Unicron tore through the Energon Orb. {{storylink|A Heroic Battle}}

Returning to the battleground with Unicron, Kicker took Arcee and Ironhide on a suicidal mission inside Unicron's body to recover Alpha Q. They found his lifeless form and recovered it just in time with the help of Rodimus. {{storylink|The Power of Unicron}} Kicker and Misha lay Alpha Q to rest on Grass Planet, burying him underneath a simple headstone before returning to the fight. {{storylink|Optimus Supreme}} Aboard the ''Miranda II'', Kicker helped Arcee and Misha coordinate the Omnicons on Alpha Q's remaining worlds. They brought together the energon towers for an offensive strike against Unicron. Along with the power of Primus, and the teamwork of the Optimus Supreme combination, Unicron was ultimately destroyed, his essence scattered throughout space. {{storylink|Unicron Perishes}}

Optimus suffered serious injuries after overtaxing his capabilities in battle, and so Kicker and the others watched over him in stasis on [[Ocean Planet]]. When Megatron resurfaced on Cybertron, however, Kicker feared for his family's safety, and so he joined the Autobots on the ''Miranda II'' in returning to Cybertron. {{storylink|Ambition}} They encountered Decepticon forces at the space port, and the Autobots were driven back when a new form of energon gas was released that was harmful to their circuitry. Kicker prepared to forge ahead alone to find his family, despite Prime's warnings, but he was pulled to safety by the new Autobot warrior [[Superion Maximus]]. {{storylink|Wishes}}

Realizing that only Kicker and the Omnicons were immune to the energon gas, Optimus Prime prepared to drop them to Cybertron's surface in order to find some way of turning the gas off. Kicker rode Arcee out of the ''Miranda II'' in a high altitude drop, careening off the side of an energon tower to slow their descent to the ground below. {{storylink|Galvatron!}} Once they landed, Kicker and Arcee coordinated with the Omnicons to examine the gas pipelines, and decided to try hardening gel to cut off the flow to the towers. Kicker then took to the air with [[Sky Blast]] to bring down one tower, creating a momentary gap for Optimus, Ironhide and the rest of the Autobots to penetrate the gas cloud and reach the planet's surface. {{storylink|Break Through}}

As they met up with Wing Saber and his partially organized resistance, Kicker was astonished to learn that Ironhide had a [[Rhyming Omnicon fanboys|fan club]], and that they actually minded that he kicked the big lug all the time. Optimus Prime assigned Kicker to work with Hot Shot, Arcee and Omega Supreme in penetrating the Decepticon defenses around Central City. Their goal was to find Kicker's family and retake control of the command center and the energon towers. {{storylink|The Omega Train}} Deep inside the planet's tunnels, Kicker finally located Sally and his mother, leaving them in the relatively safe care of Hot Shot. {{storylink|Decepticon Army}} Next he found his father, and brought him back to the Primus chamber where the Jones family was reunited at last. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}} The Joneses and Omnicons attempted to repower Primus completely, but Primus exhausted his energon to give Optimus Supreme enough strength to stop Cybertron from hurtling into Alpha Q's planets. {{storylink|Formidable}}

Kicker and his team decided to make their way to the Super Energon pool, in hopes of claiming it from the Decepticons. They were slowed by a pack of Battle Ravages, however, and were too late to prevent Galvatron from immersing himself in the pool again, growing to colossal size as a result. {{storylink|Galvatron Terror}} Kicker and the Omnicons went to work severing the strands of Super Energon that connected Galvatron to the pool. They succeeded, but it did nothing to reduce his power levels, and Galvatron fled into space. {{storylink|Destructive Power}}

As Optimus Prime managed to power up and keep Galvatron occupied on Jungle Planet, Kicker sensed the presence of Unicron out in the vacuum of space. He had Jetfire fly him for a distance, then continued the trek himself. He located a small green orb floating in space, all that remained of Unicron's power. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}} Primus told Kicker he intended to use Unicron's power to revitalize Alpha Q's planets with a new sun. Kicker tried to defend Unicron's orb from Galvatron, who wanted to destroy the orb for manipulating him over time, but he and Omega Supreme could not keep Galvatron from striking at the orb and inadvertently merging with Unicron once more. And yet, Galvatron remained in control of his own actions, plunging into Primus's new sun to destroy Unicron's essence within him.

With the war over and Alpha Q's planets safe, Kicker and Ironhide shared a moment looking out over Ocean Planet. {{storylink|The Sun}}

At some point, Kicker marveled at the Autobots' love of video games. {{storylink|Distribution}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
[[Image:CybertronKicker.jpg|200px|thumb|"Fear the power of my anime mullet!"]]

Kicker was present for the launch of the four recovered colony ships ''[[Atlantis]]'', ''[[Ogygia (Cybertron)|Ogygia]]'', ''[[Hyperborea]]'' and ''[[Lemuria (Cybertron)|Lemuria]]'', the re-starting of the galaxy-spanning [[Space Bridge]] mission.

He had a mullet. Weird. {{storylink|Beginning|Beginning}}

{{note|Kicker's appearance is only in the ''Cybertron'' version of the cartoon. Rad, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and Kicker did not appear in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the show (though Alexis ''did'' appear briefly), as at the time [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] had taken the position of the show being a [[reboot|continuity reboot]]... a position they later [[Retcon|retconned]], placing it as the direct sequel to ''Super Link'' as was originally planned. Confused yet? Why did he have an image of ''Energon'' Hot Shot behind him rather than Ironhide, with whom he was more closely associated? Who knows?}}
{{-}}

===''Energon'' comic===
[[Image:Kicker Comic Unsuited.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Even Scorponok knows a stupid name when he hears it.]]
At 16 years of age, '''Chad "Kicker" Jones''' was spending his time in the Australian outback, using his unexplained energon-detection powers at [[Alterenergy]]'s Exploratory Excavation/Drilling Operation. He longed for more excitement, but he complied with the wishes of his father, who also worked for Alterenergy.

The monotony was broken, however, when [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] led a [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] raid on the facility. This was possibly the first Decepticon attack on Earth in a decade, and it's unclear whether Kicker even knew about the existence of Transformers. He fled on a motorcycle, but [[Battle Ravage]] gave chase. Nearby, Alexis had been leading a protest against Alterenergy's strip-mining practices, and she saw Kicker wipe out. When Battle Ravage caught up, she shot the Terrorcon in the eye with a flare gun, then joined Kicker on his bike. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} But that only prolonged the hunt; Battle Ravage still managed to capture them and bring them back to Scorponok. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}}

Just by looking at him, Scorponok could tell that Kicker had a "unique physiology. The proximity of energon fires sensory nodes in his medulla oblongata, resonating throughout his entire nervous system." (It's unclear how many Transformers could see this. Tidal Wave said outright that he "doesn't look like anything to me." But it's vaguely implied that Battle Ravage had retrieved him alive because of his abilities.) When the Autobots inevitably appeared, Scorponok kept Kicker specially captive, but Alexis was able to escape with the help of Rad and Carlos, who were part of an Alterenergy rescue team. (Notably, Rad was wearing a suit that looked very much like the one that would become Kicker's signature look.) Rad also destroyed one of the Terrorcons' energon siphons, which apparently damaged their operation enough that Scorponok felt the need to retreat. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}}

[[Image:KickerRadAlexis Comic.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Have a stupid name, get a white tech-suit. It's tradition.]]

But he didn't retreat far; they simply attacked Alterenergy's nearby Mobile Command Center. Scorponok was betting that Kicker would be emotionally attached to someone there and would help the Terrorcons if they stopped the assault. He was right. Dr. Jones himself was there, and in fact was nearly killed. So Kicker led them to another energon source, but the Autobots were still in pursuit. As the battle renewed, Hot Shot rescued Kicker, who had already laid the seeds for the Terrorcons' defeat. The energon source he had found for them "wasn't, y'know, exactly... pure." This caused the siphons to explode, and [[Alpha Quintesson]] teleported all the Terrorcons back to Unicron.

During the rescue, Hot Shot had given Kicker a suit that, as mentioned earlier, looked like Rad's. [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] said it was something Dr. Jones and the Autobots had "cooked up together." Kicker would never be seen dressed in anything else from that point on. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

He seemed quite happy helping the Autobots afterwards, probably due to the newfound adventure. They took him around the world in search of energon, from the [[Yukon]] {{storylink|Omni-Potent}} to the [[Black Sea]]. In the latter locale, he had [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] create an energon bubble around him so he could go underwater and plant a drill module while his [[Omnicon]] companions stayed onshore. But just as he was setting up the drill on the sea bottom, a Terrorcon squad attacked. Signal Flare's energon stream was interrupted, and the bubble collapsed. Despite his super-special suit, Kicker simply choked and then floated motionless. {{storylink|Multiplicity}}

[[Image:Kicker Comic Suited.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Kicker Jonah.]]

[[Sharkticon (Energon)|Sharkticon]] engulfed him and may have purposefully revived him, as the mission had been to capture him alive. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} At any rate, Sharkticon surfaced and flipped on his back, then his belly exploded. Kicker levitated from within, surrounded by a ball of energy, powered by the "energon well" below. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} He saw the Terrorcons standing over the defeated Omnicons onshore, so he sent streams of energon into his allies, reviving them. They quickly chased the Terrorcons off, and Kicker reveled in how his energon-manipulation powers were growing. "The more I work my energon mojo, the stronger I seem to get. It's like... there's no limits, none." {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}

{{note|Except bankruptcy. [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s collapse meant Kicker's story ended there.}}
{{--}}

===Toy pack-in comics===
[[Image:EV4 Battle.jpg|thumb|left]]

Kicker rode [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in a battle between [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s. {{Storylink|Energon Volume 4}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
*'''Kicker''' (Microman, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SL-14'''
**''Accessories:'' Energon Sword, chestplate, backpack, belt

: The first Kicker toy is based upon [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s 2003 ''[[Microman]]'' body. As such, it is super-posable, and its parts are fully interchangeable with other ''Microman'' figures. He is armed with a small, non-transforming silver version of the [[Energon Saber]], plus his torso armor and belt are removable.

: The toy is ''incredibly'' breakable. Some people have bought them only to find them broken ''in-package''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Kicker/kicker.htm More information on Kicker at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''SL Grand Convoy and Kicker''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SS-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Energon Sword, Destron Clone Sword, chestplate, backpack, belt
[[Image:Slgrandconvoykicker toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|KICKER KICKER OUR PLANETS KICKER]]

: This limited-edition "Transformer X Microman Anniversary Set" (celebrating the 30th anniversary of ''Microman'' and the 20th anniversary of ''Transformers'' in Japan) contains an exclusive variant of Kicker, with an exclusive variant of the Deluxe-level [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime toy]]. This version of Kicker uses clear-black plastic rather than opaque (which makes it ''even more'' susceptible to breaking with even moderate pressure than the normal Microman Kicker, so '''''be careful'''''), uses vacuum-metalized chrome on the body armor, plus along with a gold-chromed version of the Energon Saber accessory, also has an exclusive chromed "[[Energon Sword|Destron Clone Sword]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/AnnivKicker/kicker.htm More information on Anniversary Kicker at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''Kicker Energon Edition''' (Microman, 2004)

: This special clear-red version of Kicker is a [[Lucky Draw]] prize, limited to 100 pieces. He also comes with a red-chromed Energon Saber accessory (and goes very well with the Japanese mail-away "Fire" version of STD Grand Convoy). Contest entries were found in the ''Super Link'' soundtrack CD and the first three volumes of the ''Super Link'' DVD, and the prize winners were announced in August 2004.

{{-}}
*'''Energon Kicker with High Wire''' (Deluxe, 2005)
[[Image:Energon Kicker HighWire toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I hear they're over their sophomore jinx.]]

: [[Hasbro]]'s release of Kicker is an all-new sculpt, based around the 3'3/4 inch 2003 ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' "Valor Vs Venom" body design. He comes packed with a Joe-scaled (though slightly oversized) version of [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], also an all-new sculpt. Kicker has a [[spark crystal]] located on his backpack, which can be used as a mounting point for [[Energon star|energon chips]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Kicker/kicker.htm More information on Energon Kicker at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
* In the episode "[[Energon Tower]]", Kicker's father calls him "Junior" twice (three times in ''Superlink''). Whether this means his real name is "Brian Jones, Jr." or "Junior Jones" or if his father was just using "junior" as a term of endearment is left open to interpretation.
* Kicker is ''really cool''. You're ''sure to like him''. At least, that's what [[Aaron Archer]] claimed during the [[Hasbro]] Panel at [[OTFCC 2003]] so it must be true. Would Hasbro lie to you?
* The majority of Kicker's problems and phobias (including his fear of Ironhide) have magically vanished by around halfway through ''Energon'', despite all of them being completely debilitating and causing lasting effects on Kicker's psyche. Hmm.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Kicker Jones''' (キッカー・ジョーンズ ''Kikkā Jōnzu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Vadóc''' ("Rogue")

==External links==
*[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/energon/dvdkicker.htm Kicker Energon Edition gallery at Autobase Aichi]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Kicker}}
[[Category:Cybertron humans]]
[[Category:Energon humans]]