MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Fortnite

2024-08-27T03:56:56Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers content */

{{videogame
|title=''Fortnite''
|image=FortniteLogo.jpg
|caption=Making families poorer since 2017!
|developer=[[Epic Games]]
|publisher=Epic Games
|date=[[July 21]], [[2017]]
|platforms=Windows, macOS, [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation]] 4, PlayStation 5, [[Xbox]] One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Android
|rating=ESRB: T
}}

'''''Fortnite''''' is a massively popular online video game developed by [[Epic Games]], most famous for its 100-player "Battle Royale" game mode where players battle it out until only one remains. In June 2023, themed skins and accessories based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Primal (ROTB)|Optimus Primal]] were made available as part of a ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]'' promotion. Additional skins and accessories based on [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and even a Transformer version of the Fortnite Battle Bus released in October 2023.

{{TOCclear}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:FortniteWilds.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Sadly, this is as close as we ever got to [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] showing up in ''Rise of the Beasts''.]]

Given the game's widespread perception, it may be surprising to learn that ''Fortnite'' actually has a fairly complicated story that has played out in both the game and a few comic book tie-ins, involving characters and items from worlds throughout the [[omniverse]], including (but ''far'' from limited to) the worlds of [[Marvel Comics]], [[DC Comics]], ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'', the [[Ghostbusters]], and fellow [[Hasbro]] series ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' arriving in the dimension where ''Fortnite'' occurs. Compared to a couple other fictional universes involved in the game's plot, ''Transformers'' only plays a fairly small role — small enough to be described in a ''single sentence'', in fact — so we'll try and keep this summary of the surrounding events fairly concise.

===The Basics===
''Fortnite''{{'}}s Battle Royale mode takes place within a universe known as "Reality Zero", which primarily consists of a large island home to the "Zero Point", the nexus from which all existence emerged. This naturally makes it very powerful, and thousands of years before we enter the picture, a clandestine organization known as the Imagined Order (or "IO", for short) took control of the Zero Point and used it as a sort of omniversal teleporter to traverse the omniverse and adjust the various universes and realities within to fit their definition of "order". To ensure their control of the Zero Point and test strong individuals that might be worthy of joining their ranks, the IO also used the Zero Point to establish a time loop (referred to as simply "The Loop") on the island that renders its victims mute, restrains any superhuman abilities they might have, and nearly destroys one's memories and self-identity. These individuals, called "loopers", are forced to battle each other until one of them survives as a damaging storm closes in. At the same time, a mysterious, alien force known as the Last Reality has been traversing the omniverse and destroying reality after reality until only they remain, hence their name. These factions are opposed by "The Seven", a group dedicated to protecting the Zero Point and breaking the Loop at all costs.

There's a whole lot of stuff that happens during the game's first three chapters, but if you wanna know more about those events, go check the [[fandom:fortnite:Fortnite Wiki|''Fortnite'' wiki]] for an in-depth summary. For now, we're going to skip forward to the part that's relevant to this wiki...

===Chapter 4, Seasons 1–3===
After the IO is betrayed by one of their own members, Doctor Slone, Reality Zero is destroyed. However, the Zero Point reawakens and reforges it anew.

After a day-long camping break, the player's looper returns to the island to find all of The Seven missing. AMIE, an AI created by one of The Seven, having gained free will as a consequence of their absence, becomes unstable (in the violent, psychological sense), asking the player's looper to help her use the kinetic ore found on the new island to build her an exoskeleton so she can finally move about and interact with the world. The Oathbound, the main faction on the island and (seemingly) a past version of the Imagined Order, begins construction on a Rift Gate. The project's leader, The Warden (real name Stellan), has the player's looper assist in the project, which AMIE takes advantage of when a test of the Gate's capabilities reveals that The Seven are trapped and being "sculpted anew" by some dark entity. AMIE disconnects as her new body begins construction, and when the player's looper and Stellan activate the finished Rift Gate, things... don't go to either side's plan. The unstable Rift Gate creates a massive crack in the sky, which eventually opens up and drops a [[Japan]]-inspired landmass on top of part of the island. A largely-disconnected plot about uniting the syndicates of the region ensues.

The island soon begins experiencing earthquakes, which eventually cause a part of the island to crumble away and reveal a massive jungle that was hidden underground. Doctor Slone, as it turns out, survived her ordeal and was trapped here after Reality Zero was reforged. Now independent from the IO and working with a group of explorers (using them for her own means, naturally), she begins working to make her plans for the island a reality... whatever those are.

...Oh, and some guy named [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] begins sending messages to the island through the vehicle radios, warning the loopers of reality's impending collapse at the hands of some "formidable enemy" that's caught wind of the island's power fading.

As the weeks go by, a picture comes into focus: an ancient, broken-down "Apparatus", regularly described as some kind of "stellar projector", is discovered in the jungle, which Slone and the explorers gradually dig up and rebuild over the course of Season 3. The player's looper (optionally in-game, but canonically story-wise) uncovers the prisms needed to get the Apparatus up and running. During the season's eighth week, Slone, having evidently fallen out with the explorers, tasks the player's looper with recovering schematics created by Stellan as part of his Rift Gate project, then uses them to track down some of the ore Stellan used to build the Rift Gate, which the looper uncovers and places at the Apparatus. The Apparatus is then turned on, after which Slone divulges that her plans might just be what gets the island and the loopers away from their enemies for good, and an audio log of hers indicates that the key involves some kind of "Eclipse"...

...But since ''Transformers'' stops being actively involved at this point (''for now'', at least), we're going to have to leave things off there. Again, if you wanna know what happens next, the ''Fortnite'' wiki's got you covered.

==Quotes==
{{note|The following are a collection of Optimus Prime's in-game voice lines. Unless specified otherwise, all of these lines could be heard in-game by tuning into the "Mysterious Transmission" radio station while driving a vehicle.}}

"I am Optimus Prime, and this message is to my allies. There is grave danger on the horizon.
The power that once flowed through your island has faded, and formidable enemies have taken notice.
You must brave the unknown... The answers you seek lie deep within the starless void that brought you here.
Fight on, and roll out."
:—Heard by accessing a mural within Rumble Ruins.

"Greetings. My name is Optimus Prime. If you are hearing this, the time has come to make your escape.
This reality is doomed to collapse, but hope is not yet lost.
I cannot sustain this broadcast for much longer. Listen and more will follow."
:—Week 1's radio transmission.

"I have been in contact with the one you call Slone.
And while she may be an unlikely ally...
She alone, knows the path forward."
:—Week 2's radio transmission.

"Those who lived here long ago discovered a secret hidden among the stars.
The artifacts they left behind will guide you.
You will find everything you need to study the stars hidden throughout the island."
:—Week 3's radio transmission.

"The key to your future lies in the past... You must brave the unknown.
Fight on, and roll out!"
:—The final radio transmission.

==''Transformers'' content==
[[File:Fortnite-Transformers-Skins.jpg|thumb|550px]]
Several skins and accompanying accessories based on ''Transformers'' characters have been made available, either for purchase from the in-game shop or earnable through gameplay:
* A skin based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], which comes with a built-in "Barrage Cannon" emote, was available as part of the Battle Pass for Chapter 4, Season 3, which began on June 9, 2023, to tie in with the release of ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Rise of the Beasts]]''. The skin could only be unlocked after reaching level 100 and unlocking every other item on the pass, including a "Cybertronian Axe" pickaxe skin, an [[Autobot]] [[Insignia|Emblem]] "Back Bling", an animated emoticon of the Autobot insignia morphing into the phrase "[[Roll out|ROLL OUT!]]" and back, a graffiti tag of Optimus (based on the in-game skin, but labelled as "[[The Transformers (franchise)|G1]] Optimus Prime") posing in front of a silhouetted [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and a replacement for the game's loading screen featuring Prime rushing towards the camera. Gaining an extra 25 levels after finishing the Battle Pass allowed the player to earn some additional ''Transformers''-themed "Bonus Rewards", including an "Autobot Signal Flare" contrail (a particle effect visible as the player falls towards the island), a "Battle-Tested" variation of the Prime skin with added battle damage, and a player banner based on the Autobot insignia. As Battle Pass rewards are only available via purchasing the Pass itself and then unlocking them, Prime and his associated items became unobtainable following the end of Chapter 4, Season 3 on [[August 25]], 2023. ''Boo.''
* Also as part of Chapter 4, Season 3, an [[Optimus Primal (ROTB)|Optimus Primal]] skin was made available alongside a Back Bling based on the [[Maximal]] insignia via the in-game shop for 1600 of the game's in-game currency, V-Bucks (roughly $12.78 US dollars at the time), with his twin swords (referred to as "[[Sonic sword|Sonic Swords]]") also available as a pickaxe skin for 800 V-Bucks; a bundle containing both sets was also added, costing 1800 V-Bucks. Primal disappeared from the shop on [[June 20]], but unlike Battle Pass items, shop items ''do'' tend to return every so often, and thus far Primal has been re-added to the shop once since his initial removal... on [[November 26]], 2023, a roughly ''160 day gap'' between appearances.<ref>[https://fnbr.co/outfit/optimus-primal Optimus Primal's page on fnbr.co, an unofficial directory for Fortnite shop rotations and cosmetics]</ref>
* A ''Fortnite Transformers'' Pack was released in physical retailers on October 13, 2023, followed by a digital release on October 21. The pack costs $24.99, and includes 1000 V-bucks, along with the following:
** A [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] skin, which comes with a built-in "Battle Ready" emote, along with an accompanying "Bumblebee's Wings" Back Bling and [[Stinger Sword]] pickaxe skin.
** A [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] skin, which comes with a built-in [[Fusion cannon]] emote, along with an accompanying [[Decepticon]] Emblem Back Bling and an [[Energon mace|Energon Mace]] pickaxe skin.
** A skin based on a hypothetical robot mode for the ''Fortnite'' [[fandom:fortnite:Battle Bus|Battle Bus]], complete with a "Bot Air Balloon" Back Bling and a "Pick Axle" pickaxe skin. As the announcement is ''very'' careful to note that "BattleBus is not an official ''Transformers'' character", we do not currently cover it in depth.
* A series of "Transformers Quests" were made available for players to complete from June 9 to June 22, 2023, with each individual quest rewarding Battle Pass XP. Two additional rewards were also available, earned for completing enough quests overall: 5 quests earned the "Jungle King" spray (a graffiti tag of Optimus Primal), and 10 quests earned the "[[Maximize]]!" emoji (the Maximal equivalent of the aforementioned "Roll Out!" emoji).
* During Chapter 4, Season 3, a "Cybertron Cannon" was temporarily added to the list of possible weapon drops. Outside of the name and the fact that it transforms into a compact backpack bearing the Autobot insignia for the user when not in-hand, it doesn't have any real connection to ''Transformers''.

==Notes==
[[File:Prime Time Fortnite Spray.jpeg|thumb|upright=1|Unfortunately for Fortnite players, it will ''never'' be Prime Time.]]
* Bafflingly, while all the ''Transformers'' skins have unique, built-in emotes, none of them involve the character [[Transformation|transforming]] into their [[Alternate mode|alt-mode]]. It's likely that Epic decided that it would be too confusing and unbalanced to have skins with emotes that cause the player's character (and therefore, their hitboxes) to radically change in size and shape, thereby potentially giving those who bought the skins a competitive advantage over those who didn't.
* The "Autobot Signal Flare" contrail features the [[Transwarp Key]] appearing above the player and opening a portal. If the player has the Optimus Primal skin and the Autobot Signal Flare contrail equipped at the same time, the Autobot insignia that normally appears is replaced with the Maximal insignia instead. (Sadly, no Decepticon insignia when using Megatron.)
* [[Peter Cullen]] voiced Optimus Prime's radio messages during Chapter 4, Season 3.
* The promotional images for the ''Fortnite Transformers'' Pack feature the word "Fortnite" written in the Autobot [[alphabet]] along the left edge.
* Of the two skins in the "''Transformers'' Pack", Megatron's is based directly on his [[evergreen]] design, with multiple details lifted near-1:1 from his [[:File:Quidd-evergreen-Megatron-robot-mode.jpg|character model]], while Bumblebee's appears to be derived from his (loosely evergreen-influenced) design in ''[[Rocket League]]'', also owned by Epic Games.
*A spray named "Prime Time" was created, but never released. It's unclear if the spray is planned for a future update, or if it was scrapped in favor of the "G1 Optimus Prime" spray.
* The Transformers skins are sadly not among those that are cross-compatible with the ''[[LEGO]] Fortnite'' mode. Sorry, [[Kre-O]] fans.
* [[G.I. Joe (team)| G.I. Joe]] operative [[Snake-Eyes]] was pulled into Reality Zero by Agent Jones on January 31, 2021, as one of the "hunters" intended to keep loopers from escaping. While stuck in the Loop, he engaged in countless, massive fights with [[Batman]] before the mutual respect that had grown between the two led Snake-Eyes to sacrifice himself to the storm so that Batman could escape the Loop.<ref>''Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #3''</ref>
* ''Transformers'' is officially canon to ''Fortnite'' and, by extension, the many, ''many'' franchises whose characters, locations, and objects have been variously deposited in its universe. One of those "franchises", by the way, is ''our own Earth'', which has experienced multiple incursions from Reality Zero and had multiple real-life celebrities and internet personalities plucked from it to become loopers. Make of this information what you will.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* ''{{w|Fortnite}}'' at Wikipedia
* [[fandom:fortnite:Fortnite Wiki|''Fortnite'' wiki]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2JnTforl_4 Chapter 4 season 3 trailer]

[[Category:Crossovers]]
[[Category:Rise of the Beasts media]]
[[Category:Generation 1 video games]]

User talk:GlamAttack

2023-05-29T22:58:44Z

GlamAttack:

{{welcome}}
{{caption happy}}
Okay, you've done nothing but edit captions. If you don't start making actual contributions, you're gone. -- [[User:Cyberlink420|Cyberlink420]] ([[User talk:Cyberlink420|talk]]) 21:05, 6 April 2023 (EDT)
{{noblanking}}
Didn't realize that was against the rules, thought I was just cleaning it up. Sorry, won't happen again. [[User:GlamAttack|GlamAttack]] ([[User talk:GlamAttack|talk]]) 18:58, 29 May 2023 (EDT)

User:GlamAttack

2023-05-29T20:21:22Z

GlamAttack:

Robot enthusiast.

User talk:GlamAttack

2023-05-29T20:20:47Z

GlamAttack: Blanked the page

User talk:GlamAttack

2023-05-29T20:20:38Z

GlamAttack: Replaced content with "{{welcome}}"

Skyquake (Prime)

2023-05-29T20:18:42Z

GlamAttack: Removed misinformation and added clarification about Legacy Skyquakes backpack, it's fully possible to make flat without mods as shown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkP0QyKbpT4&ab_channel=JayTheReviewer

{{disambig3|Skyquake}}
{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Skyquake is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]] portion of the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[Image:SkyquakePrime.jpg|thumb|300px|Ain't he unglamorous?]]

'''Skyquake'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s loyalties are unlikely to be questioned anytime soon. A Decepticon guardian sent to protect [[Earth]]'s [[energon]] stocks, he is completely loyal to [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. He will not only obey every order, he will follow them until Megatron says otherwise, regardless of the passage of time. He also possesses a rather short temper towards the disloyal, and is not beyond backhanding even a [[Starscream (WFC)|superior officer]] who gets in the way of Megatron's will. Otherwise, he's actually a polite guy when it comes down to it, even to his targets and foes. He's succinct, and will not mince his words. It's nothing personal, it's just orders from his master.

His split-[[Spark]] [[twin]] brother is the similarly honor-bound [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]]. The two are able to sense each other, even across the galaxy.

Skyquake also has [[Skyquake Pre-Memorial Hospital|a hospital]] named after him. Prematurely, anyway.

{{quote|It will be a shame to crush you, [[Bumblebee (WFC)|bug]], but it is my duty.|Skyquake|"[[Masters & Students]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Richard Green]] (English), [[Frank Welker]] (English, "Shadowzone"), [[Kellen Goff]] ([[BotCon 2011]] script reading), [[Masami Iwasaki]] (Japanese)|[[Tilo Schmitz]] (German), [[Ángel Amorós]] (Spain-Spanish), [[Gerardo Alonso]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Marco Antônio Abreu]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Tamás Bognár]] (Hungarian), [[Alessandro D'Errico]] (Italian), [[Do-hyeong Nam]] (Korean), [[Jean-Marc Delhausse]] (French, first voice), [[Patrick Descamps]] (French, second voice)}}
[[Image:Masters&Students-MyLittleFriend.jpg|thumb|250px|left|NOW IS COWARD KILLING TIME!]]

Millennia ago, during the great war, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] tasked Skyquake with assassinating [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] at the [[Battle of Technahar]] but Skyquake failed to carry out his mission. He was later one of a number of Decepticon guardians sent to Earth by Megatron when the planet was seeded with Energon. {{storylink|Masters & Students}} He also became the namesake for "Skyquake Pre-Memorial Hospital", though it's unclear whether he ever learned of the hospital's founders anticipating his demise. {{storylink|Unreliable Narratives}}

In the modern era, he was sought out by [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], who needed a strong presence to inspire [[Vehicon (Prime)|his troops]] into believing his reign would be a successful one. However, Skyquake was less amiable to the idea, firmly announcing both his loyalty to Megatron and his lack of faith in Starscream's claims of Megatron's death. Before the pair came to blows, Optimus and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] appeared on the scene. Skyquake reminded Prime of their encounter during the Battle of Technar, but Optimus still offered both Decepticons a chance at peace. Starscream showed some interest, as long as Optimus bowed to him, causing a frustrated Skyquake to belt him aside and attack Prime. Bumblebee threw himself into the fray but proved more of a distraction than anything else. He did manage to buy Optimus the time to realize Skyquake still lacked a [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]].[[Image:Masters&Students-SkyquakeDeceased.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Medic!]] Using the canyon they were battling in to their advantage, the Autobots managed to corner Skyquake. Unfortunately, [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] appeared in a [[Fowler's V-tol|high-tech military jet]], which Skyquake immediately [[Scanning|scanned]].

Skyquake quickly dominated the battle until Bumblebee threw himself on the jet and, as Skyquake tried to shake him off, ripped out his internals. Bumblebee jumped onto Fowler's plane as a heavily injured Skyquake crashed into the ground. After Skyquake closed his optics for possibly one last time, Prime sadly noted how things might have been different, before burying the Decepticon. {{storylink|Masters & Students}} Dreadwing sensed his brother's emergence from stasis and later death. {{storylink|Loose Cannons}}

[[Image:Shadowzone-alone.jpg|left|thumb|300px|I am not ''burned'', just ''scorched.'' Wait...]]

Some time later, Starscream attempted to resurrect Skyquake using the chunk of [[Dark Energon]] that he ripped from Megatron's chest. It worked, and Skyquake rose as a [[Terrorcon (Prime)|zombie]], however a [[GroundBridge]] incident transported him to a strange alternate dimension along with the Autobots' human friends [[Miko Nakadai]], [[Jack Darby]] and [[Raf Esquivel]]. After discovering that he couldn't harm the Autobots, who were still in the real world, Skyquake began pursuing the three kids. They managed to find Starscream's arm, left behind during the battle, and used it to shoot Skyquake. This merely resulted in his arm coming off and chasing them. It followed them back through a rescue portal created by [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] and briefly assaulted Starscream before he shook it loose. It ran after him again but Starscream GroundBridged himself away. The rest of Skyquake continued to roam the [[shadowzone (dimension)|shadowzone]] and made a vain attempt to repair himself with Starscream's lost arm. {{Storylink|Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone}} Megatron wasn't happy about Starscream using the Dark Energon shard that was previously merged with his Spark to bring Skyquake back, among other things. {{storylink|Rock Bottom}}

Dreadwing was drawn to Earth after feeling his twin's death, where Megatron and [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] confirmed his loss. Dreadwing swore the Autobots would pay for offlining his brother, though his attempts to gain revenge were unsuccessful. {{storylink|Loose Cannons}} Starscream encountered Dreadwing at the Antarctic, but at first mistook him for Skyquake before being corrected. When Starscream obtained the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]], he prepared to reunite Dreadwing with his twin before Dreadwing blew a hole in the ice, into which Starscream fell. Optimus Prime expressed his remorse for his part in Skyquake's death and extended the same offer of a place in the Autobot ranks to Dreadwing. {{storylink|Triangulation}} Megatron used the oath Dreadwing swore on Skyquake's demise to get him to open the coffin of a Prime, rather than simply opening it himself. {{storylink|Alpha/Omega}}

While Megatron was using a [[cortical psychic patch]] to interrogate Starscream, Dreadwing finally learned his brother's ultimate fate, roaming the shadow dimension as a zombie, and was more than a little upset that Megatron would withhold that information from him to shield Starscream. {{storylink|Patch (episode)|Patch}} As a result, Dreadwing turned the [[Forge of Solus Prime]] over to the Autobots before attempting to avenge his brother by killing Starscream. However, it was Dreadwing who met his end when Megatron intervened in Starscream's favor. {{storylink|Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Bot Shots Battle Game!''===
[[Image:Bs-skyquake.jpg|thumb|Sandvich and me going to beat your ass!]]
Skyquake originated from the far side of the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], and spoke with an [[accent]] that was strange to others. He was among the many Bot Shots who battled in the arenas of Cybertron. {{storylink|Bot Shots Battle Game!}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Prime''===
====''Cyberverse''====
[[Image:Primetoy-SkyquakeCyberverse.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Meet the Heavy.]]
*'''Skyquake''' (Cyberverse Commander, 2012)
**''Series / Number'': '''2 / 010'''
**''Takara ID number'': '''EZ-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Two blasters (combine to form Tornado Cannon)
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

: Part of the fourth wave of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 2|Series 2 ''Cyberverse'']] Commander Class toys, Skyquake is a redeco of [[Dreadwing (Prime)#Cyberverse|Dreadwing]], with new weapons, and transforms into a modified {{w|F-35 Lightning II}}. He features translucent plastic on the center of his jet/his back and cockpit-chest, allowing him to be illuminated by the larger Cyberverse sets. He comes with two translucent orange blasters, and both weapons feature multiple [[C joint|3mm post]]s, with one blaster additionally featuring two 3mm post-holes. This allows them to be held with his hands or mounted onto his arms and wings in different ways, store on Skyquake's back, combine with other Cyberverse weapons, as well as combine with each other to form a "Tornado Cannon" that resembles a mini-gun, and can be held with both hands.

:Oddly, the [[instructions]] and the official Hasbro [[stock photography|stock photos]] for the toy completely ignore the fact that the "Tornado Cannon" consists of two smaller weapons, and consistently depict it as one single weapon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/CommSkyquake/skyquake.htm More information on Cyberverse Skyquake at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

====''Robots in Disguise''====
{{anchor|Voyager}}
[[Image:Primetoy-SkyquakeVoyager.jpg|thumb|right|300px|What was that, Sandvich? "Kill them all"? Good idea! Hahahaha!]]
*'''Skyquake''' (Voyager, 2012)
**''Series / Number'': '''01 / 007'''
**''Accessories'': Light-up pulse cannon/Shatterwave blaster, sword

: Part of the fifth and final wave of [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Robots in Disguise (2012)|''Prime: Robots in Disguise'']] Voyager Class toys, Skyquake is a [[redeco]] of [[Dreadwing (Prime)#Voyager|Dreadwing]]. He comes with a pulse cannon ([[retool]]ed from Dreadwing's cannon to have a new barrel) and sword, both of which can be mounted (via [[5 mm post]]s) onto ports on his forearms, hands, wings, and back, as well as behind the cockpit canopy. The sword itself features an additional peg on its hilt, and the cannon has a peg-hole on its translucent side. The cannon can transform into a longer-barreled "Shatterwave blaster" that's illuminated at the barrel by a red LED as a sort of "Energon glow". As with other ''Robots in Disguise'' Voyager Class toys, the deployed weapon cannot lock into place.

: Skyquake's wave was pretty much skipped by most US retailers, leaving fans to order him from online outlets or get them from European fans. However, in late spring/early summer of 2013, US [[Toys"R"Us]] stores started putting the Skyquake waves on shelves. At one per case, Skyquake was still difficult to come across, but hey, beats his prior distribution!

: His stock photography depicts him with much brighter translucent orange plastic, as well as silver [[paint operation]]s on his shoulder-pads and jet fuselage that were omitted on the final product.

:Voyager Skyquake and Dreadwing's very similar looking left & right robot mode feet are notorious for being incorrectly added to the figure during factory assembly, resulting in a left foot on a right leg, a right foot on a left leg, two left feet, or two right feet. Not having the right foot on the right leg and left foot on the left leg causes him to not stand properly because each foot is designed on the bottom to sit at a specific slanted angle. Both feet look very similar to one another, however they can be identified by finding the corresponding "L" and "R" on each one. If placed on a flat surface to be viewed, one will notice that both feet have subtle slants to their stance.

:All versions of this mold have a spot that's ''very'' prone to breakage: the thruster/ stabilizer fin assembly which folds up onto his back has a joint that can crack and break the whole assembly off- even on brand new figures! This can be avoided by gluing it in vehicle mode configuration- while it loses functionality it is not detrimental to his robot mode.

: This mold was also redecoed into ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Megaplex#Timelines|Megaplex]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Skyquake/skyquake.htm More information on Voyager Skyquake at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:Bot Shots Skyquake.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Heavy flip baby!]]
*'''Skyquake / Jetfire / Powerglide''' (Multi pack, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''BP006'''
***''Fist strength'': '''475'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''750'''
***''Sword strength'': '''395'''

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Series 1 three-packs, Skyquake is a [[redeco]] of [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Starscream]] in green and grey. He comes with [[Jetfire (G1)#BotShot3Pack|Jetfire]] and [[Powerglide (G1)#BotShot3Pack|Powerglide]].

:This mold was also used to make [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and Series 2 [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], and was also [[retool]]ed into Series 1 [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Skywarp]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSSkyquake/skyquake.htm More information on Series 1 three-pack Skyquake at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack2}}
[[File:BS2 Skyquake.jpg|thumb|right|300px|You did well!]]
*'''Bumblebee / Skyquake / Shockwave''' (Multi pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 006'''
***''Fist strength'': '''460'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''955'''
***''Sword strength'': '''205'''

: Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, Super Bot Skyquake is cast in translucent green plastic, though a darker shade than Acid Storm. As a Super Bot, he has more lopsided stats than a regular Bot Shot. Once again, he was available only in a three pack, this time with [[Shockwave (WFC)#BotShot3pack2|Jump Shot Shockwave]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShot3pack2|Jump Shot Bumblebee]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSSkyquake/skyquake.htm More information on Series 2 three-pack Skyquake at TFU.info]''

===''Legacy''===
[[Image:TF-Legacy-Leader-Class-Skyquake.jpg|thumb|right|300px|After twelve years, Skyquake realizes he was cursed to have all posthumous toy releases.]]
*'''Prime Universe Skyquake''' (Leader Class, [[2023]])
**''Accessories'': Gatling gun, Energon clip/sword
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CoI0KeWuUgW/ design notes on ''Legacy'' Skyquake] from Hasbro designer [[Mark Maher]] on Instagram</ref>}}<ref>[[January 31]], [[2023]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l33J9hIaQm8 Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream] on YouTube, with [[Delaney Norris]], [[Evan Brooks]], [[Mark Maher]] and [[Ben MacCrae]].</ref>

:The first new Leader Class figure in ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Evolution|Legacy: Evolution]]'', Prime Universe Skyquake is an amalgamation of his cartoon appearance and his [[Skyquake_(G1)|Generation 1's namesake]] in both modes. His robot mode torso, feet, and head crest are borrowed from his G1 self, along with some sculpted details. The jet mode leans closer to the G1 toy, with almost the entire rear half being based on that version.

:Skyquake comes with a gatling gun as his weapon whose Energon clip can detach and turn into a sword for him to wield as part of his [[Evo-Fusion]] gimmick. His jet mode features three retractable landing gear and an openable cockpit canopy.

:Interestingly, Skyquake has some slots on the top of his jet mode that allow [[Needlenose (G1)#Legacy|Needlenose]] to slot in, and this is illustrated in the instructions. It would appear Skyquake had some late engineering changes to how the front jet portion transforms, as the instructions show the clear canopy sliding down inside when the nose is folded under a full 180 degrees, which isn't actually possible on the final figure due to the canopy being prevented from sliding inwards by ridges in the surrounding plastic. This can be worked around by threading the canopy through the gap between the thruster assembly and the main wings/hull plate on the backpack. There is also an extra swivel joint inside the front portion that goes completely unused, as well as either arm having totally different (but identically functional) elbow joints to allow for the connecting pegs and holes on the back of his lower arms.

:If one desires a more show accurate look, a semi-convincing [[Fan mode]] can be achieved via swapping his arms at the bicep swivel, swinging his wings around to the faux cockpit, rotating his waist, and finally rotating then sliding his head into place.

:The stock photos have a slight mistransformation; there is a panel meant to cover the gap in his forearms.
::*''[https://www.instagram.com/p/CoI0KeWuUgW/ Designer commentary on ''Legacy'' Skyquake from Mark Maher]''
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Eaglemoss cards===
{{charstubtoys}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*It's a lucky thing Agent Fowler provided a jet with arm and leg kibble underneath for Skyquake to scan!
*While crash-landings have rarely been fatal to [[Transformer]]s in past series, ''Prime'' executive producer [[Jeff Kline]] has stated that "When we kill a character, we kill a character."<ref>[http://www.toonzone.net/2011/02/transformers-prime-premiere-report-and-video-clip-plus-season-two-confirmation/ ToonZone.net summary of a Q&A session with the ''Prime'' creative team]</ref> He has the dubious honor of becoming the first named Decepticon fatality of the series.
*Skyquake was originally going to be [[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]].<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-robots-disguise-prime-discussion/1053596-aligned-continuity-panel-tf-con-charlotte-5.html#post13037062 Aligned Continuity panel at TF Con Charlotte notes]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Skyquake''' (スカイクエイク ''Sukaikueiku'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Bot Shots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Prime Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Titan (group)

2023-04-06T23:04:53Z

GlamAttack: added a few captions to uncaptioned photos

{{disambig3|Titan}}
[[File:MtMtEAnn2012-Metrotitans.jpg|upright=2.5|thumb|[[Solomus|Gotta catch'em all!]]]]

'''Titans''', also known as '''cityformers''', '''Metrotitans''', or '''Megamasters''', are gigantic 'bots, capable of transforming into colossal starships and even entire cities. More powerful than even the strongest [[combiner]] and capable of bringing an entire army's worth of firepower to bear, Titans are living arsenals of exotic weapons and arcane technologies that outmatch a score of lesser Cybertronians. Indeed, one of the only things capable of stopping a Titan is another Titan—the reason why both [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s across the [[multiverse]] have sought to recruit these mighty warriors into their ranks—and when Titans ''do'' clash, the fallout from their apocalyptic battles can prove devastating.

Though most Cybertronians view these awe-inspiring giants as enigmatic beings who exist on a fundamentally different scale from themselves, the tradition of "[[Cityspeaker|cityspeaking]]" allows certain Transformers to communicate with and even control the giants.

{{bigquote|Wonderful creatures, hard to shop for—almost impossible to find hats in their size.|[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]|"[[New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain]]"}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:Predacons-ColdWar.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] made the decision to depict Scorponok and Fortress Maximus as "normal" Transformers.]]
Transformers who turn into cities and buildings have formed an integral part of the ''Transformers'' mythos for years, beginning in 1986 with the release of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and continuing into the next year with the debut of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Despite their many similarities, however, this group of Transformers did not receive an official designation and so the [[fandom]] contrived ad hoc terms such as "city-bot" or "cityformer;" these nicknames stuck, and some eventually found their way back into some official media. Early incarnations played fast and loose with [[scale]], with the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel ''Transformers'' comic]] and even the [[2005 IDW continuity]] eschewing the "giant" aspect of some of the characters completely and instead depicting Maximus and Scorponok as slightly above-average sized 'bots.

[[File:FOC-Metroplexheedsthecall.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' video game established many of the traits that would find their way into the Titans of the IDW continuity.]]

Though a number of Japanese-exclusive stories and toys would introduce other cityformers into the mix, [[redeco]]ing Metroplex and Fortress Maximus into new characters like [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] and [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]], the concept gradually fell by the wayside until [[2010]], when the [[Aligned continuity family]] brought a new version of [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] back into the fore as one of the final bosses of the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' video game. Two years later, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' would similarly reintroduce [[Metroplex (FOC)|Metroplex]], depicting him as an ancient Transformer from a bygone era of the planet's history.

This depiction of Metroplex would go on to inform the original IDW continuity, and the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 ''More than Meets the Eye'' annual]] applied this concept to an entire "species" of gigantic, city-sized Transformers. Originally, author [[James Roberts]] described them as "Metrotitans", repurposing the name of the [[Metrotitan (G1)|''Zone'' Decepticon]], but this was abandoned almost immediately: in the [[Primus: All Good Things|2012 ''Robots in Disguise'' annual]], released the same month, the species were called only "Titans", and the single Titan involved in the story was referred to as "The Metrotitan"; soon after, [[The End of the Beginning of the World|''Robots in Disguise'' #11]] dropped the "The" when referring to him, using the word as an individual's name. Nobody really noticed, though, and the subject didn't come up again until Metrotitan [[All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|returned]] in the build-up to the 2016 ''[[Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return]]'' event, and his name being different to that of the species was clearly reiterated. In 2014, ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' writer [[Mairghread Scott]] was the first author to introduce the idea that the Titans were capable of [[Cybertronian colonies|colonizing]] other planets, and used this when developing the culture of Windblade's home planet of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], introducing the concept of [[Cityspeaker|cityspeaking]]—the ability to pseudo-telepathically communicate with sleeping Titans—that would inform Windblade's early characterization.

Adopting this term from the IDW continuity, Hasbro seems to have finally settled on the "Titan" moniker for all subsequent works of fiction, beginning with [[2016]]'s ''[[Titans Return (franchise)|Titans Return]]'' franchise and even extending into retro-styled universes such as 2018's ''[[Star Trek vs. Transformers]]'' miniseries: generally, this term is now understood to describe a group of gigantic Transformers, sometimes but not always predating the modern [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, and capable of [[Transformation|transforming]] into cities or colossal starships.

==Biology==
===Alternate modes===
[[File:G1 Autobot City.JPG|thumb|left|250px|The G1 cartoon depicted [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] as a component of the much larger [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]].]]
Almost all Titans are capable of transforming into a configuration that might charitably be called a "city." In order to maintain a credible size, their dimensions rarely match those of ''real'' cities, which can sprawl for many, many miles, their "city modes" usually resemble tightly packed clusters of buildings, generally scaled to the dimensions of "normal" Transformers and more akin to a large fortress or capitol building.

In this form, however, different continuities have depicted city-mode Titans has having the ability to combine their own infrastructure with those of ordinary, non-sentient Cybertronian cities for support; the Generation 1 cartoon, for instance, depicted Metroplex as existing within [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], {{storylink|Thief in the Night}} while the 2005 IDW continuity had Metroplex link himself into the ruins of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] to providing housing and infrastructure for the city's inhabitants. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}}

[[File:AllThatRemains-Carcer.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Vigilem]] in his starship mode.]]

Additionally, most Titans possess a secondary mode that allows for reasonably-faster travel, transforming from a static fixture into a mobile fortress of sorts. Many Titans transform into gigantic starships, granting them the ability to travel independently from planet to planet, though some, such as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], transform into kaiju-sized [[beast mode]]s instead. While most Titans possess humanoid [[robot mode]]s, exceptions exist, such as [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and [[Chela]].

{{-}}

===Component Transformers===
{{See|Multi-component Transformer}}

[[File:Slammer sixgun scamper.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Slammer]], [[Scamper]], and [[Six-Gun]] can all transform into [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s towers, turrets, and other static artillery emplacements.]]

Titans are sometimes shown to have developed a quasi-symbiotic relationship with a variety of smaller Transformers, who dwell within the Titan's cavernous workings, perform maintenance on their much larger partners, and sometimes transform into the city's own components. Fictional appearances of these Transformers are rarer; when they do appear, some are depicted with individual personalities, while others appear to be mindless drones, mere extensions of the Titan's own body designed to interact with smaller lifeforms.

While the original four Titan toys came with several such smaller characters, which have infrequently found their way into associated fiction, more recently introduced Titans, such as those in the pages of the 2005 IDW continuity, lack these accessories. In the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' toylines and associated fiction, however, ''all'' Titans are shown to share a relationship with the much smaller [[Titan Master]]s; despite this vast difference in size, these Titan Masters are capable of piloting the bodies of the much larger Titans.

{{-}}

====Metroplex====
*[[Six-Gun]]
*[[Slammer]]
*[[Scamper]]

====Trypticon====
*[[Full-Tilt (G1)|Full-Tilt]]
*[[Brunt (G1)|Brunt]]
*[[Wipe-Out]]

====Fortress Maximus====
*[[Cog (G1)|Cog]] – usually the combined form of the robotic drones Gasket and Grommet.
*[[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] – [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] unit
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]

====Scorponok====
*[[Fasttrack (G1)|Fasttrack]]
*[[Zarak (G1)|Lord Zarak]] – [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] unit

====Grand Maximus====
*[[Cog (Masterforce)|Cog]] – the combined form of the robotic drones Onomisu and Koka
*Grand – [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] unit
*Gran – Grand's Headmaster unit

====Metrotitan====
*[[Metroshot]]
*[[Metrobomb]]
*[[Metrodash]]
*[[Metrotank]]
*The five of them are known as the [[Metrosquad]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:FFOD5 Metroplex Trypticon.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Let them fight!]]

By the year [[2005]], Metroplex was integrated into the structure of Autobot City; {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} in order to attack Autobot headquarters, the Decepticons created Trypticon, with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s building him out of an ordinary human city. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} [[File:Rebirth 3 FortMax Scorponok.JPG|thumb|right|250px|This town ain't big enough for the both of us, or either of us, really.]] With Metroplex out of action due to missing his [[transformation cog]], Trypticon prepared to attack Autobot City, but the timely intervention of [[Blurr (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] restored Metroplex to full functionality, allowing him to hurl his enemy into the Pacific Ocean. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

The pair next clashed in [[2006]], when Trypticon and [[Octane]] teamed up to steal various famous Earth landmarks, {{storylink|Thief in the Night}} and again after [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] stole Metroplex's transformation cog; with [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]'s help, Metroplex was able to properly align Trypticon's stolen cog within his own body and overpower Trypticon for a third time. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

Fortress Maximus and Scorponok were first brought online not long afterwards when the war inadvertently spread to the planet [[Nebulos]]; in contrast to Metroplex and Trypticon, they were depicted as non-sentient battlestations, mere extensions of their [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] partners [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]]. The two first clashed on Cybertron, in the final battle of the Great War, where a bolt of stray [[plasma energy]] struck Scorponok's alternate mode, sending the Decepticons hurtling into deep space. Fortress Maximus was redeployed to Nebulos to oversee the dismantling of the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]'s machines and eventually serve as the planet's guardian. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{-}}

=====Japanese cartoon continuity=====
Though they wouldn't become an active part of the Transformers' war until the 20th century, cityformers were extremely ancient beings. The oldest known was [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]], who was created by the Transformers' god, [[Primus]] himself, millions of years ago to be the guardian of the [[Angolmois Energy]] sealed away on prehistoric [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 5}} A subcategory of cityformer known as the "'''[[Metrotype]]'''" had also been in existence for millions of years; {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} one known as [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] slumbered beneath the surface of [[Saturn]]'s moon [[Titan (moon)|Titan]] since ancient times, {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)#Part 7|Zone story page #7}} {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} and another, named [[Metrobase (G1)|Metrobase]] was stationed on [[Earth]] in the early 1980s, serving as the headquarters of a group of Autobot [[Micromaster]]s who were protecting the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot spacecraft]] buried on the planet. {{storylink|The Menace of Landcross's Combining Formation!}}

In the mid-1980s, the Autobots on Earth led by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] began the construction of their own "Metrotype" cityformer, Metroplex. The Decepticons responded by commencing creation of their own cityformer, Trypticon. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}} The pair's first battle would be their last for some time; {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}} Metroplex was able to destroy Trypticon, but not before the Decepticon city tore out his transforming cog, leaving Metroplex trapped in city mode. {{storylink|LG-43 Trypticon Project Chapter}}

Around the turn of the century, Brave Maximus was uncovered and reactivated by a group of Autobots and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s who had traveled back in time from the future. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Arise! Cybertron City}} {{storylink|Maximus Emerges|Stolen Plasma}} After aiding [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]]'s Autobots in defeating the villains, the robots who comprised Maximus's operating system, [[Cerebros (RID)|Plasma]] and [[Emissary (RID)|Brave]], were taken to Cybertron and used as the basis to develop a more powerful cityformer, "[[Neo Brave Maximus]]", who served as the mobile headquarters for [[Dimensional Patrol|Fire Convoy's team]]. {{storylink|LGEX Scourge Prologue}} The original Brave Maximus was returned to Earth, and when construction of the larger "Autobot City" began there in 2003, both he and the city-mode Metroplex were integrated into the complex. In 2007, however, Maximus was whisked away on a time-travel adventure with the human singing group, the [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]]. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 1}} In the course of their travels, Brave Maximus became separated from his companions and was lost in time. He crash-landed on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]] many millions of years ago, where his remains were discovered by a group of Autobot refugees led by the diminutive [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]]. Studying Brave Maximus's technology, Fortress developed "[[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]" technology, and built a giant transforming city-battleship in Brave Maximus's image to function as a body for himself, becoming "Fortress Maximus". {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 5}}

Fortress and his Autobot Headmasters went on to leave Master and join the larger Autobot/Decepticon war in 2011, whereupon his rival, Decepticon leader Scorponok, built a cityformer body for himself as well. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}} Fortress destroyed Scorponok's body, {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}} but over the next several years, the Decepticon rebuilt it in a new, smaller form; no longer city-sized, he renamed the large mode "BlackZarak". {{storylink|Master File No, 1}} A smaller version of Fortress's giant body was also constructed for use by his little brother, [[Grand Maximus|Grand]]. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Showdown on the Surface of the Moon}}

At some point in the decade between 2025 and 2035, the dormant Metrotitan was discovered on Titan by the Decepticons and reprogrammed for evil. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)#Part 7|Zone story page #7}} {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} He subsequently defeated Metroplex and Metrobase in battle, but Metroplex was then rebuilt into a new, larger, more powerful form, {{storylink|Metrowars}} and went on to defeat Metrotitan for good. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

The Decepticons later stole the new Metroplex's transforming cog for Trypticon, who had also been reconstructed in a larger, stronger form. {{storylink|LG43 Trypticon Mobilization Chapter: Decepticon Civil War|Decepticon Civil War}} Fortress Maximus donated his own transforming cog to Metroplex so that he could transform to robot mode and defeat his old enemy once again. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}}

====Marvel Comics continuity====
{{noteukonly}}

[[File:Metroplex-UK.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Rumbling, rumbling, it's coming!'']]

Trypticon was considered to be the most powerful Decepticon, and after [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] took control of the Decepticons, [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] petitioned him for one last use of the [[space bridge]] in the hopes that Trypticon could attack the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and plunder its energy. Despite this, Trypticon and [[Wipe-Out]] were both defeated by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. {{storylink|King of the Hill!}}

''Trypticon later saw action when [[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]] threatened Cybertron with a [[zombie]] army, teaming up with [[Flywheels]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s forces.'' {{storylink|Meltdown!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
Metroplex served as the "living core" of Autobot City, integrated into the city in [[2003]] and endowing it with the power to transform into a battle station. When the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and took control of Autobot City in [[2008]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] activated Metroplex, and the Titan immediately burst free from beneath the city and launched an unstoppable counterattack, seeing off the alien invaders but largely destroying Autobot City in the process. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

=====''Transformers '84''=====
Upon seeing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] for the first time, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] noted that there hadn't been a ship so large since the era of the Titans. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}
{{--}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:YouAreHere-KnightsOfCybertron.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

A mysterious group of ancient Transformers, the Titans were city-sized Cybertronians of unspeakable power, "living starships" who hailed from the earliest days of the Cybertronian species. Notably, they were the only Transformers to possess a built-in [[space bridge|spacebridge]], which allowed them and their occupants to instantaneously travel across vast stretches of space. All Titans possessed "super-sparks" which spanned multiple planes of existence, {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}} and supposedly shared a degree of "interconnectedness" that linked one Titan to the rest. {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Cybertronian legend venerates three particular Titans who are regarded as the original three Titans: [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the "First Titan", [[Chela]], the "Golden Warrior", and [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Those same stories hold that these three Titans joined [[Primus]] when he battled against [[Unicron/Generation 1#2005 IDW continuity|his opposite]]. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} These first three Titans were supposedly joined by many other, lesser Titans, though the exact origins of the Titans has never been specified. One such Titan was [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]; legends claimed that he had been raised by the deity Mortilus to combat the Titans of Primus during the "[[God War]]" that marked the end of the reign of the [[Guiding Hand]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation}} Ten million years ago, in the wake of this conflict the legendary Transformers known as the [[Knights of Cybertron]]—acolytes of the Guiding Hand—led their followers off Cybertron aboard a fleet of Titans in the hopes of spreading enlightenment across the universe. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

Over time, the Titan fleet dispersed across the galaxy, and though at least one Titan found its way to the planet [[Mederi]] along with the Knights of Cybertron, {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}} the rest fell into disrepair over the millennia, growing increasingly decrepit and weak from underfuelling. {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

[[File:OP10-Titans.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Those Titans that chose not to undergo this voyage remained on Cybertron for a time, lying dormant until the unification of the [[Thirteen Tribes]]. In a conflict between the forces of the [[Crystal City]] and the barbaric hordes of [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]'s [[Darklands|Darklanders]], [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]] was somehow able to "summon" the first three Titans from the ground, and their arrival gave the battling warriors pause long enough for Onyx to halt the fighting, with the three Titans standing vigil over the village during the subsequent celebrations. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} As the Thirteen rose, Alpha Trion befriended Metroplex, and the pair set off to explore Cybertron before the rise of civilization changed everything. {{storylink|Omega's Conundrum}} {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

In the age that followed, each member of the Thirteen won the allegiance of at least one Titan: [[Prima]] and [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]], [[Vector Prime]] and [[Tempo]], [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]], [[Solus Prime]] and [[Caminus (Titan)|Caminus]], [[Micronus Prime]] and [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]], [[Alchemist Prime]] and [[Metrobase (G1)|Metrobase]], [[Nexus Prime]] and [[Devisiun (Titan)|Devisiun]], Onyx Prime and Chela, [[Amalgamous Prime]] and [[Navitas]], [[Quintus Prime]] and [[Quintessa (IDW)|Quintessa]], [[Liege Maximo]] and [[Vigilem]], and Megatronus and Metroplex. The thirteenth Titan, Metrotitan himself, supposedly belonged to the mysterious figure known only as the "[[The Arisen]]". {{storylink|Ceremony}} Devout Transformers, such as [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]], sometimes prayed in the shadow of the Titans. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

[[File:TimeWillRust-DevisenTitan.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''If I lose it all, slip and fall...'']]

As "Onyx Prime" was, in reality, a convenient alter-ego assumed by a time-travelling [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], the Decepticon scientist saw the Titans and their abilities as one more pawn in his long game to manipulate Cybertronian history; encouraging the expansion of the [[Pax Cybertronia]], several Titans belonging to the Thirteen departed their planet on missions of colonization. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} These Titans were sent to prepare new worlds into suitable colonies, so that each Prime could rule one planet. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} The first such planet targeted for colonization was the nearby world of [[Antilla]], with the Titan Nemesis taking part in the war against the native [[Antillan]]s alongside [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Our Finest}}

When the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] swept their world, however, the remaining Titans were forced to turn on Vigilem, whose treacherous master had helped orchestrate the conflict. After Onyx severed Vigilem's higher functions, it was decided that the pair would be cast into space, striking them from history, with Vigilem renamed "Carcer" to conceal his true identity. {{storylink|Rubicon}} {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} Shortly thereafter, Onyx, Alpha Trion and Prima departed aboard Emissary to track down Megatronus, and during the subsequent battle on the planet [[Tsiehshi]], Prima was easily slain by Megatronus, who was in turn slain by Shockwave. In the aftermath, Shockwave sabotaged Emissary, who had voluntarily repurposed himself into a living morgue for his slain master, so that the Titan would crash land on the distant organic world of [[Elonia]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} Subsequent colonization missions lead to the settlement of other worlds such as Caminus, [[Prion (planet)|Prion]], and [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]. {{storylink|Time Will Rust}} In many cases, these colonies developed unique adaptations that set them apart from Cybertronians; the Titans themselves were often repurposed into cities and building materials. {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}} {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} On Caminus, the colonists developed the practice of [[Cityspeaker|cityspeaking]], a way of communicating with the Titans via interpreting the patterns of light running across their [[brain module]]s. {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}}

As part of a much, much longer game to ensure a future for the Cybertronian species, Shockwave had deliberately engineered events so that each of these thirteen Titans—and the [[Cybertronian colonies|colonies]] that they established—would come to be associated with the thirteen worlds his younger self had once seeded with his thirteen [[Regenesis]] ores, including [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Our Darkest}} While Chela went on to found the colony of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], Shockwave himself eventually retreated to the ruins of Antilla with his inner cadre of [[Maximal]]s, adopting Nemesis as the flagship of his impromptu fleet. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

[[File:ReluctantSpecialist-LeviathansOfTheSky.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|"The bigger they are, the more you can charge."]]

By the time Cyclonus had become part of [[Nova Prime]]'s inner court, only three Titans remained on Cybertron, all in hiding. One, [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], slumbered in secret beneath [[Crystal City]], and was guarded by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. When Nova discovered the upper city and allied himself with Omega, the guardian hid the Metrotitan's existence from the Prime. His recalcitrance paid off when Nova fell into megalomania and departed Cybertron to conquer other worlds, at which point Omega revealed Metrotitan to Nova's more respectful former follower, [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]. Omega explained that the Titan would only awaken in the presence of a great Cybertronian, but that it would be Dai Atlas's task to protect it until then. When the Autobot/Decepticon war subsequently broke out in the following millennia, Dai Atlas became a conscientious objector and gathered together many like-minded Transformers to form the [[Circle of Light]], and used Metrotitan's energies to power their departure from Cybertron. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} Settling on the planet [[Theophany]], the Circle built a new Crystal City atop the still-sleeping Metrotitan, continuing to use his energies to power their new home. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

During [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s initial rise to power, then-current Prime [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], in reality a disguise assumed by the Titan Master [[Infinitus]], mused over the possibility of obtaining a Titan to quash the nascent rebellion. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}}

The second Titan on Cybertron, Metroplex, entered a deep slumber as the "[[Acropolex]]" of Nyon, until the early days of the [[Great War (G1)|Autobot/Decepticon war]] when the new [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], the former [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], woke him with the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to aid him against [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Rise}} Megatron became obsessed with the idea of harnessing the Titans' space bridges for his own personal use, and ordered a group of Decepticons to find a Titan. {{storylink|The Hunting Party (IDW)|The Hunting Party}}

Metroplex served as Autobot headquarters for some time until he departed the planet with Alpha Trion to investigate and counteract [[Regenesis|Shockwave's star-spanning project]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} One group of Decepticons, led by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], attempted to follow, and travelled to a planet where he was refuelling, but [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] woke him rather than inform his superior, and prompted Metroplex to teleport onward before Bludgeon discovered his presence. {{storylink|The Hunting Party (IDW)|The Hunting Party}} That same group of Decepticons would later stumble on the Titan Quintessa, and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] would inadvertently warp him to [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Homecoming (IDW)|Homecoming}}

The last Titan on the planet was Trypticon; whom [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] awoke in the early stages of the Great War. {{storylink|Unleashed}} The bestial Titan cut a swath of destruction across Cybertron before being felled by both Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Belly of the Beast (issue)|Belly of the Beast}} Megatron then revived Trypticon and had him branded a Decepticon. {{storylink|Primacy issue 1|Primacy #1}} Trypticon's true nature as a Titan, however, would remain unknown to his fellows until after the war had ended. {{storylink|The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation}}

At some point during the space based phase of the Great War, [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] obtained Metroplex's space bridge nodes to install them in Megatron's new body, {{storylink|Spotlight: Megatron}} apparently forcing the Titan to travel physically through space thereafter.

[[File:PrimusAllGoodThings-MetrotitanEmbedded.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7|This is why Metrotitan hates Mondays.]]

Believing that the ancient giants held the key to reaching [[Cyberutopia]], the supposed location of the Knights of Cybertron, Chief Justice [[Solomus|Tyrest]] hired [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] to hunt down and kill Titans so that he could use their parts to cobble together a space bridge, one that he hoped would lead directly to the mythical Cyberutopia. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} Lockdown and his group of [[Titan Hunter]]s tracked down the weakened Titans, killed them, and stripped them for parts before using their remains to find their next target.{{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}} The leftovers were sent to [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], Tyrest's headquarters, in a veritable elephants' graveyard of Titan corpses. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}} At one point Lockdown's hunters followed a Titan signal to the ''[[Lost Light]]'', which had a sloughed-off piece of Metroplex aboard that had recently struck the ship, and aimed to use it to detect Metroplex himself, before being forced off by [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] without their prize. {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

At some point, Crystal City was razed by Tyrest's [[Legislator]]s, leaving no sign of life, save the Titan slumbering underneath. When the crew of the ''Lost Light'' arrived to investigate, a subsidence sent them tumbling into the cavern beneath the city where Metrotitan lay, and they decided to enter his body so that the their resident [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] could tap his brain and hopefully find out what had befallen the Circle of Light. Doing so, Chromedome discovered that Metrotitan was still alive and screaming in frustration—he had heard the call sent out by Cybertron upon the planet's reformatting to "come home", but having been drained by the Circle for so long, he lacked the necessary power to teleport his giant bulk across space. With Metrotitan desperate enough to separate his [[spark]] from his body in order to return to Cybertron, [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] used miniaturization technology to shrink the giant down to a size small enough so that he now had the power reserves necessary for the journey. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

[[File:RID26 MetroplexPunchingNecrotitan.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7|"NOW HERE I GO!"]]

The shrunken Metrotitan successfully quantum jumped back to Cybertron, to his old home in Crystal City, but wound up physically enmeshing his molecules into those of the city, causing a destabilization of local reality. As Autobot scientist [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] worked to contain the impending disaster, [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] got closer to the Titan. Neither were aware that Metrotitan had himself been brainwashed by "Onyx Prime," using supplies of [[Ore-10]], and in his addled state the Titan proclaimed Starscream as the mythical "Chosen One" who would unite Cybertron before he was seemingly killed by an antimatter explosion; {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} in reality, however, "Onyx" had used a mixture of [[Ore-1]] and [[Ore-9]] to warp Metrotitan to [[Earth]], beneath the surface of [[Monument Valley]], all to further his own goals. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}} {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

When the ''Lost Light'' found its way to the Missing Miracle Moon of Luna 1 via a portal in space, [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and the rest of the away team discovered Tyrest's Titan graveyard and unsuccessfully tried to take refuge from Lockdown and crew inside of the huge relics. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}} Tyrest was finally able to activate his Titan-made space bridge, but rather than the promised land, the portal led to the mind of [[Adaptus]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

[[File:RID19 metrotitan & monstructor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''BEWAAAAAAARE!'']]

Meanwhile, on a decaying [[Gorlam Prime]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] summoned the Titan [[Quintessa (IDW)|Quintessa]] from the ground in order to fight off [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]. However the combiner attack was a ruse, as the Decepticon scientist [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] desired to bring the [[Ore-2]] and [[space bridge]] technology the Titan contained to Shockwave. Via the marooned Titan Hunter [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] Jhiaxus took control of the Titan and teleported back to Cybertron. {{storylink|Homecoming (IDW)|Homecoming}} The Titan was brought to Shockwave's lair, the [[Crystal City]], {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} where its Ore-2 reacted with the [[Ore-14]] of the city, turning it into the undead "Necrotitan". {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} The Necrotitan was eventually felled by a reinvigorated Metroplex. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

With the [[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron]] crisis over, Metroplex integrated himself into the ruins of Iacon while his body recuperated from the effects of an [[alchemical virus]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} {{storylink|Earthfall Part 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} As he recovered, he began scanning the galaxy, searching for his lost siblings. He located Chela on Eukaris, Navitas on Velocitron, and the dead Titan on Devisiun; when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] tapped into his brain, she too received glimpses of these other Transformer colonists. {{storylink|Windblade issue 4|Windblade vol. 1 #4}} After Metroplex's spacebridge was repaired, Cybertron reached out to its forgotten Titan colonies to form the [[Council of Worlds]]. Several Titans played key roles in the formation of the Council: Windblade hacked into Navitas's brain module to manipulate a Velocitronian racetrack, {{storylink|Race Against the Light}} while on Eukaris she and Starscream were forced to put down the berserk Chela. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

The reunion of Cybertron and the colonies proved beneficial for the isolated Titans. Carcer's crew was able to begin ordering parts from Cybertron to repair him while Camien cityspeakers were able to conduct therapy on Navitas. {{storylink|07:00:00}}

[[File:AsAboveSoBelow-metrotitanawakens.jpg|thumb|right|300px| “A tremendous head made of metallic protodermis rises from beneath the shattered remains of the once-beautiful island. Water, soil, and rock cascade off its face as it rises higher and higher into the sky]]

Meanwhile, on Earth, Optimus Prime and his forces combatted the machinations of [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]], and at the Autobot bivouac in [[Monument Valley]], Optimus sensed a presence. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} Soon thereafter, Optimus realized what he had felt, and reawoke Metrotitan. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}} Subsequently, Metrotitan became the Cybertronian embassy on Earth, an [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. As a result of [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]] and [[Longtooth]] capturing Metrotitan's revival on live camera, opinion among the Cybertronian public and the Council of Worlds became more positive towards Optimus's activities, Optimus seemingly having proved himself a divine true Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}} Pleased by this turn of events, Metrotitan broadcasted a beacon of information across the universe immortalizing the deeds of Optimus Prime, unaware that this same broadcast would awaken [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]—in reality the diminutive and ancient [[Titan Master]] [[Infinitus]]—slumbering beneath the ruins of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. Disgusted by what Cybertron had become in his absence, Sentinel cut a swathe through Cybertron and Earth as he hatched a new plan to wipe Cybertron clean and begin anew. {{storylink|The Last Autobot}}{{storylink|White Light}}

[[File:LastLight Titanarmy.jpg|thumb|left|350px|Sentinel Prime will make Cybertron great again by returning it to the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|neon era]].]]

Joined by his fellow Titan Master [[Sovereign]], the two travelled to Luna 1 and the Titan graveyard. Using Blackrock as an amplifier, Sentinel awoke the entire population of the graveyard and ordered the [[zombie]] army to return to Cybertron via [[space bridge]] and kill everything that moved. {{storylink|Ten to Midnight}} Though Sentinel Prime was killed by the skeleton crew of Autobots on the moon—[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]–the vast majority of the undead Titans made it through the space bridge portal, materializing far away from Cybertron. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}}

Several months later, the Titan army arrived near Cybertron, where Carcer's long-range scanners picked them up. The [[Council of Worlds]] convened to strategize against the upcoming threat and eventually decided to stand and fight against the menace. Metroplex transformed into his robot mode once more to do battle against his undead brethren, but even though he and the population of Iacon fought hard they were unable to stave off the endless waves of building-sized zombies. {{storylink|Ping}} The zombie army was ultimately defeated only after Windblade seized control of Vigilem and used his heavily armed body to rescue Metroplex and mop up the last stragglers of the invasion; though Vigilem perished, it wasn't before he disgorged the evil [[Liege Maximo]] from his innards, who promised to avenge the death of his Titan. {{storylink|Rubicon}}

Shortly thereafter, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] was able to use a replica of the ancient [[Void Scepter]] to bring Trypticon back online, learning in the process that Trypticon was more than a mere monster; in reality, he was a bestial Titan. Thanks to the intervention of [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, however, Trypticon was foiled before his master could use his space bridge to conquer other worlds, and, desiring to become a force for good in the world, Trypticon absorbed the sparks created in [[Alyon]]'s hot spot, birthing a new generation of [[protoform]]s from his own [[living metal|''sentio metallico'']]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation}}

[[File:TheGround-Metrotitan.jpg|thumb|right|350px||''COMING FOR YOU!'']]

In [[2018]], "Onyx Prime" returned to Cybertron aboard Nemesis, ready to enact the final stage of his plan. As his machinations plunged the planet into chaos, Nemesis was able to blow Metrotitan apart, fatally wounding him, {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 3: The Ground|The Ground}} and though his coconspirator Liege Maximo wanted to attack Metroplex and Trypticon next, Shockwave overruled him, claiming to need Metroplex and accurately predicting Trypticon's retreat from Cybertron to protect his [[protoform]]s. After sending Maximo to slay Metrotitan's crew, Shockwave confronted [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] at the Titan's head where he revealed that he'd utilized his Regenesis ores to brainwash Metrotitan into believing Starscream's divinity before slaying the wounded Titan. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

[[File:Unicron6_All_Out_War.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] began consuming the galaxy, Navitas perished when Velocitron was devoured while Nemesis took the Maximals to meet with the monster. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} When the Chaos Bringer attacked [[Elonia]] for its stockpile of [[Ore-12]], the Transformers arrived to evacuate the [[Elonian]]s via space bridge. When the device failed to activate, Optimus Prime, Arcee, and [[Rom]] discovered the paralyzed form of Emissary, partially unearthed by Unicron's attack, who was transmitting a space bridge counter-frequency. Arcee solved that problem by thrusting her swords directly into Emissary's brain module, killing him and cancelling the counter-frequency. Now familiar with the energy of the Titans, Wheeljack recognized what had happened but declined to inform [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Our Darkest}} During the monster planet's assault on [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], Nemesis touched down on its surface whereupon Bumblebee rammed a one-man craft through the Titan's alternate mode, seemingly killing it but clearing a path into Unicron. When Optimus, Arcee and Bumblebee ventured within the monster, they discovered the remains of the Titans it had consumed. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}}

Left on Unicron's surface, Nemesis's corpse was assimilated by the Chaos Bringer, who managed to access the [[transformation cog]] and gain a robot mode which Unicron used to mount an hands-on attack on Cybertron. Carcer acted as flagship of the defense fleet but was ultimately destroyed by the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|Our Finest}} {{storylink|Road's End}}

As Unicron made his final approach over Earth, Metroplex and Trypticon joined in the fight, the latter depositing his cargo of unborn sparks planetside to do so. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}} Trypticon was slain by Unicron early into the fight, however, and when the dust settled, Metroplex was seemingly left as the last of the Titans. {{storylink|Ceremony}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
[[File:HeadGames-ResistanceScaleFortMaxFace.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
The ancient Titans coexisted with a different group of artificially-built, city-sized Transformers, who called themselves '''Megamasters'''. {{storylink|Intersectionality}} One such Megamaster, the aggregate intelligence [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], mused that if he had wished to conquer Cybertron or invade other planets, few could have stood in his way other than [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] or those long since vanished Titans. {{storylink|Head Games}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
Once upon a time, a Metrotitan had [[Scanning|scanned]] a boulder as an [[alternate mode]]. Witnessing this, a passing [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] commented that such an alternate mode was unbecoming for a being of such power, something he demonstrated by scanning a jackhammer. Embarrassed, the Metrotitan then scanned a military bunker, the Malignus responding by scanning a missile launcher. Seeing the Rainbow City in the distance, the giant scanned it, gaining its impenetrability prompting the Malignus to try and scan entropy itself. Horrified, the Metrotitan conceded defeat and begged him not to go through with the scan but could not deter the Malignus whose [[spark]] was subsequently scattered to the winds. Deeply regretful, the Metrotitan went off, swearing to never bring harm to another of his kind. One of the [[Thirteen]] became aware of this tale and recounted it to [[Vector Prime]] who passed it on to a [[human]] curious about the upper limits of the scanning process. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Faceboook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/17}}

====''Titans Return'' marketing material====
[[File:TR_Titan_Force_map.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"SEEK THE THIRTEEN" is this generation's "[[:File:SENDTHEBOOKS.jpg|SEND THE BOOKS]]".]]
When the universe was still forming, before Autobots or Decepticons existed, the Titans were created and sent out to discover the powers and mysteries of the universe. Each Titan was crewed by [[Titan Master]]s, tiny robot caretakers charged with up-keeping their systems. The Titan Masters also had a greater purpose: Each had a unique superpower they could grant to other Transformers, a gift intended to forge links with other civilizations they might discover. The Titans and their crews were eventually forgotten by all but a few power-hungry and entirely unsuccessful legend hunters. Until the Titans mysteriously returned, and the Titan Masters partnered up with Autobots and Decepticons alike. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

There were at least thirteen Titans scattered throughout the universe, with possible locations including [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Unicron]], [[Master (planet)|Dominius]], [[Nebulos]], [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]], [[Antilla]], [[Paradron]], [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], [[Earth]], [[Velocitron]], [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Biosfera]], [[Aquatron]], [[Botropolis]], [[Micro]]n, and [[Gigantion]].<ref name="TRTF">''Titans Return'' ''[[Titans Return (toyline)#Summer convention exclusives|Titan Force]] 3-pack'' bio material/instructions.</ref>

Searching for info on the mysterious return of the Titans and their crews Alpha Trion followed a trail of clues to the "Beast Planet" Eukaris. Amid jungle-covered buildings, Alpha Trion and Titan Master Clobber located a mysterious ancient artifact that was linked to the Titans and Titan Masters. Mindwipe led Astrotrain, Wolfwire, and Titan Master Apeface in an ambush to steal the artifact.

Later, back on Cybertron, Soundwave led an all-out assault. Scourge, Astrotrain, Skullsmasher, Laserbeak, Rumble, and Ravage, among others, pressed the attack while Powermaster Prime, Chromedome, Highbrow, Wheelie, Blaster, and Hardhead were among the defenders. The battle was interrupted when what first seemed like an earthquake attack by Rumble was actually the landscape itself transforming into the Legendary Titan: Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] was one of only a handful of Titans known to still exist. As a city, his ability to expand and grow was essentially limitless as he links up with other Transformers. Fortress Maximus himself is unique as the only Titan with the ability to link with a [[Titan Master]] partner.<ref>''Titans Return'' Fortress Maximus's on-package bio.</ref> When Fortress Maximus returned to full size and unleashed his power on the universe, the scientists [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] and [[Arcana|Teslor]] and Cityspeaker [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] fought against the rogue Autobot [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], who sought to use a loyal Titan Master to bend the Titan to his will as part of his own misguided agenda.<ref name="TRTF"/>

In the depths of space the monster Titan Trypticon and his Titan Master [[Wipe-Out|Necro]] traveled in starship mode between worlds, landing as a dark fortress or a terrible giant beast, bringing doom and ultimate destruction wherever they passed. Trypticon ever hungered for Titan Masters to devour the way another robot would Energon cubes, while the macabre Necro longs to harvest and devour the sparks of all Transformers who cross his dark path.<ref>''Titans'' Return Trypticon on-package bio</ref>

====''Prime Wars Trilogy'' cartoons====
[[File:Metropunchw.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
Long ago, the "original" Titans spread Cybertronian life to other worlds, seeding new worlds with young Transformer civilizations and acting as their cities while laying inert. When this society had proven that they could sustain themselves, the Titan departed for another world, beginning the cycle anew. Other Titans came online during the Great War between the Autobots and Decepticons, such as Fortress Maximus and the Titan Master [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]], and the Decepticon battle station Trypticon. {{storylink|Our Heroes Respond}}

Upon the conclusion of the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]], Windblade recruited Metroplex to help defeat [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], but declared that a new problem lay on the horizon: the Titans were returning. {{storylink|Destruction's Dawn}} Indeed, Starscream's disembodied spark was able to bring Trypticon back to life, and he rampaged through Iacon, slaying Metroplex in the process, {{storylink|At the Last Second}} while [[Victorion]] led a group of combiners in search of Fortress Maximus, the only being on Cybertron capable of defeating Starscream. {{storylink|Overlord and Emissary}} Fortress Maximus returned to action and took on Trypticon, refusing help from Emissary, until Trypticon swallowed Victorion and the [[Enigma of Combination]] to take control of the other combiners. Between attacks from the powered-up Trypticon and the now mind-controlled Combiners, Maximus found himself at a disadvantage until Trypticon swallowed [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the surge of power knocking him out. {{storylink|Consumed}} Unable to control the surge of energy, Trypticon was himself killed by the Matrix, releasing Starscream and his hostages, {{storylink|All Things Must Pass}} and Fortress Maximus was gravely wounded shortly thereafter by [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]. {{storylink|Collision Course}}

In the aftermath, Fortress Maximus survived and worked with Windblade, who became the Magistrate of Cityspeakers and aided those who communicated with the Titans. {{storylink|Saga's End}}

====''Star Trek vs. Transformers''====
[[File:STvsTF3-FortressTiberious.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
When the outbreak of [[World War III]] posed an existential threat to the Transformers, the Autobots chose to flee Earth entirely aboard Fortress Maximus, with the Decepticons following behind in Trypticon. The Decepticons caught up with their foes over [[Cygnus Seven]], and when Megatron and his forces boarded the ship to do battle with the Autobots, the Titan was damaged and crashed on the barren planet, with Trypticon going dormant on a nearby moon. Centuries later, [[Federation]] miners stumbled across the inert Titan, and inadvertently brought his passengers back to life. {{storylink|Prime's Directive, Part Two}}

The Decepticons allied with the [[Klingon Empire]], and as part of their opening moves against the Autobots, Trypticon [[Scanning|scanned]] a downed Klingon [[Warbird (Star Trek)|warbird]], launching a successful attack on the ''[[USS Enterprise|Enterprise]]''. In the meantime, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[James T. Kirk|Captain Kirk]] joined forces to bring Fortress Maximus back online, allowing him to transform into a copy of the ''Enterprise'' and becoming "Fortress Tiberius" in the process. {{storylink|Prime's Directive, Part Three}}

The clash between the two Titans ended in a dead heat when Megatron ordered a retreat so that he could pursue [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] who'd ran off with a bounty of [[dilithium]]. {{storylink|Prime's Directive, Part Four}} The two Titans clashed once again on [[Kronos]] only for Maximus to be taken out of the fight by Soundwave's audio disruptor waves. As the frequency of the weapon had no effect on [[Klingon]] biology however, they were able to call in a fleet of warbirds that overwhelmed Trypticon, defeating the Decepticons. In the aftermath, Trypticon, along with the rest of the Decepticons, was left a prisoner of the Klingons while Maximus resumed his duties as the Autobot starship. {{storylink|Prime's Directive, Part Five}}

{{--}}

====2019 IDW continuity====
[[File:Titans-Lodestarforging.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Titans were a rare variety of Transformer, massive living starships who existed on an order of magnitude beyond ordinary Cybertronian life. Titans possessed unique "Titansparks" that distinguished them from ordinary Cybertronians; when one emerged from the [[Well of All Sparks]], it took a vast amount of time and, more importantly, [[energon]] and raw material to shape that newborn spark into a Titan-sized bodyframe. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} Traditionally, vast open-air celebrations accompanied the forging of a new Titan as the reigning [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] introduced the new Titan to the people of Cybertron. Like other newborn Cybertronians, the new Titan worked with a [[mentor]] to help then understand the world and find their place in it: unlike traditional Cybertronian mentorships, however, choosing to work with a Titan required a lifelong commitment and a fundamentally different approach. {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}}

In life, Titans formed symbiotic relationships with their [[cityspeaker]]s, specialized Cybertronians who managed and maintained their internal systems, weapons, and engines. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} In death, Titans could choose to go "[[immersant]]" like other Cybertronians, and peacefully merge with Cybertron's living geography. The [[Cybertronian Mountains]] that lay just beyond [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] was the largest known concentration of this phenomenon—a mass graveyard where dozens of Titans had died and merged into a geographic feature. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} The devout [[Reversionist]]s worshipped Titans and viewed their resting places as holy. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part One}}

[[File:EscapePartOne-Titans.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

The Titans frontlined Cybertron's [[Expansion|Age of Expansion]] in both military and civilian roles—these included dispatching spaceborne threats like rogue comets, {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} escorting [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]-class colony ships to new planets, {{storylink|Escape Part One}} and, when needed, fighting wars of expansion against other sentient species. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} Spaceborne facilities like the [[Black Hub]] allowed crews of engineers and technicians to refit and repair Titans in a zero-gravity environment. {{storylink|Light/Star}} In time, other races came to both revere and fear them in equal measure, viewing them as living embodiments of Cybertronian might. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} {{storylink|Escape Part Four}} The most notable of their deeds were immortalized in [[Codexa]]'s book, ''[[The Way We Were, by One Who Saw It]]''. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}}

When [[Exarchon]] attacked Cybertron, the Titans initially took part in the [[War of the Threefold Spark]] against him and his followers—this backfired on them, however, when Exarchon successfully usurped the Titan [[Croaton (G1)|Croaton]]. {{storylink|Wheeljack: Orbital Decay}} It took the efforts of another Titan, [[Citadel (Titan)|Citadel]], to kill Croaton and reduce him to a cloud of debris around Cybertron's star. {{storylink|Wheeljack: Orbital Decay}} After that near miss, Autobot leader [[Nominus Prime]] chose to keep the Titans in reserve for the remainder of the war and did not deploy any during the final battle for Iacon. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}}

[[File:TheWorldInYourEyes1-titan.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

After the end of the war and the ratification of his landmark [[Nominus Edict]], Nominus Prime grew to fear what would happen if another Titanspark emerged from the [[Well of All Sparks]]: forging and fuelling a Titan required resources that Cybertron and its colony worlds could not afford, and gathering those resources would mean a new wave of expansion that would potentially bring them back into conflict with other alien species. Instead, Nominus ordered the staff of the Pyramid to simply divert the Titansparks that emerged into a hidden chamber, where they would be kept in indefinite storage until some future date. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} When Nominus stepped down as Prime, he told his successor [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]] about the Titansparks, who agreed to keep the policy going. This knowledge somehow found its way to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] whose silence Sentinel Prime bought with the job of Head of Intelligence. Over the next two kilocycles, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and his team stored sixteen Titansparks in this way; {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} as the policy had never been made public, the people of Cybertron simply assumed that the Well had stopped producing new Titans, {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}} which further increased the reverence the Reversionists held for the remaining Titans. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Two}}

With no wars to fight or colonies to found, the Titans no longer took an active role in Cybertronian affairs and went dormant: they now formed a reserve force that would only be roused to protect Cybertron from spaceborne threats like asteroids. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} Dormant Titans were slaved to the global [[Titan Net]] where cityspeakers and technicians could autonomously carry out routine low-orbit manoeuvres. By Sentinel Prime's era, the Titan Net's ground-based infrastructure had largely dwindled to a single central hub in Iacon, {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Four}} and in the days leading up to the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] most of the Titans had not awoken for at least ten megacycles {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part One}} [[Lodestar (Titan)|Lodestar]], the sole active Titan, served as Sentinel's flagship during offworld trips. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Five}} {{storylink|Nautica: Home}}

[[File:TheChangeInYourNaturePartFive-LodestarVsVigilem.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

As part of a [[The Rise|Rise]] plot, [[Team Stream]] detonated a [[data-bomb]] that prevented the staff of the Titan Net from reactivating any of the Titans. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Four}} Using a backdoor in the system, the group coerced the cityspeaker [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] to awaken his partner [[Vigilem]] and use him to attack the [[Winged Moon]] and the [[Tether]]. Although Lodestar attempted to intercept and deter Vigilem, the old warhorse's arsenal proved too much for her, and Vigilem was able to incapacitate Lodestar, destroy the Tether, and escape into deep space. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} Titan Net operators continued to try and rouse her fellows as their decaying orbits pushed them closer and closer into the atmosphere. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Tremors|Tremors}} [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] witnessed one of the Titans skim the atmosphere with Hoist opining that the data-bomb had been terminal. {{storylink|Escape Part One}}

Moments before Sentinel Prime died following [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s takeover of the Senate, the Prime deduced that Starscream had cooperated with the Dceepticons and warned his successor Orion to kill Starscream and warn Perceptor. {{storylink|War World: Prime|Prime}} Sentinel's fears were quickly justified as Starscream quickly went to the [[Decepticon leader]] and bartered information on the hidden Titansparks. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings|Awakenings}} As this resulted in physical injuries from the Decepticons, Starscream made sure to have his agents point the Autobots on the same trail. {{storylink|War World: Hunt|Hunt}}

[[File:Titans-KalisDestroyed.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The prospect of adding a Titan to his growing Decepticon army soon became a driving goal for Megatron. However, he was disappointed to learn that the Rise's sabotage had been ''too'' effective, and it was impossible to reverse their terminal orbits. Acting on his predecessor's instruction and Starscream's tip, the newly minted Optimus Prime came to the Pyramid where Perceptor told him about the hidden sparks. Concurrently, Megatron ordered an assault on the Pyramid to seize the dormant sparks within. Having already been damaged by the increasingly frequent and powerful quakes, molten plasma flooded the pyramid and destroyed almost all of the sealed Titansparks; {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} although Megatron claimed that ''all'' of the sparks had been destroyed, {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}} the Decepticons had in fact managed to abscond with just one Titanspark. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}} Fearing that the Autobots might find some way to reactivate the Titans when he could not, Megatron ordered their orbital decay be hastened. Forcing the giants to deploy their aero-brakes, the Decepticons brought down the Titans and fatally crashed them across Cybertron. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} {{storylink|Escape Part Four}}

Off in space, Vigilem had made his way to the asteroid colony of [[Hexagon]], being welcomed and given repairs by the ambitious [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]; however, a refitted Lodestar and her team of [[Technobot (G1)|Technical Specialists]] pursued him and eventually disengaged him from his berth. With no way to talk him down, Lodestar was forced to kill him with an [[imploder]]; on her way back to the Black Hub, she learned that she was seemingly the last of her kind. {{storylink|Light/Star}}

When Exarchon returned, Mindwipe's team came up with a plan to use the caged Titanspark as bait to trap the Threefold Spark in the spark cage, though this would come at the cost of the Titanspark. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} Agreeing to the plan, Megatron sent his technicians to the [[Sonic Canyons]] where Mindwipe hypnotized Exarchon into usurping the Titanspark before [[Pyra Magna]] destroyed it. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
Located at the [[Praetorus Wharf]], an advanced, mobile, weaponized Decepticon base had been discovered by the Autobots. [[Teletraan I|Teletraan-1]]'s scanners indicated that this base was actually the Titan [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. Stationed there was also the Decepticon [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System|Weaponizer]], [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt]]. {{storylink|Source:Teletraan-1 Data Files|''Siege'' Teletraan-1 Data Files}}

====''My Little Pony/Transformers''====
[[File:TheBeautyOfCybertron-Titan.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

The Titans were an ancient breed of large-scale Cybertronians. While most had gone into slumber to serve Cybertron in their city forms or other similar functions, {{storylink|The Beauty of Cybertron}} one Titan, the monstrous [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], was buried beneath the plains of Cybertron after "the one who controlled him" was gone.

When the [[unicorn]] tyrant [[King Sombra]] was unleashed on Cybertron, he had his enthralled forces free Scorponok, possessing the Titan's body. Before Sombra could fully integrate himself into Scorponok's systems, Optimus Prime and Megatron used the power of friendship to overload them, the Titan exploding in a cloud of magical energy. {{storylink|Finale (The Magic of Cybertron)|Finale}}

{{--}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[File:Bravemax giant.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] was a colossal, ancient Transformer believed by many to have been only a legend. He was hidden on Earth eons ago to protect the planet's energy from the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] leader [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]]. Over time, his place of rest would come to be hidden beneath the site where [[Metro City]] would exist by the early 21st Century. His fateful discovery by the modern day Autobots, Predacons, and Decepticons proved his existence to be much more than mere myth. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish}} He would only activate once all of the various keys to his reactivation were gathered: the [[O-Part]]s, the [[Orb of Sigma]], and his Headmaster component, [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]], which had all been hidden beneath various ancient structures. {{storylink|A Friendly Contest}} {{storylink|Peril from the Past}} Fortress Maximus was notable in that he could be controlled directly by [[human]]s, with children particularly adept at controlling the giant. {{storylink|The Human Element}} Likewise, the young Autobot [[Wedge (RID)|Wedge]], through his courage and selflessness, could also stimulate Maximus's activation. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!}}

{{note|''Robots in Disguise'' "Fortress Maximus" is the American version of the Japanese "Brave Maximus" character, who technically exists in a separate continuity from his American counterpart. See "[[#Japanese cartoon continuity|Japanese cartoon continuity]]" above for more on the history of this character.}}
{{--}}

===Aligned continuity family===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
The Titan Metroplex awakened to buy Optimus Prime time so that the Autobot leader could retrieve the Matrix of Leadership from the core of Cybertron, standing with the Autobots against the Decepticons. Despite this, he was eventually wounded, and his spark returned to the core of Cybertron to cleanse it. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''====
Metroplex could act as a mobile fortress for his allies. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

====''Rescue Bots Academy'' cartoon====
[[File:TheEmptyCity Citadel Secundus robot mode.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
An ancient breed of city-sized Cybertronians, the Titans were Cybertron's first explorers, charting the other planets and settling [[Cybertronian colonies|colonies]] in the [[Golden Age]]. Without the later advent of star charts, the Titans who left rarely returned to Cybertron. {{storylink|The Empty City}} Roughly four to five thousand years before 2020, a signal was sent out for the Titans to gather beyond a planetary nebula, an area they eventually left. {{storylink|The Lonely Titan}}

After the recruits of the Rescue Bot Academy had discovered [[Citadel Secundus]], {{storylink|The Empty City}} he followed the old Titan signal but found his kind was long gone. Though offered a spot on Earth, he sought to make another attempt to find the other Titans. {{storylink|The Lonely Titan}}

Secundus later hosted the year two anniversary graduation party for the recruits only to be struck by an asteroid that created an anti-energon field. {{storylink|Space Party}} The recruits managed to take manual control of the Titan however and landed him safely on Earth where he became a new wing for the academy. {{storylink|Crash Of The Titan}}
{{-}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
[[File:EndOfTheUniverse3-IaconusVCroaton.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
In days past, during the Age of [[Expansion]], the Titans spearheaded the development of several [[Cybertronian colonies]], travelling to distant worlds and settling on them with a crew of colonists. One such Titan was [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]], who settled on a red planet near the [[Sharkticon homeworld]]. Though the colony initially prospered, alien beings invaded the planet, abducting the colonists and severely damaging Croaton with an orbital bombardment. {{storylink|Ghost Town}}

A special group of Titans were known as the War Titans. These giants ferried detachments of warriors to alien planets to wage war against the inhabitants. When the Age of Expansion eventually came to an end, [[Iaconus]] was the only War Titan who lived to see Cybertron again. Unable to cope with the peacetime, Iaconus went mad and attacked his own kind, eventually being felled by the efforts of his crew. The crew's only survivor, [[Maccadam]], locked Iaconus beneath what would one day become Iacon, hiding the Titan with his own cloaking device. {{storylink|The Citizen}}

One of the Titans, known only as [[Dweller (Cyberverse)|The Dweller]], was banished to the depths of the [[Argon Sea]], locked in deep stasis and guarded by [[Hammerbyte]]. {{storylink|Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)|Dweller In The Depths}}

The Titans evidently had some influence in the era prior to the [[Great War (Cyberverse)|Great War]], as there existed [[cityspeaker]]s who were trained to telepathically commune with the giants. {{storylink|Memory (Cyberverse)|Memory}} {{storylink|Maccadam's}}

As the [[Ark (Cyberverse)|''Ark'']] sailed back to the Cybertron, they passed by [[Croaton's planet]]. Detecting the [[AllSpark]], the Titan had [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] bring it to him so he could be repaired. Once he was healed, he parted ways with the Autobots as he went to go find his colonists, unknowingly taking on the escaped [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] as a passenger. {{storylink|Ghost Town}} As the two sailed into the cosmos, they were found by the [[Quintesson]]s, {{storylink|The End Of The Universe I}} Croaton being forcibly turned into an enforcer for the aliens. {{storylink|The End Of The Universe III}}

When the Quintessons had invaded Cybertron, the resistance found Iaconus's slumbering form only for Maccadam to bar them from awakening the giant, fearful of the damage that the Titan's bloodlust would bring to Cybertron. {{storylink|The Citizen}} After Starscream revealed himself as the new Quintesson [[Judge (Cyberverse)|Judge]], Windblade activated Iaconus, {{storylink|The End Of The Universe II}} who quickly came to blows with the brainwashed Croaton. The last War Titan very nearly won the battle until Starscream killed him with some [[unspace]] goo. {{storylink|The End Of The Universe III}} Soon afterwards, Windblade freed Croaton from Quintesson control. {{storylink|The End Of The Universe IV}}

In the aftermath of the Quintessons' invasion, the alternate modes of the two Titans became the capital cities of the Autobots and Decepticons as part of a tentative truce. {{storylink|Enemy Line}}

In freeing her friend, Windblade's mind had been scattered across the planet, one of these psychic shards reactivating the Dweller who tried to assimilate all Cybertronians via Windblade only for her to be rescued and him to remain immobilized at the bottom of the sea. {{storylink|Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)|Dweller In The Depths}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' comic===
Before the Great War, the Titan [[Metroplex (SG)|Metroplex]] had become buried beneath what would later be known as the [[Static Zone]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 1|Shattered Glass #1}} The scientists [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]] and [[Jetfire (SG)|Jetfire]] came to believe that Metroplex was only in [[stasis lock]], hoping to reactivate him for the wealth of knowledge he contained about Cybertron's past. After shopping around for funds, they received them from Senator [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Orion Pax]]. When it became apparent that Pax only sought Metroplex as a weapon for his ambitions, Starscream downloaded all the data that been gleamed from Metroplex into his own spark. Over the course of the war, the Autobots tried to awaken Metroplex, {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}} and scuttled Cybertron's [[Titan Net]] to prevent the Decepticons from taking control of it and the other Titans. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 4|Shattered Glass II #4}}

After the conflict ended in Autobot victory, Starscream returned to Metroplex and discovered that his spark could activate the Titan. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}}

Though Starscream had hoped that the Titan on their side would allow the Decepticons to take back Cybertron, {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 2|Shattered Glass #2}} his spark was carved out by [[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]. After the fall of [[Kaon (polity)|Gold City]], Goldbug managed to use the spark to revive Metroplex. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 5|Shattered Glass #5}} [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] brought this news to Optimus Prime only to find that the Prime didn't appreciate the seriousness of the situation. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 1|Shattered Glass II #1}}

When Jetfire had killed Goldbug, Metroplex fully reactivated. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 4|Shattered Glass II #4}} Fuelled by Starscream's spark, Metroplex lumbered through the Static Zone before Jetfire and Soundwave managed to remove the spark, sending Metroplex back into stasis. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 5|Shattered Glass II #5}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Fred Tatasciore]] (English)}}
Metroplex had been lying dormant in what would become Autobot City for thousands of years, and was inadvertently activated during the last days of the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, during the launch of the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]''. [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] was able to bring the giant back online, who heeded the call of the "last Prime" by spearheading the counterattack against the Decepticon forces and eventually flattening [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] in the process. Unfortunately, the [[energon]] required to fuel Metroplex depleted the reserves necessary to launch the ''Ark'', and following the loss of an Autobot energon transport Metroplex sacrificed himself to launch the ship, glad that his sacrifice would get Prime and his Autobots offworld. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
When the [[Quintesson]]s dosed Windblade with [[Dark Energon]], she began to have hallucinations that the titans {{Sic}} were demanding her to destroy her comrades. {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight|Voices}} Later, [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] attempted to harness the power of the Necrotitan, but their sparks were merged into one and became the powerful and unstable [[Necrotronus]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight|And I Saw}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Metrotitan''' (メトロタイタン ''Metorotaitan''), '''Titan''' (タイタン ''Taitan'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jīdì Jīngāng''' (China, 基地金刚, "Base {{w|Vajra}}"), '''Titan''' (China, 泰坦 ''Tàitǎn'')
*''Portuguese:'' '''Titã''' ("Titan")
*''Spanish:'' '''Titán''' ("Titan")

==See also==
*[[Metrotype]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising subgroups]]
[[Category:Cyberverse subgroups]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) legends]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) subgroups]]
[[Category:Mass-produced Transformers]]
[[Category:Titans| ]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege subgroups]]

Sins of the Wreckers issue 4

2021-07-21T16:26:53Z

GlamAttack:

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers]]'' #4
|prev=Sins of the Wreckers issue 3
|next=Sins of the Wreckers issue 5
|image=SOTW4_regcvr.jpg
|caption=You can practically hear the ''DOOM'' soundtrack playing already.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 27]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=April 2016
|written by=[[Nick Roche]]
|art by=Nick Roche
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2016)]]
}}
'''The enemy within the Wreckers' own ranks is revealed, but a change of heart soon turns the tables on Tarantulas.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:The Roadbuster affair.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
[[Impetus]] forces [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] to relive a horrifying moment from his past: the time he murdered his own cadets and offered them up to the death-god [[Mortilus]], whose voice he believed he could hear instructing him. The voice disappeared when Roadbuster was caught and incarcerated for his crimes... but as [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] now reveals, Roadbuster was ''not'' insane. The voice was, in fact, Tarantulas himself, his [[Chimeracon]] body [[size changing|shrunk]] to unnoticeable size, whispering into Roadbuster's ear. Furthermore, it is revealed that [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] was the sole survivor among Roadbuster's cadets, and that he later learned that [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] had released Roadbuster from custody after minimum rehab as a favour to [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]. Disgusted and furious, Hubcap was approached by Tarantulas, who had him put his [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] signal-manipulating abilities to work digging up dirt on Prowl, in return for the promise of a new and powerful body. Prowl tries to reason with Hubcap, but Hubcap won't hear it; Prowl is dirty, and it takes brave people like him and [[Verity Carlo|Verity]] to do something about it. At the mention of her name, Verity emits a hollow laugh, and admits that "bravery" had nothing to do with her blackmailing Prowl: she is not merely ill, but ''dying'', and used the blackmail threat merely as a way to get his attention in hopes of obtaining help. Tarantulas explains that her condition is the result of exposure to Cybertronian energy—specifically, as revealed by his own studies of her body, that of the [[Aequitas]] computer. Prowl wishes that the girl had simply asked him, but Verity says that she did what she did to maintain a measure of control and dignity, unable as she was to live up to [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]'s noble ideals.

Tarantulas tries to forcibly connect Prowl to Impetus, but Prowl fights back. He offers to tell Tarantulas the truth about what happened to his creation [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ostaros]], claiming to have actually killed him himself that day in the lab, but even this is not enough to rob Tarantulas of his perverse need to have Prowl by his side. As Prowl is beaten by the spider-'bot, however, [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]'s voice suddenly echoes in his head via their mind-link, alerting him to the fact that the other [[Wrecker]]s are coming to the rescue—but only, he viciously adds, because Prowl is an ''valuable asset'', not because they think he deserves saving. With that, an alert begins sounding inside the [[Tor]], as Kup, Impactor, and [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] use their recovered gateway to teleport ''[[Debris]]'' itself, the Wreckers' space station, inside the [[Noisemaze]], threatening to collapse its unstable structure entirely! Tarantulas contacts [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] and orders the forces of [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]] to come to his aid via the Noisemaze gate inside [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]], then orders Hubcap to prepare to transmit the Aequitas data across the galaxy. Prowl begs Hubcap not to, warning of the consequences, and Hubcap—finally struck by second thoughts—instead releases [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]], Roadbuster, Verity, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] from Impetus. Eager for revenge, they gang up on Tarantulas, while Springer urges Prowl and Hubcap to escape. The team fares poorly against the powerful spider, however, so Roadbuster makes a sacrifice play, transforming to vehicle mode and slamming into Tarantulas, sending them both crashing through a window and down to the rocks below.

As Carnivac and his fellow Chimeracons arrive in the Noisemaze, they are immediately confronted by Impactor, Guzzle, and Kup. A much larger problem soon presents itself, however, when the stroppy Tidal Wave—incensed at being left out of the action—ignores Carnivac's every order and literally turns himself inside out so that he can force himself through his own Noisemaze gate and join the fight. Tidal Wave's sheer size further threatens the maze's collapse, and making matters worse for the villains, he kicks Impactor straight into the Tor—exactly where Impactor wants to be.

[[File:Sotw4 hubcap's fall.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8]]
Hubcap leads Prowl through the Tor, aware that prison is in his future but happy to be free of the emotional burden he has carried for so long. Happy, that is, until he turns and sees Prowl aiming a gun right at him. Hubcap is too dangerous to live, Prowl reasons; loaded with harmful classified data, all it will take is one bad day for him to snap and release it all. Hubcap pleads for his life, arguing that killing him is only a continuation of the cycle of violence and secrecy that has ''resulted'' in their current situation, and that together, they can prevent such a thing from happening again. Prowl is swayed by Hubcap's logic and lowers his gun... but Impactor has other ideas, suddenly appearing behind Prowl and blasting Hubcap dead centre, sending his body toppling off the walkway and into the black depths below. Impactor has no guilt for his actions—he lost good 'bots on the mission to recover the Aequitas data, and the danger Hubcap posed threatened to make their sacrifice meaningless.

[[File:K-PLUTCH.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Outside, Roadbuster has survived his plunge, but Tarantulas has apparently disappeared. But then, a familiar voice begins speaking to Roadbuster once again. The shrunken Tarantulas has climbed within his head for one last, traumatizing whisper... before suddenly expanding to full size, exploding Roadbuster's brain from the inside out. Climbing out of the Wrecker's limp corpse, Tarantulas observes Tidal Wave attacking ''Debris'' nearby, and concludes that it is time to "close up shop."

Back inside the Tor, Springer's group catch up to Impactor and Prowl. They are keen to flee, Prowl insists that they must destroy all of Tarantulas's work—first by detonating explosives to destroy the [[Obtenteum]] and the Tor, then by having Carnivac to use his forced-conversion powers on Tidal Wave, causing a gravitational shift that will trigger the Noisemaze's complete collapse. They head for the Obtenteum chamber, but as they start setting explosives, Springer orders Prowl to get Verity to safety. Verity disagrees, announcing that she feels fine—which in turn causes her to realize that Tarantulas has done "something weird" to her while he was studying her. At that point, Tarantulas himself returns, and threatens to do "something weird" to ''everyone''...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]] (1)
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (2)
*[[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (3)
*''[[Roadbuster's cadets]]'' (4)
*''[[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]'' (5)
*''[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'' (6)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] (9)
*''[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]'' (11)
*[[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] (12)
*[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] (13)
*[[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] (14)
|h2=[[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]]|c2=
*Various Chimeracons (15)
*[[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]] (16)
*[[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] (17)
*[[Stampy (BWN)|Stampy]] (18)
*[[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]] (19)
|c3=
*[[Verity Carlo]] (10)
|c4=
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Right then, I needed some '''control.''' Some '''dignity.''' Me and '''Ironfist''' had '''big plans''' for that data. '''Truth; justice:''' all the '''good stuff.''' But then I got sicker... and '''sicker'''. And Aequitas was all I had to '''buy''' my way out. Ironfist was dying that '''whole time,''' and he just stuck with the plan. Be a good '''Autobot'''—the '''best''' Autobot—and put '''saving the day''' ahead of your '''own''' butt. But I couldn't do that. I don't know what it's like for '''you guys,''' but on '''Earth''', life is '''short''' and it '''feels it.''' I'm '''sorry,''' Ironfist."
:—'''Verity'''

"No one is doing this 'cos they want you to be okay... all you are to '''us'''—to '''anyone'''— is a '''valuable asset''' that needs to be secured. And what's what we do. We're '''only''' saving you because of '''what''' you are, not '''who''' you are."
:—'''Kup''', to Prowl

"Excuse me, I was wondering if you could '''help''' us... we've got '''violent tendencies''' and serious issues with '''guilt.''' Is this is the '''right room?'''"
:—'''Arcee'''

"No factions, just truth. Imagine that scenario, and tell me why it can't be ours?" 
"You don't '''know me''' well enough to start referring to things as '''"ours,"''' pal. Maybe '''buy me an engex''' first."
:—'''Carnivac''' and '''Impactor'''

"I don't want all that stuff that '''came out''' back there—the '''voices,''' the '''cadets,''' the... '''bad things'''—I don't want '''that''' to be how '''you remember me.''' When you '''think of me,''' all I want you to remember is... I was '''your friend.'''"
:—'''Roadbuster''', to Springer

"Will it '''stop''' with '''me?''' Will '''my death''' be the end of small robots '''dying''' in '''dark corridors,''' erased from '''existence?''' After this '''one last horrible act,''' you flip the '''switch''' and '''tomorrow''' you're a '''heroic Autobot?'''" 
"Why would you say that?" 
"Because if you allow this cycle to '''continue,''' it won't be long before someone tries to '''tell the world about it.''' And '''succeeds.''' 'Bots like '''me''' are only this way—'''broken; scared; abused'''—because of 'bots like '''you.''' The '''weak''' can't change until the '''strong''' do. I'm '''scared,''' and I'm '''sorry.''' This '''huge mess''' has happened, and we can't do anything about it '''now'''... but can't we '''prevent it''' from happening '''again?'''"
:—'''Hubcap''' and '''Prowl'''

"There'll always be '''guys like me''' who come along and '''pull the trigger''' when '''guys like you''' find they '''can't.'''"
:—'''Impactor''', to Prowl

"You guys playing '''nice''' together is '''way''' scary."
:—'''Verity'''

"By the time this is '''over''', I'll have done something '''weird''' to '''everyone'''."
:—'''Tarantulas''', we missed you.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Roadbuster mentioned his cadets back in [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|issue #1]], comparing the "connection" he made with them to Impactor's incarceration of Guzzle, believing that both were ways of expressing how they "cared" for those they worked with. Oof.
*In that same issue, Impactor worried that Roadbuster might have been hearing the unconscious Springer "talk back" to him, a fear that makes more sense now that we know Roadbuster has a known history of "hearing voices."
*The murder of his cadets might be what Roadbuster was talking about at the end of last issue, when he talked about ending a group of young lives. Though he did say that he did that while they were sleeping, though...
*Tarantulas identifies Roadbuster's murder of his cadets as the "[[Roadbuster affair]]," an event originally mentioned in [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #1]]. (we'd previously believed this was his drug-fuelled massacre in [[Animals|''More than Meets the Eye'' #46]], but that was only done through implication and word-choice, while this is ''explicit'', so, there ya go.) Since Ironfist refers to it in ''Last Stand'' as merely an interesting event and not a horrorshow, the real nature of the affair was probably hushed up.
*Note too that Roadbuster says this is how "I was trained" while he brutalises cadets and that he thinks this isn't so bad. Someone taught him bad lessons indeed before Tarantulas got anywhere near him.
*Verity was exposed to the energies of Aequitas when Ironfist downloaded its contents in [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #4]]. She's been visibly sick since issue #1 of this series, but did you spot the clues that indicated her illness was related to Cybertronian energy? In addition to comments made by [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]] about how his presence near her was endangering her, she would have "attacks" every time a new Transformer appeared in her vicinity.
*Guzzle refers to [[Carpessa]], the neutral city we learned about the destruction of last issue.

===Errors===
*On page 8, Guzzle says that he, Kup, and Impactor have "enough explosives to make Carpessa feel like wax-job." That ought to be "''a'' wax-job."
*On page 19, "thought" is misspelled "though." This is fixed in the trade paperback.

===Other notes===
*Following the January 2016 release of issue #3, family issues for Roche led to a two-month delay of issue #4. As the delay was known about in advance, the issue was not solicited for February (nor was #5 for March), only appearing in the solicitations for April, when it was then released on-time.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slmU0C1NbQw Waters of Nazareth]" by {{w|Justice (band)|Justice}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/725812403678617600 Nick Roche on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgA_DlR8WsM No Distance Left To Run]" by {{w|Blur (band)|Blur}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/725812615998509056 Nick Roche on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICHIbP-4VQU The Last Supper]" from {{w|Jesus Christ Superstar}} (1996 recording)<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/725813225854517248 Nick Roche on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Hubcap reflected in Roadbuster's glowering visor, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Our heroes, by [[Jack Lawrence]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Prowl the chessmaster, with a ''Last Stand''-era chessboard, by [[Josh Burcham]]
<gallery>
File:SOTW4_regcvr.jpg|
File:SOTW4_subcvr.jpg|
File:SOTW4_cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Sins of the Wreckers'' #5
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|#52]]
*''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|#52]]
*IDW ''Transformers'' reading guide
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library
*[[Free Comic Book Day]] 2016

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

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/28978-roadbuster-cracks-heads-in-transformers-sins-of-the-wreckers-4-preview.html Preview]

[[Category:Sins of the Wreckers issues]]

Scrounge (G1)

2021-07-08T15:57:12Z

GlamAttack: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Scrounge}}
:''Scrounge is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Scroungefullbody.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Just keep 'em turning, don't stop 'em rolling, the fire is on!]]
'''Scrounge''' has a special arm. There is no other like it.

He is a lot like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]—he is relatively small, weak, and over-eager to prove himself to the other Autobots; he's a passable spy thanks to the fact that he has a special arm (there is no other like it) specially designed for surveillance; he is yellow. Unlike Bumblebee, with his eagerness to please and general excitability, he has a habit of imagining any little bit of info he stumbles across into a huge and vital revelation that will change the course of the [[Great War (G1)|war]].

The Autobots have heard him cry [[turbofox]] a few too many times, and so treat any info he uncovers with a good helping of doubt. Even his friend and partner [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] tends to treat him as a useless, tag-along loser.

Maybe he'll get a bit more respect as part of the combiner [[Computron (G1)|Computron]].
==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
[[File:Scroungealtmode.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|He gets around, nyuk nyuk.]]
Scrounge, while searching for a clue on the whereabout of the abducted [[neutral]] scientist [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], infiltrated [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]] and obtained coded information that was of great value to the [[Decepticon]]s. He radioed his accomplishment to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and urged to meet with him, but failed to show up himself when [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] captured him in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]]. Scrounge was brought before [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], who ripped off his special arm because the Autobot refused to disclose what he had discovered. Right after, Straxus decided it didn't matter what Scrounge knew, since he would never be able to tell [[Cybertron Seven|his comrades]]. Without another thought, Scrounge was thrown into the [[smelting pool]].

[[File:Scroungedisarmed.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|And thus the Armmasters were born!]]
Blaster belatedly came to save his little buddy, who was little more than a melting torso by that point. Scrounge died a heroic death getting the Autobots the info, making them realize that they misjudged him, and leaving Blaster with a whole lot of angst, anger, and guilt to work through by killing as many Decepticons as he was able and generally being a hardass. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

Scrounge's death continued to hit Blaster hard as the war progressed, first as a reason to not repeat his loss when the scientist [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]] went missing. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}} Blaster angrily brought up Scrounge's death later on [[Earth]], after [[G.B. Blackrock]] questioned Blaster's credentials as an Autobot warrior. {{storylink|Crater Critters}}

====''Classics''====
Decades later, Blaster recalled Straxus's culpability in killing Scrounge in a discussion with [[Straxus (SG)|negative polarity Straxus]]. {{storylink|Falling into Place}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Megatron Origin issue 2|''Megatron Origin'' #2]]}}

[[File:Post ScroungeAbused.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.8|And thus his long run of abusive cameos begun.]]

Long before the war, Scrounge served as medical equipment for a particularly abusive [[blacksmith]] as they pulled a newborn [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] from the sparkfield. Once his services were no longer required, Scrounge was callously knocked aside. {{storylink|Post}}

[[File:PostHoc-Scrounge.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.7|That doesn't look like Scr-- [[Scrounge (Animated)|ohhhhh...]]]]
At one point during the [[Clampdown (event)|Clampdown]], Scrounge was walking past [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's New Oil House]] carrying some [[conductor]]s. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} Not long thereafter, he could be found scrounging for trash in the deepest, darkest slums of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He still has a special arm. How many others are like it is unknown at this point. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

Before the war, Scrounge was begging on the streets and would often receive money from Bumblebee who insisted he not spend it all on [[Simultronic]]s. When Bumblebee had a bad day at work, he was unable to give Scrounge any money. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Scrounge narrowly avoided being crushed when [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] fought [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in a massive battle above the streets of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}}

During the war, Scrounge fell in with the Autobots, but was on the list of warriors to be utilized only as a last resort, presumably because, like [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], he's low on useful skills. (Besides his special arm, of course. There is, after all, no other like it.) {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie}}

[[File:ScroungeIDW 2.JPG|upright=1.2|left|thumb|Scrounge really wanted a TV guest spot.]]
He was seen on the [[Orvus Base]] space station orbiting over [[Salvvatan VI]], mere seconds before [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] ripped through it. Sixshot threw Scrounge through the main viewing monitor, presumably out of jealousy of his special arm. After all, he has six modes but nothing like it! {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

That was not the end of Scrounge's story, as he was saved from almost certain death by the intervention of the [[time travel]]ling [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] and secreted away on the [[Necroworld]]. After emerging from stasis, he was left behind by [[Team Rodimus (G1)|Team Rodimus]] when they went to track down the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and almost killed by the [[Disappeared]] Decepticon [[Rapidfire (G1)|Rapidfire]], before being rescued by [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Sardines}}

After commissioning [[Starscream: The Movie (film)|a film]] about himself, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] recounted to [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] the time when he'd heroically saved Scrounge from being beaten by [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], and [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]]. Thundercracker questioned the veracity of the tale considering the attackers' personalities. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}}
{{-}}

===''TransTech''===
{{bigquote|Scrounge is what folks call me, but that’s just my ''nom-de-guerre,'' sir. But I'm really [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]], from [[Universal stream|universe]] [[Primax 093.0 Epsilon]].}}
When [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]], CEO of [[RoboCo]], found his [[spark]] trapped inside a "[[lowtech]]" body that was not his own, a poor deluded lowtech named Scrounge was the only other Transformer who offered sympathy. Just like Bulletbike, Scrounge claimed to be someone he was not, by all outward appearances, but unlike Bulletbike, Scrounge was indeed mistaken. Insane though he may have been, he was lucid enough to be of legitimate help, plus he was harmless enough.

Scrounge agreed to help Bulletbike find [[EconTerm]], though at increasing peril. Bulletbike was finding a growing appetite for violence, a troublesome tick that Scrounge was able to narrowly avoid. Ultimately, Scrounge was instrumental in providing support for Bulletbike's crusade to locate the beings who had transplanted his spark into another body, even if it resulted in Bulletbike's death.

In the aftermath, Scrounge was given excellent treatment by [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Commander Cheetor]]. The poor thing just needed some proper care. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

[[File:Kre-OScrounge-CMW.jpg|thumb|75px]]

When the [[Waruder]]s caused a blackout in [[Axiom Nexus]], a [[Kreon]] Scrounge within the offworlder maximum security prison was caught in the middle of a brawl with his fellow inmates. A Kreon [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in particular caused him grief, coming after him even after Scrounge's arm had come off! {{storylink|Cybertron's Most Wanted}}

===Ask Sideways===
Known liar [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] claimed that he was the reason for Scrounge's death. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Sideways, 2015/07/05}}

===''Of Masters and Mayhem''===
During the Great War, Scrounge was drafted into the ranks of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to help enhance [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] following the recruitment of [[Boltax (G1)|Cybaxx]]. It was hoped that this upgrade, which allowed Computron to tap into the power of the [[Underbase]], would allow the Autobot combiner to defeat [[Thunder Mayhem]].

It didn't. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:TF-Generations-Scrounge.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|From having a special arm to being a special arm.]]
*'''Computron''' (Collection Pack, 2016)
**''Accessories'': Cybaxx
:''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Scrounge is a redeco and minor retool of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] Thrilling 30'' [[Cosmos (G1)#Generations|Cosmos]] with a new head based on his IDW design. Like Cosmos, Scrounge can transform into a flying saucer. In this mode, he can attach to ''Combiner Wars'' [[Strafe (G1)#Generations|Strafe]]'s arm mode to serve as a shield weapon for [[Computron (G1)#Generations|Computron]]. Due to their unique shared construction, he can also attach as a shield to ''Combiner Wars'' [[Mirage (G1)/toys#CombinerWars|Mirage]] and [[Drag Strip (G1)#Generations|Dragstrip]] in their arm or leg modes. He includes a small partner, [[Boltax (G1)#Generations|Cybaxx]], who can transform into a [[5 mm post|5 mm]] gun or into a space shuttle which can "dock" onto Scrounge's vehicle/shield mode.

:Scrounge was only available as part of a Computron box set, including a poster and a collector card based on the set's packaging art. The set was one of several so-called "Collection Packs" that were "online exclusives" in the United States, available from online retailers such as [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], [[Entertainment Earth]], [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], and [[BigBadToyStore]] as well as the online stores of "big box" retailers such as [[Toys"R"Us]], [[Walmart]], [[Target]], and [[Kmart]]. In Hasbro's Asian markets such as Singapore and Taiwan, the set was available at general retail. In Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiaries of [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and Carrefour, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés, supposedly also only available online.

:The original version of this mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)#Japanese toy line|Adventure]]'' [[Cosmos (Adventure)#Adventure|Adams]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/CWScrounge/scrounge.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Scrounge at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Scroungespecialhand.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|Autobots with silly abilities like turning invisible or making holograms only wish they could do this.]]
[[File:KreonScroungeConcept.jpg|right|thumb]]
*Scrounge's death haunted Blaster for a long time. He's kind of like Blaster's [[wikia:marvel:James Buchanan Barnes (Earth-616)|Bucky Barnes]], only Bucky got a special arm AFTER he "died".
*Scrounge has a special arm (how many times can we mention that?) with two [[sensor]]ed fingers that pick up sound and video. He claims there is no other like it. However, in the ''Classics'' story "[[Games of Deception]]", [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] had a similar setup. And in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] had a setup where he could make his fingers control a headmaster unit. The fingers detached like Scrounge's. [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] has a microphone thumb, but it's [[Interiors|definitely not detachable]]. Should have registered that patent, Scrounge.
*The Scrounge in "[[I, Lowtech]]" who thinks he's actually Emirate Xaaron isn't very good at being Xaaron. He claims he has a [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and that he's from universe Primax 093.0 Epsilon. [[Universal stream|Decoding that technobabble]] allegedly pegs him as an Emirate Xaaron from Transformers Fan Club fiction published in [[1993]]. Yyyyyeah.
*[[Bob Budiansky]] revealed at one of his [[BotCon 2010]] panels that Scrounge was partially based upon Gunga Din, but we didn't find out that he meant the {{w|Gunga Din (film)|1939 Cary Grant film}} version of the character (as opposed to {{w|Gunga Din|the original poem}}) until his [[2013]] interview in the [[Transformers: 30th Anniversary Collection]].
*In the cartoon episode "[[Heavy Metal War]]", [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] is at one point addressed using the name "Scrounge", and a Hasbro Briefing Binder for [[1985]] product confirms that this was a preliminary name for the Constructicon. When that didn't happen, apparently Bob Budiansky found a use for the name elsewhere.[http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/ron-friedman-auction-hasbro-briefing.html]
* The ''Kre-O'' version of Scrounge from the "Cybertron's Most Wanted" comic was based on an unused concept for a Kreon Scrounge. He would have had the helmet of ''Kre-O'' [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], placed on backwards to simulate his odd, wedge shaped head. [https://twitter.com/The_TF_Club/status/762813580513271809]

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Scrounge''' (スクラウンジ ''Sukuraunji'')
*''Portuguese:'' '''Crava''' (Portugal comic), '''Surrupio''' (Brazil comic)

[[Category:Disappeared]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Technobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]

Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-07-01T17:03:25Z

GlamAttack: /* Post-war */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{suite}}
[[File:Spotlight Sideswipe cvrA virgin art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|''"If there's two things he loves, it's fighting and FIGHTIN' ROUND THE WORLD."'']]
'''Sideswipe''' is hot-headed, eager for battle, and even more eager to get out from the shadow of his brother [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]]. He's forever got a chip on his shoulder, and isn't shy about taking it out on any Decepticons within head-bashing range. His insubordinate attitude and battle-lust can lead to tensions with the more peaceful-minded Autobots, but there's no discounting his courage: Sideswipe will happily wade into battle against any foe, no matter how powerful or numerous, and won't let up no matter how hopeless the odds. This combative temperament of his is probably why he gets along fairly well with the fearsome [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]].

''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Galvatron]]

{{quote|Find a Decepticon, blast a Decepticon...|Sideswipe's mantra|"[[Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb]]"}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===The Great War===
[[File:MegsOrigin3 Sunstreak Sideswipe glory.jpg|left|upright=2|thumb|Sideswipe's feeling small standing under [[Nova Prime]]'s crotch.]]
[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] was Sideswipe's [[Relatives|brother]], {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} P-3 Training Officer, and strike partner, and constantly looked down on him as the rookie. Nothing Sideswipe did was seen as good enough, and he was left under Sunstreaker's shadow, something that left a deep mark on him. He was forever been resentful and wanting to be seen by others as a skilled, notable warrior. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Before the war, the two of them were employed as [[Senate]] law enforcers, and at one point arrested [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} They simultaneously attended illegal underground arena [[Gladiatorial combat|deathmatches]] and witnessed [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s 54th victory. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} When Sunstreaker wanted to join Megatron's underground fighting team, Sideswipe went along to try and talk him out of it. Whether they stuck around and were caught up in the Autobot security raid is unknown. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

Later, as war engulfed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Sideswipe was one of the many Autobots trained by [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}} Early in the war, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were present during the battle for [[Sherma Bridge]], where they witnessed the first duel between [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}}

[[File:SpotlightGalvatron Sideswipe rocketfist.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!]]
Much to his dismay, Sideswipe was later stationed at [[Thunderhead Pass]] on Cybertron to guard [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s remains. Sideswipe wanted action, something he wasn't going to get standing guard over comatose Decepticons. His desire to "bust some heads" became even stronger after Sunstreaker was apparently kidnapped during his duties on [[Earth]], and Sideswipe began actively disregarding his squadron leader, [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]], to routinely contact High Command and demand a transfer; unknown to everyone else, this wasn't down to brothers-in-arms loyalty, this was down to him wanting to save Sunstreaker so his former strike partner would have to recognise his skills. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

His need for action was alleviated, however, when [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a mysterious and powerful Transformer]] attacked Cybertron. Sideswipe blew off part of the being's head, but he recovered almost immediately and knocked Sideswipe and the rest of the Autobots offline, then stole Thunderwing away. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

[[File:Devastation 1 Sideswipe Hound.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left]]
Soon after, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] apparently caved in to Sideswipe's pleading and put [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] in charge of Thunderhead Pass, transferring Hound's entire team, including Sideswipe, to Earth once Megatron began breaking [[Infiltration protocol]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} However, once word of the break-in at [[Garrus-9]] reached his audio sensors, Prime directed his team and Hound's to head there instead of Earth. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

Sideswipe took the reassignment pretty harshly, and had pushed Hound well to the edge of his tolerance. He got a minor diversion from worrying about Sunstreaker when another mysterious and powerful Transformer, [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] attacked their ship. Surprisingly, he wanted to find out who Cyclonus was, but Hound felt that time was a factor and hit Cyclonus with a full volley. It was enough to slow him down, but not enough to stop him. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]' arrival forced a retreat, and the two Autobot ships followed. When they caught up to Cyclonus, Sideswipe goaded him into battle, and made no apologies for it. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

[[File:SpotlightSideswipe Sideswipe.jpg|right|upright=1.0|thumb|He can punch ''and'' angst at the same time!]]
When his unit finally reached Earth, he personally took on both [[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] ''and'' [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] so the others could reach the Space Bridge. This earned him recognition and an apology from Hound, and the battle against superior foes gave Sideswipe the chance to prove to ''himself'' that he was better than Sunstreaker thought. This exorcised, he realised he didn't actually care if Sunstreaker was alive or dead, and turned away from his obsession without looking back. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

One year later, the Decepticons ambushed the Autobots in a crippling assault, during which Skywarp ripped off Sideswipe's arm. The Autobots were subsequently tossed through a [[space bridge]] to the lifeless shell of Cybertron, where they would be finished off by the [[Insecticon swarm]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Along with the others, Sideswipe stood around brooding about the situation, {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} occasionally staring at the similarly one-armed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}}

Frustrated at being stranded on Cybertron, he listened to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]' story about how awesome and cool Jazz is to pass the time. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

When the crew of the ''[[Trion]]'' ended up on Cybertron, Sideswipe listened to [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] explain what had happened. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Sideswipe AHM09 wedeservetodie.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|And he can angst and angst ''more'' at the same time too!]]
Later, Sideswipe tried to talk to Sunstreaker and tell him to stop picking on [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]], who was blamed for leading the Autobots into the Decepticons' trap. Sunstreaker responded by telling his brother all about the horrible things the [[Machination]] had done to him, leaving Sideswipe speechless. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Later, after Sunstreaker revealed himself to be the true traitor and sacrificed himself, Sideswipe had enough and declared that all the Autobots deserved to die for carrying on such a senseless war. His speech was interrupted by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Sideswipe later defended the Autobot base against a massive swarm attack, but the Autobots were overrun and only saved by the arrival of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who took them all back to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

[[File:AHM12 SideswipeandBombshell.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
As the Autobots confronted the Decepticons in [[New York City]], Sideswipe beat up [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] with a street light and was jumped by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], who gleefully told the Autobot how he had dissected [[Hunter O'Nion]], Sunstreaker's [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster partner]], and used his knowledge to toy with Sunstreaker's mind. Following the defeat of the Decepticons, Sideswipe found Hunter, strung up and mutilated in Bombshell's lab. Horrified at the sight, he decided to end the human's tortured existence by shutting off the machines keeping him alive. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:A Rude Awakening Sideswipe and Magnus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
Three years later, Sideswipe was still serving with the Autobots on Earth under Optimus Prime's command. He was present when Prime abdicated leadership of the Autobots and surrendered to [[Skywatch]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} When [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] left the Autobots to form a splinter faction, Sideswipe chose to remain in the desert caverns with the majority of Autobots under [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]'s new leadership. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} He was seen standing at strict attention when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to address the Earth troops, although he was confused by Magnus's over-use of Earth idioms and "lingo". {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} He was later seen helping setting the Autobot's communications network on Earth. {{storylink|Ride-Along}}

Under Bumblebee, Sideswipe was part of the Transformer hunters clandestinely employed by [[Gordon Horiuchi]] of Skywatch. He was present when Bumblebee announced the Autobots' intention to break free from Horiuchi's unyielding directives. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}}

Months later, the Autobots on Earth were joined by several long-lost comrades from space, including Sunstreaker, who had survived his earlier sacrifice. From them, they learned that Cybertron was restored to a habitable planet, but to reclaim their home they had to challenge Galvatron, who had recently occupied it. The majority of the Autobots, including Sideswipe, boarded Omega Supreme and left Earth the next day. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} He was among the Autobots who tried to listen in on Optimus Prime's questioning of a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}}

[[File:Kings Sideswipe fights.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
After arriving on Cybertron, the Autobots fought against Galvatron's [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]] army. During the battle, Sideswipe bore witness to an escaped and upgraded Megatron completely massacring the Sweeps, then was himself attacked by [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] when Megatron summoned the Decepticons to his side. He and the others fought the Decepticons until [[D-Void]] took control of them via Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} Sideswipe watched part of the battle between Megatron and the [[Deceptigod|monstrous Sweep-Decepticon combiner]] before making himself scarce. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}} Once the combiner was broken apart, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] negotiated a Decepticon surrender with Sideswipe in exchange for his own safety. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}
{{-}}

===Post-war===
[[File:09 Autonomy Lesson Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
In the wake of Galvatron and D-Void's defeat, Cybertron was "reset" into a primordial state and the Decepticons were put behind bars. Sporting a new paintjob, a bandolier and a [[sword]], Sideswipe kept the peace alongside [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] when unaffiliated Transformers began returning to the planet. He greeted Optimus Prime when he returned three weeks after the battle, then was caught up in a riot as the "[[NAIL]]s" protested against the Autobots being in charge. When he reported to [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] that the Autobots were outnumbered, he was ordered to let the Decepticons out and have them lend a hand. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} Of course the Decepticons didn't know how to hold back, and so Sideswipe and Prowl later ended up having to admonish [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Horri-Bull]] for beating up [[Tappet]]. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}}

When [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] approached the Autobot headquarters, Sideswipe spotted him and joked about killing him. {{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} Sideswipe later provided crowd control again while Prowl had the deceased body of Ratbat removed from the Decepticon encampment. {{storylink|Stick Together}} While standing guard at crime scene of [[Skydive (Predator)|Skydive]]'s murder, he was instructed by Prowl to deactivate the waste chutes and replied with sarcasm, though Wheeljack quickly did it for him. {{storylink|Devisive}}

[[File:Sideswipe Prowl and Wheeljack vehicle Primus All Good Things.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9]]
When [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] arrived on Cybertron, Sideswipe kept an eye on him and discovered him collaborating with the Decepticons. He, Prowl, and Streetwise raided their hiding area and caught Needlenose and Sky-Byte, only to be overwhelmed by a mob of NAILs who were looking to lynch Sky-Byte. They were stopped by [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]], who wanted a better future for both Autobot and Decepticon. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}} Sideswipe stood guard as others investigated and discussed the disappearance of [[Turmoil]]'s starship. {{storylink|Night and the City}} With the discovery of a large underground cave near Iacon, Prowl took Sideswipe with him to keep anyone else from entering while he and Wheeljack went in to investigate. He got confused when a large crowd of Decepticons and NAILs appeared and peacefully asked to be let in, and ultimately ended up following them into the cave and witnessing a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] declare that Starscream was the one who would unite all Cybertronians. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}}

[[File:CityOnFire SideswipeBigGun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"It's, like, one of them Decepticon ships, five guys on it, headed our way."{{-}}''BOOM''{{-}}"Correction. Four guys on it."{{-}}''BOOM''{{-}}"Correction. They're not headed our way anymore."{{-}}''BOOM''{{-}}"Correction. No ship."]]
As part of Prowl's security team, Sideswipe was supposed to participate in a raid on the Decepticon pen, but it exploded before they could enter. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} Shortly thereafter, Megatron arrived in the city, appearing for the first time since Cybertron's rebirth. On Bumblebee's orders, Sideswipe gleefully prepared to gun down the Decepticon leader, but was interrupted by Needlenose and the other Decepticons who demanded that they let him live. {{storylink|City on Fire}} He later escorted Bumblebee to Prowl's quarters to investigate claims that Prowl was working with the Decepticons, which turned out to be very true when they were captured by Decepticons on the way there. After Megatron was done telling them about his villainous plan, he had [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] kill Sideswipe by impaling him, pinning him to a wall. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} However, the attack missed any of his vitals, which Sideswipe recognized as a sign that Arcee wasn't really on the Decepticons' side. He waited until Arcee made her move and turned on the 'Cons, at which point he joined in and started blasting people left and right. He went on to help chase after Megatron in an attempt to save Starscream, albeit mostly because it was a chance to shoot more Decepticons. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

[[File:TheMindBomb SideswipeSimplerTimes.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Quit while you're behind, Sideswipe.]]
Sideswipe was briefly beaten down by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] during the ensuing battle for Cybertron, but it ended with a victory for the Autobots. Or rather, it ended with a victory for ''Starscream'', who became leader of the NAILs and had both Autobots and Decepticons exiled into the wilderness. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}} As the Autobots set up camp, Sideswipe was approached by Arcee while guarding the medical trailer where Bumblebee was being repaired. While Arcee was expecting him to let her in since they'd fought well together, Sideswipe turned her away, making it clear he was just as unnerved by her as the others. {{storylink|Second Exodus}}

When the ''Lost Light'' resurfaced during the rampage of the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]], Sideswipe warmly reunited with Sunstreaker after their long period apart. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} He stood with the other defenders of Cybertron against the oncoming horde of [[Ammonite]]s. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} In the aftermath, Sideswipe watched with Prowl and Arcee as Optimus conversed with newcomer [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]. As Prowl talked to Arcee about how different the [[Caminus (planet)|Camiens]] were from her or any other Cybertronian, Sideswipe interjected with a rant about how he missed the good old days of Autobots just fighting Decepticons, without neutrals or any other groups of bots making everything more complicated. Sideswipe was then left confused when Arcee stormed off after he had remarked how impossible it had been to trust anybody when they first worked together. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}
{{-}}

===Return to Earth===
[[File:DetonationBoulevard SideswipeVehicleMode.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|left|[[Stealth Force]] Sideswipe. No, not [[Sideswipe (Movie)|that one]].]]
Sideswipe was later among those selected by Optimus to join the crew of the ''[[Ark-7]]'' as part of a mission to go to Earth and find [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]. When the ship reached Earth orbit and found itself under attack by missiles despite its deflectors and [[ghost shield]]s, Sideswipe eagerly volunteered to grab his jetpack and fly outside to blast the missiles. Optimus instead ordered him to come along on-board [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as part of a team headed down to Earth. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} When Optimus, Jazz, and Kup came under attack by Decepticons and the [[Earth Defense Command]] while investigating a signal, Sideswipe and Arcee covered their retreat and led the Decepticons into the town of [[Poverty Flat]] under orders from Prowl. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Sideswipe watched as [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]] tore into the Decepticons, but was left baffled when the 'Cons all suddenly vanished. Sideswipe then returned with the others via Sky Lynx to the ''Ark-7'', where Arcee told him to shut up as he chanted a motto to himself about blasting Decepticons. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} After the Autobots learned that Alpha Trion was being held in the EDC's [[Marshall Islands|Bikini Atoll]] base, Sideswipe participated in an attack on the facility, being all too happy to shoot up its automated defenses. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} Sideswipe was not too fazed when the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' showed up and opened fire on the ship (although he had some troubles figuring out what it's "planet-razing" capabilities meant). When Alpha Trion was successfully rescued, Sideswipe helped cover the others as they all retreated aboard Sky Lynx. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:Vs SideswipeArceeJetpack.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|right|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|At least she didn't yell at you...]]]]
Sideswipe and Sky Lynx were both sent out to help [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] when he came under attack while investigating the EDC's base in the aftermath of the Autobots' attack on it, with Sideswipe very much enjoying himself as he finally got to use his [[jet pack|jetpack]] and blow up some missiles; the missiles coming back around even if he missed them just added to the experience. When the trio returned to the ''Ark-7'', Sideswipe questioned Cosmos as to what he had said to make Prowl so angry, and also what precisely a "Google alert" actually was. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} While watching Sky Lynx take Prowl and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] to Earth with Arcee, Sideswipe asked her if she was still mad at him for his earlier comments to her. Arcee simply told him to hand over his jetpack, and as she flew after Sky Lynx, Sideswipe was left utterly befuddled. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} As Kup chewed him out for just letting Arcee go to Earth, Sideswipe was quick to point the finger at Sky Lynx instead for taking Prowl and the Constructicons to Earth in the first place. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} Sideswipe then went with Kup and Sky Lynx to help stop a rampaging Devastator at [[Onyx]]'s [[Wanmu]] facility. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati}}

[[File:TheNothingMan WeaponsHellaOnline.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|]]
After a team investigating the [[Onyx Interface]] on Earth was trounced by [[G.B. Blackrock#2005 IDW continuity|Garrison Blackrock]]'s [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]/[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] [[Seeker clone|clone-combiner]]s, Sideswipe had some reservations about Arcee's plan of Sky Lynx luring the combiners to the ''Ark-7'', but got the weapons primed regardless. However, things took a turn for the worse when the Onyx tablet that had infiltrated the ship's systems raised its shields just as Sideswipe fired, causing the ''Ark-7'' to be heavily damaged by the close impact of its own weapons. Sideswipe began to panic as he found that he was locked out of the ship's systems and the shields were angled both inside and out, preventing anyone from entering or exiting, but Arcee tried to get him to stay focused. It was then that the still-recovering Alpha Trion came in and revealed that the Onyx tablets' source code was that of the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Sideswipe thought that Arcee's subsequent plan to escape to Cybertron for reinforcements through the ''Ark-7''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s space bridge and set the ship to blow was a terrible one, but went along with it anyway, helping to support Alpha Trion as they fought through the craft's Onyx-infected automated defenses. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} Bantering with Arcee and Trion all the way, when the three 'bots finally reached the door to the space bridge's chamber, Sideswipe noted that his blaster was almost empty and was a bit concerned about what might be behind the door. His fears proved well-founded, as a mob of Decepticons came storming out of the space bridge and opened fire on the Autobots! {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}}

[[File:Perihelion SideswipeGrenaded.jpg|upright=2.1|thumb|right|]]
Retreating from the Decepticon onslaught under heavy fire, he managed to hide Alpha Trion before getting disabled by several grenades. Despite Needlenose's attempts to keep unnecessary carnage to a minimum, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] shot the defenseless Sideswipe in cold blood. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} Amazingly, Sideswipe survived, but not without extremely serious injuries. He was pulled out of the wreckage of the ''Ark-7'' by Arcee after the ship had crashed in [[Shanghai]] and later helped into the ''[[Skyroller]]'' by Sunstreaker. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} His injuries proved drastic enough that he slipped into a coma and was put on life support, being kept inside a tube on board the ''Skyroller''. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 2: Edge of the Earth|Edge of the Earth}} Concerned for his life, Arcee began visiting and sitting with the unconscious Sideswipe. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}} On one such occasion, before Optimus' Autobots and Soundwave's Decepticons began their attack on the ''Nemesis'', Arcee wished that Sideswipe could join them, remembering that he lived for battles like these. While she spoke to him, they were joined by Sunstreaker, who told Arcee that Sideswipe often spoke fondly of her in the video messages they exchanged. Thinking his brother would want her to have it, Sunstreaker gave Arcee Sideswipe's jetpack. Though she accepted it, she took offense at Sunstreaker acting like Sideswipe was already dead. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}}

Sideswipe's tube was at some point moved from the ''Skyroller'' to a medbay inside [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], the new [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|White Light}} Still feeling responsible for his current condition, Arcee visited him once again and complained to him about Optimus' new colonist recruits, confiding in him that he was one of the only people she knew that she felt "knew the score". She was interrupted by Jetfire's sudden arrival, checking to see if any of the treatments he had been trying to stop Sideswipe's spark corrosion had worked. They hadn't. Later, as [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] leaders [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and [[Rum-Maj]] were given a tour of Autobot City, the nosy Wreck-Gar forced himself into the medbay and took notice of Sideswipe's slowly worsening condition. With that in mind, Wreck-Gar claimed that his people had access to the long-lost technology of a [[positron core]], something that could save Sideswipe's life. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

[[File:OptimusPrime4 NewCybertron Arcee spars.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.9|]]
Arcee continued to visit Sideswipe's comatose body, periodically sparring with [[D.0.C.]] to "keep him company."
{{storylink|New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows}} When the Junkions turned on the Autobots by unleashing a horde of Sharkticons on Metrotitan, D.0.C. helped evacuate Sideswipe's body aboard Sky Lynx for safekeeping. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} Though the Junkions were eventually convinced to stand down, the positron core that could have resurrected Sidewsipe was destroyed in the hostilities, permanently negating any chance of bringing the Autobot online again. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}}

Over the next few days, Sideswipe's condition steadily deteriorated, much to Arcee's dismay. She and Aileron debated what to do with Sideswipe in his medical bay, though Arcee maintained that Sideswipe wasn't her friend. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}} Eventually, with no hope of recovery in sight, the Autobots decided to humanely put Sideswipe out of his suffering with the help of the Junkion's [[mnemopathis projector]].

Sunstreaker, having traveled to Earth to lay his brother to rest, worked with Arcee to construct an elaborate simulation inside Sideswipe's mind. In his dream, Sideswipe awoke from his coma thanks to the ingenuity of "Wreck-Gar". After debating his next course of action with Arcee, Sideswipe returned to Cybertron, only to find that the planet had greatly changed during his absence—Autobots, Decepticons, neutrals, and colonists all mingled together in the slums of Iacon.

[[File:SidesSwipeIsOkay.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.0|]]
Bewildered by this imperfect new Cybertron, Sideswipe initially tried to track down Sunstreaker, which led him to encounter Soundwave performing humanitarian work for victims of a recent fire. A brief misunderstanding led him to attack the Decepticon, but Sunstreaker arrived to set the record straight. Over the next few days, Sideswipe would go on to learn more about this new Transformer civilization and help out where he could. Eventually, he met up with Arcee and Sunstreaker again to discuss how Cybertron had changed—and how Sideswipe realized that all he had fought for wasn't in vain after all. Slowly working out the truth behind recent events, Sideswipe thanked the two Autobots for showing him that it would all be okay as the dream ended. Filled with the knowledge that he had ultimately done good in the universe, Sideswipe died peacefully. {{storylink|The Life of Sideswipe}}

After the [[Iron Ring]]'s invasion of Cybertron, Optimus presided over Sideswipe's funeral. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} Shortly afterwards, Arcee and Optimus discovered Cybertron's first [[protoform]]s since the planet's reboot. After [[Sideswipe (IDW)|one of them]] tried to kill her, Arcee named him after Sideswipe. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} When Soundwave sacrificed his life to help defeat [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], he glimpsed Sideswipe's spirit among many others, welcoming him into the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]]. After Unicron had been defeated, Sunstreaker took a moment to fondly remember his brother and wished he had lived to see the day. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

==Notes==
[[File:Sideswipe-Andrew Griffith-RiDS2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0]]
* Sideswipe received [https://www.deviantart.com/guidoguidi/art/Cybertronian-G1-Sideswipe-227369671 an original Cybertronian design] from [[Guido Guidi]] for the "-ations" phase of IDW before receiving his [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|2008 ''Universe'' toy body]] for ''All Hail Megatron''.
* For [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]], [[Don Figueroa]] gave Sideswipe a [[Live-action film series|movie]]-fied redesign.
* In ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]'', [[Nick Roche]] briefly gave Sideswipe his [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Timelines|''Generation 2''-styled BotCon body]], but subsequently for "Season 1" of ''Robots in Disguise'', Sideswipe had a body from [[Andrew Griffith]] based on his [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Aligned counterpart]]'s [[:File:WFC Sideswipe.jpg|''War for Cybertron'' game model]].
* Finally, from ''Robots in Disguise'' "Season 2" until the end, Sideswipe had an original Generation 1-esque design, again from Griffith.

[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]

Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-07-01T17:00:16Z

GlamAttack: /* Post-war */

{{factions|autobot}}
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[[File:Spotlight Sideswipe cvrA virgin art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|''"If there's two things he loves, it's fighting and FIGHTIN' ROUND THE WORLD."'']]
'''Sideswipe''' is hot-headed, eager for battle, and even more eager to get out from the shadow of his brother [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]]. He's forever got a chip on his shoulder, and isn't shy about taking it out on any Decepticons within head-bashing range. His insubordinate attitude and battle-lust can lead to tensions with the more peaceful-minded Autobots, but there's no discounting his courage: Sideswipe will happily wade into battle against any foe, no matter how powerful or numerous, and won't let up no matter how hopeless the odds. This combative temperament of his is probably why he gets along fairly well with the fearsome [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]].

''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Galvatron]]

{{quote|Find a Decepticon, blast a Decepticon...|Sideswipe's mantra|"[[Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb]]"}}

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===The Great War===
[[File:MegsOrigin3 Sunstreak Sideswipe glory.jpg|left|upright=2|thumb|Sideswipe's feeling small standing under [[Nova Prime]]'s crotch.]]
[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] was Sideswipe's [[Relatives|brother]], {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} P-3 Training Officer, and strike partner, and constantly looked down on him as the rookie. Nothing Sideswipe did was seen as good enough, and he was left under Sunstreaker's shadow, something that left a deep mark on him. He was forever been resentful and wanting to be seen by others as a skilled, notable warrior. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Before the war, the two of them were employed as [[Senate]] law enforcers, and at one point arrested [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} They simultaneously attended illegal underground arena [[Gladiatorial combat|deathmatches]] and witnessed [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s 54th victory. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} When Sunstreaker wanted to join Megatron's underground fighting team, Sideswipe went along to try and talk him out of it. Whether they stuck around and were caught up in the Autobot security raid is unknown. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

Later, as war engulfed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Sideswipe was one of the many Autobots trained by [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}} Early in the war, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were present during the battle for [[Sherma Bridge]], where they witnessed the first duel between [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}}

[[File:SpotlightGalvatron Sideswipe rocketfist.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!]]
Much to his dismay, Sideswipe was later stationed at [[Thunderhead Pass]] on Cybertron to guard [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s remains. Sideswipe wanted action, something he wasn't going to get standing guard over comatose Decepticons. His desire to "bust some heads" became even stronger after Sunstreaker was apparently kidnapped during his duties on [[Earth]], and Sideswipe began actively disregarding his squadron leader, [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]], to routinely contact High Command and demand a transfer; unknown to everyone else, this wasn't down to brothers-in-arms loyalty, this was down to him wanting to save Sunstreaker so his former strike partner would have to recognise his skills. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

His need for action was alleviated, however, when [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a mysterious and powerful Transformer]] attacked Cybertron. Sideswipe blew off part of the being's head, but he recovered almost immediately and knocked Sideswipe and the rest of the Autobots offline, then stole Thunderwing away. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

[[File:Devastation 1 Sideswipe Hound.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left]]
Soon after, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] apparently caved in to Sideswipe's pleading and put [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] in charge of Thunderhead Pass, transferring Hound's entire team, including Sideswipe, to Earth once Megatron began breaking [[Infiltration protocol]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} However, once word of the break-in at [[Garrus-9]] reached his audio sensors, Prime directed his team and Hound's to head there instead of Earth. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

Sideswipe took the reassignment pretty harshly, and had pushed Hound well to the edge of his tolerance. He got a minor diversion from worrying about Sunstreaker when another mysterious and powerful Transformer, [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] attacked their ship. Surprisingly, he wanted to find out who Cyclonus was, but Hound felt that time was a factor and hit Cyclonus with a full volley. It was enough to slow him down, but not enough to stop him. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]' arrival forced a retreat, and the two Autobot ships followed. When they caught up to Cyclonus, Sideswipe goaded him into battle, and made no apologies for it. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

[[File:SpotlightSideswipe Sideswipe.jpg|right|upright=1.0|thumb|He can punch ''and'' angst at the same time!]]
When his unit finally reached Earth, he personally took on both [[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] ''and'' [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] so the others could reach the Space Bridge. This earned him recognition and an apology from Hound, and the battle against superior foes gave Sideswipe the chance to prove to ''himself'' that he was better than Sunstreaker thought. This exorcised, he realised he didn't actually care if Sunstreaker was alive or dead, and turned away from his obsession without looking back. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

One year later, the Decepticons ambushed the Autobots in a crippling assault, during which Skywarp ripped off Sideswipe's arm. The Autobots were subsequently tossed through a [[space bridge]] to the lifeless shell of Cybertron, where they would be finished off by the [[Insecticon swarm]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Along with the others, Sideswipe stood around brooding about the situation, {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} occasionally staring at the similarly one-armed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}}

Frustrated at being stranded on Cybertron, he listened to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]' story about how awesome and cool Jazz is to pass the time. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

When the crew of the ''[[Trion]]'' ended up on Cybertron, Sideswipe listened to [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] explain what had happened. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Sideswipe AHM09 wedeservetodie.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|And he can angst and angst ''more'' at the same time too!]]
Later, Sideswipe tried to talk to Sunstreaker and tell him to stop picking on [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]], who was blamed for leading the Autobots into the Decepticons' trap. Sunstreaker responded by telling his brother all about the horrible things the [[Machination]] had done to him, leaving Sideswipe speechless. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} Later, after Sunstreaker revealed himself to be the true traitor and sacrificed himself, Sideswipe had enough and declared that all the Autobots deserved to die for carrying on such a senseless war. His speech was interrupted by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Sideswipe later defended the Autobot base against a massive swarm attack, but the Autobots were overrun and only saved by the arrival of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who took them all back to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

[[File:AHM12 SideswipeandBombshell.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
As the Autobots confronted the Decepticons in [[New York City]], Sideswipe beat up [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] with a street light and was jumped by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], who gleefully told the Autobot how he had dissected [[Hunter O'Nion]], Sunstreaker's [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster partner]], and used his knowledge to toy with Sunstreaker's mind. Following the defeat of the Decepticons, Sideswipe found Hunter, strung up and mutilated in Bombshell's lab. Horrified at the sight, he decided to end the human's tortured existence by shutting off the machines keeping him alive. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:A Rude Awakening Sideswipe and Magnus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
Three years later, Sideswipe was still serving with the Autobots on Earth under Optimus Prime's command. He was present when Prime abdicated leadership of the Autobots and surrendered to [[Skywatch]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} When [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] left the Autobots to form a splinter faction, Sideswipe chose to remain in the desert caverns with the majority of Autobots under [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]'s new leadership. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} He was seen standing at strict attention when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] arrived to address the Earth troops, although he was confused by Magnus's over-use of Earth idioms and "lingo". {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} He was later seen helping setting the Autobot's communications network on Earth. {{storylink|Ride-Along}}

Under Bumblebee, Sideswipe was part of the Transformer hunters clandestinely employed by [[Gordon Horiuchi]] of Skywatch. He was present when Bumblebee announced the Autobots' intention to break free from Horiuchi's unyielding directives. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}}

Months later, the Autobots on Earth were joined by several long-lost comrades from space, including Sunstreaker, who had survived his earlier sacrifice. From them, they learned that Cybertron was restored to a habitable planet, but to reclaim their home they had to challenge Galvatron, who had recently occupied it. The majority of the Autobots, including Sideswipe, boarded Omega Supreme and left Earth the next day. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} He was among the Autobots who tried to listen in on Optimus Prime's questioning of a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}}

[[File:Kings Sideswipe fights.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
After arriving on Cybertron, the Autobots fought against Galvatron's [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]] army. During the battle, Sideswipe bore witness to an escaped and upgraded Megatron completely massacring the Sweeps, then was himself attacked by [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] when Megatron summoned the Decepticons to his side. He and the others fought the Decepticons until [[D-Void]] took control of them via Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} Sideswipe watched part of the battle between Megatron and the [[Deceptigod|monstrous Sweep-Decepticon combiner]] before making himself scarce. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}} Once the combiner was broken apart, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] negotiated a Decepticon surrender with Sideswipe in exchange for his own safety. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}
{{-}}

===Post-war===
[[File:09 Autonomy Lesson Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
In the wake of Galvatron and D-Void's defeat, Cybertron was "reset" into a primordial state and the Decepticons were put behind bars. Sporting a new paintjob, a bandolier and a [[sword]], Sideswipe kept the peace alongside [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] when unaffiliated Transformers began returning to the planet. He greeted Optimus Prime when he returned three weeks after the battle, then was caught up in a riot as the "[[NAIL]]s" protested against the Autobots being in charge. When he reported to [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] that the Autobots were outnumbered, he was ordered to let the Decepticons out and have them lend a hand. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} Of course the Decepticons didn't know how to hold back, and so Sideswipe and Prowl later ended up having to admonish [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Horri-Bull]] for beating up [[Tappet]]. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}}

When [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] approached the Autobot headquarters, Sideswipe spotted him and joked about killing him. {{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} Sideswipe later provided crowd control again while Prowl had the deceased body of Ratbat removed from the Decepticon encampment. {{storylink|Stick Together}} While standing guard at crime scene of [[Skydive (Predator)|Skydive]]'s murder, he was instructed by Prowl to deactivate the waste chutes and replied with sarcasm, though Wheeljack quickly did it for him. {{storylink|Devisive}}

[[File:Sideswipe Prowl and Wheeljack vehicle Primus All Good Things.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9]]
When [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] arrived on Cybertron, Sideswipe kept an eye on him and discovered him collaborating with the Decepticons. He, Prowl, and Streetwise raided their hiding area and caught Needlenose and Sky-Byte, only to be overwhelmed by a mob of NAILs who were looking to lynch Sky-Byte. They were stopped by [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]], who wanted a better future for both Autobot and Decepticon. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}} Sideswipe stood guard as others investigated and discussed the disappearance of [[Turmoil]]'s starship. {{storylink|Night and the City}} With the discovery of a large underground cave near Iacon, Prowl took Sideswipe with him to keep anyone else from entering while he and Wheeljack went in to investigate. He got confused when a large crowd of Decepticons and NAILs appeared and peacefully asked to be let in, and ultimately ended up following them into the cave and witnessing a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] declare that Starscream was the one who would unite all Cybertronians. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}}

[[File:CityOnFire SideswipeBigGun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"It's, like, one of them Decpticon ships, five guys on it, headed our way."{{-}}''BOOM''{{-}}"Correction. Four guys on it."{{-}}''BOOM''{{-}}"Correction. They're not headed our way anymore."{{-}}''BOOM''{{-}}"Correction. No ship."]]
As part of Prowl's security team, Sideswipe was supposed to participate in a raid on the Decepticon pen, but it exploded before they could enter. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} Shortly thereafter, Megatron arrived in the city, appearing for the first time since Cybertron's rebirth. On Bumblebee's orders, Sideswipe gleefully prepared to gun down the Decepticon leader, but was interrupted by Needlenose and the other Decepticons who demanded that they let him live. {{storylink|City on Fire}} He later escorted Bumblebee to Prowl's quarters to investigate claims that Prowl was working with the Decepticons, which turned out to be very true when they were captured by Decepticons on the way there. After Megatron was done telling them about his villainous plan, he had [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] kill Sideswipe by impaling him, pinning him to a wall. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} However, the attack missed any of his vitals, which Sideswipe recognized as a sign that Arcee wasn't really on the Decepticons' side. He waited until Arcee made her move and turned on the 'Cons, at which point he joined in and started blasting people left and right. He went on to help chase after Megatron in an attempt to save Starscream, albeit mostly because it was a chance to shoot more Decepticons. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

[[File:TheMindBomb SideswipeSimplerTimes.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Quit while you're behind, Sideswipe.]]
Sideswipe was briefly beaten down by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] during the ensuing battle for Cybertron, but it ended with a victory for the Autobots. Or rather, it ended with a victory for ''Starscream'', who became leader of the NAILs and had both Autobots and Decepticons exiled into the wilderness. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}} As the Autobots set up camp, Sideswipe was approached by Arcee while guarding the medical trailer where Bumblebee was being repaired. While Arcee was expecting him to let her in since they'd fought well together, Sideswipe turned her away, making it clear he was just as unnerved by her as the others. {{storylink|Second Exodus}}

When the ''Lost Light'' resurfaced during the rampage of the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]], Sideswipe warmly reunited with Sunstreaker after their long period apart. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} He stood with the other defenders of Cybertron against the oncoming horde of [[Ammonite]]s. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} In the aftermath, Sideswipe watched with Prowl and Arcee as Optimus conversed with newcomer [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]. As Prowl talked to Arcee about how different the [[Caminus (planet)|Camiens]] were from her or any other Cybertronian, Sideswipe interjected with a rant about how he missed the good old days of Autobots just fighting Decepticons, without neutrals or any other groups of bots making everything more complicated. Sideswipe was then left confused when Arcee stormed off after he had remarked how impossible it had been to trust anybody when they first worked together. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}
{{-}}

===Return to Earth===
[[File:DetonationBoulevard SideswipeVehicleMode.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|left|[[Stealth Force]] Sideswipe. No, not [[Sideswipe (Movie)|that one]].]]
Sideswipe was later among those selected by Optimus to join the crew of the ''[[Ark-7]]'' as part of a mission to go to Earth and find [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]. When the ship reached Earth orbit and found itself under attack by missiles despite its deflectors and [[ghost shield]]s, Sideswipe eagerly volunteered to grab his jetpack and fly outside to blast the missiles. Optimus instead ordered him to come along on-board [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as part of a team headed down to Earth. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} When Optimus, Jazz, and Kup came under attack by Decepticons and the [[Earth Defense Command]] while investigating a signal, Sideswipe and Arcee covered their retreat and led the Decepticons into the town of [[Poverty Flat]] under orders from Prowl. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Sideswipe watched as [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]] tore into the Decepticons, but was left baffled when the 'Cons all suddenly vanished. Sideswipe then returned with the others via Sky Lynx to the ''Ark-7'', where Arcee told him to shut up as he chanted a motto to himself about blasting Decepticons. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} After the Autobots learned that Alpha Trion was being held in the EDC's [[Marshall Islands|Bikini Atoll]] base, Sideswipe participated in an attack on the facility, being all too happy to shoot up its automated defenses. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} Sideswipe was not too fazed when the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' showed up and opened fire on the ship (although he had some troubles figuring out what it's "planet-razing" capabilities meant). When Alpha Trion was successfully rescued, Sideswipe helped cover the others as they all retreated aboard Sky Lynx. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:Vs SideswipeArceeJetpack.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|right|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|At least she didn't yell at you...]]]]
Sideswipe and Sky Lynx were both sent out to help [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] when he came under attack while investigating the EDC's base in the aftermath of the Autobots' attack on it, with Sideswipe very much enjoying himself as he finally got to use his [[jet pack|jetpack]] and blow up some missiles; the missiles coming back around even if he missed them just added to the experience. When the trio returned to the ''Ark-7'', Sideswipe questioned Cosmos as to what he had said to make Prowl so angry, and also what precisely a "Google alert" actually was. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} While watching Sky Lynx take Prowl and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] to Earth with Arcee, Sideswipe asked her if she was still mad at him for his earlier comments to her. Arcee simply told him to hand over his jetpack, and as she flew after Sky Lynx, Sideswipe was left utterly befuddled. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} As Kup chewed him out for just letting Arcee go to Earth, Sideswipe was quick to point the finger at Sky Lynx instead for taking Prowl and the Constructicons to Earth in the first place. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} Sideswipe then went with Kup and Sky Lynx to help stop a rampaging Devastator at [[Onyx]]'s [[Wanmu]] facility. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati}}

[[File:TheNothingMan WeaponsHellaOnline.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|]]
After a team investigating the [[Onyx Interface]] on Earth was trounced by [[G.B. Blackrock#2005 IDW continuity|Garrison Blackrock]]'s [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]/[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] [[Seeker clone|clone-combiner]]s, Sideswipe had some reservations about Arcee's plan of Sky Lynx luring the combiners to the ''Ark-7'', but got the weapons primed regardless. However, things took a turn for the worse when the Onyx tablet that had infiltrated the ship's systems raised its shields just as Sideswipe fired, causing the ''Ark-7'' to be heavily damaged by the close impact of its own weapons. Sideswipe began to panic as he found that he was locked out of the ship's systems and the shields were angled both inside and out, preventing anyone from entering or exiting, but Arcee tried to get him to stay focused. It was then that the still-recovering Alpha Trion came in and revealed that the Onyx tablets' source code was that of the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Sideswipe thought that Arcee's subsequent plan to escape to Cybertron for reinforcements through the ''Ark-7''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s space bridge and set the ship to blow was a terrible one, but went along with it anyway, helping to support Alpha Trion as they fought through the craft's Onyx-infected automated defenses. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} Bantering with Arcee and Trion all the way, when the three 'bots finally reached the door to the space bridge's chamber, Sideswipe noted that his blaster was almost empty and was a bit concerned about what might be behind the door. His fears proved well-founded, as a mob of Decepticons came storming out of the space bridge and opened fire on the Autobots! {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}}

[[File:Perihelion SideswipeGrenaded.jpg|upright=2.1|thumb|right|]]
Retreating from the Decepticon onslaught under heavy fire, he managed to hide Alpha Trion before getting disabled by several grenades. Despite Needlenose's attempts to keep unnecessary carnage to a minimum, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] shot the defenseless Sideswipe in cold blood. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} Amazingly, Sideswipe survived, but not without extremely serious injuries. He was pulled out of the wreckage of the ''Ark-7'' by Arcee after the ship had crashed in [[Shanghai]] and later helped into the ''[[Skyroller]]'' by Sunstreaker. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} His injuries proved drastic enough that he slipped into a coma and was put on life support, being kept inside a tube on board the ''Skyroller''. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 2: Edge of the Earth|Edge of the Earth}} Concerned for his life, Arcee began visiting and sitting with the unconscious Sideswipe. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}} On one such occasion, before Optimus' Autobots and Soundwave's Decepticons began their attack on the ''Nemesis'', Arcee wished that Sideswipe could join them, remembering that he lived for battles like these. While she spoke to him, they were joined by Sunstreaker, who told Arcee that Sideswipe often spoke fondly of her in the video messages they exchanged. Thinking his brother would want her to have it, Sunstreaker gave Arcee Sideswipe's jetpack. Though she accepted it, she took offense at Sunstreaker acting like Sideswipe was already dead. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}}

Sideswipe's tube was at some point moved from the ''Skyroller'' to a medbay inside [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], the new [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|White Light}} Still feeling responsible for his current condition, Arcee visited him once again and complained to him about Optimus' new colonist recruits, confiding in him that he was one of the only people she knew that she felt "knew the score". She was interrupted by Jetfire's sudden arrival, checking to see if any of the treatments he had been trying to stop Sideswipe's spark corrosion had worked. They hadn't. Later, as [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] leaders [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and [[Rum-Maj]] were given a tour of Autobot City, the nosy Wreck-Gar forced himself into the medbay and took notice of Sideswipe's slowly worsening condition. With that in mind, Wreck-Gar claimed that his people had access to the long-lost technology of a [[positron core]], something that could save Sideswipe's life. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

[[File:OptimusPrime4 NewCybertron Arcee spars.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.9|]]
Arcee continued to visit Sideswipe's comatose body, periodically sparring with [[D.0.C.]] to "keep him company."
{{storylink|New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows}} When the Junkions turned on the Autobots by unleashing a horde of Sharkticons on Metrotitan, D.0.C. helped evacuate Sideswipe's body aboard Sky Lynx for safekeeping. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} Though the Junkions were eventually convinced to stand down, the positron core that could have resurrected Sidewsipe was destroyed in the hostilities, permanently negating any chance of bringing the Autobot online again. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}}

Over the next few days, Sideswipe's condition steadily deteriorated, much to Arcee's dismay. She and Aileron debated what to do with Sideswipe in his medical bay, though Arcee maintained that Sideswipe wasn't her friend. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}} Eventually, with no hope of recovery in sight, the Autobots decided to humanely put Sideswipe out of his suffering with the help of the Junkion's [[mnemopathis projector]].

Sunstreaker, having traveled to Earth to lay his brother to rest, worked with Arcee to construct an elaborate simulation inside Sideswipe's mind. In his dream, Sideswipe awoke from his coma thanks to the ingenuity of "Wreck-Gar". After debating his next course of action with Arcee, Sideswipe returned to Cybertron, only to find that the planet had greatly changed during his absence—Autobots, Decepticons, neutrals, and colonists all mingled together in the slums of Iacon.

[[File:SidesSwipeIsOkay.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.0|]]
Bewildered by this imperfect new Cybertron, Sideswipe initially tried to track down Sunstreaker, which led him to encounter Soundwave performing humanitarian work for victims of a recent fire. A brief misunderstanding led him to attack the Decepticon, but Sunstreaker arrived to set the record straight. Over the next few days, Sideswipe would go on to learn more about this new Transformer civilization and help out where he could. Eventually, he met up with Arcee and Sunstreaker again to discuss how Cybertron had changed—and how Sideswipe realized that all he had fought for wasn't in vain after all. Slowly working out the truth behind recent events, Sideswipe thanked the two Autobots for showing him that it would all be okay as the dream ended. Filled with the knowledge that he had ultimately done good in the universe, Sideswipe died peacefully. {{storylink|The Life of Sideswipe}}

After the [[Iron Ring]]'s invasion of Cybertron, Optimus presided over Sideswipe's funeral. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} Shortly afterwards, Arcee and Optimus discovered Cybertron's first [[protoform]]s since the planet's reboot. After [[Sideswipe (IDW)|one of them]] tried to kill her, Arcee named him after Sideswipe. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} When Soundwave sacrificed his life to help defeat [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], he glimpsed Sideswipe's spirit among many others, welcoming him into the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]]. After Unicron had been defeated, Sunstreaker took a moment to fondly remember his brother and wished he had lived to see the day. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

==Notes==
[[File:Sideswipe-Andrew Griffith-RiDS2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0]]
* Sideswipe received [https://www.deviantart.com/guidoguidi/art/Cybertronian-G1-Sideswipe-227369671 an original Cybertronian design] from [[Guido Guidi]] for the "-ations" phase of IDW before receiving his [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|2008 ''Universe'' toy body]] for ''All Hail Megatron''.
* For [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]], [[Don Figueroa]] gave Sideswipe a [[Live-action film series|movie]]-fied redesign.
* In ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]'', [[Nick Roche]] briefly gave Sideswipe his [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Timelines|''Generation 2''-styled BotCon body]], but subsequently for "Season 1" of ''Robots in Disguise'', Sideswipe had a body from [[Andrew Griffith]] based on his [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Aligned counterpart]]'s [[:File:WFC Sideswipe.jpg|''War for Cybertron'' game model]].
* Finally, from ''Robots in Disguise'' "Season 2" until the end, Sideswipe had an original Generation 1-esque design, again from Griffith.

[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]

Drift (G1)

2021-07-01T16:50:00Z

GlamAttack: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|ascenticon|mercenary}}
{{disambigm|Drift (disambiguation)|Deadlock (disambiguation)}}
{{featured}}
:''Drift is an [[Autobot]] and former [[Decepticon]] from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:AHM 06 CoverA.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|While you were out partying, I studied THE BLADE.]]
'''Drift''' was not always an Autobot. In fact, he slaughtered quite a few when he was known as the Decepticon '''Deadlock'''. But Deadlock's eyes were opened to what the Transformers' war had become when he stumbled across a lost faction of neutral Transformers long since forgotten. He discarded his ruthless ways, abandoned his guns for swords, and changed his name and appearance.

When Drift returned to the Transformer war to make right what he put wrong, he was a bot of few words and disciplined action. He since went on to be an enthusiastic spiritualist and a self-punishing crusader, all in an attempt to get away from the nasty parts of his personality that are still lurking within him. It doesn't matter what his personality is because with his Decepticon past, Drift isn't well-liked or trusted by [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a few]] of the Autobots and [[Hellbat (Victory)|some of]] the Decepticons think he's just ''lying'' about having changed. This hits Drift more than you might think because at the end of the day, despite his loner attitude, Drift ''really'' just wants to be part of something.

In addition to the two swords kept in his hip scabbards, Drift carries a legendary [[Great Sword]]. An ancient weapon that predates modern civilization, the Great Sword draws upon the [[spark]] energy of its bearer, and as such must only be used in the most dire of circumstances.

{{quote|We're going about this the wrong way, '''all''' of us! After countless centuries of fighting ... the Autobots are a '''step''' away from what we were when all this '''started.''' And us—the Decepticons have become something '''worse''' than any of us could have '''imagined'''.|Drift explains his new perception of the war to his [[Turmoil|former commander]]|"[[Spotlight: Drift]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[All Hail Megatron issue 5|''All Hail Megatron'' #5]]; [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]] (as Deadlock)}}

[[File:Drift2-renamed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"Eh....Inferno, tell to Death Blade that if he calling me that again, his name will become DEATH BOT!"]]
Drift was originally a homeless Cybertronian, living on the streets and stealing energon to survive. The hopeless 'bot was befriended by [[Gasket]] {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} but otherwise had no one. During one [[circuit booster|drug trip]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], he was assaulted by [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]], who were abducting homeless people for money. Drift was rescued by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], who brought him to [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s secret clinic in [[Rodion]]. Ratchet saved Drift's life, and told the young robot that he could achieve great things in his life if he tried— he could just ''tell'' Drift was destined for something special. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

Drift would soon learn what that was, after Gasket was killed by Autobot law enforcement after trying to stop them from executing a thief. Drift exploded with rage, grabbed the nearest gun and killed them all. His knack for violence attracted the attention of the Cybertronian underground, who trained Drift as a killer. Amongst this group, Drift realized the level of corruption in the [[Senate]], and a recruitment rally held by [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] drew Drift in with his talk of equality. Megatron singled Drift out of the crowd, claiming to have heard great things of him, and asked him to join the Decepticons to fight for a better Cybertron. Drift agreed and, after being was hailed by the crowd, was renamed Deadlock by Megatron. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} Drift rose to become the second-in-command of [[Turmoil]], garnering a reputation as a vicious and merciless fighter. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

During their time with [[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]], Turmoil and Deadlock crashed on a desert world and investigated a nearby stone fortress to find a way out. The two of them would go on to massacre the inhabitants before leaving, though not before Deadlock recorded the presence of a Stone Army on the planet. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}}

[[File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deadlock prefers to pose so his legs don't block any of the action.]]
Much later, on the planet [[Dabola]], Deadlock led a battalion against an Autobot squadron. The [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Autobots' leader]] called a retreat, and Deadlock's team celebrated. This was spoiled when [[Not Carnivac|one of the soldiers]] pointed out that Deadlock had been ordered to merely observe, and once again had disobeyed orders. When the soldier threatened to inform Turmoil of Deadlock's disobedience, Deadlock killed him. Claiming Turmoil was too cautious and that it was time for new leadership, he called for the other soldiers to follow him, but they summarily captured him and brought him to Turmoil. Turmoil used a stasis lock to trap him in [[robot mode]] and attempted to execute him. Deadlock managed to escape, and after initiating an emergency protocol to cover his escape, stole an escape pod and departed the ship.

Deadlock crashed on an unknown planet. After scaling some, he found a massive structure, but before he could explore, a mysterious cloaked figure appeared, named [[Wing (G1)|Wing]]. Wing offered a deal: help him free the slaves, and he would find Deadlock a ship. Deadlock, introducing himself as "Drift," agreed, but first Drift said he needed guns. Together, they jumped some guards and stole their weapons, however a stray blast stripped Wing of his cloak, revealing him to be Cybertronian. Once they jumped into the complex, Drift automatically fled for the ship, abandoning Wing. Despite this betrayal, when Drift was attacked and nearly killed by one the slavers, Wing brought Drift back with him to a new [[Crystal City]], where he was repaired. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

[[File:Drift1-rebuilt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We were okay with your old legs. Rest had to go."]]
Wing explained that they were the [[Circle of Light]], a group of Cybertronian scholars and scientists who abandoned the planet during the early days of the war in order to find peace and preserve Cybertron's culture. Wing and Drift were taken to a meeting with Crystal City's leader, [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]]. While Drift waited outside, Wing was admonished for bringing a corrupting influence to the city. He was ordered to keep Drift with him at all times. Afterward, Wing brought Drift to an empty room, discarded his swords and asked him what the Decepticon symbol stood for. Drift replied it meant strength, power and conviction, and the belief in the survival of the strongest. Wing offered Drift a chance to earn his freedom by defeating him without guns in combat, but Drift never succeeded. Drift grumbled that he'd never learned to fight without projectile weaponry.

Weeks later, Wing was still dominating Drift. Over time, Drift admitted that Crystal City held everything Drift had ever wanted, while the Decepticons had lost sight of this goal some time ago. Their sparring was interrupted by a summons from Dai Atlas. When they arrived in the control room, he informed them that they had received a coded signal and he thought Drift might be able to translate. Though Drift claimed he could not understand it, that night he snuck out of the city and drove far into the desert. There he met with the slavers, who had used a Decepticon code to offer Drift a deal. The code had been obtained from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], a Decepticon sent by Megatron. The deal was simple: hand over the location of the Circle of Light or die. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}}

[[File:Drift4-notdoneyet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Man, I bet those dumb G2 guys wish they had this kind of endurance.]]
Lockdown reminded "Deadlock" of his high-standing in the Decepticon army. Megatron held Deadlock in high esteem, and by guarding these Transformers Drift stood to lose that. Meanwhile, the head slaver, [[Braid]], required Cybertronian bodies to experiment on, and were willing to take captives from the neutral camp in lieu of Deadlock, in payment for the property he'd damaged earlier. After agreeing to lead the neutral Transformers into an ambush, Drift stumbled back to Crystal City, where he informed the Circle of Light about the pact he'd made with Lockdown and the slavers. Drift argued that they should fight their attackers to preserve their freedom and their way of life, but Dai Atlas sharply disagreed. He would have no fighting at all, even to preserve his own life, and blamed Drift for ruining their civilization. The others did not agree, and supported Drift. A small number of them offered to help fight the slavers while keeping the true number of their population unknown. As they reached the surface with a hastily constructed craft to make it appear as if the Circle of Light had recently crashed there, Drift revealed himself to have been rebuilt head-to-toe to match his new colleagues. With a sword mounted on each hip, Drift announced he was ready. {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Soon, Lockdown and the slavers were upon them. After slaying a few of the slavers, Drift realized that he was past the point of no return. Lockdown realized this as well, and asked the former Decepticon why he'd given it all away so easily. "What I've always wanted... the promise of a better Cybertron." But their sparring was interrupted by the death of Wing. Enraged, Drift jumped Braid, Wing's murderer, but he did not accomplish much. He was not as agile a fighter as his late friend, and Braid easily defeated him.

Before the killing blow could be delivered, Crystal City in its entirety rose from the ground, as Wing's death had spurred Dai Atlas into action. With the entirety of the population now fighting the slavers, the tide was quickly turned. Despite his injuries, Drift slew Braid with his Great Sword, while Lockdown, startled at Drift's transformation, cut his losses and left. Though the Circle of Light asked Drift to stay with them, Drift reminded them that he'd promised Wing to return the freed slaves to their homes. Drift was given Wing's Great Sword and given their blessing. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift Deadlockisdead.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He's your horrible fancharacter.]]
Some time after leaving Crystal City and returning the slaves, Drift set off to make a difference in the Autobot/Decepticon Civil War. First, he attempted to free a group of Autobots held captive on the ship he'd previously served aboard. Upon entering Turmoil's ship, his attempt at stealth was successful until the [[Wrecker]]s arrived and blasted their way aboard. Jumping into the battle to assist them, he piqued the interest of a few Autobots. [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] was injured as Turmoil entered the battle and, recognizing Drift's voice as that of his former lieutenant, attempted to destroy him. However, his attack only resulted in knocking Drift and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] to another room. The two quickly worked together to program the ship to overload. In his final confrontation with Turmoil, Drift stated his intention was to help, not kill, and left to rescue Perceptor before the ship blew up.

After his arrival on the Autobot ship, Kup invited Drift to join his new unit as an Autobot. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift-car.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He thinks he's turning Japanese, he thinks he's turning Japanese, he really thinks so.]]
Now a crew member of the spacecraft ''[[Trion]]'', Drift got to know his new teammate [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] over many friendly games of [[Go (game)|Go]]. Perceptor felt he owed a debt to Drift for saving his life, and so devoted much of his time to upgrading himself for more combat-oriented tasks. While Kup discouraged this, Drift stoically accepted Perceptor's new ambitions. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15#"Lost & Found"|Lost & Found}}

They were soon baited into a Decepticon ambush over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The ''Trion'''s command codes were hacked due to their being sold to the Decepticons by an Autobot traitor, and, left defenseless, it was forced to crash-land on the desolate landscape of the planet. Eventually, the crew were found by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s unit, who unfortunately proved to be ''also'' stranded. When [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] was revealed by [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] to have been standing invisibly among them, Drift was the only one who didn't appear surprised. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Allhailmegatron6-omgdriftomg.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Seriously, you made this guy up when you were eight.]]
When an advance scout of the [[Insecticon swarm]] discovered the Autobots' base camp, Drift was dispatched to take care of it. Drift stood stock-still as the creature walked up to him, greeting it with a simple, smirking "hello" as the monstrous beast snarled in his face. Finally, he beheaded the scout with a single wave of his sword. A second creature tried to attack Drift from behind, but the smirking Autobot merely tilted his head slightly, allowing Perceptor to kill the beast with some precision sniping. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] thought the incident was the coolest thing ever. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

After Sunstreaker revealed to [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] that he was the traitor, an army of the Swarm came after them. Drift saved Ironhide while Sunstreaker blew up a bridge, killing himself and the Swarm army. Later, Drift visited Ironhide and claimed that the Decepticons had access to the Autobots' systems in a way that Sunstreaker couldn't possibly have. Ironhide asked if this meant there was a second traitor, but Drift replied that there was simply more to the situation than they knew. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

When Mirage was showing some doubt in the Autobot cause, it was Drift who said that, now more than ever, the Autobots should continue being who they are. [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] insinuated that Drift had no right to say something like that, which started an argument that was only stopped by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

[[File:Thundercracker Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Another of your ill-timed jokes, Drift??" {{-}}
"... You and I are enemies now."]]
Drift took part in the battle against the Swarm and joined the others in escaping Cybertron in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}. On Earth, he battled the Decepticons, and when [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] volunteered to divert the humans' nuclear bomb, Drift attempted to congratulate his former comrade on seeing the light. Thundercracker called him a traitor, slapping Drift's hand away and claiming he was merely following the Decepticons' ''true'' ideal. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

At some point Drift traveled to [[Japan]] and did some drift racing all by himself. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:Drift Drift4drifting.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Fast and the Furious: ''Tokyo Me'']]
Two years later, Drift was still with the Autobots, hiding on Earth. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} After Optimus Prime left the Autobots, Drift decided to stay with the larger group, rather than leave with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and his fellow defectors. Drift celebrated Bumblebee's election with numerous other Autobots. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Drift was among the Autobots who confronted [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and his troops when they crashed their ship in [[Las Vegas]], bringing with them a [[zombie]] invasion. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|Infestation #1}} The Autobots and Decepticons worked together to banish the zombies to the [[Dead Universe]], though Drift himself really just stood silently in the background the whole time. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|Infestation #2}}

Drift listened to [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] tell tales of, presumably, his time in space and accompanied Optimus Prime and many others to Cybertron aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme's]] rocket form. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} Along the way, he and many others tried to listen in on a conversation between Optimus Prime and a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Later, Drift accompanied Optimus, Hot Rod, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper to Cybertron to confront Galvatron and his army. After a brief skirmish with Galvatron's forces, the landing party returned to the Autobot landing zone. As Drift pointed out that maybe Galvatron was telling the truth and he had been assembling his army for a reason, the Autobots were bathed in a red light... {{storylink| Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} which turned out to be a blast from the orbiting space station [[Kimia Facility|Kimia]], recently commandeered by Galvatron's forces. Optimus Prime handed out orders to combat this new threat, telling Drift and Sunstreaker to establish a base of operations. After the threat of Kimia had ended, Omega Supreme's rocket landed at this base-camp and Rodimus and Drift set out after Optimus Prime and Ironhide, who had left to locate Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:Drift Chaos Part3 Kings.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Thanks to the magical power of [[The Sound of Breaking Glass#Continuity notes|retcon]]... that is the wrong sword.]]
At the crater that Kimia's main weapon had blown into the surface of the planet, Drift accompanied Optimus and the others underground. The Autobots finally intercepted Galvatron and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and Optimus Prime demanded their surrender. Galvatron claimed that the core of Cybertron had to be destroyed to save the universe, revealing the glowing [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] within his chest. At this, Drift began spouting gibberish and attacking his comrades in a maddened state, allowing for Galvatron and Jhiaxus to escape. The others attempted to restrain him, but Drift summoned what free will he had left and impaled himself on one of his own blades, much to Ironhide's horror. {{storylink| Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} While Drift survived this, Ironhide told Prime that they'd have to evacuate him immediately for medical attention. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:TDOOP-Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|There's no 'Cons in Cyberutopia, and the streets are made of Pocky.]]
After recovering, Drift's near-death experience had reawakened his spiritual side. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} Optimus Prime's return to Autobot camp three weeks later brought the discovery of a map inscribed inside the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Drift was consumed with the idea that the map gave directions to [[Cyberutopia]], the home of the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. Despite [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'s insistence that the Knights of Cybertron never existed, Drift maintained that he had heard all about the Knights of Cybertron from Dai Atlas, and that the stories were true. Drift's passion for this discovery inspired Rodimus to assemble a team to leave the planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

At some point, Drift shed his Earth mode and took a more sleek, Cybertronian form for himself. Rodimus tasked himself with recruiting as many Autobots as he could to take off-planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. He was very good at working a crowd, though admittedly Drift wrote all of his speeches. The guy became the nominal third-in-command because, or so Ratchet said, he told Rodimus what he wanted to hear. Ratchet, older and grumpier than the pre-war days, was on the same ship as Drift and ''really'' had it in for him for everything the 'bot he'd saved had done with the life he'd given him. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:TwentyPlusOne LostLightNamed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Drift himself found a ship for the quest, purchasing the [[Lost Light|U1]] with the help of [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] and [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] for ''one billion'' [[Shanix]] from a group of [[Mortilus]]-worshipping NAILs during the [[Festival of Lost Light]], from which the ship got it's new name, the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Before departing, Rodimus and Drift met with Prowl in his office. Prowl asked Rodimus to bring the captive and near-comatose [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] along on the journey, as part of a plan to create [[Phase Sixer]]s for the Autobots. While Drift strongly advised against this course of action, Rodimus was pressured into it by Prowl. Aside from [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] and the [[Duobot]]s, Overlord's presence on board was kept secret from the rest of the crew. {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

After boarding their new craft, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Drift had counted 208 total Autobots on board. (He also complimented Rodimus's latest speech.) Drift asked why [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] appeared displeased (more than usual) with the crew, and Ultra Magnus revealed that he felt most of them were practically criminals. (Drift himself was under high suspicion, though Ultra Magnus didn't say this out loud.) As launch was underway, Drift continued to act as Rodimus's right-hand man, and moments before takeoff, Drift brought to his attention the "[[Whirl (G1)|weapon of mass destruction]]" [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] had apparently brought on board. Something went wrong during takeoff, and the ship [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]]ed before it was ready, placing the ship somewhere random in space, just over a planet. A tear in the hull was expelling Autobots into space, and as the ship stabilized, Drift named off the Autobots they'd lost. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Drift MTMTE2 positiveenergy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.90|"Before I begin, I should clarify that I am not actually Japa-nese! I am from Daytona Beachiryu!"]]
As recovery efforts were undertaken, Drift radioed Ratchet a status update and also to tell the medical officer to make sure the medibay was "buzzing with positive energy" so those injured were "guaranteed a speedy recovery!". After he had signed off, Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] shared their annoyance with Drift's new attitude and...''interesting'' theories about the Knights of Cybertron. Later, when Rodimus was deciding how to address the crew about their current situation, Drift cheerfully suggested he focus on the positive. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

After a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] had thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Drift accompanied Rodimus' hand-picked team to investigate. As they examined the creature's [[Shock (G1)|first victim]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] confirmed that it was indeed a Sparkeater and Drift opined that this was a dark omen and that they were being "punished" for the horrific things that must have happened on the ship before it came into their possession, much to Ratchet's skepticism.

While the others searched for the creature, Rodimus and Drift tried to figure out how the previous owners of the ''Lost Light'' kept the Sparkeater contained. They figured out that the Sparkeater had been trapped in the engine rooms and fed [[turbofox]]es to keep it docile. After the Sparkeater made its way back to the engine rooms, chasing [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], Drift helped Rodimus put his plan to kill the creature into action. Utilizing a second quantum jump, Rodimus managed to stuff the Sparkeater into the ship's engine block, where it died after being fused into the mechanism. Drift was awed by Rodimus' quick-thinking and ingenuity. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

At the "Grand Secret Opening" of [[Swerve's]], Drift shared a drink with Pipes. When the smaller 'bot let on that he was looking for a relationship, Drift offered to introduce him to the similarly diminutive [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]... unaware that Tailgate's future self was invisibly listening in via a 'magic window' in time. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

[[File:Drift killsDent LifeAfterBigBang.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|The purpose of Drift is to flip out and kill sick people.]]
Drift accompanied Ratchet and Pipes on an investigation of the remote medical facility [[Delphi]]. Drift was subjected to repeated verbal barbs from Ratchet along the way, despite his efforts to get along with the medic. Once they had finally reached Delphi, Pipes impulsively rammed through a door that had the universal "plague" symbol on it. They found themselves in a morgue full of Transformers that had died from a mysterious "[[Red Rust]]" virus. When Drift noticed a [[Dent|shambling, disease-ridden Transformer]] approaching Pipes from behind, he sprung into action and dismembered the poor soul, much to Ratchet's outrage.

[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] showed up and explained the situation to them, how five days ago, a mysterious explosion had heralded the outbreak of this rust plague. [[Ambulon]] brought them to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who had been accidentally locked in a quarantine room when the explosion went off. Suddenly, Pipes began showcasing the symptoms of the virus and staggered toward them, disoriented and terrified. Pipes began vomiting and leaking from his optics, cornering Drift. Ratchet freed Pharma from the quarantine while telling Drift to non-fatally disable Pipes. Drift managed to slip behind his diseased comrade and knock him out with a blow to the head. Ratchet brought Pipes to the emergency ward, seeking to tend to him. By that time, Drift began to exhibit the symptoms as well, assuming he'd been infected by Pipes. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

[[File:Drift Sparkles Post Hoc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|I sparkle because I'm too beautiful for everything.]]
While being tended to by Ratchet, Drift recalled the [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|time in Rodion before the war]] when the Autobot medic had also been trying to save his life. Drift asked Ratchet to put him out of his misery in the event that the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] showed up, despite having earlier claimed that he wasn't afraid of them. When Pharma was revealed as a traitor, Ratchet had a confrontation with his former friend on Delphi's roof. The stricken Drift made his way up there and managed to save Ratchet from being shot in the back by chopping off Pharma's hands. With Ratchet having obtained a vaccine for the Red Rust virus from Pharma, Drift and the other victims were soon cured. Drift returned to the ''Lost Light'' along with the survivors. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

After the ''Lost Light'' was impacted by a discarded thumb from Metroplex, and was subsequently repaired, Drift attended an award ceremony honoring Brainstorm, Chromedome, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] for their part in saving the ship. He chatted with Rodimus during the celebration, until Whirl and Trailbreaker drew Rodimus's attention. Later, Drift along with nearly everyone on board of the ''Lost Light'' were frozen in place due to one of Brainstorm's experimental weapons accidentally going off. After he recovered, he was awarded a Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Drift reported to Rodimus and Ultra Magnus that [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] had locked himself in Rung's office. He was the first to notice both when Rung stared at the camera, and when he tapped on his model of the Ark. After the hostage situation had been resolved, Drift complimented Rodimus on the eulogy he gave for the gravely-injured Rung, even though he hadn't written that particular speech. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Drift Theophany MTMTEAnnual.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|A fabulous secret [[Titan (group)|Titan]] was revealed to Drift the day he held aloft his magic sword and said...]]
En route to [[Theophany]], Drift helped Rodimus prepare for Tailgate's [[Act of Affiliation]] ceremony, and politely pointed out his overuse of the phrase "[['Til all are one]]". When Ultra Magnus interrupted and expressed concern over a lack of radio contact with the Circle Of Light, Drift argued that they knew how to take care of themselves. Later at the ceremony, Rodimus inscribed a message in [[Cybertronian language|Old Cybertronian]] on Tailgate's chest instead of branding him with the Autobot sigil. Drift supposed that it was caused by some sort of possession, which was quickly dismissed by Ratchet as "complete and utter guff".

The ceremony was further interrupted by the arrival of the [[Galactic Council]]'s ship, ''[[The Benign Intervention]]''. Its [[K'gard|captain]] informed them that Theophany was deserted, much to Drift's disbelief. After some red-tape wrangling from Ultra Magnus, Drift and a group of others were allowed to teleport to the planet's surface, where they found Crystal City ruined and abandoned. Confused and agitated, a despairing Drift snapped at [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] and decked Whirl after the latter mocked him. He attempted to call out to any of the denizens of Crystal City, but when there was no response, Drift drove one of his swords into the ground in frustration. The ground gave way and sent the Autobots plunging underground, where they found [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], a slumbering [[Titan (group)|Titan]]. This discovery led [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] to share his [[Guiding Hand|myth of creation]], which triggered a theological debate between Drift and Ratchet, culminating in Drift pulling his sword on Ratchet. Rodimus took Drift for a walk to cool him down, where Drift reaffirmed his faith in Rodimus.

After Chromedome's mnemosurgery reawakened the Titan and made it fire its eye-beams at the ''Benign Intervention'', Drift was among those dispatched to fight off the Galactic Council's troops. The Titan eventually teleported Drift and the others back onto the ''Lost Light'', which then quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

A few days later, Drift and other crew members aided Rewind in helping heal Rung's dormant mind by telling his part in a story of past events. Drift elaborated on the time in Rodion when he was rescued by Orion Pax and treated by Ratchet, being sure to antagonize Ratchet by claiming he had uttered religious praises during that time. All the while, he was being pestered by calls from Rodimus, who finally ordered Drift to meet him in the oil reservoir. Drift arrived there just in time to see [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] recover Red Alert's headless body from the reservoir. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Ultra Magnus-Cyclonus-Rodimus and Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|Of ''course'' Drift wants to get at the ''{{w|oni}}''-looking guy...]]
After the suspected assailant Cyclonus was sent to their makeshift interrogation room, Drift conducted a very hostile interrogation, pointing his sword at Cyclonus in a threatening manner. (Ultra Magnus later suggested Drift's overly enthusiastic interrogation was an unfortunate attempt to impress Rodimus.) The attempt didn't work, as Cyclonus quickly swatted the sword away and smashed Drift into a table. Rodimus and Ultra Magnus were forced to intervene and break the two of them up. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} First Aid soon discerned that Red Alert's "accident" was actually a suicide attempt, and Ultra Magnus suggested that the troubled security chief should be left in stasis until they could revive him in a less stressful environment. Rodimus railed against this, but when Drift agreed with Magnus, he sadly acquiesced. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

The crew of the ''Lost Light'' intervened on [[Temptoria]], where a group of Decepticons had invaded and subjugated the local populace. A fierce battle erupted on the planet's surface, in which Drift cut down [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]] and [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]. He also interrupted Rodimus' battle with [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snap Trap]], shoving a sword through the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]'s face. Rodimus chided him for butting in, but Drift protested that "the ones with swords" were his to fight. {{storylink|Before & After}} In the aftermath of the fight, Drift and Brainstorm revealed to Chromedome that Overlord was aboard, hidden in a specially-constructed room beneath the ship, and the [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] agreed to interface with the dormant Phase-Sixer to learn the secret of his power. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

[[File:Aquafend swerve drift cybertronian homesick blues.jpg|thumb|right|“I don't even want you to nod, that's how much you annoy me. Just freeze and shut up.”
]]
Drift was teaching Rodimus how to use a sword, forging a deeper friendship with his captain, when a possible security situation interrupted. However, it merely turned out to be Cyclonus singing loudly to Tailgate. Swerve asked Drift if he wanted to be ''his'' roommate but Drift, claiming to prefer solitude, declined. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} Drift was among those interviewed by Rewind for his documentary on life aboard the ''Lost Light''. When [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] arrived on the ship seeking aid, Rodimus trotted Drift out as an accomplishment of his, claiming he had "rehabilitated" the ex-Decepticon. Drift was puzzled by Rodimus' claims, but impressed by Thunderclash, who greeted him respectfully and in accordance with his religious beliefs. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:Drift Overlord UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|This can only end well!]]
During a mnemosurgery session, Chromedome was outsmarted by Overlord, who obtained from the Autobot's memory the security codes to his cell that Drift provided. Drift was one of the first Autobots to fight the escaped Overlord outside of the medibay, urging Ratchet to lock himself in. But Ratchet chose to stand with his "friend" and sealed them outside the room. By the time reinforcements arrived, Overlord had severed both of Drift's legs and badly beaten Ratchet. Drift radioed the ship's brig to release Fortress Maximus, but not before his Great Sword was used by Overlord to mortally-wound Ultra Magnus. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

After Overlord had been jettisoned from the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus announced an inquiry to be held, knowing full well who was responsible for the Phase Sixer's presence on the ship. Drift offered to take full blame for the incident, protecting the identities of the other conspirators. He explained to Rodimus that he had a vision back on Cybertron, after he had impaled himself outside of Vector Sigma's chamber. Drift felt sure that Rodimus was essential to finding the Knights of Cybertron and couldn't let him out himself as having knowledge of the Overlord conspiracy. A hesitant and sorrowful Rodimus agreed and "furiously" stripped Drift of his Autobot symbol, exiling him from the ship. As he walked towards [[Drift's shuttle|the shuttle]] prepared for him, Drift was knocked down by a piece of debris hurled by an angry crew member. Ratchet helped him up, and Drift departed the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

[[File:mtmte39 tarn sees drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Oi oi OI! Are you looking at me bird?!]]

Eighteen months from the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] had listed Drift as deceased. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} The deceased Drift was actually part of a quantum duplicated ''Lost Light'' created by the initial accident at launch. When the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] arrived there to kill Overlord, the presence of Drift—another one on their List—caused them to go on a massive kill spree. Drift died first, killed along with Ratchet and Hound by [[Helex (DJD)|Helex]]. When Megatron later found their corpses an inspection of Drift allowed him to determine who had attacked the ship. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

[[File:Empire of Stone 2 Drift Ratchet where is this coming from.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"You look terrible." "Thank you." "So you agree? You think you look terrible?"]]

Meanwhile, the original Drift was defending planets across the outer rim from rogue Decepticons. He'd been left battered by all the fighting, fights made harder as he'd promised to never kill again, but was neglecting to get himself repaired. While handing [[Grit (G1)|Grit]] over to the [[Galactic Council]], he ran into Ratchet: all of the truth of Drift's departure had come out now and the medic had come to take him home. Drift refused. Ratchet stubbornly stuck with him while he tracked down the main Decepticon army—right to the desert planet he'd discovered centuries ago. Both Autobots and Grit were shot down by the army and Drift found himself defending Grit from being killed for suspected treason.

The leader of the army turned out to be Drift's old boss Gigatron {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 1|Empire of Stone #1}} who was ignoring the war had ended and was trying to find the Stone Army "Deadlock" had mentioned before. Drift, who knew the army wasn't hidden in the first place, refused until Ratchet's life was threatened and the three bots ended up in the cells. Ratchet's plan to get out was for Drift to pretend to be injured so the guard would open the cell—it was a ''very'' lame attempt but luckily the guard was a friend of Grit. As the robots escaped, Drift tried and failed to get Grit not to kill [[Hellbat (Victory)|Hellbat]] for slighting him: the Decepticon said he was sure in himself and his path in life, and didn't want the man projecting his own issues onto him. The Autobots carried on and found Gigatron hadn't found the army because Hellbat was hiding it from him {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} so he could use them himself to ''kill everything'', having decided to embrace the only thing he believed the Transformers were any good at. When Drift protested that he'd vowed never to kill again, Hellbat sneered and pointed to all the dead monks "Deadlock" had killed years ago.

[[File:Empire of Stone 4 Drift Gigatron FASTBALL SPECIAL.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|SUPERMAN WHEEEEE]]
A battle broke out and Drift found himself fought to a standstill by [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]] before Hellbat activated the Stone Army. Rather than alert Cybertron, Drift felt they had to stop the army here and now and he turned to Gigatron for aid. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}} Together, the Autobots and Decepticons tore through the golems. Drift took the fight to Hellbat (after Gigatron used "maneuver seven", ''throwing'' Drift at Hellbat) and was goaded into killing him. Instead, the Autobot ripped the Stone Army's control device from him... at which point Gigatron went for him and no amount of reasoning could get Gigatron to stand down. Forced to defend himself, Drift dropped the device and Hellbat retrieved it.

Gigatron and Hellbat would kill each other, taking the Stone Army with them, while Drift and Ratchet escaped. When the medic again tried to get Drift back to the ''Lost Light'', the swordsman said he'd spent his whole life struggling to belong to ''something'' but only ever joined as a killer, and the Hellbat affair just reiterated that he didn't want to live a life where all he could offer was death. Ratchet rephrased the offer: instead of coming back as an Autobot, he should come back as his ''friend''. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 4|Empire of Stone #4}}

[[File:YourFierceTears-RatchetDrift.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Oh Drift-chan, you smell awesome, and not at all like feet!"]]
The two Autobots upgraded their bodies over the course of their adventures and Drift began sporting a facial tattoo in honour of the deceased Dai Atlas.<ref>[https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/716702702416355328 Alex Milne (@markerguru) on Twitter, clarifying the visual, 3 April 2016]</ref> They eventually ran back into the ''Lost Light'' crew, or some of them, after a mutiny had stranded Megatron, Rodimus, and their assumed loyalists on [[Necroworld|the Necrobot's planet]] and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] had put out a call for help. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} In a blaze of action, they saved the robot [[Ten]] from a Decepticon mauling! {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} They very quickly found the Decepticons were a bigger deal than most of their foes and were nearly overrun until Drift spotted how [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] of the D.J.D. was ''really'' protective of "the Pet", a '[[domestication|domesticated]]' beast-mode Transformer. Drift swiftly took "the Pet" hostage, giving them a chance to escape to the Autobot's fortress.

[[File:YourFierceTears DriftRodimusReconcile.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8|“Did you win your sword fight?" {{-}}
"Of course I won the fragging sword fight, I'm the greatest sword fighter in the world."]]
There, Rodimus and Drift had a long overdue discussion. Drift wanted to know ''why'' Rodimus hadn't come looking for him after revealing the truth to the crew, and Rodimus admitted it was out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepted Rodimus's sincere apology—Rodimus pleaded that he ignore his words and focus on his aura, eye colour, or any means Drift had claimed he could 'see', which Drift just smiled at—but doubted his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Indeed, Drift even arranged it with Rewind that everyone could record their last wishes and how they wanted their bodies disposed of, to broadcast into space as an act of catharsis and closure. He witnessed very little catharsis when Chromedome almost died trying [[mnemosurgery]] on "the Pet" in front of him and, when the "Pet" was revealed by Rewind to be ''the lost [[Dominus Ambus]]'', he had his sword stolen by Rewind to kill Ambus before Chromedome could die.

When sunrise came, the Decepticons attacked. Rodimus embraced Drift and the others and thanked them for travelling with him, before the group charged into battle. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Drift and the crew survived for some time in fight with the hundreds of Decepticons thanks to the temporary [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] powers they cooked up, but soon they began to tire. When Megatron finally took to the field of battle, the others retreated back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} Drift was present as the DJD were brought down and the Disappeared released from stasis under the Necrobot's citadel. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

[[File:SomeOtherCybertron DriftVision.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left]]
Drift had succeeded in getting Rodimus to convert to [[Spectralism]], but he was concerned about the ramifications of Rodimus's new paint job, signifying the severity of his intentions towards Getaway. Also, Drift experienced a curious vision when he touched one of the newly awakened Disappeared named [[Anode]]. He saw [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], [[Worldsweeper]]s of the [[Phantom Fleet]], and crystals that rained from the sky as [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] emerged from threadbare space, all surrounded by the words "Prepare. Confront. Repel." over and over again.

[[File:BadMoonRising-DriftVsFunctionaries.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|“The sight of the bare katana inspires everyone to a practically Nipponese level of politeness”]]
...so anyway, Brainstorm constructed a teleportation "den" to send some of the group back to Cybertron to find transport for the rest of them. When they arrived, however, Cybertron was undeniably changed. Rewind soon recognized it as the [[Functionist Universe]], the alternate history that overlapped on his database when Brainstorm used his time case. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] captured Drift and the others as suspected members of the revolutionary [[Anti-Vocationist League]]. The real AVL arrived and caused a distraction for the crew to escape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} Drift and his friends were matter transported to "Cyberutopia", the sanctuary city of [[Kalis|Adaptica]] ruled by the rogue Functionist [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. They learned that in this reality Rung was hailed by the AVL as the "Useless One" for his alt mode that apparently stood in defiance of Primus and Functionism. Unfortunately, the Functionist Council chose that day to reveal they had discovered Rung's true use as a mining tank, allowing them to access [[Vector Sigma]] which had been sealed off by the Senate millennia ago. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Drift and the others traveled to Vector Sigma to confront the Council and rescue Rung. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} They succeeded and stole the Council's flying base, the Cog, to make their way back to Cyberutopia. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} With the help of teleport technology in a weaponized Luna-2 and wand-tech Brainstorm recovered from [[Killmaster]] on Necroworld, they transported the entire world back from the Functionist Universe to their original one. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Sardines DriftRatchetRight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
The crew prepared to continue their quest for the real Cyberutopia, and for revenge on Getaway and the mutineers. A Decepticon corpse named [[Skip]] was modified and mass-displaced to form a passable space craft, and so Drift and the others pressed on. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

As they sailed through space, Drift noted that Ratchet's colour looked different before the doctor returned, having inexplicably succumbed to [[aggressive depigmentation]], with Drift noting that his aura had disappeared.{{storylink|Sardines}} All of a sudden, Skip's mass displacement wore off. To survive, Ten directed the engineers on how to access the [[Warren]] so they could reach a [[Mederi]] facility. Mid-transit however, the crew was forced to abandon ship, their bodies being ravaged by the effects of super-compressed space. Emerging in the orbit of the original Mederi, the moon repaired them and led them to believe that they'd gone to the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]].{{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:TheGodWar DriftSummoned.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7]]
Drift was giddy at coming to the promised land, dreaming about Ratchet's face when he and the doctor next met, {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} before he was summoned, along with Ratchet and Magnus, before the [[Guiding Hand]] at Rodimus' request. Despite Rodimus' pleas, the deities rejected their desire for resurrection and returned them to the Afterspark's landing. After Magnus had driven off, the remaining three explored a temple, driven on by Ratchet's claims of writing that only he could see before they found a ward of organics hooked up to a pillar of "trapped light". As the organics began chanting, Omega Guardians emerged from the darkness. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}}

When Magnus returned, the quartet quickly defeated the Guardians before Ratchet shattered the pillar, revealing Mederi to them. Accessing the computers, Drift found that the moon was a euthanasia clinic before Nautica arrived with the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]] and [[Axe (G1)|Axe]]'s corpse. At Rodimus' command, Drift then plotted a course from Cybertron to Mederi, revealing that the moon was Cyberutopia, the Knights having fallen victim to the same trap that nearly claimed their lives. With everything over and done with, the group prepared to leave before [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] formed out of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew descended from the skies. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|left|Definitely not street-legal...]]
Though the group quickly rolled out, [[Wipe-Out's ship]] soon arrived, bearing allies and weapons. After the ''Lost Light'' made itself known, Drift boarded the Q-Ship to steal back the larger craft only to wound up caught in Getaway's trap, the shuttle bay being flooded with the contents of the oil reservoir and its [[scraplet]] horde. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Fortunately, Whirl's domesticated scraplets counted amongst the horde and the Wrecker was quickly able to tame the predators and release them. No sooner had Rodimus reclaimed the ''Lost Light'' did a massive tear in the Warren open above the moon. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Though everyone was quick to board the ship, the gravity of the rift proved too much for the engines, the ''Lost Light'' being dragged through to the [[Benzene Cluster]] where the found five copies of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the group was taken prisoner by the forces of the Grand Architect and duped into a cell. When [[Froid]] joined them, he revealed the five planets were an upscaled [[God Gun]] capable of piercing the barrier between universes. After it had done just that, Megatron emerged in the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]'' from the Functionist Universe. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

[[File:ReturnOfTheKing MegatronTreatsDrift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|"You don't respect those people very much, Drift, because you're young and arrogant. But I don't respect them much either, because I'm old and wise."]]
Following close behind him was the Functionist Universe's version of Cybertron, now transformed into a robot mode in Primus' likeness. As the fleets of the Functionists and the Architect went to war, Megatron tried to free the group with a hull breach only for Drift to be critically wounded when the Architect's guards arrived, falling victim to a [[zero point]] only to be healed by Megatron, who praised the turncoat for his defection. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After everyone had reconvened aboard the ''Lost Light'', with the news that ''Rung'' was the real Primus, everyone hit on the idea to use twelve duplicates of the Matrix of Leadership, opened at Cybertron's twelve hot spots, to overwhelm Vector Sigma and destroy the Functionist Council. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

[[File:ASparkAmongEmbers RatchetOpensMatrix.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9]]
Acting as Ratchet's bodyguard, Drift was sent to [[Vespertine Blue]], holding off the [[Functionary|Functionaries]] until Ratchet, after a rousing speech from Rodimus, managed to open the Matrix.
{{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

New Cybertron, as it came to be known, was soon visited by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] who decided to decommission the Lost Light so its quantum engines could be used to double the planet's energon reserves but allowed the crew the luxury of a victory lap. Before jumping back home however, the crew decided to recreate the initial malfunctioning launch and then shunt their duplicates into a parallel universe, thereby ensuring their adventures would never end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron. While having a last drink, Drift and Ratchet theorized that Drift's vision had been the result of the telepaths sending him their experiences through the Warren before Rodimus gave Drift and Ratchet his blessing for their future. The touching moment was ruined when construction cranes began disassembling the ship.

[[File:LL25 DriftRatchetFuneral.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Over the following years, Drift and Ratchet would become [[Conjunx Endura]] and had many happy years together before Ratchet's old age caught up with him and he passed. Arranging a funeral at [[Rivets Field]], Drift ensured that Whirl could attend and gifted him Ratchet's hands. Though touched Whirl returned them, stating that he was not broken and didn't need fixing. After the service ended, Rodimus turned up, Drift recognizing that his friend had been drinking. Once Rodimus had placed Megatron's withered Rodimus Star on Ratchet's tomb, he prepared to return to the ''[[Exitus]]''. Before he left, Drift asked if he'd ever thought about the recreated accident. Deciding it was best to live in a state of never knowing if the gamble had worked, Rodimus and Drift promised to keep in touch before they went their separate ways once again.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate ''Lost Light'' materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[File:IAmOptimusPrime-Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|He makes it so hard to like him and then he does this. So confused!]]
Drift was [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s friend and always let his actions speak louder than words. When the Autobots arrived on Earth, he hid himself in a lake. Upon Optimus's order, he transformed into his car mode to roll out. Later, when the Decepticons attacked, he pushed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] over a tripwire held by some of the Autobots' [[human|human allies]]. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}
{{-}}

===''United''===
[[File:FierceFightingOnPlanetNebulos DriftDefendsCity.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|MY KUNG FU CURES ME!!!]]
A [[nano-virus]] infected the population of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] bar the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s. The former Decepticon Drift was able to force off, or at least hold off, the effects of the nano-virus, so he was charged with guarding the city unaided while the other immune Autobots left to retrieve a cure from [[Nebulos]]. When [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] returned with the anti-virus, Drift was in attendance when Optimus Prime praised the Targetmaster. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}
{{--}}

===IDW ''Angry Birds'' Transformers comic===
[[File:ABTF1 Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wait, this ''is'' a movie universe story, right?"]]
Drift was aboard Optimus Prime's ship transporting the [[AllSpark]] when it came under Decepticon attack. He and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] tried to stop [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as the Air Commander chased [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], but Starscream slipped straight past them. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}
{{--}}

===Drift Black Ver.===
====Train Wars====
[[File:TrainWars Drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|G1 body, movie colors!]]
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit a black-colored Drift and other inter-dimensional warriors. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Drift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Drift was returned home by the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] cheered on The Fallen in the battle against Drift and his heroic comrades. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}
{{-}}

===''Cloud''===
[[File:Cloud Deadlock Fury.jpg|thumb|left|Japanese Deadlock will never become Drift and is offended you asked.]]
The Deadlock of [[Cloud World]] was recruited to the Decepticons by [[Megatron (G1)#Cloud|Megatron]] himself, and quickly came to revel in his own blood-thirst on the battlefield. But after one of his missions, [[Lockdown (G1)#Cloud|Lockdown]] informed him that he had botched their objective by slaughtering ''too many'' Autobots, and beat him down to discipline him. Deadlock swore to kill Lockdown himself for this indignity. {{storylink|Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Awakening (Cloud)|Awakening}} {{storylink|Eagerness}} {{storylink|Lightwave}} {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Cloud)|Metamorphosis}} {{storylink|Overwhelm}} {{storylink|Concealment}} {{storylink|Struggle}} {{storylink|Fury (Cloud)|Fury}} {{storylink|Transcendence}} }}

[[File:Lockdown and Deadlock.jpg|thumb|250px|''You're trying to turn me into a Drift, aren't you.'']]
Deadlock took part in a mission to the 15-[[OGSS World|OGSS]] Spacetime. He and his comrades attacked the human/Autobot facility [[Space Bridge T.R.2]], but the Autobots of Cloud World arrived on the scene in response. After [[Shockwave (G1)#Cloud|Shockwave]] had gathered the data he needed, the Cloud World Decepticons retreated. {{storylink|Transformers Cloud (issue)|Transformers Cloud}}

[[File:Grand Scourge versus Deadlock.jpg|thumb|left|250px|HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME USE SWORDS.]]

Getting his hands on [[SARA]], Deadlock used her powers to flee to the [[Legends World]], where he was surprised that the local [[Waspinator (BW)#Transformers Legends comic|Waspinator]] knew of him. Realizing that all dimensions existed as fictional stories in this dimension, he took to gathering information by consuming their media, and was surprised to find that Transformers throughout the multiverse were extremely similar to their Cloud World counterparts. The [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]], creators of the Legends world, then possessed SARA and told Deadlock that he and his compatriots were not the original Transformers, but copies based on beings from other universes. Deadlock was outraged by this concept as it suggested that he was fated to become an Autobot like the "original" Deadlock, and defiantly proclaimed that his fate was his to decide. On the recommendation of [[Skids (G1)#Quantum Operative|Skids]], another interdimensional visitor, he then ended the Zamojin control of SARA by unleashing her powers and opening a gate back to Cloud World, where he lost her to the Autobots. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[File:Primus Vanguard Reborn.jpg|thumb|300px|Standing next to a Drift, safe at last.]]

Some time later, after having fought many battles across many dimensions, Deadlock wound up alone in a barren wasteland, having been separated from his unit by a spatiotemporal storm. Wandering about, he came upon [[Go Prime]] kneeling in defeat before [[Grand Scourge]]... and Lockdown's carcass strewn on the ground nearby. Enraged, Deadlock charged Grand Scourge, but found himself to be thoroughly outclassed. Deadlock only managed to avoid being cut down by grabbing hold of a nearby blade to block his opponent's retaliatory attack. Grand Scourge then lost interest and walked off to find his real target, and Deadlock made a new vow, to track down his new opponent and kill ''him'' instead. {{storylink|Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock}}

Deadlock was inducted into the [[Black Order]] by Go Prime, and was trained to become a new [[Swordbot]]. At some point, they were alerted by [[Primus]] to the end of the [[Blue Order]] and the threat of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and were soon invaded by [[Coelagon]], who desired the Black Legendisc. The Black Order failed to prevent Coelagon from wresting the artifact from them. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

Bound for some unknown reason, Deadlock was one of many Transformers from across the multiverse observed by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. {{storylink|Cybertron Magna Convoy}}

Escaping his bonds some manner or other, Deadlock was spotted amongst the high command of [[Magna Convoy]]'s reconstituted Primus Vanguard, having inherited his master's position. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 2|Finale 2}}
{{-}}

===Precursor World===
Somehow, Drift ended up amongst the high command of Magna Convoy's reconstituted Primus Vanguard, leading the [[White Order]]. Alongside Deadlock. Don't think about it too hard. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 2|Finale 2}}

===''Q-Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Tomoaki Maeno]] (Japanese)}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Road to Winning a New Fanbase}}}}

===''Adventure'' bios===
When [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from [[Earth]], he encountered a Transformer named Drift who was similar to, but not, the [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] he knew. To gain a better understanding of what was going on, Jazz fought the stranger. {{storylink|#Adventure|TAV VS05 bio}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
:*''First appearance:'' [[The Change In Your Nature Part One|''Transformers'' issue #13]]

Deadlock was a member of the [[Decepticon|Ascenticons]] who received the movement's new insignia from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part One}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Legends''===
After falling out with his commanding officer, the Decepticon Deadlock found himself on an unfamiliar planet. He encountered the [[Circle of Light]], who helped him defeat [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and some local miscreants, and as a result Deadlock changed his name to Drift and joined up with the Circle in their journey to find a peaceful home. {{storylink|Circle of Light (Legends)|Circle of Light}}

At some point Drift joined the Autobot army. Catching wind of a [[Quintesson]] plot to disrupt the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]], Drift teamed up with [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] to enter the games as a team, and succeeded in uncovering and stopping [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Galactic Games}}

Drift and his team had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding, and they made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Drift}}
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Private Deadlock}}
Drift appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. Deadlock also appears in Season 8 as Private Deadlock. They are portrayed by Bomb. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsDrift.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Wow!!! Sugoi!!! ''Kickasseru''!!! 両親が私を愛してくれませんか!!!]]
Drift participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Rare character that could be recruited by collecting 90 units of Cybermetal, 45 units of Transmetal, and 25 support cores. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:TransformersEarthWarsDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Ryūjin no ken o Kurae.... wait. Wrong game. Whoops.]]

{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Out of Control}}
Optimus told Drift to just observe and not engage.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Double-Crossed}}

Drift came in response when Optimus and Megatron's truce at the movies went _____ and freaked out the cinemagoers. [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] came in tow and started taunting him. Drift retorted he would prefer to play his director's cut. He then taunted if Barricade was ready for his closeup with all the cellphone cameras around. Drift then said to catch him if he can. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Direct the Dialogue 2}}

When Optimus learned that the Decepticons were trawling alternate realities for reinforcements, he decided he needed someone with stealth and total commitment to the mission, and commanded Hot Rod to summon drift, in spite of his mistrust. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}} Drift was _____ that the Autobots still mistrust him behind the mask of acceptance. Just then Grimlock told him Optimus wanted him for a secret mission, and Hot Rod explained that this was his shot to prove his allegiance.

Optimus informed him on the Decepticon's' multi-universal recruitment drive. Drift asked why they sent one asset instead of an army, and Perceptor explained because of the massive energy expenditure needed to penetrate the Multiversal Membrane, solo is the only option. Drift followed Barricade to an alternate universe with endless fighting. Barricade taunted him before fighting him head-on. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Outlaws}}

Drift tried to prevent Barricade from tagging an Autobot when they were suddenly bombarded with missiles. He remarked [[Live-action film series|nothing makes sense and he's losing the plot]]. Barricade tagged his cross-dimensional beacon on the universe's Lockdown, but nothing happened. As if a [[Shroud|god-like force]] was making the alternate universe untouchable. Just then Hun-Gurrr rammed into Barricade, much to Drift's surprise, and the two 'cons teleported to another universe. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Critcial Mass}}

Drift arrived in [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a garish universe]] too late to stop Barricade and Hun-Gurrr from departing, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)|the local Optimus Prime]] appeared and commanded him to identify himself. Drift subsequently asked Laser Optimus for help against the 'Cons, to which the heroic [[Laser Rod]] agreed. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Worlds Collide}}

*'''Class''': Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating''' 2 star
*'''Weapons:''' Drift leaps on a target and then attacks with his swords.
*'''Ability: Essence Theft:''' Drift rushes at a target for a draining strike, and heals him for double the amount of damage inflicted.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:drift Drift at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{charstubgame|Fill in the Blanks}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:Generations Drift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Forgive me master, i must go all out.... just this once...]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Drift transforms into a cross between a {{w|Nissan Silvia#S15|Nissan Silvia S15}} and a {{w|Mitsubishi FTO}}. In [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Drift's two shorter "dual swords" store inside his doors (which double as his hip sheaths during [[robot mode]]), while the larger sword stores in a set of grooves on the underside of his vehicle (also used in robot mode). It can also be stored (in robot mode) in the doors where the windows fold up. Behind his windshield kibble is his pre-Earth chest design, in a nod to the form Drift had been seen in almost exclusively at the time of the toy's unveiling. Due to his ball jointed wrists, Drift is one of the few Transformers figures that can hold a sword with a two-handed grip. Left unmentioned in the instructions is that the clip that holds his large sword is on a small concealed arm that allows the sword to move away from his back and out of the way of his legs and shoulders. Drift's swords are made from a kid-friendly flexible material, and therefore care must be taken to avoid warping. His hand holes are slightly larger than 5 mm, but taper toward the bottom.

:While Drift's Earth mode designs showed him sporting the katakana ドリフト (''Dorifuto'') on his car doors, the toy instead sports the kanji 侍 (''samurai''). The large sword sports the kanji 天下無双 (''tenka musō'', "peerless under heaven", or just "peerless" if you're not feeling idiomatic. It can also mean "armed under providence").

:Drift's mold was [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generations|Blurr]] and was [[redeco]]ed, with Blurr's pistols also being included, into [[Drift (SG)#Toys|''Shattered Glass'' Drift]].

:When his eyes are lit up, he has two visible pupils that follow you when you turn him. Freaky.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Drift/drift.htm More information on Autobot Drift at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===United===
[[File:United AutobotDrift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I am the white void, I am the cold steel, I am the just sword, with blade in hand I shall reap the sins of this world and cleanse it in the fires of destruction! I am Drift, the end has come!]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-08'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers United]]'' toys, the [[TakaraTomy]] release of "Autobot Drift" is cast in a brighter white plastic, a cooler gray, and features more paint applications in vehicle mode, and on his head, arms and chest to make him more accurate to his comic book appearances. The light red of the Hasbro version is now more crimson in color and the sword's gray is slightly altered from the Hasbro release.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===Age of Extinction===
[[File:AOEGenerationstoy-DeluxeDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Sensei!"]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two daggers, two swords
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AD23'''
{{note|''Age of Extinction'' [[Drift (AOE)#Age of Extinction|Drift]] was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Drift in the IDW Angry Birds comic.}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Deluxe Class toys, this figure of Drift features a more complex transformation and a much more [[Articulation|articulated]] and proportionate robot mode. He comes with two daggers and two swords, all of which he can wield via [[5 mm post]]. All four of his weapons can store on his roof/back in various ways in robot mode, while in vehicle mode his daggers store beneath the roof and his swords store on the underside of the car.

:A variant of Drift that apparently shipped with [[wave]] 2.5 (which also included [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Generations|Lockdown]]) adds black [[paint operation]]s to the front vents. The two versions can be distinguished by the manufacturing date codes stamped into their cardbacks.<ref name="delvariant">[http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/09/age-of-extinction-drift-variant/ Age of Extinction Drift Variant] at The Allspark.</ref>
{{--}}

===Q-Transformers===
[[File:QTransformers Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Are you sure this is the guy who's supposed to flip out and kill sick people?]]
*'''Drift''' ([[June 27]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-22'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Drift is a redeco and retool of [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Q-Transformers|QT-12 Sunstreaker]], transforming into a [[super deformed]] Mazda RX-7 FD3S (though as a Sunstreaker redeco, his feet are sculpted to resemble the hood of a Lamborghini Countach). His head features some inspiration from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s design, namely the golden crest and samurai helmet neckguard.
{{--}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|KreonTripleChanger}}
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Kreon Triple Changer, <s>2015</s>)
**''Accessories'': 2 swords, Slipstream & Jetstorm Kreons

:Kreon Triple Changer Autobot Drift mooshes all the incarnations of Drift into one form! This built-up Kreon transforms from robot to sportscar to helicopter, ''without'' needing to be disassmebled. His general appearance is based on Generation 1 Drift, his altmodes come from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]], and of course his micro-Kreon Mini-Con partners [[Slipstream (RID)#Kre-O|Slipstream]] and [[Jetstorm (RID)#Kre-O|Jetstorm]] hail from [[Drift (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Drift]].

:Drift (along with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#KreonTripleChanger|Blitzwing]]) was shown at [[Toy Fair 2015]], but no accounts of it seeing release in any market have ever surfaced.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===Adventure===
[[File:TAVVS05-Warrior-Class-Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember when you all hated me?]]
*'''Drift Origin Mode & Jazz Battle Mode''' (Warrior Class 2-pack, 2015-[[November 14|11-14]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV VS05'''
**''Accessories'': Longsword, short sword

:Packaged with a retooled [[Jazz (WFC)#Adventure|Jazz]], ''Adventure'' "Drift Origin Mode" is a redeco/retool of [[Drift (RID)#Warrior|the first Warrior Class Drift]], featuring a new head and deco that evokes Drift's IDW design. Drift Origin Mode transforms from a samurai robot into a futuristic white car that appears to be a cross between [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s Bugatti Veyron alternate mode and a Gumpert Apollo. In robot mode, his two swords can be stored on his left hip. In car mode, they store on his underside by using the tabs on his legs with the slots in the sword handles.

:Drift Origin Mode features a scannable badge. While it was accessible in-package, this is covered up by a "dummy sticker" to prevent scanning without taking it off. Scanning the real sticker unlocks this Drift in the Transformers Chronicle checklist app.
{{--}}

===Legends===
[[File:E-Hobby-Transformers-Legends-Deadlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bot-tousai the Mechslayer.]]
*'''Deadlock''' (March 2016)
**''ID number:'' '''LG EX'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right pistols, rifle, greatsword

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Deadlock is a redeco of ''Generations'' Deluxe Class Drift in [[:File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|his black, red, purple, and gold]] Deadlock color scheme as seen in the ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' miniseries and ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' comics / text stories. He comes with his greatsword in black and replaces the two smaller swords with the two pistols and rifle from the Blurr version of the mold, which can combine into a sniper rifle with a bipod (or a triple-barreled rifle). He features Blurr's minor retooling of his inner doors in order to accommodate the pistols in robot mode. Deadlock is an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive and comes with two comics, "[[Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock]]" and a [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|volume EX]] of the ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Legends: Bonus Edition]]'' comic.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Flame Toys===
====Kuro Kara Kuri====
[[File:FlameToysDrift.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Drift''' (December 2017)
**''Accessories'': Great Sword, Great Sword scabbard, 2 small swords, 2 small scabbards, 2 cape parts, 3 faces, 14 hands, helmet armor (exclusive)

:Produced by [[Flame Toys]] as part of their ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' line, Drift is a detailed non-transforming action figure featuring [[die-cast]] parts and LEDs in his head, chest, shoulders and legs. He comes with a selection of alternate hands, three faces with different expressions (stoic, snarling and shouting), his Great Sword, two smaller swords, and a tattered cape based on the one worn by [[Wing (G1)|Wing]] in [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]]. The Great Sword features a gimmick where pushing in the handle transforms the hilt, causing it to splay out into a crossguard and changing the gem's color from white to blue. If purchased via D4toys.com, SEN-TI-DEN Hong Kong, or events attended by Flame Toys, Drift also includes additional samurai-inspired helmet armor that can be displayed with or without a visor.

{{-}}

====Furai Model====
*'''Drift''' (December 2019)

:Part of the ''Furai Model'' line, this Drift is a non-transforming model kit, vastly less expensive than the above Kuro Kara Kuri figure. It features plastic parts and some polycap components, as well as some stickers. Glue is not required, but recommended on all of the model's sword sheaths, as they come apart quite easily. This model has far fewer accessories than the Kuro Kara Kuri figure, only coming with two regular swords and one great sword.
:A common feature in mecha model kits is an abundance of spare parts in different colors that will be left over after assembly. These are present purely for the ease of manufacture, but one could substitute them for the used components if so desired.

{{-}}

===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W1Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T13/T40'''
**''Stars: ''8
:Based on Drift's time as a Decepticon, '''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The artwork on the card is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile card game, with line-art for both Bot and Alt-mode by [[Dan Khanna]].
{{-}}
[[File:W4Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T52'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is one of 52 character cards released in Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is a member of the [[Mercenary]] faction introduced in the set.

:The card features original artwork, with Bot Mode line-art by [[Andrew Griffith]].
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Commenting on what inspired him to create Drift, writer/creator [[Shane McCarthy]] said that "I wanted a character in AHM that had a particular element to him that I didn't see readily available elsewhere and secondly because, frankly, I thought it would be a great idea for Hasbro to have an Autobot Drift racer."<ref>[http://www.smactalk.com.au/?p=101 Shane McCarthy blogs about Spotlight: Drift.]</ref> He later said he wanted to show what'd happen [[:Category:Turncoats|if a former Decepticon became an Autobot]].<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=11723 Podcast interview with Shane McCarthy]</ref> Drift's Japanese overtones are meant to be a tip of the hat "to the country that gave birth to [''Transformers'']."<ref>[http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18585 Comic Book Resources October 27th, 2008 interview with Shane McCarthy]</ref>
*Drift's name is derived from the Japanese driving technique of "{{w|Drifting (motorsport)|drifting}}," rendered in Japanese as ドリフト走行 (''dorifuto sōkō''). This is also the source of the {{w|katakana}} in Chris Ryall's announcement;<ref>[http://ryalltime.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html "ドリフト走行*" entry in Chris Ryall's blog]</ref> it is a transliteration of his English name and is not from Japanese fiction.
*Discarded [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-sketches-93573360 body designs] and [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-head-sketches-93574266 head designs] for Drift can be found on [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com Guido Guidi's DeviantArt page.]
*[[IDW Publishing]] initially claimed that Drift had been solicited by [[Hasbro]] to receive a toy in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line. This may have been premature, as it was followed several months later with a denial, albeit from Hasbro's Australian offices.<ref>[http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3438 Ozformers Q&A with Hasbro Australia]</ref> This was rebutted by IDW editor [[Chris Ryall]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2009, denied again in the March 2009 Hasbro Q&A for Seibertron.com,<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-answers-seibertrons-questions/15360 Hasbro March 2009 Q&A on Seibertron.com]</ref> and finally acknowledged by Hasbro at [[BotCon 2009]] when early design sketches were unveiled for Drift's toy. The toy itself was first shown at [[Toy Fair 2010]].
*As may be surmised from this page's captions, the large amount of hype surrounding Drift's initial introduction—along with perceptions that he was little more than a stereotypical badass fan-created character with Japanese samurai/ninja stereotypes added in for maximum awesomeness—led to a considerable backlash against the character when he was first announced. The hype included not only his own ''Spotlight'' issue, followed later by a four-issue mini-series, but also an appearance in "[[I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime]]", a book intended to advertise the ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' toys... whose ranks don't actually include a Drift figure. The character's actual appearances in fiction, however, have not spawned nearly as much vitriol, and the later (re)interpretation by author [[James Roberts]] actually resulted in many a fan changing their opinion of the character.
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Black Drift.jpg|thumb]]
*A mock-up of a black redeco of ''Generations'' Drift based on his [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' counterpart]]'s colors appeared in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014]]'' Vol. 1 as one of ten potential exclusives for Vol. 2. This "Autobot Drift Black Ver." didn't win the poll to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, ending up in fourth place with 12.7% of the votes.<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>
*Roberts has said "there's different facets" to Drift and his environment has an impact on how he presents himself.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 34:40 - 35:02]</ref> Drift himself says in [[Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|''Empire of Stone'' #3]] that he dives into new personas, both his brooding loner and his hippie ones, to cover up the parts of himself that he doesn't like.
*James Roberts stated that IDW Drift is forged and from [[Rodion]].<ref>[https://jrtweetsindex.tumblr.com/post/164978514244/twitter-convo-between-rodimus-primadonnabot-and Twitter conversation with James Roberts on 19 July 2017]</ref>
*He is a favorite of voice actor [[Eric Bauza]], which gave him a chance to voice [[Drift (RID)|a different Drift]].
*In ''Earth Wars'', Drift has "Penance" and "Vengeance" written in [[Alphabet#Decepticon script|Decepticon script]] on one of his swords; the other has "Forgive" written in [[Alphabet#Autobot script|Autobot script]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drift''' (ドリフト ''Dorifuto''), '''Deadlock''' (デッドロック ''Deddorokku'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Piuji''' (飄移, "Drift")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Piāoyí''' (China, 漂移, "Drift")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Black Order]]
[[Category:White Order]]
[[Category:Cloud Decepticons]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]

Drift (G1)

2021-07-01T16:40:04Z

GlamAttack: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|ascenticon|mercenary}}
{{disambigm|Drift (disambiguation)|Deadlock (disambiguation)}}
{{featured}}
:''Drift is an [[Autobot]] and former [[Decepticon]] from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:AHM 06 CoverA.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|While you were out partying, I studied THE BLADE.]]
'''Drift''' was not always an Autobot. In fact, he slaughtered quite a few when he was known as the Decepticon '''Deadlock'''. But Deadlock's eyes were opened to what the Transformers' war had become when he stumbled across a lost faction of neutral Transformers long since forgotten. He discarded his ruthless ways, abandoned his guns for swords, and changed his name and appearance.

When Drift returned to the Transformer war to make right what he put wrong, he was a bot of few words and disciplined action. He since went on to be an enthusiastic spiritualist and a self-punishing crusader, all in an attempt to get away from the nasty parts of his personality that are still lurking within him. It doesn't matter what his personality is because with his Decepticon past, Drift isn't well-liked or trusted by [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a few]] of the Autobots and [[Hellbat (Victory)|some of]] the Decepticons think he's just ''lying'' about having changed. This hits Drift more than you might think because at the end of the day, despite his loner attitude, Drift ''really'' just wants to be part of something.

In addition to the two swords kept in his hip scabbards, Drift carries a legendary [[Great Sword]]. An ancient weapon that predates modern civilization, the Great Sword draws upon the [[spark]] energy of its bearer, and as such must only be used in the most dire of circumstances.

{{quote|We're going about this the wrong way, '''all''' of us! After countless centuries of fighting ... the Autobots are a '''step''' away from what we were when all this '''started.''' And us—the Decepticons have become something '''worse''' than any of us could have '''imagined'''.|Drift explains his new perception of the war to his [[Turmoil|former commander]]|"[[Spotlight: Drift]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[All Hail Megatron issue 5|''All Hail Megatron'' #5]]; [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]] (as Deadlock)}}

[[File:Drift2-renamed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"Eh....Inferno, tell to Death Blade that if he calling me that again, his name will become DEATH BOT!"]]
Drift was originally a homeless Cybertronian, living on the streets and stealing energon to survive. The hopeless 'bot was befriended by [[Gasket]] {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} but otherwise had no one. During one [[circuit booster|drug trip]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], he was assaulted by [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]], who were abducting homeless people for money. Drift was rescued by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], who brought him to [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s secret clinic in [[Rodion]]. Ratchet saved Drift's life, and told the young robot that he could achieve great things in his life if he tried— he could just ''tell'' Drift was destined for something special. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

Drift would soon learn what that was, after Gasket was killed by Autobot law enforcement after trying to stop them from executing a thief. Drift exploded with rage, grabbed the nearest gun and killed them all. His knack for violence attracted the attention of the Cybertronian underground, who trained Drift as a killer. Amongst this group, Drift realized the level of corruption in the [[Senate]], and a recruitment rally held by [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] drew Drift in with his talk of equality. Megatron singled Drift out of the crowd, claiming to have heard great things of him, and asked him to join the Decepticons to fight for a better Cybertron. Drift agreed and, after being was hailed by the crowd, was renamed Deadlock by Megatron. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} Drift rose to become the second-in-command of [[Turmoil]], garnering a reputation as a vicious and merciless fighter. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

During their time with [[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]], Turmoil and Deadlock crashed on a desert world and investigated a nearby stone fortress to find a way out. The two of them would go on to massacre the inhabitants before leaving, though not before Deadlock recorded the presence of a Stone Army on the planet. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}}

[[File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deadlock prefers to pose so his legs don't block any of the action.]]
Much later, on the planet [[Dabola]], Deadlock led a battalion against an Autobot squadron. The [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Autobots' leader]] called a retreat, and Deadlock's team celebrated. This was spoiled when [[Not Carnivac|one of the soldiers]] pointed out that Deadlock had been ordered to merely observe, and once again had disobeyed orders. When the soldier threatened to inform Turmoil of Deadlock's disobedience, Deadlock killed him. Claiming Turmoil was too cautious and that it was time for new leadership, he called for the other soldiers to follow him, but they summarily captured him and brought him to Turmoil. Turmoil used a stasis lock to trap him in [[robot mode]] and attempted to execute him. Deadlock managed to escape, and after initiating an emergency protocol to cover his escape, stole an escape pod and departed the ship.

Deadlock crashed on an unknown planet. After scaling some, he found a massive structure, but before he could explore, a mysterious cloaked figure appeared, named [[Wing (G1)|Wing]]. Wing offered a deal: help him free the slaves, and he would find Deadlock a ship. Deadlock, introducing himself as "Drift," agreed, but first Drift said he needed guns. Together, they jumped some guards and stole their weapons, however a stray blast stripped Wing of his cloak, revealing him to be Cybertronian. Once they jumped into the complex, Drift automatically fled for the ship, abandoning Wing. Despite this betrayal, when Drift was attacked and nearly killed by one the slavers, Wing brought Drift back with him to a new [[Crystal City]], where he was repaired. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

[[File:Drift1-rebuilt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We were okay with your old legs. Rest had to go."]]
Wing explained that they were the [[Circle of Light]], a group of Cybertronian scholars and scientists who abandoned the planet during the early days of the war in order to find peace and preserve Cybertron's culture. Wing and Drift were taken to a meeting with Crystal City's leader, [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]]. While Drift waited outside, Wing was admonished for bringing a corrupting influence to the city. He was ordered to keep Drift with him at all times. Afterward, Wing brought Drift to an empty room, discarded his swords and asked him what the Decepticon symbol stood for. Drift replied it meant strength, power and conviction, and the belief in the survival of the strongest. Wing offered Drift a chance to earn his freedom by defeating him without guns in combat, but Drift never succeeded. Drift grumbled that he'd never learned to fight without projectile weaponry.

Weeks later, Wing was still dominating Drift. Over time, Drift admitted that Crystal City held everything Drift had ever wanted, while the Decepticons had lost sight of this goal some time ago. Their sparring was interrupted by a summons from Dai Atlas. When they arrived in the control room, he informed them that they had received a coded signal and he thought Drift might be able to translate. Though Drift claimed he could not understand it, that night he snuck out of the city and drove far into the desert. There he met with the slavers, who had used a Decepticon code to offer Drift a deal. The code had been obtained from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], a Decepticon sent by Megatron. The deal was simple: hand over the location of the Circle of Light or die. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}}

[[File:Drift4-notdoneyet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Man, I bet those dumb G2 guys wish they had this kind of endurance.]]
Lockdown reminded "Deadlock" of his high-standing in the Decepticon army. Megatron held Deadlock in high esteem, and by guarding these Transformers Drift stood to lose that. Meanwhile, the head slaver, [[Braid]], required Cybertronian bodies to experiment on, and were willing to take captives from the neutral camp in lieu of Deadlock, in payment for the property he'd damaged earlier. After agreeing to lead the neutral Transformers into an ambush, Drift stumbled back to Crystal City, where he informed the Circle of Light about the pact he'd made with Lockdown and the slavers. Drift argued that they should fight their attackers to preserve their freedom and their way of life, but Dai Atlas sharply disagreed. He would have no fighting at all, even to preserve his own life, and blamed Drift for ruining their civilization. The others did not agree, and supported Drift. A small number of them offered to help fight the slavers while keeping the true number of their population unknown. As they reached the surface with a hastily constructed craft to make it appear as if the Circle of Light had recently crashed there, Drift revealed himself to have been rebuilt head-to-toe to match his new colleagues. With a sword mounted on each hip, Drift announced he was ready. {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Soon, Lockdown and the slavers were upon them. After slaying a few of the slavers, Drift realized that he was past the point of no return. Lockdown realized this as well, and asked the former Decepticon why he'd given it all away so easily. "What I've always wanted... the promise of a better Cybertron." But their sparring was interrupted by the death of Wing. Enraged, Drift jumped Braid, Wing's murderer, but he did not accomplish much. He was not as agile a fighter as his late friend, and Braid easily defeated him.

Before the killing blow could be delivered, Crystal City in its entirety rose from the ground, as Wing's death had spurred Dai Atlas into action. With the entirety of the population now fighting the slavers, the tide was quickly turned. Despite his injuries, Drift slew Braid with his Great Sword, while Lockdown, startled at Drift's transformation, cut his losses and left. Though the Circle of Light asked Drift to stay with them, Drift reminded them that he'd promised Wing to return the freed slaves to their homes. Drift was given Wing's Great Sword and given their blessing. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift Deadlockisdead.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He's your horrible fancharacter.]]
Some time after leaving Crystal City and returning the slaves, Drift set off to make a difference in the Autobot/Decepticon Civil War. First, he attempted to free a group of Autobots held captive on the ship he'd previously served aboard. Upon entering Turmoil's ship, his attempt at stealth was successful until the [[Wrecker]]s arrived and blasted their way aboard. Jumping into the battle to assist them, he piqued the interest of a few Autobots. [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] was injured as Turmoil entered the battle and, recognizing Drift's voice as that of his former lieutenant, attempted to destroy him. However, his attack only resulted in knocking Drift and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] to another room. The two quickly worked together to program the ship to overload. In his final confrontation with Turmoil, Drift stated his intention was to help, not kill, and left to rescue Perceptor before the ship blew up.

After his arrival on the Autobot ship, Kup invited Drift to join his new unit as an Autobot. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift-car.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He thinks he's turning Japanese, he thinks he's turning Japanese, he really thinks so.]]
Now a crew member of the spacecraft ''[[Trion]]'', Drift got to know his new teammate [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] over many friendly games of [[Go (game)|Go]]. Perceptor felt he owed a debt to Drift for saving his life, and so devoted much of his time to upgrading himself for more combat-oriented tasks. While Kup discouraged this, Drift stoically accepted Perceptor's new ambitions. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15#"Lost & Found"|Lost & Found}}

They were soon baited into a Decepticon ambush over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The ''Trion'''s command codes were hacked due to their being sold to the Decepticons by an Autobot traitor, and, left defenseless, it was forced to crash-land on the desolate landscape of the planet. Eventually, the crew were found by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s unit, who unfortunately proved to be ''also'' stranded. When [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] was revealed by [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] to have been standing invisibly among them, Drift was the only one who didn't appear surprised. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Allhailmegatron6-omgdriftomg.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Seriously, you made this guy up when you were eight.]]
When an advance scout of the [[Insecticon swarm]] discovered the Autobots' base camp, Drift was dispatched to take care of it. Drift stood stock-still as the creature walked up to him, greeting it with a simple, smirking "hello" as the monstrous beast snarled in his face. Finally, he beheaded the scout with a single wave of his sword. A second creature tried to attack Drift from behind, but the smirking Autobot merely tilted his head slightly, allowing Perceptor to kill the beast with some precision sniping. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] thought the incident was the coolest thing ever. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

After Sunstreaker revealed to [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] that he was the traitor, an army of the Swarm came after them. Drift saved Ironhide while Sunstreaker blew up a bridge, killing himself and the Swarm army. Later, Drift visited Ironhide and claimed that the Decepticons had access to the Autobots' systems in a way that Sunstreaker couldn't possibly have. Ironhide asked if this meant there was a second traitor, but Drift replied that there was simply more to the situation than they knew. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

When Mirage was showing some doubt in the Autobot cause, it was Drift who said that, now more than ever, the Autobots should continue being who they are. [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] insinuated that Drift had no right to say something like that, which started an argument that was only stopped by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

[[File:Thundercracker Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Another of your ill-timed jokes, Drift??" {{-}}
"... You and I are enemies now."]]
Drift took part in the battle against the Swarm and joined the others in escaping Cybertron in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}. On Earth, he battled the Decepticons, and when [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] volunteered to divert the humans' nuclear bomb, Drift attempted to congratulate his former comrade on seeing the light. Thundercracker called him a traitor, slapping Drift's hand away and claiming he was merely following the Decepticons' ''true'' ideal. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

At some point Drift traveled to [[Japan]] and did some drift racing all by himself. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:Drift Drift4drifting.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Fast and the Furious: ''Tokyo Me'']]
Two years later, Drift was still with the Autobots, hiding on Earth. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} After Optimus Prime left the Autobots, Drift decided to stay with the larger group, rather than leave with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and his fellow defectors. Drift celebrated Bumblebee's election with numerous other Autobots. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Drift was among the Autobots who confronted [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and his troops when they crashed their ship in [[Las Vegas]], bringing with them a [[zombie]] invasion. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|Infestation #1}} The Autobots and Decepticons worked together to banish the zombies to the [[Dead Universe]], though Drift himself really just stood silently in the background the whole time. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|Infestation #2}}

Drift listened to [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] tell tales of, presumably, his time in space and accompanied Optimus Prime and many others to Cybertron aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme's]] rocket form. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} Along the way, he and many others tried to listen in on a conversation between Optimus Prime and a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Later, Drift accompanied Optimus, Hot Rod, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper to Cybertron to confront Galvatron and his army. After a brief skirmish with Galvatron's forces, the landing party returned to the Autobot landing zone. As Drift pointed out that maybe Galvatron was telling the truth and he had been assembling his army for a reason, the Autobots were bathed in a red light... {{storylink| Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} which turned out to be a blast from the orbiting space station [[Kimia Facility|Kimia]], recently commandeered by Galvatron's forces. Optimus Prime handed out orders to combat this new threat, telling Drift and Sunstreaker to establish a base of operations. After the threat of Kimia had ended, Omega Supreme's rocket landed at this base-camp and Rodimus and Drift set out after Optimus Prime and Ironhide, who had left to locate Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:Drift Chaos Part3 Kings.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Thanks to the magical power of [[The Sound of Breaking Glass#Continuity notes|retcon]]... that is the wrong sword.]]
At the crater that Kimia's main weapon had blown into the surface of the planet, Drift accompanied Optimus and the others underground. The Autobots finally intercepted Galvatron and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and Optimus Prime demanded their surrender. Galvatron claimed that the core of Cybertron had to be destroyed to save the universe, revealing the glowing [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] within his chest. At this, Drift began spouting gibberish and attacking his comrades in a maddened state, allowing for Galvatron and Jhiaxus to escape. The others attempted to restrain him, but Drift summoned what free will he had left and impaled himself on one of his own blades, much to Ironhide's horror. {{storylink| Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} While Drift survived this, Ironhide told Prime that they'd have to evacuate him immediately for medical attention. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:TDOOP-Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|There's no 'Cons in Cyberutopia, and the streets are made of Pocky.]]
After recovering, Drift's near-death experience had reawakened his spiritual side. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} Optimus Prime's return to Autobot camp three weeks later brought the discovery of a map inscribed inside the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Drift was consumed with the idea that the map gave directions to [[Cyberutopia]], the home of the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. Despite [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'s insistence that the Knights of Cybertron never existed, Drift maintained that he had heard all about the Knights of Cybertron from Dai Atlas, and that the stories were true. Drift's passion for this discovery inspired Rodimus to assemble a team to leave the planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

At some point, Drift shed his Earth mode and took a more sleek, Cybertronian form for himself. Rodimus tasked himself with recruiting as many Autobots as he could to take off-planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. He was very good at working a crowd, though admittedly Drift wrote all of his speeches. The guy became the nominal third-in-command because, or so Ratchet said, he told Rodimus what he wanted to hear. Ratchet, older and grumpier than the pre-war days, was on the same ship as Drift and ''really'' had it in for him for everything the 'bot he'd saved had done with the life he'd given him. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:TwentyPlusOne LostLightNamed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Drift himself found a ship for the quest, purchasing the [[Lost Light|U1]] with the help of [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] and [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] for ''one billion'' [[Shanix]] from a group of [[Mortilus]]-worshipping NAILs during the [[Festival of Lost Light]], from which the ship got it's new name, the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Before departing, Rodimus and Drift met with Prowl in his office. Prowl asked Rodimus to bring the captive and near-comatose [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] along on the journey, as part of a plan to create [[Phase Sixer]]s for the Autobots. While Drift strongly advised against this course of action, Rodimus was pressured into it by Prowl. Aside from [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] and the [[Duobot]]s, Overlord's presence on board was kept secret from the rest of the crew. {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

After boarding their new craft, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Drift had counted 208 total Autobots on board. (He also complimented Rodimus's latest speech.) Drift asked why [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] appeared displeased (more than usual) with the crew, and Ultra Magnus revealed that he felt most of them were practically criminals. (Drift himself was under high suspicion, though Ultra Magnus didn't say this out loud.) As launch was underway, Drift continued to act as Rodimus's right-hand man, and moments before takeoff, Drift brought to his attention the "[[Whirl (G1)|weapon of mass destruction]]" [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] had apparently brought on board. Something went wrong during takeoff, and the ship [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]]ed before it was ready, placing the ship somewhere random in space, just over a planet. A tear in the hull was expelling Autobots into space, and as the ship stabilized, Drift named off the Autobots they'd lost. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Drift MTMTE2 positiveenergy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.90|"Before I begin, I should clarify that I am not actually Japa-nese! I am from Daytona Beachiryu!"]]
As recovery efforts were undertaken, Drift radioed Ratchet a status update and also to tell the medical officer to make sure the medibay was "buzzing with positive energy" so those injured were "guaranteed a speedy recovery!". After he had signed off, Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] shared their annoyance with Drift's new attitude and...''interesting'' theories about the Knights of Cybertron. Later, when Rodimus was deciding how to address the crew about their current situation, Drift cheerfully suggested he focus on the positive. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

After a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] had thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Drift accompanied Rodimus' hand-picked team to investigate. As they examined the creature's [[Shock (G1)|first victim]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] confirmed that it was indeed a Sparkeater and Drift opined that this was a dark omen and that they were being "punished" for the horrific things that must have happened on the ship before it came into their possession, much to Ratchet's skepticism.

While the others searched for the creature, Rodimus and Drift tried to figure out how the previous owners of the ''Lost Light'' kept the Sparkeater contained. They figured out that the Sparkeater had been trapped in the engine rooms and fed [[turbofox]]es to keep it docile. After the Sparkeater made its way back to the engine rooms, chasing [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], Drift helped Rodimus put his plan to kill the creature into action. Utilizing a second quantum jump, Rodimus managed to stuff the Sparkeater into the ship's engine block, where it died after being fused into the mechanism. Drift was awed by Rodimus' quick-thinking and ingenuity. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

At the "Grand Secret Opening" of [[Swerve's]], Drift shared a drink with Pipes. When the smaller 'bot let on that he was looking for a relationship, Drift offered to introduce him to the similarly diminutive [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]... unaware that Tailgate's future self was invisibly listening in via a 'magic window' in time. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

[[File:Drift killsDent LifeAfterBigBang.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|The purpose of Drift is to flip out and kill sick people.]]
Drift accompanied Ratchet and Pipes on an investigation of the remote medical facility [[Delphi]]. Drift was subjected to repeated verbal barbs from Ratchet along the way, despite his efforts to get along with the medic. Once they had finally reached Delphi, Pipes impulsively rammed through a door that had the universal "plague" symbol on it. They found themselves in a morgue full of Transformers that had died from a mysterious "[[Red Rust]]" virus. When Drift noticed a [[Dent|shambling, disease-ridden Transformer]] approaching Pipes from behind, he sprung into action and dismembered the poor soul, much to Ratchet's outrage.

[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] showed up and explained the situation to them, how five days ago, a mysterious explosion had heralded the outbreak of this rust plague. [[Ambulon]] brought them to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who had been accidentally locked in a quarantine room when the explosion went off. Suddenly, Pipes began showcasing the symptoms of the virus and staggered toward them, disoriented and terrified. Pipes began vomiting and leaking from his optics, cornering Drift. Ratchet freed Pharma from the quarantine while telling Drift to non-fatally disable Pipes. Drift managed to slip behind his diseased comrade and knock him out with a blow to the head. Ratchet brought Pipes to the emergency ward, seeking to tend to him. By that time, Drift began to exhibit the symptoms as well, assuming he'd been infected by Pipes. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

[[File:Drift Sparkles Post Hoc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|I sparkle because I'm too beautiful for everything.]]
While being tended to by Ratchet, Drift recalled the [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|time in Rodion before the war]] when the Autobot medic had also been trying to save his life. Drift asked Ratchet to put him out of his misery in the event that the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] showed up, despite having earlier claimed that he wasn't afraid of them. When Pharma was revealed as a traitor, Ratchet had a confrontation with his former friend on Delphi's roof. The stricken Drift made his way up there and managed to save Ratchet from being shot in the back by chopping off Pharma's hands. With Ratchet having obtained a vaccine for the Red Rust virus from Pharma, Drift and the other victims were soon cured. Drift returned to the ''Lost Light'' along with the survivors. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

After the ''Lost Light'' was impacted by a discarded thumb from Metroplex, and was subsequently repaired, Drift attended an award ceremony honoring Brainstorm, Chromedome, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] for their part in saving the ship. He chatted with Rodimus during the celebration, until Whirl and Trailbreaker drew Rodimus's attention. Later, Drift along with nearly everyone on board of the ''Lost Light'' were frozen in place due to one of Brainstorm's experimental weapons accidentally going off. After he recovered, he was awarded a Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Drift reported to Rodimus and Ultra Magnus that [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] had locked himself in Rung's office. He was the first to notice both when Rung stared at the camera, and when he tapped on his model of the Ark. After the hostage situation had been resolved, Drift complimented Rodimus on the eulogy he gave for the gravely-injured Rung, even though he hadn't written that particular speech. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Drift Theophany MTMTEAnnual.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|A fabulous secret [[Titan (group)|Titan]] was revealed to Drift the day he held aloft his magic sword and said...]]
En route to [[Theophany]], Drift helped Rodimus prepare for Tailgate's [[Act of Affiliation]] ceremony, and politely pointed out his overuse of the phrase "[['Til all are one]]". When Ultra Magnus interrupted and expressed concern over a lack of radio contact with the Circle Of Light, Drift argued that they knew how to take care of themselves. Later at the ceremony, Rodimus inscribed a message in [[Cybertronian language|Old Cybertronian]] on Tailgate's chest instead of branding him with the Autobot sigil. Drift supposed that it was caused by some sort of possession, which was quickly dismissed by Ratchet as "complete and utter guff".

The ceremony was further interrupted by the arrival of the [[Galactic Council]]'s ship, ''[[The Benign Intervention]]''. Its [[K'gard|captain]] informed them that Theophany was deserted, much to Drift's disbelief. After some red-tape wrangling from Ultra Magnus, Drift and a group of others were allowed to teleport to the planet's surface, where they found Crystal City ruined and abandoned. Confused and agitated, a despairing Drift snapped at [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] and decked Whirl after the latter mocked him. He attempted to call out to any of the denizens of Crystal City, but when there was no response, Drift drove one of his swords into the ground in frustration. The ground gave way and sent the Autobots plunging underground, where they found [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], a slumbering [[Titan (group)|Titan]]. This discovery led [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] to share his [[Guiding Hand|myth of creation]], which triggered a theological debate between Drift and Ratchet, culminating in Drift pulling his sword on Ratchet. Rodimus took Drift for a walk to cool him down, where Drift reaffirmed his faith in Rodimus.

After Chromedome's mnemosurgery reawakened the Titan and made it fire its eye-beams at the ''Benign Intervention'', Drift was among those dispatched to fight off the Galactic Council's troops. The Titan eventually teleported Drift and the others back onto the ''Lost Light'', which then quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

A few days later, Drift and other crew members aided Rewind in helping heal Rung's dormant mind by telling his part in a story of past events. Drift elaborated on the time in Rodion when he was rescued by Orion Pax and treated by Ratchet, being sure to antagonize Ratchet by claiming he had uttered religious praises during that time. All the while, he was being pestered by calls from Rodimus, who finally ordered Drift to meet him in the oil reservoir. Drift arrived there just in time to see [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] recover Red Alert's headless body from the reservoir. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Ultra Magnus-Cyclonus-Rodimus and Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|Of ''course'' Drift wants to get at the ''{{w|oni}}''-looking guy...]]
After the suspected assailant Cyclonus was sent to their makeshift interrogation room, Drift conducted a very hostile interrogation, pointing his sword at Cyclonus in a threatening manner. (Ultra Magnus later suggested Drift's overly enthusiastic interrogation was an unfortunate attempt to impress Rodimus.) The attempt didn't work, as Cyclonus quickly swatted the sword away and smashed Drift into a table. Rodimus and Ultra Magnus were forced to intervene and break the two of them up. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} First Aid soon discerned that Red Alert's "accident" was actually a suicide attempt, and Ultra Magnus suggested that the troubled security chief should be left in stasis until they could revive him in a less stressful environment. Rodimus railed against this, but when Drift agreed with Magnus, he sadly acquiesced. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

The crew of the ''Lost Light'' intervened on [[Temptoria]], where a group of Decepticons had invaded and subjugated the local populace. A fierce battle erupted on the planet's surface, in which Drift cut down [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]] and [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]. He also interrupted Rodimus' battle with [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snap Trap]], shoving a sword through the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]'s face. Rodimus chided him for butting in, but Drift protested that "the ones with swords" were his to fight. {{storylink|Before & After}} In the aftermath of the fight, Drift and Brainstorm revealed to Chromedome that Overlord was aboard, hidden in a specially-constructed room beneath the ship, and the [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] agreed to interface with the dormant Phase-Sixer to learn the secret of his power. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

[[File:Aquafend swerve drift cybertronian homesick blues.jpg|thumb|right|“I don't even want you to nod, that's how much you annoy me. Just freeze and shut up.”
]]
Drift was teaching Rodimus how to use a sword, forging a deeper friendship with his captain, when a possible security situation interrupted. However, it merely turned out to be Cyclonus singing loudly to Tailgate. Swerve asked Drift if he wanted to be ''his'' roommate but Drift, claiming to prefer solitude, declined. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} Drift was among those interviewed by Rewind for his documentary on life aboard the ''Lost Light''. When [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] arrived on the ship seeking aid, Rodimus trotted Drift out as an accomplishment of his, claiming he had "rehabilitated" the ex-Decepticon. Drift was puzzled by Rodimus' claims, but impressed by Thunderclash, who greeted him respectfully and in accordance with his religious beliefs. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:Drift Overlord UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|This can only end well!]]
During a mnemosurgery session, Chromedome was outsmarted by Overlord, who obtained from the Autobot's memory the security codes to his cell that Drift provided. Drift was one of the first Autobots to fight the escaped Overlord outside of the medibay, urging Ratchet to lock himself in. But Ratchet chose to stand with his "friend" and sealed them outside the room. By the time reinforcements arrived, Overlord had severed both of Drift's legs and badly beaten Ratchet. Drift radioed the ship's brig to release Fortress Maximus, but not before his Great Sword was used by Overlord to mortally-wound Ultra Magnus. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

After Overlord had been jettisoned from the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus announced an inquiry to be held, knowing full well who was responsible for the Phase Sixer's presence on the ship. Drift offered to take full blame for the incident, protecting the identities of the other conspirators. He explained to Rodimus that he had a vision back on Cybertron, after he had impaled himself outside of Vector Sigma's chamber. Drift felt sure that Rodimus was essential to finding the Knights of Cybertron and couldn't let him out himself as having knowledge of the Overlord conspiracy. A hesitant and sorrowful Rodimus agreed and "furiously" stripped Drift of his Autobot symbol, exiling him from the ship. As he walked towards [[Drift's shuttle|the shuttle]] prepared for him, Drift was knocked down by a piece of debris hurled by an angry crew member. Ratchet helped him up, and Drift departed the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

[[File:mtmte39 tarn sees drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Oi oi OI! Are you looking at me bird?!]]

Eighteen months from the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] had listed Drift as deceased. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} The deceased Drift was actually part of a quantum duplicated ''Lost Light'' created by the initial accident at launch. When the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] arrived there to kill Overlord, the presence of Drift—another one on their List—caused them to go on a massive kill spree. Drift died first, killed along with Ratchet and Hound by [[Helex (DJD)|Helex]]. When Megatron later found their corpses an inspection of Drift allowed him to determine who had attacked the ship. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

[[File:Empire of Stone 2 Drift Ratchet where is this coming from.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"You look terrible." "Thank you." "So you agree? You think you look terrible?"]]

Meanwhile, the original Drift was defending planets across the outer rim from rogue Decepticons. He'd been left battered by all the fighting, fights made harder as he'd promised to never kill again, but was neglecting to get himself repaired. While handing [[Grit (G1)|Grit]] over to the [[Galactic Council]], he ran into Ratchet: all of the truth of Drift's departure had come out now and the medic had come to take him home. Drift refused. Ratchet stubbornly stuck with him while he tracked down the main Decepticon army—right to the desert planet he'd discovered centuries ago. Both Autobots and Grit were shot down by the army and Drift found himself defending Grit from being killed for suspected treason.

The leader of the army turned out to be Drift's old boss Gigatron {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 1|Empire of Stone #1}} who was ignoring the war had ended and was trying to find the Stone Army "Deadlock" had mentioned before. Drift, who knew the army wasn't hidden in the first place, refused until Ratchet's life was threatened and the three bots ended up in the cells. Ratchet's plan to get out was for Drift to pretend to be injured so the guard would open the cell—it was a ''very'' lame attempt but luckily the guard was a friend of Grit. As the robots escaped, Drift tried and failed to get Grit not to kill [[Hellbat (Victory)|Hellbat]] for slighting him: the Decepticon said he was sure in himself and his path in life, and didn't want the man projecting his own issues onto him. The Autobots carried on and found Gigatron hadn't found the army because Hellbat was hiding it from him {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} so he could use them himself to ''kill everything'', having decided to embrace the only thing he believed the Transformers were any good at. When Drift protested that he'd vowed never to kill again, Hellbat sneered and pointed to all the dead monks "Deadlock" had killed years ago.

[[File:Empire of Stone 4 Drift Gigatron FASTBALL SPECIAL.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|SUPERMAN WHEEEEE]]
A battle broke out and Drift found himself fought to a standstill by [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]] before Hellbat activated the Stone Army. Rather than alert Cybertron, Drift felt they had to stop the army here and now and he turned to Gigatron for aid. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}} Together, the Autobots and Decepticons tore through the golems. Drift took the fight to Hellbat (after Gigatron used "maneuver seven", ''throwing'' Drift at Hellbat) and was goaded into killing him. Instead, the Autobot ripped the Stone Army's control device from him... at which point Gigatron went for him and no amount of reasoning could get Gigatron to stand down. Forced to defend himself, Drift dropped the device and Hellbat retrieved it.

Gigatron and Hellbat would kill each other, taking the Stone Army with them, while Drift and Ratchet escaped. When the medic again tried to get Drift back to the ''Lost Light'', the swordsman said he'd spent his whole life struggling to belong to ''something'' but only ever joined as a killer, and the Hellbat affair just reiterated that he didn't want to live a life where all he could offer was death. Ratchet rephrased the offer: instead of coming back as an Autobot, he should come back as his ''friend''. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 4|Empire of Stone #4}}

[[File:YourFierceTears-RatchetDrift.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Oh Drift-chan, you smell awesome, and not at all like feet!"]]
The two Autobots upgraded their bodies over the course of their adventures and Drift began sporting a facial tattoo in honour of the deceased Dai Atlas.<ref>[https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/716702702416355328 Alex Milne (@markerguru) on Twitter, clarifying the visual, 3 April 2016]</ref> They eventually ran back into the ''Lost Light'' crew, or some of them, after a mutiny had stranded Megatron, Rodimus, and their assumed loyalists on [[Necroworld|the Necrobot's planet]] and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] had put out a call for help. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} In a blaze of action, they saved the robot [[Ten]] from a Decepticon mauling! {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} They very quickly found the Decepticons were a bigger deal than most of their foes and were nearly overrun until Drift spotted how [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] of the D.J.D. was ''really'' protective of "the Pet", a '[[domestication|domesticated]]' beast-mode Transformer. Drift swiftly took "the Pet" hostage, giving them a chance to escape to the Autobot's fortress.

[[File:YourFierceTears DriftRodimusReconcile.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8]]
There, Rodimus and Drift had a long overdue discussion. Drift wanted to know ''why'' Rodimus hadn't come looking for him after revealing the truth to the crew, and Rodimus admitted it was out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepted Rodimus's sincere apology—Rodimus pleaded that he ignore his words and focus on his aura, eye colour, or any means Drift had claimed he could 'see', which Drift just smiled at—but doubted his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Indeed, Drift even arranged it with Rewind that everyone could record their last wishes and how they wanted their bodies disposed of, to broadcast into space as an act of catharsis and closure. He witnessed very little catharsis when Chromedome almost died trying [[mnemosurgery]] on "the Pet" in front of him and, when the "Pet" was revealed by Rewind to be ''the lost [[Dominus Ambus]]'', he had his sword stolen by Rewind to kill Ambus before Chromedome could die.

When sunrise came, the Decepticons attacked. Rodimus embraced Drift and the others and thanked them for travelling with him, before the group charged into battle. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Drift and the crew survived for some time in fight with the hundreds of Decepticons thanks to the temporary [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] powers they cooked up, but soon they began to tire. When Megatron finally took to the field of battle, the others retreated back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} Drift was present as the DJD were brought down and the Disappeared released from stasis under the Necrobot's citadel. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

[[File:SomeOtherCybertron DriftVision.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left]]
Drift had succeeded in getting Rodimus to convert to [[Spectralism]], but he was concerned about the ramifications of Rodimus's new paint job, signifying the severity of his intentions towards Getaway. Also, Drift experienced a curious vision when he touched one of the newly awakened Disappeared named [[Anode]]. He saw [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], [[Worldsweeper]]s of the [[Phantom Fleet]], and crystals that rained from the sky as [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] emerged from threadbare space, all surrounded by the words "Prepare. Confront. Repel." over and over again.

[[File:BadMoonRising-DriftVsFunctionaries.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
...so anyway, Brainstorm constructed a teleportation "den" to send some of the group back to Cybertron to find transport for the rest of them. When they arrived, however, Cybertron was undeniably changed. Rewind soon recognized it as the [[Functionist Universe]], the alternate history that overlapped on his database when Brainstorm used his time case. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] captured Drift and the others as suspected members of the revolutionary [[Anti-Vocationist League]]. The real AVL arrived and caused a distraction for the crew to escape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} Drift and his friends were matter transported to "Cyberutopia", the sanctuary city of [[Kalis|Adaptica]] ruled by the rogue Functionist [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. They learned that in this reality Rung was hailed by the AVL as the "Useless One" for his alt mode that apparently stood in defiance of Primus and Functionism. Unfortunately, the Functionist Council chose that day to reveal they had discovered Rung's true use as a mining tank, allowing them to access [[Vector Sigma]] which had been sealed off by the Senate millennia ago. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Drift and the others traveled to Vector Sigma to confront the Council and rescue Rung. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} They succeeded and stole the Council's flying base, the Cog, to make their way back to Cyberutopia. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} With the help of teleport technology in a weaponized Luna-2 and wand-tech Brainstorm recovered from [[Killmaster]] on Necroworld, they transported the entire world back from the Functionist Universe to their original one. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Sardines DriftRatchetRight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
The crew prepared to continue their quest for the real Cyberutopia, and for revenge on Getaway and the mutineers. A Decepticon corpse named [[Skip]] was modified and mass-displaced to form a passable space craft, and so Drift and the others pressed on. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

As they sailed through space, Drift noted that Ratchet's colour looked different before the doctor returned, having inexplicably succumbed to [[aggressive depigmentation]], with Drift noting that his aura had disappeared.{{storylink|Sardines}} All of a sudden, Skip's mass displacement wore off. To survive, Ten directed the engineers on how to access the [[Warren]] so they could reach a [[Mederi]] facility. Mid-transit however, the crew was forced to abandon ship, their bodies being ravaged by the effects of super-compressed space. Emerging in the orbit of the original Mederi, the moon repaired them and led them to believe that they'd gone to the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]].{{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:TheGodWar DriftSummoned.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7]]
Drift was giddy at coming to the promised land, dreaming about Ratchet's face when he and the doctor next met, {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} before he was summoned, along with Ratchet and Magnus, before the [[Guiding Hand]] at Rodimus' request. Despite Rodimus' pleas, the deities rejected their desire for resurrection and returned them to the Afterspark's landing. After Magnus had driven off, the remaining three explored a temple, driven on by Ratchet's claims of writing that only he could see before they found a ward of organics hooked up to a pillar of "trapped light". As the organics began chanting, Omega Guardians emerged from the darkness. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}}

When Magnus returned, the quartet quickly defeated the Guardians before Ratchet shattered the pillar, revealing Mederi to them. Accessing the computers, Drift found that the moon was a euthanasia clinic before Nautica arrived with the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]] and [[Axe (G1)|Axe]]'s corpse. At Rodimus' command, Drift then plotted a course from Cybertron to Mederi, revealing that the moon was Cyberutopia, the Knights having fallen victim to the same trap that nearly claimed their lives. With everything over and done with, the group prepared to leave before [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] formed out of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew descended from the skies. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|left|Definitely not street-legal...]]
Though the group quickly rolled out, [[Wipe-Out's ship]] soon arrived, bearing allies and weapons. After the ''Lost Light'' made itself known, Drift boarded the Q-Ship to steal back the larger craft only to wound up caught in Getaway's trap, the shuttle bay being flooded with the contents of the oil reservoir and its [[scraplet]] horde. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Fortunately, Whirl's domesticated scraplets counted amongst the horde and the Wrecker was quickly able to tame the predators and release them. No sooner had Rodimus reclaimed the ''Lost Light'' did a massive tear in the Warren open above the moon. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Though everyone was quick to board the ship, the gravity of the rift proved too much for the engines, the ''Lost Light'' being dragged through to the [[Benzene Cluster]] where the found five copies of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the group was taken prisoner by the forces of the Grand Architect and duped into a cell. When [[Froid]] joined them, he revealed the five planets were an upscaled [[God Gun]] capable of piercing the barrier between universes. After it had done just that, Megatron emerged in the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]'' from the Functionist Universe. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

[[File:ReturnOfTheKing MegatronTreatsDrift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Following close behind him was the Functionist Universe's version of Cybertron, now transformed into a robot mode in Primus' likeness. As the fleets of the Functionists and the Architect went to war, Megatron tried to free the group with a hull breach only for Drift to be critically wounded when the Architect's guards arrived, falling victim to a [[zero point]] only to be healed by Megatron, who praised the turncoat for his defection. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After everyone had reconvened aboard the ''Lost Light'', with the news that ''Rung'' was the real Primus, everyone hit on the idea to use twelve duplicates of the Matrix of Leadership, opened at Cybertron's twelve hot spots, to overwhelm Vector Sigma and destroy the Functionist Council. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

[[File:ASparkAmongEmbers RatchetOpensMatrix.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9]]
Acting as Ratchet's bodyguard, Drift was sent to [[Vespertine Blue]], holding off the [[Functionary|Functionaries]] until Ratchet, after a rousing speech from Rodimus, managed to open the Matrix.
{{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

New Cybertron, as it came to be known, was soon visited by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] who decided to decommission the Lost Light so its quantum engines could be used to double the planet's energon reserves but allowed the crew the luxury of a victory lap. Before jumping back home however, the crew decided to recreate the initial malfunctioning launch and then shunt their duplicates into a parallel universe, thereby ensuring their adventures would never end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron. While having a last drink, Drift and Ratchet theorized that Drift's vision had been the result of the telepaths sending him their experiences through the Warren before Rodimus gave Drift and Ratchet his blessing for their future. The touching moment was ruined when construction cranes began disassembling the ship.

[[File:LL25 DriftRatchetFuneral.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Over the following years, Drift and Ratchet would become [[Conjunx Endura]] and had many happy years together before Ratchet's old age caught up with him and he passed. Arranging a funeral at [[Rivets Field]], Drift ensured that Whirl could attend and gifted him Ratchet's hands. Though touched Whirl returned them, stating that he was not broken and didn't need fixing. After the service ended, Rodimus turned up, Drift recognizing that his friend had been drinking. Once Rodimus had placed Megatron's withered Rodimus Star on Ratchet's tomb, he prepared to return to the ''[[Exitus]]''. Before he left, Drift asked if he'd ever thought about the recreated accident. Deciding it was best to live in a state of never knowing if the gamble had worked, Rodimus and Drift promised to keep in touch before they went their separate ways once again.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate ''Lost Light'' materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[File:IAmOptimusPrime-Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|He makes it so hard to like him and then he does this. So confused!]]
Drift was [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s friend and always let his actions speak louder than words. When the Autobots arrived on Earth, he hid himself in a lake. Upon Optimus's order, he transformed into his car mode to roll out. Later, when the Decepticons attacked, he pushed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] over a tripwire held by some of the Autobots' [[human|human allies]]. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}
{{-}}

===''United''===
[[File:FierceFightingOnPlanetNebulos DriftDefendsCity.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|MY KUNG FU CURES ME!!!]]
A [[nano-virus]] infected the population of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] bar the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s. The former Decepticon Drift was able to force off, or at least hold off, the effects of the nano-virus, so he was charged with guarding the city unaided while the other immune Autobots left to retrieve a cure from [[Nebulos]]. When [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] returned with the anti-virus, Drift was in attendance when Optimus Prime praised the Targetmaster. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}
{{--}}

===IDW ''Angry Birds'' Transformers comic===
[[File:ABTF1 Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wait, this ''is'' a movie universe story, right?"]]
Drift was aboard Optimus Prime's ship transporting the [[AllSpark]] when it came under Decepticon attack. He and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] tried to stop [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as the Air Commander chased [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], but Starscream slipped straight past them. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}
{{--}}

===Drift Black Ver.===
====Train Wars====
[[File:TrainWars Drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|G1 body, movie colors!]]
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit a black-colored Drift and other inter-dimensional warriors. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Drift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Drift was returned home by the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] cheered on The Fallen in the battle against Drift and his heroic comrades. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}
{{-}}

===''Cloud''===
[[File:Cloud Deadlock Fury.jpg|thumb|left|Japanese Deadlock will never become Drift and is offended you asked.]]
The Deadlock of [[Cloud World]] was recruited to the Decepticons by [[Megatron (G1)#Cloud|Megatron]] himself, and quickly came to revel in his own blood-thirst on the battlefield. But after one of his missions, [[Lockdown (G1)#Cloud|Lockdown]] informed him that he had botched their objective by slaughtering ''too many'' Autobots, and beat him down to discipline him. Deadlock swore to kill Lockdown himself for this indignity. {{storylink|Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Awakening (Cloud)|Awakening}} {{storylink|Eagerness}} {{storylink|Lightwave}} {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Cloud)|Metamorphosis}} {{storylink|Overwhelm}} {{storylink|Concealment}} {{storylink|Struggle}} {{storylink|Fury (Cloud)|Fury}} {{storylink|Transcendence}} }}

[[File:Lockdown and Deadlock.jpg|thumb|250px|''You're trying to turn me into a Drift, aren't you.'']]
Deadlock took part in a mission to the 15-[[OGSS World|OGSS]] Spacetime. He and his comrades attacked the human/Autobot facility [[Space Bridge T.R.2]], but the Autobots of Cloud World arrived on the scene in response. After [[Shockwave (G1)#Cloud|Shockwave]] had gathered the data he needed, the Cloud World Decepticons retreated. {{storylink|Transformers Cloud (issue)|Transformers Cloud}}

[[File:Grand Scourge versus Deadlock.jpg|thumb|left|250px|HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME USE SWORDS.]]

Getting his hands on [[SARA]], Deadlock used her powers to flee to the [[Legends World]], where he was surprised that the local [[Waspinator (BW)#Transformers Legends comic|Waspinator]] knew of him. Realizing that all dimensions existed as fictional stories in this dimension, he took to gathering information by consuming their media, and was surprised to find that Transformers throughout the multiverse were extremely similar to their Cloud World counterparts. The [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]], creators of the Legends world, then possessed SARA and told Deadlock that he and his compatriots were not the original Transformers, but copies based on beings from other universes. Deadlock was outraged by this concept as it suggested that he was fated to become an Autobot like the "original" Deadlock, and defiantly proclaimed that his fate was his to decide. On the recommendation of [[Skids (G1)#Quantum Operative|Skids]], another interdimensional visitor, he then ended the Zamojin control of SARA by unleashing her powers and opening a gate back to Cloud World, where he lost her to the Autobots. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[File:Primus Vanguard Reborn.jpg|thumb|300px|Standing next to a Drift, safe at last.]]

Some time later, after having fought many battles across many dimensions, Deadlock wound up alone in a barren wasteland, having been separated from his unit by a spatiotemporal storm. Wandering about, he came upon [[Go Prime]] kneeling in defeat before [[Grand Scourge]]... and Lockdown's carcass strewn on the ground nearby. Enraged, Deadlock charged Grand Scourge, but found himself to be thoroughly outclassed. Deadlock only managed to avoid being cut down by grabbing hold of a nearby blade to block his opponent's retaliatory attack. Grand Scourge then lost interest and walked off to find his real target, and Deadlock made a new vow, to track down his new opponent and kill ''him'' instead. {{storylink|Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock}}

Deadlock was inducted into the [[Black Order]] by Go Prime, and was trained to become a new [[Swordbot]]. At some point, they were alerted by [[Primus]] to the end of the [[Blue Order]] and the threat of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and were soon invaded by [[Coelagon]], who desired the Black Legendisc. The Black Order failed to prevent Coelagon from wresting the artifact from them. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

Bound for some unknown reason, Deadlock was one of many Transformers from across the multiverse observed by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. {{storylink|Cybertron Magna Convoy}}

Escaping his bonds some manner or other, Deadlock was spotted amongst the high command of [[Magna Convoy]]'s reconstituted Primus Vanguard, having inherited his master's position. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 2|Finale 2}}
{{-}}

===Precursor World===
Somehow, Drift ended up amongst the high command of Magna Convoy's reconstituted Primus Vanguard, leading the [[White Order]]. Alongside Deadlock. Don't think about it too hard. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 2|Finale 2}}

===''Q-Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Tomoaki Maeno]] (Japanese)}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Road to Winning a New Fanbase}}}}

===''Adventure'' bios===
When [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from [[Earth]], he encountered a Transformer named Drift who was similar to, but not, the [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] he knew. To gain a better understanding of what was going on, Jazz fought the stranger. {{storylink|#Adventure|TAV VS05 bio}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
:*''First appearance:'' [[The Change In Your Nature Part One|''Transformers'' issue #13]]

Deadlock was a member of the [[Decepticon|Ascenticons]] who received the movement's new insignia from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part One}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Legends''===
After falling out with his commanding officer, the Decepticon Deadlock found himself on an unfamiliar planet. He encountered the [[Circle of Light]], who helped him defeat [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and some local miscreants, and as a result Deadlock changed his name to Drift and joined up with the Circle in their journey to find a peaceful home. {{storylink|Circle of Light (Legends)|Circle of Light}}

At some point Drift joined the Autobot army. Catching wind of a [[Quintesson]] plot to disrupt the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]], Drift teamed up with [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] to enter the games as a team, and succeeded in uncovering and stopping [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Galactic Games}}

Drift and his team had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding, and they made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Drift}}
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Private Deadlock}}
Drift appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. Deadlock also appears in Season 8 as Private Deadlock. They are portrayed by Bomb. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsDrift.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Wow!!! Sugoi!!! ''Kickasseru''!!! 両親が私を愛してくれませんか!!!]]
Drift participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Rare character that could be recruited by collecting 90 units of Cybermetal, 45 units of Transmetal, and 25 support cores. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:TransformersEarthWarsDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Ryūjin no ken o Kurae.... wait. Wrong game. Whoops.]]

{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Out of Control}}
Optimus told Drift to just observe and not engage.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Double-Crossed}}

Drift came in response when Optimus and Megatron's truce at the movies went _____ and freaked out the cinemagoers. [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] came in tow and started taunting him. Drift retorted he would prefer to play his director's cut. He then taunted if Barricade was ready for his closeup with all the cellphone cameras around. Drift then said to catch him if he can. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Direct the Dialogue 2}}

When Optimus learned that the Decepticons were trawling alternate realities for reinforcements, he decided he needed someone with stealth and total commitment to the mission, and commanded Hot Rod to summon drift, in spite of his mistrust. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}} Drift was _____ that the Autobots still mistrust him behind the mask of acceptance. Just then Grimlock told him Optimus wanted him for a secret mission, and Hot Rod explained that this was his shot to prove his allegiance.

Optimus informed him on the Decepticon's' multi-universal recruitment drive. Drift asked why they sent one asset instead of an army, and Perceptor explained because of the massive energy expenditure needed to penetrate the Multiversal Membrane, solo is the only option. Drift followed Barricade to an alternate universe with endless fighting. Barricade taunted him before fighting him head-on. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Outlaws}}

Drift tried to prevent Barricade from tagging an Autobot when they were suddenly bombarded with missiles. He remarked [[Live-action film series|nothing makes sense and he's losing the plot]]. Barricade tagged his cross-dimensional beacon on the universe's Lockdown, but nothing happened. As if a [[Shroud|god-like force]] was making the alternate universe untouchable. Just then Hun-Gurrr rammed into Barricade, much to Drift's surprise, and the two 'cons teleported to another universe. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Critcial Mass}}

Drift arrived in [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a garish universe]] too late to stop Barricade and Hun-Gurrr from departing, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)|the local Optimus Prime]] appeared and commanded him to identify himself. Drift subsequently asked Laser Optimus for help against the 'Cons, to which the heroic [[Laser Rod]] agreed. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Worlds Collide}}

*'''Class''': Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating''' 2 star
*'''Weapons:''' Drift leaps on a target and then attacks with his swords.
*'''Ability: Essence Theft:''' Drift rushes at a target for a draining strike, and heals him for double the amount of damage inflicted.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:drift Drift at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{charstubgame|Fill in the Blanks}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:Generations Drift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Forgive me master, i must go all out.... just this once...]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Drift transforms into a cross between a {{w|Nissan Silvia#S15|Nissan Silvia S15}} and a {{w|Mitsubishi FTO}}. In [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Drift's two shorter "dual swords" store inside his doors (which double as his hip sheaths during [[robot mode]]), while the larger sword stores in a set of grooves on the underside of his vehicle (also used in robot mode). It can also be stored (in robot mode) in the doors where the windows fold up. Behind his windshield kibble is his pre-Earth chest design, in a nod to the form Drift had been seen in almost exclusively at the time of the toy's unveiling. Due to his ball jointed wrists, Drift is one of the few Transformers figures that can hold a sword with a two-handed grip. Left unmentioned in the instructions is that the clip that holds his large sword is on a small concealed arm that allows the sword to move away from his back and out of the way of his legs and shoulders. Drift's swords are made from a kid-friendly flexible material, and therefore care must be taken to avoid warping. His hand holes are slightly larger than 5 mm, but taper toward the bottom.

:While Drift's Earth mode designs showed him sporting the katakana ドリフト (''Dorifuto'') on his car doors, the toy instead sports the kanji 侍 (''samurai''). The large sword sports the kanji 天下無双 (''tenka musō'', "peerless under heaven", or just "peerless" if you're not feeling idiomatic. It can also mean "armed under providence").

:Drift's mold was [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generations|Blurr]] and was [[redeco]]ed, with Blurr's pistols also being included, into [[Drift (SG)#Toys|''Shattered Glass'' Drift]].

:When his eyes are lit up, he has two visible pupils that follow you when you turn him. Freaky.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Drift/drift.htm More information on Autobot Drift at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===United===
[[File:United AutobotDrift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I am the white void, I am the cold steel, I am the just sword, with blade in hand I shall reap the sins of this world and cleanse it in the fires of destruction! I am Drift, the end has come!]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-08'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers United]]'' toys, the [[TakaraTomy]] release of "Autobot Drift" is cast in a brighter white plastic, a cooler gray, and features more paint applications in vehicle mode, and on his head, arms and chest to make him more accurate to his comic book appearances. The light red of the Hasbro version is now more crimson in color and the sword's gray is slightly altered from the Hasbro release.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===Age of Extinction===
[[File:AOEGenerationstoy-DeluxeDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Sensei!"]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two daggers, two swords
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AD23'''
{{note|''Age of Extinction'' [[Drift (AOE)#Age of Extinction|Drift]] was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Drift in the IDW Angry Birds comic.}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Deluxe Class toys, this figure of Drift features a more complex transformation and a much more [[Articulation|articulated]] and proportionate robot mode. He comes with two daggers and two swords, all of which he can wield via [[5 mm post]]. All four of his weapons can store on his roof/back in various ways in robot mode, while in vehicle mode his daggers store beneath the roof and his swords store on the underside of the car.

:A variant of Drift that apparently shipped with [[wave]] 2.5 (which also included [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Generations|Lockdown]]) adds black [[paint operation]]s to the front vents. The two versions can be distinguished by the manufacturing date codes stamped into their cardbacks.<ref name="delvariant">[http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/09/age-of-extinction-drift-variant/ Age of Extinction Drift Variant] at The Allspark.</ref>
{{--}}

===Q-Transformers===
[[File:QTransformers Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Are you sure this is the guy who's supposed to flip out and kill sick people?]]
*'''Drift''' ([[June 27]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-22'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Drift is a redeco and retool of [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Q-Transformers|QT-12 Sunstreaker]], transforming into a [[super deformed]] Mazda RX-7 FD3S (though as a Sunstreaker redeco, his feet are sculpted to resemble the hood of a Lamborghini Countach). His head features some inspiration from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s design, namely the golden crest and samurai helmet neckguard.
{{--}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|KreonTripleChanger}}
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Kreon Triple Changer, <s>2015</s>)
**''Accessories'': 2 swords, Slipstream & Jetstorm Kreons

:Kreon Triple Changer Autobot Drift mooshes all the incarnations of Drift into one form! This built-up Kreon transforms from robot to sportscar to helicopter, ''without'' needing to be disassmebled. His general appearance is based on Generation 1 Drift, his altmodes come from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]], and of course his micro-Kreon Mini-Con partners [[Slipstream (RID)#Kre-O|Slipstream]] and [[Jetstorm (RID)#Kre-O|Jetstorm]] hail from [[Drift (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Drift]].

:Drift (along with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#KreonTripleChanger|Blitzwing]]) was shown at [[Toy Fair 2015]], but no accounts of it seeing release in any market have ever surfaced.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===Adventure===
[[File:TAVVS05-Warrior-Class-Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember when you all hated me?]]
*'''Drift Origin Mode & Jazz Battle Mode''' (Warrior Class 2-pack, 2015-[[November 14|11-14]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV VS05'''
**''Accessories'': Longsword, short sword

:Packaged with a retooled [[Jazz (WFC)#Adventure|Jazz]], ''Adventure'' "Drift Origin Mode" is a redeco/retool of [[Drift (RID)#Warrior|the first Warrior Class Drift]], featuring a new head and deco that evokes Drift's IDW design. Drift Origin Mode transforms from a samurai robot into a futuristic white car that appears to be a cross between [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s Bugatti Veyron alternate mode and a Gumpert Apollo. In robot mode, his two swords can be stored on his left hip. In car mode, they store on his underside by using the tabs on his legs with the slots in the sword handles.

:Drift Origin Mode features a scannable badge. While it was accessible in-package, this is covered up by a "dummy sticker" to prevent scanning without taking it off. Scanning the real sticker unlocks this Drift in the Transformers Chronicle checklist app.
{{--}}

===Legends===
[[File:E-Hobby-Transformers-Legends-Deadlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bot-tousai the Mechslayer.]]
*'''Deadlock''' (March 2016)
**''ID number:'' '''LG EX'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right pistols, rifle, greatsword

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Deadlock is a redeco of ''Generations'' Deluxe Class Drift in [[:File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|his black, red, purple, and gold]] Deadlock color scheme as seen in the ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' miniseries and ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' comics / text stories. He comes with his greatsword in black and replaces the two smaller swords with the two pistols and rifle from the Blurr version of the mold, which can combine into a sniper rifle with a bipod (or a triple-barreled rifle). He features Blurr's minor retooling of his inner doors in order to accommodate the pistols in robot mode. Deadlock is an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive and comes with two comics, "[[Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock]]" and a [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|volume EX]] of the ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Legends: Bonus Edition]]'' comic.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Flame Toys===
====Kuro Kara Kuri====
[[File:FlameToysDrift.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Drift''' (December 2017)
**''Accessories'': Great Sword, Great Sword scabbard, 2 small swords, 2 small scabbards, 2 cape parts, 3 faces, 14 hands, helmet armor (exclusive)

:Produced by [[Flame Toys]] as part of their ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' line, Drift is a detailed non-transforming action figure featuring [[die-cast]] parts and LEDs in his head, chest, shoulders and legs. He comes with a selection of alternate hands, three faces with different expressions (stoic, snarling and shouting), his Great Sword, two smaller swords, and a tattered cape based on the one worn by [[Wing (G1)|Wing]] in [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]]. The Great Sword features a gimmick where pushing in the handle transforms the hilt, causing it to splay out into a crossguard and changing the gem's color from white to blue. If purchased via D4toys.com, SEN-TI-DEN Hong Kong, or events attended by Flame Toys, Drift also includes additional samurai-inspired helmet armor that can be displayed with or without a visor.

{{-}}

====Furai Model====
*'''Drift''' (December 2019)

:Part of the ''Furai Model'' line, this Drift is a non-transforming model kit, vastly less expensive than the above Kuro Kara Kuri figure. It features plastic parts and some polycap components, as well as some stickers. Glue is not required, but recommended on all of the model's sword sheaths, as they come apart quite easily. This model has far fewer accessories than the Kuro Kara Kuri figure, only coming with two regular swords and one great sword.
:A common feature in mecha model kits is an abundance of spare parts in different colors that will be left over after assembly. These are present purely for the ease of manufacture, but one could substitute them for the used components if so desired.

{{-}}

===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W1Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T13/T40'''
**''Stars: ''8
:Based on Drift's time as a Decepticon, '''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The artwork on the card is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile card game, with line-art for both Bot and Alt-mode by [[Dan Khanna]].
{{-}}
[[File:W4Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T52'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is one of 52 character cards released in Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is a member of the [[Mercenary]] faction introduced in the set.

:The card features original artwork, with Bot Mode line-art by [[Andrew Griffith]].
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Commenting on what inspired him to create Drift, writer/creator [[Shane McCarthy]] said that "I wanted a character in AHM that had a particular element to him that I didn't see readily available elsewhere and secondly because, frankly, I thought it would be a great idea for Hasbro to have an Autobot Drift racer."<ref>[http://www.smactalk.com.au/?p=101 Shane McCarthy blogs about Spotlight: Drift.]</ref> He later said he wanted to show what'd happen [[:Category:Turncoats|if a former Decepticon became an Autobot]].<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=11723 Podcast interview with Shane McCarthy]</ref> Drift's Japanese overtones are meant to be a tip of the hat "to the country that gave birth to [''Transformers'']."<ref>[http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18585 Comic Book Resources October 27th, 2008 interview with Shane McCarthy]</ref>
*Drift's name is derived from the Japanese driving technique of "{{w|Drifting (motorsport)|drifting}}," rendered in Japanese as ドリフト走行 (''dorifuto sōkō''). This is also the source of the {{w|katakana}} in Chris Ryall's announcement;<ref>[http://ryalltime.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html "ドリフト走行*" entry in Chris Ryall's blog]</ref> it is a transliteration of his English name and is not from Japanese fiction.
*Discarded [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-sketches-93573360 body designs] and [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-head-sketches-93574266 head designs] for Drift can be found on [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com Guido Guidi's DeviantArt page.]
*[[IDW Publishing]] initially claimed that Drift had been solicited by [[Hasbro]] to receive a toy in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line. This may have been premature, as it was followed several months later with a denial, albeit from Hasbro's Australian offices.<ref>[http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3438 Ozformers Q&A with Hasbro Australia]</ref> This was rebutted by IDW editor [[Chris Ryall]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2009, denied again in the March 2009 Hasbro Q&A for Seibertron.com,<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-answers-seibertrons-questions/15360 Hasbro March 2009 Q&A on Seibertron.com]</ref> and finally acknowledged by Hasbro at [[BotCon 2009]] when early design sketches were unveiled for Drift's toy. The toy itself was first shown at [[Toy Fair 2010]].
*As may be surmised from this page's captions, the large amount of hype surrounding Drift's initial introduction—along with perceptions that he was little more than a stereotypical badass fan-created character with Japanese samurai/ninja stereotypes added in for maximum awesomeness—led to a considerable backlash against the character when he was first announced. The hype included not only his own ''Spotlight'' issue, followed later by a four-issue mini-series, but also an appearance in "[[I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime]]", a book intended to advertise the ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' toys... whose ranks don't actually include a Drift figure. The character's actual appearances in fiction, however, have not spawned nearly as much vitriol, and the later (re)interpretation by author [[James Roberts]] actually resulted in many a fan changing their opinion of the character.
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Black Drift.jpg|thumb]]
*A mock-up of a black redeco of ''Generations'' Drift based on his [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' counterpart]]'s colors appeared in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014]]'' Vol. 1 as one of ten potential exclusives for Vol. 2. This "Autobot Drift Black Ver." didn't win the poll to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, ending up in fourth place with 12.7% of the votes.<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>
*Roberts has said "there's different facets" to Drift and his environment has an impact on how he presents himself.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 34:40 - 35:02]</ref> Drift himself says in [[Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|''Empire of Stone'' #3]] that he dives into new personas, both his brooding loner and his hippie ones, to cover up the parts of himself that he doesn't like.
*James Roberts stated that IDW Drift is forged and from [[Rodion]].<ref>[https://jrtweetsindex.tumblr.com/post/164978514244/twitter-convo-between-rodimus-primadonnabot-and Twitter conversation with James Roberts on 19 July 2017]</ref>
*He is a favorite of voice actor [[Eric Bauza]], which gave him a chance to voice [[Drift (RID)|a different Drift]].
*In ''Earth Wars'', Drift has "Penance" and "Vengeance" written in [[Alphabet#Decepticon script|Decepticon script]] on one of his swords; the other has "Forgive" written in [[Alphabet#Autobot script|Autobot script]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drift''' (ドリフト ''Dorifuto''), '''Deadlock''' (デッドロック ''Deddorokku'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Piuji''' (飄移, "Drift")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Piāoyí''' (China, 漂移, "Drift")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Black Order]]
[[Category:White Order]]
[[Category:Cloud Decepticons]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]

Strafe (G1)

2021-06-13T18:20:47Z

GlamAttack: /* Unite Warriors */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Strafe}}
{{featured}}
:''Strafe is an [[Autobot]] [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]] and sometimes [[Cyberjet]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:G1Strafe MTMTE.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|What happens when you cross-breed Starscream and Shockwave. Logical and psychopathic.]]
'''Strafe''' is a really nice guy, one of the kindest, gentlest mechanoids you could ever hope to meet, and he's a crack shot with his heat-ray rifle, too. It's said that Strafe can burn a hole in a screw head (size not specified) from two miles away. Too bad he can't tighten up the loose screws in his own cranial module, though. He's got a case of nerves that could very well cause [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] to fear for his job security, and when startled he tends to SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT FIRE FIRE BANG BANG BANG KILL KILL KILL IT DEAD DEAD DEAD without stopping to aim or analyze the threat, and doesn't quit until he's shot down or runs out of heat-ray charges. Sometimes, though, all is quiet... too quiet... and he doesn't like that, either. SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT FIRE FIRE BANG BANG KILL KILL KILL...

He can combine with the other [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to form [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], and seems to make a rather calm limb. Sometimes he's a [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]], in which case his partner is [[Rocketbot]].

{{bigquote|I mean, we got us some fast action! Hard action! Action hard and fast! Action to get the old pumps pumpin'! Action to—HUH?—YAHOOOO!|Strafe, always excitable|"[[Money Is Everything (episode)|Money Is Everything]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Ask Vector Prime====
In millions of years before the war on [[Earth]], Strafe was one of five members of the [[Elite Flying Corps]], under the command of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Along with [[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Divebomb]], [[Dogfight (G1)|Dogfight]], [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]], and [[Doubleheader]], he engaged Decepticons in the skies. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/20}}

====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
[[File:Technobots attack.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|This is seriously my only American appearance as just myself and not an arm.]]
Strafe was among the Autobots who departed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] to escape the cycle of war without end. When the refugees sought peace on the planet [[Nebulos]], Strafe put in an uncredited appearance as [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]'s arm, helping to defend the resort city of [[Splendora]] against [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

Their travels taking them to Earth, Strafe and his fellow Technobots bravely attempted to defend of [[Buenos Aires]] against the [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], but were felled virtually instantly by the villain's cosmic power. {{storylink|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[File:Autobots attack space pirates.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|This is seriously the only appearance of my full robot mode. I'm at the back. Third from the left.]]
[[File:Rodimus shoots strafe white fire.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|This is seriously the only time anyone says my name.]]
In [[2008]], Strafe was one of several Autobots stationed at [[Autobase]] on Cybertron under the command of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]. Responding to a mysterious call for help, they discovered that astonishingly, the call came from the Decepticons. Even more astonishing, it was genuine. Strafe and the Autobots joined forces with their Decepticon counterparts in driving a marauding crew of [[Quintesson]]s off the planet. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

After the [[Time Wars]] rebooted future history, Strafe was next seen stationed at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] in [[2009]]. When the [[Future Autobot evacuation ship|Autobot evacuation ship]] from Cybertron crashed down instead of landing safely, Strafe flew out to help alongside [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]. {{storylink|Shadow of Evil}} What they found was Autobot commander [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]], aglow with evil and possessed by the living malice of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] that had infected the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] a year earlier. Strafe was apparently killed in the resulting conflict before Rodimus regained control of his actions. {{storylink|White Fire}}

In another alternate future, the last Decepticon was destroyed by [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and the [[Wrecker]]s in [[2510]]. However, as Rodimus Prime announced the end of the war and prepared to hand over leadership to Springer, the Autobots soon came to blows over a misunderstanding caused by Strafe's ally [[Triton]] and the war broke out again almost as soon as it had ended. Strafe and the Technobots formed a new faction under Ultra Magnus, battling against the Wreckers. {{storylink|Peace}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Bulen]] (English), [[Kōji Totani]] (Japanese), [[Kenichi Sakaguchi]] (Japanese, "The Rebirth")|[[Ulrich Bernsdorff]] (German, ''Grimlocks New Brain''), [[Reinhard Brock]] (German, ''Money is Everything''), [[Hans-Rainer Müller]] (German, ''The Rebirth, Part 1''), [[Albert Augier]] (European French, ''The Rebirth, Part 1'')}}
[[File:GrimlocksNewBrain strafe robotmode.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Not today, Rusty, not today.]]
Strafe was created, like the other Technobots, by the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] from components found within [[Unicron]]'s head. The exuberant newborn Autobot was immediately presented with the task of using his flight and firepower to disable Unicron's internal defenses, which he accomplished with a lot of SHOOT SHOOT BLAM BLAM BLOW IT UP!!! The Technobots were subsequently dispatched to aid the Autobots fighting on Unicron's surface against the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s, and defeated their combined form of Abominus by merging into Computron. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

[[File:MoneyIsEverything strafe vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Less than a week later, Strafe the other Technobots were assigned to an [[Earth Defense Command]] science unit in order to learn how to interact with [[human]]s. When reports came in from EDC headquarters of an unknown spacecraft entering the planet's atmosphere, Strafe joined [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] and [[Marissa Faireborn]] in investigating, and in his eagerness for some action, Strafe wound up opening fire on the craft. Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!!

Strafe was too busy watching the ship crash and congratulating himself to notice that the ship had actually been pursued by [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Grr]] of the Terrorcons, who took both him and Scattershot down, but the pair were saved from the two-headed terror by the timely arrival of the rest of their Technobot comrades. The crashed ship's owner, unscrupulous trader [[Dirk Manus]], agreed to lead the heroes to a hidden [[Quintesson]] base he had discovered on [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], and Strafe, Scattershot and [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] set off with him the next day. Strafe had little patience for Lightspeed's rambling on the beauty of space, but soon found himself something much worse to complain about when the team was ambushed by Abominus and sent plummeting to the moon's surface. [[File:MoneyEverything Technobots Sharktisneak.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]] [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]], [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] and Faireborn soon arrived to help, rescuing the group from the Sharkticons; they headed for the Quintesson base. In route, Strafe "saved" Marissa from some aggressive vines by wantonly opening fire on them. Blam! Blam! Blam!!

Manus took Marissa hostage and handed them over to the Quintessons, the Technobots' injuries having left them unable to combine. However, the whole thing was a complex double-cross by Manus, eager for revenge on the Quintessons following a deal gone wrong; he used the molecular disassembler/reassembler known as the [[Recreator]] to heal Strafe and the Technobots' injuries, and they defeated Abominus and the Quintessons. {{storylink|Money Is Everything (episode)|Money Is Everything}}

Strafe and his team later got a chance for a rematch with the Terrorcons when they attempted to stop them stealing a heat-resistant alloy from Doctor [[Mark Morgan]]'s laboratory, but this battle ended in failure for the Technobots, and Strafe was tasked with summoning [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to provide medical care for [[Jessica Morgan|Morgan's daughter]], who was injured in the battle. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

Months later, Strafe was at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], talking with his fellow Technobots and the [[Throttlebot]]s about what a glorious day it was, and about how every day had been a glorious one ever since they ended the threat of the Decepticons once and for all, and the days would continue to be glorious as long as... okay, you know what's coming. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

After the Decepticons were finally defeated (again), Strafe was among the Autobots celebrating the new Golden Age of Cybertron. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese continuity as described above, with the distinction that they take place in 2010, rather than 2006. Japanese continuity inserts multiple additional stories into the timeline.}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
Strafe and his Technobot comrades were under construction at [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] when the Autobots sought the aid of Doctor [[Dalton]] in improving their abilities. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}} Dalton heavily upgraded the Technobots' weaponry, allowing the combined Computron to easily outmatch the Decepticon combiner, Abominus. As the Decepticon motto goes, however: When in doubt, cheat. [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] outfitted the Terrorcons with "[[Cohesive Control Liquid]]", a substance that enabled them to assume control over Computron. Dalton arranged for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] to use a special [[exosuit]] to approach Computron safely and administer an antidote. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 2|The Great Transformer War #2}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[File:DemonMeteorite strafe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Action! Action! Action! Action!]]
In [[2011]], when the Decepticons launched a major attack on Cybertron, Strafe and the Technobots joined the Dinobots on the front lines of defense. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Not long after, when [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] left to search for the [[Matrix of Leadership]] on Earth, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] gathered Strafe and the Technobots to prevent the Decepticons from hampering his quest. Strafe and his teammates backed Hot Rod up after he located the Matrix, combining into Computron to hold off the Decepticons who had pursued him so that he could return to Cybertron. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Later, after the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aeriabots]] fell victim to [[Metamorphose]], the Decepticons' metal-twisting meteorite weapon, the Strafe and the Technobots were sent out to recover their damaged comrades for repairs, only to be intercepted by [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] and the Terrorcons. The fighting escalated with new arrivals on both sides, with the Decepticons trying to keep their foes occupied until the meteorite reached [[Athenia]], but soon [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] arrived to carry the Headmasters into space to confront the meteorite, so the Technobots formed Computron and covered their retreat. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

[[File:ExplosiononMars technobots.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Whoa, whoa, whoa Rodney! What are you doing?" "What? I'm winning the day!"]]
When [[buridanka|a giant carnivorous plant]] was unleashed upon [[San Francisco]] by the Decepticon, Ultra Magnus sent the Technobots to deal with the incident. Strafe joined his comrades in battling the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], first as individuals and later combined as Computron and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Not long after, the Trainbots ran into trouble on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], and Strafe and his team were on the way to help when [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] intervened, keeping the Technobots occupied and unable to aid their comrades on the red planet. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}}

Strafe and the Technobots were part of a strike team that flew to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] to disrupt Scorponok's gathering of Decepticons. They immediately formed Computron upon entering the battle. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Strafe's regiment later helped load the Trainbots with energon supplies for the destitute planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]]. They were attacked by the greedy Decepticons and fought back both as the mighty Computron and as individuals, using the Trainbots' large vehicle modes as a shield. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

Strafe and his fellow Technobots accompanied Fortress on his quest to prevent the Decepticons from stealing energy elsewhere in the galaxy. During this extended mission, Strafe and his teammates formed Computron to battle [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] on the planet [[Paradise]]. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} Upon their return to Earth, the team were deployed to counter a Decepticon attack in [[Florida|Miami]], where they battled Abominus as Computron, {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} Decepticons attacks around the Earth only continued to escalate, and Strafe and the Technobots were dispatched as Computron to one of the many battle sites. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

When the Decepticons seemingly abandoned Earth, Strafe and the Technobots assisted Spike in rebuilding the planet after the enemy's departure. They started out by combining into Computron to help Defensor and Raiden destroy the Decepticons' Earth deserted base, wiping out all trace of the villains' presence on the planet. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}}

As part of Computron, Strafe participated in the Autobots final battle with Scorponok's Decepticons at the North Pole. He lent his energies to the Headmasters' [[Head Formation]] to revitalize Fortress Maximus at the critical moment. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====''Gentei! Gentei!''=====
When Grimlock created the Technobots, he didn't build them from scratch: In actuality, he reconstructed a number of dead bodies he found within Unicron's head, former victims of the planet-eater. In the midst of a battle with the Decepticons, Strafe took the full brunt of an attack from the villains, triggering the inexplicable transformation of his body back into its original form, a body whose design Unicron had evidently mimicked when he created [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. This baffling reconfiguration merely invigorated Strafe, who gained hugely increased flight speed and a new semi-autonomous partner, [[Rocketbot]]. {{storylink|#genteitoy|Strafe's ''Gentei! Gentei!'' toy bio}}

=====''Unite Warriors''/''Legends''=====
[[File:UniteWarriorsOffshot Strafe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Having learned that [[Father's Day]] was a thing, the Technobots threw a surprise party for their own "father", Grimlock. On Grimlock's arrival, Strafe happily sprayed him with [[energon champagne]], interrupting Lightspeed's attempt to deliver a present. {{storylink|Unite Warriors Offshot#Surprise Father's Day Party!!|Surprise Father's Day Party!!}}

In [[2022]], the other Technobots were part of [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] forces engaging [[Concurrence]] remnants when [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]] suddenly arrived and finished off the enemy. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Greatshot)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:HtF-StrafeandTrooper.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|What the- Strafe in his G2 body?!]]
In 2984, Strafe was one of the Autobots stationed at the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]]. He fared poorly when confronted by the Decepticon mercenary [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]]. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Stormbringer issue 1|''Stormbringer'' #1]]}}

[[File:Stormbringer1 Jetfire Strafe.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|"Oooh... Strafe feels much damage coming on."]]
Strafe and the other Technobots crewed the Autobot vessel ''[[Calabi-Yau]]'', under the command of [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]]. When strange energy emissions were detected from beneath the long-dead Cybertron, Strafe—possessed of a noticeable stutter—was nervous about landing on the planet to investigate, but accompanied Jetfire, Scattershot, and Lightspeed on the reconnaissance mission nonetheless. Just as they were about to return to their ship, they were captured by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s group of Decepticons. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 1|Stormbringer #1}} Strafe and the other captives were cannibalized for raw materials for Bludgeon to use in his attempt to recreate the [[Pretender]] process {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} but they all survived the experience and helped uncover the key to defeating the revenant [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer #4}}

[[File:BeforeandAfter-RainingAutobots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I am a very important character!]]
Sometime later, in the aftermath of [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]'s attack on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], the Technobots and the crew of the ''[[Ark-27]]'' arrived to take the [[Pretender Monster|combiners]] into custody. {{Storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} They brought them to the [[Garrus-9]] facility, where they tried to reform the Decepticons and rid them of their "group consciousness". Before the Technobots could make much progress, the Monstructor components were stolen during a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

As the threat of the [[Expansion]] came to light, Strafe and the Technobots used Bludgeon's [[Pretender]] technology to make shells to protect Autobots from the hazards of the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}} Using the ''[[Nightbird (ship)|Nightbird]]'', they then saved the crew of the ''[[Mirror-Manifold]]'' and gave them the shells. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Following the end of the war, Strafe joined the crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' on their journey to find the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. He participated in a battle with a group of rogue Decepticons on the planet [[Temptoria]]. {{storylink|Before & After}}

Strafe remained a part of the ''Lost Light'' crew when it departed from Cybertron a second time. {{storylink|The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption letters}}

A quantum duplicate of Strafe aboard a quantum duplicate of the ''Lost Light'' was killed by the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} His corpse presumably vanished with the rest of his ''Lost Light'' when the main ''Lost Light'' crew shut down the duplicate ship's quantum engines. {{storylink|Slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

Strafe joined the security patrol aboard the ''Lost Light''. When they caught [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] after their apparent assassination attempt on Megatron, Cyclonus appeared to reach for his [[Great Sword]], so the guards opened fire. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}} Although he didn't realize it at the time, Strafe temporarily became an [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] as a result of his exposure to Tailgate's flare. He complained of sudden burnout to [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] when his system finally crashed from the high. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}}

As a member of the ''Lost Light's'' security team, Strafe was subjected to shadowplay by [[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]] on behalf of Getaway. In addition to wiping his memories of how Rodimus and the command team left, Strafe was also wired to see Getaway's authority as unquestionable, and anyone who did question it as an undercover Decepticon. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 2): Filling in the Blanks|Filling in the Blanks}} As a result, Strafe was wary and trigger-happy when [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s returned to the ''Lost Light'' and seemed uncomfortable with Getaway's command. He held First Aid and the others at gunpoint when [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] told them the truth about the mutiny at [[Swerve's]]. The Protectobots tried to get away, but were captured and placed in recursive memory loops. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 1): Full Circle|Full Circle}}

{{-}}

===''Timelines''===
In [[Primax 096.0 Beta]], Strafe was part of [[Optimus Prime (G1)#General Optimus|General Optimus Prime]]'s newly reconstituted [[Firestormer|Firestormer Squadron]]. At the final battle of the [[Great War (G1)|third Cybertronian war]] on [[Mirtonia]], General Optimus Prime led the Autobots to victory over the [[Decepticon Empire|Decepticon Star Empire]], although this ended with the General and [[Hound (G1)#TransTech|Sergeant Hound]] being blasted away by an explosion into [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon]]. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Timelines|General Optimus Prime profile card}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[File:Technobots.jpg|thumb]]
*Faced with the might of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], Strafe and his fellow Technobots dodged the huge Decepticons' claws and merged into Computron to fight back, but they were quickly bowled over when Scorponok hurled a mountain at them. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Computron and Scorponok|Technobots and Scorponok commercial}}
*Strafe spotted the Terrorcons as they approached [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], swooping low over the monsters before returning to his teammates to prepare for their rivals' attack. While his comrades engaged the Terrorcons, Strafe lay in waiting with a snare trap, which [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] stepped into; Strafe then rocketed off, dragging the bound Terrorcon behind him. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Technobots and Terrorcons|Technobots and Terrorcons commercial}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[File:TFPS2 strafes vs octane.jpg|thumb]]
Strafe was one of the Autobots who joined the battle on the planet [[Zel Samine]] over the powerful [[Zel Quartz]]. Combined with his fellow Technobots as Computron, he confronted the Decepticons on two occasions, first attempting to prevent them from obtaining a drillbit from the [[Karzite mine]], and then later striving to bar their entrance to the [[ELTA|Enormous Laser Transmission Array]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

{{Note|Strafe is a non-playable character who appears only among the legion of Autobot duplicates in the Decepticon campaign, and as part of Computron when he appears in the story.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:TFLegends strafe evolution.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2.2]]
Strafe and his Technobot teammates were ambushed by the Terrorcons, who feared the power of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. Strafe attempted to pin down the assailants while Afterburner attempted to call for reinforcements. {{storylink|Circuit Breaker (Legends)|Circuit Breaker}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Strafe.jpg|thumb|400px]]
Strafe participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Epic character who could be recruited by collecting 500 units of Cybermetal, 250 units of Transmetal, and 50 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

==Toys==
===The Transformers===
[[File:G1Strafe toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Only a Technobot could get this much firepower from a pair of Cheetos.]]
*'''Strafe''' (Technobot, [[1987]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''TK3'''
**''Takara ID number:'' '''C-88'''
**''Accessories:'' "Heat Ray Rifle", 2 "Light-Pulse Blasters"

:Strafe transforms into a Cybertronic "rocket plane" (according to his instructions) with twin front-mounted "light-pulse blasters". These cannons can also be used as hand-held weapons in robot mode, making him the only Technobot that can use his vehicle-mode weapons in that manner. As a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiner, he can form the limb to any similar-construction super robot, though his nominal placement is as the left arm of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]].

:Later individual releases of all five Technobots were [[retool]]ed to remove their [[rubsign]] indents. There is also a packaging variant for all four small Technobots, which included a random bonus Autobot [[Decoy|"Decoy" mini-figurine]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Strafe/strafe.htm More information on Strafe at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/instructions/autobot/1987/instr_strafe.jpg Instructions for Strafe at Botchthecrab.com]''
{{-}}

[[File:G1toy computron giftset.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Computron''' (Multi-pack, 1987)
**''Takara ID number'': '''C-91'''
**''Accessories:'' "Heat Ray Rifle", 2 "Light-Pulse Blasters"

:All five Technobots were also made available in a complete gift set in multiple markets. The gift set versions are identical to their individual releases.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Computron/computron.htm More information on Computron at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/instructions/autobot/1987/instr_technobots.jpg Instruction booklet for Computron at Botchthecrab.com]''
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2Strafe-toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now with white cheddar flavored Cheetos!]]
*'''Strafe''' (Cyberjet, [[1995]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''TFR-15'''
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: Released in the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Cyberjet]]s assortment, Strafe is a [[redeco]] of [[Space Case (G2)#Toys|Space Case]], whose alternate mode is a conglomerate of various cutting-edge fighter features, including anhedral (drooped), forward-swept wings resembling the {{w|X-29}} and {{w|Su-47|Su-47 Berkut}}, two-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles from an F-22, and a nearly flat, V-style tailplane similar to the YF-23 prototype. His right arm has a launcher that fires pressure-launch missiles. These missiles store on the undersides of his wings in vehicle mode.

: This toy was released with no deco changes (but with an extra decal sheet) in Japan as a separate character, the former-Decepticon-turned-Autobot [[Strafe (G2)|Strafe]].

: Apparently, the decision to market the redecos as separate characters was a last-minute change of plans that was only put into use in America and Japan; in Europe, Hasbro supposedly stuck to the original idea for said assortment (here named "Mini-Jets"), with the redecos being sold as [[variant#Running changes|running change color variants]] of their wave 1 mold-mates instead, in unchanged packaging featuring [[package art]] in the original deco and the original character's name. Thus, Space Case was available in Strafe's colors but still marketed as Space Case himself. This practice is only confirmed for the versions available in multilingual French/Dutch/German packaging; thus far, no specimens in English/Spanish/Portuguese packaging or in Italian [[GiG]] packaging have surfaced.

: This mold was also used to make the 2004 ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' version of Space Case and ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' [[X-Gunner#Toys|X-Gunner]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Strafe/strafe.htm More information on Cyberjet Strafe at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Gentei! Gentei!''===
{{anchor|genteitoy}}
[[File:Gentei-strafe-g1-toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|{{w|The Man with the Golden Gun|The Robot with the Golden Gun}}]]
*'''Strafe''' (Deluxe, [[2009]])

:''Gentei! Gentei!'' (Japanese for "Exclusive! Exclusive!") Strafe is a redeco of the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'' series]] [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Cyclonus toy]], replacing the purple with white, the three shades of gray with red, orange, white, and black, and clear red with colorless clear plastic. Strafe transforms into a Cybertronic starfighter. He comes with a partner figure named [[Rocketbot]] who transforms into a blaster that can be mounted on the vehicle mode's back or plugged into Strafe's wrist sockets to emulate the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' style of [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] connection.

:Strafe is an [[exclusive]] for members of the [[Transformers Basecamp]] web site in Japan, which is itself exclusive to those who own a ''Transformers''-themed Visa credit card. The ordering period for Strafe ran from [[March 2]]nd through [[April 30]]th in [[2009]]. Though his cardback and bubble placard are new, he comes with Cyclonus's [[instructions]] and comic/catalog.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Cybertron/Strafe/strafe.htm More information on Gentei Strafe at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/classic/gentei_strafe.html More images of Gentei Strafe at Autobase Aichi]''
{{UniverseCyclonusMold}}
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShots_CanceledStrafe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Strafe''' (<s>2013</s>)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 004'''
***''Fist strength'': '''400'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''?'''
***''Sword strength'': '''?'''

:Part of the unreleased wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, Strafe is a Spin Shot Super Bot. As a Spin Shot, one manually winds up his upper body beforehand when transforming him into vehicle mode, where striking the front of the vehicle will cause him to burst open and spin while auto-transforming.
{{canceledtoy}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy Strafe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]

*'''Computron''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, [[2014]])
**''Set number'': '''A7308'''
**''Pieces'': '''75'''
**''Accessories'': 2 pistols

:''[[Kre-O]]'' Strafe is a [[Kreon]] included with the [[Computron (G1)#Kre-O|Computron]] [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, and can be rebuilt from robot to either "rocket plane" or part of Computron's torso and part of the left arm. His deco is based on the [[#Generation 1|Generation 1 Strafe toy]], and he wears a white [[Hound (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Hound]] helmet.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Kre-OStrafe/strafe.htm More information on Strafe at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Combiner-Wars-Strafe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Gee Strafe, how come your mom lets you have two completely distinct and extensive retools?"]]
*'''Computron''' (Collection Pack, [[2016]])
**''Accessories'': Scattershot's rifle, shield, Afterbreaker's two rifles, Lightsteed's gun, Nosecone's drill-gun, Computron hands and feet, Cybaxx Targetmaster

:''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Strafe is a heavy retool of Deluxe Class [[Air Raid (G1)#Generations|''Combiner Wars'' Air Raid]] from the same toy line, replacing most of his [[alternate mode]] [[kibble]] to better resemble Strafe's ''Generation 1'' alternate mode and featuring a new head sculpt. His deco is mostly inspired by his ''Generation 1'' toy, but also has large sections of orange previously only used on the ''Gentei! Gentei!'' iteration of Strafe. Sadly, the pair of weapons that are part of his alt mode's front section are permanently attached and cannot be removed without at least slightly damaging the figure. As a ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe Class figure, he can combine with any Voyager Class toys released as part of the ''Combiner Wars''/''Unite Warriors'' lines or with [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber]] and form either an arm or a leg for the gestalt form, but his official purpose is to combine with his fellow Technobots and serve as the left arm of [[Computron (G1)#Generations|Computron]]. His retooled parts include a new peg that allows for the included [[Scrounge (G1)#Generations|Scrounge]] figure to be attached to Computron's arm, serving as a "shield".

:Strafe was only available as part of a Computron box set, including a poster and a collector card based on the set's packaging art. The set was one of several so-called "Collection Packs" that were "online exclusives" in the United States, available from online retailers such as [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], and [[BigBadToyStore]] as well as the online stores of "big box" retailers such as [[Toys"R"Us]], [[Walmart]], [[Target]], and [[Kmart]]. In Hasbro's Asian markets such as Singapore and Taiwan, the set was available at general retail. In Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiaries of [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and Carrefour, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés, supposedly also only available online.

{{CWSkydiveMold}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-Strafe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You know you want me. Yeah you do. Yeaaaaaah you do. That's right.]]
*'''Computicon''' ('''Computron''') (Boxset, 2016-[[August 27|08-27]])
**''ID number'': '''UW-08'''
**''Accessories'': Weapons (combine to form a larger gun for Computicon), Techbot weapons/extremities

:Takara's version of Strafe is a heavy retool of their version of [[Blast Off (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Blast Off]], Blast Off's robot mode front becomes Strafe's robot mode back (and vice versa) and the alternate mode parts are all replaced to create a more G1 cartoon accurate alternate mode. Strafe also features a G1 cartoon-accurate head and deco and his alt-mode guns can be removed and wielded by him in robot mode. As a ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' toy, Strafe is able to form an arm or a leg of any combiner, but is of course intended to form the left arm of [[Computron (G1)#Unite Warriors|Computicon]].

:The packaging assigns him the [[Rook (Generations)#Toys|Rook]] hand/foot/gun, rather than the one originally associated with [[Blast Off (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Blast Off]].

:Strafe was only available in a Computicon boxset, along with [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Unite Warriors 2|Lightspeed]], [[Scattershot (G1)#Unite Warriors|Scattershot]], [[Afterburner (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Afterburner]], and [[Nosecone (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Nosecone]].

:The original version of this mold was also used to make ''Unite Warriors'' [[Movor#Unite Warriors|Shuttler]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/UWStrafe/strafe.htm More information on ''Unite Warriors'' Strafe at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
*In some printings of ''Stormbringer'', Strafe's stutter occasionally pops up in Scattershot's lines. (Maybe it's contagious?)
*The Mini-Con Strafe representing [[Swoop (G1)|Generation 1 Swoop]] in the ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]]'' [[Strafe (AOE)#TRUEvolution|Strafe Evolutions 2-Pack]] mistakenly<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0uG8JszvCs&t=23m5s] BotCon 2014 Interview - Hasbro's Mark Weber - Transformers Manager of Global Brand Development</ref> has ''this'' Strafe's [[package art]] instead of Swoop's Generation 1 art and lists him as a "stealth fighter" (what our wiki described the 2010 ''Transformers'' [[Strafe (TF 2010)|Strafe]] toy, thought for a time to be Generation 1 Strafe, as). This was because Hasbro no longer had the original Generation 1 Swoop's package art (or at least didn't have it anywhere where they could locate it), so some employees decided to purchase a vintage original... only to discover that by that point, their marketing department, having misinterpreted the significance of the ''Age of Extinction'' character's name matching that of another original character, had already printed the original Strafe's package art on the two-pack's packaging instead. Whoops!

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Strafe''' (ストレイフ ''Sutoreifu'')
*''French:'' '''Mitraille''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Rocketbot'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Gāng Biān''' (China, 钢鞭, "Steel Whip")
*''Russian:'' '''Shtraf''' (Штраф, "Fine")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Cyberjets]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Gunners]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Technobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]

Buzzsaw (G1)/toys

2021-04-25T02:14:35Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers Trading Card Game */

{{suite}}

[[File:G1 boxart Buzzsaw.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Own your very own murderbird today.]]

'''Buzzsaw''' is the most awesome cassette Transformer! He may kill your wallet funds.

{{TOCclear}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1toy-Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The hook at the end of his beak is so that when he punctures you, you can't just yank him out. You'll rip off a wad of flesh.]]
*'''Soundwave And Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw''' (Decepticon Communicator, 1984/1985/1986/1990)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons"

:Coming only with the [[Hasbro]] release of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] (the Japanese version had [[Rumble (G1)/toys|Rumble]] instead), Buzzsaw transforms from a microcassette to a robotic condor. His cassette mode can fit into the tape compartment of the Soundwave and [[Blaster (G1)/toys|Blaster]] toys. Unlike the other four original Mini-Cassettes, Buzzsaw's deco is unique to the Transformer line rather than originating from ''[[Micro Change]]''. In 1985, a heat-activated [[rubsign]] was added to his cassette mode front; unlike other toys, this did ''not'' replace his existing Decepticon [[insignia]], located on his head.

:Buzzsaw (and Soundwave) were rereleased in Australia in their original packaging in 1990.

:This mold was also used to make [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys|Laserbeak]], [[Garboil (G1)#Collector's Edition|Garboil]], and [[Sundor#Encore|Sundor]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Buzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Japan}}
[[File:G1toy vsz set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I'm not trapped in this box with you guys...you guys are trapped in this box with ME."]]
*'''Sunstreaker & Skids vs Buzzsaw''' (Multi-pack, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VSZ'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:Despite the Japanese cassettes being available singly in Japan, rather than in double-packs as in Hasbro markets, Buzzsaw apparently didn't warrant a solo release, and instead came in a multi-pack with [[Skids (G1)#Generations|Skids]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]]. Like most Japanese cassettes (and all future Japanese releases of Buzzsaw), he came with a clear-plastic tape case to be "stored" in.

{{-}}{{anchor|Headmasters}}
[[File:Buzzsawg1toycondor.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Fort Max's weakpoint may be his shoulder, but Buzzsaw always goes straight for the eyes.]]
*'''Soundblaster w/ Buzzsaw''' (Decepticon, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-106'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:During ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (toyline)|Headmasters]]'', Buzzsaw saw re-release as a pack-in with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#SoundblasterG1|Soundblaster]]. This version replaces the tape-spool decal with a new sticker featuring [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]]'s weak spot, revealed through the clear-red tape-doors of the Soundblaster and [[Blaster (G1)/toys#TwincastG1|Twincast]] toys. Soundblaster himself is given the ID number "D-101", while Buzzsaw is separately labelled as "D-106".

{{-}}{{anchor|Linkin}}
[[File:LPBuzzsawLaserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I remember black skies, the lightning all around me]]
*'''Transformers Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition''' ([[September 23]], 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right "Twin Mortor Cannons", tape case
:[[Linkin Park]] Buzzsaw is a gold and ... also gold [[redeco]] of Laserbeak. He's packaged with Linkin Park gold redecoes of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Linkin|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ravage]], [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ratbat]] and Laserbeak (to whom he is completely identical) on a flocked-purple plastic tray inside a special commemorative box. He has no stickers, factory-applied or otherwise. Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition was exclusive to [http://www.suru-la.com SURU] and limited to 2000 pieces.
{{-}}

===The Transformers Collection===
[[File:G1toy TFC buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Every time Soundblaster tries to put down Buzzsaw, he loses a body part.]]
*'''Soundblaster w/ Buzzsaw and Ravage''' (Transformers Collection, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''18'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:The ''Headmasters'' version of Buzzsaw was included in the Soundblaster reissue, though this time the duo also came with a similarly-sticker-altered version of [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]].
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:Buzzsawtimelinestoy.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Sure, it seems like an improvement, but he still has to pick everything up in his jaws.]]
*'''Laserbeak and Buzzsaw''' (bagged souvenir set, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Left & right energon blades, Energon star

:A [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Divebomb (Energon)#Toys|Divebomb]] mold, Buzzsaw gains a humanoid mode along with his robot-falcon form. He came with a set of clear-indigo [[energon weapon]]s that could combine to form a large blade, plus an indigo [[energon star]]. He was available only in a "souvenir" 2-piece set with [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|Laserbeak]], sold at [[BotCon 2006]], and limited to 500 pieces.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Predacon/BCBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on BotCon 2006 Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Universe2008toy soundwave.jpg|thumb|There was supposed to be another cassette included. But Buzzsaw killed it.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2009)
**''Series'': '''G1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons"

:In 2009, Buzzsaw was included with yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, this time as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive that was prominently offered at San Diego Comic-Con 2009. Included were his weapons and his own cassette case.
{{-}}

===Encore===
[[File:G1toy encore cassettes1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|By the time you open this package, he'll have torn all the other cassettes into pieces.]]
*'''Great Cassette Operation''' (2009)
**''Encore number'': '''15'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:As part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' [[Generation 1 reissues|Generation 1 reissue]] line, Buzzsaw was released along with [[Rewind (G1)#Encore|Rewind]], [[Eject (G1)#Encore|Eject]], and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Encore|Ravage]]. Unlike most ''Encore'' figures, he features no significant differences from his various previous releases.

:In 2014, Buzzsaw and the rest of the Cassettes were re-released as a lucky draw prize (along with the other 2 box sets) for the ''Transformers Celebration 2014'' event held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City store's Toys"R"Us, though this was very likely to be remaining stock.
{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[File:MPtoy-Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Whose bright idea was it to give this murderer more articulation??]]
*'''Frenzy & Buzzsaw''' ([[2013]]-[[March 23|03-23]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-16'''
**''Accessories:'' Pink tape case

: A [[repaint]] of ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Condor]], Buzzsaw features a very different transformation sequence that gives him a fully show-accurate design, with his jet thrusters no longer being separate accessories, all while transforming into a mini-cassette the same size as his Generation 1 toy, although he cannot fit in the original Soundwave toy's chest cavity. He has a camera hidden on a small flip-up tab on his head (based on the camera Condor used in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''), and comes with a pink case which can be used to store him in tape mode. He is packaged with [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Frenzy]], even if we thought [[:File:Buzzsawyikes1.jpg|he wouldn't hang with him anymore.]] Care should be taken when transforming this figure, particularly around the jet thrusters, as both the arms connecting the thrusters to the main body, as well as the winglets on top of thrusters are prone to breakage.
{{MPSoundwaveMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|HasbroMasterpiece}}
[[File:TRU Masterpiece Soundwave-Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Primus knows what kind of "homemade movies" he records with that camera...]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2013)
**'''09 OF 30'''
**''ID number:'' '''MP-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Clear tape case

:Included with the [[Hasbro]] [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive version of ''Masterpiece'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Soundwave]], Buzzsaw features a slightly brighter, less orange-yellow shade of yellow paint, and comes with a clear version of his micro-cassette case.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/MPBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on ''Masterpiece'' Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Generations===
====Platinum Edition====
{{anchor|YOTGSoundwave}}
*'''Soundwave Year Of The Goat Edition''' ([[2014]]-[[March 23|03-23]])

::*''[http://tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/PlatinumBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on Year of the Goat Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{Charstubtoys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWLegends}}

====Combiner Wars====
[[File:CWLegendsBuzzsaw.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|He will kill you AS a forklift. If he hasn't already.]]
*'''Buzzsaw''' (Legends, 2016)

:Part of the fifth wave of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] [[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' subline imprint, Buzzsaw is an all-new mold that turns into both a communicator and a small forklift-like vehicle. The forklift mode features a peg intended for use with a [[Titan Master]] figure, and the communicator mode can connect with certain Leader-class figures from the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' subline imprint, such as [[Blaster (G1)/toys#TitansReturn|Blaster]]. However, Buzzsaw predated the debut of that subline by several months, making him function as a "preview" of sorts for the future line. His stickers are prone to coming off at the edges, particularly in the areas that require transformation such as the wings.

:His headphone jack can actually accommodate headphones!

:This figure was redecoed into ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#TitansReturn|Laserbeak]] and ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' [[Buzzsaw (ROTF)#Toys|Buzzsaw]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
[[File:KreO-Toy C84accessories.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.85|Buzzsaw doesn't need to transform to kill you. This time, all he needs is for you to step on him.]]
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''B0090'''

: A brick version of Buzzsaw's cassette mode was available as an accessory in a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014 [[exclusive]] pack of 30 Kreons dubbed the "[[Kreon Class of 1984]]". Remaining stock was to be sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online, only there ''was'' no remaining stock after the show.

{{-}}

===Vintage G1===
*'''Soundwave & Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw''' (June 2019)
**''Accessories'': Buzzsaw, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, [[concussion weapon|concussion blaster]]
[[File:VintageG1-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|He doesn't need a rubsign to brutally dismember you.]]
:''[[Vintage G1]]'' "Condor Cassette Buzzsaw", a [[Walmart]]-exclusive reissue of the [[#Generation 1|Generation 1 toy]], is included with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Soundwave]]. Like most other reissues (including Hasbro's previous ''Universe'' release), Soundwave appears to be based on the running change Japanese version of the original figure, with a door that can only hold one cassette but still with the unified buttons.

:Stock photos show Buzzsaw packaged with the cassette detail facing inwards. He does not include a [[rubsign]] as ''Vintage G1'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Starscream]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Hot Rod]] do.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[File:MegaSCF buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|Can't move, but still finds a way to kill.]]
*'''Megatron Metallic Ver.''' (2002)
**''ID number:'' '''03-X1'''
:Exclusive to Hobby Expo 2002 and Wonderfest 2002, this PVC figurine of Buzzsaw came packaged with an exclusive metallic version of the ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Mega Super Collection Figure]]'' Megatron. It was redecoed from the Laserbeak included with the original mass-release version of Megatron.

::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/mega+scf/metallic+megatron+/2054 More information on Mega SCF Megatron and Buzzsaw at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{--}}
===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:Buzzsaw35A.jpg|thumb|Watch the card edges...they're microserrated.]]
*'''Buzzsaw, Spy''' (2019)
**'''Blaster vs. Soundwave: 35th Anniversary Edition'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T06/T08'''
**''Stars: ''5

:Buzzsaw, Spy was released in the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]] Blaster vs. Soundwave box set. The box also includes the character cards [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Communications, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], Communications, [[Eject (G1)|Eject]], Electronic Surveillance, [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]], Warrior, [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], Tracker, [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], Warrior, and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Saboteur, along with two ready to play 40 card battle decks themed around both Blaster and Soundwave.

:In order to represent Buzzsaw's size as a [[Mini-Cassette]], the card is the same size as a battle card, about half the size of a standard character card.

:The first release of this set was a 35th Anniversary Edition was initially released at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2019 alongside the TCG's [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] Convention Pack, and later available online on [[Hasbro Pulse]]. The 35th Anniversary Edition features throwback artwork, with the original G1 Buzzsaw packaging art on the Bot Mode side, and original artwork matching the G1 packaging art aesthetic for Alt Mode. This original Alt Mode artwork was drawn by [[Marcelo Matere]] and colored by [[Caravan]].
{{-}}
[[File:BvSBuzzsaw.jpg|thumb|Even with an attack stat of zero in cassette mode, he'll still find a way to destroy you.]]
*'''Buzzsaw, Spy''' (2019)
**'''Blaster vs. Soundwave'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T06/T08'''
**''Stars: ''5

:This version of Buzzsaw, Spy was released as part of the general retail version of the Transformers Trading Card Game Blaster vs. Soundwave box set.

:Gameplay-wise the card is identical to the 35th Anniversary Edition of the set, and features different artwork reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile game.
{{-}}
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

Buzzsaw (G1)/toys

2021-04-25T02:13:18Z

GlamAttack: /* Vintage G1 */

{{suite}}

[[File:G1 boxart Buzzsaw.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Own your very own murderbird today.]]

'''Buzzsaw''' is the most awesome cassette Transformer! He may kill your wallet funds.

{{TOCclear}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1toy-Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The hook at the end of his beak is so that when he punctures you, you can't just yank him out. You'll rip off a wad of flesh.]]
*'''Soundwave And Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw''' (Decepticon Communicator, 1984/1985/1986/1990)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons"

:Coming only with the [[Hasbro]] release of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] (the Japanese version had [[Rumble (G1)/toys|Rumble]] instead), Buzzsaw transforms from a microcassette to a robotic condor. His cassette mode can fit into the tape compartment of the Soundwave and [[Blaster (G1)/toys|Blaster]] toys. Unlike the other four original Mini-Cassettes, Buzzsaw's deco is unique to the Transformer line rather than originating from ''[[Micro Change]]''. In 1985, a heat-activated [[rubsign]] was added to his cassette mode front; unlike other toys, this did ''not'' replace his existing Decepticon [[insignia]], located on his head.

:Buzzsaw (and Soundwave) were rereleased in Australia in their original packaging in 1990.

:This mold was also used to make [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys|Laserbeak]], [[Garboil (G1)#Collector's Edition|Garboil]], and [[Sundor#Encore|Sundor]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Buzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Japan}}
[[File:G1toy vsz set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I'm not trapped in this box with you guys...you guys are trapped in this box with ME."]]
*'''Sunstreaker & Skids vs Buzzsaw''' (Multi-pack, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VSZ'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:Despite the Japanese cassettes being available singly in Japan, rather than in double-packs as in Hasbro markets, Buzzsaw apparently didn't warrant a solo release, and instead came in a multi-pack with [[Skids (G1)#Generations|Skids]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]]. Like most Japanese cassettes (and all future Japanese releases of Buzzsaw), he came with a clear-plastic tape case to be "stored" in.

{{-}}{{anchor|Headmasters}}
[[File:Buzzsawg1toycondor.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Fort Max's weakpoint may be his shoulder, but Buzzsaw always goes straight for the eyes.]]
*'''Soundblaster w/ Buzzsaw''' (Decepticon, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-106'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:During ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (toyline)|Headmasters]]'', Buzzsaw saw re-release as a pack-in with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#SoundblasterG1|Soundblaster]]. This version replaces the tape-spool decal with a new sticker featuring [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]]'s weak spot, revealed through the clear-red tape-doors of the Soundblaster and [[Blaster (G1)/toys#TwincastG1|Twincast]] toys. Soundblaster himself is given the ID number "D-101", while Buzzsaw is separately labelled as "D-106".

{{-}}{{anchor|Linkin}}
[[File:LPBuzzsawLaserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I remember black skies, the lightning all around me]]
*'''Transformers Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition''' ([[September 23]], 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right "Twin Mortor Cannons", tape case
:[[Linkin Park]] Buzzsaw is a gold and ... also gold [[redeco]] of Laserbeak. He's packaged with Linkin Park gold redecoes of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Linkin|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ravage]], [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ratbat]] and Laserbeak (to whom he is completely identical) on a flocked-purple plastic tray inside a special commemorative box. He has no stickers, factory-applied or otherwise. Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition was exclusive to [http://www.suru-la.com SURU] and limited to 2000 pieces.
{{-}}

===The Transformers Collection===
[[File:G1toy TFC buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Every time Soundblaster tries to put down Buzzsaw, he loses a body part.]]
*'''Soundblaster w/ Buzzsaw and Ravage''' (Transformers Collection, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''18'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:The ''Headmasters'' version of Buzzsaw was included in the Soundblaster reissue, though this time the duo also came with a similarly-sticker-altered version of [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]].
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:Buzzsawtimelinestoy.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Sure, it seems like an improvement, but he still has to pick everything up in his jaws.]]
*'''Laserbeak and Buzzsaw''' (bagged souvenir set, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Left & right energon blades, Energon star

:A [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Divebomb (Energon)#Toys|Divebomb]] mold, Buzzsaw gains a humanoid mode along with his robot-falcon form. He came with a set of clear-indigo [[energon weapon]]s that could combine to form a large blade, plus an indigo [[energon star]]. He was available only in a "souvenir" 2-piece set with [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|Laserbeak]], sold at [[BotCon 2006]], and limited to 500 pieces.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Predacon/BCBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on BotCon 2006 Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Universe2008toy soundwave.jpg|thumb|There was supposed to be another cassette included. But Buzzsaw killed it.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2009)
**''Series'': '''G1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons"

:In 2009, Buzzsaw was included with yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, this time as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive that was prominently offered at San Diego Comic-Con 2009. Included were his weapons and his own cassette case.
{{-}}

===Encore===
[[File:G1toy encore cassettes1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|By the time you open this package, he'll have torn all the other cassettes into pieces.]]
*'''Great Cassette Operation''' (2009)
**''Encore number'': '''15'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "Twin Mortar Cannons", tape case

:As part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' [[Generation 1 reissues|Generation 1 reissue]] line, Buzzsaw was released along with [[Rewind (G1)#Encore|Rewind]], [[Eject (G1)#Encore|Eject]], and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Encore|Ravage]]. Unlike most ''Encore'' figures, he features no significant differences from his various previous releases.

:In 2014, Buzzsaw and the rest of the Cassettes were re-released as a lucky draw prize (along with the other 2 box sets) for the ''Transformers Celebration 2014'' event held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City store's Toys"R"Us, though this was very likely to be remaining stock.
{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[File:MPtoy-Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Whose bright idea was it to give this murderer more articulation??]]
*'''Frenzy & Buzzsaw''' ([[2013]]-[[March 23|03-23]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-16'''
**''Accessories:'' Pink tape case

: A [[repaint]] of ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Condor]], Buzzsaw features a very different transformation sequence that gives him a fully show-accurate design, with his jet thrusters no longer being separate accessories, all while transforming into a mini-cassette the same size as his Generation 1 toy, although he cannot fit in the original Soundwave toy's chest cavity. He has a camera hidden on a small flip-up tab on his head (based on the camera Condor used in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''), and comes with a pink case which can be used to store him in tape mode. He is packaged with [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Frenzy]], even if we thought [[:File:Buzzsawyikes1.jpg|he wouldn't hang with him anymore.]] Care should be taken when transforming this figure, particularly around the jet thrusters, as both the arms connecting the thrusters to the main body, as well as the winglets on top of thrusters are prone to breakage.
{{MPSoundwaveMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|HasbroMasterpiece}}
[[File:TRU Masterpiece Soundwave-Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Primus knows what kind of "homemade movies" he records with that camera...]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2013)
**'''09 OF 30'''
**''ID number:'' '''MP-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Clear tape case

:Included with the [[Hasbro]] [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive version of ''Masterpiece'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Soundwave]], Buzzsaw features a slightly brighter, less orange-yellow shade of yellow paint, and comes with a clear version of his micro-cassette case.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/MPBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on ''Masterpiece'' Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Generations===
====Platinum Edition====
{{anchor|YOTGSoundwave}}
*'''Soundwave Year Of The Goat Edition''' ([[2014]]-[[March 23|03-23]])

::*''[http://tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/PlatinumBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on Year of the Goat Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{Charstubtoys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWLegends}}

====Combiner Wars====
[[File:CWLegendsBuzzsaw.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|He will kill you AS a forklift. If he hasn't already.]]
*'''Buzzsaw''' (Legends, 2016)

:Part of the fifth wave of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] [[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' subline imprint, Buzzsaw is an all-new mold that turns into both a communicator and a small forklift-like vehicle. The forklift mode features a peg intended for use with a [[Titan Master]] figure, and the communicator mode can connect with certain Leader-class figures from the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' subline imprint, such as [[Blaster (G1)/toys#TitansReturn|Blaster]]. However, Buzzsaw predated the debut of that subline by several months, making him function as a "preview" of sorts for the future line. His stickers are prone to coming off at the edges, particularly in the areas that require transformation such as the wings.

:His headphone jack can actually accommodate headphones!

:This figure was redecoed into ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#TitansReturn|Laserbeak]] and ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' [[Buzzsaw (ROTF)#Toys|Buzzsaw]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWBuzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
[[File:KreO-Toy C84accessories.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.85|Buzzsaw doesn't need to transform to kill you. This time, all he needs is for you to step on him.]]
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''B0090'''

: A brick version of Buzzsaw's cassette mode was available as an accessory in a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014 [[exclusive]] pack of 30 Kreons dubbed the "[[Kreon Class of 1984]]". Remaining stock was to be sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online, only there ''was'' no remaining stock after the show.

{{-}}

===Vintage G1===
*'''Soundwave & Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw''' (June 2019)
**''Accessories'': Buzzsaw, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, [[concussion weapon|concussion blaster]]
[[File:VintageG1-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|He doesn't need a rubsign to brutally dismember you.]]
:''[[Vintage G1]]'' "Condor Cassette Buzzsaw", a [[Walmart]]-exclusive reissue of the [[#Generation 1|Generation 1 toy]], is included with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Soundwave]]. Like most other reissues (including Hasbro's previous ''Universe'' release), Soundwave appears to be based on the running change Japanese version of the original figure, with a door that can only hold one cassette but still with the unified buttons.

:Stock photos show Buzzsaw packaged with the cassette detail facing inwards. He does not include a [[rubsign]] as ''Vintage G1'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Starscream]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Hot Rod]] do.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[File:MegaSCF buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|Can't move, but still finds a way to kill.]]
*'''Megatron Metallic Ver.''' (2002)
**''ID number:'' '''03-X1'''
:Exclusive to Hobby Expo 2002 and Wonderfest 2002, this PVC figurine of Buzzsaw came packaged with an exclusive metallic version of the ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Mega Super Collection Figure]]'' Megatron. It was redecoed from the Laserbeak included with the original mass-release version of Megatron.

::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/mega+scf/metallic+megatron+/2054 More information on Mega SCF Megatron and Buzzsaw at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{--}}
===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:Buzzsaw35A.jpg|thumb|Watch the card edges...they're microserrated.]]
*'''Buzzsaw, Spy''' (2019)
**'''Blaster vs. Soundwave: 35th Anniversary Edition'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T06/T08'''
**''Stars: ''5

:Buzzsaw, Spy was released in the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]] Blaster vs. Soundwave box set. The box also includes the character cards [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], Communications, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], Communications, [[Eject (G1)|Eject]], Electronic Surveillance, [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]], Warrior, [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], Tracker, [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], Warrior, and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Saboteur, along with two ready to play 40 card battle decks themed around both Blaster and Soundwave.

:In order to represent Buzzsaw's size as a [[Mini-Cassette]], the card is the same size as a battle card, about half the size of a standard character card.

:The first release of this set was a 35th Anniversary Edition was initially released at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2019 alongside the TCG's [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] Convention Pack, and later available online on [[Hasbro Pulse]]. The 35th Anniversary Edition features throwback artwork, with the original G1 Buzzsaw packaging art on the Bot Mode side, and original artwork matching the G1 packaging art aesthetic for Alt Mode. This original Alt Mode artwork was drawn by [[Marcelo Matere]] and colored by [[Caravan]].
{{-}}
[[File:BvSBuzzsaw.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Buzzsaw, Spy''' (2019)
**'''Blaster vs. Soundwave'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T06/T08'''
**''Stars: ''5

:This version of Buzzsaw, Spy was released as part of the general retail version of the Transformers Trading Card Game Blaster vs. Soundwave box set.

:Gameplay-wise the card is identical to the 35th Anniversary Edition of the set, and features different artwork reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile game.
{{-}}
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

Buzzsaw (G1)

2021-04-25T02:10:51Z

GlamAttack: /* Marvel The Transformers comics */

{{disambig3|Buzzsaw}}
{{featured}}
{{factions|decepticon|predacon|deceptihog|mercenary}}
{{suite}}
:''Buzzsaw is a [[Decepticon]] or [[Mercenary]] [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassette]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:G1BuzzsawJapaneseArt.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|He hovers [[Furmanism|like some vast, predatory bird]]—if vast, predatory birds struck out in sudden, frightening death from above over and over and over, with no escape.]]
'''Buzzsaw''' is a very ''specific'' kind of artist—he likes to make art out of ''his victims''. He approaches them with reasoned clarity and sophistication, gutting them with what he believes to be inspirational precision. However, his ego is easily wounded, and he's not adept at improvisation. If one of his "masterpieces" is interrupted and he cannot proceed as planned, he would rather retreat to sulk than rethink his approach.

He will kill you. It's not a matter of ''if'', but a matter of where, when, and how painful it is.

{{quote|My bite is worse than my bark.|Buzzsaw's [[bio]] quote.}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7|Seen here in a rare non-homocidal mood. Well, relatively non-homocidal, at least.]]
Buzzsaw was among [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s attack party which ambushed the [[Autobot]]s aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], crashing on [[Earth]] 4 million years ago. When the Autobots and Decepticons were revived in [[1984]], Buzzsaw was given the [[alternate mode]] of a gold cassette tape. As Megatron gave a roll call to determine who had survived the crash, Buzzsaw noted that his beak "has carved many an Autobot warrior into a masterpiece of scrap metal." {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[File:Buzzsawlaststand.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Sweet Primus!]]
The Decepticons soon attacked [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] to use as material to build a [[Fortress Sinister|new headquarters]], and Buzzsaw was able to fly through its reinforced concrete walls as if they were paper. It was discovered that the [[human]] ally of the Autobots, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], might know of a way to convert Earth fuel into a form Transformers could use, and so Buzzsaw and the Decepticons led an attack on [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service|his auto repair shop]]. Though [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] scored a direct hit on Buzzsaw, he was able to return with his fellow Decepticons to their base with Sparkplug. {{storylink|Power Play!}} The human military surrounded the Decepticons' headquarters, and Megatron ordered his warriors to "greet" them. Buzzsaw happily cut through the wings of the fighter jets while disparaging their primitive technology. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''When [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] fired upon his teammate [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] for eavesdropping on his plot to overthrow Megatron, Buzzsaw was among the Decepticons assembled to track the traitor down, seeking revenge on the Decepticon Air Commander.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} ''Though Starscream escaped being offed by his fellows, the Decepticons soon regrouped to attack the Ark. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] was the first casualty of the raid, which Buzzsaw quickly reported back to Megatron, but their battle was ended prematurely when [[Aunty|Auntie]], the Ark's computer system, magnetized the walls, immobilizing both factions.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}} Buzzsaw also traveled with the Decepticons to the [[United Kingdom]], where he and his teammates attempted to take control of the [[Man of Iron (Autobot)|Man of Iron]]'s ship. When [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] fired upon the ship, destroying it, the Decepticons could no longer take the ship and learn from it the location of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], so they left. Notably, in the battle against the Autobot's ship, Buzzsaw's attacks were [[:File:Arkshuttle2.jpg|visibly of greater power than his comrades...]] {{storylink|Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron}}

[[File:Buzzsawyikes2.jpg|left|upright=0.7|thumb|He shot Gears right in the face!]]
The Decepticons were successful in learning from Sparkplug Witwicky how to convert Earth fuel for themselves, and they attacked the Ark in force. The Autobots were weakened from their own lingering fuel problems, and Buzzsaw noticed that even [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] had trouble hitting him with a shot from his rifle. The Decepticons were clearly the imminent victors in this lopsided battle, and as Buzzsaw tore through the head of one of the final remaining Autobots, [[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]], the Decepticons declared victory. ...Or, they would have, if Sparkplug hadn't poisoned their fuel, causing the Decepticons to stumble over themselves in pain. It was only the surprise arrival of [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] that saved Buzzsaw and the others from certain defeat. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} Later, after Shockwave defeated Megatron in a one-on-one battle, Buzzsaw was among five Decepticons who were completely recovered from their injuries. Those five Decepticons (and Megatron) swore allegiance to Shockwave inside the Ark. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}}

[[File:Buzzsawyikes1.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Holy crap!]]
After Shockwave assumed command and set up shop at [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]], Buzzsaw would perch on Shockwave's shoulder and keep his unruly troops in line. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} Buzzsaw later accompanied [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] and most of the other cassette-tape Decepticons to aid their impostor Optimus Prime's ambush of the Autobots, though all of them were easily defeated once the real Optimus Prime was restored. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

Unlike the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], Soundwave, Buzzsaw, and the other animal cassettes remained more loyal to Megatron than to Shockwave, and so when the former Decepticon leader was discovered in a coal mine, they arrived swiftly to refuel and reclaim him. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} He and Laserbeak nonetheless continued to act as though still loyal to Shockwave, and joined him in trying to apprehend [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] for his own ends. They managed to isolate and chase down the Autobot scout, but had to abandon their pursuit when the rest of Optimus's troops caught up to them. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}} ''As Soundwave was also playing both sides in the Decepticons' struggle for leadership, he had Buzzsaw spy for him on the Autobots when he was away from his regular post, so that he could pretend he was personally looking into Autobot-related matters whenever questioned about his absences.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}} One of Megatron's first acts upon returning to the Decepticons was to send Buzzsaw and Laserbeak to retrieve Starscream, [[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]]. However, he got an irritating surprise when Shockwave decided to accompany the jets. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

[[File:Buzzsawyikes3.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Aieee!]]
Megatron next ordered an attack on the Ark while seemingly all of the Autobots were performing an attack of their own on the Decepticon base, and he took the Seekers and most of the cassette Decepticons with him. Unfortunately, the Ark was now defended by the newly-built [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. All of the attacking Decepticons except for Laserbeak and Megatron were obliterated. Buzzsaw's destroyed body was kept in storage within the Ark for several years. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

Buzzsaw's body and the others destroyed by Omega Supreme were lifted from the Ark by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] while the rest of the Decepticons (now under leadership of [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]) ambushed the Autobots on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

[[File:Buzzsawyikes4.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Run for your freakin' lives!]]
The Decepticons relocated to the Arctic, where an invasion alert prompted them to scramble out to meet their enemies. However, their visitors turned out to be another group of Decepticons, this one led by [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]. A civil war erupted between the two groups when it was discovered that Ratbat was withholding information on the [[Underbase]]. During the battle, Buzzsaw brutally (and literally) disarmed [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]]. {{storylink|Cold War!}} However, it was discovered that the civil war had been instigated by Starscream to distract from his own intentions for the Underbase. The Autobots also showed up, as part of Starscream's diversion, and the two Decepticon armies teamed up to destroy them. Just before strafing [[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Swoop]], Buzzsaw cannon-blasted Omega Supreme. However, he had little time to celebrate what may be the single most lop-sided takedown in Transformers history, as he was destroyed by the Underbase-powered Starscream soon afterwards. {{storylink|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:Buzzsaw loose ends 2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Oh great, now we gotta worry about ''zombie'' Buzzsaw.]]
After his death during the Underbase affair, Buzzsaw's remains were among the many gathered up by the Autobots and stored aboard the Ark. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 3}} After the vessel crashed back to Earth in [[1991]], Megatron used the medical and scientific knowledge he gained through his mental link with [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] to re-animate Buzzsaw and the other fallen Decepticons as lobotomized [[zombie]] "Ex-Bots", with which he laid waste to the Earth over the following twenty-one years.

When the Autobot [[Wrecker]]s came to Earth to investigate in [[2012]], Buzzsaw and the other zombies were charged with tracking them down, but were led away from the main group by [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] running interference. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 2}} [[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] was subsequently captured for use as bait to lure in the other Wreckers, and Buzzsaw and his former flying partner Laserbeak took part in ambushing them, blowing big holes in [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 4}} When [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Circuit Smasher]] shut down the [[Aunty|Ark's computer]], the signal animating the zombies cut out, and they all returned to death. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 5}} After Megatron's defeat, all of the deactivated zombies were piled into a large pit by the Autobots and obliterated from orbit. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part One}}
{{-}}

====Recordicons====
Disagreeing with [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]'s assertion that he was the most fearsome of all the Recordicons, Buzzsaw frightened him so much he let out a shriek. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 22|''Recordicons'' #22}} [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and Buzzsaw decided [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] had gone crazy when he shared his theory about [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s whereabouts. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 24|Recordicons #24}}

====''Transformers '84''====
Alongside his fellow cassettes, Buzzsaw was at the forefront of the boarding party that attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] in flight. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Chris Latta]] (English)}}
[[File:Buzzsawcityofsteel.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|There's nowhere to hide!]]
Buzzsaw first saw duty on Earth during the Decepticon plot to transform [[New York City]] into [[New Cybertron]], appearing with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] to strafe [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] on the roof of the Constructicons' newly constructed skyscraper. {{storylink|City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel}} Later, the twin cassette condors located the energy-rich underwater city of [[Sub-Atlantica]] for [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], leading to an alliance between the Decepticons and King [[Nergill]] to conquer [[Washington, D.C.]]. Buzzsaw helped the [[Sub-Atlantica]]ns capture the Autobot [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] when he was investigating the situation. His luck didn't hold out when the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] came to occupied Washington, though: [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] outflew Buzzsaw and Laserbeak, shooting them down with air-to-air missiles. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}
[[File:TIS laserbeak and buzzsaw.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|left|There's nowhere to run!]]
When the Decepticons teamed up with the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] to take the [[Nova Power Plant]], [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] unleashed Buzzsaw and Laserbeak on [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. Laserbeak was quickly shot down, but Buzzsaw managed to avoid the Autobots' laser fire and flew off. Later, he lost control of his faculties when [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] used his [[cerebro-shell]]s to turn the Decepticons against Megatron, before their fearless leader could turn against them. He was presumably restored with the others when Bombshell's excess power was negated. {{storylink|The Insecticon Syndrome}} Soon thereafter, Buzzsaw took part in the Decepticons' attempt to capture the [[Negavator]], trapping Autobots inside their command bunker with a pile of rubble so [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] could steal the weapon. Eventually, however, the Autobots got free and the Decepticons were driven away. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Black Body''=====
Buzzsaw spied on the Autobots as they developed a "[[black body]]" coating for absorbing energy. Thanks to him, the data necessary to recreate the coating was transferred to Starscream's Idaho base. He also switched the Autobot's data on the black body coating with counterfeit data created by Starscream, causing Optimus to be wracked with excruciating pain when upgraded. Buzzsaw then slipped away. {{storylink|Black Body}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[File:JHeadmasters02BuzzsawLaserbeak.jpg|thumb|right|Unfortunately, you're more likely to die of boredom than Buzzsaw in ''Headmasters''.]]
In the year [[2011]], Buzzsaw accompanied Soundwave on his mission to search Earth for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]], joining Laserbeak in attacking [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] when the young Autobot got in their way. When [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] intervened, a fierce battle ensued that resulted in the death of both communications officers. Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] gathered Soundwave's scattered remains and took them back to the Decepticon base on [[Chaar]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} There, the technology of planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], courtesy of Decepticon [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] commander [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], was used to rebuild Soundwave into Soundblaster, much to Buzzsaw and the others cassettes' joy. Soon after, Twincast—the similarly-rebuilt form of Blaster—and his cassettes arrived on Chaar to stop Soundblaster's remote control of the newest Decepticon weapon, the [[Madmachine]], and Buzzsaw, Laserbeak and Ratbat barred his way. [[Eject (G1)|Eject]], [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]], [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]], and [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] kept the tapes busy while Blaster progressed on to complete his mission. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Later, Buzzsaw took part in a spy mission to Cybertron, which uncovered that [[Vector Sigma]] was producing a new alloy named [[cybertonuron]]. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} Later still, after the new spy [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]] had joined the Decepticon ranks, Buzzsaw joined the other cassettes in grousing about how they were all being shown up by the new guy. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}
{{-}}

=====''The Headmasters'' manga=====
Buzzsaw and the rest of the cassettes gathered over a comically-defeated Soundblaster (at the hands of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]) as [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] announced his intent to defect from the Decepticons and travel the universe. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8|The Headmasters #8}}

====''Wings Universe''====
Buzzsaw was part of the second group of [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Recordicons]] created along with Ravage, following the original Laserbeak. He was altered from a normal Cybertronic [[Cryo-Condor]] to a full [[Transformer]] capable of changing into a standard [[Datatrax wafer]]. {{storylink|The Transformers Menagerie issue 1|Menagerie #1}}

===Marvel coloring books===
[[File:BattleAtOilValley SlagVSBuzzsaw.jpg|upright=0.9|left|thumb|"Kill it with fire" is Slag's default, but also the appropriate response to Buzzsaw.]]
Buzzsaw was amongst the Decepticons who attacked the Hoover Dam. {{storylink|The Deadly Fuel Shortage}}

Either Buzzsaw or Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who took over the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. He retreated with the rest of the Decepticons after being driven out by the Autobots. {{storylink|A Message From Outer Space}} Either Buzzsaw or Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who fell for [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]'s illusion and wasted all his ammunition attacking a fake Autobot base before being driven off by the Autobots again. {{storylink|Bumblebee's Dangerous Mission}}

Buzzsaw joined Galvatron on his planned assault on [[Oil Valley]]. Once there, the Decepticons detected nearby Autobot activity, and went to engage their foes. In the following fight, Buzzsaw got hit by a blast of [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s fiery breath before being chased off by Swoop. {{storylink|Battle at Oil Valley}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
[[File:FightForPower Buzzsaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|He Stoops To Dismember]]
Impatient at the lack of progress in collecting energy, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] has Soundwave eject Buzzsaw to search further afield. He managed to detect something of interest just outside the 500 mile range he'd been ordered to stick to, so he returned to base to report. It later turned out to be an experimental solar power plant. {{storylink|Megatron's Fight for Power}}

===The Battle for Planet Earth===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
When [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] reported on the Autobot expedition to [[South America]], Buzzsaw was one of the Decepticons [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] took with him to investigate. They soon found [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s team, though Buzzsaw wondered why they were looking into the [[Mount Sheelah|strange hollow mountain]]. The Decepticons attacked their foe, but were forced to land on the other side of the crater, where they kept firing until the Autobots retreated. The reason for the retreat soon became clear, as the volcano erupted, trapping Buzzsaw and the other Decepticons in lava, where they remained while Laserbeak went back to base for help. {{storylink|Terror of Mount Sheelah}}
{{-}}

===''Big Looker'' storybooks===
[[File:DecepticonHijack decepticon distraction.jpg|left|thumb|''You're next!'']]
Buzzsaw was part of a particularly ferocious battle that left both Autobots and Decepticon badly damaged and low on fuel. Following the fight's end, Buzzsaw was among the airborne Decepticons who used what little strength they had left to buzz the Autobots' headquarters, intending to distract them from the hijack of an oil truck that their fellow Decepticons were carrying out nearby. The plan was foiled by space-borne Autobot [[Shooting Star]], who clued the Autobots into the deception. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}
{{-}}

===Find Your Fate Junior===
{{notemultipath}}

====Battle Drive====
Buzzsaw was one of the many Decepticons Megatron led to a cave in the mountains. Within hid the Autobots' ally, Sparkplug Witwicky, with schematics detailing a fatal flaw in the Decepticons' circuitry. When Swoop attacked the group, every Decepticon present attacked the Dinobot simultaneously.

In the event that Swoop successfully destroyed Megatron, Buzzsaw and the rest of the Decepticons were defeated by the Autobots.

In the event that Swoop fled the battlefield, Buzzsaw was one of the Decepticons that did not pursue him, and instead remained at the cave. If Swoop later returned with Autobot reinforcements, Buzzsaw was forced into a retreat along with the rest of the Decepticons.

In a completely different possible sequence of events, Buzzsaw was part of a massive Decepticon army that Megatron led against the squadron of Autobots that had walked into a Decepticon trap

In the event that Optimus decided to keep his squadron together, Buzzsaw, alongside Soundwave, Laserbeak and Frenzy, were the first Decepticons that attempted to attack the Autobots. Although they were initially ineffective at stopping the Autobots, the second wave of Decepticons managed to prevent the Autobots from reaching a safe refuge, and promptly destroyed them. {{storylink|Battle Drive}}

====Attack of the Insecticons====
[[File:AttackoftheInsecticonsAlloutbrawl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Looming over the battle, like some vast, predatory... oh, did that bit already.]]
In one possible adventure, the Decepticons had managed to steal the Sun-Pak, a device that could power Cybertronians for a full day after being charged in the sun for an hour. The device was in the process of being charged when the Autobots attacked Decepticon headquarters in order to retrieve the device. In a ploy to prevent the device from charging further, Smokescreen created a cloud of smog to blot out the sun, prompting Megatron to toss the device to Buzzsaw to bypass the cloud of smoke. Megatron's pass was intercepted by Optimus however, who then retreated with the device in hand. Not the greatest moment in Buzzsaw's career. {{storylink|Attack of the Insecticons}}
{{-}}

====Earthquake====
[[File:EarthquakeBeachcomberdisassembled.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Fight Buzzsaw? Turn to page 2. Buzzsaw kills you. The End. Hide from Buzzsaw? Turn to page 3. Buzzsaw kills you. The End.]]
In one possible sequence of events, Buzzsaw was given the pleasure of executing Windcharger and Powerglide, two Autobot spies who had infiltrated the Decepticons’ secret fortress. Megatron ordered Buzzsaw to carry out a particularly ghastly execution for the two Autobots.

In another possible sequence of events, Mirage and Beachcomber had snuck into the Decepticons’ secret fortress, and using Mirage's holographic powers, tricked Buzzsaw into thinking the fortress was overrun by an Autobot army. Panicking, Buzzsaw headed to the Decepticons’ laboratory which contained the Destruction Beam, the device on which the Decepticons’ latest plot hinged upon. The two Autobots followed Buzzsaw, then overpowered him and destroyed the device. Not Buzzsaw's proudest moment.

In a final possible path, wherein Beachcomber attempted to enter the Decepticons’ fortress by himself through the front door, he was jumped by Buzzsaw who immediately tore into Beachcomber. Buzzsaw was helped by Scrapper into disassembling the Autobot into a pile of spare parts. {{storylink|Earthquake (book)|Earthquake}}
{{-}}

====Desert Flight====
Buzzsaw was part of a Decepticon deployment stationed in a desert base. The Decepticons plotted to lure the Autobots in a trap through the use of an anti-gravity beam. Using the beam on a nearby human settlement, the Autobots would be duped into coming to the fleshliness’ rescue, only to be themselves trapped by the effects of the beam.

If the Autobots fell into the Decepticons’ trap, Buzzsaw, alongside Thrust, Dirge, and Ramjet would swoop down upon their helpless prey for the kill. The Autobots destroyed, they would then turn off their gravity weapon, and force the townsfolk to drill oil to fuel the Decepticon army.

If the Autobots bypassed the anti-gravity field, Buzzsaw was part of the squad that intercepted the Autobot convoy headed for the Decepticon base.

In a completely different possible sequence of events, Dirge and Buzzsaw captured Cosmos when he attempted to investigate the Decepticons’ base on his own. The pair then brought their captive before Megatron.

In a completely different possible sequence of events, Thrust, Dirge, Buzzsaw and a small squadron of other Decepticons spotted a squadron of Autobots driving towards the Decepticon base. The Autobots, in a disadvantageous position as they had no weapons in their vehicle modes, were easy pickings for Buzzsaw and the others.

In one possible ensuing scenario, the Autobots were able to create cover for themselves with their exhaust fumes, allowing them the time to transform and fight back. In one possible scenario that followed, Cosmos then shot Dirge out of the sky, forcing the rest of the Decepticons to retreat back to their base. {{storylink|Desert Flight}}
{{-}}

===Frito-Lay posters===
[[Image:BitDesertValley.jpg|center|upright=4.7|thumb]]
Buzzsaw was amongst a squad of Decepticons who attempted to get to the power source within [[Sherman Dam|Boulder Dam]]. While Megatron dueled Optimus, Buzzsaw joined Starscream, Ravage and Soundwave in an attack formation. The Decepticons were ultimately unsuccessful in gathering the data they were after. {{storylink|Battle in the Desert Valley}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
[[File:DarkAges-Buzzsaw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Sir Not-Appearing-in-This-Story]]
Buzzsaw was part of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s Decepticon faction during the [[Dark Ages]]. {{Storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|The Dark Ages}}

''Buzzsaw was involved with Starscream's occupation of the human city, [[Las Vegas]]. Presumably, he came in under Soundwave's direction. The Decepticons initially worked closely with the Las Vegas Police Department, with Buzzsaw and Laserbeak serving as "watchbirds" to keep an optic open for any unlawful activity in the city limits. Buzzsaw even served as a passive deterrent when necessary, divebombing a hold-up artist named [[Bernie Kalus]] before he could enter the convenience store he had targeted. {{storylink|Transformers: Hardwired|Hardwired}} Later on, after the Autobots had invaded Las Vegas, Buzzsaw tried to eliminate [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and a wounded Bumblebee, but was chased off the hunt when Optimus Prime got involved in the skirmish. When Megatron and Starscream divvyed up the Decepticon forces, Buzzsaw somehow managed to be on BOTH factions simultaneously. In the final fight with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]] in Las Vegas, he joined [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], Laserbeak and the Autobot flyer named [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] in performing aerial assaults on the alien beings. {{storylink|Transformers: Annihilation|Annihilation}} Several days later, Buzzsaw and the Decepticons joined the Autobots again in defending against an ambush by the American military in the Nevada desert. The Army had reverse-engineered some Cybertronian technology to create the [[deconstructionite]]s, microchip-sized projectile sprays that drained the Transformers of their processing power on contact. Buzzsaw caught heavy flak in the first salvo, and quickly found himself unable to fly. He was dragged to safety by Megatron himself, but was left incapacitated for some time thereafter. {{storylink|Transformers: Fusion|Fusion}}''
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[File:Decepticons art of war issue 4.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The Decepticons are not running ''into'' battle. They are running ''away'' from Buzzsaw.]]
Buzzsaw was part of the army of Decepticons that surrounded [[Teletran 3]] while several of the building's inhabitants were thrown into various Earth historical periods. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2}}

Buzzsaw was seen again on Cybertron as part of [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]'s invading forces, assaulting an Autobot peace ceremony alongside [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}} He was later part of a Decepticon force preparing to fight off a major Autobot-[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] assault. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[File:Laserbeakbuzzsawdawn.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|T-REX, WE PUT OUR MINDS TO IT AND TAUGHT OURSELVES ENGLISH!]]
At the end of the Great War, most Decepticons who were granted amnesty simply retired and vanished from public life. So too would have been the fate of Buzzsaw if not for the intervention of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]. Divebomb granted Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] a new lease on life, rebuilding them into members of the new faction of Predacons. {{storylink|Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Laserbeak profile card}}

The Predacon [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] was closely watched by Divebomb, who sent Laserbeak and Buzzsaw to ensure Megatron and his rogues reached their destination. [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|Their ship]] intercepted the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', pummeling it with missiles. Before it could come back for another pass, it was fired upon by the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', giving the ''Axalon'' enough time to restore enough power to return fire and completely destroy Laserbeak and Buzzsaw's ship, with the pair inside. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

====''Recordicons''====
Buzzsaw was in a bar with Laserbeak when the bartender misspelled Laserbeak's name. Buzzsaw prepared himself to hear another rant. {{storylink|Recordicons#Recordicons #16|Recordicons #16}}
{{-}}

===''Lil Formers''===
Buzzsaw was one of the absurd amount of minions Soundwave ejected out of his chest, all in a row, in preparation for a fight. {{storylink|Lil Formers}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Megatron Origin issue 2|''Megatron Origin'' #2]]; [[All Hail Megatron issue 6|''Transformers: All Hail Megatron'' #6]] (modern era)

[[File:MegatronOrigin2-LaserbeakBuzzsawFastback.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|It's a birdemic! WHO WILL SURVIVE??]]
Because of their animal bodies, Buzzsaw and his pals, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]], were treated as second-class citizens in Cybertron's pre-war [[Functionism|functionist]] society. One day after having run a thankless errand for the oppressive [[Senate]], the trio ran into a lost and confused 'bot named [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], whom they befriended and accepted into their group. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} After a stint spent at the [[Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology|J.A.A.T]] learning to manage his [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] abilities, Soundwave was assigned as a supervisor of a mine on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]], with Buzzsaw and the others accompanying him. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}} When Soundwave's unique mind-reading skill got him hired by Senator [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], Buzzsaw and the others came with him and were modified into cassettes able to store inside his chest. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}}

[[File:HuntforSoundwave-Buzzsawdenied.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.8|Orion preempts a potential bloodbath.]]
Buzzsaw and Laserbeak helped catch the Autobot spies [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] when Soundwave introduced himself to [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] on Ratbat's orders. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} When Soundwave and the cassettes learned that Megatron sought to tear down functionism and create a new equal society, they turned on Ratbat and joined Megatron's Decepticons. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} Buzzsaw later helped assassinate the Senate and free the captured Decepticons in their Trojan Horse play at [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}} Buzzsaw and Laserbeak watched as Soundwave met with [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], and [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] about [[Hefter]]'s murder. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}}

When Soundwave was ambushed by Orion Pax while fleeing from a failed infiltration attempt, he tried to eject Buzzsaw to aid him. Unfortunately for him, Orion smashed his torso in before he was able to. {{storylink|The Hunt for Soundwave}} Buzzsaw was among the Decepticons who rescued Orion Pax from destruction at [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]]'s hand. {{storylink|Choices}}

Four million years ago, Buzzsaw charged the Autobot position with Soundwave and a horde of Decepticons, in a vain attempt to keep them from interfering with an energon convoy headed for Megatron's troops. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[File:UneasyLiesTheHead-Buzzsaw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|A rare maiming that Buzzsaw was not responsible for.]]
During the modern-day invasion of Earth, Buzzsaw participated in the Decepticon attack on [[Beijing]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} When the invasion failed he escaped Earth onboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and was seen perched on Soundwave's shoulder while his master tended to their fallen leader, Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Uneasy Lies the Head}}

[[File:Buzzsaw Primus All Good Things.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|DEATH SQUAWKS AMONG YOU.]]
Buzzsaw was later among the Decepticons imprisoned on Cybertron and outfitted with [[inhibitor/deterrence chip]]s by the Autobots. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} He was part of a Cybertronian crowd recruited by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] to pressure [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] into revealing one of his secret discoveries below ground on Cybertron. Brought underground by [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]], they witnessed a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] declare that Starscream was the Cybertronian destined to unite their whole race. He and the other Cybertronians celebrated afterwards with Starscream. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}} When Megatron returned from a long absence, Buzzsaw and the rest of the Decepticons began rioting in celebration. {{storylink|The Verge}} Together with Laserbeak he herded [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and Metalhawk into Megatron's clutches before proceeding to participate in the conquest of Cybertron. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} When the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] joined the fight, the two bird-bots duked it out with [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

After losing the battle of Iacon, the Decepticons were exiled into the wilderness, where Soundwave made it their first priority to find and kill the deserter [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] refused and instead attacked the communications expert, causing Buzzsaw and the other cassettes to come to his aid. {{storylink|Shockpoint}} With the other Decepticons unwilling to follow him, Soundwave took only the cassettes with him to [[Crystal City]], where they fought Shockwave and his minion [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]. However, because of Shockwave's [[Ore-14]] repairing any damage done to either side, they soon realized the battle was going nowhere and returned to recruit the other Decepticons. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} They returned with both Decepticons and Autobots on their side and fought Shockwave again in a great battle, during which the cassettes battled a zombified Metalhawk. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} Buzzsaw was later among the fliers sent to stop Shockwave's [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]], {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} and as such got a good view of the zombie Titan getting punched in the face by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} Buzzsaw then helped Soundwave and the rest of the cassettes in fending off the [[Ammonite]]s when they began their assault on Cybertron. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} As the battle came to a close, Buzzsaw watched the ''[[Lost Light]]'' return from Crystal City. He was then among the massive crowd that greeted Optimus and Megatron upon their coming out. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

Buzzsaw was among those Decepticons who gathered under Soundwave and [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]], {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} and went with them back to Earth. After the group forged a partnership with the [[Earth Defense Command]], Buzzsaw participated in ambushing some newly arrived Autobots at the home of [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]], and blasted [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] with Laserbeak. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} Buzzsaw and the other Decepticons ended up chasing the fleeing Autobots to the town of [[Poverty Flat]], where they were met by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Buzzsaw was one of several fliers who opened fire on the combiner, but was soon swatted out of the sky. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:ONoffON-BuzzsawJimmy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|Most of Jimmy should survive.]]
Not long after, Buzzsaw was playing a card game with his fellow Decepticons when Galvatron offered them the chance to come along with him and pursue [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} In [[Tokyo]], Buzzsaw observed as Witwicky and his fellow human, [[Jimmy Pink]], were brought into his and the other Decepticons' waiting clutches by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} When [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] was knocked out of the sky by Galvatron after snatching Jimmy, Buzzsaw was there to catch the falling human. He later listened as Pink tried to explain the game of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon to him and his fellow Decepticons. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} As Devastator attacked [[Onyx]]'s [[Wanmu]] facility, Buzzsaw joined in trying to stop him. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati}}

[[File:SouthOfHeaven-BrawlLaserbeakBuzzsaw.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.1|Brawl should consider himself lucky if making those remarks is the only "cutting" Buzzsaw is doing.]]
Going along with Soundwave and others to check out the [[Sanctuary Station|Decepticon commune]], Buzzsaw had much fun with Laserbeak in making [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] the butt of their jokes. After Soundwave came back from checking out the station by himself, Buzzsaw complained about being stuck with Brawl and their human allies all day. {{storylink|South of Heaven}} During another stay at Sanctuary Station, Buzzsaw and Laserbeak made clear how unimpressed they were when the first group of newcomers from Cybertron included [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] and [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} Buzzsaw and Laserbeak then made fun of [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] when he came aboard the commune and found himself being held at gunpoint by several Decepticons after objecting to Soundwave and Galvatron's plans. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} Along with Laserbeak, Buzzsaw tried to cheer Soundwave up when he started to believe that Galvatron had made his dreams of the Decepticons living in peace impossible, reminding him of how they had got out of bad situations before, like their time in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]]. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}}

[[File:PrimelessPt2-Buzzsaw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|D'awww, murderbird DOES have feelin- '''''OH GAWWW-ARRRGH!!!''''']]
Buzzsaw and Laserbeak ridiculed Galvatron's having no allies after he failed to get Soundwave's help and had insulted them. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} Buzzsaw and Laserbeak made clear their scorn towards Thundercracker when he came to Sanctuary Station with Optimus, branding him a traitor. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}} They apparently had ''some'' affection for Cosmos, though. When he was injured chasing Galvatron near Sanctuary Station, the birds came out to pull him safely back into the commune. They still mocked him mercilessly, but they helped. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}} Laserbeak and Buzzsaw were seen on Sanctuary Station when Soundwave called looking for Cosmos. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}} When Cybertron came under attack by humans, the birds had differing opinions for once. Laserbeak rejected Cybertron for him treating him like nothing but a beast, cawing perhaps too loudly in defiance. But Buzzsaw still harbored a soft spot for his homeland, and hoped it would survive this latest attack. {{storylink|Primeless, Part 2}}

[[File:Unicron6 Buzzsaw Lives.jpg|thumb|180px|right|"Just because we won, I'm gonna let you keep that hand."]]
Either Buzzsaw or Laserbeak was on Cybertron and part of a crowd of Decepticons who confronted Starscream about possibly taking up the reigns of Decepticon leadership again. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}} Buzzsaw was back aboard Sanctuary Station when the [[Maximal]] Army led by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] approached it, heralding [[Unicron]]'s arrival in Earth's solar system. Cosmos told everyone to evacuate while he made a last stand to delay the attackers, but Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, and [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] decided to remain and help him. The quartet made a brief but meaningful counterattack before being overwhelmed by the Maximals. {{storylink|Road's End}} Although the other three perished at the hands of Bludgeon's armada, Buzzsaw survived and made his way to Earth, meeting up with Bumblebee, Arcee, and [[Aileron]] on the planet's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] following Unicron's demise. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

Now residing on Earth, Buzzsaw came upon a group of human poachers in [[Africa]] attempting to kill a herd of elephants that had been driven from their grazing lands by falling Unicron debris. Infuriated by the humans' greed and in the deceased Soundwave's name, Buzzsaw decided to intervene... ''lethally''. {{storylink|Post}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
Buzzsaw was part of the Decepticon/[[Cobra]] army gathered to oppose the Autobot/[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] alliance's final push. {{storylink|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 12|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #12}}

===''Star Trek vs. Transformers''===
Soundwave ejected Buzzsaw alongside the other cassettes during the Decepticon invasion of [[Kronos]]. The Decepticons were defeated by the combined forces of the Autobots, the [[Federation]], and the [[Klingon]]s and imprisoned on Kronos. {{storylink|Prime's Directive, Part Five}}

===''Transformers/Ghostbusters''===
[[File:GhostsOfCybertronPart5-cassettes.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Be 'fraid of at least one of these ghosts.]]
Buzzsaw was one of the few Decepticons who escaped [[Gozer]]'s destruction of Cybertron after [[Kremzeek]] transformed them into [[ghost]]s. A thousand years later, following the [[Ghostbusters]]' defeat of Kremzeek, Buzzsaw was ejected from Soundwave alongside Laserbeak and Ravage to deal with the humans. Reincarnated as grotesque, ectoplasm-spewing ghosts, the three Decepticons attacked [[Ray Stantz]] before being promptly dissipated when Soundwave was captured within a [[ghost trap]]. {{storylink|Ghosts of Cybertron Part 5}}
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon===
{{note|''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' is the ''only'' continuity thus far in which Buzzsaw is affiliated with the [[Mercenary|Mercenaries]], rather than the Decepticons like in the past.}}
A [[Mercenary]] under the command of [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]], Buzzsaw alerted his master that [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and Autobots [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and [[Cog (G1)|Cog]] were making off with some [[Energon]]. {{storylink|Siege episode 5}} Despite Soundblaster and his [[Dome Guard]]s, surrounding the Autobots, they were unable to stop them from escaping. {{storylink|Siege episode 6}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:WeHaveDecievedYou-InfiltrationTroopers.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]
Buzzsaw was one of the many infiltration troopers [[Clench (G1)|Clench]] deployed during the Decepticon attack on the [[Senate]]. They rushed [[Grotusque]] and [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and easily defeated them. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: We Have Deceived You|We Have Deceived You}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
When Optimus embarked on his mission to rescue the Autobots' [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] troops from the Decepticons, Buzzsaw could hinder Optimus Prime's progress, by stalling him and giving him a flat tire. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}

===''The Transformers'' (Commodore 64)===
Buzzsaw was among the Decepticons who tried to prevent the Autobots from recovering the scattered pieces of their [[Energon cube]]s. Created by the power of [[Robo-Cloning]], innumerable duplicate copies of Buzzsaw bedevilled the Autobots on their quest. {{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)|The Transformers}}

===Transformers Legends===
When humans unlocked the secrets of [[Gravitronic Energy]], Soundwave and his minions, Buzzsaw among them, attempted to take possession of the data, but were foiled by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. {{storylink|Box Trap}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
[[File:ABTFscreen AccessoryBuzzsaw.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.9|Use him, and you'll be an accessory as well... ''to murder''.]]
Buzzsaw is an "Accessory" character, giving Deceptihogs he's attached to an incendiary rounds effect to their weapon, quickly burning wood blocks and slowly sapping HP from struck-but-not-destroyed enemies. The burn effect can also cut through the "armored" pigs' defenses in Sparkruns. This bonus can be given increased power with upgrades won from random-prize Crates or in the "[[King Pig|Shockwave]]'s Tower" mini-game.

He can be unlocked by purchasing him with Gems in the Barracks, with Tokens during specific [[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)/Challenge Events|Challenge Events]], or won from Crates and [[King Pig|Shockwave]]'s Tower. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Deceptihog'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Gem Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="30%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|[[Moustache Pig#As Dead End|Dead End]]
|Head
|Epic
|???
| Incendiary Rounds
|
|-
|}
</center>
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Devastation''===
Buzzsaw aided Soundwave in his battles with the Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers: Devastation}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
Buzzsaw fought many battles against the Autobots. He can't speak Chinese. {{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
Buzzsaw - alongside Rumble, Laserbeak, and Frenzy - are minions released by Soundwave as the larger bot's special ability.

==Toys==
{{main|Buzzsaw (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
*Though Buzzsaw is portrayed as transforming into a normal audio cassette in the various fictions, his original toy was a ''micro''cassette. (Likewise, Soundwave's toy was a microcassette recorder, rather than the "stereo cassette deck" he's stated to be elsewhere.)
*Buzzsaw's scant appearances in the original animated series come as a result of a note in the [[production bible]] that says he should only "be used occasionally". This, presumably, is due to the fact that his toy was only available packaged with Soundwave, and hence did not need to be advertised via the show. Poor little guy didn't even get an individual bio in there. (No wonder he took it out on everybody.)
[[File:C64TransformersTitleScreen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Even Soundwave's chest is terrified of the guy.]]
*Buzzsaw could talk in the Marvel UK comics, as well as in some episodes of the Japanese ''Headmasters'' cartoon (where he even commented on how tired he is of seeing Scourge and Cyclonus always lick Galvatron's feet modules). In all media though, he certainly possesses normal Transformer intelligence.
*The title screen to Ocean's ''[[The Transformers (Commodore 64)|Transformers]]'' game for the Commodore 64 depicts either a Laserbeak or a Buzzsaw that is primarily red with gold wings. Get on it, [[e-HOBBY]]!
*At BotCon 2006, the signboards advertising the Laserbeak/Buzzsaw set incorrectly identified him as "Buzzclaw". This was the only place the error appeared.
*Buzzsaw is ''the'' coolest cassette. Don't ''even'' bother arguing.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Buzzsaw''' (バズソー ''Bazusō'')
*''French:'' '''Condor''' (Canada)
*''Hebrew:'' '''Zamzam''' (זמזם, "Buzzer")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Körfűrész'''
*''Italian:'' '''Micro'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jùchǐ Niǎo''' (锯齿鸟, "Sawtooth Bird")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Serrote''' (Portugal comics, "Handsaw"), '''Serra''' (Brazil comics, "Saw")
*''Russian:'' '''Lobzik''' (Лобзик, "Fretsaw")

[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Birds]]
[[Category:Deceptihogs]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Decepticons]]
[[Category:Regeneration One zombies]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege characters]]

Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-18T15:41:09Z

GlamAttack: /* Second Launch */

{{factions|autobot}}
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[[File:mtmte 50 chromedome's last wishes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What it's like being IDW Chromedome.]]
An ex-copper and quiet academic with burning passions, '''Chromedome''' falls easily in love and even more easily into really bad ideas and self destructive habits. But he can totally quit [[mnemosurgery]] any time, guys! He just has a ''reason'' why this one time, it's okay.

He's [[Conjunx Endura]] with [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]. Deep down, Chromedome's sure Rewind would leave him for [[Dominus Ambus|his previous partner]].

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|''Transformers vol. 1'' #24]]

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===A scientist before the war===
[[File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|In addition to neuroscience, his other interests include funny cat GIFs and ''[[Sherlock Holmes|Sherlock]]'' slashfic.]]
'''Tumbler of Iacon''' was [[Reproduction|constructed cold]] long before he adopted the name "Chromedome". {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} {{storylink|The Not Knowing}}

Before the [[Great War (G1)|war]], during the days of the [[Clampdown (event)|Clampdown]], Tumbler was a mechaforensic scientist in the police force. The poor bugger was nicknamed "Unlucky" because he had to work with [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], the most anal, full-autopsy loving officer of all time. Despite Prowl's Prowlness, the two had an ambiguous, more-than-partners relationship. Tumbler had a strong interest in [[mnemosurgery]], the science of hacking into Transformer minds and "reading" their memories, and was fascinated by the conspiracy theories of the [[Institute]], a supposed secret group used by the authorities to brainwash dissidents.

Tumbler and Prowl investigated the assassination of [[Sherma|Senator Sherma]], whose corpse had been marked with a Decepticon insignia, and backtracked his whereabouts to the posh [[Translucentica Heights]]. Unfortunately, the killer had struck again before they arrived, murdering a second senator! {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} Tumbler attempted to chase down a suspect, who perished in a fiery crash. Investigating the second victim's home, the two police 'bots learned from the warden [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] that the senator, [[Momus]] was secretly a Decepticon. The group were suddenly set upon a second attacker, but were saved by the timely arrival of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], a fellow law enforcement officer. Pax had learned from his senator friend, [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], that Sherma was also a secret Decepticon sympathizer, making it clear that the murders being committed ''against'' Decepticons, rather than ''by'' them.

[[File:Chromedome notices hands Patternism.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Pax was able to identify that the killers had been using borrowed bodies, so Prowl and Tumbler set out to investigate the nearest [[Relinquishment Clinic]], passing a Decepticon protest along the way. Although innocuous at first glance, the pair eventually found a secret facility beneath the clinic Tumbler believed to be the Institute. Along with proof that the killers had indeed been using borrowed bodies, Tumbler also discovered a list of citizens organized by threat level. Meeting back up in [[Rodion]], Orion Pax was able to use the list and other evidence he'd gathered to realize the true plot in motion: the Senate had arranged for the pro-Decepticon senators' murders so that the swift solving of the crimes would boost Decepticon faith in the Senate, increasing the turn-out for the recently created [[Decepticon Registration Act]]. The Senate then planned to detonate a bomb at the late [[Nominus Prime]]'s memorial service, hidden inside a fake [[Matrix of Leadership]], and blame it on the Decepticons, giving them an excuse to use the Registration Act list, found by Tumbler, to round up and brainwash the dissidents. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}}

With a plan to stop the bomb plot in place, Tumbler borrowed a replica Matrix from police armorer [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]], to be switched by Pax for the Matrix-bomb. At a concerned Prowl's insistence, Tumbler was left behind during the 'heist' to switch the Matrix, and was instead assigned to guard Shockwave with Pax's colleague [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] at a safehouse. Unfortunately, the safehouse was attacked by Senate thugs, and whilst Pax arrived back there in time, he was forced to allow the enforcers to take Shockwave in return for Roller's life. Tumbler quickly led Pax to the Institute facility he had found with Prowl, only to find it deserted. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:BeforeandAfter-TheWorseTheDeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|right|"Everyone calls me Chromedome, but my real name is MySpace -- wait, wait, no."]]
In the aftermath of the full-scale Decepticon rebellion, the new Prime, [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta]], moved the Institute to a new, remote location, "rebranding" it as the 'New Institute'. Knowing of Tumbler's interest in neuroscience through Prowl, Zeta recruited the forensics officer as an apprentice cerebroscientist under [[Trepan]]. Working at the New Institute, he acquired the nickname "Chromedome" in reference to his prodigious skills as a mnemosurgeon and lobotomist, which he would eventually adopt as his regular name. When [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] located and attacked the facility, Chromedome was in the middle of a procedure on the Decepticon [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], but was interrupted by a blast through his midsection. Luckily, the medic [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]] was on hand to save the mnemosurgeon's life. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Over time, after the war had begun proper, Chromedome came to resent his mnenosurgical abilities and became cynical over their use. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} Many things he had to do during wartime were things that, in hindsight, he would regret. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} Eventually, Chromedome was on the verge of suicide due to the immense burden of his abilities and the terrible side-effects they had on his own mental health. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}} It was then, at his lowest point, that he went to a repurposed Relinquishment Clinic to end it, but found [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] searching fruitlessly for [[Dominus Ambus]]. {{storylink|Before & After}} He formed a deep friendship with the diminutive archivist. Chromedome credited Rewind's optimism and caring nature as having saved his life, and the two were nearly inseparable since. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}} Indeed, [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] has been known to claim them as being "closer than [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]]" {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} and Rewind had named Chromedome as his [[Conjunx Endura]]. {{storylink|Before & After}}

[[File:Brainstorm Chromedome infodump.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|A little known earlier detonation of the [[Metafictional bomb|meta bomb]].]]
Chromedome was stationed at [[Kimia Facility]] when [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s invaded. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} He survived and managed to escape before the facility's destruction, leaving in an escape pod together with Brainstorm and a number of other Autobots. They were soon rescued by, as he put it, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a psychopath in pink armor]], and made a joke at Swerve's expense. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}}

As Arcee told the survivors about [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and [[D-Void]]'s master plan to bring the [[Dead Universe]] into the actual universe, Chromedome and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] felt a bit overwhelmed by the massive "info dump" and wondered if other species ever had to worry about saving the universe. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:Chromedome Prowl RemembranceDay.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|One prick deserves another... or five.]]
Weeks later, after D-Void's threat had ended and Cybertron had been reborn, Prowl summoned Chromedome and revealed to him that Overlord, recently defeated and captured by the [[Wrecker]]s, had not in fact had his spark removed and imprisoned, as the official story had claimed. Instead, he had been rebuilt, as part of an initiative by Prowl to uncover the secret to the immense power and endurance of Overlord and the other [[Phase Sixer]]s. With interrogation and the gift of a new body ineffective in making the Decepticon prisoner talk, Chromedome's former partner now sought for him to interface with Overlord and find the secret in his memories, a complex procedure that would be highly dangerous to the mnemosurgeon. When Chromedome refused, not wanting to break his promise to Rewind to stop interfacing, Prowl attempted to blackmail him with an unsavoury secret from the mnemosurgeon's past. Desperate to avoid Rewind learning this story, Chromedome attacked Prowl and forcibly interfaced with him, erasing from his old friend's memory both the blackmail threat and the knowledge that let him make it. He subsequently left the office, telling Prowl, oblivious to his attack, that he'd consider the proposal to work on Overlord. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Somewhere around that time, Chromedome and Rewind attended the Festival of Lost Light. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

===The ''Lost Light''===
[[File:Chromedome Prowl Liars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66|"And another thing! You ''deserved'' that memory wi- aaah... I mean, what memory wipe?"]]

After Optimus Prime's subsequent appearance and departure from Cybertron, Chromedome chose to join the [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]'s crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'', alongside Rewind. Prowl, angry with this decision, tried to persuade him to stay, noting that Chromedome was "gifted" and his talents were still required on Cybertron, with the plan regarding Overlord left unspoken due to Rewind's presence. Eventually, realizing he wouldn't get anywhere with the argument, Chromedome gave up and left with Rewind, leaving Prowl to fume alone in his office.

Not long afterwards, Chromedome, Rewind, and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] were headed to the ''Lost Light'', with Chromedome verbally jabbing at Rewind's impractical [[Alternate mode|alt mode]] along the way. Suddenly, a fight between [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] crossed their paths, as well as [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], who had just escaped being trapped underground for six million years. Chromedome helped Tailgate out of the ground, but the small Cybertronian fainted when he saw that his escape had accidentally injured Whirl. Chromedome and the rest decided to take both Whirl and Tailgate aboard ''Lost Light'' for repairs. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

After the ''Lost Light'' suffered a premature [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]] and ended up halfway across the galaxy, forty Autobots were sucked out of a hull breach and sent plummeting to the surface of a nearby planetoid. Once the ship had landed there, Chromedome, Rewind, and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] aided in the recovery of missing crew members, pulling the stowaway Cyclonus from a lake. Later, Chromedome and others came across [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], who had also crash-landed on the planet and was being pursued by some unknown [[Legislator|sword-carrying robots]]. After Chromedome removed the "fiddly" [[inhibitor claw]] attached to Skids, the long thought-dead Autobot sprung into action and defeated his one remaining pursuer, much to the amazement of the others. Later, Chromedome was present when Rodimus addressed the crew. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:Chromedome mnemosurgery ChaosOfWarmThings.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|You know, sometime I'd just like games night NOT to end in me sticking my fingers in a corpse.]]
When a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] was thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus asked Chromedome to use his abilities to help identify it. Despite Rewind's reservations, Chromedome complied, hacking into [[Shock (G1)|Shock]]'s mind to see the deceased Autobot's last memories. They did indeed tell of a violent attack by a Sparkeater, and Chromedome recoiled in pain and collapsed. After Chromedome recovered, he described the Sparkeater's appearance to the others. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} After the Sparkeater business had been resolved, Chromedome and Rewind were present for the grand opening of [[Swerve's]]. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} A few days after, he enjoyed a drink with Rewind and a tipsy Skids in [[Swerve's|Swerve's new bar]]. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} When the Lost Light was hit by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s thumb (disconnected from its owner) Chromedome helped Brainstorm, Highbrow seal the hole while Trailbreaker used his forcefield to prevent them from being sucked out into the vacuum of space. He was presented with a [[Rodimus Star]] for his part in repairing the ship. Chromedome and Highbrow then discussed Rodimus Stars with Tailgate, who noted their shared "head-themed" nicknames. Later, he was paralyzed along with (nearly) everyone else on board of the ship when Brainstorm accidentally activated one of his experimental weapons. He eventually recovered, and was awarded another Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity". {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}} Curious about Skids's ever-present handgun (and the mental block which seemingly kept Skids from remembering it), Chromedome swiped the gun at the bar and turned it over to Brainstorm for analysis. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}}

Days later, over another round of drinks, Chromedome demonstrated his talent of being able to identify someone by the sound of their transformation alone. He offered some sympathy to Tailgate over the latter's studying under Ultra Magnus and displayed disgust when Tailgate mentioned trying to invite Cyclonus over to the table. However, the casual atmosphere came to a violent end when a mentally-disturbed Fortress Maximus entered the bar and abruptly shot [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] at pointblank range. {{storylink|Interiors}}

Chromedome later checked in with Brainstorm to find out what was up with Skids' gun. Brainstorm managed to blow the thing up while examining it, but also named it a "binary gun" after recognizing it could only hold two cartridges. He also noted that its engineering seemed to indicate that the gun came from the Institute. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}}

[[File:Chromedome mnemosurgery MTMTEAnnual2012.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Existential angst!]]
Chromedome suffered a brief bout of false recall, where he re-experienced the memory of [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]]'s death- one of the unpleasant side-effects of his mnemosurgeries. He attended Tailgate's Autobot initiation ceremony, and he, Rewind, and Brainstorm placed bets with [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] as to how long it would take for Rodimus to say "[['Til all are one]]" in his speech. After representatives of the [[Galactic Council]] showed up, Chromedome was among the Autobots teleported to the surface of [[Theophany]] to explore the ruins of [[Crystal City]], which had been subject to some unknown siege and left desolate. They discovered an inert [[Titan (group)|Titan]] under the city, and Rodimus ordered Chromedome to hack into the giant's [[brain module]] and read its memories, hoping to discover what happened to Crystal City. While preparing to do so, Chromedome and Skids had a brief chat about their similar outlooks on life and its larger meaning. With a disapproving Rewind looking on, Chromedome hacked into the Titan's memory, and discovered it was still alive. Chromedome collapsed in pain, images torn from the Titan's brain reverberating through his mind, as the giant woke with a start and fired an eye-blast that struck the Galactic Council's ship in orbit. Once recovered, Chromedome explained that the Titan was attempting to will its [[spark]] to leave its body, having barely any power left and being totally paralyzed. Chromedome wanted to attempt to re-enter the Titan's mind, as the glimpses he caught indicated that its memories contained much of the information that they were seeking. With the Galactic Council's troops bearing down on them and the ''Lost Light'' under attack, Rodimus chose to set the Titan free instead of pillaging its mind. After some of its mass was shrunk by Brainstorm, the Titan had enough power to teleport the Autobots back to their ship, and the ''Lost Light'' quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

Days later Skids, inspired by his discussion with Chromedome in Crystal City, wanted to let the mnemosurgeon unlock his missing memories. Chromedome admitted that he himself was curious about the mystery of Skids' past and agreed to do it. After hacking into Skids' mind, Chromedome discovered the memories of the year prior to Skids' joining the crew of the ''Lost Light'' had been replaced by an imperative to escape. Chromedome dug deeper and found the erased memories still locked inside Skids' head, but once he caught a glimpse of them, he quickly withdrew. Chromedome told Skids that the buried memories were so horrifying and traumatic that it was better for everyone, Skids himself included, that they never resurface. Skids reluctantly agreed, but asked Chromedome about a piece of music he kept hearing in his head. Chromedome admitted that he heard it in there too, identified it as "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", and prayed that Skids would never come to understand its significance. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

In order to restore the recovering [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s mind, Chromedome and others were assembled by Rewind to tell a story from the Clampdown era. Chromedome explained to the others that the story would help reestablish critical neural connections in Rung's brain. He started off the story, but he and Rewind got briefly distracted trying to figure out how many times Prowl had flipped a table over in their presence. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} By the end of the story, the ship's alarms were sounding, and Chromedome scrambled for battle stations with the others. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:BeforeandAfter-SilentTreatment.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|Not "''like'' an old married couple", they literally ''are'' an old married couple.]]

As they headed to [[Temptoria]] in the ''[[Leading Light]]'', Chromedome and Rewind argued over the latter's insistence of joining them in battle, despite being technically exempt from combat. Though Chromedome enthusiastically took part in the battle on Temptoria against a small force of Decepticons, when he returned to the shuttle, he found that Rewind had been gravely injured in an explosion. Back on the ''Lost Light'', [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] talked Chromedome into performing a jumpstart on Rewind to save the smaller 'Bot's spark. While waiting to hear if the procedure had worked or not, Chromedome got to chatting with Tailgate about how he and Rewind had met, of Rewind's lost “master”, (a progressive ‘Bot by the name of [[Dominus Ambus]]). Rewind had never stopped looking for the missing Ambus and even made Chromedome promise to continue the search if anything ever happened to him.

The jumpstart procedure failed, as Chromedome's own spark was "low yield". Sent to his quarters to recharge, an emotionally vulnerable Chromedome spoke to Brainstorm through his door. Brainstorm offered to show him something in the basement that would give the Autobots an advantage and prevent any more tragedies like Rewind's from ever happening again. Before Chromedome could answer, however, First Aid contacted him with the news that Whirl had a compatible spark to be used to save Rewind. A happy reunion ensued. {{storylink|Before & After}}

Despite this, Chromedome met with Brainstorm and Drift and learned the secret of Overlord's presence on the ''Lost Light''. Despite his previous refusal to Prowl, the fresh memory of Rewind's near-death was enough for Chromedome to agree to use his talents on the Decepticon, in the hope that "Autobot Phase Sixers" could prevent any such tragedies from happening again. Over the next several days, Chromedome visited Overlord in the [[slow cell]] multiple times, acclimating himself to the Decepticon's mental architecture. As a safeguard in the event of Overlord's escape, he subtly altered the Decepticon's memories so as to make him associate the phrase "'til all are one!" with defeat in combat, knowing that Rodimus would undoubtedly say this in a battle. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} In-between visits to Overlord, Chromedome took time to be interviewed for Rewind's documentary about life on the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:RemembranceDay-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|This is something Rung would also call "a super bad idea".]]
Feeling bold, Chromedome began visiting Overlord's cell without informing his co-conspirators in advance, and confronted Overlord directly in his memories. He compelled Overlord to lead him through his memories to the [[Foundry]], when [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], and [[Rossum]] used [[ununtrium]] to reinforce his endoskeleton and transform him into one of the [[Warriors Elite]]. Although Chromedome found his answers, he was taken unawares by Overlord also having mnemosurgical training, allowing the Decepticon to loop them through a shared memory and take control of the mental environment. With Chromedome helpless, Overlord browsed through the Autobot's memories at will until he found the security codes to unlock the slow cell. With this, Overlord escaped, taunting a weakened Chromedome with the knowledge that the five seconds it would take him to cross the cell in pursuit would equal thirty minutes of killin' time for Overlord aboard the ship. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Sure enough, Chromedome exited the slow cell into chaos, as the crew of the ''Lost Light'' battled vainly against the superwarrior. Luckily, a true-to-form Rodimus uttered his catch phrase, causing a sudden nervous attack in Overlord which gave Fortress Maximus an opening to overpower the Decepticon. Per Drift's back-up plan, Overlord was forced back into the slow cell, which was readied to eject into space. Tragically, one of Drift's [[sword]]s, stolen during the battle, blocked the cell door open, and heroically Rewind climbed inside the cell to remove the blade. Once he did, the door closed automatically, severing Chromedome's left arm and trapping Rewind inside with Overlord. Desperately speaking some final words to his partner (which Rewind could not hear through the door), Chromedome watched helplessly as the cell was jettisoned. Unwilling to leave Rewind to Overlord's tender mercies, Chromedome personally manned the weapons array of the ''Lost Light'' and blew the slow cell to pieces, apparently killing Rewind in the process. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

[[File:TheGloaming-iloveyou.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|I love you too, guys!]]
As Rewind and the other victims were laid to rest, Chromedome seemed to hold together remarkably. Only Brainstorm knew what was really going on in his friend's head, and confronted Chromedome in his suite after the funeral. Brainstorm tried to remind Domey of his other Conjunx Endura over the years -- [[Mach (Victory)|Mach]], [[Pivot]], [[Scattergun]]—each of whom Chromedome forcibly removed from his own memories using mnemosurgery once they died, as he couldn't cope with the loss. Brainstorm pleaded with Chromedome not to do it again, and honor Rewind by remembering him. He passed on a final message from Rewind, a memory stick the little bot threw through the cell door as it was closing. These final words and expression of love from Rewind were enough to stop Chromedome from injecting and convince him to hold onto the memory of his lost love. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

[[File:RemainInLight2-ChromedomeAltMode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|"The ladies say that Scooter's the fastest ride in town. Catch-A-Ri.. oh, I just realized that's an insult."]]
Shortly afterwards, Chromedome visited Ratchet in the medibay for reconstruction of his left arm. As he entered, a [[cybercrosis|panicked]] Tailgate barged past him. Before work on the arm was complete, the ''Lost Light'', pursuing the missing Ultra Magnus, arrived at a vast portal in space, and Chromedome watched from the observation deck. Beyond the portal was the long lost [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], and the mnemosurgeon was recruited by Rodimus for the landing party. The group descended, though not before Chromedome promised Skids to search for answers regarding his amnesia, and on the moon's surface they found an active hot spot of gestating [[spark]]s. Before long, however, the party was set upon by [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and his cadre of [[Titan Hunter]]s, {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} forcing them to flee into a nearby [[Titan (body-type)|Titan]] "graveyard". Their flight was futile, and the entire group was soon captured, whereupon their gracious host was revealed as [[Solomus|Tyrest]], who accused them of crimes against creation. On the way to their cell, Chromedome noticed an apparently immobile Ultra Magnus. The landing party quickly got to chatting with their new cellmate, who revealed himself to be [[Minimus Ambus]], spark brother of Rewind's lost friend [[Dominus Ambus]]. Even though they were all locked up at the behest of Tyrest, Chromedome didn't share Tailgate's impatience to escape their shared prison cell. He quickly chastised the [[Mini Vehicle|Minibot]] for calling him "Domey", the personal nickname that Rewind once used. The group stewed in their prison for some time until an observant Rung deduced something from Minimus's mannerisms—that their cellmate was none other than Ultra Magnus! {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}}

Chromedome listened intently to Minimus's explanation with the others, learning the secret of the [[Magnus Armor]]. When Skids and Swerve were teleported into their holding cell and Skids was revealed by Minimus to be considered a criminal, Chromedome assumed it had something to do with the "binary gun" the theoretician had been carrying. When Tyrest's enforcer [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] introduced them to another new cellmate, Chromedome revealed to Skids that he had read his memories wrong. What he had thought was a buried imperative in Skids's mind to "escape", was actually a name- the name of their new cellmate, [[Getaway]]! {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}

[[File:ArmTheLonely-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Sometimes we like to throw a bone to the artists out there looking for a rear-view reference shot.]]
Getaway explained things to Chromedome and the others, formally identifying the binary gun as a [[nudge gun]]. With Getaway's help, Chromedome was able to connect the dots and understand the gaps in Skids's memory. Once everyone found out that Tyrest had gone mad and needed to be stopped, Getaway asked for donated parts from his cellmates to escape their prison. For his part, Chromedome gave Getaway the syringes from his fingers, allowing the escapist to take down the Legislator guarding them. The group armed-up and headed to Tyrest's control room for a confrontation. Unfortunately, the Chief Justice was prepared for them, activating a weapon that paralyzed the Autobots. Tyrest then turned on his [[universal killswitch]], a device intended to kill any Transformers that were [[Reproduction|constructed cold]]. Having been so, Chromedome began dying slowly and painfully. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} Ultimately, the killswitch was deactivated and Tyrest's plans foiled. In the aftermath, Chromedome visited a dying Tailgate, whose [[cybercrosis]] was in its final stages. Noting Cyclonus's bedside vigil, Chromedome respectfully departed to let the two say their goodbyes. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}}

After Orion Pax arrived aboard the ''Lost Light'', Chromedome attended the welcome party at Swerve's. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} He took part in the underwater battle on [[Hydrophena]], defending [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] against the [[Ammonite]] forces, {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}} and was teleported along with the rest ''Lost Light'' to Cybertron after they managed to get the Titan's space bridge in working order. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} Crash-landing on the planet's surface, Chromedome disembarked with the rest of the crew and fought in the massive battle against their Ammonite attackers and the undead [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]]. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}}

[[File:TheBecoming-throw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.6|Prowl just can't BELIEVE someone would throw him off a cliff just for laughing at a widower.]]
In the aftermath of the Necrotitan's defeat, Ultra Magnus tried to convince Chromedome to read Metroplex's mind, a request the mnemosurgeon rebuffed. Feeling depressed, he went to ruminate atop a cliff on the outskirts of New Iacon, where Prowl found him. A bitter argument erupted between the two, with Prowl blaming Chromedome's earlier mnemosurgery on him for leaving his mind vulnerable to [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s control, and Chromedome faulting Prowl for smuggling Overlord aboard the ''Lost Light''. Rage overcame Chromedome when Prowl expressed pleasure that this had indirectly led to Rewind's death, and he attacked the police-bot, hurling him off a cliff and pummeling him until Ultra Magnus intervened. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} However, the altercation was cut short by 70 billion more of Shockwave's Ammonites, who Chromedome engaged on the ground alongside Whirl and Arcee. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

{{-}}

===Second Launch===
When the crisis had passed and Megatron had seemingly surrendered and defected to the Autobots, Optimus Prime attempted to have Chromedome extract Megatron's memories for use in court. The former Decepticon leader vehemently refused to allow this, citing his fear that the extraction might be used as a cover for [[Shadowplay]]. Megatron was able to finagle his way out of a verdict and subsequently joined the ''Lost Light'' as its new captain. Chromedome opted to rejoin the expedition but soon fell into a deep depression, shutting himself away in his habitation suite and listening to Rewind's final message over and over in the dark, much to the concern of his friends. Chromedome was startled into action, however, when the last words of his lover's message suddenly changed into an agonized scream. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}}

Deeply perturbed, he sought out [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] for some answers, and while initially angered by the detective's skeptcism, the appearance of Rewind's apparent ghost galvanized Nightbeat into action. The two returned to Nightbeat's quarters to gather more detective equipment, where Chromedome voiced his belief that he was probably being punished for not continuing to search for Dominus Ambus. Their converstion was interrupted when the pair discovered that the outside wall of Nightbeat's hab suite had disappeared. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} A few minutes later, Rodimus summoned Chromedome and Nightbeat to examine what appeared to be his own corpse, ignoring Chromedome's concerns about injecting into a cadaver. All Chromedome was able to find were Rodimus's "red letter" days, which, combined with the matching energon, caused something of an existential crisis in Rodimus. Then the wall behind everyone vanished.

When it became clear that the ship was slowly and inexplicably vanishing, Chromedome evacuated on the [[Rodpod]].{{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}} When the crewmembers began disappearing as well, Chromedome was one of the afflicted. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}} Those Autobots who were unaffected by the disappearances discovered that the quantum engine failure of the ''Lost Light'' had created a second, on-course, ''Lost Light'', which had been attacked and destroyed by the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD]] some eighteen months prior.

The "other" Chromedome had been tormented by the Decepticons during their attack, offered to be spared if he wiped his memories of Rewind. Chromedome refused, so DJD member [[Vos (DJD)|Vos]] had snapped off his mnemosurgical needles and stabbed him to death. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} After coming across the wreckage of the ship, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]], unaware of the quantum accident, added "Chromedome's" name to his list of deceased Transformers. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

[[File:TheRoadNotTaken-ChromedomeRewind.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|*fart*]]

Once Rewind — the sole surviving member of the duplicate ''Lost Light'' and the cause of Chromedome's strange visions — had reset the ailing quantum engines, the paradox was resolved and the main ''Lost Light'' and its crew members rematerialized, Chromedome among them. Skids gave him a pair of [[magna-clamp]]s and told him to go to the outside of the ship. The two lovers sat side by side for a while before embracing. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} Upon their return to the ''Lost Light'', Rewind opted to live in his own, separate hab suite, which upset Chromedome. Rewind explained that the two weren't technically each other's actual spouse and that he felt more comfortable starting out again with Chromedome with some degree of separation. {{storylink|The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|The Custom-Made Now}}

This peace was to be short-lived: during a celebration at Swerve's to commemorate their recent adventure, Brainstorm was seemingly revealed to be a Deceticon double-agent, poisoning the crew of the ship and escaping across time and space by using the time machine in his [[Time case|briefcase]]. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} The first hint that something had gone wrong came when Rewind awoke from a bad dream about the "[[Dark Dawn]]", a genocidal event that had never happened in their timeline. {{storylink|The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|The Custom-Made Now}}

Believing that he had travelled back in time to kill Orion Pax and preemptively end the war, a group of Autobots who shared the same spark-type with Brainstorm were assembled to pursue him, using a quantum duplicate of Brainstorm's briefcase. In the event that the team would inadvertently reveal the future to inhabitants of the past, Chromedome was temporarily augmented with the ability to erase anyone's memory with a simple handshake. The time traveling team first landed in [[1st Cycle 502]], four million years ago, where they helped Orion Pax and his team of renegade [[Outlier (group)|outliers]] protect a [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] from [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s [[Elite Guard]]. After needing to follow Brainstorm again through another time jump, Chromedome shook hands with everyone, accidentally causing Optimus Prime and the others to forget [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]]'s fate and—to Rodimus's horror—fail to permanently warn Trailbreaker about his death in four million years. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}}

The team's next stop was in 51st Cycle 500, where Chromedome confronted the new problem of potentially bumping into himself. Brainstorm timejumped again (to [[4th Cycle 499]]) and the team followed, and this time Chromedome and Rewind staked out the [[Rodion]] police headquarters with Whirl. As they waited, Rewind troubled Chromedome with the suggestion of possibly using time travel to save Rewind's previous spouse, Dominus Ambus. Their discussion of timetravel ethics was interrupted when three Senate thugs arrived at Police HQ, setting off Whirl on a rampage due to his shared history with them. Chromedome and Rewind managed to stop Whirl, but not before they accidentally caused the chain of events that would later lead to Senator Shockwave's capture. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet|Stet}}

It became increasingly clear that, rather than killing Megatron, Brainstorm had instead been trying to manipulate events in such a way as to prevent the rise of Megatron, and with his plans going increasingly awry, a desperate Brainstorm time-jumped to the moment of Megatron's creation, pointing a gun at the half-built 'bot who would one day become Megatron. Though the Autobots were able to talk him down, Rewind, who had had his databanks overwritten with information about [[Functionist Universe|the series of events that would come to pass if Megatron was never born]], decided to shoot Megatron himself, seemingly dooming Cybertron to a genocidal [[Functionism|functionist]] regime in exchange for sparing the rest of the galaxy from the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]].

However, the group did not end up changing history, as the nature of time travel meant that Rewind was always fated to kill Megatron; after replacing Megatron's original spark with a [[Point One Percenter]] spark from the future, the team tied up loose ends and returned to their own time. Chromedome reaching out to Rewind in his vulnerable moment had caused the two to bridge the rift that had been between them, and the pair began to share a hab suite once again. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}} Sometime after returning, Chromedome spoke to the ship's higher ups, arguing that Rewind's actions were down to trauma; as a result of which no action was charged against him. During Brainstorm's trial, Chromedome served as Brainstorm's defense, when he was the first 'bot to be brought before the [[Lost Light Internal Affairs Committee]]. {{storylink|Our Steps Will Always Rhyme}}

[[File:TheOneWhereTheyGoToEarth-table.jpg|left|thumb|Ultra Magnus was shunned after admitting his favourite season was the fourth.]]

In the aftermath of the ''Lost Light'' attending Thunderclash's pre-wake, the ship held a dance-off, where Chromedome and Rewind attended, dancing together. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}} Shortly after, it turned out Swerve had been slowly dying for some time, and to aid their shipmate the ''Lost Light'' crew used their [[holomatter]] avatars to navigate "[[Swearth]]" in the hopes of finding him. A subsequent medical examination revealed that Swerve had nearly succumbed to an old bullet wound inflicted by the mysterious [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]] as part of his unorthodox method of relaying information. {{storylink|The One Where They Go to Earth}} Among the information encoded within the bullet was data regarding the legendary "[[Mortilus|Necrobot]]" and his supposed base of operations. Chromedome was present as Rewind informed Rodimus about the mysterious being, and spoke up in favor of investigating the [[Necroworld|planet]] where the Necrobot lived, hoping to help his conjunx find out more about the fate of Dominus Ambus. After arriving on the Necroworld, the group learned how the Necrobot kept track of Cybertronians through holographic statues; Chromedome deduced that there was a central database all the statues were connected to, meaning that it was possible to learn who was alive or dead through who had a statue switched on. Rewind was understandably terrified and asked Chromedome for guidance; Chromedome felt that it wasn't for him to choose, so when Rewind chose to search, it turned out that Dominus had been listed as "deactivated".

Later, Chromedome tried to comfort a devastated Rewind by offering to "smudge" his memories of what happened, only for Nightbeat to show up wanting to show them something. It was a list of the "[[Disappeared]]:" 'bots who had been unaccounted for, and Dominus's name was at the bottom of the list. {{storylink|The Not Knowing}}

A few days later, Chromedome and Rewind were at Swerve's together, their hand-holding witnessed by a passing Cyclonus. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}} Shortly thereafter, Cyclonus and Tailgate were involved in an altercation. Wondering what had just happened, Rodimus had Chromedome inject into Cyclonus. The injection took a heavy strain on Chromedome. {{storylink|Speak, Memory: Part 1}} A few hours later, the serial killer Sunder went on a rampage through the ''Lost Light'', his first victim being Skids. Chromedome soon turned up, and realized Skids was remembering the events at Grindcore that had caused the amnesia Chromedome had examined the year before. He injected to try and make sure Skids didn't remember what had happened while Rung and Tailgate went after Sunder. {{storylink|Speak, Memory! (Part 2)}}

Chromedome attended the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s movie night where Rewind was showing a documentary about the beginning of the war. As the documentary reached the section on Megatron's killing of Sentinel Prime, Brainstorm commented that the former Autobot leader had a lot in common with his killer, prompting Chromedome to point out the irony of someone so obsessed with the purity of the Autobot "brand" being similar to the leader of the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Last Autobot}}

Around December of that year, Chromedome was one of many crewmembers who took advantage of "time fissures" present in Swerve's to look back on the past, including "his" Rewind, something Rung warned him against. Afterward he took part in a toast to "surprises". {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

Some months later, Chromedome was one of several members of the crew who took part in a fight on [[Miliarium]] against marauding [[Rust Giant]]s. On returning to the ''Lost Light'', Rewind was subjected to a powerful psychic attack of unknown origin. When Rodimus assembled a team to investigate, Rewind and Chromedome were part of the away team — made up of others who had experienced the attack — dispatched to track the signal to its source. The search led them to a strange hollow planet, which turned out to be the Necroworld; they didn't get far before they were attacked by a massive Decepticon armada, forcing them to retreat to the Necrobot's fortress before they were shot down. Discovering that the Necrobot himself perished, the group learned that disgraced escapologist [[Getaway]] had led the rest of the ''Lost Light'' in a mutiny designed to lure Rodimus, Megatron, and his sympathisers off the ship... and leave them to the tender mercies of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|How Bright Their Frail Deeds}}

The D.J.D. stuck to their script, and, after a brief attack on the fortress, retreated to give their victims eight hours to weigh up their limited options and stew in their fear. Nightbeat found a potential way offworld by using one of the late Necrobot's teleport chambers, but Velocity discovered a basement filled with pods that seemingly contained organic lifeforms. Unwilling to let the organics be massacred by the DJD, nobody opted to leave. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} As the team dug in for a fight, Chromedome and Rewind had an argument, each belieing that the other should have used the teleport chamber to escape. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} When Ratchet and Drift arrived on the planet, they managed to capture the mysterious "[[Dominus Ambus|Pet]]" that accompanied the DJD. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Despite still being weak from injecting Tailgate some months before, {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Chromedome volunteered to operate on the creature in the hopes of learning where the DJD had hidden their starship. An hour later, after recording his last will and testament, he prepared to inject. Despite Rodimus's orders to just do a quick probe of recent memories, Chromedome began feeling off, and, ignoring Ratchet's demand to stop, he went deeper.

[[File:it's not your choice to make.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|*muffled sobbing*]]

Much to his horror, Chromedome found that The Pet was not a simple animal, but a [[beast mode]] Cybertronian who had been "[[Domestication|domesticated]]" by the DJD; even as Ratchet shouted that the procedure was killing him, he felt confident that he could reverse the process. Ignoring the protests, Chromedome delved deeper and made a terrifying discovery: The Pet was Dominus Ambus, who had once been the infamous "Agent 113" Even as Ratchet and Rewind yelled at him to stop, he kept going, feeling (and saying) that Rewind couldn't have room for both the people he loved in his life. Unable to watch Chromedome kill himself, Rewind made the choice to abort the procedure by slicing off his arm, leaving Dominus to die.

Some hours later, with D.J.D.-related death imminent, a repaired Chromedome morosely agreed with Velocity's encasement of the day's proceedings as "torture". {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Then Velocity hit on an idea to give them an edge in the upcoming execution: since extreme trauma to Tailgate had made his quantum-engine radiated spark surge and briefly power up others, doing that now could give them an edge against the enemy. Skids stepped forward and Chromedome, to his dismay, had to help his friend relieve the horrors of Grindcore and all the blotted-out guilt, his last injection being to drive him over the edge.

[[File:mtmte54 KRACK.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Fun? FUN?! How DARE you! How many have to die for you to get your sick jollies?! HOW MANY?]]

In the ensuing battle, a supercharged Chromedome was sought out by Overlord, who mocked the mnemosurgeon for letting the first Rewind die... prompting an enraged Chromedome to punch him across the battlefield. All too soon, however, the charge burned out and Chromedome and the others were surrounded on all sides. Only the arrival of Megatron, armed with a new fusion cannon, allowed them to fall back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} During all of the carnage and high drama of Megatron's obliteraton of the D.J.D., Chromedome stayed at the back, silently looking at Skids' dead body. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}
{{-}}

===After Dominus===

Once the dust had settled from the battle against the D.J.D., Chromedome was part of the team Rodimus assembled to return to Cybertron for help using the reassembled teleporter. While the teleporter did bring them to ''a'' Cybertron, it had somehow deposited them on the Cybertron of the [[Functionist Universe]]. Almost immediately after arriving, he and the rest of the team were placed under arrest by [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] and his [[Functionary|Functionaries]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} As they were paraded through a crowd to shame them on their way to imprisonment, Rewind pointed out to Chromedome that Cybertron had no moon, proving that this was the Functionist Universe. After a grenade thrown by a member of the [[Anti-Vocationist League]] took out two of the group's Functionary escorts, Chromedome was freed from his restraints and joined in the battle. As Twelve-of-Twelve attacked Rodimus, Chromedome lassoed a chain around his neck and pulled him in, though the councilor managed to teleport away before he could do anything else. Soon after the fight was over, [[Six-of-Twelve]] began broadcasting across Cybertron, Chromedome seeming somewhat in disbelief that the councilor's head resembled [[Matrix of Leadership|The Matrix]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} When the League teleported Team Rodimus to [[Kalis|Adaptica]], Chromedome attended the meeting with estranged councilor member [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. When the alternate [[Anode]] arrived, Chromedome denied any involvement with the mysterious U.F.O. just outside Cybertronian orbit. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

When the U.F.O. was revealed to be [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]], Chromedome joined the others on the balcony in staring at it before it unleashed its tractor beams. While Megatron handled the defense of the city, Chromedome joined Rodimus in heading to rescue the alternate [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] and [[Vector Sigma]] from the Functionists. When the group arrived outside Vector Sigma's chamber however they found the Council had already gained access to the supercomputer but that they had ''not'' used Rung to access the chamber. When Rodimus bravely tackled [[Six-of-Twelve]], Chromedome <s>pointed out the colossal error in judgment </s> warned that his brave leader would now have to fight eleven councillors as they entered the chamber. Like all, Chromedome was horrified to see, {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} Six-of-Twelve using the false Matrix to suspend Rodimus in an agony beam. Ratchet came to their rescue by pretending to hold the alternate Rung hostage. After they teleported back to the surface and took over the [[Cog (facility)|Cog]], Rung displayed his ability to create [[photonic crystal]]s and explained why the Council hadn't slain him prompting Chromedome to ask why the Council hadn't gone public with the photonic crystals for a year and pointed out that Vector Sigma was sealed off by [[ununtrium]] but Rung explained how the Council had turned everything to their own advantage. After Rung revealed that the Functionists were building an army to exterminate all non-Cybertronian life in the galaxy, Rewind leaned on Chromedome as he despaired over the hatred the Cybertronians had for aliens. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} After the Cog had crashed in Adaptica and Brainstorm and Roller had worked out how to save everyone, Chromedome held hands with Rewind at the first (non-functional) matter transporter before they ran to a second (functional) one where the group teleported to Luna 2 and teleported the moon to Necroworld. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} When Rodimus announced his [[Skip|incredibly morbid plan]] to escape Necroworld, Chromedome and Rewind held hands. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

Aboard the cramped spacecraft, Chromedome and Rewind climbed aboard the sleeping Roller's alternate mode to "canoodle" much to the ex-cop's shock when he awoke. The three went to Rodimus about this issue who simply could not bring himself to even pretend to care before he ushered everyone out when a call came in from [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]]. Concurrently, the increasingly petty and ridiculous prank war between [[Anode]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] reached its climax with Rewind accidentally being raked by [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]'s [[Great Sword]]. Chromedome immediately turned on Cyclonus before [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] broke up the fighting. To top it all off, an increasingly intangible Ratchet was sinking through the floor, Skip was shrinking and [[Ten]] declared that the fate of the universe hinged upon everyone following his commands. {{storylink|Sardines}}

At Ten's instructions, Team Rodimus reconfigured Skip's engines to access the [[Warren]] to get to a [[Mederi]] facility only for the mass-displacement to give out, forcing them all to "abandon Skip". They awoke to find themselves in what appeared to be the Afterspark, having presumably died from exposure to super-compressed space. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} Along with Rewind, Chromedome reconciled with the his quantum duplicate of Rewind and Dominus Ambus, the quartet ready to ascend together. At that moment, the Afterspark shorted out, revealing the realm to have been the original Mederi, an ancient euthanasia clinic that used telepathic constructs to put its inhabitants at ease before killing them, the first Rewind and Dominus were merely projections of what Chromedome and Rewind hoped to find in the Afterspark. As the group grappled with this revelation, as well as the inexplicability of Tailgate having joined them, they were suddenly beset by sparkeaters made from the former ''Lost Light'' crew! {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

After a failed attempt to reason with the sparkeaters, the group rolled out before reinforcements arrived. When the ''Lost Light'' appeared overhead, Chromedome was part of the group that remained behind to try and use Mederi to cure their crewmates. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} After curing the sparkeaters via concussive medicine, the organic telepaths began counting down, heralding the opening of a massive rift in space. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Having retaken command of the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus loaded everyone aboard but the ship's engines were unable to match the rift's gravity, being dragged into the [[Benzene Cluster]], now populated by five duplicates of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the crew was quickly taken prisoner by the forces of the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]]. When Froid and Sunder were shoved in, the latter revealed to Chromedome that he'd managed a quick scan of the Architect's head before the being had forced him out and stripped him of his mnemosurgery. After Froid explained that the multiple Cybertrons were an upscaled [[God Gun]] which opened a portal to the next universe over, out from which came Megatron flying point amongst a fleet of starships. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

After reassuring that he wasn't invading, Megatron directed everyone to the real threat, a massive planet-sized effigy of Primus, one that Chromedome recognized as the [[Functionist Universe]]'s Cybertron granted a [[robot mode]]. When Megatron came to rescue, Chromedome was part of the group that managed to be pulled aboard the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]''. After Megatron had caught everyone up on the Functionist Council's schemes, he revealed that "Primus" was still populated by the citizenry of Cybertron. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After the rest of the group had managed to free themselves, and discover that Rung was the true Primus, everyone touched down on the last Cybertron for a group brainstorm, hitting on the idea of using twelve copies of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to overload Cybertron's twelve [[Hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spots]] to wipe out the Functionist Council in Vector Sigma. When the [[Omega Guardian]]s speaking through the Magnificence expressed their displeasure at this via deadly energy bolts, Chromedome and Rewind took Rung away so he could make the Matrices. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

Retiring to his quarters, Rung told Chromedome and Rewind to appreciate the other and left them to hug. Their session was interrupted when Rodimus came to see what was taking so long, the three discovering that creating the duplicates had killed Rung. Chromedome was sent to [[Port Residua]] with Rewind to guard Roller, managing to hold off the Functionaries until Rodimus delivered a rousing speech that allowed everyone to open their Matrix, overloading Vector Sigma and killing the Functionists. Returning to the ''Lost Light'' everyone saw that Luna 1's hot spot had been reactivated by Cybertron shunting the energy wave, bearing a final "Don't Forget Me" from Rung. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

As the crew took stock, Prowl arrived to inspect "New Cybertron" before declaring that, since the Knights of Cybertron didn't exist, Megatron would once again have to stand trial, this time with the Galactic Council presiding. Over Rodimus's protests, Megatron agreed to go quietly but was nonetheless allowed to join the Lost Light for one last "victory lap" cruise. When Chromedome and Rewind took a last walk, they discovered Rung's quarters and the model starships, unaware that the lasting effects of Adaptus' information creep had caused them to forget their friend. As the crew prepared to quantum jump home, the science team proposed the risky gamble of recreating the malfunctioning launch, thereby quantum duplicating themselves before then shunting the duplicates into a parallel universe to ensure that the Lost Light's adventures would never truly end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron where the Lost Light was disassembled following a last drink.

With no more adventures to be had, Chromedome became a grief counselor for a time before Rewind, obsessed with gathering as much information as he could about the Functionist Universe, succumbed to [[Delta's Malady]], trapping him in data stick form. Chromedome retired to look after his partner, inserting him in the back of his head as a means to communicate. Centuries later, Chromedome and Rewind attended Ratchet's funeral, Chromedome having a conversation with Drift after the proceedings.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate Lost Light materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}
{{-}}

==INSIRT continuity==
[[File:Timeless-EjectChromedomeStylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Long ago on Cybertron, Chromedome served in the [[Autobot Police]] and harbored an interest in the field of mnemosurgery. Over time, he was able to use his highly decorated partner Prowl's status to pursue this interest, developing the ability to extract information directly from a suspect's mind. However, as time passed, Chromedome found himself called upon not only to read minds, but rewrite them, altering a subject's memories and personality. Seeking to escape the burden of these duties, he buried his past and his talents. Eventually, though, he would come to meet Rewind, another Autobot with an interest in memories. Though it took some time, Chromedome eventually let the smaller Autobot into his life. {{storylink|Chromedome (G1)#Timelines|''Timelines'' Chromedome bio card}}

Some time later, Chromedome and Rewind would become crewmembers of the ''Lost Light'', and, along with [[Stylor]] and ex-Decepticon mercenary [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]], formed the [[INSIRT|Intelligence and Notable Surreptitious Information Recovery Team]], a group tasked with uncovering any mysteries that might threaten the ship's quest to find the Knights of Cybertron. {{storylink|INSIRT|INSIRT Tech Spec}} INSIRT's duties took them to the [[Vestigial Cortical Complex]], a Decepticon memory storage facility that Rewind became very excited about. After they located the facility, an impatient Treadshot made a door by way of explosion, allowing Chromedome, Rewind and Stylor to file inside. {{storylink|Timeless}}

===''Recordicons''===
At some point Rewind died, and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Recordicons|Brainstorm]] set Chromedome up on a date with [[Eject (G1)#Recordicons|Eject]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 27|Recordicons #27}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*The fact that Chromedome originally used to go by a different name was first brought up in [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]] of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'': In that issue, his name was written in quotation marks in Rewind's diagram, and when Chromedome himself was about to mention his original name, Rewind cut him off, arguing that it would make the story they were telling too "confusing". The out-of-universe reason for this was that writer [[James Roberts]] wanted to trick readers into believing that his unmentioned original name held some significance, causing rampant speculation. In [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]] of the same series, it was finally revealed that his original name was the completely insignificant "Tumbler"; the real revelation was that his ''current'' name, "Chromedome", was the one that had a deeper meaning, as it was originally a nickname given to him at the "[[Institute|New Instutute]]" where he used to work under [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]], a rather surprising twist in the light of the events of the "Shadowplay" three-parter.
* "Timeless" co-writer [[Jesse Wittenrich]] would [http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/99399-post-pictures-of-your-special-arm/page-1044#entry3318823 later reveal] his intention that the Rewind depicted in "Timeless" was being projected into Chromedome's mind by Stylor, and that the actual Rewind was deceased. Vestigial remnants of this plot point remain in the published comic, in the form of Stylor's constant physical contact with Chromedome, and Treadshot never acknowledging Rewind. Whether this holds true in the completed comic or is merely [[authorial intent]] is an exercise left to the reader.
*[[James Roberts]] has said that IDW Prowl and Chromedome had a "stronger bond" than just being partners.<ref>[http://theunderbase.libsyn.com/the-underbase-deconstructs-shadowplay "The Underbase Podcast Deconstructs Shadowplay"], 17:17 - 14:58</ref>
*[[:File:TheGloaming Toxin.jpg|An erroneously-coordinated appearance]] by Chromedome in [[The Gloaming|''More than Meets the Eye'' #16]] was caught in time by [[Josh Burcham]], who recoloured the 'bot into [[Toxin]], an unofficial character created for [[Unofficial conventions|TFcon 2011]].
* Chromedome's present day alt mode looks suspiciously like a light runner from the ''{{w|Borderlands (series)|Borderlands}}'' franchise.
* Chromedome's [[:File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|"Shadowplay"-era body]] (distinct from his present day one) inspired his [[Chromedome (G1)#Generations|''Titans Return'' Deluxe Class figure]]. Amusingly, this toy briefly appeared as his present day body in [[Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|''Lost Light'' #19]] because no one supplied [[E. J. Su]] with reference models.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mnemosurgeons]]

Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-18T15:39:41Z

GlamAttack: /* The Lost Light */

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[[File:mtmte 50 chromedome's last wishes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|What it's like being IDW Chromedome.]]
An ex-copper and quiet academic with burning passions, '''Chromedome''' falls easily in love and even more easily into really bad ideas and self destructive habits. But he can totally quit [[mnemosurgery]] any time, guys! He just has a ''reason'' why this one time, it's okay.

He's [[Conjunx Endura]] with [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]. Deep down, Chromedome's sure Rewind would leave him for [[Dominus Ambus|his previous partner]].

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|''Transformers vol. 1'' #24]]

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===A scientist before the war===
[[File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|In addition to neuroscience, his other interests include funny cat GIFs and ''[[Sherlock Holmes|Sherlock]]'' slashfic.]]
'''Tumbler of Iacon''' was [[Reproduction|constructed cold]] long before he adopted the name "Chromedome". {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} {{storylink|The Not Knowing}}

Before the [[Great War (G1)|war]], during the days of the [[Clampdown (event)|Clampdown]], Tumbler was a mechaforensic scientist in the police force. The poor bugger was nicknamed "Unlucky" because he had to work with [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], the most anal, full-autopsy loving officer of all time. Despite Prowl's Prowlness, the two had an ambiguous, more-than-partners relationship. Tumbler had a strong interest in [[mnemosurgery]], the science of hacking into Transformer minds and "reading" their memories, and was fascinated by the conspiracy theories of the [[Institute]], a supposed secret group used by the authorities to brainwash dissidents.

Tumbler and Prowl investigated the assassination of [[Sherma|Senator Sherma]], whose corpse had been marked with a Decepticon insignia, and backtracked his whereabouts to the posh [[Translucentica Heights]]. Unfortunately, the killer had struck again before they arrived, murdering a second senator! {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} Tumbler attempted to chase down a suspect, who perished in a fiery crash. Investigating the second victim's home, the two police 'bots learned from the warden [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] that the senator, [[Momus]] was secretly a Decepticon. The group were suddenly set upon a second attacker, but were saved by the timely arrival of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], a fellow law enforcement officer. Pax had learned from his senator friend, [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], that Sherma was also a secret Decepticon sympathizer, making it clear that the murders being committed ''against'' Decepticons, rather than ''by'' them.

[[File:Chromedome notices hands Patternism.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Pax was able to identify that the killers had been using borrowed bodies, so Prowl and Tumbler set out to investigate the nearest [[Relinquishment Clinic]], passing a Decepticon protest along the way. Although innocuous at first glance, the pair eventually found a secret facility beneath the clinic Tumbler believed to be the Institute. Along with proof that the killers had indeed been using borrowed bodies, Tumbler also discovered a list of citizens organized by threat level. Meeting back up in [[Rodion]], Orion Pax was able to use the list and other evidence he'd gathered to realize the true plot in motion: the Senate had arranged for the pro-Decepticon senators' murders so that the swift solving of the crimes would boost Decepticon faith in the Senate, increasing the turn-out for the recently created [[Decepticon Registration Act]]. The Senate then planned to detonate a bomb at the late [[Nominus Prime]]'s memorial service, hidden inside a fake [[Matrix of Leadership]], and blame it on the Decepticons, giving them an excuse to use the Registration Act list, found by Tumbler, to round up and brainwash the dissidents. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}}

With a plan to stop the bomb plot in place, Tumbler borrowed a replica Matrix from police armorer [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]], to be switched by Pax for the Matrix-bomb. At a concerned Prowl's insistence, Tumbler was left behind during the 'heist' to switch the Matrix, and was instead assigned to guard Shockwave with Pax's colleague [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] at a safehouse. Unfortunately, the safehouse was attacked by Senate thugs, and whilst Pax arrived back there in time, he was forced to allow the enforcers to take Shockwave in return for Roller's life. Tumbler quickly led Pax to the Institute facility he had found with Prowl, only to find it deserted. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:BeforeandAfter-TheWorseTheDeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|right|"Everyone calls me Chromedome, but my real name is MySpace -- wait, wait, no."]]
In the aftermath of the full-scale Decepticon rebellion, the new Prime, [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta]], moved the Institute to a new, remote location, "rebranding" it as the 'New Institute'. Knowing of Tumbler's interest in neuroscience through Prowl, Zeta recruited the forensics officer as an apprentice cerebroscientist under [[Trepan]]. Working at the New Institute, he acquired the nickname "Chromedome" in reference to his prodigious skills as a mnemosurgeon and lobotomist, which he would eventually adopt as his regular name. When [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] located and attacked the facility, Chromedome was in the middle of a procedure on the Decepticon [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], but was interrupted by a blast through his midsection. Luckily, the medic [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]] was on hand to save the mnemosurgeon's life. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Over time, after the war had begun proper, Chromedome came to resent his mnenosurgical abilities and became cynical over their use. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} Many things he had to do during wartime were things that, in hindsight, he would regret. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} Eventually, Chromedome was on the verge of suicide due to the immense burden of his abilities and the terrible side-effects they had on his own mental health. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}} It was then, at his lowest point, that he went to a repurposed Relinquishment Clinic to end it, but found [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] searching fruitlessly for [[Dominus Ambus]]. {{storylink|Before & After}} He formed a deep friendship with the diminutive archivist. Chromedome credited Rewind's optimism and caring nature as having saved his life, and the two were nearly inseparable since. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}} Indeed, [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] has been known to claim them as being "closer than [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]]" {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} and Rewind had named Chromedome as his [[Conjunx Endura]]. {{storylink|Before & After}}

[[File:Brainstorm Chromedome infodump.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|A little known earlier detonation of the [[Metafictional bomb|meta bomb]].]]
Chromedome was stationed at [[Kimia Facility]] when [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s invaded. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} He survived and managed to escape before the facility's destruction, leaving in an escape pod together with Brainstorm and a number of other Autobots. They were soon rescued by, as he put it, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a psychopath in pink armor]], and made a joke at Swerve's expense. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}}

As Arcee told the survivors about [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and [[D-Void]]'s master plan to bring the [[Dead Universe]] into the actual universe, Chromedome and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] felt a bit overwhelmed by the massive "info dump" and wondered if other species ever had to worry about saving the universe. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:Chromedome Prowl RemembranceDay.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|One prick deserves another... or five.]]
Weeks later, after D-Void's threat had ended and Cybertron had been reborn, Prowl summoned Chromedome and revealed to him that Overlord, recently defeated and captured by the [[Wrecker]]s, had not in fact had his spark removed and imprisoned, as the official story had claimed. Instead, he had been rebuilt, as part of an initiative by Prowl to uncover the secret to the immense power and endurance of Overlord and the other [[Phase Sixer]]s. With interrogation and the gift of a new body ineffective in making the Decepticon prisoner talk, Chromedome's former partner now sought for him to interface with Overlord and find the secret in his memories, a complex procedure that would be highly dangerous to the mnemosurgeon. When Chromedome refused, not wanting to break his promise to Rewind to stop interfacing, Prowl attempted to blackmail him with an unsavoury secret from the mnemosurgeon's past. Desperate to avoid Rewind learning this story, Chromedome attacked Prowl and forcibly interfaced with him, erasing from his old friend's memory both the blackmail threat and the knowledge that let him make it. He subsequently left the office, telling Prowl, oblivious to his attack, that he'd consider the proposal to work on Overlord. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Somewhere around that time, Chromedome and Rewind attended the Festival of Lost Light. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

===The ''Lost Light''===
[[File:Chromedome Prowl Liars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66|"And another thing! You ''deserved'' that memory wi- aaah... I mean, what memory wipe?"]]

After Optimus Prime's subsequent appearance and departure from Cybertron, Chromedome chose to join the [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]'s crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'', alongside Rewind. Prowl, angry with this decision, tried to persuade him to stay, noting that Chromedome was "gifted" and his talents were still required on Cybertron, with the plan regarding Overlord left unspoken due to Rewind's presence. Eventually, realizing he wouldn't get anywhere with the argument, Chromedome gave up and left with Rewind, leaving Prowl to fume alone in his office.

Not long afterwards, Chromedome, Rewind, and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] were headed to the ''Lost Light'', with Chromedome verbally jabbing at Rewind's impractical [[Alternate mode|alt mode]] along the way. Suddenly, a fight between [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] crossed their paths, as well as [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], who had just escaped being trapped underground for six million years. Chromedome helped Tailgate out of the ground, but the small Cybertronian fainted when he saw that his escape had accidentally injured Whirl. Chromedome and the rest decided to take both Whirl and Tailgate aboard ''Lost Light'' for repairs. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

After the ''Lost Light'' suffered a premature [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]] and ended up halfway across the galaxy, forty Autobots were sucked out of a hull breach and sent plummeting to the surface of a nearby planetoid. Once the ship had landed there, Chromedome, Rewind, and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] aided in the recovery of missing crew members, pulling the stowaway Cyclonus from a lake. Later, Chromedome and others came across [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], who had also crash-landed on the planet and was being pursued by some unknown [[Legislator|sword-carrying robots]]. After Chromedome removed the "fiddly" [[inhibitor claw]] attached to Skids, the long thought-dead Autobot sprung into action and defeated his one remaining pursuer, much to the amazement of the others. Later, Chromedome was present when Rodimus addressed the crew. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:Chromedome mnemosurgery ChaosOfWarmThings.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|You know, sometime I'd just like games night NOT to end in me sticking my fingers in a corpse.]]
When a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] was thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus asked Chromedome to use his abilities to help identify it. Despite Rewind's reservations, Chromedome complied, hacking into [[Shock (G1)|Shock]]'s mind to see the deceased Autobot's last memories. They did indeed tell of a violent attack by a Sparkeater, and Chromedome recoiled in pain and collapsed. After Chromedome recovered, he described the Sparkeater's appearance to the others. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} After the Sparkeater business had been resolved, Chromedome and Rewind were present for the grand opening of [[Swerve's]]. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} A few days after, he enjoyed a drink with Rewind and a tipsy Skids in [[Swerve's|Swerve's new bar]]. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} When the Lost Light was hit by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s thumb (disconnected from its owner) Chromedome helped Brainstorm, Highbrow seal the hole while Trailbreaker used his forcefield to prevent them from being sucked out into the vacuum of space. He was presented with a [[Rodimus Star]] for his part in repairing the ship. Chromedome and Highbrow then discussed Rodimus Stars with Tailgate, who noted their shared "head-themed" nicknames. Later, he was paralyzed along with (nearly) everyone else on board of the ship when Brainstorm accidentally activated one of his experimental weapons. He eventually recovered, and was awarded another Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity". {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}} Curious about Skids's ever-present handgun (and the mental block which seemingly kept Skids from remembering it), Chromedome swiped the gun at the bar and turned it over to Brainstorm for analysis. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}}

Days later, over another round of drinks, Chromedome demonstrated his talent of being able to identify someone by the sound of their transformation alone. He offered some sympathy to Tailgate over the latter's studying under Ultra Magnus and displayed disgust when Tailgate mentioned trying to invite Cyclonus over to the table. However, the casual atmosphere came to a violent end when a mentally-disturbed Fortress Maximus entered the bar and abruptly shot [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] at pointblank range. {{storylink|Interiors}}

Chromedome later checked in with Brainstorm to find out what was up with Skids' gun. Brainstorm managed to blow the thing up while examining it, but also named it a "binary gun" after recognizing it could only hold two cartridges. He also noted that its engineering seemed to indicate that the gun came from the Institute. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}}

[[File:Chromedome mnemosurgery MTMTEAnnual2012.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Existential angst!]]
Chromedome suffered a brief bout of false recall, where he re-experienced the memory of [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]]'s death- one of the unpleasant side-effects of his mnemosurgeries. He attended Tailgate's Autobot initiation ceremony, and he, Rewind, and Brainstorm placed bets with [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] as to how long it would take for Rodimus to say "[['Til all are one]]" in his speech. After representatives of the [[Galactic Council]] showed up, Chromedome was among the Autobots teleported to the surface of [[Theophany]] to explore the ruins of [[Crystal City]], which had been subject to some unknown siege and left desolate. They discovered an inert [[Titan (group)|Titan]] under the city, and Rodimus ordered Chromedome to hack into the giant's [[brain module]] and read its memories, hoping to discover what happened to Crystal City. While preparing to do so, Chromedome and Skids had a brief chat about their similar outlooks on life and its larger meaning. With a disapproving Rewind looking on, Chromedome hacked into the Titan's memory, and discovered it was still alive. Chromedome collapsed in pain, images torn from the Titan's brain reverberating through his mind, as the giant woke with a start and fired an eye-blast that struck the Galactic Council's ship in orbit. Once recovered, Chromedome explained that the Titan was attempting to will its [[spark]] to leave its body, having barely any power left and being totally paralyzed. Chromedome wanted to attempt to re-enter the Titan's mind, as the glimpses he caught indicated that its memories contained much of the information that they were seeking. With the Galactic Council's troops bearing down on them and the ''Lost Light'' under attack, Rodimus chose to set the Titan free instead of pillaging its mind. After some of its mass was shrunk by Brainstorm, the Titan had enough power to teleport the Autobots back to their ship, and the ''Lost Light'' quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

Days later Skids, inspired by his discussion with Chromedome in Crystal City, wanted to let the mnemosurgeon unlock his missing memories. Chromedome admitted that he himself was curious about the mystery of Skids' past and agreed to do it. After hacking into Skids' mind, Chromedome discovered the memories of the year prior to Skids' joining the crew of the ''Lost Light'' had been replaced by an imperative to escape. Chromedome dug deeper and found the erased memories still locked inside Skids' head, but once he caught a glimpse of them, he quickly withdrew. Chromedome told Skids that the buried memories were so horrifying and traumatic that it was better for everyone, Skids himself included, that they never resurface. Skids reluctantly agreed, but asked Chromedome about a piece of music he kept hearing in his head. Chromedome admitted that he heard it in there too, identified it as "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", and prayed that Skids would never come to understand its significance. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

In order to restore the recovering [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s mind, Chromedome and others were assembled by Rewind to tell a story from the Clampdown era. Chromedome explained to the others that the story would help reestablish critical neural connections in Rung's brain. He started off the story, but he and Rewind got briefly distracted trying to figure out how many times Prowl had flipped a table over in their presence. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} By the end of the story, the ship's alarms were sounding, and Chromedome scrambled for battle stations with the others. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:BeforeandAfter-SilentTreatment.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|Not "''like'' an old married couple", they literally ''are'' an old married couple.]]

As they headed to [[Temptoria]] in the ''[[Leading Light]]'', Chromedome and Rewind argued over the latter's insistence of joining them in battle, despite being technically exempt from combat. Though Chromedome enthusiastically took part in the battle on Temptoria against a small force of Decepticons, when he returned to the shuttle, he found that Rewind had been gravely injured in an explosion. Back on the ''Lost Light'', [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] talked Chromedome into performing a jumpstart on Rewind to save the smaller 'Bot's spark. While waiting to hear if the procedure had worked or not, Chromedome got to chatting with Tailgate about how he and Rewind had met, of Rewind's lost “master”, (a progressive ‘Bot by the name of [[Dominus Ambus]]). Rewind had never stopped looking for the missing Ambus and even made Chromedome promise to continue the search if anything ever happened to him.

The jumpstart procedure failed, as Chromedome's own spark was "low yield". Sent to his quarters to recharge, an emotionally vulnerable Chromedome spoke to Brainstorm through his door. Brainstorm offered to show him something in the basement that would give the Autobots an advantage and prevent any more tragedies like Rewind's from ever happening again. Before Chromedome could answer, however, First Aid contacted him with the news that Whirl had a compatible spark to be used to save Rewind. A happy reunion ensued. {{storylink|Before & After}}

Despite this, Chromedome met with Brainstorm and Drift and learned the secret of Overlord's presence on the ''Lost Light''. Despite his previous refusal to Prowl, the fresh memory of Rewind's near-death was enough for Chromedome to agree to use his talents on the Decepticon, in the hope that "Autobot Phase Sixers" could prevent any such tragedies from happening again. Over the next several days, Chromedome visited Overlord in the [[slow cell]] multiple times, acclimating himself to the Decepticon's mental architecture. As a safeguard in the event of Overlord's escape, he subtly altered the Decepticon's memories so as to make him associate the phrase "'til all are one!" with defeat in combat, knowing that Rodimus would undoubtedly say this in a battle. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} In-between visits to Overlord, Chromedome took time to be interviewed for Rewind's documentary about life on the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:RemembranceDay-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|This is something Rung would also call "a super bad idea".]]
Feeling bold, Chromedome began visiting Overlord's cell without informing his co-conspirators in advance, and confronted Overlord directly in his memories. He compelled Overlord to lead him through his memories to the [[Foundry]], when [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], and [[Rossum]] used [[ununtrium]] to reinforce his endoskeleton and transform him into one of the [[Warriors Elite]]. Although Chromedome found his answers, he was taken unawares by Overlord also having mnemosurgical training, allowing the Decepticon to loop them through a shared memory and take control of the mental environment. With Chromedome helpless, Overlord browsed through the Autobot's memories at will until he found the security codes to unlock the slow cell. With this, Overlord escaped, taunting a weakened Chromedome with the knowledge that the five seconds it would take him to cross the cell in pursuit would equal thirty minutes of killin' time for Overlord aboard the ship. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

Sure enough, Chromedome exited the slow cell into chaos, as the crew of the ''Lost Light'' battled vainly against the superwarrior. Luckily, a true-to-form Rodimus uttered his catch phrase, causing a sudden nervous attack in Overlord which gave Fortress Maximus an opening to overpower the Decepticon. Per Drift's back-up plan, Overlord was forced back into the slow cell, which was readied to eject into space. Tragically, one of Drift's [[sword]]s, stolen during the battle, blocked the cell door open, and heroically Rewind climbed inside the cell to remove the blade. Once he did, the door closed automatically, severing Chromedome's left arm and trapping Rewind inside with Overlord. Desperately speaking some final words to his partner (which Rewind could not hear through the door), Chromedome watched helplessly as the cell was jettisoned. Unwilling to leave Rewind to Overlord's tender mercies, Chromedome personally manned the weapons array of the ''Lost Light'' and blew the slow cell to pieces, apparently killing Rewind in the process. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

[[File:TheGloaming-iloveyou.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|I love you too, guys!]]
As Rewind and the other victims were laid to rest, Chromedome seemed to hold together remarkably. Only Brainstorm knew what was really going on in his friend's head, and confronted Chromedome in his suite after the funeral. Brainstorm tried to remind Domey of his other Conjunx Endura over the years -- [[Mach (Victory)|Mach]], [[Pivot]], [[Scattergun]]—each of whom Chromedome forcibly removed from his own memories using mnemosurgery once they died, as he couldn't cope with the loss. Brainstorm pleaded with Chromedome not to do it again, and honor Rewind by remembering him. He passed on a final message from Rewind, a memory stick the little bot threw through the cell door as it was closing. These final words and expression of love from Rewind were enough to stop Chromedome from injecting and convince him to hold onto the memory of his lost love. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

[[File:RemainInLight2-ChromedomeAltMode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|"The ladies say that Scooter's the fastest ride in town. Catch-A-Ri.. oh, I just realized that's an insult."]]
Shortly afterwards, Chromedome visited Ratchet in the medibay for reconstruction of his left arm. As he entered, a [[cybercrosis|panicked]] Tailgate barged past him. Before work on the arm was complete, the ''Lost Light'', pursuing the missing Ultra Magnus, arrived at a vast portal in space, and Chromedome watched from the observation deck. Beyond the portal was the long lost [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], and the mnemosurgeon was recruited by Rodimus for the landing party. The group descended, though not before Chromedome promised Skids to search for answers regarding his amnesia, and on the moon's surface they found an active hot spot of gestating [[spark]]s. Before long, however, the party was set upon by [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and his cadre of [[Titan Hunter]]s, {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} forcing them to flee into a nearby [[Titan (body-type)|Titan]] "graveyard". Their flight was futile, and the entire group was soon captured, whereupon their gracious host was revealed as [[Solomus|Tyrest]], who accused them of crimes against creation. On the way to their cell, Chromedome noticed an apparently immobile Ultra Magnus. The landing party quickly got to chatting with their new cellmate, who revealed himself to be [[Minimus Ambus]], spark brother of Rewind's lost friend [[Dominus Ambus]]. Even though they were all locked up at the behest of Tyrest, Chromedome didn't share Tailgate's impatience to escape their shared prison cell. He quickly chastised the [[Mini Vehicle|Minibot]] for calling him "Domey", the personal nickname that Rewind once used. The group stewed in their prison for some time until an observant Rung deduced something from Minimus's mannerisms—that their cellmate was none other than Ultra Magnus! {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}}

Chromedome listened intently to Minimus's explanation with the others, learning the secret of the [[Magnus Armor]]. When Skids and Swerve were teleported into their holding cell and Skids was revealed by Minimus to be considered a criminal, Chromedome assumed it had something to do with the "binary gun" the theoretician had been carrying. When Tyrest's enforcer [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] introduced them to another new cellmate, Chromedome revealed to Skids that he had read his memories wrong. What he had thought was a buried imperative in Skids's mind to "escape", was actually a name- the name of their new cellmate, [[Getaway]]! {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}

[[File:ArmTheLonely-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Sometimes we like to throw a bone to the artists out there looking for a rear-view reference shot.]]
Getaway explained things to Chromedome and the others, formally identifying the binary gun as a [[nudge gun]]. With Getaway's help, Chromedome was able to connect the dots and understand the gaps in Skids's memory. Once everyone found out that Tyrest had gone mad and needed to be stopped, Getaway asked for donated parts from his cellmates to escape their prison. For his part, Chromedome gave Getaway the syringes from his fingers, allowing the escapist to take down the Legislator guarding them. The group armed-up and headed to Tyrest's control room for a confrontation. Unfortunately, the Chief Justice was prepared for them, activating a weapon that paralyzed the Autobots. Tyrest then turned on his [[universal killswitch]], a device intended to kill any Transformers that were [[Reproduction|constructed cold]]. Having been so, Chromedome began dying slowly and painfully. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} Ultimately, the killswitch was deactivated and Tyrest's plans foiled. In the aftermath, Chromedome visited a dying Tailgate, whose [[cybercrosis]] was in its final stages. Noting Cyclonus's bedside vigil, Chromedome respectfully departed to let the two say their goodbyes. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}}

After Orion Pax arrived aboard the ''Lost Light'', Chromedome attended the welcome party at Swerve's. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} He took part in the underwater battle on [[Hydrophena]], defending [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] against the [[Ammonite]] forces, {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}} and was teleported along with the rest ''Lost Light'' to Cybertron after they managed to get the Titan's space bridge in working order. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} Crash-landing on the planet's surface, Chromedome disembarked with the rest of the crew and fought in the massive battle against their Ammonite attackers and the undead [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]]. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}}

[[File:TheBecoming-throw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.6|Prowl just can't BELIEVE someone would throw him off a cliff just for laughing at a widower.]]
In the aftermath of the Necrotitan's defeat, Ultra Magnus tried to convince Chromedome to read Metroplex's mind, a request the mnemosurgeon rebuffed. Feeling depressed, he went to ruminate atop a cliff on the outskirts of New Iacon, where Prowl found him. A bitter argument erupted between the two, with Prowl blaming Chromedome's earlier mnemosurgery on him for leaving his mind vulnerable to [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s control, and Chromedome faulting Prowl for smuggling Overlord aboard the ''Lost Light''. Rage overcame Chromedome when Prowl expressed pleasure that this had indirectly led to Rewind's death, and he attacked the police-bot, hurling him off a cliff and pummeling him until Ultra Magnus intervened. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} However, the altercation was cut short by 70 billion more of Shockwave's Ammonites, who Chromedome engaged on the ground alongside Whirl and Arcee. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

{{-}}

===Second Launch===
When the crisis had passed and Megatron had seemingly surrendered and defected to the Autobots, Optimus Prime attempted to have Chromedome extract Megatron's memories for use in court. The former Decepticon leader vehemently refused to allow this, citing his fear that the extraction might be used as a cover for [[Shadowplay]]. Megatron was able to finagle his way out of a verdict and subsequently joined the ''Lost Light'' as its new captain. Chromedome opted to rejoin the expedition but soon fell into a deep depression, shutting himself away in his habitation suite and listening to Rewind's final message over and over in the dark, much to the concern of his friends. Chromedome was startled into action, however, when the last words of his lover's message suddenly changed into an agonized scream. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}}

Deeply perturbed, he sought out [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] for some answers, and while initially angered by the detective's skeptcism, the appearance of Rewind's apparent ghost galvanized Nightbeat into action. The two returned to Nightbeat's quarters to gather more detective equipment, where Chromedome voiced his belief that he was probably being punished for not continuing to search for Dominus Ambus. Their converstion was interrupted when the pair discovered that the outside wall of Nightbeat's hab suite had disappeared. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} A few minutes later, Rodimus summoned Chromedome and Nightbeat to examine what appeared to be his own corpse, ignoring Chromedome's concerns about injecting into a cadaver. All Chromedome was able to find were Rodimus's "red letter" days, which, combined with the matching energon, caused something of an existential crisis in Rodimus. Then the wall behind everyone vanished.

When it became clear that the ship was slowly and inexplicably vanishing, Chromedome evacuated on the [[Rodpod]].{{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}} When the crewmembers began disappearing as well, Chromedome was one of the afflicted. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}} Those Autobots who were unaffected by the disappearances discovered that the quantum engine failure of the ''Lost Light'' had created a second, on-course, ''Lost Light'', which had been attacked and destroyed by the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD]] some eighteen months prior.

The "other" Chromedome had been tormented by the Decepticons during their attack, offered to be spared if he wiped his memories of Rewind. Chromedome refused, so DJD member [[Vos (DJD)|Vos]] had snapped off his mnemosurgical needles and stabbed him to death. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} After coming across the wreckage of the ship, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]], unaware of the quantum accident, added "Chromedome's" name to his list of deceased Transformers. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

[[File:TheRoadNotTaken-ChromedomeRewind.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|*fart*]]

Once Rewind — the sole surviving member of the duplicate ''Lost Light'' and the cause of Chromedome's strange visions — had reset the ailing quantum engines, the paradox was resolved and the main ''Lost Light'' and its crew members rematerialized, Chromedome among them. Skids gave him a pair of [[magna-clamp]]s and told him to go to the outside of the ship. The two lovers sat side by side for a while before embracing. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} Upon their return to the ''Lost Light'', Rewind opted to live in his own, separate hab suite, which upset Chromedome. Rewind explained that the two weren't technically each other's actual spouse and that he felt more comfortable starting out again with Chromedome with some degree of separation. {{storylink|The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|The Custom-Made Now}}

This peace was to be short-lived: during a celebration at Swerve's to commemorate their recent adventure, Brainstorm was seemingly revealed to be a Deceticon double-agent, poisoning the crew of the ship and escaping across time and space by using the time machine in his [[Time case|briefcase]]. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} The first hint that something had gone wrong came when Rewind awoke from a bad dream about the "[[Dark Dawn]]", a genocidal event that had never happened in their timeline. {{storylink|The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|The Custom-Made Now}}

Believing that he had travelled back in time to kill Orion Pax and preemptively end the war, a group of Autobots who shared the same spark-type with Brainstorm were assembled to pursue him, using a quantum duplicate of Brainstorm's briefcase. In the event that the team would inadvertently reveal the future to inhabitants of the past, Chromedome was temporarily augmented with the ability to erase anyone's memory with a simple handshake. The time traveling team first landed in [[1st Cycle 502]], four million years ago, where they helped Orion Pax and his team of renegade [[Outlier (group)|outliers]] protect a [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] from [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s [[Elite Guard]]. After needing to follow Brainstorm again through another time jump, Chromedome shook hands with everyone, accidentally causing Optimus Prime and the others to forget [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]]'s fate and—to Rodimus's horror—fail to permanently warn Trailbreaker about his death in four million years. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}}

The team's next stop was in 51st Cycle 500, where Chromedome confronted the new problem of potentially bumping into himself. Brainstorm timejumped again (to [[4th Cycle 499]]) and the team followed, and this time Chromedome and Rewind staked out the [[Rodion]] police headquarters with Whirl. As they waited, Rewind troubled Chromedome with the suggestion of possibly using time travel to save Rewind's previous spouse, Dominus Ambus. Their discussion of timetravel ethics was interrupted when three Senate thugs arrived at Police HQ, setting off Whirl on a rampage due to his shared history with them. Chromedome and Rewind managed to stop Whirl, but not before they accidentally caused the chain of events that would later lead to Senator Shockwave's capture. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet|Stet}}

It became increasingly clear that, rather than killing Megatron, Brainstorm had instead been trying to manipulate events in such a way as to prevent the rise of Megatron, and with his plans going increasingly awry, a desperate Brainstorm time-jumped to the moment of Megatron's creation, pointing a gun at the half-built 'bot who would one day become Megatron. Though the Autobots were able to talk him down, Rewind, who had had his databanks overwritten with information about [[Functionist Universe|the series of events that would come to pass if Megatron was never born]], decided to shoot Megatron himself, seemingly dooming Cybertron to a genocidal [[Functionism|functionist]] regime in exchange for sparing the rest of the galaxy from the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]].

However, the group did not end up changing history, as the nature of time travel meant that Rewind was always fated to kill Megatron; after replacing Megatron's original spark with a [[Point One Percenter]] spark from the future, the team tied up loose ends and returned to their own time. Chromedome reaching out to Rewind in his vulnerable moment had caused the two to bridge the rift that had been between them, and the pair began to share a hab suite once again. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}} Sometime after returning, Chromedome spoke to the ship's higher ups, arguing that Rewind's actions were down to trauma; as a result of which no action was charged against him. During Brainstorm's trial, Chromedome served as Brainstorm's defense, when he was the first 'bot to be brought before the [[Lost Light Internal Affairs Committee]]. {{storylink|Our Steps Will Always Rhyme}}

[[File:TheOneWhereTheyGoToEarth-table.jpg|left|thumb|Ultra Magnus was shunned after admitting his favourite season was the fourth.]]

In the aftermath of the ''Lost Light'' attending Thunderclash's pre-wake, the ship held a dance-off, where Chromedome and Rewind attended, dancing together. {{storylink|The Frail Gaze}} Shortly after, it turned out Swerve had been slowly dying for some time, and to aid their shipmate the ''Lost Light'' crew used their [[holomatter]] avatars to navigate "[[Swearth]]" in the hopes of finding him. A subsequent medical examination revealed that Swerve had nearly succumbed to an old bullet wound inflicted by the mysterious [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]] as part of his unorthodox method of relaying information. {{storylink|The One Where They Go to Earth}} Among the information encoded within the bullet was data regarding the legendary "[[Mortilus|Necrobot]]" and his supposed base of operations. Chromedome was present as Rewind informed Rodimus about the mysterious being, and spoke up in favor of investigating the [[Necroworld|planet]] where the Necrobot lived, hoping to help his conjunx find out more about the fate of Dominus Ambus. After arriving on the Necroworld, the group learned how the Necrobot kept track of Cybertronians through holographic statues; Chromedome deduced that there was a central database all the statues were connected to, meaning that it was possible to learn who was alive or dead through who had a statue switched on. Rewind was understandably terrified and asked Chromedome for guidance; Chromedome felt that it wasn't for him to choose, so when Rewind chose to search, it turned out that Dominus had been listed as "deactivated".

Later, Chromedome tried to comfort a devastated Rewind by offering to "smudge" his memories of what happened, only for Nightbeat to show up wanting to show them something. It was a list of the "[[Disappeared]]:" 'bots who had been unaccounted for, and Dominus's name was at the bottom of the list. {{storylink|The Not Knowing}}

A few days later, Chromedome and Rewind were at Swerve's together, their hand-holding witnessed by a passing Cyclonus. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}} Shortly thereafter, Cyclonus and Tailgate were involved in an altercation. Wondering what had just happened, Rodimus had Chromedome inject into Cyclonus. The injection took a heavy strain on Chromedome. {{storylink|Speak, Memory: Part 1}} A few hours later, the serial killer Sunder went on a rampage through the ''Lost Light'', his first victim being Skids. Chromedome soon turned up, and realized Skids was remembering the events at Grindcore that had caused the amnesia Chromedome had examined the year before. He injected to try and make sure Skids didn't remember what had happened while Rung and Tailgate went after Sunder. {{storylink|Speak, Memory! (Part 2)}}

Chromedome attended the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s movie night where Rewind was showing a documentary about the beginning of the war. As the documentary reached the section on Megatron's killing of Sentinel Prime, Brainstorm commented that the former Autobot leader had a lot in common with his killer, prompting Chromedome to point out the irony of someone so obsessed with the purity of the Autobot "brand" being similar to the leader of the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Last Autobot}}

Around December of that year, Chromedome was one of many crewmembers who took advantage of "time fissures" present in Swerve's to look back on the past, including "his" Rewind, something Rung warned him against. Afterward he took part in a toast to "surprises". {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

Some months later, Chromedome was one of several members of the crew who took part in a fight on [[Miliarium]] against marauding [[Rust Giant]]s. On returning to the ''Lost Light'', Rewind was subjected to a powerful psychic attack of unknown origin. When Rodimus assembled a team to investigate, Rewind and Chromedome were part of the away team — made up of others who had experienced the attack — dispatched to track the signal to its source. The search led them to a strange hollow planet, which turned out to be the Necroworld; they didn't get far before they were attacked by a massive Decepticon armada, forcing them to retreat to the Necrobot's fortress before they were shot down. Discovering that the Necrobot himself perished, the group learned that disgraced escapologist [[Getaway]] had led the rest of the ''Lost Light'' in a mutiny designed to lure Rodimus, Megatron, and his sympathisers off the ship... and leave them to the tender mercies of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|How Bright Their Frail Deeds}}

The D.J.D. stuck to their script, and, after a brief attack on the fortress, retreated to give their victims eight hours to weigh up their limited options and stew in their fear. Nightbeat found a potential way offworld by using one of the late Necrobot's teleport chambers, but Velocity discovered a basement filled with pods that seemingly contained organic lifeforms. Unwilling to let the organics be massacred by the DJD, nobody opted to leave. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} As the team dug in for a fight, Chromedome and Rewind had an argument, each belieing that the other should have used the teleport chamber to escape. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} When Ratchet and Drift arrived on the planet, they managed to capture the mysterious "[[Dominus Ambus|Pet]]" that accompanied the DJD. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Despite still being weak from injecting Tailgate some months before, {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Chromedome volunteered to operate on the creature in the hopes of learning where the DJD had hidden their starship. An hour later, after recording his last will and testament, he prepared to inject. Despite Rodimus's orders to just do a quick probe of recent memories, Chromedome began feeling off, and, ignoring Ratchet's demand to stop, he went deeper.

[[File:it's not your choice to make.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Much to his horror, Chromedome found that The Pet was not a simple animal, but a [[beast mode]] Cybertronian who had been "[[Domestication|domesticated]]" by the DJD; even as Ratchet shouted that the procedure was killing him, he felt confident that he could reverse the process. Ignoring the protests, Chromedome delved deeper and made a terrifying discovery: The Pet was Dominus Ambus, who had once been the infamous "Agent 113" Even as Ratchet and Rewind yelled at him to stop, he kept going, feeling (and saying) that Rewind couldn't have room for both the people he loved in his life. Unable to watch Chromedome kill himself, Rewind made the choice to abort the procedure by slicing off his arm, leaving Dominus to die.

Some hours later, with D.J.D.-related death imminent, a repaired Chromedome morosely agreed with Velocity's encasement of the day's proceedings as "torture". {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Then Velocity hit on an idea to give them an edge in the upcoming execution: since extreme trauma to Tailgate had made his quantum-engine radiated spark surge and briefly power up others, doing that now could give them an edge against the enemy. Skids stepped forward and Chromedome, to his dismay, had to help his friend relieve the horrors of Grindcore and all the blotted-out guilt, his last injection being to drive him over the edge.

[[File:mtmte54 KRACK.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Fun? FUN?! How DARE you! How many have to die for you to get your sick jollies?! HOW MANY?]]

In the ensuing battle, a supercharged Chromedome was sought out by Overlord, who mocked the mnemosurgeon for letting the first Rewind die... prompting an enraged Chromedome to punch him across the battlefield. All too soon, however, the charge burned out and Chromedome and the others were surrounded on all sides. Only the arrival of Megatron, armed with a new fusion cannon, allowed them to fall back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} During all of the carnage and high drama of Megatron's obliteraton of the D.J.D., Chromedome stayed at the back, silently looking at Skids' dead body. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}
{{-}}

===After Dominus===

Once the dust had settled from the battle against the D.J.D., Chromedome was part of the team Rodimus assembled to return to Cybertron for help using the reassembled teleporter. While the teleporter did bring them to ''a'' Cybertron, it had somehow deposited them on the Cybertron of the [[Functionist Universe]]. Almost immediately after arriving, he and the rest of the team were placed under arrest by [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] and his [[Functionary|Functionaries]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} As they were paraded through a crowd to shame them on their way to imprisonment, Rewind pointed out to Chromedome that Cybertron had no moon, proving that this was the Functionist Universe. After a grenade thrown by a member of the [[Anti-Vocationist League]] took out two of the group's Functionary escorts, Chromedome was freed from his restraints and joined in the battle. As Twelve-of-Twelve attacked Rodimus, Chromedome lassoed a chain around his neck and pulled him in, though the councilor managed to teleport away before he could do anything else. Soon after the fight was over, [[Six-of-Twelve]] began broadcasting across Cybertron, Chromedome seeming somewhat in disbelief that the councilor's head resembled [[Matrix of Leadership|The Matrix]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} When the League teleported Team Rodimus to [[Kalis|Adaptica]], Chromedome attended the meeting with estranged councilor member [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. When the alternate [[Anode]] arrived, Chromedome denied any involvement with the mysterious U.F.O. just outside Cybertronian orbit. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

When the U.F.O. was revealed to be [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]], Chromedome joined the others on the balcony in staring at it before it unleashed its tractor beams. While Megatron handled the defense of the city, Chromedome joined Rodimus in heading to rescue the alternate [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] and [[Vector Sigma]] from the Functionists. When the group arrived outside Vector Sigma's chamber however they found the Council had already gained access to the supercomputer but that they had ''not'' used Rung to access the chamber. When Rodimus bravely tackled [[Six-of-Twelve]], Chromedome <s>pointed out the colossal error in judgment </s> warned that his brave leader would now have to fight eleven councillors as they entered the chamber. Like all, Chromedome was horrified to see, {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} Six-of-Twelve using the false Matrix to suspend Rodimus in an agony beam. Ratchet came to their rescue by pretending to hold the alternate Rung hostage. After they teleported back to the surface and took over the [[Cog (facility)|Cog]], Rung displayed his ability to create [[photonic crystal]]s and explained why the Council hadn't slain him prompting Chromedome to ask why the Council hadn't gone public with the photonic crystals for a year and pointed out that Vector Sigma was sealed off by [[ununtrium]] but Rung explained how the Council had turned everything to their own advantage. After Rung revealed that the Functionists were building an army to exterminate all non-Cybertronian life in the galaxy, Rewind leaned on Chromedome as he despaired over the hatred the Cybertronians had for aliens. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} After the Cog had crashed in Adaptica and Brainstorm and Roller had worked out how to save everyone, Chromedome held hands with Rewind at the first (non-functional) matter transporter before they ran to a second (functional) one where the group teleported to Luna 2 and teleported the moon to Necroworld. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} When Rodimus announced his [[Skip|incredibly morbid plan]] to escape Necroworld, Chromedome and Rewind held hands. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

Aboard the cramped spacecraft, Chromedome and Rewind climbed aboard the sleeping Roller's alternate mode to "canoodle" much to the ex-cop's shock when he awoke. The three went to Rodimus about this issue who simply could not bring himself to even pretend to care before he ushered everyone out when a call came in from [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]]. Concurrently, the increasingly petty and ridiculous prank war between [[Anode]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] reached its climax with Rewind accidentally being raked by [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]'s [[Great Sword]]. Chromedome immediately turned on Cyclonus before [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] broke up the fighting. To top it all off, an increasingly intangible Ratchet was sinking through the floor, Skip was shrinking and [[Ten]] declared that the fate of the universe hinged upon everyone following his commands. {{storylink|Sardines}}

At Ten's instructions, Team Rodimus reconfigured Skip's engines to access the [[Warren]] to get to a [[Mederi]] facility only for the mass-displacement to give out, forcing them all to "abandon Skip". They awoke to find themselves in what appeared to be the Afterspark, having presumably died from exposure to super-compressed space. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} Along with Rewind, Chromedome reconciled with the his quantum duplicate of Rewind and Dominus Ambus, the quartet ready to ascend together. At that moment, the Afterspark shorted out, revealing the realm to have been the original Mederi, an ancient euthanasia clinic that used telepathic constructs to put its inhabitants at ease before killing them, the first Rewind and Dominus were merely projections of what Chromedome and Rewind hoped to find in the Afterspark. As the group grappled with this revelation, as well as the inexplicability of Tailgate having joined them, they were suddenly beset by sparkeaters made from the former ''Lost Light'' crew! {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

After a failed attempt to reason with the sparkeaters, the group rolled out before reinforcements arrived. When the ''Lost Light'' appeared overhead, Chromedome was part of the group that remained behind to try and use Mederi to cure their crewmates. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} After curing the sparkeaters via concussive medicine, the organic telepaths began counting down, heralding the opening of a massive rift in space. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Having retaken command of the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus loaded everyone aboard but the ship's engines were unable to match the rift's gravity, being dragged into the [[Benzene Cluster]], now populated by five duplicates of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the crew was quickly taken prisoner by the forces of the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]]. When Froid and Sunder were shoved in, the latter revealed to Chromedome that he'd managed a quick scan of the Architect's head before the being had forced him out and stripped him of his mnemosurgery. After Froid explained that the multiple Cybertrons were an upscaled [[God Gun]] which opened a portal to the next universe over, out from which came Megatron flying point amongst a fleet of starships. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

After reassuring that he wasn't invading, Megatron directed everyone to the real threat, a massive planet-sized effigy of Primus, one that Chromedome recognized as the [[Functionist Universe]]'s Cybertron granted a [[robot mode]]. When Megatron came to rescue, Chromedome was part of the group that managed to be pulled aboard the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]''. After Megatron had caught everyone up on the Functionist Council's schemes, he revealed that "Primus" was still populated by the citizenry of Cybertron. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After the rest of the group had managed to free themselves, and discover that Rung was the true Primus, everyone touched down on the last Cybertron for a group brainstorm, hitting on the idea of using twelve copies of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to overload Cybertron's twelve [[Hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spots]] to wipe out the Functionist Council in Vector Sigma. When the [[Omega Guardian]]s speaking through the Magnificence expressed their displeasure at this via deadly energy bolts, Chromedome and Rewind took Rung away so he could make the Matrices. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

Retiring to his quarters, Rung told Chromedome and Rewind to appreciate the other and left them to hug. Their session was interrupted when Rodimus came to see what was taking so long, the three discovering that creating the duplicates had killed Rung. Chromedome was sent to [[Port Residua]] with Rewind to guard Roller, managing to hold off the Functionaries until Rodimus delivered a rousing speech that allowed everyone to open their Matrix, overloading Vector Sigma and killing the Functionists. Returning to the ''Lost Light'' everyone saw that Luna 1's hot spot had been reactivated by Cybertron shunting the energy wave, bearing a final "Don't Forget Me" from Rung. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

As the crew took stock, Prowl arrived to inspect "New Cybertron" before declaring that, since the Knights of Cybertron didn't exist, Megatron would once again have to stand trial, this time with the Galactic Council presiding. Over Rodimus's protests, Megatron agreed to go quietly but was nonetheless allowed to join the Lost Light for one last "victory lap" cruise. When Chromedome and Rewind took a last walk, they discovered Rung's quarters and the model starships, unaware that the lasting effects of Adaptus' information creep had caused them to forget their friend. As the crew prepared to quantum jump home, the science team proposed the risky gamble of recreating the malfunctioning launch, thereby quantum duplicating themselves before then shunting the duplicates into a parallel universe to ensure that the Lost Light's adventures would never truly end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron where the Lost Light was disassembled following a last drink.

With no more adventures to be had, Chromedome became a grief counselor for a time before Rewind, obsessed with gathering as much information as he could about the Functionist Universe, succumbed to [[Delta's Malady]], trapping him in data stick form. Chromedome retired to look after his partner, inserting him in the back of his head as a means to communicate. Centuries later, Chromedome and Rewind attended Ratchet's funeral, Chromedome having a conversation with Drift after the proceedings.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate Lost Light materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}
{{-}}

==INSIRT continuity==
[[File:Timeless-EjectChromedomeStylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Long ago on Cybertron, Chromedome served in the [[Autobot Police]] and harbored an interest in the field of mnemosurgery. Over time, he was able to use his highly decorated partner Prowl's status to pursue this interest, developing the ability to extract information directly from a suspect's mind. However, as time passed, Chromedome found himself called upon not only to read minds, but rewrite them, altering a subject's memories and personality. Seeking to escape the burden of these duties, he buried his past and his talents. Eventually, though, he would come to meet Rewind, another Autobot with an interest in memories. Though it took some time, Chromedome eventually let the smaller Autobot into his life. {{storylink|Chromedome (G1)#Timelines|''Timelines'' Chromedome bio card}}

Some time later, Chromedome and Rewind would become crewmembers of the ''Lost Light'', and, along with [[Stylor]] and ex-Decepticon mercenary [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]], formed the [[INSIRT|Intelligence and Notable Surreptitious Information Recovery Team]], a group tasked with uncovering any mysteries that might threaten the ship's quest to find the Knights of Cybertron. {{storylink|INSIRT|INSIRT Tech Spec}} INSIRT's duties took them to the [[Vestigial Cortical Complex]], a Decepticon memory storage facility that Rewind became very excited about. After they located the facility, an impatient Treadshot made a door by way of explosion, allowing Chromedome, Rewind and Stylor to file inside. {{storylink|Timeless}}

===''Recordicons''===
At some point Rewind died, and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Recordicons|Brainstorm]] set Chromedome up on a date with [[Eject (G1)#Recordicons|Eject]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 27|Recordicons #27}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*The fact that Chromedome originally used to go by a different name was first brought up in [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]] of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'': In that issue, his name was written in quotation marks in Rewind's diagram, and when Chromedome himself was about to mention his original name, Rewind cut him off, arguing that it would make the story they were telling too "confusing". The out-of-universe reason for this was that writer [[James Roberts]] wanted to trick readers into believing that his unmentioned original name held some significance, causing rampant speculation. In [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]] of the same series, it was finally revealed that his original name was the completely insignificant "Tumbler"; the real revelation was that his ''current'' name, "Chromedome", was the one that had a deeper meaning, as it was originally a nickname given to him at the "[[Institute|New Instutute]]" where he used to work under [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]], a rather surprising twist in the light of the events of the "Shadowplay" three-parter.
* "Timeless" co-writer [[Jesse Wittenrich]] would [http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/99399-post-pictures-of-your-special-arm/page-1044#entry3318823 later reveal] his intention that the Rewind depicted in "Timeless" was being projected into Chromedome's mind by Stylor, and that the actual Rewind was deceased. Vestigial remnants of this plot point remain in the published comic, in the form of Stylor's constant physical contact with Chromedome, and Treadshot never acknowledging Rewind. Whether this holds true in the completed comic or is merely [[authorial intent]] is an exercise left to the reader.
*[[James Roberts]] has said that IDW Prowl and Chromedome had a "stronger bond" than just being partners.<ref>[http://theunderbase.libsyn.com/the-underbase-deconstructs-shadowplay "The Underbase Podcast Deconstructs Shadowplay"], 17:17 - 14:58</ref>
*[[:File:TheGloaming Toxin.jpg|An erroneously-coordinated appearance]] by Chromedome in [[The Gloaming|''More than Meets the Eye'' #16]] was caught in time by [[Josh Burcham]], who recoloured the 'bot into [[Toxin]], an unofficial character created for [[Unofficial conventions|TFcon 2011]].
* Chromedome's present day alt mode looks suspiciously like a light runner from the ''{{w|Borderlands (series)|Borderlands}}'' franchise.
* Chromedome's [[:File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|"Shadowplay"-era body]] (distinct from his present day one) inspired his [[Chromedome (G1)#Generations|''Titans Return'' Deluxe Class figure]]. Amusingly, this toy briefly appeared as his present day body in [[Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|''Lost Light'' #19]] because no one supplied [[E. J. Su]] with reference models.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mnemosurgeons]]

Chromedome (G1)

2021-04-18T15:36:42Z

GlamAttack: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

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{{disambig2|the heroic Autobot|his evil mirrorverse counterpart|Chromedome (SG)}}
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:''Chromedome is an [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Chromedome manga.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"You're such a coward, Wally!"]]
In most [[universal stream]]s, '''Chromedome''' (aka '''Tumbler'''<ref name="tumbler">"Tumbler" was revealed to have been Chromedome's original name in the [[2005 IDW continuity]]. See [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Notes|here]] for more details.</ref>) is a comparatively quiet academic. Originally a number-cruncher at [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Institute for Higher Programming]] working on ways to improve the processing power of the [[Transformer]]s' computerized minds, Chromedome found himself forcibly dragged into the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] when a [[Decepticon]] attack destroyed the facility. Chromedome put his work to use programming Autobots so they could outsmart their Decepticon foes, but alas, only wound up fostering an intellectual arms race of sorts, in which both sides competed to repurpose the newest advances in programming into military advantages. Ground down over the years by this inevitability, Chromedome has come to accept that war with the Decepticons cannot be prevented—but only won. Well-versed in the mechanisms of the Cybertronian mind, Chromedome has been known to specialize in [[mnemosurgery]], the science of manipulating the Transformer brain and the memories within.

In some universes, Chromedome is [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] to the egotistical [[Nebulan]] [[Stylor]], who is more concerned with the finer things in life than intellectual or military pursuits. As such, the two occasionally clash, with Chromedome trying to get Stylor to be a little less superficial, and Stylor trying to bring out Chromedome's more social side, but generally speaking, they get along quite well despite their differences.

As a quiet 'bot of the mind, Chromedome has a tendency to fade into the background, but there also exist universal streams in which he has foregone science and taken to the front lines of battle to become a much more prominent figure. The Chromedome of [[#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|these worlds]] is barely recognisable as the reserved scientist of those more well-known realities: instead, he is a hot-headed youth [[Burning justice|burning]] with an incredible passion for justice who even serves as [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s trusted, if impulsive and occasionally-irrational, second-in-command. He also works with the [[Partner Drone]] [[Moguru]].

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
A long time ago, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Chromedome was part of an Autobot strike unit led by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]]. This unit operated out of a cave dug into the [[Manganese Mountains]], and often worked to foil the schemes of their primary nemesis, [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}} ''Chromedome was a computer programmer, but grew increasingly disillusioned with his work being channeled exclusively into military uses.'' {{storylink|Stylor's Story}} Chromedome's last major mission on Cybertron was to upset a slave march to the [[smelting pool]]s. After that, however, Fortress Maximus revealed to the Autobots that he had grown sick of warfare, and planned to escape the endless ring of hate by immigrating to a new world altogether: [[Nebulos]]. At first, Chromedome was shocked, but eventually he and many others chose to join Fortress Maximus on his quest for peace.

[[File:Brokenglass-autobotstorage.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Nebulan floors apparently are built as an upward slope.]]
Upon arrival on Nebulos, Chromedome chided Brainstorm for analyzing their new home with his digital readouts rather than just looking around. Indeed, Chromedome found that Nebulos was "a paradise". But when their attempts to forge an alliance with the native [[Nebulan]]s failed (due to sabotage for political reasons), Chromedome suggested that they "talk some sense" into their new neighbors. Their unit was met with military force and Fortress Maximus ordered Chromedome and the others into the woods.

Despite these setbacks, Fortress Maximus was determined to wage peace, not war. He brought an envoy of Autobots, including Chromedome, to the Nebulan capitol of [[Koraja]] to once again plead for peace. When the Nebulans still were not totally swayed after he and his Autobots disarmed, Maximus removed his own head from his shoulders, leaving his body deactivated and inoperable in the Nebulans' care. Chromedome and three other Autobots joined their leader in his gesture. It was this gesture which finally ushered in a cease fire with the Nebulans. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}}

[[File:BrokenGlass-Chromedomeoof.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|As the saying goes, "Look before you boing your car into the air."]]
Chromedome and the four others who had removed their heads were kept confined within Koraja while the Council of Peers, collateral for a peaceful Autobot settlement within the forest. Soon, however, Scorponok's Decepticons followed the Autobots to Nebulos and attacked Koraja. The peaceful Nebulan [[Galen]] refused to surrender the captive Autobots to the Decepticons, but the terms of the cease fire prohibited the Autobots' heads be returned to their bodies. Instead, a loophole was sought. At first Galen and a few like-minded Nebulans attempted to operate the Autobot bodies by remote control, but this was an awkward solution. The Nebulan scientist [[Arcana]] suggested something more elegant yet groundbreaking - the Nebulans should undergo the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster process]], surgically altering themselves to become the heads of the Autobots! [[Stylor]] volunteered to undergo the process to become Chromedome's head, and the procedure commenced. {{storylink|Broken Glass!}} ''Stylor would later narrate how fantastic the process of bonding with Chromedome had been for him. ''{{storylink|Stylor's Story}}

The new Headmaster Autobots met the Decepticons in battle, and the Decepticons were amazed at how powerful and agile their foes had suddenly become. Chromedome was able to leap out of the way of Scorponok's deadly stinger attack ''in car mode'', to Scorponok's incredulity, though he did land up-side down. When the Decepticons realized how outclassed they were, they staged a panicked retreat, and the Autobots returned to the city streets victorious. Along with the others, Chromedome removed his head so that the Nebulans could see that the terms of the cease fire were not broken, and they were met as heroes. {{storylink|Broken Glass!}}

[[File:Loveandsteel-runfortmaxrun.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Chromedome thinks Fort Max is being a little passive-aggressive about the whole [[Alternate mode|altmode]] thing.]]
Despite their newfound celebrity, the populace was still wary of Chromedome and the others, so the [[Council of Peers]] arranged an inspection. Chromedome's body stood by silently as the Council of Peers expressed concerns with the Autobots' Nebulan partners. They were interrupted by a distress call from Galen's political rival, Lord [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]], who had been kidnapped by the Decepticons. Fortress Maximus led Chromedome and the other Headmasters into battle, but the kidnapping was a ruse. Zarak and his political cronies had undergone the Headmaster process themselves, but with the Decepticons! Now evenly matched, the battle turned against the Autobots when they were forced to come to the aid of the Council of Peers, after which the Decepticons shot the Autobots in the back. Scorponok and the Decepticons claimed Chromedome, his partner, and the other Autobots as prisoners. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

Here they remained until Lord Zarak, with the last remaining bits of his dwindling sanity, realized the destruction he'd wrought upon his own homeworld. He set the Autobot Headmasters free, hoping to follow the Autobots to another world so they could leave Nebulos in peace. On their way out of Koraja, Chromedome and the other Headmasters battled the new Decepticon [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]]. Once they escaped the Targetmasters, they returned to the Autobot camp in the forest, where the Headmasters learned of a distress signal from other Autobots on [[Earth]] and prepared to depart Nebulos. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

[[File:WorldsApart-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Every time Chromedome says this, Furman gets a dollar.]]
''Before they left, however, the Autobot Headmasters had another encounter with their Decepticon opposite numbers. After the Targetmasters were captured by the Decepticons for analysis and dissection, Chromedome and the Headmasters went out looking for them, only to run into the Decepticon Headmasters on the way. After Chromedome stared down [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]], the Autobots regrouped to follow Mindwipe, the last of their attackers, who was apparently fleeing for safety. After entering the Decepticons' Fortress of Despair, however, Chromedome and the others realized they had been led into a trap, and were confronted by the might Scorponok and the Decepticon Targetmasters. In order to help even the odds, the Autobot Targetmasters were freed, but the Autobots weren't out of the woods yet. Chromedome singlehandedly fought Scorponok, lecturing his massive nemesis about how despite the differences between him and his partner Stylor, their shared purpose made them stronger than might alone. His speech helped renew Highbrow and Gort's bond, which had weakened throughout the fight due to their conflicting viewpoints. Once they were back in the fight, they helped Chromedome pummel down Scorponok, who was ultimately forced to withdraw.'' {{storylink|Worlds Apart!}}

''Chromedome and Stylor witnessed a duel between Fortress Maximus and Scorponok, with overall victory between the two factions at stake. However, the clash turned out to be a distraction set-up by the Decepticons to steal a fuel convertor. With it in hand, the Decepticons blasted off towards Earth, forcing the Autobots to follow.'' {{storylink|The Final Conflict}}

{{note|The events in this UK story differ in significant ways to the [[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]] mini-series.}}

[[File:TrialbyFire-Chromedome.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Eek, don't tell Rewind he's still doing this.]]
During the long journey to Earth, the Autobot Headmasters had Fortress Maximus heavily upgraded into a larger, more powerful body. Once their construction was completed, Chromedome introduced Fortress Maximus's full arsenal of abilities to the others, including his battle station mode and [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]]. Upon arrival, Fortress Maximus, Chromedome and the other Headmasters took a shuttle down to Earth's surface, and located the caves in [[Mount St. Hilary]] where the distress call had first been broadcast. They also found the broadcaster himself, an Autobot named [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] whose [[brain module]] had been retrofitted into a tiny electronic toy car. [[Toy Soldiers!|Long story]]. Scorponok and the Decepticon Headmasters had also come to Earth after the distress call, however, and a battle broke out. The battle proved costly, as Galen died protecting an Earthling from Scorponok. He passed on his control helmet to this boy, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], leaving Fortress Maximus and the Autobots in his hands. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

Fortress Maximus's group of Autobots inevitably met up with the group of Earthbound Autobots led by [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. Unfortunately, Grimlock was difficult to deal with, and so their meetup resulted in a battle for Autobot supremacy between Grimlock and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. Chromedome disembarked along with the rest of the ''[[Steelhaven (G1)|Steelhaven]]'' crew to watch the fight. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

When the [[Micromaster]] [[Air Strike Patrol]] raided [[MacDill Air Force Base]], returned Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] led nearly all of the Autobots' forces to its rescue, including Chromedome. But when Optimus began to suspect fowl play from a third party, he ordered the Autobots to retreat back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] without him. At first they were hesitant to leave their leader behind, but Chromedome and the others eventually agreed. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}}

[[File:EyeoftheStorm-legquest.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|And so Prime sez back, "Maybe if you were [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] [[Yesterday's Heroes!|I would care]]."]]
Soon it was learned that the vengeful chaos god [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], their forgotten enemy, had learned the location of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and was headed there to destroy the Transformers' creator [[Primus]]. Since the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] was the only thing that could destroy him, Optimus Prime sent teams to find it. However, the new Decepticon leader [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] returned with it instead, and Chromedome and the other Autobots on board fought the Matrix-possessed [[Pretender]]. The corporeal form of the Matrix's increasing evil influences grabbed Chromedome and tried to throw him at [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], but missed. Good for Blurr, but not so great for Chromedome. {{storylink|All Fall Down}} After Thunderwing was defeated (and unfortunately the Matrix as well), Chromedome was sent to [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] for repairs. He snarked to [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] that he'd had enough of the [[Matrix Quest]], and was ready for a "leg quest." Chromedome was still being repaired when Optimus Prime announced over the Ark's communications system that he was surrendering the Autobots to Scorponok's Decepticons in the desperate hope that it would encourage an alliance between them against Unicron. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}}

Ultimately, the Transformers were transported to Cybertron to face Unicron. Like any very smart individual, Chromedome was last seen transforming into his car mode and driving away as fast as he absolutely could. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}
{{-}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:Chromedome stylor project lazarus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1]]
Following the invasion of Cybertron by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s [[Blitz Engine]]s, Chromedome was last seen in car mode driving towards them very fast, alongside [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Siren (G1)|Siren]] and [[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]]. That perhaps wasn't so smart. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Four}} He managed to make it out all right, though, as after the battle it was reported that he had successfully been reunited with his original head on Nebulos, and Stylor's Headmaster process had been reverse-engineered so that he could reintegrate with Nebulan society. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 1}}

When Cybertron went to war with [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his [[Hub (G2)|Hub Network]], Chromedome was part of the commando team of Autobots who made a beachhead on the Hub to coordinate a surgical strike on the network. When the strike failed, Chromedome and the others were hunted down by Jhiaxus's [[Primum Fugae]]. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 3}} They were imprisoned at the [[Corral]] until Jhiaxus fell to outside forces. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 4}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers '84''====
[[File:Fortress maximus secrets and lies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In the early days of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s launch, Chromedone was one of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]]'s troops when they were attacked by [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]'s troops. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 3|Secrets & Lies #3}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Kunihiko Yasui]] (Japanese)|[[Franz Rudnick]] (German, "The Rebirth, Part 1"), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, "The Rebirth", Part 2 & 3), [[Francis Lax]] (European French)}}
[[File:Rebirth3 chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Chromedome eagerly awaits the cue to speak his one line in the entire series.]]
Chromedome was stationed on Cybertron in [[2007]] when the combined forces of the Decepticons attacked the planet with the intention of opening the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]]. Chromedome and his allies were able to steal back the key to the chamber, but not before a bolt of its energy was briefly released, hurling them and their shuttle across the galaxy. Eventually, the shuttle began to slow, as Chromedome noted its engines had finally burned out, but it still had enough momentum to lead it to crash on a nearby alien world. The Autobots survived the crash, but before long, they were captured by a cell of rebel natives, who mistook them for robotic agents of the planet's evil ruling council, the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]. Imprisoned and facing execution by magnetic bombs, Chromedome kept his cool, calmly inquiring as to the name of the planet, and was given his answer by [[Duros]]: [[Nebulos]]. Before the rebels could destroy the Autobots, a squad of Decepticons arrived to steal back the Plasma Energy Chamber key, and although Chromedome helped repel them by hurling the magnetic bombs, the villains managed to abduct several of the Autobots. Chromedome, [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] tried to give chase, but found their way barred by the Hive's machines. Returning to the rebels' base, they learned the story behind the Hive and their machines, and decided to employ a theory devised by Brainstorm that would see the Nebulans bond with the Autobots as "Headmasters" to help defeat by the Decepticons and the Hive. The enthusiastic Chromedome was the first to volunteer for the process, and was bonded to rebel strategist Stylor. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}}

[[File:Rebirth2 chromedome and stylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|You know what they say about people who dress like their cars...]]
Chromedome and his fellow new-born Headmasters proceeded to smash their way through the Hive's machines and rescue their friends from the Decepticons; during the battle, Chromedome personally shot down [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]]. This defeat prompted the Hive and the Decepticons to join forces to become Headmasters and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] themselves, and when they attacked once more, Chromedome and [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] found themselves no match for the [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

With the key back in their hands, the Decepticons departed Nebulos and returned to Cybertron, which [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] then moved into Earth orbit, planning to destroy both worlds by opening the Plasma Energy Chamber and using its energy to explode the [[Sun]]. Chromedome and the Autobots followed them, but when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] insisted that the Plasma Energy Chamber key ''not'' be destroyed (in accordance with the wishes of [[Vector Sigma]]), their Nebulan allies rebelled and ran off, leaving Chromedome and the other Headmasters stuck in vehicle form. Following their partners into the bowels of the Decepticon city-robot Scorponok, Chromedome and the Autobots were captured, but were thankfully saved by the arrival of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] and his new creation, Fortress Maximus. Subsequently, the Plasma Energy Chamber was deactivated and the Decepticons were exiled to deep space, and with the [[Golden Age]] of Cybertron restored, Chromedome returned to Nebulos with the Headmasters and Targetmasters to help to eradicate every last trace of the Hive's evil from the planet. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:FlashForward3-Headmasters.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|My head, uh, lost some weight.]]
Following [[Hi-Q]]'s kidnapping, Chromedome turned out with Highbrow, Crosshairs and Brainstorm to brief [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]]'s team. {{storylink|A Flash Forward, Part 3}}
{{-}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
{{note|In Japan, Chromedome is a small robot who transforms into a head and controls a larger, lifeless [[Transtector]] body. The Headmasters toyline referred to the small robot as "Chrome", with "Chromedome" being the name of the combined small robot/Transtector form, but this distinction of nomenclature is made in fiction only very rarely, with the character usually being referred to as "Chromedome" regardless of what form he takes.}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Hideyuki Hori]] (Japanese), [[Jack Murphy]] (English)}}
[[File:Hmep8 chromedome and abel.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Oh, where is your silicon, baby?]]
Four million years ago, Chromedome and his friends [[Jack (Headmasters)|Jack]] and [[Abel]] were among a group of [[Cyberdroid|diminutive Cybertronians]] who departed Cybertron under the leadership of Fortress, seeking to escape the eternal war that had consumed the planet. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Alas, engine trouble caused their craft to crash-land on the planet Master, an inhospitable world whose murderous environments and wildly changeable atmospheric conditions threatened the lives of the Cybertronians almost as soon as they stepped off their ship and were caught in a desert of sinking sands. The need for survival fostered several technological advances, and the Cybertronians fought against the odds to make a life for themselves on the planet. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} This relative peace was eventually disrupted, however, when a shadowy ninja able to transform into six different modes attacked an [[energon]] mining facility on the planet. Abel tried to drive him off, only for the ninja to brutally murder Abel and his militia group in front of Chromedome's eyes. As he cradled his friend's dead body, Chromedome felt hatred towards evil-doers for the first time in his life and vowed vengeance against the Decepticon. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

[[File:Headmasters tf stuck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|A ''Body''master technology?..]]
When the scientists of Master made their next quantum leap of technology with the creation of larger, lifeless Transformer bodies called [[Transtector]]s, Chromedome and many of his comrades underwent rigorous physical and mental training to master the art of [[transformation]], learning to transform into heads that connected to the Transtectors, placing them under their control. While Jack unfortunately washed out of the program, {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)}} Chromedome was one of ten warriors who became one of these elite "Headmasters" (even if he ''did'' have a little trouble getting his Transtector to transform the first time out). Unfortunately, half their number soon rebelled against Fortress's leadership, siding against him with a traitor named [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], who soon forged an alliance with the Decepticon leader, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

[[File:Hmep2 chromedome.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Perspective by [[Pat Lee]].]]
In the year 2011, when Galvatron launched his latest attack on Cybertron with the added power of his new Decepticon Headmasters, Chromedome and his fellow Autobot Headmasters traveled to the planet to help their comrades defend their homeworld. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Making a dramatic entrance in the middle of the conflict, Chromedome grappled with [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and helped [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] thwart [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]'s hypnotism, before Fortress's Battleship Maximus forced the Decepticon off. The Autobot Headmasters then formally introduced themselves to Cybertron's Autobots, and Chromedome proposed that they accompany [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] to Earth to help him search for the missing [[Matrix of Leadership]], needed to stabilize the malfunctioning [[Vector Sigma]]. [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] argued against the notion, and he and Chromedome immediately started fighting, so Hot Rod sidelined them for the moment and headed to Earth with [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] instead. Blaster perished during the search, and the emotionally shaken Wheelie told Chromedome they were now counting on him and the Headmasters. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Chromedome's team quickly joined Hot Rod on Earth and held off the Decepticon Headmasters while Hot Rod recovered the Matrix. Together, the group returned to Cybertron, where Hot Rod used the Matrix to become [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] once more, but he was unable to stabilize Vector Sigma in time, forcing [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] to sacrifice his life to do so. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

When the Decepticons unveiled their newest invention, the [[Madmachine]], Chromedome's plan to attack [[Chaar]] directly was shot down. He and the Headmasters then acted like a bunch of insensitive pricks to the Autobot Cassettes, who were still mourning the loss of Blaster, but pulled their heads out of their butts when Blaster was resurrected as Twincast. They then helped the [[Throttlebot]]s defend Cybertron against the Madmachine, destroying the evil device. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} A little later, Chromedome and Hardhead hunted down a stowaway on Battleship Maximus, only for it to turn out to be [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and Wheelie. With the two youngsters at their side, Chromedome and the Headmasters then went on to help liberate the planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]] from Decepticon control. {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}} Daniel was also instrumental in destroying the Decepticons' metal-warping meteor [[Metamorphose]], and Chromedome and the Headmasters helped hold the Decepticon forces off so the boy could complete his task. {{storylink|Approach of the Demon Meteorite}}

[[File:Hmep7 chromedome crossheadon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Chromehead or Harddome?]]
Investigating word of a Decepticon attack on the planet [[Praum]], Chromedome and the Autobot Headmasters found themselves caught in a trap sprung by their old enemy Scorponok. Trapped in a subterranean chamber with the planet's endless desert sands pouring in on top of them, the Headmasters recalled their early days on Master, and decided to try their head-swapping "[[Head Formation|Cross-Head On]]" technique to boost their power and free themselves. Chromedome ''meant'' to switch heads with Highbrow, but accidentally wound up on top of Hardhead's Transtector instead. Nevertheless, the idea worked, and the freed Headmasters took the fight to the Decepticons, with Chromedome pummelling Galvatron himself. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}

[[File:Hmep8 chromedome ninjastar.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Chromedome wonders if ninja stars are edible.]]
After a sextet of mysterious blackmailers threatened six nations on Earth, the Headmasters staked out [[New York City]], where Chromedome took offense to his team-mates comparing the Statue of Liberty's looks to [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s. Hop-scotching around the globe trying and failing to keep up with the blackmailers, the Headmasters were at the end of their rope, and subsequently began fighting with the [[Trainbot]]s when they found out they taken Daniel and Wheelie shopping in Japan. Chromedome had the decency to feel like a jerk when Daniel got upset at the fight, and calmed down long enough to apologise. Looking at a ninja star Daniel had bought in Japan, Chromedome was suddenly reminded of the shadowy ninja's visit to Master years beforehand. Realizing that they were not dealing with six blackmailers, but with that selfsame six-changing ninja, Chromedome and the Headmasters made peace with the Trainbots and worked together to stop the mysterious mech and uncover his true identity: the Decepticon ninja commander, [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]! Sixshot was able to escape justice, but the long-standing desire Chromedome had for revenge over Abel's murder had been reawakened in the Headmaster's heart. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

[[File:Hm10 chromedome telepathy.jpg|thumb|A little known fact is Chromedome's Autobot symbol on his chest is ALSO his weak point. How do you think he found out Scorponok's?]]
Chromedome and Hardhead were investigating the Decepticons' movements on Earth when the villains' assembled forces staged a massive attack on Cybertron in order to obtain the new alloy, [[cybertonuron]], that had been developed by Vector Sigma. The duo headed straight to Cybertron and regrouped with their allies, launching into battle with the Decepticon Headmasters. During the fight, however, their enemies mysteriously pulled out, {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} so the Headmasters split up to hunt them down. After locating the Decepticons, Chromedome used his Headmaster powers to telepathically summon his allies to his side so they could keep Weirdwolf and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] busy while he chased Mindwipe through Cybertron's subterranean tunnels. Chromedome caught up to Mindwipe in Vector Sigma's chamber, where the Decepticon hypnotist revealed he was planting bombs that would destroy the planet. All attempts to remove the bombs failed, forcing Chromedome to return to the surface and sound the alarm. The Transformers all withdrew from Cybertron, which was then devastated when the bombs exploded. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

[[File:Hm11 chromedome arcee dance.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Oh, Calculon!]]
Despite this sad turn of events, punctuated by the departure of Rodimus Prime and the appointment of Fotress as leader in his place, the Autobots pressed on, and even held a party to announce the successful completion of the [[Sol 1]] satellite, a joint venture between the Autobots and [[human]]ity, during which Chromedome danced with Arcee. It wasn't all good news, however: Chromedome and the Headmasters failed to prevent Sol 1 from falling into Decepticon hands, and were forced to destroy it rather than let their enemies keep it. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}} Chromedome's team was at least able to get one in the win column when they helped saved a South American village from a Decepticon-instigated volcanic eruption. Chromedome was given a necklace by village girl [[Alyssa]] as thanks. {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} Later, Chromedome joined in the defence of [[San Francisco]] when the city was attacked by the Decepticons with [[Buridanka|a giant carnivorous plant]]. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

When Spike, Daniel, Wheelie and the Trainbots uncovered a Decepticon plot to destroy [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], Chromedome and the Headmasters headed straight to the red planet to aid them. After defeating [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] and rescuing Daniel and Wheelie, however, the Headmasters were caught in a trap and used as bait to lure Battleship Maximus into position so it could be immobilized. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}} Chromedome's team fought on against the Decepticon Headmasters and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], but when Scorponok arrived with his new ultimate weapon—a gigantic Transtector of his own—the fight was lost. Although Chromedome and the Autobots were able to escape, Mars was destroyed by Scorponok's [[plasma energy]] bombs. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

[[File:Hmep16 chromedome wobbles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Chromedome fails miserably at the Soulja Boy dance.]]
Furious after the destruction of Mars, Chromedome was determined to get revenge, despite Fortress's orders. He and Hardhead hid themselves in the Maximus's cargo hold in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], and when the ship went on patrol on the fringes of Decepticon territory, the pair ejected and headed for Chaar on their own. Much to their irritation, however, Autobot deep-cover agent [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] had been given information on their movements, and fed it to Scorponok, who deployed the Decepticon Headmasters and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] to intercept the pair and see them off. Subsequently, Chromedome joined in the Autobot attack on Scorponok's coronation on Earth's moon. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Later, Chromedome helped deliver energy to the stricken world of [[Sandra (G1)|Sandra]] by abandoning his Transtector and leaving it to serve as a decoy while he and Hardhead took a small shuttlecraft to the planet. When the Decepticons attacked the planet, Chromedome and Hardhead, still in their small robot forms, used their diminutive size to win the battle by sneaking bombs onto Scorponok's Transtector. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

[[File:Hmep18 chromedome vs sixshot.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Wildcat Rescue Force!]]
Chromedome joined the Headmasters and Trainbots in serving as bodyguards for Spike when he met with Galvatron to discuss the unlikely possibility of the Autobots and Decepticons working on energy research together. When a report from Punch revealed that the "Galvatron" Spike was talking with was actually an impostor, Chromedome had the Trainbots stage a diversion so he could burst in on the negotiations and reveal the deception. The false Galvatron was revealed to be Sixshot in disguise, and a fierce battle erupted between Chromedome and the ninja that ran all down the shoreline. Seeing through Sixshot's tricks, Chromedome wounded him and forced him to retreat. It was discovered that the Decepticons had staged the phoney negotiations to cover for their departure on an interplanetary energy quest, and Chromedome joined the Autobots in pursuing them aboard Battleship Maximus. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

[[File:Hm19 chromedome makk energymoat.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
On the Decepticons' trail through space, the Autobots discovered a ruined ship from [[Hive (planet)|Hive]] floating in space, victims of a Decepticon attack. Chromedome investigated the wreck and discovered [[Makku's father|a survivor]], but the alien did not live long, clinging to life just enough to give Chromedome [[Medal of Valour|a medallion]] to pass down to his son. As they drew closer to Hive, Battleship Maximus came under fire from the suspicious natives, and while Fortress insisted on showing non-resistance, Chromedome's fiery temper flared, and he headed down to the planet's surface on his own to try and speak with Hive's [[Queen Bee]]. On Hive, he met the soldier's son, [[Makku]], who helped him gain an audience with the queen and convince her that the Autobots were on their side. Of course, the Decepticons chose that moment to strike, and Chromedome was blasted into the energy moat around the queen's castle by Galvatron and Sixshot. Luckily, with Makku's help, Chromedome was able to absorb energy from the moat and leap back into the middle of the battle, joining with the other Headmasters in using the Maximus's "Master Shot" cannon to force the Decepticons off. {{storylink|Fight to the Death on Planet Hive!!}}

Shadowing the Decepticons on their way to their next target, the worlds of [[Twin Star]], Chromedome suggested attacking the Decepticons in the void of space. Brainstorm chided him for not thinking his actions through, and the pair started arguing, until Brainstorm's brains helped win the fight on Twin Star. {{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}} On their next stop, the planet [[Daros]], Chromedome's team used the Master Shot again to force the Decepticon off, but sadly not before the Decepticons killed a [[Beastformer]] named [[Tekna]]. In death, however, Tekna left them with a piece of microfilm supposedly containing coded information on Scorponok's weak spot. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}}

[[File:Hm22 chromedome repairs.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Head On! Neck Wrung!]]
While conducting exterior repairs on Battleship Maximus on the way to the planet [[Paradise]], Chromedome goofed pretty badly when he punched the ship's hull in frustration, jostling loose a few important components and sending them floating off into space. Although he was able to fix his mistake, the delay necessitated that Highbrow go on ahead to Paradise, where he was captured by the Decepticons. Once they made it to Paradise, the worried Chromedome led the Headmasters to Highbrow's rescue, and they performed the [[Head Formation]] to power up their teammate. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} Soon after, Chromedome helped battle the Decepticons on [[Pirate Planet]]. {{storylink|Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship}}

With the Decepticons' energy raids done, the Headmasters to Athenia. Sadly, Chromedome's team was unable to prevent [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s death at the hands of Sixshot on Earth, but they did arrive in time to deliver a ferocious Head Formation-powered beating to the six-changer. Chromedome's hatred of the ninja only grew. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} Magnus's death only galvanized the Decepticons into more aggressive action, and the Autobots were spread thin fighting back. Chromedome and his team followed Galvatron to [[Alaska]], where they used information from Punch to pinpoint his weak spot—his head—and defeat him, entombing him in ice using the power of the Head Formation. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

[[File:IRiskMyLifeForEarth-Letgoofme.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Head on, hands off.]]
Galvatron's demise allowed Scorponok to take leadership of the Decepticons, and he initiated a plan to destroy the Earth by simultaneously erupting every volcano on the [[Pacific Ring of Fire]]. When Spike realized what they were planning, Chromedome escorted him to Earth to present his findings, only for [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] to come under attack by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and Sixshot. Consumed with rage, Chromedome rushed to engage Sixshot, and the unprotected Spike was wounded by Trypticon. The Trainbots and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] forced the Decepticons off, but Chromedome was consumed with guilt and anger. He started blaming everyone else, including Fortress, claiming it never would have happened if he had allowed them to take out the Decepticons' Earth base, and in his frenzy, tried to leave for Earth to take care of it himself. Restrained by Hardhead, Chromedome was consigned to Athenia by Fortress, deemed incapable of leading due to his emotional statue. While the other Headmasters headed to Earth to engage the Decepticons on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Chromedome turned his attention to the coded information left to them by Tekna. With Daniel and Wheelie's help, Chromedome was finally able to decode the microfilm and identify Scorponok's weak spot, and raced to Earth to pass it on to Fortress. With Chromedome's information, Fortress was able to defeat Scorponok, and force him and the Decepticons off the Earth. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}}

[[File:Hm27 chromedome hardhead cross head on.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Head Off!]]
With the Decepticons gone from Earth, the Autobots set about removing all traces of their evil from the planet. Chromedome and Hardhead were charged with removing the plasma bombs planted along the Ring of Fire, and things were going well until a volcanic tremor caused Chromedome to drop one of the bombs, setting off its timer. Switching heads with Hardhead to boost their strength and courage, the pair ran through the waves of magma and collapsing rock walls, successfully getting the bombs to the surface so Battleship Maximus could take them into space. The intention was to let the bombs detonate harmlessly in the void, but on the way to jettison them, the Maximus encountered a ship from Master containing a group of refugees, pursued by a team of Decepticons. A newly arrived team of elite Autobots—[[Pointblank]], [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]—set out to rescue the Master refugees, when the bombs detonated, causing a plasma explosion that fused the refugees and the Autobots and Decepticons together, creating the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]]. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}} Chromedome took an immediate and strong dislike to Pointblank, who considered the Headmasters weak and undisciplined.

[[File:Hm28 chromedome shoots jack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|So you see, we shouldn't be mad at Jack for leaving us. We should be mad at that [[Decepticon|fruity little club]] for [[Mindwipe (G1)|scrambling his brains]]!]]
Learning from the Master refugees that Scorponok's Decepticons had returned to Master and were causing chaos there, Chromedome returned to his adopted homeworld with the Autobots to help defend the natives. Soon after his arrival, he was reunited with his old friend Jack, who at first pretended like he did not know him: The sight of the successful Headmaster that Chromedome had become reminded him of how he had failed in the same pursuit. Chromedome wouldn't stand for his friend's guff, telling him that just because he was a Headmaster, it didn't mean he was better than Jack, whose incredible scientific mind had helped create Battleship Maximus and the [[Master Sword]]. Jack apologised and welcomed Chromedome properly, but after they parted ways, Sixshot struck, impersonating Chromedome and kidnapping Jack so that the Decepticons could torture information on the composition of the Master Sword out of him. Jack refused to give them any information, so instead, the villains planted a bomb in his body and Mindwipe hypnotised him to walk into Battleship Maximus. The horrified Chromedome was forced to shoot Jack to stop him, and the bomb detonated, taking his life. His hatred of Sixshot burning stronger than ever, Chromedome blasted off the ninja's arms, and was set to pursue him until Pointblank held him back. In the wake of the battle, Chromedome and Pointblank confronted each other, mutually concluding that they didn't ''like'' each other, but they respected one another, and would fight together in the future. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)}}

[[File:Hm29 chromedome daniel rescue wheelie.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|...And then Chromedome locked that closet door, never to be opened again.]]
Having failed to pry information on the Master Sword from Jack, the Decepticons kidnapped Wheelie in order to ransom him for the data they needed to construct a weapon to counter it. Although Chromedome and Daniel snuck into Scorponok's Transtector and rescued Wheelie, the fight broke out over the data disk, and the Decepticons were able to make off with it. Chromedome, Wheelie and Daniel were charged with cleaning Battleship Maximus for their breach of the rules. {{storylink|The Master Sword Is in Danger!!}} Using the stolen data, Scorponok created the [[Zarak Shield]], despite Chromedome and his allies' attempts to stop them. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}}

[[File:Hm31 pointblank decks chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|LET ME SHOW YOU THE DANCE OF MY PEOPLE!]]
While discussing what the Autobots' next step should be, Chromedome opposed the Targetmasters' plan of luring the Decepticons into space, believing that they might lose them, and advocating a hard strike now before they left Master. The Targetmaters dismissed his plan out of hand, prompting an angry Chromedome to go off on his own an set up a meeting with the young warriors of Master, led by [[Kirk]]. He soon brought the other Headmasters in to join the effort, and together, they formulated a plan that involved luring the Decepticons into the confines of a nearby cloudy mountain range. The plan went wrong, however, when Scorponok emerged from beneath the planet's surface right in the middle of a city, and many of the young warriors died in the disorganized response. Chromedome was forced to call the warriors off, and to make matters worse, Fortress's Master Sword was bested by the Zarak Shield. The victorious Decepticons departed Master, heading back to Earth, while Pointblank punched some sense into Chromedome, blaming him for the entire debacle. {{storylink|Operation: Destroy the Decepticons}}

[[File:Hm32 chromedome sixshot daniel.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Stop, don't hurt Uncle Sixshot! He's so stylized and cool!"]]
The Autobots quickly gave chase, catching up to the Decepticons in space, but the battle that resulted led to Sixshot and Daniel being stranded on the barren planet [[Daira]]. The Autobots were able to track them down after a while, but Chromedome was unconvinced by Daniel's claims that Sixshot was a noble warrior who had protected him. {{storylink|My Friend Sixshot!}} Soon after, when Scorponok had to set down in the asteroid belt for repairs, the Autobots caught up another battle broke out. Sixshot decided to settle their rivalry once and for all, and challenged Chromedome to a climactic one-on-one duel on the asteroid [[Juno]]. Chromedome accepted the challenge, refusing to listen to the protestations of Fortress or Daniel, and even punching Brainstorm when he offered to fight as his second, taking it as a slight to his abilities. Ironically, it was Pointblank who supported Chromedome's decision, understanding his feelings because he had been brash and impassioned in his own youth. The pair's fated duel began, but before long, Daniel got in the middle of the fight and tried to stop his two friends from killing each other. A definite outcome was denied Chromedome, however, when bombs Scorponok had planted on the asteroid in an effort to destroy Sixshot began to detonate, forcing the combatants to break off their battle. {{storylink|Duel on the Asteroid}}

[[File:Hm35 chromedome hardhead hypnotised.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Thanks to the delay caused by Chromedome's duel, the Decepticons beat the Autobots back to Earth, and began causing chaos, erecting energy-discharging "[[Death Tower]]s" composed from [[crysmagnetal]] around the planet. Upon landing, Chromedome and the Autobots had to rush off to rescue the human victims of a plane crash caused by the Decepticons, which included Daniel's parents. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} After trying and failing to stop the erection of another Death Tower in [[Egypt]], Chromedome and the assembled Autobot army followed the Decepticons to the North Pole for a final mighty battle. During the fight, Chromedome and Hardhead were hit by Mindwipe's hypnotism, but were saved by Twincast and his cassettes. With the Death Towers creating a field of energy that was threatening to tear the Earth apart, Chromedome and the Headmasters joined in Head Formation, hoping to channel their energy into Fortress Maximus and give him the strength to destroy Scorponok and the crysmagnetal. Their own energies were not enough, but at Daniel's suggestion, they expanded their formation to include the assembled Autobot forces. Thus combined in "Final Formation", they provided Fortress with the energy he needed, and the Earth was saved.

Following their defeat at the North Pole, the Decepticons were finally expelled from Earth, and the Autobots prepared to follow them. Chromedome assured Daniel that although the Autobots were leaving, the peace they had brought to the Earth was here to stay. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{-}}

====''Kiss Players/15 Go! Go!''====
[[File:KPBraveMax.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8]]
Slumped miserably on the barren surface of Master in their smallest robot forms, Chromedome, Fortress and Highbrow's attention was caught when a [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|time-travelling spaceship]] materialized over their heads and crashed nearby. By studying and reverse-engineering the technology found in this spaceship, Fortress and the scientists of Master invented Transtectors and the Headmaster process. {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 1}} {{storylink|Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #48}} {{storylink|Sparkbots Volume 3}}

====''The Great Transformer War''====
[[File:Hmmanga battered headmasters.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Hey, why are you white? - It is the winter camouflage, dude!]]
In the closing days of 2010, while significant Transformer battles were being waged on Earth and across space, Chromedome and his fellow Autobot Headmasters were active on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], battling their Decepticon counterparts. It seemed that their foes were able to escape them by leaping into a crevasse, but moments later, they came bursting out of the ground beneath the Autobots' feet. Chromedome and company, however, were able to use this to their advantage by sneaking away under cover of the dust cloud the villains' emergence had created. When the cloud cleared, the Decepticons realized they had been beating up each other, and were then promptly flattened as Chromedome and the Autobots ran them over in vehicle mode. The tide of battle turned suddenly with the arrival of the Decepticon ninja [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], who blasted Chromedome's team to cover the Decepticon Headmasters' escape. Informed by their leader [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] that the Decepticons were heading for Cybertron, Chromedome and the other Headmasters set out after them aboard Fortress's Battleship Maximus, with Chromedome particularly excited at the prospect of meeting [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{-}}

====''The Headmasters'' manga====
[[File:Hmmanga chromedome snatches bomb.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Shortly after Optimus Prime gave up his life to stabilize Vector Sigma, Chromedome and the Headmasters attended the unveiling of a [[Optimus Prime memorial|bronze statue]] dedicated to Prime's memory on Athenia. Chromedome spoke for the Headmasters, proclaiming Prime the greatest warrior that ever lived. The ceremony was then interrupted by the arrival of the Decepticons in Athenian space, and the Headmasters rocketed off in Battleship Maximus to intercept them. This, it turned out, was part of the Decepticons' plans, as they intended to hurl a bomb into the Maximus when the Headmasters exited it, but Chromedome moved too fast for the Decepticons, disconnecting from his Transtector and snatching the bomb out of Mindwipe's hands. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1|The Headmasters #1}}

[[File:Hmmanga chromedome hardhead vines.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Responding to an SOS from their Beastformer comrades, Chromedome and the Autobot Headmasters headed to planet Beast and split up into two teams to search. Chromedome and Hardhead had the misfortune to stumble into the clutches of [[Reprogamma|some energy-draining vines]], but were cut free by [[Kane]], the Beastformers' human ally. Kane led them to the Decepticon camp, where Brainstorm and Highbrow had been taken prisoner, and proceeded to create a distraction that allowed the two captive Autobots to break free. Kane was then pursued by the Decepticon Headmasters, but Chromedome's team followed them, and took the villains out. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}}

Investigating news of a Decepticon attack on an energy plant in Alaska, Chromedome and the Headmasters were caught by surprise by the Decepticon Headmasters, and prevented from combining with their Transtectors. At first they were forced to flee from the Decepticons' bestial Transtectors, but soon, they were able to execute a "Southern Cross Jump" that carried them over the Decepticons' heads and allowed them to reconnect with their bodies. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 2|The Headmasters #2}} Later, Chromedome's team went to Earth with the Trainbots to look into reports of the Decepticons stealing energy under the sea, and foiled their plan by destroying their robot squid through teamwork. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 3|The Headmasters #3}} Unfortunately, they had less success when they tried to stop Sixshot from stealing a capsule of emergency food rations, as the Decepticon ninja disappeared in a flash of smoke. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 4|The Headmasters #4}}

[[File:Hmmanga charge arrow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
On an unknown alien world, Chromedome and Daniel discovered the legendary weapon known as the "[[Charge Arrow]]", and Chromedome felt that with its power in his hands, he could become the greatest warrior in the universe. [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] then attacked, and when Chromedome attempted to use the Charge Arrow on them, he discovered he was not worthy enough to control its fabled energies. Knocked unconscious by the Horrorcons' attack, Chromedome had a vision of his Transtector telling him that he was worthy, if only he believed it. Awakening to see the two Decepticons' advancing on Daniel, Chromedome sprang into action, and, fuelled by the need to save his friend, successfully fired the Charge Arrow, frying the Horrorcons. When Daniel inquired if he regretted using up the one-shot weapon, Chromedome replied that a warrior is not defined by his weapon. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 5|The Headmasters #5}}

Chromedome and the Headmasters were handing out Christmas presents at a Japanese children's hospital when the Decepticon Headmasters attacked. Chromedome had the Trainbots get as many patients to safety as possible before he and the Headmasters unleashed their "Hell's Great Wheel" attack, sending their enemies whirling off into the sky. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 6|The Headmasters #6}} Not long after, on New Year's Day, Chromedome, Daniel and the Autobots' two newest Targetmasters, [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] and [[Artfire]], responded to a raging fire in [[Shinjuku]]. They were suddenly attacked by the Decepticon Targetmasters, who had started the fire, and were unable to fight back because they were focused on saving lives. Once Fortress Maximus put out the fire by dumping water on it from above, however, Chromedome and his allies were freed up to turn all their firepower on the Decepticons, sending them packing. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}

[[File:Hm manga8 master chrome hurricane.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Soon after the Decepticons' defeat at the North Pole, but before the Autobots' departed the planet, Chromedome gathered with Wheelie, Spike, Daniel and [[Carly]] to say goodbye. The tearful farewell was interrupted by the arrival of [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]], who had been ordered to stay behind on the planet by Scorponok. Chromedome attempted to attack him, but Soundblaster deployed [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] and [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] to hold the Witwickys hostage and prevent Chromedome from making a move. It was Daniel who saved the day by leaping on Slugfest and covering his eyes, causing him to run into Overkill, and freeing up Chromedome to hurl Soundblaster over the horizon with his "Master Chrome Hurricane" technique. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8|The Headmasters #8}}
{{-}}

====''Super-God Masterforce Master File''====
Following the expulsion of the Decepticons from Earth after the battle at the North Pole, the Transformers' war shifted into a series of space-based exchanges between the planet Athenia and Chaar known as the [[Master Wars]]. Chromedome and his fellow Headmasters had further training under the tutelage of Pointblank and the Targetmasters, and grew into mature warriors, who went on to help train the next generation of [[Autobot Master Warrior]]s.

With the space bridge destroyed, travel between Athenia and Earth became severely limited, and so, when news of a [[Devil Z|new Decepticon threat]] rising on Earth reached the Autobots in space from [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] on Earth, it proved difficult to spare any troops. This need fostered another scientific leap: the scientists of Master developed the [[Master-Brace|Masterforce system]], which would allow human beings to bond with Transtectors and defend Earth while the Autobots continued to fight in space. Chromedome participated in the project, and arranged for six Transtectors and six sets of [[Master-Brace]]s to be sent to Earth on a transport ship. Unfortunately, the ship was intercepted by the Decepticons in transit, and half its cargo was stolen, leading to the birth of [[Headmaster Junior]]s on both the Autobot and Decepticon side. {{storylink|Master File No, 1}}

{{note|Following the end of the ''Headmasters'' franchise, Japanese cartoon continuity branches off in two separate directions. One version of the story is told through the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' cartoon, the other is told through the ''Masterforce'' [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (manga)|manga]]. Chromedome plays much the same role in both, but gets up to a bit more in the manga.}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon continuity====
=====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon=====
[[File:Mfep4 chromedomes message.jpg|thumb]]
{{voiceactor|[[Hideyuki Hori]] (Japanese)|[[Rik Thomas]] (English, Omni Productions dub)}}

After giving the Transtectors to the three human children, [[Shūta Gō|Shūta]], [[Cab (human)|Cab]], and [[Minerva (Masterforce human)|Minerva]], transforming them into the Autobots' new Headmaster Junior warriors, Metalhawk informed them of Chromedome's role in their new powers. Shūta had heard his [[Haruma Gō|father]] speak of Chromedome before and expressed a desire to meet him, so Metalhawk played a recorded message that Chromedome had sent them. Evidently recorded in the middle of battle, the short but sweet missive had Chromedome inform them that fighting was only worsening out in space, and that he hoped they would all fight their hardest on Earth as well. The Headmasters Juniors all thought Chromedome was cool, and vowed not to let him down. {{storylink|Birth! Headmaster Jrs}}

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

=====''Legends'' comic=====
Years prior to his departure from Master, Chromedome helped uncover and put an end to Scorponok kidnapping and experimenting on his own people. {{storylink|Mutant Targetmaster Birth Chapter}}

In a dream, [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] told the [[Legends World]]'s [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] the story about how he and his comrades, including Chrome, left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to escape the war and settled on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 9|Bonus Edition Vol. 9}} Brainstorm later told Rattrap that he'd gotten a new body since his previous adventures, angering the nearby Chromedome who found it unfair that only ''he'' got an upgrade and accused him of ruining the [[Head Formation|Cross-Head On]]. [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] tried to calm him down by saying they needed all the power they could get since [[Scorponok (G1)|MegaZarak]] might get resurrected, but this didn't appease Chromedome who retorted that that just means they should ''all'' get upgrades. He was surprised when Brainstorm had lost his new body and watched him take it back from a thieving Rattrap, comparing the flip-down [[Tech Spec]] plate used to catch Rattrap to a mousetrap. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Brainstorm Chapter|Brainstorm Chapter}}

Scorponok indeed returned, and a battle with him in 2021 ended with Chromedome and his comrades being afflicted with "[[blackball]]s", tiny black holes that were causing their bodies to shrink until they would eventually collapse in on themselves. To save themselves, Chromedome and the other Headmasters had to disconnect from their transtectors and watch as they disappear into nothingness. {{storylink|Headmaster Chapter Prologue}} In need of new bodies, the tiny Autobots traveled to the Legends World and formed a partnership with the [[Axalon Trading Company]] for their resources. Chromedome's didn't enjoy this one bit; first he had to settle into the boring life of an office worker, and he wasn't even the first one to get a new transtector out of it! When a meteor threatened the city, he instead had to ride into battle on Hardhead's new partner drone, [[Tankette]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 21|Bonus Edition Vol. 21}}

When a rampaging Skullcruncher revealed that the Decepticons had also come to the Legends World, Chromedome set out with Hardhead to stop him, only to be captured by Weirdwolf, stuck inside [[Butla]] and held hostage. Though the Decepticons were driven off, Chromedome was unable to get out and had to continue working at the office in the form of Butla's dinosaur mode. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 22|Bonus Edition Vol. 22}} He was still in this form when Rattrap to him and Hardhead that the Axalon employees had gotten their own [[Master-Brace]]s. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} Chromedome and Hardhead were out drinking after work when they encountered Weirdwolf, who was searching for his runaway transtector, and ended up fighting over his "lost dog" posters and sending them flying into a river. Weirdwolf's ensuing anger summoned [[Rarigo]], who punched Chromedome so hard he was separated from Butla. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 30|Bonus Edition Vol. 30}}

[[File:LegendsManga BonusEdition32 ChromedomeNewTranstector.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
When the encroaching rival Decepticon company took over [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] near the Autobot Axalon HQ, Chromedome demanded that Fortress destroy them, calling him a coward for preferring a peaceful solution. After suddenly collapsing, Fortress revealed to Chromedome that his reason for avoiding transforming into Fortress Maximus was that the process drained his life force, and despaired that he was indeed a coward who only thought of his own safety. Regretting what he'd said, Chromedome reassured Fortress that he was the greatest commander ever and that keeping this secret to keep his troops' morale up was proof of that. When the commander next transformed into Fortress Maximus, Chromedome offered to save him by taking his place, but was told he wasn't strong enough. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}}

Encouraged by his new partner [[Moguru]], Chromedome learned to redirect his endless energy into his job and a new hobby—drawing [[w:Dōjin|dōjins]]—and eventually grew accustomed to a peaceful lifestyle. Even when he received his new transtector, he showed no interest in using it for fighting, but just wanted to use it to transport his ''[[Robopara]]'' drawings to an upcoming event. When Weirdwolf attacked the Autobot base, however, Chromedome's spirit of justice quickly resurfaced and he disregarded the event in favor of taking the Decepticon on, leaving Moguru to sell the dōjins in his place. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 32|Bonus Edition Vol. 32}} Disappointed in Highbrow for locking himself in his room and researching all the time, Chromedome tried to lure him out by stealing [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'s [[10.2 ultra-drill|ultra-drill]] and summoning [[Papika]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 33|Bonus Edition Vol. 33}} Alongside everyone else, he was then temporarily hypnotized into a mindless servant of Mindwipe. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 34|Bonus Edition Vol. 34}} While partying at the [[Dancitron]], he was hypnotized ''again'' by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundblaster]] into attacking Twincast. He was soon cured and turned on Soundblaster, only to have his transtector transformed into an immobile "base mode" by the [[Zodiac]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 36|Bonus Edition Vol. 36}}

When Brainstorm arrived in the Legends Universe, Chromedome was confused to learn that he and Rattrap were already friends. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 39|Bonus Edition Vol. 39}} He defended the Autobot base when [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s [[Astroforce]] attacked, though they quickly fell to their own energy shortage. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}} Chromedome, Hardhead and Brainstorm were doing maintenance on their transtectors when three Headmasters identical to them appeared and locked them in their own vehicles. The newcomers explained that they were [[Nebulan|Nebulons]] from another universe and needed bodies to battle their own version of Scorponok, [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]], so Chromedome and the others agreed to pilot the transtectors from their cockpits while these other Headmasters formed the heads. Their combined "Double-Headmaster" power was enough to defeat Zarak, after which Chromedome and friends said goodbye to their counterparts. {{storylink|LGEX Headmaster Set Chapter}} Chromedome later helped build a new [[Godbomber]], but was unable to prevent [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Trickdiamond]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] from stealing it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 42|Bonus Edition Vol. 42}}

When [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]] and the [[Dimensional Patrol]] placed the Legends World under martial law and confiscated everyone's transtectors, Chromedome and the others resisted by converting [[Black Convoy Mass Production Type Drone|Black Convoy drones]] into Headmaster-compatible bodies and using them to fight back. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy 2)|Bonus Edition Black Convoy 2}} The Autobot Headmasters confronted their Decepticon counterparts after they'd rebuilt [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], but were defeated by their creation. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} Chromedome was seen driving on the streets of Akihabara after the city was rebuilt in the wake of Trypticon's rampage. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}} After quitting his job to become a full-time manga artist, Chromedome was approached by Daniel and Sixshot, come to the Legends World to hide [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] from his enemies. He was unhappy about having to harbor Sixshot and tried to throw him out, only relenting on the condition that the ninja assist him with his manga career, and ended up being embarrassed when Sixshot noted certain similarities between his original [[Dripara]] character and Arcee. When Ultra Magnus came to arrest Star Saber, Chromedome brought him to safety while Sixshot battled their assailant. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 50|Bonus Edition Vol. 50}}

Chromedome was knocked out cold when [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] exposed all Transformers in the Legends World to [[anti-electron]]s. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 55|Bonus Edition Vol. 55}} At another time, [[Pounce]] and [[Wingspan]] would recall his role in the defeat of Galvatron. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 61|Bonus Edition Vol. 61}} During [[Tigerburn]]'s flooding of the world, Chromedome wondered why he was talking to himself and was informed by [[White Lune]] that he was hearing the voice of [[Lione]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 64|Bonus Edition Vol. 64}} When the [[Jumpstarter]]s used the Zodiac to battle Windblade, he needed [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] to explain how they could do that. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 65|Bonus Edition Vol. 65}} One day, Jack was resurrected by the repentant Sixshot, now going by Greatshot, and Chromedome was tearfully reunited with the friend he thought lost forever. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Greatshot)|Bonus Edition Greatshot}} He was then present when [[Devil Z]] and BlackZarak attacked the Legends World. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Grand Maximus)|Bonus Edition Grand Maximus}}

During the battle to defend the Legends World from Scorponok's [[Majin Zarak]], Chromedome was approached by the Autobot Targetmasters who revealed that they had traveled there as well. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Finale: Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part One|Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part One}} When Weirdwolf turned against Scorponok, Chromedome put his animosity aside and performed a Cross Head-On with the Decepticon, increasing their power so they could help push Majin Zarak through a warp gate. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Finale: Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two|Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two}} After the Legends World was destroyed due to Scorponok's machinations, Chromedome and the other Transformers from his time period returned to their own dimension, ending up on Beast where they aided the Beastformers in their war with the [[Laser Beast]]s. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 1}} By [[2026]], he had forgiven Greatshot and joined a rescue team that located him after his disappearance in the [[Silvart War]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Greatshot)|Bonus Edition Greatshot}} Years later on Earth, Chromedome and Highbrow were shocked when Ultra Magnus came back to life, very unhappy with their decision to bury him on the ocean floor. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#Resurrection Chapter|Resurrection Chapter}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' manga====
Cajoled by Shūta, Cab, and Minerva into allowing them to become Headmaster Juniors, Metalhawk explained to them the origins of the Transtectors and Master-Braces, and Chromedome's role in the process, before giving them to the kids. {{storylink|Headmaster Jrs Are Born}}

[[File:Mfmanga raiden chromedome scramble7.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.95]]
The Headmaster Juniors later got a chance to meet Chromedome in person when they and Ginrai were brought by the Trainbots to Athenia, so that Ginrai could be appointed [[Supreme Commander]] of all Autobots. After the ceremony, Fortress headed back to Master, and Chromedome was left in charge of Athenia, only for the Decepticons to attack during the night. Chromedome was quick into battle, but he and [[Raiden]] were cut down by a blast from the Decepticon combiner [[Scramble 7]] even quicker. Ginrai was able to end the threat, but the battle only proved that the Decepticons on Earth had joined forces with the Decepticons in space, and so the Autobots elected to do the same to better combat their enemies. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}} To this end, Chromedome went to [[Earth]] to assist with the [[Godbomber|Bomber Project]]. When [[Jin (Masterforce)|Jin]] and [[Mirai]] showed up and threatened to destroy the Autobots' work, Chromedome and [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] sped into battle with the two, but were outclassed when Jin and Mirai performed Get On with the suddenly-appearing [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Super Megatron]]. Fortunately for the two, Chromedome's Autobot comrades arrived on the scene with the Godcannon, which they used to defeat their enemies. {{storylink|Headmasters VS Masterforce}}

Soon after, when the space-based Decepticon commander [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]] began heading for Earth, Chromedome, his fellow Headmasters, Raiden, and [[Grand Maximus]] all gave chase. Chromedome was no match for the mighty Decepticon, however, and was beaten back, unable to stop his advance on the planet. As soon as BlackZarak reached Earth, however, Ginrai was able to trick both him and the Earth-based Decepticon leader [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] into injuring each other, and Chromedome and his allies cheered for Ginrai's success. {{storylink|God Ginrai's Amazing Super-God Combination!}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
[[File:HeadlessChromedomeandHardhead-ASO.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0]]
During a period when the Autobots on Nebulos were low on lubricant, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] dispatched [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and Chromedome to search for a legendary lost lake of oil. They searched a possible valley with their Headmaster partners, but [[Stylor]] reported back with no luck. Looking for [[Duros]]'s return, Chromedome transformed into his headless [[robot mode]] to get a better view across the plains. When Duros returned with a clear signal on his geo-sensors, the Headmasters traced the spot. Hardhead used sonic shell as a non-inflammatory means of drilling down to the reservoir. Duros and Stylor entered the tunnel and found a vast source of oil for the Autobots to claim. {{storylink|Autobots Strike Oil}}
{{-}}

===Toy pack-in material===
When Optimus became stranded on Cybertron's hemisphere of darkness with his memory damaged, Chromedome joined a small strike force of Autobots called H.O.P.E. ([[Help Optimus Prime Escape]]) to retrieve him. {{Storylink|Optimus Prime Is Back}}
{{-}}

===''United''===
Like the other Headmasters and Targetmasters, Chromedome was fine when a [[nano-virus]] struck the Autobots at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], incapacitating them. Because of their immunity, a team made up of him, [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]], [[Artfire]], and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] were sent to Nebulos to recover an antidote crafted by the Nebulan scientist [[Zella]].

As the team arrived on Nebulos, an army of Decepticons led by [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] erupted from an inter-dimensional portal and attacked them, revealing that the nano-virus was part of a larger plot to draw out the Headmasters and Targetmasters and steal their Nebulan partners. By concentrating their fire on Straxus, Chromedome, Artfire, and Kup defeated him and drove the Decepticons away, allowing Autobots to gather the antidote and cure their comrades. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:TheRoadNotTaken-ChromedomeRewind.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
{{main|Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity}}

Get your tissues ready.
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
[[File:Chromedome Kre-O Character Image.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|right|The [[Headmaster (technology)|Helmetmaster]]'s failure to do the [[Head Formation|Helmet Formation]] was all his fault.]]

Chromedome was sent flying to the air along with [[BuggyMan]] by the destructive [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Brawl (G1)#Kre-O online manga|Brawl]]'s destructive nature. {{storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

===''TransTech''===
In [[Primax 806.30 Gamma|one universe]], Chromedome was binary-bonded to the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] operative [[Mouse]], joining up with the [[Screaming Eagles]] against the forces of [[S.K.A.R.]] Ultimately, the Screaming Eagles emerged victorious in the globe-spanning confrontation, ushering in a new Golden Age for Earth. {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2016/05/01}}

===''Titans Return'' marketing material===
Chromedome was seen defending Cybertron from Soundwave's all-out attack. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}
{{--}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
Chromedome was a crew member on the starship ''[[Fist of Iacon]]'' under the command of Ultra Magnus. Chromedome told Magnus about the encrypted message sent from Cybertron that only he can translate, when it was discovered that [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] has gone missing, he accompanied Magnus to the planet [[Kworia]] in the [[Decimus Sector]] while searching for Alpha Trion after shooting down an alien ship. Their initial sweep turned up nothing, [[Erector (G1)|Erector]] helped Chromedome track Magnus's signal before [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and his crew of splice-thieves ambushed their ship and took the crew hostage, Chromedome pleaded with Magnus to leave the crew behind, but Magnus's code of honor wouldn't allowed and cooperated with Spinister's crew for the safety of his men. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}} As part of a conditional bargain, Spinister released Chromedome and several other members of the crew, who piloted their ship into the [[Black Sphere]] system to find Trion. Chromedome later confirmed that the signal Magnus received was Krm'zik from Koan. Chromedome then stood by with several other members of the crew as Magnus faced off against Spinister's crew, and watched as [[Victory Leo]] took on the villains after having received an emergency beacon from Chromedome. When Alpha Trion was found, he explained what happened to him before a transmission from Soundblaster requesting help from an armada.{{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 2}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[File:Commercial chromedome removes head.jpg|left|thumb]]
*Chromedome was among several Transformers who left the war on Cybertron behind, to blast their way to the distant planet [[Nebulos|Nebulon]]! After arriving on the alien world with the other Autobots and surrendering to the native Nebulons, he removed his head (see [[#Notes|notes]]) and allowed one to fuse with it. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Headmaster comic book|Headmaster comic book commercial}}
*Stylor boarded Chromedome, and along with the other Headmasters, they sped out of their hangar onto a roadway, where the Decepticon Headmasters were running straight for them. Chromedome transformed to [[robot mode]], and a fight broke out, during which Chromedome grappled with Weirdwolf. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Headmasters|Headmasters commercial}}
*A stone sculpture of Chromedome was savaged by Weirdwolf as part of his training. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Decepticon Headmasters|Decepticon Headmasters commercial}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: The Headmasters''===
[[File:HeadmastersGame-ChromedomeSprites.png|frame]]
When the Decepticons kidnapped his fellow Autobots, Chromedome was left alone to rescue his teammates and stand against the forces of evil. He fought his way through many foes on three separate planets, rescuing [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]], [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] before they all joined [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] in the finale battle against [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|Transformers: The Headmasters (video game)|Transformers: The Headmasters}}

{{Note|Chromedome is the only Autobot available for play from the beginning of the game. Other characters become available as the game progresses. His [[robot mode]] sprite not only uses the same pixel layout as the other playable characters except Fortress, but is identical in colour to Rodimus.}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{voiceactor|[[Strings Kozisek]] (English)}}

====Autobot story====
{{Note|Chromedome was available as a playable character in the Autobot campaign during the second playthrough.}}

====Decepticon story====
As the Decepticons searched a recently unearthed dig site for the [[Jewel of Mystery]], they were confronted by Chromedome. Chromedome was soon defeated by the Decepticons, but taunted them with the knowledge that they couldn't proceed further without the proper key.

Later, at [[ELTA]], Chromedome and [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] joined forces to battle the Decepticons again, to no avail. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
When the Decepticons aimed to get hold of the [[Key to the Plasma Energy Chamber]], Chromedome and his fellow Headmasters made off with it but soon crashed on Earth. They were aided by the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]], who patched them up and helped them fight off [[Apeface]] and [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]]. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Earth Defense Command}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsChromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Despite wielding a gun, I'll attack with my sword!]]
Chromedome participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Super Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 275 units of Cybermetal, 85 units of Transmetal, 55 scout cores, and 5 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1-toy Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Chromedome: Eternal Headmaster Soldier.]]
*'''Chromedome''' w/ '''Stylor''' (Headmaster, [[1987]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-101'''
**''Accessories:'' "Stylor" Headmaster driver, 2 laser guns
:Chromedome transforms into a brown, cream, and red Cybertronic sports car. He is armed with two non-firing laser rifles which mount on his roof in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], although the rifles must be removed in order to open the figure's hinged cockpit, in which his Headmaster partner Stylor can sit.

:In [[robot mode]], like all Headmasters, Chromedome features a flip-down panel on his chest that covers a mini [[Tech Spec]] meter displaying ratings for Speed, Strength and Intelligence. The tumblers of this meter are activated when Stylor is transformed into head mode and inserted into Chromedome's neck socket. Chromedome's body can accommodate other Headmaster heads, and his meter will display different stats accordingly. As with [[Hardhead (G1)#Generation 1|Hardhead]], Chromedome is surprisingly tall in robot mode due to how he transforms, coming in roughly 5mm shorter than Hardhead and well over a full head taller than [[Highbrow (G1)#Generation 1|Highbrow]] and [[Brainstorm (G1)#Generation 1|Brainstorm]].

:A [[redeco]] of Chromedome as [[Arcee (G1)/toys#HeadmasterConcept|Arcee]] was proposed during Generation 1, but never produced.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Chromedome/chromedome.htm More information on Chromedome at TFU.info]
{{-}}

===''Transform Jr''===
[[File:Tfjr chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Not to be confused with Chromedome Sr.]]
*'''Chromedome''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-101'''
**''Accessories:'' 2-piece "Chrome" Headmaster unit, laser gun
:The ''Transform Jr'' version of Chromedome simplifies the original toy. The [[transformation]] scheme remains the same, but Chromedome's cockpit no longer opens, so his Headmaster unit has nowhere to store. Additionally, the Headmaster unit does not really ''transform'' into a head; you simply remove its legs and set them aside. Chromedome's [[Tech Spec]] meter lacks the functionality of the larger toy, featuring only a permanent, non-moving readout, and he also has only one gun instead of two. But on the very cool plus side, his hood is now made of [[die-cast]] metal!

::*''[http://www.cliffbee.com/reviews/chromedomejr.php More information on Transform Jr Chromedome at Cliffbee.com]''
{{-}}

*'''Cybertron Leader Set''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' 2-piece Headmaster unit, laser gun
:The ''Transform Jr'' version of Chromedome was also sold in a two-pack with a vinyl figurine of [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Prime]]. The set also included a small, die-cast metal figure of Metroplex.
{{-}}

[[File:Transformjr hero set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''3 Hero Set''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' 2-piece Headmaster unit, laser gun
:''Transform Jr'' Chromedome was also available in a "Hero Set" alongside the ''Jr'' versions of Optimus Prime and Fortress Maximus.
{{-}}

===''Timelines''===
[[File:TL-toy Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Stylor heard that hanging out with ''Prime'' Wheeljack redecoes is the new trend.]]
*'''Chromedome w/ Stylor''' (TFSS 2.0, [[2014]])
**''TFSS2 number'': '''5'''
**''Accessories'': 2 [[sword]]s, "Stylor" partner
:Part of the 2014 [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service]], ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Chromedome is a [[redeco]]/[[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Robots in Disguise (2012)|Prime: Robots in Disguise]]'' Deluxe Class [[Wheeljack (Prime)#Prime|Wheeljack]], transforming into a modified [http://www.new-stratos.com/en/#/downloads 2011 Lancia New Stratos Concept]. He sports a new headsculpt designed by [[Nick Roche]], based on his design for Chromedome in the ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comics. He also comes with his smaller partner [[Stylor#Timelines|Stylor]], who transforms into a crossbow-weapon.

:The [[:File:TCCSS2-Chromedome.jpg|first digital mockup of the toy]] depicted Chromedome with a show/toy-accurate gray head with a blue visor, while his car mode had a third, very large Autobot symbol on his hood. In response to fan input, not only was the third symbol was removed, but the final production version revealed that the head's colors had been altered to look more like the IDW design as well.

:This mold was also used to make ''Prime'' [[Dead End (WFC)#Toys|Dead End]] and [[Wildrider (Prime)#Toys|Stunt Wildrider]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2014/Autobot/TFSSChromedome/chromedome.htm More information on ''Timelines'' Chromedome at TFU.info]''
{{PrimeRIDWheeljackMold}}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
====''Titans Return''====
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Deluxe-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Hey, Rewind, remember when way back before the war and my head turned into a guy?"]]
*'''Autobot Stylor & Chromedome''' (Deluxe Class, [[2016]])
**''Accessories:'' Small gun, big gun, [[Stylor]] Titan Master
:Part of the second wave of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Chromedome transforms from a robot (based on [[:File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|his appearance]] in the IDW comic storyline "[[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Shadowplay]]") to futuristic car and back. Chromedome's head can transform into the [[Titan Master]] [[Stylor#Generations|Stylor]], who can either drive Chromedome in vehicle mode or pilot Chromedome's larger weapon, which can also attach via tabs to the roof of the vehicle mode. The toy shares some engineering with [[Dead End (G1)#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' Dead End]] while not actually sharing any parts. It ''does'' reuse several parts from ''Titans Return'' [[Blurr (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Blurr]], including the thighs and kneepads, smaller rifle, and the Titan Master's robot mode. It is worth noting Stylor's deco changed from the early renders—the final figure had his tiny head changed to solid, unpainted red with an undecorated dark brown chest.

:Chromedome was retooled with a new head into [[Getaway#Generations|''Titans Return'' Breakaway]]. Chromedome's packaging art and trading card show him with Breakaway's headsculpt, probably the result of the artist being sent incorrect reference material.

:The Hasbro Asia exclusive giveaway sticker sheet can be used to enhance the figure's details.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2016/09/23/hasbro-asia-titans-return-stickers-wave-2-325179</ref>

:In 2017, multiple specimens were found at US retail including the Japanese ''Legends'' counterpart's Titan Master figure complete with the different [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Chromedome face sculpt, additional paint operations for the Titan Master figure itself and a black screw otherwise unique to the TakaraTomy versions.<ref>[http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/03/03/titans-return-chromedome-variant-features-takara-titan-master-334923 "TFW2005 Titans Return Chromedome Variant Features Takara Titan Master"]</ref>

::*''[http://tfu.info/2016/Autobot/TRChromedome/chromedome.htm More information on ''Titans Return'' Chromedome at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====''Retro Headmasters''====
[[File:TF-Generations-Retro-Headmasters-Chromedome.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now in '''b r o w n'''.]]
*'''Chromedome''' (Deluxe Class, [[2020]])
**''Accessories:'' Small gun, big gun, [[Stylor]] Headmaster
:Released as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Retro Headmasters|Retro Headmasters]]'' line, Chromedome is a redeco of the ''Titans Return'' Deluxe Class toy in G1 toy accurate colors and utilizes the ''Headmasters'' anime face included in the ''Legends'' figure.

:Along with the rest of the ''Retro Headmasters'' toys, Chromedome is a Walmart exclusive in Canada and the US.
{{-}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-Legends-LG32-Chromedome.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Chromedome''' (Deluxe Class, [[November 26]], 2016)
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''LG32'''
**''Accessories'': Large gun, small gun, "Chrome" Headmaster, [[Moguru]] Partner Drone
: ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Chromedome is a redeco and retool of the ''Titans Return'' mold, featuring a G1-accurate paintjob and a new headsculpt based on how the character looked in ''The Headmasters''. He also comes with the [[Partner Drone]] [[Moguru#Legends|Moguru]], a redeco of the Titan Master vehicle which originally came with [[Nightbeat (G1)#Titans Return|Nightbeat]].

:If one chooses, the [[Stylor#HeadmasterSet|other Chromedome head]] from the Headmaster Set can replace the figure's original Headmaster.

:Care must be taken with Moguru's gun mode's handle: the handle fits tightly in many 5mm-compatible closed hands, and combined with the handle's lack of a metal pin running through the joint, removing it by force may cause the handle to pop out of the joint.

::*''[http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/blog-entry-2722.html Legends Chromedome at Alfes's Blog Part 1]''
::*''[http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/blog-entry-2723.html Legends Chromedome at Alfes's Blog Part 2]''
{{TRHyperfireMold}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Caramel''===
[[File:Tfcaramel chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Chromedome''' (1987)
:A soft-rubber figurine of Chromedome was available as part of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Milk Caramel|Transformers Caramel]]'' line of "[[candy toy]]s" in yellow, red, or blue. Like all the figures from the ''Headmasters'' assortment, the figure was permanently attached to a flat base that had a rubber stamp of Chromedome's face and name on its underside.
{{-}}

===''Transformers Choco''===
[[File:Tfchoco chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Chromedome''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' Head, "Chrome" Headmaster figure, laser gun
:Released as part of the ''Headmasters'' assortment of Kabaya's ''[[Transformers Choco]]'' line of small snap-together model kits, this solid-color Chromedome figure is a simplified version of the larger Chromedome toy, featuring only one laser gun, and lacking the Headmaster gimmick. His head does disconnect, but it doesn't transform; instead, he came with a small, non-poseable Chrome Headmaster figure. As with all the ''Transformers Choco'' figures, he was packaged with small candies similar to M&Ms called "Chocolate Dots".
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===''Transformers Gum''===
[[File:Transformersgum chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Chromedome''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' "Chrome" Headmaster unit, 2 laser guns
:Chromedome also had a presence in Kabaya's line of larger model kits, ''[[Transformers Gum]]''. ''Gum'' Chromedome is virtually identical to the original toy in all but height and color, standing at about four inches tall and cast in cream, black, and red plastic. He retains all the features of the larger figure, including his transforming Headmaster unit, opening cockpit, and functioning Tech Spec meter. As a ''Transformers Gum'' kit, he featured no paint applications, but came with stickers for detail, and a piece of terrible gum.

::*''[http://bowbowdaijin.blog96.fc2.com/blog-entry-23.html More information on Transformer Gum Chromedome at a Japanese fansite]''
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===''TV Magazine'' coloring contest===
[[File:Chromedome trophy.jpg|thumb|"Puttin' the Chrome in Chromedome!"]]
*'''Chromedome trophy''' (1988)
:100 chromed silver Chromedome trophies, made out of Chromedome toys, were available as prizes in a coloring contest held by [[TV Magazine]] in their February 1988 issue. Entrants had to color in lineart of [[Pointblank]], but rather than operate on a simple first- and second-place system, the prizes were meted out using different criteria: entries displaying the "most skill" won a gold-chromed Optimus Prime trophy, while those entries showing off the "most imaginative" color schemes would win a Chromedome trophy.

::*''[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/778/37/ More information on the Chromedome trophy at TFPulp]
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===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:SCF Chromedome.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Ironically, one wave too early to be done in the "metallic" pewter deco.]]
*'''Chromedome''' ([[2001]])
**''Act'': '''3'''
**''Accessories:'' Display stand
:A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Chromedome was available in the third ''Headmasters''-centric wave of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available in both standard full color figure and colorless clear plastic versions, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

: Additionally, in two out of every ten cases, the colored version of Chromedome came packaged with the left arm of the wave's collectible [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure|Fortress Maximus]] "build-a-figure"; these parts could be either full-color or clear-plastic, at an equal ratio of 1:1.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2001/Cybertron/Chromedome/chromedome.htm More information on Super Collection Figure Chromedome at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://tfu.info/2001/Cybertron/ClearChromedome/chromedome.htm More information on clear Super Collection Figure Chromedome at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W5Chromedome.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Chromedome, Computer Programmer''' (2020)
**'''Wave 5: Titan Masters Attack'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T14/T46'''
**''Stars: ''8

:Chromedome, Computer Programmer is one of forty-six double sided character cards released as part of Wave 5 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], Titans Masters Attack. As a character with a body mode, Chromedome begins the game with a Titan Master attached in head mode. Once Chromedome is KO'd, said Titan Master is deployed.

:The card's artwork is based on the ''Titans Return'' Chromedome toy, with the body mode artwork being reused from the toy's packaging art (minus the Autobot Stylor Titan Master).

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

==Notes==
[[File:G1ChromedomeOriginalHead.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Cheer up, Emo-Head.]]
*In the television [[commercial]] for [[Marvel Comics]]' ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' limited series, the Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters are shown having different head designs than the ones their Nebulan partners would later turn into. These designs were seemingly never used in any other piece of ''Transformers'' media. The models for most of them, however, turned up in the excellent ''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations]]'' guidebook.
*Like nearly any other cameo Kreons, there is the heavy urge to use existing Kre-O parts. In this case, Chromedome utilities the [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Soundwave]] helmet (though partly modified to match the original's head), and two red pistols.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Chrome''' (クローム ''Kurōmu''), '''Chromedome''' (クロームドーム ''Kurōmudōmu''), '''Tumbler''' (タンブラー ''Tanburā'')
*''French:'' '''Chromedôme''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Krómpáncél''' ("Chromearmor")
*''Italian:'' '''Duobot'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Kuāngdǐng''' (Taiwan, 筐頂, "Basket Top"), '''Chrome''' (郭文, ''Guōwén'')
*''Russian:'' '''Chrom''' (Хром, "Chrome")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titans Return Autobots]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Drift (G1)

2021-04-17T22:53:48Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers: Battle Tactics */

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|ascenticon|mercenary}}
{{disambigm|Drift (disambiguation)|Deadlock (disambiguation)}}
{{featured}}
:''Drift is an [[Autobot]] and former [[Decepticon]] from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:AHM 06 CoverA.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|While you were out partying, I studied THE BLADE.]]
'''Drift''' was not always an Autobot. In fact, he slaughtered quite a few when he was known as the Decepticon '''Deadlock'''. But Deadlock's eyes were opened to what the Transformers' war had become when he stumbled across a lost faction of neutral Transformers long since forgotten. He discarded his ruthless ways, abandoned his guns for swords, and changed his name and appearance.

When Drift returned to the Transformer war to make right what he put wrong, he was a bot of few words and disciplined action. He since went on to be an enthusiastic spiritualist and a self-punishing crusader, all in an attempt to get away from the nasty parts of his personality that are still lurking within him. It doesn't matter what his personality is because with his Decepticon past, Drift isn't well-liked or trusted by [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a few]] of the Autobots and [[Hellbat (Victory)|some of]] the Decepticons think he's just ''lying'' about having changed. This hits Drift more than you might think because at the end of the day, despite his loner attitude, Drift ''really'' just wants to be part of something.

In addition to the two swords kept in his hip scabbards, Drift carries a legendary [[Great Sword]]. An ancient weapon that predates modern civilization, the Great Sword draws upon the [[spark]] energy of its bearer, and as such must only be used in the most dire of circumstances.

{{quote|We're going about this the wrong way, '''all''' of us! After countless centuries of fighting ... the Autobots are a '''step''' away from what we were when all this '''started.''' And us—the Decepticons have become something '''worse''' than any of us could have '''imagined'''.|Drift explains his new perception of the war to his [[Turmoil|former commander]]|"[[Spotlight: Drift]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[All Hail Megatron issue 5|''All Hail Megatron'' #5]]; [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]] (as Deadlock)}}

[[File:Drift2-renamed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"Eh....Inferno, tell to Death Blade that if he calling me that again, his name will become DEATH BOT!"]]
Drift was originally a homeless Cybertronian, living on the streets and stealing energon to survive. The hopeless 'bot was befriended by [[Gasket]] {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} but otherwise had no one. During one [[circuit booster|drug trip]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], he was assaulted by [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]], who were abducting homeless people for money. Drift was rescued by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], who brought him to [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s secret clinic in [[Rodion]]. Ratchet saved Drift's life, and told the young robot that he could achieve great things in his life if he tried— he could just ''tell'' Drift was destined for something special. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

Drift would soon learn what that was, after Gasket was killed by Autobot law enforcement after trying to stop them from executing a thief. Drift exploded with rage, grabbed the nearest gun and killed them all. His knack for violence attracted the attention of the Cybertronian underground, who trained Drift as a killer. Amongst this group, Drift realized the level of corruption in the [[Senate]], and a recruitment rally held by [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] drew Drift in with his talk of equality. Megatron singled Drift out of the crowd, claiming to have heard great things of him, and asked him to join the Decepticons to fight for a better Cybertron. Drift agreed and, after being was hailed by the crowd, was renamed Deadlock by Megatron. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} Drift rose to become the second-in-command of [[Turmoil]], garnering a reputation as a vicious and merciless fighter. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

During their time with [[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]], Turmoil and Deadlock crashed on a desert world and investigated a nearby stone fortress to find a way out. The two of them would go on to massacre the inhabitants before leaving, though not before Deadlock recorded the presence of a Stone Army on the planet. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}}

[[File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deadlock prefers to pose so his legs don't block any of the action.]]
Much later, on the planet [[Dabola]], Deadlock led a battalion against an Autobot squadron. The [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Autobots' leader]] called a retreat, and Deadlock's team celebrated. This was spoiled when [[Not Carnivac|one of the soldiers]] pointed out that Deadlock had been ordered to merely observe, and once again had disobeyed orders. When the soldier threatened to inform Turmoil of Deadlock's disobedience, Deadlock killed him. Claiming Turmoil was too cautious and that it was time for new leadership, he called for the other soldiers to follow him, but they summarily captured him and brought him to Turmoil. Turmoil used a stasis lock to trap him in [[robot mode]] and attempted to execute him. Deadlock managed to escape, and after initiating an emergency protocol to cover his escape, stole an escape pod and departed the ship.

Deadlock crashed on an unknown planet. After scaling some, he found a massive structure, but before he could explore, a mysterious cloaked figure appeared, named [[Wing (G1)|Wing]]. Wing offered a deal: help him free the slaves, and he would find Deadlock a ship. Deadlock, introducing himself as "Drift," agreed, but first Drift said he needed guns. Together, they jumped some guards and stole their weapons, however a stray blast stripped Wing of his cloak, revealing him to be Cybertronian. Once they jumped into the complex, Drift automatically fled for the ship, abandoning Wing. Despite this betrayal, when Drift was attacked and nearly killed by one the slavers, Wing brought Drift back with him to a new [[Crystal City]], where he was repaired. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

[[File:Drift1-rebuilt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We were okay with your old legs. Rest had to go."]]
Wing explained that they were the [[Circle of Light]], a group of Cybertronian scholars and scientists who abandoned the planet during the early days of the war in order to find peace and preserve Cybertron's culture. Wing and Drift were taken to a meeting with Crystal City's leader, [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]]. While Drift waited outside, Wing was admonished for bringing a corrupting influence to the city. He was ordered to keep Drift with him at all times. Afterward, Wing brought Drift to an empty room, discarded his swords and asked him what the Decepticon symbol stood for. Drift replied it meant strength, power and conviction, and the belief in the survival of the strongest. Wing offered Drift a chance to earn his freedom by defeating him without guns in combat, but Drift never succeeded. Drift grumbled that he'd never learned to fight without projectile weaponry.

Weeks later, Wing was still dominating Drift. Over time, Drift admitted that Crystal City held everything Drift had ever wanted, while the Decepticons had lost sight of this goal some time ago. Their sparring was interrupted by a summons from Dai Atlas. When they arrived in the control room, he informed them that they had received a coded signal and he thought Drift might be able to translate. Though Drift claimed he could not understand it, that night he snuck out of the city and drove far into the desert. There he met with the slavers, who had used a Decepticon code to offer Drift a deal. The code had been obtained from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], a Decepticon sent by Megatron. The deal was simple: hand over the location of the Circle of Light or die. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}}

[[File:Drift4-notdoneyet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Man, I bet those dumb G2 guys wish they had this kind of endurance.]]
Lockdown reminded "Deadlock" of his high-standing in the Decepticon army. Megatron held Deadlock in high esteem, and by guarding these Transformers Drift stood to lose that. Meanwhile, the head slaver, [[Braid]], required Cybertronian bodies to experiment on, and were willing to take captives from the neutral camp in lieu of Deadlock, in payment for the property he'd damaged earlier. After agreeing to lead the neutral Transformers into an ambush, Drift stumbled back to Crystal City, where he informed the Circle of Light about the pact he'd made with Lockdown and the slavers. Drift argued that they should fight their attackers to preserve their freedom and their way of life, but Dai Atlas sharply disagreed. He would have no fighting at all, even to preserve his own life, and blamed Drift for ruining their civilization. The others did not agree, and supported Drift. A small number of them offered to help fight the slavers while keeping the true number of their population unknown. As they reached the surface with a hastily constructed craft to make it appear as if the Circle of Light had recently crashed there, Drift revealed himself to have been rebuilt head-to-toe to match his new colleagues. With a sword mounted on each hip, Drift announced he was ready. {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Soon, Lockdown and the slavers were upon them. After slaying a few of the slavers, Drift realized that he was past the point of no return. Lockdown realized this as well, and asked the former Decepticon why he'd given it all away so easily. "What I've always wanted... the promise of a better Cybertron." But their sparring was interrupted by the death of Wing. Enraged, Drift jumped Braid, Wing's murderer, but he did not accomplish much. He was not as agile a fighter as his late friend, and Braid easily defeated him.

Before the killing blow could be delivered, Crystal City in its entirety rose from the ground, as Wing's death had spurred Dai Atlas into action. With the entirety of the population now fighting the slavers, the tide was quickly turned. Despite his injuries, Drift slew Braid with his Great Sword, while Lockdown, startled at Drift's transformation, cut his losses and left. Though the Circle of Light asked Drift to stay with them, Drift reminded them that he'd promised Wing to return the freed slaves to their homes. Drift was given Wing's Great Sword and given their blessing. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift Deadlockisdead.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He's your horrible fancharacter.]]
Some time after leaving Crystal City and returning the slaves, Drift set off to make a difference in the Autobot/Decepticon Civil War. First, he attempted to free a group of Autobots held captive on the ship he'd previously served aboard. Upon entering Turmoil's ship, his attempt at stealth was successful until the [[Wrecker]]s arrived and blasted their way aboard. Jumping into the battle to assist them, he piqued the interest of a few Autobots. [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] was injured as Turmoil entered the battle and, recognizing Drift's voice as that of his former lieutenant, attempted to destroy him. However, his attack only resulted in knocking Drift and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] to another room. The two quickly worked together to program the ship to overload. In his final confrontation with Turmoil, Drift stated his intention was to help, not kill, and left to rescue Perceptor before the ship blew up.

After his arrival on the Autobot ship, Kup invited Drift to join his new unit as an Autobot. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift-car.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He thinks he's turning Japanese, he thinks he's turning Japanese, he really thinks so.]]
Now a crew member of the spacecraft ''[[Trion]]'', Drift got to know his new teammate [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] over many friendly games of [[Go (game)|Go]]. Perceptor felt he owed a debt to Drift for saving his life, and so devoted much of his time to upgrading himself for more combat-oriented tasks. While Kup discouraged this, Drift stoically accepted Perceptor's new ambitions. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15#"Lost & Found"|Lost & Found}}

They were soon baited into a Decepticon ambush over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The ''Trion'''s command codes were hacked due to their being sold to the Decepticons by an Autobot traitor, and, left defenseless, it was forced to crash-land on the desolate landscape of the planet. Eventually, the crew were found by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s unit, who unfortunately proved to be ''also'' stranded. When [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] was revealed by [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] to have been standing invisibly among them, Drift was the only one who didn't appear surprised. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Allhailmegatron6-omgdriftomg.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Seriously, you made this guy up when you were eight.]]
When an advance scout of the [[Insecticon swarm]] discovered the Autobots' base camp, Drift was dispatched to take care of it. Drift stood stock-still as the creature walked up to him, greeting it with a simple, smirking "hello" as the monstrous beast snarled in his face. Finally, he beheaded the scout with a single wave of his sword. A second creature tried to attack Drift from behind, but the smirking Autobot merely tilted his head slightly, allowing Perceptor to kill the beast with some precision sniping. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] thought the incident was the coolest thing ever. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

After Sunstreaker revealed to [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] that he was the traitor, an army of the Swarm came after them. Drift saved Ironhide while Sunstreaker blew up a bridge, killing himself and the Swarm army. Later, Drift visited Ironhide and claimed that the Decepticons had access to the Autobots' systems in a way that Sunstreaker couldn't possibly have. Ironhide asked if this meant there was a second traitor, but Drift replied that there was simply more to the situation than they knew. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

When Mirage was showing some doubt in the Autobot cause, it was Drift who said that, now more than ever, the Autobots should continue being who they are. [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] insinuated that Drift had no right to say something like that, which started an argument that was only stopped by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

[[File:Thundercracker Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Another of your ill-timed jokes, Drift??" {{-}}
"... You and I are enemies now."]]
Drift took part in the battle against the Swarm and joined the others in escaping Cybertron in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}. On Earth, he battled the Decepticons, and when [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] volunteered to divert the humans' nuclear bomb, Drift attempted to congratulate his former comrade on seeing the light. Thundercracker called him a traitor, slapping Drift's hand away and claiming he was merely following the Decepticons' ''true'' ideal. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

At some point Drift traveled to [[Japan]] and did some drift racing all by himself. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:Drift Drift4drifting.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Fast and the Furious: ''Tokyo Me'']]
Two years later, Drift was still with the Autobots, hiding on Earth. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} After Optimus Prime left the Autobots, Drift decided to stay with the larger group, rather than leave with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and his fellow defectors. Drift celebrated Bumblebee's election with numerous other Autobots. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Drift was among the Autobots who confronted [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and his troops when they crashed their ship in [[Las Vegas]], bringing with them a [[zombie]] invasion. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|Infestation #1}} The Autobots and Decepticons worked together to banish the zombies to the [[Dead Universe]], though Drift himself really just stood silently in the background the whole time. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|Infestation #2}}

Drift listened to [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] tell tales of, presumably, his time in space and accompanied Optimus Prime and many others to Cybertron aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme's]] rocket form. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} Along the way, he and many others tried to listen in on a conversation between Optimus Prime and a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Later, Drift accompanied Optimus, Hot Rod, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper to Cybertron to confront Galvatron and his army. After a brief skirmish with Galvatron's forces, the landing party returned to the Autobot landing zone. As Drift pointed out that maybe Galvatron was telling the truth and he had been assembling his army for a reason, the Autobots were bathed in a red light... {{storylink| Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} which turned out to be a blast from the orbiting space station [[Kimia Facility|Kimia]], recently commandeered by Galvatron's forces. Optimus Prime handed out orders to combat this new threat, telling Drift and Sunstreaker to establish a base of operations. After the threat of Kimia had ended, Omega Supreme's rocket landed at this base-camp and Rodimus and Drift set out after Optimus Prime and Ironhide, who had left to locate Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:Drift Chaos Part3 Kings.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Thanks to the magical power of [[The Sound of Breaking Glass#Continuity notes|retcon]]... that is the wrong sword.]]
At the crater that Kimia's main weapon had blown into the surface of the planet, Drift accompanied Optimus and the others underground. The Autobots finally intercepted Galvatron and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and Optimus Prime demanded their surrender. Galvatron claimed that the core of Cybertron had to be destroyed to save the universe, revealing the glowing [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] within his chest. At this, Drift began spouting gibberish and attacking his comrades in a maddened state, allowing for Galvatron and Jhiaxus to escape. The others attempted to restrain him, but Drift summoned what free will he had left and impaled himself on one of his own blades, much to Ironhide's horror. {{storylink| Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} While Drift survived this, Ironhide told Prime that they'd have to evacuate him immediately for medical attention. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:TDOOP-Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|There's no 'Cons in Cyberutopia, and the streets are made of Pocky.]]
After recovering, Drift's near-death experience had reawakened his spiritual side. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} Optimus Prime's return to Autobot camp three weeks later brought the discovery of a map inscribed inside the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Drift was consumed with the idea that the map gave directions to [[Cyberutopia]], the home of the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. Despite [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'s insistence that the Knights of Cybertron never existed, Drift maintained that he had heard all about the Knights of Cybertron from Dai Atlas, and that the stories were true. Drift's passion for this discovery inspired Rodimus to assemble a team to leave the planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

At some point, Drift shed his Earth mode and took a more sleek, Cybertronian form for himself. Rodimus tasked himself with recruiting as many Autobots as he could to take off-planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. He was very good at working a crowd, though admittedly Drift wrote all of his speeches. The guy became the nominal third-in-command because, or so Ratchet said, he told Rodimus what he wanted to hear. Ratchet, older and grumpier than the pre-war days, was on the same ship as Drift and ''really'' had it in for him for everything the 'bot he'd saved had done with the life he'd given him. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:TwentyPlusOne LostLightNamed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Drift himself found a ship for the quest, purchasing the [[Lost Light|U1]] with the help of [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] and [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] for ''one billion'' [[Shanix]] from a group of [[Mortilus]]-worshipping NAILs during the [[Festival of Lost Light]], from which the ship got it's new name, the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Before departing, Rodimus and Drift met with Prowl in his office. Prowl asked Rodimus to bring the captive and near-comatose [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] along on the journey, as part of a plan to create [[Phase Sixer]]s for the Autobots. While Drift strongly advised against this course of action, Rodimus was pressured into it by Prowl. Aside from [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] and the [[Duobot]]s, Overlord's presence on board was kept secret from the rest of the crew. {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

After boarding their new craft, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Drift had counted 208 total Autobots on board. (He also complimented Rodimus's latest speech.) Drift asked why [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] appeared displeased (more than usual) with the crew, and Ultra Magnus revealed that he felt most of them were practically criminals. (Drift himself was under high suspicion, though Ultra Magnus didn't say this out loud.) As launch was underway, Drift continued to act as Rodimus's right-hand man, and moments before takeoff, Drift brought to his attention the "[[Whirl (G1)|weapon of mass destruction]]" [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] had apparently brought on board. Something went wrong during takeoff, and the ship [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]]ed before it was ready, placing the ship somewhere random in space, just over a planet. A tear in the hull was expelling Autobots into space, and as the ship stabilized, Drift named off the Autobots they'd lost. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Drift MTMTE2 positiveenergy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.90|"Before I begin, I should clarify that I am not actually Japa-nese! I am from Daytona Beachiryu!"]]
As recovery efforts were undertaken, Drift radioed Ratchet a status update and also to tell the medical officer to make sure the medibay was "buzzing with positive energy" so those injured were "guaranteed a speedy recovery!". After he had signed off, Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] shared their annoyance with Drift's new attitude and...''interesting'' theories about the Knights of Cybertron. Later, when Rodimus was deciding how to address the crew about their current situation, Drift cheerfully suggested he focus on the positive. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

After a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] had thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Drift accompanied Rodimus' hand-picked team to investigate. As they examined the creature's [[Shock (G1)|first victim]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] confirmed that it was indeed a Sparkeater and Drift opined that this was a dark omen and that they were being "punished" for the horrific things that must have happened on the ship before it came into their possession, much to Ratchet's skepticism.

While the others searched for the creature, Rodimus and Drift tried to figure out how the previous owners of the ''Lost Light'' kept the Sparkeater contained. They figured out that the Sparkeater had been trapped in the engine rooms and fed [[turbofox]]es to keep it docile. After the Sparkeater made its way back to the engine rooms, chasing [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], Drift helped Rodimus put his plan to kill the creature into action. Utilizing a second quantum jump, Rodimus managed to stuff the Sparkeater into the ship's engine block, where it died after being fused into the mechanism. Drift was awed by Rodimus' quick-thinking and ingenuity. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

At the "Grand Secret Opening" of [[Swerve's]], Drift shared a drink with Pipes. When the smaller 'bot let on that he was looking for a relationship, Drift offered to introduce him to the similarly diminutive [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]... unaware that Tailgate's future self was invisibly listening in via a 'magic window' in time. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

[[File:Drift killsDent LifeAfterBigBang.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|The purpose of Drift is to flip out and kill sick people.]]
Drift accompanied Ratchet and Pipes on an investigation of the remote medical facility [[Delphi]]. Drift was subjected to repeated verbal barbs from Ratchet along the way, despite his efforts to get along with the medic. Once they had finally reached Delphi, Pipes impulsively rammed through a door that had the universal "plague" symbol on it. They found themselves in a morgue full of Transformers that had died from a mysterious "[[Red Rust]]" virus. When Drift noticed a [[Dent|shambling, disease-ridden Transformer]] approaching Pipes from behind, he sprung into action and dismembered the poor soul, much to Ratchet's outrage.

[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] showed up and explained the situation to them, how five days ago, a mysterious explosion had heralded the outbreak of this rust plague. [[Ambulon]] brought them to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who had been accidentally locked in a quarantine room when the explosion went off. Suddenly, Pipes began showcasing the symptoms of the virus and staggered toward them, disoriented and terrified. Pipes began vomiting and leaking from his optics, cornering Drift. Ratchet freed Pharma from the quarantine while telling Drift to non-fatally disable Pipes. Drift managed to slip behind his diseased comrade and knock him out with a blow to the head. Ratchet brought Pipes to the emergency ward, seeking to tend to him. By that time, Drift began to exhibit the symptoms as well, assuming he'd been infected by Pipes. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

[[File:Drift Sparkles Post Hoc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|I sparkle because I'm too beautiful for everything.]]
While being tended to by Ratchet, Drift recalled the [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|time in Rodion before the war]] when the Autobot medic had also been trying to save his life. Drift asked Ratchet to put him out of his misery in the event that the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] showed up, despite having earlier claimed that he wasn't afraid of them. When Pharma was revealed as a traitor, Ratchet had a confrontation with his former friend on Delphi's roof. The stricken Drift made his way up there and managed to save Ratchet from being shot in the back by chopping off Pharma's hands. With Ratchet having obtained a vaccine for the Red Rust virus from Pharma, Drift and the other victims were soon cured. Drift returned to the ''Lost Light'' along with the survivors. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

After the ''Lost Light'' was impacted by a discarded thumb from Metroplex, and was subsequently repaired, Drift attended an award ceremony honoring Brainstorm, Chromedome, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] for their part in saving the ship. He chatted with Rodimus during the celebration, until Whirl and Trailbreaker drew Rodimus's attention. Later, Drift along with nearly everyone on board of the ''Lost Light'' were frozen in place due to one of Brainstorm's experimental weapons accidentally going off. After he recovered, he was awarded a Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Drift reported to Rodimus and Ultra Magnus that [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] had locked himself in Rung's office. He was the first to notice both when Rung stared at the camera, and when he tapped on his model of the Ark. After the hostage situation had been resolved, Drift complimented Rodimus on the eulogy he gave for the gravely-injured Rung, even though he hadn't written that particular speech. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Drift Theophany MTMTEAnnual.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|A fabulous secret [[Titan (group)|Titan]] was revealed to Drift the day he held aloft his magic sword and said...]]
En route to [[Theophany]], Drift helped Rodimus prepare for Tailgate's [[Act of Affiliation]] ceremony, and politely pointed out his overuse of the phrase "[['Til all are one]]". When Ultra Magnus interrupted and expressed concern over a lack of radio contact with the Circle Of Light, Drift argued that they knew how to take care of themselves. Later at the ceremony, Rodimus inscribed a message in [[Cybertronian language|Old Cybertronian]] on Tailgate's chest instead of branding him with the Autobot sigil. Drift supposed that it was caused by some sort of possession, which was quickly dismissed by Ratchet as "complete and utter guff".

The ceremony was further interrupted by the arrival of the [[Galactic Council]]'s ship, ''[[The Benign Intervention]]''. Its [[K'gard|captain]] informed them that Theophany was deserted, much to Drift's disbelief. After some red-tape wrangling from Ultra Magnus, Drift and a group of others were allowed to teleport to the planet's surface, where they found Crystal City ruined and abandoned. Confused and agitated, a despairing Drift snapped at [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] and decked Whirl after the latter mocked him. He attempted to call out to any of the denizens of Crystal City, but when there was no response, Drift drove one of his swords into the ground in frustration. The ground gave way and sent the Autobots plunging underground, where they found [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], a slumbering [[Titan (group)|Titan]]. This discovery led [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] to share his [[Guiding Hand|myth of creation]], which triggered a theological debate between Drift and Ratchet, culminating in Drift pulling his sword on Ratchet. Rodimus took Drift for a walk to cool him down, where Drift reaffirmed his faith in Rodimus.

After Chromedome's mnemosurgery reawakened the Titan and made it fire its eye-beams at the ''Benign Intervention'', Drift was among those dispatched to fight off the Galactic Council's troops. The Titan eventually teleported Drift and the others back onto the ''Lost Light'', which then quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

A few days later, Drift and other crew members aided Rewind in helping heal Rung's dormant mind by telling his part in a story of past events. Drift elaborated on the time in Rodion when he was rescued by Orion Pax and treated by Ratchet, being sure to antagonize Ratchet by claiming he had uttered religious praises during that time. All the while, he was being pestered by calls from Rodimus, who finally ordered Drift to meet him in the oil reservoir. Drift arrived there just in time to see [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] recover Red Alert's headless body from the reservoir. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Ultra Magnus-Cyclonus-Rodimus and Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|Of ''course'' Drift wants to get at the ''{{w|oni}}''-looking guy...]]
After the suspected assailant Cyclonus was sent to their makeshift interrogation room, Drift conducted a very hostile interrogation, pointing his sword at Cyclonus in a threatening manner. (Ultra Magnus later suggested Drift's overly enthusiastic interrogation was an unfortunate attempt to impress Rodimus.) The attempt didn't work, as Cyclonus quickly swatted the sword away and smashed Drift into a table. Rodimus and Ultra Magnus were forced to intervene and break the two of them up. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} First Aid soon discerned that Red Alert's "accident" was actually a suicide attempt, and Ultra Magnus suggested that the troubled security chief should be left in stasis until they could revive him in a less stressful environment. Rodimus railed against this, but when Drift agreed with Magnus, he sadly acquiesced. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

The crew of the ''Lost Light'' intervened on [[Temptoria]], where a group of Decepticons had invaded and subjugated the local populace. A fierce battle erupted on the planet's surface, in which Drift cut down [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]] and [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]. He also interrupted Rodimus' battle with [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snap Trap]], shoving a sword through the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]'s face. Rodimus chided him for butting in, but Drift protested that "the ones with swords" were his to fight. {{storylink|Before & After}} In the aftermath of the fight, Drift and Brainstorm revealed to Chromedome that Overlord was aboard, hidden in a specially-constructed room beneath the ship, and the [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] agreed to interface with the dormant Phase-Sixer to learn the secret of his power. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

[[File:Aquafend swerve drift cybertronian homesick blues.jpg|thumb|right]]
Drift was teaching Rodimus how to use a sword, forging a deeper friendship with his captain, when a possible security situation interrupted. However, it merely turned out to be Cyclonus singing loudly to Tailgate. Swerve asked Drift if he wanted to be ''his'' roommate but Drift, claiming to prefer solitude, declined. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} Drift was among those interviewed by Rewind for his documentary on life aboard the ''Lost Light''. When [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] arrived on the ship seeking aid, Rodimus trotted Drift out as an accomplishment of his, claiming he had "rehabilitated" the ex-Decepticon. Drift was puzzled by Rodimus' claims, but impressed by Thunderclash, who greeted him respectfully and in accordance with his religious beliefs. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:Drift Overlord UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|This can only end well!]]
During a mnemosurgery session, Chromedome was outsmarted by Overlord, who obtained from the Autobot's memory the security codes to his cell that Drift provided. Drift was one of the first Autobots to fight the escaped Overlord outside of the medibay, urging Ratchet to lock himself in. But Ratchet chose to stand with his "friend" and sealed them outside the room. By the time reinforcements arrived, Overlord had severed both of Drift's legs and badly beaten Ratchet. Drift radioed the ship's brig to release Fortress Maximus, but not before his Great Sword was used by Overlord to mortally-wound Ultra Magnus. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

After Overlord had been jettisoned from the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus announced an inquiry to be held, knowing full well who was responsible for the Phase Sixer's presence on the ship. Drift offered to take full blame for the incident, protecting the identities of the other conspirators. He explained to Rodimus that he had a vision back on Cybertron, after he had impaled himself outside of Vector Sigma's chamber. Drift felt sure that Rodimus was essential to finding the Knights of Cybertron and couldn't let him out himself as having knowledge of the Overlord conspiracy. A hesitant and sorrowful Rodimus agreed and "furiously" stripped Drift of his Autobot symbol, exiling him from the ship. As he walked towards [[Drift's shuttle|the shuttle]] prepared for him, Drift was knocked down by a piece of debris hurled by an angry crew member. Ratchet helped him up, and Drift departed the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

[[File:mtmte39 tarn sees drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Oi oi OI! Are you looking at me bird?!]]

Eighteen months from the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] had listed Drift as deceased. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} The deceased Drift was actually part of a quantum duplicated ''Lost Light'' created by the initial accident at launch. When the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] arrived there to kill Overlord, the presence of Drift—another one on their List—caused them to go on a massive kill spree. Drift died first, killed along with Ratchet and Hound by [[Helex (DJD)|Helex]]. When Megatron later found their corpses an inspection of Drift allowed him to determine who had attacked the ship. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

[[File:Empire of Stone 2 Drift Ratchet where is this coming from.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"You look terrible." "Thank you." "So you agree? You think you look terrible?"]]

Meanwhile, the original Drift was defending planets across the outer rim from rogue Decepticons. He'd been left battered by all the fighting, fights made harder as he'd promised to never kill again, but was neglecting to get himself repaired. While handing [[Grit (G1)|Grit]] over to the [[Galactic Council]], he ran into Ratchet: all of the truth of Drift's departure had come out now and the medic had come to take him home. Drift refused. Ratchet stubbornly stuck with him while he tracked down the main Decepticon army—right to the desert planet he'd discovered centuries ago. Both Autobots and Grit were shot down by the army and Drift found himself defending Grit from being killed for suspected treason.

The leader of the army turned out to be Drift's old boss Gigatron {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 1|Empire of Stone #1}} who was ignoring the war had ended and was trying to find the Stone Army "Deadlock" had mentioned before. Drift, who knew the army wasn't hidden in the first place, refused until Ratchet's life was threatened and the three bots ended up in the cells. Ratchet's plan to get out was for Drift to pretend to be injured so the guard would open the cell—it was a ''very'' lame attempt but luckily the guard was a friend of Grit. As the robots escaped, Drift tried and failed to get Grit not to kill [[Hellbat (Victory)|Hellbat]] for slighting him: the Decepticon said he was sure in himself and his path in life, and didn't want the man projecting his own issues onto him. The Autobots carried on and found Gigatron hadn't found the army because Hellbat was hiding it from him {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} so he could use them himself to ''kill everything'', having decided to embrace the only thing he believed the Transformers were any good at. When Drift protested that he'd vowed never to kill again, Hellbat sneered and pointed to all the dead monks "Deadlock" had killed years ago.

[[File:Empire of Stone 4 Drift Gigatron FASTBALL SPECIAL.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|SUPERMAN WHEEEEE]]
A battle broke out and Drift found himself fought to a standstill by [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]] before Hellbat activated the Stone Army. Rather than alert Cybertron, Drift felt they had to stop the army here and now and he turned to Gigatron for aid. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}} Together, the Autobots and Decepticons tore through the golems. Drift took the fight to Hellbat (after Gigatron used "maneuver seven", ''throwing'' Drift at Hellbat) and was goaded into killing him. Instead, the Autobot ripped the Stone Army's control device from him... at which point Gigatron went for him and no amount of reasoning could get Gigatron to stand down. Forced to defend himself, Drift dropped the device and Hellbat retrieved it.

Gigatron and Hellbat would kill each other, taking the Stone Army with them, while Drift and Ratchet escaped. When the medic again tried to get Drift back to the ''Lost Light'', the swordsman said he'd spent his whole life struggling to belong to ''something'' but only ever joined as a killer, and the Hellbat affair just reiterated that he didn't want to live a life where all he could offer was death. Ratchet rephrased the offer: instead of coming back as an Autobot, he should come back as his ''friend''. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 4|Empire of Stone #4}}

[[File:YourFierceTears-RatchetDrift.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"Oh Drift-chan, you smell awesome, and not at all like feet!"]]
The two Autobots upgraded their bodies over the course of their adventures and Drift began sporting a facial tattoo in honour of the deceased Dai Atlas.<ref>[https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/716702702416355328 Alex Milne (@markerguru) on Twitter, clarifying the visual, 3 April 2016]</ref> They eventually ran back into the ''Lost Light'' crew, or some of them, after a mutiny had stranded Megatron, Rodimus, and their assumed loyalists on [[Necroworld|the Necrobot's planet]] and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] had put out a call for help. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} In a blaze of action, they saved the robot [[Ten]] from a Decepticon mauling! {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} They very quickly found the Decepticons were a bigger deal than most of their foes and were nearly overrun until Drift spotted how [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] of the D.J.D. was ''really'' protective of "the Pet", a '[[domestication|domesticated]]' beast-mode Transformer. Drift swiftly took "the Pet" hostage, giving them a chance to escape to the Autobot's fortress.

[[File:YourFierceTears DriftRodimusReconcile.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8]]
There, Rodimus and Drift had a long overdue discussion. Drift wanted to know ''why'' Rodimus hadn't come looking for him after revealing the truth to the crew, and Rodimus admitted it was out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepted Rodimus's sincere apology—Rodimus pleaded that he ignore his words and focus on his aura, eye colour, or any means Drift had claimed he could 'see', which Drift just smiled at—but doubted his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Indeed, Drift even arranged it with Rewind that everyone could record their last wishes and how they wanted their bodies disposed of, to broadcast into space as an act of catharsis and closure. He witnessed very little catharsis when Chromedome almost died trying [[mnemosurgery]] on "the Pet" in front of him and, when the "Pet" was revealed by Rewind to be ''the lost [[Dominus Ambus]]'', he had his sword stolen by Rewind to kill Ambus before Chromedome could die.

When sunrise came, the Decepticons attacked. Rodimus embraced Drift and the others and thanked them for travelling with him, before the group charged into battle. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Drift and the crew survived for some time in fight with the hundreds of Decepticons thanks to the temporary [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] powers they cooked up, but soon they began to tire. When Megatron finally took to the field of battle, the others retreated back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} Drift was present as the DJD were brought down and the Disappeared released from stasis under the Necrobot's citadel. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

[[File:SomeOtherCybertron DriftVision.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left]]
Drift had succeeded in getting Rodimus to convert to [[Spectralism]], but he was concerned about the ramifications of Rodimus's new paint job, signifying the severity of his intentions towards Getaway. Also, Drift experienced a curious vision when he touched one of the newly awakened Disappeared named [[Anode]]. He saw [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], [[Worldsweeper]]s of the [[Phantom Fleet]], and crystals that rained from the sky as [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] emerged from threadbare space, all surrounded by the words "Prepare. Confront. Repel." over and over again.

[[File:BadMoonRising-DriftVsFunctionaries.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
...so anyway, Brainstorm constructed a teleportation "den" to send some of the group back to Cybertron to find transport for the rest of them. When they arrived, however, Cybertron was undeniably changed. Rewind soon recognized it as the [[Functionist Universe]], the alternate history that overlapped on his database when Brainstorm used his time case. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] captured Drift and the others as suspected members of the revolutionary [[Anti-Vocationist League]]. The real AVL arrived and caused a distraction for the crew to escape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} Drift and his friends were matter transported to "Cyberutopia", the sanctuary city of [[Kalis|Adaptica]] ruled by the rogue Functionist [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. They learned that in this reality Rung was hailed by the AVL as the "Useless One" for his alt mode that apparently stood in defiance of Primus and Functionism. Unfortunately, the Functionist Council chose that day to reveal they had discovered Rung's true use as a mining tank, allowing them to access [[Vector Sigma]] which had been sealed off by the Senate millennia ago. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Drift and the others traveled to Vector Sigma to confront the Council and rescue Rung. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} They succeeded and stole the Council's flying base, the Cog, to make their way back to Cyberutopia. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} With the help of teleport technology in a weaponized Luna-2 and wand-tech Brainstorm recovered from [[Killmaster]] on Necroworld, they transported the entire world back from the Functionist Universe to their original one. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Sardines DriftRatchetRight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
The crew prepared to continue their quest for the real Cyberutopia, and for revenge on Getaway and the mutineers. A Decepticon corpse named [[Skip]] was modified and mass-displaced to form a passable space craft, and so Drift and the others pressed on. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

As they sailed through space, Drift noted that Ratchet's colour looked different before the doctor returned, having inexplicably succumbed to [[aggressive depigmentation]], with Drift noting that his aura had disappeared.{{storylink|Sardines}} All of a sudden, Skip's mass displacement wore off. To survive, Ten directed the engineers on how to access the [[Warren]] so they could reach a [[Mederi]] facility. Mid-transit however, the crew was forced to abandon ship, their bodies being ravaged by the effects of super-compressed space. Emerging in the orbit of the original Mederi, the moon repaired them and led them to believe that they'd gone to the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]].{{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:TheGodWar DriftSummoned.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7]]
Drift was giddy at coming to the promised land, dreaming about Ratchet's face when he and the doctor next met, {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} before he was summoned, along with Ratchet and Magnus, before the [[Guiding Hand]] at Rodimus' request. Despite Rodimus' pleas, the deities rejected their desire for resurrection and returned them to the Afterspark's landing. After Magnus had driven off, the remaining three explored a temple, driven on by Ratchet's claims of writing that only he could see before they found a ward of organics hooked up to a pillar of "trapped light". As the organics began chanting, Omega Guardians emerged from the darkness. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}}

When Magnus returned, the quartet quickly defeated the Guardians before Ratchet shattered the pillar, revealing Mederi to them. Accessing the computers, Drift found that the moon was a euthanasia clinic before Nautica arrived with the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]] and [[Axe (G1)|Axe]]'s corpse. At Rodimus' command, Drift then plotted a course from Cybertron to Mederi, revealing that the moon was Cyberutopia, the Knights having fallen victim to the same trap that nearly claimed their lives. With everything over and done with, the group prepared to leave before [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] formed out of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew descended from the skies. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|left|Definitely not street-legal...]]
Though the group quickly rolled out, [[Wipe-Out's ship]] soon arrived, bearing allies and weapons. After the ''Lost Light'' made itself known, Drift boarded the Q-Ship to steal back the larger craft only to wound up caught in Getaway's trap, the shuttle bay being flooded with the contents of the oil reservoir and its [[scraplet]] horde. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Fortunately, Whirl's domesticated scraplets counted amongst the horde and the Wrecker was quickly able to tame the predators and release them. No sooner had Rodimus reclaimed the ''Lost Light'' did a massive tear in the Warren open above the moon. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Though everyone was quick to board the ship, the gravity of the rift proved too much for the engines, the ''Lost Light'' being dragged through to the [[Benzene Cluster]] where the found five copies of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the group was taken prisoner by the forces of the Grand Architect and duped into a cell. When [[Froid]] joined them, he revealed the five planets were an upscaled [[God Gun]] capable of piercing the barrier between universes. After it had done just that, Megatron emerged in the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]'' from the Functionist Universe. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

[[File:ReturnOfTheKing MegatronTreatsDrift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Following close behind him was the Functionist Universe's version of Cybertron, now transformed into a robot mode in Primus' likeness. As the fleets of the Functionists and the Architect went to war, Megatron tried to free the group with a hull breach only for Drift to be critically wounded when the Architect's guards arrived, falling victim to a [[zero point]] only to be healed by Megatron, who praised the turncoat for his defection. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After everyone had reconvened aboard the ''Lost Light'', with the news that ''Rung'' was the real Primus, everyone hit on the idea to use twelve duplicates of the Matrix of Leadership, opened at Cybertron's twelve hot spots, to overwhelm Vector Sigma and destroy the Functionist Council. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

[[File:ASparkAmongEmbers RatchetOpensMatrix.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9]]
Acting as Ratchet's bodyguard, Drift was sent to [[Vespertine Blue]], holding off the [[Functionary|Functionaries]] until Ratchet, after a rousing speech from Rodimus, managed to open the Matrix.
{{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

New Cybertron, as it came to be known, was soon visited by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] who decided to decommission the Lost Light so its quantum engines could be used to double the planet's energon reserves but allowed the crew the luxury of a victory lap. Before jumping back home however, the crew decided to recreate the initial malfunctioning launch and then shunt their duplicates into a parallel universe, thereby ensuring their adventures would never end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron. While having a last drink, Drift and Ratchet theorized that Drift's vision had been the result of the telepaths sending him their experiences through the Warren before Rodimus gave Drift and Ratchet his blessing for their future. The touching moment was ruined when construction cranes began disassembling the ship.

[[File:LL25 DriftRatchetFuneral.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Over the following years, Drift and Ratchet would become [[Conjunx Endura]] and had many happy years together before Ratchet's old age caught up with him and he passed. Arranging a funeral at [[Rivets Field]], Drift ensured that Whirl could attend and gifted him Ratchet's hands. Though touched Whirl returned them, stating that he was not broken and didn't need fixing. After the service ended, Rodimus turned up, Drift recognizing that his friend had been drinking. Once Rodimus had placed Megatron's withered Rodimus Star on Ratchet's tomb, he prepared to return to the ''[[Exitus]]''. Before he left, Drift asked if he'd ever thought about the recreated accident. Deciding it was best to live in a state of never knowing if the gamble had worked, Rodimus and Drift promised to keep in touch before they went their separate ways once again.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate ''Lost Light'' materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[File:IAmOptimusPrime-Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|He makes it so hard to like him and then he does this. So confused!]]
Drift was [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s friend and always let his actions speak louder than words. When the Autobots arrived on Earth, he hid himself in a lake. Upon Optimus's order, he transformed into his car mode to roll out. Later, when the Decepticons attacked, he pushed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] over a tripwire held by some of the Autobots' [[human|human allies]]. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}
{{-}}

===''United''===
[[File:FierceFightingOnPlanetNebulos DriftDefendsCity.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|MY KUNG FU CURES ME!!!]]
A [[nano-virus]] infected the population of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] bar the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s. The former Decepticon Drift was able to force off, or at least hold off, the effects of the nano-virus, so he was charged with guarding the city unaided while the other immune Autobots left to retrieve a cure from [[Nebulos]]. When [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] returned with the anti-virus, Drift was in attendance when Optimus Prime praised the Targetmaster. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}
{{--}}

===IDW ''Angry Birds'' Transformers comic===
[[File:ABTF1 Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Wait, this ''is'' a movie universe story, right?"]]
Drift was aboard Optimus Prime's ship transporting the [[AllSpark]] when it came under Decepticon attack. He and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] tried to stop [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as the Air Commander chased [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], but Starscream slipped straight past them. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}
{{--}}

===Drift Black Ver.===
====Train Wars====
[[File:TrainWars Drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|G1 body, movie colors!]]
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit a black-colored Drift and other inter-dimensional warriors. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Drift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Drift was returned home by the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] cheered on The Fallen in the battle against Drift and his heroic comrades. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}
{{-}}

===''Cloud''===
[[File:Cloud Deadlock Fury.jpg|thumb|left|Japanese Deadlock will never become Drift and is offended you asked.]]
The Deadlock of [[Cloud World]] was recruited to the Decepticons by [[Megatron (G1)#Cloud|Megatron]] himself, and quickly came to revel in his own blood-thirst on the battlefield. But after one of his missions, [[Lockdown (G1)#Cloud|Lockdown]] informed him that he had botched their objective by slaughtering ''too many'' Autobots, and beat him down to discipline him. Deadlock swore to kill Lockdown himself for this indignity. {{storylink|Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Awakening (Cloud)|Awakening}} {{storylink|Eagerness}} {{storylink|Lightwave}} {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Cloud)|Metamorphosis}} {{storylink|Overwhelm}} {{storylink|Concealment}} {{storylink|Struggle}} {{storylink|Fury (Cloud)|Fury}} {{storylink|Transcendence}} }}

[[File:Lockdown and Deadlock.jpg|thumb|250px|''You're trying to turn me into a Drift, aren't you.'']]
Deadlock took part in a mission to the 15-[[OGSS World|OGSS]] Spacetime. He and his comrades attacked the human/Autobot facility [[Space Bridge T.R.2]], but the Autobots of Cloud World arrived on the scene in response. After [[Shockwave (G1)#Cloud|Shockwave]] had gathered the data he needed, the Cloud World Decepticons retreated. {{storylink|Transformers Cloud (issue)|Transformers Cloud}}

[[File:Grand Scourge versus Deadlock.jpg|thumb|left|250px|HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME USE SWORDS.]]

Getting his hands on [[SARA]], Deadlock used her powers to flee to the [[Legends World]], where he was surprised that the local [[Waspinator (BW)#Transformers Legends comic|Waspinator]] knew of him. Realizing that all dimensions existed as fictional stories in this dimension, he took to gathering information by consuming their media, and was surprised to find that Transformers throughout the multiverse were extremely similar to their Cloud World counterparts. The [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]], creators of the Legends world, then possessed SARA and told Deadlock that he and his compatriots were not the original Transformers, but copies based on beings from other universes. Deadlock was outraged by this concept as it suggested that he was fated to become an Autobot like the "original" Deadlock, and defiantly proclaimed that his fate was his to decide. On the recommendation of [[Skids (G1)#Quantum Operative|Skids]], another interdimensional visitor, he then ended the Zamojin control of SARA by unleashing her powers and opening a gate back to Cloud World, where he lost her to the Autobots. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[File:Primus Vanguard Reborn.jpg|thumb|300px|Standing next to a Drift, safe at last.]]

Some time later, after having fought many battles across many dimensions, Deadlock wound up alone in a barren wasteland, having been separated from his unit by a spatiotemporal storm. Wandering about, he came upon [[Go Prime]] kneeling in defeat before [[Grand Scourge]]... and Lockdown's carcass strewn on the ground nearby. Enraged, Deadlock charged Grand Scourge, but found himself to be thoroughly outclassed. Deadlock only managed to avoid being cut down by grabbing hold of a nearby blade to block his opponent's retaliatory attack. Grand Scourge then lost interest and walked off to find his real target, and Deadlock made a new vow, to track down his new opponent and kill ''him'' instead. {{storylink|Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock}}

Deadlock was inducted into the [[Black Order]] by Go Prime, and was trained to become a new [[Swordbot]]. At some point, they were alerted by [[Primus]] to the end of the [[Blue Order]] and the threat of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and were soon invaded by [[Coelagon]], who desired the Black Legendisc. The Black Order failed to prevent Coelagon from wresting the artifact from them. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

Bound for some unknown reason, Deadlock was one of many Transformers from across the multiverse observed by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. {{storylink|Cybertron Magna Convoy}}

Escaping his bonds some manner or other, Deadlock was spotted amongst the high command of [[Magna Convoy]]'s reconstituted Primus Vanguard, having inherited his master's position. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 2|Finale 2}}
{{-}}

===''Q-Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Tomoaki Maeno]] (Japanese)}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Road to Winning a New Fanbase}}}}

===''Adventure'' bios===
When [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from [[Earth]], he encountered a Transformer named Drift who was similar to, but not, the [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] he knew. To gain a better understanding of what was going on, Jazz fought the stranger. {{storylink|#Adventure|TAV VS05 bio}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
:*''First appearance:'' [[The Change In Your Nature Part One|''Transformers'' issue #13]]

Deadlock was a member of the [[Decepticon|Ascenticons]] who received the movement's new insignia from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part One}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Legends''===
After falling out with his commanding officer, the Decepticon Deadlock found himself on an unfamiliar planet. He encountered the [[Circle of Light]], who helped him defeat [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and some local miscreants, and as a result Deadlock changed his name to Drift and joined up with the Circle in their journey to find a peaceful home. {{storylink|Circle of Light (Legends)|Circle of Light}}

At some point Drift joined the Autobot army. Catching wind of a [[Quintesson]] plot to disrupt the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]], Drift teamed up with [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] to enter the games as a team, and succeeded in uncovering and stopping [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Galactic Games}}

Drift and his team had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding, and they made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Drift}}
Drift appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He is portrayed by Bomb. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsDrift.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Wow!!! Sugoi!!! ''Kickasseru''!!! 両親が私を愛してくれませんか!!!]]
Drift participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Rare character that could be recruited by collecting 90 units of Cybermetal, 45 units of Transmetal, and 25 support cores. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:TransformersEarthWarsDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Ryūjin no ken o Kurae.... wait. Wrong game. Whoops.]]

{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Out of Control}}
Optimus told Drift to just observe and not engage.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Double-Crossed}}

Drift came in response when Optimus and Megatron's truce at the movies went _____ and freaked out the cinemagoers. [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] came in tow and started taunting him. Drift retorted he would prefer to play his director's cut. He then taunted if Barricade was ready for his closeup with all the cellphone cameras around. Drift then said to catch him if he can. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Direct the Dialogue 2}}

When Optimus learned that the Decepticons were trawling alternate realities for reinforcements, he decided he needed someone with stealth and total commitment to the mission, and commanded Hot Rod to summon drift, in spite of his mistrust. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}} Drift was _____ that the Autobots still mistrust him behind the mask of acceptance. Just then Grimlock told him Optimus wanted him for a secret mission, and Hot Rod explained that this was his shot to prove his allegiance.

Optimus informed him on the Decepticon's' multi-universal recruitment drive. Drift asked why they sent one asset instead of an army, and Perceptor explained because of the massive energy expenditure needed to penetrate the Multiversal Membrane, solo is the only option. Drift followed Barricade to an alternate universe with endless fighting. Barricade taunted him before fighting him head-on. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Outlaws}}

Drift tried to prevent Barricade from tagging an Autobot when they were suddenly bombarded with missiles. He remarked [[Live-action film series|nothing makes sense and he's losing the plot]]. Barricade tagged his cross-dimensional beacon on the universe's Lockdown, but nothing happened. As if a [[Shroud|god-like force]] was making the alternate universe untouchable. Just then Hun-Gurrr rammed into Barricade, much to Drift's surprise, and the two 'cons teleported to another universe. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Critcial Mass}}

Drift arrived in [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a garish universe]] too late to stop Barricade and Hun-Gurrr from departing, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)|the local Optimus Prime]] appeared and commanded him to identify himself. Drift subsequently asked Laser Optimus for help against the 'Cons, to which the heroic [[Laser Rod]] agreed. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Worlds Collide}}

*'''Class''': Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating''' 2 star
*'''Weapons:''' Drift leaps on a target and then attacks with his swords.
*'''Ability: Essence Theft:''' Drift rushes at a target for a draining strike, and heals him for double the amount of damage inflicted.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:drift Drift at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{charstubgame|Fill in the Blanks}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:Generations Drift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Forgive me master, i must go all out.... just this once...]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Drift transforms into a cross between a {{w|Nissan Silvia#S15|Nissan Silvia S15}} and a {{w|Mitsubishi FTO}}. In [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Drift's two shorter "dual swords" store inside his doors (which double as his hip sheaths during [[robot mode]]), while the larger sword stores in a set of grooves on the underside of his vehicle (also used in robot mode). It can also be stored (in robot mode) in the doors where the windows fold up. Behind his windshield kibble is his pre-Earth chest design, in a nod to the form Drift had been seen in almost exclusively at the time of the toy's unveiling. Due to his ball jointed wrists, Drift is one of the few Transformers figures that can hold a sword with a two-handed grip. Left unmentioned in the instructions is that the clip that holds his large sword is on a small concealed arm that allows the sword to move away from his back and out of the way of his legs and shoulders. Drift's swords are made from a kid-friendly flexible material, and therefore care must be taken to avoid warping. His hand holes are slightly larger than 5 mm, but taper toward the bottom.

:While Drift's Earth mode designs showed him sporting the katakana ドリフト (''Dorifuto'') on his car doors, the toy instead sports the kanji 侍 (''samurai''). The large sword sports the kanji 天下無双 (''tenka musō'', "peerless under heaven", or just "peerless" if you're not feeling idiomatic. It can also mean "armed under providence").

:Drift's mold was [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generations|Blurr]] and was [[redeco]]ed, with Blurr's pistols also being included, into [[Drift (SG)#Toys|''Shattered Glass'' Drift]].

:When his eyes are lit up, he has two visible pupils that follow you when you turn him. Freaky.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Drift/drift.htm More information on Autobot Drift at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}

===United===
[[File:United AutobotDrift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I am the white void, I am the cold steel, I am the just sword, with blade in hand I shall reap the sins of this world and cleanse it in the fires of destruction! I am Drift, the end has come!]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-08'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers United]]'' toys, the [[TakaraTomy]] release of "Autobot Drift" is cast in a brighter white plastic, a cooler gray, and features more paint applications in vehicle mode, and on his head, arms and chest to make him more accurate to his comic book appearances. The light red of the Hasbro version is now more crimson in color and the sword's gray is slightly altered from the Hasbro release.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{-}}

===Age of Extinction===
[[File:AOEGenerationstoy-DeluxeDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Sensei!"]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two daggers, two swords
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AD23'''
{{note|''Age of Extinction'' [[Drift (AOE)#Age of Extinction|Drift]] was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Drift in the IDW Angry Birds comic.}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Deluxe Class toys, this figure of Drift features a more complex transformation and a much more [[Articulation|articulated]] and proportionate robot mode. He comes with two daggers and two swords, all of which he can wield via [[5 mm post]]. All four of his weapons can store on his roof/back in various ways in robot mode, while in vehicle mode his daggers store beneath the roof and his swords store on the underside of the car.

:A variant of Drift that apparently shipped with [[wave]] 2.5 (which also included [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Generations|Lockdown]]) adds black [[paint operation]]s to the front vents. The two versions can be distinguished by the manufacturing date codes stamped into their cardbacks.<ref name="delvariant">[http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/09/age-of-extinction-drift-variant/ Age of Extinction Drift Variant] at The Allspark.</ref>

{{-}}

===Q-Transformers===
[[File:QTransformers Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Are you sure this is the guy who's supposed to flip out and kill sick people?]]
*'''Drift''' ([[June 27]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-22'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Drift is a redeco and retool of [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Q-Transformers|QT-12 Sunstreaker]], transforming into a [[super deformed]] Mazda RX-7 FD3S (though as a Sunstreaker redeco, his feet are sculpted to resemble the hood of a Lamborghini Countach). His head features some inspiration from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s design, namely the golden crest and samurai helmet neckguard.
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|KreonTripleChanger}}
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Kreon Triple Changer, <s>2015</s>)
**''Accessories'': 2 swords, Slipstream & Jetstorm Kreons

:Kreon Triple Changer Autobot Drift mooshes all the incarnations of Drift into one form! This built-up Kreon transforms from robot to sportscar to helicopter, ''without'' needing to be disassmebled. His general appearance is based on Generation 1 Drift, his altmodes come from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]], and of course his micro-Kreon Mini-Con partners [[Slipstream (RID)#Kre-O|Slipstream]] and [[Jetstorm (RID)#Kre-O|Jetstorm]] hail from [[Drift (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Drift]].

:Drift (along with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#KreonTripleChanger|Blitzwing]]) was shown at [[Toy Fair 2015]], but no accounts of it seeing release in any market have ever surfaced.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Adventure===
[[File:TAVVS05-Warrior-Class-Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember when you all hated me?]]
*'''Drift Origin Mode & Jazz Battle Mode''' (Warrior Class 2-pack, 2015-[[November 14|11-14]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV VS05'''
**''Accessories'': Longsword, short sword

:Packaged with a retooled [[Jazz (WFC)#Adventure|Jazz]], ''Adventure'' "Drift Origin Mode" is a redeco/retool of [[Drift (RID)#Warrior|the first Warrior Class Drift]], featuring a new head and deco that evokes Drift's IDW design. Drift Origin Mode transforms from a samurai robot into a futuristic white car that appears to be a cross between [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s Bugatti Veyron alternate mode and a Gumpert Apollo. In robot mode, his two swords can be stored on his left hip. In car mode, they store on his underside by using the tabs on his legs with the slots in the sword handles.

:Drift Origin Mode features a scannable badge. While it was accessible in-package, this is covered up by a "dummy sticker" to prevent scanning without taking it off. Scanning the real sticker unlocks this Drift in the Transformers Chronicle checklist app.
{{-}}

===Legends===
[[File:E-Hobby-Transformers-Legends-Deadlock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bot-tousai the Mechslayer.]]
*'''Deadlock''' (March 2016)
**''ID number:'' '''LG EX'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right pistols, rifle, greatsword

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Deadlock is a redeco of ''Generations'' Deluxe Class Drift in [[:File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|his black, red, purple, and gold]] Deadlock color scheme as seen in the ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' miniseries and ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' comics / text stories. He comes with his greatsword in black and replaces the two smaller swords with the two pistols and rifle from the Blurr version of the mold, which can combine into a sniper rifle with a bipod (or a triple-barreled rifle). He features Blurr's minor retooling of his inner doors in order to accommodate the pistols in robot mode. Deadlock is an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive and comes with two comics, "[[Decepticon Jaeger Deadlock]]" and a [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Deadlock)|volume EX]] of the ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Legends: Bonus Edition]]'' comic.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}

==Merchandise==
===Flame Toys===
====Kuro Kara Kuri====
[[File:FlameToysDrift.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Drift''' (December 2017)
**''Accessories'': Great Sword, Great Sword scabbard, 2 small swords, 2 small scabbards, 2 cape parts, 3 faces, 14 hands, helmet armor (exclusive)

:Produced by [[Flame Toys]] as part of their ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' line, Drift is a detailed non-transforming action figure featuring [[die-cast]] parts and LEDs in his head, chest, shoulders and legs. He comes with a selection of alternate hands, three faces with different expressions (stoic, snarling and shouting), his Great Sword, two smaller swords, and a tattered cape based on the one worn by [[Wing (G1)|Wing]] in [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]]. The Great Sword features a gimmick where pushing in the handle transforms the hilt, causing it to splay out into a crossguard and changing the gem's color from white to blue. If purchased via D4toys.com, SEN-TI-DEN Hong Kong, or events attended by Flame Toys, Drift also includes additional samurai-inspired helmet armor that can be displayed with or without a visor.

{{-}}

====Furai Model====
*'''Drift''' (December 2019)

:Part of the ''Furai Model'' line, this Drift is a non-transforming model kit, vastly less expensive than the above Kuro Kara Kuri figure. It features plastic parts and some polycap components, as well as some stickers. Glue is not required, but recommended on all of the model's sword sheaths, as they come apart quite easily. This model has far fewer accessories than the Kuro Kara Kuri figure, only coming with two regular swords and one great sword.
:A common feature in mecha model kits is an abundance of spare parts in different colors that will be left over after assembly. These are present purely for the ease of manufacture, but one could substitute them for the used components if so desired.

{{-}}

===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W1Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T13/T40'''
**''Stars: ''8
:Based on Drift's time as a Decepticon, '''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The artwork on the card is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile card game, with line-art for both Bot and Alt-mode by [[Dan Khanna]].
{{-}}
[[File:W4Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T52'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is one of 52 character cards released in Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is a member of the [[Mercenary]] faction introduced in the set.

:The card features original artwork, with Bot Mode line-art by [[Andrew Griffith]].
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Commenting on what inspired him to create Drift, writer/creator [[Shane McCarthy]] said that "I wanted a character in AHM that had a particular element to him that I didn't see readily available elsewhere and secondly because, frankly, I thought it would be a great idea for Hasbro to have an Autobot Drift racer."<ref>[http://www.smactalk.com.au/?p=101 Shane McCarthy blogs about Spotlight: Drift.]</ref> He later said he wanted to show what'd happen [[:Category:Turncoats|if a former Decepticon became an Autobot]].<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=11723 Podcast interview with Shane McCarthy]</ref> Drift's Japanese overtones are meant to be a tip of the hat "to the country that gave birth to [''Transformers'']."<ref>[http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18585 Comic Book Resources October 27th, 2008 interview with Shane McCarthy]</ref>
*Drift's name is derived from the Japanese driving technique of "{{w|Drifting (motorsport)|drifting}}," rendered in Japanese as ドリフト走行 (''dorifuto sōkō''). This is also the source of the {{w|katakana}} in Chris Ryall's announcement;<ref>[http://ryalltime.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html "ドリフト走行*" entry in Chris Ryall's blog]</ref> it is a transliteration of his English name and is not from Japanese fiction.
*Discarded [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-sketches-93573360 body designs] and [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-head-sketches-93574266 head designs] for Drift can be found on [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com Guido Guidi's DeviantArt page.]
*[[IDW Publishing]] initially claimed that Drift had been solicited by [[Hasbro]] to receive a toy in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line. This may have been premature, as it was followed several months later with a denial, albeit from Hasbro's Australian offices.<ref>[http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3438 Ozformers Q&A with Hasbro Australia]</ref> This was rebutted by IDW editor [[Chris Ryall]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2009, denied again in the March 2009 Hasbro Q&A for Seibertron.com,<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-answers-seibertrons-questions/15360 Hasbro March 2009 Q&A on Seibertron.com]</ref> and finally acknowledged by Hasbro at [[BotCon 2009]] when early design sketches were unveiled for Drift's toy. The toy itself was first shown at [[Toy Fair 2010]].
*As may be surmised from this page's captions, the large amount of hype surrounding Drift's initial introduction—along with perceptions that he was little more than a stereotypical badass fan-created character with Japanese samurai/ninja stereotypes added in for maximum awesomeness—led to a considerable backlash against the character when he was first announced. The hype included not only his own ''Spotlight'' issue, followed later by a four-issue mini-series, but also an appearance in "[[I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime]]", a book intended to advertise the ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' toys... whose ranks don't actually include a Drift figure. The character's actual appearances in fiction, however, have not spawned nearly as much vitriol, and the later (re)interpretation by author [[James Roberts]] actually resulted in many a fan changing their opinion of the character.
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Black Drift.jpg|thumb]]
*A mock-up of a black redeco of ''Generations'' Drift based on his [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' counterpart]]'s colors appeared in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014]]'' Vol. 1 as one of ten potential exclusives for Vol. 2. This "Autobot Drift Black Ver." didn't win the poll to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, ending up in fourth place with 12.7% of the votes.<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>
*Roberts has said "there's different facets" to Drift and his environment has an impact on how he presents himself.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 34:40 - 35:02]</ref> Drift himself says in [[Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|''Empire of Stone'' #3]] that he dives into new personas, both his brooding loner and his hippie ones, to cover up the parts of himself that he doesn't like.
*James Roberts stated that IDW Drift is forged and from [[Rodion]].<ref>[https://jrtweetsindex.tumblr.com/post/164978514244/twitter-convo-between-rodimus-primadonnabot-and Twitter conversation with James Roberts on 19 July 2017]</ref>
*He is a favorite of voice actor [[Eric Bauza]], which gave him a chance to voice [[Drift (RID)|a different Drift]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drift''' (ドリフト ''Dorifuto''), '''Deadlock''' (デッドロック ''Deddorokku'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Piuji''' (飄移, "Drift")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Piāoyí''' (China, 漂移, "Drift")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Black Order]]
[[Category:White Order]]
[[Category:Cloud Decepticons]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]

Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-13T03:31:43Z

GlamAttack: /* Full circle */

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[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers1 SpringerIsBack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Spring has sprung.]]
'''Springer''' is one of the most heroic, dedicated, and ''genuine'' Autobots around, which is fairly ironic considering his distinctly-artificial origins. What's even more ironic is that Springer is the leader of the [[Wrecker]]s, a squad with a less-than-stellar reputation for playing by the rules. Still, many of his comrades and mentor figures consider Springer to be "the best of them"—a steadfast teammate and friend who will never let someone he values down.

Even [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]], whose relationship with Springer can be described as "fractious" at best, knows that Springer is the one 'bot that can be most counted on to rise to the occasion when a situation is at its lowest ebb. If Springer has a flaw, it's that he will sometimes go to extreme, even frightening lengths to do what he thinks is right and just. Ask [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] or [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] about that, and the response will be either a knowing nod or a frustrated scowl. Springer always goes above and beyond the call of duty or friendship...no matter the price.

{{bigquote|Only '''''one''''' Autobot possesses the '''''tenacity''''', '''''ability''''', and '''''willingness''''' to push himself to the absolute limit in the name of following an order. Find '''''Springer'''''. And have him find '''''me'''''.|Prowl|[[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|''Sins of the Wreckers'' #1]]}}

==Fiction==
{{first|[[Stormbringer issue 2|''Stormbringer'' #2]]}}

===Secret origin===
[[File:SoTW-Ostaros.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Would you risk your life for your fellow man, even if he was a synth?"]]

During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], [[Tarantulas (BW)|Mesothulas]] succeeded in creating '''Ostaros''', an artificial Cybertronian powered by an artificial [[spark]] and maintained by a synthesized copy of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy field, making him indistinguishable from the genuine article. Mesothulas believed he had also successfully rendered Ostaros's spark indestructible through his efforts. At some point, Mesothulas's partner [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] had a crisis of conscience as their collaborative efforts grew increasingly depraved. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] was sent to take care of the scientist and his inventions; after hurling Ostaros's creator into the [[Noisemaze]], Impactor came across the synthetic robot and refused to kill him. Prowl was also incapable of pulling the trigger himself and so Ostaros was recruited into the Autobots as "Springer", never knowing the truth of his origin. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} Impactor refused to take responsibility for Springer as a soldier, considering himself an unworthy role model, so Prowl arranged for him to serve under [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] instead. After being given a basic "need-to-know" version of Springer's unconventional origins, Kup told Prowl he'd treat Springer no differently than any other charge of his. Upon meeting Kup, Springer showcased his eager, can-do attitude, and the two would eventually come to bond deeply with each other. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

[[File:Autocracy10-Springer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|right]]

During the rule of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]], Springer was a member of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s security force. Once they learned that Zeta was draining civilians of their [[energon]], they turned on him and helped [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] and the [[Decepticon]]s overthrow him. {{storylink|Overthrown}} The Decepticons then betrayed the Autobots and imprisoned them, but Springer managed to get his hands on a gun, break out together with his cellmates, and join some other escapees in the search for Orion Pax. Once they found him, they were shocked to learn that he had acquired the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and become Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Rise}} Alongside many other Autobots, Springer rallied behind the new Prime and helped chase the Decepticons out of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Endgame}}

[[File:Primacy4 SpringerSandstormKillGuys.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Springer acted as a security guard at [[Starsreach Spaceport]] during the [[Exodus (event)|mass exodus]] of neutrals in the early days of the war. {{storylink|Massacre}} He later aided in defending [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] against a Decepticon attack, ruthlessly killing invaders alongside [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}} Some time later, he participated in a battle that the Autobots couldn't win. [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] suggested they counter-attack from the west, but the young Autobot leader realized that it was a trap,and advocated falling back to [[Polyhex]]. Optimus was proven right when Springer, acting as aerial support, spotted [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] arriving to the west. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Old Ways}}

{{-}}

===The Wreckers===
[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers ImpactorRecruitsSpringer.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.0]]
Early in the war, Springer had a simple view of it: the Autobots were the good guys, the Decepticons were the bad guys, and the [[Autobot Code]] was a way of life. Years of fighting changed him, however, as he stopped seeing everything in black and white and realized being a decent 'bot was only holding him back. After witnessing [[Wrecker]] leader [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] single-handedly bring down a Decepticon shuttle, he was inspired to sign up as a Wrecker reservist. Later, as he was working with the [[Heliobot]]s in the [[Toxic Sludge Swamps]], Impactor approached him in the midst of battle to recruit him. {{storylink|Zero Point}} {{storylink|Dead Men's Boots}} A slightly-different recollection of Springer's recruitment had Kup present with him as he destroyed a Decepticon supply drone. After Impactor appeared and gave the word, a wistful Kup congratulated Springer and told him that he'd be "the very best of them". Springer had Kup accompany him when he reported for duty on his first formal day as a Wrecker. Impactor and the entire team greeted them, and Kup left before Springer could even say goodbye. Impactor welcomed him to the team and assured Springer that he was in good hands. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

A member of the Wreckers' 17th lineup, Springer became Impactor's first officer and began seeing him as an older brother. However, as the war grew more violent and dirty, so did the Wreckers, and they began breaking more and more rules of war. Springer convinced himself that it wasn't his problem if he wasn't the one doing it, but as time went on he became desensitized and began intervening less and less. Unlike the others, Springer's moral compass required him to have an ''excuse'' for killing Decepticons, so before the final showdown with the Wreckers' Decepticons counterparts [[Squadron X]], he had to pump himself up by telling stories of all the crimes they had committed. The other Wreckers thought this only served to make Impactor even more unstable than he already was. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5 Springer arrives too late.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|You monster! THEY WERE FANWANK!!!]]
The Wreckers' rivalry with Squadron X came to an end on the planet [[Pova]], where they found themselves in a bad way after Springer was trapped under some collapsed rubble. Despite Springer's pleas, Impactor used his body as a shield against Squadron X's advancing troops, firing through it. This helped turn the tide, and the Wreckers rounded up all of Squadron X for transport offworld. Unfortunately, Impactor snapped when [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] told him that Pova was neutral territory, and that he was ordered to set them free or else the Autobots would face diplomatic repercussions. Impactor locked himself in their ship, and as Springer tried to break through the door, personally executed every member of Squadron X while they were restrained. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

Horrified by Impactor's actions, Springer reported him to [[Autobot High Command]] as soon as he got the chance. Before the trial took place, Springer was visited by the other Wreckers, each believing they were alone in approaching him. They all pleaded with him that they hadn't seen Impactor's murders coming and were worried that High Command might shut down the Wreckers because of them. Springer promised to testify that they had nothing to do with it and to become their new leader once everything was over. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

Springer testified against Impactor through [[Aequitas]], and the disgraced Wreckers leader was sentenced to be imprisoned on [[Garrus-9]]. A cover story for what happened on Pova was released which involved Springer suggesting Impactor fire through his torso and Squadron X later escaping their restraints, necessitating their execution. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} As Impactor was dragged to his cell, Springer told his former commander something he didn't want to hear, something he would dwell upon for the length of his incarceration: Squadron X deserved to die for their crimes, but Impactor didn't have the right to kill them. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[File:Stormbringer2 Springer.jpg|upright=2.0|right|thumb|The Wreckers don't half go on about that, do they?]]
At some point during the war, Springer fought alongside Ultra Magnus, Perceptor and Wheelie. Unfortunately, like most other bots, he had a tendency to overlook Wheelie, due to the latter's small stature. {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie}} He and the Wreckers also fought (and horribly murdered) most of [[Krok (G1)|Krok]]'s squad during one encounter in the war. {{storylink|Animals}}

Years later on the planet [[Varas Centralus]], Springer, now commander of the Wreckers, was coordinating the counter-offensive against a [[Phase Sixer|Phase Six]] [[infiltration protocol|Decepticon siege bunker]] when he got the call from Optimus Prime that [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] might be active again on Cybertron. Pulling the Wreckers out of Varas Centralus, Springer was of the opinion that if Thunderwing was still alive, they should nuke Cybertron and take the monster with it. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}}

[[File:Stormbringer4 SpringerSandstormWhirlVehicleModes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
After rescuing [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] and [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]], the Wreckers prepared to breach [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s cultist lair at [[Thunderhead Pass]]. Springer tried to dissuade Optimus Prime from joining the battle, but the Autobot leader was not to be deterred. After routing the cultists, a new problem arose: Thunderwing, sent off to wreak havoc on [[Nebulos]], was returning. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3|Stormbringer #3}} The Wreckers gave it their all against Thunderwing, but were seriously outmatched, with Springer's rotors being destroyed by the monstrous titan. As Thunderwing bore down on him, unexpected help came from the Decepticon battleship ''[[Thanatos]]'', and the combined efforts managed to stagger the giant, forcing it to draw more [[Ore-13|Ultra-Energon]] from the environment, whose side effects eventually forced it to shut down. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer #4}}

Shortly after coming to Earth, Optimus Prime was getting updates from the various unit commanders and officers out in the universe while aboard the ''[[Ark-19]]'', amongst them Springer. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1|Escalation #1}}

[[File:SpotlightKup Springersholograph.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Ebeneezer Kup!]]
Not long thereafter, Springer excused himself from actively leading the Wreckers when he heard his old mentor Kup had finally been found, after being MIA for some time. Rescue conditions were hardly ideal, however: [[Tsiehshi|the planet]] the old warhorse was stuck on was permeated with [[Ore-8|highly unstable energy crystals]] which produced massive amounts of debilitating radiation and a single spark might set off an explosive chain reaction that would destroy the planet. Kup, meanwhile, had somehow survived exposure to this environment, yet had gone over the brink of madness, attacking the Autobot teams that beamed down to retrieve him because their thick radiation armors made them appear monstrous to his eyes. Despite these complications, Springer insisted rescue efforts continue, even after many Autobots were destroyed in the attempt. Finally, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] arrived as a defensive specialist, and used his force field to block the radiation and get Kup to recognize him. Kup was brought in for repairs, and Springer returned to the Wreckers. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}} Once again Springer was seen reporting to Optimus Prime, this time about Kup's condition. {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}}

Later, Springer, along with Autobots across the galaxy, watched an Autobot news report heralding the miraculous return of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

When the denizens of the [[Dead Universe]] stepped up their plans to merge the living and unliving universes together, Springer and the Wreckers were called in once again to battle Thunderwing when he was found guarding a cave on planet [[Corata-Vaz]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} They didn't have much luck. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}} However, once [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] managed to take control of Thunderwing, Springer and the Wreckers snuck past it and into the cave to retrieve one of the [[Nega-Core]]s, which were crucial to the Dead Universe plans. Unfortunately, as they were doing so, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] regained control of Thunderwing, and the Wreckers were forced to hold the line until the Nega-Core could be removed and deposited back into the Dead Universe via a portable [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

[[File:AHM15 SpringerpunchesProwl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Why should [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] get [[All Hail Megatron issue 4|all the fun?]]]]
Springer was making regular trips to the ''[[Ark-17]]'' to check up on Kup, but one day found that the old warrior had been transferred to the [[Kimia Facility]] without his knowledge. Filled with rage, Springer traveled to the facility and delivered an uppercut to [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'s chin, only to learn that Kup had been fully repaired using [[Pretender]] technology. While he was skeptical at first, Springer's spirits were soon lifted when he got to meet the rejuvenated Kup, and the emotional Springer welcomed him back. Afterwards, Springer told Prowl that Kup could never know what happened in his rescue mission, and Prowl assured him all involved would be sworn to silence.{{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Everything in Its Right Place}}

Led by Kup, Springer later helped rescue a number of Wreckers who had been captured by the Decepticon [[Turmoil]]. Following this mission, Springer and his fellow Wrecker [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] joined Kup's personal strike force on board the starship ''[[Trion]]''. He argued against letting [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] into the team, but Kup felt that everyone deserves a second chance. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}} Shortly afterwards, the team caught a distress call from [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], who was being chased by Decepticons. Kup's team went to his aid, but unfortunately their opponent was the abominable [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]], who melted Springer's rotor blades with acid. Eventually, the giant was toppled by [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]]'s new sniping skills. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Lost & Found}}

While chasing the Decepticon cruiser ''[[Torment]]'', the ''Trion'' was lured into a trap and shot down above the planet Cybertron. The crew was "bonded" with the ship at the time, and Springer refused to disconnect from the doomed vessel as he attempted to steer it into a crash landing. He succeeded, and later met with another Autobot unit that had also ended up on the abandoned planet. Kup's team decided to show the others how badass they were, a showcase which ended with Springer being wrestled to the floor by [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and his weapon being used to hold Kup at gunpoint. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}} After this little show of force, the two groups teamed up to fight off the [[Insecticon swarm]] that was inhabiting the planet along with them. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

When the Autobots relocated to another base, Springer participated in the caravan in his ground vehicle mode. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} At the new base, Springer helped set up a large defensive cannon to use against the incoming swarm. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Despite Springer's best use of fisticuffs, the Autobots were overrun by the thousands of Insecticons, and only saved by the intervention of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} Omega took everyone to [[New York City]] on [[Earth]], where Megatron and his forces were located. During the great battle, Springer shoved his knee hard in [[Viewfinder]]'s abdomen. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}}

===Mission to Garrus-9===
[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers1 Springer introduction.jpg|right|upright=1.5|thumb|''Lookin' back on the track, for a little green bag...'']]
Springer had medics at key facilities look out for messages from [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], a spy in the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] with a unique way of sending reports. One of these medics was [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], who contacted him when Agent 113 reported the Decepticon occupation of Garrus-9. {{storylink|Bullets}} After Megatron's defeat on Earth and the general collapse of the Decepticon war effort, Prowl formulated a desperate plan to use the Wreckers to retake Garrus-9 from the Decepticons and retrieve the potentially damaging war criminal trial data from supercomputer Aequitas. Springer began recruiting new members into the Wreckers, noting with irony that he had now assumed Impactor's role, though the main difference was Springer offered the potential recruits a choice, and sometimes they said no. {{storylink|Dead Men's Boots}}

On Ultra Magnus's ship Springer introduced himself to the new team members: [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]], [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]], [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]], and [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]]. He told them that their first mission was to clean up [[Garrus-9]] and warned them that their first day as a Wrecker could be their last. When Ironfist fainted, Springer felt he needed to keep an eye on him. Afterward he spoke with [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] and shared thoughts about Impactor until Ultra Magnus called for him to return to the bridge. He arrived just in time to see a Decepticon starship explode, revealing the former Wrecker. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers2 SpringerImpactorReunion.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|left|Reunited and it feeeels so bad!]]
Once Impactor was aboard, Springer asked him how he got out of Garrus-9. After hearing Impactor's tale of escape and the revelation that infamous [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] was now the death camp warden, Springer felt that the mission was finally getting interesting. He then shared words with Impactor about the incident on [[Pova]]. Impactor stormed out, but Springer still felt it would be a good idea to use him on the team. Ultra Magnus then relayed something that Prowl wanted done, but only revealed the name: Aequitas.

While nearing Garrus-9 orbit, Springer assisted Ultra Magnus with the mission briefing. He outlined the mission, dividing them into two teams to penetrate the [[lattice forcefield]] via [[drop pod]]s. He took control of one of the pods before relaying control over to Rotorstorm for a simultaneous hit against the forcefield. Once through the pod came under instant attack, but Springer managed a crash landing. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}}

Upon planetfall, Springer's team ran from an oncoming horde of Decepticons. He took a look at [[Twin Twist]]'s wounds while Guzzle, Kup, and Impactor held off the Decepticons. Springer ordered Guzzle into tank mode to bring down the ceiling, granting them an moment's reprieve. He then sent Kup and Guzzle to get backup while Twin Twist drilled through the floor. He drilled into an open area, but was saved by Springer, who jumped through and quickly transformed into helicopter mode. On the ground they found the demolished remains of [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]], but Twin Twist warned them that they had just set off a defense mechanism. Springer attempted to escape but was zapped unconscious, ending up in [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]]'s Spark Extinction Chamber. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers4 faceshot.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1||Right in the kissah!]]
Springer came to after a torturing round from Stalker and began arguing with Impactor about the events that led to the former Wrecker commander to be imprisoned on Garrus-9. Springer expressed the desire to forgive Impactor and himself for what happened on Pova, but this couldn't happen until Impactor admitted that what he did was wrong. They were interrupted by the return of Stalker, who had retrieved his latest instrument of torture, the [[endoscopic claw]]. After Twin Twist died as a result of [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]'s sacrifice to activate Aequitas, Stalker was about to move onto the others when help arrived in the form of Guzzle, Kup and [[Snare]]. Kup sprang Springer, who brought a quick end to Stalker with the torturer's own endoscopic claw. This respite didn't last long, as [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] blasted through the wall having been radioed by Stalker. The large Decepticon simply asked if the Wreckers were ready, with Springer replying affirmative. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers SpringerOverlordFaceoff.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Give me your- [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Oh, you know.]]]]
The battle with Overlord took the combatants to Garrus-9's roof, but it soon became apparent that Springer's team were fighting a losing battle. After Impactor was seemingly defeated, Ironfist, Perceptor and Verity arrived with a large rotary cannon for Springer to use that would supposedly turn the tide. The Wreckers commander emptied the massive weapon into Overlord, who at merely seemed annoyed at the attack, knocked the weapon away and tore Springer's face off. As he advanced on Ironfist, the diminutive Autobot detonated the payload of [[deterrence chip]]s that the Springer had fired into Overlord, and Verity broke his will by revealing that Megatron had since died, robbing the insane Overlord of his obsessive desire to face the Decepticon leader in combat. After Impactor disabled Overlord, he refused to kill him, stating that it was not what Springer wanted. With G-9's liberation, Ultra Magnus took the survivors back to [[Earth]], where Springer was still alive but on life-support, with Kup by his bedside. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

Though his body was repaired, Springer was left in a coma due to a [[zero point]], an affliction that kept his [[spark]] from moving through his body. After the liberation of Garrus-9, the comatose Springer was transferred to ''[[Debris]]'', where he was left under the care of Roadbuster and Whirl. {{storylink|Zero Point}} Convinced their leader would never wake up, Whirl attempted to euthanize him using Roadbuster's [[Sparkeater (weapon)|Sparkeater weapon]], but was caught in the act by Roadbuster and punished. {{storylink|Interiors}} At [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s suggestion, Roadbuster began reading the ''[[Wreckers: Declassified]]'' datalogs to Springer in hopes that an emotional response might cause his subconscious to bypass the zero point. When he came to the complete lie of a datalog detailing Pova, Roadbuster gave up and chose to tell Springer the truth: the Wreckers had been ''glad'' to see Impactor kill Squadron X, and they had only asked Springer to lead them because they didn't want to be thrown in prison alongside him. Just as he went on to admit that Springer had still proven to be their greatest leader, Springer began showing signs of life again. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] would later edit Overlord's memories of his battle with Springer and the Wreckers in order to embed a [[Trepan's Trigger]] in his head. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Footage of Springer saying "keep going without me" was used by [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] in his stitched-together final message to Chromedome. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

===Full circle===
[[File:SinsoftheWreckers Springer flashbacks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|right|Gah!! [[Don Figueroa|Figueroa]] flashback!!]]
After more than four years in his comatose state, even Impactor began believing it would be better if they let Springer go. Fate, however, seemed to have other ideas, as Kup and [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] set off an automatic recording of Prowl's, whose recent actions had led to his disappearance, requesting Springer for the task of finding and rescuing him. As a result, Kup called Springer with a message imploring that he wake up. Kup's words seemed to be what was needed to reawaken the comatose Wrecker, who immediately organised the inhabitants of Debris into journeying to Earth. They arrived in time to disrupt Arcee's interrogation of Verity Carlo, who she suspected was responsible for Prowl's disappearance. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Things started to fall to bits quickly, not helped by Springer still being disoriented from the coma and haunted by dreams of Garrus-9. Unclear of how much had changed in four years, Springer suspected the Decepticons were responsible for Prowl's disappearance, but they soon learned it was someone named "[[Tarantulas (BW)|Mesothulas]]." To Springer's horror, they learned it when Kup began ''talking in Prowl's voice'' as the strategist had installed a backdoor in his brain years ago and could remotely hack him. After Prowl said he was being held in a place called the "[[Noisemaze]]", they lost his signal and Springer had to comfort Kup who was now aware of what he'd done on [[Tsiehshi]] while mad.

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers2 WreckersRollOut.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left]]

After Verity's [[data slug]] of compiled [[Aequitas]] data was abruptly stolen by [[Stampy (BWN)|a rabbit]], Springer gathered himself and ordered the Wreckers after it, with Verity hopping into his copter mode. The two compared their respective personal traumas following the events of Garrus-9, and Verity seemed ready to reveal something about her health when suddenly Springer was forcibly transformed to robot mode in mid-air by [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]]'s [[outlier (group)|outlier]] abilities. Springer and Verity crashed to the ground before him, and Carnivac introduced himself as leader of [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]]- an anarchic group of [[Chimeracon|beast-formers]] dedicated to toppling the power structures maintained by the Autobots and Decepticons. Carnivac departed after Impactor and Guzzle arrived on the scene, the former having dispensed with Carnivac's comrade [[Polar Claw]] and ingested some of the Chimeracon's [[Obtenteum|spilled fuel]]. The fuel began to mutate and drive Guzzle into a kill-frenzy, and the recovered Springer and Impactor decided to make use of that. Rendezvousing with the other Wreckers as they were taking on more members of Mayhem, Guzzle was unleashed on the enormous [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]]. It was determined that the entrance to the Noisemaze had to be aboard Tidal Wave and Springer quickly ordered Kup to keep an eye on Impactor and Guzzle outside while the rest of the Wreckers entered the massive Chimeracon. Springer's group fought their way in and once there, Roadbuster started torturing the captive [[Claw Jaw]] for directions. Springer was aghast at this, but Roadbuster informed him that the care he had shown for his comatose leader for the past few years didn't cancel out the fact that he was still a brutal thug. Claw Jaw opened the gate to the Noisemaze for them, and Springer and the rest entered. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}}

They immediately collapsed in pain, as the senses-warping effects of Noisemaze brought them to their knees. Mesothulas, now going by the name "Tarantulas", had Springer, Roadbuster, and Arcee strapped into his new invention [[Impetus]], a guilt-extracting computer. With the turncoat [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] at his side, Tarantulas presented them to the captive Prowl within the [[Tor]] facility. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers4 SpringerRescuesProwl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right]]
Demonstrating Impetus's power to Prowl, Tarantulas had the bound Wreckers unwillingly confess their greatest sins. For his part, Springer lamented failing to stop Impactor from executing Squadron X and sending so many to die rescuing Kup. Roadbuster was revealed to have been manipulated by Tarantulas into habitually beating his former cadets to death, something Hubcap had managed to survive, and Verity admitted she was dying, much to Springer's sorrow. When Tarantulas attempted to plug Prowl into Impetus, the Autobot strategist claimed he had executed Ostaros way back when, driving the spider into a fury. Before things could progress any further, Impactor's group made a rescue attempt, destabilizing the Noisemaze by breaching it with Debris itself. Tarantulas and the hesitant Hubcap absconded with a bound Prowl in tow, leaving the other Wreckers locked-down. However, Prowl managed to play on Hubcap's doubts, and the communications specialist covertly released Springer and the others from their bonds. They retrieved their weapons and gave chase, catching up with Tarantulas in the Tor's communications suite and attacking him. Springer freed Prowl and ordered him to get Hubcap to Debris, while the others held Tarantulas at bay. However, the spider proved more than a match for Springer, Roadbuster, Arcee, and Verity, and unable to be readily defeated.

Deciding to sacrifice himself, Roadbuster pleaded with Springer to remember him as a friend, and not as the violent psycho Impetus had exposed him as. Springer watched in horror as his friend transformed to vehicle mode and rammed Tarantulas out a window, the two falling out of a high level of the Tor. Springer stood frozen with shock and grief until Arcee reminded him they had to make Roadbuster's death matter and complete the mission. Springer and the others linked back up with Prowl, joined by Impactor, who had eliminated Hubcap for his betrayal. Impactor and Springer took a brief moment to mourn Roadbuster, then headed towards the Tor's main supply of [[Obtenteum]] while workshopping a plan with Prowl to destroy Tarantulas's work and the Noisemaze entirely. Once arriving at the giant column that stored the super-fuel, Springer and Impactor immediately set to laying explosives on it, but the surviving Tarantulas appeared to menace the group once again. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers5 SpringerImpactorLastOrder.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
While the others engaged Tarantulas, Springer and Impactor took stock of the situation. Springer ordered Impactor to get the others out while he completed the task at hand, but Impactor wasn't having any part of a sacrifice play on Springer's part. Springer told his former leader that he didn't intend to die, but he was done being a Wrecker and that this would be his final mission. Impactor and him would signal each other using a "call-and-response" exchange and if Springer failed to signal back, Impactor was to detonate the charges on the Obtenteum column. Agreeing to the plan, Impactor went to back Arcee and the others up against Tarantulas, with Springer helping to cut the web the enormous spider was perched on before jumping back down the column.

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers5 SpringerPunchesTarantulas.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
Over the course of the battle, Tarantulas sussed out that his beloved creation Ostaros HADN'T been killed and intuitively realized that Springer and Ostaros were one and the same upon hearing Springer's voice signal Impactor. Abandoning all other concerns, Tarantulas eventually got past Impactor and the others and leaped down to reunite with Springer. Interference from the Obtenteum prevented creator and creation from communicating with each other, and Springer assumed Tarantulas was trying to stop him, attacking the spider. Even after Tarantulas attempted to throw Springer back up the column to safety, Springer just leaped back down to continue his assault. As the Noisemaze began to collapse thanks to the other Wreckers' successful efforts, Impactor lost contact with Springer and sorrowfully triggered the charges. Locked in battle with Tarantulas, a brief, wordless understanding seemed to pass between Springer and his creator just before the Obtenteum detonated. Tarantulas disappeared in the explosion, but Springer managed to drag himself out of the Tor's ruins and was rescued from the deteriorating Noisemaze just in time by Prowl.

In the aftermath, Springer and the recovered Verity retired to [[Nome]], [[Alaska]] and took in the sight of the Northern Lights together. Verity asked how long they could remain at peace and Springer admitted it probably wouldn't be long, considering their hectic lives, but was content to enjoy what time they had. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}}

===One last mission===
[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers SpringerCarMode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left|"This futuristic sci-fi car will draw less attention than a futuristic sci-fi helicopter, Verity."]]
Springer and Verity remained in seclusion on Earth for a while, their only link to outside world being a communications array given to them by Prowl. Springer used it to begin remotely training the next generation of rookie Wreckers, and was overcome with grief to learn through regular updates from Cybertron that Kup had been killed. Verity suggested he share his feelings with someone that understood him, and so Springer sent a message to the now Mayhem-aligned Impactor, requesting a meeting so they could properly talk. Springer and Verity headed out on a road trip to rendezvous with Impactor, but during a pit stop, Mayhem agent [[Steamhammer (PCC)|Steamhammer]] kidnapped Springer. Verity contacted Impactor again and the two were set to meet outside a rally for politician Megan Guiglione. Suddenly, an oddly-acting Springer appeared before the humans and fired upon Guiglione, revealing her to be Overlord in a shrunken down Chimeracon alt-mode. Verity realized Springer was being controlled somehow and Overlord wasted no time in attacking the sluggish Autobot, but was interrupted by undercover members of Mayhem that were also present. Overlord slaughtered them and seized Verity when she confronted him, intending vengeance on the girl. As Overlord fled, Impactor arrived and tended to Springer, calling out to Carnivac, who was hiding nearby. Revealed to have been the one pulling Springer's strings with his outlier abilities, Carnivac tried to explain his actions, but a furious Impactor didn't want to hear it. He vowed to kill Carnivac once they had returned to base and gotten Springer back on his feet.

[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers SpringerAndImpactorAttack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]
At Mayhem's base, a recovered and raging Springer attacked Impactor, traumatized by having been under Carnivac's control. He quickly gathered himself when he remembered Verity was in Overlord's clutches and prepared to track her down. Carnivac entered the room and Impactor slugged him, accusing the former Mayhem leader of attempting to wrest control of the organization back and purposely using Springer out of spite. Carnivac countered that their plan to frame an Autobot for assassinating a prominent human politician was Impactor's to begin with, horrifying Springer. Impactor protested that it wasn't supposed to be him, but Springer was disgusted with entire idea of it. He told Carnivac that he expected better of someone who had worked with Ultra Magnus and [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]] and asked Impactor to help him find Verity. A guilty Impactor chose to accompany Springer, and the two eventually caught up with Overlord and Verity in a secret mountain base established by Tarantulas, who Springer was shocked to see was still alive. While Overlord and Tarantulas had formed a partnership, it soon fractured when Overlord threatened to kill Verity, and Tarantulas tried to protect the girl for Springer's sake. Impactor took Overlord on as Springer made sure Verity was safe, and was confronted by Tarantulas. Tarantulas wanted to make amends to his creation, but Springer firmly rebuked him just before Overlord shot his former partner in the back of the head. Verity told Springer to go fight as she figured Tarantulas's new [[Timemaze]] portal out, and the [[Triple Changer]] tackled Overlord down a deep crevasse along with Impactor. The two Wreckers were separated from their foe and buried in rubble at the bottom, and a pinned Impactor took the time to apologize to Springer. He admitted it might have been better if he hadn't inducted someone as good and heroic as Springer into the Wreckers so long ago and that Kup was the one responsible for making sure Springer turned out that way.

[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers SpringerFinalMessage.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|Springer: Endgame]]
When Overlord began to approach, Impactor had one final request of Springer as a Wrecker; re-enact the "[[Pova]] maneuver" again, with their roles reversed this time. Overlord asked Impactor for some last words, and Impactor delivered his final ''"Wreck and Rule"'' right before Springer fired through his chest from behind, staggering their foe. Springer then burst through Impactor's flaming wreckage in car mode, ruefully eulogizing his friend as a "wily old buzzard." He made his way back up to Verity with Overlord in hot pursuit, but the Decepticon was halted in his tracks and forcibly-transformed into his two vehicle modes by Carnivac, who had decided to lend a hand (or a howl.) This gave Springer the opportunity to grab the Timemaze portal that Verity activated and force Overlord's two components through it, sending each to opposite ends of time itself and ending his threat. In the aftermath, Springer listened to Tarantulas's dying words, as his creator revealed that he had secretly lived with Springer and Verity after the collapse of the Noisemaze in shrunken spider mode, taking comfort in getting to know his "son" in some small way. Springer took Tarantulas's hand and addressed him as Mesothulas one last time before the spider expired.

Ultimately, Springer decided to make use of the Timemaze to go back and attempt to prevent the war and change history. He and Verity shared a tender farewell hug and Springer sent one last broadcast out that reached all the surviving Wreckers, as well as other significant 'bots in his life like Prowl and Carnivac. He asked them all to honor the Wreckers' bloodstained history by forgetting it, and to forge on towards a brighter and more hopeful future. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Springer's birth name, Ostaros, is derived from Ostara (known better by the Old English spelling {{w|Ēostre}})—a Germanic goddess of, among other things, ''spring''.

[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]

Octane

2021-04-12T22:57:09Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers: Earth Wars */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|csficon|mercenary}}
{{disambigm|Tankor (disambiguation)|Mega-Octane}}
{{picsneeded|Appearances in fiction}}
:''Octane is a [[Decepticon]] or [[Mercenary]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Octane boxart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Con artist, liar, thief, and collector of oddly-shaped shields.]]
'''Octane''' (aka '''Tankor''',<ref name="tankor">The name "Tankor" was used by [[Hasbro]] as a substitute name for Octane for the 2008 ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' toy because the name "Octane" was not available to them as a [[trademark]] (or simply not trademarkable) at the time. That name would subsequently also be used in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[2005 IDW continuity|original Generation 1 continuity]]. Unlike many other characters with trademark-friendly alternate names that were temporarily adapted into IDW's comics to better reflect the toys at the time, "Tankor" made his IDW debut under that name in 2009's [[All Hail Megatron issue 11|issue 11]] of ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', and it has stuck ever since, even when [[Tankor (BM)|''another'' "Tankor" character]] was introduced into that continuity. As the result of some confusion on behalf of the creative team and a last-minute fix, this was first used as the basis of a quick joke in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|chapter 6]] of the 2013-2014 ''[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]'' event; by the time of the first ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' miniseries (also 2014), the two had been dubbed "Tall Tankor" (Octane) and "Fat Tankor" (''Beast Machines'' Tankor) in-universe.</ref> '''Fuselage''',<ref>"Fuselage" was another substitute trademark name used in [[2014]] for Octane's ''Kre-O'' toy.</ref> or '''Octone'''<ref name="octone">"Octone" is traditionally Octane's Japanese-market name. The word "octane" is usually rendered in katakana as オクタン ''okutan''. The change thus appears to have been an intentional one, although the why of it is unknown. Hasbro later used that as another, more easily trademarkable substitute name to replace the now confusing "Tankor", beginning with the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toy.</ref>) is considered vile, even by Decepticon standards. This triple changing bully is a cheat, a liar, and a coward who thinks only of himself and can't be trusted any further than [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] [[Desperate Actions|can throw]] [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].

The only reason that this inveterate thief is allowed to continue functioning is that he has an uncanny ability to locate stores of fuel for his fellow Decepticons, and is usually able to spin a fairly convincing excuse for why he was unable to assist them in their latest battle. As annoying and frustrating as he may be to work with, most of his allies will grudgingly admit that he does perform his job as a fuel transport quite well—if he could just get over his annoying habit of making them beg for every drop.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Beau Weaver]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Mingyu]] (Chinese), [[Ignacio Campero]] (Latin American), [[François Leccia]] (European French), [[Nilton Valério]] (Portuguese), [[Nelson Batista]] (Portuguese, "Thief in the Night")}}
[[File:Generic palette swap.jpg|right|thumb]]
When the Decepticon forces were driven off [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Octane ended up on the barren planet of [[Chaar]]. When [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] told the Decepticons that he was going to bring back [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] to lead them, Octane was amongst the cheering crowd. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} He then joined the beating-Autobots-to-death crowd when the Decepticons discovered [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] spying on them. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} Finally, he joined the energon-munching crowd when the [[Quintesson]]s offered them energy in exchange for exterminating a group of Autobots on [[Goo 8739B]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Though they failed in this endeavor, the Decepticons were greeted by the return of their leader, Galvatron, and went on to stage an all-out assault on Cybertron and [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[File:SandstormOctane BFF.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Octane could only get along with someone who had nothing left to steal.]]
Octane first came to the Autobots' attention while doing what he did best—thinking about himself. When [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] had been defeated by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and hurled into the ocean, it was Octane who first discovered that the giant Decepticon had not been destroyed, but had actually survived his untimely dunk in the water. What happened next depends on who you believe: Octane tells a tale of great heroism, where he came across the weakened and dying Trypticon and, for the glory of the [[Decepticon Empire]] and out of the good of his own heart, nursed the injured giant back to health. The rest of the world prefer to take a less charitable look at his actions, and claim that Octane merely took advantage of Trypticon to secure himself a source of high-quality energon from the [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya]]. Whatever his motivation, it was not long before Octane and Trypticon were trading fuel for protection (even going so far as to assault passing cruise ships and then claiming they had been invading sovereign waters, though Trypticon did genuinely believe that they were invading ships). When that was no longer enough to keep their new landlords happy, Octane quickly came up with a scheme to use Trypticon in stealing all of the world's most important monuments and presenting them as gifts to the nation's leader. That got the attention of Rodimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots, who quickly crashed Octane's party. Worse, Galvatron caught wind of what had been happening, and was not amused with how selfishly Octane had been keeping Trypticon to himself. All the wheeling and dealing in the world failed in the face of Galvatron's rage, and Octane soon found himself ousted from the Decepticons (a fate he shared with his fellow Triple Changer, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. Apparently [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] was the only one of them worth keeping). {{storylink|Thief in the Night}}

[[File:StarscreamCryptMarker1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
Alone and on the run, Octane soon discovered that Galvatron was less than willing to let bygones be bygones. The Decepticon leader had placed a price on Octane's head, and countless bounty hunters and assassins were closing in on him. After a close call on the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junk]], where he narrowly avoided being blown to pieces, Octane quickly decided to seek asylum with the Autobots. It was here that he met and befriended [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], a fellow Triple Changer who had recently joined the Autobots after the destruction of his home planet of [[Paradron]]. After being attacked by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], the pair fled to a space station, where they were assaulted once again by a paid assassin (who was fortunately so incompetent that the two robots barely noticed he was there). Eventually settling on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Octane still found no peace, as Cyclonus and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s tracked him down yet again. Fleeing into the forgotten [[Decepticon Crypt]], Octane stumbled onto the ghost of the most famous Decepticon traitor ever known: [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. Quickly realising kindred spirits in each other, the two joined forces in an attempt to let Starscream possess Cyclonus and take over the Decepticons. Needless to say, their coup attempt failed rather miserably, and both traitors found themselves once again fleeing from Galvatron's wrath. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Despite this, Octane was later back under Galvatron's command, joining him in a firefight with the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] during an attack on the [[Netherlands]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}
{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Ryōichi Tanaka]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Hm12 Octane Whip.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Under the command of [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], Octane and his fellow Decepticon Triple Changers assaulted [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] and his troops on Earth in order to prevent them from joining a battle on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} The three went on to defend Trypticon from [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], and Octane's old buddy Sandstorm. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}} They also helped the Decepticon [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] steal the energy-gathering [[Sol 1]] satellite for [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}}

On the planet [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]], Octane acted as a cruel taskmaster, whipping the [[Beastformer]]s into shape as they were forced to build Scorponok's giant MegaZarak [[Transtector]], {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} which he witnessed the unveiling of. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
[[File:Legends 57 Octane.jpg|thumb|]]
In [[2021]], Octane was among the Decepticons under Scorponok's command who fought [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]]'s forces near a [[black hole]], and got kicked around by [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]]. When Scorponok detonated the black hole, the three Triple Changers panicked and scrambled to avoid the explosion. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Prologue}}

As a result of the incident, Octane became a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] and travelled to the [[Legends World]] along with the other Headmasters. He met a kindred spirit in [[Tigatron]] regarding their perverted tastes, though he didn't care about meeting [[White Lune]] as he was only into robotic girls. {{storylink|TF Legends Late Xmas Present Chapter|Late Xmas Present Chapter}} Later the two decided to start a sexy video business. Roping would-be manager [[Trickdiamond]] into modelling for it, their first foray was such a success that Octane was able to buy his own [[transtector]]. While using it for transportation, the three found themselves attacked by [[Lunaclub]] and [[Moonheart]], and came face-to-face with [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]! Using his new ghostly Headmaster form, Starscream took control of the transtector so that he could usurp [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mayor Megatron]], but Octane was able to expel the spirit via a contingency device built into the transtector. Octane took control of the transtector himself and sent the twins fleeing with his flamethrower attack. The insincerely repentant Starscream would be punished by being forced to appear in a video with Lunaclub, but it made so little money that Octane and Tigatron made Trickdiamond model again. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 57|Bonus Edition Vol. 57}}

Octane was on the streets of New Akihibara City when Scorponok summoned Majin Zarak to begin the destruction of the Legends World. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Finale: Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part One|Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part One}} When Scorponok and Devil Z threatened to destroy the world by plasma energy bombs, Octane was one of many transports used to evacuate the population back to the OG World.
{{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Finale: Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two|Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two}}

Arriving first in 2023, Octane joined the Autobots and Decepticons on the planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]]. He helped their old allies the [[Beastformer]]s in their conflicts against the [[Laser Beast]]s. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 1}}

By 2039, the Decepticons officially declared peace with the Autobots. Octane was present at a press conference held by Soundwave to pool resources for the restoration of the Legends World. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
[[File:LeaveOctanealone-ACommonFoe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
{{Wingsnote}}
Through his friendship with Sandstorm, Octane became involved in the largely-Autobot defense of Cybertron during the [[Machine Wars (event)|Machine Wars]]. He found the Autobot general [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]'s orders and tactics particularly indecipherable. Despite their closeness, he appeared as surprised as anyone when Sandstorm was revealed as [[Sandstorm (MW)|a sleeper clone]] planted in their forces by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|Termination}}

Octane was caught up in Jhiaxus's invasion of Cybertron, though he commented that he was uninterested in fighting, even less so when it meant fighting to the death. He further bemoaned that the only reason he had gotten involved was because of Sandstorm, who turned out not to be his friend but a clone of the original. His complaints fell on deaf ears, as Acid Storm besides him joined the fray with glee. He was later rescued by [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] from a squad of [[Thundercracker drone]]s during the battle, though he rescued her right back from one sneaking up on her. {{storylink|A Common Foe}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Octane generic resurrection.jpg|thumb|left]]
Octane was one of the many Decepticons left on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s departure. ''Along with several others, Octane worked for the tyrant [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in the giant fortress known as [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]]. He was regarded as one of Cybertron's [[Ten Deadliest Killers]], with soldiers like [[Macabre]] wanting to be seen as his equal, and considered a key target in [[Operation: Volcano]]. Octane narrowly avoided an ambush that would have led to his demise during said operation; upon their deployment, the Decepticons were called away by Megatron, at the time unaware of the happenings on Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}} ''When both [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron were accidentally transported back to Cybertron, Octane attended a meeting where the Decepticon leaders discussed their efforts to turn the Autobot army against the Prime. Megatron's ploy to convince the Autobot rank and file that Optimus was a Decepticon spy in disguise met with failure, and Megatron shoved Octane out of his way in frustration as he headed out to deal with matters himself.'' {{storylink|Under Fire!}} ''Optimus wound up joining forces with the [[Wrecker]]s to attack a [[Decepticon fuel store]], and upon encountering them Octane ran away screaming—this was the first sign that his rep might have been a tad inflated. He reported on the battle to Straxus, greatly over-exaggerating his own role in the battle. A short while later, Octane bore witness to [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] attempting to take-over Megatron's body. The mind-swap was only partial successful, leaving both Decepticons' minds jumbled inside Megatron, though Octane was led to believe that Straxus was in full control. Ratbat informed him otherwise, and ordered him to send the now deranged Megatron back to Earth via Space Bridge. In doing so, they prevented Megatron from destroying them all, as he was battling Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime at the time, using volatile anti-matter to overpower his foes.'' {{storylink|Resurrection!}}

[[File:OctaneMarvel.jpg|103px|thumb|In the comics, Octane wanted to be like Bono.]]
Octane and his fellow Triple Changers were sent to Earth by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to investigate the loss of his [[Wash and Roll|priceless cargo]] en route to the organic world. Upon making contact with the crashed ship, they discovered the reason it was lost: a [[Scraplet]] infection. Accidentally getting himself infected by the deadly disease, Octane began to slowly waste away. The Autobots [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] came upon the site as well, and the Decepticons reveled at the chance at some destructive fun before their demise. Though Goldbug escaped, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, and Octane cornered Blaster, {{storylink|Crater Critters}} taking him prisoner. Though the Triple Changers called upon Ratbat to find a cure for their infection, Ratbat decided to instead cut his losses and sent over the [[Throttlebot]]s to eliminate all those afflicted with canisters of acid. Lucky for the Decepticons, Blaster's friends found the cure for Scraplets before this could come to pass: [[water]]. Upon learning this, Blaster, who had himself gotten infected during his battle with his captors, instructed Goldbug to let them all perish instead. He refused to be instrumental in allowing a Decepticon to live, even if it meant his own death. Goldbug's hand was forced against Blaster's wishes when thousands of Scraplets combined into a monster, and the Triple Changers were the only ones present with enough firepower to destroy it. All those within the crater were doused with water, and the Decepticons made short work of the remaining Scraplets. They then absconded, hauling off Ratbat's cargo. {{storylink|The Cure!}}

After delivering the [[Wash and Roll|cargo]] to its intended destination, the Triple Changers linked up with Shockwave's Decepticons on Earth, {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}} who soon fell under Ratbat's command. Following Ratbat's orders, Octane and the rest of the Decepticons launched a major offensive against the Autobots when the latter were all gathered on Earth's moon, making them an easy and efficient target. The Decepticons were driven back when [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], then squabbling over leadership of the Autobots, managed to put aside their differences long enough to rally the Autobots into a counterattack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

The Decepticons relocated to the Arctic, only to be apparently found by an enemy force. Octane and the others scrambled out to meet their visitors, finding not the Autobots as they had anticipated, but rather another group of Decepticons led by [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]. Through subtle manipulations, [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] managed to pit both groups against one another, culminating in a giant brawl between them. During this Decepticon civil war, Octane blasted [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] point-blank in the face! Meanwhile, Starscream snuck off to take control of the legendary [[Underbase]] while the others were busy with their infighting. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Further manipulations by Starscream had brought the Autobots to the Decepticons' doorstep, and upon their involvement, Octane managed to scrap the Autobot known as [[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]]. A ceasefire between the two factions was put in action when all involved learned of Starscream's machinations. Together, the remaining Autobots and Decepticons managed to stop Starscream from obtaining all but a tiny fragment of the Underbase's energy. Unfortunately, the portion Starscream had taken into himself was enough to grant him unimaginable power. In an effort to stop the Seeker's rampage, the Autobots and Decepticons formed several squads, each stationed at one of three Earth cities. Octane was part of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s group in [[Buenos Aires]], where he was killed by a blast of cosmic energy. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
After [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] took control of the Decepticons through [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] in the year [[2008]], he prompted their forces to launch an all-out attack on the Autobots' strongholds. Both sides tore into each other, nearly evenly matched, resulting in many casualties. Octane soared overhead in his plane mode during the conflict, raining down fire onto the enemy bellow. Once Unicron, on planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] at the time, met defeat against [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]], the Decepticons cut their attack short and fled from the front lines. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
[[File:Triple changers shockwave secrets.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
Octane ended up on Earth under the command of [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], and attended an [[Enclave]] when the conflict between Shockwave and Megatron's forces grew too great for the liking of either Decepticon leader. The peace-talk was sabotaged by the Autobots' Earthforce however, and Octane likely got swept up in the giant brawl that ensued between the Decepticon factions. {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!}} Octane later helped his boss and the other Triple Changers smack down on Megatron and steal an energon shipment from the other Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Secrets (G1)|Secrets}} [[File:Manoeuvres! Octane robs gas station.jpg|thumb]] He also joined the raid on Autobot [[Earthbase]], but was cut down in midair when [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] hurled his [[Energo weapon|energo-sword]] through his wing in jet mode. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}

Octane often stole fuel from humans and transported it for the Decepticons—and on the way, he'd have fun trashing human cars and working over the occupants. However, one car (secretly [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]], trying to end Octane's "games") led him on a merry chase to a military testing ground. These humans could ''fight back'', and Octane—worried a shot in his full fuel tanks would blow him up—called [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] to help him. They did, until they found out he'd only gotten there by goofing off on a mission, at which point they left him to suffer. (WHY did Macabre want to be like him again?) {{storylink|Manoeuvres!}}

=====Rhythms of Darkness!=====
In [[2009]] of an alternate future, Octane was stationed at the [[Decepticon Powerbase]] when the last seven remaining Autobots staged a raid on it. After [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] cut the rotors of the Autobot [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]], Octane and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] blew him out of the sky. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
After [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronians]], led by the treacherous Starscream, attacked and boarded the ''[[Warworld]]'', Octane was amongst the casualties. {{storylink|Total War!}}

====''Classics''====
{{noteclassics}}
Following Megatron's return in the 21st century, Octane was among the Decepticons who joined Megatron's faction. He was positioned for a strike on [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s faction before the [[Pretender]] was undone from within. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:Megatrons zombie army loose ends 2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Claims that the virus was caused by rage-infected monkeys have now been dismissed as bull—]]
Octane was one of the Underbase casualties that Megatron reanimated and lobotomized during his time on [[Earth]] and pressed into service as part of his [[zombie]] army. Octane was part of a unit alongside [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]], [[Skalor]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Bugly (G1)|Bugly]], [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] that hunted down and exterminated a convoy of escaping humans, including [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] and [[Jessie]]. {{storylink|Less Than Zero}}

In [[2012]] the zombie Octane was ordered to chase down [[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] and the [[Wrecker]]s but was drawn away from the main group by [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]], and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]'s diversionary tactics. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 2}} Later, Octane helped attack the aerial team attempting to rescue Kup, who had been captured by Megatron and put out as bait for his fellow Wreckers. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 4}} He was deactivated with the other zombie-bots when Megatron was killed by Optimus Prime {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 5}} and later incinerated from orbit. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part One}}
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====''Transformers '84''====
[[File:Decepticons purge secrets and lies 1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
Early in the [[Great War (G1)|war]] on Cybertron, Octane was part of a Decepticon assault alongside [[Chop Shop (G1)|Chop Shop]], [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]], [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]], [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]], [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], and the Autobot double agent [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]]. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 1|Secrets & Lies #1}}
{{-}}

===Toy pack-in material===
Octane joined [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in a tumultuous battle on a moon base while the two larger 'bots were standing their ground against [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. {{storylink|Decipher the Decepticon}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
[[File:TFin3D2 Octane's head.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85|"Run away!! Run away!!"]]
Octane, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] intercepted [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] on his way to [[Andellor]] to find the [[Prism of Power]]. The trio forced Cosmos to lead them to the planet. There, they entered a cave, though Octane wasn't terribly keen on the prospect. His worries proved well founded, as a few minutes later, he was seized by tentacles and dragged into a pool. As his decapitated head flew back out, he requested that Cyclonus retrieve the rest of him. {{storylink|Transformers in 3-D issue 2}}
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===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
Octane participated in Shockwave's assault on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] shortly after Optronix arose to become [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} during which he blew up many bridges leading out of the polity. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} He was at Shockwave's side when the latter ordered the final push on the [[Decagon]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}} and rushed to the front lines as the Decepticons breached the last of the Autobots' defenses. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}} The Decepticons didn't have long to savor their victory, as [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] then activated one of Cybertron's planetary engines, leading to Iacon's destruction. Octane was among the Decepticons who managed to bail out as the area crumbled into a crater. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6|The War Within #6}}

During the [[Dark Ages]], a time when both Megatron and Optimus were thought dead after they disappeared into a prototype space-brige, Octane served under Starscream's command as one of the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. One of the group's attempt to secure a plenty of energon was foiled by the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]], led by Grimlock, who managed to distract Octane and his teammates long enough to swipe their goods and make a quick getaway with them in hand. {{storylink|Fragmentation (G1)|Fragmentation}} Later, while footage of a brawl between Defensor and Devastator was caught on-camera by Prowl's computers in his Autobase, Octane was also spotted by one of the hub's screens. {{storylink|Escalation}}

When Cybertron was on the verge of peace, Octane and the rest of Starscream's Predacons on [[Moonbase One|Moon Alpha]] struck against the other factions as they met to sign a treaty. Though their first bombing run yielded much destruction, the Predacons were then pounced on by a combined Autobot/Ultracon/Decepticon team. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}} Megatron retook Cybertron with his [[Air Warrior|Aerospace Extermination Squadron]], after which Octane ended up guarding Autobots interred in a labor camp. He and [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] were about to punish [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] when [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] bashed them both. They regained their wits after one of the drones pacified the Autobot. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.2}} When the Decepticons fractured again after the disappearance of the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', he began working for [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Octane loved tormenting the pint-sized Decepticon [[Micromaster]]s, lording over them with his size and rank. Such an opportunity arose when [[Greasepit (Micromaster)|Greasepit]] crawled back to Decepticon headquarters, begging for energon. Octane and Blitzwing taunted the smaller 'bot, guzzling down the cups of energon all the while. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}}

When [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] took over the Decepticons and posed as Shockwave to retain command over the other full-sized Transformers in the ranks, Octane was among the troops duped by the diminutive 'bot into launching an all-out offensive, despite their resources being at an all-time low. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} Though Octane's crew overcame the Autobots, the Autobot Micromasters turned up with the revelation that Shockwave was deactivated, and Octane called a general retreat. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

[[File:DWColdWar Slag Octane.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Kids, never poke and mock bat-shit insane powerhouses!]]
After the [[Great Shutdown]], Octane qualified for Shockwave's re-engineering process, and joined the [[Triple Changer|Triple Changer Strike Force]]. He traveled to [[Earth]] in [[2003]] under Shockwave and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s command to collect the "renegade" Autobots and Decepticons who were still fighting the Great War. {{storylink|New World Order}} They returned to Cybertron, and Octane assumed patrol duty until coming across the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], who had just crash-landed in the [[Wastelands]] after arriving from Earth. Sensing weakness, Octane mockingly challenged the woozy travelers, poking them and calling them "primitive".

[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] made an ashtray out of his skull. Even Grimlock was a little creeped out by this particular "trophy". {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
Octane was among the Decepticon forces waiting for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s force field around [[Teletran 3]] would go down. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2}} After [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] took control of the Decepticons, Octane and several subgroup leaders protected him from an assault by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===''The Beast Within''===
Octane participated in a savage all-out Decepticon offensive against the Autobots. With the Decepticons maintaining the advantage throughout the battle, Octane was amongst those who approached a crippled Optimus Prime, ready to dispatch the Autobot leader. Before they could deliver the finishing blow, the Dinobots combined into the [[Beast (G1)|Beast]], shifting the Decepticons' priorities. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}

As the battle wore on, the Decepticons were forced to retreat or risk being butchered by the Beast's unimaginable strength. Unfortunately for Octane, he was already dead by the time Megatron had given the order to fold back, and his corpse lay in a smoldering heap on the battleground as the Autobots continued their attempts to subdue their former comrades. {{storylink|The Beast Within Part 2, Consequences}}
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===''Hearts of Steel''===
[[File:HeartsofSteel2 Decepticons questions.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|His alt-modes in this continuity are "kite" and "wheelbarrow."]]
Octane participated in the questioning of [[Tobias Muldoon]] when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] brought the human scientist down to the Decepticon at the bottom of the [[San Francisco]] Bay. In particular, Octane wanted to know if the humans had developed flight technology, which the Decepticons could exploit. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

{{IDW HOS}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[All Hail Megatron issue 11|''Transformers: All Hail Megatron'' #11]]
[[File:FacesofDarkness-Tankor.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
During [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]]'s raid on the [[Toraxxis mega-refinery]], Tankor was responsible for carrying the [[energon]] the Decepticons were intending to steal. {{storylink|Faces of Darkness}} Since he was busy pumping fuel out of the refinery, he didn't participate in the battle with the Autobots protecting it. {{storylink|Rage (IDW)|Rage}}

Four million years ago, Tankor was part of a convoy carrying 75 tons of energon for [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]. Unfortunately, they were intercepted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] and their scout, [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], was knocked senseless before he could fire off a shot. Prime and [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] managed to capture Tankor's unit without incident by threatening to detonate the unstable energon supply they were carrying. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

Tankor was under [[Drift (G1)|Deadlock]]'s command at some point. {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Millions of years later, during the Decepticon siege of (parts of) [[Earth]], the [[European Union]] sent a nuclear bomb to wipe out the Transformer infestation of [[New York City]]. Unfortunately the plane they sent to carry the bomb was Tankor in disguise. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} Even after the Autobots arrived, Megatron ordered Tankor to proceed with the bomb drop and to rendezvous with the Decepticons later, to which he expressed his pleasure. The bomb was indeed dropped, but diverted by Thundercracker. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:NewArrivalsOldEncounters Tankor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Unfortunately, Tankor never made it off Earth. After getting captured by humans at some point, he was liberated by a small group of Decepticons led by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Their ragtag team then located [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] in the ruins of New York, and added him to the group. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}} During an attack on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Swindle starting questioning why they were fighting in the first place. Tankor replied "Because they're Autobots!", but it turned out Swindle was looking for a somewhat deeper answer. The Decepticons subsequently allied themselves with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]]'s defected Autobots, working together to find a way off the planet. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Tankor was later seen assisting [[Bluestreak (G1)|Silverstreak]] in the construction of a spaceship. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}}

Four months after Swindle's failed attempt to betray the Autobots and steal the spaceship, the other Decepticons returned to Earth, and Tankor rejoined them. He was present as an observer when Optimus Prime confronted Megatron one-on-one, and was caught in an explosion when Prime suddenly had a satellite dropped on his nemesis. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|Enemy Mine}}

[[File:CityOnFire-ImGood.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Following the Chaos War, Tall Tankor was one of the Decepticons who began repopulating Cybertron along with the Autobots and [[NAIL]]s. When riots broke out after the return of Megatron, Tankor holed up in [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]]'s bar instead of joining in. {{storylink|City on Fire}} They were eventually forced to leave as the bar was burned down. {{storylink|The Verge}} Tankor relocated to [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]]'s med-bay, where he stood alongside both Autobots and NAILs in defending the injured from [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}} When the tide turned in their favor, he and some NAILs stopped [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] from killing [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who had also been helping injured Autobots. Given his allegiance during the battle, Tankor likely quit being a Decepticon when [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] became leader of the neutrals and had both Autobots and Decepticons expelled from Iacon. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}}

When the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]]'s "death wave" struck Iacon, Tall Tankor took care of the injured and was one of many who blamed Starscream. {{storylink|No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|No Exit}} Later he was spotted drinking at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] alongside [[Tankor (BM)|another Tankor]] he had befriended. Other Cybertronians called him "Tall Tankor" to differentiate the two. {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}}

Tall Tankor was among the Cybertronians recruited by Windblade during her intended expose of Metroplex being bled out by Starscream, but they were accosted by the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s. Tall Tankor and Windblade double-teamed the airborne [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]], and together managed to bring down the Terrorcon. However, Starscream and his forces showed up and arrested the entire group. They managed to break out, however, and Tall Tankor was once more involved in battle against Starscream's guards. {{storylink|A Long Way Down}} {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade vol. 1 #3}}

After a [[space bridge]] portal had been opened to the world of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], Tall Tankor and Fat Tankor were among the people who went there to aid in rebuilding what had been destroyed by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. {{storylink|The Possible Light}} They then returned to Cybertron to prevent a mob of Decepticons from taking over the space bridge chamber. {{storylink|All That Remains}} Following Cybertron's contact with [[Velocitron]], another colony world, the Tankors attended a "Not the End of the World" party at Maccadam's, where they danced with [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} At another time at Maccadam's, Tankor was caught up in a bar fight caused by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], and uselessly pleaded with [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] to cut it out. {{storylink|The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption}}

On [[Chosen One Day]], both Tankors got matching [[tattoo]]s. {{storylink|Choose Me}} Sometime after, they joined [[I.H. Cybertronian Securities]], a private security firm run by Ironhide. While helping some clients transport some Energon cubes, Tall Tankor picked up a [[Badgeless]] report on a nearby robbery, and was told off by Fat Tankor for freaking out the clients. {{storylink|07:00:00}} When Ironhide was placed in charge of reforming Cybertron's state security, the Tankors were the first to volunteer for his new force. When [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] also signed up, much to [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s apparent chagrin, the Tankors offered to let him live with them, but were turned down. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} While in training for their new roles, the Tankors attended Ironhide's roll call, watched him spar with Blast Off, and undertook a written examination, before heading down to Maccadam's with a few of their fellow cadets on their downtime. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} On their first call, the Tankors accompanied Ironhide and [[Sparkstalker]] as they attempted to subdue the rampaging combiner Bruticus - whose components included, much to the Tankors' horror, Blast Off! When Bruticus was eventually defeated and forced to separate, the Tankors assisted in the arrest of the Combaticons. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}} When Iacon was evacuated upon the discovery of an army of undead [[Titan (group)|Titans]] headed directly for the city, the Tankors were among those who stayed behind to assist in the coming battle. {{storylink|Ping}} As the battle raged through Iacon, Tall Tankor helped guard citizens who had not made it through the space bridge in time. {{storylink|Desperate Times}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Last Autobot}}}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:Henkei octane.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|I'm an evil mastermind of average intelligence!]]
After successfully conducting an energon theft, Octane gave his pursuers, [[Sideswipe (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in manga|Sideswipe]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in manga|Bluestreak]], the runaround by switching back and forth between his [[alternate mode]]s, making them think they were chasing two culprits instead of one. Once he got bored with the chase, Octane revealed himself, but that proved to be a bad idea, as Sideswipe was able to rocket above him and shoot him down. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 6|Henkei! Henkei! #6}}

Octane's skills were later to put to the test by [[Cyclonus (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in manga|Cyclonus]], who tasked him with stealing energon from a factory. Octane upped the stakes, promising to do the job in thirty minutes if Cyclonus would deliver a good report on him to [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in manga|Megatron]]. Despite the interference of [[Smokescreen (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in manga|Smokescreen]] and [[Red Alert (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in manga|Red Alert]], Cyclonus held Octane to the conditions of the deal, and Octane had to try and shake the two Autobots off as he headed for the factory. Octane thought he had succeeded, but found his two opponents waiting for him at the factory, along with Cyclonus, who announced his time was up. Cyclonus departed to report on Octane's failure to Megatron leaving the hapless swindler to Smokescreen and Red Alert's tender mercies. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 12|Henkei! Henkei! #12}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Generations'' manga===
Octane had the misfortune of being possessed by the ghost of a [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream from another dimension]] and being forced to attack the Autobots. He beat up on [[Ironhide (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Generations manga|Ironhide]], before being taken down by the invisible [[Mirage (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Generations manga|Mirage]]. As Mirage had taken out Octane's motor circuits, Starscream's ghost was forced to depart his body and search for a new host. {{storylink|Mirage's Activity}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun'' manga===
Octane was part of the small group of Decepticons who traveled to Earth with [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Megatron]] in pursuit of the lost [[Energon cube#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Energon Cube]]. He was never seen in action during the battles on the planet, but was shown being rounded up by the combined might of the Autobots and Earth's military forces following [[Galvatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Galvatron]]'s apparent death. {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}
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===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 8}} {{storylink|Visualize Shot 10}}}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Octane was part of a massive Decepticon invasion force intended to ruin the Autobots' picnic. However, [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]] plowed through them with his truck and left them scattered... and then left. Returning to the scene after.. ''ahem'', taking care of some pressing business, Optimus gathered up the still-wiped-out Kreons, bound them up on a flatbed trailer, and took them to the picnic. {{storylink|Emergency! Hurry to the Base, Optimus!}}

Octane was seen fleeing in terror along with his fellow Decepticons as [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] attacked using a giant Mega-Jazz robot. {{storylink|Treasure Competition! Defeat with Block Power!}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
Octane fought in the combined Decepticon/[[Cobra]] attack on [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. {{storylink|Everybody Hates Metroplex}}

==Commercial appearances==
Octane, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] launched an attack on the Autobots' base, only to be met with the [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s, who gave them a good trouncing. Octane was mauled by [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]]. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Monsterbots|Monsterbots commercial}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[File:TF PS2 Octane.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
{{bigquote|Octane, warrior of the future. With a jet mode and tanker mode! Always loaded with fuel and evil ambition!|The Narrator|"[[The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers]]"}}
{{voiceactor|[[Barry Gjerde]] (English)}}

In an alternate future where Shockwave discovered the mysterious mineral known as [[Zel Quartz]] and went mad by its power, Octane was one of the few Decepticons who survived his destructive rampage. The triple changer was chosen to be a part of the Transformers who were to go back in time in order to find the Zel Quartz before Shockwave did.

After the Autobots had dealt with the Sharkticons, Octane drove up to them in tanker mode, transforming to [[robot mode]] when he was in front of them. Stating his need for power, Octane announced that he was going to destroy the Autobots and then take all the energy of the Karzite mine. He then rambled on about how he was going to be leader of the Decepticons once he took down Galvatron, and then told the Autobots that he was going to melt them down. Rodimus Prime warned the greedy Triple Changer that those with endless ambitions were bound to be destroyed by it, but his warnings fell of deaf audio receptors. In the end, Octane was soundly defeated and he announced his surrender. Transforming to jet plane mode, Octane flew off, announcing that he would not forget his defeat. Rodimus just called him a "thin-fueled coward". Later, Octane fought alongside Cyclonus against the Autobots in the Atalstan gem mine. Even with a fellow flier for backup, he still lost.

In the Decepticon side of the story, the shuttle that the Decepticons of the future had been using crash-landed. Octane had managed to find the main Depecticon force of the present once they had found a drill bit they suspected to be the Zel Quartz. Driving up to them in tanker mode while expressing surprise to the fact that they were still alive, Octane transformed to robot form, explaining that he thought he was done for. He expressed his relief that he managed to rendezvous with the Decepticons, stating that the bad side always did win. Galvatron told the triple changer that if Octane fought hard for him, it would be enough. Octane promised that he would and requested to join back with the Decepticons.

Despite whichever side won, Starscream eventually managed to steal the Zel Quartz and flew off into space with it. This caused the Quartz to become completely useless; and with the timeline altered, Octane and all the Decepticons from the future disappeared from the present time. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Octane.jpg|thumb|400px]]
Octane participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 75 units of Cybermetal, 35 units of Transmetal, and 20 support cores. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
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===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Octone_Earth_Wars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Triple Changer
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*Abilities: As a triple changer, Octone has two abilities available to him.
**'''Fuel Rush''': Rush into combat and release toxic chemicals in a large zone on impact. Deal 61.6 damage over 10 seconds to enemies and provide 114 extra healing over 5 secs to all Decepticons under the Supply Airdrop effect.
**'''Supply Airdrop''': Drops fuel supply from the air. Within a large area, all Decepticons receive 114 healing for 10 seconds and all Autobot buildings under the Fuel Rush effect receive an extra 61.6 damage over 5 seconds[-].
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:octone Octone at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
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===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W4Octone.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Octone, Capricious Agitator''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''SRT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T12/T52'''
**''Stars: ''13

:Octone, Capricious Agitator is one of 52 character cards released as part of Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. In order to depict the [[Triple Changer]] nature of the character, Octone, Capricious Agitator is a folding card, with both Alt Modes depicted when the card is folded in half, and Bot Mode depicted when the card is unfolded.

:Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, Octone is a member of the [[Mercenary]] faction introduced in the set.
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==Toys==
===The Transformers===
[[File:G1 Octane toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Ice Road Trucker.]]
*'''Octane''' (Triple Changer, 1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-72'''
**''Accessories:'' "Flamethrower", tail fin/"Deflecto Shield", tanker top

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Octane is a [[Triple Changer]], with the ability to transform into two different [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s. His ground vehicle mode is an extended truck cab with fuel-tanker trailer of undetermined model, with much of the detailing in this mode achieved through stickers rather than sculpting. His truck mode has rather strange proportions due to the robot arms sticking out of the sides and the generally broken-up look of the truck. He has three sets of rolling wheels: two purple sets and a set of grey wheels hidden under the middle of the truck. There is also a set of sculpted, non-rolling, unpainted wheels at the back of the truck.

:His aerial mode is based on the twin-engined Boeing 767 jet plane. Though the better of the two vehicle modes, it has some odd concessions that were made due to Octane being a Triple Changer, such as the grey set of wheels from the middle of the truck now sticking up from the top of Octane's fuselage.

:The tail fin of the jet form separates to become his "Deflecto Shield" for [[robot mode]]. The [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] tanker top piece can also be used as a shield.<ref name="secrets">[http://www.ntfa.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=2234&mode=threaded&pid=36400 "The many secrets of Octane... Now with pictures!" on NTFA forums]</ref> Care should be taken not to lose it, as it covers up some rather unsightly jet parts inside the tanker.

:The toy was originally designed to have a sliding waist—not unlike that of [[Vortex (G1)#Toys|Vortex]]—that would create a more proportional (i.e., less "chesty") robot mode. For whatever reason, this ability was blocked off very late in the design process, but can easily be reinstated with a small amount of unscrewing and plastic cutting.<ref name="secrets"/> Furthermore, Octane is depicted as having chrome lower arms and fists in the 1986 USA and European catalogs. This was apparently changed very late in the process, as the chromed arms are pictured on Octane's box photography. The [[package art]] pictured above also shows the chromed arms.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Octane/octane.htm More information on Octane at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Octane''' (1991)
**''Accessories'': "Flamethrower," tail fin/"Deflecto Shield", tanker top

:Octane was reissued in Europe and Australia as part of the 1991 [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] line. This version has [[retool]]ed the tanker-shield to remove the [[rubsign]] indent.

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Tankoruniverse2008toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He sometimes uses his melee blade to make giant chomping shadow puppets in his spare time.]]
*'''Tankor''' (Deluxe Class, 2008)
**''Series:'' Classic Series
**''Accessories:'' Two blasters/"Quad laser", "melee blade"
: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class toys, "Tankor" ([[trademark]] issues<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20090121131445/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=A795A47F-D56F-E112-48649ACADFB6ADDC Archived page of Hasbro's preview of ''Universe'' Wave 1's toys]</ref>) transforms from either a heavy cargo plane (possibly a {{w|Lockheed C-130 Hercules}}) or an [http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_hemtt_m978.php M978 Fueler] truck, into a robot. He is armed with a serrated "melee blade" weapon, which forms the top of his tanker mode and the base of his plane mode, and a pair of double-barreled blasters, which mount under his wings in plane mode and can combine in [[Targetmaster (technology)|Double Targetmaster]]-style into a "Quad Laser". For truck mode, the [[instructions]] and [[stock photography]] place the blasters facing forward in the exposed robot mode [[5 mm post|5mm fist hole]]s at the rear of the vehicle, but the intended location for them seems to be the two otherwise-pointless holes on either side of the cab, facing upwards, to serve as smokestacks for the truck.
[[File:Universe Tankor clearwindows.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|I can see clearly now...]]
:As shown on Hasbro's website, Tankor's [[prototype]] was designed to have transparent plastic windows in his tanker truck mode, but for reasons unknown (possibly due to part of the windshield forming his feet) the windows were opaque plastic with [[paint operation]]s on the final production versions of the toy. Furthermore, the sculpt was designed for light-piped eyes (and presumably clear truck windows), but the relevant areas have been cast in opaque blue and the eyes are painted red. The Decepticon logo on his chest, unusually enough, has small triangular pupils in its eyes, although they can be applied [[Quality control|rather messily]].

:Slyly, his bio mentions that he delivers "high '''octane''' fuel" to his fellow Decepticons.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFUTankor/tankor.htm More information on Tankor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[File:Henkei Octone toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Beware my shiny quad-laser!]]
*'''Destron Octone''' ([[October 23]], [[2008]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-05'''
**''Accessories:'' Two flamethrowers, "melee blade"
:''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Octone is a [[redeco]] of ''Universe'' Deluxe Class Tankor, and like all ''Henkei! Henkei!'' releases, his colour scheme is designed to be [[Show-accuracy|more accurate to his cartoon appearance]] and has [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] parts, such as his two blasters and the back of the truck mode's tank/the base of the melee blade. Besides the vacuum metallized parts, Octone replaces some of this black plastic with both gray and blue plastic, features a lighter and more cool shade of purple paint, and has Decepticon symbols on his wings.
{{-}}

===Kre-O===
[[File:KreO-Toy Fuselage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Fuselage''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, [[2014]])
**''Collection'': '''''Age of Extinction'' Collection 2'''
**''Accessories'': Logo brick, 2 clip-on turbines
:Part of the sixth regular assortment of [[blindpacking|blind-bagged]] ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]]s, "Fuselage" can be rebuilt into a cargo plane. He sports [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Mirage]]'s helmet. (Of course, with the right bricks you can make him into a tanker truck if you wanna. )

:Unlike prior Micro-Changer assortments, this series does not have any sort of identification code for the bags' actual contents, meaning you'd best be good at the feel-though-the-bag method.

:This assortment was originally slated to be a [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]], but U.S. stores dropped the line before its release. It was still available in Canada, Australia, and Chinese/Asian markets. In 2015, the Collection appeared in U.S. Dollar Tree stores, with a price tag of a whopping $1 a pop. They didn't last long.
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:TF-Specialist-Decepticons-Octane.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Specialist: Decepticons''' ([[March 25]], 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two blasters / "Quad Laser", "Melee blade"
:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Octane is a redeco of ''Universe'' Tankor, and was released in a [[giftset]] with [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generations|Galvatron]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Generations|Astrotrain]]—this time featuring extensive use of metallic paint all over both the figure and its accessories.

:Since this was a [[Hasbro]] release for Asian markets, it is noteworthy that English-language packaging and instructions consistently use the name "Octane"—a first since the end of G1.

:In the picture to the right, the airplane mode is missing a part. The large hand-held "claw" weapon should make up the airplane's belly.

{{-}}{{anchor|TitansReturn}}
====Titans Return====
[[File:TF-Titans-Return-Octone.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, I got my nome bock.]]
*'''Murk with Decepticon Octone''' (Voyager Class, [[2017]])
**''Accessories'': gun, Double-barreled rifle, Murk Titan Master
:''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Octone (Octane's Japanese name utilized for trademark reasons) is a redeco/retool of ''Titans Return'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#TRVoyager|Optimus Prime]], and he transforms from robot to tanker truck to plane and back. Octone also comes with [[Murk]], a [[Titan Master]] who forms his head. Curiously however, Octone's instructions depict Astrotrain's Titan Master [[Darkmoon]] instead of Murk.

:Octone's instructions show to raise his shoulder pylons into the same position as Optimus's, although they can be twisted sideways while folded down to achieve a more G1-accurate look while maintaining shoulder articulation. Although Octone can be transformed into his plane mode without removing his head, this leaves the robot mode chest flap unable to completely fold up. Promotional renders for the figure display yellow foil decals on top of the cab nose, however the actual figure does not include these. There are also reports of the cab halves being unable to hold together in truck mode due to weak tab tolerances, even without the plane's tail fin tucked between them. However, unlike Optimus, the trailer stays together just fine due to the retooled wings.

:The original version of this mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Scourge (RID)#Voyager|Black Convoy]].
{{-}}

===Legends===
[[File:Legendstoy-LG57-Octone.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Octone''' ('''Octane''') ([[December 30]], 2017)
**''ID number'': '''LG57'''
**''Accessories'': gun, Double-barreled rifle, Octone Headmaster, Starscream Headmaster
:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Octone is a redeco of the ''Titans Return'' Voyager Class figure above, featuring a deco closer to his appearances in the cartoon. He also comes with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Legends|Ghost Starscream]], a semi-transparent [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] that is also compatible with Octone, as an homage to their encounter in "[[Starscream's Ghost]]".

{{TRDiacMold}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:Spotlight_Octane_unused.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*It is possible Octane's original toy mold is an asset carried over from ''[[Diaclone]]''. Prototypes and preliminary artwork featuring Pan Am livery do not feature a ''Transformers'' brand stamp.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheSpacebridge/photos/a.129078730602578/134963706680747] [https://www.facebook.com/TheSpacebridge/photos/a.129078730602578/134963720014079] [https://www.facebook.com/TheSpacebridge/photos/a.129078730602578/134963733347411] [https://www.facebook.com/TheSpacebridge/photos/a.129078730602578/134963740014077] [https://www.facebook.com/TheSpacebridge/photos/a.129078730602578/134963750014076] [https://www.facebook.com/TheSpacebridge/photos/a.129078730602578/134963773347407] Photo posts by The Spacebridge on Facebook, 3 March 2013</ref>
*The [[stock photography]] on Octane's original Generation 1 toy packaging shows a box of Kodak film being used to prop up the figure during the photoshoot, which the designer forgot to edit out of the finished image. Specifically, it is seen being used to support Octane in mid-transformation, for the step-by-step "Start>Change>Change>>Change>Finish" sequence shown on the top of the packaging.
*Although [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] are far more popular, Octane was the main Triple Changer created by Shockwave as discussed in ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]''.
*Octane's role in "Starscream's Ghost" was originally intended for Blitzwing, who would have been taking refuge with the Autobots after his actions in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]". What this says about Octane's role in "Thief in the Night" is not known.
*In May 2010, [[:File:Timelines-Clenchfake.jpg|a bogus picture]] of a photoshopped redeco of ''Universe'' Tankor/Octane as [[Clench (G1)|Clench]] was placed in BotCon.com's directory structure to throw off would-be scoop-hounds. The trick worked as one website reported it as being the real deal... until BotCon.com updated its own site with artwork of the actual 2010 version of Clench.
*Octane's on screen plane mode is a two-engine version of the Boeing 707.
*In [[2007]], [[Nick Roche]] and [[James Roberts]] pitched an Octane-based issue of ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight]]'' to IDW.<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/737318150660886529 Nick Roche on Twitter, 30 May 2016]</ref> Some of the concepts from the pitch were later used in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/737321240428486656 Nick Roche on Twitter, 30 May 2016]</ref>
*Octane's appearance in the ''Kre-O'' manga is vastly different from that of his later Kreon toy; the manga renders him in a Generation 1-faithful color scheme, sports a [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Ratchet]] helmet, and uses a [[Fireflight (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Firestrike]] wing backpack.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Octone''' (オクトーン ''Okutōn''),<ref name="octone"/> '''Tankor''' (タンカー ''Tankā''), '''Octane''' (オクテイン ''Okutein'')
*''Italian:'' '''Triplex Tre''' ("Triplex Three")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Xīnwán''' (Taiwan, 辛烷, "Octane"), '''Dúqì Dàn''' (China, 毒气弹, "Poison Gas Bomb"）
*''Hungarian:'' '''Oktán'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Decepticons]]
[[Category:Regeneration One zombies]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:War Within Predacons]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

More than Meets the Eye issue 21

2021-04-10T03:12:19Z

GlamAttack:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=21
|prev=Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely
|next=Little Victories
|image=MTMTE21 cvrA.jpg
|title=
|caption=It's okay, they're just... sleeping. Yeah. Sleeping.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[September 25]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=September 2013
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''The race to stop Tyrest's killswitch leads to some goodbyes for the ''Lost Light'' crew.'''

==Contents==

This issue contains two stories:

*"[[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life]]", the lead 22-page comic story
*"[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]", a bonus prose story

See individual articles for details.

==Notes==

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' The ''Lost Lighters'' lay sprawled, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' A battered Whirl on the edge of a smelting pool, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Rodimus in the style of ''Samurai Jack'' by [[Andy Suriano]], as part of the "IDW Gets Animated" month of variant covers, celebrating the launch of a new line of books based on [[Cartoon Network]] properties

<gallery>
Image:MTMTE21_cvrA.jpg|Are they dead? Buy this book and find out!
Image:MTMTE21_cvrB.jpg|Whirl really needs a shower!
Image:MTMTE21_cvrRI.jpg|Samurai Rod.
</gallery>

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 5''''' ([[November 13]], [[2013]]) ISBN 1613778023 / ISBN 978-1613778029 
:*Contains issues #17 to #22.
:*Bonus material includes art from most covers, and the prose story ''[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]''.

*'''''Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Box Set''''' ([[December 2]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631404741 / ISBN 978-1631404740
:*Contains ''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye'' Volumes 1 to 5.
:*Bonus content UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 5|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 5]]''''' ([[February 22]], [[2017]]) ISBN 1631408445 / ISBN 978-1631408441
:* Contains the issues #17 to #22, as well as the ''[[The Transformers: Primacy|Primacy]]'' series, and ''Robots in Disguise'' issues #19 to #22.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 57: Remain In Light''''' ([[August 21]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' #14 to #21, plus the prose stories "[[Signal to Noise]]" and "[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]".
:* Bonus content includes a cover gallery and introduction by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol5.jpg|'''''More than Meets the Eye'' Volume 5'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:MTMTE boxset.jpg|'''''More than Meets the Eye'' Box Set'''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V5.jpg|'''''IDW Collection Phase 2 Vol. 5'''''; cover art by Marcelo Matere and [[Tom B. Long]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v57.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 57: Remain In Light'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Skids) and Alex Milne (Overlord)
</gallery>

Barricade (Movie)

2021-04-07T20:57:06Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers: Forged to Fight */

{{factions|decepticonfilm|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Barricade}}{{suite}}
:''Barricade is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:MovieBarricadeHeatScrambleCard60.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|"I'm always the Bad Cop. And don't bother asking for the Good Cop. I killed him."]]

'''Barricade''' (aka '''N.B.E. 04'''{{fact}}) is apparently a complicated robot. He's considered "fractious" even by Decepticon standards, yet is willing to give [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] the benefit of the doubt and follow where he leads, at least for the time being. Though not totally dedicated to the service of the Decepticons' current leader, he is much more cautious and reserved about expressing mutinous dissent than say ''[[Blackout (Movie)|most]]''.

Barricade believes that Starscream is vital in their search for [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and the [[AllSpark]], making him Starscream's closest ally in the naturally combative Decepticon ranks. Then again, it's been said that he likes to trick people into trusting him, just so he can see their reactions when they find out just how much of a bad idea it was. As such, he has disguised himself as an [[Earth]] police car in an attempt to fool the humans around him.

If his attitude toward his fellow Decepticons is inconsistent, his attitude toward the [[Autobot]]s is not: kill them all. Barricade might not be as large as most of his peers, but he is every bit as deadly. He thoroughly relishes every chance in fighting the Autobots. He's smart enough to let one live, if he thinks he or the Decepticons can use it to their advantage. But most of the time, they're dead before someone's even thought of a plan.

The most frustrating part about Barricade is that he always manages to come back no matter how many times he has been brought down.

{{quote|Autobots, foul Autobots, here we come. Let our long war resume—and let it end here.|Barricade|''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday]]''}}

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

====''Transformers'' film====
{{voiceactor|[[Jess Harnell]] (English), [[Katsuhiro Kitagawa]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Wei]] (Chinese), [[Oliver Siebeck]] (German), [[Júlio César]] (Brazil), [[Salvador Reyes]] (Latin American-Spanish), [[Jordi Varela]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Achille D'Aniello]] (Italian), [[Pascal Massix]] (European French)}}
[[File:BarricadeVsSam.jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|Barricade negotiates an alternative to PayPal.]]
After being active on [[Earth]] for some time, Barricade arrived to pick up [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] after the smaller Decepticon's attempt to hack into and sabotage the United States military network on [[Air Force One]]. From data Frenzy had acquired, the two learned of [[Sector Seven]], "Project Iceman", and the "[[Archibald Witwicky|Witwicky man]]", the discoverer of the entombed [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Using the internet, the duo learned that Megatron had accidentally marked Witwicky's [[Archibald Witwicky's glasses|glasses]] with the location of the long-lost [[AllSpark]]—glasses which were now being auctioned on [[eBay]] by his descendant, [[Sam Witwicky|ladiesman217]].

[[File:Movie Barricade defeat.jpg|left|upright=1.8|thumb|He got better.]]

Tracking the human to the town of [[Tranquility]], Barricade appeared in the path of ladiesman217 as he was attempting to flee [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], whom he mistakenly believed was out to harm him. Believing Barricade to be a legitimate police vehicle, ladiesman217 requested the "officer's" help, only for Barricade to transform right in front of him. As ladiesman217 fled, Barricade knocked him onto the hood of an abandoned car, then violently demanded information on "eBay item 21153". Ladiesman217 and his [[Mikaela Banes|female friend]], who had been drawn into the encounter, managed to escape him when Bumblebee convinced the boy to trust him, and Barricade pursued both the Autobot and two humans to a junkyard. After temporarily losing and then regaining their position, he charged into battle, activating his mace/rotating blade, and dispatched Frenzy to chase down the humans. The battle started off pretty well and worked in Barricade's favor until Bumblebee slammed him into an office. Barricade then rolled over and took back control by bashing his fists against Bumblebee's head. However, their battle ended with Barricade heavily damaged.

[[File:TF2007 barricade vehiclemode.jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|I'm going to need a dozen robots disguised as cookies.]]

Barricade had repaired himself by the time Frenzy (who infiltrated Sector Seven) transmitted both Megatron and the AllSpark's location to his fellow Decepticons. Knowing that the Decepticons were coming, the humans and Autobots tried to transport the AllSpark to [[Mission City]] for extraction, but Barricade and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] caught up to them on the highway into the city. Barricade attempted to clear a path through the traffic by activating his sirens; Bonecrusher simply rammed everything in his way. Ladiesman217—riding inside Bumblebee—recognized Barricade, and in response to his call for action, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] realigned to block the Decepticon from getting to the human and the AllSpark. Barricade was last seen as Bonecrusher pulled ahead to attack Optimus; he was absent from the subsequent battle in Mission City for unknown reasons. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|Transformers}}

{{note|Barricade's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the novels ''[[Transformers (novel)|Transformers]],'' ''[[Transformers: The Junior Novel]]'' and "[[The Quest for the AllSpark]]"; the ''[[Transformers: Movie Adaptation]]'' and "[[Movie Trilogy]]" comics; the activity book "[[Look and Find Transformers]]"; and the storybooks "[[Bumblebee Rumble]]", "[[Optimus Prime Versus Megatron]]", "[[Sam's New Car]]", "[[Transformers (interactive Play-a-Sound Storybook)|Transformers Play-a-Sound]]", "[[Meet the Autobots]]", "[[Meet the Decepticons]]", "[[Transformers Mix & Match]]" and "[[Transformers: The Movie Storybook]]". Many of these adaptations were based on earlier drafts of the movie's script; in several, most prominently the novelization and comic adaptations, Barricade engages Optimus Prime on the highway after he takes out Bonecrusher and is destroyed as a result, explaining his disappearance from the film's final act.}}

====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
{{voiceactor|[[Frank Welker]] (English, see [[#Notes|notes]])|[[Bernard Métraux]] (European French), [[Luiz Carlos Persy]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Leonardo García]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}
[[File:DOTM-Barricadecaptures.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.8|It's so obvious that we're going to win.]]
Barricade was one of the Decepticons present in [[Chicago]] when [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] unleashed their plan to use a [[space bridge]] to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to Earth, and assisted in the takeover of the city. Under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], he aided in rounding up several Autobots that had infiltrated the city, including his old foe Bumblebee, to whom he delivered a hard kick to the back for fun. At the behest of the human traitor [[Dylan Gould]], Soundwave ordered Barricade to execute the Autobot prisoners, starting with [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]; Barricade laughed as he slew the Autobot with a shot in the back. Fortunately, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] intervened to prevent any further executions, causing a distraction that allowed the other Autobots to escape.

[[File:DOTM-Barricadesnipershot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|Better hope one shot is enough to disable both his left optics at once, eh?]]
Following the Autobots' getaway, Barricade joined up with [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], and was in the process of chewing out the Decepticon ground troops when he suddenly found himself blinded by sniper shots to his eyes courtesy of the Autobots' [[NEST]] allies. As he stumbled around in pain, the humans got in close and jammed a bomb into his leg, which brought him tumbling to the ground when it went off. He was last seen trying to crawl to safety as the human troops fired on him. {{Storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

{{note|Barricade's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic mini-series ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''.}}
{{--}}

====''Age of Extinction'' film====
Footage of Barricade at the Battle of Chicago was shown by [[Harold Attinger]] to demonstrate how Transformers were dangerous.
{{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

====''The Last Knight'' film====
{{Voiceactor|[[Jess Harnell]] (English), [[Katsuhiro Kitagawa]] (Japanese)|[[Zhang Yaohan]] (Chinese), [[Mauro Horta]] (Portuguese), [[Salvador Reyes]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Oliver Siebeck]] (German), [[Achille D'Aniello]] (Italian), [[Berk Avcı]] (Turkish dub)}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Barricade-first-appearance.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|He's decided to show up every other film from now on.]]
Having survived the injuries he sustained in the Chicago war and avoided being hunted down by the humans in the years since, Barricade had been rebuilt into a sleeker new form. In the seven years since the Chicago conflict, he had acted as Megatron's spy and scout in his search for the [[Guardian Knight]]s' [[Talisman (TLK)|talisman]]. Perhaps unknown to Barricade, he had long been under surveillance by the U.S. government. In the ruins of Chicago, he witnessed the talisman being bestowed to [[Cade Yeager]] by [[Talisman Knight|one of the Knights]]. He was however unable to claim it due to arrival of the heavily armed [[Transformers Reaction Force|TRF]], and he watched from a distance as they entered a stand off with Yeager and the Autobots.

[[File:TLK-BarricadeReportsToMegatron.jpg|left|upright=1.6|thumb|Okay people, move along, nothing to see here.]]
Barricade reported back to Megatron, accidentally angering his leader by flashing his light in his face. He reported the events of his mission, and Megatron was further angered by his failure to retrieve the Talisman, which was needed to find the [[Staff of Merlin|Staff]] they required. Barricade managed to salvage the situation, indicating he knew who could lead them to the Staff: the TRF themselves. Unknown to either Decepticon, their conversation was being monitored by [[William Lennox]] and [[Morshower|General Morshower]]. Based on Barricade's plan, Megatron used human hostages as leverage to broker a deal with TRF and secured the release of fellow Decepticons [[Mohawk]], [[Dreadbot]], [[Nitro Zeus]], and [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]].

Barricade later joined his leader and cohorts in their hunt for Yeager. They arrived at Yeager's [[Junkyard (TLK)|scrap yard]] but Yeager had already fled to a nearby town and they followed. They were met with some not-quite-unexpected resistance in the form of the Autobots Bumblebee, [[Drift (AOE)|Drift]], and [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]] and blasted by a trap set by Yeager. Barricade took point in pursuing Yeager through the town. Barricade ordered Yeager and [[Izabella]] to freeze, but was surprised and swiped through a wall by the newly-arrived [[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]]'s tail. Luckily for Barricade, Grimlock was then focused on attacking Megatron and crunching on Dreadbot. After Dreadbot and Onslaught perished in battle, Barricade fled when Megatron gave the order to retreat.

[[File:TLKMegsAndBarricade.jpg|right|upright=1.6|thumb|Hey Barricade, ready for a [[Frank Welker|flashback]] to ''Dark of the Moon''?]]
He and his comrades then followed Yeager to England, knowing he was the key to finding the Staff. In [[London]], he chased down the fleeing Bumblebee, who had Yeager and [[Viviane Wembly]] with him. He attempted to ram them but was blasted away by his Autobot nemesis. He transformed to catch himself but fell into oncoming traffic and was rammed by a large truck. Commenting on how much it hurt, he had been hit hard enough that he was too weak to continue the pursuit.

He later rendezvoused with Megatron and Nitro at [[Stonehenge]], the site which would drain [[Unicron]], who lay deep within the Earth, of his energy and revive the recently arrived Cybertron. He happily gloated that he had lived to kill a planet and commented on the ease with which they could kill Unicron. They soon came under attack from the [[British Armed Forces]] and Barricade returned fire. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}
{{-}}

===Novels===
====''Ghosts of Yesterday''====
Barricade acted as pilot and chief science officer for the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]'' during the quest to find the [[AllSpark]]. When they encountered an [[Ghost 1|alien ship]], he analysed it and discovered that it seemed to be of Cybertronian design, leading to a disagreement between himself and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] regarding whether to study it or destroy it. He claimed to have chafed under Starscream's leadership, but was willing to tolerate him for the moment.

During Starscream's later absence, Barricade was against [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]'s plan to attack the Autobots, and remained on the ''Nemesis'' while the others got their tailpipes kicked. Following the defeat, he contacted Starscream to warn their leader that Optimus Prime was on his way to the planet below where Starscream had been misleading the occupants of the alien ship. Starscream ordered an attack on the Autobots while their numbers were diminished, so Barricade placed [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] in charge of the assault, while he himself elected to stay on the ship and use it as a distraction. And sang. He supplied support fire as the others fought the Autobots. On Starscream's return, the Decepticons leader was challenged by Blackout, and Barricade decided they should see things resolved once and for all. After Blackout's defeat, Barricade asserted that he'd known what the outcome would be even before the fight began.

When Optimus and Bumblebee entered the fray, Starscream ordered Barricade to leave the ''Nemesis'' to reinforce their numbers. He proved most effective in battle against Bumblebee and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]. The fight ended when Starscream was badly damaged by the alien ship and, to Barricade's disbelief, called a retreat. The Decepticons returned to their ship and departed. {{storylink|Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

====''The Veiled Threat''====
After the traitorous businessman [[Bruno Carrera]] and Starscream had trapped Optimus Prime in the [[Colosseum]] in [[Rome]], [[Italy]], Starscream turned the situation over to Barricade, who was more than delighted to see his old enemy in such a prone state. However, before he could strike the final blow, a bunch of [[human]]s began attacking, which wouldn't have been a problem if they weren't equipped with the scientific genius of [[Kaminari Ishihara]] and [[Petr Andronov]], in addition to [[William Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps]] firing sabot rounds into him. He was about to stomp on the insects when Prime broke free of the trap and engaged him. Once the humans were clear, Optimus pulled a surprise move by jumping out of the pit and dumping rock on top of him.

Once he was buried, Optimus melted the top layer of rock, trapping Barricade long enough for the NEST team to defeat Starscream and take him in. Unfortunately, Barricade was nowhere to be found; Instead, a passing crew working on the subway found a strange new tunnel, leading from the Colosseum to the center of a park. Whatever had dug the new passage overnight was nowhere to be seen. {{storylink|Transformers: The Veiled Threat|The Veiled Threat}}

===IDW movie comics===
[[File:Foundation2 cybertronian barricade.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Any special message for all the kids reading this wiki out home? "Stay out of trouble. Because this trouble will find you."]]
Many years in the past, when [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] had just come under the rule of the [[Defense Force]] and the [[Science Division]], Barricade was a member of the Defense Force under the command of High Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. He participated in missions to rid the planet of "malcontents" who protested against the new order, and like many of his peers, he did so ruthlessly. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}}

When [[Ejoornian|unknown alien hostiles]] attacked Cybertron after the discovery of a [[The Fallen|mysterious relic]], Barricade and Scorponok were sent to perform recon. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 1|Defiance #1}} Following battle with the aliens Megatron changed significantly, altering the military's mission from one of protection to making war upon the hostile aliens and anybody who would stand in their way. As Megatron's ambition grew, he determined to eliminate Science Division leader [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], sending Barricade and a team of other Decepticons to slay Optimus's allies and bring him in. [[File:Defiance3 BrawlCrankcaseBarricade.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.75|Are you trying to out-complain the complainer?]] Barricade and [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] stood by as [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] nailed the "traitors" with an explosive round; Barricade was eager to get into the fight, but was ordered back by the glory-hound [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] so his aerial forces could swoop in to finish the job. This turned out to be lucky for Barricade, as Optimus managed to bury Starscream's team under a mountain of rubble. Though defeated, they all soon returned to [[Trypticon (Movie)|Trypticon]], where Megatron rechristened them and the rest of his Defense Force the "Decepticons." {{Storylink|Defiance issue 3|Defiance #3}}

During the subsequent civil war between the Decepticons and Optimus's Autobots, Barricade was one of the Decepticons under the command of Starscream who took part in a battle outside of [[Tyger Pax]]. As they were mopping up the last remnants of Autobot resistance, Barricade amused himself by playing with the decapitated head of a fallen Autobot, but mood turned somber when he saw the AllSpark jettisoned into space. Barricade realized that Cybertron would soon die without the AllSpark, but Bonecrusher had little time for his remarks, suggesting he should die along with the planet. {{storylink|Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall}} Megatron immediately took off to pursue the AllSpark, leaving Starscream with orders to eliminate the Autobots in advance of his return. When the Autobots departed the planet to hunt down the AllSpark themselves, Barricade was part of the crew of the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]'' assembled by Starscream to give chase. Confident in Megatron's abilities to deal with any pursuing Autobots, Barricade questioned both the need to hurry, and Starscream's motives for doing so, but was quickly reprimanded by Starscream for speaking out of turn. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream #1}}

[[File:Planetfall barricade and wreckage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Waste your out-of-character sympathy for people who will actually be IN the movie.]]

After thousands of years of searching, the ''Nemesis'' crew tracked the AllSpark's energy to [[Earth]]'s [[Star system|solar system]]. After setting their ship down on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Movie Prequel #3}} {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream #1}} Barricade, Starscream, Blackout, Brawl, Bonecrusher and [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] continued on to Earth itself, where they touched down in [[Afghanistan]] in 2003. They immediately attacked a nearby [[United States military]] installation, where Barricade used a facade of friendliness to trick nearby human soldiers into lowering their guard, whereupon he slaughtered them at point-blank range. As the fight continued, he was almost hit by a localized EMP weapon from a human, but it instead hit his comrade [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]]. Barricade objected to leaving Wreckage behind when Starscream ordered them to pull out, but was forced to abandon him. {{storylink|Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall}} The Decepticons subsequently scattered across the planet to search for Megatron and the AllSpark; Barricade scanned a Saleen S281 police car, then destroyed the original human vehicle to cover his tracks. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Movie Prequel #4}}

{{note|"Planetfall" and ''Movie Prequel'' #4 offer contradictory accounts of Barricade and the Decepticons' arrival on Earth, with the former showing them arriving in Afghanisation shortly before the events of the film, and the latter placing them in North America in 2003. The ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|Reign of Starscream]]'' movie sequel comic would corroborate the "Planetfall" account, but the timing involved means it must take place in 2003 as in ''Prequel'' #4.}}

[[File:Interlude barricade vs bee.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.75|Prime directives: 1. Serve the public. 2. Protect the innocent. 3. Obey the law. 4. Do the exact opposite of 1-3.]]

Learning that the Autobot Bumblebee was also on Earth, Barricade tracked him to just outside of [[Denver]], [[Colorado]], arriving just as the Autobot was eluding [[Sector Seven]] while working on a new lead on the [[Witwicky]]s. {{storylink|Interlude}} Bumblebee managed to escape, but Barricade pursued him to [[New Mexico]], where he had a new idea: ''allow'' the Autobot to get away, so that they could track him from afar to see what leads and information he had already turned up in his search. Starscream agreed to the plan, but ordered Barricade to superficially rough the little Autobot up a bit before letting him go, just to make it look convincing. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Movie Prequel #4}} Bumblebee subsequently found his way to [[Tranquility]] and [[Sam Witwicky]], and the battle over the glasses to learn the location of the AllSpark ensued. {{storylink|Transformers: Movie Adaptation}} During the subsequent highway chase to Mission City, Barricade attempted to close in on Bumblebee to "settle the score" with him, but found his way obstructed by Ironhide, causing him to crash into a pillar. Knocked offline by the crash, he missed out on the Mission City battle; he was conscious again by the time the battle's sole survivor, Starscream, came looking for him. Informed that Sam had destroyed the AllSpark and Megatron, Barricade suggested recovering the lost Frenzy so they could access his data files on the boy. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream #1}}

While Starscream returned to Cybertron to enact a plan of his own, Barricade remained on Earth, watching over a Sector Seven research base. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 3|The Reign of Starscream #3}} He spied upon the Autobots as they made plans with [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] to dispose of the Decepticons' bodies, then broadcast the information he had learned into space on a Decepticon frequency, hoping someone would hear and take interest. As it turned out, Starscream, having returned from Cybertron to Mars, was ready and willing to answer. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}} Soon after Starscream made it back to Earth, however, Decepticons under the command of the long-absent [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] also began arriving, and Barricade provided them with intelligence on which Autobots they were facing. He continued to plague the Autobots and the new [[NEST]] team, escaping each time. {{storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}} Soundwave sought the final remaining shard of the AllSpark in order to revive Megatron, so Barricade was sent to Tranquility to capture Sam and force its location from him—or failing that, ransom him for it. [[File:TotF1 barricade and sam.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2|"Dead or alive, you're coming with me. Only you won't be alive."]] Barricade took the boy to a junkyard to interrogate him, but Bumblebee soon arrived to rescue him. A protracted battled followed, concluding when 'Bee knocked Barricade into a pool of gasoline and ignited it, setting off a massive explosion. Barricade survived the blast, though, and drove off in car mode after Bumblebee and Sam had left. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 1|Tales of the Fallen #1}}

Following the resurrection of Megatron and [[The Fallen]]'s failed plan for revenge, Barricade was among the Decepticon troops that [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] sent to attack Sam's college in order to recapture a rogue Decepticon brain unit [[Brains]]. Barricade initiated the assault, smashing his way into Sam's dorm and renewing his rivalry with Bumblebee, who stood ready to protect his human friend. {{Storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} The pair grappled and traded blows for the duration of the attack {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}} until Bumblebee ended the battle by slamming Barricade to the ground with a sickening crunch. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers: Beginnings''====
{{voiceactor|? (English)}}
[[File:Movie Barricade IDWprequel nowitnesses.jpg|left|upright=1.8|thumb|Christine... is that you?]]
The Decepticon infiltration unit under the command of Starscream arrived on Earth in the year 2003. Barricade scanned a Saleen S281 police car, then destroyed the original human vehicle to cover his tracks, as did his fellow Decepticons when choosing their new forms. His proceeded to tail Bumblebee while the Autobot was on his way to [[New Mexico]], but unfortunately, Bumblebee identified him before Barricade could eliminate him. Barricade was inspired to come up with a new plan: ''allow'' the Autobot to get away, so that they could track him from afar to see what leads and information he had already turned up in his search. Starscream agreed to the plan, but ordered Barricade to superficially rough the little Autobot up a bit before letting him go, just to make it look convincing. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings (Movie)|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|"Transformers: Beginnings" is a condensed, Flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

====''Schick Hydrobot and the Transformers''====
Barricade was among the Decepticons who attacked Doctor [[Hiroshi Benson]]'s laboratory. Holding his own for much of the battle, he was later incapacitated when [[Hydrobot (TLK)|Hydrobot]] and Bumblebee unleashed a powerful shock attack with the latter's stinger, forcing them into a retreat. {{storylink|A New Friend|A New Friend}}

===Titan movie comics===
[[File:StarscreamMilitia zombie barricade.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Guess Barricade's a ''Trigun'' fan.]]
Barricade was killed in the <s>[[Mission City]]</s> [[Los Angeles]] battle. Immediately after the battle's conclusion, Starscream resurrected him, Blackout, and Devastator using AllSpark energy plucked from the [[AllSpark Mutation|mutations]] created during the chaos, turning all three into mindless, relentless zombies. Holding his own decapitated head in his hand, the zombie Barricade took on Optimus Prime; his noggin chewed on the Autobot leader's arm while the rest of his body kept him busy. The battle lasted only mere minutes, as Ratchet soon realized what was animating the Decepticons' bodies and instructed his fellow Autobots to target the AllSpark energy signatures, putting Barricade and his fellow zombies down permanently. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|Starscream's Militia}}

{{note|"Starscream's Milita" was written using IDW's comic book adaptation of the movie as a springboard, and so incorporated Barricade's death as seen in it. Just as IDW themselves would ignore the scene in their future comics thanks to its deletion from the film, all subsequent Titan stories ignored Barricade's death and presented him as being alive.}}

Several years later, Barricade joined Starscream in a hit and run on the [[Tech Museum of Innovation]] in [[San Jose]] during an anti-[[Transformer]] rally. Barricade's contribution mainly consisted of being beaten up by Ironhide. Even grabbing Ironhide from behind didn't work, as Ironhide's weapons worked as rocket boosters to throw the pair backwards, and Barricade was body-slammed into a nearby building. Things were looking up after Ironhide was caught in an explosion, but the two Decepticons were mobbed by humans and when Optimus Prime turned up as well, the pair fled. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 3.4|Automatic for the People}}
{{-}}

====Alternate timeline====
[[File:Barricadeblackoutandfriends-DarkSpark.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
In an alternate timeline in which Megatron triumphed in the battle of Mission City and the victorious Decepticons set about conquering North America, Barricade was part of two punitive Decepticon attacks: a raid on a supply convoy at Shreveport, [[Louisiana]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} and after aiding Starscream taking over the Decepticon headquarters {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}}, a solo strike on Cincinnati, [[Ohio]] as part of a "Stop supporting Autobots OR ELSE!" campaign. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}}

When Starscream started open warfare, he made Barricade one of his generals. However, Barricade soon found himself bogged down in fighting [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade's]] "New Decepticons". {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part 2}}

====Letters page====
[[File:Lawanddisorder barricade.jpg|right|upright=2|thumb|One: I am the prettiest unicorn! Two: my mane is lustrous and fragrant, and it catches the wind perfectly! Dismissed!]]

Starscream considered Barricade a good candidate for second-in-command once he vacated the position to take over the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|#16's Star Screams}} As irony would have it, Barricade ''did'' soon take over Starscream's job when the air commander had a nervous breakdown... his job as respondent for the comic's [[letters page]]! Unwilling to let the Decepticons turn the page into a propaganda machine, the Autobots dispatched [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to co-run it with him, much to Barricade's irritation. He shared Starscream's contempt for ''[[you]]'', the reader (#1), and continued the tradition of threatening violence against ''anyone'' who cosplays as an Autobot (#7). This, however, didn't stop him bragging to Ironhide when letters would be pro-Decepticon, and at one point he held a popularity contest to see who the kiddies wanted to be "subjugated by this issue!" (#6).

By the time of Barricade's stewardship of the letters, relations had broken down between the Decepticons and [[DreamWorks]], and they had returned to targeting Michael Bay and company for the pro-Autobot bent of their films. Though Barricade personally enjoyed the scene in the first film when [[Mojo|a dog]] peed on Ironhide, (#1) he refused to appear in the second, and would not even allow his likeness to be used in the video games. (#4) (He claimed he never wanted to be in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' but his tears disproved that (#12)) He later decided fame was more important than principles though, submitting a script and auditioning for a part in the third film by threatening the director with death (#8). He was absolutely ''disgusted'' by [[fandom|our]] enjoyment of the films: he lost ''friends'' during filming, man. (#10)

In the early days, he appeared to be separated from the rest of the Decepticons, as his knowledge on their current status was spotty; while he knew [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] had turned traitor, he seemed unaware that [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] had been terminated. (#4) He later re-established contact, being aware of [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor's]] status and [[The Fallen]]. (#7) He also had a ''shockingly'' bad knowledge of Transformers [[units of time]]. (#8)

Barricade stated how he doesn't think much of Starscream's intelligence or ability to lead (a bit of a pisser when Starscream considered ''him'' to be 2IC material!), but ''much'' prefers him over Megatron. (#1) He once explained some of Megatron's flaws, only to get scared and state how he totally respects him ''really''. (#3) He also dislikes [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], claiming the guy ''never'' pulls his weight and is just Megatron's fave. (#7) On top of that, while he followed the party line and claimed the Decepticons have "policies" (#7), he began showning signs of discontent with being a Decepticon—the long hours, the lousy food, the admin work (#5)—leading Ironhide to start offering him the chance to defect to the Autobots. Barricade outright rejected this offer the first time, saying he couldn't bear the thought of listening to Optimus moralise (#9); the second time, however, he merely stated the horrific penalties for defecting Decepticons (#10) and the third, he desperately said he just ''couldn't'' do it, even if it would be nice to hang with other cars for once... BUT HE CAN'T! Ironhide's friendliness began starting to disturb him. (#11) He did, however, become fed up of Ironhide bringing up how Bumblebee kicked his arse, and became determined to get revenge on "that little yellow cretin"...

Barricade would reveal other assorted factoids about his history and personal tastes during his time as host. Like Starscream, he was active on Earth during the 1980s, at which time he was a [[Barricade (G1)|Micromaster]]. (#12) He watched the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'' cartoon]] broadcast at the time (#3) and approved of humanity's fascination with giant robots. In contrast, he is ''completely'' bewildered by pop music. (#7) He's terrified of [[Unicron]]. (#6) He's apparently got an optic for [[Female Transformer|the ladies]], or at least the heavily armed ones, making sure to flirt right back when a neutral femme wrote into the letter's column looking to play "bad cop/bad cop pretending to be good cop" with him. (#5)

===Transformers Mix & Match books===
{{Note|Due to the malleable storytelling format of the Mix & Match books, listed here is Barricade's story role if all the segments visually featuring him are lined-up. For all the possible iterations of his role in the story, see the [[Transformers Mix & Match]] page.}}
Barricade hung out with [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] and spied on [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Mix & Match}}

===Cyber Missions===
{{voiceactor|[[Bronco D. Jackson]] (English)|[[Óscar Flores]] (Latin American-Spanish), [[Duda Espinoza]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:Cyber Missions Barricade.JPG‎|thumb|upright=1.5|You must agree that his head is somewhat deformed.]]
After a high speed pursuit through [[Scramble City (city)|Scramble City]], Barricade managed to ditch [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] and used
his [[Moustache Man|holo avatar]] to break into a secure facility. Standing guard while [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] raided the computers, he somehow failed to hear Sideswipe bushwhack his partner and was only alerted when Frenzy's crumpled-up form rolled into his foot. After throwing Frenzy at Sideswipe, Barricade engaged the Autobot in combat, managing to defeat him by freezing him to a wall. He then made off with Frenzy and the [[NEST]] access codes. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 6}}

Later, Barricade and [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] confronted [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Looking to steal one of Ironhide's weapons, Lockdown took a missile instead, which blew up in his face. While Lockdown was dazed, Ironhide punched Barricade out and dumped a truckload of rocks on top of him. Barricade pleaded with Lockdown for help, but the explosion damaged Lockdown's optics, and he fled. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 11}}

Later, Barricade was among the Decepticons Megatron led on a mission to free the captured Soundwave. He arrived after Megatron derailed the train Soundwave was believed to be on, but true to his history, disappeared from sight soon after. {{storylink|Decepticons Attack}}
{{-}}

===Transformers Annual 2011===
Barricade and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] were sent to [[Tokyo]] to cause a diversion. The Autobots soon turned up, and Barricade clashed briefly with Sideswipe before being hoisted into the air by Optimus. A short time later, Grindor crashed on top of him. Defeated, Barricade was picked up by Grindor and they departed, but not before letting Optimus know he'd been had. {{storylink|Sam in Danger}}

===''BeCool'' shorts===
[[File:BeCool patrolcar and americanpatrolcar.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.75|"Kaon cops are on the take! But what do you expect, for the money we make?"]]
'''American Patrol Car''' (アメリカンパトカー ''Amerikan Patokā'') spoke English, but was still capable of communication with his Japanese-speaking fellow BeCool Transformers, albeit with a heavy English-speaking accent. He was part of the audience of ''Quiz! BeCool'' {{storylink|The Story of Quiz! BeCool}} and later joined his police force partner [[Prowl (G1)|Patrol Car]] to welcome audiences to [[Surprise World|the world in which the BeCool robots lived]]. The pair failed to notice when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Garbage Truck]] accidentally dropped a [[banana]] peel in the course of his job, so when [[Bumblebee (G1)|Yellow Sports Car]] hit the peel and went spinning through the city streets, they thought he was just driving recklessly and sped after him. Unfortunately, they failed to stop him before he crashed into a bunch of other 'bots, necessitating the medical aid of [[Ratchet (G1)|Ambulance]], who American Patrol Car explained to the audience was the town doctor. {{storylink|The Story of Protecting the Signal!}}
{{--}}

===''Mission to Cybertron'' comic===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Mission to Cybertron}}
{{-}}

==Games==
==="Flight of the Bumblebee" online game===
[[File:FlightoftheBumblebee bee vs barricade.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Whether you're a truck, or you're a Porsche, we don't mind using excessive force! Bad cops, bad cops!!"]]
Barricade was one of a group of Decepticons who trapped Bumblebee in a canyon. He stood around on a rocky butte, walking back and forth and waiting for Bumblebee to drive up to him. When the Autobot dropped in, Barricade immediately opened fire, blasting Bumblebee continuously. Unfortunately, Bumblebee had the idea to shoot back, blasting him right out of the picture with just one shot. {{storylink|Flight of the Bumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Transformers The Game (console)===
{{voiceactor|[[Keith David]] (English)|[[Frédéric Norbert]] (French), [[David García Vázquez]] (Castilian Spanish)}}
====Autobot campaign====
[[File:TFtheGame barricade vs bee.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Out of the shadows... the spies announce themselves now?"]]
Barricade was sent to Tranquility to hunt down Sam Witwicky and the glasses that held the location of the AllSpark. He attempted to capture Sam and Mikaela outside their high school, but Bumblebee stepped in. The humans fled for the nearby baseball field with Barricade in pursuit, but Bumblebee beat him to them, protecting them while they ran away again. He followed them to the power plant, but was once again foiled by Bumblebee and sent packing.

Later, in [[Mission City]], Barricade made one last grab for the AllSpark after [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] had each fallen to the Autobots. However, he was once again intercepted by Bumblebee, and finally defeated for good. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====Decepticon campaign====
[[File:TFtheGame barricade threatens sam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Were it so easy..."]]
Upon reaching Tranquility and choosing his [[alternate mode]], Barricade attempted some recon, but encountered a squad of Autobot drones, a battle which spilled out to the local baseball field. Shortly afterwards, he was informed by Starscream that [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] had information they needed, but the diminutive Decepticon had been captured by [[Sector Seven]] agents. Barricade tracked them to the power plant, then hounded the agents across town in their highly resistant van, wrecking every building in his path until Frenzy was recovered.

Finally on the trail of Sam, he was stopped cold by Sam's protector Bumblebee. Barricade got the upper hand, but the Autobot led him on a chase that ended in [[Bay Demolition|Bay's Demolition]] lot, and an ambush courtesy of a lot of Autobot drones. Barricade overcame the odds and hunted down Bumblebee once more, finally besting the Autobot and taking the glasses from Sam. Decoding Megatron and the AllSpark's location from them, Barricade relayed his findings to Starscream, who, together with Blackout, soon struck [[Hoover Dam]] and liberated their leader.

When the Decepticons converged on Mission City, Barricade was tasked with taking out the Autobot [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]. He later stood in Megatron's presence after the AllSpark had been recovered and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ordered the Earth to be destroyed before they left it on their way to conquering all of known space. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

===''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)===
{{voiceactor|[[Keith David]]}}
[[File:TFtheGamePSP barricade hooverdam.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5|"Even on my knees I do not belong in his presence."]]
Barricade and a platoon of Decepticon drones pursued Sam Witwicky in an attempt to obtain his grandfather's glasses, but were defeated in a battle at a steel processing plant by the human's protector, Bumblebee. A short time later, learning from Frenzy that Megatron's frozen body was being held at Hoover Dam by Sector Seven, Barricade and Starscream attacked the facility. Barricade penetrated the dam and located Megatron's body, deactivating the machines that were keeping him frozen. When Megatron did not immediately reactivate, Barricade assumed his leader was dead after all, but Megatron soon shook off the deep freeze treatment to prove his subordinate wrong. Megatron jetted off to acquire some fresh energy for himself, while Barricade reported on Megatron's awakening to Starscream, who was not best pleased with the news. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Autobots/Decepticons'' (Nintendo DS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Keith David]] (English)}}
====''Transformers: Autobots''====
[[File:TFtheGameDS Barricade and friend vs Optimus.jpg|thumb|left|'''Optimus''': Gasp! Is that Shockwa- '''Barricade''': No, no, no, he’s off doing stuff on Cybertron or something or other and-look, can we just fight?]]
When Bumblebee went to investigate the source of an image found on the internet, he found Barricade waiting for him. Barricade blew up a nearby car and took off, sending out messages on the police radio that Bumblebee was responsible. After failing to lose Bumblebee in spite of all of [[Tranquility]]'s police force being after him, he engaged him in combat. Unable to defeat Bumblebee, he hastily retreated. Later on, he encountered Bumblebee and Optimus Prime as the two were leaving [[Hoover Dam]]. With a large helicopter Decepticon at his side, he tried to persuade Optimus to let him have the [[Allspark]]. After Prime predictably refused, Barricade started to demand the AllSpark from Prime, not even caring about the consequences. He was killed, but revealed to Prime he was merely a distraction while other Decepticons freed Megatron from his icy prison. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

====''Transformers: Decepticons''====
[[File:TFtheGameDS barricade dies.jpg|thumb||''Guess I got what I deserved... Kept you waiting there too long, my love...'' |upright=1.2]]
When the [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Decepticon Create-A-Bot]] arrived on Earth, his mentor, Starscream, directed him to rendezvous with Barricade, already active on the planet and commanding some of the Decepticon forces there. Barricade was not enamored with the idea of a partner, feeling that the Create-A-Bot would only slow him down, but after putting the rookie through his paces, he permitted him to join him on his mission in the town of [[Tranquility]]. Barricade revealed to the Create-A-Bot what Starscream had not—that the signal which had brought the Decepticons to Earth had come from Megatron himself. The rookie dismissed Megatron as a relic, and was struck by Barricade for the insult. With some help from the rookie, Barricade discovered that the Autobot Bumblebee was already on Megatron's trail; Barricade pursued Bumblebee, defeated him in battle on the outskirts of Tranquility, and acquired the data he had gathered.

Now aware that the human military organization [[Sector Seven]] was holding Megatron, Barricade arranged for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] to transport the Create-A-Bot to a [[Qatar]] military base, where they and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] hacked Sector Seven's databanks. The file they obtained was brought back to Barricade in Tranquility for deciphering, and revealed that Megatron was being held by Sector Seven in the [[Hoover Dam]]. The Create-A-Bot suggesting relaying this to Starscream, but Barricade loudly refuted the idea, happy that the impending resurrection of Megatron would mean that he would no longer have to serve under a cowardly, back-stabbing bureaucrat like Starscream. Swayed by Barricade's words, the rookie revealed a fact that Starscream had told only him—that the AllSpark was also present on Earth. Shocked by the revelation, Barricade realized that Starscream had been scheming to acquire the AllSpark for himself, to ensure that not even Megatron could remove him from power. With the rookie now turned from Starscream and on his side, Barricade was able to liberate Megatron from Sector Seven, and the Decepticons pursued the Autobots, now in possession of the AllSpark, back to Tranquility.

During the ensuing battle, Starscream finally claimed the AllSpark from Bumblebee, and Barricade stood against him, intent on bringing him in for treason. Alas, the AllSpark-powered Starscream destroyed Barricade, but in death, Barricade proved to the Create-A-Bot what it truly meant to be a Decepticon. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}
{{-}}

===Allspark Highway===
Barricade and the Decepticons tried to keep the Autobots from delivering the Allspark to safety. There were lots of him. {{storylink|Allspark Highway}}

===''Transformers Video Mash-Up''===
{{note|Various short clips featuring Barricade were available for users to custom-create their own short film about the Transformers.}} {{storylink|Transformers Video Mash-Up}}

===''Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons'' (Nintendo DS)===
{{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Decepticons}}
{{stub}}

===''MechTech Weapons Challenge''===
Bumblebee could use Barricade's robot wrecking claw to aid him in his missions to retrieve MechTech weapons technology stolen by the Decepticons. {{storylink|MechTech Weapons Challenge}}

===''Cyberverse Battle Builder''===
Barricade joined the rest of the Decepticons in combating the Autobots on battlefields on Earth, the Earth's Moon and on Cybertron. Sometimes there were many of him! {{storylink|Cyberverse Battle Builder}}

===''Bot Shots Battle Game!''===
[[File:Bsbg-barricade.jpg|thumb|left|What's the matter, don't you trust cops?]]
Barricade participated in numerous one-on-one matches against other Autobots and Decepticons, using his fists, his sword, or his gun to defeat his opponents. Sometimes, he even faced off against himself! {{storylink|Bot Shots Battle Game!}}
{{-}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Moustache Pig#As Barricade}}
Barricade appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He is portrayed by Moustache Pig. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:Barricade-Forged-to-Fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Oh, you want to use a special attack? Good luck with that."]]
Barricade was one of the Decepticons pulled from [[Live-action film series|his universe]] by the [[Quintesson]]s and forced to fight. He eventually joins the [[You|Commander]]. There are at least a few of him running around! {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}

[[Optimus Prime (G1)#Transformers: Forged to Fight|Optimus Prime]] encountered Barricade on one of their missions, and Barricade demanded to know if he was [[Sam Witwicky|Ladiesmans217]]. [[Prowl (G1)#Transformers: Forged to Fight|Prowl]] got a read-out on the Decepticon, and they eventually had a Good Cop vs. Bad Cop showdown. {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight#Chapter 1:Realities Collide|Good Cop Bad Cop}}2nd Encounter
{{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight#|It's in our DNA}}
{{chargamestub}}

==Toys==
{{Main|Barricade (Movie)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{Main|Barricade (Movie)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Second Life avatars==
In the online game ''Second Life'', there was a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contained a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board. This room contained a giant frozen Megatron replica and offered free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebies were non-transforming.

==Notes==
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
*In an early version of the movie's script, Barricade and Frenzy's roles were shared by a single character named "[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]". He would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters (rather than Air Force One) in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape.<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref>
[[File:EarlyMovieBarricadeHead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|150px|Different name, different head, same guy. As far as we know, anyway!]]
*[[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] was originally part of the Autobot line up for the movie, but was removed, as the writers loved the perverse idea of making the police car a Decepticon.
*An early working name for Barricade was '''Brawl''',<ref name="barribrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour]</ref> which was later given to [[Brawl (Movie)|another movie character]]. Early concept art the character created when he was going by this name<ref name="barribrawl"/> (pictured at right) suggests that he was originally going to transform into a white and black Crown Victoria (somewhat akin to Prowl's original G1 color scheme). The head design from this early concept artwork managed to show up on a few pieces of merchandise for the first film (such as a set of temporary tattoos), was used as inspiration for Barricade's Cybertronian-mode head in IDW's "[[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]," and would later inexplicably show up as a profile link for Barricade's [[Bio#Online bios|Battle Bio]] on Hasbro's website.
*In the first movie, Barricade sports the [[license plate]] "1-4027E", registered in Oklahoma. It can be briefly glimpsed when he slows down after having seemingly cornered Bumblebee, but is more clearly seen in set photos. Oddly enough, that plate ''also'' shows up on ''[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz's]]'' [[robot mode]] chest in the same movie. The Deluxe Class Recon Barricade [[redeco]] toy, meanwhile, sports the plate "SAGE2764", a reference pertaining to deco designer [[Joe Kyde]], the [[Premium Series]] redeco of the Deluxe toy sports the plate "DCPTCN" for "Decepticon", and the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] toy sports the plate "2PN-SLV", referring to Barricade's infamous "To punish and enslave..." markings.
*The [http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-saleen-barricade-replica/ promotional Saleen S281E cars] that appeared at events and premieres featured the slogan "Power in the hands of a few" rather than the "To punish and enslave" motto, as well as Saleen decals rather than the Decepticon decals seen in the movie.
*By placing Barricade's arrival on Earth in 2003, [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' seems to contradict the very existence of his [[alternate mode]], since it is a 2006 model car. Not so— the Mustang design that would eventually be the 2006 model debuted sometime in 2003, with police car modifications showing up in car shows not long after. It could very well be that, similar to when/how Jazz scanned a Solstice in a dealership late at night, Barricade scanned a Police Mustang in one such car show display after-hours, explaining why there were "no witnesses" after he assumed this form ''and'' why his police deco has no state or city markings/I.D.
[[File:Movie2007 Barricade carweapon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|150px|This looks familiar!]]
*In a deleted scene set during Barricade's pursuit of Bumblebee, the Decepticon was to deploy serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. The scene was filmed, as evidenced by artist [[Sean Haworth]]'s photograph of the constructed and fitted weapon prop (right), and its removal at least partially helps to explain the abrupt shift from day to night that occurs during the chase. The scene remains in IDW's comic book adaptation of the film, and the weapons are optional extras for RadioShack's ''XMODS® Evolution'' Barricade model kit.
*If one were to only accept the film itself as [[canon]], there is no real evidence of his supposed "rivalry" with Bumblebee which Hasbro and IDW kept pushing as a defining trait of his character since 2007. He just happens to be the Decepticon to first make contact with Sam Witwicky, Bumblebee intervenes and then fights and defeats Barricade. There is nothing in the film itself that would suggest that the two have a history, or even actually ''know'' each other personally beforehand. However, Hasbro gave the pairing of the two as enemies a lot of prominence in their toyline that accompanied the film, and IDW's prequel and sequel comics established previous and subsequent encounters of the two on Earth. Barricade's two subsequent film appearances eventually ''do'' establish a recurring history/rivalry with Bumblebee of sorts, though: In ''Dark of the Moon'', he delivers a captured Bumblebee a kick to the back, and the two briefly face off again during ''The Last Knight''.

===Other films===
*When asked about Barricade's disappearance from the first film, writer [[Roberto Orci]] stated in a message board Q&A session that it was a "thread for Movie 2".<ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=384946&postcount=33 Roberto Orci on Barricade's fate in the movie, at the official movie boards]</ref> As it happened, Barricade didn't turn up in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''; two years later, Orci stated that he honestly couldn't remember why.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-283.html#post3785383 Orci's Q&A at TFW2005]</ref>
*A common misconception among fans is that Barricade's Saleen Mustang alternate mode was spotted on the set of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. This is not true. In fact, a truck transporting three "Barricade" prop vehicles was spotted in Culver City, California, in March 2008, more than two months before principal shooting for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' started.<ref name="vehspotted">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=6980 Superhero Hype reporting on the spotting of Barricade vehicles in March 2008]</ref>
*An early idea writer [[Chris Mowry]] had for the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic book prequel ''[[Transformers: Alliance]]'' was to depict Barricade's transformation into new movie character [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], but Hasbro rejected the idea.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/mowry-73165-page2.html#vmessage170099]</ref> Another of Mowry's ideas for ''Alliance'' involved having Barricade reformat into a police boat to retrieve Megatron's at-sea remains. Mowry notes he would have been confronted by [[Storm Surge (Movie)|Storm Surge]]; whether this means Storm Surge was an Autobot at this point in development, or if there was dissension in the Decepticon ranks, is unclear.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/mowry-73165.html#vmessage281346]</ref>
*Barricade doesn't ''technically'' speak in ''Dark of the Moon'', but an editing gaffe as he kicks Que around before executing him sees Soundwave's voice (provided by [[Frank Welker]]) coming out of his mouth for the scene.
**A similar issue is present during the ''The Last Knight''. A voice reminiscent of Welker's Soundwave voice is present during the [[Stonehenge]] sequence near the end of the film. As Welker's voice had been used for Barricade in the past, it's rather tempting to write this off as him talking, despite Harnell providing most of the dialogue in the film.
*Despite all the marketing and promotional material leading up to the release of ''The Last Knight'' portraying him with a mask/helmet, he never uses it in the film itself and has a fully exposed face all throughout. One piece of concept art even depicts him with police shades. [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/22580549_156168284980549_4064834079172853760_n-jpg.27831803/ Seriously.]
*Barricade's vehicle mode color in ''The Last Knight'' varies from scene to scene: He possesses a glossy midnight blue color on his vehicle prop shells. During his transformation sequence, his midnight blue is painted in a brighter metallic shade.
*Barricade's appearance in ''The Last Knight'' serves as the basis for the [[Evergreen]] design used to create the ''[[Transformers: Earth Wars]]'' [[Barricade (IDW)|version of the character]].

===Disappearances and reappearances===
[[File:Barricade-comicsadaptation-death.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|right|F*** tha poh-leece!]]
*Barricade abruptly disappears from the first live-action film during the highway battle, last appearing as Bonecrusher moves forward to engage Optimus Prime. As evidenced by scenes in the novelization and comic book adaptations of the film (right), he was supposed to join Bonecrusher in attacking the Autobot leader, and would have been destroyed by Optimus after Bonecrusher.
*Alternatively, the children's chapter book adaptation of the film, ''[[The Quest for the AllSpark]]'', describes Barricade as being destroyed by the US military.
*At the time, Barricade's fate caused a great deal of speculation, and [[IDW Publishing]] capitalized on the character's ambiguous fate to "overwrite" his death from their comic adaptation, revealing instead in ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' that he had been forced off the road by Ironhide and drove into a roadway bridge pillar, knocking himself out.
*Barricade subsequently reappeared in several further IDW comics before returning to the screen in ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', where he appears to have been killed off by NEST soldiers.
*However, Barricade appears alive and well in ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'', [[retcon|retconning]] his previous death. Oddly enough, it is mentioned in that film that he has been under government surveillance. Last seen coming under attack by the British military, Barricade apparently continuing his tradition of having an ambiguous fate near the end of every odd-numbered film.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Barricade''' (バリケード ''Barikēdo'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Pàn Gūan''' (Taiwan, 叛官, "Treacherous Official"), '''Lùzhàng''' (China, 路障, "Barricade")
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Barycada''' (Барикада, "Barricade")

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=Barricade
|disambig=Barricade (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Barricade (Animated)|Barricade]], the [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's]] menu headshot from ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]].''
*[[Barricade (WFC)|Barricade]], the [[Decepticon]] dirty cop from the [[Aligned continuity family]].
*[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]], the Decepticon dirty cop from the [[2005 IDW continuity]].}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Age of Extinction Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyber Missions characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Interrogators]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Pilots]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Decepticons]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zombies]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]

Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-05T20:27:44Z

GlamAttack: /* Regenesis */

{{factions|senator|decepticon|onyxprime}}
{{featured}}
{{suite}}
[[File:Transformersrid 17 cover clean.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|IDW is <s>mostly</s> ENTIRELY his fault.]]
When it all comes down to it, everything is about resources. '''Shockwave''' has always recognized this, and while those around him pursued power and politics and other petty concerns, the master scientist focused his superlative intellect on defeating entropy and securing the future of his species. A game-player and king-maker, Shockwave plans for ''everything,'' and while the [[shadowplay]] inflicted on him by the [[Senate]] may have robbed him of his emotions, it did nothing to curb his ambitions.

Although the dangerous logician sided with the [[Decepticon]]s in the war that eventually gripped [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], this is merely an alliance of convenience: Shockwave serves no cause but his own. Following eons of careful work, the scientist's influence is truly galaxy-spanning, and when his machinations reach fruition, the universe may never be the same again.

{{bigquote|All life '''is''' equal. I merely assign it a '''quantifiable value—'''zero.|Shockwave|"[[...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done]]"}}

{{first|''[[Spotlight: Shockwave]]''; [[Ghost Stories|''Transformers'' Annual 2017]] (as Onyx Prime)}}

==Fiction==
===Student, Senator, Shadowplay===
{{bigquote|I always did have a '''flair''' for the '''dramatic'''.|Shockwave making the understatement of the century|"[[Post]]"}}
[[File:RID17 senator shockwave.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.55|There's something different about Shockers here...]]
Six million years ago, long before the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Shockwave was the greatest student of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}} With the Cybertronian population growing exponentially under [[Nova Prime]]'s program of expansion, the forward-looking Shockwave grew fearful of an [[energon]] shortage that he saw as inevitable. Inspired by Jhiaxus's talk of a prophecy known as "[[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron]]" that predated the rise of Nova Prime, he began experiments to develop a self-regenerating energy source. Distilling an ore from energon, Shockwave sought to test his creation by seeding it beneath [[Crystal City]], but unfortunately, the city was ravaged in a battle between [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and Jhiaxus's newest terrible creation, the combiner [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]. The city's ruins were subsequently sealed beneath the planet's surface, leaving Shockwave to believe his test was unlikely to complete itself. Morever, Monstructor's defeat was the first time he saw his teacher and his works as fallible, and as Jhiaxus left Cybertron on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]]'', Shockwave took up his role, striving to study and better his master's works. {{storylink|Shockwaves}} In doing so, he began studying the secrets of ancient Cybertron, amassing a thorough knowledge of the rise of the [[Thirteen]] and the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] that saw their alliance undone. {{storylink|The Crucible}} {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who was Named}}

Becoming a [[senate|senator]] in the new regime that formed on Cybertron, Shockwave marked his first day in the senate by announcing the founding of the [[Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology]], in memory of his departed teacher's good works. He immediately clashed with senator [[Proteus]], whose short-sightedness and [[functionism]] sat ill with Shockwave, but found a friend in Senator [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], who was initially wary of his continued study of Jhiaxus's sciences, but with whom he shared a dislike of Proteus. {{storylink|Shockwaves}} Shockwave quickly developed a reputation as an extremely expressive individual (known for changing his colour scheme regularly) that even saw him suspended from duty on occasion for "emotional outbursts unbecoming a senator". His master's teachings drove Shockwave in his work, as he focused on myriad ways of advancing the Transformer race: in addition to repeatedly voting to bring back Nova Prime's spark-splicing programs, he secretly used the Academy as a safe haven for [[Outlier (group)|outliers]], Transformers with abnormal abilities and functions who were hated and feared by functionists because their abilities had nothing to do with their alt modes. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} He taught his closest charges of the [[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron prophecy]], {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} sank billions into various offworld projects, and came into contact with the enigmatic [[Omega Guardian]]s. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} His contact with the aliens would lead him to theorize that an artifact in their possession, the [[Epistemus|Magnificence]], was actually one of the legendary [[Knights of Cybertron]], one with such a powerful urge for knowledge that he had surrendered his body in the process. {{storylink|The Ties That Bind (issue)|The Ties That Bind}}

[[File:ChaosTheoryPart2 Orion and the Senator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|...something I just can't quite...]]
Recognizing that Proteus and current planet leader [[Nominus Prime]] were resistant to change, Shockwave began befriending certain promising young Cybertronians and modifying them so that they could carry the [[Matrix of Leadership]], with the hope that one of them could take leadership of their race and steer Cybertron off the dark path the Senate had placed it upon. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} When police captain [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] stormed into a Senate meeting with accusations of corruption amongst its ranks, Shockwave saw this potential in him. The damaged Pax was apprehended after his tirade, but Shockwave arranged for his release and repair, adding a Matrix chamber to his chest. After his release, Pax met his secret benefactor in front of the ''Ark-1'' memorial, where Shockwave warned him that factions within the senate had arranged for a recent attack on Nominus Prime in an attempt to gain control of the Matrix's power. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 2|Chaos Theory #2}}

[[File:Unnamed senator in Patternism.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|...seem to put my finger on...]]
In time, word of Nominus's death was released to the public; although the Prime's passing was attributed to a rust infection, when Shockwave met with Orion and his friend [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]], he was able to confirm that the Senate had their head of security [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]] kill Nominus when the Matrix within him proved to be a fake. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} Soon after, Pax received a tip-off from revenge-seeking former Senate agent [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] of a plot that was soon to claim Shockwave's life, so Pax had Ratchet and [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] visit the Academy of Advanced Technology and take him into protective custody. Along with Pax's other allies, Shockwave was able to provide enough evidence to help Orion figure out that the Senate had turned the fake Matrix in Nominus's body into a bomb that they would detonate as his body lay in state, which they could blame on the trouble-making [[Decepticon]] movement, an underground organization advocating the dissolution of the functionist regime. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} Shockwave gathered three of his outlier students, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Tarn (DJD)|Glitch]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], to help with the theft of the Matrix-bomb, but he himself was kept under guard in case things went wrong. Shockwave laughed that off, thinking he was too high profile for Sentinel to assassinate, but in the midst of the heist, he found out how wrong he was when Senate thugs burned down the Academy and broke into the safehouse intending to capture him: Sentinel had found out about the army of outliers and was ''very'' unhappy. While Orion Pax was willing to fight to save Shockwave, the senator willingly went with his captors rather than allow Roller to be killed in his name.

[[File:Shadowplay3-SenatorWho.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|IDW sure loves their splash panels of Shockwave being assembled. And we sure love uploading them!]]
The captive Shockwave was taken to the [[Institute]] and subjected to "[[Shadowplay]]", the emotion centers of his brain cut out by [[mnemosurgery]] to change his entire personality, turning him from a fiery crusader into an emotionless husk. To add insult to injury, Proteus and Sentinel had [[empurata]] performed on him, taking away his face and hands, replacing them with a featureless mask and claws solely out of spite. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

===Joining the Decepticons===
[[File:RID17 useful effect.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|{{w|Edward Scissorhands|I'm not finished}}]]
Proteus could not have predicted the monster his actions would unleash. Where he had considered the mutilation of Shockwave a punishment, Shockwave, freed of the bonds of morality by the removal of his emotions, felt ''liberated'' by the experience, now able to take the most logical path to saving Cybertron. Shortly after lying about his previous energon-shortage concerns during a hearing so he could continue to work toward a solution alone, Shockwave was approached by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], who brought him before [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], leader and founder of the Decepticons, who had recently turned to increasingly excessive terrorist tactics. Realizing that Shockwave had a goal of his own, but with no interest in what it actually ''was'', Megatron offered him a laboratory and the resources to continue his work that the senate could not provide, in return for Shockwave using Jhiaxus's technology to create a combiner for the Decepticons. Shockwave accepted, though he cautioned that the creation of the combiner could take a very long time. {{storylink|Shockwaves}} He did not know it at the time, but his mere presence had made him an object of distrust to Megatron's loyal lieuteant, [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], because he could not read his Shadowplayed mind. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}

Severing his ties with Orion Pax, Shockwave used the resources Megatron had provided to secretly continue his alternate energy experiments, more sure than ever that the political strife raging across Cybertron would ultimately give way to a war not over ideals, but resources. He distilled a variety of different synthetic energons and tested them on an assortment of innocent Cybertronians, few of whom—if ''any''—survived the myriad unusual effects the new fuels had. Seeking to speed Shockwave's science, Megatron offered him a pair of hands to replace his empurata-granted claws, but upon hearing of Megatron's plan to kill the Senate the following day and truly began a war on Cybertron, Shockwave chose to take only one hand, replacing the other with a gun he saw as being more useful for the coming conflict. In one last lingering moment of sentimentality, however, he visited Dai Atlas's quarters the night before the planned assassination and shot him, wounding him enough that he was unable to attend the Senate meeting, thus sparing him the other Senators' fates. {{storylink|Shockwaves}} Shockwave joined the Decepticons in their attack on [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] the next day, and met with Soundwave to arrange the construction of a new body for captured senator [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}}

[[File:Autocracy8 shockwave destroys destructor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Shockwave, that wasn't the enemy...that was the bunny sanctuary" "I'm still counting that as a win"]]
The deaths of the Senate and Sentinel Prime allowed [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta]], another of Shockwave's candidates, to ascend to the rank of Prime. By the time of Zeta's reign, Shockwave's sinister experiments had earned the scientist a reputation as "obsessed with combiners". {{storylink|Omega's Conundrum}} Together with [[Ferak]], Shockwave invented a "nightmare transmitter" that used Soundwave's abilities to manipulate an average Transformer, [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]], into supporting the Decepticons with terrorist acts. The experiment was ended after Orion Pax and [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] tracked the signal and raided Shockwave's base. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Over time, Zeta's extremism forged strange bedfellows; when Orion turned on Zeta, he was badly injured by the Prime and had to be rescued by Megatron and the Decepticons. Shockwave repaired his old friend's wounds, and witnessed Orion's unit form an alliance with the Decepticons. {{storylink|Choices}} When the two sides launched an attack on Zeta, Shockwave gained the satisfaction of destroying the last [[Guardian robot|Omega Destructor]], then witnessed Megatron's betrayal of Orion's unit. {{storylink|Overthrown}} Megatron's short-lived rule of Cybertron came to an end when the Autobots attacked the [[Citadel]] and defeated him, forcing Shockwave to call for a retreat. {{storylink|Endgame}}

[[File:Monstrosity9 shockwave vs grimlock.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Shockwave is foiled by the illogic of space dinosaurs.]]
Not long thereafter, Shockwave was present at [[Kolkular]] when [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]] announced that he had banished Megatron for his failure to hold Cybertron. {{storylink|Wreckage (issue)|Wreckage}} When the [[Exodus (event)|exodus]] began, Scorponok had the Decepticons assault [[Starsreach Spaceport]], an attack that Shockwave saw as an inefficient use of resources. {{storylink|Massacre}} His forces met with resistance from a raging [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] who tore them to pieces and shrugged off Shockwave's firepower, forcing him to call for another retreat while picking shrapnel out of his arm. They rejoined Scorponok at the [[Toraxxis Plains]], where to their shock and horror they found him in the process of reawakening [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Unleashed}} With Scorponok having accomplished nothing but bringing Cybertron further into ruin, the Decepticons rejected him as soon as Megatron returned from his exile. Once their true leader had dealt with the usurper, Shockwave repaired the injuries he had sustained during his absence. {{storylink|The Illusion of Control}} He was subsequently present as Megatron turned a defeated Trypticon into a Decepticon, {{storylink|Belly of the Beast (issue)|Belly of the Beast}} and was among those who boarded the beast's starship mode and left Cybertron in search of the Decepticons who'd defected during Scorponok's reign. {{storylink|Primacy issue 1|Primacy #1}} Once the Decepticon army was reconsolidated, they returned home for an all-out assault on Iacon, {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} during which Shockwave oversaw a failed tactical strike on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}}

[[File:ALonelyPillarOnThePlain ProwlVShockwave.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.0|Prick Vs. One-Eyed Willie.]]
Shockwave later led a squad back to Junkion to claim the world's gravimetric core for use as a weapon. His squad was met by Prowl and eventually one of them decided to detonate the core and destroy Junkion. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

As the war progressed, Shockwave helped create the super-Decepticons known as the "[[Warriors Elite]]", programming them with killswitches and viruses that would prevent them from turning on Megatron. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} He was also known to have commanded a [[Worldsweeper]] at some point during the conflict. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}} Shockwave also made the mistake of earning the enmity of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] after they stole a cache of energon from him; reaching the logical conclusion that if he could not have the energon, neither could they, Shockwave tracked them back to Autobot territory and destroyed the energon supply. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} At some point he stood over Megatron's shoulder while the Decepticon leader and [[Solomus|Tyrest]] tried to broker a peace accord. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}}
{{-}}

===Regenesis===
Six hundred thousand [[Units of time|meta-cycles]] ago, Shockwave's experiments with alternative energy sources reached a turning point with the program he called "[[Regenesis]]". He covertly launched thirteen rockets from Cybertron to thirteen other worlds with specific geological properties, each carrying with them a different kind of ore distilled from energon that would be seeded across the target planets. It was Shockwave's hope that the chain reactions which would ensure would potentially yield thirteen different kinds of energy sources that could abate the energy crisis that was now looming ever larger. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} At the time, Shockwave selected the planets at random, simply seeking out specific geological profiles that would allow his ores to take root. Unknown to him, all the worlds he had selected had been touched in some way by the [[Thirteen]] Primes as arranged by his future self millennia beforehand. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:Shockwave Regenesis.jpg‎|upright=1.4|thumb|left|Scientific progress goes "KT-TKK"]]
Around 100,000 years after launching the rockets, Shockwave left Cybertron aboard [[Darksyde (BW)|his own ship]] to examine the fruits of his labor, his whereabouts left unknown to those he had left behind on his homeworld. The results were far from what had been expected: the mutated ores had taken on a variety of esoteric qualities that went so far as to affect the fabric of space and time around them. For next the next half-million years, Shockwave travelled from world to world, observing the various powers of the ores; on the gas giant [[Arduria]], he found that the [[Ore-6]] sent there had developed the power to halt molecular motion, blanketing the planet it eternal cold. After putting some of the slowly dying [[Ardurian roc|native rocs]] out of their misery, he remarked that while not his intended result, it served as a learning experience nonetheless. {{storylink|Syndromica (1)}} {{storylink|Strange Visitors}} Other explorations discerned that about half of the ores had successfully taken root on their target worlds: [[Ore-1]], on [[LV-117]], had the ability to transcend time, offering Shockwave tantalizing glimpses of the future; {{storylink|Syndromica (2)}} [[Ore-2]], on [[Gorlam Prime]], drained the life from all around it; {{storylink|Homecoming (IDW)|Homecoming}} [[Ore-7]] had attained transmutative properties; {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} and [[Ore-8]], on [[Tsiehshi]], had taken the form of highly explosive, unstable crystals. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}} Though millennia away from being realized, Shockwave's mind began to piece together a scheme that would unite these different ores and their powers to achieve his dream.

10,000 years ago, Shockwave arrived on the thirteenth world: prehistoric [[Earth]], at the end of its {{w|Pleistocene|most recent ice age}}. The extremely powerful [[Ore-13]] seeded on this world was catalysing so strongly that the reaction needed to be regulated with global dampers. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Grimlock}}

[[File:Revolutionaries5 talisman wipes axalon memories.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|"A little paint, some new carpeting. A good fixer upper."]]

As he entered the orbit of the icy world, he discovered that a different Transformer ship had been drawn to Earth, attracted to his burgeoning supply of Ore-13: the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', captained by [[Domitius Major]] and crewed by the [[Maximal]]s. Shockwave bounced an intercepted transmission of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to the starship before shooting it down over what would one day become the nation of [[Brasnya]]. Investigating the wreckage of the ship and its bestial occupants, he discovered that the vessel was carrying a [[Talisman (G1)|strange artifact]], one that had activated and scrambled the memories of its crew during the crash-landing. When [[Centurion (IDW)|one of their number]] regained consciousness and—glimpsing the Autobot transmission—wondered aloud if he was Bumblebee, his confusion gave Shockwave an idea for one of his cruel experiments.

By replacing their lost memories with data of the Autobots and Decepticons of Cybertron, Shockwave convinced the amnesiac Maximals that they were all combatants in the Great War, remaking them into copies of key players in the conflict and even rebuilding one of their number into [[Maximal Shockwave|a copy of himself]]. After conditioning them, he pitted the "Autobots" and "Decepticons" against one another in a series of [[Ice Age Wars|simulated wargames]] for his tactical benefit. As Shockwave watched their simulated battles, he studied the mysterious artifact that the Maximals had brought with them, watching as it created [[IRON Trooper|robotic drones]] from the wreckage. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

[[File:Shockwaveg1idw.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.15|Shockwave began to have second thoughts over his choice of manicurists.]]

As Shockwave went about his business, he was unaware of a threat that had shadowed him: the Dynobots had tracked him down, and were seeking to settle their old score. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} Shockwave's twisted games went on for a century; when the Maximals ran low on Energon, Shockwave abandoned them and their artifact to their fate and returned to his main objective on Earth. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

As Shockwave finished planting the dampers and was preparing to visit other Regenesis worlds, the Dynobots teleported upon him. The attack threw Shockwave off-kilter with both its ferocity and its unexpectedness, as he had anticipated a stab in the back from Megatron but had failed to consider the simple vengeance of the Dynobots. Mentally and physically confounded by the assault, Shockwave deactivated his higher reasoning and allowed a subroutine simulating rage to take over. This brutal, violent Shockwave decimated the Dynobots, burning off the organic coating shielding them from the planet's high energon fields and forcing them into [[stasis lock]]. As the battle concluded, Shockwave restored his full neural operations and logged the emotional experience for further study. But, as his logic center churned away once more, it again failed to anticipate his enemies' chaotic nature. Specifically, Grimlock had set a dead-man's switch on [[Skyfire (ship)|the Dynobots' ship]], and before Shockwave could act upon his own victory, the ship shot an energy beam into a nearby volcano, causing it to erupt and consume all of the combatants, entombing them for millennia to come. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Grimlock}} In the meantime, his Maximal creations simply fought on amongst one another until they ran out of energon and entered stasis. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

Shockwave's long absence would eventually rouse Megatron's suspicions, and he assigned [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to search through Shockwave's files, {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} in turn tasking Soundwave with shadowing Bludgeon, {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}} knowing that Shockwave had been working on something in secret and intending to use it for the Decepticon cause. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}

After spending centuries trapped in the [[Noisemaze]], the unaligned scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)|Mesothulas]] decided to investigate where Shockwave had trodden and refined Shockwave's old samples of Ore-13 to create the superfuel [[obtenteum]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

===Machinations===
[[File:Shockwave Agent Red.jpg‎|upright=1.5|thumb|[[Transformers (film)|Call him NBE-1]].]]
Shockwave's body was uncovered by a human [[Goring|human archaeological team]] in 2005. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} The discovery drew the attention of the government organization [[Skywatch]], who soon swept in and took the operation over. {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}} Skywatch proceeded to exhume both Shockwave and the Dynobots, and began experimenting with neural inhibitors to control their new discoveries. Results were consistently disastrous; both the Dynobots and their other captives [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] were soon running out of their control. Skywatch commander [[Joshua Red]] had Shockwave rebuilt and brought online in their [[Salt Lake City]] base {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 2|Maximum Dinobots #2}} and charged him with rounding up the rogue Transformers. Rather than a neural inhibitor, Shockwave was motivated with a decidedly less sophisticated method: a bomb placed in his head would detonate in 24 hours if Skywatch didn't transmit a reset code. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 3|Maximum Dinobots #3}}

[[File:Shockwave V Scorponok MD.jpg‎‎|upright=1.4|thumb|left|Declarative: [[...All This and Civil War 2|Turnabout is fair play]].]]
Given the presence of Ravage and Laserbeak on Earth, Shockwave correctly deduced that their master, Soundwave, must also be on the planet; he had followed Bludgeon there in pursuit of Shockwave's Ore-13 and wound up trapped in his [[alternate mode]], in the possession of a child in [[Portland]], [[Oregon]]. Shockwave tracked him down shortly after Laserbeak and Ravage had retrieved him from his human captivity, and proposed a deal: Shockwave would undo the mode-lock, originally caused by a weapon of his design, in return for Soundwave intercepting the reset codes for the implanted bomb. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}} Soundwave attempted to further bargain for information on the Regenesis program, but was rebuffed when Shockwave observed that said information would die with him if the bomb went off. {{Storylink|Shockpoint}} Relenting, Soundwave allowed his cassettes to be "captured" and handed over to Skywatch, to sell Shockwave's deception, whilst the scientist went in search of the Dynobots. Discovering them already engaged with Scorponok and the [[Machination]], Shockwave decided to engage Scorponok's forces first, so he could destroy the Dynobots himself. By the time Shockwave beat Scorponok, only 12 minutes of his 24-hour countdown remained, and Grimlock proved to have more than 12 minutes' worth of fight left in him. On the 30-second mark, the two were still grappling in a Machination arms bunker, so Joshua Red ordered the reset code sent, wanting to ensure all other combatants were down before killing his pawn. The code was successfully intercepted and decrypted by Soundwave, who transmitted the information to Shockwave, who in return sent him instructions to mentally disable the mode-lock. Soundwave transformed, his cassettes attacked their would-be captors, and Shockwave abruptly walked away from his fight, declaring an end to the "charade". But Grimlock would not be denied his revenge, so before Shockwave could leave, he detonated a grenade that blew the arms bunker sky-high. The two were soon recovered, still functioning, by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], who took Shockwave, Scorponok and Grimlock into custody. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers3 - Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|So do we blame Shockwave for letting Overlord off his leash, or Overlord for unleashing the one-eyed purple people eater again?]]
Shockwave was sent to the [[Garrus-9]] penitentiary, where his spark was extracted for imprisonment. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}} At some point prior to his imprisonment, however, Shockwave had been able to make contact with Bludgeon and the [[Pretender Monster|Monstructor Six]] and recruit them as his personal agents, though they wound up simply fighting with the main Decepticon forces some time later, when the galaxy-wide Decepticon uprising known as the [[Surge (event)|Surge]] took place. {{storylink|Shockpoint}} During the Surge, [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] took control of Garrus-9, and after one year of holding the facility, he had Shockwave's spark reintegrated with his body to make him an offer: in exchange for his freedom and a hand-picked crew, Shockwave would remove the [[Achilles virus]] that had been implanted in Overlord during his conversion to a Warrior Elite. Shockwave agreed to the terms as they served his own purposes, but he was quick to comment that Overlord's actions on Garrus-9 were less about the former general's gratification and more about attracting Megatron's attention. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

Knowing he was on [[The List]] and that the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] would quickly catch up to him, Shockwave selected thirty-one prisoners who were also on The List so as to bribe his [[Tarn (DJD)|former pupil]]. When Tarn called however, he rejected the bribe much to Shockwave's bafflement before he began applying his killer voice to the former senator. Though forced to his knees, Shockwave simply destroyed the communicator before the ''[[Torment]]'' arrived, scaring off the D.J.D. {{storylink|The Ties That Bind (issue)|The Ties That Bind}}

During Shockwave's time in Skywatch captivity, the researchers had gathered enough information about him to design a weapon based on his technology. According to [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]], the first working prototypes were the size of a house, but with some unspecified "outside help", they were able to condense it to a size small enough for hand-held use by a human. Around the time of Shockwave's liberation from Garrus-9, roughly a year after Megatron's forces overran the Earth following the Surge, Spike was sent in with a military squad to retrieve the weapon from its [[New York City]] storehouse and use it to kill Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Though his team perished, Spike survived, got the weapon, and successfully shot Megatron in the head, ending the Decepticon occupation. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:RID21 a better spacebridge.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Over the next two years, Shockwave returned his focus to Regenesis, and began slowly putting the players and pieces in motion for his ultimate endgame. He re-established communication with Bludgeon and Monstructor, {{storylink|Shockpoint}} and also recruited the Decepticon warmonger [[Turmoil]], providing him with a ship in return for his visiting LV-117 with instructions to collect data from the Regenesis missile there. In actuality, with this particular action, Shockwave was deliberately perpetuating a [[time travel|predestination paradox]] of sorts, ensuring the visions of the future that he had seen while on LV-117 years beforehand would come to pass. {{storylink|Syndromica (2)}} His plans for the future momentarily complete, Shockwave rejoined what remained of the main Decepticon command structure, now under the leadership of Starscream and encamped on a desolate asteroid following their retreat from Earth. Conferring with Soundwave, he agreed to help build a new body for the devastated Megatron in exchange for being able to utilize some of the Decepticons' limited resources to finally perfect [[space bridge]] travel. {{storylink|Shockpoint}} The scientist made the two projects one and the same by implanting nodes obtained from [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] in Megatron's new body, giving the Decepticon leader the power to open space bridge at will. {{storylink|Spotlight: Megatron}} {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|Altered Carbon}}

[[File:IDWongoing7 shockwave at work.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95]]
Having been unaware of the plan to repair Megatron and believing Shockwave had been working on space bridge technology alone, {{storylink|All His Engines}} Starscream was furious when he discovered what he believed the pair had been dedicating their resources to: using the remnants of Megatron's old body to make tiny replicas of his gun form, with plans to distribute them amongst the population of Earth in order to create chaos amongst both the humans and Autobots. Megatron revealed his revival to Starscream, {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|Altered Carbon}} and a short time after that, retook Decepticon leadership; Shockwave eager to run further tests on the new technology within his body, but Megatron, unwilling to be a cog in whatever machinations Shockwave was surely planning, assured him everything was in order and had him continue working on the gun replicas. {{storylink|Spotlight: Megatron}} After finishing, Shockwave carefully calculated that [[Quetzaltenango]], [[Mexico]] was the most appropriate location to deposit the Megatron guns, and stood by Megatron as he sent the weapons through the space bridge to Earth. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|Altered Carbon}} Four months later, the Decepticons themselves traveled to Earth to see through their plan, where Soundwave was heavily injured in a confrontation with Optimus Prime. When ordered to repair him, Shockwave protested that he no longer had the resources he had used to rebuild Megatron, but when pressed, affirmed that he could in fact save Soundwave's life. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|Enemy Mine}}

===Shockpoint===
[[File:RID21 shockwave watches deceptigod.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.95|Don't see that every day.]]
Megatron would later use the space bridge technology built into in his new body to summon Shockwave and the rest of the Decepticons to him on Cybertron. {{storylink|The Question}} They arrived in the midst of [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s attempt to prevent the emergence of the [[Dead Universe]] entity known as the [[D-Void]], {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} and the evil entity proceeded to ensnare the minds of the Decepticons, using their collective belief in the Decepticon cause to mentally and physically fuse them all together into a huge [[Deceptigod|monster]]. All, that is, save for Shockwave, who had never believed in the cause, and silently watched as Megatron battled the giant beast. Once Galvatron and the monstrosity were defeated, Cybertron began to reformat into a primordial state; having seen potential in the merged Decepticon monster to perfect combiner technology, Megatron withdrew into the wilderness, informing Shockwave of his plans. Shockwave then shared this information with Soundwave and [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and the trio began conspiring to facilitate Megatron's new scheme. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}

[[File:Needlenose Autonomy Lesson.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb]]
Rather than try to escape or fight a battle they knew they could not win, Shockwave and his compatriots allowed themselves to taken into custody with the other Decepticons when Ratbat negotiated their surrender to the Autobots. They were kept in confinement for a few weeks in the rebuilt Iacon, now under the unstable governance of [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]], before being released to deal with rioting "[[NAIL]]s" who had returned to repopulate Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} After a while, being an enforcer for the Autobots did not sit well with [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]], and he accused Shockwave, Soundwave and Bombshell of just sitting around instead of doing something about the Decepticons' situation. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} He was wrong, of course: along with Soundwave, Shockwave was working with Ratbat to take control of the [[inhibitor/deterrence chip]]s implanted in them by the Autobots, though he was plainly uninterested in the plan, merely remarking that "Events will play out as they will." when asked for his opinion. {{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} But Megatron's ongoing plot was not the only reason for Shockwave's disinterest in Ratbat's power games: in furtheration of his own personal, secret schemes revolving around Regenesis, he had once again contacted Bludgeon and Monstructor, and had them free his old teacher Jhiaxus from Autobot captivity, before setting them on course for LV-117. {{storylink|Syndromica (1)}}

[[File:RID9 you bore me.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Swindle...who let you back in the house?]]
Following the failure of Ratbat's plan, Shockwave was petitioned by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] to help [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], who was on the run from the Autobots after claiming to have witnessed [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] murder the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Swindle gambled that Shockwave was not as disinterested in the political strife of the planet he appeared, but Shockwave merely questioned what Swindle expected him to do with this information. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} Far greater matters occupied Shockwave's attention: Turmoil had recently returned to Cybertron, the ship Shockwave had given him now outfitted with a time machine created by inhabitants of LV-117 he had enslaved during his visit there. To ensure the future he had seen would come to pass, Shockwave had [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] steal the ship and return it to LV-117, {{storylink|Night and the City}} where it was then retrieved by Jhiaxus's group. {{storylink|Syndromica (2)}} Around this time, Shockwave also made contact with the [[Ammonite]]s, a faction of a robotic alien race whose cold war had recently grown hot again, and offered to end their conflict if they would work for him. {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}} Shockwave had the Ammonites attempt to obtain the one Regenesis ore that had been lost to him: Ore-7, which had been found by Metroplex. The Titan put the ore out of his attackers' reach by jettisoning it, so as a back-up plan, Shockwave had the Ammonites infect Metroplex with Ore-2, knowing that in time, he would have to call the Ore-7 back to heal himself. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

[[File:Endofthebeginningoftheworld-astrotrainsoundwaveshockwaveblitzwing.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I said a dab of purple, Needlenose. A dab! DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A DAB TO YOU!?]]
After an explosive assassination attempt on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Starscream confronted Shockwave, assuming the attack was his doing. Though Starscream warned Shockwave to not interfere with his political ascension, Shockwave refused to humor him; Starscream had made his choice to live with the Autobots, while the remaining Decepticons under Shockwave's care rejected the growing new government architecture. Shockwave seemingly underestimated Starscream's cunning, however, and later he and his Decepticons were assaulted by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]. The Autobot assassin, under orders from both Prowl and Starscream, made it appear as if the Decepticons' own base had exploded and buried them, stealing Shockwave, Soundwave and those under their command away to the [[Black Room]] with Prowl's other secret prisoners. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} In truth, this was all an act for Starscream's benefit: Prowl was under the control of Bombshell, and had only "captured" Shockwave and the others so they could be reunited with Megatron in time for his master plan: using a new and improved Devastator to conquer Cybertron once and for all. {{storylink|The Verge}} {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

[[File:RID17 shockwave vehiclemode.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.95|BFF's forever!]]
His role in Megatron's plan now complete, Shockwave no longer needed to keep up appearances and promptly left Iacon. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}} Believing both Megatron's rebellion and Bumblebee's government were doomed to fail, Shockwave took [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] with him out into the wilderness, to the subterranean remains of Crystal City, which had somehow survived Cybertron's reversion to its primitive state ''and'' the supposed recent obliteration by an exploding [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]]. It was the original seed Shockwave had sown beneath the city that had recreated it each time, [[Ore-14]], the key to resurrection—which Shockwave tested by shooting Dreadwing dead, only for the ore to immediately revive him. A plan begun millions of years ago was at last reaching its endgame. {{storylink|Shockwaves}}
{{-}}

===Dark Cybertron===
[[File:RID22 shockwave and necrotitan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Schrödinger's Robotic Demi-God didn't have quite the same punch...]]
From the new base he quickly established in Crystal City, Shockwave communicated with Jhiaxus again, who, in accordance with his plans, had lured Optimus Prime to Gorlam Prime. {{storylink|Homecoming (IDW)|Homecoming}} Shockwave was briefly distracted from his work by the arrival of a furious Soundwave, seeking revenge for Shockwave's abandonment of the Decepticons, {{storylink|Shockpoint}} but after a brief, vicious battle, it became apparent that the presence of Ore-14 in the cavern meant that none of the combatants could die, so Soundwave retreated, and Shockwave allowed him to leave rather than face further delay. While this was going on, Jhiaxus duped Optimus Prime into awakening a [[Quintessa (IDW)|Titan]] that had been slumbering on Gorlam Prime, which, under the direction of new recruit [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], then teleported directly to Crystal City. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} Shockwave gleefully welcomed the Titan, and watched as the Ore-2 from Gorlam Prime in its systems began reacting with the Ore-14 around them, transforming it into a zombie "Necrotitan". Through the link to that Dead Universe this behemoth provided, Shockwave was able to contact his old contemporaries Nova Prime and Galvatron, and, feigning obeisance, vowed to serve Nova in the conquest of the living universe. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} In forging the communications link between the living and Dead Universes, however, the Necrotitan's space bridge had unexpectedly disappeared, leaving Nova and Galvatron with no means of crossing over, but Shockwave, of course, had a contingency plan: the space bridge he had equipped Megatron's body with months beforehand. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

[[File:RID24 shockwave waspinators staff.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|Careful, the universe hates the guy who uses that.]]
Megatron was currently in Autobot custody after the failure of his most recent scheme, so Shockwave had the deceased NAIL leader [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] revived with Ore-14 and mentally controlled by Jhiaxus into retrieving Megatron's immobilized form for his use. {{storylink|Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Winners & Losers}} Unsurprisingly, Megatron refused to co-operate, so Shockwave sliced him open and activated the bridge manually, {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} but as Nova Prime and Galvatron began to emerge, the united forces of Bumblebee's Autobot and Soundwave's Decepticons stormed Crystal City. During the ensuing battle, Shockwave took possession of Waspinator's stinger weapon, through which the hapless Decepticon had forged his link with the Titan; using this link, Shockwave was able to take direct control of the Necrotitan, and brought it crashing into the cavern to end the conflict. In the chaos that resulted, Nova Prime was forced back through the portal, but Galvatron managed to make the crossing, and was then surreptitiously directed by Shockwave to disable Megatron, shutting the portal down. Finally, Shockwave sent the Titan to ravage Iacon. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}}

In short order, Jhiaxus, Bludgeon and Monstructor returned to Cybertron, bringing with them what ores they had obtained during their travels, the last of the pieces now in place for Shockwave's endgame to be enacted. {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}} The Necrotitan's rampage was no mere act of random destruction: it was intended to force Metroplex's hand, necessitating that he return to Cybertron to defend his allies, bringing the Ore-7 with him, thereby gathering all the products of Regenesis on Cybertron at last. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} Uniting the Ore-7 with Ore-2 and Ore-14 put the power of life and death in Shockwave's hands; merging Ore-6 with Ore-8 granted him control of the potential energy of all matter; and fusing Ore-1 and Ore-13 bent the fabric of time to his will. The universe itself was now Shockwave's to mould, but to do so required the sacrifice of ''another'' universe: the Dead Universe. Nova Prime's failure to cross over had not been unintentional; cast back to the Dead Universe, he was subsequently slain by Optimus Prime, who had traveled there through the Gorlam Prime portal, just as Shockwave had planned. [[File:RID27 unstuck in time.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95| See, told ya]] With Nova dead, his control of the energies of the Dead Universe was lost, allowing Shockwave to drain them via an unwitting Galvatron's link. With these powers combined within him, Shockwave could now enact the perfect solution to the problem of finite resources that he had striven to solve all his life: he would bring the Dark Cybertron prophecy to fulfillment by collapsing all of reality into a pinpoint singularity, to feed Cybertron in an endless forever. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

[[File:DarkCybertron12-Shockwave.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|"Interrogative: Is this... emotion?"]]
The time machine from Turmoil's ship was used to drain the life energy of the Dead Universe from its very beginning to its end, then linked with Shockwave's systems. Upon the machine's activation, Shockwave was assailed with images of his life from all throughout his past; only his emotionless focus prevented his mind from being set adrift on the sea of time. The unlikely pair of Bumblebee and Megatron ventured into Crystal City to stop him, but the empowered Shockwave slew Bumblebee, sending Megatron into a rage. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} The battle between the two Decepticons was soon joined by Optimus Prime, returned from the Dead Universe, who attempted to reason with Shockwave and remind him of the kindly senator he had once been. Prime's words had little effect, so Megatron opted for a more outrageous display: his recent experiences had opened up a new way of thinking to him, and before the stunned Shockwave's eye, he declared himself an Autobot and donned the faction's symbol. Confused and distraught, Shockwave's focus began to waver, and the memories of his pre-Shadowplay self began to creep back, until Optimus gave them a final push by reminding him of small, intimate details of their friendship like a broken bench at their favored meeting spot. Senator Shockwave was horrified to see what he had become, but with the time machine integrated with his systems, he was unable to simply turn if off. At Shockwave's request, Prime and Megatron opened fire and destroyed the drive, collapsing the machine into a singularity that seemingly consumed Shockwave's body. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

Six months later, Shockwave's old base of Crystal City (along with Ore-14 and the Time Drive) had been completely consumed leaving a city-sized dent in the planet's surface. The singularity itself hovered a few feet above the centre of the crater. Ironhide was a frequent visitor as Shockwave's machinations had destroyed his vision for the future. No one on Cybertron either cared or knew that Shockwave had seemingly perished as his original self rather than the emotionless one he was famous for. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}} News of Shockwave's demise would eventually reach Earth; when [[Action Man|Ian Noble]] encountered the "[[Maximal Shockwave]]" that the real Shockwave had once created, he mistook the facsimile for the genuine article. {{storylink|Power and Glory}}

===Onyx Prime===
[[File:TheFirstWhoWasNamed-MegatronusOrigins.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"So all of IDW isn't my fault yet? Time to fix that!"]]
Unbeknownst to all, Shockwave had ''not'' perished beneath Crystal City; rather, the singularity Shockwave had inadvertently created could warp ''time'' as well as space. Shockwave was flung twelve million years back in time and wound up in the barbaric age following the departure of the [[Knights of Cybertron]], awakening in the land where the Crystal City would one day be founded.

Badly damaged and running low on energon, Shockwave aimlessly wandered the deserts of prehistoric Cybertron, coming to grips with his newfound emotions, until the day he stumbled across "[[Onyx Prime|Onyx]]," a kindly shepherd who led a flock of less-fortunate beasts in their search for [[energon]]. Realizing the historical significance of this individual from his studies of Cybertronian history, {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} Shockwave saw a way that he could complete his final goal of ensuring a lasting Cybertronian hegemony, {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} and swiftly slew him. The deed done, Shockwave recruited one of Onyx's followers and dubbed this nomad "[[The Fallen|Megatronus]]", so named for the Decepticon conqueror that would one day arise. Shockwave fashioned a new body for himself from Onyx's remains, and dubbed himself "'''Onyx Prime'''"; {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} having learned from his mistakes, Shockwave was no longer a being of pure logic, and vowed to "embrace chaos" as he embarked on a new mission to wipe Cybertronian history clean and ensure the perpetual dominance of the Cybertronian species—a complex, multi-faceted goal that would last millions of years. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}}

[[File:OriginMyths-OnyxPrimeAndLiegeMaximo.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Shockwave thought he was a shoo-in to win the cosplay competition, but Liege crushed the fangirl vote.]]

Knowing that the conquests of Megatronus would provide the impetus for the rest of Cybertron to unify against the warlord, Onyx trained Megatronus as his pupil, instructing him in the ways of war and eventually inspiring him to build an empire of his own in Cybertron's western lands. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} As Megatronus's [[Darklands|Darklanders]] ran amok across Cybertron, Onyx set about gathering new allies, and found a willing collaborator in the deposed king [[Liege Maximo]] {{storylink|Origin Myths}} and his army of bestial [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}} Taking on the Maximals as his new "menagerie," Onyx brought his forces to the village that would one day become the Crystal City, where he met with the alliance of Primes —[[Alchemist Prime|Alchemist]], [[Vector Prime|Vector]], [[Solus Prime|Solus]], [[Nexus Prime|Nexus]], and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]—and inspired their followers to take up arms and stop Megatronus' army together, using the young Alpha Trion's belief in the power of myths and legends to goad the young civilization into taking a stand.

The next morning, Onyx and his forces joined the fight against Megatronus; as the battle ground on, however, the ground beneath Cybetrtron shook and disgorged three [[Titan (group)|Titans]]: [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], and [[Chela]]. The sight of the ancient warriors drew the entire battle to a halt, providing Onyx Prime with the opening to slice through the Darklanders and reach Megatronus; his goal of unifying Cybertron against a common foe accomplished, Onyx and Megatronus agreed to a "truce," and that night all eight Primes agreed to work together to unify their world. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} Onyx took advantage of the new peace to begin spreading stories of his own devising—not only did he design a [[Autobot|sigil]] for their new alliance, based on his foreknowledge of the rise of the Autobots, he would also invent the "[[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron prophecy]]" out of whole cloth, the prophecy that his younger self had tried to complete. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

[[File:OP10-SurpriseMeeting.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Who's been messing up everything? It's been Shockwave all along!]]

Alpha Trion was less than convinced these manipulative tales, worrying that Onyx was beginning to blur the line between "stories" and outright lies, {{storylink|Origin Myths}} but Onyx Prime soon learned that he could keep Trion's suspicions at bay by feeding him one well-told tale after another. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

During the reign of the Thirteen, Onyx Prime became a feared warlord in his own right, establishing a kingdom in the city of [[Kalis]] {{storylink|The Crucible}} and taking on the Titan [[Chela]] as his servant, {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} with the [[Titan Master]] [[Sovereign]] serving as his herald. {{storylink|White Heat}} In time, the other Primes came to believe that they were immortal, and that only a Prime could kill another Prime. {{storylink|The Crucible}} During this triumphant reign of the Thirteen, Onyx continued in his plans; as Shockwave had once experimented with the stranded crew of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', he now employed a similar method as he tracked the many complicated variables that led to his race invariably falling to civil war—an experiment he began by engineering the fall of the Primes.

[[File:OurFinest-AntillanMission.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Onyx began sowing division among the Thirteen by encouraging their leader [[Prima]], to turn the Cybertronian race's natural drive to conquer outward so as to spread [[Pax Cybertronia]] across the galaxy, eventually targeting planets such as [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]]. {{storylink|Time Will Rust}} {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} Onyx and Megatronus led the first of these interstellar colonization missions; though their chronicler Alpha Trion would remember this expedition as one of interstellar goodwill, aimed at spreading the "light" of Cybertronian civilization to their neighbors, the truth was far uglier: when the [[Guardian robot|Omega Sentinel]] fleet arrived on the planet [[Antilla]], the genocidal ambitions of the Cybertronians became clear, sparking a brutal conflict between the Cybertronian colonizers and the native [[Antillan]]s. Shockwave informed Trion, who had chosen to gloss over the carnage in his official chronicle of events, that Antilla would become ''his'' world; Shockwave's means of ensuring that each of Cybertron's eventual colonies would "belong" to each member of the Thirteen. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} The war finally came to an end when [[Unicron's creator|an Antillan scientist]] developed and deployed a destructive [[Talisman (G1)|superweapon]] that annihilated all life on the planet. In the process, the planet itself was remade, transforming it into [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]—a being whom Shockwave would come to harness in his quest to fulfill his final goal. By deliberately awakening and loosing Unicron eons into the future, Onyx realized that the could use the [[magic]] of the weapon that had created Unicron to "poison" his homeworld; in doing so, he would sacrifice Cybertron itself in order to neutralize Unicron and ensure that he could build a new empire, an empire free of the superstitions, factional violence, and stigma that had plagued his homeworld since the start of Transformer civilization. {{storylink|Our Finest}}

Still unaware of Shockwave's larger goals, Prima blamed Megatronus for the mission's failure, and Onyx manipulated events from the shadows to ensure that the simmering tensions between the tribal leaders would boil over into full-blown hostilities, encouraging his ''other'' protégé, the Liege Maximo, to join forces with Megatronus and stage a coup against Prima. This coup would end with the death of Solus Prime, the first blow in what would become known as the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} {{storylink|The Crucible}} According to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Onyx and the Liege Maximo were both "betrayed" by [[Micronus Prime]] during the war. {{storylink|White Heat}} {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}} Liege Maximo was eventually brought to justice; his use for this particular pawn now at an end, Shockwave agreed with the other Primes that he had forfeited his right to live on Cybertron and oversaw his banishment, imprisoning him aboard his own Titan, [[Vigilem]], and using a variation of the [[shadowplay]] technique to ensure that Maximo's Titan would become a mindless living prison. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

One way or another, Onyx Prime eventually allied with [[Nexus Prime]] late into the war, and together they used the [[Enigma of Combination]] to create an army of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]]: [[combiner]]s of beasts and 'humanoid' Transformers. {{storylink|The Crucible}} This was only an alliance of convenience, however; Onyx was disgusted by the haughty Nexus, who saw Primes as superior beings destined to rule over "lesser" Cybertronians. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 3: Helden|Helden}} The barbarian warrior [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] found this unification disgusting, and eventually killed Nexus, his Headmasters, and those under his command in the twilight of the conflict. {{storylink|The Crucible}} {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} The death of Nexus prompted the [[Titan Master]] [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Infinitus]] to defect to Onyx. {{storylink|White Heat}}

[[File:OP18-MegatronusDead.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|He made sure Megatronus would flee to a planet with the ''best'' ominous lightning.]]

With the war nearly at an end, Onyx joined Prima on his mission to bring Megatronus to justice aboard [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]], the three Primes tracked Megatronus to the barren world of [[Tsiehshi]]. Onyx and Prima went to confront Megatronus in a final duel; Onyx was happy to let Megatronus slice Prima in half with his own [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]], but then intervened; no longer requiring Megatronus's bloodlust, he slew his former student, coldly informing him that, thanks to the eventual rise of [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his namesake]], Cybertronians would, after a fashion, remember his name. Trion was once more swayed by "Onyx Prime's" well-told tale that Prima had heroically slain Megatronus at the cost of his own life, and so this account became the "official" version of events that would find its way into the chronicles of Cybertron... and thus, the inspiration for the lie that the time-travelling Shockwave used to cover up the truth. Prima's body would be interred inside Emissary, who would carry it throughout the cosmos. Onyx, however, sabotaged Emissary's systems, and so the Titan crashed on the primitive world of [[Elonia]]: {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} one of the planets where his younger self would one day send [[Ore-12|one]] of his [[Regenesis]] ores. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

Indeed, Onyx Prime had manipulated events so thoroughly that all of the planets where his younger self would select for the Regenesis program—Elonia, [[LV-117]], [[Arduria]], [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]], [[Eukaris]], [[Gorlam Prime]], [[Prion (planet)|Prion]], [[Tsiehshi]], [[Velocitron]], and [[Earth]]—all possessed a connection to the Thirteen Primes or the [[Titan (group)|Titans]] who had once served them. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

By the end of the war, many of the Primes had either died or fled Cybertron, leaving Alpha Trion as the last Prime still on Cybertron. When Galvatron, [[Nova Prime|Nova]], and Alpha Trion visited his castle in Kalis, Onyx's former subject [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] informed them that he and most of his Maximals had fled. Though several members of his tribe stayed behind to fight on in his name, the remnants of his army were soon subjugated under [[Nova Prime]]'s growing school of [[Functionism|functionist]] doctrine, which denigrated individuals with [[beast mode]]s. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

Approximately seven million years ago, {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}} Chela had settled on an uninhabited jungle planet; a world that he dubbed "[[Eukaris]]," and intended to be a safe refuge where Transformers with [[beast mode]]s could live free of the prejudice they faced on Cybertron. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} Eukarian legend states that Onyx's last command to Chela was to protect their home from any and all "standard-formers" by any means necessary. Even after his disappearance, the planet's inhabitants continued to venerate him, and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] the [[Fateweaver]] claimed to be his prophet. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} Unaware of the truth behind his origins or his future goals, future generations of Eukarians would view Onyx as a wise and benevolent protector who preached equality for all Transformers. {{storylink|Time Will Rust}}

[[File:OurFinest-TheTalisman.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Onyx's innermost retinue of Maximals, however, would stay by their master's side aboard [[Nemesis (BWII)|Nemesis]], as he set course for another world that would play an instrumental role in his ultimate goal: Antilla, now reduced to a barren wasteland of rust. There, Onyx excavated the heart of the superweapon responsible for devastating the planet and creating Unicron, and dubbed it the "[[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]]." Eventually, Onyx would decide that the Talisman would need to be moved to [[Earth]], to ensure that the organic world would become the seat of his new Cybertronian empire. To do so, he entrusted the artifact to his follower [[Domitius Major]] and sent them out into the galaxy aboard the ''Axalon,'' some 20,000 years ago, knowing that [[#Regenesis|his younger self would find and shoot down the ship]] and unwittingly ensuring that the Talisman would find its way to Earth. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}} {{storylink|Our Finest}} The remaining Maximals stayed behind on Antilla with their leader. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}}

At some point during his stay on Antilla, Onyx would send Sovereign to Earth, ostensibly to find the Enigma of Combination and summon Onyx Prime when he had done so. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 3: Helden|Helden}} Sovereign, clad in a human disguise and conditioned with false memories, remembered this experience as a childhood visit from a "black angel" who showed him a world of rust and infinite darkness. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}}

[[File:OP15-OnyxOnCaminus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]

In the recent past, Antilla was visited by three [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] Transformers who arrived on his planet following a Cybertronian beacon. Onyx instantly beheaded [[Magrada|one of them]] while the other two managed to escape. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} Years later, Onyx followed them back to Caminus to retrieve samples of the [[Ore-4]] that his younger self had fired at the planet; arriving at [[Parvus Oppidum]], Onyx and his army felled their leader [[Praesidia Magna]], one of the two escapees, and dragged her body into a singularity under Onyx's control. Torchbearer [[Pyra Magna|Pyra]], who had survived a close encounter with the Prime himself, began experiencing nightmares of her old commander, trapped on the dead, rust-stricken world of Antilla, and Onyx Prime reciting an ancient Camien poem. It wasn't until Pyra Magna realized that if Onyx had fled when the opportunity presented itself, then he could not be infallible; bolstered by this knowledge, she and a new team of Torchbearers privately began preparing for his return. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}}

In order to fulfill his eventual goals, "Onyx"—at some point after leaving Cybertron—came in contact with Metrotitan once more, and used supplies of [[Ore-10]], seeded by his younger self, to manipulate the Titan's mind, leaving him firmly convinced in the "Dark Cybertron" prophecy Onyx had invented... and championing Starscream as the "Chosen One" who would unite the planet, with Shockwave fully aware that the vainglorious Starscream would leave the war-torn planet divided and unable to properly rebuild. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}} Shortly after Metrotitan returned to Cybertron and imparted Starscream with this knowledge, he was seemingly swallowed up by an explosion—{{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}} in reality, however, Shockwave had used [[Ore-9]] to teleport him to [[Earth]], where Optimus Prime would one day find and raise him from the ground; an act that would seemingly prove his status as a "true" Prime, only so that Shockwave could eventually tear it all down. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

When the [[Republic of Cybertron]] made contact with Eukaris in [[2015]], the presence of [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] and [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] on the planet was enough to provoke Chela, who rose to carry out his master's final command. It wasn't enough, however; Starscream killed the Titan, allowing Eukaris and its inhabitants to join the [[Council of Worlds]]. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

In his final battle with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] in 2016, Galvatron warned his nemesis that Onyx Prime was still a threat, and would soon return. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}} When Infinitus and Sovereign made their presence known, Infinitus proclaimed that the Titan Masters were the "harbingers of [Onyx's] return". Though Optimus and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] were given pause to consider what Galvatron had said about Onyx Prime, they were confident they could best the ancient Prime. {{storylink|White Heat}}

After being captured by the [[Iron Klaw]] and hooked into a replica of the Talisman, Blackrock dreamt of Onyx Prime standing over his divided selves, reciting the same Camien poem. This vision caused him to realize that there was a connection between the Talisman and his former master. {{storylink|The Iron Klaw}} While hacking into [[I.R.O.N.]]'s systems, [[G.B. Blackrock|Blackrock]] found what Onyx had done to Centurion and declared his former master would have to go through him to get Earth. Blackrock was able to use the fact that both were pawns of Onyx to convince Centurion to stand down. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}} During the final battle against [[Joe Colton|Baron Ironblood]] and his forces, Blackrock's consciousness entered [[infraspace]] where he encountered Onyx. Onyx revealed to his former servant that the Talisman was inoculation against a coming threat before attempting to slay the [[Titan Master]]. He was stopped by the spectre of [[Atomic Man|Mike Power]]. The two returned to the living plane, leaving an enraged Onyx behind. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|Ghost in the Machine}}

===The End of Everything===

[[File:OP15-LiegeChained.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2]]

After [[Liege Maximo]] escaped captivity, {{storylink|Rubicon}} he eventually crossed paths with Onyx once again. Shockwave discussed Liege's exile, and having had time to reflect in his years imprisoned, he agreed with Shockwave's decision. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} Now reunited, the two began the penultimate phase of Shockwave's scheme: shattering Cybertron's faith completely, whether in Primes or Decepticonism, in order to allow chaos to reign. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}} As part of Shockwave's scheme, Liege pretended to be Onyx's prisoner, subdued and chained. Onyx returned to Cybertron atop Nemesis, and on arrival announced his intent to pass judgment on Maximo for betraying the Cybertronian race. Onyx agreed to Prime's request to meet with him, declaring him the mythical figure known as "[[The Arisen]]." {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}}

Throwing Liege at Windblade's feet, "Onyx" declared he had come to free Cybertron from its tangled web of alliances; at the subsequent meeting in the [[Spire]], Onyx offered to fix Cybertron's corrupted energon, causing the Mistress to ask if he was intentionally trying to split the Council of Worlds. As conversation went on, Onyx kept deflecting everyone's suspicions, painting himself as a victim of false accusations; when Optimus suggested that the Transformers give "Onyx" a fair chance to explain itself, his apparent willingness to embrace the Prime angered the recently arrived Soundwave, and as the situation grew increasingly fraught, Onyx's agents set off a massive explosion that killed Alpha Trion. Onyx quickly declared Soundwave and the Decepticons guilty, that democracy had failed Cybertron, and that the rule of Primes was needed once more. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[File:OP17-ShockwaveRevealed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|"Old Man Shockwave?!"]]

As emergency crews scrambled, Onyx continued to slander Optimus' name in front of the arrived press, along with making himself look like a wounded party. Then he revealed his bombshell - a years-old recording of Soundwave secretly detonating [[Horri-Bull]]'s [[Inhibitor/deterrence chip|I/D chip]] to make it look like Bumblebee's doing. With that, Onyx told the gathered Cybertronians that when they found Liege to "do with him what you will", and left the crowd to fight amongst themselves. As he flew back to his ship, he was caught off-guard by Metrotitan's attack, who had followed Optimus to Cybertron. As Optimus tried unsuccessfully to get the ancient Cybertronian to stand down, he fell, only for Onyx to catch him, and demonstrate the power of his ''own'' Titan, having Nemesis down Metrotitan with a single shot. Outraged at the apparent demise of his friends, Optimus attacked... and as he did, Onyx finally revealed himself as Shockwave. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 3: The Ground|The Ground}}

Taking his former friend captive, Shockwave began explaining to him the whole story of his survival, his trip through time, and the depths of his manipulation of history. When Optimus refuted Shockwave's belief in darkness, Shockwave—seeking to eliminate the last tenet of Cybertronian religion—dropped him into the Crystal City singularity, which promptly crushed Prime's body to nothing. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

[[File:EndlessForever ShockwaveandNemesis.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|It is only logical that my flagship looks like a giant singular eye.]]
With Optimus gone for the moment, Shockwave told Maximo to take a squad of Maximals to the not-quite dead Metrotitan, bluntly telling the Prime he was wasting time with his complaints as he shed the last of his Onyx disguise. Shockwave arrived over Metrotitan just as Starscream did the same, interrupting his former comrade's musing about whether he was The Fallen reborn to put him straight on a few facts: he had manipulated history to make sure the Seeker wound up in charge of Cybertron because he was a fool, who would have been unable to see Shockwave's plans coming, and that his religious musings meant that he was even ''stupider'' than Shockwave thought. Punctuating his revelations by finishing off Metrotitan, Shockwave left Starscream with a few more parting insults, leaving the "Chosen One" to his despair. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

Watching the nearby fight between Victorion and Devastator, the later unknowingly aided by the presence of one of Shockwave's Ores in the ''Nemesis'' above them, Shockwave mused on how he was providing what Cybertron needed, and how the results would validate his methods. He then made his way toward the Singularity, where he found [[Aileron|a Camien]] and a wounded Jetfire. Holding them at arm-point, Shockwave told the scientist he was required for the "final bloom". {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

[[File:Unforgivable PyrabeatsShockwave.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
With the remains of the Matrix of Leadership now annihilated, Shockwave informed them that he needed to bring Optimus ''back'' from the limbo of infraspace; this was soon revealed as a lie, however, when Pyra Magna arrived, and Shockwave informed the duo that he intended for her to serve as a host for Optimus's bodiless consciousness. Learning that Onyx and Shockwave were one and the same, Pyra briefly tried to attack the Decepticon, but was unable to overpower him. Using a sample of Cybertron's tainted energon, combined with the energies of the Matrix from within infraspace, Optimus and Bumblebee were both able to escape back to reality, taking refuge inside Pyra's mind. With the two Autobots driving her onward, Pyra was able to take down Shockwave, ripping his gun-arm off in the process. Ultimately, the Torchbearer realized that she would have to do the right thing and spared Shockwave's life, presenting him to the Council of Worlds and revealing the great lie that their civilization had been built upon: the Primes were just robots like any other. Ultimately, Shockwave had succeeded in his plans to rob Cybertron of its heritage and history, stripping it down to nothing just in time for the arrival of the final piece of his plan: Unicron, awakened thanks to the machinations of [[Merklynn]] and preparing for its assault on the galaxy. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}}

[[File:OurFinest ShockwaveMadPlan.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Shockwave was subsequently arrested, paraded through the streets in chains as he rambled aloud about his time as Onyx Prime. Unbeknownst to his jailers, his ancient servant [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] was a part of the crowd, one of the loyal Maximals ready and willing to serve his old master during the final phase of his plan. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} As Unicron began his rampage across the galaxy, swallowing up each Cybertronian colony world one by one, Shockwave was visited by Starscream, and Shockwave took that moment to explain his plan: by relocating the Talisman to Cybertron, he had poisoned the planet, and when Unicron destroyed Cybertron, the planet-eater would die with it—leaving the rest of the universe open for him to conquer. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} Shortly afterwards, Unicron did indeed appear over Cybertron, intending to consume it, leading Prime to interrogate Shockwave for more information regarding the Talisman and the doomed world of Antilla, and how the destruction of Cybertron would lead to the rebirth of a triumphant Cybertronian empire. {{storylink|Our Finest}}

[[File:RoadsEnd-Toronto.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|"Well, I'm off to destroy Canada. They've had it too good for too long."]]

Sure enough, Unicron began devouring Cybertron, prompting Shockwave to activate a built-in teleportation device and flee to Earth, reuniting with his Maximals in the streets of [[Toronto]]. Believing that his plan had gone off without a hitch, the Decepticon received a new cannon-arm, courtesy of Rhinox, and ordered his underlings to begin restructuring the planet into the new capitol of his empire, monitoring the destruction from atop the [[CN Tower]]. Shockwave soon learned that his plan had ''failed'', however, and for the simplest of reasons: Cybertron had indeed been annihilated by Unicron, but the Transformers on the planet had used the Talisman escape to Earth, bringing the artifact with them and allowing Unicron to consume the rest of the planet without any consequences. {{storylink|Road's End}} Trying to get his scheme back on track, Shockwave refitted the human building into a communications relay, tapping into the remains of Nemesis—now incorporated into Unicron's structure—and using it to scan Earth for the Talisman. Ordering his subordinate Bludgeon to retrieve it, Shockwave learned that the Decepticon's allegiance had shifted; he and most of the Maximals now served ''Unicron.'' {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

[[File:Ceremony ProwlandShockwavefaith.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5]]
As Shockwave tried to exert control over Bludgeon, Rhinox turned on him only for Shockwave to easily overpower his minion. When the scientist tried to execute Rhinox however, the Maximal revealed he had rigged the cannon and made it unable to fire on his kind. Seizing the weapon, Rhinox explained that the Maximals had turned on their master when they realized "Onyx Prime" had been nothing but a trick. Shockwave was saved by Prowl who quickly dragged him out to the street where [[Stardrive]] used her [[Dire Wraith]] magic to hack into his mind, and tying into the Talisman's operating system. Though making one last attempt to convince Prowl that "faith" was meaningless, Shockwave soon came to realize the hollowness of his philosophy when his mind was briefly linked to the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]]. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

In the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, Shockwave was immobilized and chained up within the [[Nemesis (G1)|''Lemuria'']]. Shortly before Optimus Prime's funeral, Shockwave revealed to Prowl he was unsure which of the many faces he'd worn in his life was the "real" him. Before leaving, Prowl bluntly told the Decepticon that they had all been the real him. What Shockwave had always failed to realize was that people were judged, and defined, by their actions, not the intentions that they'd set out with. {{storylink|Post}}

[[File:Post Shockwavereflects.jpg|center|thumb|upright=1.8|[[Spock|"Change is the essential process of all existence."]]]]
{{--}}

==Notes==
*The unnamed senator was not intended to be Shockwave back in "Chaos Theory" but James Roberts immediately thought it would be cool to make him a character we already knew. Shockwave was picked because he was one of the few important characters that did not have an IDW pre-war backstory yet, and because it allowed Roberts to tie together empurata and shadowplay.<ref>[http://theunderbase.libsyn.com/the-underbase-deconstructs-shadowplay "The Underbase Podcast Deconstructs Shadowplay"], 42:30 - 44:00</ref>
*In his subsequent "Shadowplay" appearance, the still-unnamed Senator Shockwave was deliberately designed and coloured to look like Ultra Magnus,<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-comics-discussion/716601-transformers-more-than-meets-eye-11-discussion-spoilers-29.html#post8649838 Forum post by Alex Milne]</ref> making it a real surprise that we'd been reading the origin of Shockwave all along. It helped that Shockwave was a ''Robots in Disguise'' character and this origin was then in the 'wrong' comic, tying the two together.<ref>[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts - 01:39:20 to 59:30]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Point One Percenters]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Senators]]

Shockwave (WFC)

2021-04-05T20:25:57Z

GlamAttack: /* Bot Shots */

{{factions|decepticon|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:PrimeShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SPM seeking abominations of science. Turn-ons: dinosaurs, logic.]]

'''Shockwave''' was a member of the scientist caste in the industrial city of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. In a reversal of the usual order, he was swayed by the ambitions of the former mining caste member turned gladiator [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. Serving as Megatron's "pet mad scientist" and [[second-in-command]], he saw to the fighter's armament during his rise to prominence, all the while fantasizing on the prospect of ''mass producing'' such warriors. Thankfully, Megatron's more practical nature reined in Shockwave as the movement which became the Decepticons finally moved out of the shadows.

Shockwave naturally only serves his one true master: logic. He's willing to ignore petty squabbles and jabs at him, and will only do what he finds logical. Megatron is pleased by his dedication and his competence stemming from it, starkly contrasting with the egotistical and gloating [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. His passive nature to goings-on around him may paint him as apathetic, but whoever believes that is writing their death warrant. Shockwave is as brutal and fierce as any Decepticon warrior, and has the strength and durability to withstand everything from explosions to Autobot assault. He does '''not''' take well to attempts on his life or his experiments failing or being tampered with. [[Primus]] help you if you actually do break his seemingly eternal calm.

{{quote|Shockwave, you would bring down all of creation just to satisfy your own ambition.|Alpha Trion|''[[Transformers: Retribution|Retribution]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''The Covenant of Primus''===

Shockwave emerged from the [[Well of All Sparks]] sometime during or prior to the [[Age of Wrath]]. Shockwave was among the earliest rebels to oppose their [[Quintesson]] "masters", and he rejected both the invaders and their puppet government. Shockwave's genius led him to be the first Cybertronian able to translate the Quintesson language.

Even after the fall of the Quintessons, Shockwave remained on the outskirts of Cybertronian civilization, never taking any official position with the government or its council, despite his brilliance. He eventually became a member of [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons as war broke out against the Autobots. After the Ark departed, Megatron left Shockwave behind to oversee Cybertron in his stead.

Shockwave's brilliant but unhinged mind caused him to see other Cybertronians and society itself as a Petri dish for his experiments. He was responsible for creating a new underclass of Cybertronians known as the [[Forged]], test subjects so mentally and physically damaged by his experiments that they forgot their original designations. Shockwave worked with his Insecticon swarms and also was responsible for creating the [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobot]]s. He restored the only remaining [[Space bridge]] on Cybertron, powering it to warp space and time in order to look back on Earth during the Cretaceous Era as inspiration for his experiments. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|Covenant of Primus}}

===Aligned novels===
Shockwave was a scientist who lived on the fringes of Cybertronian society, admitting to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]] he knew little of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. He was one of the scientists whose innovations allowed the mass production of stressed-crystal material used to build [[Crystal City]]. There he began his [[combiner]] experiments, creating [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus Maximus]], whose lack of intelligence in combined form made him a danger to friend and foe, and he was put in [[stasis lock]]. Shockwave moved to [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], becoming a surgeon for the gladiators, where he met [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]us. He continued his combination experiments with the three [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s, whom Megatronus bested in combat: it was in this match that the crowd chanted a shorter name for the gladiator, Megatron. Megatron recognized two things about Shockwave: that he was bereft of any morality or ethics, and that while he was his most loyal ally, he would turn on him one day.

[[File:WFCcomicDecepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''We three 'Cons of Kaon are...'']]

During the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] war, Shockwave perfected his experiments with the [[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicon]]s, creating a [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] which was unleashed on Crystal City. Shockwave set up a laboratory in the ruins but was ordered to take command of the newly conquered city state [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]]. Autobot sympathizers became fodder for experiments, while Shockwave's forces conquered [[Vos (polity)|Vos]]. He quelled dissent in both cities by requesting Vos' Air Commanders [[photon missile]] strike Tarn, for which he claimed the Autobots were responsible, and then had a photon missile strike (of supposedly unknown origin) ordered on Vos, killing the Air Commanders whose true loyalty lay with [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]].

When the Decepticons captured [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] Station, Shockwave oversaw two of Starscream's scientists ingest [[Dark Energon]]: the powerful result activated a security [[gyro-inhibitor charge]] which rendered Shockwave unconscious. Shockwave later subjected the two subjects to a deprivation study, and found it necessary to muzzle them as the duo agonized as a result of Dark Energon's absence in their bodies. Shockwave also used the [[Spark]]s of those killed in the capture to turn Trypticon into a Decepticon, able to spawn drones and [[Mini-Con|Minicons]] in its corridors.

Shockwave remained on Cybertron in command of the Decepticons, while Megatron left with his elite soldiers on the ''Nemesis'' to pursue the Autobot ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]''. Shockwave promised Megatron that [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|Cybertron would remain as he left it]], the notion of which Megatron chastised. He ordered Shockwave to rebuild Cybertron and enslave the remaining Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

{{note|Shockwave's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic "[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]."}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}}}

On Cybertron, Shockwave established his rule out of the remains of Iacon, building a massive [[Tower of Shockwave]] as his personal citadel. Although he employed [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] and other Decepticons ostensibly to patrol the city, in reality Shockwave preferred chaos in the streets to continue producing new variables for him to explore and exploit.

Shockwave eventually decided to seize the historian, Alpha Trion, and use him for his experiments. Shockwave recognized Alpha Trion as a Prime, one of the original [[Thirteen]], and thought to use the old bot's systems to gain access to the [[Vector Sigma]] super-computer. However, Shockwave was unaware that his data-tracs had been remotely hacked by the Quintessons, who intended to use his work with Alpha Trion to instead repower the space bridge, allowing their invading army to arrive from [[Aquatron]].

Shockwave recognized his mistake far too late, and General [[Tyrannicon]] led an army of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s to Cybertron. Despite his best efforts, even [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] and [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]] failed to defend Shockwave's rule. He hoped to loot the [[Hall of Records]] for weapons or artifacts, only to discover Alpha Trion had jettisoned them into space long before. Fortunately, the actions of Megatron across the galaxy on Aquatron ended the threat of the Sharkticons for him. {{storylink|Transformers: Retribution|Retribution}}

===IDW Aligned comics===

[[File:LastStand-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|And as purple as he is logical.]]

Shockwave had been put in charge of a remote Decepticon base in the middle of the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], where he was to oversee a reportedly unlimited source of [[Energon]], a potentially amazing advantage in the waning days of the war for Cybertron. [[Swoop (WFC)|Swoop]] had been dispatched to investigate this mysterious Energon-rich Decepticon base when he overheard a conversation between Shockwave and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. Starscream was concerned that Shockwave's attentions were diverted away from the Energon discovery and was wasting his talents on examining the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s he'd discovered and the "cosmic secrets" he had learned. Shockwave's Insecticon horde discovered Swoop's presence, and the Autobot was captured. {{storylink|Secrets (FOC)|Secrets}}

Predictably, the other members of Swoop's Autobot team, the [[Lightning Strike Coalition Force]] arrived in hopes of retrieving Swoop. Shockwave confronted the four and boasted that this action on their part was central to his plans. The Lightning Strike Coalition Force would make "perfect test subjects" for his experiments, {{storylink|Siege Mentality}} and as their leader, [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], fought back, Shockwave thanked him for not alerting [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] of their whereabouts. The five would be fashioned into the ultimate weapon for the Decepticon cause! He then quickly fell Grimlock with surgeon-like precision, all the while gloating that the Coalition's absence from the front lines would allow the Decepticons to easily take Autobot City from Optimus Prime's control. {{storylink|Last Stand}}

Shockwave was waiting when Grimlock awoke, strung up in his laboratory. He explained that he had discovered ancient Transformers technology, a [[space bridge|bridge that could traverse both space and time]]. This "space bridge" had offered him a glimpse of many worlds, but most relevantly Shockwave had seen into the past of a certain [[Earth|small blue planet]] where [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|amazing and terrible creatures]] once stalked its lands. {{storylink|Fragmentation (FOC)|Fragmentation}} {{storylink|Beast Hunters issue 3|Beast Hunters #3}} Having already experimented in recreating dinosaurs organically in the past, Shockwave went to work reconstructing the Dinobots in their image. {{storylink|Beast Hunters issue 4|Beast Hunters #4}} As Shockwave's machinery took Grimlock apart, he told the Autobot that he and his team would be rebuilt into weapons for the Decepticons. {{storylink|Fragmentation (FOC)|Fragmentation}} As Grimlock was being reformed, through his pain he saw visions of the future, of being unwittingly unleashed by Starscream and ultimately taking his revenge on Shockwave. Shockwave quelled these visions by breaking into Grimlock's mind, reducing the once fiercely intelligent leader to nothing but a feral berserker. {{storylink|Fall}}

The events in Grimlock's vision came to pass nonetheless, and Shockwave was left battered by the Dinobot as they escaped from him. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 4|Rage of the Dinobots #4}}

After Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s group of warriors had left the planet, Shockwave remained behind and fashioned a new faction known as [[Forged]]. He commanded this group through [[Ser-Ket (Prime)|Ser-Ket]], a former Decepticon whom he had experimented on and granted a draconic [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] altmode. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 2|Rage of the Dinobots #2}} Ser-Ket reported to Shockwave after the Forged had captured [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]], {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 1|Rage of the Dinobots #1}} an event that led to the Forged base being attacked by Grimlock's Dinobots, who killed Ser-Ket. Sending a remote-control avatar [[drone]] in time to witness the battle, Shockwave didn't think much of his underling's death, explaining to the Dinobots that she had overestimated her role in his machinations. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 3|Rage of the Dinobots #3}} By strategic use of a force field and an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP grenade]], he defeated the Dinobots and brought them to one of his labs to finish what he had started by purging them of their sentience once and for all. As he began to work on Grimlock, however, the other Dinobots broke out of captivity and ripped his avatar to pieces. The real Shockwave then contacted them via hologram to let them know they had only destroyed one of many avatars in one of many labs, but one day they might come face to face with the real deal once again. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 4|Rage of the Dinobots #4}}

=== ''Prime'' cartoon ===
{{voiceactor|[[David Sobolov]] (English), [[Kenta Miyake]] (Japanese)|[[Liu Beichen]] (Chinese), [[Ja-hyeong Gu]] (Korean), [[Gergely Horváth-Töreki]] (Hungarian), [[Uli Krohm]] (German), [[Jorge Badillo]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Luis Vicente Ivars]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jussi Wahlgren]] (Finnish, season 2), [[Jari Salo]] (Finnish, "[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]"), [[Bruno Bulté]] (French), [[Jean-Marc Delhausse]] (French, a few episodes in season 3), [[Maurizio Trombini]] (Italian), [[Mauro Castro]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:Prime-Shockwave&Cliffjumper.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|left|Logic dictates that there is a small chance that I will kill you, here and now... but I'm gonna shoot anyway.]]

During the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]], Shockwave cloned a small army of [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]] and had them micro-chipped so he could track them at all times. On Megatron's orders, he dispatched them to Earth to destroy the Autobots stationed there and secure any energon they could find. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

While most of the population left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the [[Great Exodus]], Shockwave stayed behind. He spent his time building and scavenging technology, and managed to reverse-engineer [[space bridge]] technology. His efforts had come to fruition when [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], while delivering Energon to power the bridge, brought him an encrypted Autobot transmission along with two prisoners, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. By using his own invention, the [[cortical psychic patch]], on Arcee, Shockwave gained the codes to decrypt the transmission, revealing it to be a message from [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] calling the Autobots to [[Earth]]. He later found the two Autobots sabotaging the space bridge, and was buried in rubble during the ensuing fight. After he dug himself out, he followed them into the space bridge and was only stopped when Arcee hit his optical sensor. Caught inside the space bridge as it exploded, {{storylink|Out of the Past}} Shockwave found himself back on the abandoned planet Cybertron, blinded. He repaired his injuries and continued his experiment, using recovered CNA to clone a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

Years later, Shockwave detected the energy surge caused by the [[Omega Lock]] and went to investigate, encountering [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] who had come on an unrelated mission. {{storylink|Scattered}} Shockwave returned with him to [[Earth]], where [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] had created [[Darkmount (Earth)|a fortress]]. {{storylink|Darkmount, NV}} Megatron appointed Shockwave his first lieutenant in charge of science. With Starscream's interrogation of [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] failing to yield results, Shockwave attempted a cortical psychic patch, but was similarly unable to gain any information. The continuing failure to track down the scattered Autobots led Shockwave to reveal the fruits of his cloning work—a [[Predaking (Prime)|huge Predacon]]. {{storylink|Scattered}} Shockwave gave the creature a whiff of Wheeljack's energon before unleashing it, however it eventually returned empty-handed. {{storylink|Prey (episode)|Prey}}

[[File:Rebellion-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Logic dictates that my altmode should look ''awesome''.]]
When Darkmount came under attack, Shockwave suggested unleashing the Predacon, only for the beast to be defeated moments after it entered battle. Though Starscream took the opportunity to get some mocking in, Shockwave simply turned and jumped his way down the outside of the fortress before defeating the Autobots himself. The victory was short-lived, as once Optimus Prime turned up, the Autobots turned on their captor. Despite holding his own against them, Shockwave retreated through a GroundBridge once the citadel was destroyed. {{storylink|Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion}}

Shockwave then began retrieving Predacon remains from the clones previous sent to Earth, so that he could clone them again and form a new army of Predacons. {{storylink|Project Predacon}} When the Predacon returned safe and well to the ''Nemesis'', Shockwave was content for Megatron to place it under Starscream's command. {{storylink|Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command}} While he was retrieving Predacon remains in [[Texas]], he was attacked by [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Optimus Prime. Soundwave arrived through a GroundBridge to give Shockwave support, keeping Prime busy while Shockwave grappled with the other two Autobots. Though the fossil broke apart during Shockwave's fight, thanks to Soundwave a fraction of it was GroundBridged back to the [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']]. Upon returning to the ship and at Megatron's urging, Shockwave opted to let Starscream retrieve further genetic material. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

Shockwave's cloning process neared completion, but the revelation that the existing Predacon was intelligent resulted in the Decepticons rethinking the entire plan, as [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] might turn against them. Shockwave agreed it was logical that they should use the Autobots to terminate the clones, however Starscream lured the Autobots to the off-site laboratory while he was still purging sensitive information from the computers. He retreated, and after the laboratory was destroyed, discovered that the [[Synthetic Energon]] they'd been storing in it had created Cybermatter. {{storylink|Evolution}}
[[File:ShockwavePunishesScreamer-MinusOne.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.66| Happy birthday, Starscream!]]
Shockwave almost put out one of Starscream's eyes over the early arrival of the Autobots, but was talked out of it in time. The Decepticons decided to repair the Omega Lock as a launch mechanism, with Shockwave in charge of perfecting Synthetic Energon. When they realized that Ratchet would be helpful in perfecting the formula, Shockwave instructed Laserbeak to track [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to find the Autobot base. Meanwhile, Shockwave himself took part in a raid on the [[Solaris particle collider]]. {{storylink|Minus One}} Unfortunately [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] proved too much for Shockwave to handle, and he had to be rescued by Predaking.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', he used a cortical psychic patch on Ratchet in an attempt to learn the completed Synth-En formula, but came up empty handed. As a result, the Decepticons had to switch tack and attempt to persuade Ratchet to help them. {{storylink|Persuasion}} While Ratchet was put to work on the Synthetic Energon formula, Shockwave was called away to oversee the completion of the Omega Lock. As a result, he was not there when Ratchet attempted to escape, but he was able to salvage the completed formula from the mess Ratchet left, and began the process of synthesizing enough to power the Omega Lock. {{storylink|Synthesis}} Shockwave's attempts to activate the Omega Lock were hampered by having to fight Ratchet and the other Autobots who turned up. Following Megatron's demise, he grabbed the protesting Starscream and the pair made a run for it. They escaped the warship in a lifepod, somewhere over Cybertron. {{storylink|Deadlock}}

Shockwave resumed his experiments, though he had to relocate his lab a number of times to avoid detection, and successfully created [[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]] and [[Skylynx (Prime)|Skylynx]]. He was summoned when the two Predacons led Starscream to a Predacon burial ground uncovered by the upheaval of Cybertron's rebirth, however as they were gathering up the bones, they were witness to the unexpected return of Megatron. It turned out to be [[Unicron]] using Megatron's body, and after the dark god raised an army of undead Predacons, the horde's first act was to swarm the terrified Shockwave.

He somehow survived, and later approached Predaking and the other two Predacons as they fought each other, suggesting they might instead like to go fight Unicron, only to disappear as mysteriously as he appeared. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising}}

===''Tales of the Beast Hunters''===
Shockwave cloned [[Lazerback (Prime)|Lazerback]] in a [[Hyperevolution Chamber]], unaware his subject could hear everything he said. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 3}} On awakening [[Ripclaw]], Shockwave told the Predacon that [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] was in danger from the [[Autobot]]s. Ripclaw promptly took off out of the laboratory. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 8}} Sometime later, Shockwave realized that the Predacons were as big a threat to the Decepticons as to the Autobots and decided to shut down the cloning project. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11}} He found [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] sneaking around his laboratory {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 10}} and came up with a new plan to blame the laboratory's destruction on the Autobots, hopefully causing Predaking to eliminate Prime's team. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11}} Smokescreen and Shockwave's battle caused some of the Predacons in nearby evolution vats to awaken, and [[Skystalker (Prime)|Skystalker]] soon joined the conflict. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 12}} Ultimately, Smokescreen escaped from Shockwave with several data discs in hand. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 13}}

Deciding to cut his losses and run, Shockwave enlisted [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s help in packing up his laboratory. The pair took the last two remaining Hyperevolution Chambers with them to Cybertron. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 20}}

===''Full of Fire!''===
Shockwave revealed to Megatron that more Predacons had been cloned. The scientist dispatched five new Predacons with Predaking to test the Autobots and record data on the enemy's combat effectiveness. When all six were defeated, Megatron believed the data to be useless as the Autobots now knew the extent of the Predacon army, only for Shockwave to reveal that he had many more Predacons ready to go. {{storylink|Full of Fire!}}

===Titan ''Prime'' comic===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4.17|Collider Scope}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4.20|Starscream's Beast}}}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
Whereas most Transformers left Cybertron for Earth in pursuit of the Allspark, Shockwave remained behind. He acted as Megatron's steward over Cybertron, occupying his time by rebuilding his prisoners into weapons of war. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

===''Generations Selects'' comic===
Several incarnations of Shockwave were among the many Shockwaves in the [[Purple Order]] who served the will of [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Purple Wicked Convoy]]. Through a screen, one listened as Primus alerted Purple about the end of the [[Blue Order]] and the threat of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]]. Others watched as the [[Pretender Monster]]s attacked [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and his [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] followers before Purple proposed an alliance. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3)===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)|[[Marc Alfos]] (French)}}

[[File:War for Cybertron Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"When your hit percentage exceeds mine, YOU may choose the soundtrack!"]] {{Note|Shockwave is an pre-order [[exclusive]] downloadable content character for use in multiplayer modes, and is not playable in the ''War for Cybertron'' storyline campaign. Using a preorder code to unlock him will allow the player to use Shockwave in Escalation mode, and makes his chassis available for customizing an online multiplayer character for Decepticon scientists. His chassis is labelled as "Retaliator". Shockwave was later made available alongside the other preorder-exclusive characters in the ''Transformers: War for Cybertron Map and Character Pack''. He was available for the XBox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, but not for the PC version.}}
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}

===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' - Decepticons (DS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)|[[Marc Alfos]] (French)}}

{{Note|Shockwave is an unlockable character for the Nintendo DS version of ''War for Cybertron''. On the Decepticon version he can replace any of the other Decepticons in the campaign mode. He can be unlocked by beating Purification 6 in Arena Mode.}}

Shockwave was at the Energon Purification zone when the Decepticons had used it for their stores of Energon. Shockwave challenged Megatron and his troops to a fight, saying if they beat him, he'd join their ranks. Shockwave was indeed defeated, and somewhat reluctantly joined the Decepticon ranks.
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|War for Cybertron - Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)}}
[[File:FoCShockwave2.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.66|He's being scouted for potential membership into the Legion of Doom.]]
When Cybertron was beginning to shut down, Shockwave wanted to reboot it, but to do this, he needed an large energon supply. As he searched for one, he discovered an ancient technology in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]] called Space Bridges. Using the observatories of the ancients that used to reside in the Sea of Rust, Shockwave began searching for new planets that he could suck the life out of, and found [[Earth|one]] rich in raw energy. He also began experimenting on several [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] which had started coming onto the planet's surface, and took three unusually intelligent Insecticons, [[Hardshell]], [[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] and [[Sharpshot]], under his command. He later used them to capture [[Dinobot (FOC)|five Autobots]], whom he gave new forms based on the [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|large reptiles]] he saw on the planet.

After [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was killed during siege on Iacon, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] took command of the Decepticons. The two argued over the use of a lake of Energon near the Space Bridge tower, and though Shockwave attempted to convince him of its potential usefulness, Starscream simply wanted to drain the lake. When [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] disrupted the fuel line leading to the tower, Shockwave unleashed an army of Insecticons upon them while he attempted to rectify the problem. He failed to do so, but luckily he had already built a replica tower in Kaon. Following [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s resurrection of Megatron, Shockwave went to Kaon meet him and informed him of his discovery of the Space Bridge and the planet they could plunder. Megatron subsequently went to retrieve [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]'s power core so that they could power a craft to get them there, while Shockwave went to finalize the completion of the tower.

Later, Starscream infiltrated Shockwave's facility and watched as Shockwave and his Insecticons tortured [[Grimlock (WFC)|one of the Autobots]] he had experimented on, before he attempted to recruit Grimlock, which failed and resulted in the Autobot being freed. Shockwave decided to consider the breakout a test of Grimlock's new abilities, and monitored him closely as he fought his Insecticon minions, and proceeded to tear apart every one of them. Much later, Grimlock had attempted to attack Shockwave at the Space Bridge, but he was quickly restrained. Shockwave taunted Grimlock saying that he wouldn't create such a powerful weapon without a means to control it, calling him a pet, and contacted Megatron to let him know the tower was active and the portal was open. After Megatron assigned Shockwave to take charge of the Decepticons in his absence, Grimlock was enraged enough for him to transform into his Tyrannosaurus mode and attack Shockwave, tearing his left arm off and ''swallowing it'' before knocking him away with his tail. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron}}

===''Transformers On Your Street''===
Shockwave arrived on [[you]]r street from space in jet mode. He fought [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]] and landed a blow against him while you watched through your blinds. Grimlock retaliated by transforming into dinosaur mode, the sight of which sent Shockwave flying away. {{storylink|Transformers On Your Street}}

===''Hunt the Beasts'' online game===
Shockwave infused protoforms with ancient PRedacon CNA to create powerful monstrous troops for the Decepticons. However, they proved uncontrollable, and broke free of their restraints. Shockwave sent out a transmission to [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] to warn him that his Predacon experiments had escaped his lab despite his best efforts to contain them. As he explained that the beasts were heading towards Earth, he was overpowered by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], bringing his transmission to an end. {{storylink|Hunt the Beasts}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Prime: Beast Creator''===
When Shockwave left his technology unattended, you could use it to custom-create your own monstrous Predacon! {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Beast Creator|Beast Creator}}

===''Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike''===
Shockwave used his tank mode's impressive firepower to do battle against Optimus Prime in the middle of a lush tropical forest environment. Boasting that logic would prevail, Shockwave was nonetheless sent fleeing after sustaining too much damage at the hands of the Autobot leader. Shockwave later returned to aid Megatron in his own fight against Optimus, but the Decepticons were defeated once more, and sent fleeing. {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike|Decepticon Strike}}

===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
====Console====
{{Charstubgames}}

Shockwave was tasked alongside Soundwave and Starscream to locate and bring the [[Dark Spark]] to Megatron. As the trio searched for the Dark Spark, Shockwave split up from his allies and located Hardshell. After a brief fight, Shockwave defeats Hardshell and is attacked by Kickback and Sharpshot. After defeating the two of them Shockwave allows the trio a chance to live by joining the Decepticons. They accept the offer and the four of them return to Starscream, Soundwave, and [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]. After the team locate the Dark Spark they are interrupted by [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] and [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] who take the Dark Spark and retreat. After chasing the duo who regrouped with Optimus and Bumblebee, blew up the train they were riding. Shockwave attempted to engage Optimus in a fight but was stopped by Sharpshot who informed Shockwave that Optimus did not have the Dark Spark with him and that Ironhide had it. After Shockwave and Sharpshot beat Ironhide and take the Dark Spark they are attacked by Autobot forces. Luckily they regrouped with [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] and [[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]], and Swindle was tasked by Onslaught to escort the duo to the rest of the Combaticons. After fighting waves of Autobot forces Shockwave and Swindle manage to regroup with the combaticons who form into Bruticus. After the battle Shockwave manages to give Megatron the Dark Spark and was present when Optimus attempted to retrieve the DarK Spark from Megatron. Shockwave and Megatron used the power of the Dark Spark to reanimate several dead Autobot soldiers to attack Optimus while Megatron engaged Prime in a duel. However Megatron lost the duel and attacked Prime with the Dark Spark to which Optimus attacked Megatron with the Matrix severely damaging Megatron and himself. Shockwave quickly rushes to Megatrons side and brings Megatron to safety as Optimus awakens. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark}}

====3DS====
{{Charstubgames}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
Shockwave participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! That is, if he was ever released, but he never made it into the game. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Splatoon''===
[[Squid Sisters|Marie]] considered Shockwave among the coolest of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Splatoon}}

==Commercial appearances==
{{voiceactor|[[Corey Burton]] (English)}}
[[File:WFC Shockwave game.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Well done. Here come the test results: "You are a horrible person." That's what it says: a horrible person. We weren't even testing for that.]]
Megatron left Shockwave to handle an unknown battle when he arrived. Shockwave instructed Soundwave to transform into boombox mode and play [[The Touch]]! After a while, Starscream asked about Shockwave's choice of songs and was told once he got a higher hit percentage than Shockwave then he could choose a soundtrack. {{storylink|Commercial#War for Cybertron|GameStop's commercial for their Shockwave multiplayer exclusive}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I want him in the games until he dies playing. Acknowledge." "Acknowledged, Master Control." "End of line."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2012)
**''Series/number'': '''01 / #003'''
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece laser cannon

: Part of the first wave of [[2012]] ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Shockwave transforms into a "Cybertronian mobile artillery" mode. The front center fuselage of the vehicle becomes a [[5 mm post|hand-held]] "laser cannon" that's modeled after the [[Sling Shock#Generations|Sling Shock]]. It can be stored on a 5 mm port on his back, and undocumented in his [[instructions]], can replace his hands by folding either one of them in, and tabbing the cannon onto the revealed wrist socket. As another undocumented feature, the cannon actually consists of two pieces, with a large Y-shaped muzzle that can be removed, revealing the sculpted ends of a triple-barreled gun. The muzzle stays on the cannon through friction and, depending on the [[quality control]], can fit rather loosely and slide off if pointed downward. (A bit of double-stick tape wrapped around the end of one of the barrels will help it stay in place without permanent changes.) The muzzle part can also be stored on Shockwave's back, forming some sort of [[jet pack|jet-pack]] exhaust.

:Shockwave features two examples of [[Kibble#faux-parts|faux-parts]]: The undersides of his heels resemble the front end of the Y-shaped muzzle part, effectively serving as an extension of the muzzle in vehicle mode, whereas a fake replica of the top end of his head (including his signature "ear" panels) is sculpted on the top side of his vehicle mode (which ends up on the underside of his backpack in robot mode).

:The figure has a "dramatic reveal" feature, where pressing the chest into place causes the head to pop up. The clasp used to hold the spring-loaded piece in place is fairly strong, and requires a small amount of force to latch if the head isn't pressed down before moving the chest assembly. Depending on the individual quality of the figure, this can cause the latch to wear out, and the spring is strong enough that the head will push the whole assembly out of place in vehicle mode if not properly retracted. As such, care should be taken on this step of conversion.

: This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generations|Shockwave]] in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comics. This mold was also [[redeco]]ed/[[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Fireflight (FOC)|Air Raid]] and [[BotCon 2014]] [[Brimstone (G1 Star Seeker)|Brimstone]]. His weapons is later reused for the Million Publishing mail-away exclusive [[Starscream (WFC)#War for Cybertron|Infiltrator Starscream]].

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

===Prime===
[[File:Primetoy-TakaraTomy-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Narrator|It is the year 2005...]]]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2012-[[December 15|12-15]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AM-29'''
**''Accessories:'' "Bido" Arms Micron

: Part of the ninth wave of [[TakaraTomy]] ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toys, Shockwave is a redeco/retool of his ''Fall of Cybertron'' toy, and is the only release of said toy in Japan. His wings have been retooled with additional 5mm posts and ports, and he has been redecoed to have a brighter, metallic shade of purple plastic. Additionally, he has brighter silver [[paint operation]]s, and some of his other paint operations have been replaced with customer-applied [[sticker]]s.

: Instead of his two-piece laser cannon, he now comes with an [[Arms Micron]], [[Bido]], who transforms from a robotic rhinoceros beetle into [[Sling Shock#Prime|Shockwave's cannon]] and vehicle fuselage. Bido features numerous 5mm ports and posts for mounting, but can only be used as a hand-held cannon, and is unable to replace Shockwave's hand. Sorry.
{{-}}

====Beast Hunters====
[[File:BHtoy Voyager Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Shockwave's early attempt at indoctrinating the Predacons to the Decepticon cause involved wearing dragon costumes. It... didn't go over so well.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Voyager Class, 2013)
**''Series/number'': '''02 / 003'''
**''Accessories:'' Chest armor panel, 2 shoulder/foot armor panels

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime: Beast Hunters]]'' Voyager Class toys, Shockwave transforms into a Cybertronian tank. He features numerous 5mm ports, such as his shoulder-pads, right hand, and right forearm in robot mode, and his feet in vehicle mode. His rear treads are made of rubberized plastic, and the left tread unfurls to become a hose that attaches to the permanently attached "[[Hyperflux Cannon]]" that makes up his left forearm. By repeatedly pressing down on the trigger on top of the cannon, the barrel of the cannon spins while opening and closing, revealing more of its translucent red tip.

:For accessories, he comes with three "beast armor" pieces—a three-eyed chest-plate and two claw-shaped panels—that can be attached to Shockwave in both robot and vehicle modes, with the "claw" pieces attaching to his shoulders and feet via 5mm post.

:His instructions forget to mention that the "spike" panels on his tread [[Kibble|backpack]] need to be swung up for robot [[show-accuracy]], and that the treaded portions themselves are on [[Slide joint|telescoping joints]], and need to be pulled apart and extended for tank mode. His instructions also include the [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11|eleventh chapter]] of the ''[[Tales of the Beast Hunters]]'' series.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on ''Beast Hunters'' Shockwave at TFU.info]''

[[File:Shockwave's-Lab-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Shockwave (G1)|It is only logical.]]]]

{{anchor|SDCC2013}}{{anchor|SDCC}}
*'''Shockwave's Lab''' (SDCC 2013 exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Lab Playset

: A [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Hunters'' Voyager Shockwave in brighter G1 coloring, this set depicts Shockwave's creation of [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], complete with a lab playset and a ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class [[Predaking (Prime)#SDCC|Predaking]] in translucent and opaque blue. Despite what the stock images suggest, the fuchsia highlights were largely replaced with black on the actual figure.

:This set was exclusive to [[San Diego Comic-Con]] and [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], and is considered the [[Thrilling 30#30 exclusive toys|Thrilling 30]] exclusive 02.

{{anchor|CybertronCon}}
*'''Shockwave's Lab''' (Cybertron-Con 2013 exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Lab Playset

: Exclusive to Cybertron-Con, this Shockwave's Lab set is essentially unchanged from the San Diego Comic Con version, the only difference being that the [[Predaking (Prime)#Cyberverse|Predaking]] figure is now in translucent and opaque orange. This set is considered the [[Thrilling 30#30 exclusive toys|Thrilling 30]] exclusive 06.
{{-}}

====Cyberverse====
[[File:PrimeBHtoy-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Impersonating a stalemate associate. I just added that to the list. It's a list I made of all the things you've done. Well, it's a list that I '''AM''' making, because you're still doing things right now, even though I'm telling you to stop. Stop, by the way."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Cyberverse Commander Class, 2013)
**''Series/number'': '''03 / 007'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Missile]]

: Part of the third wave of ''Prime: Beast Hunters'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 3|Series 3 ''Cyberverse'']] Commander Class toys, Shockwave is a [[Size class|smaller-scale]] mold. His right hand is compatible with [[C joint|3mm post]]s, and his left forearm is a "Hyperflux Cannon" that can launch its missile via pressure launch.

:Care must be taken on the legs' swivel joints: the construction between the lower side of the left leg's upper thighs is somewhat prone to warping due to it's ''very'' tight construction.

:This mold was later retooled to make [[Bludgeon (Prime)|Bludgeon]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CybCommShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Cyberverse Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Rising}}
[[File:PrimeBH-PredaconsRising-toy-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|"Okay. I guess emotional outbursts require more than one point six volts. Now we know that. We just need to relax. We're still going to find out what the hell's going on here. But calmly."]]
* '''Bombshock & Shockwave ''' (Commander Class 2-pack)
**''Accessories'': Missile

: A [[redeco]] of Shockwave in colors more reminiscent of his ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|precursor]], this version of Shockwave was only available as part of a "[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising|Predacons Rising]]" Commander Class 2-pack with [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]], which, as a second [[wave]] ''Predacons Rising'' release, was only available as a [[Target]] [[exclusive]] in the United States (and not in Canada, Australia or Europe), even though it was used in official advertising by BigW in Australia (who ultimately only stocked the wave 1 [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Target2pack|Optimus Prime]] vs [[Predaking (Prime)#Target2pack|Predaking]] two-pack).

:Curiously, like all ''Predacons Rising'' multi-packs featuring redecoed ''Cyberverse'' figures, this set doesn't identify the figures as ''Cyberverse'' products anywhere on the [[packaging]].

:As shown by an official [[stock photography|stock photo]],<ref name="targetlisting">[http://www.target.com/p/transformers-predacons-command-shockwave-figure/-/A-14575734 Target listing] for the Shockwave/Bombshock set, depicting the packaging with mixed up names.</ref> the packaging in its original presentation featured the name "Shockwave" in front of Bombshock, who is placed on the left, and "Bombshock" in front of Shockwave, who is placed on the right. By the time the two-pack hit stores, this was remedied by stickers with the correct names covering up the wrong ones. However, the side panels retain the old names and the "wrong" set of tech specs.<ref name="stickers">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/953415-predacon-rising-bombshock-shockwave-found.html "Predacon Rising Bombshock and Shockwave found"] thread at TFW2005, showing the stickers.</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/PRShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on ''Predacons Rising'' Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|CommandCenter}}
[[File:Kre-O-Autobot-Command-Center.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Did you know that people with guilty consciences are more easily startled by loud noise--[train horn]--"]]
*'''Autobot Command Center''' (2013)
**''Set number'': '''A5412'''
**''Pieces'': '''461'''
**''Kreons'': [[Arcee (WFC)#AutobotHQ|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#AutobotHQ|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (WFC)#Kre-O|Ratchet]], Shockwave, [[Knock Out (Prime)#Kre-O|Knock Out]] mystery figure

:The ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Autobot Command Center]] set comes with a Shockwave [[Kreon]] to put in the Autobot jail cell. He has a new deco based on ''Prime'' Shockwave.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChanger}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changer-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I'm sorry, I don't know why that went off. Anyway, just an interesting science fact."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Battle Changer, 2015)

:Released as part of the second wave of ''Battle Changer''s, Shockwave is a massively built-up Kreon that transforms from robot to Cybertronic tank and back without removing any parts! His robot mode is based on [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#BattleChanger|Generation 1 Shockwave]] while his vehicle mode is based on ''Prime'' Shockwave.

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

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/Kre-OBCShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Battle Changer Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Construct-Bots===
[[File:ConstructBots BH Shockwave.jpg|thumb|300px|More spikes and hard angles than a Bayformer.]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Beast Hunters Elite Class, 2013)
: Shockwave transforms into a purple truck with a huge cannon on top. The figure's imposing cannon can be placed on either forearm and even includes a rubber hose! He includes an array of bladed weapons and 2 different types of projectile for his cannon.

:Like pretty much all ''Beast Hunters'' Construct-Bots, Shockwave never saw release in the United States.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CBBHShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on the Beast Hunters version of Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Bot Shots===
{{anchor|JumpShot}}
[[File:BotShotsS2 Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Oh. Hi. So, how are you holding up? Because '''I'M A POTATO.'''"]]
*'''Shockwave''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''645'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''865'''
***''Sword strength'': '''110'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this new mold Shockwave transforms from a robot with a cannon hand, into a tank. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSJSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Jump Shot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack2}}
[[File:BotShotsS2 3pack Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"I can't move. And unless you're planning to saw your own head off and wedge it into my old body, you're going to need me to replace him. We're at an impasse."]]
*'''Bumblebee / Shockwave / Skyquake''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BP003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''710'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''790'''
***''Sword strength'': '''115'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, this is a redeco of Jump Shot Shockwave in a lighter, more-bluish purple, with bronze details. He comes with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShot3pack2|Jump Shot Bumblebee]] and [[Skyquake (Prime)#BotShot3pack2|Super Bot Skyquake]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on three-pack Jump Shot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Go!===
[[File:Tramsformers-Go!-G-13-Hunter-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Shockwave (Movie)|He lost his teeth.]]]]
*'''Hunter Shockwave''' (2013-[[April 27|04-27]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''G13'''
**''Accessories:'' Chest armor panel, 2 shoulder/foot armor panels

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' toys, Hunter Shockwave is a redeco of the [[#Beast Hunters|''Beast Hunters'' Voyager Class Shockwave]] toy cast in a darker, metallic shade of purple plastic. He features additional metallic blue paint applications. His armor pieces are now black.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Thrilling 30===
*'''Shockwave''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #22'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Shockwave was released among the blindpacked [[Thrilling 30#Collectible Figurines|''Thrilling 30'' Collectible Figurines]] by [[Goldie Marketing]]. He comes with a base to help him stand, a collector's card that doubles as a puzzle piece, and a checklist.

*'''Collectible Figurines''' (5-pack, 2014)
**''Series:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' 5 collector's bases
:The same Shockwave figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Wheeljack (Prime)#Thrilling 30|Wheeljack]], [[Soundwave (WFC)#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]] and an [[Insecticon (WFC)#Thrilling 30|Insecticon]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
* In the map of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from the "[[Binder of Revelation]]" included in ''[[Transformers Vault]]'', Shockwave came from [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]], which explains why he took control of it during the war.
* As noted above, Shockwave's model is usable in ''War for Cybertron'' multiplayer as the Retaliator-type chassis for [[Scientist (WFC)|Scientist]]-class characters. His parts are also available for Scientists in ''Fall of Cybertron'', now classified as Defender-type components.
* Shockwave is usable in both the Autobot and Decepticon versions of the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|''War for Cybertron'' games for the DS]]. He is used only for multiplayer, bonus missions and Arena mode in the Autobot version and used in Multiplayer, Arena mode, and campaign in the Decepticon version.
* In the Xbox 360/PS3 versions of War for Cybertron, Shockwave's left arm is his Plasma Cannon, but in the DS version, it's his ''right'' arm.
* The GameStop ''War for Cybertron'' commercial describes Shockwave as second-in-command of the Decepticons, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] is never officially referred to as such.
* For said commercial, Shockwave was voiced by [[Corey Burton]], voice actor of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1]] and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Animated]] Shockwaves. He later lamented over [http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=853&sid=3992b18086e21d8f6face60940505757 a forum post] that the performance was so rushed and the "gag" nature so out of character, that it hardly even sounded like him: "Two different sessions; and while they were awfully nice to work with, I have to say that the gag line was written and directed completely off-character. Since it was all supposed to be pretty "camp" anyway, and it had to be wedged-into a space that wasn't even there in the initial cut, I just went along with it. Figured it's just a silly bit of hype, that wasn't worth taking seriously enough to fuss over."
* The aforementioned commercial also indicates that Shockwave is evidently a fan of [[Stan Bush]].
* According to his [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] bio, Shockwave's emotions sometimes get the better of him, leading to irrational behavior. He also hopes that one day his work will let him reformat all Cybertronians to a new form of existence and ideally become ruler of Cybertron in the process. Looks like Megatron's hunch wasn't far off...
* Although Shockwave is a Jet in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, he's a ground vehicle in the DS Version. This is most probably because the mission he is unlocked in features his Autobot counterpart, [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], a Heavy Ground vehicle. Shockwave's increasable stats are, however, those of a Flying Vehicle.
* The ''Prime'' writers admitted that, not knowing what to do with the character, Shockwave was not going to survive his debut episode, before eventually coming up with a way to incorporate the character as a regular during the third season.
* In the Japanese dub of ''Prime'', actor [[Kenta Miyake]] channels the unique personality of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from the Japanese dub of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] in that he's a grizzled old man with a gravelly voice and a short temper. Unlike the Japanese Generation 1 Shockwave, ''this'' Shockwave has a new verbal tic in which he endlessly punctuates sentences by bellowing the word ''"Shock!"''

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Chèn-phō''' (Taiwan, 震波, "Shockwave"), '''Zhèndàngbō''' (Mainland China, 震荡波, "Shockwave")
*''Russian:'' '''Vzryvala''' (Взрывала, "Blaster")

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=Shockwave
|disambig=Shockwave (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon who's to blame for everything from [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]].
*[[Shockblast]], the murderous Decepticon berserker from [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|''Energon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]], the loyal Decepticon spy from [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|''Animated'']].
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon beastmaster and killing machine from [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|''Dark of the Moon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon mad scientist from [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|''Cyberverse'']].}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Construct-Bots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Go! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Prime Decepticons]]
[[Category:Purple Order]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Decepticons]]

Shockwave (WFC)

2021-04-05T20:21:21Z

GlamAttack: /* Kre-O */

{{factions|decepticon|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:PrimeShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SPM seeking abominations of science. Turn-ons: dinosaurs, logic.]]

'''Shockwave''' was a member of the scientist caste in the industrial city of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. In a reversal of the usual order, he was swayed by the ambitions of the former mining caste member turned gladiator [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. Serving as Megatron's "pet mad scientist" and [[second-in-command]], he saw to the fighter's armament during his rise to prominence, all the while fantasizing on the prospect of ''mass producing'' such warriors. Thankfully, Megatron's more practical nature reined in Shockwave as the movement which became the Decepticons finally moved out of the shadows.

Shockwave naturally only serves his one true master: logic. He's willing to ignore petty squabbles and jabs at him, and will only do what he finds logical. Megatron is pleased by his dedication and his competence stemming from it, starkly contrasting with the egotistical and gloating [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. His passive nature to goings-on around him may paint him as apathetic, but whoever believes that is writing their death warrant. Shockwave is as brutal and fierce as any Decepticon warrior, and has the strength and durability to withstand everything from explosions to Autobot assault. He does '''not''' take well to attempts on his life or his experiments failing or being tampered with. [[Primus]] help you if you actually do break his seemingly eternal calm.

{{quote|Shockwave, you would bring down all of creation just to satisfy your own ambition.|Alpha Trion|''[[Transformers: Retribution|Retribution]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''The Covenant of Primus''===

Shockwave emerged from the [[Well of All Sparks]] sometime during or prior to the [[Age of Wrath]]. Shockwave was among the earliest rebels to oppose their [[Quintesson]] "masters", and he rejected both the invaders and their puppet government. Shockwave's genius led him to be the first Cybertronian able to translate the Quintesson language.

Even after the fall of the Quintessons, Shockwave remained on the outskirts of Cybertronian civilization, never taking any official position with the government or its council, despite his brilliance. He eventually became a member of [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons as war broke out against the Autobots. After the Ark departed, Megatron left Shockwave behind to oversee Cybertron in his stead.

Shockwave's brilliant but unhinged mind caused him to see other Cybertronians and society itself as a Petri dish for his experiments. He was responsible for creating a new underclass of Cybertronians known as the [[Forged]], test subjects so mentally and physically damaged by his experiments that they forgot their original designations. Shockwave worked with his Insecticon swarms and also was responsible for creating the [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobot]]s. He restored the only remaining [[Space bridge]] on Cybertron, powering it to warp space and time in order to look back on Earth during the Cretaceous Era as inspiration for his experiments. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|Covenant of Primus}}

===Aligned novels===
Shockwave was a scientist who lived on the fringes of Cybertronian society, admitting to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]] he knew little of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. He was one of the scientists whose innovations allowed the mass production of stressed-crystal material used to build [[Crystal City]]. There he began his [[combiner]] experiments, creating [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus Maximus]], whose lack of intelligence in combined form made him a danger to friend and foe, and he was put in [[stasis lock]]. Shockwave moved to [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], becoming a surgeon for the gladiators, where he met [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]us. He continued his combination experiments with the three [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s, whom Megatronus bested in combat: it was in this match that the crowd chanted a shorter name for the gladiator, Megatron. Megatron recognized two things about Shockwave: that he was bereft of any morality or ethics, and that while he was his most loyal ally, he would turn on him one day.

[[File:WFCcomicDecepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''We three 'Cons of Kaon are...'']]

During the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] war, Shockwave perfected his experiments with the [[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicon]]s, creating a [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] which was unleashed on Crystal City. Shockwave set up a laboratory in the ruins but was ordered to take command of the newly conquered city state [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]]. Autobot sympathizers became fodder for experiments, while Shockwave's forces conquered [[Vos (polity)|Vos]]. He quelled dissent in both cities by requesting Vos' Air Commanders [[photon missile]] strike Tarn, for which he claimed the Autobots were responsible, and then had a photon missile strike (of supposedly unknown origin) ordered on Vos, killing the Air Commanders whose true loyalty lay with [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]].

When the Decepticons captured [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] Station, Shockwave oversaw two of Starscream's scientists ingest [[Dark Energon]]: the powerful result activated a security [[gyro-inhibitor charge]] which rendered Shockwave unconscious. Shockwave later subjected the two subjects to a deprivation study, and found it necessary to muzzle them as the duo agonized as a result of Dark Energon's absence in their bodies. Shockwave also used the [[Spark]]s of those killed in the capture to turn Trypticon into a Decepticon, able to spawn drones and [[Mini-Con|Minicons]] in its corridors.

Shockwave remained on Cybertron in command of the Decepticons, while Megatron left with his elite soldiers on the ''Nemesis'' to pursue the Autobot ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]''. Shockwave promised Megatron that [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|Cybertron would remain as he left it]], the notion of which Megatron chastised. He ordered Shockwave to rebuild Cybertron and enslave the remaining Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

{{note|Shockwave's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic "[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]."}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}}}

On Cybertron, Shockwave established his rule out of the remains of Iacon, building a massive [[Tower of Shockwave]] as his personal citadel. Although he employed [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] and other Decepticons ostensibly to patrol the city, in reality Shockwave preferred chaos in the streets to continue producing new variables for him to explore and exploit.

Shockwave eventually decided to seize the historian, Alpha Trion, and use him for his experiments. Shockwave recognized Alpha Trion as a Prime, one of the original [[Thirteen]], and thought to use the old bot's systems to gain access to the [[Vector Sigma]] super-computer. However, Shockwave was unaware that his data-tracs had been remotely hacked by the Quintessons, who intended to use his work with Alpha Trion to instead repower the space bridge, allowing their invading army to arrive from [[Aquatron]].

Shockwave recognized his mistake far too late, and General [[Tyrannicon]] led an army of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s to Cybertron. Despite his best efforts, even [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] and [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]] failed to defend Shockwave's rule. He hoped to loot the [[Hall of Records]] for weapons or artifacts, only to discover Alpha Trion had jettisoned them into space long before. Fortunately, the actions of Megatron across the galaxy on Aquatron ended the threat of the Sharkticons for him. {{storylink|Transformers: Retribution|Retribution}}

===IDW Aligned comics===

[[File:LastStand-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|And as purple as he is logical.]]

Shockwave had been put in charge of a remote Decepticon base in the middle of the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], where he was to oversee a reportedly unlimited source of [[Energon]], a potentially amazing advantage in the waning days of the war for Cybertron. [[Swoop (WFC)|Swoop]] had been dispatched to investigate this mysterious Energon-rich Decepticon base when he overheard a conversation between Shockwave and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. Starscream was concerned that Shockwave's attentions were diverted away from the Energon discovery and was wasting his talents on examining the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s he'd discovered and the "cosmic secrets" he had learned. Shockwave's Insecticon horde discovered Swoop's presence, and the Autobot was captured. {{storylink|Secrets (FOC)|Secrets}}

Predictably, the other members of Swoop's Autobot team, the [[Lightning Strike Coalition Force]] arrived in hopes of retrieving Swoop. Shockwave confronted the four and boasted that this action on their part was central to his plans. The Lightning Strike Coalition Force would make "perfect test subjects" for his experiments, {{storylink|Siege Mentality}} and as their leader, [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], fought back, Shockwave thanked him for not alerting [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] of their whereabouts. The five would be fashioned into the ultimate weapon for the Decepticon cause! He then quickly fell Grimlock with surgeon-like precision, all the while gloating that the Coalition's absence from the front lines would allow the Decepticons to easily take Autobot City from Optimus Prime's control. {{storylink|Last Stand}}

Shockwave was waiting when Grimlock awoke, strung up in his laboratory. He explained that he had discovered ancient Transformers technology, a [[space bridge|bridge that could traverse both space and time]]. This "space bridge" had offered him a glimpse of many worlds, but most relevantly Shockwave had seen into the past of a certain [[Earth|small blue planet]] where [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|amazing and terrible creatures]] once stalked its lands. {{storylink|Fragmentation (FOC)|Fragmentation}} {{storylink|Beast Hunters issue 3|Beast Hunters #3}} Having already experimented in recreating dinosaurs organically in the past, Shockwave went to work reconstructing the Dinobots in their image. {{storylink|Beast Hunters issue 4|Beast Hunters #4}} As Shockwave's machinery took Grimlock apart, he told the Autobot that he and his team would be rebuilt into weapons for the Decepticons. {{storylink|Fragmentation (FOC)|Fragmentation}} As Grimlock was being reformed, through his pain he saw visions of the future, of being unwittingly unleashed by Starscream and ultimately taking his revenge on Shockwave. Shockwave quelled these visions by breaking into Grimlock's mind, reducing the once fiercely intelligent leader to nothing but a feral berserker. {{storylink|Fall}}

The events in Grimlock's vision came to pass nonetheless, and Shockwave was left battered by the Dinobot as they escaped from him. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 4|Rage of the Dinobots #4}}

After Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s group of warriors had left the planet, Shockwave remained behind and fashioned a new faction known as [[Forged]]. He commanded this group through [[Ser-Ket (Prime)|Ser-Ket]], a former Decepticon whom he had experimented on and granted a draconic [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] altmode. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 2|Rage of the Dinobots #2}} Ser-Ket reported to Shockwave after the Forged had captured [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]], {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 1|Rage of the Dinobots #1}} an event that led to the Forged base being attacked by Grimlock's Dinobots, who killed Ser-Ket. Sending a remote-control avatar [[drone]] in time to witness the battle, Shockwave didn't think much of his underling's death, explaining to the Dinobots that she had overestimated her role in his machinations. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 3|Rage of the Dinobots #3}} By strategic use of a force field and an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP grenade]], he defeated the Dinobots and brought them to one of his labs to finish what he had started by purging them of their sentience once and for all. As he began to work on Grimlock, however, the other Dinobots broke out of captivity and ripped his avatar to pieces. The real Shockwave then contacted them via hologram to let them know they had only destroyed one of many avatars in one of many labs, but one day they might come face to face with the real deal once again. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 4|Rage of the Dinobots #4}}

=== ''Prime'' cartoon ===
{{voiceactor|[[David Sobolov]] (English), [[Kenta Miyake]] (Japanese)|[[Liu Beichen]] (Chinese), [[Ja-hyeong Gu]] (Korean), [[Gergely Horváth-Töreki]] (Hungarian), [[Uli Krohm]] (German), [[Jorge Badillo]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Luis Vicente Ivars]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jussi Wahlgren]] (Finnish, season 2), [[Jari Salo]] (Finnish, "[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]"), [[Bruno Bulté]] (French), [[Jean-Marc Delhausse]] (French, a few episodes in season 3), [[Maurizio Trombini]] (Italian), [[Mauro Castro]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:Prime-Shockwave&Cliffjumper.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|left|Logic dictates that there is a small chance that I will kill you, here and now... but I'm gonna shoot anyway.]]

During the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]], Shockwave cloned a small army of [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]] and had them micro-chipped so he could track them at all times. On Megatron's orders, he dispatched them to Earth to destroy the Autobots stationed there and secure any energon they could find. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

While most of the population left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the [[Great Exodus]], Shockwave stayed behind. He spent his time building and scavenging technology, and managed to reverse-engineer [[space bridge]] technology. His efforts had come to fruition when [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], while delivering Energon to power the bridge, brought him an encrypted Autobot transmission along with two prisoners, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. By using his own invention, the [[cortical psychic patch]], on Arcee, Shockwave gained the codes to decrypt the transmission, revealing it to be a message from [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] calling the Autobots to [[Earth]]. He later found the two Autobots sabotaging the space bridge, and was buried in rubble during the ensuing fight. After he dug himself out, he followed them into the space bridge and was only stopped when Arcee hit his optical sensor. Caught inside the space bridge as it exploded, {{storylink|Out of the Past}} Shockwave found himself back on the abandoned planet Cybertron, blinded. He repaired his injuries and continued his experiment, using recovered CNA to clone a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

Years later, Shockwave detected the energy surge caused by the [[Omega Lock]] and went to investigate, encountering [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] who had come on an unrelated mission. {{storylink|Scattered}} Shockwave returned with him to [[Earth]], where [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] had created [[Darkmount (Earth)|a fortress]]. {{storylink|Darkmount, NV}} Megatron appointed Shockwave his first lieutenant in charge of science. With Starscream's interrogation of [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] failing to yield results, Shockwave attempted a cortical psychic patch, but was similarly unable to gain any information. The continuing failure to track down the scattered Autobots led Shockwave to reveal the fruits of his cloning work—a [[Predaking (Prime)|huge Predacon]]. {{storylink|Scattered}} Shockwave gave the creature a whiff of Wheeljack's energon before unleashing it, however it eventually returned empty-handed. {{storylink|Prey (episode)|Prey}}

[[File:Rebellion-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Logic dictates that my altmode should look ''awesome''.]]
When Darkmount came under attack, Shockwave suggested unleashing the Predacon, only for the beast to be defeated moments after it entered battle. Though Starscream took the opportunity to get some mocking in, Shockwave simply turned and jumped his way down the outside of the fortress before defeating the Autobots himself. The victory was short-lived, as once Optimus Prime turned up, the Autobots turned on their captor. Despite holding his own against them, Shockwave retreated through a GroundBridge once the citadel was destroyed. {{storylink|Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion}}

Shockwave then began retrieving Predacon remains from the clones previous sent to Earth, so that he could clone them again and form a new army of Predacons. {{storylink|Project Predacon}} When the Predacon returned safe and well to the ''Nemesis'', Shockwave was content for Megatron to place it under Starscream's command. {{storylink|Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command}} While he was retrieving Predacon remains in [[Texas]], he was attacked by [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Optimus Prime. Soundwave arrived through a GroundBridge to give Shockwave support, keeping Prime busy while Shockwave grappled with the other two Autobots. Though the fossil broke apart during Shockwave's fight, thanks to Soundwave a fraction of it was GroundBridged back to the [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']]. Upon returning to the ship and at Megatron's urging, Shockwave opted to let Starscream retrieve further genetic material. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

Shockwave's cloning process neared completion, but the revelation that the existing Predacon was intelligent resulted in the Decepticons rethinking the entire plan, as [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] might turn against them. Shockwave agreed it was logical that they should use the Autobots to terminate the clones, however Starscream lured the Autobots to the off-site laboratory while he was still purging sensitive information from the computers. He retreated, and after the laboratory was destroyed, discovered that the [[Synthetic Energon]] they'd been storing in it had created Cybermatter. {{storylink|Evolution}}
[[File:ShockwavePunishesScreamer-MinusOne.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.66| Happy birthday, Starscream!]]
Shockwave almost put out one of Starscream's eyes over the early arrival of the Autobots, but was talked out of it in time. The Decepticons decided to repair the Omega Lock as a launch mechanism, with Shockwave in charge of perfecting Synthetic Energon. When they realized that Ratchet would be helpful in perfecting the formula, Shockwave instructed Laserbeak to track [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to find the Autobot base. Meanwhile, Shockwave himself took part in a raid on the [[Solaris particle collider]]. {{storylink|Minus One}} Unfortunately [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] proved too much for Shockwave to handle, and he had to be rescued by Predaking.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', he used a cortical psychic patch on Ratchet in an attempt to learn the completed Synth-En formula, but came up empty handed. As a result, the Decepticons had to switch tack and attempt to persuade Ratchet to help them. {{storylink|Persuasion}} While Ratchet was put to work on the Synthetic Energon formula, Shockwave was called away to oversee the completion of the Omega Lock. As a result, he was not there when Ratchet attempted to escape, but he was able to salvage the completed formula from the mess Ratchet left, and began the process of synthesizing enough to power the Omega Lock. {{storylink|Synthesis}} Shockwave's attempts to activate the Omega Lock were hampered by having to fight Ratchet and the other Autobots who turned up. Following Megatron's demise, he grabbed the protesting Starscream and the pair made a run for it. They escaped the warship in a lifepod, somewhere over Cybertron. {{storylink|Deadlock}}

Shockwave resumed his experiments, though he had to relocate his lab a number of times to avoid detection, and successfully created [[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]] and [[Skylynx (Prime)|Skylynx]]. He was summoned when the two Predacons led Starscream to a Predacon burial ground uncovered by the upheaval of Cybertron's rebirth, however as they were gathering up the bones, they were witness to the unexpected return of Megatron. It turned out to be [[Unicron]] using Megatron's body, and after the dark god raised an army of undead Predacons, the horde's first act was to swarm the terrified Shockwave.

He somehow survived, and later approached Predaking and the other two Predacons as they fought each other, suggesting they might instead like to go fight Unicron, only to disappear as mysteriously as he appeared. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising}}

===''Tales of the Beast Hunters''===
Shockwave cloned [[Lazerback (Prime)|Lazerback]] in a [[Hyperevolution Chamber]], unaware his subject could hear everything he said. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 3}} On awakening [[Ripclaw]], Shockwave told the Predacon that [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] was in danger from the [[Autobot]]s. Ripclaw promptly took off out of the laboratory. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 8}} Sometime later, Shockwave realized that the Predacons were as big a threat to the Decepticons as to the Autobots and decided to shut down the cloning project. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11}} He found [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] sneaking around his laboratory {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 10}} and came up with a new plan to blame the laboratory's destruction on the Autobots, hopefully causing Predaking to eliminate Prime's team. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11}} Smokescreen and Shockwave's battle caused some of the Predacons in nearby evolution vats to awaken, and [[Skystalker (Prime)|Skystalker]] soon joined the conflict. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 12}} Ultimately, Smokescreen escaped from Shockwave with several data discs in hand. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 13}}

Deciding to cut his losses and run, Shockwave enlisted [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s help in packing up his laboratory. The pair took the last two remaining Hyperevolution Chambers with them to Cybertron. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 20}}

===''Full of Fire!''===
Shockwave revealed to Megatron that more Predacons had been cloned. The scientist dispatched five new Predacons with Predaking to test the Autobots and record data on the enemy's combat effectiveness. When all six were defeated, Megatron believed the data to be useless as the Autobots now knew the extent of the Predacon army, only for Shockwave to reveal that he had many more Predacons ready to go. {{storylink|Full of Fire!}}

===Titan ''Prime'' comic===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4.17|Collider Scope}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4.20|Starscream's Beast}}}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
Whereas most Transformers left Cybertron for Earth in pursuit of the Allspark, Shockwave remained behind. He acted as Megatron's steward over Cybertron, occupying his time by rebuilding his prisoners into weapons of war. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

===''Generations Selects'' comic===
Several incarnations of Shockwave were among the many Shockwaves in the [[Purple Order]] who served the will of [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Purple Wicked Convoy]]. Through a screen, one listened as Primus alerted Purple about the end of the [[Blue Order]] and the threat of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]]. Others watched as the [[Pretender Monster]]s attacked [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and his [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] followers before Purple proposed an alliance. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3)===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)|[[Marc Alfos]] (French)}}

[[File:War for Cybertron Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"When your hit percentage exceeds mine, YOU may choose the soundtrack!"]] {{Note|Shockwave is an pre-order [[exclusive]] downloadable content character for use in multiplayer modes, and is not playable in the ''War for Cybertron'' storyline campaign. Using a preorder code to unlock him will allow the player to use Shockwave in Escalation mode, and makes his chassis available for customizing an online multiplayer character for Decepticon scientists. His chassis is labelled as "Retaliator". Shockwave was later made available alongside the other preorder-exclusive characters in the ''Transformers: War for Cybertron Map and Character Pack''. He was available for the XBox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, but not for the PC version.}}
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}

===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' - Decepticons (DS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)|[[Marc Alfos]] (French)}}

{{Note|Shockwave is an unlockable character for the Nintendo DS version of ''War for Cybertron''. On the Decepticon version he can replace any of the other Decepticons in the campaign mode. He can be unlocked by beating Purification 6 in Arena Mode.}}

Shockwave was at the Energon Purification zone when the Decepticons had used it for their stores of Energon. Shockwave challenged Megatron and his troops to a fight, saying if they beat him, he'd join their ranks. Shockwave was indeed defeated, and somewhat reluctantly joined the Decepticon ranks.
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|War for Cybertron - Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)}}
[[File:FoCShockwave2.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.66|He's being scouted for potential membership into the Legion of Doom.]]
When Cybertron was beginning to shut down, Shockwave wanted to reboot it, but to do this, he needed an large energon supply. As he searched for one, he discovered an ancient technology in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]] called Space Bridges. Using the observatories of the ancients that used to reside in the Sea of Rust, Shockwave began searching for new planets that he could suck the life out of, and found [[Earth|one]] rich in raw energy. He also began experimenting on several [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] which had started coming onto the planet's surface, and took three unusually intelligent Insecticons, [[Hardshell]], [[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] and [[Sharpshot]], under his command. He later used them to capture [[Dinobot (FOC)|five Autobots]], whom he gave new forms based on the [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|large reptiles]] he saw on the planet.

After [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was killed during siege on Iacon, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] took command of the Decepticons. The two argued over the use of a lake of Energon near the Space Bridge tower, and though Shockwave attempted to convince him of its potential usefulness, Starscream simply wanted to drain the lake. When [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] disrupted the fuel line leading to the tower, Shockwave unleashed an army of Insecticons upon them while he attempted to rectify the problem. He failed to do so, but luckily he had already built a replica tower in Kaon. Following [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s resurrection of Megatron, Shockwave went to Kaon meet him and informed him of his discovery of the Space Bridge and the planet they could plunder. Megatron subsequently went to retrieve [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]'s power core so that they could power a craft to get them there, while Shockwave went to finalize the completion of the tower.

Later, Starscream infiltrated Shockwave's facility and watched as Shockwave and his Insecticons tortured [[Grimlock (WFC)|one of the Autobots]] he had experimented on, before he attempted to recruit Grimlock, which failed and resulted in the Autobot being freed. Shockwave decided to consider the breakout a test of Grimlock's new abilities, and monitored him closely as he fought his Insecticon minions, and proceeded to tear apart every one of them. Much later, Grimlock had attempted to attack Shockwave at the Space Bridge, but he was quickly restrained. Shockwave taunted Grimlock saying that he wouldn't create such a powerful weapon without a means to control it, calling him a pet, and contacted Megatron to let him know the tower was active and the portal was open. After Megatron assigned Shockwave to take charge of the Decepticons in his absence, Grimlock was enraged enough for him to transform into his Tyrannosaurus mode and attack Shockwave, tearing his left arm off and ''swallowing it'' before knocking him away with his tail. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron}}

===''Transformers On Your Street''===
Shockwave arrived on [[you]]r street from space in jet mode. He fought [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]] and landed a blow against him while you watched through your blinds. Grimlock retaliated by transforming into dinosaur mode, the sight of which sent Shockwave flying away. {{storylink|Transformers On Your Street}}

===''Hunt the Beasts'' online game===
Shockwave infused protoforms with ancient PRedacon CNA to create powerful monstrous troops for the Decepticons. However, they proved uncontrollable, and broke free of their restraints. Shockwave sent out a transmission to [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] to warn him that his Predacon experiments had escaped his lab despite his best efforts to contain them. As he explained that the beasts were heading towards Earth, he was overpowered by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], bringing his transmission to an end. {{storylink|Hunt the Beasts}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Prime: Beast Creator''===
When Shockwave left his technology unattended, you could use it to custom-create your own monstrous Predacon! {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Beast Creator|Beast Creator}}

===''Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike''===
Shockwave used his tank mode's impressive firepower to do battle against Optimus Prime in the middle of a lush tropical forest environment. Boasting that logic would prevail, Shockwave was nonetheless sent fleeing after sustaining too much damage at the hands of the Autobot leader. Shockwave later returned to aid Megatron in his own fight against Optimus, but the Decepticons were defeated once more, and sent fleeing. {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike|Decepticon Strike}}

===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
====Console====
{{Charstubgames}}

Shockwave was tasked alongside Soundwave and Starscream to locate and bring the [[Dark Spark]] to Megatron. As the trio searched for the Dark Spark, Shockwave split up from his allies and located Hardshell. After a brief fight, Shockwave defeats Hardshell and is attacked by Kickback and Sharpshot. After defeating the two of them Shockwave allows the trio a chance to live by joining the Decepticons. They accept the offer and the four of them return to Starscream, Soundwave, and [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]. After the team locate the Dark Spark they are interrupted by [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] and [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] who take the Dark Spark and retreat. After chasing the duo who regrouped with Optimus and Bumblebee, blew up the train they were riding. Shockwave attempted to engage Optimus in a fight but was stopped by Sharpshot who informed Shockwave that Optimus did not have the Dark Spark with him and that Ironhide had it. After Shockwave and Sharpshot beat Ironhide and take the Dark Spark they are attacked by Autobot forces. Luckily they regrouped with [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] and [[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]], and Swindle was tasked by Onslaught to escort the duo to the rest of the Combaticons. After fighting waves of Autobot forces Shockwave and Swindle manage to regroup with the combaticons who form into Bruticus. After the battle Shockwave manages to give Megatron the Dark Spark and was present when Optimus attempted to retrieve the DarK Spark from Megatron. Shockwave and Megatron used the power of the Dark Spark to reanimate several dead Autobot soldiers to attack Optimus while Megatron engaged Prime in a duel. However Megatron lost the duel and attacked Prime with the Dark Spark to which Optimus attacked Megatron with the Matrix severely damaging Megatron and himself. Shockwave quickly rushes to Megatrons side and brings Megatron to safety as Optimus awakens. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark}}

====3DS====
{{Charstubgames}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
Shockwave participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! That is, if he was ever released, but he never made it into the game. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Splatoon''===
[[Squid Sisters|Marie]] considered Shockwave among the coolest of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Splatoon}}

==Commercial appearances==
{{voiceactor|[[Corey Burton]] (English)}}
[[File:WFC Shockwave game.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Well done. Here come the test results: "You are a horrible person." That's what it says: a horrible person. We weren't even testing for that.]]
Megatron left Shockwave to handle an unknown battle when he arrived. Shockwave instructed Soundwave to transform into boombox mode and play [[The Touch]]! After a while, Starscream asked about Shockwave's choice of songs and was told once he got a higher hit percentage than Shockwave then he could choose a soundtrack. {{storylink|Commercial#War for Cybertron|GameStop's commercial for their Shockwave multiplayer exclusive}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I want him in the games until he dies playing. Acknowledge." "Acknowledged, Master Control." "End of line."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2012)
**''Series/number'': '''01 / #003'''
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece laser cannon

: Part of the first wave of [[2012]] ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Shockwave transforms into a "Cybertronian mobile artillery" mode. The front center fuselage of the vehicle becomes a [[5 mm post|hand-held]] "laser cannon" that's modeled after the [[Sling Shock#Generations|Sling Shock]]. It can be stored on a 5 mm port on his back, and undocumented in his [[instructions]], can replace his hands by folding either one of them in, and tabbing the cannon onto the revealed wrist socket. As another undocumented feature, the cannon actually consists of two pieces, with a large Y-shaped muzzle that can be removed, revealing the sculpted ends of a triple-barreled gun. The muzzle stays on the cannon through friction and, depending on the [[quality control]], can fit rather loosely and slide off if pointed downward. (A bit of double-stick tape wrapped around the end of one of the barrels will help it stay in place without permanent changes.) The muzzle part can also be stored on Shockwave's back, forming some sort of [[jet pack|jet-pack]] exhaust.

:Shockwave features two examples of [[Kibble#faux-parts|faux-parts]]: The undersides of his heels resemble the front end of the Y-shaped muzzle part, effectively serving as an extension of the muzzle in vehicle mode, whereas a fake replica of the top end of his head (including his signature "ear" panels) is sculpted on the top side of his vehicle mode (which ends up on the underside of his backpack in robot mode).

:The figure has a "dramatic reveal" feature, where pressing the chest into place causes the head to pop up. The clasp used to hold the spring-loaded piece in place is fairly strong, and requires a small amount of force to latch if the head isn't pressed down before moving the chest assembly. Depending on the individual quality of the figure, this can cause the latch to wear out, and the spring is strong enough that the head will push the whole assembly out of place in vehicle mode if not properly retracted. As such, care should be taken on this step of conversion.

: This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generations|Shockwave]] in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comics. This mold was also [[redeco]]ed/[[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Fireflight (FOC)|Air Raid]] and [[BotCon 2014]] [[Brimstone (G1 Star Seeker)|Brimstone]]. His weapons is later reused for the Million Publishing mail-away exclusive [[Starscream (WFC)#War for Cybertron|Infiltrator Starscream]].

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

===Prime===
[[File:Primetoy-TakaraTomy-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Narrator|It is the year 2005...]]]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2012-[[December 15|12-15]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AM-29'''
**''Accessories:'' "Bido" Arms Micron

: Part of the ninth wave of [[TakaraTomy]] ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toys, Shockwave is a redeco/retool of his ''Fall of Cybertron'' toy, and is the only release of said toy in Japan. His wings have been retooled with additional 5mm posts and ports, and he has been redecoed to have a brighter, metallic shade of purple plastic. Additionally, he has brighter silver [[paint operation]]s, and some of his other paint operations have been replaced with customer-applied [[sticker]]s.

: Instead of his two-piece laser cannon, he now comes with an [[Arms Micron]], [[Bido]], who transforms from a robotic rhinoceros beetle into [[Sling Shock#Prime|Shockwave's cannon]] and vehicle fuselage. Bido features numerous 5mm ports and posts for mounting, but can only be used as a hand-held cannon, and is unable to replace Shockwave's hand. Sorry.
{{-}}

====Beast Hunters====
[[File:BHtoy Voyager Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Shockwave's early attempt at indoctrinating the Predacons to the Decepticon cause involved wearing dragon costumes. It... didn't go over so well.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Voyager Class, 2013)
**''Series/number'': '''02 / 003'''
**''Accessories:'' Chest armor panel, 2 shoulder/foot armor panels

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime: Beast Hunters]]'' Voyager Class toys, Shockwave transforms into a Cybertronian tank. He features numerous 5mm ports, such as his shoulder-pads, right hand, and right forearm in robot mode, and his feet in vehicle mode. His rear treads are made of rubberized plastic, and the left tread unfurls to become a hose that attaches to the permanently attached "[[Hyperflux Cannon]]" that makes up his left forearm. By repeatedly pressing down on the trigger on top of the cannon, the barrel of the cannon spins while opening and closing, revealing more of its translucent red tip.

:For accessories, he comes with three "beast armor" pieces—a three-eyed chest-plate and two claw-shaped panels—that can be attached to Shockwave in both robot and vehicle modes, with the "claw" pieces attaching to his shoulders and feet via 5mm post.

:His instructions forget to mention that the "spike" panels on his tread [[Kibble|backpack]] need to be swung up for robot [[show-accuracy]], and that the treaded portions themselves are on [[Slide joint|telescoping joints]], and need to be pulled apart and extended for tank mode. His instructions also include the [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11|eleventh chapter]] of the ''[[Tales of the Beast Hunters]]'' series.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on ''Beast Hunters'' Shockwave at TFU.info]''

[[File:Shockwave's-Lab-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Shockwave (G1)|It is only logical.]]]]

{{anchor|SDCC2013}}{{anchor|SDCC}}
*'''Shockwave's Lab''' (SDCC 2013 exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Lab Playset

: A [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Hunters'' Voyager Shockwave in brighter G1 coloring, this set depicts Shockwave's creation of [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], complete with a lab playset and a ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class [[Predaking (Prime)#SDCC|Predaking]] in translucent and opaque blue. Despite what the stock images suggest, the fuchsia highlights were largely replaced with black on the actual figure.

:This set was exclusive to [[San Diego Comic-Con]] and [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], and is considered the [[Thrilling 30#30 exclusive toys|Thrilling 30]] exclusive 02.

{{anchor|CybertronCon}}
*'''Shockwave's Lab''' (Cybertron-Con 2013 exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Lab Playset

: Exclusive to Cybertron-Con, this Shockwave's Lab set is essentially unchanged from the San Diego Comic Con version, the only difference being that the [[Predaking (Prime)#Cyberverse|Predaking]] figure is now in translucent and opaque orange. This set is considered the [[Thrilling 30#30 exclusive toys|Thrilling 30]] exclusive 06.
{{-}}

====Cyberverse====
[[File:PrimeBHtoy-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Impersonating a stalemate associate. I just added that to the list. It's a list I made of all the things you've done. Well, it's a list that I '''AM''' making, because you're still doing things right now, even though I'm telling you to stop. Stop, by the way."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Cyberverse Commander Class, 2013)
**''Series/number'': '''03 / 007'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Missile]]

: Part of the third wave of ''Prime: Beast Hunters'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 3|Series 3 ''Cyberverse'']] Commander Class toys, Shockwave is a [[Size class|smaller-scale]] mold. His right hand is compatible with [[C joint|3mm post]]s, and his left forearm is a "Hyperflux Cannon" that can launch its missile via pressure launch.

:Care must be taken on the legs' swivel joints: the construction between the lower side of the left leg's upper thighs is somewhat prone to warping due to it's ''very'' tight construction.

:This mold was later retooled to make [[Bludgeon (Prime)|Bludgeon]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CybCommShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Cyberverse Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Rising}}
[[File:PrimeBH-PredaconsRising-toy-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|"Okay. I guess emotional outbursts require more than one point six volts. Now we know that. We just need to relax. We're still going to find out what the hell's going on here. But calmly."]]
* '''Bombshock & Shockwave ''' (Commander Class 2-pack)
**''Accessories'': Missile

: A [[redeco]] of Shockwave in colors more reminiscent of his ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|precursor]], this version of Shockwave was only available as part of a "[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising|Predacons Rising]]" Commander Class 2-pack with [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]], which, as a second [[wave]] ''Predacons Rising'' release, was only available as a [[Target]] [[exclusive]] in the United States (and not in Canada, Australia or Europe), even though it was used in official advertising by BigW in Australia (who ultimately only stocked the wave 1 [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Target2pack|Optimus Prime]] vs [[Predaking (Prime)#Target2pack|Predaking]] two-pack).

:Curiously, like all ''Predacons Rising'' multi-packs featuring redecoed ''Cyberverse'' figures, this set doesn't identify the figures as ''Cyberverse'' products anywhere on the [[packaging]].

:As shown by an official [[stock photography|stock photo]],<ref name="targetlisting">[http://www.target.com/p/transformers-predacons-command-shockwave-figure/-/A-14575734 Target listing] for the Shockwave/Bombshock set, depicting the packaging with mixed up names.</ref> the packaging in its original presentation featured the name "Shockwave" in front of Bombshock, who is placed on the left, and "Bombshock" in front of Shockwave, who is placed on the right. By the time the two-pack hit stores, this was remedied by stickers with the correct names covering up the wrong ones. However, the side panels retain the old names and the "wrong" set of tech specs.<ref name="stickers">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/953415-predacon-rising-bombshock-shockwave-found.html "Predacon Rising Bombshock and Shockwave found"] thread at TFW2005, showing the stickers.</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/PRShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on ''Predacons Rising'' Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|CommandCenter}}
[[File:Kre-O-Autobot-Command-Center.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Did you know that people with guilty consciences are more easily startled by loud noise--[train horn]--"]]
*'''Autobot Command Center''' (2013)
**''Set number'': '''A5412'''
**''Pieces'': '''461'''
**''Kreons'': [[Arcee (WFC)#AutobotHQ|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#AutobotHQ|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (WFC)#Kre-O|Ratchet]], Shockwave, [[Knock Out (Prime)#Kre-O|Knock Out]] mystery figure

:The ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Autobot Command Center]] set comes with a Shockwave [[Kreon]] to put in the Autobot jail cell. He has a new deco based on ''Prime'' Shockwave.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChanger}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changer-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I'm sorry, I don't know why that went off. Anyway, just an interesting science fact."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Battle Changer, 2015)

:Released as part of the second wave of ''Battle Changer''s, Shockwave is a massively built-up Kreon that transforms from robot to Cybertronic tank and back without removing any parts! His robot mode is based on [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#BattleChanger|Generation 1 Shockwave]] while his vehicle mode is based on ''Prime'' Shockwave.

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

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/Kre-OBCShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Battle Changer Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Construct-Bots===
[[File:ConstructBots BH Shockwave.jpg|thumb|300px|More spikes and hard angles than a Bayformer.]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Beast Hunters Elite Class, 2013)
: Shockwave transforms into a purple truck with a huge cannon on top. The figure's imposing cannon can be placed on either forearm and even includes a rubber hose! He includes an array of bladed weapons and 2 different types of projectile for his cannon.

:Like pretty much all ''Beast Hunters'' Construct-Bots, Shockwave never saw release in the United States.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CBBHShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on the Beast Hunters version of Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Bot Shots===
{{anchor|JumpShot}}
[[File:BotShotsS2 Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Shockwave''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''645'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''865'''
***''Sword strength'': '''110'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this new mold Shockwave transforms from a robot with a cannon hand, into a tank. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSJSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Jump Shot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack2}}
[[File:BotShotsS2 3pack Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee / Shockwave / Skyquake''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BP003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''710'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''790'''
***''Sword strength'': '''115'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, this is a redeco of Jump Shot Shockwave in a lighter, more-bluish purple, with bronze details. He comes with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShot3pack2|Jump Shot Bumblebee]] and [[Skyquake (Prime)#BotShot3pack2|Super Bot Skyquake]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on three-pack Jump Shot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Go!===
[[File:Tramsformers-Go!-G-13-Hunter-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Shockwave (Movie)|He lost his teeth.]]]]
*'''Hunter Shockwave''' (2013-[[April 27|04-27]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''G13'''
**''Accessories:'' Chest armor panel, 2 shoulder/foot armor panels

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' toys, Hunter Shockwave is a redeco of the [[#Beast Hunters|''Beast Hunters'' Voyager Class Shockwave]] toy cast in a darker, metallic shade of purple plastic. He features additional metallic blue paint applications. His armor pieces are now black.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Thrilling 30===
*'''Shockwave''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #22'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Shockwave was released among the blindpacked [[Thrilling 30#Collectible Figurines|''Thrilling 30'' Collectible Figurines]] by [[Goldie Marketing]]. He comes with a base to help him stand, a collector's card that doubles as a puzzle piece, and a checklist.

*'''Collectible Figurines''' (5-pack, 2014)
**''Series:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' 5 collector's bases
:The same Shockwave figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Wheeljack (Prime)#Thrilling 30|Wheeljack]], [[Soundwave (WFC)#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]] and an [[Insecticon (WFC)#Thrilling 30|Insecticon]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
* In the map of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from the "[[Binder of Revelation]]" included in ''[[Transformers Vault]]'', Shockwave came from [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]], which explains why he took control of it during the war.
* As noted above, Shockwave's model is usable in ''War for Cybertron'' multiplayer as the Retaliator-type chassis for [[Scientist (WFC)|Scientist]]-class characters. His parts are also available for Scientists in ''Fall of Cybertron'', now classified as Defender-type components.
* Shockwave is usable in both the Autobot and Decepticon versions of the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|''War for Cybertron'' games for the DS]]. He is used only for multiplayer, bonus missions and Arena mode in the Autobot version and used in Multiplayer, Arena mode, and campaign in the Decepticon version.
* In the Xbox 360/PS3 versions of War for Cybertron, Shockwave's left arm is his Plasma Cannon, but in the DS version, it's his ''right'' arm.
* The GameStop ''War for Cybertron'' commercial describes Shockwave as second-in-command of the Decepticons, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] is never officially referred to as such.
* For said commercial, Shockwave was voiced by [[Corey Burton]], voice actor of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1]] and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Animated]] Shockwaves. He later lamented over [http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=853&sid=3992b18086e21d8f6face60940505757 a forum post] that the performance was so rushed and the "gag" nature so out of character, that it hardly even sounded like him: "Two different sessions; and while they were awfully nice to work with, I have to say that the gag line was written and directed completely off-character. Since it was all supposed to be pretty "camp" anyway, and it had to be wedged-into a space that wasn't even there in the initial cut, I just went along with it. Figured it's just a silly bit of hype, that wasn't worth taking seriously enough to fuss over."
* The aforementioned commercial also indicates that Shockwave is evidently a fan of [[Stan Bush]].
* According to his [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] bio, Shockwave's emotions sometimes get the better of him, leading to irrational behavior. He also hopes that one day his work will let him reformat all Cybertronians to a new form of existence and ideally become ruler of Cybertron in the process. Looks like Megatron's hunch wasn't far off...
* Although Shockwave is a Jet in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, he's a ground vehicle in the DS Version. This is most probably because the mission he is unlocked in features his Autobot counterpart, [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], a Heavy Ground vehicle. Shockwave's increasable stats are, however, those of a Flying Vehicle.
* The ''Prime'' writers admitted that, not knowing what to do with the character, Shockwave was not going to survive his debut episode, before eventually coming up with a way to incorporate the character as a regular during the third season.
* In the Japanese dub of ''Prime'', actor [[Kenta Miyake]] channels the unique personality of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from the Japanese dub of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] in that he's a grizzled old man with a gravelly voice and a short temper. Unlike the Japanese Generation 1 Shockwave, ''this'' Shockwave has a new verbal tic in which he endlessly punctuates sentences by bellowing the word ''"Shock!"''

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Chèn-phō''' (Taiwan, 震波, "Shockwave"), '''Zhèndàngbō''' (Mainland China, 震荡波, "Shockwave")
*''Russian:'' '''Vzryvala''' (Взрывала, "Blaster")

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=Shockwave
|disambig=Shockwave (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon who's to blame for everything from [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]].
*[[Shockblast]], the murderous Decepticon berserker from [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|''Energon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]], the loyal Decepticon spy from [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|''Animated'']].
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon beastmaster and killing machine from [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|''Dark of the Moon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon mad scientist from [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|''Cyberverse'']].}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Construct-Bots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Go! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Prime Decepticons]]
[[Category:Purple Order]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Decepticons]]

Shockwave (WFC)

2021-04-05T20:17:31Z

GlamAttack: /* Cyberverse */

{{factions|decepticon|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:PrimeShockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|SPM seeking abominations of science. Turn-ons: dinosaurs, logic.]]

'''Shockwave''' was a member of the scientist caste in the industrial city of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. In a reversal of the usual order, he was swayed by the ambitions of the former mining caste member turned gladiator [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. Serving as Megatron's "pet mad scientist" and [[second-in-command]], he saw to the fighter's armament during his rise to prominence, all the while fantasizing on the prospect of ''mass producing'' such warriors. Thankfully, Megatron's more practical nature reined in Shockwave as the movement which became the Decepticons finally moved out of the shadows.

Shockwave naturally only serves his one true master: logic. He's willing to ignore petty squabbles and jabs at him, and will only do what he finds logical. Megatron is pleased by his dedication and his competence stemming from it, starkly contrasting with the egotistical and gloating [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. His passive nature to goings-on around him may paint him as apathetic, but whoever believes that is writing their death warrant. Shockwave is as brutal and fierce as any Decepticon warrior, and has the strength and durability to withstand everything from explosions to Autobot assault. He does '''not''' take well to attempts on his life or his experiments failing or being tampered with. [[Primus]] help you if you actually do break his seemingly eternal calm.

{{quote|Shockwave, you would bring down all of creation just to satisfy your own ambition.|Alpha Trion|''[[Transformers: Retribution|Retribution]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''The Covenant of Primus''===

Shockwave emerged from the [[Well of All Sparks]] sometime during or prior to the [[Age of Wrath]]. Shockwave was among the earliest rebels to oppose their [[Quintesson]] "masters", and he rejected both the invaders and their puppet government. Shockwave's genius led him to be the first Cybertronian able to translate the Quintesson language.

Even after the fall of the Quintessons, Shockwave remained on the outskirts of Cybertronian civilization, never taking any official position with the government or its council, despite his brilliance. He eventually became a member of [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons as war broke out against the Autobots. After the Ark departed, Megatron left Shockwave behind to oversee Cybertron in his stead.

Shockwave's brilliant but unhinged mind caused him to see other Cybertronians and society itself as a Petri dish for his experiments. He was responsible for creating a new underclass of Cybertronians known as the [[Forged]], test subjects so mentally and physically damaged by his experiments that they forgot their original designations. Shockwave worked with his Insecticon swarms and also was responsible for creating the [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobot]]s. He restored the only remaining [[Space bridge]] on Cybertron, powering it to warp space and time in order to look back on Earth during the Cretaceous Era as inspiration for his experiments. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|Covenant of Primus}}

===Aligned novels===
Shockwave was a scientist who lived on the fringes of Cybertronian society, admitting to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]] he knew little of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. He was one of the scientists whose innovations allowed the mass production of stressed-crystal material used to build [[Crystal City]]. There he began his [[combiner]] experiments, creating [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus Maximus]], whose lack of intelligence in combined form made him a danger to friend and foe, and he was put in [[stasis lock]]. Shockwave moved to [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], becoming a surgeon for the gladiators, where he met [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]us. He continued his combination experiments with the three [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s, whom Megatronus bested in combat: it was in this match that the crowd chanted a shorter name for the gladiator, Megatron. Megatron recognized two things about Shockwave: that he was bereft of any morality or ethics, and that while he was his most loyal ally, he would turn on him one day.

[[File:WFCcomicDecepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''We three 'Cons of Kaon are...'']]

During the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] war, Shockwave perfected his experiments with the [[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicon]]s, creating a [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] which was unleashed on Crystal City. Shockwave set up a laboratory in the ruins but was ordered to take command of the newly conquered city state [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]]. Autobot sympathizers became fodder for experiments, while Shockwave's forces conquered [[Vos (polity)|Vos]]. He quelled dissent in both cities by requesting Vos' Air Commanders [[photon missile]] strike Tarn, for which he claimed the Autobots were responsible, and then had a photon missile strike (of supposedly unknown origin) ordered on Vos, killing the Air Commanders whose true loyalty lay with [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]].

When the Decepticons captured [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] Station, Shockwave oversaw two of Starscream's scientists ingest [[Dark Energon]]: the powerful result activated a security [[gyro-inhibitor charge]] which rendered Shockwave unconscious. Shockwave later subjected the two subjects to a deprivation study, and found it necessary to muzzle them as the duo agonized as a result of Dark Energon's absence in their bodies. Shockwave also used the [[Spark]]s of those killed in the capture to turn Trypticon into a Decepticon, able to spawn drones and [[Mini-Con|Minicons]] in its corridors.

Shockwave remained on Cybertron in command of the Decepticons, while Megatron left with his elite soldiers on the ''Nemesis'' to pursue the Autobot ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]''. Shockwave promised Megatron that [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|Cybertron would remain as he left it]], the notion of which Megatron chastised. He ordered Shockwave to rebuild Cybertron and enslave the remaining Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

{{note|Shockwave's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic "[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]."}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}}}

On Cybertron, Shockwave established his rule out of the remains of Iacon, building a massive [[Tower of Shockwave]] as his personal citadel. Although he employed [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] and other Decepticons ostensibly to patrol the city, in reality Shockwave preferred chaos in the streets to continue producing new variables for him to explore and exploit.

Shockwave eventually decided to seize the historian, Alpha Trion, and use him for his experiments. Shockwave recognized Alpha Trion as a Prime, one of the original [[Thirteen]], and thought to use the old bot's systems to gain access to the [[Vector Sigma]] super-computer. However, Shockwave was unaware that his data-tracs had been remotely hacked by the Quintessons, who intended to use his work with Alpha Trion to instead repower the space bridge, allowing their invading army to arrive from [[Aquatron]].

Shockwave recognized his mistake far too late, and General [[Tyrannicon]] led an army of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s to Cybertron. Despite his best efforts, even [[Devastator (WFC)|Devastator]] and [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]] failed to defend Shockwave's rule. He hoped to loot the [[Hall of Records]] for weapons or artifacts, only to discover Alpha Trion had jettisoned them into space long before. Fortunately, the actions of Megatron across the galaxy on Aquatron ended the threat of the Sharkticons for him. {{storylink|Transformers: Retribution|Retribution}}

===IDW Aligned comics===

[[File:LastStand-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|And as purple as he is logical.]]

Shockwave had been put in charge of a remote Decepticon base in the middle of the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], where he was to oversee a reportedly unlimited source of [[Energon]], a potentially amazing advantage in the waning days of the war for Cybertron. [[Swoop (WFC)|Swoop]] had been dispatched to investigate this mysterious Energon-rich Decepticon base when he overheard a conversation between Shockwave and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]. Starscream was concerned that Shockwave's attentions were diverted away from the Energon discovery and was wasting his talents on examining the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s he'd discovered and the "cosmic secrets" he had learned. Shockwave's Insecticon horde discovered Swoop's presence, and the Autobot was captured. {{storylink|Secrets (FOC)|Secrets}}

Predictably, the other members of Swoop's Autobot team, the [[Lightning Strike Coalition Force]] arrived in hopes of retrieving Swoop. Shockwave confronted the four and boasted that this action on their part was central to his plans. The Lightning Strike Coalition Force would make "perfect test subjects" for his experiments, {{storylink|Siege Mentality}} and as their leader, [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], fought back, Shockwave thanked him for not alerting [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] of their whereabouts. The five would be fashioned into the ultimate weapon for the Decepticon cause! He then quickly fell Grimlock with surgeon-like precision, all the while gloating that the Coalition's absence from the front lines would allow the Decepticons to easily take Autobot City from Optimus Prime's control. {{storylink|Last Stand}}

Shockwave was waiting when Grimlock awoke, strung up in his laboratory. He explained that he had discovered ancient Transformers technology, a [[space bridge|bridge that could traverse both space and time]]. This "space bridge" had offered him a glimpse of many worlds, but most relevantly Shockwave had seen into the past of a certain [[Earth|small blue planet]] where [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|amazing and terrible creatures]] once stalked its lands. {{storylink|Fragmentation (FOC)|Fragmentation}} {{storylink|Beast Hunters issue 3|Beast Hunters #3}} Having already experimented in recreating dinosaurs organically in the past, Shockwave went to work reconstructing the Dinobots in their image. {{storylink|Beast Hunters issue 4|Beast Hunters #4}} As Shockwave's machinery took Grimlock apart, he told the Autobot that he and his team would be rebuilt into weapons for the Decepticons. {{storylink|Fragmentation (FOC)|Fragmentation}} As Grimlock was being reformed, through his pain he saw visions of the future, of being unwittingly unleashed by Starscream and ultimately taking his revenge on Shockwave. Shockwave quelled these visions by breaking into Grimlock's mind, reducing the once fiercely intelligent leader to nothing but a feral berserker. {{storylink|Fall}}

The events in Grimlock's vision came to pass nonetheless, and Shockwave was left battered by the Dinobot as they escaped from him. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 4|Rage of the Dinobots #4}}

After Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s group of warriors had left the planet, Shockwave remained behind and fashioned a new faction known as [[Forged]]. He commanded this group through [[Ser-Ket (Prime)|Ser-Ket]], a former Decepticon whom he had experimented on and granted a draconic [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]] altmode. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 2|Rage of the Dinobots #2}} Ser-Ket reported to Shockwave after the Forged had captured [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]], {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 1|Rage of the Dinobots #1}} an event that led to the Forged base being attacked by Grimlock's Dinobots, who killed Ser-Ket. Sending a remote-control avatar [[drone]] in time to witness the battle, Shockwave didn't think much of his underling's death, explaining to the Dinobots that she had overestimated her role in his machinations. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 3|Rage of the Dinobots #3}} By strategic use of a force field and an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP grenade]], he defeated the Dinobots and brought them to one of his labs to finish what he had started by purging them of their sentience once and for all. As he began to work on Grimlock, however, the other Dinobots broke out of captivity and ripped his avatar to pieces. The real Shockwave then contacted them via hologram to let them know they had only destroyed one of many avatars in one of many labs, but one day they might come face to face with the real deal once again. {{storylink|Rage of the Dinobots issue 4|Rage of the Dinobots #4}}

=== ''Prime'' cartoon ===
{{voiceactor|[[David Sobolov]] (English), [[Kenta Miyake]] (Japanese)|[[Liu Beichen]] (Chinese), [[Ja-hyeong Gu]] (Korean), [[Gergely Horváth-Töreki]] (Hungarian), [[Uli Krohm]] (German), [[Jorge Badillo]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Luis Vicente Ivars]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jussi Wahlgren]] (Finnish, season 2), [[Jari Salo]] (Finnish, "[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]"), [[Bruno Bulté]] (French), [[Jean-Marc Delhausse]] (French, a few episodes in season 3), [[Maurizio Trombini]] (Italian), [[Mauro Castro]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:Prime-Shockwave&Cliffjumper.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|left|Logic dictates that there is a small chance that I will kill you, here and now... but I'm gonna shoot anyway.]]

During the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]], Shockwave cloned a small army of [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]] and had them micro-chipped so he could track them at all times. On Megatron's orders, he dispatched them to Earth to destroy the Autobots stationed there and secure any energon they could find. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

While most of the population left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the [[Great Exodus]], Shockwave stayed behind. He spent his time building and scavenging technology, and managed to reverse-engineer [[space bridge]] technology. His efforts had come to fruition when [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], while delivering Energon to power the bridge, brought him an encrypted Autobot transmission along with two prisoners, [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. By using his own invention, the [[cortical psychic patch]], on Arcee, Shockwave gained the codes to decrypt the transmission, revealing it to be a message from [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] calling the Autobots to [[Earth]]. He later found the two Autobots sabotaging the space bridge, and was buried in rubble during the ensuing fight. After he dug himself out, he followed them into the space bridge and was only stopped when Arcee hit his optical sensor. Caught inside the space bridge as it exploded, {{storylink|Out of the Past}} Shockwave found himself back on the abandoned planet Cybertron, blinded. He repaired his injuries and continued his experiment, using recovered CNA to clone a [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacon]].

Years later, Shockwave detected the energy surge caused by the [[Omega Lock]] and went to investigate, encountering [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] who had come on an unrelated mission. {{storylink|Scattered}} Shockwave returned with him to [[Earth]], where [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] had created [[Darkmount (Earth)|a fortress]]. {{storylink|Darkmount, NV}} Megatron appointed Shockwave his first lieutenant in charge of science. With Starscream's interrogation of [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] failing to yield results, Shockwave attempted a cortical psychic patch, but was similarly unable to gain any information. The continuing failure to track down the scattered Autobots led Shockwave to reveal the fruits of his cloning work—a [[Predaking (Prime)|huge Predacon]]. {{storylink|Scattered}} Shockwave gave the creature a whiff of Wheeljack's energon before unleashing it, however it eventually returned empty-handed. {{storylink|Prey (episode)|Prey}}

[[File:Rebellion-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Logic dictates that my altmode should look ''awesome''.]]
When Darkmount came under attack, Shockwave suggested unleashing the Predacon, only for the beast to be defeated moments after it entered battle. Though Starscream took the opportunity to get some mocking in, Shockwave simply turned and jumped his way down the outside of the fortress before defeating the Autobots himself. The victory was short-lived, as once Optimus Prime turned up, the Autobots turned on their captor. Despite holding his own against them, Shockwave retreated through a GroundBridge once the citadel was destroyed. {{storylink|Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion}}

Shockwave then began retrieving Predacon remains from the clones previous sent to Earth, so that he could clone them again and form a new army of Predacons. {{storylink|Project Predacon}} When the Predacon returned safe and well to the ''Nemesis'', Shockwave was content for Megatron to place it under Starscream's command. {{storylink|Chain of Command (Prime)|Chain of Command}} While he was retrieving Predacon remains in [[Texas]], he was attacked by [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and Optimus Prime. Soundwave arrived through a GroundBridge to give Shockwave support, keeping Prime busy while Shockwave grappled with the other two Autobots. Though the fossil broke apart during Shockwave's fight, thanks to Soundwave a fraction of it was GroundBridged back to the [[Trypticon (WFC)|''Nemesis'']]. Upon returning to the ship and at Megatron's urging, Shockwave opted to let Starscream retrieve further genetic material. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

Shockwave's cloning process neared completion, but the revelation that the existing Predacon was intelligent resulted in the Decepticons rethinking the entire plan, as [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] might turn against them. Shockwave agreed it was logical that they should use the Autobots to terminate the clones, however Starscream lured the Autobots to the off-site laboratory while he was still purging sensitive information from the computers. He retreated, and after the laboratory was destroyed, discovered that the [[Synthetic Energon]] they'd been storing in it had created Cybermatter. {{storylink|Evolution}}
[[File:ShockwavePunishesScreamer-MinusOne.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.66| Happy birthday, Starscream!]]
Shockwave almost put out one of Starscream's eyes over the early arrival of the Autobots, but was talked out of it in time. The Decepticons decided to repair the Omega Lock as a launch mechanism, with Shockwave in charge of perfecting Synthetic Energon. When they realized that Ratchet would be helpful in perfecting the formula, Shockwave instructed Laserbeak to track [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] to find the Autobot base. Meanwhile, Shockwave himself took part in a raid on the [[Solaris particle collider]]. {{storylink|Minus One}} Unfortunately [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] proved too much for Shockwave to handle, and he had to be rescued by Predaking.

Back on the ''Nemesis'', he used a cortical psychic patch on Ratchet in an attempt to learn the completed Synth-En formula, but came up empty handed. As a result, the Decepticons had to switch tack and attempt to persuade Ratchet to help them. {{storylink|Persuasion}} While Ratchet was put to work on the Synthetic Energon formula, Shockwave was called away to oversee the completion of the Omega Lock. As a result, he was not there when Ratchet attempted to escape, but he was able to salvage the completed formula from the mess Ratchet left, and began the process of synthesizing enough to power the Omega Lock. {{storylink|Synthesis}} Shockwave's attempts to activate the Omega Lock were hampered by having to fight Ratchet and the other Autobots who turned up. Following Megatron's demise, he grabbed the protesting Starscream and the pair made a run for it. They escaped the warship in a lifepod, somewhere over Cybertron. {{storylink|Deadlock}}

Shockwave resumed his experiments, though he had to relocate his lab a number of times to avoid detection, and successfully created [[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]] and [[Skylynx (Prime)|Skylynx]]. He was summoned when the two Predacons led Starscream to a Predacon burial ground uncovered by the upheaval of Cybertron's rebirth, however as they were gathering up the bones, they were witness to the unexpected return of Megatron. It turned out to be [[Unicron]] using Megatron's body, and after the dark god raised an army of undead Predacons, the horde's first act was to swarm the terrified Shockwave.

He somehow survived, and later approached Predaking and the other two Predacons as they fought each other, suggesting they might instead like to go fight Unicron, only to disappear as mysteriously as he appeared. {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising}}

===''Tales of the Beast Hunters''===
Shockwave cloned [[Lazerback (Prime)|Lazerback]] in a [[Hyperevolution Chamber]], unaware his subject could hear everything he said. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 3}} On awakening [[Ripclaw]], Shockwave told the Predacon that [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] was in danger from the [[Autobot]]s. Ripclaw promptly took off out of the laboratory. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 8}} Sometime later, Shockwave realized that the Predacons were as big a threat to the Decepticons as to the Autobots and decided to shut down the cloning project. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11}} He found [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] sneaking around his laboratory {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 10}} and came up with a new plan to blame the laboratory's destruction on the Autobots, hopefully causing Predaking to eliminate Prime's team. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11}} Smokescreen and Shockwave's battle caused some of the Predacons in nearby evolution vats to awaken, and [[Skystalker (Prime)|Skystalker]] soon joined the conflict. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 12}} Ultimately, Smokescreen escaped from Shockwave with several data discs in hand. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 13}}

Deciding to cut his losses and run, Shockwave enlisted [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]]'s help in packing up his laboratory. The pair took the last two remaining Hyperevolution Chambers with them to Cybertron. {{storylink|Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 20}}

===''Full of Fire!''===
Shockwave revealed to Megatron that more Predacons had been cloned. The scientist dispatched five new Predacons with Predaking to test the Autobots and record data on the enemy's combat effectiveness. When all six were defeated, Megatron believed the data to be useless as the Autobots now knew the extent of the Predacon army, only for Shockwave to reveal that he had many more Predacons ready to go. {{storylink|Full of Fire!}}

===Titan ''Prime'' comic===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4.17|Collider Scope}} {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4.20|Starscream's Beast}}}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
Whereas most Transformers left Cybertron for Earth in pursuit of the Allspark, Shockwave remained behind. He acted as Megatron's steward over Cybertron, occupying his time by rebuilding his prisoners into weapons of war. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

===''Generations Selects'' comic===
Several incarnations of Shockwave were among the many Shockwaves in the [[Purple Order]] who served the will of [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Purple Wicked Convoy]]. Through a screen, one listened as Primus alerted Purple about the end of the [[Blue Order]] and the threat of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]]. Others watched as the [[Pretender Monster]]s attacked [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Megatron Omega]] and his [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] followers before Purple proposed an alliance. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3)===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)|[[Marc Alfos]] (French)}}

[[File:War for Cybertron Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"When your hit percentage exceeds mine, YOU may choose the soundtrack!"]] {{Note|Shockwave is an pre-order [[exclusive]] downloadable content character for use in multiplayer modes, and is not playable in the ''War for Cybertron'' storyline campaign. Using a preorder code to unlock him will allow the player to use Shockwave in Escalation mode, and makes his chassis available for customizing an online multiplayer character for Decepticon scientists. His chassis is labelled as "Retaliator". Shockwave was later made available alongside the other preorder-exclusive characters in the ''Transformers: War for Cybertron Map and Character Pack''. He was available for the XBox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, but not for the PC version.}}
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}

===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' - Decepticons (DS)===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)|[[Marc Alfos]] (French)}}

{{Note|Shockwave is an unlockable character for the Nintendo DS version of ''War for Cybertron''. On the Decepticon version he can replace any of the other Decepticons in the campaign mode. He can be unlocked by beating Purification 6 in Arena Mode.}}

Shockwave was at the Energon Purification zone when the Decepticons had used it for their stores of Energon. Shockwave challenged Megatron and his troops to a fight, saying if they beat him, he'd join their ranks. Shockwave was indeed defeated, and somewhat reluctantly joined the Decepticon ranks.
{{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|War for Cybertron - Autobots/Decepticons}}

===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Blum]] (English)}}
[[File:FoCShockwave2.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.66|He's being scouted for potential membership into the Legion of Doom.]]
When Cybertron was beginning to shut down, Shockwave wanted to reboot it, but to do this, he needed an large energon supply. As he searched for one, he discovered an ancient technology in the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]] called Space Bridges. Using the observatories of the ancients that used to reside in the Sea of Rust, Shockwave began searching for new planets that he could suck the life out of, and found [[Earth|one]] rich in raw energy. He also began experimenting on several [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] which had started coming onto the planet's surface, and took three unusually intelligent Insecticons, [[Hardshell]], [[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] and [[Sharpshot]], under his command. He later used them to capture [[Dinobot (FOC)|five Autobots]], whom he gave new forms based on the [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|large reptiles]] he saw on the planet.

After [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was killed during siege on Iacon, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] took command of the Decepticons. The two argued over the use of a lake of Energon near the Space Bridge tower, and though Shockwave attempted to convince him of its potential usefulness, Starscream simply wanted to drain the lake. When [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] disrupted the fuel line leading to the tower, Shockwave unleashed an army of Insecticons upon them while he attempted to rectify the problem. He failed to do so, but luckily he had already built a replica tower in Kaon. Following [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s resurrection of Megatron, Shockwave went to Kaon meet him and informed him of his discovery of the Space Bridge and the planet they could plunder. Megatron subsequently went to retrieve [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]'s power core so that they could power a craft to get them there, while Shockwave went to finalize the completion of the tower.

Later, Starscream infiltrated Shockwave's facility and watched as Shockwave and his Insecticons tortured [[Grimlock (WFC)|one of the Autobots]] he had experimented on, before he attempted to recruit Grimlock, which failed and resulted in the Autobot being freed. Shockwave decided to consider the breakout a test of Grimlock's new abilities, and monitored him closely as he fought his Insecticon minions, and proceeded to tear apart every one of them. Much later, Grimlock had attempted to attack Shockwave at the Space Bridge, but he was quickly restrained. Shockwave taunted Grimlock saying that he wouldn't create such a powerful weapon without a means to control it, calling him a pet, and contacted Megatron to let him know the tower was active and the portal was open. After Megatron assigned Shockwave to take charge of the Decepticons in his absence, Grimlock was enraged enough for him to transform into his Tyrannosaurus mode and attack Shockwave, tearing his left arm off and ''swallowing it'' before knocking him away with his tail. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron}}

===''Transformers On Your Street''===
Shockwave arrived on [[you]]r street from space in jet mode. He fought [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]] and landed a blow against him while you watched through your blinds. Grimlock retaliated by transforming into dinosaur mode, the sight of which sent Shockwave flying away. {{storylink|Transformers On Your Street}}

===''Hunt the Beasts'' online game===
Shockwave infused protoforms with ancient PRedacon CNA to create powerful monstrous troops for the Decepticons. However, they proved uncontrollable, and broke free of their restraints. Shockwave sent out a transmission to [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] to warn him that his Predacon experiments had escaped his lab despite his best efforts to contain them. As he explained that the beasts were heading towards Earth, he was overpowered by [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], bringing his transmission to an end. {{storylink|Hunt the Beasts}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Prime: Beast Creator''===
When Shockwave left his technology unattended, you could use it to custom-create your own monstrous Predacon! {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Beast Creator|Beast Creator}}

===''Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike''===
Shockwave used his tank mode's impressive firepower to do battle against Optimus Prime in the middle of a lush tropical forest environment. Boasting that logic would prevail, Shockwave was nonetheless sent fleeing after sustaining too much damage at the hands of the Autobot leader. Shockwave later returned to aid Megatron in his own fight against Optimus, but the Decepticons were defeated once more, and sent fleeing. {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike|Decepticon Strike}}

===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
====Console====
{{Charstubgames}}

Shockwave was tasked alongside Soundwave and Starscream to locate and bring the [[Dark Spark]] to Megatron. As the trio searched for the Dark Spark, Shockwave split up from his allies and located Hardshell. After a brief fight, Shockwave defeats Hardshell and is attacked by Kickback and Sharpshot. After defeating the two of them Shockwave allows the trio a chance to live by joining the Decepticons. They accept the offer and the four of them return to Starscream, Soundwave, and [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]. After the team locate the Dark Spark they are interrupted by [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] and [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] who take the Dark Spark and retreat. After chasing the duo who regrouped with Optimus and Bumblebee, blew up the train they were riding. Shockwave attempted to engage Optimus in a fight but was stopped by Sharpshot who informed Shockwave that Optimus did not have the Dark Spark with him and that Ironhide had it. After Shockwave and Sharpshot beat Ironhide and take the Dark Spark they are attacked by Autobot forces. Luckily they regrouped with [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] and [[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]], and Swindle was tasked by Onslaught to escort the duo to the rest of the Combaticons. After fighting waves of Autobot forces Shockwave and Swindle manage to regroup with the combaticons who form into Bruticus. After the battle Shockwave manages to give Megatron the Dark Spark and was present when Optimus attempted to retrieve the DarK Spark from Megatron. Shockwave and Megatron used the power of the Dark Spark to reanimate several dead Autobot soldiers to attack Optimus while Megatron engaged Prime in a duel. However Megatron lost the duel and attacked Prime with the Dark Spark to which Optimus attacked Megatron with the Matrix severely damaging Megatron and himself. Shockwave quickly rushes to Megatrons side and brings Megatron to safety as Optimus awakens. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark}}

====3DS====
{{Charstubgames}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
Shockwave participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! That is, if he was ever released, but he never made it into the game. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Splatoon''===
[[Squid Sisters|Marie]] considered Shockwave among the coolest of the Decepticons. {{storylink|Splatoon}}

==Commercial appearances==
{{voiceactor|[[Corey Burton]] (English)}}
[[File:WFC Shockwave game.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Well done. Here come the test results: "You are a horrible person." That's what it says: a horrible person. We weren't even testing for that.]]
Megatron left Shockwave to handle an unknown battle when he arrived. Shockwave instructed Soundwave to transform into boombox mode and play [[The Touch]]! After a while, Starscream asked about Shockwave's choice of songs and was told once he got a higher hit percentage than Shockwave then he could choose a soundtrack. {{storylink|Commercial#War for Cybertron|GameStop's commercial for their Shockwave multiplayer exclusive}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I want him in the games until he dies playing. Acknowledge." "Acknowledged, Master Control." "End of line."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2012)
**''Series/number'': '''01 / #003'''
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece laser cannon

: Part of the first wave of [[2012]] ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Shockwave transforms into a "Cybertronian mobile artillery" mode. The front center fuselage of the vehicle becomes a [[5 mm post|hand-held]] "laser cannon" that's modeled after the [[Sling Shock#Generations|Sling Shock]]. It can be stored on a 5 mm port on his back, and undocumented in his [[instructions]], can replace his hands by folding either one of them in, and tabbing the cannon onto the revealed wrist socket. As another undocumented feature, the cannon actually consists of two pieces, with a large Y-shaped muzzle that can be removed, revealing the sculpted ends of a triple-barreled gun. The muzzle stays on the cannon through friction and, depending on the [[quality control]], can fit rather loosely and slide off if pointed downward. (A bit of double-stick tape wrapped around the end of one of the barrels will help it stay in place without permanent changes.) The muzzle part can also be stored on Shockwave's back, forming some sort of [[jet pack|jet-pack]] exhaust.

:Shockwave features two examples of [[Kibble#faux-parts|faux-parts]]: The undersides of his heels resemble the front end of the Y-shaped muzzle part, effectively serving as an extension of the muzzle in vehicle mode, whereas a fake replica of the top end of his head (including his signature "ear" panels) is sculpted on the top side of his vehicle mode (which ends up on the underside of his backpack in robot mode).

:The figure has a "dramatic reveal" feature, where pressing the chest into place causes the head to pop up. The clasp used to hold the spring-loaded piece in place is fairly strong, and requires a small amount of force to latch if the head isn't pressed down before moving the chest assembly. Depending on the individual quality of the figure, this can cause the latch to wear out, and the spring is strong enough that the head will push the whole assembly out of place in vehicle mode if not properly retracted. As such, care should be taken on this step of conversion.

: This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generations|Shockwave]] in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comics. This mold was also [[redeco]]ed/[[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Fireflight (FOC)|Air Raid]] and [[BotCon 2014]] [[Brimstone (G1 Star Seeker)|Brimstone]]. His weapons is later reused for the Million Publishing mail-away exclusive [[Starscream (WFC)#War for Cybertron|Infiltrator Starscream]].

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

===Prime===
[[File:Primetoy-TakaraTomy-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Narrator|It is the year 2005...]]]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Deluxe Class, 2012-[[December 15|12-15]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AM-29'''
**''Accessories:'' "Bido" Arms Micron

: Part of the ninth wave of [[TakaraTomy]] ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toys, Shockwave is a redeco/retool of his ''Fall of Cybertron'' toy, and is the only release of said toy in Japan. His wings have been retooled with additional 5mm posts and ports, and he has been redecoed to have a brighter, metallic shade of purple plastic. Additionally, he has brighter silver [[paint operation]]s, and some of his other paint operations have been replaced with customer-applied [[sticker]]s.

: Instead of his two-piece laser cannon, he now comes with an [[Arms Micron]], [[Bido]], who transforms from a robotic rhinoceros beetle into [[Sling Shock#Prime|Shockwave's cannon]] and vehicle fuselage. Bido features numerous 5mm ports and posts for mounting, but can only be used as a hand-held cannon, and is unable to replace Shockwave's hand. Sorry.
{{-}}

====Beast Hunters====
[[File:BHtoy Voyager Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Shockwave's early attempt at indoctrinating the Predacons to the Decepticon cause involved wearing dragon costumes. It... didn't go over so well.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Voyager Class, 2013)
**''Series/number'': '''02 / 003'''
**''Accessories:'' Chest armor panel, 2 shoulder/foot armor panels

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime: Beast Hunters]]'' Voyager Class toys, Shockwave transforms into a Cybertronian tank. He features numerous 5mm ports, such as his shoulder-pads, right hand, and right forearm in robot mode, and his feet in vehicle mode. His rear treads are made of rubberized plastic, and the left tread unfurls to become a hose that attaches to the permanently attached "[[Hyperflux Cannon]]" that makes up his left forearm. By repeatedly pressing down on the trigger on top of the cannon, the barrel of the cannon spins while opening and closing, revealing more of its translucent red tip.

:For accessories, he comes with three "beast armor" pieces—a three-eyed chest-plate and two claw-shaped panels—that can be attached to Shockwave in both robot and vehicle modes, with the "claw" pieces attaching to his shoulders and feet via 5mm post.

:His instructions forget to mention that the "spike" panels on his tread [[Kibble|backpack]] need to be swung up for robot [[show-accuracy]], and that the treaded portions themselves are on [[Slide joint|telescoping joints]], and need to be pulled apart and extended for tank mode. His instructions also include the [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 11|eleventh chapter]] of the ''[[Tales of the Beast Hunters]]'' series.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Shockwave/shockwave.htm More information on ''Beast Hunters'' Shockwave at TFU.info]''

[[File:Shockwave's-Lab-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Shockwave (G1)|It is only logical.]]]]

{{anchor|SDCC2013}}{{anchor|SDCC}}
*'''Shockwave's Lab''' (SDCC 2013 exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Lab Playset

: A [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Hunters'' Voyager Shockwave in brighter G1 coloring, this set depicts Shockwave's creation of [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]], complete with a lab playset and a ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class [[Predaking (Prime)#SDCC|Predaking]] in translucent and opaque blue. Despite what the stock images suggest, the fuchsia highlights were largely replaced with black on the actual figure.

:This set was exclusive to [[San Diego Comic-Con]] and [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], and is considered the [[Thrilling 30#30 exclusive toys|Thrilling 30]] exclusive 02.

{{anchor|CybertronCon}}
*'''Shockwave's Lab''' (Cybertron-Con 2013 exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Lab Playset

: Exclusive to Cybertron-Con, this Shockwave's Lab set is essentially unchanged from the San Diego Comic Con version, the only difference being that the [[Predaking (Prime)#Cyberverse|Predaking]] figure is now in translucent and opaque orange. This set is considered the [[Thrilling 30#30 exclusive toys|Thrilling 30]] exclusive 06.
{{-}}

====Cyberverse====
[[File:PrimeBHtoy-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Impersonating a stalemate associate. I just added that to the list. It's a list I made of all the things you've done. Well, it's a list that I '''AM''' making, because you're still doing things right now, even though I'm telling you to stop. Stop, by the way."]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Cyberverse Commander Class, 2013)
**''Series/number'': '''03 / 007'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Missile]]

: Part of the third wave of ''Prime: Beast Hunters'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 3|Series 3 ''Cyberverse'']] Commander Class toys, Shockwave is a [[Size class|smaller-scale]] mold. His right hand is compatible with [[C joint|3mm post]]s, and his left forearm is a "Hyperflux Cannon" that can launch its missile via pressure launch.

:Care must be taken on the legs' swivel joints: the construction between the lower side of the left leg's upper thighs is somewhat prone to warping due to it's ''very'' tight construction.

:This mold was later retooled to make [[Bludgeon (Prime)|Bludgeon]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CybCommShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Cyberverse Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Rising}}
[[File:PrimeBH-PredaconsRising-toy-Cyberverse-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|"Okay. I guess emotional outbursts require more than one point six volts. Now we know that. We just need to relax. We're still going to find out what the hell's going on here. But calmly."]]
* '''Bombshock & Shockwave ''' (Commander Class 2-pack)
**''Accessories'': Missile

: A [[redeco]] of Shockwave in colors more reminiscent of his ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|precursor]], this version of Shockwave was only available as part of a "[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising|Predacons Rising]]" Commander Class 2-pack with [[Bombshock (Prime)|Bombshock]], which, as a second [[wave]] ''Predacons Rising'' release, was only available as a [[Target]] [[exclusive]] in the United States (and not in Canada, Australia or Europe), even though it was used in official advertising by BigW in Australia (who ultimately only stocked the wave 1 [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Target2pack|Optimus Prime]] vs [[Predaking (Prime)#Target2pack|Predaking]] two-pack).

:Curiously, like all ''Predacons Rising'' multi-packs featuring redecoed ''Cyberverse'' figures, this set doesn't identify the figures as ''Cyberverse'' products anywhere on the [[packaging]].

:As shown by an official [[stock photography|stock photo]],<ref name="targetlisting">[http://www.target.com/p/transformers-predacons-command-shockwave-figure/-/A-14575734 Target listing] for the Shockwave/Bombshock set, depicting the packaging with mixed up names.</ref> the packaging in its original presentation featured the name "Shockwave" in front of Bombshock, who is placed on the left, and "Bombshock" in front of Shockwave, who is placed on the right. By the time the two-pack hit stores, this was remedied by stickers with the correct names covering up the wrong ones. However, the side panels retain the old names and the "wrong" set of tech specs.<ref name="stickers">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/953415-predacon-rising-bombshock-shockwave-found.html "Predacon Rising Bombshock and Shockwave found"] thread at TFW2005, showing the stickers.</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/PRShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on ''Predacons Rising'' Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|CommandCenter}}
[[File:Kre-O-Autobot-Command-Center.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Command Center''' (2013)
**''Set number'': '''A5412'''
**''Pieces'': '''461'''
**''Kreons'': [[Arcee (WFC)#AutobotHQ|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#AutobotHQ|Bumblebee]], [[Ratchet (WFC)#Kre-O|Ratchet]], Shockwave, [[Knock Out (Prime)#Kre-O|Knock Out]] mystery figure

:The ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Autobot Command Center]] set comes with a Shockwave [[Kreon]] to put in the Autobot jail cell. He has a new deco based on ''Prime'' Shockwave.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChanger}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changer-Shockwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Shockwave''' (Battle Changer, 2015)

:Released as part of the second wave of ''Battle Changer''s, Shockwave is a massively built-up Kreon that transforms from robot to Cybertronic tank and back without removing any parts! His robot mode is based on [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#BattleChanger|Generation 1 Shockwave]] while his vehicle mode is based on ''Prime'' Shockwave.

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

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/Kre-OBCShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Battle Changer Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Construct-Bots===
[[File:ConstructBots BH Shockwave.jpg|thumb|300px|More spikes and hard angles than a Bayformer.]]
* '''Shockwave''' (Beast Hunters Elite Class, 2013)
: Shockwave transforms into a purple truck with a huge cannon on top. The figure's imposing cannon can be placed on either forearm and even includes a rubber hose! He includes an array of bladed weapons and 2 different types of projectile for his cannon.

:Like pretty much all ''Beast Hunters'' Construct-Bots, Shockwave never saw release in the United States.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CBBHShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on the Beast Hunters version of Shockwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Bot Shots===
{{anchor|JumpShot}}
[[File:BotShotsS2 Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Shockwave''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''645'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''865'''
***''Sword strength'': '''110'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this new mold Shockwave transforms from a robot with a cannon hand, into a tank. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSJSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on Jump Shot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack2}}
[[File:BotShotsS2 3pack Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee / Shockwave / Skyquake''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BP003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''710'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''790'''
***''Sword strength'': '''115'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, this is a redeco of Jump Shot Shockwave in a lighter, more-bluish purple, with bronze details. He comes with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShot3pack2|Jump Shot Bumblebee]] and [[Skyquake (Prime)#BotShot3pack2|Super Bot Skyquake]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSShockwave/shockwave.htm More information on three-pack Jump Shot Shockwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Go!===
[[File:Tramsformers-Go!-G-13-Hunter-Shockwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Shockwave (Movie)|He lost his teeth.]]]]
*'''Hunter Shockwave''' (2013-[[April 27|04-27]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''G13'''
**''Accessories:'' Chest armor panel, 2 shoulder/foot armor panels

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' toys, Hunter Shockwave is a redeco of the [[#Beast Hunters|''Beast Hunters'' Voyager Class Shockwave]] toy cast in a darker, metallic shade of purple plastic. He features additional metallic blue paint applications. His armor pieces are now black.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Thrilling 30===
*'''Shockwave''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #22'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Shockwave was released among the blindpacked [[Thrilling 30#Collectible Figurines|''Thrilling 30'' Collectible Figurines]] by [[Goldie Marketing]]. He comes with a base to help him stand, a collector's card that doubles as a puzzle piece, and a checklist.

*'''Collectible Figurines''' (5-pack, 2014)
**''Series:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' 5 collector's bases
:The same Shockwave figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Wheeljack (Prime)#Thrilling 30|Wheeljack]], [[Soundwave (WFC)#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]] and an [[Insecticon (WFC)#Thrilling 30|Insecticon]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
* In the map of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from the "[[Binder of Revelation]]" included in ''[[Transformers Vault]]'', Shockwave came from [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]], which explains why he took control of it during the war.
* As noted above, Shockwave's model is usable in ''War for Cybertron'' multiplayer as the Retaliator-type chassis for [[Scientist (WFC)|Scientist]]-class characters. His parts are also available for Scientists in ''Fall of Cybertron'', now classified as Defender-type components.
* Shockwave is usable in both the Autobot and Decepticon versions of the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|''War for Cybertron'' games for the DS]]. He is used only for multiplayer, bonus missions and Arena mode in the Autobot version and used in Multiplayer, Arena mode, and campaign in the Decepticon version.
* In the Xbox 360/PS3 versions of War for Cybertron, Shockwave's left arm is his Plasma Cannon, but in the DS version, it's his ''right'' arm.
* The GameStop ''War for Cybertron'' commercial describes Shockwave as second-in-command of the Decepticons, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] is never officially referred to as such.
* For said commercial, Shockwave was voiced by [[Corey Burton]], voice actor of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1]] and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Animated]] Shockwaves. He later lamented over [http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=853&sid=3992b18086e21d8f6face60940505757 a forum post] that the performance was so rushed and the "gag" nature so out of character, that it hardly even sounded like him: "Two different sessions; and while they were awfully nice to work with, I have to say that the gag line was written and directed completely off-character. Since it was all supposed to be pretty "camp" anyway, and it had to be wedged-into a space that wasn't even there in the initial cut, I just went along with it. Figured it's just a silly bit of hype, that wasn't worth taking seriously enough to fuss over."
* The aforementioned commercial also indicates that Shockwave is evidently a fan of [[Stan Bush]].
* According to his [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] bio, Shockwave's emotions sometimes get the better of him, leading to irrational behavior. He also hopes that one day his work will let him reformat all Cybertronians to a new form of existence and ideally become ruler of Cybertron in the process. Looks like Megatron's hunch wasn't far off...
* Although Shockwave is a Jet in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, he's a ground vehicle in the DS Version. This is most probably because the mission he is unlocked in features his Autobot counterpart, [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]], a Heavy Ground vehicle. Shockwave's increasable stats are, however, those of a Flying Vehicle.
* The ''Prime'' writers admitted that, not knowing what to do with the character, Shockwave was not going to survive his debut episode, before eventually coming up with a way to incorporate the character as a regular during the third season.
* In the Japanese dub of ''Prime'', actor [[Kenta Miyake]] channels the unique personality of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from the Japanese dub of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] in that he's a grizzled old man with a gravelly voice and a short temper. Unlike the Japanese Generation 1 Shockwave, ''this'' Shockwave has a new verbal tic in which he endlessly punctuates sentences by bellowing the word ''"Shock!"''

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Chèn-phō''' (Taiwan, 震波, "Shockwave"), '''Zhèndàngbō''' (Mainland China, 震荡波, "Shockwave")
*''Russian:'' '''Vzryvala''' (Взрывала, "Blaster")

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=Shockwave
|disambig=Shockwave (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the logical Decepticon who's to blame for everything from [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]].
*[[Shockblast]], the murderous Decepticon berserker from [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|''Energon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]], the loyal Decepticon spy from [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|''Animated'']].
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon beastmaster and killing machine from [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|''Dark of the Moon'']].
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon mad scientist from [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|''Cyberverse'']].}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Construct-Bots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Go! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Prime Decepticons]]
[[Category:Purple Order]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Decepticons]]

Bruticus (WFC)

2021-04-05T01:56:30Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers Online */

{{faction|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Bruticus}}
:''Bruticus is a [[Decepticon]] [[combiner]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:FOC-Bruticusart.jpg|thumb|300px|It remains to be seen if he is capable of kicking [[Superion (Prime)|Superion]]'s behind.]]

'''Bruticus''' was the first [[combiner]] created by the mad scientist [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]. For all his strength and power, however, the monstrous gestalt has only the most rudimentary mind, capable of wanton destruction and little else.

Bruticus is the combined form of five [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticons]]:

*[[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] (torso)
*[[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] (left arm)
*[[Brawl (WFC)|Brawl]] (left leg)
*[[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] (right arm)
*[[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] (right leg)

He is also known as '''Bruticus Maximus'''.

==Fiction==
===Aligned novels===
Shockwave created Bruticus Maximus when working in [[Crystal City]]. Though Bruticus's individual components were intelligent, the combined form was a monster who had trouble telling friend from foe, and he was put into stasis.

Following Crystal City's destruction during the war with the [[Autobot]]s, Bruticus was revived and was ordered to serve on the battlefield at [[Praxus]]. During this battle, he took wounds that would prove to be fatal to any other Transformer, and survived, albeit heavily injured. He would not be so lucky during his deployment at [[Kalis]], with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] and [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] dismembering Bruticus to the point it was believed he would never combine again. Sideswipe boasted he tore off his head. Not even this would destroy the combiner for good; Bruticus later saw action at the forefront of the [[Nova Cronum]] massacre. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

===''The Covenant of Primus''===

Bruticus fought in the Great War against the Autobots. The Combaticons remained behind on Cybertron after the launch of the Ark and the Nemesis, fighting the [[Wrecker]]s on various occasions. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
The Combaticons had the ability to merge into the mighty Bruticus! It is not known whether all of Bruticus's components followed Megatron to Earth in his quest for the Allspark or if they remained behind on Cybertron. Only Brawl was recorded adopting an Earth vehicle mode. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Nolan North]]}}
[[File:FOC-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|200px|left|In the words of Victor Sullivan: "I'll be go to hell."]]
[[File:FOC-Bruticus-Game.jpg|thumb|300px|Now would be a good time to piss yourself and run away screaming.]]
Bruticus was formed by the Combaticons when they were making a last ditch effort to salvage a mission to capture a large Autobot energon transport. After the team disabled the anti-air guns, the got their dropship close enough for all five of them to depart onto the ship and combine. Bruticus's raw strength allowed him to easily eliminate the transport's crew, but the damage he did to the ship caused it to crash land.

[[File:FOC-G2-Bruticus-DLC.jpg|thumb|300px|Big, bad, and possibly battlin'.]]

Bruticus was later formed again when [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] launched a mission to retake [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]. He didn't do much during the mission beyond forcing open a huge door that allowed Megatron and other Decepticons enter the facility that Autobots kept Trypticon in, as the door proved so heavy that Bruticus had to stay in one place to keep it open.

Bruticus was last seen during the Decepticon attack on the Ark, where he launched an attack on the ship's exterior, killing most of the crew he came across and damaging its fuel storage before being confronted by Jazz and Jetfire, who managed to defeat him and knock him off the ship. It's unknown if he survived. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

{{note|Bruticus can be downloaded or pre-ordered in colors homaging his [[Bruticus (G1)|namesake]]'s [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]] colors, but he only wears the colors during chapter 8 of the campaign.'' }}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
====Console====
After escorting Shockwave and the [[Dark Spark]] to the gates of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to deal with the Autobot forces that were laying siege to the area. The giant warrior made swift work of them and was lumbering back to the gates when [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] jumped onto his back and attempted to plant a [[detpak]]. However, Bruticus struggled and eventually sandwiched Cliffjumper against his back and the wall. Taking the injured Autobot prisoner, Shockwave forced the Autobots to stand down lest Bruticus crush Cliffjumper. But even though the Decepticons now had clear passage into Kaon, Shockwave had Bruticus bring Cliffjumper inside anyways so he'd have a test subject to test the power of the Dark Spark on. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark (console)}}

====3DS====
{{Charstubgames}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

===''Transformers Online''===
[[File:TFOnlineBruticus.jpg|thumb|right|Who... who am I?]]
{{storylink|Transformers Online}} {{charstubgame}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Bruticus-(FoC).jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.2|Bruticus shake fist at DeNA!]]
Bruticus (FoC) participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He could be recruited if all of his component members were at max level. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Generations''===
{{anchor|SDCCBrut}}
[[File:Generationstoy-SDCCBruticus.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Hasbro|They]] said [[Combiner|it]] couldn't be [[Bruticus (G1)#Generations|done]].]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[July 12]], 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon

: ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations:]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is a [[San Diego Comic-Con#2012|San Diego Comic-Con 2012]]-[[exclusive]] multi-pack containing all five Combaticons in game-accurate colors. While [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|Onslaught]] forms the torso, the remaining team members can serve as any of the four limbs, though the official configuration has [[Vortex (FOC)#Toys|Vortex]] as the left arm, [[Blast Off (FOC)#Toys|Blast Off]] as the right arm, [[Brawl (WFC)#Toys|Decepticon Brawl]] as the left leg, and [[Swindle (FOC)#Toys|Swindle]] as the right leg. The individual weapons the Combaticons have can be combined into a "[[sonic cannon]]" for Bruticus to wield via [[5 mm post|5 mm post]].

: It should be noted that Bruticus can have some balance issues. This is mostly caused by having ALL of the Combaticons being Deluxes, Onslaught included. Although the 4 limb Combaticons can assume either an arm or foot position, certain members fare very poorly in certain modes, such as Brawl as an arm or Blast Off as a foot, which create further balancing problems for Bruticus.

:Whilst the colors may be game-accurate though, the limb modes cannot perform the [[gimmick]] of Vortex's rotor-blades being able to split and form a shield/weapon/thingamajigger. If you do try to perform this, you'll break Bruticus, or rob Bruticus of a functional elbow.

: These toys were [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' [[Bruticus (G1)#G2FOC|Bruticus]] and [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Ruination (FOC)#Toys|Ruination]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/PlatinumBruticus/bruticus.htm More information on SDCC/Platinum Edition Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Retail}}{{anchor|Brut}}
[[File:Generationstoy-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|300px|For those who aren't fans of beige.]]
*Part 1 of 5: '''[[Onslaught (WFC)#Retail|Onslaught]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 2 of 5: '''[[Blast Off (FOC)#Retail|Blast Off]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 3 of 5: '''[[Vortex (FOC)#Retail|Vortex]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 4 of 5: '''[[Swindle (FOC)#Retail|Swindle]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 5 of 5: '''[[Brawl (WFC)#Retail|Decepticon Brawl]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon

: The mass-retail release of ''Fall of Cybertron'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is created by combining the five Combaticons, which were only available separately as part of the second wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Deluxe Class toys. They each feature more colorful decos.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Bruticus/bruticus.htm More information on retail Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
*'''Grimlock vs Decepticon Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Accessories'': Sonic Cannon

:''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is a seemingly-identical re-release of his San Diego Comic-Con 2012 toy. He comes with a redeco of ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Grimlock (WFC)#Platinum Edition|Grimlock]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:ToyFair2017_concept_Ultra_Bee_and_Bruticus.jpg|thumb|right|290px|A bloodthirsty fusion of five vicious mercenaries... for core kids.]]
* Early on in ''Exodus'', Bruticus Maximus and [[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] are referred to as "[[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicons]]". The Constructicons here are a larger team than normal, but given that this description shortly follows a paragraph talking about definite, actual Constructicons and that the Combaticons' team name IS mentioned later, this seems a likely error by [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] or [[Alex Irvine]].
* Bruticus's head is available in ''Fall of Cybertron'' multiplayer as an Omega-type component for [[Destroyer (FOC)|Destroyer]]-class characters.
* Bruticus appears at the end of a chapter that focuses on the Combaticons, where his strength is needed to punch through the Autobot lines. His primary weapon is his melee attack with his bare hands, and he can throw three different melee attacks at once, unlike most other characters in the game. He also has a flamethrower that destroys most enemies in one hit and reloads instantly (and doesn't require the player to collect ammo) and he can also use Vortex's spinning rotor blades as a shield. In addition, he has the ability to punch the ground to send a shockwave at his enemies, destroying them instantly (this ability recharges quickly, and while it can be hard to aim the shockwave is so big it doesn't matter). On the other hand, Bruticus is (understandably) the slowest character in the game, and can't jump, boost, or dash. This means he can't avoid damage unless he uses his shield. This isn't much of a weakness since he can keep shooting his flamethrower without having to reload, his melee attack takes out any opponent in one hit, he has ten times as much health as a normal character and his energon shields recharge very quickly. Dying while using him isn't very likely. When he's fought as a boss, he also has the ability to fire artillery shells from the cannons on his back, which the player can't do while using him.
*Bruticus was evidently considered for an appearance during ''[[Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2015_franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'''s ''[[Combiner Force]]'' imprint, as concept artwork of him appeared during a Hasbro Investor Update slideshow at [[Toy Fair 2017]], alongside similar artwork for [[Ultra Bee]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Bruticus''' (ブルーティカス ''Burūtikasu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Booster''' (布斯達 ''Bù Sī Dá'', Taiwan), '''Hùn Tiān Bào''' (Mainland China, 混天豹)
*''Russian:'' '''Grubikus''' (Грубикус)

[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combined forms]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Transformers Online Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Decepticons]]

Bruticus (WFC)

2021-04-05T01:51:35Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers: Fall of Cybertron */

{{faction|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Bruticus}}
:''Bruticus is a [[Decepticon]] [[combiner]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:FOC-Bruticusart.jpg|thumb|300px|It remains to be seen if he is capable of kicking [[Superion (Prime)|Superion]]'s behind.]]

'''Bruticus''' was the first [[combiner]] created by the mad scientist [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]. For all his strength and power, however, the monstrous gestalt has only the most rudimentary mind, capable of wanton destruction and little else.

Bruticus is the combined form of five [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticons]]:

*[[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] (torso)
*[[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] (left arm)
*[[Brawl (WFC)|Brawl]] (left leg)
*[[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] (right arm)
*[[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] (right leg)

He is also known as '''Bruticus Maximus'''.

==Fiction==
===Aligned novels===
Shockwave created Bruticus Maximus when working in [[Crystal City]]. Though Bruticus's individual components were intelligent, the combined form was a monster who had trouble telling friend from foe, and he was put into stasis.

Following Crystal City's destruction during the war with the [[Autobot]]s, Bruticus was revived and was ordered to serve on the battlefield at [[Praxus]]. During this battle, he took wounds that would prove to be fatal to any other Transformer, and survived, albeit heavily injured. He would not be so lucky during his deployment at [[Kalis]], with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] and [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] dismembering Bruticus to the point it was believed he would never combine again. Sideswipe boasted he tore off his head. Not even this would destroy the combiner for good; Bruticus later saw action at the forefront of the [[Nova Cronum]] massacre. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

===''The Covenant of Primus''===

Bruticus fought in the Great War against the Autobots. The Combaticons remained behind on Cybertron after the launch of the Ark and the Nemesis, fighting the [[Wrecker]]s on various occasions. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
The Combaticons had the ability to merge into the mighty Bruticus! It is not known whether all of Bruticus's components followed Megatron to Earth in his quest for the Allspark or if they remained behind on Cybertron. Only Brawl was recorded adopting an Earth vehicle mode. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Nolan North]]}}
[[File:FOC-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|200px|left|In the words of Victor Sullivan: "I'll be go to hell."]]
[[File:FOC-Bruticus-Game.jpg|thumb|300px|Now would be a good time to piss yourself and run away screaming.]]
Bruticus was formed by the Combaticons when they were making a last ditch effort to salvage a mission to capture a large Autobot energon transport. After the team disabled the anti-air guns, the got their dropship close enough for all five of them to depart onto the ship and combine. Bruticus's raw strength allowed him to easily eliminate the transport's crew, but the damage he did to the ship caused it to crash land.

[[File:FOC-G2-Bruticus-DLC.jpg|thumb|300px|Big, bad, and possibly battlin'.]]

Bruticus was later formed again when [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] launched a mission to retake [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]. He didn't do much during the mission beyond forcing open a huge door that allowed Megatron and other Decepticons enter the facility that Autobots kept Trypticon in, as the door proved so heavy that Bruticus had to stay in one place to keep it open.

Bruticus was last seen during the Decepticon attack on the Ark, where he launched an attack on the ship's exterior, killing most of the crew he came across and damaging its fuel storage before being confronted by Jazz and Jetfire, who managed to defeat him and knock him off the ship. It's unknown if he survived. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

{{note|Bruticus can be downloaded or pre-ordered in colors homaging his [[Bruticus (G1)|namesake]]'s [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]] colors, but he only wears the colors during chapter 8 of the campaign.'' }}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
====Console====
After escorting Shockwave and the [[Dark Spark]] to the gates of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to deal with the Autobot forces that were laying siege to the area. The giant warrior made swift work of them and was lumbering back to the gates when [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] jumped onto his back and attempted to plant a [[detpak]]. However, Bruticus struggled and eventually sandwiched Cliffjumper against his back and the wall. Taking the injured Autobot prisoner, Shockwave forced the Autobots to stand down lest Bruticus crush Cliffjumper. But even though the Decepticons now had clear passage into Kaon, Shockwave had Bruticus bring Cliffjumper inside anyways so he'd have a test subject to test the power of the Dark Spark on. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark (console)}}

====3DS====
{{Charstubgames}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

===''Transformers Online''===
[[File:TFOnlineBruticus.jpg|thumb|right]]
{{storylink|Transformers Online}} {{charstubgame}}

{{-}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Bruticus-(FoC).jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.2|Bruticus shake fist at DeNA!]]
Bruticus (FoC) participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He could be recruited if all of his component members were at max level. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Generations''===
{{anchor|SDCCBrut}}
[[File:Generationstoy-SDCCBruticus.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Hasbro|They]] said [[Combiner|it]] couldn't be [[Bruticus (G1)#Generations|done]].]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[July 12]], 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon

: ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations:]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is a [[San Diego Comic-Con#2012|San Diego Comic-Con 2012]]-[[exclusive]] multi-pack containing all five Combaticons in game-accurate colors. While [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|Onslaught]] forms the torso, the remaining team members can serve as any of the four limbs, though the official configuration has [[Vortex (FOC)#Toys|Vortex]] as the left arm, [[Blast Off (FOC)#Toys|Blast Off]] as the right arm, [[Brawl (WFC)#Toys|Decepticon Brawl]] as the left leg, and [[Swindle (FOC)#Toys|Swindle]] as the right leg. The individual weapons the Combaticons have can be combined into a "[[sonic cannon]]" for Bruticus to wield via [[5 mm post|5 mm post]].

: It should be noted that Bruticus can have some balance issues. This is mostly caused by having ALL of the Combaticons being Deluxes, Onslaught included. Although the 4 limb Combaticons can assume either an arm or foot position, certain members fare very poorly in certain modes, such as Brawl as an arm or Blast Off as a foot, which create further balancing problems for Bruticus.

:Whilst the colors may be game-accurate though, the limb modes cannot perform the [[gimmick]] of Vortex's rotor-blades being able to split and form a shield/weapon/thingamajigger. If you do try to perform this, you'll break Bruticus, or rob Bruticus of a functional elbow.

: These toys were [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' [[Bruticus (G1)#G2FOC|Bruticus]] and [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Ruination (FOC)#Toys|Ruination]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/PlatinumBruticus/bruticus.htm More information on SDCC/Platinum Edition Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Retail}}{{anchor|Brut}}
[[File:Generationstoy-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|300px|For those who aren't fans of beige.]]
*Part 1 of 5: '''[[Onslaught (WFC)#Retail|Onslaught]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 2 of 5: '''[[Blast Off (FOC)#Retail|Blast Off]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 3 of 5: '''[[Vortex (FOC)#Retail|Vortex]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 4 of 5: '''[[Swindle (FOC)#Retail|Swindle]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 5 of 5: '''[[Brawl (WFC)#Retail|Decepticon Brawl]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon

: The mass-retail release of ''Fall of Cybertron'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is created by combining the five Combaticons, which were only available separately as part of the second wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Deluxe Class toys. They each feature more colorful decos.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Bruticus/bruticus.htm More information on retail Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
*'''Grimlock vs Decepticon Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Accessories'': Sonic Cannon

:''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is a seemingly-identical re-release of his San Diego Comic-Con 2012 toy. He comes with a redeco of ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Grimlock (WFC)#Platinum Edition|Grimlock]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:ToyFair2017_concept_Ultra_Bee_and_Bruticus.jpg|thumb|right|290px|A bloodthirsty fusion of five vicious mercenaries... for core kids.]]
* Early on in ''Exodus'', Bruticus Maximus and [[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] are referred to as "[[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicons]]". The Constructicons here are a larger team than normal, but given that this description shortly follows a paragraph talking about definite, actual Constructicons and that the Combaticons' team name IS mentioned later, this seems a likely error by [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] or [[Alex Irvine]].
* Bruticus's head is available in ''Fall of Cybertron'' multiplayer as an Omega-type component for [[Destroyer (FOC)|Destroyer]]-class characters.
* Bruticus appears at the end of a chapter that focuses on the Combaticons, where his strength is needed to punch through the Autobot lines. His primary weapon is his melee attack with his bare hands, and he can throw three different melee attacks at once, unlike most other characters in the game. He also has a flamethrower that destroys most enemies in one hit and reloads instantly (and doesn't require the player to collect ammo) and he can also use Vortex's spinning rotor blades as a shield. In addition, he has the ability to punch the ground to send a shockwave at his enemies, destroying them instantly (this ability recharges quickly, and while it can be hard to aim the shockwave is so big it doesn't matter). On the other hand, Bruticus is (understandably) the slowest character in the game, and can't jump, boost, or dash. This means he can't avoid damage unless he uses his shield. This isn't much of a weakness since he can keep shooting his flamethrower without having to reload, his melee attack takes out any opponent in one hit, he has ten times as much health as a normal character and his energon shields recharge very quickly. Dying while using him isn't very likely. When he's fought as a boss, he also has the ability to fire artillery shells from the cannons on his back, which the player can't do while using him.
*Bruticus was evidently considered for an appearance during ''[[Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2015_franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'''s ''[[Combiner Force]]'' imprint, as concept artwork of him appeared during a Hasbro Investor Update slideshow at [[Toy Fair 2017]], alongside similar artwork for [[Ultra Bee]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Bruticus''' (ブルーティカス ''Burūtikasu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Booster''' (布斯達 ''Bù Sī Dá'', Taiwan), '''Hùn Tiān Bào''' (Mainland China, 混天豹)
*''Russian:'' '''Grubikus''' (Грубикус)

[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combined forms]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Transformers Online Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Decepticons]]

Bruticus (WFC)

2021-04-05T01:50:20Z

GlamAttack: /* Transformers: Fall of Cybertron */

{{faction|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Bruticus}}
:''Bruticus is a [[Decepticon]] [[combiner]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:FOC-Bruticusart.jpg|thumb|300px|It remains to be seen if he is capable of kicking [[Superion (Prime)|Superion]]'s behind.]]

'''Bruticus''' was the first [[combiner]] created by the mad scientist [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]. For all his strength and power, however, the monstrous gestalt has only the most rudimentary mind, capable of wanton destruction and little else.

Bruticus is the combined form of five [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticons]]:

*[[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] (torso)
*[[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] (left arm)
*[[Brawl (WFC)|Brawl]] (left leg)
*[[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] (right arm)
*[[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] (right leg)

He is also known as '''Bruticus Maximus'''.

==Fiction==
===Aligned novels===
Shockwave created Bruticus Maximus when working in [[Crystal City]]. Though Bruticus's individual components were intelligent, the combined form was a monster who had trouble telling friend from foe, and he was put into stasis.

Following Crystal City's destruction during the war with the [[Autobot]]s, Bruticus was revived and was ordered to serve on the battlefield at [[Praxus]]. During this battle, he took wounds that would prove to be fatal to any other Transformer, and survived, albeit heavily injured. He would not be so lucky during his deployment at [[Kalis]], with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] and [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] dismembering Bruticus to the point it was believed he would never combine again. Sideswipe boasted he tore off his head. Not even this would destroy the combiner for good; Bruticus later saw action at the forefront of the [[Nova Cronum]] massacre. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

===''The Covenant of Primus''===

Bruticus fought in the Great War against the Autobots. The Combaticons remained behind on Cybertron after the launch of the Ark and the Nemesis, fighting the [[Wrecker]]s on various occasions. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
The Combaticons had the ability to merge into the mighty Bruticus! It is not known whether all of Bruticus's components followed Megatron to Earth in his quest for the Allspark or if they remained behind on Cybertron. Only Brawl was recorded adopting an Earth vehicle mode. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
{{voiceactor|[[Nolan North]]}}
[[File:FOC-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|200px|left|In the words of Victor Sullivan: "I'll be go to hell."]]
[[File:FOC-Bruticus-Game.jpg|thumb|300px|Now would be a good time to piss yourself and run away screaming.]]
Bruticus was formed by the Combaticons when they were making a last ditch effort to salvage a mission to capture a large Autobot energon transport. After the team disabled the anti-air guns, the got their dropship close enough for all five of them to depart onto the ship and combine. Bruticus's raw strength allowed him to easily eliminate the transport's crew, but the damage he did to the ship caused it to crash land.

[[File:FOC-G2-Bruticus-DLC.jpg|thumb|300px]]

Bruticus was later formed again when [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] launched a mission to retake [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]. He didn't do much during the mission beyond forcing open a huge door that allowed Megatron and other Decepticons enter the facility that Autobots kept Trypticon in, as the door proved so heavy that Bruticus had to stay in one place to keep it open.

Bruticus was last seen during the Decepticon attack on the Ark, where he launched an attack on the ship's exterior, killing most of the crew he came across and damaging its fuel storage before being confronted by Jazz and Jetfire, who managed to defeat him and knock him off the ship. It's unknown if he survived. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

{{note|Bruticus can be downloaded or pre-ordered in colors homaging his [[Bruticus (G1)|namesake]]'s [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]] colors, but he only wears the colors during chapter 8 of the campaign.'' }}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''===
====Console====
After escorting Shockwave and the [[Dark Spark]] to the gates of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to deal with the Autobot forces that were laying siege to the area. The giant warrior made swift work of them and was lumbering back to the gates when [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] jumped onto his back and attempted to plant a [[detpak]]. However, Bruticus struggled and eventually sandwiched Cliffjumper against his back and the wall. Taking the injured Autobot prisoner, Shockwave forced the Autobots to stand down lest Bruticus crush Cliffjumper. But even though the Decepticons now had clear passage into Kaon, Shockwave had Bruticus bring Cliffjumper inside anyways so he'd have a test subject to test the power of the Dark Spark on. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark (console)}}

====3DS====
{{Charstubgames}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

===''Transformers Online''===
[[File:TFOnlineBruticus.jpg|thumb|right]]
{{storylink|Transformers Online}} {{charstubgame}}

{{-}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Bruticus-(FoC).jpg|thumb|right|upright=2.2|Bruticus shake fist at DeNA!]]
Bruticus (FoC) participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He could be recruited if all of his component members were at max level. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Generations''===
{{anchor|SDCCBrut}}
[[File:Generationstoy-SDCCBruticus.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Hasbro|They]] said [[Combiner|it]] couldn't be [[Bruticus (G1)#Generations|done]].]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[July 12]], 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon

: ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations:]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is a [[San Diego Comic-Con#2012|San Diego Comic-Con 2012]]-[[exclusive]] multi-pack containing all five Combaticons in game-accurate colors. While [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|Onslaught]] forms the torso, the remaining team members can serve as any of the four limbs, though the official configuration has [[Vortex (FOC)#Toys|Vortex]] as the left arm, [[Blast Off (FOC)#Toys|Blast Off]] as the right arm, [[Brawl (WFC)#Toys|Decepticon Brawl]] as the left leg, and [[Swindle (FOC)#Toys|Swindle]] as the right leg. The individual weapons the Combaticons have can be combined into a "[[sonic cannon]]" for Bruticus to wield via [[5 mm post|5 mm post]].

: It should be noted that Bruticus can have some balance issues. This is mostly caused by having ALL of the Combaticons being Deluxes, Onslaught included. Although the 4 limb Combaticons can assume either an arm or foot position, certain members fare very poorly in certain modes, such as Brawl as an arm or Blast Off as a foot, which create further balancing problems for Bruticus.

:Whilst the colors may be game-accurate though, the limb modes cannot perform the [[gimmick]] of Vortex's rotor-blades being able to split and form a shield/weapon/thingamajigger. If you do try to perform this, you'll break Bruticus, or rob Bruticus of a functional elbow.

: These toys were [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' [[Bruticus (G1)#G2FOC|Bruticus]] and [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Ruination (FOC)#Toys|Ruination]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/PlatinumBruticus/bruticus.htm More information on SDCC/Platinum Edition Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Retail}}{{anchor|Brut}}
[[File:Generationstoy-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|300px|For those who aren't fans of beige.]]
*Part 1 of 5: '''[[Onslaught (WFC)#Retail|Onslaught]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 2 of 5: '''[[Blast Off (FOC)#Retail|Blast Off]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 3 of 5: '''[[Vortex (FOC)#Retail|Vortex]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 4 of 5: '''[[Swindle (FOC)#Retail|Swindle]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
*Part 5 of 5: '''[[Brawl (WFC)#Retail|Decepticon Brawl]]''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon

: The mass-retail release of ''Fall of Cybertron'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is created by combining the five Combaticons, which were only available separately as part of the second wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Deluxe Class toys. They each feature more colorful decos.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Bruticus/bruticus.htm More information on retail Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
*'''Grimlock vs Decepticon Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Accessories'': Sonic Cannon

:''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Decepticon Bruticus" is a seemingly-identical re-release of his San Diego Comic-Con 2012 toy. He comes with a redeco of ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Grimlock (WFC)#Platinum Edition|Grimlock]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:ToyFair2017_concept_Ultra_Bee_and_Bruticus.jpg|thumb|right|290px|A bloodthirsty fusion of five vicious mercenaries... for core kids.]]
* Early on in ''Exodus'', Bruticus Maximus and [[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] are referred to as "[[Constructicon (WFC)|Constructicons]]". The Constructicons here are a larger team than normal, but given that this description shortly follows a paragraph talking about definite, actual Constructicons and that the Combaticons' team name IS mentioned later, this seems a likely error by [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] or [[Alex Irvine]].
* Bruticus's head is available in ''Fall of Cybertron'' multiplayer as an Omega-type component for [[Destroyer (FOC)|Destroyer]]-class characters.
* Bruticus appears at the end of a chapter that focuses on the Combaticons, where his strength is needed to punch through the Autobot lines. His primary weapon is his melee attack with his bare hands, and he can throw three different melee attacks at once, unlike most other characters in the game. He also has a flamethrower that destroys most enemies in one hit and reloads instantly (and doesn't require the player to collect ammo) and he can also use Vortex's spinning rotor blades as a shield. In addition, he has the ability to punch the ground to send a shockwave at his enemies, destroying them instantly (this ability recharges quickly, and while it can be hard to aim the shockwave is so big it doesn't matter). On the other hand, Bruticus is (understandably) the slowest character in the game, and can't jump, boost, or dash. This means he can't avoid damage unless he uses his shield. This isn't much of a weakness since he can keep shooting his flamethrower without having to reload, his melee attack takes out any opponent in one hit, he has ten times as much health as a normal character and his energon shields recharge very quickly. Dying while using him isn't very likely. When he's fought as a boss, he also has the ability to fire artillery shells from the cannons on his back, which the player can't do while using him.
*Bruticus was evidently considered for an appearance during ''[[Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2015_franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'''s ''[[Combiner Force]]'' imprint, as concept artwork of him appeared during a Hasbro Investor Update slideshow at [[Toy Fair 2017]], alongside similar artwork for [[Ultra Bee]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Bruticus''' (ブルーティカス ''Burūtikasu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Booster''' (布斯達 ''Bù Sī Dá'', Taiwan), '''Hùn Tiān Bào''' (Mainland China, 混天豹)
*''Russian:'' '''Grubikus''' (Грубикус)

[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combined forms]]
[[Category:Fall of Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Transformers Online Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Decepticons]]

Spotlight: Kup

2021-04-04T19:15:05Z

GlamAttack: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: Spotlight]]'' #7
|prev=Spotlight: Soundwave
|next=Spotlight: Galvatron
|image=Spotlight Kup cvrA.jpg
|caption=[[Zombie|The Dawn of the Dead]] or just [[Humanization|a bad dream]]?
|title="The Transformers: Spotlight Kup"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 25]], [[2007]]
|coverdate=April 2007
|written by=[[Nick Roche]]
|illustrated by=[[Nick Roche]]
|colors by=[[Andrew Elder]]
|letters by=[[Robbie Robbins]]
|edits by=[[Chris Ryall]] & [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline#Escalation|Escalation]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
}}
'''Kup is in danger. The threat? Himself.'''

==Synopsis==
A spaceship crash-lands on [[Tsiehshi|a desert planet]] covered in [[Ore-8|yellow crystals]]. Among the wreckage, a [[Dreadlocked alien species|mechanoid survivor]] sees a vehicle approaching, which transforms into [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]. However, Kup ignores his pleas for assistance and decapitates him with a club. From Kup's interior monologue, we learn that his spaceship also crashed on this planet, that he has no hope of being rescued, but that the strange crystals fill him with a sense of well-being so that he gives little thought to anything else. As the suns set, he returns to a makeshift shelter, which contains the remains of [[Outback (G1)|Outback]], a fellow survivor of the crash who was killed when a generator meltdown caused the crystals to go critical. Kup is clearly not in his right mind, as he has a conversation with Outback while wielding his severed arm as a weapon.

[[File:Zombiesspotlightkup.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|Kup sees dead people.]]
At night-time, as Kup powers down, [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|an apparition]] emanates from Outback's corpse, informing Kup that "we're coming to get you!" Outside, Kup sees [[zombie]] robots, from which he defends himself until sunrise. In the daylight, he emerges and lies within the crystals, feeling himself becoming more alive. The following night, the 'zombots' reappear. With Kup having forgotten to secure his shelter's shutters, they easily enter. Kup fights them off with unforeseen strength. Only one escapes, fleeing as Kup's [[spark]]core threatens to go into meltdown.

The zombot is revealed to be [[Siren (G1)|Siren]], who, after returning to his ship via [[orbital jump]], angrily berates first [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] and then Springer for the loss of his team and the pointlessness of the task. The radiation that has damaged Kup's mind also restricts his would-be rescuers to [[anti-rad armor|cumbersome protective armor]] that makes him think they are zombies, and any energy discharge, from their weapons or from Kup's damaged body, could detonate the crystals in a catastrophic chain reaction. Yet Springer, who is the 'ghost' attempting to communicate with Kup, is determined to rescue his former mentor because of what he and the entire [[Autobot]] army owe to his training. Both [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and Perceptor, in their respective ways, advise Springer to give up this quixotic quest before any more Autobots lose their lives, but then he learns that the 'specialist' he requested has arrived...

Once again at nightfall, the 'zombots' reappear, and once again Kup wreaks havoc among them—pushed over the edge by the accidental destruction of Outback's corpse, the exertion driving his sparkcore into meltdown again. However, the appearance of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], minus rad-armor and protected by his forcefield, shocks Kup momentarily, permitting Trailbreaker to secure him and prevent disaster. Back on board the ''[[Ark-17]]'', Springer and Trailbreaker consider the situation—although Kup has been rescued, his mind is broken, his body is severely damaged and too outdated to repair, and his spark is being maintained by artificial means. Springer wonders whether bringing him back in this condition, and at the cost of so many other lives, was worth it.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] (2)
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] (3)
*[[Siren (G1)|Siren]] (4)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] (5)
*[[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]] (6)
*[[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]] (8)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (9)
|c4=
*[[Dreadlocked alien species|Dreadlocked alien]] (1)
}}

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*Springer makes reference to the events of the ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'' series as being the reason he was late arriving on the scene.
*Outback dying in this story forced a change to the [[Megatron Origin issue 2|second issue of ''Megatron Origin'']], which was written semi-simultaneously but published after ''Spotlight: Kup'' was released. Outback and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] had been written to be the first Autobot victims of [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s illegal underground deathsports, which obviously would cause continuity problems. Thus, the creation of "[[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]]", who looks a hell of a lot like Outback but totally isn't, really.
*The planet Kup is stranded on is not named in this issue and would not be till years later, in [[Shockwaves|''Robots in Disguise'' #17]], where it is also revealed that [[Ore-8|the damaging crystals]] on the planet are the result of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]'s [[Regenesis]] project.
[[File:SpotlightKup Springersholograph.jpg|150px|thumb|''Always look on the briiiight side of death!'']]
*Years later, [[James Roberts]], Roche's partner on ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', would think up the [[Shimmer]], a ghostly green entity that Autobots believe visits you as a sign of oncoming death. Which Springer's hologram is often mistaken for. Hmmm...
* '''First appearances:''' Kup, Outback, Siren, Sizzle, Trailbreaker; Perceptor previously appeared as a holographic head in ''Stormbringer''.

===Trivia===
*The issue includes 5 pages of sketches by [[Nick Roche]].
*Page 4 is completely silent... but it's not ''supposed'' to be! The lettering was accidentally left out, of which Roche says: "Luckly it was the ONLY page in the WHOLE book that could have lost it. Any other page, and NONE of the story would have made sense."<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/724571997821407232 Nick Roche on Twitter]</ref> It would ultimately be restored in the trade paperback release.
*In several panels throughout the issue, Kup's arms and legs have extra-thick black outlines. This was an alteration to Roche's art carried out in-house at IDW, in response to a decision that Kup looked "too skinny."<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/724572280823623680 Roche on Twitter again]</ref>
*A page was cut where Kup drives to a cliff every day to dump the "zombie" heads into a lake so they will stop staring at him. That was cut by Roche, not editorial... but only because another scene needed more room!<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9DPbginVXE Moonbase 2's AA2010 interview], 27:04 - 27:40</ref>
*Kup—and his visions of zombies—are drawn in a different style from the "real world", such as the scenes on board the ''Ark-17''. Kup's nightmarish world is rendered with messy black cross-hatching and shadowy splotches, colored with either primarily orange tones (for daylight) or blue (at night), and the panels are given thick, jagged borders. In contrast, the "real world" events are cleanly rendered and colored normally. When the two "worlds" collide with Trailbreaker's arrival, even the dinged-up Trailbreaker looks polished compared to the been-through-hell Kup.
*Roche had the idea of writing an ''I Am Legend'' with Transformers, and Kup seemed like the best fit. He has also stated that due to concerns about trying to "dive in" to pre-existing continuity, he wrote the story as if it could be slotted into any continuity.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkqheta3GE Nick Roche interview with Moonbase Two]</ref>

===Errors===
*On page 3, 'cos is misspelled cos'.
*A bit of Trailbreaker's shoulder is clipping through Springer's on the final page.

===Covers (4)===
*'''Cover A:''' Kup attacks zombies; art by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]] (colors).
*'''Cover B:''' Kup in swamp; art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]] (colors).
*'''Cover RI-A:''' Uncolored cover A
*'''Cover RI-B:''' Uncolored cover B
<gallery>
File:Spotlight Kup cvrA.jpg|We'll get you, Kup!
File:Spotlight Kup cvrB.jpg|Kup, smelling swampy.
File:Spotlight Kup cvrRIA.jpg|Cover RI-A
File:Spotlight Kup cvrRIB.jpg|Cover RI-B
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Star Trek: Klingons: Blood Will Tell''
*''Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Space Between''
*''Adventures in Oz'' comic
*''Angel: Auld Lang Syne'' comic
*[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]] toys
*IDW trade paperbacks (''[[The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'', ''[[Transformers, Beast Wars: The Gathering|The Gathering]]'', ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'', ''[[War and Peace]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'') (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|The Transformers: Spotlight Volume 2]]''''' ([[February 20]], [[2008]]) ISBN 1600101542 / ISBN 978-1600101540
:*Collects "[[Spotlight: Soundwave|Soundwave]]", "Kup", "[[Spotlight: Galvatron|Galvatron]]", "[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime|Optimus Prime]]" and "[[Spotlight: Ramjet|Ramjet]]".
:*Includes cover art for each issue and bonus art for each issue.

*'''''[[The Transformers: The Premiere Collection]]'' Volume 2''' HC ([[June 17]], [[2009]]) ISBN 1600104371 / ISBN 978-1600104374
:*Hardcover collection of ''Devastation'', ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'', and the contents of volumes 2 and 3 of the ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]'' collections.

*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Volume Two]]''''' ([[October 6]], [[2010]]) ISBN 1600107516 / ISBN 978-1600107511
:*Hardcover collection of ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]'' and the ''Spotlights'' for ''"[[Spotlight: Sixshot|Sixshot]]", "Ramjet", "[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus]]", "Kup", "[[Spotlight: Mirage|Mirage]]"'' and ''"Optimus Prime"''.

*'''''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|The Transformers: Spotlight Omnibus Volume 1]]''''' ([[April 15]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631402463 / ISBN 978-1631402463
:* Contains the first 13 ''Spotlights''.

*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1]]''''' ([[July 6]], [[2016]]) ISBN 163140637X / ISBN 978-1631406379
:*Paperback collection of the first 2 volumes of ''The IDW Collection''.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 38: Devastation''''' ([[August 7]], [[2019]])
:*Hardcover collection of ''Devastation'' and ''Spotlights'' for ''"Kup", "Ramjet"'' and ''"[[Spotlight: Cliffjumper|Cliffjumper]]"''
:*Bonus material includes a cover gallery and introduction by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:TF Spotlight v2.jpg|'''''Spotlight: Volume 2'''''; cover by [[Gabriel Rodríguez]]
File:Premier Collection 2.jpg|'''''Premiere Collection'' Vol 2''' cover by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
File:IDWCollection2.jpg|'''''IDW Collection Vol 2''''' cover by [[E. J. Su|E.J. Su]]
File:TF Spotlight Omnibus v1.jpg|'''''Spotlight Omnibus Volume 1'''''; cover by [[Jeffrey Veregge]]
File:IDWCollectionCompendiumV1.jpg|'''''IDW Collection Compendium, Vol. 1'''''; cover by Jeffrey Veregge
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v38.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 38: Devastation'''''; cover by [[Don Figueroa]] (Sunstreaker) and [[Robby Musso]] (Sixshot)
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.myspace.com/lostkup Kup's MySpace page], maintained by [[Nick Roche]]

[[Category:Spotlight issues|Kup]]

Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-04T19:10:47Z

GlamAttack: /* Building an army */

{{factions|{{factions/icons
|custom=PotP-Megatronus.png
|cSize=40x40px
|cLink=The Fallen
|cPretty=Megatronus
}}|decepticon}}
{{suite}}

[[File:Devastation6 CoverB Galvatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Many wars and feuds did he fight. Honor and fear were heaped upon his name and, in time, he became a king by his own hand... And this story shall also be told.]]
Never [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], not a servant of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], but rather a timelost warrior from an earlier, more brutal era, '''Galvatron''' will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He's convinced he has a higher calling to the point of recklessness, leading to unwitting servitude to the monstrous [[D-Void]], which suppressed his less-civilized nature...for a time.

As [[Decepticon leader]], his barbaric side returned in full force and with it an abiding disgust for what he sees as the weaknesses and compromises of the modern age. Galvatron has little patience or regard for those he considers inferiors, but respect for those few [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|warriors who can give him a good fight]].

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Nightbeat]] (obscured); [[Spotlight: Galvatron]] (full)

{{quote|All is '''fair''' in '''hate''' and '''conquest.'''|Galvatron's one and only rule|"[[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again]]"}}

__TOC__
==Fiction==
===Savage beginnings===
[[File:OriginMyths-ArceeAndGalvatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]

In the barbaric age that predated the rise of the [[Thirteen]], some twelve million years ago, '''Galvatron of [[Protihex|Protohex]]''' and his twin sibling [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] were slaves of [[Septimus Prime]] and his [[Supplicants of Arrius]], forced to fight as [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiator]]s in the arenas of Protohex. As the city's [[energon]] dwindled, however, Septimus told the twins to battle each other. Before their duel could have a fatal outcome, the city was invaded by [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] of the [[Darklands]], who overthrew Septimus and let the twins kill their former master. The two gladiators joined his army of Darklanders as they marched on the [[Crystal City]] and battled [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]'s legion of [[beast mode]] warriors.

Ultimately, the various [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] were able to make peace, and with Megatronus and his tribe joining the coalition they laid the foundation for the reign of the [[Thirteen]]. Galvatron enjoyed the special treatment he received as a warrior in the service of Megatronus, prompting Arcee to reflect that, in spite of once being a slave, he had nothing against hierarchies... as long as ''he'' was on top. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} During this time, he would come to be known as '''Galvatron of the Darklands'''. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Alongside his brother, he served as a vanguard for his master when Cybertron made contact with the planet [[Antilla]]. Upon landing, the Cybertronians were met with resistance from the [[Antillan]]s, resulting in a conflict that ended in their extinction, with the rest of the galaxy learning to fear Cybertron as a result. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} {{storylink|Our Finest}}

[[File:TheCrucible IBelieveInNoPrime.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|We don't even have a snarky caption for this, it's just badass.]]
After two million years of peace, the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] swept Cybertron, pitting the various Primes and their [[Thirteen Tribes|tribes]] against one another. Championing the ideal that vehicular "standard-formers" were the only "true" expression of the Cybertronian race, Galvatron declared that he served no Prime, deserting his post in Megatronus' army {{storylink|The Crucible}} and spearheading a one-man campaign against the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] of [[Nexus Prime|Nexus]] and Onyx Prime: [[combiner]] fusions of humanoids and beasts, and an upgrade that Galvatron viewed as an affront to the "purity" of the Cybertronian species. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Galvatron's crusade led him to Nexus Prime's castle, where he kept the [[Enigma of Combination]] responsible for creating the Headmasters. Disgusted by the Prime's arrogance, Galvatron unloaded his [[Particle cannon|cannon]] directly into the Prime's spark, instantly killing him. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Galvatron thus became the first ordinary Transformer to kill a Prime, and this news caused most of the remaining Primes to flee Cybertron entirely. {{storylink|The Crucible}} {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Unable to destroy the Enigma, Galvatron hid the artifact so that no further combiners could be created. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:TheMindBomb-whoareyou.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|There are some who call me... Tim?]]
After his victory in the [[Battle of Aegiax]], he was approached by Alpha Trion, who offered to give him everything he ever wanted. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Alpha Trion revealed to Galvatron that he was a member of the Thirteen and requested Galvatron's help in ending the war and reuniting Cybertron. At Trion's urging, Galvatron traveled to [[Prima]]'s [[Citadel of Light]] only to find it beset by the bestial forces of Onyx Prime. Joining forces with [[Nova Prime|Nova Major]], the two beat back the entire army, forging a friendship and inspiring a legend. After learning that Onyx had also left Cybertron, Alpha, Nova, and Galvatron began Cybertronian civilization anew. Nova Major became [[Nova Prime]] and began working on discovering the secrets of the Thirteen, such as the Enigma of Combination. Galvatron was opposed to this and nearly revealed that the Enigma was a physical object. Fearful of Trion's suspicions, he launched it off world. {{storylink|The Crucible}} For his part in the war, Galvatron was publicly immortalized as a war hero. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}

Galvatron was among those present when Nova Prime rediscovered [[Crystal City]], along with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} Later, Galvatron joined Nova's crew on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', {{storylink|Shockwaves}} intending to help fulfill Nova's dream of expanding Cybertronian domination throughout the cosmos. Their voyage brought them to the [[Benzuli Expanse]], where they discovered a mysterious anomaly leading to another universe: on Nova's orders, Galvatron had the ship enter the portal, sending them into the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

===The Expansion===
[[File:SpotlightGalvatron Galvytransforms.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|My cannon knows where to go because IT FEARS ME!!!]]
The transition killed the crew and revived them as undead beings who could not survive for long in the "living" universe, a consequence Galvatron blamed himself for. Within the Dead Universe, he became a herald for Nova, who was now calling himself "Nemesis Prime" and making plans to merge the two universes.

Millions of years later, Galvatron was sent on two missions in the living Universe: to destroy an alien starship conducting research on the anomaly in the Expanse, and to return to Cybertron to secure the inactive [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. After killing [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] by touch alone, Galvatron shrugged off attacks by the [[Autobot]] squad under [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]]'s command and then shocked them when he got up after having half of his head blown off by [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]. In a small act of defiance to his master, he merely incapacitated the Autobots and returned with Thunderwing's body to [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

[[File:Devastation6 GalvatronDeathbringer.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
After [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]'s deployment to [[Earth]], Nemesis Prime sent Galvatron there as well to make sure nothing would forestall their second coming. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} From a hidden vantage point, Galvatron observed the [[Decepticon]]s' desperate fight against the powerful alien army known as the [[Reaper]]s. As Nemesis Prime's plans required Earth to survive, at least for a while, Galvatron took steps to prevent the Reapers from taking over and laying waste to the planet. Galvatron approached the Reapers' leader, the [[Deathbringer (IDW)|Deathbringer]], and unleashed the power of death that was his to command, turning the Reaper into living decay who spread death and disintegration to his fellow Reapers on contact, casually blasting a bird-like Reaper who saw this happen when it attacked. This turned the tide of battle rapidly, and the Decepticons won the day. Galvatron then returned to the Dead Universe to await new orders. However, Nemesis Prime remarked to [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] that he suspected that Galvatron had his own plans... {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

After [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] secured the [[Nega-Core]] and activated its guardian, Galvatron initiated the [[Expansion]] with Nemesis Prime and the rest of the [[Dead Universe]] crew. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} Galvatron was paired with Cyclonus to patrol the Benzuli Expanse, charged with destroying anything that might interrupt the Expansion. He let his partner have dibs on destroying [[Cloudburst]] and his crew on the ''[[Mirror-Manifold]]''. {{storylink| Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[File:PrimekillsGalvatron.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|No arguments! It is time for your bath, old man!]]
Heading to [[Garrus-9]], Galvatron watched the battle of the Primes, waiting for Nemesis to become completely focused on [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], before taking his chance and shooting the corrupt [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] in the back. When Nemesis fell, the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]] jumped to Optimus. As the Autobot leader tried to resist, Galvatron gave him a choice: kill himself in the nearby [[solar pool]] or allow the Darkness to pass on to its ''rightful'' owner. Prime reached out for Galvatron, but as the Darkness crossed between them, Optimus grabbed Galvatron's hand, and hurled him into the solar pool, destroying both the Darkness and its would-be host.

===Building an army===
[[File:HoD1 GalavtronReborn.jpg|thumb]]
Or not. Some time later, as the Autobots were recuperating from a series of upheavals, Galvatron's hand burst from the solar pool. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}} The Darkness had consumed him whole! However, both it and he were changed, and with it redubbed the "Heart of Darkness", Galvatron decided that all that exploration had taught him that change was the one constant in the universe... and now, he and his men were going to ''force'' change!

He arrived on [[Gorlam Prime]], where Cyclonus and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] were the last surviving members of the Dead Universe crew, and began babbling his intentions at them while throwing Scourge into a smelting pool... causing it to resurrect him, and create [[Sweep (G1)|a clone army]]! He then used the Darkness to bring Cyclonus back to life, telling him his spirit had always refused to die anyway, and led his army off to fulfil his mission! (The army thinks he might be a bit loopy.) {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Rebirth}}

[[File:HoD1 GalvatronReachesOut.jpg|thumb|left]]
On Gorlam Prime, they discovered that the entire population of the planet had vanished and set out to solve this mystery. Returning to the site of the portal to the Dead Universe, they found numerous dead "[[Micromaster]]s", presumably the ones killed by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]. The whole time Galvatron displayed mood swings, sudden irrational anger, and incredible strength, all of which disturbed Cyclonus, who worried what would happen if Galvatron turned against them. Discovering the ruined body of Jhiaxus, Galvatron restored him to his old self using the power of the Heart of Darkness, and the group discovered a clear silver sphere that acted as a portal into the Dead Universe. As Galvatron was about to use the portal to enter the Dead Universe, however, they were suddenly ambushed by Arcee and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 1|Heart of Darkness #1}}

Damaged beyond his ability to quickly self-repair by their attack, Galvatron was forced to watch as his "Seekers" were overwhelmed by the hostile pair of 'Bots, until he managed to drag himself to the portal. Reaching into it, he felt the power of the Dead Universe recharge and repair him, upon which he easily dispatched Hardhead and forced Arcee to flee, coldly noting that he was the only future that mattered.

[[File:HoD2 Galvatron TellMeTellMe.jpg|thumb|Whoah, bad trip BAD TRIP '''BAD TRIP''']]
While Cyclonus and Scourge were sent to capture or kill the fleeing Arcee, Jhiaxus prepared to torture Hardhead for information, but Galvatron stopped him, demonstrating how he could simply reach into the Autobot's mind and display his memories for his underling to see. Once he had learned how the entire population of Gorlam Prime had marched, seemingly hypnotized, into the Dead Universe, he used the Darkness to brainwash Hardhead into serving him, seeing him as a useful servant, before deciding to journey into the Dead Universe himself. Once there, he was confronted by a monstrous being called the [[D-Void]] who fed on the life-[[spark]] of robotic life. Narrowly escaping and returning to Gorlam Prime, he informed the others that they would need to gather an army to fight what was coming. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 2|Heart of Darkness #2}}

[[File:HoD3 GalvatronSpeech.jpg|thumb|left|Stand up...and be drawn weirdly!]]
Ignoring Cyclonus's misgivings about the D-Void's existence, Galvatron travelled widely from his base on Gorlam Prime using the [[space bridge|spacebridge]] network Jhiaxus reconstructed, resurrecting numerous fallen Autobots and Decepticons through the power of the Heart of Darkness and recruiting other robotic life forms who would be susceptible to attack from the D-Void. When his army was a million strong, he sensed an incursion by the D-Void and journeyed to the remote planet [[Dykayra‎]]. There they found numerous dead Autobots and Decepticons that Galvatron claimed he could not resurrect, something Cyclonus was sceptical of. They also discovered evidence that an ancient race that had once occupied Gorlam Prime had also occupied Dykayra‎, and Galvatron speculated that somehow they were connected to the D-Void and perhaps manipulating events unnoticed.

[[File:HoD4 NemesisPrimeVsGalvatron.jpg|thumb]]
Discovering a second portal into the Dead Universe, Galvatron was shocked as the ruined body of Nemesis Prime stepped from it, returned to life by the D-Void and anxious for revenge on Galvatron. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 3|Heart of Darkness #3}}

Initially, Galvatron had the upper hand as the two old allies battled. However, the D-Void appeared to take control of Nemesis Prime, nearly killing Galvatron before Galvatron's army launched a full attack. forcing the D-Void back into the sphere and seemingly killing him. Declaring that the threat was not over, Galvatron decided that to be ready for the D-Void, they would need to conquer Cybertron. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 4|Heart of Darkness #4}}

[[File:TFInfestation2 GalvatronWasRight.jpg|thumb|left]]
Galvatron and crew discovered a frozen mass of organic and metal in space and brought the strange blob aboard their ship to investigate. The blob thawed, revealing a swarm of [[zombie]]s and robots from another universe. The zombie leader, [[Britt]], used the power of suggestion to make the crew think she was actually one of their own named Bayonet, while she sabotaged the engines to bring the ship crashing to [[Earth]]. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}} There, Galvatron tried to enlist the help of Optimus Prime and his Autobots, but they rebuffed him until he was subdued by [[Skywatch]] devices. Galvatron finally convinced Prime they should be fighting this menace on the same side, while [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] broke Britt's cover. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|The Transformers: Infestation #1}} Kup was compromised though, and to stop Britt and the zombie horde from ravaging Cybertron of the past, Galvatron gave the coordinates to Prowl, who used Kup, to send the whole shebang to the very beginning of the Dead Universe. The Earth and Cybertron saved for now, Galvatron again offered his leadership to the Autobots, who of course refused, and Galvatron and crew swore they would be enemies when they next met. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}}

When [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], believing Cybertron to still be, well, ''habitable'', brought [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and their new alien friend [[Garnak]] to Cybertron, they discovered not only [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]], [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]], and their new pet [[Insecticon swarm|Insecticon]] [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]], but also Galvatron and an army of Sweeps, who had conquered the entire planet. Fleeing back to Earth, the group warned Optimus Prime of what had happened, fearing that Galvatron was a threat to them all. {{storylink|Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|Out of the Silent Planet}}

===Confronting the D-Void===
[[File:Lamentations GalvatronAndSweeps.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|Swinter is coming.]]
This proved to be true as, shortly after conquering Cybertron he sent Cyclonus to attack the [[Kimia Facility]] with a group of Sweeps. Though the Autobots there tried to fight back, Cyclonus and the Sweeps slaughtered them all. Informing Galvatron that the weapons facility was now theirs, Galvatron congratulated Cyclonus on his good work and commanded him to return to Cybertron with it, where he was waiting along with his army of Sweeps.

When Optimus and his fellow Autobots arrived on Cybertron, Galvatron had his entire army fire into the air to send a message in binary telling the Autobots to meet with him; this doubled as a display of power, showing the sheer size of his army. Optimus took Ironhide, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], Sunstreaker, Bob, and Rodimus to the surface to meet with Galvatron. There, the ancient Cybertronian gave them a simple ultimatum: the Autobots could either join his forces or be destroyed. Optimus, not impressed by Galvatron's threats or his refusal to reveal his long term plans for Cybertron, said that the Autobots would not be his slaves, but if his intentions were peaceful they wouldn't harm him. Galvatron replied by trying to kill them all, claiming that anyone who wasn't with him was against him and that if the Autobots wouldn't serve him they would die. They managed to fight back against his army of Sweeps, but Cyclonus arrived to pull Galvatron away from the fight.

Cyclonus then revealed to Galvatron that Kimia was now above Cybertron and Galvatron. Galvatron, pleased, ordered Scourge and his sweeps to begin its [[transformation]]. It turned out that Kimia was not just a weapons facility but could ''transform into'' a [[weapon]]. Galvatron ordered Scourge to fire the giant [[particle cannon]] at Cybertron. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}}

However, his target was not the Autobots, but Cybertron itself, and he gave the order for Kimia to focus its beam on the planet, doing horrific damage that threatened to destroy it. As a Sweep reported to Galvatron of an attack on Kimia conducted by flight-capable Autobots, they were interrupted when Wheelie shot the Sweep in the head with his sniper rifle. Enraged, Galvatron ordered his Sweeps to kill the Autobots.

[[File:Kings GalvatronDarknessDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Run drifthack.exe]]
After the two surviving [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] managed to destroy Kimia from within, Galvatron was even more furious, grabbing Jhiaxus and commanding him to follow to the spot which the beam had struck, hoping that the damage it had already done was enough. He was unaware that Optimus and Ironhide had spotted him leaving and followed him, Optimus sensing something within Galvatron that he believed the Matrix would be needed to stop. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:ChaosGalvatronVectorSigma.jpg|thumb|"Dan, I'm not a Republic serial villain. Do you seriously think I'd explain my masterstroke if there remained the slightest chance of you affecting its outcome? I did it thirty-five minutes ago."]]
Both Galvatron and Jhiaxus were chased by Optimus, Ironhide, Rodimus, and Drift deeper down into the interior of Cybertron through an opening blasted into the surface of the planet. Optimus Prime commanded Galvatron to stop, but then a mad force coming from Galvatron suddenly halted all of the Decepticons on Cybertron. The Decepticons then clustered together as one to form [[Deceptigod|a towering avatar for the D-Void]]. The rampaging abomination lashed out at the Autobots on the surface, while Drift was unnaturally compelled to attack his comrades below, allowing Galvatron to flee with Jhiaxus again. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}}

Optimus Prime and Rodimus went after Galvatron, attempting to prevent him from unleashing the [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] and releasing the D-Void. However, Galvatron believed the opposite, that the power from the Heart of Darkness would save the universe from the D-Void. [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], who had been holding off the D-Void's giant puppet, eventually blasted the creation into pieces. Galvatron, deep under the surface of the planet, felt pain from this without knowing why. However, it was too late by the time Optimus Prime and Rodimus caught up with Galvatron—he had already unleashed the Heart of Darkness into [[Vector Sigma]]. Galvatron declared his supposed victory as Cybertron began to crumble apart and the D-Void itself began entering into the universe, but was smashed by Arcee and Hardhead's landing craft. Galvatron recovered, beat down Arcee and Hardhead, and shot Optimus Prime in the back while Optimus deliberated with Rodimus over how to use the Matrix in order to save the universe. Galvatron declared himself the savior of all Cybertronians, but was then assaulted by Cyclonus, furious that he was forced to harm Cybertron. Galvatron knocked Cyclonus aside, but then realized how wrong he had been as his own body began to crumble to pieces. Optimus Prime used the Matrix to purify Vector Sigma, denying the D-Void its dead world for a portal and so saving the universe from destruction. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

===The return===
Galvatron was believed dead by the Autobots following his apparent disintegration, {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} when in fact he had merely returned to the Dead Universe and reunited with Nemesis Prime, now freed from the D-Void's influence and calling himself Nova Prime again. Being long-time comrades, the two had no problem putting aside their little conflicts while under the spell of Heart of Darkness, and rejoined forces to focus on leaving the Dead Universe. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

[[File:RID24 i remember you.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Their way back was to be provided by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], Jhiaxus's understudy, {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} but his Titan's [[space bridge]] was lost, causing Nova Prime to lash out at Galvatron in rage. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} Shockwave was soon able to provide a backup bridge in the form of Megatron, whom Galvatron and Nova Prime used a portal to journey back to the living universe. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} The Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron joined forces to put a stop to Shockwave's plan, beating Nova Prime back through the portal, but Galvatron was able to emerge and rip Megatron in half at the waist. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} He advocated pursuing the escaping Autobots and Decepticons only for Shockwave to overrule him. The Autobot Bumblebee came to him later to rescue the bisected Megatron. Galvatron easily bested the smaller Autobot, while mocking him that his short four million year war had made him soft. As he gloated about his longer war and superior skills, Megatron shot him unconscious. When he stirred, the two were gone. {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}}

When Optimus Prime killed Nova Prime, Galvatron felt his death through his own link to the Dead Universe, which Shockwave took great interest in. When the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] fell, Galvatron sulked that Cybertron would not get its new golden age. Shockwave then revealed that the master plan was never about Primes or Golden Ages, but to fuel Cybertron forever and that Galvatron himself would serve as conduit to absorb the energies of the Dead Universe. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} Galvatron was restrained by Monstructor while Jhiaxus used Galvatron's link to the Dead Universe in concert with the Time Drive to remove all its energy from the moment of its birth (causing it to always have been ''dead''). Galvatron demanded to know what Shockwave was planning and the scientist revealed that he was using the Ores from his Regenesis program to fulfill the Dark Cybertron prophecy and Galvatron was the link making it possible. When the Ores fused into Shockwave, he revealed to Galvatron he was creating an ultimate singularity that would bend all the resources of time and space to feed Cybertron for eternity. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

[[File:FullFathomFive-brightspark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]

Galvatron barely managed to limp away from Shockwave, only to meet Bumblebee and a repaired Megatron. Knowing he had made Shockwave's plan possible, he submitted himself to the Decepticon leader's wrath and was only spared when Bumblebee convinced Megatron he was better than Galvatron. When Shockwave killed Bumblebee, Galvatron made his escape. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] later rescued Galvatron and Dreadwing from [[Crystal City]] as it collapsed into a singularity. When the Decepticons expressed shock that Megatron had changed sides, Galvatron agreed with them and suggested a new approach. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}} This new approach was making Galvatron the new Decepticon leader.

Watching [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] transform to city mode, as shelter for the Autobots and civilian Cybertronians, Galvatron asked [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] where the Decepticons came from. Soundwave replied that they were a movement of working class Cybertronians that had risen up against their oppressors. Reminded of his talk with Alpha Trion from the first war and seeking a new purpose in life, Galvatron suggested the Decepticons form their own community and he offered to aid them. Soundwave suggested abandoning Cybertron for Earth. Galvatron assumed this meant he wanted to conquer the planet, but Soundwave clarified that they would be following the true Decepticon path: Peace. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}
{{-}}

===Command of the Decepticons===
[[File:DetonationBoulevard-galvatronandedc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Surprised they're not [[Carnage in C-Minor|holding hands]].]]
Reformatted into a mobile battle cannon, Galvatron led his new troops to [[Earth]], where they met up with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|General Witwicky]] and [[Marissa Faireborn|Director Faireborn]] and established an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]] through the information that Megatron had joined the Autobots and the help of [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Galvatron did not enjoy the alliance, but relented to Soundwave's reasoning, as he did not live through the eras of [[Nominus Prime|Nominus]] and [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} In exchange for aid against the Autobots, the humans agreed to build the Decepticons [[Sanctuary Station|a massive satellite]] orbiting [[Jupiter]] where they could reside. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}

When the Autobots eventually showed up, Galvatron led his troops to ambush Optimus Prime at Thundercracker's home before the EDC showed up and placed the Autobots under arrest. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World| Hello Cruel World}} The battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons ended up in the town of [[Poverty Flat]], where Galvatron refused to disguise himself from the populace. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Into the battle, a "[[Mindbomb|Mind Bomb]]" knocked out all the Decepticons, who were summarily beamed up to their ship. Galvatron's fury at this turn of events was abated when Soundwave informed him that through [[Scavenger (G1)|their spy]], they had found the location of Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:IDreamOfWires GalvatronKillsGeneralWitwicky.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
Tracing the Mind Bomb to an EDC facility, Galvatron and Soundwave beamed down to the building, confronting General Witwicky and [[Sanjay Bharwaney]]. After making a threat to kill the entire populations of [[New Mexico]] and [[Mexico|Old Mexico]] if the Mind Bomb were used on him again, Galvatron watched as the Autobots began their rescue attempt for Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} Galvatron was given a demonstration on how the Mind Bomb could be used to fight off Cybertronian intruders as the weapon was used on Prowl. The weapon turned out to be a double-edged sword, however, as Prowl was able to use it to hack into the EDC's systems and fire the same missiles that had been previously used to attack the ''[[Ark-7]]'' on the Decepticon ship above the EDC base. In the aftermath of this attack, Galvatron confronted General Witwicky alone and admitted that, while he was impressed with the Mind Bomb, he could not forgive its use on himself and killed the general. Seizing the opportunity to slander the Autobots, Soundwave claimed to Faireborn that Prowl had killed Witwicky. {{Storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:VS-spikewitwickyipresume.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left]]
While Soundwave busied himself with the construction of their Jupiter commune, Galvatron took advantage of his absence and rallied the Decepticons hunt for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]]. Galvatron suspected Spike, as former head of [[Skywatch]] and current fugitive, may have had information about the [[Enigma of Combination]] and could be seen as suitable disposable to their human allies. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} In [[Tokyo]], Galvatron's Decepticons interfered with Prowl and the Constructicons' attempt to capture Spike for themselves. Arcee was also on-scene to corral Prowl, leading Prowl to orchestrate a stand-off with the Decepticons on one side, the Constructicons on the other, and Arcee caught in the middle as he absconded with Spike. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}}

[[File:OFFonOFF-GalvatronArcee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9|"Mike broke the Hubble! Mike broke the Hubble!"]]
Galvatron and Arcee had a brief orbital battle that brought them crashing down to [[Australia]]. Galvatron commented on how delightful Arcee was as a warrior, and retroactively commended Jhiaxus for his work. Typically a poor decision in Arcee's presence, but Galvatron won her over by voicing his "concern" over Prowl's mental state, his alleged killing of General Witwicky, and tying it all back to the influence of Combination. He convinced Arcee that destroying the Enigma, especially before Prowl could get it, was more important than their current fight. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} At [[G.B. Blackrock|G.B. Blackrock's]] Wanmu facility, Galvatron, Arcee, and the Decepticons ostensibly arrived to "protect" their human allies from the attack of Devastator. During the fight, however, one of [[Scoop (G1)|Starscream's acolytes]] managed to make off with the Engima, leaving Galvatron's forces empty-handed. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

Galvatron and Arcee continued to have private meetings on Earth, although both were upfront about the total lack of trust between them, despite occasionally mutual goals. He put his plan into action by giving her an Onyx tablet and 'encouraged' her to look at it on the ''Ark-7''. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}}

[[File:Aphelion-wearedecepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|"I'll build a wall, and [[Eukaris]] will pay for it."]]
When the Autobots entered the atmosphere to track the Onyx code to its source, Galvatron decided against moving against them as he knew the humans had something planned. When the ''[[Ark-7]]'' was crippled, Galvatron refuted any part in the act but decided to move to take the [[Space bridge|Space Bridge]] aboard the craft. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Before departing he made a broadcast to Cybertron, inviting all remaining Decepticons to join him in taking the galaxy. When analyzing the inverted deflector shield that the ''Ark-7'' was trapped in, Galvatron compared it to a "black egg" he had seen in his youth (shocking Astrotrain that Galvatron had once been young). {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} He then contacted Soundwave on the Jupiter commune to make ready to seize the ''Ark-7''.{{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} With Skywarp, he teleported into the [[Earth Defense Command|Earth Defense Command's]] base to seize G.B. Blackrock, whom Galvatron had long since deduced was a sleeper agent of Onyx Prime. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 3: Helden|Helden}}

[[File:Perihelon-wehaveourprize.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]
With all the pieces in place, Galvatron made ready for his conquest of Earth only for Soundwave to demand an explanation for why the Decepticons on ''Ark-7'' were aiming to conquer the planet. Galvatron explained it was always his intent before Skywarp teleported the two to [[Shanghai]] where the ''Ark-7'' crashed. Before Galvatron could do anything however, Optimus Prime arrived via Space Bridge claiming Earth as his own and under his protection. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} Galvatron responded [[Fusion cannon|as expected]]. When the Mind Bomb was to be detonated, Galvatron forced Blackrock to give [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] the Mind Bomb's code to shield the Decepticons. Mindwipe only managed to shield a handful of Decepticons as opposed to Wheeljack shielding all the Autobots. Galvatron opted for a retreat, having Skywarp teleport the operational Decepticons away. He was pleased when Optimus began acting like a true Prime by conquering Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

Using the Onyx code, Galvatron was able to spy on everything occurring on Earth and watched as the [[President of the United States]] removed Marissa Faireborn in favour of Spike Witwicky. He found it amusing that humanity thought itself capable of defending itself against Cybertronians. {{storylink|New Worlds Order}} Meeting up with Arcee at the Copahua volcano, he put forth the notion that Optimus' new attitude had come from being part of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] with Prowl, influencing the Prime to take more drastic actions. He and Arcee both agreed that one of them would one day kill the other. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}}

[[File:ItsBeginningToAndBackAgain-uncombination.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]

Using the Onyx code to spy on Optimus and Soundwave, Galvatron tipped off the E.D.C. to their location. When the ''Nemesis'' came under attack, Galvatron unleashed the [[Seeker clone|Seeker clone combiners]]. When Superion and Victorion entered the fray, Galvatron revealed that Blackrock had unintentionally turned the Earth itself into a giant Enigma. He used it to disassemble Victorion and create [[Sky Reign]] and [[Galvatronus (Generations)|Galvatronus]]. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} Before he could destroy Superion, the Aerialbot combiner managed to shatter the Earth Enigma at the cost of him never being able to combine again, destroying the ''Nemesis'' in the process. With his warship now truly worthless, Galvatron saw fit to retreat aboard Astrotrain. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}

[[File:NoFairFights-galvatrondies.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|SYNERGY! <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/comments/540ch7/we_are_john_barber_cullen_bunn_fico_ossio_chris/ John Barber Reddit AMA, 22 September 2016</ref>]]

He set sail towards the Sanctuary Station to seize control of it. When they reached Jupiter, the two Decepticons were attacked by [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and Arcee where Galvatron used his cannon to disable the former before he managed to strike Astrotain's engines, causing him to fall into Jupiter's gravity well. Badly damaged, Astrotrain requested Galvatron take him the rest of the way to Sanctuary Station for medical treatment. Galvatron instead used Astrotrain's body as a battering ram before Arcee sliced the latter in half, killing him. Galvatron quickly engaged her in battle before Optimus and Soundwave arrived to back her up. The ancient warrior engaged them all, while discussing philosophies, holding his own until Soundwave shot him in the back. Arcee used this distraction to destroy his fusion cannon, the resulting explosion destroying most of his right side. Defeated, Galvatron mocked the Decepticon ideals before warning that far worse things in the galaxy and Onyx Prime was coming to Earth. For that reason, Galvatron agreed to ally with them. Optimus however, was not interested in alliances and told Galvatron what he honestly thought of him. Terrified, Galvatron surrendered, only for Optimus to blast him point blank, killing him. While Galvatron's body fell into Jupiter, the Prime removed the Decepticon's head and presented it to the [[President of the United States|President]] as proof that the threat had passed. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

===Legacy===
[[File:NoFairFights GalvatronHeadPeace.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|He's gonna come back as a [[Titan Master]] anytime now.{{-}} Anytime now.{{-}}
''Aaaaa-nnnnny''-time now...]]
Galvatron's alliance with, and subsequent betrayal of, the EDC were remembered by [[Scarlett]] and [[Joe Colton (Dire Wraith)|Joe Colton]] as they discussed the threat the Cybertronians posed to the planet Earth. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}} His predictions regarding the Primes came true when [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] showed up, turned Blackrock into [[Sovereign]] and revealed that both of them were [[Titan Master]]s in the service of Onyx Prime. Both Optimus and Soundwave paused to remember Galvatron's words and wondered if they'd been wrong to kill him. When Sentinel expressed a low opinion of Galvatron due to his killing of [[Nexus Prime]], Optimus sardonically noted that Sentinel was someone Galvatron would have loved to kill. {{storylink|White Heat}}

A few months after Sentinel Prime, [[Pyra Magna]] brought up Galvatron's execution to highlight her growing displeasure at Optimus' decisive and unilateral actions. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} After [[Oiler]] perished, and the Autobots had an advantage over the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]], [[Slide]] told the colonist soldiers to end [[Rum-Maj]] like Optimus had Galvatron. [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] asked Rumble and Frenzy who Galvatron was and what Optimus did to him, being informed that Galvatron had been shot through the Spark and had his head ripped off. Nothing serious for a Junkion. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}} Despite everything they'd been through, Arcee still considered Galvatron her brother and when inside a simulation meant to humanely end Sideswipe's life, she mournfully confessed to having stood by as Optimus and Soundwave killed him though tactfully leaving out any names. {{storylink|The Life of Sideswipe}} When [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] recounted the origins of [[Thirteen]], he revealed that Arcee and Galvatron were twins. Starscream had a hard time believing this. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

At Sideswipe's funeral, Arcee revealed her relationship to Galvatron to Optimus much to the Prime's shock. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} When Onyx Prime indeed made a grand return to Cybertron, Optimus remembered Galvatron's warning but, in an attempt to keep the peace, noted Galvatron was the worst of the worst so perhaps his words should not have been taken at face value. This attitude proved the final straw for [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] who barged in with his Decepticons and declared their refusal to stand by and let the [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] return to power. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

==Notes==
[[File:RID Galvatron Earth Mode Concept.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*[[Simon Furman]] was very clear from the start that IDW Galvatron was not Megatron in any way, shape or form, time-traveller or otherwise.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2007/06/27/futures-past/ FUTURE’S PAST | simon furman]: Originally, Galvatron (as all fans of the original animated movie know) was the future version of Megatron, recreated by Unicron from the shattered remains of the former Decepticon leader. However, this Galvatron is NOT IDW Megatron in a new body. In fact, he pre-dates IDW Megatron... by some way.</ref> He did, however, spend some time teasing an Ultra Magnus/Galvatron fight in homage to the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comic]], but had abandoned it by the time he wrote ''Revelation''.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/its-qa-time-again/ IT’S Q&A TIME AGAIN! | simon furman] ''
''20. You previously mentioned that we’d see Ultra Magnus vs Galvatron. Is this still going to happen?
SF) This was where my plans for Revelation/Expansion really did change, and not just because of the shift in format. Originally, I really wanted to have an Ultra Magnus/Galvatron smackdown in the tradition of the one from Target: 2006, but once I’d arranged all the players in Revelation I realised it just wasn’t going to work.</ref>
*Galvatron's tank-based alternate mode depicted in ''Heart of Darkness'' conflicts with his depiction in his previous cannon-based alt-mode in the concurrently-set ''Infestation''.
*On assuming leadership of the Decepticons, Galvatron was redesigned (at right) and given a mobile battle-tank alt-mode, first seen in [[Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|''Robots in Disguise'' #28]].<ref>https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/466294118331990017 Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 13 May 2014</ref> Artist [[Andrew Griffith]] would later clarify his intention that Galvatron scanned the {{w|Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles#Non-line-of-sight cannon|XM1203 non-line-of-sight cannon}} alt-mode from a canceled U.S. military project that had been revived by the EDC.<ref>https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1284964681048903688 Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 19 July 2020</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dead Universe]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]

Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-04T19:10:31Z

GlamAttack: /* Building an army */

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[[File:Devastation6 CoverB Galvatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Many wars and feuds did he fight. Honor and fear were heaped upon his name and, in time, he became a king by his own hand... And this story shall also be told.]]
Never [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], not a servant of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], but rather a timelost warrior from an earlier, more brutal era, '''Galvatron''' will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He's convinced he has a higher calling to the point of recklessness, leading to unwitting servitude to the monstrous [[D-Void]], which suppressed his less-civilized nature...for a time.

As [[Decepticon leader]], his barbaric side returned in full force and with it an abiding disgust for what he sees as the weaknesses and compromises of the modern age. Galvatron has little patience or regard for those he considers inferiors, but respect for those few [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|warriors who can give him a good fight]].

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Nightbeat]] (obscured); [[Spotlight: Galvatron]] (full)

{{quote|All is '''fair''' in '''hate''' and '''conquest.'''|Galvatron's one and only rule|"[[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again]]"}}

__TOC__
==Fiction==
===Savage beginnings===
[[File:OriginMyths-ArceeAndGalvatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]

In the barbaric age that predated the rise of the [[Thirteen]], some twelve million years ago, '''Galvatron of [[Protihex|Protohex]]''' and his twin sibling [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] were slaves of [[Septimus Prime]] and his [[Supplicants of Arrius]], forced to fight as [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiator]]s in the arenas of Protohex. As the city's [[energon]] dwindled, however, Septimus told the twins to battle each other. Before their duel could have a fatal outcome, the city was invaded by [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] of the [[Darklands]], who overthrew Septimus and let the twins kill their former master. The two gladiators joined his army of Darklanders as they marched on the [[Crystal City]] and battled [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]'s legion of [[beast mode]] warriors.

Ultimately, the various [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] were able to make peace, and with Megatronus and his tribe joining the coalition they laid the foundation for the reign of the [[Thirteen]]. Galvatron enjoyed the special treatment he received as a warrior in the service of Megatronus, prompting Arcee to reflect that, in spite of once being a slave, he had nothing against hierarchies... as long as ''he'' was on top. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} During this time, he would come to be known as '''Galvatron of the Darklands'''. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Alongside his brother, he served as a vanguard for his master when Cybertron made contact with the planet [[Antilla]]. Upon landing, the Cybertronians were met with resistance from the [[Antillan]]s, resulting in a conflict that ended in their extinction, with the rest of the galaxy learning to fear Cybertron as a result. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} {{storylink|Our Finest}}

[[File:TheCrucible IBelieveInNoPrime.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|We don't even have a snarky caption for this, it's just badass.]]
After two million years of peace, the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] swept Cybertron, pitting the various Primes and their [[Thirteen Tribes|tribes]] against one another. Championing the ideal that vehicular "standard-formers" were the only "true" expression of the Cybertronian race, Galvatron declared that he served no Prime, deserting his post in Megatronus' army {{storylink|The Crucible}} and spearheading a one-man campaign against the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] of [[Nexus Prime|Nexus]] and Onyx Prime: [[combiner]] fusions of humanoids and beasts, and an upgrade that Galvatron viewed as an affront to the "purity" of the Cybertronian species. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Galvatron's crusade led him to Nexus Prime's castle, where he kept the [[Enigma of Combination]] responsible for creating the Headmasters. Disgusted by the Prime's arrogance, Galvatron unloaded his [[Particle cannon|cannon]] directly into the Prime's spark, instantly killing him. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Galvatron thus became the first ordinary Transformer to kill a Prime, and this news caused most of the remaining Primes to flee Cybertron entirely. {{storylink|The Crucible}} {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Unable to destroy the Enigma, Galvatron hid the artifact so that no further combiners could be created. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:TheMindBomb-whoareyou.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|There are some who call me... Tim?]]
After his victory in the [[Battle of Aegiax]], he was approached by Alpha Trion, who offered to give him everything he ever wanted. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Alpha Trion revealed to Galvatron that he was a member of the Thirteen and requested Galvatron's help in ending the war and reuniting Cybertron. At Trion's urging, Galvatron traveled to [[Prima]]'s [[Citadel of Light]] only to find it beset by the bestial forces of Onyx Prime. Joining forces with [[Nova Prime|Nova Major]], the two beat back the entire army, forging a friendship and inspiring a legend. After learning that Onyx had also left Cybertron, Alpha, Nova, and Galvatron began Cybertronian civilization anew. Nova Major became [[Nova Prime]] and began working on discovering the secrets of the Thirteen, such as the Enigma of Combination. Galvatron was opposed to this and nearly revealed that the Enigma was a physical object. Fearful of Trion's suspicions, he launched it off world. {{storylink|The Crucible}} For his part in the war, Galvatron was publicly immortalized as a war hero. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}

Galvatron was among those present when Nova Prime rediscovered [[Crystal City]], along with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} Later, Galvatron joined Nova's crew on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', {{storylink|Shockwaves}} intending to help fulfill Nova's dream of expanding Cybertronian domination throughout the cosmos. Their voyage brought them to the [[Benzuli Expanse]], where they discovered a mysterious anomaly leading to another universe: on Nova's orders, Galvatron had the ship enter the portal, sending them into the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

===The Expansion===
[[File:SpotlightGalvatron Galvytransforms.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|My cannon knows where to go because IT FEARS ME!!!]]
The transition killed the crew and revived them as undead beings who could not survive for long in the "living" universe, a consequence Galvatron blamed himself for. Within the Dead Universe, he became a herald for Nova, who was now calling himself "Nemesis Prime" and making plans to merge the two universes.

Millions of years later, Galvatron was sent on two missions in the living Universe: to destroy an alien starship conducting research on the anomaly in the Expanse, and to return to Cybertron to secure the inactive [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. After killing [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] by touch alone, Galvatron shrugged off attacks by the [[Autobot]] squad under [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]]'s command and then shocked them when he got up after having half of his head blown off by [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]. In a small act of defiance to his master, he merely incapacitated the Autobots and returned with Thunderwing's body to [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

[[File:Devastation6 GalvatronDeathbringer.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
After [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]'s deployment to [[Earth]], Nemesis Prime sent Galvatron there as well to make sure nothing would forestall their second coming. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} From a hidden vantage point, Galvatron observed the [[Decepticon]]s' desperate fight against the powerful alien army known as the [[Reaper]]s. As Nemesis Prime's plans required Earth to survive, at least for a while, Galvatron took steps to prevent the Reapers from taking over and laying waste to the planet. Galvatron approached the Reapers' leader, the [[Deathbringer (IDW)|Deathbringer]], and unleashed the power of death that was his to command, turning the Reaper into living decay who spread death and disintegration to his fellow Reapers on contact, casually blasting a bird-like Reaper who saw this happen when it attacked. This turned the tide of battle rapidly, and the Decepticons won the day. Galvatron then returned to the Dead Universe to await new orders. However, Nemesis Prime remarked to [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] that he suspected that Galvatron had his own plans... {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

After [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] secured the [[Nega-Core]] and activated its guardian, Galvatron initiated the [[Expansion]] with Nemesis Prime and the rest of the [[Dead Universe]] crew. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} Galvatron was paired with Cyclonus to patrol the Benzuli Expanse, charged with destroying anything that might interrupt the Expansion. He let his partner have dibs on destroying [[Cloudburst]] and his crew on the ''[[Mirror-Manifold]]''. {{storylink| Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[File:PrimekillsGalvatron.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|No arguments! It is time for your bath, old man!]]
Heading to [[Garrus-9]], Galvatron watched the battle of the Primes, waiting for Nemesis to become completely focused on [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], before taking his chance and shooting the corrupt [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] in the back. When Nemesis fell, the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]] jumped to Optimus. As the Autobot leader tried to resist, Galvatron gave him a choice: kill himself in the nearby [[solar pool]] or allow the Darkness to pass on to its ''rightful'' owner. Prime reached out for Galvatron, but as the Darkness crossed between them, Optimus grabbed Galvatron's hand, and hurled him into the solar pool, destroying both the Darkness and its would-be host.

===Building an army===
[[File:HoD1 GalavtronReborn.jpg|thumb]]
Or not. Some time later, as the Autobots were recuperating from a series of upheavals, Galvatron's hand burst from the solar pool. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}} The Darkness had consumed him whole! However, both it and he were changed, and with it redubbed the "Heart of Darkness", Galvatron decided that all that exploration had taught him that change was the one constant in the universe... and now, he and his men were going to ''force'' change!

He arrived on [[Gorlam Prime]], where Cyclonus and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] were the last surviving members of the Dead Universe crew, and began babbling his intentions at them while throwing Scourge into a smelting pool... causing it to resurrect him, and create [[Sweep (G1)|a clone army]]! He then used the Darkness to bring Cyclonus back to life, telling him his spirit had always refused to die anyway, and led his army off to fulfil his mission! (The army thinks he might be a bit loopy.) {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Rebirth}}

[[File:HoD1 GalvatronReachesOut.jpg|thumb|left]]
On Gorlam Prime, they discovered that the entire population of the planet had vanished and set out to solve this mystery. Returning to the site of the portal to the Dead Universe, they found numerous dead "[[Micromaster]]s", presumably the ones killed by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]. The whole time Galvatron displayed mood swings, sudden irrational anger, and incredible strength, all of which disturbed Cyclonus, who worried what would happen if Galvatron turned against them. Discovering the ruined body of Jhiaxus, Galvatron restored him to his old self using the power of the Heart of Darkness, and the group discovered a clear silver sphere that acted as a portal into the Dead Universe. As Galvatron was about to use the portal to enter the Dead Universe, however, they were suddenly ambushed by Arcee and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 1|Heart of Darkness #1}}

Damaged beyond his ability to quickly self-repair by their attack, Galvatron was forced to watch as his "Seekers" were overwhelmed by the hostile pair of 'Bots, until he managed to drag himself to the portal. Reaching into it, he felt the power of the Dead Universe recharge and repair him, upon which he easily dispatched Hardhead and forced Arcee to flee, coldly noting that he was the only future that mattered.

[[File:HoD2 Galvatron TellMeTellMe.jpg|thumb|WHoah, bad trip BAD TRIP '''BAD TRIP''']]
While Cyclonus and Scourge were sent to capture or kill the fleeing Arcee, Jhiaxus prepared to torture Hardhead for information, but Galvatron stopped him, demonstrating how he could simply reach into the Autobot's mind and display his memories for his underling to see. Once he had learned how the entire population of Gorlam Prime had marched, seemingly hypnotized, into the Dead Universe, he used the Darkness to brainwash Hardhead into serving him, seeing him as a useful servant, before deciding to journey into the Dead Universe himself. Once there, he was confronted by a monstrous being called the [[D-Void]] who fed on the life-[[spark]] of robotic life. Narrowly escaping and returning to Gorlam Prime, he informed the others that they would need to gather an army to fight what was coming. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 2|Heart of Darkness #2}}

[[File:HoD3 GalvatronSpeech.jpg|thumb|left|Stand up...and be drawn weirdly!]]
Ignoring Cyclonus's misgivings about the D-Void's existence, Galvatron travelled widely from his base on Gorlam Prime using the [[space bridge|spacebridge]] network Jhiaxus reconstructed, resurrecting numerous fallen Autobots and Decepticons through the power of the Heart of Darkness and recruiting other robotic life forms who would be susceptible to attack from the D-Void. When his army was a million strong, he sensed an incursion by the D-Void and journeyed to the remote planet [[Dykayra‎]]. There they found numerous dead Autobots and Decepticons that Galvatron claimed he could not resurrect, something Cyclonus was sceptical of. They also discovered evidence that an ancient race that had once occupied Gorlam Prime had also occupied Dykayra‎, and Galvatron speculated that somehow they were connected to the D-Void and perhaps manipulating events unnoticed.

[[File:HoD4 NemesisPrimeVsGalvatron.jpg|thumb]]
Discovering a second portal into the Dead Universe, Galvatron was shocked as the ruined body of Nemesis Prime stepped from it, returned to life by the D-Void and anxious for revenge on Galvatron. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 3|Heart of Darkness #3}}

Initially, Galvatron had the upper hand as the two old allies battled. However, the D-Void appeared to take control of Nemesis Prime, nearly killing Galvatron before Galvatron's army launched a full attack. forcing the D-Void back into the sphere and seemingly killing him. Declaring that the threat was not over, Galvatron decided that to be ready for the D-Void, they would need to conquer Cybertron. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 4|Heart of Darkness #4}}

[[File:TFInfestation2 GalvatronWasRight.jpg|thumb|left]]
Galvatron and crew discovered a frozen mass of organic and metal in space and brought the strange blob aboard their ship to investigate. The blob thawed, revealing a swarm of [[zombie]]s and robots from another universe. The zombie leader, [[Britt]], used the power of suggestion to make the crew think she was actually one of their own named Bayonet, while she sabotaged the engines to bring the ship crashing to [[Earth]]. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}} There, Galvatron tried to enlist the help of Optimus Prime and his Autobots, but they rebuffed him until he was subdued by [[Skywatch]] devices. Galvatron finally convinced Prime they should be fighting this menace on the same side, while [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] broke Britt's cover. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|The Transformers: Infestation #1}} Kup was compromised though, and to stop Britt and the zombie horde from ravaging Cybertron of the past, Galvatron gave the coordinates to Prowl, who used Kup, to send the whole shebang to the very beginning of the Dead Universe. The Earth and Cybertron saved for now, Galvatron again offered his leadership to the Autobots, who of course refused, and Galvatron and crew swore they would be enemies when they next met. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}}

When [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], believing Cybertron to still be, well, ''habitable'', brought [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and their new alien friend [[Garnak]] to Cybertron, they discovered not only [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]], [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]], and their new pet [[Insecticon swarm|Insecticon]] [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]], but also Galvatron and an army of Sweeps, who had conquered the entire planet. Fleeing back to Earth, the group warned Optimus Prime of what had happened, fearing that Galvatron was a threat to them all. {{storylink|Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|Out of the Silent Planet}}

===Confronting the D-Void===
[[File:Lamentations GalvatronAndSweeps.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|Swinter is coming.]]
This proved to be true as, shortly after conquering Cybertron he sent Cyclonus to attack the [[Kimia Facility]] with a group of Sweeps. Though the Autobots there tried to fight back, Cyclonus and the Sweeps slaughtered them all. Informing Galvatron that the weapons facility was now theirs, Galvatron congratulated Cyclonus on his good work and commanded him to return to Cybertron with it, where he was waiting along with his army of Sweeps.

When Optimus and his fellow Autobots arrived on Cybertron, Galvatron had his entire army fire into the air to send a message in binary telling the Autobots to meet with him; this doubled as a display of power, showing the sheer size of his army. Optimus took Ironhide, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], Sunstreaker, Bob, and Rodimus to the surface to meet with Galvatron. There, the ancient Cybertronian gave them a simple ultimatum: the Autobots could either join his forces or be destroyed. Optimus, not impressed by Galvatron's threats or his refusal to reveal his long term plans for Cybertron, said that the Autobots would not be his slaves, but if his intentions were peaceful they wouldn't harm him. Galvatron replied by trying to kill them all, claiming that anyone who wasn't with him was against him and that if the Autobots wouldn't serve him they would die. They managed to fight back against his army of Sweeps, but Cyclonus arrived to pull Galvatron away from the fight.

Cyclonus then revealed to Galvatron that Kimia was now above Cybertron and Galvatron. Galvatron, pleased, ordered Scourge and his sweeps to begin its [[transformation]]. It turned out that Kimia was not just a weapons facility but could ''transform into'' a [[weapon]]. Galvatron ordered Scourge to fire the giant [[particle cannon]] at Cybertron. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}}

However, his target was not the Autobots, but Cybertron itself, and he gave the order for Kimia to focus its beam on the planet, doing horrific damage that threatened to destroy it. As a Sweep reported to Galvatron of an attack on Kimia conducted by flight-capable Autobots, they were interrupted when Wheelie shot the Sweep in the head with his sniper rifle. Enraged, Galvatron ordered his Sweeps to kill the Autobots.

[[File:Kings GalvatronDarknessDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Run drifthack.exe]]
After the two surviving [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] managed to destroy Kimia from within, Galvatron was even more furious, grabbing Jhiaxus and commanding him to follow to the spot which the beam had struck, hoping that the damage it had already done was enough. He was unaware that Optimus and Ironhide had spotted him leaving and followed him, Optimus sensing something within Galvatron that he believed the Matrix would be needed to stop. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:ChaosGalvatronVectorSigma.jpg|thumb|"Dan, I'm not a Republic serial villain. Do you seriously think I'd explain my masterstroke if there remained the slightest chance of you affecting its outcome? I did it thirty-five minutes ago."]]
Both Galvatron and Jhiaxus were chased by Optimus, Ironhide, Rodimus, and Drift deeper down into the interior of Cybertron through an opening blasted into the surface of the planet. Optimus Prime commanded Galvatron to stop, but then a mad force coming from Galvatron suddenly halted all of the Decepticons on Cybertron. The Decepticons then clustered together as one to form [[Deceptigod|a towering avatar for the D-Void]]. The rampaging abomination lashed out at the Autobots on the surface, while Drift was unnaturally compelled to attack his comrades below, allowing Galvatron to flee with Jhiaxus again. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}}

Optimus Prime and Rodimus went after Galvatron, attempting to prevent him from unleashing the [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] and releasing the D-Void. However, Galvatron believed the opposite, that the power from the Heart of Darkness would save the universe from the D-Void. [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], who had been holding off the D-Void's giant puppet, eventually blasted the creation into pieces. Galvatron, deep under the surface of the planet, felt pain from this without knowing why. However, it was too late by the time Optimus Prime and Rodimus caught up with Galvatron—he had already unleashed the Heart of Darkness into [[Vector Sigma]]. Galvatron declared his supposed victory as Cybertron began to crumble apart and the D-Void itself began entering into the universe, but was smashed by Arcee and Hardhead's landing craft. Galvatron recovered, beat down Arcee and Hardhead, and shot Optimus Prime in the back while Optimus deliberated with Rodimus over how to use the Matrix in order to save the universe. Galvatron declared himself the savior of all Cybertronians, but was then assaulted by Cyclonus, furious that he was forced to harm Cybertron. Galvatron knocked Cyclonus aside, but then realized how wrong he had been as his own body began to crumble to pieces. Optimus Prime used the Matrix to purify Vector Sigma, denying the D-Void its dead world for a portal and so saving the universe from destruction. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

===The return===
Galvatron was believed dead by the Autobots following his apparent disintegration, {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} when in fact he had merely returned to the Dead Universe and reunited with Nemesis Prime, now freed from the D-Void's influence and calling himself Nova Prime again. Being long-time comrades, the two had no problem putting aside their little conflicts while under the spell of Heart of Darkness, and rejoined forces to focus on leaving the Dead Universe. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

[[File:RID24 i remember you.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Their way back was to be provided by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], Jhiaxus's understudy, {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} but his Titan's [[space bridge]] was lost, causing Nova Prime to lash out at Galvatron in rage. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} Shockwave was soon able to provide a backup bridge in the form of Megatron, whom Galvatron and Nova Prime used a portal to journey back to the living universe. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} The Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron joined forces to put a stop to Shockwave's plan, beating Nova Prime back through the portal, but Galvatron was able to emerge and rip Megatron in half at the waist. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} He advocated pursuing the escaping Autobots and Decepticons only for Shockwave to overrule him. The Autobot Bumblebee came to him later to rescue the bisected Megatron. Galvatron easily bested the smaller Autobot, while mocking him that his short four million year war had made him soft. As he gloated about his longer war and superior skills, Megatron shot him unconscious. When he stirred, the two were gone. {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}}

When Optimus Prime killed Nova Prime, Galvatron felt his death through his own link to the Dead Universe, which Shockwave took great interest in. When the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] fell, Galvatron sulked that Cybertron would not get its new golden age. Shockwave then revealed that the master plan was never about Primes or Golden Ages, but to fuel Cybertron forever and that Galvatron himself would serve as conduit to absorb the energies of the Dead Universe. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} Galvatron was restrained by Monstructor while Jhiaxus used Galvatron's link to the Dead Universe in concert with the Time Drive to remove all its energy from the moment of its birth (causing it to always have been ''dead''). Galvatron demanded to know what Shockwave was planning and the scientist revealed that he was using the Ores from his Regenesis program to fulfill the Dark Cybertron prophecy and Galvatron was the link making it possible. When the Ores fused into Shockwave, he revealed to Galvatron he was creating an ultimate singularity that would bend all the resources of time and space to feed Cybertron for eternity. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

[[File:FullFathomFive-brightspark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]

Galvatron barely managed to limp away from Shockwave, only to meet Bumblebee and a repaired Megatron. Knowing he had made Shockwave's plan possible, he submitted himself to the Decepticon leader's wrath and was only spared when Bumblebee convinced Megatron he was better than Galvatron. When Shockwave killed Bumblebee, Galvatron made his escape. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] later rescued Galvatron and Dreadwing from [[Crystal City]] as it collapsed into a singularity. When the Decepticons expressed shock that Megatron had changed sides, Galvatron agreed with them and suggested a new approach. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}} This new approach was making Galvatron the new Decepticon leader.

Watching [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] transform to city mode, as shelter for the Autobots and civilian Cybertronians, Galvatron asked [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] where the Decepticons came from. Soundwave replied that they were a movement of working class Cybertronians that had risen up against their oppressors. Reminded of his talk with Alpha Trion from the first war and seeking a new purpose in life, Galvatron suggested the Decepticons form their own community and he offered to aid them. Soundwave suggested abandoning Cybertron for Earth. Galvatron assumed this meant he wanted to conquer the planet, but Soundwave clarified that they would be following the true Decepticon path: Peace. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}
{{-}}

===Command of the Decepticons===
[[File:DetonationBoulevard-galvatronandedc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Surprised they're not [[Carnage in C-Minor|holding hands]].]]
Reformatted into a mobile battle cannon, Galvatron led his new troops to [[Earth]], where they met up with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|General Witwicky]] and [[Marissa Faireborn|Director Faireborn]] and established an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]] through the information that Megatron had joined the Autobots and the help of [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Galvatron did not enjoy the alliance, but relented to Soundwave's reasoning, as he did not live through the eras of [[Nominus Prime|Nominus]] and [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} In exchange for aid against the Autobots, the humans agreed to build the Decepticons [[Sanctuary Station|a massive satellite]] orbiting [[Jupiter]] where they could reside. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}

When the Autobots eventually showed up, Galvatron led his troops to ambush Optimus Prime at Thundercracker's home before the EDC showed up and placed the Autobots under arrest. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World| Hello Cruel World}} The battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons ended up in the town of [[Poverty Flat]], where Galvatron refused to disguise himself from the populace. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Into the battle, a "[[Mindbomb|Mind Bomb]]" knocked out all the Decepticons, who were summarily beamed up to their ship. Galvatron's fury at this turn of events was abated when Soundwave informed him that through [[Scavenger (G1)|their spy]], they had found the location of Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:IDreamOfWires GalvatronKillsGeneralWitwicky.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
Tracing the Mind Bomb to an EDC facility, Galvatron and Soundwave beamed down to the building, confronting General Witwicky and [[Sanjay Bharwaney]]. After making a threat to kill the entire populations of [[New Mexico]] and [[Mexico|Old Mexico]] if the Mind Bomb were used on him again, Galvatron watched as the Autobots began their rescue attempt for Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} Galvatron was given a demonstration on how the Mind Bomb could be used to fight off Cybertronian intruders as the weapon was used on Prowl. The weapon turned out to be a double-edged sword, however, as Prowl was able to use it to hack into the EDC's systems and fire the same missiles that had been previously used to attack the ''[[Ark-7]]'' on the Decepticon ship above the EDC base. In the aftermath of this attack, Galvatron confronted General Witwicky alone and admitted that, while he was impressed with the Mind Bomb, he could not forgive its use on himself and killed the general. Seizing the opportunity to slander the Autobots, Soundwave claimed to Faireborn that Prowl had killed Witwicky. {{Storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:VS-spikewitwickyipresume.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left]]
While Soundwave busied himself with the construction of their Jupiter commune, Galvatron took advantage of his absence and rallied the Decepticons hunt for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]]. Galvatron suspected Spike, as former head of [[Skywatch]] and current fugitive, may have had information about the [[Enigma of Combination]] and could be seen as suitable disposable to their human allies. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} In [[Tokyo]], Galvatron's Decepticons interfered with Prowl and the Constructicons' attempt to capture Spike for themselves. Arcee was also on-scene to corral Prowl, leading Prowl to orchestrate a stand-off with the Decepticons on one side, the Constructicons on the other, and Arcee caught in the middle as he absconded with Spike. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}}

[[File:OFFonOFF-GalvatronArcee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9|"Mike broke the Hubble! Mike broke the Hubble!"]]
Galvatron and Arcee had a brief orbital battle that brought them crashing down to [[Australia]]. Galvatron commented on how delightful Arcee was as a warrior, and retroactively commended Jhiaxus for his work. Typically a poor decision in Arcee's presence, but Galvatron won her over by voicing his "concern" over Prowl's mental state, his alleged killing of General Witwicky, and tying it all back to the influence of Combination. He convinced Arcee that destroying the Enigma, especially before Prowl could get it, was more important than their current fight. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} At [[G.B. Blackrock|G.B. Blackrock's]] Wanmu facility, Galvatron, Arcee, and the Decepticons ostensibly arrived to "protect" their human allies from the attack of Devastator. During the fight, however, one of [[Scoop (G1)|Starscream's acolytes]] managed to make off with the Engima, leaving Galvatron's forces empty-handed. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

Galvatron and Arcee continued to have private meetings on Earth, although both were upfront about the total lack of trust between them, despite occasionally mutual goals. He put his plan into action by giving her an Onyx tablet and 'encouraged' her to look at it on the ''Ark-7''. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}}

[[File:Aphelion-wearedecepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|"I'll build a wall, and [[Eukaris]] will pay for it."]]
When the Autobots entered the atmosphere to track the Onyx code to its source, Galvatron decided against moving against them as he knew the humans had something planned. When the ''[[Ark-7]]'' was crippled, Galvatron refuted any part in the act but decided to move to take the [[Space bridge|Space Bridge]] aboard the craft. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Before departing he made a broadcast to Cybertron, inviting all remaining Decepticons to join him in taking the galaxy. When analyzing the inverted deflector shield that the ''Ark-7'' was trapped in, Galvatron compared it to a "black egg" he had seen in his youth (shocking Astrotrain that Galvatron had once been young). {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} He then contacted Soundwave on the Jupiter commune to make ready to seize the ''Ark-7''.{{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} With Skywarp, he teleported into the [[Earth Defense Command|Earth Defense Command's]] base to seize G.B. Blackrock, whom Galvatron had long since deduced was a sleeper agent of Onyx Prime. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 3: Helden|Helden}}

[[File:Perihelon-wehaveourprize.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]
With all the pieces in place, Galvatron made ready for his conquest of Earth only for Soundwave to demand an explanation for why the Decepticons on ''Ark-7'' were aiming to conquer the planet. Galvatron explained it was always his intent before Skywarp teleported the two to [[Shanghai]] where the ''Ark-7'' crashed. Before Galvatron could do anything however, Optimus Prime arrived via Space Bridge claiming Earth as his own and under his protection. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} Galvatron responded [[Fusion cannon|as expected]]. When the Mind Bomb was to be detonated, Galvatron forced Blackrock to give [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] the Mind Bomb's code to shield the Decepticons. Mindwipe only managed to shield a handful of Decepticons as opposed to Wheeljack shielding all the Autobots. Galvatron opted for a retreat, having Skywarp teleport the operational Decepticons away. He was pleased when Optimus began acting like a true Prime by conquering Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

Using the Onyx code, Galvatron was able to spy on everything occurring on Earth and watched as the [[President of the United States]] removed Marissa Faireborn in favour of Spike Witwicky. He found it amusing that humanity thought itself capable of defending itself against Cybertronians. {{storylink|New Worlds Order}} Meeting up with Arcee at the Copahua volcano, he put forth the notion that Optimus' new attitude had come from being part of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] with Prowl, influencing the Prime to take more drastic actions. He and Arcee both agreed that one of them would one day kill the other. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}}

[[File:ItsBeginningToAndBackAgain-uncombination.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]

Using the Onyx code to spy on Optimus and Soundwave, Galvatron tipped off the E.D.C. to their location. When the ''Nemesis'' came under attack, Galvatron unleashed the [[Seeker clone|Seeker clone combiners]]. When Superion and Victorion entered the fray, Galvatron revealed that Blackrock had unintentionally turned the Earth itself into a giant Enigma. He used it to disassemble Victorion and create [[Sky Reign]] and [[Galvatronus (Generations)|Galvatronus]]. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} Before he could destroy Superion, the Aerialbot combiner managed to shatter the Earth Enigma at the cost of him never being able to combine again, destroying the ''Nemesis'' in the process. With his warship now truly worthless, Galvatron saw fit to retreat aboard Astrotrain. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}

[[File:NoFairFights-galvatrondies.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|SYNERGY! <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/comments/540ch7/we_are_john_barber_cullen_bunn_fico_ossio_chris/ John Barber Reddit AMA, 22 September 2016</ref>]]

He set sail towards the Sanctuary Station to seize control of it. When they reached Jupiter, the two Decepticons were attacked by [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and Arcee where Galvatron used his cannon to disable the former before he managed to strike Astrotain's engines, causing him to fall into Jupiter's gravity well. Badly damaged, Astrotrain requested Galvatron take him the rest of the way to Sanctuary Station for medical treatment. Galvatron instead used Astrotrain's body as a battering ram before Arcee sliced the latter in half, killing him. Galvatron quickly engaged her in battle before Optimus and Soundwave arrived to back her up. The ancient warrior engaged them all, while discussing philosophies, holding his own until Soundwave shot him in the back. Arcee used this distraction to destroy his fusion cannon, the resulting explosion destroying most of his right side. Defeated, Galvatron mocked the Decepticon ideals before warning that far worse things in the galaxy and Onyx Prime was coming to Earth. For that reason, Galvatron agreed to ally with them. Optimus however, was not interested in alliances and told Galvatron what he honestly thought of him. Terrified, Galvatron surrendered, only for Optimus to blast him point blank, killing him. While Galvatron's body fell into Jupiter, the Prime removed the Decepticon's head and presented it to the [[President of the United States|President]] as proof that the threat had passed. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

===Legacy===
[[File:NoFairFights GalvatronHeadPeace.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|He's gonna come back as a [[Titan Master]] anytime now.{{-}} Anytime now.{{-}}
''Aaaaa-nnnnny''-time now...]]
Galvatron's alliance with, and subsequent betrayal of, the EDC were remembered by [[Scarlett]] and [[Joe Colton (Dire Wraith)|Joe Colton]] as they discussed the threat the Cybertronians posed to the planet Earth. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}} His predictions regarding the Primes came true when [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] showed up, turned Blackrock into [[Sovereign]] and revealed that both of them were [[Titan Master]]s in the service of Onyx Prime. Both Optimus and Soundwave paused to remember Galvatron's words and wondered if they'd been wrong to kill him. When Sentinel expressed a low opinion of Galvatron due to his killing of [[Nexus Prime]], Optimus sardonically noted that Sentinel was someone Galvatron would have loved to kill. {{storylink|White Heat}}

A few months after Sentinel Prime, [[Pyra Magna]] brought up Galvatron's execution to highlight her growing displeasure at Optimus' decisive and unilateral actions. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} After [[Oiler]] perished, and the Autobots had an advantage over the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]], [[Slide]] told the colonist soldiers to end [[Rum-Maj]] like Optimus had Galvatron. [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] asked Rumble and Frenzy who Galvatron was and what Optimus did to him, being informed that Galvatron had been shot through the Spark and had his head ripped off. Nothing serious for a Junkion. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}} Despite everything they'd been through, Arcee still considered Galvatron her brother and when inside a simulation meant to humanely end Sideswipe's life, she mournfully confessed to having stood by as Optimus and Soundwave killed him though tactfully leaving out any names. {{storylink|The Life of Sideswipe}} When [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] recounted the origins of [[Thirteen]], he revealed that Arcee and Galvatron were twins. Starscream had a hard time believing this. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

At Sideswipe's funeral, Arcee revealed her relationship to Galvatron to Optimus much to the Prime's shock. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} When Onyx Prime indeed made a grand return to Cybertron, Optimus remembered Galvatron's warning but, in an attempt to keep the peace, noted Galvatron was the worst of the worst so perhaps his words should not have been taken at face value. This attitude proved the final straw for [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] who barged in with his Decepticons and declared their refusal to stand by and let the [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] return to power. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

==Notes==
[[File:RID Galvatron Earth Mode Concept.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*[[Simon Furman]] was very clear from the start that IDW Galvatron was not Megatron in any way, shape or form, time-traveller or otherwise.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2007/06/27/futures-past/ FUTURE’S PAST | simon furman]: Originally, Galvatron (as all fans of the original animated movie know) was the future version of Megatron, recreated by Unicron from the shattered remains of the former Decepticon leader. However, this Galvatron is NOT IDW Megatron in a new body. In fact, he pre-dates IDW Megatron... by some way.</ref> He did, however, spend some time teasing an Ultra Magnus/Galvatron fight in homage to the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comic]], but had abandoned it by the time he wrote ''Revelation''.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/its-qa-time-again/ IT’S Q&A TIME AGAIN! | simon furman] ''
''20. You previously mentioned that we’d see Ultra Magnus vs Galvatron. Is this still going to happen?
SF) This was where my plans for Revelation/Expansion really did change, and not just because of the shift in format. Originally, I really wanted to have an Ultra Magnus/Galvatron smackdown in the tradition of the one from Target: 2006, but once I’d arranged all the players in Revelation I realised it just wasn’t going to work.</ref>
*Galvatron's tank-based alternate mode depicted in ''Heart of Darkness'' conflicts with his depiction in his previous cannon-based alt-mode in the concurrently-set ''Infestation''.
*On assuming leadership of the Decepticons, Galvatron was redesigned (at right) and given a mobile battle-tank alt-mode, first seen in [[Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|''Robots in Disguise'' #28]].<ref>https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/466294118331990017 Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 13 May 2014</ref> Artist [[Andrew Griffith]] would later clarify his intention that Galvatron scanned the {{w|Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles#Non-line-of-sight cannon|XM1203 non-line-of-sight cannon}} alt-mode from a canceled U.S. military project that had been revived by the EDC.<ref>https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1284964681048903688 Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 19 July 2020</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dead Universe]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]

Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-04T19:08:59Z

GlamAttack: /* Savage beginnings */

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[[File:Devastation6 CoverB Galvatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Many wars and feuds did he fight. Honor and fear were heaped upon his name and, in time, he became a king by his own hand... And this story shall also be told.]]
Never [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], not a servant of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], but rather a timelost warrior from an earlier, more brutal era, '''Galvatron''' will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He's convinced he has a higher calling to the point of recklessness, leading to unwitting servitude to the monstrous [[D-Void]], which suppressed his less-civilized nature...for a time.

As [[Decepticon leader]], his barbaric side returned in full force and with it an abiding disgust for what he sees as the weaknesses and compromises of the modern age. Galvatron has little patience or regard for those he considers inferiors, but respect for those few [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|warriors who can give him a good fight]].

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Nightbeat]] (obscured); [[Spotlight: Galvatron]] (full)

{{quote|All is '''fair''' in '''hate''' and '''conquest.'''|Galvatron's one and only rule|"[[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again]]"}}

__TOC__
==Fiction==
===Savage beginnings===
[[File:OriginMyths-ArceeAndGalvatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]

In the barbaric age that predated the rise of the [[Thirteen]], some twelve million years ago, '''Galvatron of [[Protihex|Protohex]]''' and his twin sibling [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] were slaves of [[Septimus Prime]] and his [[Supplicants of Arrius]], forced to fight as [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiator]]s in the arenas of Protohex. As the city's [[energon]] dwindled, however, Septimus told the twins to battle each other. Before their duel could have a fatal outcome, the city was invaded by [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] of the [[Darklands]], who overthrew Septimus and let the twins kill their former master. The two gladiators joined his army of Darklanders as they marched on the [[Crystal City]] and battled [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]'s legion of [[beast mode]] warriors.

Ultimately, the various [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] were able to make peace, and with Megatronus and his tribe joining the coalition they laid the foundation for the reign of the [[Thirteen]]. Galvatron enjoyed the special treatment he received as a warrior in the service of Megatronus, prompting Arcee to reflect that, in spite of once being a slave, he had nothing against hierarchies... as long as ''he'' was on top. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} During this time, he would come to be known as '''Galvatron of the Darklands'''. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Alongside his brother, he served as a vanguard for his master when Cybertron made contact with the planet [[Antilla]]. Upon landing, the Cybertronians were met with resistance from the [[Antillan]]s, resulting in a conflict that ended in their extinction, with the rest of the galaxy learning to fear Cybertron as a result. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} {{storylink|Our Finest}}

[[File:TheCrucible IBelieveInNoPrime.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|We don't even have a snarky caption for this, it's just badass.]]
After two million years of peace, the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] swept Cybertron, pitting the various Primes and their [[Thirteen Tribes|tribes]] against one another. Championing the ideal that vehicular "standard-formers" were the only "true" expression of the Cybertronian race, Galvatron declared that he served no Prime, deserting his post in Megatronus' army {{storylink|The Crucible}} and spearheading a one-man campaign against the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] of [[Nexus Prime|Nexus]] and Onyx Prime: [[combiner]] fusions of humanoids and beasts, and an upgrade that Galvatron viewed as an affront to the "purity" of the Cybertronian species. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Galvatron's crusade led him to Nexus Prime's castle, where he kept the [[Enigma of Combination]] responsible for creating the Headmasters. Disgusted by the Prime's arrogance, Galvatron unloaded his [[Particle cannon|cannon]] directly into the Prime's spark, instantly killing him. {{storylink|The Crucible}} Galvatron thus became the first ordinary Transformer to kill a Prime, and this news caused most of the remaining Primes to flee Cybertron entirely. {{storylink|The Crucible}} {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Unable to destroy the Enigma, Galvatron hid the artifact so that no further combiners could be created. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:TheMindBomb-whoareyou.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|There are some who call me... Tim?]]
After his victory in the [[Battle of Aegiax]], he was approached by Alpha Trion, who offered to give him everything he ever wanted. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Alpha Trion revealed to Galvatron that he was a member of the Thirteen and requested Galvatron's help in ending the war and reuniting Cybertron. At Trion's urging, Galvatron traveled to [[Prima]]'s [[Citadel of Light]] only to find it beset by the bestial forces of Onyx Prime. Joining forces with [[Nova Prime|Nova Major]], the two beat back the entire army, forging a friendship and inspiring a legend. After learning that Onyx had also left Cybertron, Alpha, Nova, and Galvatron began Cybertronian civilization anew. Nova Major became [[Nova Prime]] and began working on discovering the secrets of the Thirteen, such as the Enigma of Combination. Galvatron was opposed to this and nearly revealed that the Enigma was a physical object. Fearful of Trion's suspicions, he launched it off world. {{storylink|The Crucible}} For his part in the war, Galvatron was publicly immortalized as a war hero. {{storylink|Shockpoint}}

Galvatron was among those present when Nova Prime rediscovered [[Crystal City]], along with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things|All Good Things}} Later, Galvatron joined Nova's crew on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', {{storylink|Shockwaves}} intending to help fulfill Nova's dream of expanding Cybertronian domination throughout the cosmos. Their voyage brought them to the [[Benzuli Expanse]], where they discovered a mysterious anomaly leading to another universe: on Nova's orders, Galvatron had the ship enter the portal, sending them into the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

===The Expansion===
[[File:SpotlightGalvatron Galvytransforms.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|My cannon knows where to go because IT FEARS ME!!!]]
The transition killed the crew and revived them as undead beings who could not survive for long in the "living" universe, a consequence Galvatron blamed himself for. Within the Dead Universe, he became a herald for Nova, who was now calling himself "Nemesis Prime" and making plans to merge the two universes.

Millions of years later, Galvatron was sent on two missions in the living Universe: to destroy an alien starship conducting research on the anomaly in the Expanse, and to return to Cybertron to secure the inactive [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. After killing [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] by touch alone, Galvatron shrugged off attacks by the [[Autobot]] squad under [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]]'s command and then shocked them when he got up after having half of his head blown off by [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]]. In a small act of defiance to his master, he merely incapacitated the Autobots and returned with Thunderwing's body to [[Gorlam Prime]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}}

[[File:Devastation6 GalvatronDeathbringer.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
After [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]'s deployment to [[Earth]], Nemesis Prime sent Galvatron there as well to make sure nothing would forestall their second coming. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} From a hidden vantage point, Galvatron observed the [[Decepticon]]s' desperate fight against the powerful alien army known as the [[Reaper]]s. As Nemesis Prime's plans required Earth to survive, at least for a while, Galvatron took steps to prevent the Reapers from taking over and laying waste to the planet. Galvatron approached the Reapers' leader, the [[Deathbringer (IDW)|Deathbringer]], and unleashed the power of death that was his to command, turning the Reaper into living decay who spread death and disintegration to his fellow Reapers on contact, casually blasting a bird-like Reaper who saw this happen when it attacked. This turned the tide of battle rapidly, and the Decepticons won the day. Galvatron then returned to the Dead Universe to await new orders. However, Nemesis Prime remarked to [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] that he suspected that Galvatron had his own plans... {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

After [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] secured the [[Nega-Core]] and activated its guardian, Galvatron initiated the [[Expansion]] with Nemesis Prime and the rest of the [[Dead Universe]] crew. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} Galvatron was paired with Cyclonus to patrol the Benzuli Expanse, charged with destroying anything that might interrupt the Expansion. He let his partner have dibs on destroying [[Cloudburst]] and his crew on the ''[[Mirror-Manifold]]''. {{storylink| Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[File:PrimekillsGalvatron.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|No arguments! It is time for your bath, old man!]]
Heading to [[Garrus-9]], Galvatron watched the battle of the Primes, waiting for Nemesis to become completely focused on [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], before taking his chance and shooting the corrupt [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] in the back. When Nemesis fell, the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]] jumped to Optimus. As the Autobot leader tried to resist, Galvatron gave him a choice: kill himself in the nearby [[solar pool]] or allow the Darkness to pass on to its ''rightful'' owner. Prime reached out for Galvatron, but as the Darkness crossed between them, Optimus grabbed Galvatron's hand, and hurled him into the solar pool, destroying both the Darkness and its would-be host.

===Building an army===
[[File:HoD1 GalavtronReborn.jpg|thumb]]
Or not. Some time later, as the Autobots were recuperating from a series of upheavals, Galvatron's hand burst from the solar pool. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}} The Darkness had consumed him whole! However, both it and he were changed, and with it redubbed the "Heart of Darkness", Galvatron decided that all that exploration had taught him that change was the one constant in the universe... and now, he and his men were going to ''force'' change!

He arrived on [[Gorlam Prime]], where Cyclonus and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] were the last surviving members of the Dead Universe crew, and began babbling his intentions at them while throwing Scourge into a smelting pool... causing it to resurrect him, and create [[Sweep (G1)|a clone army]]! He then used the Darkness to bring Cyclonus back to life, telling him his spirit had always refused to die anyway, and led his army off to fulfil his mission! (The army thinks he might be a bit loopy.) {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Rebirth}}

[[File:HoD1 GalvatronReachesOut.jpg|thumb|left]]
On Gorlam Prime, they discovered that the entire population of the planet had vanished and set out to solve this mystery. Returning to the site of the portal to the Dead Universe, they found numerous dead "[[Micromaster]]s", presumably the ones killed by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]. The whole time Galvatron displayed mood swings, sudden irrational anger, and incredible strength, all of which disturbed Cyclonus, who worried what would happen if Galvatron turned against them. Discovering the ruined body of Jhiaxus, Galvatron restored him to his old self using the power of the Heart of Darkness, and the group discovered a clear silver sphere that acted as a portal into the Dead Universe. As Galvatron was about to use the portal to enter the Dead Universe, however, they were suddenly ambushed by Arcee and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 1|Heart of Darkness #1}}

Damaged beyond his ability to quickly self-repair by their attack, Galvatron was forced to watch as his "Seekers" were overwhelmed by the hostile pair of 'Bots, until he managed to drag himself to the portal. Reaching into it, he felt the power of the Dead Universe recharge and repair him, upon which he easily dispatched Hardhead and forced Arcee to flee, coldly noting that he was the only future that mattered.

[[File:HoD2 Galvatron TellMeTellMe.jpg|thumb]]
While Cyclonus and Scourge were sent to capture or kill the fleeing Arcee, Jhiaxus prepared to torture Hardhead for information, but Galvatron stopped him, demonstrating how he could simply reach into the Autobot's mind and display his memories for his underling to see. Once he had learned how the entire population of Gorlam Prime had marched, seemingly hypnotized, into the Dead Universe, he used the Darkness to brainwash Hardhead into serving him, seeing him as a useful servant, before deciding to journey into the Dead Universe himself. Once there, he was confronted by a monstrous being called the [[D-Void]] who fed on the life-[[spark]] of robotic life. Narrowly escaping and returning to Gorlam Prime, he informed the others that they would need to gather an army to fight what was coming. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 2|Heart of Darkness #2}}

[[File:HoD3 GalvatronSpeech.jpg|thumb|left|Stand up...and be drawn weirdly!]]
Ignoring Cyclonus's misgivings about the D-Void's existence, Galvatron travelled widely from his base on Gorlam Prime using the [[space bridge|spacebridge]] network Jhiaxus reconstructed, resurrecting numerous fallen Autobots and Decepticons through the power of the Heart of Darkness and recruiting other robotic life forms who would be susceptible to attack from the D-Void. When his army was a million strong, he sensed an incursion by the D-Void and journeyed to the remote planet [[Dykayra‎]]. There they found numerous dead Autobots and Decepticons that Galvatron claimed he could not resurrect, something Cyclonus was sceptical of. They also discovered evidence that an ancient race that had once occupied Gorlam Prime had also occupied Dykayra‎, and Galvatron speculated that somehow they were connected to the D-Void and perhaps manipulating events unnoticed.

[[File:HoD4 NemesisPrimeVsGalvatron.jpg|thumb]]
Discovering a second portal into the Dead Universe, Galvatron was shocked as the ruined body of Nemesis Prime stepped from it, returned to life by the D-Void and anxious for revenge on Galvatron. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 3|Heart of Darkness #3}}

Initially, Galvatron had the upper hand as the two old allies battled. However, the D-Void appeared to take control of Nemesis Prime, nearly killing Galvatron before Galvatron's army launched a full attack. forcing the D-Void back into the sphere and seemingly killing him. Declaring that the threat was not over, Galvatron decided that to be ready for the D-Void, they would need to conquer Cybertron. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 4|Heart of Darkness #4}}

[[File:TFInfestation2 GalvatronWasRight.jpg|thumb|left]]
Galvatron and crew discovered a frozen mass of organic and metal in space and brought the strange blob aboard their ship to investigate. The blob thawed, revealing a swarm of [[zombie]]s and robots from another universe. The zombie leader, [[Britt]], used the power of suggestion to make the crew think she was actually one of their own named Bayonet, while she sabotaged the engines to bring the ship crashing to [[Earth]]. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}} There, Galvatron tried to enlist the help of Optimus Prime and his Autobots, but they rebuffed him until he was subdued by [[Skywatch]] devices. Galvatron finally convinced Prime they should be fighting this menace on the same side, while [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] broke Britt's cover. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|The Transformers: Infestation #1}} Kup was compromised though, and to stop Britt and the zombie horde from ravaging Cybertron of the past, Galvatron gave the coordinates to Prowl, who used Kup, to send the whole shebang to the very beginning of the Dead Universe. The Earth and Cybertron saved for now, Galvatron again offered his leadership to the Autobots, who of course refused, and Galvatron and crew swore they would be enemies when they next met. {{Storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}}

When [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], believing Cybertron to still be, well, ''habitable'', brought [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and their new alien friend [[Garnak]] to Cybertron, they discovered not only [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]], [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]], and their new pet [[Insecticon swarm|Insecticon]] [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]], but also Galvatron and an army of Sweeps, who had conquered the entire planet. Fleeing back to Earth, the group warned Optimus Prime of what had happened, fearing that Galvatron was a threat to them all. {{storylink|Space Opera Act 2: Out of the Silent Planet|Out of the Silent Planet}}

===Confronting the D-Void===
[[File:Lamentations GalvatronAndSweeps.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|Swinter is coming.]]
This proved to be true as, shortly after conquering Cybertron he sent Cyclonus to attack the [[Kimia Facility]] with a group of Sweeps. Though the Autobots there tried to fight back, Cyclonus and the Sweeps slaughtered them all. Informing Galvatron that the weapons facility was now theirs, Galvatron congratulated Cyclonus on his good work and commanded him to return to Cybertron with it, where he was waiting along with his army of Sweeps.

When Optimus and his fellow Autobots arrived on Cybertron, Galvatron had his entire army fire into the air to send a message in binary telling the Autobots to meet with him; this doubled as a display of power, showing the sheer size of his army. Optimus took Ironhide, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], Sunstreaker, Bob, and Rodimus to the surface to meet with Galvatron. There, the ancient Cybertronian gave them a simple ultimatum: the Autobots could either join his forces or be destroyed. Optimus, not impressed by Galvatron's threats or his refusal to reveal his long term plans for Cybertron, said that the Autobots would not be his slaves, but if his intentions were peaceful they wouldn't harm him. Galvatron replied by trying to kill them all, claiming that anyone who wasn't with him was against him and that if the Autobots wouldn't serve him they would die. They managed to fight back against his army of Sweeps, but Cyclonus arrived to pull Galvatron away from the fight.

Cyclonus then revealed to Galvatron that Kimia was now above Cybertron and Galvatron. Galvatron, pleased, ordered Scourge and his sweeps to begin its [[transformation]]. It turned out that Kimia was not just a weapons facility but could ''transform into'' a [[weapon]]. Galvatron ordered Scourge to fire the giant [[particle cannon]] at Cybertron. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}}

However, his target was not the Autobots, but Cybertron itself, and he gave the order for Kimia to focus its beam on the planet, doing horrific damage that threatened to destroy it. As a Sweep reported to Galvatron of an attack on Kimia conducted by flight-capable Autobots, they were interrupted when Wheelie shot the Sweep in the head with his sniper rifle. Enraged, Galvatron ordered his Sweeps to kill the Autobots.

[[File:Kings GalvatronDarknessDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Run drifthack.exe]]
After the two surviving [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] managed to destroy Kimia from within, Galvatron was even more furious, grabbing Jhiaxus and commanding him to follow to the spot which the beam had struck, hoping that the damage it had already done was enough. He was unaware that Optimus and Ironhide had spotted him leaving and followed him, Optimus sensing something within Galvatron that he believed the Matrix would be needed to stop. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:ChaosGalvatronVectorSigma.jpg|thumb|"Dan, I'm not a Republic serial villain. Do you seriously think I'd explain my masterstroke if there remained the slightest chance of you affecting its outcome? I did it thirty-five minutes ago."]]
Both Galvatron and Jhiaxus were chased by Optimus, Ironhide, Rodimus, and Drift deeper down into the interior of Cybertron through an opening blasted into the surface of the planet. Optimus Prime commanded Galvatron to stop, but then a mad force coming from Galvatron suddenly halted all of the Decepticons on Cybertron. The Decepticons then clustered together as one to form [[Deceptigod|a towering avatar for the D-Void]]. The rampaging abomination lashed out at the Autobots on the surface, while Drift was unnaturally compelled to attack his comrades below, allowing Galvatron to flee with Jhiaxus again. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}}

Optimus Prime and Rodimus went after Galvatron, attempting to prevent him from unleashing the [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] and releasing the D-Void. However, Galvatron believed the opposite, that the power from the Heart of Darkness would save the universe from the D-Void. [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], who had been holding off the D-Void's giant puppet, eventually blasted the creation into pieces. Galvatron, deep under the surface of the planet, felt pain from this without knowing why. However, it was too late by the time Optimus Prime and Rodimus caught up with Galvatron—he had already unleashed the Heart of Darkness into [[Vector Sigma]]. Galvatron declared his supposed victory as Cybertron began to crumble apart and the D-Void itself began entering into the universe, but was smashed by Arcee and Hardhead's landing craft. Galvatron recovered, beat down Arcee and Hardhead, and shot Optimus Prime in the back while Optimus deliberated with Rodimus over how to use the Matrix in order to save the universe. Galvatron declared himself the savior of all Cybertronians, but was then assaulted by Cyclonus, furious that he was forced to harm Cybertron. Galvatron knocked Cyclonus aside, but then realized how wrong he had been as his own body began to crumble to pieces. Optimus Prime used the Matrix to purify Vector Sigma, denying the D-Void its dead world for a portal and so saving the universe from destruction. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

===The return===
Galvatron was believed dead by the Autobots following his apparent disintegration, {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} when in fact he had merely returned to the Dead Universe and reunited with Nemesis Prime, now freed from the D-Void's influence and calling himself Nova Prime again. Being long-time comrades, the two had no problem putting aside their little conflicts while under the spell of Heart of Darkness, and rejoined forces to focus on leaving the Dead Universe. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}}

[[File:RID24 i remember you.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Their way back was to be provided by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], Jhiaxus's understudy, {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} but his Titan's [[space bridge]] was lost, causing Nova Prime to lash out at Galvatron in rage. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} Shockwave was soon able to provide a backup bridge in the form of Megatron, whom Galvatron and Nova Prime used a portal to journey back to the living universe. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} The Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron joined forces to put a stop to Shockwave's plan, beating Nova Prime back through the portal, but Galvatron was able to emerge and rip Megatron in half at the waist. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} He advocated pursuing the escaping Autobots and Decepticons only for Shockwave to overrule him. The Autobot Bumblebee came to him later to rescue the bisected Megatron. Galvatron easily bested the smaller Autobot, while mocking him that his short four million year war had made him soft. As he gloated about his longer war and superior skills, Megatron shot him unconscious. When he stirred, the two were gone. {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}}

When Optimus Prime killed Nova Prime, Galvatron felt his death through his own link to the Dead Universe, which Shockwave took great interest in. When the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] fell, Galvatron sulked that Cybertron would not get its new golden age. Shockwave then revealed that the master plan was never about Primes or Golden Ages, but to fuel Cybertron forever and that Galvatron himself would serve as conduit to absorb the energies of the Dead Universe. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} Galvatron was restrained by Monstructor while Jhiaxus used Galvatron's link to the Dead Universe in concert with the Time Drive to remove all its energy from the moment of its birth (causing it to always have been ''dead''). Galvatron demanded to know what Shockwave was planning and the scientist revealed that he was using the Ores from his Regenesis program to fulfill the Dark Cybertron prophecy and Galvatron was the link making it possible. When the Ores fused into Shockwave, he revealed to Galvatron he was creating an ultimate singularity that would bend all the resources of time and space to feed Cybertron for eternity. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

[[File:FullFathomFive-brightspark.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]

Galvatron barely managed to limp away from Shockwave, only to meet Bumblebee and a repaired Megatron. Knowing he had made Shockwave's plan possible, he submitted himself to the Decepticon leader's wrath and was only spared when Bumblebee convinced Megatron he was better than Galvatron. When Shockwave killed Bumblebee, Galvatron made his escape. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] later rescued Galvatron and Dreadwing from [[Crystal City]] as it collapsed into a singularity. When the Decepticons expressed shock that Megatron had changed sides, Galvatron agreed with them and suggested a new approach. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}} This new approach was making Galvatron the new Decepticon leader.

Watching [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] transform to city mode, as shelter for the Autobots and civilian Cybertronians, Galvatron asked [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] where the Decepticons came from. Soundwave replied that they were a movement of working class Cybertronians that had risen up against their oppressors. Reminded of his talk with Alpha Trion from the first war and seeking a new purpose in life, Galvatron suggested the Decepticons form their own community and he offered to aid them. Soundwave suggested abandoning Cybertron for Earth. Galvatron assumed this meant he wanted to conquer the planet, but Soundwave clarified that they would be following the true Decepticon path: Peace. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}
{{-}}

===Command of the Decepticons===
[[File:DetonationBoulevard-galvatronandedc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Surprised they're not [[Carnage in C-Minor|holding hands]].]]
Reformatted into a mobile battle cannon, Galvatron led his new troops to [[Earth]], where they met up with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|General Witwicky]] and [[Marissa Faireborn|Director Faireborn]] and established an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]] through the information that Megatron had joined the Autobots and the help of [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Galvatron did not enjoy the alliance, but relented to Soundwave's reasoning, as he did not live through the eras of [[Nominus Prime|Nominus]] and [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} In exchange for aid against the Autobots, the humans agreed to build the Decepticons [[Sanctuary Station|a massive satellite]] orbiting [[Jupiter]] where they could reside. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}

When the Autobots eventually showed up, Galvatron led his troops to ambush Optimus Prime at Thundercracker's home before the EDC showed up and placed the Autobots under arrest. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World| Hello Cruel World}} The battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons ended up in the town of [[Poverty Flat]], where Galvatron refused to disguise himself from the populace. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} Into the battle, a "[[Mindbomb|Mind Bomb]]" knocked out all the Decepticons, who were summarily beamed up to their ship. Galvatron's fury at this turn of events was abated when Soundwave informed him that through [[Scavenger (G1)|their spy]], they had found the location of Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:IDreamOfWires GalvatronKillsGeneralWitwicky.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
Tracing the Mind Bomb to an EDC facility, Galvatron and Soundwave beamed down to the building, confronting General Witwicky and [[Sanjay Bharwaney]]. After making a threat to kill the entire populations of [[New Mexico]] and [[Mexico|Old Mexico]] if the Mind Bomb were used on him again, Galvatron watched as the Autobots began their rescue attempt for Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} Galvatron was given a demonstration on how the Mind Bomb could be used to fight off Cybertronian intruders as the weapon was used on Prowl. The weapon turned out to be a double-edged sword, however, as Prowl was able to use it to hack into the EDC's systems and fire the same missiles that had been previously used to attack the ''[[Ark-7]]'' on the Decepticon ship above the EDC base. In the aftermath of this attack, Galvatron confronted General Witwicky alone and admitted that, while he was impressed with the Mind Bomb, he could not forgive its use on himself and killed the general. Seizing the opportunity to slander the Autobots, Soundwave claimed to Faireborn that Prowl had killed Witwicky. {{Storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:VS-spikewitwickyipresume.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left]]
While Soundwave busied himself with the construction of their Jupiter commune, Galvatron took advantage of his absence and rallied the Decepticons hunt for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]]. Galvatron suspected Spike, as former head of [[Skywatch]] and current fugitive, may have had information about the [[Enigma of Combination]] and could be seen as suitable disposable to their human allies. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} In [[Tokyo]], Galvatron's Decepticons interfered with Prowl and the Constructicons' attempt to capture Spike for themselves. Arcee was also on-scene to corral Prowl, leading Prowl to orchestrate a stand-off with the Decepticons on one side, the Constructicons on the other, and Arcee caught in the middle as he absconded with Spike. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}}

[[File:OFFonOFF-GalvatronArcee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.9|"Mike broke the Hubble! Mike broke the Hubble!"]]
Galvatron and Arcee had a brief orbital battle that brought them crashing down to [[Australia]]. Galvatron commented on how delightful Arcee was as a warrior, and retroactively commended Jhiaxus for his work. Typically a poor decision in Arcee's presence, but Galvatron won her over by voicing his "concern" over Prowl's mental state, his alleged killing of General Witwicky, and tying it all back to the influence of Combination. He convinced Arcee that destroying the Enigma, especially before Prowl could get it, was more important than their current fight. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} At [[G.B. Blackrock|G.B. Blackrock's]] Wanmu facility, Galvatron, Arcee, and the Decepticons ostensibly arrived to "protect" their human allies from the attack of Devastator. During the fight, however, one of [[Scoop (G1)|Starscream's acolytes]] managed to make off with the Engima, leaving Galvatron's forces empty-handed. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

Galvatron and Arcee continued to have private meetings on Earth, although both were upfront about the total lack of trust between them, despite occasionally mutual goals. He put his plan into action by giving her an Onyx tablet and 'encouraged' her to look at it on the ''Ark-7''. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}}

[[File:Aphelion-wearedecepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|"I'll build a wall, and [[Eukaris]] will pay for it."]]
When the Autobots entered the atmosphere to track the Onyx code to its source, Galvatron decided against moving against them as he knew the humans had something planned. When the ''[[Ark-7]]'' was crippled, Galvatron refuted any part in the act but decided to move to take the [[Space bridge|Space Bridge]] aboard the craft. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Before departing he made a broadcast to Cybertron, inviting all remaining Decepticons to join him in taking the galaxy. When analyzing the inverted deflector shield that the ''Ark-7'' was trapped in, Galvatron compared it to a "black egg" he had seen in his youth (shocking Astrotrain that Galvatron had once been young). {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} He then contacted Soundwave on the Jupiter commune to make ready to seize the ''Ark-7''.{{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} With Skywarp, he teleported into the [[Earth Defense Command|Earth Defense Command's]] base to seize G.B. Blackrock, whom Galvatron had long since deduced was a sleeper agent of Onyx Prime. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 3: Helden|Helden}}

[[File:Perihelon-wehaveourprize.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]
With all the pieces in place, Galvatron made ready for his conquest of Earth only for Soundwave to demand an explanation for why the Decepticons on ''Ark-7'' were aiming to conquer the planet. Galvatron explained it was always his intent before Skywarp teleported the two to [[Shanghai]] where the ''Ark-7'' crashed. Before Galvatron could do anything however, Optimus Prime arrived via Space Bridge claiming Earth as his own and under his protection. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} Galvatron responded [[Fusion cannon|as expected]]. When the Mind Bomb was to be detonated, Galvatron forced Blackrock to give [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] the Mind Bomb's code to shield the Decepticons. Mindwipe only managed to shield a handful of Decepticons as opposed to Wheeljack shielding all the Autobots. Galvatron opted for a retreat, having Skywarp teleport the operational Decepticons away. He was pleased when Optimus began acting like a true Prime by conquering Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

Using the Onyx code, Galvatron was able to spy on everything occurring on Earth and watched as the [[President of the United States]] removed Marissa Faireborn in favour of Spike Witwicky. He found it amusing that humanity thought itself capable of defending itself against Cybertronians. {{storylink|New Worlds Order}} Meeting up with Arcee at the Copahua volcano, he put forth the notion that Optimus' new attitude had come from being part of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] with Prowl, influencing the Prime to take more drastic actions. He and Arcee both agreed that one of them would one day kill the other. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}}

[[File:ItsBeginningToAndBackAgain-uncombination.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]

Using the Onyx code to spy on Optimus and Soundwave, Galvatron tipped off the E.D.C. to their location. When the ''Nemesis'' came under attack, Galvatron unleashed the [[Seeker clone|Seeker clone combiners]]. When Superion and Victorion entered the fray, Galvatron revealed that Blackrock had unintentionally turned the Earth itself into a giant Enigma. He used it to disassemble Victorion and create [[Sky Reign]] and [[Galvatronus (Generations)|Galvatronus]]. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} Before he could destroy Superion, the Aerialbot combiner managed to shatter the Earth Enigma at the cost of him never being able to combine again, destroying the ''Nemesis'' in the process. With his warship now truly worthless, Galvatron saw fit to retreat aboard Astrotrain. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}

[[File:NoFairFights-galvatrondies.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|SYNERGY! <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/comments/540ch7/we_are_john_barber_cullen_bunn_fico_ossio_chris/ John Barber Reddit AMA, 22 September 2016</ref>]]

He set sail towards the Sanctuary Station to seize control of it. When they reached Jupiter, the two Decepticons were attacked by [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and Arcee where Galvatron used his cannon to disable the former before he managed to strike Astrotain's engines, causing him to fall into Jupiter's gravity well. Badly damaged, Astrotrain requested Galvatron take him the rest of the way to Sanctuary Station for medical treatment. Galvatron instead used Astrotrain's body as a battering ram before Arcee sliced the latter in half, killing him. Galvatron quickly engaged her in battle before Optimus and Soundwave arrived to back her up. The ancient warrior engaged them all, while discussing philosophies, holding his own until Soundwave shot him in the back. Arcee used this distraction to destroy his fusion cannon, the resulting explosion destroying most of his right side. Defeated, Galvatron mocked the Decepticon ideals before warning that far worse things in the galaxy and Onyx Prime was coming to Earth. For that reason, Galvatron agreed to ally with them. Optimus however, was not interested in alliances and told Galvatron what he honestly thought of him. Terrified, Galvatron surrendered, only for Optimus to blast him point blank, killing him. While Galvatron's body fell into Jupiter, the Prime removed the Decepticon's head and presented it to the [[President of the United States|President]] as proof that the threat had passed. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

===Legacy===
[[File:NoFairFights GalvatronHeadPeace.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|He's gonna come back as a [[Titan Master]] anytime now.{{-}} Anytime now.{{-}}
''Aaaaa-nnnnny''-time now...]]
Galvatron's alliance with, and subsequent betrayal of, the EDC were remembered by [[Scarlett]] and [[Joe Colton (Dire Wraith)|Joe Colton]] as they discussed the threat the Cybertronians posed to the planet Earth. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}} His predictions regarding the Primes came true when [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] showed up, turned Blackrock into [[Sovereign]] and revealed that both of them were [[Titan Master]]s in the service of Onyx Prime. Both Optimus and Soundwave paused to remember Galvatron's words and wondered if they'd been wrong to kill him. When Sentinel expressed a low opinion of Galvatron due to his killing of [[Nexus Prime]], Optimus sardonically noted that Sentinel was someone Galvatron would have loved to kill. {{storylink|White Heat}}

A few months after Sentinel Prime, [[Pyra Magna]] brought up Galvatron's execution to highlight her growing displeasure at Optimus' decisive and unilateral actions. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} After [[Oiler]] perished, and the Autobots had an advantage over the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]], [[Slide]] told the colonist soldiers to end [[Rum-Maj]] like Optimus had Galvatron. [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] asked Rumble and Frenzy who Galvatron was and what Optimus did to him, being informed that Galvatron had been shot through the Spark and had his head ripped off. Nothing serious for a Junkion. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}} Despite everything they'd been through, Arcee still considered Galvatron her brother and when inside a simulation meant to humanely end Sideswipe's life, she mournfully confessed to having stood by as Optimus and Soundwave killed him though tactfully leaving out any names. {{storylink|The Life of Sideswipe}} When [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] recounted the origins of [[Thirteen]], he revealed that Arcee and Galvatron were twins. Starscream had a hard time believing this. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

At Sideswipe's funeral, Arcee revealed her relationship to Galvatron to Optimus much to the Prime's shock. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} When Onyx Prime indeed made a grand return to Cybertron, Optimus remembered Galvatron's warning but, in an attempt to keep the peace, noted Galvatron was the worst of the worst so perhaps his words should not have been taken at face value. This attitude proved the final straw for [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] who barged in with his Decepticons and declared their refusal to stand by and let the [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] return to power. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

==Notes==
[[File:RID Galvatron Earth Mode Concept.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*[[Simon Furman]] was very clear from the start that IDW Galvatron was not Megatron in any way, shape or form, time-traveller or otherwise.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2007/06/27/futures-past/ FUTURE’S PAST | simon furman]: Originally, Galvatron (as all fans of the original animated movie know) was the future version of Megatron, recreated by Unicron from the shattered remains of the former Decepticon leader. However, this Galvatron is NOT IDW Megatron in a new body. In fact, he pre-dates IDW Megatron... by some way.</ref> He did, however, spend some time teasing an Ultra Magnus/Galvatron fight in homage to the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comic]], but had abandoned it by the time he wrote ''Revelation''.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/its-qa-time-again/ IT’S Q&A TIME AGAIN! | simon furman] ''
''20. You previously mentioned that we’d see Ultra Magnus vs Galvatron. Is this still going to happen?
SF) This was where my plans for Revelation/Expansion really did change, and not just because of the shift in format. Originally, I really wanted to have an Ultra Magnus/Galvatron smackdown in the tradition of the one from Target: 2006, but once I’d arranged all the players in Revelation I realised it just wasn’t going to work.</ref>
*Galvatron's tank-based alternate mode depicted in ''Heart of Darkness'' conflicts with his depiction in his previous cannon-based alt-mode in the concurrently-set ''Infestation''.
*On assuming leadership of the Decepticons, Galvatron was redesigned (at right) and given a mobile battle-tank alt-mode, first seen in [[Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|''Robots in Disguise'' #28]].<ref>https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/466294118331990017 Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 13 May 2014</ref> Artist [[Andrew Griffith]] would later clarify his intention that Galvatron scanned the {{w|Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles#Non-line-of-sight cannon|XM1203 non-line-of-sight cannon}} alt-mode from a canceled U.S. military project that had been revived by the EDC.<ref>https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1284964681048903688 Tweet by Andrew Griffith (@glovestudios), 19 July 2020</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dead Universe]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]

Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-04T18:52:19Z

GlamAttack: /* Schemers never change */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|Prowl the existentially-cross table-flipping pragmatist|Prowl the [[Predabot]]|Dent}}{{suite}}
[[File:Prowl-Infiltration2&3covers.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|My prickitude [[Shane McCarthy|fluctuates]] [[Nick Roche|wildly]] [[Mike Costa|between]] [[John Barber|writers]].]]
Pragmatist. Calculating and cold. Rule-bound. Prickly. Just some of the words used to describe '''Prowl''', and that's by those he'd consider allies! To him, the war is nothing but a maddening confluence of factors he cannot control, despite his impressive strategic acumen and dedication to logic. That doesn't stop him from trying though, and Prowl secretly moves [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|players]] and [[Ironfist (G1)|pawns]] across his own personal chess board in an attempt to expand his influence and produce the results he desires. Prowl always believes he's serving the greater good through these morally-gray manipulations, but he's sometimes uncaring of the harm he causes to his own comrades and the increasingly-fewer people he'd call friends.

His inherent ruthlessness is so well known that even when he's been under [[Bombshell (G1)|enemy mind control]], or negatively influenced by [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|other outside means]], those closest to him have barely noticed a difference in Prowl's behavior. On occasion, Prowl will find his conscience again and attempt to change his nature, but these self-reinventions seldom take for very long. Prowl's crossed lines that most people don't even know exist and despite his intentions, he's learned time and again that he'll ultimately be judged by his harsh actions.

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Infiltration issue 1|''Transformers: Infiltration'' #1]]

{{quote|We're not winning this war, and I'm '''''tired''''' of it. Tired of crunching stat after stat, formulating workable strategies for '''''achievable victory'''''. Prime listens--to a point--then gets '''''restless''''' and changes tack on a whim. The average Autobot default setting is daredevil maverick. That's not '''''us''''', [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]]. '''''We''''' can subdivide this war into its purest mathematical form and generate solutions all we want, but unless we happen to be [[Spotlight: Hot Rod|'''''surfing''''' on a '''''meteoroid''''']] at the time, '''''no one''''' will pay attention.|Prowl|"[[All Hail Megatron issue 15#Everything in Its Right Place|Everything in Its Right Place]]"}}
__TOC__
==Fiction==
===From cop to soldier===
[[File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|"Uh-huh, uh-huh... and what's it called when a smartass cop gets his spark extinguished while he's recharging?"]]
Prowl of [[Petrex]] was [[Reproduction|constructed cold]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} He learned to appreciate rules and discipline during his formative years in Petrex, a strictly [[functionism|functionist]] town where saying anything bad about your [[alternate mode]] could get you thrown in jail. He eventually made it into the [[Iaconian Mechaforensic Division]], where he became famous for his tendency to order a full body autopsy during practically every investigation. This is exactly what he did when he and his partner [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Tumbler]] were assigned to investigate the assassination of [[Sherma|Senator Sherma]], seemingly killed by Decepticons, leading to the discovery of [[cerulean glass]] on the victim's body. Following the trail to [[Translucentica Heights]], the duo ran straight into another body: that of [[Momus|Senator Momus]]. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Prowl computing Patternism.jpg|right|upright=1.55|thumb|"Shut up." "I didn't say anything." "You were ''thinking'', it's ''annoying''."]]
As Tumbler went after the killer, Prowl investigated the crime scene and found that Momus had in fact been a Decepticon himself... and also that there was a ''second'' killer, who promptly attacked them. Inexperienced in combat, Prowl could do little to fight back, but the two were rescued by a fellow cop named [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] who believed the [[Senate]] to be targeting Decepticons. Pax suggested that they avoid reporting their findings to their superiors, but Prowl ignored him in favor of regular police procedure, which much to his chagrin led to his preliminary report being quoted as fact on the news. Sent by Pax to investigate a nearby [[Relinquishment Clinic]], he and Tumbler not only found proof that the killers had been using borrowed bodies, but also a complex dedicated to researching [[brain module]]s and a list of known Decepticons. While Tumbler, Orion Pax and several others believed that the clinic was the [[Institute]] and that the Senate was planning to use it to brainwash the Decepticons, Prowl rejected this as a far-fetched conspiracy theory. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} He refused to have any part in Pax's plan to stop the Senate's evil plot, but worried about his partner's choice to join in. He asked Pax to keep Tumbler out of danger, and in exchange he wouldn't tell anyone what they were planning. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:MegatronOrigin2 boredAutobots.jpg|left|thumb|And remember to fill out those TPS reports.]]
Following the rise of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Prowl joined the Autobot Security Services in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], working right under Sentinel. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 1|Megatron Origin #1}} Prowl's goal was to work against Sentinel's corrupt system from the inside, and he often talked Sentinel out of carrying out his destructive plans. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} However, becoming part of that system (even just for subversive reasons) resulted in the end of his close relationship with Tumbler. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}} Tumbler would eventually become [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]], and Prowl would forever be made the butt of jokes by Chromedome's future [[Conjunx Endura]] [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]: usually featuring fictional instances of Prowl being beaten up. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} Prowl accompanied Sentinel Prime for the inspection of a mine on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]]. There, they first saw [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] and were dismissive of his odd behavior. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s rise as the most popular and violent pit fighter in videos of Kaon's illegal [[gladiatorial combat]] attracted Prowl's attention, and he formed an Autobot Security Services team to crack down on them, though to the chagrin of his fellow officers, he tended to blather on about his theories about how somebody was making a fortune distributing on these inexpensive to produce videos. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

After the murder of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], Sentinel and Prowl led a security forces deployment that arrested many of Megatron's pit fighters and those that they were attempting to recruit. Prowl personally attached the [[inhibitor claw]] to Megatron once he was overwhelmed by security forces. While processing the prisoners, he delivered the galling news that due to [[Ratbat (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|senate orders]], Soundwave was to be freed without charge. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Unfortunately, it was all part of Megatron's mad plans. He allowed himself and his men to be captured so Starscream could feign turning coat and murder the senate members who questioned him. During the ensuing jail break that devastated the [[Security Services Headquarters|Security Team HQ]] and following street battle, Prowl lost his usual cool composure in the face of such onslaught and looked to Sentinel Prime for directions. When Prime left to face Megatron personally and was brutally defeated, it was Prowl who took control and ordered the evacuation of security forces from Kaon. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

During Sentinel's state funeral, Prowl made a public announcement that the Decepticons had desecrated Sentinel's body and stolen his head. {{storylink|The Last Autobot|The Last Autobot}}

[[File:DanceAmongTheShadows JetfirepunchesProwl.jpg|right|upright=1.6|thumb|Yeah...get used to this, Prowl.]]
When [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] rose to power, Prowl took an interest in keeping watch on those in power. Orion Pax eventually brought him [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] who had been arrested for assaulting an officer of the law. Prowl was ready to dismiss them until Pax brought up the death of [[Hefter]], an act done by corrupt policemen gaining Prowl's interest. When the police mech interrogated Jetfire, the Decepticon started a fist fight which Prowl easily won before he convinced him that he and Pax wanted to help. He was able to deduced from Jetfire's words that no one had told Jetfire to attack Pax but someone had told him ''about'' him. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}} Jetfire led the two to [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] who stoically denied any and all accusations about the gun-running scheme. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}} With the investigation going nowhere, Prowl released the flier from custody who responded by socking him in the jaw as part of an act to lure the gun-runners out of hiding. Meeting with Pax and Jetfire at [[Cosmic Carnival]] site, Jetfire turned over the [[ion blaster]] to clear Hefter's name and revealed he knew when and where the next shipment would be. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows}} To keep an optic on events, Prowl then outfitted Jetfire with a wire. The two learnt that Soundwave was fully aware fo the weapons which destroyed any sympathy Orion had for the Decepticons. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} Prowl and Pax then followed Jetfire's signal, leading to a firefight against the Decepticons that ended in the entire shipment of weapons being destroyed. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}} Prowl simply went right back to work and expressed surprise that Jetfire had taken up Pax's offer to work with them. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}}

After the [[Tygun factory]] had been destroyed in a bombing, a bot named [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] turned himself in for the crime, claiming nightmares had driven him to it. A skeptical Prowl ordered Jetfire to scan the room, finding that an outside signal was being broadcasted into Bumblebee's processor. Pax and Prowl tracked the signal and found the Decepticons responsible. In the following firefight, it was revealed Bumblebee had followed them and lunged at Soundwave only to be forced off. As the facility began to fall apart, Prowl grabbed Bumblebee and ran out. As the three watched the hideout go up in flames, Bumblebee asked if he could have a job with them. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Prowl was with Orion Pax and his fellow officers when they busted [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] for dealing [[simultronic]]s to customers. {{storylink|Post}} They busted Swindle AGAIN after finding him overseeing a gun-running operation. By this point, Orion Pax was becoming disillusioned with policing Iacon's streets and Prowl had to talk him out of strong-arming the Decepticon. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers3-ProwlAntiRadArmor.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Prowl was among the arresting officers who took down [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] when he began [[Roadbuster affair|brutalizing his cadets]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} Prowl began working with the non-aligned scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)|Mesothulas]] in secret. Mesothulas saw their relationship as symbiotic—Prowl's imagination would feed into Mesothulas's desire to make the impossible real, and vice versa. Their partnership resulted in many frightening advancements, such as stasis bullets, spark extraction, and Decepti-bombs. The successful utilization of the latter resulted in Decepticons being blamed for the destruction of the neutral city [[Carpessa]], which allowed Prowl to recruit the survivors into the Autobots. Mesothulas also contributed the idea of the [[Aequitas]] computer, though Prowl reported that High Command were concerned with the ethics of the guilt-detecting supercomputer. Prowl eventually began to have very strong doubts about the ethics involved with Mesothulas's inventions, particularly after the revelation of his latest creations, the [[Noisemaze]], and an artificial Cybertronian life-form called Ostaros. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

Prowl quietly made a deal with [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] where in he would dispose of Mesothulas by pushing the scientist into the Noisemaze and destroy all of his inventions, including Ostaros. However, Impactor could not bring himself to eliminate Ostaros, and told Prowl to do his own dirty work if he wanted it done. Prowl, however, could not kill him either, and instead had the artificial Cybertronian enlisted in the Autobots under the name [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} Prowl and Impactor decided to have Springer mentored by [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], both believing that it would be best for the young 'bot's moral character. Prowl gave Kup a "need-to-know" version of Springer's backstory and introduced the pair to each other. Kup's tutelage of the lad did indeed produce a valued and notable Autobot hero in Springer, something that both Prowl and Impactor secretly took pride in. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}} Prowl would later create an automatic recording for the possibility of him ever being compromised, in which case he wanted Springer to be the one to rescue him from whatever misfortune he found himself in. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Impactor would later call in his favour with Prowl to have Roadbuster released after he had served minimum rehab. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:HuntForSoundwave Prowlvehicle.jpg|right|upright=1.5|thumb|The Prickmobile.]]
As the Decepticon movement began to spread across Cybertron, Prowl became a member of Orion Pax's Autobot counter-insurgency unit. He participated in a mission to arrest Swindle as he was selling weapons to terrorists in [[Nyon]]. {{storylink|Law and Disorder}} Not long afterwards he helped hunt down Decepticon spy Soundwave, but was dealt with by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] who collapsed the [[Neurospan Bridge]] on him. {{storylink|The Hunt for Soundwave}} Prowl was later present when Orion and his team discussed an offer from Megatron to talk, and if such a peaceful meeting were even possible. {{storylink|Post}} When Bumblebee was held hostage by the Decepticons to force Orion to attend the meeting, Prowl and the rest of the team came as back up, bailing Orion and Bumblebee out. {{storylink|Cause and Effect}}

On a mission from Zeta Prime to arrest the insurgent [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], Orion Pax's team traveled to Nyon's [[Acropolex]], where Prowl noted that their target seemingly wasn't trying to kill them and also mentioned being a believer in the [[Matrix of Leadership]] unlike [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|some people]]. At the heart of the Acropolex, the Autobots found that Hot Rod just wanted to show them multiple tanks full of energon drained from Nyon's populace to power Zeta Prime's war machines. He asked Orion Pax to join him against Prime's tyranny, though Prowl voiced his disapproval of officers joining the insurgents against their own government. {{storylink|Ruins}} He seemingly changed his mind as soon as Zeta Prime began directly assaulting Nyon. To distract Zeta's [[Guardian robot|Omega Destructor]]s while Hot Rod evacuated the city, Orion Pax and Prowl acted as bait and drew one of the Destructors into a trap, but failed to harm it and were defeated by Zeta Prime himself. {{storylink|Purge}} The Autobots' lives were saved by Megatron, who took them to Kaon for repairs and negotiated an alliance with Orion. {{storylink|Choices}}

[[File:Prowl Autocracy12 Endgame.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|This is my "up to something" face.]]
Together with their new allies, Prowl and the others attacked Zeta Prime's [[Citadel]] and put an end to his rule. Unsurprisingly, the Decepticons then betrayed them. {{storylink|Overthrown}} Prowl was among those captured under Megatron's new rule, but escaped alongside his cellmates [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]], Springer, and Kup. They followed Orion Pax's ID signal to the ruins of Nyon, where they were shocked to learn that he had acquired the Matrix and become Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Rise}} When Optimus had to make a rallying call for more allies for their cause, Prowl cut the news-feed for the message to get carried out. He then participated in the assault against the Citadel. {{storylink|Broadcast}} After the battle, Prowl showed Optimus the armory that Zeta Prime had hidden in the [[Undergrid]], suggesting that they could use the weapons within against the Decepticons, but Optimus refused this and ordered them destroyed. {{storylink|Endgame}} While outwardly complying with Prime's order, Prowl instead secretly stashed the private arsenal away for a "rainy day". {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}}

Not long after Optimus's rise to leadership, Prowl aided him in responding to an attack on the [[Toraxxis mega-refinery]]. {{storylink|Rage (IDW)|Rage}} During the [[Exodus (event)|Exodus]], his security unit was in charge of upholding order at Iacon's [[Starsreach Spaceport]], but growing tensions led to rioting among those who couldn't afford their way off the planet. Prowl called in Optimus Prime to calm the rioters, only to be pulled into combat when the Decepticons attacked the spaceport. {{storylink|Massacre}} After [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] had chased off the attackers, Prowl watched him and the other [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] leave Cybertron. {{storylink|Unleashed}} He later participated in the Autobot defensive strategy against a rampaging [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Annihilation}}

[[File:ALonelyPillarOnThePlain ProwlVShockwave.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Is it better to be prickishly logical or logically prickish?]]
During an all-out Decepticon assault on Iacon, Prowl suggested the Autobots retreat to avoid being overwhelmed by Megatron's new [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] allies, but was ordered by Prime to hold the line. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} He continued to fight until Prime transmitted a holographic message telling all combatants that he had defeated Megatron and that the battle was over. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}} The captive Megatron was violently busted out of Autobot imprisonment soon thereafter, but Optimus hoped that Megatron would perhaps now be more amenable to reason in the future, much to Prowl's consternation. {{storylink|Post}}

Prowl led a group of Autobots to [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] where they were met by Decepticons led by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]. The two squads clashed over Junkion's gravimetric core with either Shockwave or Prowl eventually giving the order to detonate the core and destroy the planet completely. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

Four million years ago, Prowl was working directly under Optimus Prime as the Autobots fought to prevent the Decepticons from bringing fresh energon supplies to the war effort. While Optimus went after the energon convoy himself, Prowl held the line with Hound and the others to prevent the Decepticons from getting hold of the latest city they had targeted. In the aftermath, Prowl congratulated Prime for capturing the convoy without having to fire a shot. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

At some point during the war, Prowl tried to desert and escape the war on board the ''[[Peaceful Resolution]]''. It was shot down before reaching orbit, and he realized he had to help win the war instead of running from it. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

Half a million years ago, during the Decepticon's siege on Metroplex, Prowl protested Optimus's illogical decision to enter the battlefield himself, and found himself backed up by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who suggested taking Metroplex out of the equation. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} As he and Bumblebee watched the Titan depart Cybertron, Prowl grumbled that while it was necessary, the war itself was illogical, and that the reactive actions of Optimus were not the kind of leadership the Autobots needed, but rather someone like him who could plan for everything. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5-atrocityafteratrocity.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
After the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility had been established, Prowl was among the law enforcement Autobots who endured Aequitas' guilt-detecting trials of ''Autobot'' [[Flame (Marvel)|criminals]] who inflicted unspeakable horrors on civilians and other non-combatants. Prowl and other luminaries such as [[Chief Justice]] [[Solomus|Tyrest]], [[Xaaron]] and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] agreed that the trials would remain a secret until the final verdict was cast, then it would be full disclosure, regardless of the damage to morale and the Autobots' political standing. {{Storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}} Prowl would later have concerns about Tyrest's state-of-mind following the Aequitas trials, and he would try to utilize [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Getaway]] to have the unstable Tyrest retire using a [[Institute|New Institute]] "[[nudge gun]]" to alter his memory. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

Some 20,000 years ago, Prowl was given command of the ''[[Ark-19]]''. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

===Earth Unit===
[[File:Infiltration3 Prowl saveit.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Talk to the hand, the prick ain't listening.]]
In the early 21st century, Prowl was the leader of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency led by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and blindly following the Autobot rules of counterinsurgency. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 1|Infiltration #1}} {{storylink|Infiltration issue 2|Infiltration #2}} He almost threw [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] in the brig for breaking cover to rescue three humans from the Decepticons, and subsequently refused to contact [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] until further evidence of enemy activities was uncovered. He did not willingly believe Ratchet when the medic told him that the Decepticons had stepped up their presence by constructing a [[Infiltration protocol|second base]]. However, [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] ended up sending a pulsewave transmission to Optimus Prime behind Prowl's back. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}} Prowl was forced to face reality when Megatron arrived on Earth to confront Starscream, {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5|Infiltration #5}} and he finally agreed to call in Optimus Prime. Thing was, Prime had already arrived. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

When Springer ordered several Autobots on a lethal mission to rescue the damaged and deranged Kup from [[Tsiehshi]], Prowl evidently helped conceal Springer's efforts from Optimus. However, he still felt it was a misguided effort, asking Springer if Kup would want other Autobots killed rescuing him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

Prowl went with the Autobots to investigate Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. There they discovered a heavily shielded "array" that the Decepticons were using as a base. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} After a skirmish with the [[human]]s that were present there, they teamed up with them to shut down the [[Psycho-Prism]] human mind altering device the Decepticons had fortified inside the array. The Decepticons attacked. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}} During the fight, [[Luke Cage]] and Ratchet discovered a weak spot in the array's defenses and went in. Prowl followed to make sure Ratchet didn't put human interests ahead of Autobot interests, but the human [[Spider-Man]] was held captive inside, so Prowl gave in and let Ratchet and Luke Cage attempt a rescue.

Prowl found the Psycho-Prism guarded by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Doctor Doom]]. Doctor Doom zapped him into unconsciousness. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}} He awoke next to Ratchet to find Spider-Man had been freed by Doctor Doom, who had switched sides. Prowl and Ratchet decided to use the Decepticons' [[mirror response mode]] equipment to boost their power with Spider-Man's superhuman abilities. [[Wolverine (Marvel)|Wolverine]] arrived with Jazz and Bumblebee and suggested they use his abilities instead. They did, then [[orbital jump|orbital bounced]] with Spider-Man back to the battle outside, where their added strength helped defeat Megatron. Wolverine, Jazz, and Bumblebee stayed to destroy the Psycho-Prism. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

[[File:Escalation6 Prowl MYTURF.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Yeah, let the irresponsible loner look after the MacGuffin. Good call.]]
After [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] was kidnapped by [[Machination|a mysterious group of humans]], {{storylink|Escalation issue 1|Escalation #1}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} Prowl was still obsessed with the rules of the counterinsurgency war and thus did not understand why Optimus Prime requested reinforcements to Earth. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2|Escalation #2}} Prowl was furious when Ironhide dared to go around him and volunteer himself to track down clues on Sunstreaker's disappearance, and subsequently forced him to stay behind while the Autobots not on his grievance list left for [[Brasnya]] to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3|Escalation #3}} When everything kicked off in the former [[Russia|Soviet]] nation, Prowl led [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] (and later [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]) into battle, attempting to capture [[Georgi Koska]], a Decepticon [[Facsimile construct|facsimile]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4|Escalation #4}} He clashed with Hot Rod over the capture of Koska as both of them were of equal rank, {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}} but when Optimus Prime was temporarily offline and believed dead, Prowl assumed full command and came up with a strategy for fighting Megatron (shoot him, then run away). {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

Under orders from Optimus, Prowl oversaw the moving of ''[[Ark-19]]'' to a more secure location. He turned to Prime rather than order the launch on his own discretion. (Prime had to order him to use his own discretion.) {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} When [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] blew them out of the sky, Optimus took command of the situation until the ''Ark-19'' was destroyed. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}}

Once on the ''[[Ark-32]]'', Prowl found that, due to injuries from the battle with Sixshot {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} and separate missions, he and Hardhead were the only active Autobots. He was mildly annoyed that Optimus Prime and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] were otherwise preoccupied during this crisis. He was then shocked when Optimus abruptly ordered their unit to withdraw from Earth to handle a situation at the [[Garrus-9]] secure facility. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}}

Optimus Prime and Prowl met with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] on Garrus-9 to discuss the prisoners' breakout and how a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Prime left Maximus in charge and said that he and Prowl had unfinished business aboard the ''Ark-32''. When [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] was reported guarding a cave on [[Corata-Vaz]], Optimus Prime recognized this had something to do with his [[infraspace]] encounter in [[Brasnya]]. He ordered Prowl to summon the [[Wrecker]]s to find out what Thunderwing was guarding. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} He judged the subsequent battle between the Wreckers and Thunderwing as suicidal, and felt that they were wasting their time given everything seemed to be coming at them at once. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

Prowl was present to hear Ratchet diagnose Sunstreaker after the later's de-Headmasterification. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}}

[[File:AHM15 SpringerpunchesProwl.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|According to my calcula- ''OHGODMYFACE!'']]
Prowl became increasingly frustrated with the tendency of the Autobots in general and Optimus specifically to lionise and listen to charismatic warriors and mavericks. Realising nobody would listen to the more logical tactical advice that he or Perceptor gave, he had Kup sent to the [[Kimia Facility]] to be rebuilt... with some personality sub-routines added in, which would ensure that the iconic elder could be controlled and made to act as a proxy for him. Prowl didn't want attention or glory, he only wanted to do his job, and he had absolutely no ethical qualms about ensuring that "when [Kup] speaks, you won't even see my lips move"...

He ''really'' didn't like Springer either, and was annoyed that the ''Decepticons'' seem to be a more unified body than the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Everything in Its Right Place}}

After the [[Expansion]] incident, Optimus Prime reassigned more Autobots to Earth. The Decepticons had been laying low for months, and everyone was starting to get restless. While Prowl recommended a "wait and see" approach to Optimus Prime, Ironhide's calls for action soon drowned out Prowl's reasoning. When Mirage handed them solid intelligence about a possible opportunity to wipe out Starscream and a small group of Decepticons, the Autobots acted on it. It turned out to be an ambush, and the Autobots were soundly defeated by the Decepticons with the aid of [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]]. Informed that the Decepticons were launching simultaneous attacks across the galaxy on Autobot installations and also that there was a traitor among them, the Autobots' morale was dealt a heavy blow. Through use of a space bridge portal, Megatron planned to send the Autobots to Cybertron to have them devoured by the [[Insecticon swarm|Swarm]]. Optimus Prime managed to sabotage the portal and strand the Autobots on Cybertron before the Decepticons could follow, albeit nearly at the cost of his life. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

[[File:Ironhidepuncheseveryone.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'm sensing a pattern emerging.]]
In this unprecedented situation, Jazz's authority superseded Prowl's, and he took overall command of the battered and demoralized Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} Jazz also proved necessary to shore up Prowl's own authority, which was severely disregarded by his men. Jazz's reputation helped keep them in line, particularly the recalcitrant Ironhide, who had taken to striking superior officers, including Prowl himself. After the situation with Ironhide was defused, Prowl got Jazz to admit the energon searches he'd been sending troops out on were just to keep the men busy. Prowl worried that Prime would soon die, and about the details of their commander's condition that they had kept from the troops at large. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}}

Frustrated at being stranded on Cybertron, he listened to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks's]] story about how awesome and cool Jazz is to pass the time. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

In particular, what Jazz and Prowl were withholding was the fact that the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was not within Prime anymore, but had been absconded with by Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

Kup arrived on Cybertron shortly thereafter with his own team, and things took a turn for the worse, with the Swarm encroaching on their position. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} Sunstreaker was revealed to be the traitor, having made a bargain with Starscream to kill Megatron. He sacrificed his life to buy the other Autobots time to put some distance between them and the Swarm. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

[[File:AHM10 ProwlandJazz.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Prick ''and'' nerd.]]
Thankfully, Ratchet finally managed to repair and revive Optimus Prime, and Autobot morale went on the upswing despite their situation. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Under Prime's direction, they immediately began building a defense against the oncoming Swarm horde in a new temporary base. Once everything was nearly in place, Prowl calculated the odds of them succeeding and wound up with quite a dire forecast. Jazz urged him to keep it to himself, which Prowl quickly agreed to do. When the Swarm surged against them, the Autobots fought as hard as they could, but were eventually on the verge of being overwhelmed. Fortunately, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] arrived to tilt the odds squarely in the Autobots' favor. Prowl asked Omega how he had survived the galaxy-wide Decepticon attack, speculating that they had probably sent an army against him. Omega simply replied, "I am Omega Supreme". {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

The Autobots eventually boarded Omega's rocket mode and headed for Earth. There, they engaged the Decepticon forces in a fierce battle which ended with Megatron's defeat and Starscream ordering a withdrawal from the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:Prowl Spotlight AdviseAgainstInvolvement.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"But Prowl, look...teddy bear."]]
Over the next three years, the Autobots remained on Earth at the insistence of Optimus Prime. Optimus believed they could not leave in good conscience while human society was still in disarray from their war and rogue Decepticons still wandered the planet. The humans were not interested in having protectors, however, and soon learned to take care of themselves. [[Skywatch]] reverse-engineered Cybertronian technology to hunt and capture Autobots AND Decepticons left on the planet.

As part of Optimus Prime's belief that the Autobots must help humanity rebuild in whatever way possible, Prowl was assigned to assist the local police whilst in disguise as one of their squad cars. Over the next eight months, Prowl saw humanity at its lowest ebb. Desperate, angry people who would never forgive the Transformers for bringing their war to humanity's homeworld. He watched as some of his driver's fellow police officers set fire to the building that the Decepticon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] was trapped in, a cold execution of what Prowl considered an enemy combatant. He protested to Optimus Prime that humanity was dangerous, they were now killing Transformers, and that there was no strategic purpose for the Autobots to be on this planet or for he to continue this masquerade of being a police car. Prime asked his officer to trust him in his belief to the value of this activity, and that all the Autobots were on a personal journey.

===Lessons from Earth===
[[File:Prowl Spotlight DoneTheNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Prowl finally realizes that math is useless.]]
And so Prowl continued to patrol the streets, and while he did so, he calculated. The humans numbered in their swarming billions versus less than ten thousand Cybertronians. Humanity lived brief, petty, frantic lives of comparatively little consequence, their world and its infrastructure inefficient, ramshackle and incompetent. Prowl concluded that not a single human life was worth that of a Cybertronian. However, when he and his police officer driver were overseeing the removable of volatile Cybertronian wreckage from a building, some workers accidentally triggered an abandoned weapon to fire, destroying a damaged building. Without thinking, Prowl transformed and pushed a young girl out of the way, saving her life, but in the process, was trapped under the rubble that would have crushed her. His driver expressed disbelief that the Autobot had been in disguise as his car for the past eight months, and that he had broken cover to save one girl. Prowl confessed that for eight months he had been watching, planning, but unable to do anything. There were so many times he could have assisted if he were able to break cover. He had run the numbers, made calculations on Earth and on humanity, his math was flawless, but they weren't ''right''. And when push came to shove, he couldn't rely on what he thought might happen, he had to act on instinct and do the right thing. The policeman, impressed, remarked that Prowl spoke like a true beat cop, and stated that while he was obligated to call this incident in, it wasn't an emergency and suggested that Prowl had an hour to extricate himself before Skywatch arrived. {{storylink|Ride-Along}}

[[File:Ongoing issue 1-Prowl shot in the back.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Woman makes prick staticky. Hilarity ensues.]]
The Autobots moved west, where Prowl was joined in his undercover police work with new arrival [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]. They were present at a power installation in New Mexico, which was being ransacked by the ravenous [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]. Skywatch deployed its robot-hunting crash-suits and brought down the Decepticon before leveling lethal particle cannons at him. Despite himself, Prowl broke cover to prevent the execution of a helpless Transformer. This left his backside open to the second Skywatch team on site, who used [[Suppressor (device)|mode lock inhibitors]] to capture him as well as the "bait", Breakdown.

Prowl's capture was reported back to Autobase by Streetwise, and Hot Rod assembled a strike team to infiltrate Skywatch and rescue him. These Autobots were outfitted with Wheeljack's new counter-inhibitors to prevent the mode lock from working. Unfortunately, this sudden change in tactical efficiency only caused Skywatch to panic, drawing out their lethal ordnance to protect themselves. Prowl was rescued...but Ironhide died in the assault. Grieving for his friend, Optimus Prime then stepped down as Autobot leader and turned himself over to Skywatch. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

With Optimus gone, Hot Rod advocated abandoning his plan and this planet, and Prowl was one of the first to sign up for Hot Rod's splinter group. They failed to convince [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to fly them off-world, but then encountered a group of Decepticons led by Swindle. After a brief scuffle, Hot Rod and Swindle entered into negotiations for a truce. Prowl was uncomfortable with the idea of collaboration, despite his earlier effort on Breakdown's behalf. Ultimately, however, he went along with it. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}

[[File:Prowl Seasons In Flight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Prowl always narcs on the cool kids.]]
The united Autobots and Decepticons attempted to construct a space cruiser in order to leave the planet. Their efforts reached a hurdle with the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], duly appointed enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]]. Prowl had summoned Ultra Magnus to Earth as part of standard operating procedure after Ironhide's death, before Prime abdicated his leadership and the faction had split. Things became difficult as Magnus attempted to confiscate Hot Rod's "unlicensed interstellar vehicle". Prowl attempted to weigh in with legalese of his own, citing the line of procedural succession and emergency powers, but it became moot when Magnus discovered their collaboration. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}}

Eventually the collaboration ended when the Decepticons betrayed Hot Rod. Prowl and the others survived thanks to the intervention of Optimus Prime and Skywatch leading Bumblebee to form an alliance with humans. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:Prowl LSOTW5 Pressure.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.55|To prick...or ''not'' to prick...]]
Sometime after things settled down on Earth, Prowl formed a plan to recapture the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility, which had fallen during Megatron's push three years earlier. On the basis of an earlier report from [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], High Command had originally concluded that G-9 had been utterly destroyed, but Springer found new intel that suggested that Fortress Maximus and Co. had not only survived the Surge, but were repelling Decepticon invasion parties while waiting to be rescued. {{storylink|Bullets|Bullets}}

Prowl's primary objective on this mission was for the Wreckers to retrieve the data stored on [[Aequitas]], as he feared that if the Decepticons managed to get their hands on politically damaging information about Autobot war criminals, it would be disastrous to the Autobot cause. When selections for the new Wreckers squad were being made, Prowl learned that [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (a weapons researcher at [[Kimia Facility]] who had an obsessive fascination with the Wreckers) had recently suffered a lab accident involving cerebro-centric bullets and only had months to live. Applying pressure on psy-ops specialist [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (who had judged the researcher unfit for Wreckers duty), Prowl arranged for Ironfist to be placed in Springer's squad on the condition that he would be the one to sacrifice his life to unlock Aequitas. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} After the surviving Wreckers defeated [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] and liberated G-9, Prowl was given a [[data slug]] containing the Aequitas' data, the legacy of Ironfist, who had finally succumbed to his lab accident injury. Prowl explained to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] how he regretted using Ironfist in this manner, and he would prefer if the information about trials were never made public, despite what he had agreed to millions of years ago, for fear of what it would do to Autobot morale. As Ultra Magnus left, Prowl started to apply pressure on the data slug... {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[File:Infestation2-Prowl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|IM IN UR HEAD DRIVING U CRAZY...ER.]]
When [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] crash-landed a spaceship full of [[zombie]]s in [[Las Vegas]], Autobot and Skywatch troops were ready to defend the city. After a brief battle, they learned that the zombies were not on Galvatron's side, but rather a threat to the entire planet, and Prowl had the area quarantined before interrogating Galvatron on what he knew about the creatures. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|The Transformers: Infestation #1}} The leader of the zombies, an interdimensional vampire in disguise named [[Britt]], soon revealed herself and attacked the Autobots and Decepticons, infecting Kup with the zombie plague and creating a space-time portal to Cybertron's distant past, intending to infect the planet while it was still teeming with life. Prowl, however, had a way to sabotage her plan: using his previously established mind link with Kup, he removed the virus's control over the old warrior and had him change the portal's coordinates, trapping Kup, Britt and the zombie army in the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}} {{Storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 4|Heart of Darkness #4}}

Prowl was one of the Autobots who participated in the covert mission to take out the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who were working with [[North Korea]] in exchange for energon. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}} In order to keep the battle a secret from the world at large, they hacked all spy satellites watch the area, after which Prowl helped defeat [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} Then the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] joined the fray. Since Bumblebee and [[Kyle Pennington|Pennington]] back at base were unable to see what was going on, Prowl had to keep them informed, all while calculating the best strategies to avoid casualties. The Autobots were eventually victorious, but at the cost of humanity learning about their alliance with Skywatch. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

As the Autobots flew home from Korea, the Decepticons returned to Earth with a vengeance and had their plane shot down. Prowl and the others survived, however, and made it to shore. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies|Woken Furies}} After their attacker was revealed to be none other than a returning Megatron, they confronted him and learned that he had defeated most of their troops in America and left them to the mercy of armed and angry humans. Prowl sent Jazz to save them, but against his direct orders to not resort to violence, Jazz ended up breaking cover and killing one of the men. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome|Burning Chrome}} The Autobots regrouped at Omega Supreme, and were soon joined by Megatron, having given himself up just to taunt them. Prowl was contemplating how short-sighted it had been to have both their mechanics on the Korea team when Optimus Prime approached him, asking him to investigate Megatron's claims that [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]] had executed a [[Scrapper (G1)|surrendered combatant]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|Enemy Mine}}

[[File:PoliceActionPrologue-Prowl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Not to prick, apparently.]]
In order to finish his investigation, Prowl remained on Earth with Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus and some other Autobots while the rest of them left to drive Galvatron off of Cybertron. After a last-minute questioning of Megatron revealed nothing new, he tried unsuccessfully to get Decepticon deserter [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] to stay with the Autobots, and lied to Bumblebee and Spike that he would keep them updated on what was going on. {{storylink|Police Action: Prologue}} Appearing via hologram on board Omega Supreme, Prowl participated in the talks on what the Autobots would do with Megatron. He agreed with [[Xaaron]] that they needed a third party to judge the Decepticon leader's trial, but admitted that personally he'd rather just execute the scumbag. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}}

[[File:Prowl The Question.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Okay, so you say "we"...]]
For a time, Prowl and Bumblebee clashed over command of the Earth-bound Autobots. Prowl co-opted several operatives, such as Street-Wise and Groove, for his own operation, while Bumblebee was left with dealing with a Decepticon situation on his own. When Bumblebee returned to their headquarters with all five Stunticons as his prisoners, he earned a certain degree of respect from Prowl; until then Prowl had doubted Bumblebee's capabilities as a leader. {{storylink|The Question}}

When Spike let slip that he'd be gone from base for 36 hours for secret reasons, Prowl decided to spy on his activities. This proved uninformative as Spike just met with higher-ups and assorted women, but things got heated when Breakdown suddenly showed up for revenge against the human. Prowl defeated him with help from Streetwise, but was forced to break off the mission and was chewed out by Ultra Magnus for the attention attracted by the battle. He mentioned wanting to look into anti-Transformer spokesman [[Ben Simpson]], whom he suspected was providing people with guns made from Megatron's parts, but was ordered to focus on Spike. Searching the site of Scrapper's death, Prowl was sampling some odd chemical residue when he suddenly came under attack. {{storylink|Police Action: Part 1|Police Action #1}}

The assailant was Brawl, though Prowl noticed he had a spotter that got away. Together with Streetwise he defeated the Decepticon and took him in for questioning, but a failsafe in his body caused him to shut down during interrogation. Continuing with the investigation on Spike, Prowl had former Skywatch member [[Sandra (G1)|Sandra]] brought in while he looked into the sample he had found. Just as he figured out that Scrapper had been attacked by a human with a chemical weapon rather than another Decepticon as previously assumed, Spike approached him and shamelessly admitted that it was all true. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}}

[[File:ASecondChanceAtEden ProwlandSpikeover.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.0|Melodramatic prick.]]
While Spike argued that it was a strategical operation to rid the world of Devastator, Prowl saw it as murder with vengeance for Spike's friend [[Tim Simmons]] as the motive. Spike didn't care for being lectured, calling Prowl out on making his own tough decisions and keeping secrets from his allies for their own sake. Before he could think of what to do next, Prowl got word from Bumblebee that Ultra Magnus had agreed to go after Ben Simpson, and rolled out alongside him and Streetwise. Simpson turned out to be a [[facsimile construct]] created by Swindle to boost anti-Transformer sentiment among humanity for profit. When captured, Swindle not only admitted to being responsible for the situation in North Korea, but also for helping Skywatch by selling Cybertronian technology to... Spike Witwicky. Before the Autobots could do much, Spike had fled while Jazz went off on his own and announced to the world that the Autobots were cutting all ties with Skywatch and humanity. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}
{{-}}

===Schemers never change===
[[File:Prowl DeathofOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=0.85|right|thumb|Emo prick.]]
The few Autobots on Earth returned to Cybertron in the wake of Galvatron and the [[D-Void]]'s defeat. Though the war was over, [[Autobot High Command]] found themselves stuck with the thankless job of governing the many neutral Cybertronians returning home. Prowl coined the term Non-Aligned Indigenous Life-forms, or [[NAIL]]s, for them, and they didn't like being ruled by the people who had ruined their world through war. When a riot took place, the Autobots were outnumbered 20-to-1 and Prowl had no choice but to release the captive Decepticons and have them lend a hand, though [[inhibitor/deterrence chip]]s kept from using lethal force. Things got worse when Rodimus and Ultra Magnus announced that they were leaving Cybertron in search of the [[Knights of Cybertron]] when he needed them to deal with the neutrals. This caused Prowl to blow up in anger towards the neutrals, calling them arrogant and ungrateful cowards who did nothing during the war but now acted like they owned the planet. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

[[File:HowToSayGoodbyeAndMeanIt Prowlflipstable.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|The table is a metaphor for his characterization whenever a new writer takes over.]]
Contrary to Prowl's belief that nobody would willingly come with Rodimus, he managed to gather over 200 Autobots for his quest, including his old partner and friend Chromedome. Prowl ended up goading Rodimus {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}} into installing [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on the Lost Light covertly on board the ''[[Lost Light]]'' {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} and asked Chromedome to perform mnemosurgery on the captive in the hopes of learning the secrets of what made a Phase-Sixer. When Chromedome refused, Prowl attempted to blackmail him with an unsavoury secret from the mnemosurgeon's past, threatening to tell Rewind; Chromedome responded by assaulting Prowl and erasing some of his memory to protect his relationship with Rewind. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Not to be deterred by his slight amnesia, Prowl still tried to convince Chromedome to stay as he truly needed his special abilities, but Chromedome refused as he'd rather leave his past behind. After a brief fit of anger, Prowl resorted to plan B, contacting his [[Duobot|agents]] on board [[Lost Light|Rodimus's ship]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} He ordered them to place a tracker on its engines, though unfortunate events would lead to them to fail and be killed. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} Prowl and Bumblebee watched the launch of the ''Lost Light'' be cut short when the ship disappeared in a sudden explosion. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Prowl Arcee TheAutomonyLesson.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Prick talking about how he hasn't gone soft.]]
Prowl was left handling the Decepticons, who were very harsh law enforcers and very unhappy about their imprisonment. After arresting [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Horri-Bull]] for assaulting [[Tappet|a NAIL]] (and then arresting the NAIL for disturbing the peace), he took them back to the Decepticon pen and was confronted by Decepticon spokesman [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who demanded his faction be treated as equals. Believing him to have some sort of plan, Prowl reported his suspicions to Bumblebee and suggested they cancel the memorial service dedicated to Rodimus's crew, what with the large NAIL population being indifferent to the fate of their friends. He later discussed the matter of Ratbat with his secret weapon, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], telling her that he was going to preserve the peace even if he had to do things he didn't want to do. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} He learned the truth soon enough when Starscream came to the Autobots and sold out Ratbat, telling Prowl that he planned to assassinate Bumblebee during the memorial service then stage a coup. Acting on this info, Prowl managed to stop [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] from sniping Bumblebee and leaving a NAIL to take the blame, and in the meantime sent Arcee to deal with Ratbat. Even though she mercilessly murdered the Decepticon, the two agreed afterwards that she had acted in self-defense and had no other choice. {{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} Prowl later addressed to the Decepticons in the wake of Ratbat's death, claiming that evidence suggested suicide. Starscream stepped in and backed the cover story, much to Prowl's discomfort. Very shortly thereafter, mysterious explosions began striking Cybertron, leading Prowl to believe the Decepticons were responsible. Metalhawk questioned this, adding in some cutting remarks about the war not being over for Prowl yet. Eventually Wheeljack figured out the origin of the explosions and that all parties were innocent in the matter. Much to Prowl's displeasure, Starscream came up with a plan to protect the civilians while Wheeljack ended the threat. When Starscream was granted a place in the new government thanks to his actions, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] became enraged and struck Prowl, who had tried to calm him down. {{storylink|Stick Together}}

[[File:Prowl Bombshell Devisive.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Reports of this headshot may have been greatly exaggerated.]]
Starscream immediately began undermining Bumblebee's position in the new government, adding to Prowl's growing frustration. When the Decepticon [[Skydive (Predator)|Skydive]] was found murdered, Prowl saw to the investigation. While interrogating the only witness, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], Prowl found a [[cerebro-shell]] implanted on the Decepticon, leading him to the conclusion that [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] was the murderer. Prowl and Arcee used the entranced Dirge to track Bombshell down, finding the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] ensnaring [[Sunstorm (G1)|another victim]]. After a scuffle where Prowl found out that Bombshell's I/D chip wasn't functioning, he ordered [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] to pursue the fleeing suspect. Prowl and Arcee soon caught up and found Blurr being accosted by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. While Arcee was ordered to save Blurr, Prowl kept on with his pursuit of Bombshell, eventually cornering him. When Bombshell refused to give him any information or the identity of any possible collaborators, a fed-up Prowl coldly executed the deranged Insecticon. The cerebro-shell fell off Dirge, and he witnessed the aftermath of Prowl's actions. Dirge managed to escape and Prowl ordered Arcee to pursue him while he dealt with the Constructicons. Utilizing a hidden override code on the I/D chips to overcome whatever was blocking the signal, Prowl activated their chips and disabled all five Constructicons at once. Later, an injured Blurr gave Prowl a piece of his mind for being ordered after Bombshell without backup, calling him "crazy" and "paranoid". Prowl ignored Blurr's concerns, and pointed out that there was something larger at play with the Decepticons, telling Bumblebee that they had to "take control" of this new era. {{storylink|Devisive}}

When the NAIL [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] arrived, Prowl kept close tabs with him along with Sideswipe. Later on, he was informed that Sky-Byte was having a secret meeting with the Decepticons and broke into their hiding place with Streetwise and Sideswipe and after a brief fight, managed to capture Sky-Byte and Needlenose. They were about to lynch them in public when Ironhide stopped Prowl after saying that it was a way to have a better future of equality for Autobot and Decepticon. When questioned the next day at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] of his new attitude, Ironhide said he had a vision that he and Alpha Trion were telling war stories on Gorlam Prime and that every Autobot and Decepticon by that time, were dead along with their old grudges. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

[[File:Sideswipe Prowl and Wheeljack vehicle Primus All Good Things.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|Prickmobile 2: Prick Harder]]
When the Decepticon captain [[Turmoil]] landed his ship on Cybertron, Prowl and his security forces were ordered in by Bumblebee to attack if necessary. When the order was given by Metalhawk, the Autobot forces stormed in to capture the Decepticons. {{storylink|Interference Patterns}} Prowl saw the Dinobots, Sky-Lynx and Ironhide off when they headed out into the wilderness in response to a distress signal. After they were out of earshot, Prowl noted that he was uncomfortable with the Dinobots retaining their Earth altmodes, and wish they would return to "normal." Bumblebee responded that things had been far from normal recently. He then joined Metalhawk and Starscream in their criticisms about the free elections being stalled on Cybertron, though Bumblebee insisted that they were forthcoming. He later explained to Bumblebee that he desired the elections to take place because he had confidence that Bumblebee would be elected as the planet's leader. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} When [[Turmoil]]'s ship, containing a sort of time machine, disappeared under Bumblebee's nose, Prowl arrived to assist the investigation. {{storylink|Night and the City}} He was later present when a Metrotitan appeared beneath Cybertron's surface and declared Starscream as the Cybertronian conqueror who would unite the planet. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}}

[[File:CityOnFire-NewProwl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|<---o The Verge]]
A short while later, Omega Supreme was bombed in a terror attack, and Prowl used the opportunity as pretense to arrest the Decepticons still working under Soundwave and Shockwave. To allow him to spirit the Decepticons away to secret captivity, Prowl had Arcee infiltrate their hideout, disable them with a special stasis bomb, and then plant explosives throughout the pen. Prowl then lead his public arrest force to the pen, where he purposely tripped the explosives to present the appearance that the Decepticons had booby-trapped their own base and had perished in the blast. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} The blast left Prowl in a serious, although stable, condition, but he soon mysteriously disappeared from his [[CR chamber]]. A short while later, when Decepticons had begun rioting in response to Megatron's return, Prowl reappeared in an upgraded body, and shot [[Staxx]] to save Wheeljack, who had been corned by the angry mob. {{storylink|City on Fire}} He subsequently led the Autobot engineer to the [[Black Room]], where the Decepticons Prowl had previously 'killed' were waiting, repaired and upgraded. Wheeljack was taken hostage, and soon the escaped Megatron arrived, with a stunned Starscream in tow. {{storylink|The Verge}}

[[File:IDWRID14 prowlstator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deva-prick? Prick-astator?]]
When a group of Autobots, joined by Metalhawk, Dirge and Swindle arrived at the Black Room, Prowl was holding Starscream and Wheeljack at gunpoint. The engineer tried to remind Bumblebee of what was "most important", but was shot through the head by his captor. Bombshell and Prowl revealed to their audience that the Autobot law enforcer had been taken by one of the Insecticon's mind control devices as he attempted to execute him, and had been a pawn of the Decepticons ever since. Bombshell also noted that Prowl had been easily controlled due to his memories already being damaged in some manner. With that concluded, Megatron declared that the Autobot had outlived his usefulness as a secret pawn, and announced that he would now become part of the next generation of Decepticon warrior. Briefly freed from Bombshell's influence, Prowl collapsed to the ground, aghast that his friends had never suspected his being controlled, but was suddenly wracked with pain as his body transformed against his will... into the head and shoulders of a reborn Devastator! The behemoth proceeded to attack the Autobot command center and snatch [[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] out of the air, before proceeding, under Bombshell's influence, to the med-center, where the highest concentration of Autobots was. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

The Prowl-Devastator remained conscious under Bombshell's control, but unable to direct his own actions. He was confronted by Ironhide's newly arrived Autobot gestalt, the former Aerialbots known as [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], and battled the giant. Prowl-Devastator's mind temporarily shut down when Arcee revealed her true colors and executed Bombshell. The gestalt soon started back up again, however, as Prowl's mind interfaced with the Devastator gestalt and began willingly causing vast amounts of destruction. The Devastator-Prowl started rampaging again, completely out of Decepticon control, and tore his way through Superion. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

Ironhide managed to get through to Prowl inside Devastator's psyche, convincing him to stop the devastation. Prowl re-exerted control over himself and Devastator long enough to rip the gestalt's head from its shoulders, separating Prowl and the Constructicons back into their component parts. Undeterred, Megatron prepared to enter the Devastator gestalt personally with his new body. Luckily, Bumblebee deciphered Wheeljack's last words in time, and he, Prowl and Ironhide spoke the access code for Wheeljack's system bypass, reactivating the force field bubble the engineer had secretly implanted in Megatron's spark casing. Unfortunately for the Autobot government, however, the NAILs had had enough after this latest outbreak of warfare. Led by Starscream, they cast both Autobots and Decepticons out of new Iacon. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}}

===Suffering the consequences===
[[File:SecondExodus ConstructiconsLoveProwl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Almost immediately after departing, the Autobots were confronted by the Constructicons, who wanted to join up with Prowl since their unification had given them a glimpse into Prowl's mind, and they had liked what they had seen. Bumblebee attempted to rationalise that Prowl had only done all the terrible things he had done under Bombshell's influence, but Arcee, thinking she was helping, pointed out that Ratbat's assassination ''had'' been Prowl. She later attempted to apologise for revealing this. {{storylink|Second Exodus}} When Tyrest's [[universal killswitch]] was activated, Prowl was among those affected. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} Luckily Prowl was saved thanks to Rodimus and Perceptor. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} Later, when a bright light mysteriously appeared, {{storylink|Second Exodus}} Prowl and the other Autobots approached it, only for a [[Quintessa (IDW)|Titan]] to emerge from the ground in front of them. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

As Bumblebee tried to organise an offensive, he asked Prowl if it was that same Titan that had proclaimed Starscream would rule, Prowl admitted he wasn't sure since his memories from his time under Bombshell's control were fuzzy. Despite insisting that attacking immediately was their best course of action, Bumblebee protested, leading Prowl to argue that it was Bumblebee's indecisiveness that led to him losing Iacon, at which point they were suddenly attacked by Soundwave's Decepticons. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} However, when Starscream arrived to confront the Titan, Prowl once again became infuriated with Bumblebee's hesitation in allowing Arcee to take him out and with his sudden collaboration with Soundwave on the situation. The final straw came when the Titan unleashed a wave of energy, injuring several of the Autobots, leading Prowl to outright blame Bumblebee for their problems. {{storylink|Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Winners & Losers}}

While Prowl thought they should press the attack Bumblebee favored a more logical approach, which was when Soundwave heard Megatron screaming. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} Following the sound, the combined force found Shockwave's lab, where [[Nova Prime]] and Galvatron were attempting to emerge from the [[Dead Universe]] through a spacebridge in Megatron's chest. While battling Shockwave's forces, Prowl tried to order Bumblebee to focus on fighting rather than reaching the resurrected Metalhawk, but when Shockwave called in the Necrotitan, Prowl ordered a retreat. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} Prowl called for the combined Autobot and Decepticon forces to retreat to Iacon, retorting [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop's]] protest that they wouldn't be leading it there since it was already heading towards the city. {{storylink|No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|No Exit}}

[[File:FinisTemporis BeechokesProwl.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|Does Bee have to choke a prick??]]
They eventually made it back to Iacon, where [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] led them to the self-pitying Starscream. Prowl, recognizing that Shockwave was relying on them to fight among themselves, decided to play things logically and took charge of the situation, organizing the treatment of the wounded, the evacuation of the survivors, and preparing a counter-strike against the Titan. While coordinating with Soundwave, he questioned whether the Decepticon understood Shockwave's logic, but Soundwave admitted he never understood Shockwave, and as Prowl scoffed at his belief that they could still defeat him, Bumblebee arrived with an injured Megatron. Furious that Bumblebee would rescue their longtime enemy, Prowl was prepared to shoot the Decepticon leader, however as they all argued, Metroplex and the ''Lost Light'' arrived via quantum jump to fight the Necrotitan. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} After greeting the ''Lost Light'' crew as they disembarked, Prowl smugly reprimanded Bumblebee for allowing Megatron to disappear with a portion of Metroplex's thumb; when Bumblebee aggressively told him to piss off and that he'd made a choice, Prowl looked smug indeed about the little guy having made a decision like he'd wanted. Luckily too, the Decepticon leader did not adandon them as Prowl thought; Megatron teleported into Metroplex's hand to give him the Regenesis ore in the thumb, allowing Metroplex to defeat the Necrotitan. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}}

[[File:TheBecoming-throw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Cybertron's hottest new sport, prick toss.]]
After reluctantly admitting that Bumblebee was right to trust Megatron, Prowl then sought out Chromedome, having realised that the mnemosurgeon had worked on him, which was what had allowed Bombshell to control him. Taunting him on the recent loss of Rewind, the pair fought, and Prowl found himself cheered on by the Constructicons until Ultra Magnus arrived to break up the fight. Magnus then gave Prowl a few choice words, pointing out that Prowl had been indirectly responsible for many problems on the ''Lost Light'', and that he had never suffered through any of his own actions. Prowl was left alone with his admirers after a final remark from Magnus citing that he was the loneliest person he had ever met and was now among like-minded company. Before too long, however, the calm was ended by the arrival of Shockwave's army of [[Ammonite]]s. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} Seeing that [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] was about to harass Metroplex, a hesitant Prowl was convinced by the Constructicons into reforming Devastator, {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} who managed to defeat the original combiner with help from the ''Lost Light''. After the fighting was over, Prowl was among the crowd who witnessed Optimus and Megatron exit the ''Lost Light'', with the Decepticon leader having defected. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

[[File:DetonationBoulevard Prowlrages.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.55|He's a splash of spittle away from going full [[Andrew Wildman|Wildman]].]]
In a meeting to discuss what to do with Megatron, Prowl urged that they simply move forward with executing him rather than go through the mockery of a trial, however it was decided that a trial would go ahead to show the public that the Autobots didn't operate outside the law. Prowl was pleased to hear Optimus appoint him prosecutor. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} As the trial progressed, Prowl had many testimonies against Megatron made, including ones from [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] and Starscream. However, when Megatron changed his plea from guilty to not guilty {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} and made clear his desire to be tried by the Knights of Cybertron, a legal loophole possible because of the trial taking place on Luna-2 where the laws were different. A group of Decepticons crashed the trial and tried to free Megatron, but the Autobots easily fought them off, with Prowl personally getting the better of [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]. As the trial saw a brief recess, Prowl insisted that they move the proceedings back to Cybertron so that Megatron's loophole wouldn't be an issue, however Ultra Magnus pointed out that they couldn't do so for their own convenience. As a result, Optimus ended up allowing Megatron to join the ''Lost Light'' in order to have the former Decepticon's fate decided by the Knights. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}}

Prowl let his fury at Optimus fly, but when Optimus pointed out that Megatron was accepting his mistakes and the wrongness of his actions, Prowl admitted that he too had been ruthless throughout the course of the war, and that Bumblebee's death was clouding his judgement. Accepting Optimus's offer to join him on another mission to Earth, Prowl hoped that he might learn more from the planet. When the Constructicons, whom Prowl had reluctantly accepted, asked if they were joining the ''Lost Light'' under Megatron, Prowl raged that he would never stand with Megatron, and told them they would be going to Earth, knowing that Optimus was making a mistake and that he would have to be there to fix things. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] attempted to discuss the result of the trial with Prowl, but Prowl instead preferred to vent his frustrations to the lonely Autobot, sarcastically stating that a bold new future awaited them. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} Before they departed, Prowl offered his opinion to Arcee on the difference between her and the Camiens, and was pleased when she asked Optimus permission to join their mission. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

===Erratic behavior===

[[File:TheMindBomb Prowlnoexecutionsyet.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
As they approached Earth, Prowl stated it was good to be home, to the confusion of Cosmos, who pointed out how personally Prowl took Spike Witwicky's betrayal. Prowl brushed aside the comment, and asked if Cosmos trusted Prime's leadership, revealing that he asked him to come along because he needed someone he can trust on the mission. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}} Arriving in Earth's orbit, the Ark-7 was immediately attacked by Cybertronian-like weapons, and Prowl protested against falling back to the moon since the humans knew they were coming. As Optimus organised a team to go to the surface aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Prowl was ordered to remain with Arcee and Sky Lynx to investigate who launched the missiles, and Arcee suspected Prowl was unhappy with being sidelined. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} As a battle between Optimus's team and the allied [[Earth Defense Command]] and Galvatron-led Decepticons erupted, Prowl sent Arcee and Sideswipe to back them up while he and Sky Lynx gathered the Constructicons. When the battle moved into the small town of [[Poverty Flat]], Prowl revealed his plan to force the Decepticons into revealing themselves, and combined with the Constructicons into Devastator, {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} thereby threatening the EDC's attempt to cover up the return of the Cybertronians. Once the EDC pulled the Decepticons out, Prowl dismissed Optimus's concerns about the recklessness of Prowl's plan and his horror at Prowl's expectation that the EDC would have executed the civilians, pointing out that he had exposed the EDC's mind bomb weapon, which was doubtlessly designed thanks to access to a Cybertronian brain, giving them a lead as to the captured Alpha Trion's location. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:IDreamOfWires ProwlandJazzvehiclemodes.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb]]
As the Autobots worked on a way to infiltrate the base, Optimus was unhappy with Prowl's presumption about leading the rescue mission, and ordered him to remain with Sky Lynx. Arcee took a moment to confide in Prowl that she thought that [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] was a spy, however Prowl wasn't concerned with that, only if she had told Optimus. After asking if she was still loyal to him, Arcee responded that she was loyal to the Autobot cause, a fact that Prowl found highly amusing. As Optimus's team started their attack, Prowl used the distraction to disembark Sky Lynx and infiltrate the base himself, where he caught up with Jazz, who had found Alpha Trion. Holding a gun to his comrade's head, he stated that Trion wasn't going anywhere, {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} and with Jazz's attention on him, pointed out the alarms set up around Alpha Trion. Having realized that the humans couldn't have used Alpha Trion to create their mind bomb in the short time he was their captive, Prowl and Jazz began searching their base for clues. When Prowl was apparently knocked out by the mind bomb, he used the connection to the EDC's mainframe, but lacking time to go through their encrypted files, took control of their weapons and take out the Decepticon worldburner. After Jazz carried him to their teammates, Prowl awoke to reveal that Scavenger's leaking of information to the Decepticons was his plan to make events play out as they did. After forming Devastator to cover the rescue of Alpha Trion, Prowl counted the mission as a complete success. While Optimus was furious about Prowl's actions and secrets, Prowl insisted that it was all justifiable in this dangerous new era.

Meanwhile, Galvatron murdered [[Sparkplug Witwicky|General Witwicky]], and claimed that Prowl had been the culprit, and was believed due [[Marissa Faireborn|Marissa Faireborn's]] awareness of the animosity between Prowl and his son. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

When Optimus and Alpha Trion journeyed to the moon for a private conversation, Prowl used a stealth-painted Cosmos to listen in as Trion explained his role in history, and of the mysterious [[Enigma of Combination]] that could allow Cybertronian's to merge located on Earth. When Alpha Trion asked whether Optimus would share this information with Prowl, due to his control of the only truly successful combiner in eons, Optimus questioned why he wouldn't share what he had learned from his friend. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:Vs ProwlchasesSpike.jpg|left|upright=1.6|thumb]]
As Prowl learned of the resurfacing of Spike Witwicky, Optimus prepared to head back to Cybertron, leaving Prowl in charge, but warned him against taking more unnecessary risks. Overcome with anger over Optimus's weakness and suffering from another nosebleed, which were getting more frequent, Prowl gathered the Constructicons and informed them that they were going after Spike {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} Believing that Spike knew of the Enigma of Combination's whereabouts, Prowl and the Constructicons took on a dangerous pursuit through the streets of Tokyo for their target. Momentarily halted in his pursuit by Arcee, who was concerned about him putting innocent humans in danger, Prowl finally managed to capture his quarry just as the Decepticons arrived, also in search of Spike.

[[File:TheObliterati-diespikedie.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Escaping to the cover of a nearby forest, Spike expected to be executed, but Prowl proclaimed that he had forgiven Spike. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} While Spike was quick to assume that it was because he was justified in defending the preservation of his own species, Prowl corrected him by saying he now understood how destructive his own race was and that they needed to be stopped. Requesting Spike's help in recovering the Enigma, Prowl and the Constructicons headed to [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]]'s facility in Wanmu. Using Spike to infiltrate and confirm the Enigma's presence, and upon hearing from Cosmos that the Decepticons were inbound, Prowl then ordered the Constructicons to combine so that they could take the Enigma, and that Spike was only a secondary target, having lied about his forgiveness. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} While Devastator did manage to retrieve the Enigma, his components' shared hatred for Spike derailed the combiner's objective, throwing the Enigma away as he attempted to squash Spike. Arcee finally managed to reach Prowl by revealing that the Enigma had been taken by [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] during his blind attack. After taking a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]] as a bonus prize, Prowl blamed the Constructicons for taking control of Devastator from him, but they pointed out Prowl was as much to blame, and Arcee suggested that Prowl find a way to explain his actions to Optimus. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

[[File:ThePossibleLight RattrapsideswithProwl.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
As he showed off the spacebridge to Jetfire, Prowl received word from Rattrap about Starscream's recent contact with the colony of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and his acquisition and use of the Enigma of Combination. Furious, Prowl contacted Optimus, demanding to know what he was thinking in allowing Starscream access to colonies, accusing Prime of not seeing the bigger picture. As Optimus terminated the call, omitting the fact that Starscream had combiners, Prowl seethed with rage at not being trusted, and decided to act himself. Having Rattrap use Metroplex's spacebridge to provide a connection to Cybertron, Prowl and the Constructicons traveled through. Seeking to prevent Starscream from achieving an empire, Prowl stated that Caminus and the other colonies would need to be cut off, ensuring the safety of the universe, even if it came at the cost of Cybertron and everyone on it. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

[[File:Mistakes&Mayhem-ProwlArested.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|CYCLOPS WAS RIGHT.]]

Interrupting the clean-up on Caminus, Prowl and Constructicons formed Devastator and ordered all Cybertronians to return through the space bridge, but [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]'s protest and [[Sparkstalker]]'s refusal led to Devastator opening fire. After besting Superion once again and dragging him through the spacebridge to Cybertron, the Prowl-controlled-Devastator stated that he was doing what was necessary and began destroying the spacebridge. Optimus tried to convince Starscream and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] that Prowl could be reasoned with, but Starscream used the Enigma of Combination to heal Superion and force the "[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]" to merge into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and together both combiners defeated Devastator. While Starscream sought Prowl's death, Optimus and Windblade managed to convince him otherwise, but as Prowl was arrested and dragged off, Prowl raged that Starscream would never change and Optimus was playing with fire. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}}

When Optimus visited the imprisoned Prowl to talk over recent events, Prowl was unconvinced by Prime's attempts to put a system in place to curb Starscream's ambition, and pointed out that Starscream still needed the combiners on his side since Superion and Defensor were likely more loyal to Optimus, and would likely recruit Devastator. Believing that Prowl had been twisted by numerous betrayals he feels he has suffered, Prowl retorted that Optimus could include himself in that list. As Prowl insisted that he has always been the one to make the tough calls Optimus couldn't, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] broke free and formed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], starting a battle between him, Superion, Defensor and a Scoop-included Devastator. When Rattrap arrived with the Enigma of Combination, Prowl ordered him to use it, forcing Prowl, Optimus, Ironhide, Mirage and Sunstreaker to form [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|a new combiner]], who quickly confronted the other combiners and stated that it was time for him to take control. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}}

[[File:NowAndOnEarth-PrimePunchesProwl.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=1.025|Prowl's had this coming for how long now?]]

Devastator recognized that Prowl was in control of the new combiner, due to his previous experience in combining, and was furious that he had been rejected by his former component for an upgrade. Suddenly the combiner collapsed as Prowl began fighting his fellow components for control within the combiner's psyche. One by one, Optimus, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Mirage rallied, refusing to look at the world only as numbers and statistics the way Prowl does, instead sharing their belief in the power of people that can change and be there to help one another. Synchronized by this shared belief, their minds slowly came together, and while Prowl refused to accept their way of thinking, his refusal was what allowed him to finally understand them, and in that understanding, all five were unified and Optimus Maximus was truly born. Alongside Superion and Defensor, Optimus Maximus defeated the other combiners, and then willingly separated himself so that Prowl could be arrested, knowing they could not be above the law. {{storylink|All That Remains}}

With Prowl now in custody, Optimus hoped that he could talk some sense into his old ally. Prowl simply replied that morality had nothing to do with military strategy, and that spending time as Devastator meant that he could no longer tell the difference between himself and the Decepticons. The two former friends finally came to blows, although Prowl's knowledge that a part of him would always exist within Prime convinced the Autobot leader to spare his life. However while Optimus's back was turned, Rattrap spirited Prowl away; with both their plans having failed, he stated that Prowl owed him a victory. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}} Prowl was branded a fugitive for his actions, and wanted signs were scattered throughout Iacon. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}
{{-}}

=== Gone Too Far ===
[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers2-ProwlWebbedUp.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Prowl's web of lies have come back to bind him, literally.]]
Prowl received a message from Verity Carlo, who had a copy of the Aequitas data and threatened to release it. Getting to Earth quickly by utilizing his mind link to Kup, Prowl prepared to confront Verity in Nome, Alaska when he suddenly was attacked and kidnapped by [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]]. When Prowl woke up, he was in a strange landscape which attacked his sensors, and lost consciousness again as Mesothulas welcomed him to the Noisemaze. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Mesothulas briefly locked his old friend in a [[positive reinforcement prison]], where Prowl dreamt that his recent actions had resulted in a utopian peacetime Cybertron and Optimus thanked him for his pragmatism. Prowl awoke to find himself trapped in a giant web. Recognising his captor's voice, Prowl asked what Mesothulas wanted, though the scientist responded that he no longer answered to that name and stated that Prowl had something he wanted, threatening to expose his dirty secrets. Once he was alone, Prowl used his mind-link to Kup to address the recently awakened Springer and the Wreckers, fully exposing his manipulation of the older bot, but explained as much as he could about his situation before being cut off.

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers3-Tarantulas'FinalOffer.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Say it, don't web-spray it.]]Mesothulas then returned, revealing his possession of the Aequitas data Verity had had, resigning Prowl to agree to talk. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}} Mesothulas then fully revealed himself to Prowl, shocking the Autobot with his new form, and his new name, Tarantulas. Prowl suspected that Tarantulas had come to the conclusion that he had pushed him into the Noisemaze, and intended to use the war crimes data from Aequitas to blackmail him as revenge. However, Tarantulas merely wished to work with Prowl again, to recreate the symbiosis of their original relationship. When Prowl refused, he was placed in the company of his would-be rescuers: Verity, Springer, Roadbuster, and Arcee, and forced to watch as their most shameful, damning thoughts were bared to him thanks to Tarantulas's new invention, the guilt-extracting [[Impetus]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

Prowl tried to reason with [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]], whom Tarantulas had recruited as a mole within the Autobots, but the intelligence analyst had been infuriated by his early-releasing of Roadbuster, and verbally tore into Prowl for his various crimes. At that moment, Verity revealed that she had not intended to release Aequitas, but had only wanted to force Prowl to help treat her for the illness caused by her exposure to Aequitus, and Prowl lamented that he wished she had just asked. Before Tarantulas could hook him up to Impetus, Prowl attempted to make the scientist give up on another partnership by claiming that he had killed Ostaros, though this failed. At that moment, Kup used their connection to inform him that rescue was on its way, but only because of Prowl's value and not because he deserved to be saved. Finally convincing Hubcap not to release the Aequitas data, the analyst freed him and the other captives. Prowl pulled a gun on Hubcap, believing he had too much incriminating data to be allowed to live. Hubcap pleaded for his life, arguing that killing him would only continue the cycle of violence and secrecy that has resulted in their current situation. Though Prowl was swayed by Hubcap's logic, Impactor believed it was too great a risk and shot Hubcap. Insisting that they destroy all of Taratulas' work, Prowl and the others began preparing to collapse the Noisemaze, just as Tarantulas returned. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers5-kuppunchesprowl.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|YOU punch a car! And YOU punch a car! EVERYBODY PUNCH A CAR!!!]]
After failing once more to convince his former partner to give up, Prowl listened as Impactor revealed the truth of what happened, at which point Tarantulas realised Springer was Ostaros and went after him. Ordered by the Wrecker to get out of the maze, Prowl prepared to force [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]] to consume the [[Obtenteum]] in order to collapse the Noisemaze. After meeting up with Kup and Guzzle, the former got in a good hit on Prowl's jaw for his manipulations of him, and Guzzle took care of Tidal Wave. However once they escaped into Debris, Guzzle pulled his weapons on Prowl and Kup, determined to take revenge for the friends he had lost because of them, forcing Impactor to put him down. Later, Prowl went back into the remains of the Noisemaze to rescue the still-alive Springer, and severed his link with Kup. Neither Kup nor Arcee wanted to deal with him further, and decided to let Prowl go for the time being, yet not informing Optimus about the crisis either. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}}

When Optimus annexed Earth into the Council of Worlds and broadcast a message, Prowl watched and refuted his former friend's claim that he was bringing freedom to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

His initial excursion to Earth was remembered by [[Scarlett]] and [[Joe Colton]] as they discussed the threat the Cybertronians posed to Earth. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}}

After [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] came back to life, casually murdered people and kidnapped Optimus and Soundwave via a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]], Arcee contacted Prowl, who knew exactly where his old boss would go. {{storylink|White Light}}

[[File:TenToMidnight-ProwlStrugglesToRemember.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|With all the wrongs he's done lately, it's easy to believe he might not remember his wrongdoings from only a few years ago.]]
That place was [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] where Prowl suspected Sentinel would try to raise the graveyard of Titans as the former Prime had dreamed of using a Titan army before the Great War began. When Prowl arrived on the moon, he was attacked by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] for [[Garrus-9]] before [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] held back his boss. It was only after that Prowl actually recalled the Garrus-9 fiasco before he warned them and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] of great danger to Luna 1. Prowl explained Sentinel's return to life, that Titan plan and that he himself was here to deactivate Luna 1's spacebridge. The trio, specifically Red Alert, were skeptical of Prowl's words before [[Beak]] arrived with proof of Prowl's claims which led Red to believe he was stalling them and working with Sentinel. Nonetheless, the four Autobots set out to stop the Prime. On the way Prowl spoke to Max about the [[Team Rodimus]] and the fact that the ''[[Lost Light]]'' was non-responsive to hails. Their trail led them to the [[Planetary engine|massive engines]] which prompted Max to question Sentinel's age if he knew exactly where and what they were. When they arrived to confront Sentinel in a Titan's brain module, they found the unwilling [[Sovereign]] strapped to the giant's CPU from which the other Titans rose up. Before any action could be taken, Sentinel took control of Red Alert who shot Prowl into stasis. {{storylink|Ten to Midnight}}

[[File:LastLight-Prowl'sStaying.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Prick 2: Return of the Prick.]]
As Sentinel gloated, Cerebros placed a shell on Prowl that allowed the former to control his motor functions. He used this to hit Sentinel over the head with a [[Mobile Autobot Repair Bay|M.A.R.B.]] before the three Autobots escaped. When Prowl awoke, he was dismayed to learn what Cerebros had done and that he was being left out the loop for once. Max and Cerebros planned to use the body of the Titan they were based in to stop Sentinel's army but the [[Transformation cog|T-Cog]] was stuck in place. Prowl casually used his table flipping skills to manually complete the transformation. While Maximus fought off the Titan army, Prowl and Cerebros confronted Sentinel who promptly shot them both down where he tried to force Red Alert to execute Prowl. Red Alert managed to break free and separate Sentinel's [[Titan Master]] self from his true body. Sentinel would have forced Red to kill himself had Beak not pushed the Prime into one of the thrusters. Prowl asked how deep the thrusters were (one and a half miles) before casually noting that Sentinel was dead. Prowl later took Sovereign back to Earth before deciding to stay on Luna-1 and to take a long overdue sabbatical. He sympathized with Maximus over his fears of change and endings before an alert came through pertaining to information regarding the ''Lost Light''. However the message seemed to just be gibberish and the quartet ignored it before they resumed cleaning the Titan's T-Cog. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} At some point, Prowl received a final message from Springer after the Wrecker entered the [[Timemaze]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

===Maximal Hunter===
[[File:TheDeadComeHomePart1 TeamProwl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|"Right. Now we're in trouble. And it's only just beginning."]]
To combat the threat of the [[Maximal]]s, Prowl began gathering forces of his own. He located [[Stardrive]], the Camien Triple-Changer who formerly served with the [[Solstar Order]], as well as [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Garnak]]. He unearthed the long forgotten [[vamparc ribbon]] and other weapons confiscated from Zeta Prime after his fall. He also led his allies to [[Regalis V]], where they confronted a group of Maximals attacking the [[Throttlebot]]s, missing since the [[Surge (event)|Surge]] ten years prior. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} Prowl also began corresponding with [[Pyra Magna]], the [[Torchbearer]] standing by Optimus's side who had similar misgivings about Prime's direction. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} When Starscream was reflecting on his own history, he recalled Prowl being present when Orion Pax allied with Megatron to take down Zeta Prime. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]'s return to Cybertron, the ''[[Peaceful Revolution]]'' began tracking the flight path of the Maximal Titan, [[Nemesis (BWII)|Nemesis]]. As they followed, Stardrive became aware of a great danger facing [[Elonia]] with Prowl telling her not to become distracted by her past (she wasn't, she just felt she should pass on the news). By tracking Nemesis, the ''Peaceful Revolution'' made its way to [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] in time for the colony to come under assault from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. Though they tried to defend the planet, the sheer number of Maximals forced them to retreat. Patched through to Optimus, Prowl reported on their inability to save the world but that he'd deduced Unicron's next target was likely [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and that Optimus should consider baiting a trap for their foe there. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

By analyzing the data, Prowl soon concluded that Cybertron was a lost cause and that the final battle for the fate of their universe would be on [[Earth]]. When Stardrive informed him that Unicron had arrived at Cybertron (seven minutes later than Prowl predicted), the tactician ordered a course set for Earth. No sooner had the ''Peaceful Revolution'' emerged in [[Jupiter]] space, did Unicron teleport himself into the solar system. Prowl quickly called Optimus, who'd evacuated their species to Earth, that the Chaos Bringer was bearing down on Earth. {{storylink|Road's End}}

After picking up some straggling members of Prime's crew, {{storylink|A Sunrise Dark}} Prowl directed the ''Peaceful Revolution'' to the [[Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park]] to meet up with everyone else where he told [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] that the reason Unicron was causing the stars to go out was its assimilation of the supermassive [[black hole]] it once orbited. As part of the final plan to save the universe, Prowl was sent to [[Toronto]] to confront Shockwave. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

[[File:Ceremony ProwlandShockwavefaith.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|It's like looking in an ugly, purple mirror.]]
Breaking into the [[CN Tower]], Prowl saved Shockwave from being slain by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] before he dragged him outside so Stardrive could interface with the cyclopean scientist. Though Shockwave tried to have Prowl abandon his plan, Prowl retorted that "faith" did not require deities as it was merely a synonym for inner strength. Once Optimus's sacrifice destroyed Unicron, Prowl and Stardrive hauled Shockwave away, before taking a moment to bask in the sunlight of their new world. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

At [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'s order, Prowl made his way to "New Cybertron", partly to make sure the planet could sustain itself, but mainly so he could turn Megatron over to the [[Galactic Council]] for trial, in the hopes that the Cybertronian race could join the organization. After allowing the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew the luxury of one "victory lap" around the galaxy, Prowl oversaw Megatron's incarceration in [[Garrus-10]] until the trial could be held. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

Some time later, back on Earth, Prowl visited the incarcerated Shockwave on ''Lemuria''. Having little sympathy for the scientist's identity crisis, he bluntly told Shockwave that people would forever be defined by their actions, not their intentions, perhaps finally coming to terms with his own tainted past. {{storylink|Post}}

[[File:Post ProwlLearnsHisLesson.jpg|center|thumb|upright=0.55|''I Am Prick'' authored by Prowl of Petrex.]]
{{--}}

==INSIRT continuity==
Long ago on Cybertron, [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#INSIRT continuity|Chromedome]] served in the [[Autobot Police]] and harbored an interest in the field of mnemosurgery. Over time, he was able to use his highly decorated partner Prowl's status to pursue his interest in mnemosurgery, developing the ability to extract information directly from a suspect's mind. {{storylink|Chromedome (G1)#Timelines|''Timelines'' Chromedome bio card}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
[[File:AHM 1cvrEXCL.jpg|left|upright=0.9|thumb|I think this is a killing joke!]]
In [[Primax 708.10-R Lambda]], [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] cracked the codes to an Autobot forward listening outpost. He walked in, shot Prowl, and then laughed and took a photo of what he had done. Prowl would be unable to transform for many stellar cycles. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/06}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Prowl-Andrew Griffith-RiDS1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
* [[James Roberts]] stated that pre-war Prowl and Chromedome had a, ah, "stronger bond" than just being partners.<ref>[http://theunderbase.libsyn.com/the-underbase-deconstructs-shadowplay "The Underbase Podcast Deconstructs Shadowplay"], 17:17 - 14:58</ref> This would put their tension in the present day as more personal than we thought (and Rewind's constant insults against Prowl as being the new boyfriend having a go at the crappy ex).
* According to IDW story editor [[Andy Schmidt]], ''[[Ride-Along|Spotlight: Prowl]]'' was originally going to be told in [[The Transformers (IDW)|the ongoing series]]. But when fans reacted badly to Prowl's characterization in [[...For All Mankind|the first issue of that series]], IDW decided to jump the gun and publish the story early as a ''Spotlight''.<ref>[http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1002/19/schmidt.htm Comics Continuum video interview with Andy Schmidt]</ref> It is intended to reconcile his new, rashly self-sacrificial portrayal with the methodical, vehemently anti-hotheaded-maverick personality he [[The Transformers: Infiltration|had]] [[The Transformers: Escalation|exhibited]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 15|previously]]. But that reconciliation doesn't actually address the core concern of many of those upset fans, who wanted not just explanation, but ''reversion'' to the subversive schemer that Prowl had recently developed into.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=7345 IDW forum thread practically begging for Prowl's new characterization to be undone.]</ref> John Barber eventually saw fit to explain this snapback in [[Devisive|''Robots in Disguise'' #4]].
*Prowl was one of the characters whom both [[James Roberts]] and [[John Barber]] wanted for their respective books,<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=309188#309188 James Roberts:] As for the divvying up, we both started off with two or three characters that had been dictated – actually, that’s the wrong word – by IDW editorial, then came up with a core cast wish list. There were only a few clashes. I would have liked Prowl and Wheeljack and I think John would have liked Magnus and Ratchet. We compromised.</ref> perhaps unsurprisingly explaining his significant guest role in MtMtE/LL.
* Prowl's design in the first "season" of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' is based on a [[:File:BluestreakWFCconceptart.jpg|concept drawing of ''War for Cybertron'' Bluestreak]] that never made its way into the game.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Strategists]]

Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-04T18:49:43Z

GlamAttack: /* Lessons from Earth */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|Prowl the existentially-cross table-flipping pragmatist|Prowl the [[Predabot]]|Dent}}{{suite}}
[[File:Prowl-Infiltration2&3covers.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|My prickitude [[Shane McCarthy|fluctuates]] [[Nick Roche|wildly]] [[Mike Costa|between]] [[John Barber|writers]].]]
Pragmatist. Calculating and cold. Rule-bound. Prickly. Just some of the words used to describe '''Prowl''', and that's by those he'd consider allies! To him, the war is nothing but a maddening confluence of factors he cannot control, despite his impressive strategic acumen and dedication to logic. That doesn't stop him from trying though, and Prowl secretly moves [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|players]] and [[Ironfist (G1)|pawns]] across his own personal chess board in an attempt to expand his influence and produce the results he desires. Prowl always believes he's serving the greater good through these morally-gray manipulations, but he's sometimes uncaring of the harm he causes to his own comrades and the increasingly-fewer people he'd call friends.

His inherent ruthlessness is so well known that even when he's been under [[Bombshell (G1)|enemy mind control]], or negatively influenced by [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|other outside means]], those closest to him have barely noticed a difference in Prowl's behavior. On occasion, Prowl will find his conscience again and attempt to change his nature, but these self-reinventions seldom take for very long. Prowl's crossed lines that most people don't even know exist and despite his intentions, he's learned time and again that he'll ultimately be judged by his harsh actions.

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Infiltration issue 1|''Transformers: Infiltration'' #1]]

{{quote|We're not winning this war, and I'm '''''tired''''' of it. Tired of crunching stat after stat, formulating workable strategies for '''''achievable victory'''''. Prime listens--to a point--then gets '''''restless''''' and changes tack on a whim. The average Autobot default setting is daredevil maverick. That's not '''''us''''', [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]]. '''''We''''' can subdivide this war into its purest mathematical form and generate solutions all we want, but unless we happen to be [[Spotlight: Hot Rod|'''''surfing''''' on a '''''meteoroid''''']] at the time, '''''no one''''' will pay attention.|Prowl|"[[All Hail Megatron issue 15#Everything in Its Right Place|Everything in Its Right Place]]"}}
__TOC__
==Fiction==
===From cop to soldier===
[[File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|"Uh-huh, uh-huh... and what's it called when a smartass cop gets his spark extinguished while he's recharging?"]]
Prowl of [[Petrex]] was [[Reproduction|constructed cold]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} He learned to appreciate rules and discipline during his formative years in Petrex, a strictly [[functionism|functionist]] town where saying anything bad about your [[alternate mode]] could get you thrown in jail. He eventually made it into the [[Iaconian Mechaforensic Division]], where he became famous for his tendency to order a full body autopsy during practically every investigation. This is exactly what he did when he and his partner [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Tumbler]] were assigned to investigate the assassination of [[Sherma|Senator Sherma]], seemingly killed by Decepticons, leading to the discovery of [[cerulean glass]] on the victim's body. Following the trail to [[Translucentica Heights]], the duo ran straight into another body: that of [[Momus|Senator Momus]]. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Prowl computing Patternism.jpg|right|upright=1.55|thumb|"Shut up." "I didn't say anything." "You were ''thinking'', it's ''annoying''."]]
As Tumbler went after the killer, Prowl investigated the crime scene and found that Momus had in fact been a Decepticon himself... and also that there was a ''second'' killer, who promptly attacked them. Inexperienced in combat, Prowl could do little to fight back, but the two were rescued by a fellow cop named [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] who believed the [[Senate]] to be targeting Decepticons. Pax suggested that they avoid reporting their findings to their superiors, but Prowl ignored him in favor of regular police procedure, which much to his chagrin led to his preliminary report being quoted as fact on the news. Sent by Pax to investigate a nearby [[Relinquishment Clinic]], he and Tumbler not only found proof that the killers had been using borrowed bodies, but also a complex dedicated to researching [[brain module]]s and a list of known Decepticons. While Tumbler, Orion Pax and several others believed that the clinic was the [[Institute]] and that the Senate was planning to use it to brainwash the Decepticons, Prowl rejected this as a far-fetched conspiracy theory. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} He refused to have any part in Pax's plan to stop the Senate's evil plot, but worried about his partner's choice to join in. He asked Pax to keep Tumbler out of danger, and in exchange he wouldn't tell anyone what they were planning. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:MegatronOrigin2 boredAutobots.jpg|left|thumb|And remember to fill out those TPS reports.]]
Following the rise of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Prowl joined the Autobot Security Services in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], working right under Sentinel. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 1|Megatron Origin #1}} Prowl's goal was to work against Sentinel's corrupt system from the inside, and he often talked Sentinel out of carrying out his destructive plans. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} However, becoming part of that system (even just for subversive reasons) resulted in the end of his close relationship with Tumbler. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}} Tumbler would eventually become [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]], and Prowl would forever be made the butt of jokes by Chromedome's future [[Conjunx Endura]] [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]: usually featuring fictional instances of Prowl being beaten up. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} Prowl accompanied Sentinel Prime for the inspection of a mine on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]]. There, they first saw [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] and were dismissive of his odd behavior. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s rise as the most popular and violent pit fighter in videos of Kaon's illegal [[gladiatorial combat]] attracted Prowl's attention, and he formed an Autobot Security Services team to crack down on them, though to the chagrin of his fellow officers, he tended to blather on about his theories about how somebody was making a fortune distributing on these inexpensive to produce videos. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

After the murder of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], Sentinel and Prowl led a security forces deployment that arrested many of Megatron's pit fighters and those that they were attempting to recruit. Prowl personally attached the [[inhibitor claw]] to Megatron once he was overwhelmed by security forces. While processing the prisoners, he delivered the galling news that due to [[Ratbat (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|senate orders]], Soundwave was to be freed without charge. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Unfortunately, it was all part of Megatron's mad plans. He allowed himself and his men to be captured so Starscream could feign turning coat and murder the senate members who questioned him. During the ensuing jail break that devastated the [[Security Services Headquarters|Security Team HQ]] and following street battle, Prowl lost his usual cool composure in the face of such onslaught and looked to Sentinel Prime for directions. When Prime left to face Megatron personally and was brutally defeated, it was Prowl who took control and ordered the evacuation of security forces from Kaon. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

During Sentinel's state funeral, Prowl made a public announcement that the Decepticons had desecrated Sentinel's body and stolen his head. {{storylink|The Last Autobot|The Last Autobot}}

[[File:DanceAmongTheShadows JetfirepunchesProwl.jpg|right|upright=1.6|thumb|Yeah...get used to this, Prowl.]]
When [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] rose to power, Prowl took an interest in keeping watch on those in power. Orion Pax eventually brought him [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] who had been arrested for assaulting an officer of the law. Prowl was ready to dismiss them until Pax brought up the death of [[Hefter]], an act done by corrupt policemen gaining Prowl's interest. When the police mech interrogated Jetfire, the Decepticon started a fist fight which Prowl easily won before he convinced him that he and Pax wanted to help. He was able to deduced from Jetfire's words that no one had told Jetfire to attack Pax but someone had told him ''about'' him. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}} Jetfire led the two to [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] who stoically denied any and all accusations about the gun-running scheme. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}} With the investigation going nowhere, Prowl released the flier from custody who responded by socking him in the jaw as part of an act to lure the gun-runners out of hiding. Meeting with Pax and Jetfire at [[Cosmic Carnival]] site, Jetfire turned over the [[ion blaster]] to clear Hefter's name and revealed he knew when and where the next shipment would be. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows}} To keep an optic on events, Prowl then outfitted Jetfire with a wire. The two learnt that Soundwave was fully aware fo the weapons which destroyed any sympathy Orion had for the Decepticons. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} Prowl and Pax then followed Jetfire's signal, leading to a firefight against the Decepticons that ended in the entire shipment of weapons being destroyed. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}} Prowl simply went right back to work and expressed surprise that Jetfire had taken up Pax's offer to work with them. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}}

After the [[Tygun factory]] had been destroyed in a bombing, a bot named [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] turned himself in for the crime, claiming nightmares had driven him to it. A skeptical Prowl ordered Jetfire to scan the room, finding that an outside signal was being broadcasted into Bumblebee's processor. Pax and Prowl tracked the signal and found the Decepticons responsible. In the following firefight, it was revealed Bumblebee had followed them and lunged at Soundwave only to be forced off. As the facility began to fall apart, Prowl grabbed Bumblebee and ran out. As the three watched the hideout go up in flames, Bumblebee asked if he could have a job with them. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Prowl was with Orion Pax and his fellow officers when they busted [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] for dealing [[simultronic]]s to customers. {{storylink|Post}} They busted Swindle AGAIN after finding him overseeing a gun-running operation. By this point, Orion Pax was becoming disillusioned with policing Iacon's streets and Prowl had to talk him out of strong-arming the Decepticon. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers3-ProwlAntiRadArmor.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Prowl was among the arresting officers who took down [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] when he began [[Roadbuster affair|brutalizing his cadets]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} Prowl began working with the non-aligned scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)|Mesothulas]] in secret. Mesothulas saw their relationship as symbiotic—Prowl's imagination would feed into Mesothulas's desire to make the impossible real, and vice versa. Their partnership resulted in many frightening advancements, such as stasis bullets, spark extraction, and Decepti-bombs. The successful utilization of the latter resulted in Decepticons being blamed for the destruction of the neutral city [[Carpessa]], which allowed Prowl to recruit the survivors into the Autobots. Mesothulas also contributed the idea of the [[Aequitas]] computer, though Prowl reported that High Command were concerned with the ethics of the guilt-detecting supercomputer. Prowl eventually began to have very strong doubts about the ethics involved with Mesothulas's inventions, particularly after the revelation of his latest creations, the [[Noisemaze]], and an artificial Cybertronian life-form called Ostaros. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

Prowl quietly made a deal with [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] where in he would dispose of Mesothulas by pushing the scientist into the Noisemaze and destroy all of his inventions, including Ostaros. However, Impactor could not bring himself to eliminate Ostaros, and told Prowl to do his own dirty work if he wanted it done. Prowl, however, could not kill him either, and instead had the artificial Cybertronian enlisted in the Autobots under the name [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} Prowl and Impactor decided to have Springer mentored by [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], both believing that it would be best for the young 'bot's moral character. Prowl gave Kup a "need-to-know" version of Springer's backstory and introduced the pair to each other. Kup's tutelage of the lad did indeed produce a valued and notable Autobot hero in Springer, something that both Prowl and Impactor secretly took pride in. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}} Prowl would later create an automatic recording for the possibility of him ever being compromised, in which case he wanted Springer to be the one to rescue him from whatever misfortune he found himself in. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Impactor would later call in his favour with Prowl to have Roadbuster released after he had served minimum rehab. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:HuntForSoundwave Prowlvehicle.jpg|right|upright=1.5|thumb|The Prickmobile.]]
As the Decepticon movement began to spread across Cybertron, Prowl became a member of Orion Pax's Autobot counter-insurgency unit. He participated in a mission to arrest Swindle as he was selling weapons to terrorists in [[Nyon]]. {{storylink|Law and Disorder}} Not long afterwards he helped hunt down Decepticon spy Soundwave, but was dealt with by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] who collapsed the [[Neurospan Bridge]] on him. {{storylink|The Hunt for Soundwave}} Prowl was later present when Orion and his team discussed an offer from Megatron to talk, and if such a peaceful meeting were even possible. {{storylink|Post}} When Bumblebee was held hostage by the Decepticons to force Orion to attend the meeting, Prowl and the rest of the team came as back up, bailing Orion and Bumblebee out. {{storylink|Cause and Effect}}

On a mission from Zeta Prime to arrest the insurgent [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], Orion Pax's team traveled to Nyon's [[Acropolex]], where Prowl noted that their target seemingly wasn't trying to kill them and also mentioned being a believer in the [[Matrix of Leadership]] unlike [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|some people]]. At the heart of the Acropolex, the Autobots found that Hot Rod just wanted to show them multiple tanks full of energon drained from Nyon's populace to power Zeta Prime's war machines. He asked Orion Pax to join him against Prime's tyranny, though Prowl voiced his disapproval of officers joining the insurgents against their own government. {{storylink|Ruins}} He seemingly changed his mind as soon as Zeta Prime began directly assaulting Nyon. To distract Zeta's [[Guardian robot|Omega Destructor]]s while Hot Rod evacuated the city, Orion Pax and Prowl acted as bait and drew one of the Destructors into a trap, but failed to harm it and were defeated by Zeta Prime himself. {{storylink|Purge}} The Autobots' lives were saved by Megatron, who took them to Kaon for repairs and negotiated an alliance with Orion. {{storylink|Choices}}

[[File:Prowl Autocracy12 Endgame.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|This is my "up to something" face.]]
Together with their new allies, Prowl and the others attacked Zeta Prime's [[Citadel]] and put an end to his rule. Unsurprisingly, the Decepticons then betrayed them. {{storylink|Overthrown}} Prowl was among those captured under Megatron's new rule, but escaped alongside his cellmates [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]], Springer, and Kup. They followed Orion Pax's ID signal to the ruins of Nyon, where they were shocked to learn that he had acquired the Matrix and become Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Rise}} When Optimus had to make a rallying call for more allies for their cause, Prowl cut the news-feed for the message to get carried out. He then participated in the assault against the Citadel. {{storylink|Broadcast}} After the battle, Prowl showed Optimus the armory that Zeta Prime had hidden in the [[Undergrid]], suggesting that they could use the weapons within against the Decepticons, but Optimus refused this and ordered them destroyed. {{storylink|Endgame}} While outwardly complying with Prime's order, Prowl instead secretly stashed the private arsenal away for a "rainy day". {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}}

Not long after Optimus's rise to leadership, Prowl aided him in responding to an attack on the [[Toraxxis mega-refinery]]. {{storylink|Rage (IDW)|Rage}} During the [[Exodus (event)|Exodus]], his security unit was in charge of upholding order at Iacon's [[Starsreach Spaceport]], but growing tensions led to rioting among those who couldn't afford their way off the planet. Prowl called in Optimus Prime to calm the rioters, only to be pulled into combat when the Decepticons attacked the spaceport. {{storylink|Massacre}} After [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] had chased off the attackers, Prowl watched him and the other [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] leave Cybertron. {{storylink|Unleashed}} He later participated in the Autobot defensive strategy against a rampaging [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Annihilation}}

[[File:ALonelyPillarOnThePlain ProwlVShockwave.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Is it better to be prickishly logical or logically prickish?]]
During an all-out Decepticon assault on Iacon, Prowl suggested the Autobots retreat to avoid being overwhelmed by Megatron's new [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] allies, but was ordered by Prime to hold the line. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} He continued to fight until Prime transmitted a holographic message telling all combatants that he had defeated Megatron and that the battle was over. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}} The captive Megatron was violently busted out of Autobot imprisonment soon thereafter, but Optimus hoped that Megatron would perhaps now be more amenable to reason in the future, much to Prowl's consternation. {{storylink|Post}}

Prowl led a group of Autobots to [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] where they were met by Decepticons led by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]. The two squads clashed over Junkion's gravimetric core with either Shockwave or Prowl eventually giving the order to detonate the core and destroy the planet completely. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

Four million years ago, Prowl was working directly under Optimus Prime as the Autobots fought to prevent the Decepticons from bringing fresh energon supplies to the war effort. While Optimus went after the energon convoy himself, Prowl held the line with Hound and the others to prevent the Decepticons from getting hold of the latest city they had targeted. In the aftermath, Prowl congratulated Prime for capturing the convoy without having to fire a shot. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

At some point during the war, Prowl tried to desert and escape the war on board the ''[[Peaceful Resolution]]''. It was shot down before reaching orbit, and he realized he had to help win the war instead of running from it. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

Half a million years ago, during the Decepticon's siege on Metroplex, Prowl protested Optimus's illogical decision to enter the battlefield himself, and found himself backed up by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who suggested taking Metroplex out of the equation. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} As he and Bumblebee watched the Titan depart Cybertron, Prowl grumbled that while it was necessary, the war itself was illogical, and that the reactive actions of Optimus were not the kind of leadership the Autobots needed, but rather someone like him who could plan for everything. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5-atrocityafteratrocity.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
After the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility had been established, Prowl was among the law enforcement Autobots who endured Aequitas' guilt-detecting trials of ''Autobot'' [[Flame (Marvel)|criminals]] who inflicted unspeakable horrors on civilians and other non-combatants. Prowl and other luminaries such as [[Chief Justice]] [[Solomus|Tyrest]], [[Xaaron]] and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] agreed that the trials would remain a secret until the final verdict was cast, then it would be full disclosure, regardless of the damage to morale and the Autobots' political standing. {{Storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}} Prowl would later have concerns about Tyrest's state-of-mind following the Aequitas trials, and he would try to utilize [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Getaway]] to have the unstable Tyrest retire using a [[Institute|New Institute]] "[[nudge gun]]" to alter his memory. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

Some 20,000 years ago, Prowl was given command of the ''[[Ark-19]]''. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

===Earth Unit===
[[File:Infiltration3 Prowl saveit.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Talk to the hand, the prick ain't listening.]]
In the early 21st century, Prowl was the leader of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency led by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and blindly following the Autobot rules of counterinsurgency. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 1|Infiltration #1}} {{storylink|Infiltration issue 2|Infiltration #2}} He almost threw [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] in the brig for breaking cover to rescue three humans from the Decepticons, and subsequently refused to contact [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] until further evidence of enemy activities was uncovered. He did not willingly believe Ratchet when the medic told him that the Decepticons had stepped up their presence by constructing a [[Infiltration protocol|second base]]. However, [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] ended up sending a pulsewave transmission to Optimus Prime behind Prowl's back. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}} Prowl was forced to face reality when Megatron arrived on Earth to confront Starscream, {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5|Infiltration #5}} and he finally agreed to call in Optimus Prime. Thing was, Prime had already arrived. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

When Springer ordered several Autobots on a lethal mission to rescue the damaged and deranged Kup from [[Tsiehshi]], Prowl evidently helped conceal Springer's efforts from Optimus. However, he still felt it was a misguided effort, asking Springer if Kup would want other Autobots killed rescuing him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

Prowl went with the Autobots to investigate Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. There they discovered a heavily shielded "array" that the Decepticons were using as a base. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} After a skirmish with the [[human]]s that were present there, they teamed up with them to shut down the [[Psycho-Prism]] human mind altering device the Decepticons had fortified inside the array. The Decepticons attacked. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}} During the fight, [[Luke Cage]] and Ratchet discovered a weak spot in the array's defenses and went in. Prowl followed to make sure Ratchet didn't put human interests ahead of Autobot interests, but the human [[Spider-Man]] was held captive inside, so Prowl gave in and let Ratchet and Luke Cage attempt a rescue.

Prowl found the Psycho-Prism guarded by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Doctor Doom]]. Doctor Doom zapped him into unconsciousness. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}} He awoke next to Ratchet to find Spider-Man had been freed by Doctor Doom, who had switched sides. Prowl and Ratchet decided to use the Decepticons' [[mirror response mode]] equipment to boost their power with Spider-Man's superhuman abilities. [[Wolverine (Marvel)|Wolverine]] arrived with Jazz and Bumblebee and suggested they use his abilities instead. They did, then [[orbital jump|orbital bounced]] with Spider-Man back to the battle outside, where their added strength helped defeat Megatron. Wolverine, Jazz, and Bumblebee stayed to destroy the Psycho-Prism. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

[[File:Escalation6 Prowl MYTURF.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Yeah, let the irresponsible loner look after the MacGuffin. Good call.]]
After [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] was kidnapped by [[Machination|a mysterious group of humans]], {{storylink|Escalation issue 1|Escalation #1}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} Prowl was still obsessed with the rules of the counterinsurgency war and thus did not understand why Optimus Prime requested reinforcements to Earth. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2|Escalation #2}} Prowl was furious when Ironhide dared to go around him and volunteer himself to track down clues on Sunstreaker's disappearance, and subsequently forced him to stay behind while the Autobots not on his grievance list left for [[Brasnya]] to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3|Escalation #3}} When everything kicked off in the former [[Russia|Soviet]] nation, Prowl led [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] (and later [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]) into battle, attempting to capture [[Georgi Koska]], a Decepticon [[Facsimile construct|facsimile]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4|Escalation #4}} He clashed with Hot Rod over the capture of Koska as both of them were of equal rank, {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}} but when Optimus Prime was temporarily offline and believed dead, Prowl assumed full command and came up with a strategy for fighting Megatron (shoot him, then run away). {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

Under orders from Optimus, Prowl oversaw the moving of ''[[Ark-19]]'' to a more secure location. He turned to Prime rather than order the launch on his own discretion. (Prime had to order him to use his own discretion.) {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} When [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] blew them out of the sky, Optimus took command of the situation until the ''Ark-19'' was destroyed. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}}

Once on the ''[[Ark-32]]'', Prowl found that, due to injuries from the battle with Sixshot {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} and separate missions, he and Hardhead were the only active Autobots. He was mildly annoyed that Optimus Prime and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] were otherwise preoccupied during this crisis. He was then shocked when Optimus abruptly ordered their unit to withdraw from Earth to handle a situation at the [[Garrus-9]] secure facility. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}}

Optimus Prime and Prowl met with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] on Garrus-9 to discuss the prisoners' breakout and how a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Prime left Maximus in charge and said that he and Prowl had unfinished business aboard the ''Ark-32''. When [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] was reported guarding a cave on [[Corata-Vaz]], Optimus Prime recognized this had something to do with his [[infraspace]] encounter in [[Brasnya]]. He ordered Prowl to summon the [[Wrecker]]s to find out what Thunderwing was guarding. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} He judged the subsequent battle between the Wreckers and Thunderwing as suicidal, and felt that they were wasting their time given everything seemed to be coming at them at once. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

Prowl was present to hear Ratchet diagnose Sunstreaker after the later's de-Headmasterification. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}}

[[File:AHM15 SpringerpunchesProwl.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|According to my calcula- ''OHGODMYFACE!'']]
Prowl became increasingly frustrated with the tendency of the Autobots in general and Optimus specifically to lionise and listen to charismatic warriors and mavericks. Realising nobody would listen to the more logical tactical advice that he or Perceptor gave, he had Kup sent to the [[Kimia Facility]] to be rebuilt... with some personality sub-routines added in, which would ensure that the iconic elder could be controlled and made to act as a proxy for him. Prowl didn't want attention or glory, he only wanted to do his job, and he had absolutely no ethical qualms about ensuring that "when [Kup] speaks, you won't even see my lips move"...

He ''really'' didn't like Springer either, and was annoyed that the ''Decepticons'' seem to be a more unified body than the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Everything in Its Right Place}}

After the [[Expansion]] incident, Optimus Prime reassigned more Autobots to Earth. The Decepticons had been laying low for months, and everyone was starting to get restless. While Prowl recommended a "wait and see" approach to Optimus Prime, Ironhide's calls for action soon drowned out Prowl's reasoning. When Mirage handed them solid intelligence about a possible opportunity to wipe out Starscream and a small group of Decepticons, the Autobots acted on it. It turned out to be an ambush, and the Autobots were soundly defeated by the Decepticons with the aid of [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]]. Informed that the Decepticons were launching simultaneous attacks across the galaxy on Autobot installations and also that there was a traitor among them, the Autobots' morale was dealt a heavy blow. Through use of a space bridge portal, Megatron planned to send the Autobots to Cybertron to have them devoured by the [[Insecticon swarm|Swarm]]. Optimus Prime managed to sabotage the portal and strand the Autobots on Cybertron before the Decepticons could follow, albeit nearly at the cost of his life. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

[[File:Ironhidepuncheseveryone.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'm sensing a pattern emerging.]]
In this unprecedented situation, Jazz's authority superseded Prowl's, and he took overall command of the battered and demoralized Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} Jazz also proved necessary to shore up Prowl's own authority, which was severely disregarded by his men. Jazz's reputation helped keep them in line, particularly the recalcitrant Ironhide, who had taken to striking superior officers, including Prowl himself. After the situation with Ironhide was defused, Prowl got Jazz to admit the energon searches he'd been sending troops out on were just to keep the men busy. Prowl worried that Prime would soon die, and about the details of their commander's condition that they had kept from the troops at large. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}}

Frustrated at being stranded on Cybertron, he listened to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks's]] story about how awesome and cool Jazz is to pass the time. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

In particular, what Jazz and Prowl were withholding was the fact that the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was not within Prime anymore, but had been absconded with by Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

Kup arrived on Cybertron shortly thereafter with his own team, and things took a turn for the worse, with the Swarm encroaching on their position. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} Sunstreaker was revealed to be the traitor, having made a bargain with Starscream to kill Megatron. He sacrificed his life to buy the other Autobots time to put some distance between them and the Swarm. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

[[File:AHM10 ProwlandJazz.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Prick ''and'' nerd.]]
Thankfully, Ratchet finally managed to repair and revive Optimus Prime, and Autobot morale went on the upswing despite their situation. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Under Prime's direction, they immediately began building a defense against the oncoming Swarm horde in a new temporary base. Once everything was nearly in place, Prowl calculated the odds of them succeeding and wound up with quite a dire forecast. Jazz urged him to keep it to himself, which Prowl quickly agreed to do. When the Swarm surged against them, the Autobots fought as hard as they could, but were eventually on the verge of being overwhelmed. Fortunately, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] arrived to tilt the odds squarely in the Autobots' favor. Prowl asked Omega how he had survived the galaxy-wide Decepticon attack, speculating that they had probably sent an army against him. Omega simply replied, "I am Omega Supreme". {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

The Autobots eventually boarded Omega's rocket mode and headed for Earth. There, they engaged the Decepticon forces in a fierce battle which ended with Megatron's defeat and Starscream ordering a withdrawal from the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:Prowl Spotlight AdviseAgainstInvolvement.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"But Prowl, look...teddy bear."]]
Over the next three years, the Autobots remained on Earth at the insistence of Optimus Prime. Optimus believed they could not leave in good conscience while human society was still in disarray from their war and rogue Decepticons still wandered the planet. The humans were not interested in having protectors, however, and soon learned to take care of themselves. [[Skywatch]] reverse-engineered Cybertronian technology to hunt and capture Autobots AND Decepticons left on the planet.

As part of Optimus Prime's belief that the Autobots must help humanity rebuild in whatever way possible, Prowl was assigned to assist the local police whilst in disguise as one of their squad cars. Over the next eight months, Prowl saw humanity at its lowest ebb. Desperate, angry people who would never forgive the Transformers for bringing their war to humanity's homeworld. He watched as some of his driver's fellow police officers set fire to the building that the Decepticon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] was trapped in, a cold execution of what Prowl considered an enemy combatant. He protested to Optimus Prime that humanity was dangerous, they were now killing Transformers, and that there was no strategic purpose for the Autobots to be on this planet or for he to continue this masquerade of being a police car. Prime asked his officer to trust him in his belief to the value of this activity, and that all the Autobots were on a personal journey.

===Lessons from Earth===
[[File:Prowl Spotlight DoneTheNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Prowl finally realizes that math is useless.]]
And so Prowl continued to patrol the streets, and while he did so, he calculated. The humans numbered in their swarming billions versus less than ten thousand Cybertronians. Humanity lived brief, petty, frantic lives of comparatively little consequence, their world and its infrastructure inefficient, ramshackle and incompetent. Prowl concluded that not a single human life was worth that of a Cybertronian. However, when he and his police officer driver were overseeing the removable of volatile Cybertronian wreckage from a building, some workers accidentally triggered an abandoned weapon to fire, destroying a damaged building. Without thinking, Prowl transformed and pushed a young girl out of the way, saving her life, but in the process, was trapped under the rubble that would have crushed her. His driver expressed disbelief that the Autobot had been in disguise as his car for the past eight months, and that he had broken cover to save one girl. Prowl confessed that for eight months he had been watching, planning, but unable to do anything. There were so many times he could have assisted if he were able to break cover. He had run the numbers, made calculations on Earth and on humanity, his math was flawless, but they weren't ''right''. And when push came to shove, he couldn't rely on what he thought might happen, he had to act on instinct and do the right thing. The policeman, impressed, remarked that Prowl spoke like a true beat cop, and stated that while he was obligated to call this incident in, it wasn't an emergency and suggested that Prowl had an hour to extricate himself before Skywatch arrived. {{storylink|Ride-Along}}

[[File:Ongoing issue 1-Prowl shot in the back.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Woman makes prick staticky. Hilarity ensues.]]
The Autobots moved west, where Prowl was joined in his undercover police work with new arrival [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]. They were present at a power installation in New Mexico, which was being ransacked by the ravenous [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]. Skywatch deployed its robot-hunting crash-suits and brought down the Decepticon before leveling lethal particle cannons at him. Despite himself, Prowl broke cover to prevent the execution of a helpless Transformer. This left his backside open to the second Skywatch team on site, who used [[Suppressor (device)|mode lock inhibitors]] to capture him as well as the "bait", Breakdown.

Prowl's capture was reported back to Autobase by Streetwise, and Hot Rod assembled a strike team to infiltrate Skywatch and rescue him. These Autobots were outfitted with Wheeljack's new counter-inhibitors to prevent the mode lock from working. Unfortunately, this sudden change in tactical efficiency only caused Skywatch to panic, drawing out their lethal ordnance to protect themselves. Prowl was rescued...but Ironhide died in the assault. Grieving for his friend, Optimus Prime then stepped down as Autobot leader and turned himself over to Skywatch. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

With Optimus gone, Hot Rod advocated abandoning his plan and this planet, and Prowl was one of the first to sign up for Hot Rod's splinter group. They failed to convince [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to fly them off-world, but then encountered a group of Decepticons led by Swindle. After a brief scuffle, Hot Rod and Swindle entered into negotiations for a truce. Prowl was uncomfortable with the idea of collaboration, despite his earlier effort on Breakdown's behalf. Ultimately, however, he went along with it. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}

[[File:Prowl Seasons In Flight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Prowl always narcs on the cool kids.]]
The united Autobots and Decepticons attempted to construct a space cruiser in order to leave the planet. Their efforts reached a hurdle with the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], duly appointed enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]]. Prowl had summoned Ultra Magnus to Earth as part of standard operating procedure after Ironhide's death, before Prime abdicated his leadership and the faction had split. Things became difficult as Magnus attempted to confiscate Hot Rod's "unlicensed interstellar vehicle". Prowl attempted to weigh in with legalese of his own, citing the line of procedural succession and emergency powers, but it became moot when Magnus discovered their collaboration. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}}

Eventually the collaboration ended when the Decepticons betrayed Hot Rod. Prowl and the others survived thanks to the intervention of Optimus Prime and Skywatch leading Bumblebee to form an alliance with humans. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:Prowl LSOTW5 Pressure.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.55|To prick...or ''not'' to prick...]]
Sometime after things settled down on Earth, Prowl formed a plan to recapture the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility, which had fallen during Megatron's push three years earlier. On the basis of an earlier report from [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], High Command had originally concluded that G-9 had been utterly destroyed, but Springer found new intel that suggested that Fortress Maximus and Co. had not only survived the Surge, but were repelling Decepticon invasion parties while waiting to be rescued. {{storylink|Bullets|Bullets}}

Prowl's primary objective on this mission was for the Wreckers to retrieve the data stored on [[Aequitas]], as he feared that if the Decepticons managed to get their hands on politically damaging information about Autobot war criminals, it would be disastrous to the Autobot cause. When selections for the new Wreckers squad were being made, Prowl learned that [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (a weapons researcher at [[Kimia Facility]] who had an obsessive fascination with the Wreckers) had recently suffered a lab accident involving cerebro-centric bullets and only had months to live. Applying pressure on psy-ops specialist [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (who had judged the researcher unfit for Wreckers duty), Prowl arranged for Ironfist to be placed in Springer's squad on the condition that he would be the one to sacrifice his life to unlock Aequitas. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} After the surviving Wreckers defeated [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] and liberated G-9, Prowl was given a [[data slug]] containing the Aequitas' data, the legacy of Ironfist, who had finally succumbed to his lab accident injury. Prowl explained to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] how he regretted using Ironfist in this manner, and he would prefer if the information about trials were never made public, despite what he had agreed to millions of years ago, for fear of what it would do to Autobot morale. As Ultra Magnus left, Prowl started to apply pressure on the data slug... {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[File:Infestation2-Prowl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|IM IN UR HEAD DRIVING U CRAZY...ER.]]
When [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] crash-landed a spaceship full of [[zombie]]s in [[Las Vegas]], Autobot and Skywatch troops were ready to defend the city. After a brief battle, they learned that the zombies were not on Galvatron's side, but rather a threat to the entire planet, and Prowl had the area quarantined before interrogating Galvatron on what he knew about the creatures. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|The Transformers: Infestation #1}} The leader of the zombies, an interdimensional vampire in disguise named [[Britt]], soon revealed herself and attacked the Autobots and Decepticons, infecting Kup with the zombie plague and creating a space-time portal to Cybertron's distant past, intending to infect the planet while it was still teeming with life. Prowl, however, had a way to sabotage her plan: using his previously established mind link with Kup, he removed the virus's control over the old warrior and had him change the portal's coordinates, trapping Kup, Britt and the zombie army in the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}} {{Storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 4|Heart of Darkness #4}}

Prowl was one of the Autobots who participated in the covert mission to take out the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who were working with [[North Korea]] in exchange for energon. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}} In order to keep the battle a secret from the world at large, they hacked all spy satellites watch the area, after which Prowl helped defeat [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} Then the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] joined the fray. Since Bumblebee and [[Kyle Pennington|Pennington]] back at base were unable to see what was going on, Prowl had to keep them informed, all while calculating the best strategies to avoid casualties. The Autobots were eventually victorious, but at the cost of humanity learning about their alliance with Skywatch. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

As the Autobots flew home from Korea, the Decepticons returned to Earth with a vengeance and had their plane shot down. Prowl and the others survived, however, and made it to shore. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies|Woken Furies}} After their attacker was revealed to be none other than a returning Megatron, they confronted him and learned that he had defeated most of their troops in America and left them to the mercy of armed and angry humans. Prowl sent Jazz to save them, but against his direct orders to not resort to violence, Jazz ended up breaking cover and killing one of the men. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome|Burning Chrome}} The Autobots regrouped at Omega Supreme, and were soon joined by Megatron, having given himself up just to taunt them. Prowl was contemplating how short-sighted it had been to have both their mechanics on the Korea team when Optimus Prime approached him, asking him to investigate Megatron's claims that [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]] had executed a [[Scrapper (G1)|surrendered combatant]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|Enemy Mine}}

[[File:PoliceActionPrologue-Prowl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Not to prick, apparently.]]
In order to finish his investigation, Prowl remained on Earth with Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus and some other Autobots while the rest of them left to drive Galvatron off of Cybertron. After a last-minute questioning of Megatron revealed nothing new, he tried unsuccessfully to get Decepticon deserter [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] to stay with the Autobots, and lied to Bumblebee and Spike that he would keep them updated on what was going on. {{storylink|Police Action: Prologue}} Appearing via hologram on board Omega Supreme, Prowl participated in the talks on what the Autobots would do with Megatron. He agreed with [[Xaaron]] that they needed a third party to judge the Decepticon leader's trial, but admitted that personally he'd rather just execute the scumbag. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}}

[[File:Prowl The Question.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Okay, so you say "we"...]]
For a time, Prowl and Bumblebee clashed over command of the Earth-bound Autobots. Prowl co-opted several operatives, such as Street-Wise and Groove, for his own operation, while Bumblebee was left with dealing with a Decepticon situation on his own. When Bumblebee returned to their headquarters with all five Stunticons as his prisoners, he earned a certain degree of respect from Prowl; until then Prowl had doubted Bumblebee's capabilities as a leader. {{storylink|The Question}}

When Spike let slip that he'd be gone from base for 36 hours for secret reasons, Prowl decided to spy on his activities. This proved uninformative as Spike just met with higher-ups and assorted women, but things got heated when Breakdown suddenly showed up for revenge against the human. Prowl defeated him with help from Streetwise, but was forced to break off the mission and was chewed out by Ultra Magnus for the attention attracted by the battle. He mentioned wanting to look into anti-Transformer spokesman [[Ben Simpson]], whom he suspected was providing people with guns made from Megatron's parts, but was ordered to focus on Spike. Searching the site of Scrapper's death, Prowl was sampling some odd chemical residue when he suddenly came under attack. {{storylink|Police Action: Part 1|Police Action #1}}

The assailant was Brawl, though Prowl noticed he had a spotter that got away. Together with Streetwise he defeated the Decepticon and took him in for questioning, but a failsafe in his body caused him to shut down during interrogation. Continuing with the investigation on Spike, Prowl had former Skywatch member [[Sandra (G1)|Sandra]] brought in while he looked into the sample he had found. Just as he figured out that Scrapper had been attacked by a human with a chemical weapon rather than another Decepticon as previously assumed, Spike approached him and shamelessly admitted that it was all true. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}}

[[File:ASecondChanceAtEden ProwlandSpikeover.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.0|Melodramatic prick.]]
While Spike argued that it was a strategical operation to rid the world of Devastator, Prowl saw it as murder with vengeance for Spike's friend [[Tim Simmons]] as the motive. Spike didn't care for being lectured, calling Prowl out on making his own tough decisions and keeping secrets from his allies for their own sake. Before he could think of what to do next, Prowl got word from Bumblebee that Ultra Magnus had agreed to go after Ben Simpson, and rolled out alongside him and Streetwise. Simpson turned out to be a [[facsimile construct]] created by Swindle to boost anti-Transformer sentiment among humanity for profit. When captured, Swindle not only admitted to being responsible for the situation in North Korea, but also for helping Skywatch by selling Cybertronian technology to... Spike Witwicky. Before the Autobots could do much, Spike had fled while Jazz went off on his own and announced to the world that the Autobots were cutting all ties with Skywatch and humanity. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}
{{-}}

===Schemers never change===
[[File:Prowl DeathofOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=0.85|right|thumb|Emo prick.]]
The few Autobots on Earth returned to Cybertron in the wake of Galvatron and the [[D-Void]]'s defeat. Though the war was over, [[Autobot High Command]] found themselves stuck with the thankless job of governing the many neutral Cybertronians returning home. Prowl coined the term Non-Aligned Indigenous Life-forms, or [[NAIL]]s, for them, and they didn't like being ruled by the people who had ruined their world through war. When a riot took place, the Autobots were outnumbered 20-to-1 and Prowl had no choice but to release the captive Decepticons and have them lend a hand, though [[inhibitor/deterrence chip]]s kept from using lethal force. Things got worse when Rodimus and Ultra Magnus announced that they were leaving Cybertron in search of the [[Knights of Cybertron]] when he needed them to deal with the neutrals. This caused Prowl to blow up in anger towards the neutrals, calling them arrogant and ungrateful cowards who did nothing during the war but now acted like they owned the planet. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

[[File:HowToSayGoodbyeAndMeanIt Prowlflipstable.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|The table is a metaphor for his characterization whenever a new writer takes over.]]
Contrary to Prowl's belief that nobody would willingly come with Rodimus, he managed to gather over 200 Autobots for his quest, including his old partner and friend Chromedome. Prowl ended up goading Rodimus {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}} into installing [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on the Lost Light covertly on board the ''[[Lost Light]]'' {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} and asked Chromedome to perform mnemosurgery on the captive in the hopes of learning the secrets of what made a Phase-Sixer. When Chromedome refused, Prowl attempted to blackmail him with an unsavoury secret from the mnemosurgeon's past, threatening to tell Rewind; Chromedome responded by assaulting Prowl and erasing some of his memory to protect his relationship with Rewind. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Not to be deterred by his slight amnesia, Prowl still tried to convince Chromedome to stay as he truly needed his special abilities, but Chromedome refused as he'd rather leave his past behind. After a brief fit of anger, Prowl resorted to plan B, contacting his [[Duobot|agents]] on board [[Lost Light|Rodimus's ship]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} He ordered them to place a tracker on its engines, though unfortunate events would lead to them to fail and be killed. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} Prowl and Bumblebee watched the launch of the ''Lost Light'' be cut short when the ship disappeared in a sudden explosion. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Prowl Arcee TheAutomonyLesson.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Prick talking about how he hasn't gone soft.]]
Prowl was left handling the Decepticons, who were very harsh law enforcers and very unhappy about their imprisonment. After arresting [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Horri-Bull]] for assaulting [[Tappet|a NAIL]] (and then arresting the NAIL for disturbing the peace), he took them back to the Decepticon pen and was confronted by Decepticon spokesman [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who demanded his faction be treated as equals. Believing him to have some sort of plan, Prowl reported his suspicions to Bumblebee and suggested they cancel the memorial service dedicated to Rodimus's crew, what with the large NAIL population being indifferent to the fate of their friends. He later discussed the matter of Ratbat with his secret weapon, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], telling her that he was going to preserve the peace even if he had to do things he didn't want to do. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} He learned the truth soon enough when Starscream came to the Autobots and sold out Ratbat, telling Prowl that he planned to assassinate Bumblebee during the memorial service then stage a coup. Acting on this info, Prowl managed to stop [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] from sniping Bumblebee and leaving a NAIL to take the blame, and in the meantime sent Arcee to deal with Ratbat. Even though she mercilessly murdered the Decepticon, the two agreed afterwards that she had acted in self-defense and had no other choice. {{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} Prowl later addressed to the Decepticons in the wake of Ratbat's death, claiming that evidence suggested suicide. Starscream stepped in and backed the cover story, much to Prowl's discomfort. Very shortly thereafter, mysterious explosions began striking Cybertron, leading Prowl to believe the Decepticons were responsible. Metalhawk questioned this, adding in some cutting remarks about the war not being over for Prowl yet. Eventually Wheeljack figured out the origin of the explosions and that all parties were innocent in the matter. Much to Prowl's displeasure, Starscream came up with a plan to protect the civilians while Wheeljack ended the threat. When Starscream was granted a place in the new government thanks to his actions, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] became enraged and struck Prowl, who had tried to calm him down. {{storylink|Stick Together}}

[[File:Prowl Bombshell Devisive.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Reports of this headshot may have been greatly exaggerated.]]
Starscream immediately began undermining Bumblebee's position in the new government, adding to Prowl's growing frustration. When the Decepticon [[Skydive (Predator)|Skydive]] was found murdered, Prowl saw to the investigation. While interrogating the only witness, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], Prowl found a [[cerebro-shell]] implanted on the Decepticon, leading him to the conclusion that [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] was the murderer. Prowl and Arcee used the entranced Dirge to track Bombshell down, finding the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] ensnaring [[Sunstorm (G1)|another victim]]. After a scuffle where Prowl found out that Bombshell's I/D chip wasn't functioning, he ordered [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] to pursue the fleeing suspect. Prowl and Arcee soon caught up and found Blurr being accosted by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. While Arcee was ordered to save Blurr, Prowl kept on with his pursuit of Bombshell, eventually cornering him. When Bombshell refused to give him any information or the identity of any possible collaborators, a fed-up Prowl coldly executed the deranged Insecticon. The cerebro-shell fell off Dirge, and he witnessed the aftermath of Prowl's actions. Dirge managed to escape and Prowl ordered Arcee to pursue him while he dealt with the Constructicons. Utilizing a hidden override code on the I/D chips to overcome whatever was blocking the signal, Prowl activated their chips and disabled all five Constructicons at once. Later, an injured Blurr gave Prowl a piece of his mind for being ordered after Bombshell without backup, calling him "crazy" and "paranoid". Prowl ignored Blurr's concerns, and pointed out that there was something larger at play with the Decepticons, telling Bumblebee that they had to "take control" of this new era. {{storylink|Devisive}}

When the NAIL [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] arrived, Prowl kept close tabs with him along with Sideswipe. Later on, he was informed that Sky-Byte was having a secret meeting with the Decepticons and broke into their hiding place with Streetwise and Sideswipe and after a brief fight, managed to capture Sky-Byte and Needlenose. They were about to lynch them in public when Ironhide stopped Prowl after saying that it was a way to have a better future of equality for Autobot and Decepticon. When questioned the next day at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] of his new attitude, Ironhide said he had a vision that he and Alpha Trion were telling war stories on Gorlam Prime and that every Autobot and Decepticon by that time, were dead along with their old grudges. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

[[File:Sideswipe Prowl and Wheeljack vehicle Primus All Good Things.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7]]
When the Decepticon captain [[Turmoil]] landed his ship on Cybertron, Prowl and his security forces were ordered in by Bumblebee to attack if necessary. When the order was given by Metalhawk, the Autobot forces stormed in to capture the Decepticons. {{storylink|Interference Patterns}} Prowl saw the Dinobots, Sky-Lynx and Ironhide off when they headed out into the wilderness in response to a distress signal. After they were out of earshot, Prowl noted that he was uncomfortable with the Dinobots retaining their Earth altmodes, and wish they would return to "normal." Bumblebee responded that things had been far from normal recently. He then joined Metalhawk and Starscream in their criticisms about the free elections being stalled on Cybertron, though Bumblebee insisted that they were forthcoming. He later explained to Bumblebee that he desired the elections to take place because he had confidence that Bumblebee would be elected as the planet's leader. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} When [[Turmoil]]'s ship, containing a sort of time machine, disappeared under Bumblebee's nose, Prowl arrived to assist the investigation. {{storylink|Night and the City}} He was later present when a Metrotitan appeared beneath Cybertron's surface and declared Starscream as the Cybertronian conqueror who would unite the planet. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}}

[[File:CityOnFire-NewProwl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|<---o The Verge]]
A short while later, Omega Supreme was bombed in a terror attack, and Prowl used the opportunity as pretense to arrest the Decepticons still working under Soundwave and Shockwave. To allow him to spirit the Decepticons away to secret captivity, Prowl had Arcee infiltrate their hideout, disable them with a special stasis bomb, and then plant explosives throughout the pen. Prowl then lead his public arrest force to the pen, where he purposely tripped the explosives to present the appearance that the Decepticons had booby-trapped their own base and had perished in the blast. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} The blast left Prowl in a serious, although stable, condition, but he soon mysteriously disappeared from his [[CR chamber]]. A short while later, when Decepticons had begun rioting in response to Megatron's return, Prowl reappeared in an upgraded body, and shot [[Staxx]] to save Wheeljack, who had been corned by the angry mob. {{storylink|City on Fire}} He subsequently led the Autobot engineer to the [[Black Room]], where the Decepticons Prowl had previously 'killed' were waiting, repaired and upgraded. Wheeljack was taken hostage, and soon the escaped Megatron arrived, with a stunned Starscream in tow. {{storylink|The Verge}}

[[File:IDWRID14 prowlstator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deva-prick? Prick-astator?]]
When a group of Autobots, joined by Metalhawk, Dirge and Swindle arrived at the Black Room, Prowl was holding Starscream and Wheeljack at gunpoint. The engineer tried to remind Bumblebee of what was "most important", but was shot through the head by his captor. Bombshell and Prowl revealed to their audience that the Autobot law enforcer had been taken by one of the Insecticon's mind control devices as he attempted to execute him, and had been a pawn of the Decepticons ever since. Bombshell also noted that Prowl had been easily controlled due to his memories already being damaged in some manner. With that concluded, Megatron declared that the Autobot had outlived his usefulness as a secret pawn, and announced that he would now become part of the next generation of Decepticon warrior. Briefly freed from Bombshell's influence, Prowl collapsed to the ground, aghast that his friends had never suspected his being controlled, but was suddenly wracked with pain as his body transformed against his will... into the head and shoulders of a reborn Devastator! The behemoth proceeded to attack the Autobot command center and snatch [[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] out of the air, before proceeding, under Bombshell's influence, to the med-center, where the highest concentration of Autobots was. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

The Prowl-Devastator remained conscious under Bombshell's control, but unable to direct his own actions. He was confronted by Ironhide's newly arrived Autobot gestalt, the former Aerialbots known as [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], and battled the giant. Prowl-Devastator's mind temporarily shut down when Arcee revealed her true colors and executed Bombshell. The gestalt soon started back up again, however, as Prowl's mind interfaced with the Devastator gestalt and began willingly causing vast amounts of destruction. The Devastator-Prowl started rampaging again, completely out of Decepticon control, and tore his way through Superion. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

Ironhide managed to get through to Prowl inside Devastator's psyche, convincing him to stop the devastation. Prowl re-exerted control over himself and Devastator long enough to rip the gestalt's head from its shoulders, separating Prowl and the Constructicons back into their component parts. Undeterred, Megatron prepared to enter the Devastator gestalt personally with his new body. Luckily, Bumblebee deciphered Wheeljack's last words in time, and he, Prowl and Ironhide spoke the access code for Wheeljack's system bypass, reactivating the force field bubble the engineer had secretly implanted in Megatron's spark casing. Unfortunately for the Autobot government, however, the NAILs had had enough after this latest outbreak of warfare. Led by Starscream, they cast both Autobots and Decepticons out of new Iacon. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}}

===Suffering the consequences===
[[File:SecondExodus ConstructiconsLoveProwl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Almost immediately after departing, the Autobots were confronted by the Constructicons, who wanted to join up with Prowl since their unification had given them a glimpse into Prowl's mind, and they had liked what they had seen. Bumblebee attempted to rationalise that Prowl had only done all the terrible things he had done under Bombshell's influence, but Arcee, thinking she was helping, pointed out that Ratbat's assassination ''had'' been Prowl. She later attempted to apologise for revealing this. {{storylink|Second Exodus}} When Tyrest's [[universal killswitch]] was activated, Prowl was among those affected. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} Luckily Prowl was saved thanks to Rodimus and Perceptor. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} Later, when a bright light mysteriously appeared, {{storylink|Second Exodus}} Prowl and the other Autobots approached it, only for a [[Quintessa (IDW)|Titan]] to emerge from the ground in front of them. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

As Bumblebee tried to organise an offensive, he asked Prowl if it was that same Titan that had proclaimed Starscream would rule, Prowl admitted he wasn't sure since his memories from his time under Bombshell's control were fuzzy. Despite insisting that attacking immediately was their best course of action, Bumblebee protested, leading Prowl to argue that it was Bumblebee's indecisiveness that led to him losing Iacon, at which point they were suddenly attacked by Soundwave's Decepticons. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} However, when Starscream arrived to confront the Titan, Prowl once again became infuriated with Bumblebee's hesitation in allowing Arcee to take him out and with his sudden collaboration with Soundwave on the situation. The final straw came when the Titan unleashed a wave of energy, injuring several of the Autobots, leading Prowl to outright blame Bumblebee for their problems. {{storylink|Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Winners & Losers}}

While Prowl thought they should press the attack Bumblebee favored a more logical approach, which was when Soundwave heard Megatron screaming. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} Following the sound, the combined force found Shockwave's lab, where [[Nova Prime]] and Galvatron were attempting to emerge from the [[Dead Universe]] through a spacebridge in Megatron's chest. While battling Shockwave's forces, Prowl tried to order Bumblebee to focus on fighting rather than reaching the resurrected Metalhawk, but when Shockwave called in the Necrotitan, Prowl ordered a retreat. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} Prowl called for the combined Autobot and Decepticon forces to retreat to Iacon, retorting [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop's]] protest that they wouldn't be leading it there since it was already heading towards the city. {{storylink|No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|No Exit}}

[[File:FinisTemporis BeechokesProwl.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|Does Bee have to choke a prick??]]
They eventually made it back to Iacon, where [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] led them to the self-pitying Starscream. Prowl, recognizing that Shockwave was relying on them to fight among themselves, decided to play things logically and took charge of the situation, organizing the treatment of the wounded, the evacuation of the survivors, and preparing a counter-strike against the Titan. While coordinating with Soundwave, he questioned whether the Decepticon understood Shockwave's logic, but Soundwave admitted he never understood Shockwave, and as Prowl scoffed at his belief that they could still defeat him, Bumblebee arrived with an injured Megatron. Furious that Bumblebee would rescue their longtime enemy, Prowl was prepared to shoot the Decepticon leader, however as they all argued, Metroplex and the ''Lost Light'' arrived via quantum jump to fight the Necrotitan. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} After greeting the ''Lost Light'' crew as they disembarked, Prowl smugly reprimanded Bumblebee for allowing Megatron to disappear with a portion of Metroplex's thumb; when Bumblebee aggressively told him to piss off and that he'd made a choice, Prowl looked smug indeed about the little guy having made a decision like he'd wanted. Luckily too, the Decepticon leader did not adandon them as Prowl thought; Megatron teleported into Metroplex's hand to give him the Regenesis ore in the thumb, allowing Metroplex to defeat the Necrotitan. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}}

[[File:TheBecoming-throw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Cybertron's hottest new sport, prick toss.]]
After reluctantly admitting that Bumblebee was right to trust Megatron, Prowl then sought out Chromedome, having realised that the mnemosurgeon had worked on him, which was what had allowed Bombshell to control him. Taunting him on the recent loss of Rewind, the pair fought, and Prowl found himself cheered on by the Constructicons until Ultra Magnus arrived to break up the fight. Magnus then gave Prowl a few choice words, pointing out that Prowl had been indirectly responsible for many problems on the ''Lost Light'', and that he had never suffered through any of his own actions. Prowl was left alone with his admirers after a final remark from Magnus citing that he was the loneliest person he had ever met and was now among like-minded company. Before too long, however, the calm was ended by the arrival of Shockwave's army of [[Ammonite]]s. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} Seeing that [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] was about to harass Metroplex, a hesitant Prowl was convinced by the Constructicons into reforming Devastator, {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} who managed to defeat the original combiner with help from the ''Lost Light''. After the fighting was over, Prowl was among the crowd who witnessed Optimus and Megatron exit the ''Lost Light'', with the Decepticon leader having defected. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

[[File:DetonationBoulevard Prowlrages.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.55|He's a splash of spittle away from going full [[Andrew Wildman|Wildman]].]]
In a meeting to discuss what to do with Megatron, Prowl urged that they simply move forward with executing him rather than go through the mockery of a trial, however it was decided that a trial would go ahead to show the public that the Autobots didn't operate outside the law. Prowl was pleased to hear Optimus appoint him prosecutor. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} As the trial progressed, Prowl had many testimonies against Megatron made, including ones from [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] and Starscream. However, when Megatron changed his plea from guilty to not guilty {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} and made clear his desire to be tried by the Knights of Cybertron, a legal loophole possible because of the trial taking place on Luna-2 where the laws were different. A group of Decepticons crashed the trial and tried to free Megatron, but the Autobots easily fought them off, with Prowl personally getting the better of [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]. As the trial saw a brief recess, Prowl insisted that they move the proceedings back to Cybertron so that Megatron's loophole wouldn't be an issue, however Ultra Magnus pointed out that they couldn't do so for their own convenience. As a result, Optimus ended up allowing Megatron to join the ''Lost Light'' in order to have the former Decepticon's fate decided by the Knights. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}}

Prowl let his fury at Optimus fly, but when Optimus pointed out that Megatron was accepting his mistakes and the wrongness of his actions, Prowl admitted that he too had been ruthless throughout the course of the war, and that Bumblebee's death was clouding his judgement. Accepting Optimus's offer to join him on another mission to Earth, Prowl hoped that he might learn more from the planet. When the Constructicons, whom Prowl had reluctantly accepted, asked if they were joining the ''Lost Light'' under Megatron, Prowl raged that he would never stand with Megatron, and told them they would be going to Earth, knowing that Optimus was making a mistake and that he would have to be there to fix things. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] attempted to discuss the result of the trial with Prowl, but Prowl instead preferred to vent his frustrations to the lonely Autobot, sarcastically stating that a bold new future awaited them. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} Before they departed, Prowl offered his opinion to Arcee on the difference between her and the Camiens, and was pleased when she asked Optimus permission to join their mission. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

===Erratic behavior===

[[File:TheMindBomb Prowlnoexecutionsyet.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
As they approached Earth, Prowl stated it was good to be home, to the confusion of Cosmos, who pointed out how personally Prowl took Spike Witwicky's betrayal. Prowl brushed aside the comment, and asked if Cosmos trusted Prime's leadership, revealing that he asked him to come along because he needed someone he can trust on the mission. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}} Arriving in Earth's orbit, the Ark-7 was immediately attacked by Cybertronian-like weapons, and Prowl protested against falling back to the moon since the humans knew they were coming. As Optimus organised a team to go to the surface aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Prowl was ordered to remain with Arcee and Sky Lynx to investigate who launched the missiles, and Arcee suspected Prowl was unhappy with being sidelined. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} As a battle between Optimus's team and the allied [[Earth Defense Command]] and Galvatron-led Decepticons erupted, Prowl sent Arcee and Sideswipe to back them up while he and Sky Lynx gathered the Constructicons. When the battle moved into the small town of [[Poverty Flat]], Prowl revealed his plan to force the Decepticons into revealing themselves, and combined with the Constructicons into Devastator, {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} thereby threatening the EDC's attempt to cover up the return of the Cybertronians. Once the EDC pulled the Decepticons out, Prowl dismissed Optimus's concerns about the recklessness of Prowl's plan and his horror at Prowl's expectation that the EDC would have executed the civilians, pointing out that he had exposed the EDC's mind bomb weapon, which was doubtlessly designed thanks to access to a Cybertronian brain, giving them a lead as to the captured Alpha Trion's location. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:IDreamOfWires ProwlandJazzvehiclemodes.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb]]
As the Autobots worked on a way to infiltrate the base, Optimus was unhappy with Prowl's presumption about leading the rescue mission, and ordered him to remain with Sky Lynx. Arcee took a moment to confide in Prowl that she thought that [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] was a spy, however Prowl wasn't concerned with that, only if she had told Optimus. After asking if she was still loyal to him, Arcee responded that she was loyal to the Autobot cause, a fact that Prowl found highly amusing. As Optimus's team started their attack, Prowl used the distraction to disembark Sky Lynx and infiltrate the base himself, where he caught up with Jazz, who had found Alpha Trion. Holding a gun to his comrade's head, he stated that Trion wasn't going anywhere, {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} and with Jazz's attention on him, pointed out the alarms set up around Alpha Trion. Having realized that the humans couldn't have used Alpha Trion to create their mind bomb in the short time he was their captive, Prowl and Jazz began searching their base for clues. When Prowl was apparently knocked out by the mind bomb, he used the connection to the EDC's mainframe, but lacking time to go through their encrypted files, took control of their weapons and take out the Decepticon worldburner. After Jazz carried him to their teammates, Prowl awoke to reveal that Scavenger's leaking of information to the Decepticons was his plan to make events play out as they did. After forming Devastator to cover the rescue of Alpha Trion, Prowl counted the mission as a complete success. While Optimus was furious about Prowl's actions and secrets, Prowl insisted that it was all justifiable in this dangerous new era.

Meanwhile, Galvatron murdered [[Sparkplug Witwicky|General Witwicky]], and claimed that Prowl had been the culprit, and was believed due [[Marissa Faireborn|Marissa Faireborn's]] awareness of the animosity between Prowl and his son. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

When Optimus and Alpha Trion journeyed to the moon for a private conversation, Prowl used a stealth-painted Cosmos to listen in as Trion explained his role in history, and of the mysterious [[Enigma of Combination]] that could allow Cybertronian's to merge located on Earth. When Alpha Trion asked whether Optimus would share this information with Prowl, due to his control of the only truly successful combiner in eons, Optimus questioned why he wouldn't share what he had learned from his friend. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:Vs ProwlchasesSpike.jpg|left|upright=1.6|thumb]]
As Prowl learned of the resurfacing of Spike Witwicky, Optimus prepared to head back to Cybertron, leaving Prowl in charge, but warned him against taking more unnecessary risks. Overcome with anger over Optimus's weakness and suffering from another nosebleed, which were getting more frequent, Prowl gathered the Constructicons and informed them that they were going after Spike {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} Believing that Spike knew of the Enigma of Combination's whereabouts, Prowl and the Constructicons took on a dangerous pursuit through the streets of Tokyo for their target. Momentarily halted in his pursuit by Arcee, who was concerned about him putting innocent humans in danger, Prowl finally managed to capture his quarry just as the Decepticons arrived, also in search of Spike.

[[File:TheObliterati-diespikedie.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Escaping to the cover of a nearby forest, Spike expected to be executed, but Prowl proclaimed that he had forgiven Spike. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} While Spike was quick to assume that it was because he was justified in defending the preservation of his own species, Prowl corrected him by saying he now understood how destructive his own race was and that they needed to be stopped. Requesting Spike's help in recovering the Enigma, Prowl and the Constructicons headed to [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]]'s facility in Wanmu. Using Spike to infiltrate and confirm the Enigma's presence, and upon hearing from Cosmos that the Decepticons were inbound, Prowl then ordered the Constructicons to combine so that they could take the Enigma, and that Spike was only a secondary target, having lied about his forgiveness. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} While Devastator did manage to retrieve the Enigma, his components' shared hatred for Spike derailed the combiner's objective, throwing the Enigma away as he attempted to squash Spike. Arcee finally managed to reach Prowl by revealing that the Enigma had been taken by [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] during his blind attack. After taking a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]] as a bonus prize, Prowl blamed the Constructicons for taking control of Devastator from him, but they pointed out Prowl was as much to blame, and Arcee suggested that Prowl find a way to explain his actions to Optimus. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

[[File:ThePossibleLight RattrapsideswithProwl.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
As he showed off the spacebridge to Jetfire, Prowl received word from Rattrap about Starscream's recent contact with the colony of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and his acquisition and use of the Enigma of Combination. Furious, Prowl contacted Optimus, demanding to know what he was thinking in allowing Starscream access to colonies, accusing Prime of not seeing the bigger picture. As Optimus terminated the call, omitting the fact that Starscream had combiners, Prowl seethed with rage at not being trusted, and decided to act himself. Having Rattrap use Metroplex's spacebridge to provide a connection to Cybertron, Prowl and the Constructicons traveled through. Seeking to prevent Starscream from achieving an empire, Prowl stated that Caminus and the other colonies would need to be cut off, ensuring the safety of the universe, even if it came at the cost of Cybertron and everyone on it. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

[[File:Mistakes&Mayhem-ProwlArested.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|CYCLOPS WAS RIGHT.]]

Interrupting the clean-up on Caminus, Prowl and Constructicons formed Devastator and ordered all Cybertronians to return through the space bridge, but [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]'s protest and [[Sparkstalker]]'s refusal led to Devastator opening fire. After besting Superion once again and dragging him through the spacebridge to Cybertron, the Prowl-controlled-Devastator stated that he was doing what was necessary and began destroying the spacebridge. Optimus tried to convince Starscream and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] that Prowl could be reasoned with, but Starscream used the Enigma of Combination to heal Superion and force the "[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]" to merge into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and together both combiners defeated Devastator. While Starscream sought Prowl's death, Optimus and Windblade managed to convince him otherwise, but as Prowl was arrested and dragged off, Prowl raged that Starscream would never change and Optimus was playing with fire. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}}

When Optimus visited the imprisoned Prowl to talk over recent events, Prowl was unconvinced by Prime's attempts to put a system in place to curb Starscream's ambition, and pointed out that Starscream still needed the combiners on his side since Superion and Defensor were likely more loyal to Optimus, and would likely recruit Devastator. Believing that Prowl had been twisted by numerous betrayals he feels he has suffered, Prowl retorted that Optimus could include himself in that list. As Prowl insisted that he has always been the one to make the tough calls Optimus couldn't, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] broke free and formed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], starting a battle between him, Superion, Defensor and a Scoop-included Devastator. When Rattrap arrived with the Enigma of Combination, Prowl ordered him to use it, forcing Prowl, Optimus, Ironhide, Mirage and Sunstreaker to form [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|a new combiner]], who quickly confronted the other combiners and stated that it was time for him to take control. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}}

[[File:NowAndOnEarth-PrimePunchesProwl.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=1.025|Prowl's had this coming for how long now?]]

Devastator recognized that Prowl was in control of the new combiner, due to his previous experience in combining, and was furious that he had been rejected by his former component for an upgrade. Suddenly the combiner collapsed as Prowl began fighting his fellow components for control within the combiner's psyche. One by one, Optimus, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Mirage rallied, refusing to look at the world only as numbers and statistics the way Prowl does, instead sharing their belief in the power of people that can change and be there to help one another. Synchronized by this shared belief, their minds slowly came together, and while Prowl refused to accept their way of thinking, his refusal was what allowed him to finally understand them, and in that understanding, all five were unified and Optimus Maximus was truly born. Alongside Superion and Defensor, Optimus Maximus defeated the other combiners, and then willingly separated himself so that Prowl could be arrested, knowing they could not be above the law. {{storylink|All That Remains}}

With Prowl now in custody, Optimus hoped that he could talk some sense into his old ally. Prowl simply replied that morality had nothing to do with military strategy, and that spending time as Devastator meant that he could no longer tell the difference between himself and the Decepticons. The two former friends finally came to blows, although Prowl's knowledge that a part of him would always exist within Prime convinced the Autobot leader to spare his life. However while Optimus's back was turned, Rattrap spirited Prowl away; with both their plans having failed, he stated that Prowl owed him a victory. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}} Prowl was branded a fugitive for his actions, and wanted signs were scattered throughout Iacon. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}
{{-}}

=== Gone Too Far ===
[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers2-ProwlWebbedUp.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Prowl's web of lies have come back to bind him, literally.]]
Prowl received a message from Verity Carlo, who had a copy of the Aequitas data and threatened to release it. Getting to Earth quickly by utilizing his mind link to Kup, Prowl prepared to confront Verity in Nome, Alaska when he suddenly was attacked and kidnapped by [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]]. When Prowl woke up, he was in a strange landscape which attacked his sensors, and lost consciousness again as Mesothulas welcomed him to the Noisemaze. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Mesothulas briefly locked his old friend in a [[positive reinforcement prison]], where Prowl dreamt that his recent actions had resulted in a utopian peacetime Cybertron and Optimus thanked him for his pragmatism. Prowl awoke to find himself trapped in a giant web. Recognising his captor's voice, Prowl asked what Mesothulas wanted, though the scientist responded that he no longer answered to that name and stated that Prowl had something he wanted, threatening to expose his dirty secrets. Once he was alone, Prowl used his mind-link to Kup to address the recently awakened Springer and the Wreckers, fully exposing his manipulation of the older bot, but explained as much as he could about his situation before being cut off.

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers3-Tarantulas'FinalOffer.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Say it, don't web-spray it.]]Mesothulas then returned, revealing his possession of the Aequitas data Verity had had, resigning Prowl to agree to talk. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}} Mesothulas then fully revealed himself to Prowl, shocking the Autobot with his new form, and his new name, Tarantulas. Prowl suspected that Tarantulas had come to the conclusion that he had pushed him into the Noisemaze, and intended to use the war crimes data from Aequitas to blackmail him as revenge. However, Tarantulas merely wished to work with Prowl again, to recreate the symbiosis of their original relationship. When Prowl refused, he was placed in the company of his would-be rescuers: Verity, Springer, Roadbuster, and Arcee, and forced to watch as their most shameful, damning thoughts were bared to him thanks to Tarantulas's new invention, the guilt-extracting [[Impetus]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

Prowl tried to reason with [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]], whom Tarantulas had recruited as a mole within the Autobots, but the intelligence analyst had been infuriated by his early-releasing of Roadbuster, and verbally tore into Prowl for his various crimes. At that moment, Verity revealed that she had not intended to release Aequitas, but had only wanted to force Prowl to help treat her for the illness caused by her exposure to Aequitus, and Prowl lamented that he wished she had just asked. Before Tarantulas could hook him up to Impetus, Prowl attempted to make the scientist give up on another partnership by claiming that he had killed Ostaros, though this failed. At that moment, Kup used their connection to inform him that rescue was on its way, but only because of Prowl's value and not because he deserved to be saved. Finally convincing Hubcap not to release the Aequitas data, the analyst freed him and the other captives. Prowl pulled a gun on Hubcap, believing he had too much incriminating data to be allowed to live. Hubcap pleaded for his life, arguing that killing him would only continue the cycle of violence and secrecy that has resulted in their current situation. Though Prowl was swayed by Hubcap's logic, Impactor believed it was too great a risk and shot Hubcap. Insisting that they destroy all of Taratulas' work, Prowl and the others began preparing to collapse the Noisemaze, just as Tarantulas returned. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers5-kuppunchesprowl.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|YOU punch a car! And YOU punch a car! EVERYBODY PUNCH A CAR!!!]]
After failing once more to convince his former partner to give up, Prowl listened as Impactor revealed the truth of what happened, at which point Tarantulas realised Springer was Ostaros and went after him. Ordered by the Wrecker to get out of the maze, Prowl prepared to force [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]] to consume the [[Obtenteum]] in order to collapse the Noisemaze. After meeting up with Kup and Guzzle, the former got in a good hit on Prowl's jaw for his manipulations of him, and Guzzle took care of Tidal Wave. However once they escaped into Debris, Guzzle pulled his weapons on Prowl and Kup, determined to take revenge for the friends he had lost because of them, forcing Impactor to put him down. Later, Prowl went back into the remains of the Noisemaze to rescue the still-alive Springer, and severed his link with Kup. Neither Kup nor Arcee wanted to deal with him further, and decided to let Prowl go for the time being, yet not informing Optimus about the crisis either. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}}

When Optimus annexed Earth into the Council of Worlds and broadcast a message, Prowl watched and refuted his former friend's claim that he was bringing freedom to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

His initial excursion to Earth was remembered by [[Scarlett]] and [[Joe Colton]] as they discussed the threat the Cybertronians posed to Earth. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}}

After [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] came back to life, casually murdered people and kidnapped Optimus and Soundwave via a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]], Arcee contacted Prowl, who knew exactly where his old boss would go. {{storylink|White Light}}

[[File:TenToMidnight-ProwlStrugglesToRemember.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|With all the wrongs he's done lately, it's easy to believe he might not remember his wrongdoings from only a few years ago.]]
That place was [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] where Prowl suspected Sentinel would try to raise the graveyard of Titans as the former Prime had dreamed of using a Titan army before the Great War began. When Prowl arrived on the moon, he was attacked by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] for [[Garrus-9]] before [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] held back his boss. It was only after that Prowl actually recalled the Garrus-9 fiasco before he warned them and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] of great danger to Luna 1. Prowl explained Sentinel's return to life, that Titan plan and that he himself was here to deactivate Luna 1's spacebridge. The trio, specifically Red Alert, were skeptical of Prowl's words before [[Beak]] arrived with proof of Prowl's claims which led Red to believe he was stalling them and working with Sentinel. Nonetheless, the four Autobots set out to stop the Prime. On the way Prowl spoke to Max about the [[Team Rodimus]] and the fact that the ''[[Lost Light]]'' was non-responsive to hails. Their trail led them to the [[Planetary engine|massive engines]] which prompted Max to question Sentinel's age if he knew exactly where and what they were. When they arrived to confront Sentinel in a Titan's brain module, they found the unwilling [[Sovereign]] strapped to the giant's CPU from which the other Titans rose up. Before any action could be taken, Sentinel took control of Red Alert who shot Prowl into stasis. {{storylink|Ten to Midnight}}

[[File:LastLight-Prowl'sStaying.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Prick 2: Return of the Prick.]]
As Sentinel gloated, Cerebros placed a shell on Prowl that allowed the former to control his motor functions. He used this to hit Sentinel over the head with a [[Mobile Autobot Repair Bay|M.A.R.B.]] before the three Autobots escaped. When Prowl awoke, he was dismayed to learn what Cerebros had done and that he was being left out the loop for once. Max and Cerebros planned to use the body of the Titan they were based in to stop Sentinel's army but the [[Transformation cog|T-Cog]] was stuck in place. Prowl casually used his table flipping skills to manually complete the transformation. While Maximus fought off the Titan army, Prowl and Cerebros confronted Sentinel who promptly shot them both down where he tried to force Red Alert to execute Prowl. Red Alert managed to break free and separate Sentinel's [[Titan Master]] self from his true body. Sentinel would have forced Red to kill himself had Beak not pushed the Prime into one of the thrusters. Prowl asked how deep the thrusters were (one and a half miles) before casually noting that Sentinel was dead. Prowl later took Sovereign back to Earth before deciding to stay on Luna-1 and to take a long overdue sabbatical. He sympathized with Maximus over his fears of change and endings before an alert came through pertaining to information regarding the ''Lost Light''. However the message seemed to just be gibberish and the quartet ignored it before they resumed cleaning the Titan's T-Cog. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} At some point, Prowl received a final message from Springer after the Wrecker entered the [[Timemaze]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

===Maximal Hunter===
[[File:TheDeadComeHomePart1 TeamProwl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|"Right. Now we're in trouble. And it's only just beginning."]]
To combat the threat of the [[Maximal]]s, Prowl began gathering forces of his own. He located [[Stardrive]], the Camien Triple-Changer who formerly served with the [[Solstar Order]], as well as [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Garnak]]. He unearthed the long forgotten [[vamparc ribbon]] and other weapons confiscated from Zeta Prime after his fall. He also led his allies to [[Regalis V]], where they confronted a group of Maximals attacking the [[Throttlebot]]s, missing since the [[Surge (event)|Surge]] ten years prior. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} Prowl also began corresponding with [[Pyra Magna]], the [[Torchbearer]] standing by Optimus's side who had similar misgivings about Prime's direction. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} When Starscream was reflecting on his own history, he recalled Prowl being present when Orion Pax allied with Megatron to take down Zeta Prime. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]'s return to Cybertron, the ''[[Peaceful Revolution]]'' began tracking the flight path of the Maximal Titan, [[Nemesis (BWII)|Nemesis]]. As they followed, Stardrive became aware of a great danger facing [[Elonia]] with Prowl telling her not to become distracted by her past (she wasn't, she just felt she should pass on the news). By tracking Nemesis, the ''Peaceful Revolution'' made its way to [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] in time for the colony to come under assault from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. Though they tried to defend the planet, the sheer number of Maximals forced them to retreat. Patched through to Optimus, Prowl reported on their inability to save the world but that he'd deduced Unicron's next target was likely [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and that Optimus should consider baiting a trap for their foe there. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

By analyzing the data, Prowl soon concluded that Cybertron was a lost cause and that the final battle for the fate of their universe would be on [[Earth]]. When Stardrive informed him that Unicron had arrived at Cybertron (seven minutes later than Prowl predicted), the tactician ordered a course set for Earth. No sooner had the ''Peaceful Revolution'' emerged in [[Jupiter]] space, did Unicron teleport himself into the solar system. Prowl quickly called Optimus, who'd evacuated their species to Earth, that the Chaos Bringer was bearing down on Earth. {{storylink|Road's End}}

After picking up some straggling members of Prime's crew, {{storylink|A Sunrise Dark}} Prowl directed the ''Peaceful Revolution'' to the [[Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park]] to meet up with everyone else where he told [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] that the reason Unicron was causing the stars to go out was its assimilation of the supermassive [[black hole]] it once orbited. As part of the final plan to save the universe, Prowl was sent to [[Toronto]] to confront Shockwave. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

[[File:Ceremony ProwlandShockwavefaith.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|It's like looking in an ugly, purple mirror.]]
Breaking into the [[CN Tower]], Prowl saved Shockwave from being slain by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] before he dragged him outside so Stardrive could interface with the cyclopean scientist. Though Shockwave tried to have Prowl abandon his plan, Prowl retorted that "faith" did not require deities as it was merely a synonym for inner strength. Once Optimus's sacrifice destroyed Unicron, Prowl and Stardrive hauled Shockwave away, before taking a moment to bask in the sunlight of their new world. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

At [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'s order, Prowl made his way to "New Cybertron", partly to make sure the planet could sustain itself, but mainly so he could turn Megatron over to the [[Galactic Council]] for trial, in the hopes that the Cybertronian race could join the organization. After allowing the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew the luxury of one "victory lap" around the galaxy, Prowl oversaw Megatron's incarceration in [[Garrus-10]] until the trial could be held. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

Some time later, back on Earth, Prowl visited the incarcerated Shockwave on ''Lemuria''. Having little sympathy for the scientist's identity crisis, he bluntly told Shockwave that people would forever be defined by their actions, not their intentions, perhaps finally coming to terms with his own tainted past. {{storylink|Post}}

[[File:Post ProwlLearnsHisLesson.jpg|center|thumb|upright=0.55|''I Am Prick'' authored by Prowl of Petrex.]]
{{--}}

==INSIRT continuity==
Long ago on Cybertron, [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#INSIRT continuity|Chromedome]] served in the [[Autobot Police]] and harbored an interest in the field of mnemosurgery. Over time, he was able to use his highly decorated partner Prowl's status to pursue his interest in mnemosurgery, developing the ability to extract information directly from a suspect's mind. {{storylink|Chromedome (G1)#Timelines|''Timelines'' Chromedome bio card}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
[[File:AHM 1cvrEXCL.jpg|left|upright=0.9|thumb|I think this is a killing joke!]]
In [[Primax 708.10-R Lambda]], [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] cracked the codes to an Autobot forward listening outpost. He walked in, shot Prowl, and then laughed and took a photo of what he had done. Prowl would be unable to transform for many stellar cycles. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/06}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Prowl-Andrew Griffith-RiDS1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
* [[James Roberts]] stated that pre-war Prowl and Chromedome had a, ah, "stronger bond" than just being partners.<ref>[http://theunderbase.libsyn.com/the-underbase-deconstructs-shadowplay "The Underbase Podcast Deconstructs Shadowplay"], 17:17 - 14:58</ref> This would put their tension in the present day as more personal than we thought (and Rewind's constant insults against Prowl as being the new boyfriend having a go at the crappy ex).
* According to IDW story editor [[Andy Schmidt]], ''[[Ride-Along|Spotlight: Prowl]]'' was originally going to be told in [[The Transformers (IDW)|the ongoing series]]. But when fans reacted badly to Prowl's characterization in [[...For All Mankind|the first issue of that series]], IDW decided to jump the gun and publish the story early as a ''Spotlight''.<ref>[http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1002/19/schmidt.htm Comics Continuum video interview with Andy Schmidt]</ref> It is intended to reconcile his new, rashly self-sacrificial portrayal with the methodical, vehemently anti-hotheaded-maverick personality he [[The Transformers: Infiltration|had]] [[The Transformers: Escalation|exhibited]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 15|previously]]. But that reconciliation doesn't actually address the core concern of many of those upset fans, who wanted not just explanation, but ''reversion'' to the subversive schemer that Prowl had recently developed into.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=7345 IDW forum thread practically begging for Prowl's new characterization to be undone.]</ref> John Barber eventually saw fit to explain this snapback in [[Devisive|''Robots in Disguise'' #4]].
*Prowl was one of the characters whom both [[James Roberts]] and [[John Barber]] wanted for their respective books,<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=309188#309188 James Roberts:] As for the divvying up, we both started off with two or three characters that had been dictated – actually, that’s the wrong word – by IDW editorial, then came up with a core cast wish list. There were only a few clashes. I would have liked Prowl and Wheeljack and I think John would have liked Magnus and Ratchet. We compromised.</ref> perhaps unsurprisingly explaining his significant guest role in MtMtE/LL.
* Prowl's design in the first "season" of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' is based on a [[:File:BluestreakWFCconceptart.jpg|concept drawing of ''War for Cybertron'' Bluestreak]] that never made its way into the game.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Strategists]]

Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

2021-04-04T18:47:07Z

GlamAttack: /* Fiction */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|Prowl the existentially-cross table-flipping pragmatist|Prowl the [[Predabot]]|Dent}}{{suite}}
[[File:Prowl-Infiltration2&3covers.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|My prickitude [[Shane McCarthy|fluctuates]] [[Nick Roche|wildly]] [[Mike Costa|between]] [[John Barber|writers]].]]
Pragmatist. Calculating and cold. Rule-bound. Prickly. Just some of the words used to describe '''Prowl''', and that's by those he'd consider allies! To him, the war is nothing but a maddening confluence of factors he cannot control, despite his impressive strategic acumen and dedication to logic. That doesn't stop him from trying though, and Prowl secretly moves [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|players]] and [[Ironfist (G1)|pawns]] across his own personal chess board in an attempt to expand his influence and produce the results he desires. Prowl always believes he's serving the greater good through these morally-gray manipulations, but he's sometimes uncaring of the harm he causes to his own comrades and the increasingly-fewer people he'd call friends.

His inherent ruthlessness is so well known that even when he's been under [[Bombshell (G1)|enemy mind control]], or negatively influenced by [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|other outside means]], those closest to him have barely noticed a difference in Prowl's behavior. On occasion, Prowl will find his conscience again and attempt to change his nature, but these self-reinventions seldom take for very long. Prowl's crossed lines that most people don't even know exist and despite his intentions, he's learned time and again that he'll ultimately be judged by his harsh actions.

:*''First Appearance:'' [[Infiltration issue 1|''Transformers: Infiltration'' #1]]

{{quote|We're not winning this war, and I'm '''''tired''''' of it. Tired of crunching stat after stat, formulating workable strategies for '''''achievable victory'''''. Prime listens--to a point--then gets '''''restless''''' and changes tack on a whim. The average Autobot default setting is daredevil maverick. That's not '''''us''''', [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]]. '''''We''''' can subdivide this war into its purest mathematical form and generate solutions all we want, but unless we happen to be [[Spotlight: Hot Rod|'''''surfing''''' on a '''''meteoroid''''']] at the time, '''''no one''''' will pay attention.|Prowl|"[[All Hail Megatron issue 15#Everything in Its Right Place|Everything in Its Right Place]]"}}
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==Fiction==
===From cop to soldier===
[[File:MTMTE9 early Chromedome.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|"Uh-huh, uh-huh... and what's it called when a smartass cop gets his spark extinguished while he's recharging?"]]
Prowl of [[Petrex]] was [[Reproduction|constructed cold]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} He learned to appreciate rules and discipline during his formative years in Petrex, a strictly [[functionism|functionist]] town where saying anything bad about your [[alternate mode]] could get you thrown in jail. He eventually made it into the [[Iaconian Mechaforensic Division]], where he became famous for his tendency to order a full body autopsy during practically every investigation. This is exactly what he did when he and his partner [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Tumbler]] were assigned to investigate the assassination of [[Sherma|Senator Sherma]], seemingly killed by Decepticons, leading to the discovery of [[cerulean glass]] on the victim's body. Following the trail to [[Translucentica Heights]], the duo ran straight into another body: that of [[Momus|Senator Momus]]. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Prowl computing Patternism.jpg|right|upright=1.55|thumb|"Shut up." "I didn't say anything." "You were ''thinking'', it's ''annoying''."]]
As Tumbler went after the killer, Prowl investigated the crime scene and found that Momus had in fact been a Decepticon himself... and also that there was a ''second'' killer, who promptly attacked them. Inexperienced in combat, Prowl could do little to fight back, but the two were rescued by a fellow cop named [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] who believed the [[Senate]] to be targeting Decepticons. Pax suggested that they avoid reporting their findings to their superiors, but Prowl ignored him in favor of regular police procedure, which much to his chagrin led to his preliminary report being quoted as fact on the news. Sent by Pax to investigate a nearby [[Relinquishment Clinic]], he and Tumbler not only found proof that the killers had been using borrowed bodies, but also a complex dedicated to researching [[brain module]]s and a list of known Decepticons. While Tumbler, Orion Pax and several others believed that the clinic was the [[Institute]] and that the Senate was planning to use it to brainwash the Decepticons, Prowl rejected this as a far-fetched conspiracy theory. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} He refused to have any part in Pax's plan to stop the Senate's evil plot, but worried about his partner's choice to join in. He asked Pax to keep Tumbler out of danger, and in exchange he wouldn't tell anyone what they were planning. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:MegatronOrigin2 boredAutobots.jpg|left|thumb|And remember to fill out those TPS reports.]]
Following the rise of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Prowl joined the Autobot Security Services in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], working right under Sentinel. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 1|Megatron Origin #1}} Prowl's goal was to work against Sentinel's corrupt system from the inside, and he often talked Sentinel out of carrying out his destructive plans. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} However, becoming part of that system (even just for subversive reasons) resulted in the end of his close relationship with Tumbler. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}} Tumbler would eventually become [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]], and Prowl would forever be made the butt of jokes by Chromedome's future [[Conjunx Endura]] [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]: usually featuring fictional instances of Prowl being beaten up. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} Prowl accompanied Sentinel Prime for the inspection of a mine on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]]. There, they first saw [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] and were dismissive of his odd behavior. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s rise as the most popular and violent pit fighter in videos of Kaon's illegal [[gladiatorial combat]] attracted Prowl's attention, and he formed an Autobot Security Services team to crack down on them, though to the chagrin of his fellow officers, he tended to blather on about his theories about how somebody was making a fortune distributing on these inexpensive to produce videos. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

After the murder of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], Sentinel and Prowl led a security forces deployment that arrested many of Megatron's pit fighters and those that they were attempting to recruit. Prowl personally attached the [[inhibitor claw]] to Megatron once he was overwhelmed by security forces. While processing the prisoners, he delivered the galling news that due to [[Ratbat (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|senate orders]], Soundwave was to be freed without charge. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} Unfortunately, it was all part of Megatron's mad plans. He allowed himself and his men to be captured so Starscream could feign turning coat and murder the senate members who questioned him. During the ensuing jail break that devastated the [[Security Services Headquarters|Security Team HQ]] and following street battle, Prowl lost his usual cool composure in the face of such onslaught and looked to Sentinel Prime for directions. When Prime left to face Megatron personally and was brutally defeated, it was Prowl who took control and ordered the evacuation of security forces from Kaon. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

During Sentinel's state funeral, Prowl made a public announcement that the Decepticons had desecrated Sentinel's body and stolen his head. {{storylink|The Last Autobot|The Last Autobot}}

[[File:DanceAmongTheShadows JetfirepunchesProwl.jpg|right|upright=1.6|thumb|Yeah...get used to this, Prowl.]]
When [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] rose to power, Prowl took an interest in keeping watch on those in power. Orion Pax eventually brought him [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] who had been arrested for assaulting an officer of the law. Prowl was ready to dismiss them until Pax brought up the death of [[Hefter]], an act done by corrupt policemen gaining Prowl's interest. When the police mech interrogated Jetfire, the Decepticon started a fist fight which Prowl easily won before he convinced him that he and Pax wanted to help. He was able to deduced from Jetfire's words that no one had told Jetfire to attack Pax but someone had told him ''about'' him. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}} Jetfire led the two to [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] who stoically denied any and all accusations about the gun-running scheme. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}} With the investigation going nowhere, Prowl released the flier from custody who responded by socking him in the jaw as part of an act to lure the gun-runners out of hiding. Meeting with Pax and Jetfire at [[Cosmic Carnival]] site, Jetfire turned over the [[ion blaster]] to clear Hefter's name and revealed he knew when and where the next shipment would be. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 4: Dance Among the Shadows|Dance Among the Shadows}} To keep an optic on events, Prowl then outfitted Jetfire with a wire. The two learnt that Soundwave was fully aware fo the weapons which destroyed any sympathy Orion had for the Decepticons. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} Prowl and Pax then followed Jetfire's signal, leading to a firefight against the Decepticons that ended in the entire shipment of weapons being destroyed. {{storylink|New Cybertron End: Feel Safe Without Regrets|Feel Safe Without Regrets}} Prowl simply went right back to work and expressed surprise that Jetfire had taken up Pax's offer to work with them. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}}

After the [[Tygun factory]] had been destroyed in a bombing, a bot named [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] turned himself in for the crime, claiming nightmares had driven him to it. A skeptical Prowl ordered Jetfire to scan the room, finding that an outside signal was being broadcasted into Bumblebee's processor. Pax and Prowl tracked the signal and found the Decepticons responsible. In the following firefight, it was revealed Bumblebee had followed them and lunged at Soundwave only to be forced off. As the facility began to fall apart, Prowl grabbed Bumblebee and ran out. As the three watched the hideout go up in flames, Bumblebee asked if he could have a job with them. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Prowl was with Orion Pax and his fellow officers when they busted [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] for dealing [[simultronic]]s to customers. {{storylink|Post}} They busted Swindle AGAIN after finding him overseeing a gun-running operation. By this point, Orion Pax was becoming disillusioned with policing Iacon's streets and Prowl had to talk him out of strong-arming the Decepticon. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers3-ProwlAntiRadArmor.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Prowl was among the arresting officers who took down [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] when he began [[Roadbuster affair|brutalizing his cadets]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}} Prowl began working with the non-aligned scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)|Mesothulas]] in secret. Mesothulas saw their relationship as symbiotic—Prowl's imagination would feed into Mesothulas's desire to make the impossible real, and vice versa. Their partnership resulted in many frightening advancements, such as stasis bullets, spark extraction, and Decepti-bombs. The successful utilization of the latter resulted in Decepticons being blamed for the destruction of the neutral city [[Carpessa]], which allowed Prowl to recruit the survivors into the Autobots. Mesothulas also contributed the idea of the [[Aequitas]] computer, though Prowl reported that High Command were concerned with the ethics of the guilt-detecting supercomputer. Prowl eventually began to have very strong doubts about the ethics involved with Mesothulas's inventions, particularly after the revelation of his latest creations, the [[Noisemaze]], and an artificial Cybertronian life-form called Ostaros. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

Prowl quietly made a deal with [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] where in he would dispose of Mesothulas by pushing the scientist into the Noisemaze and destroy all of his inventions, including Ostaros. However, Impactor could not bring himself to eliminate Ostaros, and told Prowl to do his own dirty work if he wanted it done. Prowl, however, could not kill him either, and instead had the artificial Cybertronian enlisted in the Autobots under the name [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} Prowl and Impactor decided to have Springer mentored by [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], both believing that it would be best for the young 'bot's moral character. Prowl gave Kup a "need-to-know" version of Springer's backstory and introduced the pair to each other. Kup's tutelage of the lad did indeed produce a valued and notable Autobot hero in Springer, something that both Prowl and Impactor secretly took pride in. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}} Prowl would later create an automatic recording for the possibility of him ever being compromised, in which case he wanted Springer to be the one to rescue him from whatever misfortune he found himself in. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Impactor would later call in his favour with Prowl to have Roadbuster released after he had served minimum rehab. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:HuntForSoundwave Prowlvehicle.jpg|right|upright=1.5|thumb|The Prickmobile.]]
As the Decepticon movement began to spread across Cybertron, Prowl became a member of Orion Pax's Autobot counter-insurgency unit. He participated in a mission to arrest Swindle as he was selling weapons to terrorists in [[Nyon]]. {{storylink|Law and Disorder}} Not long afterwards he helped hunt down Decepticon spy Soundwave, but was dealt with by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] who collapsed the [[Neurospan Bridge]] on him. {{storylink|The Hunt for Soundwave}} Prowl was later present when Orion and his team discussed an offer from Megatron to talk, and if such a peaceful meeting were even possible. {{storylink|Post}} When Bumblebee was held hostage by the Decepticons to force Orion to attend the meeting, Prowl and the rest of the team came as back up, bailing Orion and Bumblebee out. {{storylink|Cause and Effect}}

On a mission from Zeta Prime to arrest the insurgent [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], Orion Pax's team traveled to Nyon's [[Acropolex]], where Prowl noted that their target seemingly wasn't trying to kill them and also mentioned being a believer in the [[Matrix of Leadership]] unlike [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|some people]]. At the heart of the Acropolex, the Autobots found that Hot Rod just wanted to show them multiple tanks full of energon drained from Nyon's populace to power Zeta Prime's war machines. He asked Orion Pax to join him against Prime's tyranny, though Prowl voiced his disapproval of officers joining the insurgents against their own government. {{storylink|Ruins}} He seemingly changed his mind as soon as Zeta Prime began directly assaulting Nyon. To distract Zeta's [[Guardian robot|Omega Destructor]]s while Hot Rod evacuated the city, Orion Pax and Prowl acted as bait and drew one of the Destructors into a trap, but failed to harm it and were defeated by Zeta Prime himself. {{storylink|Purge}} The Autobots' lives were saved by Megatron, who took them to Kaon for repairs and negotiated an alliance with Orion. {{storylink|Choices}}

[[File:Prowl Autocracy12 Endgame.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|This is my "up to something" face.]]
Together with their new allies, Prowl and the others attacked Zeta Prime's [[Citadel]] and put an end to his rule. Unsurprisingly, the Decepticons then betrayed them. {{storylink|Overthrown}} Prowl was among those captured under Megatron's new rule, but escaped alongside his cellmates [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]], Springer, and Kup. They followed Orion Pax's ID signal to the ruins of Nyon, where they were shocked to learn that he had acquired the Matrix and become Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Rise}} When Optimus had to make a rallying call for more allies for their cause, Prowl cut the news-feed for the message to get carried out. He then participated in the assault against the Citadel. {{storylink|Broadcast}} After the battle, Prowl showed Optimus the armory that Zeta Prime had hidden in the [[Undergrid]], suggesting that they could use the weapons within against the Decepticons, but Optimus refused this and ordered them destroyed. {{storylink|Endgame}} While outwardly complying with Prime's order, Prowl instead secretly stashed the private arsenal away for a "rainy day". {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}}

Not long after Optimus's rise to leadership, Prowl aided him in responding to an attack on the [[Toraxxis mega-refinery]]. {{storylink|Rage (IDW)|Rage}} During the [[Exodus (event)|Exodus]], his security unit was in charge of upholding order at Iacon's [[Starsreach Spaceport]], but growing tensions led to rioting among those who couldn't afford their way off the planet. Prowl called in Optimus Prime to calm the rioters, only to be pulled into combat when the Decepticons attacked the spaceport. {{storylink|Massacre}} After [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] had chased off the attackers, Prowl watched him and the other [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] leave Cybertron. {{storylink|Unleashed}} He later participated in the Autobot defensive strategy against a rampaging [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Annihilation}}

[[File:ALonelyPillarOnThePlain ProwlVShockwave.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Is it better to be prickishly logical or logically prickish?]]
During an all-out Decepticon assault on Iacon, Prowl suggested the Autobots retreat to avoid being overwhelmed by Megatron's new [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] allies, but was ordered by Prime to hold the line. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} He continued to fight until Prime transmitted a holographic message telling all combatants that he had defeated Megatron and that the battle was over. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}} The captive Megatron was violently busted out of Autobot imprisonment soon thereafter, but Optimus hoped that Megatron would perhaps now be more amenable to reason in the future, much to Prowl's consternation. {{storylink|Post}}

Prowl led a group of Autobots to [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] where they were met by Decepticons led by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]. The two squads clashed over Junkion's gravimetric core with either Shockwave or Prowl eventually giving the order to detonate the core and destroy the planet completely. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 2: A Lonely Pillar on the Plain|A Lonely Pillar on the Plain}}

Four million years ago, Prowl was working directly under Optimus Prime as the Autobots fought to prevent the Decepticons from bringing fresh energon supplies to the war effort. While Optimus went after the energon convoy himself, Prowl held the line with Hound and the others to prevent the Decepticons from getting hold of the latest city they had targeted. In the aftermath, Prowl congratulated Prime for capturing the convoy without having to fire a shot. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

At some point during the war, Prowl tried to desert and escape the war on board the ''[[Peaceful Resolution]]''. It was shot down before reaching orbit, and he realized he had to help win the war instead of running from it. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

Half a million years ago, during the Decepticon's siege on Metroplex, Prowl protested Optimus's illogical decision to enter the battlefield himself, and found himself backed up by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who suggested taking Metroplex out of the equation. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} As he and Bumblebee watched the Titan depart Cybertron, Prowl grumbled that while it was necessary, the war itself was illogical, and that the reactive actions of Optimus were not the kind of leadership the Autobots needed, but rather someone like him who could plan for everything. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5-atrocityafteratrocity.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
After the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility had been established, Prowl was among the law enforcement Autobots who endured Aequitas' guilt-detecting trials of ''Autobot'' [[Flame (Marvel)|criminals]] who inflicted unspeakable horrors on civilians and other non-combatants. Prowl and other luminaries such as [[Chief Justice]] [[Solomus|Tyrest]], [[Xaaron]] and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] agreed that the trials would remain a secret until the final verdict was cast, then it would be full disclosure, regardless of the damage to morale and the Autobots' political standing. {{Storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}} Prowl would later have concerns about Tyrest's state-of-mind following the Aequitas trials, and he would try to utilize [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Getaway]] to have the unstable Tyrest retire using a [[Institute|New Institute]] "[[nudge gun]]" to alter his memory. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

Some 20,000 years ago, Prowl was given command of the ''[[Ark-19]]''. {{storylink|Strange Visitors}}

===Earth Unit===
[[File:Infiltration3 Prowl saveit.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Talk to the hand, the prick ain't listening.]]
In the early 21st century, Prowl was the leader of a detachment of Autobots that had operated covertly on [[Earth]] for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency led by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and blindly following the Autobot rules of counterinsurgency. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 1|Infiltration #1}} {{storylink|Infiltration issue 2|Infiltration #2}} He almost threw [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] in the brig for breaking cover to rescue three humans from the Decepticons, and subsequently refused to contact [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] until further evidence of enemy activities was uncovered. He did not willingly believe Ratchet when the medic told him that the Decepticons had stepped up their presence by constructing a [[Infiltration protocol|second base]]. However, [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] ended up sending a pulsewave transmission to Optimus Prime behind Prowl's back. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}} Prowl was forced to face reality when Megatron arrived on Earth to confront Starscream, {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5|Infiltration #5}} and he finally agreed to call in Optimus Prime. Thing was, Prime had already arrived. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}}

When Springer ordered several Autobots on a lethal mission to rescue the damaged and deranged Kup from [[Tsiehshi]], Prowl evidently helped conceal Springer's efforts from Optimus. However, he still felt it was a misguided effort, asking Springer if Kup would want other Autobots killed rescuing him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

Prowl went with the Autobots to investigate Decepticon activity in the country of [[Latveria]]. There they discovered a heavily shielded "array" that the Decepticons were using as a base. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part One}} After a skirmish with the [[human]]s that were present there, they teamed up with them to shut down the [[Psycho-Prism]] human mind altering device the Decepticons had fortified inside the array. The Decepticons attacked. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Two}} During the fight, [[Luke Cage]] and Ratchet discovered a weak spot in the array's defenses and went in. Prowl followed to make sure Ratchet didn't put human interests ahead of Autobot interests, but the human [[Spider-Man]] was held captive inside, so Prowl gave in and let Ratchet and Luke Cage attempt a rescue.

Prowl found the Psycho-Prism guarded by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Doctor Doom]]. Doctor Doom zapped him into unconsciousness. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Three}} He awoke next to Ratchet to find Spider-Man had been freed by Doctor Doom, who had switched sides. Prowl and Ratchet decided to use the Decepticons' [[mirror response mode]] equipment to boost their power with Spider-Man's superhuman abilities. [[Wolverine (Marvel)|Wolverine]] arrived with Jazz and Bumblebee and suggested they use his abilities instead. They did, then [[orbital jump|orbital bounced]] with Spider-Man back to the battle outside, where their added strength helped defeat Megatron. Wolverine, Jazz, and Bumblebee stayed to destroy the Psycho-Prism. {{storylink|Man and Machine, Part Four}}

[[File:Escalation6 Prowl MYTURF.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Yeah, let the irresponsible loner look after the MacGuffin. Good call.]]
After [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] was kidnapped by [[Machination|a mysterious group of humans]], {{storylink|Escalation issue 1|Escalation #1}} {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} Prowl was still obsessed with the rules of the counterinsurgency war and thus did not understand why Optimus Prime requested reinforcements to Earth. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2|Escalation #2}} Prowl was furious when Ironhide dared to go around him and volunteer himself to track down clues on Sunstreaker's disappearance, and subsequently forced him to stay behind while the Autobots not on his grievance list left for [[Brasnya]] to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3|Escalation #3}} When everything kicked off in the former [[Russia|Soviet]] nation, Prowl led [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] (and later [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]) into battle, attempting to capture [[Georgi Koska]], a Decepticon [[Facsimile construct|facsimile]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4|Escalation #4}} He clashed with Hot Rod over the capture of Koska as both of them were of equal rank, {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}} but when Optimus Prime was temporarily offline and believed dead, Prowl assumed full command and came up with a strategy for fighting Megatron (shoot him, then run away). {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

Under orders from Optimus, Prowl oversaw the moving of ''[[Ark-19]]'' to a more secure location. He turned to Prime rather than order the launch on his own discretion. (Prime had to order him to use his own discretion.) {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} When [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] blew them out of the sky, Optimus took command of the situation until the ''Ark-19'' was destroyed. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}}

Once on the ''[[Ark-32]]'', Prowl found that, due to injuries from the battle with Sixshot {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} and separate missions, he and Hardhead were the only active Autobots. He was mildly annoyed that Optimus Prime and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] were otherwise preoccupied during this crisis. He was then shocked when Optimus abruptly ordered their unit to withdraw from Earth to handle a situation at the [[Garrus-9]] secure facility. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}}

Optimus Prime and Prowl met with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] on Garrus-9 to discuss the prisoners' breakout and how a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Prime left Maximus in charge and said that he and Prowl had unfinished business aboard the ''Ark-32''. When [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] was reported guarding a cave on [[Corata-Vaz]], Optimus Prime recognized this had something to do with his [[infraspace]] encounter in [[Brasnya]]. He ordered Prowl to summon the [[Wrecker]]s to find out what Thunderwing was guarding. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} He judged the subsequent battle between the Wreckers and Thunderwing as suicidal, and felt that they were wasting their time given everything seemed to be coming at them at once. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

Prowl was present to hear Ratchet diagnose Sunstreaker after the later's de-Headmasterification. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 14|Replay}}

[[File:AHM15 SpringerpunchesProwl.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|According to my calcula- ''OHGODMYFACE!'']]
Prowl became increasingly frustrated with the tendency of the Autobots in general and Optimus specifically to lionise and listen to charismatic warriors and mavericks. Realising nobody would listen to the more logical tactical advice that he or Perceptor gave, he had Kup sent to the [[Kimia Facility]] to be rebuilt... with some personality sub-routines added in, which would ensure that the iconic elder could be controlled and made to act as a proxy for him. Prowl didn't want attention or glory, he only wanted to do his job, and he had absolutely no ethical qualms about ensuring that "when [Kup] speaks, you won't even see my lips move"...

He ''really'' didn't like Springer either, and was annoyed that the ''Decepticons'' seem to be a more unified body than the Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Everything in Its Right Place}}

After the [[Expansion]] incident, Optimus Prime reassigned more Autobots to Earth. The Decepticons had been laying low for months, and everyone was starting to get restless. While Prowl recommended a "wait and see" approach to Optimus Prime, Ironhide's calls for action soon drowned out Prowl's reasoning. When Mirage handed them solid intelligence about a possible opportunity to wipe out Starscream and a small group of Decepticons, the Autobots acted on it. It turned out to be an ambush, and the Autobots were soundly defeated by the Decepticons with the aid of [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]]. Informed that the Decepticons were launching simultaneous attacks across the galaxy on Autobot installations and also that there was a traitor among them, the Autobots' morale was dealt a heavy blow. Through use of a space bridge portal, Megatron planned to send the Autobots to Cybertron to have them devoured by the [[Insecticon swarm|Swarm]]. Optimus Prime managed to sabotage the portal and strand the Autobots on Cybertron before the Decepticons could follow, albeit nearly at the cost of his life. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

[[File:Ironhidepuncheseveryone.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|I'm sensing a pattern emerging.]]
In this unprecedented situation, Jazz's authority superseded Prowl's, and he took overall command of the battered and demoralized Autobots. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} Jazz also proved necessary to shore up Prowl's own authority, which was severely disregarded by his men. Jazz's reputation helped keep them in line, particularly the recalcitrant Ironhide, who had taken to striking superior officers, including Prowl himself. After the situation with Ironhide was defused, Prowl got Jazz to admit the energon searches he'd been sending troops out on were just to keep the men busy. Prowl worried that Prime would soon die, and about the details of their commander's condition that they had kept from the troops at large. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}}

Frustrated at being stranded on Cybertron, he listened to [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks's]] story about how awesome and cool Jazz is to pass the time. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}}

In particular, what Jazz and Prowl were withholding was the fact that the [[Matrix of Leadership]] was not within Prime anymore, but had been absconded with by Megatron. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

Kup arrived on Cybertron shortly thereafter with his own team, and things took a turn for the worse, with the Swarm encroaching on their position. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} Sunstreaker was revealed to be the traitor, having made a bargain with Starscream to kill Megatron. He sacrificed his life to buy the other Autobots time to put some distance between them and the Swarm. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

[[File:AHM10 ProwlandJazz.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Prick ''and'' nerd.]]
Thankfully, Ratchet finally managed to repair and revive Optimus Prime, and Autobot morale went on the upswing despite their situation. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} Under Prime's direction, they immediately began building a defense against the oncoming Swarm horde in a new temporary base. Once everything was nearly in place, Prowl calculated the odds of them succeeding and wound up with quite a dire forecast. Jazz urged him to keep it to himself, which Prowl quickly agreed to do. When the Swarm surged against them, the Autobots fought as hard as they could, but were eventually on the verge of being overwhelmed. Fortunately, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] arrived to tilt the odds squarely in the Autobots' favor. Prowl asked Omega how he had survived the galaxy-wide Decepticon attack, speculating that they had probably sent an army against him. Omega simply replied, "I am Omega Supreme". {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

The Autobots eventually boarded Omega's rocket mode and headed for Earth. There, they engaged the Decepticon forces in a fierce battle which ended with Megatron's defeat and Starscream ordering a withdrawal from the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

[[File:Prowl Spotlight AdviseAgainstInvolvement.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"But Prowl, look...teddy bear."]]
Over the next three years, the Autobots remained on Earth at the insistence of Optimus Prime. Optimus believed they could not leave in good conscience while human society was still in disarray from their war and rogue Decepticons still wandered the planet. The humans were not interested in having protectors, however, and soon learned to take care of themselves. [[Skywatch]] reverse-engineered Cybertronian technology to hunt and capture Autobots AND Decepticons left on the planet.

As part of Optimus Prime's belief that the Autobots must help humanity rebuild in whatever way possible, Prowl was assigned to assist the local police whilst in disguise as one of their squad cars. Over the next eight months, Prowl saw humanity at its lowest ebb. Desperate, angry people who would never forgive the Transformers for bringing their war to humanity's homeworld. He watched as some of his driver's fellow police officers set fire to the building that the Decepticon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] was trapped in, a cold execution of what Prowl considered an enemy combatant. He protested to Optimus Prime that humanity was dangerous, they were now killing Transformers, and that there was no strategic purpose for the Autobots to be on this planet or for he to continue this masquerade of being a police car. Prime asked his officer to trust him in his belief to the value of this activity, and that all the Autobots were on a personal journey.

===Lessons from Earth===
[[File:Prowl Spotlight DoneTheNumbers.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Prowl finally realizes that math is useless.]]
And so Prowl continued to patrol the streets, and while he did so, he calculated. The humans numbered in their swarming billions versus less than ten thousand Cybertronians. Humanity lived brief, petty, frantic lives of comparatively little consequence, their world and its infrastructure inefficient, ramshackle and incompetent. Prowl concluded that not a single human life was worth that of a Cybertronian. However, when he and his police officer driver were overseeing the removable of volatile Cybertronian wreckage from a building, some workers accidentally triggered an abandoned weapon to fire, destroying a damaged building. Without thinking, Prowl transformed and pushed a young girl out of the way, saving her life, but in the process, was trapped under the rubble that would have crushed her. His driver expressed disbelief that the Autobot had been in disguise as his car for the past eight months, and that he had broken cover to save one girl. Prowl confessed that for eight months he had been watching, planning, but unable to do anything. There were so many times he could have assisted if he were able to break cover. He had run the numbers, made calculations on Earth and on humanity, his math was flawless, but they weren't ''right''. And when push came to shove, he couldn't rely on what he thought might happen, he had to act on instinct and do the right thing. The policeman, impressed, remarked that Prowl spoke like a true beat cop, and stated that while he was obligated to call this incident in, it wasn't an emergency and suggested that Prowl had an hour to extricate himself before Skywatch arrived. {{storylink|Ride-Along}}

[[File:Ongoing issue 1-Prowl shot in the back.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Woman makes prick staticky. Hilarity ensues.]]
The Autobots moved west, where Prowl was joined in his undercover police work with new arrival [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]. They were present at a power installation in New Mexico, which was being ransacked by the ravenous [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]. Skywatch deployed its robot-hunting crash-suits and brought down the Decepticon before leveling lethal particle cannons at him. Despite himself, Prowl broke cover to prevent the execution of a helpless Transformer. This left his backside open to the second Skywatch team on site, who used [[Suppressor (device)|mode lock inhibitors]] to capture him as well as the "bait", Breakdown.

Prowl's capture was reported back to Autobase by Streetwise, and Hot Rod assembled a strike team to infiltrate Skywatch and rescue him. These Autobots were outfitted with Wheeljack's new counter-inhibitors to prevent the mode lock from working. Unfortunately, this sudden change in tactical efficiency only caused Skywatch to panic, drawing out their lethal ordnance to protect themselves. Prowl was rescued...but Ironhide died in the assault. Grieving for his friend, Optimus Prime then stepped down as Autobot leader and turned himself over to Skywatch. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

With Optimus gone, Hot Rod advocated abandoning his plan and this planet, and Prowl was one of the first to sign up for Hot Rod's splinter group. They failed to convince [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] to fly them off-world, but then encountered a group of Decepticons led by Swindle. After a brief scuffle, Hot Rod and Swindle entered into negotiations for a truce. Prowl was uncomfortable with the idea of collaboration, despite his earlier effort on Breakdown's behalf. Ultimately, however, he went along with it. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}}

[[File:Prowl Seasons In Flight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Prowl always narcs on the cool kids.]]
The united Autobots and Decepticons attempted to construct a space cruiser in order to leave the planet. Their efforts reached a hurdle with the arrival of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], duly appointed enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]]. Prowl had summoned Ultra Magnus to Earth as part of standard operating procedure after Ironhide's death, before Prime abdicated his leadership and the faction had split. Things became difficult as Magnus attempted to confiscate Hot Rod's "unlicensed interstellar vehicle". Prowl attempted to weigh in with legalese of his own, citing the line of procedural succession and emergency powers, but it became moot when Magnus discovered their collaboration. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}}

Eventually the collaboration ended when the Decepticons betrayed Hot Rod. Prowl and the others survived thanks to the intervention of Optimus Prime and Skywatch leading Bumblebee to form an alliance with humans. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:Prowl LSOTW5 Pressure.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.55|To prick...or ''not'' to prick...]]
Sometime after things settled down on Earth, Prowl formed a plan to recapture the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility, which had fallen during Megatron's push three years earlier. On the basis of an earlier report from [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], High Command had originally concluded that G-9 had been utterly destroyed, but Springer found new intel that suggested that Fortress Maximus and Co. had not only survived the Surge, but were repelling Decepticon invasion parties while waiting to be rescued. {{storylink|Bullets|Bullets}}

Prowl's primary objective on this mission was for the Wreckers to retrieve the data stored on [[Aequitas]], as he feared that if the Decepticons managed to get their hands on politically damaging information about Autobot war criminals, it would be disastrous to the Autobot cause. When selections for the new Wreckers squad were being made, Prowl learned that [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (a weapons researcher at [[Kimia Facility]] who had an obsessive fascination with the Wreckers) had recently suffered a lab accident involving cerebro-centric bullets and only had months to live. Applying pressure on psy-ops specialist [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (who had judged the researcher unfit for Wreckers duty), Prowl arranged for Ironfist to be placed in Springer's squad on the condition that he would be the one to sacrifice his life to unlock Aequitas. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} After the surviving Wreckers defeated [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] and liberated G-9, Prowl was given a [[data slug]] containing the Aequitas' data, the legacy of Ironfist, who had finally succumbed to his lab accident injury. Prowl explained to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] how he regretted using Ironfist in this manner, and he would prefer if the information about trials were never made public, despite what he had agreed to millions of years ago, for fear of what it would do to Autobot morale. As Ultra Magnus left, Prowl started to apply pressure on the data slug... {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[File:Infestation2-Prowl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|IM IN UR HEAD DRIVING U CRAZY...ER.]]
When [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] crash-landed a spaceship full of [[zombie]]s in [[Las Vegas]], Autobot and Skywatch troops were ready to defend the city. After a brief battle, they learned that the zombies were not on Galvatron's side, but rather a threat to the entire planet, and Prowl had the area quarantined before interrogating Galvatron on what he knew about the creatures. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|The Transformers: Infestation #1}} The leader of the zombies, an interdimensional vampire in disguise named [[Britt]], soon revealed herself and attacked the Autobots and Decepticons, infecting Kup with the zombie plague and creating a space-time portal to Cybertron's distant past, intending to infect the planet while it was still teeming with life. Prowl, however, had a way to sabotage her plan: using his previously established mind link with Kup, he removed the virus's control over the old warrior and had him change the portal's coordinates, trapping Kup, Britt and the zombie army in the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|The Transformers: Infestation #2}} {{Storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 4|Heart of Darkness #4}}

Prowl was one of the Autobots who participated in the covert mission to take out the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who were working with [[North Korea]] in exchange for energon. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}} In order to keep the battle a secret from the world at large, they hacked all spy satellites watch the area, after which Prowl helped defeat [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} Then the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] joined the fray. Since Bumblebee and [[Kyle Pennington|Pennington]] back at base were unable to see what was going on, Prowl had to keep them informed, all while calculating the best strategies to avoid casualties. The Autobots were eventually victorious, but at the cost of humanity learning about their alliance with Skywatch. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

As the Autobots flew home from Korea, the Decepticons returned to Earth with a vengeance and had their plane shot down. Prowl and the others survived, however, and made it to shore. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies|Woken Furies}} After their attacker was revealed to be none other than a returning Megatron, they confronted him and learned that he had defeated most of their troops in America and left them to the mercy of armed and angry humans. Prowl sent Jazz to save them, but against his direct orders to not resort to violence, Jazz ended up breaking cover and killing one of the men. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome|Burning Chrome}} The Autobots regrouped at Omega Supreme, and were soon joined by Megatron, having given himself up just to taunt them. Prowl was contemplating how short-sighted it had been to have both their mechanics on the Korea team when Optimus Prime approached him, asking him to investigate Megatron's claims that [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]] had executed a [[Scrapper (G1)|surrendered combatant]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|Enemy Mine}}

[[File:PoliceActionPrologue-Prowl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Not to prick, apparently.]]
In order to finish his investigation, Prowl remained on Earth with Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus and some other Autobots while the rest of them left to drive Galvatron off of Cybertron. After a last-minute questioning of Megatron revealed nothing new, he tried unsuccessfully to get Decepticon deserter [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] to stay with the Autobots, and lied to Bumblebee and Spike that he would keep them updated on what was going on. {{storylink|Police Action: Prologue}} Appearing via hologram on board Omega Supreme, Prowl participated in the talks on what the Autobots would do with Megatron. He agreed with [[Xaaron]] that they needed a third party to judge the Decepticon leader's trial, but admitted that personally he'd rather just execute the scumbag. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}}

[[File:Prowl The Question.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Okay, so you say "we"...]]
For a time, Prowl and Bumblebee clashed over command of the Earth-bound Autobots. Prowl co-opted several operatives, such as Street-Wise and Groove, for his own operation, while Bumblebee was left with dealing with a Decepticon situation on his own. When Bumblebee returned to their headquarters with all five Stunticons as his prisoners, he earned a certain degree of respect from Prowl; until then Prowl had doubted Bumblebee's capabilities as a leader. {{storylink|The Question}}

When Spike let slip that he'd be gone from base for 36 hours for secret reasons, Prowl decided to spy on his activities. This proved uninformative as Spike just met with higher-ups and assorted women, but things got heated when Breakdown suddenly showed up for revenge against the human. Prowl defeated him with help from Streetwise, but was forced to break off the mission and was chewed out by Ultra Magnus for the attention attracted by the battle. He mentioned wanting to look into anti-Transformer spokesman [[Ben Simpson]], whom he suspected was providing people with guns made from Megatron's parts, but was ordered to focus on Spike. Searching the site of Scrapper's death, Prowl was sampling some odd chemical residue when he suddenly came under attack. {{storylink|Police Action: Part 1|Police Action #1}}

The assailant was Brawl, though Prowl noticed he had a spotter that got away. Together with Streetwise he defeated the Decepticon and took him in for questioning, but a failsafe in his body caused him to shut down during interrogation. Continuing with the investigation on Spike, Prowl had former Skywatch member [[Sandra (G1)|Sandra]] brought in while he looked into the sample he had found. Just as he figured out that Scrapper had been attacked by a human with a chemical weapon rather than another Decepticon as previously assumed, Spike approached him and shamelessly admitted that it was all true. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}}

[[File:ASecondChanceAtEden ProwlandSpikeover.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.0]]
While Spike argued that it was a strategical operation to rid the world of Devastator, Prowl saw it as murder with vengeance for Spike's friend [[Tim Simmons]] as the motive. Spike didn't care for being lectured, calling Prowl out on making his own tough decisions and keeping secrets from his allies for their own sake. Before he could think of what to do next, Prowl got word from Bumblebee that Ultra Magnus had agreed to go after Ben Simpson, and rolled out alongside him and Streetwise. Simpson turned out to be a [[facsimile construct]] created by Swindle to boost anti-Transformer sentiment among humanity for profit. When captured, Swindle not only admitted to being responsible for the situation in North Korea, but also for helping Skywatch by selling Cybertronian technology to... Spike Witwicky. Before the Autobots could do much, Spike had fled while Jazz went off on his own and announced to the world that the Autobots were cutting all ties with Skywatch and humanity. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}
{{-}}
===Schemers never change===
[[File:Prowl DeathofOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=0.85|right|thumb|Emo prick.]]
The few Autobots on Earth returned to Cybertron in the wake of Galvatron and the [[D-Void]]'s defeat. Though the war was over, [[Autobot High Command]] found themselves stuck with the thankless job of governing the many neutral Cybertronians returning home. Prowl coined the term Non-Aligned Indigenous Life-forms, or [[NAIL]]s, for them, and they didn't like being ruled by the people who had ruined their world through war. When a riot took place, the Autobots were outnumbered 20-to-1 and Prowl had no choice but to release the captive Decepticons and have them lend a hand, though [[inhibitor/deterrence chip]]s kept from using lethal force. Things got worse when Rodimus and Ultra Magnus announced that they were leaving Cybertron in search of the [[Knights of Cybertron]] when he needed them to deal with the neutrals. This caused Prowl to blow up in anger towards the neutrals, calling them arrogant and ungrateful cowards who did nothing during the war but now acted like they owned the planet. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

[[File:HowToSayGoodbyeAndMeanIt Prowlflipstable.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|The table is a metaphor for his characterization whenever a new writer takes over.]]
Contrary to Prowl's belief that nobody would willingly come with Rodimus, he managed to gather over 200 Autobots for his quest, including his old partner and friend Chromedome. Prowl ended up goading Rodimus {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}} into installing [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on the Lost Light covertly on board the ''[[Lost Light]]'' {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} and asked Chromedome to perform mnemosurgery on the captive in the hopes of learning the secrets of what made a Phase-Sixer. When Chromedome refused, Prowl attempted to blackmail him with an unsavoury secret from the mnemosurgeon's past, threatening to tell Rewind; Chromedome responded by assaulting Prowl and erasing some of his memory to protect his relationship with Rewind. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Not to be deterred by his slight amnesia, Prowl still tried to convince Chromedome to stay as he truly needed his special abilities, but Chromedome refused as he'd rather leave his past behind. After a brief fit of anger, Prowl resorted to plan B, contacting his [[Duobot|agents]] on board [[Lost Light|Rodimus's ship]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} He ordered them to place a tracker on its engines, though unfortunate events would lead to them to fail and be killed. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} Prowl and Bumblebee watched the launch of the ''Lost Light'' be cut short when the ship disappeared in a sudden explosion. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Prowl Arcee TheAutomonyLesson.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Prick talking about how he hasn't gone soft.]]
Prowl was left handling the Decepticons, who were very harsh law enforcers and very unhappy about their imprisonment. After arresting [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Horri-Bull]] for assaulting [[Tappet|a NAIL]] (and then arresting the NAIL for disturbing the peace), he took them back to the Decepticon pen and was confronted by Decepticon spokesman [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who demanded his faction be treated as equals. Believing him to have some sort of plan, Prowl reported his suspicions to Bumblebee and suggested they cancel the memorial service dedicated to Rodimus's crew, what with the large NAIL population being indifferent to the fate of their friends. He later discussed the matter of Ratbat with his secret weapon, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], telling her that he was going to preserve the peace even if he had to do things he didn't want to do. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} He learned the truth soon enough when Starscream came to the Autobots and sold out Ratbat, telling Prowl that he planned to assassinate Bumblebee during the memorial service then stage a coup. Acting on this info, Prowl managed to stop [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] from sniping Bumblebee and leaving a NAIL to take the blame, and in the meantime sent Arcee to deal with Ratbat. Even though she mercilessly murdered the Decepticon, the two agreed afterwards that she had acted in self-defense and had no other choice. {{storylink|The World & Everything in It}} Prowl later addressed to the Decepticons in the wake of Ratbat's death, claiming that evidence suggested suicide. Starscream stepped in and backed the cover story, much to Prowl's discomfort. Very shortly thereafter, mysterious explosions began striking Cybertron, leading Prowl to believe the Decepticons were responsible. Metalhawk questioned this, adding in some cutting remarks about the war not being over for Prowl yet. Eventually Wheeljack figured out the origin of the explosions and that all parties were innocent in the matter. Much to Prowl's displeasure, Starscream came up with a plan to protect the civilians while Wheeljack ended the threat. When Starscream was granted a place in the new government thanks to his actions, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] became enraged and struck Prowl, who had tried to calm him down. {{storylink|Stick Together}}

[[File:Prowl Bombshell Devisive.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Reports of this headshot may have been greatly exaggerated.]]
Starscream immediately began undermining Bumblebee's position in the new government, adding to Prowl's growing frustration. When the Decepticon [[Skydive (Predator)|Skydive]] was found murdered, Prowl saw to the investigation. While interrogating the only witness, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], Prowl found a [[cerebro-shell]] implanted on the Decepticon, leading him to the conclusion that [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] was the murderer. Prowl and Arcee used the entranced Dirge to track Bombshell down, finding the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] ensnaring [[Sunstorm (G1)|another victim]]. After a scuffle where Prowl found out that Bombshell's I/D chip wasn't functioning, he ordered [[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] to pursue the fleeing suspect. Prowl and Arcee soon caught up and found Blurr being accosted by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. While Arcee was ordered to save Blurr, Prowl kept on with his pursuit of Bombshell, eventually cornering him. When Bombshell refused to give him any information or the identity of any possible collaborators, a fed-up Prowl coldly executed the deranged Insecticon. The cerebro-shell fell off Dirge, and he witnessed the aftermath of Prowl's actions. Dirge managed to escape and Prowl ordered Arcee to pursue him while he dealt with the Constructicons. Utilizing a hidden override code on the I/D chips to overcome whatever was blocking the signal, Prowl activated their chips and disabled all five Constructicons at once. Later, an injured Blurr gave Prowl a piece of his mind for being ordered after Bombshell without backup, calling him "crazy" and "paranoid". Prowl ignored Blurr's concerns, and pointed out that there was something larger at play with the Decepticons, telling Bumblebee that they had to "take control" of this new era. {{storylink|Devisive}}

When the NAIL [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] arrived, Prowl kept close tabs with him along with Sideswipe. Later on, he was informed that Sky-Byte was having a secret meeting with the Decepticons and broke into their hiding place with Streetwise and Sideswipe and after a brief fight, managed to capture Sky-Byte and Needlenose. They were about to lynch them in public when Ironhide stopped Prowl after saying that it was a way to have a better future of equality for Autobot and Decepticon. When questioned the next day at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] of his new attitude, Ironhide said he had a vision that he and Alpha Trion were telling war stories on Gorlam Prime and that every Autobot and Decepticon by that time, were dead along with their old grudges. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

[[File:Sideswipe Prowl and Wheeljack vehicle Primus All Good Things.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7]]
When the Decepticon captain [[Turmoil]] landed his ship on Cybertron, Prowl and his security forces were ordered in by Bumblebee to attack if necessary. When the order was given by Metalhawk, the Autobot forces stormed in to capture the Decepticons. {{storylink|Interference Patterns}} Prowl saw the Dinobots, Sky-Lynx and Ironhide off when they headed out into the wilderness in response to a distress signal. After they were out of earshot, Prowl noted that he was uncomfortable with the Dinobots retaining their Earth altmodes, and wish they would return to "normal." Bumblebee responded that things had been far from normal recently. He then joined Metalhawk and Starscream in their criticisms about the free elections being stalled on Cybertron, though Bumblebee insisted that they were forthcoming. He later explained to Bumblebee that he desired the elections to take place because he had confidence that Bumblebee would be elected as the planet's leader. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} When [[Turmoil]]'s ship, containing a sort of time machine, disappeared under Bumblebee's nose, Prowl arrived to assist the investigation. {{storylink|Night and the City}} He was later present when a Metrotitan appeared beneath Cybertron's surface and declared Starscream as the Cybertronian conqueror who would unite the planet. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}}

[[File:CityOnFire-NewProwl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|<---o The Verge]]
A short while later, Omega Supreme was bombed in a terror attack, and Prowl used the opportunity as pretense to arrest the Decepticons still working under Soundwave and Shockwave. To allow him to spirit the Decepticons away to secret captivity, Prowl had Arcee infiltrate their hideout, disable them with a special stasis bomb, and then plant explosives throughout the pen. Prowl then lead his public arrest force to the pen, where he purposely tripped the explosives to present the appearance that the Decepticons had booby-trapped their own base and had perished in the blast. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} The blast left Prowl in a serious, although stable, condition, but he soon mysteriously disappeared from his [[CR chamber]]. A short while later, when Decepticons had begun rioting in response to Megatron's return, Prowl reappeared in an upgraded body, and shot [[Staxx]] to save Wheeljack, who had been corned by the angry mob. {{storylink|City on Fire}} He subsequently led the Autobot engineer to the [[Black Room]], where the Decepticons Prowl had previously 'killed' were waiting, repaired and upgraded. Wheeljack was taken hostage, and soon the escaped Megatron arrived, with a stunned Starscream in tow. {{storylink|The Verge}}

[[File:IDWRID14 prowlstator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deva-prick? Prick-astator?]]
When a group of Autobots, joined by Metalhawk, Dirge and Swindle arrived at the Black Room, Prowl was holding Starscream and Wheeljack at gunpoint. The engineer tried to remind Bumblebee of what was "most important", but was shot through the head by his captor. Bombshell and Prowl revealed to their audience that the Autobot law enforcer had been taken by one of the Insecticon's mind control devices as he attempted to execute him, and had been a pawn of the Decepticons ever since. Bombshell also noted that Prowl had been easily controlled due to his memories already being damaged in some manner. With that concluded, Megatron declared that the Autobot had outlived his usefulness as a secret pawn, and announced that he would now become part of the next generation of Decepticon warrior. Briefly freed from Bombshell's influence, Prowl collapsed to the ground, aghast that his friends had never suspected his being controlled, but was suddenly wracked with pain as his body transformed against his will... into the head and shoulders of a reborn Devastator! The behemoth proceeded to attack the Autobot command center and snatch [[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] out of the air, before proceeding, under Bombshell's influence, to the med-center, where the highest concentration of Autobots was. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

The Prowl-Devastator remained conscious under Bombshell's control, but unable to direct his own actions. He was confronted by Ironhide's newly arrived Autobot gestalt, the former Aerialbots known as [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], and battled the giant. Prowl-Devastator's mind temporarily shut down when Arcee revealed her true colors and executed Bombshell. The gestalt soon started back up again, however, as Prowl's mind interfaced with the Devastator gestalt and began willingly causing vast amounts of destruction. The Devastator-Prowl started rampaging again, completely out of Decepticon control, and tore his way through Superion. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}}

Ironhide managed to get through to Prowl inside Devastator's psyche, convincing him to stop the devastation. Prowl re-exerted control over himself and Devastator long enough to rip the gestalt's head from its shoulders, separating Prowl and the Constructicons back into their component parts. Undeterred, Megatron prepared to enter the Devastator gestalt personally with his new body. Luckily, Bumblebee deciphered Wheeljack's last words in time, and he, Prowl and Ironhide spoke the access code for Wheeljack's system bypass, reactivating the force field bubble the engineer had secretly implanted in Megatron's spark casing. Unfortunately for the Autobot government, however, the NAILs had had enough after this latest outbreak of warfare. Led by Starscream, they cast both Autobots and Decepticons out of new Iacon. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}}

===Suffering the consequences===
[[File:SecondExodus ConstructiconsLoveProwl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Almost immediately after departing, the Autobots were confronted by the Constructicons, who wanted to join up with Prowl since their unification had given them a glimpse into Prowl's mind, and they had liked what they had seen. Bumblebee attempted to rationalise that Prowl had only done all the terrible things he had done under Bombshell's influence, but Arcee, thinking she was helping, pointed out that Ratbat's assassination ''had'' been Prowl. She later attempted to apologise for revealing this. {{storylink|Second Exodus}} When Tyrest's [[universal killswitch]] was activated, Prowl was among those affected. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} Luckily Prowl was saved thanks to Rodimus and Perceptor. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}} Later, when a bright light mysteriously appeared, {{storylink|Second Exodus}} Prowl and the other Autobots approached it, only for a [[Quintessa (IDW)|Titan]] to emerge from the ground in front of them. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

As Bumblebee tried to organise an offensive, he asked Prowl if it was that same Titan that had proclaimed Starscream would rule, Prowl admitted he wasn't sure since his memories from his time under Bombshell's control were fuzzy. Despite insisting that attacking immediately was their best course of action, Bumblebee protested, leading Prowl to argue that it was Bumblebee's indecisiveness that led to him losing Iacon, at which point they were suddenly attacked by Soundwave's Decepticons. {{storylink|Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Black Metal}} However, when Starscream arrived to confront the Titan, Prowl once again became infuriated with Bumblebee's hesitation in allowing Arcee to take him out and with his sudden collaboration with Soundwave on the situation. The final straw came when the Titan unleashed a wave of energy, injuring several of the Autobots, leading Prowl to outright blame Bumblebee for their problems. {{storylink|Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Winners & Losers}}

While Prowl thought they should press the attack Bumblebee favored a more logical approach, which was when Soundwave heard Megatron screaming. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}} Following the sound, the combined force found Shockwave's lab, where [[Nova Prime]] and Galvatron were attempting to emerge from the [[Dead Universe]] through a spacebridge in Megatron's chest. While battling Shockwave's forces, Prowl tried to order Bumblebee to focus on fighting rather than reaching the resurrected Metalhawk, but when Shockwave called in the Necrotitan, Prowl ordered a retreat. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} Prowl called for the combined Autobot and Decepticon forces to retreat to Iacon, retorting [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop's]] protest that they wouldn't be leading it there since it was already heading towards the city. {{storylink|No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|No Exit}}

[[File:FinisTemporis BeechokesProwl.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|Does Bee have to choke a prick??]]
They eventually made it back to Iacon, where [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] led them to the self-pitying Starscream. Prowl, recognizing that Shockwave was relying on them to fight among themselves, decided to play things logically and took charge of the situation, organizing the treatment of the wounded, the evacuation of the survivors, and preparing a counter-strike against the Titan. While coordinating with Soundwave, he questioned whether the Decepticon understood Shockwave's logic, but Soundwave admitted he never understood Shockwave, and as Prowl scoffed at his belief that they could still defeat him, Bumblebee arrived with an injured Megatron. Furious that Bumblebee would rescue their longtime enemy, Prowl was prepared to shoot the Decepticon leader, however as they all argued, Metroplex and the ''Lost Light'' arrived via quantum jump to fight the Necrotitan. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} After greeting the ''Lost Light'' crew as they disembarked, Prowl smugly reprimanded Bumblebee for allowing Megatron to disappear with a portion of Metroplex's thumb; when Bumblebee aggressively told him to piss off and that he'd made a choice, Prowl looked smug indeed about the little guy having made a decision like he'd wanted. Luckily too, the Decepticon leader did not adandon them as Prowl thought; Megatron teleported into Metroplex's hand to give him the Regenesis ore in the thumb, allowing Metroplex to defeat the Necrotitan. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}}

[[File:TheBecoming-throw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Cybertron's hottest new sport, prick toss.]]
After reluctantly admitting that Bumblebee was right to trust Megatron, Prowl then sought out Chromedome, having realised that the mnemosurgeon had worked on him, which was what had allowed Bombshell to control him. Taunting him on the recent loss of Rewind, the pair fought, and Prowl found himself cheered on by the Constructicons until Ultra Magnus arrived to break up the fight. Magnus then gave Prowl a few choice words, pointing out that Prowl had been indirectly responsible for many problems on the ''Lost Light'', and that he had never suffered through any of his own actions. Prowl was left alone with his admirers after a final remark from Magnus citing that he was the loneliest person he had ever met and was now among like-minded company. Before too long, however, the calm was ended by the arrival of Shockwave's army of [[Ammonite]]s. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} Seeing that [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] was about to harass Metroplex, a hesitant Prowl was convinced by the Constructicons into reforming Devastator, {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} who managed to defeat the original combiner with help from the ''Lost Light''. After the fighting was over, Prowl was among the crowd who witnessed Optimus and Megatron exit the ''Lost Light'', with the Decepticon leader having defected. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

[[File:DetonationBoulevard Prowlrages.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.55|He's a splash of spittle away from going full [[Andrew Wildman|Wildman]].]]
In a meeting to discuss what to do with Megatron, Prowl urged that they simply move forward with executing him rather than go through the mockery of a trial, however it was decided that a trial would go ahead to show the public that the Autobots didn't operate outside the law. Prowl was pleased to hear Optimus appoint him prosecutor. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} As the trial progressed, Prowl had many testimonies against Megatron made, including ones from [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] and Starscream. However, when Megatron changed his plea from guilty to not guilty {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} and made clear his desire to be tried by the Knights of Cybertron, a legal loophole possible because of the trial taking place on Luna-2 where the laws were different. A group of Decepticons crashed the trial and tried to free Megatron, but the Autobots easily fought them off, with Prowl personally getting the better of [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]. As the trial saw a brief recess, Prowl insisted that they move the proceedings back to Cybertron so that Megatron's loophole wouldn't be an issue, however Ultra Magnus pointed out that they couldn't do so for their own convenience. As a result, Optimus ended up allowing Megatron to join the ''Lost Light'' in order to have the former Decepticon's fate decided by the Knights. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}}

Prowl let his fury at Optimus fly, but when Optimus pointed out that Megatron was accepting his mistakes and the wrongness of his actions, Prowl admitted that he too had been ruthless throughout the course of the war, and that Bumblebee's death was clouding his judgement. Accepting Optimus's offer to join him on another mission to Earth, Prowl hoped that he might learn more from the planet. When the Constructicons, whom Prowl had reluctantly accepted, asked if they were joining the ''Lost Light'' under Megatron, Prowl raged that he would never stand with Megatron, and told them they would be going to Earth, knowing that Optimus was making a mistake and that he would have to be there to fix things. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] attempted to discuss the result of the trial with Prowl, but Prowl instead preferred to vent his frustrations to the lonely Autobot, sarcastically stating that a bold new future awaited them. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} Before they departed, Prowl offered his opinion to Arcee on the difference between her and the Camiens, and was pleased when she asked Optimus permission to join their mission. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

===Erratic behavior===

[[File:TheMindBomb Prowlnoexecutionsyet.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
As they approached Earth, Prowl stated it was good to be home, to the confusion of Cosmos, who pointed out how personally Prowl took Spike Witwicky's betrayal. Prowl brushed aside the comment, and asked if Cosmos trusted Prime's leadership, revealing that he asked him to come along because he needed someone he can trust on the mission. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}} Arriving in Earth's orbit, the Ark-7 was immediately attacked by Cybertronian-like weapons, and Prowl protested against falling back to the moon since the humans knew they were coming. As Optimus organised a team to go to the surface aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], Prowl was ordered to remain with Arcee and Sky Lynx to investigate who launched the missiles, and Arcee suspected Prowl was unhappy with being sidelined. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} As a battle between Optimus's team and the allied [[Earth Defense Command]] and Galvatron-led Decepticons erupted, Prowl sent Arcee and Sideswipe to back them up while he and Sky Lynx gathered the Constructicons. When the battle moved into the small town of [[Poverty Flat]], Prowl revealed his plan to force the Decepticons into revealing themselves, and combined with the Constructicons into Devastator, {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} thereby threatening the EDC's attempt to cover up the return of the Cybertronians. Once the EDC pulled the Decepticons out, Prowl dismissed Optimus's concerns about the recklessness of Prowl's plan and his horror at Prowl's expectation that the EDC would have executed the civilians, pointing out that he had exposed the EDC's mind bomb weapon, which was doubtlessly designed thanks to access to a Cybertronian brain, giving them a lead as to the captured Alpha Trion's location. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}}

[[File:IDreamOfWires ProwlandJazzvehiclemodes.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb]]
As the Autobots worked on a way to infiltrate the base, Optimus was unhappy with Prowl's presumption about leading the rescue mission, and ordered him to remain with Sky Lynx. Arcee took a moment to confide in Prowl that she thought that [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] was a spy, however Prowl wasn't concerned with that, only if she had told Optimus. After asking if she was still loyal to him, Arcee responded that she was loyal to the Autobot cause, a fact that Prowl found highly amusing. As Optimus's team started their attack, Prowl used the distraction to disembark Sky Lynx and infiltrate the base himself, where he caught up with Jazz, who had found Alpha Trion. Holding a gun to his comrade's head, he stated that Trion wasn't going anywhere, {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} and with Jazz's attention on him, pointed out the alarms set up around Alpha Trion. Having realized that the humans couldn't have used Alpha Trion to create their mind bomb in the short time he was their captive, Prowl and Jazz began searching their base for clues. When Prowl was apparently knocked out by the mind bomb, he used the connection to the EDC's mainframe, but lacking time to go through their encrypted files, took control of their weapons and take out the Decepticon worldburner. After Jazz carried him to their teammates, Prowl awoke to reveal that Scavenger's leaking of information to the Decepticons was his plan to make events play out as they did. After forming Devastator to cover the rescue of Alpha Trion, Prowl counted the mission as a complete success. While Optimus was furious about Prowl's actions and secrets, Prowl insisted that it was all justifiable in this dangerous new era.

Meanwhile, Galvatron murdered [[Sparkplug Witwicky|General Witwicky]], and claimed that Prowl had been the culprit, and was believed due [[Marissa Faireborn|Marissa Faireborn's]] awareness of the animosity between Prowl and his son. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

When Optimus and Alpha Trion journeyed to the moon for a private conversation, Prowl used a stealth-painted Cosmos to listen in as Trion explained his role in history, and of the mysterious [[Enigma of Combination]] that could allow Cybertronian's to merge located on Earth. When Alpha Trion asked whether Optimus would share this information with Prowl, due to his control of the only truly successful combiner in eons, Optimus questioned why he wouldn't share what he had learned from his friend. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:Vs ProwlchasesSpike.jpg|left|upright=1.6|thumb]]
As Prowl learned of the resurfacing of Spike Witwicky, Optimus prepared to head back to Cybertron, leaving Prowl in charge, but warned him against taking more unnecessary risks. Overcome with anger over Optimus's weakness and suffering from another nosebleed, which were getting more frequent, Prowl gathered the Constructicons and informed them that they were going after Spike {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} Believing that Spike knew of the Enigma of Combination's whereabouts, Prowl and the Constructicons took on a dangerous pursuit through the streets of Tokyo for their target. Momentarily halted in his pursuit by Arcee, who was concerned about him putting innocent humans in danger, Prowl finally managed to capture his quarry just as the Decepticons arrived, also in search of Spike.

[[File:TheObliterati-diespikedie.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Escaping to the cover of a nearby forest, Spike expected to be executed, but Prowl proclaimed that he had forgiven Spike. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} While Spike was quick to assume that it was because he was justified in defending the preservation of his own species, Prowl corrected him by saying he now understood how destructive his own race was and that they needed to be stopped. Requesting Spike's help in recovering the Enigma, Prowl and the Constructicons headed to [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]]'s facility in Wanmu. Using Spike to infiltrate and confirm the Enigma's presence, and upon hearing from Cosmos that the Decepticons were inbound, Prowl then ordered the Constructicons to combine so that they could take the Enigma, and that Spike was only a secondary target, having lied about his forgiveness. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} While Devastator did manage to retrieve the Enigma, his components' shared hatred for Spike derailed the combiner's objective, throwing the Enigma away as he attempted to squash Spike. Arcee finally managed to reach Prowl by revealing that the Enigma had been taken by [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] during his blind attack. After taking a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]] as a bonus prize, Prowl blamed the Constructicons for taking control of Devastator from him, but they pointed out Prowl was as much to blame, and Arcee suggested that Prowl find a way to explain his actions to Optimus. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

[[File:ThePossibleLight RattrapsideswithProwl.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
As he showed off the spacebridge to Jetfire, Prowl received word from Rattrap about Starscream's recent contact with the colony of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and his acquisition and use of the Enigma of Combination. Furious, Prowl contacted Optimus, demanding to know what he was thinking in allowing Starscream access to colonies, accusing Prime of not seeing the bigger picture. As Optimus terminated the call, omitting the fact that Starscream had combiners, Prowl seethed with rage at not being trusted, and decided to act himself. Having Rattrap use Metroplex's spacebridge to provide a connection to Cybertron, Prowl and the Constructicons traveled through. Seeking to prevent Starscream from achieving an empire, Prowl stated that Caminus and the other colonies would need to be cut off, ensuring the safety of the universe, even if it came at the cost of Cybertron and everyone on it. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

[[File:Mistakes&Mayhem-ProwlArested.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|CYCLOPS WAS RIGHT.]]

Interrupting the clean-up on Caminus, Prowl and Constructicons formed Devastator and ordered all Cybertronians to return through the space bridge, but [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]'s protest and [[Sparkstalker]]'s refusal led to Devastator opening fire. After besting Superion once again and dragging him through the spacebridge to Cybertron, the Prowl-controlled-Devastator stated that he was doing what was necessary and began destroying the spacebridge. Optimus tried to convince Starscream and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] that Prowl could be reasoned with, but Starscream used the Enigma of Combination to heal Superion and force the "[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]" to merge into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and together both combiners defeated Devastator. While Starscream sought Prowl's death, Optimus and Windblade managed to convince him otherwise, but as Prowl was arrested and dragged off, Prowl raged that Starscream would never change and Optimus was playing with fire. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}}

When Optimus visited the imprisoned Prowl to talk over recent events, Prowl was unconvinced by Prime's attempts to put a system in place to curb Starscream's ambition, and pointed out that Starscream still needed the combiners on his side since Superion and Defensor were likely more loyal to Optimus, and would likely recruit Devastator. Believing that Prowl had been twisted by numerous betrayals he feels he has suffered, Prowl retorted that Optimus could include himself in that list. As Prowl insisted that he has always been the one to make the tough calls Optimus couldn't, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] broke free and formed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], starting a battle between him, Superion, Defensor and a Scoop-included Devastator. When Rattrap arrived with the Enigma of Combination, Prowl ordered him to use it, forcing Prowl, Optimus, Ironhide, Mirage and Sunstreaker to form [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|a new combiner]], who quickly confronted the other combiners and stated that it was time for him to take control. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}}

[[File:NowAndOnEarth-PrimePunchesProwl.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=1.025|Prowl's had this coming for how long now?]]

Devastator recognized that Prowl was in control of the new combiner, due to his previous experience in combining, and was furious that he had been rejected by his former component for an upgrade. Suddenly the combiner collapsed as Prowl began fighting his fellow components for control within the combiner's psyche. One by one, Optimus, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Mirage rallied, refusing to look at the world only as numbers and statistics the way Prowl does, instead sharing their belief in the power of people that can change and be there to help one another. Synchronized by this shared belief, their minds slowly came together, and while Prowl refused to accept their way of thinking, his refusal was what allowed him to finally understand them, and in that understanding, all five were unified and Optimus Maximus was truly born. Alongside Superion and Defensor, Optimus Maximus defeated the other combiners, and then willingly separated himself so that Prowl could be arrested, knowing they could not be above the law. {{storylink|All That Remains}}

With Prowl now in custody, Optimus hoped that he could talk some sense into his old ally. Prowl simply replied that morality had nothing to do with military strategy, and that spending time as Devastator meant that he could no longer tell the difference between himself and the Decepticons. The two former friends finally came to blows, although Prowl's knowledge that a part of him would always exist within Prime convinced the Autobot leader to spare his life. However while Optimus's back was turned, Rattrap spirited Prowl away; with both their plans having failed, he stated that Prowl owed him a victory. {{storylink|Now and On Earth}} Prowl was branded a fugitive for his actions, and wanted signs were scattered throughout Iacon. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}
{{-}}

=== Gone Too Far ===
[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers2-ProwlWebbedUp.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Prowl's web of lies have come back to bind him, literally.]]
Prowl received a message from Verity Carlo, who had a copy of the Aequitas data and threatened to release it. Getting to Earth quickly by utilizing his mind link to Kup, Prowl prepared to confront Verity in Nome, Alaska when he suddenly was attacked and kidnapped by [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]]. When Prowl woke up, he was in a strange landscape which attacked his sensors, and lost consciousness again as Mesothulas welcomed him to the Noisemaze. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}} Mesothulas briefly locked his old friend in a [[positive reinforcement prison]], where Prowl dreamt that his recent actions had resulted in a utopian peacetime Cybertron and Optimus thanked him for his pragmatism. Prowl awoke to find himself trapped in a giant web. Recognising his captor's voice, Prowl asked what Mesothulas wanted, though the scientist responded that he no longer answered to that name and stated that Prowl had something he wanted, threatening to expose his dirty secrets. Once he was alone, Prowl used his mind-link to Kup to address the recently awakened Springer and the Wreckers, fully exposing his manipulation of the older bot, but explained as much as he could about his situation before being cut off.

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers3-Tarantulas'FinalOffer.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Say it, don't web-spray it.]]Mesothulas then returned, revealing his possession of the Aequitas data Verity had had, resigning Prowl to agree to talk. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}} Mesothulas then fully revealed himself to Prowl, shocking the Autobot with his new form, and his new name, Tarantulas. Prowl suspected that Tarantulas had come to the conclusion that he had pushed him into the Noisemaze, and intended to use the war crimes data from Aequitas to blackmail him as revenge. However, Tarantulas merely wished to work with Prowl again, to recreate the symbiosis of their original relationship. When Prowl refused, he was placed in the company of his would-be rescuers: Verity, Springer, Roadbuster, and Arcee, and forced to watch as their most shameful, damning thoughts were bared to him thanks to Tarantulas's new invention, the guilt-extracting [[Impetus]]. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

Prowl tried to reason with [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]], whom Tarantulas had recruited as a mole within the Autobots, but the intelligence analyst had been infuriated by his early-releasing of Roadbuster, and verbally tore into Prowl for his various crimes. At that moment, Verity revealed that she had not intended to release Aequitas, but had only wanted to force Prowl to help treat her for the illness caused by her exposure to Aequitus, and Prowl lamented that he wished she had just asked. Before Tarantulas could hook him up to Impetus, Prowl attempted to make the scientist give up on another partnership by claiming that he had killed Ostaros, though this failed. At that moment, Kup used their connection to inform him that rescue was on its way, but only because of Prowl's value and not because he deserved to be saved. Finally convincing Hubcap not to release the Aequitas data, the analyst freed him and the other captives. Prowl pulled a gun on Hubcap, believing he had too much incriminating data to be allowed to live. Hubcap pleaded for his life, arguing that killing him would only continue the cycle of violence and secrecy that has resulted in their current situation. Though Prowl was swayed by Hubcap's logic, Impactor believed it was too great a risk and shot Hubcap. Insisting that they destroy all of Taratulas' work, Prowl and the others began preparing to collapse the Noisemaze, just as Tarantulas returned. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:SinsOfTheWreckers5-kuppunchesprowl.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|YOU punch a car! And YOU punch a car! EVERYBODY PUNCH A CAR!!!]]
After failing once more to convince his former partner to give up, Prowl listened as Impactor revealed the truth of what happened, at which point Tarantulas realised Springer was Ostaros and went after him. Ordered by the Wrecker to get out of the maze, Prowl prepared to force [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]] to consume the [[Obtenteum]] in order to collapse the Noisemaze. After meeting up with Kup and Guzzle, the former got in a good hit on Prowl's jaw for his manipulations of him, and Guzzle took care of Tidal Wave. However once they escaped into Debris, Guzzle pulled his weapons on Prowl and Kup, determined to take revenge for the friends he had lost because of them, forcing Impactor to put him down. Later, Prowl went back into the remains of the Noisemaze to rescue the still-alive Springer, and severed his link with Kup. Neither Kup nor Arcee wanted to deal with him further, and decided to let Prowl go for the time being, yet not informing Optimus about the crisis either. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}}

When Optimus annexed Earth into the Council of Worlds and broadcast a message, Prowl watched and refuted his former friend's claim that he was bringing freedom to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

His initial excursion to Earth was remembered by [[Scarlett]] and [[Joe Colton]] as they discussed the threat the Cybertronians posed to Earth. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}}

After [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] came back to life, casually murdered people and kidnapped Optimus and Soundwave via a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]], Arcee contacted Prowl, who knew exactly where his old boss would go. {{storylink|White Light}}

[[File:TenToMidnight-ProwlStrugglesToRemember.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|With all the wrongs he's done lately, it's easy to believe he might not remember his wrongdoings from only a few years ago.]]
That place was [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] where Prowl suspected Sentinel would try to raise the graveyard of Titans as the former Prime had dreamed of using a Titan army before the Great War began. When Prowl arrived on the moon, he was attacked by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] for [[Garrus-9]] before [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] held back his boss. It was only after that Prowl actually recalled the Garrus-9 fiasco before he warned them and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] of great danger to Luna 1. Prowl explained Sentinel's return to life, that Titan plan and that he himself was here to deactivate Luna 1's spacebridge. The trio, specifically Red Alert, were skeptical of Prowl's words before [[Beak]] arrived with proof of Prowl's claims which led Red to believe he was stalling them and working with Sentinel. Nonetheless, the four Autobots set out to stop the Prime. On the way Prowl spoke to Max about the [[Team Rodimus]] and the fact that the ''[[Lost Light]]'' was non-responsive to hails. Their trail led them to the [[Planetary engine|massive engines]] which prompted Max to question Sentinel's age if he knew exactly where and what they were. When they arrived to confront Sentinel in a Titan's brain module, they found the unwilling [[Sovereign]] strapped to the giant's CPU from which the other Titans rose up. Before any action could be taken, Sentinel took control of Red Alert who shot Prowl into stasis. {{storylink|Ten to Midnight}}

[[File:LastLight-Prowl'sStaying.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Prick 2: Return of the Prick.]]
As Sentinel gloated, Cerebros placed a shell on Prowl that allowed the former to control his motor functions. He used this to hit Sentinel over the head with a [[Mobile Autobot Repair Bay|M.A.R.B.]] before the three Autobots escaped. When Prowl awoke, he was dismayed to learn what Cerebros had done and that he was being left out the loop for once. Max and Cerebros planned to use the body of the Titan they were based in to stop Sentinel's army but the [[Transformation cog|T-Cog]] was stuck in place. Prowl casually used his table flipping skills to manually complete the transformation. While Maximus fought off the Titan army, Prowl and Cerebros confronted Sentinel who promptly shot them both down where he tried to force Red Alert to execute Prowl. Red Alert managed to break free and separate Sentinel's [[Titan Master]] self from his true body. Sentinel would have forced Red to kill himself had Beak not pushed the Prime into one of the thrusters. Prowl asked how deep the thrusters were (one and a half miles) before casually noting that Sentinel was dead. Prowl later took Sovereign back to Earth before deciding to stay on Luna-1 and to take a long overdue sabbatical. He sympathized with Maximus over his fears of change and endings before an alert came through pertaining to information regarding the ''Lost Light''. However the message seemed to just be gibberish and the quartet ignored it before they resumed cleaning the Titan's T-Cog. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} At some point, Prowl received a final message from Springer after the Wrecker entered the [[Timemaze]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

===Maximal Hunter===
[[File:TheDeadComeHomePart1 TeamProwl.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|"Right. Now we're in trouble. And it's only just beginning."]]
To combat the threat of the [[Maximal]]s, Prowl began gathering forces of his own. He located [[Stardrive]], the Camien Triple-Changer who formerly served with the [[Solstar Order]], as well as [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Garnak]]. He unearthed the long forgotten [[vamparc ribbon]] and other weapons confiscated from Zeta Prime after his fall. He also led his allies to [[Regalis V]], where they confronted a group of Maximals attacking the [[Throttlebot]]s, missing since the [[Surge (event)|Surge]] ten years prior. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} Prowl also began corresponding with [[Pyra Magna]], the [[Torchbearer]] standing by Optimus's side who had similar misgivings about Prime's direction. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} When Starscream was reflecting on his own history, he recalled Prowl being present when Orion Pax allied with Megatron to take down Zeta Prime. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]]'s return to Cybertron, the ''[[Peaceful Revolution]]'' began tracking the flight path of the Maximal Titan, [[Nemesis (BWII)|Nemesis]]. As they followed, Stardrive became aware of a great danger facing [[Elonia]] with Prowl telling her not to become distracted by her past (she wasn't, she just felt she should pass on the news). By tracking Nemesis, the ''Peaceful Revolution'' made its way to [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] in time for the colony to come under assault from [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. Though they tried to defend the planet, the sheer number of Maximals forced them to retreat. Patched through to Optimus, Prowl reported on their inability to save the world but that he'd deduced Unicron's next target was likely [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and that Optimus should consider baiting a trap for their foe there. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

By analyzing the data, Prowl soon concluded that Cybertron was a lost cause and that the final battle for the fate of their universe would be on [[Earth]]. When Stardrive informed him that Unicron had arrived at Cybertron (seven minutes later than Prowl predicted), the tactician ordered a course set for Earth. No sooner had the ''Peaceful Revolution'' emerged in [[Jupiter]] space, did Unicron teleport himself into the solar system. Prowl quickly called Optimus, who'd evacuated their species to Earth, that the Chaos Bringer was bearing down on Earth. {{storylink|Road's End}}

After picking up some straggling members of Prime's crew, {{storylink|A Sunrise Dark}} Prowl directed the ''Peaceful Revolution'' to the [[Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park]] to meet up with everyone else where he told [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] that the reason Unicron was causing the stars to go out was its assimilation of the supermassive [[black hole]] it once orbited. As part of the final plan to save the universe, Prowl was sent to [[Toronto]] to confront Shockwave. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

[[File:Ceremony ProwlandShockwavefaith.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|It's like looking in an ugly, purple mirror.]]
Breaking into the [[CN Tower]], Prowl saved Shockwave from being slain by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] before he dragged him outside so Stardrive could interface with the cyclopean scientist. Though Shockwave tried to have Prowl abandon his plan, Prowl retorted that "faith" did not require deities as it was merely a synonym for inner strength. Once Optimus's sacrifice destroyed Unicron, Prowl and Stardrive hauled Shockwave away, before taking a moment to bask in the sunlight of their new world. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

At [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'s order, Prowl made his way to "New Cybertron", partly to make sure the planet could sustain itself, but mainly so he could turn Megatron over to the [[Galactic Council]] for trial, in the hopes that the Cybertronian race could join the organization. After allowing the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew the luxury of one "victory lap" around the galaxy, Prowl oversaw Megatron's incarceration in [[Garrus-10]] until the trial could be held. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

Some time later, back on Earth, Prowl visited the incarcerated Shockwave on ''Lemuria''. Having little sympathy for the scientist's identity crisis, he bluntly told Shockwave that people would forever be defined by their actions, not their intentions, perhaps finally coming to terms with his own tainted past. {{storylink|Post}}

[[File:Post ProwlLearnsHisLesson.jpg|center|thumb|upright=0.55|''I Am Prick'' authored by Prowl of Petrex.]]
{{--}}

==INSIRT continuity==
Long ago on Cybertron, [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#INSIRT continuity|Chromedome]] served in the [[Autobot Police]] and harbored an interest in the field of mnemosurgery. Over time, he was able to use his highly decorated partner Prowl's status to pursue his interest in mnemosurgery, developing the ability to extract information directly from a suspect's mind. {{storylink|Chromedome (G1)#Timelines|''Timelines'' Chromedome bio card}}

==Ask Vector Prime==
[[File:AHM 1cvrEXCL.jpg|left|upright=0.9|thumb|I think this is a killing joke!]]
In [[Primax 708.10-R Lambda]], [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] cracked the codes to an Autobot forward listening outpost. He walked in, shot Prowl, and then laughed and took a photo of what he had done. Prowl would be unable to transform for many stellar cycles. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/06}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Prowl-Andrew Griffith-RiDS1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
* [[James Roberts]] stated that pre-war Prowl and Chromedome had a, ah, "stronger bond" than just being partners.<ref>[http://theunderbase.libsyn.com/the-underbase-deconstructs-shadowplay "The Underbase Podcast Deconstructs Shadowplay"], 17:17 - 14:58</ref> This would put their tension in the present day as more personal than we thought (and Rewind's constant insults against Prowl as being the new boyfriend having a go at the crappy ex).
* According to IDW story editor [[Andy Schmidt]], ''[[Ride-Along|Spotlight: Prowl]]'' was originally going to be told in [[The Transformers (IDW)|the ongoing series]]. But when fans reacted badly to Prowl's characterization in [[...For All Mankind|the first issue of that series]], IDW decided to jump the gun and publish the story early as a ''Spotlight''.<ref>[http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1002/19/schmidt.htm Comics Continuum video interview with Andy Schmidt]</ref> It is intended to reconcile his new, rashly self-sacrificial portrayal with the methodical, vehemently anti-hotheaded-maverick personality he [[The Transformers: Infiltration|had]] [[The Transformers: Escalation|exhibited]] [[All Hail Megatron issue 15|previously]]. But that reconciliation doesn't actually address the core concern of many of those upset fans, who wanted not just explanation, but ''reversion'' to the subversive schemer that Prowl had recently developed into.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=7345 IDW forum thread practically begging for Prowl's new characterization to be undone.]</ref> John Barber eventually saw fit to explain this snapback in [[Devisive|''Robots in Disguise'' #4]].
*Prowl was one of the characters whom both [[James Roberts]] and [[John Barber]] wanted for their respective books,<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=309188#309188 James Roberts:] As for the divvying up, we both started off with two or three characters that had been dictated – actually, that’s the wrong word – by IDW editorial, then came up with a core cast wish list. There were only a few clashes. I would have liked Prowl and Wheeljack and I think John would have liked Magnus and Ratchet. We compromised.</ref> perhaps unsurprisingly explaining his significant guest role in MtMtE/LL.
* Prowl's design in the first "season" of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' is based on a [[:File:BluestreakWFCconceptart.jpg|concept drawing of ''War for Cybertron'' Bluestreak]] that never made its way into the game.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Strategists]]

Laserbeak (G1)

2021-04-02T22:50:29Z

GlamAttack: /* Marvel Comics continuity */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|predacon|cobra|skywatch|deceptihog}}
{{disambig3|Laserbeak}}
{{featured}}{{suite}}
:''Laserbeak is a [[Decepticon]] [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassette]] and later a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Laserbeak-calendar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Recognizable as the one who does not cannon-blast Omega Supreme.]]
'''Laserbeak''' is not usually found on the front lines of battle. His chosen role is that of the spy, lurking in unseen corners and inconspicuous perches, snatching up any useful information he can to relay to his [[Soundwave (G1)|superiors]]. He has also been known to serve as an interrogator, using his lasers to carve up helpless prisoners to extract anything and everything they know. On occasion he's even played the role of assassin, striking quickly at unsuspecting (and particularly vulnerable) targets, and vanishing in a flash in the chaos following the attack.

He much prefers this "hide and sneak" tactic, as to his core, Laserbeak is a coward. Should his weapon's energy reserves start running dry, he starts running for the hills. A sufficiently big threat will also send him screaming off for the horizon at top speed. His self-preservation habit even dictates his attitude towards Decepticon leadership power-shifts: he basically allies himself with whoever's in charge at the moment, a loyalty that can vanish almost instantly once the reins of power change.

{{bigquote|Lens-headed sneak!|[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]|[[The Transformers (PS2)|''The Transformers'']]}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Laserbeak ''can'' talk, but he just prefers to avoid moments like these.]]
Four million years ago, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and a group of Decepticons (which included Laserbeak) attempted to hijack the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], only to fail and fall into deactivation sleep for four million years. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} {{storylink|Cold Comfort and Joy!}} In [[1984]], the detonation of the volcano [[Mount St. Hilary]] reactivated the [[Autobot]]s and Decepticons, unleashing their war on [[Earth]]. Laserbeak was sent to spy on the Autobots, and located a group of them during an outing to a drive-in movie theater. With this information, the Decepticons attacked. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Soon after, Laserbeak participated in a raid on [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and helped use their bounty to build a [[Fortress Sinister|new headquarters atop a cliffside]]. After construction's completion, Megatron learned of the location of a human who could help the Decepticons convert Earth fuel to a form they could consume, and their leader sent Laserbeak and the others to [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service]] to retrieve him. However, the Autobots were waiting for them and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] easily repelled Laserbeak's attacks. {{storylink|Power Play!}} Laserbeak returned with the Decepticons to their headquarters with their target, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[File:RaidersoftheLastArk-Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Pride comes before a fowl.]]
It was discovered that after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, a rescue ship was sent after them which was buried somewhere in [[United Kingdom|England]]. Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who flocked to the ship in an effort to seize it, but he was fired upon by an [[Ark shuttlecraft]] cannon and ultimately fled with his peers. {{storylink|Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron}}

''After [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] betrayed [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]], Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who Megatron assembled to take the traitor down.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} ''Later, Megatron staged a full-scale assault on the crashlanded Ark. After boasting loudly, Laserbeak was the first casualty, having been blown to bits by Optimus Prime.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

[[File:Buzzsaw laserbeak mirage the last stand.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
The Decepticons' captive, Sparkplug Witwicky, succeeded in converting Earth fuel into a digestible form for the Decepticons, and with Megatron's forces fully charged, they attacked the Ark ''once again''. Laserbeak and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] were the first to burst through the Ark's hull, but Laserbeak's glory was shortlived. [[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]] duped him with a visual trick, and the condor fled in fear. Laserbeak was not seen for the duration of the battle. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} Despite Sparkplug Witwicky's assistance, he'd secretly poisoned the Decepticons' converted fuel, resulting in a coup by [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] who nursed the fallen Decepticons back to health and subjugated Megatron. Either Laserbeak or Buzzsaw was present during this time. {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}}

[[File:Laserbeakwarriorschool.jpg|thumb]]
During Shockwave's rule, the new Decepticon leader sent [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (with Laserbeak stowed) to infiltrate [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]], where they were carried inside in cassette deck mode by plant workers [[Ferdy and Gabe]]. Once inside, the two quickly besieged the plant's controls and enslaved its workers. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} While Laserbeak was perched on his shoulder, Soundwave informed Shockwave that the human slaves weren't quite as efficient as they had hoped, but work was proceeding forward nonetheless. {{storylink|Repeat Performance!}} Shockwave's first project came to completion as the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] were brought online. By this time, human military presence had become an encumbrance outside of the plant, and so Laserbeak was sent out to act as a distraction, allowing the Constructicons to slip past them and go on their first mission. Laserbeak used some sort of chemical weapon to dissolve all of the humans' metallic weapons, effectively neutering their offensive capabilities. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}}

[[File:Laserbeak brainstorm.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9]]
Laserbeak served many other functions during the Decepticons' occupation of this plant, such as squawking, heating up the workers' pizzas, and delivering recorded messages to the [[human]] military poised outside. Shortly after learning that the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] was no longer in Optimus Prime's possession, Shockwave managed to track it down within Buster Witwicky. He sent Laserbeak out to nab the boy, but Laserbeak was shot down by Bluestreak in his attempt, and crashed down in a nearby river. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Laserbeak later accompanied Soundwave and a few of the other cassette-tape Decepticons to aid their impostor Optimus Prime's ambush of the Autobots, though all of them were easily defeated once the real Optimus Prime was restored. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Several of the workers who had been enslaved by Laserbeak and the other Decepticons thereafter went to the press, telling all about their experience during the evil robots' occupation of the power plant.'' {{storylink|Christmas Breaker!}}

[[File:Optimus prime laserbeak crisis of command.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8]]
''[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]], who was chasing an escaped Ravage, was surrounded by Decepticons in the wilderness. Laserbeak brought the Autobots a memento of their captured friend... an arm! The condor teased the shocked Autobots, telling them that if they wanted the rest of their friend, they knew where to find him. Sensing that there was a trap set for the Autobots, Optimus Prime insisted on springing Bumblebee on his own. Optimus traveled to the Decepticons' hideout, punched Laserbeak in the jaw, and freed Bumblebee.'' {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} ''During the [[Dinobot Hunt!|Dinobot Hunt]], Laserbeak was charged with watching the progress of the Autobots as they tried to subdue [[Snarl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Snarl]] and [[Slag (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Slag]]. He was ordered to not engage his enemies, but was so engrossed in watching the Autobots fight Slag that he allowed himself to be nabbed by Jetfire and stuffed into the Dinobot's mouth. His clogging up Slag's mouth caused a backwash of the Dinobot's flamethrower, shutting both Laserbeak and Slag down. Laserbeak was left buried under some rubble until acting commander Soundwave eventually uncovered him.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

[[File:Laserbeakravageirobotmaster.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|His beak secretly doubles as a utility knife]]
Unlike the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon Planes]], Soundwave, Laserbeak, and the other animal cassettes remained more loyal to Megatron than to Shockwave, and so when the former [[Decepticon leader]] was discovered in a coal mine, they arrived swiftly to refuel and reclaim him. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} He and Buzzsaw nonetheless continued to act as though still loyal to Shockwave, and joined him in trying to apprehend Bumblebee for his own ends. They managed to isolate and chase down the Autobot scout, but had to abandon their pursuit when the rest of Optimus's troops caught up to them. He was shot down by Jetfire before the Decepticons were forced to turn tail. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

At this time, Soundwave's signal finally reached Cybertron and [[Straxus (G1)|Lord Straxus]] discovered that Laserbeak and the other Earthbound Decepticons were still alive. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

[[File:Laserbeakdeterminescommand.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Autobots pass the Matrix, Decepticons pass the Laserbeak.]]
One of Megatron's first acts upon returning to the Decepticons was to send Laserbeak and Buzzsaw to retrieve Starscream, [[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]]. However, he got an irritating surprise when Shockwave decided to accompany the jets. {{Storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}} Soon, Megatron attacked the Ark while seemingly all of the Autobots were attacking the Decepticon base, and he took the Seekers and all of the cassette Decepticons (minus [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]) with him. Unfortunately, the Ark was now defended by the newly-built [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. All of the attacking Decepticons except for Laserbeak and Megatron were obliterated, and it was only thanks to the wounded Laserbeak that he and the Decepticon leader escaped with their lives. When they returned to the Decepticon base, Laserbeak perched not on Megatron's shoulder, but Shockwave's, silently acknowledging their true leader. Shockwave rebuked Megatron for his poor command, but Megatron surprised him with a rationalization for his actions. As Shockwave again submitted to Megatron's leadership, Laserbeak exchanged perching positions, signifying the transfer of command. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

[[File:ITNI film destroyed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Laserbeak's job was a lot easier back before the Internet.]]
''The Decepticons caught word that journalist [[Joy Meadows]] was gathering evidence that the purported supervillain [[Donny Finkleberg|Robot-Master]] was in fact a fraud initiated by the United States government. Upon tracking her down, Laserbeak and Soundwave compiled all her evidence and destroyed it while the rest of the Decepticons kept the Dinobots, who had taken it upon themselves to protect the human, occupied.'' {{storylink|In the National Interest}} ''When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] traveled back in time and defeated Megatron it was once again Laserbeak who signified the transfer of Decepticon command in this manner. After Galvatron returned to the future Laserbeak promptly dug Megatron out from under the ruins of Galvatron's weapon and perched on the restored Decepticon commander.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}} Laserbeak sat on Megatron's shoulder when the Decepticon leader ordered the [[Battlecharger]]s to deliver a message to Optimus Prime. The bird flew off when Megatron attacked Soundwave with a makeshift metal scepter for questioning his methods. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

[[File:Soundwave laserbeak night the transformers saved christmas.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
Laserbeak joined Soundwave in stealing energy from the town of [[Midville]]. When a team of Autobots showed up to foil their plot, both Decepticons retreated and Laserbeak shot down a nearby tree in to block the ground-based Autobots and give themselves leeway to escape. {{Storylink|The Night the Transformers Saved Christmas}}

''Upon spotting Optimus Prime driving solo near the Decepticons' base, Laserbeak relayed his findings to Soundwave, who in turn alerted Megatron to this opportunity to ambush their enemy.'' {{storylink|Prey!}}

Laserbeak was the one to alert Shockwave and Soundwave to the approach of a human military column on the Decepticons' [[Wyoming base]]. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}} In response, the Decepticons transferred operations to their new [[Club Con|island headquarters]], and soon after, following the theft of [[Power Station Alpha]], Laserbeak turned out with the other Decepticons to welcome the forces of [[Cobra]] there. {{storylink|Ashes, Ashes...}} When [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and the [[Autobot]]s assaulted the island to recover the power station, Laserbeak was among the Decepticons ordered into battle by Shockwave, though true to form, he seemed to chicken out, as he wasn't anywhere to be seen during the fight. {{storylink|...All Fall Down!}}

[[File:Deathshead117laserbash.jpg|thumb|left]]
''In search of Galvatron, the freelance peace-keeping agent [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] made his way to the Decepticons' headquarters and roughed up Soundwave for information. Soundwave dispatched Laserbeak to aid him in battling his attacker, but Death's Head made short work of Laserbeak by sending a volley of spines into him.'' {{storylink|Hunters}}

When [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] came to Earth, Laserbeak helped in taking control of an [[oil tanker]]. The heist went off without a hitch... except that the tanker had already emptied its cargo. Stating that Shockwave's methods were costing the Decepticons too much fuel for their efforts, Ratbat took command of his forces. He then put Laserbeak to task in overseeing his [[Wash and Roll]] car wash empire, making sure that the patrons hypnotized by the carwash would dispense their vehicles' gas into the Decepticons' fuel tanks. Both Laserbeak and Ratbat were chased away from the fuel-holding facility when their hypnotized human subjects were shaken free of their programming by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

[[File:Jetfireyourehit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
Years later, the Decepticons ambushed the Autobots on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] while [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] were dueling for leadership. Laserbeak counted [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] among his victories, but he and the others were called back to their ship to retreat once Blaster and Grimlock disabled its guidance systems. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

The Decepticons relocated to the Arctic, where an invasion alert warned the group about unexpected visitors dropping by. Laserbeak squawked in eagerness for some action, a sentiment shared by [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]], as he flew out into battle. However, upon meeting their visitors, Ratbat's Decepticons found that they weren't Autobots, but rather another group of Decepticons led by [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]. Both groups were manipulated into a Decepticon civil war by [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] so that he could secure for himself the legendary [[Underbase]] while the others were busy with their infighting. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Laserbeak and the others were called off from the attack Ratbat caught on to Starscream's scheme. After a false start, an unprecedented Autobot/Decepticon alliance was formed to stop Starscream, and Laserbeak was assigned to a team headed by both [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and Soundwave. Confronting the Underbase-enhanced Starscream in [[Buenos Aires]], Laserbeak met his doom. {{storylink|Dark Star}}
{{-}}

=====Movie future timeline=====
[[File:Laserbeak the planet-eater.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
By the year [[2005]], the Decepticons had gained control over all of Cybertron. The Autobots were relegated to the planet's two moons, and Laserbeak was sent to [[Moonbase One]] to spy on Optimus. He hid himself within one of the Autobots' cassette players, and listened in as Optimus sent a shuttle to Earth to retrieve some Energon. As soon as the Autobots' backs were turned, Laserbeak slipped away and returned to Megatron's side to deliver this information, allowing the Decepticons to ambush the shuttle and slay everyone on board. {{storylink|The Planet-Eater!}}
{{-}}

=====Rhythms of Darkness!=====
[[File:Laserbeak crossblades rhythms of darkness.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8]]
In [[2009]], [[Primax 490.0 Gamma|one possible future]] saw the Decepticons with control over all of [[North America]] and only a handful of Autobots and humans to oppose them. During a last-ditch Autobot/human raid on their [[New York City|New York]] stronghold, Laserbeak was instrumental in diverting [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]], first disabling the Autobot and then ordering his comrades to blow him out of the sky. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}

====''Classics''====
{{noteclassics}}
[[File:CrossingOver4-LaserbeakRavage.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
When [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] reactivated on Earth and began building a power base again, [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] naturally returned to his side, and Laserbeak naturally came with him. During a battle with the Autobots over a mysterious energy signature, Laserbeak and [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] were dispatched by Soundwave to follow [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]], [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], and [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]] into the subterranean chamber from whence the signature was emanating. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}} The two cassettes launched an attack as soon as they caught up to their quarry, but a volley of return fire clipped Laserbeak and sent him crashing into the pool of [[Rarified Energon]] that was the very energy source that had drawn them there. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 4}}

=====''Recordicons''=====
Laserbeak took to perching on [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]'s arm, causing negative universe [[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]] to label him a poser. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 23|Recordicons #23}} Laserbeak and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] decided Ravage had gone crazy when he shared his theory about Megatron's whereabouts. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 24|Recordicons #24}}

====''Regeneration One''====
[[File:Laserbeak buzzsaw whirl sandstorm loose ends.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
{{NoteRG1}}
In [[2012]] Laserbeak had been brought back to some semblance of life as part of Megatron's lobotomised [[zombie]] army. Ambushing the [[Wrecker]]s, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw shot down [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 4}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers '84''====
Ambushing the Autobots as they blasted their way through a debris field, Laserbeak was one of the first Decepticons to board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], shortly before [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] pressed the button that would crash the ship into planet [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:MMP2 laserbeak wanna cracker.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
{{main|Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}
One of [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]'s chief spies and enforcers, Laserbeak served the Decepticons during their early conflicts with the Autobots on Cybertron which led to their further battles on Earth in [[1984]]. A particularly potent menace, he tended to get the better of the Autobots during these encounters. In [[2005]], Laserbeak survived the [[Battle of Autobot City]], though his services were utilized less and less in the years that followed, as he expressed dissatisfaction with [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s leadership.

In a splinter timeline, Laserbeak was present in [[2011]] when Soundwave was killed in his duel with [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]. Laserbeak rescued his master's head, allowing Soundwave to be restored to life as Soundblaster. In [[2021]], he joined Soundblaster in a mission to another universe, where his skills as a spy were utilized for petty corporate espionage.
{{-}}

===Sticker Adventures books===
Laserbeak participated in a Decepticon assault on the Autobots, only to be once more beaten back. Under Megatron’s orders, the Decepticons then lay low for several days, lulling the Autobots into a false sense of security. The Decepticons then stole the entirety of the Autobots’ fuel supply and attacked them once more. But Optimus, having anticipated a trick on the Decepticons’ part, arrived at the battlefield with a new supply of fuel for his troops. After sustaining too much damage, the Decepticons were forced to retreat once again. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons}}

Laserbeak attacked an Autobot construction site that Optimus and his troops were using to fix up a spaceship. {{storylink|Return to Cybertron}}

===Marvel coloring books===
During a clash between the Autobots and the Decepticons, the cowardly Laserbeak attempted to flee at the first hint that the Decepticons might lose. Before he could do so, he was swallowed up by own of Rumble's earthquakes that had backfired. {{storylink|Search for Treasure Under the Sea}}

Laserbeak participated in Megatron's plan to incarcerate all of the Autobots in a newly built Decepticon prison. He was scared off upon seeing a giant Autobot looming nearby ([[Giant fake Autobot|who, as it turns out, wasn't even real]].) {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue!}}

Megatron ordered Laserbeak to patrol "every inch of the Earth" in order to find a factory suitable for constructing a Decepticon army. Already paranoid due to his extreme cowardice, Laserbeak was sent into a panic when he spotted an Automobile factory, mistaking it for an Autobot factory. Laserbeak reported his findings back to Megatron, who ordered his Decepticons to find the Autobot's facotry and destroy it. Laserbeak and Megatron's meeting having been spied upon by Bumblebee and Mirage, the Autobots built a trap for the Decepticons, using Mirage's holographic powers to project an actual Autobot factory. In the ambush that followed, Laserbeak was captured by Bumblebee in an electrified net. {{storylink|Decepticon Patrol}}

Laserbeak was amongst the Decepticons who attacked the Hoover Dam. {{storylink|The Deadly Fuel Shortage}}

Laserbeak ran a demonstration of the [[molecular transfer device]] for Megatron, and showed him its abilitiy to teleport fuel from any gas tank in the world into the Decepticons' personal reserves. Pleased with their progress, Megatron ordered Laserbeak to empty another hundred tanks by midnight. When the Autobots lay siege to the Decepticons' stronghold, Laserbeak headed out to do battle. He attempted to sneak up on Sunstreaker, only for Jazz to blast him with his flamethrower. {{storylink|Summertime Coloring Book}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|A Message From Outer Space}}}}

Laserbeak was ordered once more to patrol every inch of the Earth to find a suitable location for a Decepticon factory. He didn't get very far, not even leaving the forest he had started from, before once more getting captured in an electrified net, courtesy of Bumblebee. {{storylink|Forest Rescue Mission}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Bumblebee's Dangerous Mission}} {{storylink|The Big Book of Coloring Fun}} {{storylink|The Invasion of the Decepticon Camp}}}}

Under Shockwave's orders, Laserbeak, Ravage, Kickback, and the Constructicons attacked a human village, intent on razing it to build a fuel plant in its place. Little did the Decepticons know that they were being spied upon from orbit by the Autobot [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. When the Autobots arrived to drive off the Decepticons, cowardly Laserbeak fled immediately, so as to avoid being blasted by [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|The Autobot Spy in the Sky}}

Happening upon a group of Autobots, Laserbeak decided to spy on them, and hid himself as a cassette inside Daniel's tape recorder. He learned that the Autobots had long ago lost a particularly large shipment of Energon cubes at the Ark's original crash site. Upon learning everything he needed to know, Laserbeak took off and (after dodging Sunstreaker and Springer's fire, who had seen him abandon his disguise) reported back to Galvatron with his findings. The Decepticons then headed for Mt. St. Hillary to unearth the treasure, and fought the Autobots there. The battle ended when Starscream scarfed down all of the energon and picked a fight with Galvatron. {{storylink|The Lost Treasure of Cybertron}}
{{-}}

===Big Looker Storybooks===
[[File:DecepticonHijack decepticon distraction.jpg|left|thumb]]
Laserbeak was part of a particularly ferocious battle that left both Autobots and Decepticon badly damaged and low on fuel. Following the fight's end, Laserbeak was among the airborne Decepticons who used what little strength they had left to buzz the Autobots' headquarters, intending to distract them from the hijack of an oil truck that their fellow Decepticons were carrying out nearby. The plan was foiled by space-borne Autobot [[Shooting Star]], who clued the Autobots into the deception. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
[[File:AutobotsLightningStrike laserbeak.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|A bird in the hand...]]
Laserbeak spied upon the Autobots when they were in the midst of a large construction project, but for all his observations, he was unable to deduce what the large mast that the heroic robots were building actually was. He took his findings back to Megatron, but he couldn't make anything of them, and so had Laserbeak lead Soundwave back to the mast for further study. Even the master communicator couldn't make heads or tails of the structure, so Laserbeak was posted to watch for some sign of Autobot activity that might reveal its purpose. Discovering that an Autobot installation had been built inside the mountain beneath the mas, Laserbeak alerted the other Decepticons, who immediately attacked. Unfortunately for them, it turned out that the mast was a lightning rod, which channeled the electricity of the thunderstorm currently raging right into the mountain chamber, frying the Decepticons and forcing them to retreat, leaving the Autobots none the wiser. {{storylink|Autobots' Lightning Strike}}
[[File:LaserbeaksFury power lines.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Seeking to learn more about humanity in order to exploit the Autobots' concern for them, Megatron had Laserbeak sent to study human settlements and behavioural patterns. Following a car into a small village, Laserbeak was intruiged by a windmill on a neaby hill, but when he attempted to investigate, he accidentally collided with some high-voltage power lines, which short-circuited his transformation systems and trapped him in cassette mode. He was found the next morning by the engineers who arrived to repair the power lines, but was promptly discarded when they found that the "cassette" contained no music. A young boy found him soon after and brought him home, where the boy's mother added him to a box of cassettes that were taken to a disco at the town hall that night. There, upon insertion into the disc jockey's tape deck, Laserbeak drained the energy from the sound system and re-energized his systems, allowing him to explode from the machinery in bird-form once again. With a mob of villagers hot on his heels, Laserbeak returned to the nearby windmill, which had in his absence become a battleground for the Autobots and Decepticons. In the midst of the battle, Laserbeak was struck by one of the windmills sails. The conflict ended with the windmill's destruction, but the villagers never learned of the Transformers' involvement—the bigger news story on the front page of the [[Paprika Plain|Paprika Plains Informer]] the next day was that of the "Winged Demon" at the disco! {{storylink|Laserbeak's Fury}}
{{-}}

===Dinobot War===
[[File:Time sphere dinobot war.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Upon the discovery of a buried flying saucer beneath the new [[Wizard's Cave]] attraction, Laserbeak and Ravage went to [[Disneyland]] to try and salvage any advanced technology. Unfortunately they hadn't counted on [[you]] activating a [[time-sphere]], transporting them four million years back in time. There, they decided to destroy the Autobots lying in stasis aboard the Ark, and, after tangling with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], Laserbeak located the flying saucer containing the time-sphere.

{{note|"Dinobot War" is a [[multipath adventure]], so Laserbeak can look forward a number of potential endings:}}
*Laserbeak killed one of the [[time-travelling alien]]s, but the other transported him and Ravage away into the time-stream.
*Laserbeak was transported back to the present day where he escaped, or was possibly lost in time.
*Laserbeak shoots you with his ruby lasers. Without you to stop them, the Decepticons presumably carried out their plan and went on to conquer the Earth. {{storylink|Dinobot War}}
{{-}}

===The Battle for Planet Earth===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
Thanks to Laserbeak's spying, the Decepticons were alerted to the Autobots searching for energy in [[South America]]. Once the other Decepticons arrived there, they tried to attack the Autobots atop [[Mount Sheelah]]. The volcano erupted, burying all but Laserbeak with lava, and Laserbeak had to return to base to get help. {{storylink|Terror of Mount Sheelah}} He was at the Decepticon base, taking advantage of the human slave labor they had kidnapped, when [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] infiltrated the base. {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue (G1)|Bumblebee to the Rescue}} Laserbeak was left behind to guard the base while the other Decepticons went to attack [[Stanley Lake]] dam. {{storylink|Menace at the Dam}} He was among the Decepticons consulted by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] for ideas on getting back at the Autobots. After Starscream successfully infiltrated the Autobots by pretending to defect, he sent the Decepticons to [[Mount Levram]] to destroy an [[Deuterium Orbital Laser Tracing System|Autobot super-weapon]], but when Laserbeak and the others returned to their base, it had been destroyed by the Autobots. {{storylink|Espionage!!!!!}}

===Find Your Fate Junior===
{{notemultipath}}
====Battle Drive====
Laserbeak was one of the many Decepticons Megatron led to a cave in the mountains. Within hid the Autobots' ally, Sparkplug Witwicky, with schematics detailing a fatal flaw in the Decepticons' circuitry. When Swoop attacked the group, every Decepticon present attacked the Dinobot simultaneously.

In the event that Swoop successfully destroyed Megatron, Laserbeak and the rest of the Decepticons were defeated by the Autobots.

In the event that Swoop fled the battlefield, Laserbeak was one of the Decepticons that did not pursue him, and instead remained at the cave. If Swoop later returned with Autobot reinforcements, Laserbeak got shot right in the beak by the new arrivals, and was forced into a retreat.

In the event that Prowl didn't wait around for Swoop to return and took Sparkplug to make a mad dash for Autobot Headqarters, Laserbeak and Blitzwing pursued him. Prowl attempted to lose his pursuers by driving into a forest, but it was all for nothing since this ended up simply being one of [[you]]r dreams. (Or was it?)

In a completely different possible sequence of events, Laserbeak was part of a massive Decepticon army that Megatron led against the squadron of Autobots that had walked into a Decepticon trap

In the event that Optimus decided to keep his squadron together, Laserbeak, alongside Soundwave, Buzzsaw and Frenzy, were the first Decepticons that attempted to attack the Autobots. Although initially ineffective at stopping the Autobots, Laserbeak was instrumental in the Decepticons' victory that day by obliterating the road before the Autobots, preventing them from reaching a safe refuge.

In the event that Optimus seperated from his squadron to provide cover fire, Laserbeak was one of the ten Decepticons who ganged up on the Autobot leader. If Jazz returned to rescue his commanding officer, Laserbeak managed to send Jazz into a terrible spin as the two Autobots drove away. The Autobots managed to get away in the end, however, despite whatever efforts Laserbeak attempted. {{storylink|Battle Drive}}

====Desert Flight====
[[File:Buddy falling.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
Laserbeak was part of a Decepticon deployment stationed in a desert base. The Decepticons plotted to lure the Autobots in a trap through the use of an anti-gravity beam. Using the beam on a nearby human settlement, the Autobots would be duped into coming to the fleshliness’ rescue, only to be themselves trapped by the effects of the beam.

If the Autobots bypassed the anti-gravity field, Laserbeak was part of the squad that intercepted the Autobot convoy headed for the Decepticon base.

In one possible iteration of a subsequent battle, Laserbeak fired his weapons towards a group of Autobots at the same time as the gravity beam reached them. This resulted in a rend in space-time forming above the battlefield.

In another possible scenario, Laserbeak nearly kidnapped Buddy, the Autobots’ newest human companion. His efforts were thwarted by Optimus Prime, however. {{storylink|Desert Flight}}
{{-}}

====Decepticon Poison====
[[File:Decepticon Poison Laserbeak.jpg|thumb]]
Laserbeak is one of the more dreaded of Decepticons! He also has a fighter jet [[alternate mode]].

In one possible sequence of events, Laserbeak accompanied Megatron in order to take out the recently-poisoned Autobots. They found themselves fighting against the now-cured Autobots, but gained the upper hand early in the fight nonetheless. They were nonetheless force into a retreat when Optimus led a second squad of Autobots into battle.

In another possible scenario, Megatron and his Decepticon squad were tricked into thinking that the Autobots were already dead, and strode into the Autobots’ base. The Decepticons lay down their weapons in order to carry out the Autobots’ "corpses," but were ambushed once they had disarmed themselves. Laserbeak and the others were then quickly defeated.

In another possible scenario,Laserbeak was led by Ramjet in a full-scale Decepticon assault. The Autobots, having miscalculated on how much antidote they had taken to cure themselves of the Decepticons’ poison, found themselves falling apart, leading to an easy victory for the Decepticons.

In yet another possible scenario, the Autobots managed to weaponize the tainted fuel, took out the first wave of the Decepticons’ attack with the toxic fumes emitted from the liquid when burned. Frenzy and Laserbeak proceeded to attack in the second wave, diving right through the poisonous cloud to drop bombs onto the Autobots. The toxic fumes affected them shortly as well, and when the pair fell out of the sky, the rest of the Decepticons retreated.

In a completely different possible scenario, the Autobots decided to go on the offensive and send four of their members to infiltrate the Decepticons’ poison lab.

If Laserbeak encountered all four Autobots while guarding the base, he was quickly dispatched by Optimus Prime before he could fire a shot at the intruders.

In one possible scenario that followed, Laserbeak was patched up by his fellow Decepticons and put back to work on their next scheme; to poison the humans’ water supply. He, Ramjet and Skywarp were hauling tanks of poison out of the lab when the Autobots returned.

One possible scenario saw the Autobots using Windcharger’s magnetic abilities to levitate the drums of poison above Laserbeak and company, and then ignite the poison over the Decepticons’ heads. The Decepticons were forced to retreat, and their lab was destroyed.

Another possible situation had Bumblebee find Laserbeak sleeping at his post, guarding the lab. Bumblebee silently snuck by him, while Laserbeak snored like a chainsaw. Laserbeak awakened in time to spot Bumblebee attempting to make his escape out of the lab, and ordered to little Autobot to stop.

If Bumblebee made a break for it, Laserbeak managed to hit the fleeing Autobots a few times, but was ultimately unable to stop him from making his escape with the antidote.

If Bumblebee heeded Laserbeak’s commands, the cruel Decepticon retrieved the antidote before beginning his torture of the little Autobot, in order to make him talk. {{storylink|Decepticon Poison}}

====Autobot Alert!====
Laserbeak’s department in the Decepticon army is "dirty tricks." It mostly involves plastic spiders, fake vampire fangs, rubber mice, and other gag toys of the like. He is nonetheless a violent and formidable Decepticon soldier, the mere sight of him being enough to give Bumblebee a headache. Laserbeak was tasked with patrolling Astrotrain during the Decepticon’s latest plot to take over the Earth.

In one possible scenario, Laserbeak crossed paths with Bumblebee and Hot Rod, disguised in Decepticon space gear, as the two Autobots were looking for a hiding place within Astrotrain. He was called away by Frenzy before he could discover the two Autobots hiding in his Dirty Tricks storage room. {{storylink|Autobot Alert!}}

====Project Brain Drain====
[[File:ProjectBrainDrainDecepticonGuards.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Laserbeak was involved in a Decepticon plot to use a [[Brain Drain device]] on the crowd goers of a rock concert to syphon their intelligence into Decepticon fuel.

In one possible scenario, Galvatron had to recall his troops from the concert at the last minute when Ultra Magnus and his troops began a timely assault on the Decepticons’ headquarters. Laserbeak participated in the battle that ensued, which ended in a loss for the Decepticons when Ultra Magnus triggered an avalanche, burying Galvatron and shattering the Brain Drain device.

In another possible scenario,Laserbeak and the rest of the Decepticons were surprised to find the Autobots hiding amidst the parked vehicles surrounding the concert just as they were about to put their plan into action. Having been tasked in setting the parking lot aflame to prevent the concert-goers from escape, Thrust and the other Decepticon jets continued with the plan, dumping down gasoline onto the Autobots.

If the Autobots moved towards the crowd to protect them once the parking lot was set ablaze, Laserbeak and the other Decepticon jets continued their assault, able to bypass the inferno that kept the land bound Decepticons away from their enemies. Whether or not the Decepticons won that day depended on what choices the Autobots made.

In a completely different possible scenario, Laserbeak was posted as a guard to keep safe the Decepticons’ lab housing the Brain Drain device.

In the event that Sparkplug and Wreck-Gar attempted to infiltrate to lab and were caught by Soundwave, Laserbeak as called over to block off the duo’d escape, alongside a whole detachment of Decepticons. If the pair surrendered, the Decepticons blew them up anyways. If Wreck-Gar and Sparkplug made a run for it, Laserbeak gave chase. Though he and Laserbeak managed to send Wreck-Gar and Sparkplug skidding into a lake, the Decepticons were forced to retreat when Hot Rod, Jazz and Kup showed up to defend their allies.

In one possible scenario that followed, the Autobots returned to storm the lab shortly after. Laserbeak was one of the few Decepticons too afraid of Galvatron’s wrath to desert his post, and attempted to fend off the Autobot aggressors. He was unsuccessful.

In one scenario that followed, just as the Decepticons were being beaten back, Soundwave attempted to flee with the Brain Drain device. In trying to stop him, Hot Rod inadvertently made Soundwave fling the device up in the air, which Laserbeak caught. Laserbeak then flew off to rendezvous with Galvatron, ensuring the Decepticons’ victory. {{storylink|Project Brain Drain}}

====The Invisibility Factor====
Laserbeak is known for being particularly cowardly. In one possible scenario, Laserbeak accompanied Galvatron on a patrol in a desert at night. Upon spotting a spaceship that flickered in-and-out of sight, the patrol investigated. Finding the Autobots Kup and Hot Rod conversing with a woman at the ship’s landing site, Laserbeak and the others fired upon them, causing them to scramble away. Galvatron then ordered his troops to stay and scrutinize the spaceship instead of pursuing the Autobots.

If Hot Rod and Kup decided to attack immediately, the Autobots were easily defeated and destroyed by the Laserbeak and the other Decepticons.

If Hot Rod and Kup silently followed the Decepticons back to their hide-out in a nearby canyon, they managed to tricked Laserbeak and the others into thinking that they were being ambushed by a whole squadron of Autobots. Panicking, the Decepticons attempted to retaliate by firing in all directions.

If Hot Rod snuck down and successfully snatched the Invisibility Device from Shockwave, the Decepticons gave chase to the young Autobot. They were unable to catch him before Kup fired down onto the canyon’s walls, causing it to collapse and burying the Decepticons under an avalanche of earth and rocks.

In an alternate scenario, Laserbeak and the other Decepticons decided to take off into space in Sarah Sander’s ship after acquiring the Invisibility Device. Whether the Decepticons succeeded in mastering the Invisibility Device and subsequently destroyed the Autobots, or were destroyed or defeated themselves depended on what choices the Autobots made from this point on.

In another possible scenario, Laserbeak and the other Decepticons happened upon Sarah Sanders’s ship before any Autobots had come in contact with her. While Scavenger held the woman captive, Laserbeak and the other Decepticons dragged the ship itself to a hidden location. In whichever scenario that followed, the Autobots managed to steal the Invisibility Device from the Decepticons, either dazzling Laserbeak and the others with their headlights while Hot Rod took the device right out of their hands, or tricking him and most of the other Decepticons into leaving the spaceship behind while they pursued the young Autobot on a wild goose chase. The Decepticons did not succeed in catching Hot Rod no matter what scenario ensued. {{storylink|The Invisibility Factor}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
[[File:TFin3D laserbeak.jpg|left|thumb]]
Laserbeak scouted out the situation on [[Tau-Ursa]], locating a demonstration of [[Monitorus]]'s new invention, and bringing in a full Decepticon attack force. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}
{{-}}

===The Official Transformers: Generation 2 Annual===
Before the Autobot/Decepticon conflict had left Cybertron, Laserbeak discovered while on a spying mission Optimus Prime's plan to seek out new energy sources out into the cosmos. His report to Megatron prompted the Decepticon leader to build a spacecraft of his own. Both factions would ultimately crash-land on Earth, and awaken eons later to re-ignite their conflict on a world populated by humans. {{storylink|From Cybertron to Earth the War Continues...}}

The Decepticons remained in a prolonged stalemate against the Autobots. A chance to shift the balance of power came to their attention when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] reported that their enemies had uncovered an ancient Cybertronian ship, one which contained a star map pointing the way back to their homeworld. Laserbeak partook in the Decepticons' offensive to take the ship for themselves, and found it surprisingly easy to send the Autobots into a retreat. But as they boarded the vessel, Laserbeak found it supicious that there were no controls in sight. It was a trap! The ship's door shut behind the Decepticons, and they were sent hurtling blindly out into space. The Autobots knew they hadn't rid themselves of the Decepticons permanently, but were content with not having to deal with them for however long it took them to find their way back planet-side. {{storylink|Day of the Decepticons}}

Later, Laserbeak spied [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] driving towards [[Brazil]] alongside [[Fizzle|Blaze]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and reported his findings to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] so the Decepticons could ambush the group. {{storylink|The Dinobots!}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
[[File:TWW1 laserbeak replay.jpg|thumb|275px]]
Around 8.2 million years ago, on Cybertron, shortly after [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] became the new [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]], Laserbeak performed an aerial recon of Iacon, discovering that Prime's first command had been for the Autobots to prepare a fleet of starships to evacuate the planet. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Not long after, when Starscream briefly usurped command of the Decepticons, he had every scrap of information in Laserbeak's systems forcibly downloaded, in order to learn more about Megatron's plans for Cybertron. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}} Megatron soon returned and put Starscream in his place, but then, around 1.2 million years later, the Decepticon leader vanished in a space bridge accident, and control of the Decepticons split into several smaller factions. Laserbeak and the other Cassettes remained with Soundwave, under the command of Shockwave in the primary Decepticon faction. Eventually, under the leadership of Ultra Magnus, the Autobots gained enough of a hold over Cybertron to force the other factions into signing a peace treaty. Laserbeak was in attendance at this treaty, perched atop of Shockwave's shoulder. If not for the fact that the ceremony was interrupted twice, first by an attack engineered by Starscream and second by the dramatic return of Megatron, it could have meant an end to Cybertron's civil war. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath}}

[[File:PrimeDirective3 laserbeak.jpg|left|thumb|275px|He sure loves messing with that coyote.]]
After the crash of the ''Nemesis'', Laserbeak was reactivated on Earth in 1984 and fought alongside the Decepticons in that pocket version of the greater war. Believed dead after the explosion of the ''[[Ark II]]'', Laserbeak and most of the other Transformers were in fact salvaged and reprogrammed by the human named [[Lazarus]], with the intention of selling them on the black market as weapons of mass destruction. As a demonstration for potential buyers, he had a group of Transformers assault the [[Smitco Oil Refinery]], and had Laserbeak record the images to be played back during the auction. Unfortunately for Lazarus, it was during that selfsame auction that Megatron broke free of his control. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} Megatron subsequently liberated the other Decepticons, and Laserbeak was stationed as lookout at the perimeter of Lazarus's captured Arctic base. Before long, he reported on the approach of Optimus Prime and several other Autobots who had escaped capture by Lazarus. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} Laserbeak subsequently joined the Decepticons for a massive attack on San Francisco. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}}

''After Megatron was kidnapped into deep space by the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]] and Starscream assumed control of the Decepticons, Laserbeak accepted his rule along with Soundwave and the other Cassettes. They set up a new base of operation in the human city of [[Las Vegas]], Nevada. Taking a new tactic, Starscream arranged to work with the humans instead of against them, offering the residents of Sin City fame and fortune, while helping the Las Vegas PD coordinate their anti-crime efforts more effectively. Laserbeak performed constant reconnaissance patrols, reporting to Soundwave when human police officers were needed to perform "preventative maintenance" at potential crisis sites. {{storylink|Transformers: Hardwired|Hardwired}}''

''Once Megatron returned, the Decepticons were broken into two factions under his and Starscream's control. Remarkably, Laserbeak chose to remain in Las Vegas with Starscream while Megatron and Soundwave left the city with their faction. He was taken prisoner with Starscream's other soldiers by the Keepers once they made Las Vegas their base of operations, and was trapped behind a massive force field. They eventually escaped thanks to the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], and joined a united force of Autobots and Decepticons in assaulting the Keepers' position. Laserbeak joined [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] in performing aerial sweeps and strafing runs during the battle. {{storylink|Transformers: Annihilation|Annihilation}} Later, during a battle with the American military in the Nevada desert, Laserbeak was struck down by [[deconstructionite]] rounds and had to be carried to safety by the [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Fusion|Fusion}}''

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[File:JoevsTF3 seyes decapitates lbeak.jpg|thumb]]
Laserbeak was one of the many Transformers recovered from the crashed ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' by [[Cobra]]. He was repaired and retrofitted by [[Doctor Mindbender]], who proudly displayed him, Soundwave, and his fellow Mini-Cassettes to [[Destro]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} Laserbeak was released by Soundwave, along with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], during an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility|SPS Center]]. Laserbeak managed to escape the first wave of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] defenders and enter the building, gunning down [[Gung-Ho]] and [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]]. Shortly afterwards, he was decapitated by [[Snake-Eyes]]. His body was taken into custody by the Joes. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[File:TFJoe6 laserbeak.jpg|left|thumb|275px]]
Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who lay deactivated on the [[Fera Islands]] for several million years, until [[Cobra]] awakened them and took control of them in 1938. One year later, after Cobra had used the Decepticons to ravage most of [[Europe]], Laserbeak was sent to the spy on how the [[United States of America|United States]] would react. He witnessed the creation of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], although [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] spotted the spy and opened fire on him. Laserbeak made the human drop his gun by firing a precision laser through his hand, before escaping and reporting his findings to Soundwave. {{storylink|The Line}}

When G.I. Joe teamed up with the Autobots and attacked the Cobra [[Terrordrome]], Laserbeak was punched by [[Ironhide (G1)|Iron Hide]] {{sic}}. If he survived the battle, he most likely died anyway when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] was destroyed. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===The Beast Within===
[[File:BeastWithin seekers laserbeak destroyed.jpg|thumb|275px]]
When the [[Beast (G1)|Beast]] formed, Starscream ordered the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] to attack the behemoth. Laserbeak, thinking that he was a Seeker, joined them, and was smacked along with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], blowing up as a result. He blew up real good. {{storylink|The Beast Within}} His corpse would later be one of many that littered the battlefield as Autobot survivors tried to escape the Beast. {{storylink|The Beast Within Part 2, Consequences}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Laserbeak and Ravage spied on Starscream after the Seeker's latest falling out with Megatron, and watched Starscream fall off a mountain. After reporting back to Soundwave, they spied some more and got footage of Starscream acting chummy with the Autobots. It was only after he spotted Laserbeak, that the amnesiac Starscream finally regained his memory. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

Laserbeak was sent by Soundwave to spy on Swindle, who it turned out had been selling Decepticon weapons to [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombia]]. Laserbeak reported back to base with a recording of Swindle doing a deal, much to Megatron's rage. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Soundwave]]
[[File:Ravage laserbeak buzzsaw soundwaves.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
Prior to the war, Laserbeak, [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] were treated as second-class citizens in Cybertron's [[Functionism|functionist]] society because of their animal bodies, and were forced to live on the streets and do thankless jobs for the [[Senate]] for a living. One day they met a lost and confused drifter named [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]], and ended befriending him and helping him learn to control his unique mind-reading powers. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} They briefly worked together at an energon mine on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]] before being shut down by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

[[File:MegsOrigin2 laserbeak bumper.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Soundwave and his cassettes were dispatched by [[Senate|Senator]] [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to approach the infamous underground [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiator]] [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] with the prospect of an alliance. Upon detecting that Autobot spies [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] were observing the meeting, Soundwave deployed Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ravage to deal with them. Laserbeak pinned Bumper so Soundwave could read his mind. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} Unlike the functionists, Megatron saw Laserbeak and the others as equals, a fact that impressed Soundwave and his friends, inspiring them to turn on Ratbat and side with the Megatron's new Decepticon faction. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} In the uprising that followed, Laserbeak accompanied Soundwave and his other cassettes in executing the Senate members in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}}

Laserbeak and Buzzsaw watched as Soundwave met with [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], and [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] about [[Hefter]]'s murder. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}} Some time later, he spied on Orion Pax's arrest of [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] in [[Nyon]]. {{storylink|Law and Disorder}} During a meeting with Orion Pax, Megatron had Laserbeak replay Soundwave's recording of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]]'s plans to drain energy from Nyon's population. {{storylink|Cause and Effect}} Laserbeak later spied on Orion Pax and his team when they pursued [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] within the ruins of the [[Acropolex]]. {{storylink|Ruins}} Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who rescued Orion Pax from destruction at Zeta Prime's hand. {{storylink|Choices}}

Laserbeak was with Soundwave as he reported to Megatron that the Autobots were breaking through their lines during their assault on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}} At a later point in the war, Laserbeak charged the Autobot position with Soundwave and a horde of Decepticons, in a vain attempt to keep them from interfering with an energon convoy headed for Megatron's troops. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[File:SpotlightSoundwave laserbeak bludgeoned.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Bye-bye, birdie.]]
Four million years later, in [[1984]], Laserbeak accompanied Soundwave and Ravage to [[Earth]] to remotely spy on [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s mysterious activities on the planet. Following a pair of [[facsimile construct]]s, Laserbeak discovered Bludgeon's headquarters within [[Mount St. Helens]], and quickly brought Soundwave there. Unfortunately, during the battle, a katana-slash from Bludgeon took Laserbeak down, and he, Soundwave and Ravage were entombed in lava when Bludgeon caused the volcano to erupt to cover his escape. A year later, Laserbeak and Ravage were dug up by a mysterious government organization known as [[Skywatch]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

[[File:Devastation6 cassettes captured.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Oh, Ravage always jerks around violently when he wants to show affection. It's ''totally'' cool to unchain him."]]
Over the following twenty years, Laserbeak and Ravage were reprogrammed by Skywatch to seek out other Transformers. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}} After a sudden surge in Transformer activity on Earth, they were released on their first hunt, only for Soundwave—trapped his cassette player mode and in the possession of a human named [[Jimmy (G1)|Jimmy]]—to detect their presence and block Skywatch's control signal, freeing his subordinates. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} Locating their master, Laserbeak and Ravage broke into Jimmy's home and carried Soundwave away, but were unable to do anything to repair him. Fortunately, [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] soon met with them and negotiated a deal to restore Soundwave to his true form. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}} As part of the plan, Laserbeak and Ravage were left lying dormant in a forest to be recaptured by Skywatch, only to awaken and murder their would-be captors as soon as Shockwave freed Soundwave from his condition. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

Laserbeak returned to Soundwave, who in turn returned to Megatron, and a year later the Decepticons attacked [[New York City]]. During the battle, Laserbeak helped destroy some human jets. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} After some scouting, he learned that the humans were sending ground forces at them, then reported to Soundwave and perched on his shoulder. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 2|All Hail Megatron #2}} [[File:Laserbeak AHM 1.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Planes, skeet. Potato, po-tah-toh.]] He was still on said shoulder when Megatron told [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] that Soundwave and Laserbeak had been keeping their eyes on the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] as he planned his revolt. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After the Autobots beat up Megatron, Laserbeak and the other Decepticons fled the planet. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

Two years later, Laserbeak was seen perching on Soundwave's shoulder as he and Shockwave rebuilt Megatron. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon|Altered Carbon}} He was among the Decepticons captured on Cybertron and fitted with [[inhibitor/deterrence chip]]s by the Autobots once the war ended. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} As part of Megatron's plan to conquer the planet, Soundwave and most of the cassettes were later captured by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] and brought to Prowl's [[Black Room]] {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}} where they were upgraded, with Laserbeak receiving a new data disc [[alternate mode]]. {{storylink|The Verge}} Together with Buzzsaw and Ravage he helped capture [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]], then joined the rest of the Decepticons in their conquest of Cybertron. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}} When the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] joined the fray, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw fought with [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] in the air. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}} He was later blasted out of the sky by the turncoat [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}}

[[File:Dreadwing v cassettes soundwaves.jpg|thumb]]
After losing the battle of Iacon, the Decepticons were exiled into the wilderness, where Soundwave made it their first priority to find and kill the deserter Shockwave. Tired of listening to him, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] attacked the communications expert, causing Laserbeak and the other cassettes to come to his aid. {{storylink|Shockpoint}} With the other Decepticons refusing to follow him, Soundwave took only the cassettes with him to [[Crystal City]], where they fought Shockwave and his minion [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]. However, because of Shockwave's [[Ore-14]] repairing any damage done to either side, they soon realized the battle was going nowhere and returned to recruit the other Decepticons. {{storylink|Soundwaves (issue)|Soundwaves}} They returned with both Decepticons and Autobots and fought Shockwave again in a great battle, during which the cassettes battled Metalhawk. {{storylink|Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Finest Hour}} Laserbeak was later among the fliers who tried to stop Shockwave's [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]], only to get caught in the fistfight between it and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}} After the [[Ammonite]]s began their assault on Cybertron, Laserbeak helped Soundwave and the other cassettes fight back. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}}

Laserbeak stuck with Soundwave in the aftermath of these events, and perched on his old friend's arm as he discussed the future of the Decepticons with [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} After Soundwave and Galvatron's Decepticons returned to Earth and struck up an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]], Laserbeak was among those who ambushed several Autobots at [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]]'s house, opening fire on [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] with Buzzsaw. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] tried blasting the bird 'bot, but Laserbeak instead lured him into almost hitting some humans. As the Autobots tried fleeing, Laserbeak joined in chasing them to [[Poverty Flat]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} When the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' arrived at [[Marshall Islands|Bikini Atoll]], Laserbeak came out to try to gun down the attacking Autobots. {{storylink|Earthfall Chapter 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

Later, Laserbeak was among those Decepticons playing a game of cards when Galvatron invited them to join him in hunting down [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]]. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}} In [[Tokyo]], Laserbeak was perched on Galvatron as [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] brought Witwicky and [[Jimmy Pink]] right to them. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|Vs.}} When Arcee and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] interrupted this meeting, Laserbeak confronted them with the other Decepticons. Later, bored and waiting in a shuttle for Galvatron to return, Laserbeak was not impressed with the captive Jimmy Pink's suggestion of playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and instead suggested that killing him would be a much more entertaining game. Sadly for Laserbeak, Galvatron and Arcee then showed up to stop the fun. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|ONoffON}} During [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]]'s attack on [[Onyx]]'s [[Wanmu]] facility, Laserbeak was among those who tried opening fire on the combiner in an attempt to stop him. {{storylink|The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|The Obliterati}}

[[File:SouthOfHeaven-BrawlLaserbeakBuzzsaw.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|DOOOH-HOHOHOHOHO!]]
Laserbeak later went with Soundwave and some others to check out the new [[Sanctuary Station|Decepticon commune]] that was in construction near [[Jupiter]]. He and Buzzsaw made fun of [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] the whole way through. {{storylink|South of Heaven}} Returning to Earth, Laserbeak served as a projector for Soundwave to show Galvatron snapshots from the commune with. When Rumble rushed in to report the news that the Autobots were approaching Earth, Laserbeak believed this to not be "news" at all. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Returning to Sanctuary Station with Soundwave, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw were not impressed when some of the first visitors were [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] and [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} When [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] came aboard and later found himself surrounded by armed Decepticons, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw wasted no time in poking fun at his situation. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} As Soundwave came to believe that his dreams of a peaceful existence for the Decepticons had been ruined by Galvatron, Laserbeak tried to cheer him up alongside Buzzsaw. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}}

[[File:PrimelessPt2 Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|]]
Following Galvatron's failed attempt to get Soundwave and friends to help him out on Earth, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw mocked his thinly-veiled insults towards them and his lack of allies. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} When Optimus and Thundercracker showed up at Sanctuary Station to talk to Soundwave, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw were unhappy to see Thundercracker in particular, believing him a traitor. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}} {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}} They apparently had ''some'' affection for Cosmos, though. When he was injured chasing Galvatron near Sanctuary Station, the birds came out to pull him safely back into the commune. They still mocked him mercilessly, but they helped. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

Laserbeak and Buzzsaw were seen on [[Sanctuary Station]] when Soundwave called looking for Cosmos. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}} When Cybertron came under attack by humans, the birds had differing opinions for once. Laserbeak rejected Cybertron for treating him like nothing but a beast, cawing perhaps too loudly in defiance. But Buzzsaw still harbored a soft spot for his homeland, and hoped it would survive this latest attack. {{storylink|Primeless, Part 2}}

[[File:Unicron4 Laserbeak Dies.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb]]
Laserbeak had a role in Rumble and Frenzy's "Tape Bros" film ''[[Dark Invasion]]'', but it bombed in theatres. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}} Either Buzzsaw or Laserbeak was on Cybertron and part of a crowd of Decepticons who confronted Starscream about possibly taking up the reigns of Decepticon leadership again. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

Laserbeak was on Sanctuary Station when news of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s attack on Cybertron reached the station - moments before [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his [[Maximal]] fleet warped in and began attacking them. He was all ready to flee for the hills in the face of this insurmountable enemy, but was convinced by Buzzsaw and Cosmos to stay behind and fight until the last moment. Joined by [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], the team of four flew out to face the onslaught... and Laserbeak was almost immediately blown to bits by oncoming fire. His sacrifice was not in vain, however, as the extra time they bought was enough for the rest of Sanctuary's inhabitants to board escape pods and flee for [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Road's End}} When Soundwave sacrificed his life to help defeat Unicron, he saw Laserbeak's spirit welcoming him into the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]] alongside Ravage and many others who had already passed. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[File:Laserbeakbuzzsawdawn.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Iron birds of fortune.]]
{{note|The events of "Dawn of Future's Past" are also incorporated into the ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]''.}}
At the end of the Great War most Decepticons granted amnesty simply retired and vanished from public life. So too would have been the fate of Laserbeak if not for the intervention of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]. Divebomb granted Laserbeak, [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] a new lease on life, rebuilding them into members of the new faction of Predacons. {{storylink|Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Laserbeak profile card}}

The Predacon [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s theft of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] was closely watched by Divebomb, who sent Laserbeak and Buzzsaw to ensure Megatron and his rogues reached their destination. [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|Their ship]] intercepted the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', pummeling it with missiles. Before it could come back for another pass, it was fired upon by the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', giving the ''Axalon'' enough time to restore enough power to return fire and completely destroy Laserbeak and Buzzsaw's ship, with the pair inside. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

====''Recordicons''====
While in a bar with Buzzsaw, Laserbeak complained that the bartender had spelled his name with a 'z', which made him look like an illiterate loser. [[Lazorbeak]], sitting nearby, looked unhappy. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 16|Recordicons #16}}
{{-}}

===''Lil Formers''===
Laserbeak was one of the absurd amount of minions Soundwave ejected out of his chest, all in a row, in preparation for a fight. {{storylink|Lil Formers}}

===Robot Heroes===
Soundwave hid in his harmless-looking alternate mode... until it was time to strike! He then loosed Laserbeak and Ravage from his chest compartment. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Reunion and Parting}} {{storylink|Plans of the Emperor of Destruction}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
[[File:KreOLaserbeak.jpg|thumb]]
Laserbeak was present when [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]] explained out loud his plans to brainwash the entire population using music. {{storylink|Soundwave's Trap? Stop Operation Brainwash Humanity!}}

Laserbeak was seen flying into battle with Soundwave in [[Isami Tatewaki|some kid's]] living room. {{storylink|Robots in Disguise! The Transformers Are by Your Side!?}}
{{-}}

===''Cloud''===
[[File:Cloud Soundwave.jpg|thumb|]]

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Awakening (Cloud)|Awakening}} {{storylink|Eagerness}} {{storylink|Lightwave}} {{storylink|Struggle}} {{storylink|Transformers Cloud (issue)|Transformers Cloud}}}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
Laserbeak was aboard Soundwave when he, Shockwave, and Starscream traveled from Cybertron to Earth to demand the humans surrender to Megatron. Laserbeak, Rumble, and Ravage met with the representative of their [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] welcomers, [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]], who made it clear that Earth had no intent of surrendering. This lead to a battle which culminated with the Decepticons' defeat. As Laserbeak and Rumble made their escape from the battleground, they were snatched up by a [[Cobra]] airship, and offered sanctuary by the [[Baroness|Serpentress]]. {{storylink|I Saw Three Ships}}

Laserbeak next acted as the Serpentress's personal transport as she led an attack on the [[USS Flagg|USS ''Flagg'']]. Though the Decepticobra alliance led a mighty offensive against the Joes, they were eventually forced to retreat back to their island base of [[Decepticobropolis]]. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend}} The Serpentress rode atop of Laserbeak once more during a chaotic brawl near the United Nations building. Again, the pair were forced to retreat from G.I. Joe's might. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}} Laserbeak returned to Soundwave in time for his resurrection, and was deployed to battle [[Snake-Eyes]]. {{storylink|Black Cybertron}} Soundwave had Laserbeak nab the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from Starscream after he'd stolen it from Megatron, only for the bird to be brought down by a harpoon courtesy of [[Lady Jaye]]. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}

===''Angry Birds'' comic===
Laserbeak was among the Decepticons who attacked the Autobot shuttle carrying the [[AllSpark]]. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}

===''Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy'' cartoon===
Laserbeak was perching on Soundwave's shoulder when he began a conversation with Megatron, Starscream and Shockwave, then transformed and settled in the tape-shaped cavity under Soundwave's hood. {{storylink|The Road to More Popularity than Autobots}}

===''Titans Return'' marketing material===
Bolstered by the [[Titan Master]]s, Laserbeak accompanied Soundwave as the Decepticons orchestrated an all-out Decepticon attack on Cybertron, which was soon routed by Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

===''Mazinger Z versus Transformers''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Mazinger Z versus Transformers}}}}

===''Transformers/Ghostbusters''===
[[File:GhostsOfCybertronPart5-cassettes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
Laserbeak took part in the final battle of the war for Cybertron, before the planet's destruction at the hands of [[Gozer]]. {{storylink|Ghosts of Cybertron Part 1}} However, Laserbeak was one of the few Decepticons spared from this fate after [[Kremzeek]] transformed them into [[ghost]]s. A thousand years later, following the [[Ghostbusters]]' defeat of Kremzeek, Laserbeak was ejected from Soundwave alongside Ravage and Buzzsaw to deal with the humans. Reincarnated as grotesque, ectoplasm-spewing ghosts, the three Decepticons attacked [[Ray Stantz]] before being promptly dissipated when Soundwave was captured within a [[ghost trap]]. {{storylink|Ghosts of Cybertron Part 5}}
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon===
{{charfictionstub}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:WeHaveDecievedYou-InfiltrationTroopers.jpg|thumb|right|250px|]]
Laserbeak was one of the many infiltration troopers [[Clench (G1)|Clench]] deployed during the Decepticon attack on the [[Senate]]. They rushed [[Grotusque]] and [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and easily defeated them. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: We Have Deceived You|We Have Deceived You}} [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] posted Laserbeak and Ravage to guard a number of high-profile prisoners that included [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]], which they did up until [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]] burst through the floor and sent the pair running. {{storylink|War World: Prime}} Laserbeak watched Megatron shoot a drone [[Termagax]] had constructed to speak to the Decepticons in her stead. {{storylink|War World: Awakenings}}
{{-}}

==Commercial appearances==
Commercials that featured original footage of Laserbeak include:
*An appearance in the animated portion of the first commercial advertising Soundwave's toy. In it, Prowl, Jazz and Sideswipe stormed the Decepticons' base, only for Soundwave to transform from his inconspicuous micro-cassette recorder mode, reach down into his chest and toss out Laserbeak towards the intruders. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Soundwave|Soundwave commercial}}
*He also took part in battle against the Dinobots alongside [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Laserbeak pestered [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] only to get his tail roasted by his opponent's fiery breath. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Dinobots|Dinobots commercial}}
*When [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] was duped into bringing [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] into the Decepticons' headquarters, thinking the Autobot was just a normal radio, Soundwave dispatched Laserbeak and Ravage to deal with the intruder. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Blaster|Blaster commercial}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
When Optimus embarked on his mission to rescue the Autobots' [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] troops from the Decepticons, Laserbeak could hinder Optimus Prime's progress, by giving him a flat tire, thus stalling him briefly. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
[[File:Laserbeak MoCsprite.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|]]
*''Stages'': 5
*''Point value'': ???
Numerous copies of Laserbeak patrol the [[Floating City]], swooping in to tear into advancing Autobots with their sharp beaks. However, they are much fewer in number than the [[Seeker (body-type)#Transformers: Mystery of Convoy|Jetrons]] in the area, and really only dangerous when their targets are occupied avoiding [[Burcane Ball]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: Mystery of Convoy}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' (Commodore 64)===
[[File:Commmodore64 laserbeak mirage.jpg|left|thumb|Laserbeak is the vague collection of pixels that don't resemble a pipe.]]
"Lazerbreak" {{sic}} was among the Decepticons who tried to prevent the Autobots from recovering the scattered pieces of their [[Energon cube]]s. Created by the power of [[Robo-Cloning]], innumerable duplicate copies of Lazerbreak bedevilled the Autobots on their quest. {{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[File:TF PS2 Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
{{bigquote|Laserbeak is a good and faithful servant. He may share with a certain somebody the ability to fly, and the red body and black face too, but that's where the similarities end.|Megatron|''[[The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers]]''}}

====Decepticon story====
Laserbeak found the Autobots guarding the [[Ranpas Geothermal Power Plant|Ranpas geothermal plant]] and reported it to Megatron. He also snitched on Starscream, who was pilfering the energon cubes the Decepticons had obtained from the following adventure. Later, he found the UFO. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''Sector Seven'' game===
[[File:S7 NBE57.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In a strange world where Transformers are a government secret that inspired toys, a cartoon, a [[Transformers (film)|film]], and more, a robot resembling Laserbeak was captured on film by some civilians when he transformed out of his [[alternate mode]] as a flash card into a vaguely draconian avian [[robot mode]], remaining at the same diminutive size, and flew away. The footage fell into the hands of [[Sector Seven]], who classified this robot "[[Non-Biological Extraterrestrial|N.B.E.]] 57". {{storylink|Sector Seven (game)|Sector Seven}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
Laserbeak took part in a covert infiltration of the Autobot base led by Soundwave, allowing them to pass information back to the Decepticons and ensure a string of Decepticon victories. They were eventually uncovered by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], and sent packing. {{storylink|Covert Operations}}

Laserbeak spied on the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] when they started getting friendly with a group of Autobots including [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and soon reported the goings on back to Megatron. {{storylink|The Master Builders (Legends)|The Master Builders}} After Megatron and his men, including Laserbeak, found a [[Lightning Bug]] on an old Autobot colony world, they found they'd contracted [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. Back on Earth, they stole [[corrostop]] and cured themselves, before inflicting the disease on the Autobots. The Decepticons were unable to stop the Autobots getting a sample of corrostop from the [[Statue of Liberty]] and curing themselves, however. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (Legends)|Cosmic Rust}}

With [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s abuse of his men causing dissent in the ranks, [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and Laserbeak took him to the planet of the [[Torkuli]] for treatment, however the treatment proved ineffective, and the pair had to flee as Galvatron destroyed the planet. {{storylink|Web World}}

===''Transformers: Devastation''===
Laserbeak could be found circling battlefields throughout the city, the ''[[Proudstar]]'', and even on Cybertron. He also aided Soundwave in his battles with the Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers: Devastation}}

{{note|Laserbeak is an in-game collectible. Shooting him unlocks new artwork in the gallery.}}
{{-}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
[[File:ABTF-screen Acc-Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Laserbeak is an "Accessory" character, giving Deceptihogs he's attached to "acid rounds": anything their weapon hits but does not immediately destroy has its HP quickly sapped by burning acid. This bonus can be increased with upgrades won from random-prize Crates or in the "[[King Pig|Shockwave]]'s Tower" mini-game.

He can be unlocked by purchasing him with Gems in the Barracks, with Tokens during specific [[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)/Challenge Events|Challenge Events]], or won from Crates and [[King Pig|Shockwave]]'s Tower. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Deceptihog'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Gem Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="30%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|[[Chef Pig#As Soundwave|Soundwave]]
|Arms
|Epic
|600
| Acid Rounds
|
|-
|}
</center>

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
Laserbeak - alongside Rumble, Frenzy, and Buzzsaw - are minions released by Soundwave as the larger bot's special ability.

==Toys==
{{main|Laserbeak (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
*Laserbeak had the preliminary name '''Slazer'''.
*Though Laserbeak is portrayed as a normal audio cassette in the various fictions, his original toy was a microcassette. (Likewise, Soundwave's toy was a microcassette recorder, rather than the "stereo cassette deck" he's stated to be elsewhere).
[[File:C64TransformersTitleScreen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]'s toy was sold with Soundwave. [[To sell toys|Consequently]], Buzzsaw had a much lower profile in the cartoon and his [[Tech Spec]] [[function]] of "spy" was open for the taking. Laserbeak was given this role, presumably because he would have more opportunity to spy than to use his own (non-kid-friendly) function of "interrogation".
*Although the Laserbeak and Buzzsaw toys had a standard cassette deco on one side, the cartoon chose to show the bird side in its depictions of their [[alternate mode]]s, effectively making either side accurate.
*The title screen to Ocean's ''[[The Transformers (Commodore 64)|Transformers]]'' game for the Commodore 64 (see right) depicts either a Laserbeak or a Buzzsaw that is primarily red with gold wings. Get on it, [[e-HOBBY]]!
*It's possible that ''Beast Wars'' [[Lazorbeak]] was intended to be a new form for Laserbeak. Lazorbeak's on-package [[bio]] reads, "Lazorbeak upholds his motto of believing the only good point he likes about the Maximals is their melting point", a reference to Laserbeak's original motto. Also, both use laser weapons which frequently run out of energy.
*The [[Real Gear Robot]] [[Booster X10]] is a Laserbeak [[homage]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Condor''' (コンドル ''Kondoru''), '''Laserbeak''' (レーザービーク ''Rēzābīku'')
*''Czech:'' '''Lejzrák'''
*''French:'' '''Vautour''' (G1 Canadian French dub, "Vulture"), '''Laserbec''', '''Laserbreak''', '''Laserobreak''' (G1 European French dub), '''Laserbreak''' (War for Cybertron: Siege dub)
*''Hebrew:'' '''Keren Laser''' (קרן לייזר, "Laser Beam")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Lézercsőr'''
*''Italian:'' '''Gufo''' ("Owl")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Léi-shè Yīng''' (Taiwan, 雷射鷹, "Laser Hawk"), '''Léi-shè Nǐau''' (Taiwan, 雷射鳥, "Laser Bird"), '''Jīgūang Niăo''' (China, 激光鸟, "Laser Bird"), '''Léishè Mìtàn''' (China, G1, S1, Ep.1 镭射密探, "Laser Spy")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Lança-Laser''' (Portugal comics, "Lance Laser"), '''Bicolaser''' (Brazil comics, "Nozzle Laser")
*''Swedish:'' '''Laserspanare''' (''More Than Meets The Eye'' parts 1-3, "Laser scout") '''Lasernäbb''' (cartoon, "Laser beak")
*''Russian:'' '''Lazernik''' (Лазерник)

[[Category:Beast Wars Predacons]]
[[Category:Birds]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cloud Decepticons]]
[[Category:Deceptihogs]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Interrogators]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Mystery of Convoy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Decepticons]]
[[Category:Regeneration One zombies]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]

Cog (facility)

2021-04-02T22:37:25Z

GlamAttack:

{{faction|functionist}}
{{disambig3|Cog}}
[[File:The cog custom made now.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"This station is now the ultimate power in the universe."]]

The '''Cog''' is the meeting place of the [[Functionist Council]]. Predictably, it is shaped like a giant [[transformation cog]].

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
====The Functionist Universe====
In [[Functionist Universe|an alternate timeline]] where [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] was never born, the Functionist Council was able to grow ever more powerful, eventually overthrowing the [[Senate]] and seizing control of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}} [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], having an objectively useless [[alternate mode]] was locked up within the Cog and regularly tortured in an attempt to gleam its function. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}} {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

In [[2014]], the Council met at the Cog where the Evaluator [[Ten-of-Twelve]] reported on replacing of the [[Primal Vanguard]]'s eyes with cameras, successfully converting them into the first of the Council's full spectrum surveillance agents. Subsequently, the Enactor [[Six-of-Twelve]] reported that their [[theoconomist]]s had consulted the [[Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy]] over the proposed [[mass recall]] of the [[data slug]]s. While a strict reading suggested that they still had a purpose, their ability to store large amounts of data threatened the Functionists' ability to rule, so the Convener [[One-of-Twelve]] overruled the theoconomists and ordered their [[obsolescence chip]]s to be detonated. {{storylink|The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|The Custom-Made Now}} Shortly after this, Rung unconsciously reacted to his torture by creating [[photonic crystal]]s. Though the Council initially thought to execute him, {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}} they <s>decided behind closed doors that the crystals could let them conquer the galaxy</s> came to the divine realization within the holy walls of the Cog that the crystals were Primus' endorsement of cold construction and could be utilized to produce a galaxy conquering army. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}}

In early [[2017]], the Council restarted [[Vector Sigma]] to extract the [[spark]]s of their army only for [[Team Rodimus]] to free Rung, {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} and use a [[matter transporter]] to escape back to the surface, using another to board the Cog. After seizing control of the ship, they set course for [[Kalis|Adaptica]], passing the time by listening to Rung's tale, with the psychologist eventually declaring that they had to crash it into [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} Needing Luna 2's teleporter, [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] promptly decked Rung, much to the horror of his friends. Realizing how much his vendetta was consuming him, Rodimus ordered his friends out, intending to fulfill Rung's mission only for [[Terminus (G1)|Terminus]], firing at Luna 2's [[tractor beam]] emitters, to strike the vessel, causing it to crash. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Functionist Council]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) locations]]

Dire Wraith

2021-04-01T02:17:20Z

GlamAttack: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[[Category:Alien species]]
[[Category:Dire Wraiths| ]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) species]]
[[Category:Rom]]

Bubbles

2021-03-31T21:22:15Z

GlamAttack: /* As Mirage */

{{factions|autobird}}
:''Bubbles is an [[Autobird]] from the [[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Jazz Bird.png|thumb|250px|The joy and the laughter]]

Somewhat of a ditz, candy-loving '''Bubbles''' is a cheerful and happy-go-lucky member of the [[Flock]]. He shares [[Hal]]'s love for music.

This carefree attitude is amplified when he is upgraded into '''[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] Bird'''. Highly expressive, his default facial setting appears to be a great big smile, though he is prone to wild takes in dangerous situations. In his robotic form, he displays some ''sweet'' dance moves and a dislike for violence, though it is a hang-up that is quickly overcome if his friends need back up in their feud against the [[Deceptihog]]s.

Bubbles has also been merged with other hip and swaggering Autobots like '''[[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]]''', '''[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]''', '''[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]''', '''[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]''', '''[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]''' and Mirage.

==Fiction==
===''Angry Birds'' comic===
[[File:ABTF1 BubblesandStella.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
After the [[Bad Piggies]] had stolen a batch of the Flock's eggs, Bubbles accompanied his fellow birds on a raid to retrieve them. [[Chuck (AB)|Chuck]] managed to foul up [[Red (AB)|Red]]'s attack plan, causing the Bad Piggies' building to collapse on top of the Flock while [[King Pig]] and his minions escaped. [[File:ABTF2 JazzBird Intro.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.8]] Thanks to [[Bomb (AB)|Bomb]], Bubbles emerged from the rubble relatively unscathed, though he seemed somewhat shaken by the ordeal. Meanwhile, the [[Blues]] had flown off after the pigs on their own. The rest of the Flock began searching for the little birds, only for the Blues to find their way back on their own. Upon their return, they began blabbing about an "[[AllSpark#Angry Birds Transformers continuity family|EggSpark]]" and "[[Deceptihog]]s." {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}

By the time Bubbles reached the EggSpark, it had already transformed Chuck and [[Hal]] into Bumblebee Bird and Grimlock Bird respectively. Though it took some convincing, the rest of the Flock eventually agreed to touch the EggSpark as well, in order to be granted new robotic bodies. Bubbles became Jazz Bird, and found a newfound desire to simply cruise about [[Piggy Island]] and take in the sights. Nonetheless, he was ready to take on the Deceptihogs if the situation called for him to do so. Under the command of Optimus Prime Bird, the [[Autobird]]s transformed and rolled out into action. They soon caught up to Megatron Pig and his minions, and engaged them in combat. Jazz Bird took it upon himself to protect the Flock's eggs with his hand-held slingshot. As he watched over them, the eggs sprouted mechanical arms and legs. Jazz Bird nonetheless found the eggs to be adorable, and offered them some candy. In response, the [[Eggbot (AB)|Eggbot]]s blasted his face with lasers, then multiplied and took off. {{storylink|Age of Eggstinction!}}

[[File:ABTF2 JazzBird vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9]]
The Eggbots proved themselves to be an even greater threat than the Deceptihogs. The Autobirds and Deceptihogs joined forces to combat this newly arisen enemy. The battle's collateral damage soon became apparent to both Jazz Bird and a trio of [[Minion Pig]]s. It was decided that in order to stop the Eggbots' rampage, one of them had to be captured and studied. Jazz Bird was assigned to a team with this mission in mind. Their task was quickly compromised when fellow team-member [[Corporal Pig|Galvatron Pig]] began to run wild. Galvatron Pig first sent [[Terence (AB)|Heatwave Bird]] flying over the horizon before coming after Jazz Bird. [[File:ABTF4 Birdsenjoyingmusic.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|right]] The crazed pig was just about to blast Jazz Bird when Heatwave Bird came roaring back, and took out the bad piggy. Unfortunately, the shock-wave still knocked out Jazz Bird. Heatwave Bird carried Jazz Bird's unconscious form back to the rest of the birds and pigs, just as the island's transformation began to truly spiral out of control. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fowlin'!}}

Upon awakening, Jazz Bird found himself in the middle of a total war zone. On Optimus Prime Bird's order, he participated in one last mad dash for the EggSpark. Just as their goal neared, Galvatron Pig awakened and attacked Jazz Bird, putting him once more out of commission. Thankfully, the others managed to fling the EggSpark off-planet anyways, returning Piggy Island and all of its inhabitants to normalcy. As the Flock discussed the day's events, Bubbles joined Terence and Bomb in listening to Hal playing some tunes on his banjo. {{storylink|Hard Boiled}}

==Commercial appearances==
Jazz Bird was part of a raid on the Deceptihogs' headquarters after those big jerks had stolen the EggSpark. He, Optimus Prime Bird and Heatwave Bird burst in to find... The Deceptihogs using the EggSpark as a dance light as they had a crazy dance party. It was all very silly. {{storylink|Commercial#Angry Birds Transformers|Deceptihogs' Revenge}}

==Games==
===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
====As Jazz====
*''Squad'': '''Target: 2006'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Intelligence'''
*''Unlock Type'': New Area (900 pigs) TelePod

Jazz Bird, king of the pop-and-lock breakin' 2 electric boogaloo, is a speedster character similar to [[Chuck (AB)|Bumblebee Bird]], though a little less on the speed and a little more on the toughness, with a higher overall set of stats once he's at maximum level. His missiles are a bit less rapid-fire, but make up for that with a much reduced "reload" time between salvos.

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|Headphones
|Head
|Common
|5 Common Crystals + 2,500 Coins
| +10% Damage
|
|-
|Baseball Cap
|Head
|Common
|5 Common Crystals + 2,500 Coins
| +10% Vehicle Time
|
|-
|Halloween Hat (bat wings, top hat)
|Head
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
| Halloween Event exclusive
|-
|Santa Hat
|Head
|Uncommon
|5 Uncommon Crystals + 8,000 Coins
| +10% Defense
| Holiday Event exclusive
|-
|Pudding
|Head
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
| Holiday Event exclusive
|-
|Snowman
|Head
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
| Holiday Event exclusive
|-
|Speakers
|Chest
|Uncommon
|5 Uncommon Crystals + 8,000 Coins
| +10% Defense
|
|-
|Hook
|Arms
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +40% Clip Size
|
|-
|Pistol
|Back
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
|
|}
</center>
{{-}}

====As Ricochet====
[[File:Ricochet-Bird.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*''Squad'': '''[[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)#Squads|The Hotrods]]'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Intelligence'''
*''Unlock Type'': Challenge Event Prize (5000 Tokens)

When taking on the persona of Ricochet Bird, things get a bit more... tense. Sure, he's still a dancing fool, but he's ''really'' touchy and prone to responding to personal slights with a caroming missile, especially if anyone questions his sharpshooting skills. He always enters the Advanced Autobird Autofire Accuracy Assertion to prove he's number one... and also because maybe this time the prize is candy. (Spoilers: it's never candy.)

True to his name, Ricochet's missiles ricochet off their initial target, which can set up some absolutely devastating chain reactions if shot at just the right angle, bouncing up to twice per missile. Given the amount of punch they pack (much higher than Jazz) and steady rate of fire with a very short reload time, Ricochet can obliterate blocks and eliminate enemies with ease. Aim for a [[Walking Mortar Tower]] behind a closer one, and let shots bouncing between them destroy them both in seconds. He's not as fleet of foot as Jazz, but he makes up for it with a bit more armor.

Ricochet was first available in the "Lock & Load" [[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)/Challenge Events|Challenge Event]] in mid-September 2016, and was a "free to play" character during the Event. He and all of the other Challenge Event unlockables were made available in the "2-Year Celebration" Event. On day three of this Event, the game offered the purchasable "Ricochet Bundle" for $14.99, which contained 25000 coins, 150 [[Gem]]s, and Ricochet (or 5000 Tokens if you already owned him).

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|Headphones
|Head
|Common
|5 Common Crystals + 2,500 Coins
| +10% Damage
|
|-
|Baseball Cap
|Head
|Common
|5 Common Crystals + 2,500 Coins
| +10% Vehicle Time
|
|-
|Speakers
|Chest
|Uncommon
|5 Uncommon Crystals + 8,000 Coins
| +20% Defense
|
|-
|Hook
|Arms
|Uncommon
|5 Uncommon Crystals + 8,000 Coins
| +40% Clip Size
|
|-
|}
</center>

====As Blaster====
[[File:Blaster-Bird.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*''Squad'': '''Instruments of Destruction'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Investigation'''
*''Unlock Type'': Challenge Event Prize (7500 Tokens)

Bubbles-as-Blaster arrives with the new update of March 2017, which also introduces the new "Sparkrun" mode and [[Unicron Pig]]. As a re-skin of [[Chef Pig]] as Soundwave, Blaster fires multiples sonic blasts in rapid succession (up to five with proper leveling up), which pack more punch than all the Soundwaves' sonic blasts. However, due to reusing Soundwave's model he shares his voice clips as well, even though other characters like this later on don’t. Luckily, it was fixed later.

Besides being in the game as a playable character, Blaster also appears in a radio alt mode as [[Blaster (AB)|an accessory]] to [[Red (AB)#As Blurr|Blurr]], providing the latter with EMP rounds.

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|[[Rosanna (AB)|Rosanna]]
|Head
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +20% Explosive Force
|
|-
|Headphones
|Head
|Uncommon
|5 Uncommon Crystals + 8,000 Coins
| +10% Damage
|
|-
|Baseball Cap
|Head
|Common
|5 Common Crystals + 2,500 Coins
| +10% Vehicle Time
|
|-
|Santa Hat
|Head
|Uncommon
|5 Uncommon Crystals + 8,000 Coins
| +10% Defense
| Holiday Event exclusive
|-
|Festive Deely Bopper
|Head
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
| Holiday Event exclusive
|-
|Snowman
|Head
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
| Holiday Event exclusive
|-
|Lion Hat
|Head
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +16% Defense
|Chinese New Year exclusive
|-
|[[Stripes]]
|Chest
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +40% Faster Reload
|
|-
|[[Sundor]]
|Arms
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
|
|}
</center>

====As Sideswipe====
[[File:Angry-Birds-Transformers-Promotional-Sideswipe.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*''Squad'': '''Speedsters'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Intelligence'''
*''Unlock Type'': Challenge Event Prize (7500 Tokens)

Sideswipe's weapon. It's a pun on his name. The weapon is an anti-gravity gun that side-swipes (ha-ha) masses of blocks and pigs to the left. Good for clearing them away, but not complete destruction. Very cool character, though.

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|Cannon
|Arms
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
|One he uses in G1 and other incarnations
|-
|Pistol
|Back
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Fire Rate
|
|}
</center>

====As Red Alert====
[[File:Red-Alert-Bird.jpg|thumb|250px|"I TOLD YOU NOT TO MESS WITH ME!!!"]]
*''Squad'': '''Speedsters'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Intelligence'''
*''Unlock Type'': Challenge Event Prize (10000 Tokens)

Red Alert, the security officer, is really more of a firefighter in Angry Birds. He's equipped with a water cannon that pushes pigs away and deals moderate splash damage. So, yeah. First implementation of the water element in Transformers in the game. I think.

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|Sirens
|Chest
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +20% Defense
|Appears only in vehicle mode
|-
|Cannon
|Arms
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
|
|-
|Pistol
|Back
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Fire Rate
|
|}
</center>

====As Sunstreaker====
[[File:Sunstreaker-Bird.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*''Squad'': '''Speedsters'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Intelligence'''
*''Unlock Type'': Challenge Event (10000 tokens)

Bubbles's amicable lightheadedness is no match for Sunstreaker's ego, turning the ditzy bird into kind of a jerk. Though the combination of the two is now even more flighty and capricious than you normally get from Sunstreaker.

First available in late February 2018, Sunstreaker has an instant-hit "stream" weapon like the [[Hal|Grimlocks]] and [[Red (AB)#As Epic Optimus|Epic Optimus]]. But his works as the opposite of Epic Optimus's tractor-beam gun, instead pushing targeted objects away with incredible force. The beam even has a lingering draining effect on targets' HP that lasts for a few short seconds after the direct damage stops. Even at level 1, Sunstreaker can drop towers and send Pigs flying away easily (and let's be real; it is extremely funny to see the piggies disappearing in the distance).

Like [[Silver#As Elita One|Elita One]] before him, Sunstreaker was also made available in a "bundle" during his original Challenge Event, bought with [[Gem]]s rather than real money. The bundle's costs and contents varied from platform and player, with higher-cost bundles offering more Accessories and larger amounts of promotion-granting Spark.

<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|Cannon
|Arms
|Legendary
|5 Legendary Crystals + 200,000 Coins
| +20% Weapon Cooldown
|
|-
|Hook
|Arms
|Rare
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +10% Defense
|
|-
|Pistol
|Back
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +10% Damage
|
|}
</center>

====As Mirage====
[[File:Mirage Bird.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*''Squad'': '''Speedsters'''
*''Mission Type'': '''Intelligence'''
*''Unlock Type'': Challenge Event (10000 tokens)

So would Bubbles really fit into the role of the stealthmaster Mirage? Probably not. But Mirage does pack a big punch. His weapon is Soundwave's soundwaves, firing in clips of three, which travel in the pattern that Strongarm's projectiles do, and which seem to have an EMP effect. Additionally, if you don't shoot, shortly after a blast, Mirage will activate invisibility features. And you don't even need an [[Ghostbot|Energonicon]] to do so.

Mirage was available in the event of the same name, again, for 10000 tokens.
<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:75%" align="center"
|-
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Accessory'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Body Part'''
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Rarity'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Cost'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Base Effect'''
! scope="col" width="20%" | '''Notes'''
|-
|Hat
|Head
|Legendary
|5 Legendary Crystals + 200,000 Coins
| +30% Damage
|Angry birds Movie 2 exclusive
|-
|Sunglasses
|Face
|Legendary
|5 Legendary Crystals + 200,000 Coins
| +20% Defence
|They're actually goggles
|-
|Cannon
|Arms
|Legendary
|5 Legendary Crystals + 200,000 Coins
| +20% Faster Reload
|
|-
|Hook
|Arms
|Epic
|5 Rare Crystals + 20,000 Coins
| +20% Damage
|
|-
|Pistol
|Back
|Epic
|5 Epic Crystals + 60,000 Coins
| +20% Explosive Force
|
|}
</center>
{{-}}

====As Private Sideswipe====
[[File:WarpassSideswipe.jpeg|thumb|250px|Hey look! The rust on my visor is symmetrical!]]
*''Squad'': '''Operations'''
*''Mission Type'': '''???'''
*''Unlock Type'': Prime pass reward
Optimus has had it with all of the [[Deceptihog]]s wins and sends one last warrior to get the job done. Private Sideswipe leads the [[Autobird]]s now and this master tactician is taking no chances. But will his quest for glory cloud his judgement? [[Moustache Pig#Sergeant Barricade|Sergeant Barricade]] will certainly be hoping so.

Private Sideswipes weapon shoots a thin purple beam that sideswipes (get it) the target when hit, very similar effect to his original weapon.

{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
*'''AutoBird Jazz vs. Deceptihog Brawl''' (Telepods Racer 2-pack, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' ''Telepods'' base

: Released as part of the second wave of the [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive "Angry Birds Transformers" toyline, Autobird Jazz is a retool of [[Chef Pig]] and is a small figure that [[Autotransformation|autotransform]]s into a sonic SUV with the robot bird head on top. When the head is pushed back, the toy pops back up into robot mode via spring-loaded mechanism.

: His underside has a tiny code on the back that can be read by the ''Angry Birds Transformers'' app by placing it on top of a [[Telepod]] that has been placed on an iPhone/Android phone's camera lens. This allows you to scan him into the game and unlock him as a playable character, give the unlocked version a temporary stat boost, or speed up his upgrade/repair time.

:He comes packaged with [[King Pig|Deceptihog Brawl]].

==Notes==
* The Speakers Accessories are based on the [[c joint]] speakers from the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]] version of "[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]]" (which was also redecoed into ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#United 2|Stepper]], aka Ricochet).
* The Hook Accessory is based on the hook-and-winch tool Jazz used a couple of times in the [[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|"More than Meets the Eye" mini-series]] from [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]].
* Bubbles-as-Blaster uses Soundwave's character model, making him the first Flock member to have two completely different robot body styles, as well as the first Autobird to use a Deceptihog body. (Unless you count [[Silver|Windblade Bird]], but she only shares a jet mode with the flying Pigs.) He used to make the same sounds as Chef Pig, though like three years later this was fixed. He acts like a Deceptihog when thanking buddies. Oink. Oh I mean Chirp.

==External links==
*[[wikia:angrybirds:Bubbles|Bubbles]] at the Angry Birds Wiki
[[Category:Autobirds]]

Stroboscopic opticon

2021-03-30T19:28:09Z

GlamAttack:

:''Stroboscopic opticons are a technology from the [[Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:TheCure Blackrock hypnotized.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Blackrock has an acid flashback.]]
'''Stroboscopic opticons''' are hypnotic devices used by the [[Decepticon]]s. They project a series of flashing lights that mesmerize their victim, programming them to do whatever the Decepticons say.

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] used a tiny portable stroboscopic opticon on [[G.B. Blackrock]], hypnotizing the unsuspecting human in the aftermath of a battle. {{storylink|The Cure!}} Blackrock began taking orders from [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. The Decepticons supplied a prototype [[Wash and Roll]] car wash, which Blackrock set his company to mass-producing and distributing around the country. Each car wash contained a stroboscopic opticon that would hypnotize anyone who took their car through it, forcing them to do the Decepticons' bidding—in this case, to drive their car to a Decepticon facility and hand over their fuel. Though the device's effects were only temporary, the Decepticons developed a Wash and Roll mark II which contained stroboscopic opticons with permanent effects. Meanwhile [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] discovered that the device's hypnotism could be counteracted with flashing lights, and once he'd freed everyone from Decepticon control, Blackrock pledged to have all the Wash and Rolls dismantled. {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 technology]]

Stylor

2021-03-30T19:26:34Z

GlamAttack: /* Titans Return */

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Mister Stylor Man is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Nebulan]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Stylor armor.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Chicks dig the man with the low armor class, oh yeah.]]
'''Stylor''' is gorgeous. Always impeccably dressed and groomed and always in the latest style. He spends most of his time primping and polishing either Chromedome or himself, and is renowned on [[Nebulos]] for his exquisite taste and dashing good looks. Though he loves the ladies, he surprisingly doesn't have the greatest luck there, since few want to spend much time with a man who's so focused on being prettier than they are. It is suspected that Stylor volunteered for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] process simply because it was trendy at the time.

His [[Autobot]] partner [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], being an inveterate academic and computer nerd, is something of a frustration to Stylor, but he does his best to bring out the big guy's cooler, more social side (which he figures MUST be in there somewhere). Chromedome in return tries to get Stylor to be a little less superficial.

Stylor's nature varies. In some universes he is an organic Nebulan; in others he is a robotic Cybertronian.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Countstylorin.jpg|left|upright=0.95|thumb|Believe it or not, Stylor's the manliest-dressed in the room.]]
''When the Decepticons attacked [[Koraja]]'s outer walls, Stylor fled into the interior of the city, while fearing that Nebulos was coming to an end. He admired the familiar [[Central City Park]] as he passed through. It was then that he saw [[Galen|Kord]] and [[Duros]] also running through the park. He followed them out of curiosity, eavesdropped on their conversation with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]]'s head, and watched their failed experiment to control the Autobots' bodies by remote control. [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] then suggested integrating the Nebulans and Transformers. Stylor thought the idea was hopelessly crazy and left.'' Arcana, Brainstorm, and Fortress Maximus, however judged the procedure to be theoretically possible.

''The Decepticons then shelled the park and destroyed it. Stylor's thoughts brought him to the designer of the park, [[Arcana]]. He figured Arcana was just the kind of weird genius type that could get the idea of Branstorm's to work. Stylor headed to Arcana's labs to find out that the process was well on the way, though they needed Nebulan volunteers.'' Stylor did so even though he still thought the whole situation was ridiculous. Duros thought he was too much of a dandy, but Galen vouched for him. After some discussion, he was accepted as the third candidate for the [[binary bonding]] process, and underwent the uncomfortable bio-engineering that turned him into a Headmaster. It was only after the process was done that he found out the full implications of the process meant that he was able to transform into the head of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and be in charge of controlling Chromedome's body. ''Upon connecting to Chromedome's body, Stylor became aware of Chromedome's entire life history, and that they could speak internally to each other.''

The five Autobot Headmasters then attacked the Decepticons outside the city walls. Since two heads are better than one, the Autobots were able rout the Decepticons from the city walls. They went back into the city and transformed back into Nebulans to reassure the crowds. Stylor was enthusiastically greeted by Nebulan women he liked to party with. ''Stylor would later recount these events as he pitched metal-armored suits as his newest fashion statement.'' {{storylink|Broken Glass!}} {{storylink|Stylor's Story}}

[[File:Macro-restraining harness.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|This is why Stylor never buys "off the rack".]]
Stylor was with the others working on upgrading the Transformers' weapons when a group of [[Council of Peers|council]] delegates arrived to observe them. Stylor mistakenly believed they were there to observe him, since he has been away from the Korajan social scene, but Gort corrected him on the matter. The Headmasters then received a communication from [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] requesting help, and Stylor went with the others to rescue him from Scorponok and his stooges. But it was a trap! Zarak and his entourage had become Decepticon Headmasters and lured their heroic counterparts into an ambush. Despite Stylor and Chromedome's combined efforts to gun down their opponents, the Decepticons managed to distract the Autobots by endangering Council delegates who had followed them to the battlefield. While the Autobots were preoccupied with rescuing the civilians, the Decepticons outflanked them and cut them down with a barrage of lasers. Stylor was captured alongside his teammates. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

The Autobot Headmasters were held captive until Zarak, in a moment of lucidity while separated from [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]], freed them in order to save Nebulos from Decepticon tyranny. After a brief encounter with the newly-minted Decepticon [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], the Headmasters fled and rejoined forces with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''The Autobot [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] were later captured, forcing Chromedome, [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], and Brainstorm to rescue them. After winning a battle against their Decepticon counterparts, Highbrow and Chromedome were taking too long to decide what to do next, so [[Gort]] and Stylor disconnected themselves in order to discuss the matter on themselves. They decided to immediately continue with the rescue operation, despite their initial victory coming about with a suspicious ease. It turned out to be a trap after all, with the team being lured into an ambush helmed by Scoropnok. By reminding themselves that their shared ideals strengthened their bonds, the Autobots and their Nebulan teammates they were able to overpower their enemies nonetheless.'' {{storylink|Worlds Apart!}}

''Stylor and Chromedome witnessed a duel between Fortress Maximus and Scorponok, with overall victory between the two factions at stake. However, the clash turned out to be a distraction set-up by the Decepticons to steal a fuel convertor. With it in hand, the Decepticons blasted off towards Earth, forcing the Autobots to follow.'' {{storylink|The Final Conflict}}

{{note|The events in this UK story differ in significant ways to the [[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]] mini-series.}}

Stylor left offworld with the rest of the Autobots, and as they had hoped, the Decepticons pursued them across the interstellar void. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}} On their way to Earth, Stylor assisted Arcana in homing in on [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug's]] distress signal. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

{{note|Chromedome appeared several times after this, but Stylor was not mentioned or featured, though any appearance of Chromedome is technically an appearance of Stylor. For the further merely-as-a-head adventures of Stylor, see [[Chromedome (G1)#Marvel Comics continuity|Chromedome's article]].}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:Chromedome stylor project lazarus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1]]
After Scorponok and Zarak's research was made available and success was had recombining the original Headmaster Autobots' heads with new bodies, Chromedome and Stylor took advantage of the situation and Stylor was reverse-engineered back into a regular Nebulan, and began to reintegrate back into Nebulan society. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 1}} Chromedome had his original head reattached, and he and Stylor became the only Headmaster partners to peacefully part ways.
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Milt Jamin]] (English), [[Ken Narita]] (Japanese)|[[Hans-Rainer Müller]] (German)}}
[[File:Rebirth2 Chromedome Stylor.jpg|thumb|upright=0.95|Just try to find two scenes where I'm drawn the same way!]]
Stylor was one of the strategists participating in the rebellion against the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} When the rebels allied themselves with a group of Autobots, Stylor selected Chromedome to be his partner. He chose third from amongst the Autobot volunteers, and unlike [[Duros]] and [[Arcana]] before him did not state a reason for his choice. However, the fact that the only remaining alternative would been to bond with [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] may have had something to do with it. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

Like the rest of the Headmasters, Stylor and Chromedome returned to Cybertron from Nebulos to recover the Key to the Plasma Energy Chamber from the Hive Headmasters who joined the Decepticons. When the plasma energy was unleashed on Cybertron, Stylor and the organic Nebulans were unaffected by it, allowing them to fight on while their partners were incapacitated. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====''Legends'' comic====
Stylor, Duros and Arcana followed Zarak to the [[Legends World|Legends Universe]], where they targeted the local versions of Chromedome, Hardhead and Brainstorm, who relied on unliving [[Transtector]]s to be Headmasters. Since their own form of Headmasters relied on the bodies being controlled separately, Stylor and the others locked the Autobots in their Transtectors and convinced them to pilot the bodies while the Nebulans formed the heads. The combination of two different types of Headmaster was powerful enough to defeat Scorponok, and the three Nebulans returned to their own universe. {{storylink|LGEX Headmaster Set Chapter}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
[[File:Stylorwithgeosensor-ASO.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0]]
During a period when the Autobots on Nebulos were low on lubricant, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] dispatched [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and Chromedome to search for a legendary lost lake of oil. They searched a possible valley with their Headmaster partners, but Stylor reported back with no luck. Stylor didn't appreciate the dust and dings his finish suffered during the search, but he mostly kept it to himself. When [[Duros]] returned with a clear signal on his geo-sensors, the Headmasters traced the spot. Hardhead used sonic shells as a non-inflammatory means of drilling down to the reservoir. Duros and Stylor entered the tunnel and found a vast source of oil for the Autobots to claim. {{storylink|Autobots Strike Oil}}
{{-}}

===Toy pack-in material===
When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] became stranded on Cybertron's hemisphere of darkness with his memory damaged, Stylor joined a small strike force of Autobots called H.O.P.E. ([[Help Optimus Prime Escape]]) to retrieve him. {{Storylink|Optimus Prime Is Back}}

===INSIRT continuity===
[[File:Timeless-EjectChromedomeStylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Pacho, you can't talk because you lost your tongue in that cider press accident, remember?"]]
In a strange universe which orbited and occasionally leeched from [[Primax 1005.19 Gamma]], Stylor was a third wheel in Chromedome and [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s relationship. He accompanied them on a likely off-the-record mission to recover and/or steal the memories of half a million Decepticons from the [[Vestigial Cortical Complex]] on Cybertron. To make this raid a smooth one, the trio enlisted the talents of [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] and [[Catgut]], who "created" a door for them in the walls of the warehouse, though nearly killing them in the process. Stylor called the Decepticon a jerk once he was out of earshot. {{storylink|Timeless}}

{{note|Co-writer [[Jesse Wittenrich]] would [http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/99399-post-pictures-of-your-special-arm/page-1044#entry3318823 later reveal] his intention that Rewind was actually deceased, being projected into Chromedome's mind by Stylor. Vestigial remnants of this plot point remain in the published comic, in the form of Stylor's constant physical contact with Chromedome, and Treadshot never acknowledging Rewind. Whether this holds true in the completed comic or is merely [[authorial intent]] is an exercise left to the reader.}}

===''Titans Return'' marketing material===
An ancient [[Titan Master]], Stylor granted his partner the ability of [[mnemosurgery]]. {{storylink|#Generations|''Titans Return'' Stylor and Chromedome toy bio}} Stylor, as Chromedome's head, was seen defending Cybertron from Soundwave's all-out attack. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
When the Autobot-[[World Watcher]] alliance acquired Headmaster technology to counter the Decepticons' innovation, Stylor was one of many World Watchers who proceeded to form the head of an Autobot officer on [[Nebulos]]. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

==Commercial appearances==
*After several Transformers blasted their way to the planet [[Nebulos|Nebulon]], they were forced to surrender to the locals. Stylor was one of several Nebulons who fused with a Cybertronian partner, so that the war between Autobots and Decepticons could resume on their world. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Headmaster comic book|Headmaster comic book commercial}}
*After [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] broadcast a Decepticon alert, Stylor boarded [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]. They sped off together to battle against the Decepticon Headmasters who were invading a Nebulan city. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Headmasters|Headmasters commercial}}

==Games==
===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W5AutobotStylor.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Stylor''' (2020)
**'''Wave 5: Titan Masters Attack'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T05/T46'''
**''Stars: ''2

:Autobot Stylor is one of forty-six double sided character cards included in Wave 5 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], Titan Masters Attack. As a [[Titan Master]], Stylor begins play in head mode on a character with a body mode. When that character is KO'd, Stylor is deployed in bot mode. In order to represent Stylor's size as a Titan Master, the card is the size of a battle card, about half the size of a normal character card.

:The card's art is based on the Stylor Titan Master included with the ''Titans Return'' Chromedome toy. The head mode artwork is reused from said toy's packaging artwork.

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

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1toy Stylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|]]
*'''Chromedome with Stylor''' (Headmaster, [[1987]])
:Stylor transforms from a tiny man into Chromedome's head, and can also be used as the head of any other Headmaster toy. Inserting him into a Headmaster's neck socket causes a small [[Tech Spec]] meter on the larger toy's chest to display ratings for Speed, Strength and Intelligence. When Chromedome is in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Stylor fits in his cockpit.

:A [[redeco]] of Chromedome as [[Arcee (G1)/toys|Arcee]] was proposed during Generation 1, but never produced. Presumably, the identity of Stylor's redeco would have been [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Stylor/stylor.htm More information on Stylor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Timelines''===
[[File:Timelinestoy-Stylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Stylor has seen things.]]
*'''Chromedome w/ Stylor''' (TFSS 2.0, [[2014]])
**''TFSS2 number'': 5
:''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Stylor is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' [[Arms Micron]] [[S.2#Toys|S.2]] (albeit preassembled), transforming from humanoid robot to a crossbow-styled blaster. He was only available with his larger Deluxe-sized partner [[Chromedome (G1)#Timelines|Chromedome]] as part of the second-year [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service#Series 2.0 (2014)|Transformers Figure Subscription Service]]. His calves and arms are assembled incorrectly, but it's simple to yank them off and swap them. As a redeco of an Arms Micron, Stylor features two 5mm posts and a single peg-hole as part of the Arms Micron gimmick, allowing him to combine with other Microns to form bigger and more ridiculous "Combo Weapons" and "Super Combo Weapons".

:This mold was also used to make [[Jin (Go!)#Toys|Jin]] and [[Burn#Toys|Burn]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2014/Autobot/TFSSStylor/stylor.htm More information on ''Timelines'' Stylor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
====''Titans Return''====
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Stylor.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|A rare case of "Extreme Blush Syndrome"]]
*'''Autobot Stylor & Chromedome''' (Deluxe Class, [[2016]])
:''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Stylor transforms from a tiny man into Chromedome's head, and can also be used as the head of any other ''Titans Return'' Deluxe-or-larger toy. When Chromedome is in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Stylor fits in his cockpit. Stylor was changed slightly from his earlier renders, as the final product has a red head instead of a brown one.

:Some units were found with the face sculpt used for the [[Chromedome (G1)#Legends|''Legends'' Chromedome figure]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2016/Autobot/TRChromedome/chromedome.htm More information on ''Titans Return'' (with Chromedome) Stylor at TFU.info]''
{{TRHyperfireMold}}
{{-}}

====''Retro Headmasters''====
[[File:TF-Generations-Retro-Headmasters-Chromedome.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Chromedome''' (Deluxe Class, [[2020]])

:Part of the first wave of [[Walmart]] exclusive "[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Retro Headmasters|Retro Headmasters]]", Stylor is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Chromedome (G1)#Legends|Chromedome]] head (itself a retool of ''Titans Return'' Stylor), using that release's original-toy/anime-accurate face plate. While the bigger toys in this series are deco'd to better resemble their original toys (in theory, at least), Stylor himself ends up ''less'' accurate to his original iteration, with a tan body and dark red limbs.

: Of course, he was only available with his larger partner [[Chromedome (G1)#Retro Headmasters|Chromedome]] in a retro-style box.
{{-}}

===''Legends''===
{{anchor|HeadmasterSet}}
[[File:TF-Legends-LG-EX-Headmaster-Set-Chromedome.jpg|thumb|"I love you, Rewind-chan."]]
*'''Headmaster Set''' (Multipack, [[February 19]], [[2017]])
**''ID Number'': '''LG-EX'''

:Released as a Wonder Festival 2017 exclusive, this "Chromedome" is a redeco of the aforementioned Hasbro mold head, featuring extensive paint apps.

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

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Stylor''' (スタイラー ''Sutairā'')

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Nebulans]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Legends aliens]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mnemosurgeons]]
[[Category:Nebulans]]
[[Category:Regeneration One characters]]
[[Category:Strategists]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titan Masters]]
[[Category:Titans Return Autobots]]

Whirl (G1)

2021-03-30T13:33:50Z

GlamAttack: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{factions|autobot|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Whirl}}
:''Whirl is an [[Autobot]] [[Deluxe Vehicle]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:G1Whirl boxart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Whirl enjoys making hand puppets in his own image.]]
[[Units of time|Vorns]] before [[Optimus Primal (BW)/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.

Sometimes he is known as '''Jetstream'''.

{{bigquote|You wanna know a '''secret''', [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|hornhead]]? Life's messed up. '''I'm''' messed up. I've done bad things and I '''continue''' to do bad things, because the voice telling me '''not to'''...? He's not said much for a while. And y'know what keeps me going? <big>'''ANGER.'''</big> Anger's an '''insulator'''. Stops life getting '''too close'''. If I got myself "fixed," maybe the anger would leave me—and then I really '''would''' be screwed.|Whirl|"[[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukexclusive|Whirl}}
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)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s trip to [[Earth]] to investigate the disappearance of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]].

[[File:Whirl copter Target 2006.jpg|left|upright=1.4|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]]s' [[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 [[Tusks|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|upright=1.4|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|upright=0.6|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)/Marvel Comics continuity|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|upright=0.85|thumb|Seen and done some crazy things? Pffft. Call us when you're responsible for [[Chaos Theory Part 1|sparking the Autobot/ Decepticon civil war.]]]]
Along with the other [[Wrecker]]s Whirl voted to follow [[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|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}}

[[File:Topspin whirl destiny.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95]]
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}}

Whirl was with the Wreckers when the entire Autobot fleet attacked the [[Hub (G2)|Hub Network]]. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 3}} While the rest of the fleet was shot down or captured, the Wreckers covertly infiltrated the Hub's [[slam rail]] tube system and began wreaking havoc from within. The Wreckers traveled from point to point, seeking to destabilize the Hub by severing its planetary links with targeted nuclear explosions. Whirl and the others engaged the troops of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] in a crowded slam tube and managed to blow them out into space. Eventually, the surviving Autobots managed to escape as the Hub suffered catastrophic damage. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 4}} What became of Whirl after this point is unknown, but if he managed to return to Cybertron and survive the battle with the [[Dark Matrix]] creature, he likely [[Death|died]] of old age after [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]] severed their reality's link to the [[multiverse]]. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 5}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers '84''====
[[File:SecretsAndLies4 AbominusWhirlRacknRuin.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|]]
After [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] sought to reactivate [[Project Dreadnought]], Whirl was recruited by Impactor to be part of a [[Wrecker|new team]] to take out the [[Planetary engine|planetary turbines]]. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 3|Secrets & Lies #3}}

Arriving in [[Stanix]], Whirl airlifted [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]] in his copter mode to scout ahead, only to find [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] defending the target. Whirl brought Rack'n'Ruin within striking distance of the [[combiner]]'s face and the conjoined duo whacked Abominus with a hammer blow hard enough to knock him down. The Wreckers then engaged the individual [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and other Decepticons until they managed to plant and detonate explosives that destroyed Project Dreadnought. From thereon, the Wreckers functioned as an autonomous unit within the Autobot army, engaging in hit-and-run raids against Straxus' forces as the war continued to rage on for years. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 4|Secrets & Lies #4}}

===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 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'' continuity===
[[File:War and Peace 4 RoadbusterWhirl.jpg|upright=1.1|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 one of the group's missions, he participated in an attack against [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], who sought to claim the [[Tagan Heights]] for [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] and the [[Ultracon]]s. {{storylink|Escalation}} [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] joined in to battle the Decepticon combiner, but the resulting clash was so brutal that Whirl and the other Wreckers were forced to retreat to avoid becoming collateral damage. {{storylink|Devastation (issue)|Devastation}}

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. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} 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|Passive Aggression}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Stormbringer issue 2|''Stormbringer'' #2]]}}
[[File:Stet WhirlPreEmpurataFlashback.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|left|Well, I'm different now. I feel I've been given a chance to start over. A new life, new identity. New purpose.]]
{{quote|Twice voted "Autobot most likely to defect".|[[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Meet the Crew]]}}

[[File:Interiors WhirlPreEmpurataFlashback.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|HAPPY DAYS]]In the pre-war era, under the reign of [[Nominus Prime]], '''Whirl of [[Polyhex]]''' {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}} 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 that the [[Functionist Council]], angry that a moderate functionary had given him permission to switch jobs, decided to teach him a lesson. They had the local criminal elements demand a cut of his profits so that when he refused, the [[Heavies]] would be sent to destroy his business and leave the Council's hands 'clean'. Whirl was left destitute and roamed 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. When he tried to resist, he was put through the barbaric [[empurata]] ritual, costing him his original hands and effectively neutering his watchmaking skills. The Senate had, in fact, been ''arranged'' to hire him for all this by the vindictive Functionist Council. {{storylink|Interiors}} {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet|Stet}}

[[File:Ongoing22 WhirlbeatsMegatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|''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)/2005 IDW 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|Chaos Theory #1}} {{storylink|Interiors}} Failing to finish the job, Whirl was arrested by his captain [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW 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|Chaos Theory #2}}

[[File:Whirl Impactor Patternism.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
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 (polity)|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|Megatron Origin #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|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Category: Things That Do Not Exist.]]
Whirl eventually joined the Autobot special operations taskforce, the Wreckers. He was present with the entire team to greet [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]] on the rookie's first day. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}} Whirl 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 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} {{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}}

[[File:Spotlight Trailcutter Killmaster.jpg|thumb|upright=2|left]]

At some point during the war, Whirl established a rivalry with the wand-wielding Decepticon known as [[Killmaster]]. Both of them called each other "nemesis". Whirl never, ''ever'' beat him in a fight and always, ''always'' lied about to other Autobots. When Killmaster was MIA and presumed dead, Whirl told people he'd killed him after breaking into a medical center where Killmaster was recharging, crushing the Decepticon's brain as he slept, and shoving his wand up his—''AHEM!'' {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}}{{storylink|Dissolution_Part_3:_A_World_Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

[[File:Whirl copter Stormbringer4.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|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)/2005 IDW continuity|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|upright=1.2|thumb|left|"What, ''this''? It's uhm...just his new [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|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)/2005 IDW continuity|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|upright=1.4|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 (G1)|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)/2005 IDW 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)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]], and [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|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)/2005 IDW continuity|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 (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|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 Hunter|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|upright=0.85|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 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|upright=1.15|left|"Yeah well, I'll gonna go 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's 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 [[Titan (group)|Titan]], 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 Titan, 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 Titan, before the ship quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

[[File:Mtmte-before-and-after-whirl-weaponup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|right|You'd be angry too if you had to bust decepti-chops in high heels.]]
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 a while, 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}}

[[File:BeforeAndAfter-WhirlLocksCyclonusIn.jpg|thumb|upright|left]]
When Rodimus led a mission to [[Temptoria]] to fight Decepticons, Whirl was only too 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}}

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 (substance)|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 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}}

[[File:Whirlholomatter.jpg|right|thumb|Because {{w|Carl Grimes|one trigger-happy kid with a missing eye}} wasn't bad enough.]]
Sometime later, the group encountered a group of [[Ammonite]]s—a mechanical race similar to Transformers who were entangled in a long and bitter war with their hated foes, the [[Terradore]]s. 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, which resulted in the war escalating again. {{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's [[alternate mode|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''<nowiki>'</nowiki>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}}

[[File:Whirl Cyclonus HouseOfAmbus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.95]]
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]]s, 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 Hunter]]s, 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 the others.

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]] stabbed Cyclonus through the midriff with his sword.

[[File:Whirl Cyclonus TheDividedSelf.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|"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."]]

Fortunately (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]], 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]]s 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's 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's explanation.

However much headway they were making, it wasn't fast enough for Cyclonus. Cyclonus's rather obtuse comment of being "needed elsewhere" made Whirl respond cattily that he was dragging their battle out for fun, that he would 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 [[Solomus|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 smelting 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|upright=1.66]]
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}}

After the ''Lost Light'' was by guided by to an unknown planet, the Autobots found themselves underwater and attacked by thousands of Ammonites. Whirl was among those who boarded the [[Rodpod]] to launch a counterattack. Eventually, the Autobots found the inert [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] hiding on the ocean floor. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

The Rodpod entered Metroplex's empty eye socket and made its way to the [[Brain module|brain]], where the group discovered it missing. The Autobots disembarked and after journeying around in Metroplex's head for a brief time, they ended up right back where they started at the Rodpod. Whirl took his frustration out on the garish vehicle, but it was soon discovered to be booby-trapped by an Ammonite. {{storylink|No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|No Exit}} The Rodpod exploded, but the Autobots were shielded from the blast by a wall that had suddenly sprung up within the chamber. Ratchet worryingly noticed that Whirl had gone missing in the chaos. Whirl quickly returned, however, having captured the Ammonite that blew up the Rodpod. After some strong-arming, the Ammonite revealed that they had been ordered by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] to sabotage the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s efforts to return to Cybertron. Before the Autobots could discuss these revelations further, they were confronted by [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]. {{storylink|The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|The Dead Are Not Enough}}

[[File:FinisTemporis DeaderThanADuobot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right|Whirl, paragon of sensitivity.]]
After a brief introduction, the two [[Female Transformer|female]] Autobots offered to lead the others to Metroplex's brain. Another horde of Ammonites appeared, and Ultra Magnus ordered the others to follow Nautica and Chromia. Whirl opted to stay behind and fight the Ammonites with a few others, noting that he was in his element in battle. Eventually, the Autobots were able to connect Metroplex to the ''Lost Light'', which he used as a makeshift life support system. He quantum-jumped back to Cybertron, bringing the ''Lost Light'' with him. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} Unfortunately, this didn't solve the problem of the Ammonite infestation, and Whirl's group was still fighting for their lives within Metroplex as the giant Autobot squared off with the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]]. The Ammonites kept combining into larger and larger forms, prompting Whirl to admit that even he was tired of fighting with them. Thankfully, through the efforts of [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and Megatron, Metroplex was given a sudden boost of power, which reactivated his internal defenses. This immediately eliminated any Ammonite invaders, with Whirl charmingly referring to them as being "deader than a [[Duobot]]". {{storylink|Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|Finis Temporis}}

[[File:Whirl Arcee DCFinale.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Arcee knows that when things aren't [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] fault, they're almost certainly Whirl's.]]
After the Necrotitan was felled, Whirl, putting aside past enmities he may have for the Decepticons, sang along to a tune alongside several of them in Swerve's bar, including [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} The moment of levity was cut short, however, by the arrival of a 70 ''billion''-strong Ammonite army. Whirl was once again thrust into Ammonite-murdering duty. {{storylink|Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Black Planet}} Whirl joked around with [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] about accidentally causing the re-escalation amongst the Ammonites' war, and made a little remark about his role in the start of their own war. When the Ammonites all spontaneously exploded, Whirl called foul on the whole thing for ruining his fun. {{storylink|...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|...And the Damage Done}}

[[File:Whirl Megatron MTMTE28.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|''HUEVOS RANCHEROS!!!'']]
Whirl attended Megatron's trial, standing next to Arcee. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}}

Six months after that, Whirl was still on board the ''Lost Light'', only this time due to a series of events, the captain (or rather, co-captain) of the ship was, in fact, Megatron. Whirl began collaborating with [[Getaway]] and [[Atomizer]] to bait Megatron into attacking an Autobot so that they would have an excuse to have him re-imprisoned. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}} Whirl first messed up Megatron's door with graffiti, and then attacked him with a crossbow before making a physical assaulted. Whirl claimed that he was tired of waiting for Megatron to make his first move, and had instead taken the initiative. However, the fight offered a shocking revelation from Megatron: the only reason Whirl had survived for so long was because Megatron had ensured it by giving an order for the Decepticons never to kill Whirl as a kind of 'gratitude' for teaching him that words were not enough—informing the ex-Wrecker that he was not as good a fighter as he, or other Autobots, believed. The enraged Whirl attempted to punch a hole in Megatron's torso, only to lose his arm through a wormhole within the ex-Decepticon. Megatron then used his revelation as leverage to get the humiliated Whirl to clean up the graffiti and left him in the engine rooms. Whirl later reported to his co-conspirators with a communicator that his attempt to bait Megatron into attacking him had failed. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}}

Whirl and his co-conspirators began planning to manipulate an Autobot into being assaulted or killed by the ex-con; once that happened, Autobot security would either arrest or kill Megatron. Getaway decided Tailgate would be the perfect patsy. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}}

[[File:PredestinationABeginnersGuide WhirlBraidingHair.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Later on, suspected to be behind the theft of Ultra Magnus's desk tidy (which was more likely caused by the ship disappearing piece by piece), Whirl was confined to his quarters. As 'protest' for this, Whirl watched off-world cinema at Swerve's using his holomatter avatar. While braiding his hair, Whirl revealed that he was a fan of Jean-Luc Godard's works. During the subsequent alarm as portions of the ''Lost Light'' began to disappear, Whirl's holomatter disappeared. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}} Whether he made it to a lifepod or not, Whirl presumably disappeared along with the rest of the original crew of the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Eventually, the remaining crew found the ruins of a quantum duplicate ''Lost Light'', which had been attacked by the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. The on-course ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Whirl had his arms torn off before having his head blown off by [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]]. {{storylink|slaughterhouse}}

Whirl was part of Rodimus' intrepid band of heroes chosen to chase down the rogue Brainstorm and gleefully raided Brainstorm's experimental weaponry. When asked by Magnus on why Rodimus would bring Whirl on such a high risk mission, Rodimus answered it was because Whirl would be eager to take a bullet for Orion Pax. The group travelled back to the [[Alyon]] [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] where Whirl bluffed to the past Orion Pax that he was on day release from prison. When the larger group regrouped to compare notes, they realized that Sentinel wasn't trying to snuff out the Sparks but was experimenting on them with Whirl putting forth the idea that the [[Elite Guard]] had assumed Orion's group was trying to steal the Sparks. After the Sparks had been shielded by Trailbreaker's forcefield, Whirl joined Cyclonus in attacking the hovering weapons platform. When that mess was sorted, the group continued to follow Brainstorm but Whirl (unlike everyone else) expressed no grief that they had not prevented Trailbreaker's death. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}}

[[File:Stet WhirlAttacksHeavies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|right]]
Travelling further back to [[Rodion]], Whirl exchanged (rather terrible) banter with Rodimus as they overlooked the police station. After Brainstorm had escaped Cyclonus, the group followed him back a year and split up. Whirl went with Chromedome and Rewind back to the police station and interrupted their tense, romantic conversation to show off his past self's arrest of [[Crossbar]] giddily realizing this was the day Megatron would be arrested. His good mood was ruined when the [[Heavies]] arrived. Utterly trashing them, Whirl was only stopped by Chromedome as the Heavies had to live to ensure future (past?) events happened as they had. Hammer had heard everything about the future and proceeded to taunt Whirl that they had mutilated him at the order of the [[Functionist Council]]. In rage, Whirl turned the [[Sparkeater Gun]] on the third chap who'd come with them declaring him guilty by association. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet|Stet}}

[[File:PredestinationAnExpertsGuide WhirlSavesMegatron.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|"Everything is Shockwave's fault, huh? Well, now everything he does is MY fault!
Your move!" ]]
The group then arrived at [[Con Facility 113]] and though Rodimus and Rung had talked down Brainstorm, Rewind killed the unborn Megatron convinced the galaxy would be a better place without him as the myriad of aliens would survive despite the Functionists remaining in power. Whirl respectfully disagreed as he felt countless aliens (they were organics anyway) dying was a price worth paying if it meant Megatron would kill the Functionists and thus inserted a [[Point One Percenter]] Spark that Brainstorm had swiped from [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] into Megatron's body, securing the timeline. Upon returning to the ''Lost Light'', Whirl joined the crew in movie night for ''[[Back to the Future|Back to the Future Part II]]'' but found it inferior to {{w|Alphaville (film)|''Alphaville''}}. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|Predestination: An Expert's Guide}}

At some point, he scrawled "WHIRL WUZ HERE" on a chair in Swerve's. {{storylink|Our Steps Will Always Rhyme}} He was present at Rodimus's first real announcement of progress. He went to Thunderclash's pre-wake, did some crazy dancing, and returned to the ''Lost Light'' with most of the crew. {{storylink|The Sensuous Frame}}

[[File:TheLopsidedTriangle WhirlOffersAdvice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|"Today on Doctor Whirl, I listen to a stupid idiot with dumb problems. Love should be tough, and I'm the toughest there is."]]
Later on, Cyclonus went to Whirl's room to ask for advice on Tailgate and Getaway. Whirl was astonished and amused that Cyclonus would ever ask him for advice on such a personal matter, and pointed out that saving Tailgate's life and caring about him did not make him Cyclonus' property. He also pointed out that Cyclonus hadn't really shown Tailgate he cared, while Getaway did so. Just as Cyclonus was about to leave, Whirl asked why he came to him. Cyclonus replied that he believed Whirl would tell him the truth, because Whirl didn't care about what he (or anybody) thought. Troubled, Whirl summoned Getaway and [[Atomizer]], with whom he was working to bring belated justice to Megatron. Whirl was having second thoughts about their plan to bring about Megatron's downfall if it resulted in Tailgate's murder. Getaway shot him in the head with a nudge gun, wiping Whirl's memories of the plan. Just before he passed out, Whirl projected his avatar outside Cyclonus' staring-window. Cyclonus rushed to Whirl's room to find out what was going on, only to find Whirl possessed no memory of their earlier conversation, and all of his digital clocks had been set to 1:13 - Megatron's room number. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}}

[[File:SilentLight WhirlandScraplets.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
Later, Brainstorm's contrivance engine was due to be activated, and despite only having 15 minutes to get to their B.E.D.s, Whirl, Swerve, and Nautica loitered to get drunk off sub-space filtered engex. They then heard a knock at the bar door. Whirl answered and found a new [[protoform]] in an engex box. Since they couldn't afford to risk the extra spark being detected by Maulers, the group decided to send it back to Luna 1. After various escapades, Whirl was left 'holding the baby'. Worse, when he decided the only remaining option to protect the crew was to flush it out the airlock, he discovered it had imprinted on him, adopting claws and a singular optic. Whirl gave in to his remaining threads of compassion and soft-terminated his own spark to hide the protoform with him in his B.E.D. He later woke up in the med-bay, with Velocity telling him he was lucky to be alive. Oh, and that it wasn't a protoform he was incubating—it was an infestation of [[Scraplet]]s, manipulating him so that they could survive to kill again. But Whirl wasn't upset... he was ''proud'' of the little pests. {{storylink|Silent Light}}

Whirl invited Megatron to the regular Movie Night. Don't worry, he hadn't mellowed out, he was being a dick: the film was a war documentary and watching it would make Megatron unhappy. When Megatron was late, they passed the time by starting without him. {{storylink|The Last Autobot}} Soon after, Whirl was part of a group that observed the second launch of the ''Lost Light'' via a magic window unaware that he and the others were being observed by a repentant [[Getaway]] from further in the future. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

As revenge for turning his back on the mutiny, Whirl was tricked into boarding the [[Rodpod]] to be turned over to the [[Galactic Council]] on [[Necroworld]]. When the group arrived they were attacked by the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] and barricaded themselves in the [[Mortilus|Necrobot's]] "fortress" with Whirl glaring at Getaway when they made contact with him. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|How Bright Their Frail Deeds}}

[[File:HowBrightTheirFrailDeeds WhirlNoFuneral.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|''*sniff*'' We're not crying, we just-''*sob*'' shut up]]

No sooner had Whirl voiced his protest at simply sitting inside and dying did the attackers back off, promising to return at sunset. When the group split to explore the fortress, Nightbeat had come through by discovering a teleport chamber. Nautica, Velocity and Swerve however had discovered a chamber full of stasis pods containing organic lifeforms, lifeforms Whirl was eager to abandon. But after Megatron had made a rousing speech about understanding and companionship, Whirl decided to stay behind. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} Thinking death was imminent, Rewind recorded final messages from each of the group to be broadcast into space, although they weren't received by anyone until three weeks later. For his part, Whirl wanted no funeral. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|How Bright Their Frail Deeds}}

As sunset approached and a forcefield had been set up, Whirl and Cyclonus finished the turrets and discussed relationships. But when Whirl tried to fire on the baddies however, it turned out the forcefield worked in both directions preventing the turrets from being used. When nightfall arrived, Whirl joined everyone for a group hug. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} The single most important group hug ever as Tailgate's strong grip had given Velocity the idea to temporarily boost everyone to [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] levels via traumatizing someone. That someone was Skids and after his Spark unleashed a burst of energy, {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} the new superpowered Autobots charged out to meet their fates. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}}

But when Skids died, the upgrade went with him and the group was surrounded to be saved by Megatron now having donned a [[fusion cannon]] and irritably told the crew to fall back while he confronted [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} Whirl went off to explore the fortress and found his severed arm that had been lost to Megatron's internal space bridge portal months ago, which Ravage recognized as an indicator that Megatron had figured out how to safely mine [[antimatter]]. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

After Megatron defeated the Decepticon Justice Division, Brainstorm rebuilt the teleport chamber and Rodimus took a group to go back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Rodimus placed Cyclonus in charge of those left behind on Necroworld, and when Whirl asked why he wasn't chosen, Rodimus responded that he wouldn't trust Whirl to be "in charge of his own feet." Whirl took this jab in stride, admitting that he respected people who mouthed off to him. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}}

[[File:AWorldMisplaced WhirlVKillmaster.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0]]
Called down to find a closed, ''massive'', stasis pod and utterly bored, Whirl released the 'bot inside and found it was Killmaster, his old nemesis. The Decepticon immediately went on a rampage ("what a pro") and the two rivals once again engaged in combat... combat that Whirl admitted he needed help with, telling Swerve he'd never won before and screaming for him to get Tailgate. Help arrived in the form of a badly wounded Cyclonus, much to Whirl's dismay. Ten and Swerve got zapped by Killmaster's teleporting wand {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}} before Cyclonus was able to lop his arm off and Whirl used the wand on ''Killmaster''. Before they went to Brainstorm to get Swerve and Ten teleported back, Whirl probed Cyclonus's cover story about his wounds and learned Tailgate had been fitting in his sleep. Cyclonus refused Whirl's advice about telling Tailgate the truth before it killed him, so Whirl—refusing Cyclonus' advice to drop it—crept into Tailgate's room to tell him "a story". {{storylink|Dissolution_Part_4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} After telling Tailgate the truth behind Cyclonus' wounds, he accompanied the minibot back to the main room and discussed Killmaster's inventions, with Whirl commenting that the only thing Killmaster loved more than teleportation weaponry was being a master of killing. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} He was present to greet the returning crew when [[Necroworld]] returned to its own universe. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} At some point, Whirl and Ultra Magnus watched Springer's final message before the Wreckers' leader entered the [[Timemaze]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}} When Rodimus revealed his [[Skip|back-up plan to return to Cybertron]], Whirl asked if they could leave Swerve behind. Once the team was ready to take off, Whirl stopped Cyclonus from mutilating himself, following his and Tailgate's "breakup", and sat next to him for support. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

[[File:Sardines WhirlcomfortsCyclonus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
Aboard Skip, Whirl kept to himself, lying down while taking up as much space as possible. When an outraged howl of despair sounded from the captain's quarters, Whirl recognized it as Cyclonus and deduced the cause. After Cyclonus had accidentally raked Rewind with his sword, Chromedome socked Cyclonus in the jaw before Whirl broke up the fighting. When Whirl asked Cyclonus about Tailgate, Cyclonus promptly broke down in the ex-Wrecker's arms. Soon enough, the mass displacement began wearing off only for [[Ten]] to speak up and tell everyone to listen to him.{{storylink|Sardines}} What no one knew was that Ten had been possessed by the [[Omega Guardian]]s and who guided the group to the original [[Mederi]] in the year [[2018]] via the [[Warren]]. When the group arrived, they were forced to bail out, supercompressed space ravaging their bodies. Crash landing on Mederi, the moon fixed them up and presented itself as the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]] based on Cyclonus' desire to reunite with Tailgate. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:YouAreHere WhirlhasDoubts.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
Ever the grump, Whirl found little to love about heaven, only socking Ratchet for bringing them here due to his condition. With Rodimus moping about, Whirl rallied him into action by asking "What Would Megatron Do?", which rallied their leader enough for him to demand an audience with "[[Primus]]" giving Whirl the joy of watching Rodimus be struck by a bolt of divine lightning. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} As more and more "ghosts" began to appear, Whirl was approached by [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] who claimed to have solved the mystery of Rung's alternate mode. Before Nightbeat could utter this revelation, he "ascended", the method of the act rousing Whirl's suspicions. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}} With everyone else lined up to "ascend", Whirl called Ultra Magnus to inform him of his trepidations. Magnus's group soon discovered where they were causing the Afterspark to glitch and fade away leaving Whirl with the task of telling Cyclonus that Tailgate was but a facsimile. As the two lovers said they goodbyes however, it turned out Tailgate really was himself. The happy moment was then ruined by Team Rodimus reuniting with the mutineers, now mutated into ravenous [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]]. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:Lustrare WhirlRedScraplets.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Daddy's little monsters.]]
Once reinforcements had arrived, Whirl was part of the group that boarded the ''Lost Light'', being quickly caught in a red [[scraplet]] trap. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Though [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] managed to initially deter the predators, they soon regrouped and lunged at Whirl... for his Luna 1 scraplets had been thrown into the mix. With his tamed beasts, Whirl went to back up Rodimus, having his boys devour [[Getaway]]. The moment was again ruined when a massive tear in the [[Warren]] appeared above the moon. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

While Whirl quarantined the scarplets in the medbay, everyone else boarded the ''Lost Light'' as they prepared to escape. When the ship launched however, it proved unable to match the rift's gravity being dragged through to the [[Benzene Cluster]], now populated by five multi-coloured copies of ancient Cybertron. As they touched down on one, the group came under attack from the [[Black Block Consortia]], now reduced to a puppet state controlled by the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]]. The being invited them all aboard his [[Worldsweeper]] where the group bore witness to the five Cybertrons being used to drill a hole between universes. From the other universe came a fleet, with a duplicate of the ''Lost Light'' flying point, who's captain called and revealed himself to be [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}} Following Megatron through was the [[Functionist Universe]]'s version of Cybertron, now transformed into a robot mode cast in the likeness of Primus. Though Megatron tried to free the group, the Architect sealed the hull breach before everyone could escape. Part of the group left behind, Whirl confronted the Architect, who was dressed like [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]] and claimed to be Adaptus. Though everyone doubted this claim, the Architect verified it by revealing the other members of the [[Guiding Hand]] namely that the Necrobot had been [[Mortilus]], Tyrest was [[Solomus]], and that the Magnificence was [[Epistemus]]. Though Whirl presumed Functionist Cybertron to be Primus, Adaptus laughed off the notion... because Rung was Primus! {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}}

[[File:LL 24 Even Team Whirl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.60|"This is the bravest soldier I've seen since my mirror got grease on it. I hereby order that in Whirl's honour, he be melted down and made into a statue of himself."]]

Despite Whirl's open disbelief of such a claim, Rung soon proved it to be the truth, demonstrating his self-healing abilities and revealing the truth of the [[God War]]. As the group conversed however, they failed to notice that Solomus had also regained his ancient memories which drove him to attack Adaptus. Though Adaptus proved a better fighter, Solomus was able to fell his brother, causing both to explode into inert sentio metallico (which Whirl decided was ''exactly'' how he wanted to go out). With no resistance, Rodimus teleported to the ''Lost Light'' and freed everyone, bringing them all aboard for a brainstorming session. Though Whirl was eager for Rung to unleash his divine might on the false Primus, Rung had no divine might to unleash. Soon enough however, the group came to the conclusion of having Rung create twelve duplicates of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and use their power to overload [[Vector Sigma]] via the [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]]s, thereby erasing the [[Functionist Council]]. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}} Sent to [[Mesmerica]] with Ultra Magnus, Whirl functioned as his bodyguard until Magnus was caught unawares by a [[Functionary]] and knocked out his armor and into stasis. When Whirl landed to seize the Matrix, he was struck by an RPG blast and grievously wounded but, thanks to Rodimus's inspirational speech, found enough strength to open the Matrix. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

[[File:LL25 WhirlhugsCyclonus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.7]]

New Cybertron, as it came to be known, was soon visited by Prowl who decided to decommission the ''Lost Light'' so its quantum engines could be used to double the planet's energon reserves but allowed the crew the luxury of a victory lap, which Whirl found boring. Before jumping back home, however, the crew decided to recreate the quantum explosion that marked the beginning of their voyage in the hopes that they could once again duplicate themselves, so that their adventures would never end. Although the crew of the ''Lost Light'' would never truly know if their experiment worked, the ''Lost Light'' crew ''did'' successfully pull the stunt off; their duplicates ''did'' materialize in an alternate universe, eager to continue their adventures.

In the primary universe, Whirl proved unable to adapt to peacetime life, and served eighty-four sentences at a dozen prisons, including [[Garrus-10]]. When Ratchet passed away, Whirl was serving another prison sentence at G-10 but, on account of being low-risk, received permission to attend the funeral and left a vial of [[innermost energon]] for his old friend. As part of Ratchet's will, Whirl was gifted the late medic's hands. As he was leaving, Cyclonus approached Whirl and offered him the opporutnity to live with him and Tailgate in [[Tetrahex]] once he'd been released. Whirl responded to this act of kindness with a great big hug and had Ratchet's hands returned to Drift. Though touched by the gesture, Whirl had finally come to understand that he wasn't broken and didn't need fixing. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
[[File:KreO-webcomic-3-Whirl.jpg|100px|thumb|left]]
After being asked to by [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]], the [[Autobot]]s attacked the Decepticon Base and chased away [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], who wasn't letting ''anyone'' in the base, not even Megatron. In thanks, Megatron hosted a party in the base, which Whirl attended. {{Storylink|A Reliable Warrior!? Vortex the Lookout from Hell}}
{{-}}

===''Cloud''===
[[File:Cloud Whirl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|right|"Daddy needs to express some rage"]]

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Metamorphosis (Cloud)|Metamorphosis}} {{storylink|Overwhelm}} {{storylink|TFC-A04}}}}

===''Legends'' comic===
[[File:LG04 comic Roadbuster.jpg|thumb|]]
Whirl and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] were built in the [[Legends World]] by [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], inspired by designs from a {{w|Special Armored Battalion Dorvack|certain '80s giant robot anime}}, to aid him in his plans to return the world to how it was in the '80s. In spite of Tankor's design intentions, however, [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] recognized them as Autobots from a [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|British ''Transformers'' comic]], an origin story that confused the pair. Setting out to take humans hostage to further their cause, Whirl then encountered an [[Whirl's friend|innocent little girl]] and had a change of heart about his role in life. Placing the girl in his chest canopy, he decided to fight for her sake as a hero of justice and turned on Roadbuster, only to later get admonished by the girl for being too violent. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 4|Bonus Edition Vol. 4}} [[File:LG05 comic Whirl.jpg|thumb|left]] Entrusted with Tankor's '80s Transformation Beam, Roadbuster then started turning everyone present into various '80s forms, though the weapon didn't affect Whirl since he was already from the '80s. When Tankor's resolve was broken by a speech from [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], Whirl took the chance to air-drop the rat onto the villains like a bomb, defeating Roadbuster. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}

Waspinator later taught [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] about Whirl and Roadbuster during his ''Transformers'' lesson, again explaining that they first appeared in a British comic. The concept of British Transformers had Megatron thinking of the pair as English stereotypes, imagining Whirl as a gentleman in a top hat and monocle, and he confused himself thinking about how Whirl could enjoy a cup of tea without a mouth. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#Whirl and Roadbuster Now on Sale, Buzz|Whirl and Roadbuster Now on Sale, Buzz}} On [[Christmas]], Whirl and his little girl friend watched charitable Roadbuster and Tankor give away '80s toys. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}}

Running into Roadbuster again while spending time with the girl, Whirl took his new friend hostage to prevent Roadbuster from attacking, shocking his former partner with the decidedly un-heroic act. The girl was upset and took control of Whirl from the inside, forcing him to heroically pick up garbage instead. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 17#Whirl Versus Roadbuster!|Whirl Versus Roadbuster!}} For some undisclosed reason, Whirl eventually returned to Tankor and Roadbuster's side and the three went back to terrorizing the population, but it all came to an end when a dimensionally-displaced [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] defeated Tankor for good. Whirl and Roadbuster were left lost and confused about what to without their leader, so Jetfire invited them back to his [[G1 World|home dimension]], reasoning they would fit in better there. The pair accepted his offer and traveled through a [[solitarium]] portal to the year [[2004]] of his universe, where they joined the Autobots. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 7|Bonus Edition Vol. 7}}

Upon meeting the [[Jumpstarter]]s, Whirl and Roadbuster introduced themselves as "Wreckers", something Waspinator had identified them as. Overhearing this, [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] thought it was a great team name and founded the Wreckers as a new Autobot unit, recruiting the duo into it. {{storylink|Jumpstarter Chapter#LG-07 Jetfire Sequel|LG-07 Jetfire Sequel}} [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] then charged the team with cleaning up around [[Mount St. Hilary]], something Whirl took well to since he had previous experience. {{storylink|Jumpstarter Chapter#G1 Wreckers Birth Story|G1 Wreckers Birth Story}} At one point he and Roadbuster explained their origins to the Jumpstarters, who would later create Legends World to begin with in order to ensure their comrades would be born. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 66|Bonus Edition Vol. 66}} In the year [[2021]], [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] recalled Whirl and Roadbuster's origins when he and his soldiers were reduced to heads and needed new bodies built. Using residual radiation acquired from the two Wreckers, Fortress located the Legends World and traveled there in search of the expertise used to build them. {{storylink|Headmaster Chapter Prologue}}

As Wreckers, Whirl and Roadbuster fought under Springer for many years. In the late [[2030]]s, they noticed their leader was starting to get fat, and Whirl accidentally hurt him by bluntly commenting that his neglect for his appearance was the reason his relationship with [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] had failed. Springer then sought to become his old macho self again, so Whirl and Roadbuster suggested he go to the Legends Universe and have their creator, Tankor (now [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]), build him a cool new body. They two came with him for a chance to revisit their old home, where Whirl was reunited with his friend and let her sit inside him again. {{storylink|LG19 Sprung Prologue}} They then returned to the G1 World where they pushed Springer into asking Arcee out. {{storylink|Jumpstarter Chapter#LG19 Springer Sequel|LG19 Springer Sequel}} Upon learning that the Legends World was under attack by [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], Whirl and Roadbuster volunteered to return and defend their homeworld. {{storylink|Jumpstarter Chapter#LG65 Twin Twist Prologue|LG65 Twin Twist Prologue}} On arrival, they were pinned down by Windblade's [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], leaving [[Twin Twist]] to take her on. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 65|Bonus Edition Vol. 65}}

After the Legends World was destroyed, Whirl ended up back in the G1 World. In [[2038]], he and Roadbuster were on [[Micro|Zone]], where he watched the [[Powered Master]]s duke it out with [[Violen Jiger]] in their old bodies. {{Storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 2}}

===''Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe''===
Pursuing the AllSpark after it had been launched into space, Whirl was one of the many Autobots that found their way to Earth. There, he participated in a great battle within a human settlement against the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe|The Ultimate Pop-Up Universe}}

==Games==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
Whirl was one of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|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}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
Whirl was involved in a chaotic kerfuffle. What outcome the battle yielded is unclear. {{storylink|By Land, Sea, or Air}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsWhirl.jpg|thumb|right|400px| Adorably crazy.]]
Whirl participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 100 units of Cybermetal, 50 units of Transmetal, and 30 exclusive cores.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Whirl toy.jpg|upright=1.4|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"

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Whirl transforms into a light blue Cybertronian attack helicopter, similar to a Bell {{w|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". 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. Whirl was originally the "Oberon Gazette" (オベロンガゼット) from the ''{{w|Special Armored Battalion Dorvack}}'' toyline, although the toy's dark and light blues were inverted for the ''Transformers'' release.

: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. Though not strictly an accessory, his head features a swiveling antenna that is very easily detached and lost.

: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.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-deluxe-vehicles-whirl/602/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Whirl at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Whirl/whirl.htm More information on Whirl at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:ClassicsWhirl toy.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Am I blue? Am I blue? Ain't these tears in my eye tellin' you?]]
*'''Autobot Whirl''' (Legends Class, [[2007]])
**''Accessories'': Rotor blade

:A [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] [[Evac (Cybertron)#Cybertron|Evac]], ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Whirl transforms into a blue Eurocopter Dauphin rescue helicopter. A ''heavily'' simplified version of the [[Evac (Cybertron)#Voyager|Voyager Class Evac toy]], his [[alternate mode|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]]'' Legends Class [[Blades (G1)#LOC|Blades]].

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

===''Generations''===
[[File:Whirl generations voyager.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Not as super-unvincible as people were hoping.]]
*'''Autobot Whirl''' (Voyager Class, [[2014]])
**''Series / Number:'' '''02 / 006'''
**''Accessories'': Null-Ray Module, Paralyzo box, Shell Cannon, Photon Beam Rifle

: ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#T30|Generations: Thrilling 30]]'' Whirl is heavily styled after his Generation 1 toy, 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 has a third, Gerwalk-esque mode known as a "Heloped". 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. All four of his weapons can attach via c-clips to various sculpted rods.

:Unmentioned in the instruction sheet is that his shoulder-struts can collapse into his torso for a more pleasing robot mode. Also, in robot mode, you can rotate the shoulder-struts so that the thin tabs on top face down to allow for greater shoulder poseability. When his antenna is angled 90 degrees, his monocular light piping gimmick is activated. It's also likely that the knee transformations are swapped between robot and heloped mode in the instructions, so that the robot mode has the digitigrade legs and the heloped mode has the "gerwalk"-style backwards knees, and this hypothesis is supported by the [[:File:RID26 subcvr.jpg|packaging art]]. A smaller detail of note is that Whirl's neck is on an extra hinged panel that allows the head to be raised up a few millimeters from where it normally sits.

:Some copies have been known to come with bent rotor blades, as well as to suffer from extremely tight upper knee joints, in extreme cases causing the whole knee to snap in half rather than move.

:Whirl comes with a sticker sheet, with one sticker referencing [[Wild Bill|CW-4 William S. Hardy]].

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Cloud|Shockwave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/GenWhirl/whirl.htm More information on ''Generations'' Whirl at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.yojoe.com/archive/actfig/whirl/ Additional information at YoJoe.com]''

===''Legends''===
[[File:Legends-toy Whirl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Whirl''' ([[November 29]], 2014)
**''ID number:'' '''LG05'''
**''Accessories'': Null-Ray Module, Paralyzo box, Shell Cannon, Photon Beam Rifle

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Whirl is a redeco of ''Generations'' Voyager Class Whirl featuring a lighter blue closer to his original toy and additional paint detail on his canopy and shoulders but dropping the black off his nape and the red stripe pattern on his rotor blades. Some of his black plastic (on his toes and head) is replaced with blue. The antenna mounted on his head when angled 45 degrees lower towards the front deactivates his monocular light piping feature. He does not have a sticker sheet, though two of his Autobot symbols and a single canopy detailing are now tampographed. He now comes with a leaflet featuring a character profile, tech specs, and the [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|''Legends'' Bonus Edition Vol. 5]] mini-comic.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
{{anchor|3DBattleCardGameMerch}}
===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[File:3DBattleCard Whirl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|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 [[Stormcloud (Energon)|Vortex]].
{{-}}
===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W5AutobotWhirl.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Whirl//Aerial Assault''' (2020)
**'''Wave 5: Titan Masters Attack'''
**''Rarity: '''''SRT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T07/T46'''
**''Stars: ''12

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

==Notes==
*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.
*Like all non-toy robot [[Kreon]]s in the ''Kre-O'' comics, Whirl is made from existing ''Kre-O'' parts. He uses [[Knock Out (Prime)#Kre-O|Knock Out]]'s helmet (in order to better emulate his appearance in the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More Than Meets the Eye'' comics]]) and the Vortex rotor/harness assembly... and a yellow brick on the front of the harness, likely a sloped 1x1 brick to be the "cockpit".
*Inexplicably, the ''Cloud'' [[#Cloud|incarnation of Whirl]] is a minor "virtual redeco" of [[Whirl (FOC)#Toys|''Fall of Cybertron'' Whirl]] despite the ''Cloud'' comics directly repurposing other ''Fall of Cybertron'' designs with no color changes.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Whirl''' (ホワール ''Howāru'')
*''French:'' '''Tourbillon''' (Canada, "Whirlwind")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Xuàn Rèn''' (China, 旋刃, "Turning Blades")

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Cloud Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]