MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.

2026-05-08T17:32:05Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

{{picsneeded}}
'''Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.''' (世映 / 세영 ''Se Yeong'') was one of the [[South Korea]]n studios utilized in the production of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]]. The company was also kept on for sibling [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] show ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and on ''Defenders of The Earth''. Outside of Sunbow, they were also one of the studios behind ''Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water'' and provided animation for ''The Super Mario Brothers Super Show'', ''Pro Stars'', ''Widget The World Watcher'', and ''Captain N: The Game Master''.

Akin to [[Sam Young Studio]], [[Dai Won Animation Co.]] and Japanese studios [[Trans Arts Co.]], [[Studio Look]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]], and [[Studio No. 1]]; the company was mainly utilized to help out studios like [[Toei Animation|Toei]] and [[AKOM]] in areas such as effects, photography and finalization. They are known to have headed up production of at least one episode of the series, "[[Surprise Party]]."<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheRoboplasticApocalypse/photos/a.2329350367103600/2329351747103462/?type=3&theater ''The Transformers'' status update document identifying "Surprise Party" as a Sei Young episode] - photograph by the Roboplastic Apocalypse on Facebook</ref>. Additionally, they were often employed by [[Marvel Productions]] to draw first draft storyboards on several episodes throughout Season 2.

The company also provided in-between animation and key animation on several episodes of ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]''

They were absorbed into [[Dong Woo Animation]] in October 1998.

==Animation services==
===Storyboarding===
{{collist|2|
* [[Fire_on_the_Mountain_(episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]
* [[Countdown_to_Extinction_(episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]
* [[A Plague of Insecticons]]
* [[Heavy Metal War]]
* [[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]]
* [[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]
* [[A Prime Problem]]
* [[Blaster Blues]]
* [[Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play]]
* [[The_Secret_of_Omega_Supreme_(episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]
* [[Sea Change]]
}}

==Notes==
* Outside of ''The Transformers'', Sei Young worked on several of Toei's late '70s/early '80s anime like ''Galaxy Express 999''; usually with Dai Won as a partner.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/company/co0170279/ Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd on IMDB]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Animation companies]]

Sunbow Productions

2026-05-05T15:05:16Z

Greebtron: /* Full length television and movies */

{{disambig2|the real-world company|the fictional weapon|Sun-bow}}
[[Image:Sunbowmarvel.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Sunbow and Marvel Productions logos as they appeared in the credits of ''Transformers'' and ''G.I. Joe''.]]

'''Sunbow Productions''' (rebranded as '''Sunbow Entertainment Inc.''' from 1995 to 2001) was a television production company that was originally established by advertising agency [[Griffin Bacal]] in the early 1980s. Sunbow was founded for the purpose of producing television commercials and full-length programmes to publicize the products of Griffin Bacal's clients, which at that time included [[Hasbro]]. Animated specials and series for many of [[Hasbro]]'s 1980s properties, including ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', were co-produced between Sunbow and [[Marvel Productions|Marvel Productions Ltd]] (Marvel Productions, in turn, outsourced most of their animation to Asian studios such as [[Toei Animation|Toei]] and [[AKOM]]).

Marvel Productions handled the majority of the day-to-day production of the first season; [[Jim Shooter]] would even hyperbolically claim that Sunbow's only contribution to the production process was "removing [Marvel Productions'] cover sheets from whatever [Marvel] created and stapling on their cover sheets." <ref>[http://www.jimshooter.com/2011/06/secret-origin-of-transformers-part-2.html Jim Shooter: The Secret Origin of the TRANSFORMERS – Part 2]</ref> But Sunbow began to take a more active hand with season 2; Associate Producer [[Flint Dille]] became more involved in production to give the show "a little more edge,"<ref>[https://10mfh.com/a-telephone-chat-with-flint-dille/ A Telephone Chat with Flint Dille]</ref>, and has recounted numerous instances of him editing scripts. The influence of script editor [[Ron Friedman]] quickly diminished, with progressively fewer and fewer of his dialogue edits surviving to the final draft, before he left the series for other projects halfway through the season. At the conclusion of Season 2, story editors [[Bryce Malek]] and [[Dick Robbins]] were assigned by Marvel Productions to relaunch their stalled syndicated series ''Defenders of the Earth'' for 1986. For the third season of The Transformers, Sunbow Productions took story editing duties in-house, assigning Dille, [[Marv Wolfman]] and [[Steve Gerber]] to the role.

In [[1998]], Sunbow Productions was bought out by [[Sony|Sony Wonder]],<ref>[http://kidscreen.com/1998/06/01/22205-19980601/ Kidscreen article, "Sony Wonder buys Sunbow"]</ref> and subsequently sold off to [[TV-Loonland]]. Loonland re-established the company as Sunbow Entertainment Inc. On [[May 14]], [[2008]], Hasbro announced it had acquired the worldwide distribution rights of the television series featuring their characters from TV-Loonland<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/05/14/hasbro-idINWNAS406720080514 Reuters article, "Hasbro buys TV programs, doubles content library"]</ref> through the acquisition of the Sunbow catalogue.

==Full length television and movies==
{{collist|3|
*''Star Blazers'' (1979 dubbing and editing, Series 1 and 2 only, as ''Sunwagon Productions, Inc'')
*''The Great Space Coaster'' (1981-1986)
*''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' (1983-1986 new episodes, 1987 repackage season)
*''Charmkins'' (1983)
*''[[My Little Pony]]'' (1984-1986)
*''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' (1984-1987 new episodes, [[The Transformers (cartoon)#Season_5|1988 repackage season]])
*''[[Robotix]]'' (1985)
*''Bigfoot And The Muscle Machines'' (1985)
*''[[Jem]]'' (1985-1988)
*''The Glo Friends'' (1985-1986)
*''[[Inhumanoids]]'' (1986)
*''[[My Little Pony|My Little Pony: The Movie]]'' (1986)
*''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (1986)
*''Moondreamers'' (1986)
*''Potato Head Kids'' (1986)
*''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: The Movie]]'' (1987)
*''[[Visionaries|Visionaries: Knights Of The Magical Light]]'' (1987)
*''Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars'' (1991)
*''[[My Little Pony|My Little Pony Tales]]'' (1992)
*''Conan The Adventurer'' (1992-1993)
*''Conan And The Young Warriors'' (1994)
*''The Tick'' (1994-1996)
*''[[Transformers:_Generation_2_(cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]'' (1994-1995)
*''[[Sgt. Savage]] And His [[Screaming Eagles]]'' (1994, direct-to-video)
*''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: Extreme]]'' (1995-1996)
*''The Mask: The Animated Series'' (1995-1997)
*''Littlest Pet Shop'' (1995)
*''Salty's Lighthouse'' (1997)
*''The Crayon Box'' (1997)
*''The Brothers Flub'' (1999)
*''Fat Dog Mendoza'' (2000)
*''Generation O'' (2000)
*''The Cramp Twins'' (2001)
}}

==Animated toy and comic commercials==

*''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' (1982-1990, 1994)
*''[[Commercial/Generation_1|The Transformers]]'' (1984-1990)
*''[[Robotix]]'' (1985)
*''[[Jem]]'' (1986, live-action advertising only for 1987)
*''[[Inhumanoids]]'' (1986)
*''Air Raiders'' (1987)
*''[[Beastformers_(franchise)|Battle Beasts]]'' (1987)
*''Ninja Warriors'' (1987)
*''[[Visionaries|Visionaries: Knights Of The Magical Light]]'' (1987)
*''C.O.P.S N' Crooks'' (1988)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*{{w|Sunbow_Productions|Sunbow Productions at Wikipedia}}
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20080705024058/http://www.loonland.com/aboutus_companies.php4 Loonland's companies], which include Sunbow and [[Metrodome]].
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com The Sunbow/Marvel Archive]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Companies]]

Peter Chung

2026-05-04T23:07:26Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

[[File:PeterChung.jpg‎|right|thumb|270px|]]
{{disambig3|Peter}}
'''Peter Chung''' (정근식, ''Jeong Geun-Sik'', born [[April 19]], [[1961]] in Seoul, South Korea) is an Korean-American animator. After immigrating to the United States, he studied animation at CalArts and began his career working at Dominic LoPiccolo's animation studio. After having worked on a number of animated series including ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'', ''C.O.P.S.'', ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' and ''Rugrats'', the latter of which had animated the show's opening titles, he rose to fame as the creator of animated series ''Æon Flux'' for MTV. His subsequent work has included character design on ''Phantom 2040'', the ''Animatrix'' short "Matriculated" and the film ''Firebreather''.

He is currently a teacher at the USC School of Cinematic Arts since early 2013 where he teaches a Master Class at their Division of Animation and Digital Arts.

==Storyboarding==
===[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]===
{{collist|2|
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] (select scenes)
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] (select scenes)
*''[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] (Act II, pages 73-80)
*''[[Roll for It]] (Act III)
*''[[Fire_on_the_Mountain_(episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]
*''[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]] (Act III)
*''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]] (Act III)
*''[[A Plague of Insecticons]] (Act III)
*''[[Autobot Spike]] (Act II)
*''[[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]] (revisions)
*''[[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]] (Act II, pages 83-105)
*''[[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]] (revisions)
*''[[The Immobilizer]] (Act I, pages 21-52)
*''[[Day of the Machines]] (Act II)
*''[[A Prime Problem]]
*''[[Dinobot Island, Part 2]] (Acts II and III, pages 56-108)
*''[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]] (Act III, pages 91-109)
*''[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]] (Act I, pages 1-27)
}}

===[[The Transformers: The Movie]]===
*''Early sequences 1-8, 25
*''Revised and finalised sequences 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 27

==Notes==
* Chung was credited as "P. Gun Chic Chung" for his duties on ''C.O.P.S'', a combination of his Korean and English names.

==External links==
*{{w|Peter Chung}} at Wikipedia

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chung, Peter}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

Microbots

2026-04-26T03:54:31Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=34
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=25
|prev2=Auto Berserk
|next2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=33
|prev3=The Insecticon Syndrome
|next3=Blaster Blues
|image=Microbots shrink.JPG
|caption=In the '80s, every cartoon had to have a shrinking episode.
|title="Microbots"
|season=2
|season ep=18
|production code=#700-33
|airdate=[[October 7]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Anime R]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kDzSX7cqXM
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Perceptor, Brawn, and Bumblebee must shrink themselves to go inside Megatron and retrieve an artifact, the Heart of Cybertron, that gives him enormous power.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:NemesisMicrobots1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"We've passed here for the past 20 years! How could we never have spotted this before?!" "Every time we passed here, you pointed to that rock with the funny shape on the other side of the road, Mike."]]

While digging for [[Maya]] artifacts in [[South America]], a group of archaeologists stumble upon an ancient spacecraft. As news of the discovery is broadcast on the news, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] recognize it as the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon ship]] they traveled to Earth in four million years ago. Megatron states that there is something on that ship which he wants, and sets out to get it.

Meanwhile, at the [[Autobot]]s' [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] is using a [[transmat reduction beam|shrinking-enlarging device]] to repair one of [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide's]] memory chips while being insulted by [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] for not being a soldier. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] walks in and tries to make him stop, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders Brawn and Bumblebee to follow him to South America along with [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], to stop Megatron from obtaining what he wants.

[[File:Microbots Megatron energy blasts.JPG|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Now you will experience the full power of the dark side.]]
As Megatron's troops blast their way through a rainforest in order to avoid satellite detection, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] manages to first miss blasting a tree and then get attacked by a giant snake, to the amusement of [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Meanwhile, [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] has met his match in the form of a real jaguar, which attacks him but Ravage slaps it and it flees. The Autobots arrive and decide not to burn the forest down, because Optimus says "that's not our style".

Megatron gets through the forest first, and reaches the ship. Blasting it open, he retrieves the ship's energy core, the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] implants it into Megatron's torso, vastly increasing his power level. Optimus Prime then arrives and orders the Autobots to attack, but they are all defeated by Megatron's new ability to continuously fire energy from his fingertips. The Autobots only manage to escape when Optimus orders [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] to generate a smokescreen, allowing them to bring a hill down on the Decepticons.

[[File:Microbots Decepticons drunk.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Soundwave superior. Lightweights inferior.]]
After limping back to base, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] creates a force-field to keep Megatron at bay. Perceptor hatches a plan to shrink himself, Brawn and Bumblebee to microscopic sizes in order to infiltrate Megatron's body and disconnect the Heart of Cybertron.

Meanwhile, the Decepticons sit around and get <s>plastered</s> overcharged on [[energon]]. After Megatron rambles on about the "good ol' days" and passes out, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] delivers the tiny Autobots into his body. This wakes up Megatron, who fires a few parting shots at Powerglide. Finding that none of his warriors can even stand up (or in [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak's]] case, ''fly straight''), Megatron departs to destroy the Autobots himself.

[[File:Microbots Brawn and heroic Perceptor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you." "I think I would just cut the wire."]]
Perceptor, Brawn and Bumblebee make their way through Megatron's body, avoiding his [[electro-sanitizer]]s, until they reach the Decepticon's [[brain module|brain]]. The others have to restrain Brawn from destroying the brain, since the fall would likely cause the Heart of Cybertron to explode. Megatron reaches Autobot headquarters and begins firing on the force field protecting Optimus Prime. The miniaturized trio ride one of Megatron's [[evil brain impulse]]s to the Heart of Cybertron, which Perceptor disconnects while dodging more brain impulses. Taking the heart, they make a dash for safety as the shrink-ray's effects begin to wear off. Megatron, deprived of his weapon and knocked flat by Optimus, is shocked by the sight of three rapidly-growing Autobots jumping out of his shoulder joint, and flies off.

Observing that the Heart of Cybertron has become unstable, Brawn tosses it two thousand miles into the sky, at which point Perceptor detonates it with a blast from his cannon. After this, Brawn shows much more respect for Perceptor.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (11)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (20)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (21)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (22)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (25)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (28)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (33)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (34)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (16)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (17)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (19)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (29)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (32)
|c3=
*[[Merrick]] (1)
*[[Jose (cartoon)|Jose]] (2)
*[[Joan]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Microbots RumbleScavenger.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
"Nice scenery." 
"Yeah, let's waste it! I hate nice things."
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Scavenger''' are why we can't have nice things.

[[File:G1toon snakes on a plane.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Starscream: Get this thing off me! [[Cobra Commander]]: I was once a man, A MAN!]]
''[Starscream shoots at a tree and misses]'' 
"Good shot, Starscream!" 
"Shut up or I'll blast ''you'', punk!" 
"Hey, hold that pose! I wanna remember you that way!" 
''[A snake wraps itself around Starscream's neck]'' 
"Help! Get this thing off me!" 
"I think it looks stunning on ya!"
:—'''Rumble''' and the Constructicons laugh at '''Starscream'''.

"He'll blow us away if we attack." 
"He'll blow us away if we just stand here! ''Charge!''"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Cliffjumper''' debate whether or not to attack the powered-up Megatron.

'''Brawn''': Are you ''defective?'' ''How''<nowiki>'</nowiki>re we gonna do ''that?!'' 
'''Perceptor''': Simple! We use my transmat reduction beam to shrink down to microscopic size. Then, we crawl into Megatron, and rip the blasted heart out! 
'''Optimus''': What do you think of his intelligence now, Brawn? 
'''Brawn''': Ahhh, I reserve judgment.
:—'''Brawn''' is just being pissy at this point.

[[File:Microbots-DrunkThundercracker.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
'''Megatron''': Decepticons: a toast. To the imminent destruction of the accursed Autobots! 
''[The Decepticons begin drinking Energon]'' 
'''Starscream''': Energy! We won't need to conserve it after tomorrow. We can bleed this planet dry! 
'''Rumble''': ''[hiccups]'' Boy, these are good. ''[hiccups]'' I needed to refuel. Energy! 
'''Megatron''': Energy! Energy! 
'''Thundercracker''': Hey! This stuff's the greatest! ''[passes out]'' 
'''Megatron''': Ah, those were the good ol' days, back on Cybertron... Didn' hafta... sneak around in these... ugly Earth disguises, heh... 
''[Powerglide arrives]'' 
'''Powerglide''': Time to cut the jets and glide...! What in the world? 
'''Megatron''': Good ol' Cybertron! Land... of the metal moon!
:—The Decepticons give us what is quite possibly the intentionally funniest scene in the series.

"How come it's so quiet?" 
"Because he isn't engaging any of his main brain functions." 
"Then I got a honey of an idea. Let's bash brain!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' in Megatron's cranial chamber

[[File:Microbots brain impulse.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
"What are they?" 
"Brain impulses... ''evil'' brain impulses!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' discuss Decepticon neuroscience.

"It's all over, Prime!" 
"Not until every last Autobot program is erased, Megatron."
:—'''Megatron''' anticipates the destruction of the Autobots, as if it was a new thing.

"You filthy [[retrorat]]s!! Rrrarrgh!!" 
:—'''Megatron,''' realizing that three Autobots have been messing with his insides.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 15th February 1985
* There were 3 recording sessions for this episode, the first of which was with [[Jack Angel]], [[John Stephenson]], [[Michael Chain]] and [[Morgan Lofting]]. The second recording session with every other performer featured in the episode except for [[Casey Kasem]] who needed a seperate third recording session later on.

===Continuity notes===
*[[Nemesis (G1)|The Decepticon ship]] is the same one last seen in the series pilot episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". A decade later, it would be given a name and a central role in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] cartoon episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
[[File:Microbots impulse ride.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Maybe this is how Teletraan I is able to detect "[[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|evil presences]]".]]
*Scavenger detects traces of [[cybertroid alloy]], suggesting the Decepticon ship is made of it.
*Hook uses [[cyber-forcep]]s.
*We learn quite a bit about Megatron's physiology in this episode:
**He can fly at least 600 miles per hour (100 miles in ten minutes, per Prime's reading of [[Teletraan I]].)
**He has an open spot amid his chest circuitry for the Heart of Cybertron, much like Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod have reserved spots (holes) for the Matrix.
**He has a wristwatch on his left wrist, which he looks at while flying around (causing concern for the Autobots within his shoulder joints). Oddly enough, this has [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|precedent]].
**While drunk, Megatron rants about disliking his "ugly Earth disguise", yet in 2005, he still has the same alt-mode. Surely he could have found time to change his gun mode if he really hated it that much! Maybe he doesn't like his ''troops<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' [[alternate mode]]s, or perhaps he simply despises the concept of taking Earth alternate modes to begin with.
**[[Evil brain impulse]]s!
*Perceptor compares the explosion of the Heart of Cybertron to a "[[hyperbomb]]", which could level the planet.
*Warpath actually fires shells from his cannon, rather than the usual lasers.
*Warpath's [[Tech Spec]] weakness comes into play: he is "helpless if upended".
*Megatron calls the Autobots "filthy [[retrorat|retro-rat]]s".

===Real-world references===
*The pulsating sound heard when Perceptor and company approach the Heart of Cybertron within Megatron is the same one used for the [[Dalek]] control rooms in all episodes of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' since its debut in 1963.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The excavation site changes radically between shots. When the archeologists first strike the Decepticon ship, they're digging downward into flat ground. In the next shot, they've removed an entire hillside, while still standing on flat ground. In the third shot ("this thing's been here longer than the hill!") the hill has become much bigger.
*Coloring errors:
**As Soundwave is looking at the giant computer in Decepticon Headquarters, the white parts of his face guard are blue for a split second just as he turns to call for Megatron.
**As Perceptor unshrinks Ironhide's microchip, Perceptor has a red Decepticon symbol.
**Scavenger's head is colored light gray instead of dark gray as Rumble mocks him for missing.
**After Megatron hands the Heart of Cybertron to Hook, Hook's head is white instead of black.
**Perceptor's eyes are white instead of blue when he reacts to the damaged Autobots.
**While Perceptor is giving his monologue about shrinking down and going into Megatron, Optimus Prime's waist is red instead of white.
*When the Constructicons laugh at Starscream, they use Rumble's laughter while Rumble is talking. This laughter is reused a second later by Rumble himself when he is done talking.
*Megatron gives the order to "'''''cut''''' the ship open". Hook proceeds to blast a huge explosive hole in the vessel.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**In three different scenes, only Ratchet, Prime, Bumblebee and Brawn are shown making the journey to South America. After the first commercial break, however, lots more Autobots just show up in the middle of the battle (Cliffjumper, Bluestreak, Ironhide, Huffer, Smokescreen, Windcharger, Hoist...)
*The doofy shot of Megatron firing upwards at the Autobots on the hill keeps getting re-used, even after the Autobots are no longer attacking from the hill.
*Optimus falls forwards down the hillside, but ends up on his back in the very next shot.
*One gun, many lasers:
**In the same sequence of shots, multiple beams of energy are streaking in towards the Autobots from multiple directions, despite Megatron only having two hands to fire the beams from. (There's no on-screen evidence that the other Decepticons have joined in the firing at all.)
*When Smokescreen finds Prime, he's lying in a completely different spot than where he fell after getting knocked out.
*The damaged Autobots include Ratchet and Hoist, who didn't have a mark on them when the battle concluded. They also include Wheeljack and Gears, who weren't seen at the battle at all.
*When the Decepticons get drunk, Soundwave is seen drinking amongst the crowd, despite having a faceplate. Maybe it can drop down like that of [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (as seen in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]").
*Flying Autobots:
**As Brawn leaps up to attack the electro-sanitizers, he has a flight sound effect.
*After he leaps back down, the top of his backpack is yellow instead of olive green.
*The animation of Megatron stepping aside to avoid Warpath's shells is played twice in a row, which means the first shell's explosion is missing in the second shot.
*In typical cartoon fashion, the energy shield shatters like glass, complete with breaking glass sound effects. The [[Dome of Invulnerability]] went down the same way in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"
*When Prime opens fire on Megatron, his shots don't quite reach the whole, oh, maybe 50 feet of distance between him and Megatron.
*After Megatron falls, a closeup shot shows the joint in Megatron's shoulder. The next shot is a tighter closeup; the joint has suddenly gone from solid to hollow (allowing us to see the Autobots running past.)
*As the three Autobots flee Megatron's interior and start to return to their normal size, the Heart of Cybertron grows right along with Brawn during the first growing spell.
*The line "But it's destabilizing. It could explode at any second!" is voiced by Brawn, but Perceptor's mouth moves. The line sure sounds like it was written for Percy.
*When the Heart of Cybertron is supposedly 1,500 miles above the ground, it's still in front of the night sky clouds.
*As he shoots at the Heart of Cybertron, Perceptor's laser blast is given a rocket sound effect.

===Continuity errors===
*The archaeologists at the beginning of the episode are digging for Mayan artifacts in South America, though in the real world the Maya civilization never reached further south than modern-day Honduras.
*Megatron rather strangely identifies the vessel as "''a'' Decepticon ship", as if he's never seen it before, despite later verifying that it is "our ship".
*Optimus is hesitant to cut down a path so his forces can drive through. Yet he does EXACTLY that in "Changing Gears". Did he have a change of heart or does he have something against African Jungles? To be fair, in this episode the Autobots had plenty of time to reach the Decepticons, while in "Changing Gears" the ENTIRE SOLAR SYSTEM was about to be vaporized by its own exploding sun.
*Do the Decepticons ''really'' need to carve a path the size of an interstate highway? Wouldn't a single-file pathway be a lot quicker?
*The Decepticons' ship was depicted as being the same size as the ship used by the Autobots in the opening episode, but here it's considerably smaller.
*Would the ship's vital, fragile power source really be that close to its exterior hull?
**Would said hull also be quite vulnerable to a small hand-held weapon?
*Was there ''nothing'' else in the ship that would be of value to the Decepticons?
*Why on Earth are the Decepticons sitting around in the middle of the desert somewhere? And how does Powerglide know to find them there?
*Prime has "all available Autobots" move out to attack Megatron. Responding to the call are... Cliffjumper, Windcharger and Warpath. What happened to everybody else?!

[[File:Microbots Heart throw.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|"Why don't we install it in Optimus, Perceptor?" "Because you're an idiot, Brawn."]]
*At one point, Brawn proposes killing Megatron from the inside (by PUNCHING HIS BRAIN TO PIECES). Perceptor stops him, saying that if he fell while flying, the impact could detonate the Heart of Cybertron. But while they're having this debate, Megatron lands, so it wouldn't seem to be a concern anymore. Perhaps even a short fall would have been enough? Maybe not, since Megatron falls right over when Prime shoots him a moment later! Also, with Megatron's change in orientation, the room that Perceptor and company are in should really undergo a 90 degree gravity shift, but nothing changes.
**As a sub-point, why do they never employ that tactic afterward? The hardest part is getting inside Megatron.
*Why is it so hard for Perceptor to reach the wire that's right in front of him? He's not damaged or anything!
*For that matter, why did he have to cut all three himself, when Brawn was ready and willing to help? It didn't seem like a particularly complex procedure.
*We're not doubting the strength of the almighty, indestructible Brawn or anything, but... can something as tiny and light as the Heart of Cybertron really be ''thrown'' 2,000 miles into space?
*For that matter, Perceptor's tracking report means the Heart is moving at about 250 miles ''per second''. Wouldn't it have incinerated in the lower atmosphere at such speeds?

===Trivia===
[[File:Microbots Huffer charges.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Huffer charging at Megatron...]]
*"Microbots" features some of the most beautifully animated sequences in the entire series: Ratchet tumbling into the camera as he's shot, Soundwave trying to outrun the avalanche, Brawn ripping apart the electro-sanitizers, Cliffjumper getting hit by rocks, Warpath's shells closing on Megatron...
*When Perceptor shoots down the Heart of Cybertron, the numbers "37564" appear on his targeting display. In Japan, this combination of numbers is a play-on-words, where combining the first syllable of each number in Japanese creates "minagoroshi" meaning annihilate, massacre, kill them all, etc.
*Brawn's assertion that "five of us are functional" actually accords with the animation; Prime calls on Ratchet, Grapple and Hoist, and Bumblebee and Brawn are shown still standing in the preceding shot. Amusingly, Grapple is never seen in the animation at all.
*Decepticons make funny, happy drunks.
*Writer David Wise [[David Wise#Recycle-o-matic|recycled]] much of this episode's plot from his ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' episode "Day of the Machines". Mainly, the plot in which the heroes have to shrink themselves and crawl inside a machine to disable it. He would further recycle the script for a ''Mighty Orbots'' episode, "Leviathan," in 1984, and again, almost word-for-word, in parts of the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' (1987) episode "Shredder and Splintered". That same ''He-Man'' episode was also cannibalized for the ''Transformers'' episodes "[[Day of the Machines]]" and "[[Kremzeek!]]".
*Though he would go on to write 13 scripts for the series, David Wise did not recycle the plot of this episode for 1986's Defenders Of The Earth...because his story editors on both series, [[Bryce Malek]] and [[Dick Robbins]], beat him to it, co-writing the episode 'Bits 'n'Chips' with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Zaslove Mark Zaslove].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (Canadian and European French broadcasts):'' "'''Les Microbots'''" ("The Microbots")
:*''Title (European French DVD release):'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*All the logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
::*Perceptor calls Brawn "mon gros" ("big boy").
::*The whole dialogue between the Autobots as they walk in the forest is missing.
::*Scavenger's lines are missing as he's looking for traces of cybertroid alloy.
::*Megatron's line "Hook! You cyber-forceps!" was misunderstood by the translator, who thought it was "Look! Your cyber-force". Consequently, that is what Megatron says even if it does not really make sense.
::*The drunk Decepticons scene is very softened. Rumble's hiccups sound more like "Ah!", and Thundercracker's line "This stuff's the greatest!" is replaced by "I've been craving ''indigestion'' for a while". Plus, Megatron speaks pretty normally during his ''indigestion''. The very strict French censorship laws of the time may have something to do with it.
::*Powerglide's lines as he arrives above the Decepticons are missing from the dub.
::*Perceptor's line "Thanks, Bumblebee!" is missing after he got saved.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Nel corpo di Megatron'''" ("In Megatron's Body")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's speech about "good ol' Cybertron" was changed by having him saying: «Those were good times for our beloved Cybertron! Then you didn't have to fight with anyone to get your own energy! Do you remember it?», which in quite off-character since it makes it look like Megatron dislikes war. Then Megatron proceeds by saying: «Good ol' Cybertron, I'll never forget what you managed to bring me: life!», a sentence which totally makes no sense but, after all, he was drunk, so... whatever...
::*Instead of saying that the Decepticons have "over energized", Powerglide explicitely says that they were drunk, which is quite the opposite of what happened in the French dub.
::*When the Autobots get to Megatron's shoulder joint, instead of saying: «Just hope he doesn't make any sudden moves.», Perceptor tells Brawn to not make any sudden moves.
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Micro no Kesshi Tai'''" (ミクロの決死隊, "The Micro Suicide Squad")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 27]], [[1985]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Xiǎo Jīqìrén '''" (小机器人, "Small Robots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 12: Size Matters ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 7 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200128200918/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-33.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1R3KXXFSwRLjgT5D7Hr0mxPmYSp6S2xIJ First draft script, submitted on 15th February 1985]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZ5gkdcelFELowblzT-7BoIP9vsfkmLZ/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Girl Who Loved Powerglide

2026-04-26T03:44:24Z

Greebtron: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|image=Powerglide heart.jpg
|caption=He's just looking for a heaaaartbeeeaaaat...
|series=G1toon
|ep=54
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=37
|prev2=The Gambler
|next2=Kremzeek!
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=38
|prev3=Autobot Spike
|next3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1
|title="The Girl Who Loved Powerglide"
|season=2
|season ep=38
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=700-53
|airdate=[[November 18]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nRZRrP3meY
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''A newly orphaned debutante must protect her late father's work from Megatron. She finds Powerglide, and with him, safety... or perhaps... something more?'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Powerglide Astoria Marygoaround.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Scale]] doesn't matter, really.]]

One fine day at the skyscraper headquarters of [[Hybrid Technologies]], the members of the board are gathered to celebrate the [[birthday]] of one [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]]... their CEO. While the crusty board members complain about having to party, Astoria herself isn't too happy to be stuck with such a bunch of downers. However, the arrival and attack of the Conehead trio, [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], gives them all something much bigger to worry about.

Luckily, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] just happens to be passing by, and observes the Coneheads attempting to kidnap Astoria. Powerglide successfully saves Astoria by having her grab on to a rope. He then proceeds to sweep through the city with her flying through the air at breakneck speed while clinging to a dangling rope with only her arm strength to keep Astoria from plummeting thousands of feet to her sure death. Powerglide eventually reels her up where she is stowed safely in his cockpit, amusingly with her large floppy purple hat still present.

After performing several evasive maneuvers that leave Astoria tumbling willy nilly around Powerglide's cabin, he manages to lose the Coneheads by ducking beneath an overpass. Powerglide introduces himself while they are waiting, but quickly finds himself rather put off by his overly gregarious human charge.

The duo manages to make it back to [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]'s workshop without any further mishap. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] shares some pertinent information with Powerglide and Sparkplug and also reveals that the young heiress doesn't know about some of the ventures her company works on even though she is in charge of the company. Optimus Prime believes [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] wants something from her so he orders Powerglide to escort her back to the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]]. On the way to the Ark, Astoria pipes up and says she is starving and wants to eat something.

Meantime in the Decepticon Base, Megatron is quite unhappy about the Coneheads' failure. He orders them to bring Astoria to him and this time without any failures.

[[File:Astoria wrap Powerglide's wound.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Wrapping the wound can prevent the sands from getting in.]]

After sating her hunger with amusement park [[hot dog (food)|hot dog]]s, Astoria is quick to amuse herself by jumping on the merry-go-around, much to Powerglide's consternation and bemusement. Powerglide tries to get the flighty girl to leave, but it's too late—the Coneheads come back for Astoria. Powerglide fights them off with some trick shots, and manages to escape with Astoria. But the Coneheads soon catch up, and Powerglide is rammed by Ramjet. Powerglide's left arm and left wing are injured and he is forced to make a crash landing. The Coneheads bury him in a rock pile, and take Astoria prisoner.

Powerglide breaks out from beneath the debris and attempts to set off in pursuit of the Coneheads. Despite his determination, he collapses due to his injuries. [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] eventually arrive to haul him back to Headquarters for repairs.

After Ratchet does some basic repairs on him, Powerglide refuses any further repairs and goes to see Optimus Prime. While Powerglide is discussing his options with Optimus Prime, [[Teletraan I]] notifies them that [[Sky Spy]] just detected an unusual atmospheric disturbance over the Northern Atlantic and the source is 10 miles above the sea level. Optimus Prime thinks it is possibly the [[Sky Platform|Decepticons' suborbital station]]. Impulsively, Powerglide rushes out of the Ark and flies directly to the Sky Platform and consequently into the energy storm.

[[File:Pgalove.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Powerglide crushes Astoria in a fit of rage.]]

Meanwhile, the Decepticons are interrogating Astoria about the energy formula left by her [[Desmond Carlton-Ritz|father]]. She claims that she knows nothing, so Megatron decides to use the [[psycho-probe]] in order to make her tell him about the formula. Seemingly cursed by Astoria's machine-jinxing aura, the psycho-probe keeps malfunctioning, provoking Megatron into such a rage that he eventually destroys the machine.

Hook reports that Powerglide is approaching the platform; the Decepticons go out to meet him. Megatron laughs at Powerglide and says he won't be able to break through the energy storm. But Astoria throws her necklace given by her father toward the energy-storm-generating tower and successfully destroys it. Not surprisingly, the necklace contains the energy formula.

The destroyed tower collapses the buildings on Sky Platform. The Sky Platform loses its control and starts to fall down. The Decepticons retreat to [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|their headquarters]]. Both Powerglide and Astoria go into the control room. After a bit of a lover's tiff, Powerglide repairs the control panel, successfully slowing down the Sky Platform's descent and setting a new course. As the platform drops toward the ocean, the duo make good their escape.

The Decepticons return to base and congratulate themselves on their escape... only to find that the Sky Platform is falling directly onto their headquarters. Megatron orders the force fields to be activated, only for Soundwave to inform him they didn't install any. Megatron then yells at his crew as massive quantities of seawater rush into the base.

[[File:Astoria kisses Powerglide.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|...And they will name their first child "Iron Man"!]]

Back safe in the city, Powerglide asks Astoria why Megatron was so keen on kidnapping Astoria. She tells him it was because of the energy formula hidden in her necklace. Much to the private glee of the Autobots present, Powerglide asks rather shyly whether he could look her up next time he comes to town. Astoria is very happy and [[kiss]]es him before she scurries off to her limo and is carted off. The minute Astoria is out of earshot, everyone has a good-natured laugh at Powerglide's expense. Thoroughly embarrassed, Powerglide threatens the would-be teasers with a good boxing around the circuits before he stomps into the building.

Once Powerglide is out of sight of the other Autobots, he pauses to open his chest plate, showing a series of LEDs flashing in the form of a stylized heart.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (11)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (2)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (3)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (12)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (13)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (14)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (15)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (16)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)

|c3=
*[[Astoria Carlton-Ritz]] (1)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Oh wow! He's tall, he's handsome, he's shiny. And he can fly!" 
"Yeah, well there's a few things he can't do, you know."
:—'''Astoria''' comments on Powerglide and '''Spike''' proceeds to drill a bolt into a hole.

"I guess me and machines don't get along too well." 
"I can ''personally'' attest to that."
:—'''Astoria''' and '''Powerglide'''

"Why does everything always happen to me?"
:—'''Powerglide''' laments his lot in life.

"Get back here! I'm not done!" 
"Is my wing fixed? Can I fly?" 
"Well, yes, but—" 
"Then you're ''done''."
:—'''Ratchet''' has a most unwilling patient in '''Powerglide'''

"You got any burgers in this joint?" 
"Silence!" 
"You guys are, like, the worst hosts!"
:—'''Astoria''' and '''Soundwave'''

"Hey! Like, don't be so hostile, okay?" 
"Tell me what you know!" 
"All I know is that you're a complete and total, utter—" 
"SILENCE!"
:—'''Astoria''' and '''Megatron'''

"Subject's mind completely empty."
:—Why in God's name didn't '''Soundwave''' just scan her mind himself?

"The psycho-probe will put 90,000 volts through your brain. It is an excruciating experience. Will you tell me what you know??" 
"All this waiting around, that's what's excruciating. I mean, I'm starving, for cryin' out loud! When are you guys gonna feed me? That's what I wanna know. Your dumb machine, like, doesn't even work, and—" 
"Enough!"
:—'''Megatron''' wants '''Astoria''' just to shut up

"Energize the force fields!" 
"What force fields?!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Soundwave'''

"Attention, Decepticons! This is Megatron speaking. Your new orders are... er... ''clean up this mess!''"
:—'''Megatron''' tries to maintain a semblance of dignity as his base floods

"Ha, wow! Who would've believed it! Powerglide shot down by Cupid!"
:—'''Sparkplug''' teases Powerglide after he is kissed by Astoria.

"I wanna go flying!" 
"I'll send you flying."
:—'''Powerglide''' is already sick of '''Astoria'''.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 6 June 1985

===Continuity notes===
*Gadgets and powers:
**Powerglide once again uses a telescopic video camera. This time it comes out of his front laser gun barrel, however. How does ''that'' work?
**Powerglide also has some means of tossing out a rope while in plane mode, and reeling it back in.
**Dirge has his own version of Starscream's infamous boob bombs; he fires a pair of missiles from ducts just below his "boobs" (the rectangular "intakes" on his chest.)
**Powerglide can deploy a human-sized parachute from his hand. Apparently it was not designed to be strapped onto the back, but rather the user is supposed to hang on to a baton sized handle for the entire descent. Powerglide clearly overestimates the gripping power of humans.
*Despite the fact that he has been seeing Carly for some time now, Spike unashamedly hits on Astoria, and promptly gets shot down for Powerglide. Hard. He had the same results with [[Nimue]] in "A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur’s Court", yet he doesn't seem to have learned his lesson.
*Similarly, Powerglide was shown in [[The Search for Alpha Trion|the previous episode to this one]] to have an attachment to [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]], which he seems to have completely forgotten about.

===Real-world references===
*Astoria's name comes from two famous upscale hotels, the {{w|Waldorf Astoria New York|Waldorf-Astoria}} and {{w|Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company|Ritz-Carlton}}.
*"It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to!", as announced by Astoria early in the episode, is a lyric from the 1963 Lesley Gore song, "{{w|It's My Party (song)|It's My Party}}".
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**The slamming [[Death Star]] door is used to soundtrack Powerglide's closing bottom hatch.
**An exploding [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] (maybe Red Leader crashing into the Death Star), is repurposed as Powerglide's engine noise as Astoria sends him spiraling out of control.
**Truncated X-Wing diving whine as the Decepticons flee from the sky platform.

===Animation and technical errors===
*One of the party guests at the beginning of the episode uses the British expletive "bloody", but doesn't have much of a British accent.
*Coloring errors:
**For just a frame or two, the top of Dirge's head turns blue instead of black as the Coneheads run to take off in pursuit of Powerglide.
**Dirge's eyes go from bright red to dark red as he leans forward while being berated by Megatron.
**Ramjet's face changes from dark gray to light gray as he delivers his "And we will GET the girl" line.
**Astoria's necklace is the same yellow as her dress after Ramjet hits Powerglide.
**"Don't be so hostile, okay?" Rumble's fists are gray instead of purple in this shot.
**"Subject's mind... completely empty!" Soundwave is missing his yellow stripes, and his cheek guards and eject button are blue instead of gray.
**"Computer error." Soundwave's shoulder cannon is missing its red stripe.
**"He'll never make it through that energy storm" - Megatron is missing the red on his waist.
**"Correction: problem is ours!" Rumble is colored like Bumblebee in this shot.
**"What force fields?" Soundwave's face is colored the same blue as the rest of his head, and he's missing his wrist stripes.
**As Astoria departs, Sparkplug has his hand on Spike's shoulder, but it's colored blue. The colorists seem to have gotten mixed up by Prime standing right behind Spike.
*The dialog doesn't quite seem to synch up with the events on-screen as Astoria wrecks all of Spike's equipment. Spike's "HEY!" doesn't correspond to any actual action, and Astoria continues speaking evenly and nonchalantly as she slams into a crane hard enough to knock an engine block loose.
*Ramjet's mouth doesn't move when he says "Please, let us try to find her again."
*Powerglide shoots a vending machine and blows a huge hole in it. This somehow causes a firehose-like torrent of [[soft drink|soda]] to come shooting out of the machine.
*Powerglide's landing gears are all painted red when he lands after being rammed by Ramjet.
*Astoria totally has no legs as Thrust and Ramjet carry her off.
[[File:AstoriaConeheadsGWLP.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hop in guys, there's plenty of room."]]
*Scale is always goofy in this show, but [[robot mode]] Thrust and Ramjet are quite visibly smaller than jet mode Dirge as they load Astoria into his cockpit, even though they're all the same size. Meanwhile, Ratchet is big enough in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] to hold both Wheeljack, a sportscar, and Powerglide, a ''plane'' - who in turn, is large enough to ferry around Astoria.
*Wheeljack's ears don't flash during his "You will, you will..." lines.
*In the first close-up of Hook aboard the sky platform, he's drawn with two eyes instead of an optic visor.
*As Soundwave activates the psycho-probe for the second time, one of the console buttons is layered over his hand.
*As Megatron laughs at Powerglide, his voice is missing its metallic flange.
*When Powerglide releases his hug from Astoria after she saves him, it appears as if he roughly pushes her away, sending her on a death tumble off the platform.
[[File:Powerglide Astoria w.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Powerglide starts the drag race by throwing down his handkerchief.]]
*When Powerglide hands Astoria his bizarre little parachute, her torso is ''completely missing''. The background smoke and clouds are also frozen in place and Powerglide's Insignia is missing.
*As they enter the control room, Astoria phases through the wall, and Powerglide's face disappears for a second.

===Continuity errors===
*Powerglide's cockpit interior is shown at a half-way point between a single-seater (as seen in "Dinobot Island Part 1") and a gigantic cabin ("Blaster Blues").
*Likewise, his hatch is shown to be on the side of his fuselage, rather than the bubble canopy.
*Superhuman Astoria:
**With no seat restraints, Astoria should have been battered to pulp by all of Powerglide's maneuvering.
**Both Powerglide and the Coneheads repeatedly manhandle Astoria's arms as though they were made of rubber.
**Powerglide is actually quite abusive to the [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|human he is charged with "saving" in this episode.]] Right after they meet, he throws her off his arm and onto the concrete so hard she ''bounces'' (thus answering one of the great [[Aerialbots over America!|mysteries of the ages]].)
**Then he apparently ''throws'' her out of the control room on the sky platform. But hey, that's what she gets for having to be told twice, right, Powerglide?
**Astoria literally inhales the hotdog Powerglide gives her at the mini-amusement park. She chews(?) and swallows in under a second, something even Takeru Kobayashi would admire!
**She seemed able to breathe quite comfortably while outside the platform despite the fact it was floating ten miles up.
**It seems Astoria is also gifted with superhuman strength, as she is able to hold her own against the Coneheads, prevent Powerglide from taking her necklace, and rip a metal panel with her bare hands. Maybe Powerglide's abuse isn't as damaging as it appears.
*That is one tough merry-go-round, to be able to support a multi-ton metal robot. (But hey, it's totally worth it to see Powerglide riding a merry-go-round.)
*Astoria rips her dress to bandage Powerglide's arm wound from sand infection, but her dress is intact for the rest of the episode.
**The dress bandage is shown as Powerglide dives for cover from the coneheads, but is missing from every subsequent scene.
*Why didn't Soundwave telepathically scan Astoria's mind like he scanned [[Chip Chase]] back in "[[Roll for It]]"? Surely, Astoria couldn't have jinxed that ability too!
*Astoria correctly deduces that throwing a metal object into the apex of the energy-storm-generating tower will disable it. Yet she then looks around the MECHANICAL ISLAND and notes she finds “nothing” metallic. At the very least, she is surrounded by metal panels, which she easily rips apart in the next scene.
*Speaking of which, said tower seems unbelievably fragile. A large necklace thrown by a human causes a massive explosion. For something so essential to the entire structure, Megatron sure skimped out on making it durable.

===Trivia===
*David Wise, the writer of this episode, recycled its characters, plot, and set pieces wholesale for his ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' (1987) episode "Poor Little Rich Turtle". Yes, even down to replicating the romance sub-plot, the merry-go-round fight sequence, the brain-sucking torture sequence, and the climax where the villains' base gets ''hilariously'' damaged. [[David Wise#Recycle-o-matic|Good ole David Wise]].
*His Marvel Productions story editors [[Bryce Malek]] and [[Dick Robbins]] would re-use the concept of the psycho-probe in a more serious fashion for their immediate post-Transformers assignment: 1986's Defenders of the Earth. The series' first episode 'Escape From Mongo' sees Flash Gordon's wife killed by a similar machine called The Inquisitor.
*While every other DVD release of the Generation 1 cartoon by [[Metrodome]] had been awarded the "U" rating (the [[United Kingdom]]'s equivalent to the American "G"), the opening line of this episode, in which a party-goer professes to feel "an absolutely bloody fool", earned the box set containing it a "PG" rating for "mild language"!
*Powerglide's first line in the episode seems to revolve around the notion that a top scientist can't be so young.
*This was one of twelve episodes of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] released as audio adventures by the [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]].

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La directrice'''" ("The directress")
:*''Original airdate:''
::*The annoying voice effect on the Transformers from previous episode is still present. Sometimes it is stronger, making for example Megatron and Ratchet sound particularly ridiculous at moments.
::*[[Albert Augier]] is not present for that episode. Although [[Georges Atlas]] takes over Soundwave, the voice effect makes it difficult to recognize who dubs his other characters.
::*The panic screams of the crowd are kept from the original version. At moments we can still hear English among the people.
::*The ''entirety'' of the dialogs spoken in plane mode are missing from the dub in this episode. As much for Powerglide as for the Coneheads.
::*Astoria's scream is missing as Powerglide is getting buried under rocks.
::*Ratchet's line "Get him in, Wheeljack!" is missing.
::*Megatron tells Astoria that the psycho-probe will put a discharge through her brain "that can be estimated around 90,000 energon-volts".
::*Powerglide is among the characters whose name is often dodged. This episode makes that decision silly but here we go:
:::*"Powerglide's the name" is replaced by "Let's say I'm an Autobot".
:::*Astoria's line "What do you know about Powerglide?" is dubbed as "What do you know about the Autobot who saved me?".
:::*When Astoria screams "Powerglide!" after the latter was buried, it was dubbed as "Careful!". Girl, he is already under the rocks...
:::*After Hook's report about an incoming Autobot, Astoria's line "Powerglide!" is dubbed as "That must be him!".

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Mädchen, das sich in Powerglide verliebte'''" ("The Girl Who Fell in Love with Powerglide")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 23]], [[1989]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Una ragazza terribile'''" ("A Terrible Girl")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's line: «You are supposed to be the most powerful jets in the galaxy» is changed to: «'''We''' are the most perfect jets in the entire galaxy». Erm... you're not a jet, Megatron...
::*Instead of saying that an Autobot is approaching, Hook says that "some Autobots" are approaching, despite being just Powerglide alone.
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La ragazza che amava Powerglide'''" ("The Girl Who Loved Powerglide")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Reijō Yori Ai o Kome te'''" (令嬢より愛をこめて, "From Rich Girl with Love")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 21]], [[1986]]
::*The title is, of course, a reference to the Japanese title of the James Bond movie "{{w|From Russia with Love (film)|From Russia with Love}}" (ロシアより愛をこめて, ''Russia Yori Ai o Kome te'').

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ài-shang Huáxiángjī de Gūniang'''" (爱上滑翔机的姑娘, "The Girl Who Fell in Love with Powerglide")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Garota que Amava Powerglide'''" ("The Girl Who Loved Powerglide")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Devoushka, kotoraya lyubila Vetroreza'''" (Девушка, которая любила Ветрореза, "The Young Girl Who Loved Powerglide")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''???'''" (''The VHS copy doesn't have a title card")
:*''Voice Over Lector: ???''
:*''VHS Release: ???''

===Toys inspired by this episode===
:[[File:Transformers-universe-usa-edition-powerglide.jpg|thumb|''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Powerglide (G1)#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]] ([[Hasbro]]/[[TakaraTomy|Takara]], 2008)'''
:In what can only be described as one of the most hilarious homages in ''Transformers'' history, ''Universe'' Powerglide's chestplate can flip up to [[:File:Ultra powerglide heart.jpg|reveal]] the raised [[:File:Powerglide heart.jpg|image of a heart]].
{{-}}
[[File:AOTP_Powerglide.jpg|thumb]]
*'''''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' [[Powerglide (G1)#Age of the Primes|Autobot Powerglide]] (Hasbro, 2026)
:The ''Age of the Primes'' figure of Powerglide fully recreates that moment with a chestplate that opens to reveal a sculpted and painted chest interior featuring the heart-shaped lights.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''Transformers'' — Call of the Primitives / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide (Tempo Video) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Collins Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1990 — ''Transformers'' — Heavy Metal Wars / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video|Abbey Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 12 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (3DVDs) ([[Flex Media]]) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 06: Stagione Due Parte Quarta ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bgrcgsIpsQ2YyBnMQbSe2ccYYKQ0yoER Episode dialogue script]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/16mvoZtokoIxrJrYHFzW7XKzgJttBnUSE/view?usp=sharing Episode script]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ds_P2gGpZlmm1wBXY4-aTdIt664l1fQ/view?usp=drive_link Episode model sheets]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Girl Who Loved Powerglide}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Transformers (cartoon)

2026-04-13T15:23:05Z

Greebtron: /* Season 1 */

{{disambig2|the cartoon series|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}

{{nav-G1|logo=TheTransformers_Logo.jpg}}

[[File:TransformersLogoSlantedOrange.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Red is the color of [[Autobot|GOOD]]...]]
[[File:TransformersLogoSlantedPurple.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|...while purple is the color of [[Decepticon|EVIL]]!!]]
[[File:G1Season1Logo.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|In [[Space (the place)|space]], no one can hear your trumpets go [[Media:G1-Scene-Transition-Effect.ogg|Dah-NUN NUN NUN NAHHHHHH]]!]]

More than any other of the many media which [[Transformer]]s have invaded in the past {{#expr: {{CURRENTYEAR}}-1984}} years, it is '''''The Transformers''''', the original cartoon that ran from 1984 to 1987, that captured the imagination of children and the young-at-heart worldwide.

{{bigquote|...we feel '''action''' should be emphasized over''' plot'''—especially avoiding any complicated story lines—to ensure the success of this series with its intended viewers.|[[Bryce Malek]] and [[Dick Robbins]], ''Transformer''s story editors, [[Marvel Productions]] internal correspondence [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#154]}}

==Overview==
[[File:Cybertronplanet.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Depleted of energy... aside from the power source that lights up the entire core of the planet.]]
The cartoon (along with the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comics]]) set up the basic story of Transformers that most other incarnations were to follow: two warring factions of robots on the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] leave in search of resources. The factions crash-land on [[Earth]] and, millions of years later, begin their battle anew in Reagan-era [[United States of America|America]] and across the globe.

Once established, the cartoon rarely took any steps to upset its status quo. Plots generally centered on a [[Decepticon]] plot or invention of the week, which would be used to gather energy or Defeat The [[Autobot]]s FOREVER!!, and the Autobots' efforts to stop the plan. Most of the time the Decepticons were forced into retreat, and the Autobots drove off victorious. At most, a new character or team was added to one side or the other. Plots became a bit less formulaic during Season 3, though character death and true plot upheaval remained a rarity.

Through its 98-episode run, this series took viewers around the globe and to many strange places and times: across the alien Cybertron, the Earth's prehistoric past, the Earth's then-future of 2005, the ''Metropolis''-like society of [[Nebulos]], and more. It is not the best animated series ever to air, but it stimulated viewers with its concept at the time, and continued to do so in the years to come.

Being the first series of ''Transformers'' ever, some episodes tended to be [[Prime Target (episode)|very]], [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|very]], [[B.O.T. (episode)|weird]] and [[Auto-Bop|80s]]ish compared with later shows. The show also featured [[The Transformers (cartoon)/cast|an enormous cast of characters]] in comparison to the more limited cast of future shows, likely due to the cost of developing CGI models as opposed to hand-drawn animation.
{{-}}

==Production==
[[File:DivideAndConquer-UnderseaBase.jpg|center|upright=2.5|thumb|The Decepticon undersea base. Note that it is neither [[Tom Kenny|pineapple]], [[Bill Fagerbakke|rock]], nor tiki head.]]

Writing and distribution for ''The Transformers'' were handled as a joint effort by [[Marvel Productions]] and [[Sunbow Productions]]. The show's premise is based on the original story treatment developed by [[Marvel Comics]] editor-in-chief [[Jim Shooter]], though Marvel productions briefly proposed [[The Transformers (CBS pitch)|their own pitch for the show]] separate from Shooter's before being shot down by [[Hasbro]]. Animation was produced overseas by a number of major studios: [[Toei Animation|Toei]] (68 episodes), [[AKOM]] (22 episodes), [[Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.]] (at least 1 episode), and [[Unknown Generation 1 animation studios|an unknown studio]] (7 episodes). Additional contract services (such as additional animation production, photography, effects and finalization) were sub-contracted to numerous other studios, including: [[Dai Won Animation Co.]], [[Sam Young Studio]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Trans Arts Co.]], [[Anime R]], [[Nakamura Production]], [[Studio Look]], [[Studio No. 1]] and [[T. Nishimura]].

[[File:CrashedArk1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Nobody on Earth noticed this for millions of years.]]
The original 30 or so characters were heavily modified from their toy designs for aesthetics and ease of animation. Among the artists involved in the original designs are [[Shōhei Kohara]] and [[Floro Dery]]. Other known production artists include [[Dell Barras]], who worked on second season backgrounds.

Story editors for the series included [[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Flint Dille]], [[Marv Wolfman]], and [[Steve Gerber]]. Episode scripts were written by a large array of freelance writers. Writers notable for writing numerous episodes include [[Donald F. Glut]] and [[David Wise]].

The series was animated on an enormously rushed schedule, with many episodes going from script to screen in as little as four months, due to the need to get episodes on the air in sync with the toys appearing on shelves. That, combined with the vast number of characters and the difficulties involved with the overseas animation process, resulted in a cartoon that is notoriously riddled with [[animation error]]s and other mistakes. The producers were often aware of these mistakes, but tight deadlines left no time to correct them.

Another byproduct of the rushed production is that the show tends not to be very self-referential. Continuity between episodes is minimal, with most acting as self-contained, standalone stories, though a few Season Two and Season Three stories did build on previous episodes. Within each season, the addition of new characters is the only common change to the status quo.

[[File:ShockwaveDesertionOfTheDinobots1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|My toy's so great, I bought one myself!]]
Mistakes or not, the show is fondly remembered by many fans for the high quality of its voice acting. Indeed, many characters, lacking any significant plot developments or screen time, were brought to life solely by their unique voices and inflection styles. Voice direction for the series was provided by [[Wally Burr]], notorious for driving his performers to the limit. One of the performers in his stable, [[Susan Blu]], would later go on to work as voice director for ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' and briefly ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''.

The ''sinister'' voice of [[Victor Caroli]] provided narration for the entire series, most commonly heard on the [[commercial bumper]]s: "The Transformers will return after these messages!" Caroli's voice also provided occasional introductory narration, recap segments for multi-part episodes, and the ''[[Secret Files of Teletraan II]]'' segments which ran before the credits of Season 3.

[[File:RollForIt Spacebridge recieves.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Looks safer than flying United.]]
In addition to the show's iconic [[theme song]], ''Transformers'' featured a great variety of background music, composed by [[Robert J. Walsh]]. Walsh had previously worked on the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' cartoon, and many of those pieces were reused for ''Transformers''. New pieces were composed as well, many incorporating the melody of the show's theme song. Walsh composed new music for 2nd and 3rd seasons, each in a different style, further distinguishing the three main seasons from one another.

The show also originated the concept of the iconic "[[Scene transition|symbol flip]]" serving as a transition between scenes, a tradition carried on by some of the later series.

===Credits===

{{see|The Transformers (cartoon)/credits}}
{{--}}

==Episodes==

{{see|List of The Transformers episodes}}

These episodes are listed in "production order", the order in which the episodes were actually approved and written, rather than the order in which they aired on television. In a few instances, this means that episodes are not in the correct chronological story order, the specifics of which are noted in their own articles. Arranging the episodes in airdate order would not solve this problem, and so, as fans have done for as long as there have been ''Transformers'' episode guides on the internet, {{SITENAME SHORT}} adheres to production order, in preference to simply making up a chronological order of our own (any attempt at which would be arguable at best).

The different DVD companies which have released the series down the years have at times presented the episodes of each season in a different order that adheres to neither production nor airdate, sometimes to improve any chronology errors evident in the production order, and other times for no apparent reason. No two English-language DVD releases of the series by different companies have placed all 98 episodes in the same order. [[Metrodome]] stuck closest to production order, only making changes for chronology reasons (and sometimes not even then), while other licensees have strayed from this order to varying degrees. Season 1 has consistently avoided reorganization (as production order is actually the correct story order), but Season 3 is a victim of continuous restructuring that sees its episodes presented in a wildly different order with each release.

Please note that Wikipedia claims that the production order is the correct chronological order for all seasons. However, they have listed the episodes in broadcast order, with a number next to each entry to indicate its story order.

===Miniseries===
[[File:Autobot roll call-panning shot stitched-MTMTE1.jpg|centre|thumb|upright=2.5|"Uh Jazz, I think we're missing a few members."]]
The original three-part story that started it all was aired in syndication, running on three consecutive weekdays. It was retroactively given the title "More than Meets the Eye" when released on video; in the [[United Kingdom]], it was called "Arrival from Cybertron." In the 21st century, DVD releases and streaming services typically group the mini-series with Season 1, but it was actually a separate production.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20030106084320/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/oldies/collabo.html Archive of Toei's outsourced productions during the '80s, listing the miniseries and season 1 separately</ref>

The miniseries tells the story of the Transformers' arrival on Earth, and the Autobots' efforts to stop the Decepticons pillaging the planet's energy. It features almost the entire roster of the 1984 toyline (missing only [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]), and even includes the first piece of 1985 product, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], who was added to the story in later revisions of the script after it was decided that the toyline would be continuing into a second year.

{{collist|
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"
}}
===Season 1===
{{note|For a list of characters for Season 1, See: ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)/cast#Season 1|The Transformers (cartoon)/cast]]''.}}

[[File:DinobotsG1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Remember those [[Dinobot (G1)|dinosaur guys]]? Man, they were awesome.]]

After high advance sales of the ''Transformers'' toyline at [[Toy Fair]] 1984, it was quickly decided to expand the cartoon beyond a three-episode mini-series, and put a full season into production. [[The Transformers (CBS pitch)|Some early development work]] was done to pitch the series to TV network CBS, but ultimately it was decided to produce the season for syndication. These thirteen episodes aired weekly, on Saturday or Sunday mornings<ref>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SumWa1_gdGIrHJWvFZv9FKDQwpfRKfK_/view?usp=drive_link Super Sunday press release listing The Transformers ratings and timeslots</ref>, rather than weekdays like the miniseries.

The season is primarily set on [[Earth]], with a few excursions to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and introduces the early wave of 1985 toys as it progresses — [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]].

{{--}}
{{collist|3|
# "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"
# "[[Roll for It]]"
# "[[Divide and Conquer]]"
# "[[Fire in the Sky]]"
# "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"
# "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]"
# "[[War of the Dinobots]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"
# "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]"
# "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]"
# "[[Heavy Metal War]]"
}}

===Season 2===
[[File:CosmicRust-BigGroup.jpg|center|upright=2.5|thumb|I liked the one with the guy.]]
{{note|For a list of characters for Season 2, See: ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)/cast#Season 2|The Transformers (cartoon)/cast]]''.}}

[[File:Master builders prime basketball.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Didn't they make Optimus Prime play soccer or something once? Man, that was dumb.]]

A substantial 49 episodes were ordered for the show's second season, in order to bring the series up to 65 episodes total—the "magic number" required to move the series from weekends into regular weekday syndication.<ref>[[tvtropes:Main/SixtyFiveEpisodeCartoon|65-Episode Cartoon on TVTropes]]</ref> All 65 episodes were now aired Monday-to-Friday, five days a week (either in the morning or in the afternoon), in a repeating thirteen-week cycle, all year round. Some markets also scheduled it in conjunction with daily episodes of ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' (like WPIX in New York).

In addition to these 49 episodes, a series of 5 [[public service announcement]]s were animated, presumably to accompany the episodes. For whatever reason, these PSAs were never broadcast and the episodes aired without the burden of trying to teach you anything.

The second season greatly expanded the cartoon's scope and cast. This season tends to feature more character-driven episodes than the first, with many characters getting their own "spotlight" episode. It also features a recurring theme of the Autobots assimilating Earth culture, such as playing basketball and football and even watching a soap opera. Excursions to alien civilizations popped up occasionally as well (not to mention time travel, miniaturization, and battles against undersea creatures). The second season also saw the introduction of concepts and characters that would spread out to other segments of the franchise, including the mystic [[Alpha Trion]], the ancient [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer and its [[Key to Vector Sigma|circuit key]], not to mention the first appearance of [[Female Transformer]]s within official fiction.

Season Two breaks down very roughly into three segments. The first thirteen episodes focus on the Season One cast; about half of them prominently feature the previously-introduced 1985 product, the Constructicons, Dinobots, and Insecticons. Then, starting from the two-part "Dinobot Island," the next twenty-six episodes introduce the remainder of the new 1985 toys, and the season shifts focus to them, with almost every new character receiving at least one dedicated spotlight episode. Finally, the last ten episodes of the season are given over to introducing the first 1986 product, the four [[Combiner]] teams, and to giving the sidelined 1984 cast a little more screentime in supporting roles.
{{--}}
{{collist|3|
# "[[Autobot Spike]]"
# "[[Changing Gears]]"
# "[[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]]"
# "[[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|Attack of the Autobots]]"
# "[[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]"
# "[[The Immobilizer]]"
# "[[The Autobot Run]]"
# "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"
# "[[Day of the Machines]]"
# "[[Enter the Nightbird]]"
# "[[A Prime Problem]]"
# "[[The Core]]"
# "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]"
# "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1]]"
# "[[Dinobot Island, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]]"
# "[[Auto Berserk]]"
# "[[Microbots]]"
# "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]"
# "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2]]"
# "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]]"
# "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]"
# "[[Blaster Blues]]"
# "[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]"
# "[[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon]]"
# "[[The God Gambit]]"
# "[[Make Tracks]]"
# "[[Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play]]"
# "[[Quest for Survival]]"
# "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]"
# "[[The Gambler]]"
# "[[Kremzeek!]]"
# "[[Sea Change]]"
# "[[Triple Takeover]]"
# "[[Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target]]"
# "[[Auto-Bop]]"
# "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]"
# "[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]"
# "[[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)|Hoist Goes Hollywood]]"
# "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]"
# "[[Aerial Assault]]"
# "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]"
# "[[Trans-Europe Express]]"
# "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]"
# "[[Starscream's Brigade]]"
# "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]"
# "[[Masquerade]]"
# "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]"
}}

===Intermediate===
[[File:Tftm1986b.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Then they like, killed him in the movie. Man, that was awesome.]]
''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' is in continuity with the cartoon series, occurring 20 years after the end of Season 2 (in the then-futuristic year of 2005). It was the single biggest turning point for the series, and remains controversial. The movie saw the introductions of [[Unicron]], the [[Quintesson]]s, and the [[Matrix of Leadership]], all of which would play important roles in Season 3. It made radical changes to the show's cast, killing off many characters and introducing new ones—a shock to young viewers who were used to their heroes driving off into the sunset at the end of every adventure.

Despite its unconventional place in the cartoon canon, it remains the best-known representation of the cartoon series among fans.

{{--}}

===Season 3===
{{note|For a list of characters for Season 3, See: ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)/cast#The Transformers: The Movie and Season 3|The Transformers (cartoon)/cast]]''.}}
[[File:Intro3 4 with error.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|They didn't make any more cartoons after the movie. Yeah, the movie totally killed Transformers.]]
Season 3 ''transformed'' the whole premise of the show. Gone were the two teams stranded on Earth, along with many of the characters that composed those teams. In their place was a galaxy-spanning tale of battles on alien worlds. With the Autobots in firm control of Cybertron, the Decepticons, though still a threat, were somewhat reduced as villains; new enemies in the form of the [[Quintesson]]s were introduced. Plots often centered on the ultra-powerful [[Titan (group)|city-bot]]s, [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]].

Season 3 has a mixed reputation. It contains some of the most mistake-laden episodes of the entire franchise ("Five Faces of Darkness", "Carnage in C Minor", the [[title sequence]] at right) most of which can be laid at the feet of [[AKOM]]. But some of its episodes are among the best as well, both in animation and scripting; "Dark Awakening", "Chaos", "Webworld", and "Dweller in the Depths" are all heavy fan favorites.

Late in Season 3, as in Season 2, the forerunners of the 1987 toy line were introduced: the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s, and [[Throttlebot]]s, and (very briefly) the cassettes [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] and [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]. The season concluded with the resurrection of Optimus Prime, spurred on by a massive campaign on the part of fans, who were displeased by his death and subsequent "evil" resurrection.
{{--}}
{{collist|3|
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"
# "[[The Killing Jar (episode)|The Killing Jar]]"
# "[[Chaos (episode)|Chaos]]"
# "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]"
# "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]"
# "[[Starscream's Ghost]]"
# "[[Thief in the Night]]"
# "[[Surprise Party]]"
# "[[Madman's Paradise]]"
# "[[Nightmare Planet]]"
# "[[Ghost in the Machine (G1)|Ghost in the Machine]]"
# "[[Webworld]]"
# "[[Carnage in C-Minor]]"
# "[[The Quintesson Journal]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Weapon]]"
# "[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006]]"
# "[[Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee]]"
# "[[The Dweller in the Depths]]"
# "[[Only Human]]"
# "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]"
# "[[Money Is Everything (episode)|Money Is Everything]]"
# "[[Call of the Primitives]]"
# "[[The Face of the Nijika]]"
# "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]"
# "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]"
}}

{{--}}

===Season 4===
{{note|For a list of characters for Season 4, See: ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)/cast#Season 4|The Transformers (cartoon)/cast]]''.}}
[[File:Bumblebee and Goldbug.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|They kept making the toys? But weren't those like, [[Action Master|the ones that couldn't transform]] or something?]]
According to [[David Wise]], he was contacted by [[Sunbow Productions]] to write a ''five''-part series finale which would introduce a deluge of new characters while simultaneously tying up the series. Shortly after Wise completed the five-episode outline, however, a budget cutback reduced it to a ''three''-parter. This created a massive headache for the writer, who did the math and claimed that they'd be introducing a new character just about every 28 or 90 seconds.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVRk-sOMZ6Y Interview from Rhino Season 3/4 DVD set]</ref> [[Dan Gilvezan]] also expressed his confusion at the truncated season, as 98 episodes didn't fit into a syndicated weekday broadcast schedule (which needed to be divisible by 5).<ref>''Bumblebee and Me: Life as a G1 Transformer'', by Dan Gilvezan</ref>

In the end, 25 brand new Transformers and 21 [[Nebulan]]s, that's 46 new characters in all, were introduced across these final three episodes. Well, that's assuming you count [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] as separate characters from [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] and [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]]... and [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] and [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]] as one guy.

While the previous three seasons each featured fully original [[title sequence]]s, season 4's title sequence was more economically cobbled together. By combining animation taken from toy commercials (produced by [[Toei Animation|Toei]]) and animation from the season 3 title sequence (produced by [[AKOM]]), they crafted a "new" title sequence (which used the season 3 rendition of the theme song). A clever ploy, though the difference in animation quality and art style between segments produced by Toei and AKOM leads to the footage blending rather poorly.

# "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Rebirth, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Rebirth, Part 3]]"

{{--}}

===Season 5===
[[File:Puppetpmprime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Man, I wish they'd made a fifth season. It would've been awesome.]]

Season 5 did not feature any new episodes, but rather consisted of 15 episodes from the previous seasons and ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' broken up into five episodes, for a total of 20 episodes. A music video for "[[The Touch]]" was also used to fill time.

In addition to a new [[title sequence]] and new [[commercial bumper]]s, new bookending segments were added to each episode. These segments featured an animatronic/stop-motion puppet of [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] meeting regularly with a live-action human named [[Tommy Kennedy]] to tell him old Transformers stories. While the stories were old, the bookending segments took place in a contemporary time with Optimus regularly name dropping characters who never appeared in the older episodes, but were currently available on store shelves.

Production of the segments fell under [[Tim Speidel]], a producer for [[Griffin Bacal]] (the New York-based advertising company which co-developed ''The Transformers'').<ref>http://digestmybrain.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/my-conversation-with-tim-speidel/</ref> The Optimus Prime puppet was operated by [[Marty Robinson]], a famous puppeteer best known for his work on ''Sesame Street'' providing the mouthplate movement and on-set voice, with an assistant performing the head turns. Filming of these segments was completed in one week during June, 1988, at Silver Cup Studios in Queens, New York. Powermaster Optimus Prime was made of wood and very fragile in certain areas, requiring actor [[Jason Jansen]] to watch his step while filming. Apparently, at one point a camera rig fell over onto the wooden Optimus Prime hand right where Jansen would have been sitting if he hadn't been eating a bagel at the craft services table. A crane operator who was strapped to the camera wasn't so fortunate and "rode" the falling equipment down for 40 feet.<ref>http://digestmybrain.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/tommy-kennedy-found-an-interview-with-jason-jansen/</ref>

{{collist|3|
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1#Season 5|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2#Season 5|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3#Season 5|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"
# [[The Transformers: The Movie#Day One|''The Transformers: The Movie'' (Day One)]]
# [[The Transformers: The Movie#Day Two|''The Transformers: The Movie'' (Day Two)]]
# [[The Transformers: The Movie#Day Three|''The Transformers: The Movie'' (Day Three)]]
# [[The Transformers: The Movie#Day Four|''The Transformers: The Movie'' (Day Four)]]
# [[The Transformers: The Movie#Day Five|''The Transformers: The Movie'' (Day Five)]]
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1#Season 5|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2#Season 5|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3#Season 5|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4#Season 5|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5#Season 5|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"
# "[[Surprise Party#Season 5|Surprise Party]]"
# "[[Dark Awakening (episode)#Season 5|Dark Awakening]]"
# "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1#Season 5|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2#Season 5|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Rebirth, Part 1#Season 5|The Rebirth, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Rebirth, Part 2#Season 5|The Rebirth, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Rebirth, Part 3#Season 5|The Rebirth, Part 3]]"
}}

{{--}}

===The Sci-Fi Channel===

[[File:CartoonQuestTitleCard.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|They totally never showed the old episodes on TV again after G1.]]

From 1992 to 1997, the Sci-Fi Channel rotated reruns of ''The Transformers'' in and out of their early morning cartoon programming blocks, [[Cartoon Quest]] and [[Animation Station]]. These broadcasts used a unique version of the [[title sequence]], which featured the season 2 animation set to the season 3 rendition of the [[theme song]].

Unfortunately, due to longer commercial slots, the decision was made to edit the cartoon down. Sometimes this was done in a comparatively harmless fashion, but other times the flow of scenes and even the plot suffered. In one of the most notorious edits, two lines from [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] in "[[Masquerade]]" ended up smooshed into a single nonsensical jumble: "Time to add fire torobably hate myself in the morning, but—"

Unusually, the Sci-Fi Channel network run '''overlapped''' with the ''Generation 2'' syndication run; at one point the Sci-Fi Channel even ran a contest where kids could submit postcards to win ''G2'' toys.

{{--}}

===Generation 2===

[[File:G2CartoonLogo.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The reason G2 sucked is they didn't even have a show. There was like, nothing on.]]

Between 1993 and 1995, a total of 52 select episodes of ''The Transformers'' were repackaged as a new program: ''The Transformers: Generation 2''. The episodes featured new transitioning segments via the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] as well as a new [[title sequence]].
{{See|Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2}}

{{--}}

===The Hub Network/Discovery Family===

[[File:Hub-CobraPaloozaMegatronAThon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Nope. ''Definitely'' never showed the old episodes again.]]

Beginning in October 2010, ''The Transformers'' made its return to American television via [[Hub Network|The Hub Network]], a cable network jointly owned by [[Hasbro]]. ''The Transformers'' episodes were aired uncut and unaltered for the first time since their original broadcast (though the on-demand version of "[[Heavy Metal War]]" inexplicably used the infamous [[Kid Rhino]] version with unfinished animation). However, for scheduling and advertising purposes, the series was rebranded ''The Transformers: Generation 1''. This kept it from potentially getting confused with the [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|many]] [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|other]] ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Transformers]]'' cartoons which were airing simultaneously on the network. Despite this, nothing was done to alter the opening credits, which still say ''The Transformers''.

Incidentally, it ''also'' means that exactly the same episodes of ''The Transformers'' have been rebranded as "Generation 1" ''and'' "Generation 2"... and in reverse order, at that.

''The Transformers'' aired on the [[Huboom!]] programming block in all its various forms (changing hosts, time slots and theme every couple of years). New [[Commercial/Generation 1#2011|commercial segments]] frequently reworked animation from old episodes of ''The Transformers'', combining them with new voice overs (often from the original cast) to create humorous situations. Lo and behold, we now have [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] bickering with [[Cobra Commander]].

In October 2014, The Hub Network was replaced with [[Discovery Family]] and reruns were moved to the early-morning slot, as Discovery Communications began programming evenings on the channel.

At the beginning of 2017, however, the series was removed from the lineup entirely, only to return without warning around mid 2020, airing on weekdays at 3 AM, where the ''Transformers'' and ''G.I. Joe'' series have mainly been banished to due to Discovery Family's main demographic skewing female (hence why ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Cyberverse]]'' were aired on [[Cartoon Network]]).

{{--}}

==International Releases==
===Japanese release===
In Japan, ''The Transformers'' was broken apart into 2 separately branded shows:

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''====

{{nav-fsrltf}}

'''''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''''' (戦え! 超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマー, ''Tatakae! Chō Robotto Seimeitai Transformers'') began airing in 1985, consisting of the North American season 1 and 2 episodes. Although 2 episodes out of the original 65 were cut ("[[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|Attack of the Autobots]]" and "[[Day of the Machines]]"), an additional 9 [[clip show]]s were created, composed entirely of re-used footage taken from various episodes, bringing the total number of ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' episodes to 72. The 2 missing episodes were later dubbed in 1990 and released straight-to-video, then retroactively added to the series episode list, boosting its official count to 74 episodes.

{{collist|4|
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"
# "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"
# "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"
# "[[Roll for It]]"
# "[[Divide and Conquer]]"
# "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"
# "[[War of the Dinobots]]"
# "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]"
# "[[Heavy Metal War]]"
# "[[Autobot Spike]]"
# "[[Changing Gears]]"
# "[[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]"
# "[[Birth of the Transformers!]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[The Immobilizer]]"
# "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"
# "[[Enter the Nightbird]]"
# "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1]]"
# "[[Dinobot Island, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]]"
# "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]"
# "[[A Prime Problem]]"
# "[[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]]"
# "[[Auto Berserk]]"
# "[[Microbots]]"
# "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]"
# "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2]]"
# "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]]"
# "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]"
# "[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]"
# "[[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon]]"
# "[[The God Gambit]]"
# "[[Make Tracks]]"
# "[[Quest for Survival]]"
# "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]"
# "[[The Gambler]]"
# "[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]"
# "[[Kremzeek!]]"
# "[[Triple Takeover]]"
# "[[Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play]]"
# "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]"
# "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]"
# "[[Sea Change]]"
# "[[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)|Hoist Goes Hollywood]]"
# "[[Aerial Assault]]"
# "[[Trans-Europe Express]]"
# "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]"
# "[[The Core]]"
# "[[Blaster Blues]]"
# "[[Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target]]"
# "[[Auto-Bop]]"
# "[[Starscream's Brigade]]"
# "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]"
# "[[War Without End (episode)|War Without End]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Desperate Battle on Dinobot Island]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Devastator, the Giant Warrior]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Neverending Struggle]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]"
# "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]"
# "[[Masquerade]]"
# "[[Fire in the Sky]]"
# "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]"
# "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]"
# "[[The Autobot Run]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"
# "[[Earth's Greatest Crisis]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Seek the Cybertonium]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Stunticons vs Aerialbots]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Mutiny of the Combaticons]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|Attack of the Autobots]]"{{dag|black}}
# "[[Day of the Machines]]"{{dag|black}}
}}
{{dag|red}} ''Added [[clip show]]'' 
{{dag|black}} ''{{w|Direct-to-video}}''

The broadcast order of the series was significantly reworked, with most of the episodes featuring [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|Skyfire]] being pushed to the end of the run (presumably owing the character's shaky status as a Bandai toy in Japan). Contrary to what would be sensible, this did ''not'' involve correcting any of the chronological errors present in the original order; in fact, it even created some new ones. The pack-in booklet included with the {{w|LaserDisc}} and DVD sets from [[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer]] includes the original production order with liner notes explaining some of the continuity issues and choices behind the Japanese airing order.

Perhaps most notoriously, the episodes were edited before their broadcast in Japan. These edits were made not for content, but for length so that the show could accommodate longer opening and ending [[Title sequence|sequence]]s. The combined length of the U.S. opening and ending sequences was about 1 minute and 10 seconds. The combined length of the Japanese opening and ending sequences, however, was about 2 minutes and 20 seconds. This resulted in roughly 1 minute and 10 seconds of content being cut from every single episode.

The translation in terms of script and story was faithful in regards to the original English version (the same cannot be said of the translations of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Japan|Beast Wars]]'' and onward). However, the dub was at times rushed and had its own unique errors, primarily in terms of matching the right voices and names to the characters on screen. Some examples of character identification mistakes include "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]", in which it is '' [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]'' who requests permission to teleport and attack [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and "[[Divide and Conquer]]", where ''[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'' voices the teleporting [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] rather than [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (as a result, to Japanese viewers, it appears as though teleportation is a trait inherent in all Seekers and not just Skywarp). One of the worst examples would come in "[[The Master Builders (episode)|The Master Builders]]", as Megatron orders Blitzwing into battle, though the jet is clearly Ramjet (Ramjet is even dubbed with Blitzwing's voice).

It is entirely possible that the translation for the series was done using preliminary scripts rather than the finished versions, resulting in the additional errors. The Japanese dub began airing 8 months after the American broadcast of the series and very quickly caught up with the United States. As a matter of fact, the episodes "[[Autobot Spike]]" and "[[Changing Gears]]" premiered in Japan several weeks ''before'' they aired in the US! Other evidence indicating translation was made from draft scripts can be seen in "[[Trans-Europe Express]]", where the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]] is referred to as the "Pearl of Jehuddin", the name it carried in preliminary scripts but changed for the final version.

Although primary characters such as Megatron, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, etc., had consistent actors, the dub was ''extremely'' loose in terms of casting its secondary characters. Bluestreak, for example, had no less than ''seven'' different actors portray him over the course of the series (though [[Kōki Kataoka]] is typically credited as his "standard" voice actor). By the looks of things, if a secondary character only received one or two lines in a given episode, then whatever actor was on hand in the studio would be called in to play them, consistency be damned.

Additionally, the Japanese dub of ''Transformers'' was geared toward a younger audience than the original English version. While the dialogue and stories remained faithful in localization, the episodes received '''extensive''' [[Narrator|narration]] from [[Issei Masamune]]. The additional narration was relentless to the point of becoming play-by-play commentary. The narrator would constantly describe what was happening on screen, summarize scenes and dialogue immediately after they were seen or spoken, and generally just provide needless asides such as "And then!" "Suddenly!" and "Meanwhile!" This was done to help the younger Japanese viewers follow along with the story, though later domestically produced Japanese ''Transformers'' animation would not include such excessive narration.

''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' aired on various local [[Nihon TV]] affiliates and as a result, some episodes were preempted in some areas ("[[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon]]", for example, only aired in the Kansai region, while "[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]" aired in every region ''but'' the Kansai region). The opening theme was "[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]] and the ending theme was "[[Peace Again]]" also by Shimonari. The Japanese dubs sound direction was provided by [[Shōzō Tajima]].

====''Scramble City''====

[[File:Scramble city logo.jpg|center|250x200px]]

An additional {{w|Original Video Animation|OVA special}} was produced as a spin-off of ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''. The special was released to home video in [[April]] [[1986]], placing it somewhere between the Japanese broadcast of "[[Kremzeek!]]" and "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]." Primarily concerned with introducing the toys in its [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|accompanying subline]], the special included the Japanese screen debuts of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|four]] [[Stunticon (G1)|1986]] [[Protectobot (G1)|combiner]] [[Combaticon (G1)|teams]] (the titular [[Scramble Power|Scrambles]]), [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (the titular cities), [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[City Commander]]), and Cassette bots Steeljaw, Ramhorn and Ratbat.
{{See|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010''====

{{nav-2010}}

'''''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010''''' (戦え! 超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマー 2010 ''Tatakae! Chō Robotto Seimeitai Transformers Ni-Zero-Ichi-Zero'') began airing in 1986, consisting of the North American season 3 episodes. All 30 episodes were dubbed for ''Transformers 2010'' and 2 additional clip episodes were produced, bringing the total to 32 episodes.

{{collist|3|
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]"
# "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]"
# "[[Thief in the Night]]"
# "[[Starscream's Ghost]]"
# "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]"
# "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]"
# "[[The Killing Jar (episode)|The Killing Jar]]"
# "[[Chaos (episode)|Chaos]]"
# "[[Madman's Paradise]]"
# "[[Surprise Party]]"
# "[[Carnage in C-Minor]]"
# "[[Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee]]"
# "[[Ghost in the Machine (G1)|Ghost in the Machine]]"
# "[[Webworld]]"
# "[[The Dweller in the Depths]]"
# "[[The Quintesson Journal]]"
# "[[The Ultimate Weapon]]"
# "[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006]]"
# "[[Only Human]]"
# "[[Money Is Everything (episode)|Money Is Everything]]"
# "[[Nightmare Planet]]"
# "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]"
# "[[Call of the Primitives]]"
# "[[The Face of the Nijika]]"
# "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]"
# "[[Daniel's Adventure]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[The Desperate Struggle of Justice]]"{{dag|red}}
# "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]"
# "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]"
}}
{{dag|red}} ''Added [[clip show]]''

As with ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'', ''Transformers 2010'' considerably reordered the sequence of episodes. However, rather than restore the narrative order (as the North American broadcast had jumbled up the story arcs), the Japanese broadcast actually made things ''worse''. And as with ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'', Pioneer's LaserDisc and DVD sets for ''Transformers 2010'' include a "narrative viewing order" list in the pack-in booklet.

''Transformers 2010'' received the same editing treatment as its predecessor, losing scenes to make room for the longer title and credits sequences. Likewise, it received all the excessive narration and was prone to the same rotating cast members and character identification hiccups. In regards to the latter, it could become especially problematic when the ''narrator'' was the one misidentifying the characters (in "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]", the narrator mistakenly identifies Wildrider and Dead End as Runabout and Runamuck).

Again, as with ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'', there is evidence the ''Transformers 2010'' translation was done using draft scripts and not the finished versions. This often bled into promotional material, such as a rather [[:File:TVMagazineStarscreamsGhost1.jpg|infamous advertisement]] for "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" which featured [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] as the main character rather than [[Octane]] (as it was written in early drafts of the episode, but changed by the final version).

In addition to the extensive narration to hold the viewer's hand, ''Transformers 2010'' also received brand new text captions which had not been often utilized in ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''. These captions would appear on screen to designate locations (be they planets, countries or cities) and to identify new characters whenever they first appeared (including both names and functions). The [[Secret Files of Teletraan II]] segments were also reworked; some were dubbed, some were dropped and some brand new ones exclusive to ''Transformers 2010'' were created.

The release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie/dubs#Japan|The Transformers: The Movie]]'' was delayed in Japan and was not available between ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' and ''Transformers 2010''. To help viewers acclimate to the new status quo, explanatory material was published in the pages of ''[[TV Magazine]]'', describing the events of ''The Movie'' as the "[[Unicron War]]" and summarizing vital events from the film (such as Optimus Prime's death, Rodimus Prime's ascension and Megatron's upgrade into Galvatron). ''The Movie'' would eventually be released straight-to-video in 1989.

Like ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'', ''Transformers 2010'' was broadcast on various local Nihon TV affiliates, resulting in preemptions in certain areas ("[[The Face of the Nijika]]" for example). The opening theme was "[[Transformer 2010]]" by [[Shō Hirose]] and the ending theme was "[[What's You]]" also by Hirose.

====''Transformers: The Rebirth''====

[[File:RebirthYoshiokaLaserDiscArt.jpg|center|300x200px]]

The season 4 episodes of ''The Transformers'' were not originally broadcast in Japan, with [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] instead electing to produce a brand new series to continue the story of their animated continuity: ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]''. However, all 3 episodes were eventually released straight-to-video in 1996 as '''''Transformers: The Rebirth''''' (トランスフォーマーザ・リバース). The episodes received their much-belated Japanese television broadcast in 2007 on [[Cartoon Network|Cartoon Network Japan]].

To differentiate "The Rebirth" from the Japanese continuity of ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'', the episodes were released under the American ''The Transformers'' branding. This included using the American [[title sequence]] and [[commercial bumper]]s (undubbed). To further this distinction, the dub used English-language names and terminology for the most part ("Hot Rod" was not changed to "Hot Rodimus" and "Kup" was not changed to "Cher", for example) while maintaining the Japanese-exclusive names for the more high-profile characters ("Convoy" was not changed to "Optimus Prime", for example).

Inconsistencies in translation choices aside, there were some bizarre errors in the dub; names attributed to characters or groups that existed in neither the English or Japanese versions. Scorponok is referred to as "Scorpion", the Throttlebots are referred to as the "Slot Robots", and in the Japanese subtitles of the English version, the Technobots are referred to as the "Tech Robots". The fact booklet (written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]) included with the ''Transformers 2010'' DVD set specifically cites these instances as translation errors and not deliberate changes.

Only three actors from ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' and ''Transformers 2010'' returned to voice their respective characters: [[Tesshō Genda]] (Optimus Prime), [[Seizō Katō]] (Galvatron) and [[Issei Masamune]] (narrator). Every other cast member was replaced with a soundalike, to varying degrees of success. The voice direction for these episodes was conducted by [[Shōzō Tajima]].

===Brazilian release===
In [[Brazil]], most of the show was dubbed at the Herbert Richers studio in Rio de Janeiro, the most prominent Brazilian dubbing studio of the 20th century, and began airing in 1986 on Rede Globo in a weekly Sunday schedule, being later moved to weekdays with broadcasts from Monday through Friday. Due to how centralized the dubbing scene was at the time, most of the voice actors in ''The Transformers'' were the same people who dubbed basically every single movie and television series of the 1980s. Just like in the Japanese dub, however, only some of the main characters featured consistent voice actors for most of their episodes, with even Optimus himself getting his voice replaced halfway through the series, while everyone else got dubbed by whatever actors were available at the studio at any given time.

Regardless of that, the 80s dub is beloved by most fans who grew up with it and is considered one of the best cartoon dubs of its era. Most of the time, the characters were given very suiting voices that were even modulated to sound "robotic" just like in the American version, though they didn't had the means to recreate Soundwave's highly stylized voice pattern. As for localization, different from the comics which changed the name of almost every character to a Portuguese word, the cartoon kept most names intact with just a few exceptions; most famously, the Stunticons are referred to as the "Acrobaticons", and Optimus Prime is ''always'' called "Leader Optimus" or simply "Leader" whenever someone calls him "Prime" in the original. So yes, even Megatron calls him "Leader" all the time!

For unclear reasons, this dub (and subsequently the broadcast) of the show skipped the "More than Meets the Eye" miniseries and began with "Transport to Oblivion"; years later, the miniseries would be dubbed by ETC Filmes, a small studio located in São Paulo, and released on DVD by NBO Entertainment. They also released their own dub of "The Autobot Run", an episode inexplicably skipped by Herbert Richers. Unfortunately, this dub did a very poor job at casting its voice actors, giving most characters very unfitting voices that were left completely unmodulated; in a particularly egregious case, Optimus and Megatron are made to sound just like two regular thirty-something guys trying their best to overact each and every line of dialogue given to them.

Despite having been handled by two different studios over the years, the show was still left incomplete as far as anyone in the fandom could tell; specifically, the episodes "Kremzeek!", "Aerial Assault", "Starscream's Ghost" and everything between "Call of the Primitives" and "The Rebirth, Part 3" are not known to have ever been released in the country. Whether they were in fact never dubbed, were dubbed but never got to air, or did actually get aired but ended up being lost to time is still a mystery, though the first alternative seems to be the most plausible. Due to how haphazard dubs were made back then, it's possible that Herbert Richers skipped those episodes by pure accident and then never got to finish the rest of the show simply due to a lack of incentive. Similarly, it's possible ETC Filmes was planning on dubbing the remaining episodes just like they did with "The Autobot Run", but had their DVD releases cancelled before they could get to them. Because of this, the Brazilian release of the show is believed to have ended with the episode "Money is Everything".

As is also the case with [[The Transformers: The Movie/dubs#Brazil|the 1986 movie]], official home releases of the Brazilian dubs are extremely hard to find, with most episodes from season 2 onwards having never been released in home media to begin with. In fact, it's very likely that those episodes have only survived to this day thanks to TV recordings done by fans back when the show was still on air. As a result of this carelessness on the part of the distributors, the unknown state of preservation of the original recordings and the potential rights issues that may very well entangle them, it's effectively impossible for them to be reused in any way, meaning that an entirely new dub would necessarily have to be created from the ground up before the show could ever see another release for Brazilian audiences again.

===Latin America===
The shows aired in at least Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The dub was recorded at [[Magnum Estudios]] in Los Angeles California, using Spanish speaking expatriates (including a number of up-and-coming Mexican voice actors).

==Home video releases==
{{main|The Transformers (cartoon)/home video}}

==Notes==
[[File:G1 cartoon titles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Transformers will return once they have found their definite article.]]
[[File:WorldOfHectorRamirez.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|No universe is safe from being Hectored.]]
*Both the [[The Transformers (toyline)|toyline]] and the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] used a definite article for their title, thus making the franchise's official name "''The'' Transformers" during its early years. At first sight, the cartoon appears to be the odd one out: The opening credits for all four seasons simply render the show's name as "Transformers", without "The"... except for the end of the season 2 opening credits. In addition, the [[commercial bumper]]s ''do'' use the definite article consistently. We have therefore chosen to use the version that matches both the toy line and the comic for the sake of consistency.
*While answering a letter from a fan in the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]] to [[The Legacy of Unicron!|Issue #146]], the [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] from the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|UK Marvel Comics]] revealed that he totally knows all about ''The Transformers'' cartoon series. He claims the Marvel Comics depict the events as they actually happened and the cartoon is fictional.
*Looking at the production codes of the series reveals some choice tidbits:
**The series pilot, "More than Meets the Eye", was produced under a set of different production codes, as it was created before ''Transformers'' was expanded to become an ongoing series. After the pilot, the episode production numbers begin afresh with "700-01" ("Transport to Oblivion"), and proceeded in order until the end of the first season, with "700-13" ("Heavy Metal War"). At the beginning of the second season, it seems the production codes were adjusted to account for the three parts of "More than Meets the Eye", but someone's math was off by a digit: the first episode of the season, "Autobot Spike," was "700-16," instead of "700-17." This out-by-one numbering continued through the entire second season, ending with the 65th episode, "B.O.T.", as "700-64."
**The original intention of season 3 was to correct this numbering error and begin with "700-66," but after several episodes had moved into production, the decision was made to amend the numbering of the season and start with "700-86"—internal Sunbow documentation available on the Metrodome DVD release of the series shows each episode of "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" numbered 700-66 through -70, crossed out and renamed 700-86 through -90 by hand, and a model sheet for [[Beta (G1)|Beta]] identified "Forever Is a Long Time Coming" as episode "700-74," when its finalized production number was "700-94". Presumably, this was done in reference to the year, 1986, to mark a new "era" for the series now that new writers and story editors were in charge of production.
**There is no episode with production code 700–109. "Only Human" was 700–108, while "Grimlock's New Brain" was 700–110; many online sources list "Money Is Everything" as episode 700-109 and instead omit 700–111, but Sunbow documentation consistently proves this incorrect. A piece of internal correspondence from Marvel Productions<ref>[https://twitter.com/MSipher/status/1107399668361650176 Marvel Productions internal correspondance, posted by MSipher on Twitter]</ref> reveals that this is because "[[The Face of the Nijika]]" was originally episode 109, but it was "put on hold" by Hasbro for unknown reasons, and when revised, was given the new number of 700–113.
*Twelve episodes were released as audio adventures by the [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]] (featuring dialogue from the German dub of the cartoon by Polyband with new background music from Karussell's own library), a common practice at the time.
*Cartoon writers are a sneaky lot, and quietly put references to ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'', another show they were working on at the same time, into ''The Transformers''. [[Daina]] of the Soviet Oktober Guard ("[[Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target]]"), [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] as [[Marissa Faireborn]]'s dad ("[[The Killing Jar (episode)|The Killing Jar]]"), and an elderly [[Cobra Commander]] ("[[Only Human]]") all appear. We also see journalist [[Hector Ramirez]] ("[[Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target]]"), who appeared in almost ''everything'' Hasbro and Sunbow were doing at the time.
{{--}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvMHCfwLXJRYGTnvIQX9Hmwq_Q35qnaD8 Complete ''The Transformers'' playlist on YouTube]
*[http://groups.google.com/group/net.comics/browse_thread/thread/eab15c298a61cdfb/fce7a2ddb7e35a81 1985 net.comics review]
*[http://www.reocities.com/Area51/Comet/5606/tfepgd.html Aaron Marsh's Transformers Episode Guide] — Including variants and repackagings
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Transformers/9160392217 Transformers on Facebook] - Includes information on Matrix of Leadership Box Set
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/mp-700-transformers-part-1-1984-1985.html Scripts and storyboards for Season 1 and 2 at the Sunbow and Marvel archive]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/mp-700-transformers-part-2-1986-1987.html Scripts and other material from Season 3 at the Sunbow and Marvel archive]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (cartoon), The}}
[[Category:Continuities]]
[[Category:Generation 1 media]]
[[Category:The Transformers episodes| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2026-04-06T18:03:58Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|season=1
|season ep=15
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 29]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGRGcFYVWVs
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a heavily-forested swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[File:Insecticon Base.jpg|left|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]
However, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon]]s to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]]—[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[System|weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a [[Shrapnel grenade|fragmentation grenade]] which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[File:Optimus ram.jpg|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]
Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby [[oil]] refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[File:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]
At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[File:Tanker throw.jpg|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]
Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

[[File:PlagueofInsecticons Skyfire sitting in puddle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch... with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 27th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 6th August 1984
* Initial Insecticon models approved: 8th August 1984
* Final script: 13th August 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 20th August 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 24th August 1984 (Artists: Kim Dae-Jung, [[Peter Chung]])
* Storyboards revised and slugged: 28th August 1984 (Slugging by [[Brad Case]])
* Final storyboard revision and shipped to Toei: 31st August 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 17th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[File:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|When there's lightning, you know it always brings me down]]
[[File:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rideeeer Kick!]]

*Gadgets and powers:
**Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
**Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
**The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new [[alternate mode]] through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
**Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''[[Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Macross]]'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
**Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene...and then they show him with drills on his hands.
**Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
**Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
**It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it first to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and then his control beams, the latter destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
**Thundercracker uses his flamethrower again, previously seen in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]". As noted before, this was likely an interpretation of the [[incendiary gun]]s his bio described him as being armed with.
**Ironhide puts out a fire with [[Fire-retardant foam|foamy gassy white stuff]] that he fires from both retracted wrists.
**Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air in a flash of light, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
**As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
***They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves, a power which was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups and was created solely for the cartoon. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell is also involved, but the animation does not convey the full intent of the script when it comes to his role: the visuals imply that all he does is blow up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones, but the script explains that the Insecta-shell was supposed to release streams of filament and micro-circuitry to connect the debris together, through which Shrapnel's beams are then channelled to form and animate the clones.
***Shrapnel uses his [[grenade launcher]], firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as a "[[shrapnel grenade]]" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
***Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
***Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. The Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
*Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
*The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
*The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[Indonesia]].
*Wheeljack tells Prime to "{{w|Keep On Truckin' (comics)|keep on truckin'"}}.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
**''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' [[Death Star]] superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
**Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
**''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
**Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
**X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
**Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
**X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

===Technical or animation glitches===
[[File:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
*Coloring errors:
**Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
**Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.[[File:Ark silver.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
**In the establishing shot of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.[[File:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
**As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
**As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
**In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
**After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
**As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
**Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
**Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
**Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
**When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
**Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
**Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
**In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
**The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
**Shrapnel's [[beast mode|bug mode]] front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
**Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
**Sunstreaker is [[Diaclone#Car Robots|red instead of yellow]] as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
**Wheeljack is in Bombshell's colors as the Autobots start to run for cover.
**Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
**Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
**Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
**As the Decepticons retreat from battle and fly towards the oil refinery, Skyfire is part of the formation.
**Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
**Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
**In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.
*Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His [[robot mode]] color scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are colored black instead become purple when he transforms.
*The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
*The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
*Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
*As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
*As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
*Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
*Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
*In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
*As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
*Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
*As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
*When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
*At the line "bite down, it's our only chance to hang on!" the voice is Bombshell's, but Shrapnel is shown. Since they're in bug mode and Bombshell was shown in the preceding shot, this may not be an animation error exactly, but at the very least it's poor framing.
*Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
*Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
*Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
*Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
*Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
*Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
*Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:

*The movement of the boats in the opening shots is different in the DVD version.
*A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
*The shot of the Decepticons leaving their base is mistimed, and a distracting "seam" can be seen on the background painting.
*Megatron's unibrow is white in two shots.
*The Insecticons' gunfire is purple instead of orange on several occasions.
*When Skyfire falls in the water, the water effects briefly disappear for a few frames.
*When Shrapnel shoots his ball shaped bomb, the flame and bomb are missing thus leaving him to fire absolutely nothing; the ball is shown a second later.
*As Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are being controlled by Shrapnel's control beams, Shrapnel is missing from the shot and is nowhere to be seen.
*As the two of them are forcefully driven toward the other Autobots, Sunstreaker is colored black and the frame of animation is not arranged properly.
*Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.
*The energon cubes are not colored properly in one shot.
*A shot of Optimus and Wheeljack in the water is missing one of the water cel layers. As a result, the bottom half of Optimus's body is completely missing.
*The animation of the approaching storm clouds is missing. Instead, a single dark cloud simply floats across the screen.
*The lightning flashes as Megatron declares that the enemy is on the ground differ slightly in the DVD version.
*When Shrapnel says the line "Has brought it to us us now now" his dialogue lags behind the scene where he speaks. In addition, the sky has inexplicably turned sunny again in the DVD version.
*Some instances of Wheeljack speaking, like when he says "Thanks Prime, keep on truckin'", are missing the flashing "ears" effect.
*When Bumblebee says "There's gotta be something we can do before we all get fried", his mouth and head do not move until he says the word "fried".
*The lightning ray has different glowing effects in the DVD version.
*Spike's mouth flaps are slightly different when he talks about the rubber tires.
*When Shrapnel jumps out of the way of a laser blast, the refinery background behind him is different.
*When Optimus blasts the Insecticons away, the refinery background behind them is different yet again.
*Wheeljack's glow is stationary at the end of the episode.

===Continuity errors===
*The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
**Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "...was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
*** (Or he's saying he doesn't know Megatron very well. Or their memory banks were a little fuzzed after four million years in a swamp.)
**The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
*** (Maybe their pod was activated after intercepting an automatic signal from the now-active Ark or Nemesis?)
**The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons Sideswipe drilling.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
*Michael Bell seems to have gotten a bit confused. Throughout this episode he uses his Prowl voice for Sideswipe.
*How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
*How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
*How does Optimus Prime's team ''drive to Bali'', an Indonesian island which is clear across the Pacific Ocean? They needed Skyfire to get to Peru. Even if we accept they used the "hydrofoils" from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 1," they arrive only moments after the Decepticons, who are already in Bali. They would have arrived even sooner if not for their "detour."
*Per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
*Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
*Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
*As they arrive at the refinery, Optimus Prime orders "let's get them, Autobots!" They immediately run for cover, firing no weapons.
*Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!
*When Megatron and company arrive at the Balinese oil refinery, a human shouts "the monsters are back!" Neither the Insecticons nor Decepticons have been shown attacking an oil refinery in this episode. Unless one of the refinery workers just happens to moonlight as a swamp boater. Or knows someone who does.

===Trivia===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Trailbreaker projecting forcefield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].
*Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
*Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un fléau d'Insecticons'''" ("A plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the European French dub, Laserbeak gains a third name after Laserobreak and Laserback, "Laserbreak".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Gli Insekticons'''" ("The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In this episode the Insecticons are both called "Insecticon" and "Insector".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La piaga degli Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of the Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Insectron no Nazo'''" (インセクトロンの謎, "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of this episode had to be delayed until near the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved.
::*Being a Japanese dub and all, Shrapnel dramatically announces the name of his lightning blast as though it were a special move: "Thunder Attack!"
::*The Japanese dub confuses Megatron's poorly phrased line of "This is a Decepticon escape module launched before our own starship crashed on Earth four million years ago" as meaning that the Insecticons took off and arrived on Earth long before the other Decepticons crashed on Earth.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jīqì Kūnchóng '''" (机器昆虫, "The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Praga de Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nashestviye Insecticonov'''" ("The Invasion of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nајezdа Insektikonа'''" (Најезда Инсектикона, "Insecticon Invasion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1j7OGUiXk5ZF-BuqIPg3hYQfFdqXF3q4_ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NSlZNavsyWpe9za6XHfPdv1a39KWY11R/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Fire on the Mountain (episode)

2026-04-06T17:57:14Z

Greebtron: /* Production information */

{{disambig3|Fire on the Mountain}}

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=9
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=63
|prev2=Fire in the Sky
|next2=A Plague of Insecticons
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=49
|prev3=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next3=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|image=Fire on the mountain.jpg
|caption="I don't understand it, baby. This has never happened to me before, honest."
|title="Fire on the Mountain"
|season=1
|season ep=9
|production code=#700-06
|airdate=[[December 22]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzq3C4hkfNE
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons uncover the Crystal of Power in Peru, and the Autobots resurrect Skyfire to stop them.'''

==Synopsis==
While patrolling a refinery, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] spot [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] stealing steel. The [[Decepticon]]s get away with the loot by collapsing the refinery behind them. The Autobots report back to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who is puzzled about the Decepticons' motives. The [[Autobot]]s launch a [[Sky Spy]] to home in on any Decepticon activity, and the satellite picks up strange energy readings in the [[Peru]]vian [[Andes Mountains|Andes]].

[[File:Crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Almost ablaze, still you don't feel the heat]]
There, the Decepticons have followed an [[Inca]]n legend to an ancient temple that rests on a shaft leading deep into the [[Earth's core]], capped by the [[Crystal of Power]]. With the metal acquired by Starscream, the Decepticons have fashioned a weapon frame to accommodate the crystal. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] spots the Sky Spy, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] tests the weapon by blowing the satellite out of the sky. The metal, however, proves inadequate and melts with exposure to the raw energy unleashed from the Earth's core. Starscream tries to shift blame to Thundercracker for the faulty metal, but Megatron blames them both and has them stay behind at the temple while he soars to a nearby mining town to find replacement metal.

The nearby Peruvian mining town is abuzz with the sudden show of power from the ancient temple. A reactionary elder proclaims that long-forgotten gods have come back to punish them, but her more level-headed granddaughter, [[Luisa]], realizes that someone must have uncovered the fabled Crystal of Power.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Sideswipe piledriving.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Freud would have had a field day with this.]]
In the [[Arctic]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] are jackhammering through the ice to resurrect the fallen warrior [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]. The massive jet emerges from the ice and transforms into [[robot mode]]. Wheeljack immediately assigns him to fly back to Autobot headquarters to pick up Brawn and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] before heading down to the Andes Mountains.

In short order, Skyfire is in the Andes, closing in on the Decepticons. Windcharger and Brawn skydive from the jet, tangling with [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] while Skyfire goes to investigate the strange energy readings from the Incan temple. While the smaller Autobots are able to hold their own against Megatron's lieutenants, the Decepticon leader proves too powerful for them and they scatter. Windcharger desperately calls for Skyfire to return while Brawn bites off more than he can chew in the form of an angered Megatron.

[[File:FireontheMountain SoundwaveMegsgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Men were shot down for the sake of fun 
Or just to hear the noise of their .44 guns]]
Skyfire zooms in to the rescue and gracefully airlifts Brawn and Windcharger from the thick of Decepticon danger. Skyfire quickly returns to the Ark to pick up some reinforcements and streaks back to Peru. He deposits the Autobots near the mining town to take care of Megatron while he goes to investigate the Incan temple.

The Autobots stop Megatron, Reflector and Soundwave mid-raid, with Brawn having the ball-bearings enough to swipe Megatron's [[Fusion cannon|arm cannon]] and blast the Decepticon leader with his own weapon! Laserbeak steals back the weapon and Megatron swears vengeance. He has gathered a metal strong enough for the Crystal, and requests that [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] come to retrieve it, adding further insult to Thundercracker and Starscream who are left guarding the temple.

[[File:Brawnfusioncannon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Good grief, it's a running gag.]]
A stray blast during the battle nearly drops an electrical tower on top of Luisa, but she is saved by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and Bumblebee. Luisa quickly explains that these "evil creatures" have stolen the Crystal of Power. She leads Bumblebee and Spike to a secret entrance in the temple. Soundwave detects their presence, and dispatches Ravage to follow them.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker spots Skyfire skulking about the temple. The Decepticon warrior is torn; if he blasts Skyfire, Starscream is likely to take all the credit. Conversely, if he lets Skyfire destroy the Crystal-based weapon, perhaps Starscream can take the blame. Starscream overhears Thundercracker plotting, and blasts Skyfire. He then blackmails Thundercracker to do his bidding, lest Starscream reveal to their leader just how uncertain Thundercracker's loyalties can be.

The Decepticons load up their stolen steel with Skywarp's help and depart. To cover their exit, Megatron blasts a nearby mountain, creating a deadly rockfall that threatens the mining town.

The Autobots use their firepower to reduce the falling boulders to pebbles, saving the village. Meanwhile, Megatron returns to the temple, where he successfully tests a new weapon frame that can handle the power of the crystal. Bumblebee, Spike and Luisa surreptitiously arrive in the temple, spotting the inert form of Skyfire. Spike starts repairing the fallen warrior, just as Ravage pounces. Bumblebee tries holding off the Decepticon jaguar while Spike works as fast as he can.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Spike Luisa BB.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|There are [[Bumblebee (Movie)|some]] out there who understand what Bumblebee's about to go through.]]
The rest of the Autobots arrive at the temple, but Megatron pins them down with devastating firepower from his weapon frame cannon. The Autobots are able to outflank Megatron, and the tide of battle is turned by Skyfire, freshly repaired by Spike. Skyfire strafes the weapons frame, destroying it and unleashing the power of the mountain. The Decepticons retreat, and Thundercracker takes fleeting pleasure in seeing Megatron and Starscream fail.

That night, Wheeljack caps the fire stream with a new invention that can contain the power that the crystal formerly held in check. The Autobots celebrate their victory while Bumblebee and Spike drive Luisa back to the mining town, where she promises to introduce Bumblebee to her brother's convertible, Juanita.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (15)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (17)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (20)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (27)
}}
|c2=
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (23)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
*[[Luisa]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Looks more like stealing to me… and I'm talking steel!"
:—'''Brawn''' confronts the Decepticons with fists and horrible puns.

"Awww, hexagonal nuts!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after he and Brawn totally fail to stop the Decepticons.

"It's cold enough to freeze the ailerons off a [[titanium moose-bot]]!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

'''Soundwave:''' "The Autobot jet is afraid to fight!" 
'''Brawn:''' "Wrong again, you dipstick tapedeck!" 
'''Windcharger:''' "We just didn't want him to spoil ''our'' fun!"

"Have fun playing crystal nurse, Screamer! Byyyye!"
:—'''Skywarp''', being a jerk.

"Fate, schmate. It isn’t over yet, Megabum!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after Megatron prematurely gloats of imminent victory.

"Optimus ol' buddy, this is what separates the Autobots from the robot chickens!" 
"Ain’t no one calling me a robot chicken!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Brawn''' don't know what Adult Swim has planned for their kind in 20 years.

"What’s the matter, fearless leader? You and Starscream look real geeky!"
:—'''Thundercracker''', being a jerk.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Revised script submitted by Douglas Booth: 2nd July 1984
* Initial, toy-based "Jetfire" model completed: 3rd July 1984, approved on July 11th (for this episode). Final Skyfire model completed in late August and shipped to Toei in [[Heavy Metal War]] model pack.
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 9th July 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 19th July 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 20th July 1984 (Artists: Kim Dae-Jung, [[Peter Chung]], [[David Russell]]
* Storyboards slugged: 2nd August 1984
* Final storyboard revision: 3rd August 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 10th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:G1 FireontheMountain SS chestmissiles.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream's dreaded boob bombs.]]
* This episode references "[[Fire in the Sky]]", the previous (and first) episode that Skyfire appeared in.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Starscream has a dozen rockets in hidden chest compartments. This ability will appear again in "[[Full Throttle Scramble Power!]]". The feature was later immortalized in toy form for Starscream's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' incarnation through clip-on accessories, and again as part of his ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure, this time actually incorporated into the figure.
** Soundwave conceals a tricorder-like scanning device in his left wrist, which was later incorporated into ''his'' Masterpiece toy as a clip-on part. Presumably the Masterpiece toy-designers really like this episode.
** The latest device to come out of Laserbeak's head is the microphone-like thing. It's not clear what purpose it serves, as Laserbeak then broadcasts his findings to Megatron via pulsewaves that come out of his ''eyes'', of all things.
** Brawn has a retractable claw that can extend in his car mode.

[[File:Megatron&crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, in the cartoon world, crystals are the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|most]] [[The God Gambit|powerful]] [[A Prime Problem|things]] [[Fire in the Sky|ever]].]]
* While the concept makes no sense in real-world terms, this is the second time in almost as many episodes that a greenish crystal has been linked to the Earth's core.

* Skywarp refers to Starscream by the nickname "Screamer" in this episode, a nickname used again by Streetwise in the late Season 2 episode "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]".

* Fans have long cited this episode when discussing the improbability of Brawn's death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', observing that Brawn had previously survived direct hits from Megatron's gun mode in this episode... but it simply ain't so. Brawn ''dodges'' every shot that comes from Megatron. It's actually ''Soundwave'', using his own standard weapon, who shoots Brawn in the head to no effect. Not that we're questioning the indestructibility of the all-powerful Brawn, of course.

* This is the only episode to play on Thundercracker's uncertain loyalties, a trait called out in his original [[bio]]. However, the official [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] synopsis for the episode indicates that it was originally going to take the idea even further:

::"The Autobots arrive to stop [the Decepticons], and Jetfire tries to convince a beleaguered Thundercracker to switch loyalties and join the Autobots. He is caught and wounded by Starscream. Spike, with the help of a local native girl, goes to his rescue, and Jetfire--with a little assist from Thundercracker--turns away the Decepticons and destroys the "Crystal of Power."<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#069</ref>

[[File:Fireonthemountain soundwave vs brawn round1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Better get used to this, Soundwave.]]

*Had the audio gaffe mentioned below not taken place, this episode would mark the only instance of Thundercracker using his sonic boom powers in the entire cartoon, as the Decepticons retreat at the end of the episode. The power will ''actually'' be used by Megatron in "[[Heavy Metal War]]".

* This episode begins a mini-tradition of Bluestreak [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|shooting]] [[Brainstorm!|down]] Laserbeak.

* '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 1: Brawn flies Soundwave into a mountainside! Brawn 1, Soundwave 0 [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* The title of this episode may be a reference to the Grateful Dead song of the same name.
* The Transformers visit Peru, an ancient Incan temple, and a <s>steel manufacturing</s> mining village where everyone speaks heavily accented English.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak pursues Windcharger with a [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar, and fires on him with the sound of the [[Death Star]] super laser firing. After the commercial break, he gets more TIE sounds along with some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engines, during several different shots.
** Megatron launches to attack Brawn with another ''Falcon'' engine burst. The roar continues into the next shot as the sound of Skyfire's jets.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as Laserbeak dives to retrieve Megatron's fusion cannon from Brawn, and again as Bluestreak and Windcharger jump out of the way, and again as Laserbeak starts chasing Bumblebee.
** More TIE engine as Laserbeak continues harassing Bumblebee, along with Death Star superlaser/Alderaan exploding.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Skywarp leaves the temple, and ''Falcon'' engine whine as he arrives at the battle site.
** ''Falcon'' whine as Laserbeak perches on Megatron's shoulder.

===Animation or technical errors===
* Coloring errors:
[[File:Fire on the Mountain red Trailbreaker.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Oh no! Trailbreaker has been infected with the [[Hate Plague]]!]]
** When Brawn tells Trailbreaker the jets are Decepticons, Trailbreaker is fully red.
**One of Thundercracker's intakes are blue.
**Only one of Starscream's "boobs" is colored its proper gray as he reminds Thundercracker of who is in charge.
** The back of Brawn's backpack is yellow after he transforms to [[robot mode]].
** The blue color of Trailbreaker's eyeband kind of drips down onto his face while the steel plant is collapsing around him.
** Brawn's helmet is light gray as he watches Teletraan's screen.
** Soundwave has a white leg as he follows Megatron down the pyramid's staircase.
** Starscream's eyes are blue as he drags the weapon frame over to Megatron. His Decepticon wing emblems are also red.
** Starscream has extra yellow bits above and below his canopy as Megatron helps him to his feet.
** The lower "cheeks" of Megatron's Decepticon symbol aren't colored in just before he transforms to fire on Brawn.
** Megatron's gun mode is entirely white as Soundwave grasps him two-handed, right before the first commercial break.
** Ironhide is colored gray in the aerial shot of the Autobots approaching the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** As Starscream rebukes Thundercracker, his air intake is the same dark gray as his helmet, instead of red.
** Rumble's eyeband isn't colored in as the Decepticons fly out of the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he tells Spike he can't hold Ravage off much longer.
** In the shot where Megatron's cannon shots are going wild, Starscream's leg is colored Brawn-green.
** In the wide shot of the temple top, Ironhide's head is gray instead of red; the colorists might have gotten him mixed up with Windcharger.
** Megatron's fusion cannon is light gray instead of black as Prime hoists and throws him.
* As Brawn confronts Starscream and Thundercracker, the Decepticons switch places between shots.
* After the Sky Spy explodes, we can still see a picture of the pyramid on Teletraan I's screen.
* As Wheeljack encourages Sideswipe, the glow of his right ear isn't quite aligned with the ear itself.
* As he first bursts to the surface encased in ice, Skyfire's (vaguely drawn) profile looks a lot more like his toy than his animation model, with separate booster jets and a rounded cockpit.
* When Sideswipe says "It's Skyfire", he speaks in a raspy voice that is vaguely similar to Scrapper's voice, even though Scrapper won't appear for another seven episodes.
* The parts of Skyfire's tail end that light up as he activates his jets don't actually correspond to his jet thrusters.

[[File:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The legs on the animator's Windcharger toy would never stay folded up. Your wiki editors can sympathize.]]
* Someone must have been drawing Windcharger's car mode straight off his toy. As he flees from Laserbeak, his rear section, which is his folded-up feet, is not aligned with the rest of his car body... a problem very commonly found on his toy.
* Soundwave fires on Brawn with his own gun, but with Megatron's cannon sound effect.
* Skyfire's engines don't glow throughout the whole sequence of him rescuing Brawn and Windcharger.
* Ironhide and Ratchet have crazy huge side windows as they drive alongside Prime. The same error (and animation?) pops up again in "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]".
* When Optimus Prime rams Megatron through the wall, the inside of the wall momentarily becomes bright white for some reason, while the view through the newly created hole shows apparent nighttime outside.
* Flying Autobots:
** Bluestreak and Windcharger get an engine-burst noise as they leap out from beneath the collapsing transmission tower.
** Brawn gets a flight sound as he leaps the final distance between him and Starscream.
** Ironhide gets the same treatment as he leaps to attack Megatron.
** And then Prime also gets the same sound effect as he tackles Megatron.
* Bluestreak's mouth isn't moving as he delivers his "watch the birdie" line.
* Soundwave's eject button is on the wrong side (his right shoulder) as he ejects Ravage.
* Thundercracker's weapon barrel has almost no interior as he threatens Skyfire.
* When Megatron follows Starscream and Thundercracker out of the pyramid, his Decepticon emblem disappears for a moment.
* As Trailbreaker says his "isn't over yet" line, his leg is red instead of black. Then Wheeljack pops out of the rubble from the spot where Sunstreaker was buried a moment ago.
* One gun, many lasers:
** No fewer than five laser beams are shown flying at Windcharger when Laserbeak isn't on-screen. Even if you count his eye beams, Laserbeak only has four guns.
** As the battle gets fully underway, four laser beams are shown coming from Megatron's crystal weapon.
** Starscream only has two guns to fire at Brawn, but three lasers are shown streaking past him as he runs up the stairs.
* After Skyfire revives, he doesn't have the exterior damage to his chest. Spike was barely able to get Skyfire's interior damage fixed before Ravage batted Bumblebee away and tried to attack the humans. As he transforms to [[alternate mode|jet mode]], Skyfire also has an odd blue panel on his undercarriage which is not normally present.
* When Starscream lands on the temple and starts firing at Brawn and Windcharger, his lasers are Autobot orange instead of Decepticon pink. The next shot shows the usual pink lasers hitting Windcharger.
* As Reflector and Soundwave fire from the cover of the ruins, Reflector is using a tiny gun mode Shockwave as his weapon!
* In the wide shot a second later, ''all'' the lasers are colored Decepticon pink, even though some are supposed to be Autobot shots.
*When Skyfire swoops over Soundwave and Reflector and destroys their stone bunkers, both the lasers hitting their targets and the explosions are missing, so it appears the walls just fall apart.
* The crystal cannon's barrel isn't hollow as Megatron aims it at Prime and Ironhide.
* Starscream's dialogue as he whines about Thundercracker making that "awful thunder noise" as the Decepticons retreat indicates that Thundercracker was supposed to be using his sonic boom powers in the scene (see "continuity notes", above). In practice, only the standard Decepticon jet engine sound effect is heard, no louder than normal.
* The Autobots get a ridiculously loud sound effect for the act of turning on their headlights.
* Bumblebee has no interior when he opens his door to offer Spike and Luisa a lift.

===Continuity errors===
* Skyfire's resurrection is one of the cartoon's most infamously problematic bits of continuity:
** Skyfire was left for dead and mourned as such in his previous, debut appearance in "[[Fire in the Sky]]". Now, suddenly, it just takes Sideswipe's pistons to dig him up out of the ice, and Wheeljack isn't the slightest bit surprised to find him alive and well. Why didn't they just dig him up right after he crashed? They only dug him up when they needed a ride?
** As no mention is made of how they get to the North Pole, on the face of it, the episode makes it appear that Wheeljack and Sideswipe have ''driven'' there, calling into question why, if they can make such a large journey this way, the Autobots can't simply drive to South America instead of requiring Skyfire to fly them. Notably, however, per their [[bio]]s, both Wheeljack and Sideswipe are two of the very small number of Autobots capable of independent flight (Sideswipe via his [[jet pack|rocket pack]], Wheeljack via jets in his arms), so it seems logical that the scriptwriter selected them for this scene as they could have flown themselves to the Arctic. Of course, nothing explicitly indicates this in the episode itself.
** Presumably as a result of some kind of miscommunication in production, Sideswipe is seen using an actual hand-held jackhammer to unearth Skyfire, rather than his customary built-in arm-mounted jackhammers.
**Sideswipe and Wheeljack weren't present in the episode where Skyfire met the Autobots, but he knows both of them (referring to Wheeljack by name), then Wheeljack tells him to go pick up Brawn and Windcharger, who Skyfire also shouldn't know.
* The Decepticons leave the temple to attack the mining town. En route, they're attacked by Brawn and Windcharger and drive them off. Skyfire then flies all the way back to Autobot Headquarters, picks up the rest of the Autobots, flies all the way back to Peru... and the Decepticons have apparently just reached the mining town like five minutes earlier.
* Rumble leaves with Megatron, Soundwave and a Reflector to acquire new/better metal, but is nowhere to be seen during the battle with Brawn and Windcharger.
* Soundwave was last seen at the <s>steel mill</s> mining town battle, but suddenly pops up outside the temple to send Ravage after Bumblebee and the humans.
* The energy that threatens to blow up the entire mountain is erupting from the plinth on which the crystal was installed, ''inside'' the temple. Why, then, do the Autobots install a cap on the ''roof'' of the temple, instead of in the same spot where the crystal was previously installed?

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:Fitm dvd broadcast.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You call this restoration?]]
The Rhino DVD version of this episode uses a number of erroneous takes as the basis of its remastered animation. As a result, the DVD introduces several animation errors that were not present in the broadcast version:
* Trailbreaker, Brawn, and Starscream are colored red, brown, and purple (respectively) in their introductory shots. In addition, the shadows underneath Trailbreaker and Brawn are missing.
* Several laser effects were redone for the broadcast version.
* The Crystal of Power is missing its shine effects when Megatron first encounters it.
* Laserbeak's eyes are missing their glow in one shot.
* In one shot of Megatron showing off his invention to Thundercracker and Starscream, Rhino applies a mask over the scene to isolate Megatron from a heavily cleaned-up background. This change was done poorly, though, as the mask is seen wobbling around Megatron as he talks.
* The shot of Windcharger and Brawn jumping out of Skyfire is choppier in Rhino's version.
* When Prime bashes Megatron into the wall, the background inexplicably disappears.
* In one shot of Spike and Luisa inside of Bumblebee, the sky background behind them is moving in the Rhino version when it shouldn't be.
* When Skywarp mocks Starscream for having to guard the Crystal, he is colored like Thundercracker.
* Skywarp and Starscream are missing from the shot where they blast Skyfire off of the temple.
* When Starscream and Thundercracker carry Skyfire's inert form, Skyfire has Skywarp's colors.
* "Skyfire is an excellent catch!" In the first shot, Megatron steps up to stand next to Thundercracker (who has a white-instead-of-blue wingtip); in the second shot, Thundercracker has been replaced by Starscream. This is one of a handful of Rhino errors not corrected by the later [[Shout! Factory]] DVD release.
* The sky is blue instead of orange when the Autobots approach the temple.
* When Skyfire is about to destroy the cannon, it already appears to be melted to slag.
* When Skyfire strafes the crystal-powered weapon, he momentarily has Skywarp's colors.
* In addition, several scenes in the episode appear to have been taken straight from the broadcast master, judging by their poor quality. This may have been done to cover up scenes that were entirely missing from the workprints that Rhino was using.

The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD include: Opening / Stolen Steel / It's Skyfire / To The Mining Town / Visiting Decepticon / Invention Works

===Trivia===
[[File:FireontheMountain Optimus pats Skyfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Just good friends.]]
* Luisa's name is never spoken in the episode.
* A hissing sound effect (like the sound of air escaping from a canister) is heavily used in this episode, especially when a character is jumping or taking off into the air. It's never used in such a manner again. {{fact}}
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]], and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]], though it is in ''astonishingly'' low quality.
* When the Hub re-aired season 1 and 2, this episode was left out the first time
* After Skyfire flies the Autobots to Peru, Optimus Prime pats him on the nosecone affectionately. It seems he doesn't recall that section is Skyfire's robot mode crotch.
* During the original recording of the episode, Skyfire was referred to by his original name of Jetfire, but due to his [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|name change]], several lines had to be re-recorded prior to airing. Clips of these original recordings later surfaced in early 2017.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4jM2nittQk Transformers Fire On The Mountain Extended and Deleted Scene Audio - YouTube]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le feu dans la montagne'''" ("The fire in the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Starscream calls Thundercracker "Thunder". Later in the episode, Megatron uses his full name "Thundercracker".
:::*When Spike wishes good luck to Skyfire, there is a radio effect on his voice for some reason.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il segreto degli Incas'''" ("Secret of the Incas")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's laugh when preparing to attack the Autobots with the weapon was not dubbed, so you can see him moving his mouth without saying anything.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Fuoco sulla montagna'''" ("Fire on the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Inca no Hihō'''" (インカの秘宝, "Incaic Jewel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3]], [[1986]]
::*The Japanese ordering of this episode places it toward the end of the series. This was done as it featured Skyfire prominently and with his toy being of [[Bandai]] design (and not sold in Japan as a Transformer), that caused some legal concerns amongst Takara (many of Skyfire's smaller scenes in other episodes were cut entirely). Though the episodes featuring him as a main characters were eventually shown, the scripts were not reworked to adjust to the new chronological placement, simply being more or less direct translations of the original English versions.
::*'''Cuts:'''
:::* After Brawn declares, "It's fightin' time", the following overhead shot of Starscream and Skywarp fleeing the room is cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Starscream saying "Correction, Autobot...".
:::* After Starscream and Thundercracker take-off with the materials, the following scene of Brawn and Trailbreaker crawling out of the rubble, lamenting that they lost the steel and rolling out for headquarters have been cut.
:::* The close-up of Spike's head and his line, "Uh oh, it's picking up a weird energy reading from those ruins", and the monitor shot displaying the ruins, have been cut. The sequence picks up at Laserbeak flying through the air.
:::* When Megatron and the Decepticons take off for the mining town in Peru, the following scene of them flying through the air and Megatron's line, "Any who stand in our way will be demolished", have been cut.
:::* After Skyfire tells everyone to buckle-up and blasts off for Peru, the following scene of him flying over the Peruvian mountains has been cut.
:::* The scene panning over the mountain road leading to the metal forging facility has been cut.
:::* During the attack on the Decepticons at the metal forging facility, the scene of Megatron slowly marching forward as laser beams bounce off him has been cut. The sequence resumes at his lines, "Skywarp, I have created a steel alloy...".
:::* The scene of Starscream and Thundercracker carrying Skyfire's unconscious body has been cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Skyfire's head as he's being dropped.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shāndǐng zhī Huǒ '''" (山顶之火, "Fire on the Top of the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fogo na Montanha'''" ("Fire on the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Skhvatka na vershine'''" (Схватка на вершине, "The Engagement at the Very Top")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 30]], [[1995]]

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vatrena planeta'''" (Ватрена планета, "Fiery Planet")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 8: "Fire on the Mountain" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P86g8dN2qmeXl36XLe-MootrJof7g95w/view?usp=drive_link Full episode script, revised by Doug Booth, with memos and insert pages]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FzYHjnRjuKTVesZj7ZiNFLePZf37iE9t Full episode script as revised by Ron Friedman 9th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cQj-QHd7sbWQLXAPr7UdyT5mNsOHg6de/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Traitor (episode)

2026-04-06T17:55:24Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 cartoon episode|the Renegade from ''GoBots''|Traitor (GoBots)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=21
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=13
|prev2=Changing Gears
|next2=Birth of the Transformers!
|image=Traitorcjaccusesmirage.jpg
|caption=J'accuse!
|title="Traitor"
|season=2
|season ep=5
|production code=#700-20
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[1985]]
|written by=[[George Hampton]] [[Mike Moore]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Nakamura Production]], [[Dai Won Animation Co.]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL_RPkuFnhQ
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Could Mirage have betrayed the Autobots?'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Traitormegsgrabs.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Megatron got The Touch.]]

At the [[Experimental Energy Research Laboratory]], two scientists are working on the new [[electro-cell]]s that will hopefully solve [[Earth]]'s energy problems. Unfortunately, the cells won't be viable until they've been stabilized, which could result in a massive explosion. At that moment, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] break through the roof and take the cells. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrives to remove the cells carefully, as an explosion could be quite destructive, and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] are not known for being gentle. Having taken the cells, Megatron [[Transformation|transforms]] and has Starscream fire away, destroying the lab to prevent any more from being created.

Meanwhile, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] is tearing toward the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]]. Heading into the control room, he informs [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] that he's found where the [[Decepticon]]s have placed the electro-cells—in the same place [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] patrolled yesterday. Mirage is shocked that he didn't get a reading on them, and Cliffjumper says that maybe Mirage ''did''. Before any formal accusations are made, Optimus Prime politely tells Cliffjumper to shut up. The Autobot leader then leads a team to recover the cells.

[[File:Traitorcjsmacksmirage.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Seriously, who wouldn't this guy beat up?]]
At a canyon, the Decepticons have hooked up a buffer device to the cells. Starscream uses it as a chance to call Megatron a coward for not turning on the cells and filling [[energon cube]]s, then he activates it. The cells fill the cubes rather quickly, but just as quickly drain the cubes and explode. Megatron walks over to show Starscream the business end of his [[fusion cannon]].

As he does so, the Autobots arrive, but are spotted by [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who tells [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. Megatron orders Soundwave to call in the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], with the promise of a special reward. A battle ensues, during which Mirage is injured by Skywarp, though he manages to tear off the Decepticon's [[insignia]]. The Insecticons then arrive, turning the tide of battle, but a stray shot by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] hits the buffer, risking an explosion. The Autobots take the Decepticons' distraction as a chance to retreat.

[[File:Traitormiragepunches.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Mirage's attempts to mimick ''Animated''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s promotional material were less than successful.]]
At the base, Mirage is repaired, while Cliffjumper continues his accusations of treason. Mirage defends himself, and Optimus orders Cliffjumper on recon, with instructions to inform them if Megatron tries to move the cells. [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] tells Mirage to rest, but Mirage doesn't need rest. Leaving the base, he heads to the Insecticons' hideout, where they are discussing their "special reward"—two energon cubes. Going invisible and sneaking into the base, Mirage swipes the cubes while the Insecticons aren't looking, leaving the Decepticon insignia in their place, then drives to the valley. However, Cliffjumper spots him.

[[File:G1 Traitor Bombshell captures Mirage.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Do we really need to make a joke here?]]
Naturally assuming that Mirage is a Decepticon, Cliffjumper prepares to fire, only for the Insecticons to arrive. As Mirage slips away, Starscream discovers Cliffjumper, but the little guy is able to escape. Megatron comes to investigate, and they spot Mirage. They fire at him, but their lasers hit the ground near the Insecticons, who assume the Decepticons are firing at them. The Bugs and the Cons throw down, but Mirage is caught in the crossfire. [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] implants a [[cerebro-shell]] into Mirage and has him fire on the Decepticons as well. Megatron sees Mirage, puts two and two together, and convinces the Insecticons to stop fighting the Decepticons. Megatron also plans to use Mirage for a little trap of his own.

Heading back to the base, Cliffjumper tells Prime what he saw. Optimus, Ratchet, and Cliffjumper head to the valley, where Mirage greets them and explains his original plan, saying that the Insecticons fled from the battle and the Decepticons chased after them. Despite Cliffjumper's warnings, the Autobots head to retrieve the cells, only for the Decepticons to ambush them, with Mirage joining in on the fire. Cliffjumper attacks Mirage, throwing him some distance, which apparently deactivates him.

[[File:Traitormegatronfails.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Should have done those shoelaces up, Megatron.]]
Bombshell commands Mirage to continue, but gives up. Ratchet then investigates and notices the cerebro-shell. Removing it allows Mirage to regain control, and he rejoins the fight—on the side of the Autobots. Prime makes a run for the cells, but Megatron concludes that if he can't have them, no one can. Firing randomly, he explodes the buffer device, sending the Decepticons everywhere possible as the Insecticons and Autobots retreat. Emerging from the wreckage, Megatron laments his hasty action.

[[File:Traitormirageholddscj.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|O dark poison of my spark...]]
As Prime informs the scientists of what happened, Ratchet works to repair Mirage, while Cliffjumper laughingly admits that he may need some repairs as well—for having doubted his friend. Awwww.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (8)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (9)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (16)
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (3)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (15)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (17)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (18)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (19)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
|c3=
*Scientists (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"I just ''love'' opening presents."
:—'''Skywarp''' as he breaks through the roof of a human research institute

"You fool! You'll destroy us all!" 
"Destroy us all, oh brave Megatron? Perhaps it's time the Decepticons looked elsewhere for direction, to someone prepared to make command decisions!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' argue over who is a better leader. Again.

"This time, you have dared too much, Starscream. You must pay the price for your insolence!"
:—'''Megatron''' threatens to terminate Starscream. Again.

"Try and remember which side you're on, Mirage." 
"Keep your mind on the Decepticons, Cliffjumper." 
"That's just what I'm doing!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' reprimands '''Cliffjumper''' for his suspicions.

"An electro-cell! Come to papa..." 
"Not so fast, papa!"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''' have a moment.

"Release the electro-cells, Megatron. They don't belong to you." 
"I possess them. Therefore I ''own'' them!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' discuss the finer points of legal ownership

"Uh-oh. Sounds like I'm not alone." 
"You're not! And this is one of those times when you really need a friend."
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''' have another moment.

"You wouldn't cheat us. You need us to get rid of the Autobots. Maybe after that, you'd rob us blind. But not now!"
:—'''Bombshell''' after hearing Megatron's explanation of Mirage's trickery

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft storyboards completed: 29th November 1984 (Artist: Kim Dae-Jung)
* Storyboards slugged: 3rd December 1984 (by [[John Walker]])
* Dialogue recorded: 10th December 1984
* Storyboards revised: 10th December 1984
* Final storyboard revision: 18th December 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 21st December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*Ratchet uses a [[boltcapper]] to repair Mirage. Cliffjumper's "cybro-polygraph" screams that the mind-controlled Mirage is leading them into a trap.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Shrapnel makes use of his [[grenade launcher]] that fires spikes all around the target. It's nasty, as Mirage can attest. The animators got a little confused, though, and had him fire it as a spike-studded stream of liquid from his retracted hand socket, rather than from his hand held gun (as more correctly seen in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]".)
**Shoulder missiles: Mirage fires his shoulder launcher twice in this episode, each time blowing away one of the Seekers. It's only [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|the second]] but not [[Masquerade|the last]] time he uses this prominent weapon.
*Where's the trailer go?
**When Prime transforms to retreat, his trailer is already behind him, waiting for him, despite being nowhere in evidence in the preceding shots.

===Real world references===
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**The two energon cubes land in Mirage's driver seat to the sound of a [[lightsaber]] cutting through the air.
**The sound of lightsabers dueling can be heard in the first few seconds of the scene immediately after the one where Mirage is freed from the cerebro-shell.
*Megatron seems to understand human law well enough to reference the legal concept that "Possession is nine-tenths of the law"

===Animation or technical errors===
*Shrapnel's characteristic speech quirk of repeating the last word in each sentence is absent from several of his early lines.
[[File:Traitorlotsostarscreams.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right...]]
*Coloring errors:
**Starscream and Skywarp both have their entire canopy cowlings colored yellow as Megatron hands off the electro-cells to Skywarp. Both should have a metal-colored bit near the bottom. The same error occurs as Starscream steps away from his test of the electro-cells.
**When Megatron is rushing to put out the fire on the electro-cells, there are two Starscreams beside him. One is probably supposed to be Skywarp, who was shown standing there in the preceding shot.
**Kickback's eyeband is black instead of red as he observes the fallen Skywarp.
**Rumble is red in one shot as he's firing at the Autobots. (It's probably not supposed to be [[Frenzy_(G1)|Frenzy]].)
**For whatever reason, Megatron's entire right arm assembly is colored much lighter and lacks shading than the rest of his body as he threatens Bombshell.
**A yellow smudge dots part Bombshell's grey on his chestpiece when he's about to shoot Mirage.
**Ratchet's face is white instead of light gray as he laughs in the closing shot.
*Is that glowing pink stuff behind Megatron (after he blows up the energy institute) supposed to be fire? 'Cause fire don't look like that.
*The animators could never really decide what the back end of the Ark looks like, but it almost always has at least three engines. The first shot of Autobot Headquarters shows it with only two. It has three a few moments later.
*As Megatron turns toward the about-to-explode electro-cells, Starscream is behind him, despite being nowhere in evidence a second earlier.
*Ironhide is not shown retreating with the other Autobots.
*As Prime orders Cliffjumper to maintain surveillance of the electro-cells, a closeup shot shows the two of them at the same head height. Prime should be ''much'' taller than Cliffjumper.
*The Decepticon insignia that plays such a vital role in the plot appears to be printed on a piece of cloth, despite coming from a metal robot. It unfurls and rustles when released, and gently floats to the ground when dropped. There's also no visual evidence that Skywarp is missing an insignia at any point (pretty amazing, considering how often the animators tended to [[The Core|forget the Seekers' wing insignia]]).
*The Insecticons are standing right by their energon cubes when Mirage first arrives. When Mirage steals the cubes a second later, the room is unoccupied.
*Cliffjumper's entire lower section is not drawn or painted in when he gets distracted by the arrival of the Insecticons as they arrive at the electro-cells.
*Starscream's stray shot as he gets rammed by Cliffjumper has no sound effect.
*[[Wally Burr]] stands in for Hal Rayle as Shrapnel when he observes that the Decepticons are firing on them. His voice is missing its electronic processing, but he does have his last-word echo! echo.
*Mirage's entire left side is missing at the edge as he congratulates himself on a plan well sprung and turns invisible.
*As Skywarp's arm reaches into the frame to aim at Kickback, the screen-side edge of it is missing! His arm is also colored in a similar blueish tone like Starscream instead of its regular purple.
*When Thundercracker gets hit by Mirage's missile, the cry of pain sounds more like Skywarp. Considering that the episode so far has very explicitly featured only Starscream and Skywarp, Thundercracker's appearance would almost seem to be a coloring mistake, but all three jets finally appear together near the episode's end. (Even without this hit, Skywarp suffers a huge amount of abuse in this episode.)
*As Cliffjumper is relaying Mirage's whereabouts to Optimus and Ratchet, his arm jumps to his side as he finishes his line about Mirage's apparent treachery.
*A strange jump cut occurs as the Insecticons flee the electro-cell explosion, making it seem like they teleported out between shot changes.
*While driving away from the electro-cell explosion, Optimus Prime's cab appears ridiculously small compared to his trailer.

===Continuity errors===
*As usual, cartoon humans are pretty much made of rubber. The two scientists fall at ''least'' fifty feet from the electro-cell module, but recover almost instantly.
*Despite [[Fire in the Sky|being a scientist]], Starscream doesn't believe that any experimentation is needed with the cells. He apparently [[Kremzeek!|used up all his patience with tests]] back in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]".
*Cliffjumper is very quick to accuse Mirage of treachery, despite never showing any signs of mistrusting him before—e.g., "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]".
*Megatron's awfully quick to declare that Optimus Prime has lost. They haven't even fired shots at each other yet! Prime repays the favor at episode's end, rather randomly declaring that Megatron has lost.
*While observing the Decepticon installation, Cliffjumper loses track of Mirage when the latter turns invisible, despite looking straight at a clear trail of Mirage's footprints.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Ratchet isn't among the Autobots leaving Autobot Headquarters, but he arrives at the electro-cell site with Prime and company. Jazz shows up a moment later. Bluestreak and Prowl, meanwhile, have disappeared.
**After the second commercial break, the only Autobots shown are Prime, Ratchet, Cliffjumper and Mirage. This strangely small casting choice becomes especially noticeable during the semi-final battle, when all four are gathered together, talking and not firing, yet the sounds of a raging firefight can still be heard in the background! Prime orders the trio to "join the others", perhaps implying that more Autobots should have been shown, but again, no other Autobots are anywhere in sight. At the final battle's end, the three Autobots somehow leave the battle to surround Megatron, leaving nobody to fight the rest of the Decepticons!
*The scientists' voices are inconsistent when comparing their scene at the end to the one at the start. Most noticeable is the fact that the fat one has a British accent at first, which has become American by the end.

===Trivia===
[[File:Traitor CliffjumperlovesMirage.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|WTF?]]
*Poor [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. He (they?) doesn't (don't?) appear until the end of the battle, just long enough to be blown away by the explosion of the electro-cells.
*This episode ends with Cliffjumper jumping in Mirage's lap, and the two of them hugging and rolling over, while Ratchet laughs. This is the epitome of weird.
*This is not the only time that [[Mirage (RID)|a Mirage]] has been suspected of [[Mirage's Betrayal|treachery]]. In fact, this episode's Cliffjumper-Mirage dynamic is among the series' best-remembered aspects, coloring fans' perceptions of both characters and being obliquely referenced time and again in contemporary Generation 1 stories.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Traître'''" ("The Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Again, a big part of the regular cast is absent from this episode. A new unidentified actor is present to take over the roles of Skywarp, Starscream, Soundwave, Bombshell and Thundercracker.
::*Soundwave's line "Autobots attacking! Prepare to counter-attack" is not dubbed, making the shot on his running legs very long.
::*Starscream's name is usually never pronounced in the dub. However, they did it here, adding it where it was not in English, and... flunking. Megatron says "So that's what happened to Starscream's insignia", though it belongs to Skywarp. Nice try...
::*At one point, Megatron calls the electro-cells "auto-cellules" when all the other iterations in the episode are translated "électro-cellules".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Mistero è un traditore'''" ("Mirage Is a Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Il traditore'''" ("The Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ligier no Uragiri'''" (リジェの裏切り, "Ligier's Betrayal")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 28]], [[1985]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pàntú '''" (叛徒, "Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Traidor'''" ("The Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1994]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1998]] — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2002]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — La Course des Autobots ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2007]] — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Studios|Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20210428034417/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-20.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=18pEljEhHf5AGVtm9UK2FT0wudvRJ00Vt Episode dialogue script]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XQJW6rfVOlO5nlyJS9TbOAB1PclDgDOb/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

City of Steel (episode)

2026-04-06T17:54:54Z

Greebtron: /* Production information */

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 episode|the ''Punishment'' issue|City of Steel (issue)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=19
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=23
|prev2=A Prime Problem
|next2=Auto Berserk
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=52
|prev3=Trans-Europe Express
|image=AutobotsNYC.jpg
|caption=Start spreading the news...
|title="City of Steel"
|season=2
|season ep=3
|production code=#700-18
|airdate=[[October 17]], [[1985]]
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-025jnUVxUE
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons invade New York City.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:CityofSteel ESB sinking.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Where will you be... the Day after Tomorrow.]]
Over New York City, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] flies into the [[Decepticon]]s' underground base. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are digging a hole in the ceiling and the Autobots don't have a clue. After hours of digging, the Constructicons manage to sink the [[Empire State Building]] underground.

The [[Autobot]]s finally get wind of this and head to the city. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] plan to meet the rest of the Autobots at [[Central Park]]. However, Laserbeak spots them and reports back to [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. He plans to give the Autobots a surprising welcome.

At Central Park, the Autobots are ambushed by Soundwave and his crew, whilst underground the Constructicons inform Megatron that they're directly underneath Optimus Prime. Megatron orders them to dig while Optimus Prime is fighting [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. Taken by surprise, Prime falls into the Decepticons' underground base where Megatron severs his [[motor relay]]s, making him powerless. Megatron then threatens the remaining Autobots that unless they leave he will melt the Autobot leader down to scrap. He also shows them his master plan, which is to rebuild New York into [[New Cybertron]]. The Constructicons raise the Empire State building back up, but now it looks like a Cybertronian fortress. Forced to leave the city, the Autobots are gloomy until [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] comes up with a plan to get into the city undetected.

[[File:CityofSteel Prime head.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|"Aquaman calling all sea creatures!"]]
Seemingly victorious, Megatron gloats over Prime's still body. However, Megatron is still worried that Optimus Prime might try something and orders [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] to disassemble him, which he does with a handy energy blade. After Optimus is turned into a pile of parts, Megatron picks up his head and reactivates Optimus so he can gloat. Prime responds that even though he's in pieces he will still fight. Prime then activates his arms and trips up Megatron. Megatron orders the Constructicons to dispose of Prime's remaining parts how they choose, but he gets to keep the head.

Spike, Bumblebee, Ratchet, [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] and [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] enter the City through the sewers in the hope of rescuing Prime undetected. Elsewhere, the Constructicons are very pleased with themselves for what they did with Prime's left over body parts. They have special plans for his right arm and weapon.

[[File:Alligatorprime.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"What is it, Aquaman?"]]
While scanning for Prime, Hound is confused because his scans show Prime was behind them when before he was ahead. Mirage then spots a giant robot alligator seeming to be made of Prime's body parts (dubbed the [[Alligaticon]]) and the Autobots run away. They trap it in a train and send it and the train packing. When they reach the underground base they find Prime's head and reattach his circuits so he can speak. Prime then activates his legs remotely to come to him and the rest of the Autobots figure out that the Alligaticon was made up of Prime's parts. After capturing it, Ratchet reassembles Prime, minus the right arm. Now that Optimus is safe, the Autobots attack. The Decepticons have turned half of New York City into New Cybertron, complete with killer [[Battle taxi|taxis]], and they're using Prime's arm as a weapon on top of their fortress. The taxis go for Bumblebee, [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]], but Prime runs them down.

[[File:BumblebeelovesNY.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Of course you do...]]
After breaking through the Decepticon defenses, Optimus Prime, Ironhide and Ratchet plan to scale the fortress to reclaim Prime's arm. Bumblebee and Spike plan to help by distracting Megatron and Soundwave, even going so far as to insult Megatron. Megatron orders an air strike, but when [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] is downed, the Constructicons become [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] and he follows Prime's team up the building. Meanwhile, Spike and Bumblebee manage to sneak in and annoy Megatron, by calling him Megaklutz, and tricking him into destroying the device that controlled Prime's arm. Outside Devastator captures Prime and knocks Ironhide and Ratchet into the fortress. [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] then comments that the whole thing reminds him of ''[[King Kong]]'' as he tries to assist with his remote controlled helicopters. Spike then informs Prime that his arm is no longer controlled by Megatron, and Prime takes the opportunity to use it against Devastator. After Devastator gets hit Prime falls but is saved by Ironhide and Ratchet and as usual the Decepticons retreat.

Now the city is saved, Prime is back together and Bumblebee got a souvenir (an '{{w|I Love New York|I ❤ NY}}' bumper sticker). The Autobots [[roll out]] and return home.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (18)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (21)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (23)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (30)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (4)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (5)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (7)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (26)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (27)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (29)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (31)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (32)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"I didn't join this outfit to be a dump truck!"
:—'''Long Haul,''' commenting on his [[alternate mode]].

"I feel like I'm in some messy swamp, not under the biggest city in North America."
:—'''Ratchet''', trudging through the sewers of New York.

"It sickens me to say it, Reflector, but this one time I have to hand it to Megatron. The place is finally starting to feel like home."
:—'''Starscream''' agrees with one of Megatron's plans, which heralds the coming of the apocalypse.

"I may not have a weapon, but I can still transform and roll!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to crush the battle taxis.

"O-hoo-hoo-hoo, here they come! Auto-Auto-Autobots!"
:—'''Mix-Mix-Mixmaster!'''

"Say 'uncle' or I'll shove your nose in your afterburner!" 
"Uncle, UNCLE!" 
"Gee, I didn't know Decepticons ''had'' uncles!"
:—'''Sideswipe''' lovingly deals with '''Starscream'''. He's obviously been practicing his [[jet judo]].

"You'll never catch us, Megaklutz!" 
"Megaklutz! You dare to insult me in my own command post?!"
:—'''Spike Witwicky''' daring to insult '''Megatron''' in his own command post.

"It will take more than your puny arm to stop Devastator!" 
"Right. Which is why it's lucky the hand at the end of that arm... is holding a gun!"
:—'''Devastator''' reels as '''Optimus Prime''' points out the single flaw in the combiner's otherwise brilliant tower-climbing plan.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft storyboards completed: 17th October 1984 (Artist: Kim Dae-Jung)
* Storyboards revised: 2nd November 1984 (Artists: [[Peter Chung]], [[Vincenzo Trippetti]], [[John Walker]])
* Storyboards slugged: 8th November 1984 by [[John Walker]]
* Dialogue recording: 12th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron mentions the Constructicons nagging each other like "hyper-driven [[Chatteroid]]s". Sideswipe calls Laserbeak a "nosey nogoodnikon". Megatron threatens to melt Optimus Prime into paperclips if the Autobots interfere "one minicon". Hound's sensors say that Optimus Prime is ten "mechano-meters" in front of them. Optimus Prime refers to the Alligaticon as a "Reptilicon".<ref>Spellings and parsings from the "City of Steel" dialogue script.</ref>
*Powers and gadgets:
**Wheeljack and company all use their hydrofoils to cross New York Harbor.
**Hook uses a <s>lightsaber</s> laser sword to disassemble Prime.
**Hound displays his tracking sensors.
**Then of course, there's Prime's bizarre telekinetic limb control, something he evidently shares with a far less fortunate [[Waspinator (BW)|bot]].
**Ironhide deploys a grappling hook from his arm, with rappelling lines attached to it.
{{-}}

===Real-world references===
[[File:CityofSteel-Hook'slightsaber.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Let the hate flow through you.]]
[[File:Devastatorkingkong.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Giant: check. Empire State Building: check. But no beauty.]]
*''Star Wars'' sound effects:
**Laserbeak uses a whole series of ''Star Wars'' effects as he rockets over Manhattan, including a ''Millennium Falcon'' engine noise, the [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar (several times), the TIE Fighter ambient cockpit noise, and the sound of an X-Wing diving to attack the Death Star.
**Hook's <s>lightsaber</s> ''laser sword'' ignites with the sound of Luke deflecting the seeker ball's bolts aboard the ''Millennium Falcon''.
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] climbs the Decepticons' "improved" version of the {{w|Empire State Building}}, very similarly to [[King Kong]], as Wheeljack rather heavy-handedly points out.
*The Alligaticon is likely an allusion to the persistent rumors of alligators living in New York City's sewers.
*Various New York landmarks are seen and/or mentioned: the Twin Towers, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Woolworth Building (visible as the first Autobots leave Manhattan), the Brooklyn Bridge. Hound mentions Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Lexington Avenue.
*Scrapper invites the Autobots to "{{w|Take the A Train}}".
*The final shot in this episode shows Bumblebee with an "{{w|I Love New York|I &hearts; NY}}" bumper sticker, part of a famous promotional campaign.

===Animation or technical glitches===
As a Season 2 AKOM episode, "City of Steel" features the standard character model oddities:
*Soundwave's backpack is gray instead of blue.
*Megatron's gun barrel is dark gray instead of light gray.
*Prime's backpack is white.
*The "disk" on Bumblebee's back is dark gray instead of yellow.
*Devastator retains his color scheme from [[Heavy Metal War]] (purple window on upper chest, purple top of chest plate, green crotch), rather than the revised color guide used by other studios starting in Season 2.

As an AKOM episode in general, "City of Steel" features an absurd number of straight-ahead animation mistakes:
*Coloring errors:
**Laserbeak's beak is the same dark gray as his head as he flies through the sewers.
**Laserbeak's beak is dark gray (again) as he reports the Autobot sighting. He also has a little bird tongue!
**Scavenger's cab window is green instead of white as he rides the scissor lift.
**Bumblebee's fists are light gray instead of dark gray as Prime orders the Autobots to transform.
**The back of Soundwave's legs are white instead of blue as Prime picks him up during the Central Park fight.
**Ironhide is dark gray instead of red as the Autobots cross the Brooklyn Bridge.
**When Optimus activates his dismembered legs, his head crest is colored entirely in dark gray instead of light gray and blue.
**As Megatron gloats over Prime's dismembered bits, Mixmaster is colored like Bumblebee.
**The first shot of Frenzy driving the train shows him [[FIRRIB|colored like Rumble]].
**As he rams the Constructicons' position, one of Prime's headlights isn't colored white. Of course, it shouldn't be there at all, being part of the arm he's missing at this point.
**Two Laserbeak cassettes (red details) leave Soundwave's chest during the battle at the end. One should be Buzzsaw, with gold details. The condors don't get a transformation sound effect as they convert to robot form.
*In the opening scene, Megatron's head and face are odly elongated. Subsequent scenes give him more correct facial proportions.
*It's not without precedent, but Soundwave usually has to push his shoulder button to open his chest compartment. As Laserbeak returns, it opens of its own accord. In the same shot, Soundwave's shoulder button is dark blue instead of light gray.
*As Scavenger rolls past Soundwave, he starts growing larger before he even begins to climb the ramp that's supposed to be bringing him closer to the camera's point of view. At the end of the same pan shot, Hook's head is green instead of black.
*There is ''no way in Hell's Kitchen'' that dinky little scissor lift is strong enough to support the weight of the Empire State Building.
*Wheeljack's team is ''vastly'' oversized as they cruise past the Statue of Liberty.
*For some reason, Prime's voice is muffled as if it's a radio transmission as the Autobots drive along the highway.
[[File:Tinybluestreak.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Baby Bluestreak watches in horror as Giganticus Prime commences his rampage.]]
*There appears to be a total of ten Constructicons working on the Empire State Building.
*Soundwave's shoulder cannon is red and Megatron's face is a darker gray than usual as Megatron laughs about his "terminal welcome" joke.
*Frenzy's mouth isn't moving as he says "Can be hazardous".
*As the Autobots transform, a layering error results in a tiny Bluestreak standing in front of a normal-sized Ratchet and Ironhide, next to a Devastator-sized Optimus.
*Ironhide doesn't so much get knocked down by Frenzy and Rumble's earthquake attack as he does just walk along and randomly fall over. His back is colored light gray instead of dark gray in the sequence.
[[File:CityofSteel Scavengerwreckstheceiling.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*When Scavenger is beating the bucket of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] against the ceiling below Central Park, a misplaced cel means the cracks that are supposed to be forming in the ceiling appear ''in front'' of his arm instead.
*As usual in the cartoon universe, metal cracks, splits and crumbles just like rock.
*In a long shot of the Autobot/Decepticon battle in Central Park, Bumblebee is inexplicably grappling with Bluestreak while Ratchet fights Reflector.
*In the Central Park sequence, Scavenger's vehicle mode is ''huge'', towering over Megatron and with a bucket significantly larger than Optimus.
*Prime falls a long way into the Decepticon base, but in the previous shot, he was standing on Scavenger's shovel. When Prime finally lands on the base's floor, Scavenger is there waiting for him.
*Prime's "motor relays" are right there in his stomach-grille? Wha? (AKOM shows Jazz having critical circuits in his car mode grille in "The Core", as well.)
*Soundwave's shoulder button is blue again as he presses it to communicate with Megatron. The sound effect that plays is usually reserved for an opening hatch or door. And Soundwave doesn't usually have to push that particular button to radio someone.
*The shot of the submerged Empire State Building is recycled from the earlier scene (ten Constructicons, remember?) Two of the tiny figures shown are supposed to be Megatron and Soundwave, but they're both shown to be on the surface by that point.
*The scene freezes for several seconds as the rebuilt Empire State Building is about to be raised above ground, complete with non-moving clouds of dust and smoke. After the building is raised, the same shot is recycled, showing it back down in the ground.
*Spike says "take a left", but the Autobots take a ramp that goes right.
*A layering error has Megatron's hand passing in front of Prime's smokestack, which is much closer to the camera. Result: a visually microscopic Megatron.
*Prime's eye-flashes don't quite line up with his optics.
*Scrapper's mouthplate isn't moving as he carries Optimus Prime's arm.
*For all their reaction to the Alligaticon, the Autobots sure aren't in any hurry to get away from it. They stroll away at a very leisurely pace.
*When Bumblebee and Spike exit the subway car to escape from the Alligaticon, a misplaced cell makes Spike and 'Bee appear in front of the Alligaticon.
*Scrapper has Sideswipe's voice as he says the "riding down their own grave" line.
[[File:CityOfSteel Starscream New Cybertron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Starscream has only one wing insignia as he admires the cityscape.
*What the heck were Prime's legs supposed to be, anyway? Part of [[Starscream's Ghost|a crypt]] or something? They're just standing there in a tunnel when Prime summons them.
*Ratchet's voice is more like Gears' as he says the "don't let go" line.
[[File:CityOfSteel Mirage carrying alligatorcon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"This episode is dumb and stupid!" "From the looks of the animation, I'd say a little of both."]]
*One of the series' most infamous dialog screwups happens as the Autobots wrestle with the [[Alligaticon]]. Mirage and Ratchet say, in perfect sync, "This alligator is big and heavy!" Prime then responds with the sage observation: "From the looks of it, I'd say a little of both." The scene appears to be the result of an editing and directorial snafu. Prime should be responding to the Autobots' previous lines: "Now we've got him!" "Or should I say, we've got ''you''?" "I'd say a little of both!" And the combined Ratchet and Mirage line was likely intended to be a series of ad libs as the Autobots struggle with the Alligaticon, rather than a straight line delivered before Prime's line.
*Prime's telekinetic waves change from wide circles, to a narrow band. The narrow band finds its way to.... nothing. It then snaps off with a really loud sound effect.
*Ratchet's mouth disappears for a split second as he finishes repairing Prime.
*One of Prime's chest windows, and one of his exhaust stacks, are among the leftover parts as he stands up.
*Wheeljack's ears aren't flashing as he says "This sure isn't little old New York anymore".
*As Megatron and Soundwave zero in on the Autobots on their monitor, Prime has both his arms.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Jazz suddenly shows up for a single shot as the Autobots scatter from Prime's rifle fire.
*Hound and Bluestreak get two sequential transformation effects as they change to car mode, with a slight pause between them, instead of one continuous sound.
*Don't Hound and Bluestreak look where they're going when they drive? There's this huge hole in the street and they just drive right into it.
*Scrapper's voice comes out of nowhere to say the "A train" line to Hound and Bluestreak.
*The car mode Autobots just kind of float over the battle taxis. How'd they do that?
*How long's it take for the animators to forget that truck mode Prime is missing an arm? Only one shot! He's intact for his entire ramming sequence against the taxis and the Constructicons. Only when he rolls up to Ironhide and transforms is his bumper/arm missing again.
*Lots of missing Seeker insignias as the Decepticon jets launch their attack.
*Is Megatron supposed to be touching the blue button on his belly to radio Scrapper? 'Cause he totally misses it.
*Scrapper's voice is a bit off as he gives the order to combine. It's not quite as bad as before, but still not the correct hoarse rasp.
[[File:CityofSteel devastator kong.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[The Core|And now]] he's ''broken'' his 20th Anniversary Prime toy.]]
*Devastator's scale is always an issue, but he's ''really'' oversized here, smashing an entire multi-story building aside with a single blow. Man, [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] must've [[Prime Directive issue 4|really loved]] this dorky episode, huh?
*Devastator has two eyes instead of an eyeband as he holds Optimus, and again as he fends off the helicopters.
*Why is Wheeljack upset? Devastator didn't manage to touch his helicopters!
*Does Prime really have to telekinetically control his ''rifle''? Wouldn't pulling the trigger suffice?
*As is normal when a good guy's life is at stake, Devastator (holding Optimus) falls for an absurdly long time. He's moving incredibly slowly as he passes Ironhide and Ratchet.

===Continuity errors===
*Laserbeak's shoot-to-enter door system seems rather improbable, or at least pointlessly complicated. In particular, how does the manhole cover know to land right back on top of the entrance?
*Let's not even get into the plausibility of lowering a thousand-foot building into the ground, rebuilding it for beings several times the size of a human, and then rebuilding it ''again'' into its original form. Ditto for the rest of Manhattan, actually.
*The TV newscaster is heard saying "''...meanwhile, officials are baffled as to the cause of the disappearance of the world-famous Empire State Building.''" Aside from the fact "officials" should be able to just look down the giant hole to Megatron's operation, why is this no higher than ''second'' in newsworthiness? The episode precedes the now-ubiquitous 24-hour news cycle, but what could possibly have been ''more'' notable than the disappearance of an entire skyscraper? It should be all they can talk about for the entire broadcast.
* Prime apparently keeps fragile vital circuits right out in front on his tummy, where one poke from a cyber-doojit can totally disable him. Lucky nobody tried that move on him ever again!
*With all the freaking huge cannons that the Decepticons installed, it's Prime's firearm that's the big cause for panic?
*Megatron, ensconced in his headquarters, responds to a comment of Spike's while Spike is riding down the street inside Bumblebee. How could he possibly hear what he said?
*After Prime dispatches the battle-taxis, there's a scene transition, followed by a shot of Ironhide standing still and not doing anything. Prime rolls up to him and declares "That's the way to cool it, Ironhide!", which strongly indicates that Ironhide was supposed to have been doing something with his liquid nitrogen that got cut out, even though Prime's response didn't.
*Why on earth do the Decepticon jets just fly right through their own building? If the idea is that the Autobots shot them and made them lose control, the animation completely fails to show it.
[[File:Cos prime disassembled.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I would have waited an eternity for this. It's over, Prime!.... I should probably kill you right now, shouldn't I?"]]
*Spike's "Now, Bumblebee!" line is ridiculous filler. The elevator door opens, they step into Megatron's headquarters, Megatron and Soundwave are right there in front of them... when ''else'' were they going to enact their brilliant plan? And how come Megatron's HQ has no security system to keep them out to begin with?
*While it might be true of Spike, it's kind of weird that Megatron refers to both Spike ''and Bumblebee'' as "Earth pests."
*Where did Wheeljack find two missile-equipped helicopters?
*Megatron retreats, saying "The Autobots may have destroyed our city of New Cybertron"... but the Autobots really have done nothing of the sort.
*Why didn't the Constructicons find the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] when they took apart Prime?
*Even more curious, how is it that Optimus can survive being reduced to a talking head, when the much lesser damage he took in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' was enough to kill him? Is this because he was supposedly "disassembled", for the most part, rather than damaged?
*Wouldn't it have been a good idea to take three minutes to reattach Optimus Prime's arm ''before'' getting to work on putting the city's buildings back to normal, so that he could have maybe ''helped''? Rather than doing it as the very last thing before they leave? The restoration itself appears to have been completed astonishingly quickly, despite the Autobots not having construction specialists ([[Grapple (G1)|yet]]) and the Cybertronian conversion requiring [[Constructicon (G1)|a team of six]].

===I Love New York errors===
[[File:CityofSteel Hound tracking.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Cityofsteel ironhide grapple.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The opening pan from the Hudson River shows the Chrysler Building ''south'' of the Empire State Building. It should be north. Both buildings are ''way'' too far south relative to the Twin Towers.
*"Meet us in Central Park" is an incredibly vague order, considering the size of the place.
*The Autobots don't really stop ''in'' Central Park; there's buildings on two sides of them. No traffic or pedestrians, though. Or sidewalks.
* As the Decepticons prepare to raise it back into position, the Empire State Building is drawn as if it borders a park.
*The Brooklyn Bridge is more than just three lanes wide. It also does not have an exit ramp at mid-span.
*Oh, man. Spike went swimming in the East River in 1985? He ''is'' a super-human.
*It could just be chalked up to Hound's optimism, but most subway tracks don't end at a river.

===Trivia===
*Along with "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]", this episode is one of a trio animated by [[AKOM]], showcasing the Constructicons and featuring distinctively bright and "cartoonish" art and animation, lots of use of stock poses, a somewhat more juvenile plot and script than normal, and a common set of animation model oddities (listed above).
*Though it is widely regarded in the [[fandom]] as his normal way of speaking, this is in fact the only time Mixmaster's speech oddity ("Right right right. Mega Mega Megatron!") ever shows up.
*This episode's [[dialogue script]] reveals a deleted scene: the Autobot group waterskiing into the harbor were to use their powers in a fight against Skywarp, Starscream, and Thundercracker (where Mirage was to reference Starscream as a "sitting [[duckatron]]" for blasting Hound's hologram instead of the real one). It makes the Autobots' worrying immediately afterwards about Laserbeak reporting them kind of silly, as they'd already fought some Decepticons on the way in! As it happens, the fight isn't referenced again anyway, making the removal seamless.
*When Megatron warns the Autobots against interfering with his plans, he refers to a "minicon" as a unit of measurement. This term would be later used as the name for the [[Mini-Con]]s, a race of small Transformers (primarily) from the [[Unicron Trilogy]].
*AKOM avoids [[The Core|screwing up]] Devastator's combination sequence by ''not actually showing it''. The pieces of Devastator just fly in from off-screen, already formed.
*Prime's vehicle mode gains toy-accurate cab stripes and his trailer has the additional blue stripes from the toy.
*This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 2000]].
*City of Steel has the honour of being the final episode of [[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]] when the G1 cartoon was rebroadcast in the 90s under the G2 banner.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La cité d'acier'''" ("City of Steel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*This episode is one of those that has never been released on DVD in French.
::*Some voice actors switch characters for this episode (well, more than usual). For example, this is the first time Soundwave is not dubbed by [[Albert Augier]] despite the latter being present to dub other characters.
::*[[Georges Atlas]] is absent, which does not help. Consequently, it breaks Skywarp's streak, who was the only "regular" character with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee keeping the same voice actor since episode 1 until now.
::*The whole dialogue between Bonecrusher and Long Haul during the opening scene ("I didn't join this outfit to be a dump truck!") is absent from the dub. This results in 10 seconds of a frozen shot of a dump truck with catchy music, until Megatron finally asks them what they are waiting for.
::*The anchorwoman is dubbed by a man, the French cast being 100% male at this time of the dub.
::*Optimus Prime's line "Sparkplug, tell Wheeljack and the others to meet us at Central Park" is not dubbed. This results in a sequence of Autobots driving, the interior of Optimus Prime's truck and a shot of Sparkplug in front of Teletraan-1 without context, before the logo transition.
::*The whole sequence of the Autobots sliding on water is not dubbed. All we can do is watch them slide in music while being spied on by Laserbeak.
::*Scrapper uses the word "modification" to give the order of transforming rather than "mutation" often used by the Decepticons in previous episodes.
::*As usual, the line in which Megatron asks Soundwave to launch Laserbeak and Buzzsaw is not dubbed in order to avoid pronouncing difficult names.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La città d'acciaio'''" ("City of Steel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The first lines are not dubbed.
::*The Alligaticon is simply called an alligator.
::*Instead of saying that the Alligaticon is made with Optimus's pieces, Spike and Bumblebee say that those pieces are inside it.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La città d'acciaio'''" ("City of Steel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Steel City'''" (スチールシティ)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 13]], [[1985]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gāng zhī Chéng '''" (钢之城, "City of Steel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cidade de Aço'''" ("City of Steel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gorod iz stali'''" (Город из стали, "The City of Steel")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[file:Ultimates Alligaticon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This toy's box is big and heavy!]]

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-21G [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#G2Masterpiece|Bumble G-2 Ver.]] ([[TakaraTomy]], 2015)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Bumble (Bumblebee) with a metallic gold finish based on his ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' toy (which is unrelated to this episode) that includes an "'''I ♥ NY'''" license plate decal based on the bumper sticker he sports at the end of this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-45 [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#MP45|Bumble]] (TakaraTomy, 2019)'''
:A completely new mold with more show-accurate robot and vehicle modes, among his accessories includes a "'''I ♥ NY'''" license plate/bumper sticker that attaches to the front of his altmode front grill.

* '''''Ultimates!'' [[Alligaticon]] ([[Super7]], 2022)'''
:A 10-inch-long non-transforming figure made to emulate the creature's cartoon model, with multiple "City of Steel"-themed accessories, including a tower with Optimus's arm attached to it.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1999 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 1: Prime Threat ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1994]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1998]] — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2002]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2007]] — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[[User:repowers]] [http://builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/s-cityofsteel.html rips this episode to tiny pieces in a September 2000 review]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xMY-X_NZ2AhmtkP3mLTK-W_9to2ghyWv Episode dialogue script]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eqsb4xc-zAOgpnRcSAIfYOk6tuvchI_z/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-18-city-of.html Gallery of full storyboards]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

User:Greebtron

2026-03-30T19:27:15Z

Greebtron:

[[The Transformers (cartoon)]] production material available at the Sunbow Marvel Archive, some linked or listed on the wiki:

'''''Season 1'''''

* Unproduced [[Title sequence]] storyboard
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]] Full script, dialogue script
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] Full script, dialogue script, Act I full storyboard, Act III storyboard samples
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] Full script, dialogue script, Act II storyboard samples

* [[Production bible]] - Season 1 cast only
* [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] Full script (revised 8th June 1984), full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act II storyboard samples
* [[Roll for It]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III partial storyboard
* [[Divide and Conquer]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[Fire in the Sky]] Full script (first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[S.O.S. Dinobots]] Full script (revised by [[Ron Friedman]]), dialogue script, first draft storyboards
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[War of the Dinobots]] Full script (first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, full storyboards
* [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, full storyboards
* [[A Plague of Insecticons]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[Heavy Metal War]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, full first draft storyboards

'''''Season 2'''''

* Unproduced [[Title sequence]] storyboard
* Unproduced [[Commercial bumper]] storyboard
* [[Autobot Spike]] dialogue script, Act II storyboards
* [[Changing Gears]] dialogue script
* [[City of Steel (episode)]] dialogue script, full storyboards (near final)
* [[Attack of the Autobots (episode)]] dialogue script, full storyboards (near final)
* [[Traitor (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[The Immobilizer]] full storyboard (final)
* [[The Autobot Run]] dialogue script
* [[Atlantis, Arise!]] dialogue script, first draft storyboards
* [[Day of the Machines]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Enter the Nightbird]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[A_Prime_Problem]] Partial script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Core]] Partial script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Insecticon Syndrome]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Dinobot Island, Part 1]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Dinobot Island, Part 2]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Master Builders (episode)]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman 31st January 1985), dialogue script
* [[Auto Berserk]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Microbots]] Full script (first draft), dialogue script
* [[Megatron%27s Master Plan, Part 1]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Megatron%27s Master Plan, Part 2]] dialogue script, Additional Material section storyboard
* [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Blaster Blues]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), partial storyboards (section missing), dialogue script
* [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur%27s Court (episode)]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The God Gambit]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Make Tracks]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Child%27s Play (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Quest for Survival]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)]] full script, full storyboards, dialogue script
* [[The Gambler]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Kremzeek!]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Sea_Change]] full script (first draft), full script (revised by Doug Booth), first draft storyboards, dialogue script
* [[Triple Takeover]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Prime Target (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Auto-Bop]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)]] full script, voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part_1]] dialogue script
* [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part_2]] dialogue script
* [[Aerial Assault]] dialogue script, full storyboards
* [[War Dawn (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Trans-Europe Express]] dialogue script
* [[Cosmic Rust (episode)]] First page of outline, first draft script, dialogue script, full storyboards (final revision)
* [[Starscream%27s Brigade]] First draft script, dialogue script
* [[The Revenge of Bruticus]] Full script (final), dialogue script
* [[Masquerade]] dialogue script
* [[B.O.T. (episode)]] dialogue script

[[The Transformers: The Movie]]
* First Ron Friedman draft script
* Second draft script outline
* Second Ron Friedman draft script
* August 6, 1985 final script
* Early storyboard sequences 1-8 and 25
* Finalised storyboard sequences 1-31
* Dialogue script ([[Walker Edmiston]] copy.)

'''''Season 3'''''

* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[The Killing_Jar (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Chaos (episode)]] partial outline, first draft script, revised script, full storyboards, voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[Dark Awakening (episode)]] voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Thief in the Night]] dialogue script
* [[Surprise Party]] dialogue script
* [[Madman%27s Paradise]] dialogue script
* [[Nightmare Planet]] dialogue script
* [[Ghost in the Machine (G1)]] dialogue script
* [[Webworld]] dialogue script, Act III storyboard
* [[Carnage in C-Minor]] dialogue script
* [[The Quintesson Journal]] dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Weapon]] dialogue script
* [[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Fight or Flee_(episode)]] full script (final)
* [[Only Human]] dialogue script
* [[Grimlock%27s New Brain]] dialogue script
* [[Money Is Everything (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Grimlock%27s New Brain]] dialogue script
* [[Call of the Primitives]] dialogue script
* [[The Face of the Nijika]] dialogue script
* [[The Burden Hardest to Bear]] dialogue script
* [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]] full script (final), dialogue script
* [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]] full script (final), dialogue script

Storyboard

2026-03-22T20:49:24Z

Greebtron: /* Available storyboards */

[[File:Mirage death.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Your father smelled of elderberries!]]
'''Storyboards''' are, for lack of a better term, pieces of art that are used in movies or television shows to give the crew working on it a visual for how scenes are going to play out. This is used to help frame the scene's camera and get a basic idea of how scenes are to play out; when a piece of dialogue is said, what visuals are shown happening in the scene and the general frame of the scene is determined by it's storyboarded version.

Some scenes never make it past the storyboard phase, however; scenes like the image of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] blasting [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to the right are sometimes completely cut from the final version of an episode or movie. These are usually because of pacing, time constraints or changes to the script which neccessitate the removal of certain scenes. For example, the scenes of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] being alive after the [[Battle of Autobot City]] were cut when it was decided he would die in the battle.

These "deleted scenes" will usually end up on home video releases of the movie as a bonus feature to entice buyers if they were far enough into production.

=Available storyboards=
[[File:City_Of_Steel_storyboard_cover.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Example of a Marvel Productions storyboard cover]]
===[[The Transformers (cartoon)]]===
====Season 1====
{{collist|2|
* Unproduced [[Title_sequence#Season_1|title sequence]]
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] Act I
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] Act II samples
* [[Transport_to_Oblivion_(episode)|Transport to Oblivion]] Act II samples
* [[Roll for It]] Act III
* [[S.O.S. Dinobots]]
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]
* [[Countdown_to_Extinction_(episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]
* [[Heavy Metal War]]
}}

====Season 2====
{{collist|2|
* Unproduced [[Title_sequence#Season_2|title sequence]]
* [[Autobot Spike]] Act II
* [[City of Steel (episode)|City Of Steel]]
* [[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]]
* [[The Immobilizer]]
* [[Atlantis, Arise!]]
* [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2]] (Additional Material insert)
* [[Blaster Blues]]
* [[The_Secret_of_Omega_Supreme_(episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]
* [[Sea Change]]
* [[Aerial Assault]]
* [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]
}}

====Season 3====
* [[Chaos_(episode)|Chaos]]
* [[Webworld]] Act III

===[[The Transformers: The Movie]]===
* Finalised sequences 1-31

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
File:18_City_Of_Steel_storyboards_Page_023.jpg|From [[City of Steel (episode)|City Of Steel]]. The next 8 pages have been removed from the set...
File:18_City_Of_Steel_storyboards_Page_024.jpg|After the deleted pages, we resume the produced episode.
File:18_City_Of_Steel_storyboards_Page_096.jpg|Some artists liked to use more than one panel to create a large panoramic image.
File:48_-_Sea_Change_Storyboards_Page_013.jpg|From [[Sea Change]]. Where possible, some artists saved time by copying the background layout drawing directly on to their boards.
File:60_Cosmic_Rust_storyboards_Page_038.jpg|From [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]. Storyboard directors and producers would sometimes scale down larger shots to save money.
</gallery></center>

==External links==
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/storyboard-viewing-gallery.html Index of storyboard galleries for The Transformers and The Transformers The Movie at the Sunbow Marvel Archive]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Media]]

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2026-03-22T00:31:14Z

Greebtron: /* External links */

{{disambig3|Countdown to Extinction}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=14
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=9
|prev2=War of the Dinobots
|next2=Heavy Metal War
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=50
|prev3=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next3=Trans-Europe Express
|image=CountdownToExtinction.jpg
|caption=Prime helps Megatron to shoot his load.
|title="Countdown to Extinction"
|season=1
|season ep=14
|production code=#700-11
|airdate=[[December 1]], 1984
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxc1X6RRCDU
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, both sides regroup, while Starscream puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I think my toy had something like this.]]

The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones affected by Megatron's absence.

With [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] having gone AWOL and their headquarters still heavily damaged, the Decepticons are in disarray; [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] picks a fight with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] while [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] fruitlessly tries to keep them on task. This squabbling is short-lived, however, as Megatron returns, having survived the explosion of his starship. When he learns that Starscream and [[Doctor Arkeville]] are apparently working together, he sets off in pursuit with the other Decepticons.

Starscream, still believing Megatron destroyed, forces Doctor Arkeville to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there, he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[File:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Freeze, this is the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD!]]]]

Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

The Autobots detect the Decepticon activity and set off after them. After a short battle the Autobots are trapped in quicksand. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] freezes the quicksand with his liquid nitrogen allowing them to escape. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who was standing guard over them, is captured and [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] forces him to play his findings. The Autobots learn that the Decepticons are heading for the Doctor's secret laboratory and they set off to follow them.

[[File:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Fiend and machine – TERRORXTREME!]]

The Doctor, unwilling to let Starscream benefit from the Earth's destruction, attempts to sabotage the energy collectors, but the Decepticon security system stuns him with a blast of electricity. Starscream has the badly-injured Doctor 'repaired' by the [[medicroid]]s, leaving him more machine now than man. Of course, he was twisted and evil to start with, so.

The Autobots and Decepticons arrive at the laboratory and battle each other again. Unaware of the danger it represents, Megatron covets the exponential generator and fights Optimus Prime for its possession. During the fight, Megatron receives a communication from Shockwave on Cybertron.

Shockwave, unwilling to further serve Starscream, warns Megatron about the timer and Starscream's plan. Megatron rips the timer from the wall just in time. On Cybertron, Starscream is baffled that the Earth has not exploded and sets off back to check the timer.

The exponential generator has become volatile and begins to go critical, ready to explode. Prime rips it away from Megatron, but the [[Decepticon leader]] says he needs the Autobot leader's help. [[Transformation|Transforming]], Megatron tells Prime to load the generator into his gun barrel, and then fires it into space. It explodes quite near Starscream who is flying up to Earth, and the blast sends him crashing... just in front of none-too-pleased Megatron. Stunned, Starscream tries to babble something to excuse himself, but Megatron gathers the hapless Starscream up and drags him away.

With the threat ended, the Autobots let the Decepticons go. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] wonders what will happen to Starscream, and the other Autobots are amused at the thought of what Megatron plans to do.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (26)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't you do ''anything'' right, Skywarp?" 
"Watch it, you metallic mini-meatball, or I'll step on you!"
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Skywarp''' shortly before the former gets owned.

"Hey, I didn't volunteer for this geeky assignment. I want Skywarp's job." 
"Butt out, Frenzy. Geek work's made for a geek! Like you!"
:— '''Frenzy''' and '''Skywarp''' bickering before resorting to violence.

"I, Doctor Arkeville, genius of science, say... OPEN SESAME!" 
"How original."
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' shows '''Starscream''' the entrance to his secret lab.

"Hey Optimus, how'd you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?" 
"As I believe the Earthlings say... lay it on me, man."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Your destiny is to serve me, my potent beauty."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> interest in the exponential generator gets a little creepy.

'''Rumble''': Megatron, it's... it's the Autobots! 
'''Megatron''': Impossible! They were doomed! 
'''Skywarp''': Don't worry. We'll make them regret undooming themselves.
:—The Decepticons prepare to kick some exhaust port.

'''Megatron''': Here! Have a ton of fun! 
''[Megatron throws a boulder at Optimus, misses and hits Rumble.]'' 
'''Optimus''': Hahaha! Your aim's improving, Megatron!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is having a blast.

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:—'''Megatron''' missed Janeway too.

'''Bumblebee''': Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to Starscream?" 
'''Optimus''': Nothing gentle, I would say. 
''[general laughter]'' 
'''Jazz''': I think we seen the last of ol' Starcreep alright! And that's the first thing that's gone right all day.
:—The Autobots muse on Starscream's fate after Megatron is last seen carrying him off screen.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 23rd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26th July 1984
* Final script: 9th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: August 15th 1984 ([[Peter Cullen]] not present for main session, [[Chris Latta]] voiced Optimus Prime for 'dummy lines')
* First draft storyboards completed: 20th August 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 22nd August 1984
* Final storyboard revision: 27th August 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 28th August 1984

===Continuity notes===
* This episode follows on from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]" and includes a narrative recap of that episode's crucial events.
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode... and [[FIRRIB|he's red]].
*Rumble calls Skywarp a [[maxi-turkey]].
[[File:CountdowntoExtinction Mirage firing missile.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Holy cow, so that's what that thing is for!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** A relatively rare instance of Wheeljack firing his missile launcher.
** An even more rare instance of Mirage firing his.
** Ironhide unleashes his old favorite, supercooled nitrogen. It's a whitish-clear gas this time, coming from his retracted wrist. (And since nitrogen boils at well below room temperature, this may be the one time in ''Transformers'' where the substance is actually shown correctly.)
** Megatron's communication with Shockwave on Cybertron is indicated by his upper-chest rectangles blinking.
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.
* We never see Arkeville again; Starscream leaves him on Cybertron as an immobilized cyborg.
* The episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about showing the same 13 Autobots in Prime's strike force.
* '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's ship blew up! '''[[The Immobilizer|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream approaches the secret lab.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar and ''Falcon'' whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker open fire on the Autobot convoy.
** More ''Falcon'' rumble as Skywarp is hit by Wheeljack's missile.
** More TIE engine as the Decepticons move to land a second later.
** [[Death Star]] firing noise as the Decepticons launch to retreat.
** Diving [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] as the Decepticons leave the quicksand pit.
** TIE/''Falcon'' as Laserbeak launches to stop Ironhide.
* A sound effect more commonly used for the Road Runner is repurposed as Skywarp and Thundercracker diving to attack the Autobots.

===Technical or animation glitches===
* As the Dinobots push the building back into place, Grimlock has his old head design, and Sludge has that strange yellow mouth interior again.
* As Wheeljack raises his hand to indicate where the Dinobots should stop, the flashing glow of his "ears" is layered on top of his hand.
* Two Brawns are seen repairing the damaged dam, one handing the other a concrete block. In the next shot, one of them has turned into Gears, in time for Huffer to hassle him.
* When Shockwave contacts Megatron about the generator's imminent destruction, the eyes on his Decepticon insignia are missing.
* Coloring errors:
** When Skywarp's hand and arm reach into the frame to slap Rumble, they're in Thundercracker's colors.
** Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door as he mocks Thundercracker.
** As Megatron asks about Arkeville, Skywarp's chest intakes are colored black. Both he and Thundercracker have the bottom segments of their canopies colored orange instead of black/blue respectively.
** The Laserbeak tape [[Garboil (G1)|is blue]] in the first shot, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's normal red-and-white.
** While listening to Laserbeak, the black line above Megatron's eyes is white making his eyes look extra small.
** As Megatron orders his troops to move out, Soundwave's hand is white, then changes to blue.[[File:G1toon starscream and arkeville.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
** Starscream's wing stripe is gray instead of red, and his wings are mounted too low, as he orders the Doctor to open his lab door.
** Starscream's foot is light gray instead of blue as he comments on the Doctor's originality.
** Bumblebee is tan instead of yellow as the jets fire on the Autobot convoy.
** The area in front of Starscream's neck is dark gray instead of light gray as Dr. Arkeville says he must work under his supervision.'
** As Starscream prepares to flip the switch, his wings are missing most of their paint details.
** As Starscream congratulates the Doctor for understanding his intent, the stripes on his wings are white instead of red.
** In the next shot, the bridge of Starscream's nose is dark gray instead of medium gray. In fact, Starscream's nose changes color a lot throughout this episode, too much to mention.
** Starscream's elbow segment is red instead of gray after he threatens Shockwave.
** Optimus's antenna is white instead of blue as he looks up at Megatron perched on the rock peak, and again as he watches the Decepticons fly off.
** As he stands over the generator, the square red button on Megatron's waist is colored blue.
** Starscream's tailfins are miscolored as he falls to Earth and impacts.
** The chest segment above Starscream's canopy is colored yellow instead of gray as Megatron looms over him.
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** Skywarp and Thundercracker are both missing the insignia on the back of their wings as Thundercracker steps in to tell them to shape up.
* As the sliding doors start to open to admit Megatron, he disappears for a frame or two.
* Skywarp is drawn delivering Thundercracker's "He's gone!" lines.
* As usual when he's playing back a tape report, Soundwave's tape door suddenly becomes transparent as Laserbeak plays back. Behind him, Thundercracker's canopy is still over-oranged, and his wings aren't symmetrical.
* Wheeljack is missing his ears as he watches Megatron & co. on screen.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How DID Teletraan I get that image of the Decepticons flying along?
* "Puny flesh creature!" The insignia on Starscream's wing-back is badly out of place.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as Dr. Arkeville boards his [[alternate mode|jet mode]].
* As Starscream talks to Dr. Arkeville in space, his voice is muffled as though coming over a radio. Since Arkeville is ''inside'' him, shouldn't Starscream's voice be normal?
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray in the big lineup of firing Autobots. Jazz is missing his insignia. Wheeljack's ears flash for a single frame even though he's not speaking, and they're orange; he's missing his missile launcher.
* When Starscream instructs Shockwave to start setting up energy collectors, Shockwave's gun-hand has switched to his right arm.
* Thundercracker has no stripes or insignia on his wings as he, Soundwave and Rumble half-heartedly dodge Autobot fire (instead of landing like Megatron just ordered.)
* Thundercracker is drawn delivering Skywarp's "undooming themselves" line.
* The end of Megatron's fusion cannon is ''much'' too thin as he aims at Prime in front of the generator.
* As Prime warns Megatron to be careful, his faceplate drops almost all the way to his chin as he speaks.
* The damage caused to Megatron's chest by the exponential generator disappears after he leaves the lab.
* As the Autobots drive past cam, Ironhide and Ratchet's passenger side windows are HUGE.
* Prime's strange half-sloped windscreen design appears in the next shot, an error found in several other episodes including "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
* Peter Cullen's voice for Optimus Prime is given an unusual amount of robotic modulation in this episode. It's particularly noticeable in the third act's scenes between Optimus Prime and Megatron inside the lab.

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* The volume of the sound effects in the Shout! release of this episode are noticeably reduced from the original; the beeping of the timer after the first commercial break, for example, is barely audible.

===Continuity errors===
* Narrator [[Victor Caroli]] claims that Cybertron's orbit of Earth has "left the world in ruins". Yet somehow, after the opening scenes of this episode, we never see any signs of this catastrophic damage—in this episode or any future one. The Autobots are shown repairing things, but things return to normal too quickly even for Autobots.
* Megatron was beat to hell at the end of last episode. When he returns to Decepticon Headquarters, he's brand-spankin' new. Where did he get the resources to repair himself so thoroughly?
* Optimus says that "we can't let [Megatron] and the Decepticons regroup"... but it should be obvious from the screen that they already ''have'' regrouped.
*The timer that Starscream connects to the exponential generator, which starts at 8:00:00, leads to some dubious situations:
**When the timer says 7:58:20 (1:40 minutes), only about 20 seconds have passed.
**It takes Starscream less than 30 seconds to reach outer space (and have a good bit of distance between him and Earth). He then reaches Cybertron in about 4 hours. For what it's worth, Starscream's toy [[bio]] states that he can reach Mach 2.8. Also, Cybertron was probably still relatively close to Earth.
**The <del>shenanigans</del> battles out in the field, including when the Decepticons initially bury Bumblebee, and the quicksand trap, take about 5 1/2 hours.
**There's a time lapse of around 15 minutes between the moment Megatron finds the exponential generator and when he opens it up. That, of course, could be overlooked seeing how it may take Megatron, who's unfamiliar with the lab, that much time to figure out the controls.
**The battle outside Doctor Arkeville's lab, including Megatron's own standoff with Optimus Prime, goes on for 2 hours. Maybe not so dubious, but it's not the norm for the television series.
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is? (The very prominent ''front staircase'' might be a clue.)
[[File:CountdownExtinction Jazz plays Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
* When we last see Laserbeak, he's held prisoner in Jazz's tape deck. We never do learn how he gets free.
* If the generator can melt Megatron's chest, why doesn't it melt his hands?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also "[[War of the Dinobots]]" for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion). In fairness, Megatron by this point has spent some time de-wiring and perhaps de-powering the device.

===Trivia===
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list for this episode lists "Tyrex" and "Bronton" as [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s appearing with non-speaking roles. Evidence points to these being early names for Grimlock and Sludge coined by writer [[Donald F. Glut]]; in an interview with Glut,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070217131842/http://members.aol.com/tfencyc/interview_glut.html Interview with Donald F. Glut]</ref> he revealed that, prior to the Dinobots receiving their final names, he had submitted more "dinosaurian" names for them. Why Glut's proposed names were used on a cast list page for an episode he did not write—particularly when Grimlock and Sludge had been referred to in prior cast list pages under their proper names—is unknown.
* Thundercracker appears to be the one commanding the remaining Decepticons before Megatron returns; while not an outright error, it's a bit odd as based on what's understood about the Decepticon hierarchy, it seems like Soundwave is the highest-ranking one present.
* In the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS promotional blurb for this episode, the narrator claims the exponential generator's explosion is powerful enough to destroy ''the entire universe.'' So, uhhh, maybe every bit of TF fiction produced after this actually represents a different [[universal stream]]!
*One of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'s'' multiplayer modes is named after this very episode.
*Yes, the Heroic Autobots are laughing over how Megatron is going to torture Starscream.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Raz de marée'''" ("Tidal Wave")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''Le Générateur exponentiel'''" ("The Exponential Generator")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*[[Jacques Ferrière]] is absent from this episode. All his characters are consequently distributed to other cast members.
:::*Laserbeak is called "Laserback" twice in this episode. In previous episodes he was called "Laserobreak".
:::*Very rare case, all names are pronounced in the argument scene between the Decepticons (Rumble is named, and Skywarp is named twice!).
:::*Ironhide is called "Ironhike" twice. A mix between his original name and "Irok", the name they usually use in the dub.
:::*Optimus Prime's laugh after Megatron hit Rumble is replaced by weird sounds from [[Francis Lax]], making it sound like Optimus is in great pain or struggles to do something. The most likely theory is that the actors didn't watch the original version before recording and went straight to it. If we follow this theory here, the "Ah"s in the text were misinterpreted and they didn't bother to do another take.
:::*Shockwave reports to Megatron by introducing himself as "Shock". This is the name that was mistakenly used for Soundwave in several previous episodes.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Astrum, il traditore'''" ("Starscream, the Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Rumble is called "Scarlet" in this episode, despite his Italian name being "Tartar".
::*"Tread water" oddly becomes "walk on water".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Conto alla rovescia per l'estinzione'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū Shōmetsu Keikaku'''" (地球消滅計画, "The Earth Obliteration Plan")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 31]], [[1985]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter had to be delayed until the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved. As a result, with this episode being an epilogue to "The Ultimate Doom", its chronology rubs off as rather confusing in the broadcast order of the series. A guide written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] for the [[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer]] DVD box set featured a "proper viewing order" feature so that Japanese fans could watch the episodes in a more logical continuity.
::*This episode was commemorated by an exclusive [[Heroes of Cybertron (toyline)#Exclusives|Super Collection Figure]] giftset sold at the Wonder Festival 2002 convention in Japan. The set included both a metallic-painted PVC of Optimus Prime holding Megatron in gun mode and a metallic-painted PVC of Prime in truck mode.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bàozhà Qiánxī'''" (爆炸前夕, "Before Explosion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Contagem Para Destruição'''" ("Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Otschyot gibeli'''" (Отсчёт гибели, "Death Countdown")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Odbrojavanje pred uništenje'''" (Одбројавање пред уништење, "Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cuenta atrás hacia la extinción'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:GunmodeMegsMasterpieceConvoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime included an accessory of Megatron in his classic Walther P-38 altmode in reference to this episode, as well as a similar team-up in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]". Although non-transforming, it is quite detailed and includes the individually removable silencer / barrel extension, scope, and (hinged) stock.

:As the ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold has been has re-released multiple times, so too has Megatron. He was made available again without changes as an accessory for Takara's MP-4, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp4|Convoy Perfect Edition]]" and MP-1L, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#lastshot|Convoy Last Production]]", and Hasbro's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|DVD Edition]]", but has also been redecoed several times: these distinct new versions of Megatron are listed on [[Megatron (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|Megatron's toy's page]].

{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 11: "Countdown to Extinction" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Retour de Megatron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HZEQfVV6BKkVivUIYpdZyoOJftuPoM6J Full episode script, finalised on 9th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbdESYU7XIoktYiPIaN-95jJ0wJlg_6I/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-11-countdown-to_5.html Full storyboard gallery for this episode]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 3

2026-03-22T00:30:46Z

Greebtron: /* External links */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=13
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=68
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next2=Earth's Greatest Crisis
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=43
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next3=B.O.T. (episode)
|image=Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots fire.JPG
|caption=Autobots, transform and kick some diodes!
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 3"
|production code=#700-10
|airdate=[[November 17]], 1984
|season=1
|season ep=13
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Leo D. Paur]]
|teleplay by=[[Leo D. Paur]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42tsk3EJLpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''As Cybertron's orbit ravages Earth, the Autobots take the fight to the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots Cybertron.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not the friendliest homecoming.]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a brainwashed [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] sounds an alarm on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. As [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] attempt to destroy them, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] rescue them. Heading to Wheeljack's lab, they review the [[hypno-chip]] data they've gained.

[[File:SurfsUp.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This sort of embarrassment is why they finally just recruited Seaspray.]]
On Earth, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is overseeing the construction of the [[sea funnel]], a large hydroelectric generator that will allow the Decepticons to harvest more energy. [[Doctor Arkeville]] is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Megatron's disregard of his interests, and feels that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] may be more sympathetic. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (on surfboards) to the generator, where their wipeout prevents them from being able to stop the Decepticons from leaving in a [[Decepticon shuttle|shuttle]] carrying [[energon cube]]s. Arkeville is left to die, but Starscream saves him, having his own plans for the scientist.

On Cybertron, Wheeljack develops a device that should disrupt the hypno-chips' control over the humans. Spike attempts another rescue of his father, but is discovered by Shockwave. However, Wheeljack's device works as planned, and the Autobots flee back to Earth with Sparkplug, who is now freed from Decepticon control.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Bumblebee Tarzan.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Jungle Love Bug]]
On an island, Megatron is overseeing the loading of a shuttle with energon cubes while [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] goes to see if he can direct the humans away from the ship. Nearby, Starscream's own experiments in draining neural energy from Arkeville have failed to fill a single energon cube. Megatron discovers them and prepares to execute Starscream for treason (again). However, Mirage manages to direct the humans away from the shuttle, and Prime orders an attack. The Decepticons outnumber the Autobots, but Skyfire and company soon arrive to even the odds as well as to free the slaves from the Decepticons' control. However, Cybertron comes into view of the island, causing a tidal wave, and Megatron flees in the shuttle for Cybertron.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Im in ur orbit, killin ur planet.]]
Spike declares that they just need to knock Cybertron out of Earth's orbit, but Prowl says that they'd need the equivalent of ten billion astroliters of energy to do that. Suddenly, Prime realizes that the [[energon]] on board the shuttle could theoretically be enough to move Cybertron. Prime orders the Autobots to shoot Megatron's shuttle. The plan works, with the energon on board moving Cybertron away from Earth.

Back on the island, Spike remarks to Optimus that Megatron appears to be gone for good, but the Autobot leader, knowing his mortal enemy's survival rate, is not so sure. In space, Megatron comes back online and flies away from the wreckage of the shuttle, vowing revenge.
{{--}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (2)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (26)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (28)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*Dark Blue [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (7)
*Light Blue Seeker (8)
*[[Watchdog (G1)|Watchdogs]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (24)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (25)
*Green Seeker (27)
*Thundercracker-colored seekers
*Skywarp-colored seekers
*Starscream-colored seekers
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"I don't suppose I could interest any of you in a magazine subscription?" 
:—'''Brawn''', door-to-door salesman to the '''Decepticons'''.

"Take them!" 
"I don't 'take' so easy."
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Brawn'''

"You're out of the picture, guys." 
:—'''Brawn''' to '''Thundercracker''' and '''Skywarp''', the latter of whom is literally off-screen.

"Prepare for termination!" 
"Prepare for a very large ''headache!''"
:—'''Shockwave''' vs. '''Brawn'''

"You cannot get out!" 
''[Shockwave unleashes a massive blast, but blows a hole in the wall instead of Skyfire]'' 
"I can now!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Skyfire'''

"All the comforts of home... if you like living in an auto-robotic factory."
:—'''Wheeljack''', on [[Wheeljack's workshop|his workshop]]

"My slaves will be caught in the tidal wave!" 
"I thought humans ''liked'' to play in the ocean!"
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' teaches '''Megatron''' an important fact about human anatomy.

"Surf's up! And I'm talkin' UP!" 
:—'''Bluestreak''' spots an approaching tsunami.

"Thanks, guys, for not giving up on me. Especially you, Spike." 
"Dad, it's like you taught me: You never quit on the people you love." 
"Mushy but true."
:—'''Sparkplug''' and '''Spike''' have a touching father-son moment, with an addendum by '''Brawn'''.

"You're not pushing slaves around this time."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to open a [[Kremzeek]] brand can of whup-ass.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: undated
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 28th July 1984
* Final script: 6th August 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 7th August 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 15th August 1984
* Storyboards revised: 20th August 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 21st August 1984 (by [[Brad Case]])
* Final storyboard revision: 23rd August 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 24th August 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Watchdog tud3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Shockwavelightdoom3.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|''Hello'', my face is up here?]]
* Wheeljack's place on Cybertron, previously seen in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", is shown again.
* A couple of [[Watchdog (G1)|Decepticon cars]] are shown in this episode, but it's not clear if they are Transformers. They have a Reflector-like color scheme.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rather than the hydrofoils they were using just two episodes ago, the Autobots are now traveling the oceans on motor-powered surfboards.
** Both Prime and Ironhide have "early warning scanners" which can detect mountain-sized tidal waves just slightly over the horizon. Man, those aren't very effective scanners.
** Rumble can extend his optic visor to make it function like binoculars.
** Shockwave can light up his chest like a searchlight. It's not clear if this is meant to be some kind of force field holding Spike in place, or if Spike just stops due to some deer-in-the-headlights psychological effect.
** Ironhide briefly carries a grey copy of the bazooka he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... which was itself a green version of the bazooka Cliffjumper had in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
** Megatron transforms and fires at Skyfire unassisted... which kinda puts the lie to all those sarcastic fan claims that his gun mode is oh-so-totally-useless without someone to fire him. Of course, he also does this ''in the show's title sequence'', so it really shouldn't be such a surprise. (Granted, title sequences also give us things like flying Autobots and Insecticons swimming around in lava, so their relevance is debatable.)
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 2: Brawn dispatches Soundwave with a single mighty blast to the chest! Brawn 2, Soundwave 0 [[Autobot Spike|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* Prowl's line "Ask, and you shall receive!" is from the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
* Starscream's dramatic proclamation "I shall return!" is a popular TV trope referring to the famous speech of {{w|Douglas MacArthur#Escape to Australia and Medal of Honor|U.S. General Douglas MacArthur upon his retreat from the Philippines in World War II}}.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream grabs Dr. Arkeville and escapes from the island.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine and some ''Falcon'' engine whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots.
** An igniting [[lightsaber]] serves as the sound of an energon cube being dropped by the freed slaves.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as the Seekers depart the island.
===Technical or animation glitches===
* In his opening recap narration, [[Victor Caroli]] mispronounces Dr. Arkeville's name as "Ark-vill".
* Both Spike and Sparkplug were wearing their signature hard hats at the end of last episode, but are missing them now.
* Coloring errors:
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as Brawn tells Spike they need to roll out.
** Wheeljack is missing the orange on his chest as Spike takes shelter behind his leg.
** The two Seekers guarding the entrance of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are shown with Starscream and Thundercracker's color schemes.
** Wheeljack's roof is plain white as the tetrajets appear above him.
** The two tetrajets that chase the Autobots first have the same color schemes as Thundercracker and Skywarp; however, when Skyfire is shooting at them, they're both colored like Skywarp. In the same shot, Skyfire's red has become blue, and his whites have become red.
** When Skyfire blasts one of the tetrajets, both of them are colored like Thundercracker.
** Wheeljack's chest (i.e., his roof) is again missing its colors in the overhead shot of his lab.
** As Wheeljack studies the mind control program, the side of Trailbreaker's chest is colored as though it were a windshield, and only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.
** Ironhide's helmet rim is gray instead of red as he turns to look at the oncoming tidal wave.
** The inside of Prime's cheek guards are gray instead of blue as he announces that they're almost there.
** The area around Starscream's cockpit is colored the same orange as the cockpit itself as he rises from the ocean to collect Dr. Arkeville.
** Skyfire's cockpit canopy is colored white instead of blue as he appears over the Autobots on Cybertron.
** As Prime announces his intention to attack, Prowl is colored like Skywarp. Prime's waist is also unusually huge.
** Skywarp's cockpit is black instead of orange as Megatron says "A fool's ploy".
** Gray helmet rims on Ironhide again as he advises Cliffjumper to save his ammo.
** Prowl's doors are all-black instead of half-black as he says they're outnumbered.
** Bumblebee's side is colored like glass as he observes the approaching crevasse.
** When Thundercracker launches to follow Megatron, he's a much darker blue than usual.
** Wheeljack is missing his orange chest colors as the Autobots brush themselves off after the explosion of Megatron's ship.
* As Shockwave melts Brawn's girder, Brawn's mouth moves, but there's no dialog. (It sure looks like he's mouthing a shocked obscenity, though!)
* Wheeljack's transformation sound doesn't play till after he's transformed.
[[File:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1| GAH! Don't do that on camera!]]
* As the Autobots escape from Decepticon HQ, Soundwave's Decepticon insignia is missing in two successive shots.
* Shockwave's eye isn't flashing as he says "You cannot get out!"
* When Skyfire says "I can now", his mouth does not move with the dialogue.
* When Spike says, "More Watchdogs on our tail, Wheeljack!", Wheeljack follows up by replying, "We've gotta lose them!" Spike smiles in reply to this sentence, not the next one, which is "My workshop's just ahead". Perhaps Wheeljack was supposed to say: "We're ''gonna'' lose them!".
* Prime's faceplate doesn't move as he reports his sensor readings to Ironhide.
* During his "Surf's up" lines, Bluestreak has only one door and one missile launcher.
* The generator Megatron throws at Starscream changes its relative size mid-air. It is initially almost as big as Megatron himself, but becomes only about as big and as wide as Starscream's chest.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** The establishing shot of the surfing Autobots shows only five 'bots (Prime, Ironhide & Ratchet, Jazz, and either Prowl or Bluestreak.) Prowl ''and'' Bluestreak are shown in the same shot a moment later, making six total. Most successive shots show only 3 or 4 surfing bots. We finally see all six as the tidal wave pursues them down the [[sea funnel]].
** There's plenty of time for Mirage and Cliffjumper to join the group as they travel to the island, but the addition of ''just'' those two seems a bit odd. Where are Sunstreaker, Gears, Sideswipe, etc. during all this?
* As Prowl grouses about Megatron's energon supply, Jazz has some weird extra lines on his optic visor.
* Reflector's voice comes in its usual triplicate form... even though there's only one of him present.
* Wheeljack is missing his Autobot insignia as he reports to Optimus.
* Wheeljack's ears are waaaay too small as he proposes field testing the anti-hypnochip device.
* Spike slightly phases through a wall just before Shockwave lights him up.
* The two Seekers that accompany Shockwave just can't make up their minds who they want to be:
** As Shockwave reaches to pick up Spike, the two generic Seekers behind him have been replaced by two Skywarps.
** As the Autobots show up, the two Skywarps have become a Thundercracker and a pine-green generic.
** As the Autobots escape, the two Seekers are colored as Thundercracker and Starscream.
** And then one of them is Skywarp again as he fires after the escaping Autobots.
* Spike has no pupils as he reacts to his father pulling a gun on him.
[[File:Tud3 wheeljack little present.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Well, we don't need Aquaman any more."]]
* As Wheeljack activates the hypno-chip-un-hypnotizer, Bumblebee is represented by a yellow-colored Cliffjumper.
* Shockwave's eye doesn't flash as he orders "After them!"
* Only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he radios Skyfire.
* The background music overlaps the scene transition as the Autobots prepare to leave Cybertron.
* Mirage's invisibility power is strangely portrayed in this episode; he lacks the usual glowing prism and energy sound effect as he activates his power, instead merely turning transparent and ''monochrome''. They get both the sound and the effect correct when he reappears in Act 3.
* Megatron is missing his Decepticon symbol as he appears behind Starscream.
* The last of the slaves to be turned around by Mirage just kind of stops, then slides off-screen rather than walking off.
* When Ironhide runs a trench to get to Optimus and Prowl, he's carrying a bazooka that disappears after he reaches them.
* In what is otherwise a beautiful depiction of his [[robot mode]], Rumble is missing his mouth after he blasts Mirage.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he announces the coming of "independence day".
* The energon cubes dropped by the slaves are a strange translucent yellow-white-purple, rather than the usual solid glowing pink-purple. In the same shot, we cannot see the torso of the fat mustached slave through the energon cube that he's carrying... but we ''can'' see his feet through the cube after he drops it.
* The chunks of earth falling into Rumble's [[earthquake (event)|earthquake]] crevasse have grass that disappears and reappears between frames.
* The exploding energon cubes are shown against a completely black background. Even if they're in an unlit cargo compartment, the cubes themselves should illuminate the space.
* A series of "natural disaster" shots is recycled from Part 1 as Megatron's ship explodes... including one of Prime talking to himself, this time without any dialog to go with his moving mouthplate.
* The last shot of orbital Cybertron once again includes clouds ''behind'' the orbiting planet.
* Optimus is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as Spike takes stock of the day's work.

===Continuity errors===
* The opening recap takes some liberties with events that happened for the sake of drama:
**Bumblebee's fall down the crevasse is cut into the scenes of the volcano housing the Ark erupting to make it appear as if he tumbled into the mouth of the volcano itself.
**But the most puzzling change is that the scene of Megatron's forces attacking the Ark from part 1 are mixed with scenes that have yet to occur (The Decepticons responding to the alarm Sparkplug pulled) to make it appear as if Megatron shot Brawn. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous!]]
* As seen last episode, Ironhide is part of the Autobot rescue party that boards Skyfire and arrives on Cybertron, only to disappear immediately after. In this episode, we see that he actually stayed behind on Earth.
* Soundwave's presence on Cybertron is not inexplicable — there's no reason he couldn't just fly there, and later have flown back to Earth before Cybertron was knocked out of its orbit. But it's a bit odd for him to have made the trip for no obvious reason or explanation.
* When we last saw [[Wheeljack's workshop]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", it was sealed by a computerized Decepticon lock. This time, the Autobots just drive right into it, no problem.
** It’s entirely possible that the Autobots were able to remove it after Chip cracked it, but this is never mentioned.
* When the Autobots and Spike arrive in the workshop, Wheeljack is wondering how the Decepticons are controlling Sparkplug, Bumblebee says that it is mind control, to which Wheeljack replies, "Mind control! Of course!" ...Seriously, what else could it have been? And how did Wheeljack, master inventor, not realize this when Bumblebee did?
[[File:SpikeshockwaveUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shockwave investigates the [[Aerialbots over America!|pivotal question]] of how well humans bounce.]]
* Superhuman Spike:
** Survives being dropped from shoulder height by Shockwave.
** Can lift Optimus's giant metal rifle.
* The dialogue of the surfing Autobots suggests they don't know what they are going to find on the beach, and quickly realize they could all be killed by ramming into the [[sea funnel]]. What... was the plan, exactly?
* Holy crap, how freaking stupid ''is'' Starscream? With a whole planet going crazy with energy sources all around him—storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves—he makes the bizarre decision to try and suck energon out of a human's brain. He further decides to do this ''right under Megatron's nose''. His attempts to convert Doctor Arkeville's neural energy into energon fail, of course; what this says about the intelligence of both scientists is debatable.
* Speaking of poor planning: Megatron leaves Dr. Arkeville to drown in the ruins of the sea funnel, saying "He is of no further use to me." Then a few minutes later when Megatron needs the slaves to work faster, he demands to know where Arkeville is. Later still, he is angry at the thought that perhaps Arkeville could have betrayed him.
* As [[Carnage in C-Minor|often]] [[The Transformers: The Movie|happens]], the Autobots' claim to be outnumbered is a bit dubious. There are 8 Autobots (Prime's surfer six, plus Mirage & Cliffjumper) against only Megatron, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Rumble, and a couple of Reflectors.
* Prime's comment to Prowl ("If we lose now, Cybertron's next orbit will tear the earth apart!") doesn't make much sense, and calls out the same total lack of strategy that the Autobots had in the last episode - namely, they aren't doing or planning ''anything'' to actually make Cybertron go away.
* Prime really does just kind of sit there and let Megatron run off into his spaceship.
* Did Spike and Prowl both hit on the idea of blowing up Megatron's ship, and just not actually ''say'' so? Or were they both hoping to ''shoot'' Cybertron out of its orbit?
* Wouldn't blowing up Megatron's ship be a good idea anyway? Why were they just letting him go?
* Megatron is able to survive an explosion which had enough energy to shift the orbit of Cybertron. Considering previous evidence of his durability, how he could survive a planet-moving blast is a mystery.
* Wouldn't a giant explosion just wreck both planets, rather than neatly pushing one of them away?
*And for that matter, if the explosion pushed Cybertron away, why wasn't Earth moved in the opposite direction?

===Rhino DVD errors===
[[File:Tud3 mirage rhino fix.jpg|thumb|315px]]

* Just like Part 2, the recap was missing from Rhino's copy of the episode, so they had to recreate it from scratch. As a result, there are several sync issues and different shots used, along with a healthy dose of interlacing.
* In several of Shockwave's speaking scenes, the glow from his eye is missing while some are managed by overlays added.
* The shot of Skyfire blasting open the door has an explosion effect which does not appear in the broadcast version.
* Only one segment of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he delivers his "We figured you might be getting lonesome" line.
* As Skyfire is shooting at the Decepticons while saying his house cleaning line, the laser fire out of his gun is missing but the sound can still be heard.
* Various shots of the Autobots "surfing" are different, more poorly-animated versions.
* Ironhide has different mouth movements and isn't bobbing up and down when he says "Where's there, and what is it?"
* The scene of Shockwave saying "We've been expecting you!" has a bizarre purple tint.
* When Mirage reappears inside the Decepticon ship, a piece of missing footage in the production master Rhino were using meant he actually ''didn't'' reappear. Rhino actually took a crack at fixing this, though, but the "fix" constituted taking a ghastly, high-contrast, low-res, single-frame figure from another version of the episode and primitively copy-pasting it into the scene.
* As he observes Skyfire's approach, [[:File:Wheresmyface.jpg|Prowl's face disappears]], leaving only his helmet.
* The energon cubes are missing from one panning shot.
* Skywarp is colored as a second Thundercracker as the pair follows their retreating leader from the island.
* The shot of the energon cubes exploding is missing its background.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
{{-}}

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Revival" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]. For some unknown reason, this version of the episode makes use of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' broadcast's audio, as the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] can be heard throughout without the Cube's visuals.
* The episode shares many of the same visual hallmarks that "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" had, including overly rounded appearances for Optimus and Wheeljack, and the stylized flying poses by the Decepticons. The main difference between those episodes and this one is that instead of orange, Wheeljack's headlights flash their usual blue color.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 3'''" ("The last judgement, part 3")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 3'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Shockwave's line "Destruction to all trespassers" is absent from the dub. The same goes for Brawn's line just after, "You're out of the picture, guys!".
:::*Skyfire's lines during the dogfight are all missing.
:::*Several logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
:::*Wheeljack's line "It's independance day!" becomes "You'll have to work yourself!".
:::*Despite never adding titles on-screen on their DVDs, the [[Déclic Images]] edition adds the title "Le sursis" ("The reprieve") for this episode.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La resa dei conti'''" ("The Last Stand")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the recap, the narrator states that Soundwave was the one who warned Megatron, instead of Sparkplug. He also weirdly calls Soundwave a "robot of the last generation".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Destino finale - Terza parte'''" ("Final Destiny - Third Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART III'''" (破滅の日 PART III, "Day of Destruction PART III")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed to the end of the series, when the legal issues were resolved (as were most Skyfire episodes). All three episodes of "The Ultimate Doom" aired on the same day in Japan as an extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Xià)'''" (灭顶之灾(下), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Parte 3: Reavivamento'''" ("The Final Destruction, Part 3: Revival")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, treći deo'''" (Судњи дан, трећи део, "Judgment Day, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte III'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP-20 Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The Ultimate Masterpiece, Part 1.]]

*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' '''[[Mirage_(G1)/toys#ElectroDisruptor|Electro Disruptor Ligier]]''' ([[TakaraTomy]], Deluxe Class, [[2009]])'''
:"Electro Disruptor Ligier" is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Mirage offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book ''[[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]]''. Its monochrome color scheme suggests it was based on the one-time depiction of Mirage's invisibility power in this episode.

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-20 [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] (TakaraTomy, 2015)'''
:A ''Masterpiece'' toy of Wheeljack that includes a weapon accessory based on the generic laser pistol he wields in this episode. Additionally, if purchased in Japan through [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], one additionally gets a toolbox based on the hypno-chip disabling device he also uses in this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-20+ Wheeljack (TakaraTomy, 2019?)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Wheeljack in a more [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] color scheme that again includes the laser pistol from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200329102144/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-10.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Guog-xImTF-a2Qur4hV61WkSZ_2spRq Full episode script, finalised on 6th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgtzy168DK8-py4sub3f9WZ_bWJEATkH/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-10-ultimate_5.html Full storyboard gallery for this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Peter Chung

2026-03-18T23:35:20Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

[[File:PeterChung.jpg‎|right|thumb|270px|]]
{{disambig3|Peter}}
'''Peter Chung''' (정근식, ''Jeong Geun-Sik'', born [[April 19]], [[1961]] in Seoul, South Korea) is an Korean-American animator. After immigrating to the United States, he studied animation at CalArts and began his career working at Dominic LoPiccolo's animation studio. After having worked on a number of animated series including ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'', ''C.O.P.S.'', ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' and ''Rugrats'', the latter of which had animated the show's opening titles, he rose to fame as the creator of animated series ''Æon Flux'' for MTV. His subsequent work has included character design on ''Phantom 2040'', the ''Animatrix'' short "Matriculated" and the film ''Firebreather''.

He is currently a teacher at the USC School of Cinematic Arts since early 2013 where he teaches a Master Class at their Division of Animation and Digital Arts.

==Storyboarding==
===[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]===
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] (select scenes)
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] (select scenes)
*''[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] (Act II, pages 73-80)
*''[[Roll for It]] (Act III)
*''[[Fire_on_the_Mountain_(episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]
*''[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]] (Act III)
*''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]] (Act III)
*''[[A Plague of Insecticons]] Act II
*''[[Autobot Spike]] (Act II)
*''[[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]] (revisions)
*''[[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]] (Act II, pages 83-105)
*''[[The Immobilizer]] (Act I, pages 21-52)

===[[The Transformers: The Movie]]===
*''Early sequences 1-8, 25
*''Revised and finalised sequences 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 27

==Notes==
* Chung was credited as "P. Gun Chic Chung" for his duties on ''C.O.P.S'', a combination of his Korean and English names.

==External links==
*{{w|Peter Chung}} at Wikipedia

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chung, Peter}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

File:Ark II Unused Character Model.jpg

2026-03-15T01:35:51Z

Greebtron: Greebtron uploaded a new version of "File:Ark II Unused Character Model.jpg"

Model for the [[Ark II]], intended to be used in [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the Generation 1 cartoon]]. Image originally published as an addendum to ''[[Transformers: The Ark]]'' on the [http://boltax.blogspot.com/2009/02/ark-addendum-ark-ii.html Disciples of Boltax blog].

{{c}} [[1984]] [[Hasbro]], [[Sunbow Productions]]
{{G1stockmodel}}

User:Greebtron

2026-03-13T17:46:34Z

Greebtron:

[[The Transformers (cartoon)]] production material available at the Sunbow Marvel Archive, some linked or listed on the wiki:

'''''Season 1'''''

* Unproduced [[Title sequence]] storyboard
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]] Full script, dialogue script
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] Full script, dialogue script, Act I full storyboard, Act III storyboard samples
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] Full script, dialogue script, Act II storyboard samples

* [[Production bible]] - Season 1 cast only
* [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] Full script (revised 8th June 1984), full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act II storyboard samples
* [[Roll for It]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III partial storyboard
* [[Divide and Conquer]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[Fire in the Sky]] Full script (first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[S.O.S. Dinobots]] Full script (revised by [[Ron Friedman]]), dialogue script, first draft storyboards
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[War of the Dinobots]] Full script (first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III storyboards
* [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III storyboards
* [[A Plague of Insecticons]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[Heavy Metal War]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, full first draft storyboards

'''''Season 2'''''

* Unproduced [[Title sequence]] storyboard
* Unproduced [[Commercial bumper]] storyboard
* [[Autobot Spike]] dialogue script, Act II storyboards
* [[Changing Gears]] dialogue script
* [[City of Steel (episode)]] dialogue script, full storyboards (near final)
* [[Attack of the Autobots (episode)]] dialogue script, full storyboards (near final)
* [[Traitor (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[The Immobilizer]] full storyboard (final)
* [[The Autobot Run]] dialogue script
* [[Atlantis, Arise!]] dialogue script, first draft storyboards
* [[Day of the Machines]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Enter the Nightbird]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[A_Prime_Problem]] Partial script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Core]] Partial script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Insecticon Syndrome]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Dinobot Island, Part 1]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Dinobot Island, Part 2]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Master Builders (episode)]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman 31st January 1985), dialogue script
* [[Auto Berserk]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Microbots]] Full script (first draft), dialogue script
* [[Megatron%27s Master Plan, Part 1]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Megatron%27s Master Plan, Part 2]] dialogue script, Additional Material section storyboard
* [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Blaster Blues]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), partial storyboards (section missing), dialogue script
* [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur%27s Court (episode)]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The God Gambit]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Make Tracks]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Child%27s Play (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Quest for Survival]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)]] full script, full storyboards, dialogue script
* [[The Gambler]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Kremzeek!]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Sea_Change]] full script (first draft), full script (revised by Doug Booth), first draft storyboards, dialogue script
* [[Triple Takeover]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Prime Target (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Auto-Bop]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)]] full script, voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part_1]] dialogue script
* [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part_2]] dialogue script
* [[Aerial Assault]] dialogue script, full storyboards
* [[War Dawn (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Trans-Europe Express]] dialogue script
* [[Cosmic Rust (episode)]] First page of outline, first draft script, dialogue script, full storyboards (final revision)
* [[Starscream%27s Brigade]] First draft script, dialogue script
* [[The Revenge of Bruticus]] Full script (final), dialogue script
* [[Masquerade]] dialogue script
* [[B.O.T. (episode)]] dialogue script

[[The Transformers: The Movie]]
* First Ron Friedman draft script
* Second draft script outline
* Second Ron Friedman draft script
* August 6, 1985 final script
* Early storyboard sequences 1-8 and 25
* Finalised storyboard sequences 1-31
* Dialogue script ([[Walker Edmiston]] copy.)

'''''Season 3'''''

* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[The Killing_Jar (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Chaos (episode)]] partial outline, first draft script, revised script, full storyboards, voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[Dark Awakening (episode)]] voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Thief in the Night]] dialogue script
* [[Surprise Party]] dialogue script
* [[Madman%27s Paradise]] dialogue script
* [[Nightmare Planet]] dialogue script
* [[Ghost in the Machine (G1)]] dialogue script
* [[Webworld]] dialogue script, Act III storyboard
* [[Carnage in C-Minor]] dialogue script
* [[The Quintesson Journal]] dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Weapon]] dialogue script
* [[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Fight or Flee_(episode)]] full script (final)
* [[Only Human]] dialogue script
* [[Grimlock%27s New Brain]] dialogue script
* [[Money Is Everything (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Grimlock%27s New Brain]] dialogue script
* [[Call of the Primitives]] dialogue script
* [[The Face of the Nijika]] dialogue script
* [[The Burden Hardest to Bear]] dialogue script
* [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]] full script (final), dialogue script
* [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]] full script (final), dialogue script

Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.

2026-03-11T20:51:55Z

Greebtron: /* Animation services */

{{picsneeded}}
'''Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.''' (世映 / 세영 ''Se Yeong'') was one of the [[South Korea]]n studios utilized in the production of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original ''Transformers'' cartoon]]. The company was also kept on for sibling [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] show ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' and on ''Defenders of The Earth''. Outside of Sunbow, they were also one of the studios behind ''Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water'' and provided animation for ''The Super Mario Brothers Super Show'', ''Pro Stars'', ''Widget The World Watcher'', and ''Captain N: The Game Master''.

Akin to [[Sam Young Studio]], [[Dai Won Animation Co.]] and Japanese studios [[Trans Arts Co.]], [[Studio Look]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]], and [[Studio No. 1]]; the company was mainly utilized to help out studios like [[Toei Animation|Toei]] and [[AKOM]] in areas such as effects, photography and finalization. They are known to have headed up production of at least one episode of the series, "[[Surprise Party]]."<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheRoboplasticApocalypse/photos/a.2329350367103600/2329351747103462/?type=3&theater ''The Transformers'' status update document identifying "Surprise Party" as a Sei Young episode] - photograph by the Roboplastic Apocalypse on Facebook</ref>. Additionally, they were often employed by [[Marvel Productions]] to draw first draft storyboards on several episodes throughout Season 2.

The company also provided in-between animation and key animation on several episodes of ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]''

They were absorbed into [[Dong Woo Animation]] in October 1998.

==Animation services==
===Storyboarding===

* [[Fire_on_the_Mountain_(episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]
* [[Countdown_to_Extinction_(episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]
* [[A Plague of Insecticons]]
* [[Heavy Metal War]]
* [[City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel]]
* [[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]
* [[Blaster Blues]]
* [[Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play]]
* [[The_Secret_of_Omega_Supreme_(episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]
* [[Sea Change]]

==Notes==
* Outside of ''The Transformers'', Sei Young worked on several of Toei's late '70s/early '80s anime like ''Galaxy Express 999''; usually with Dai Won as a partner.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/company/co0170279/ Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd on IMDB]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Animation companies]]

Peter Chung

2026-03-11T20:48:58Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

[[File:PeterChung.jpg‎|right|thumb|270px|]]
{{disambig3|Peter}}
'''Peter Chung''' (정근식, ''Jeong Geun-Sik'', born [[April 19]], [[1961]] in Seoul, South Korea) is an Korean-American animator. After immigrating to the United States, he studied animation at CalArts and began his career working at Dominic LoPiccolo's animation studio. After having worked on a number of animated series including ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'', ''C.O.P.S.'', ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' and ''Rugrats'', the latter of which had animated the show's opening titles, he rose to fame as the creator of animated series ''Æon Flux'' for MTV. His subsequent work has included character design on ''Phantom 2040'', the ''Animatrix'' short "Matriculated" and the film ''Firebreather''.

He is currently a teacher at the USC School of Cinematic Arts since early 2013 where he teaches a Master Class at their Division of Animation and Digital Arts.

==Storyboarding==
*''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' (seasons 1 and 2)
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] (select scenes)
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] (select scenes)
*''[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] (select scenes, Act II)
*''[[Roll for It]] (Act III)
*''[[Fire_on_the_Mountain_(episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]
*''[[The Ultimate Doom, Part_3]] (Act III)
*''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)]] (Act III)
*''[[A Plague of Insecticons]] Act II
*''[[Autobot Spike]] (Act II)
*''[[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]] (Act II, pages 83-105)
*''[[The Immobilizer]] (Act I, pages 21-52)
*''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (Sequences 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 27)

==Notes==
* Chung was credited as "P. Gun Chic Chung" for his duties on ''C.O.P.S'', a combination of his Korean and English names.

==External links==
*{{w|Peter Chung}} at Wikipedia

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chung, Peter}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 3

2026-03-11T11:29:09Z

Greebtron: /* Production information */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=13
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=68
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next2=Earth's Greatest Crisis
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=43
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next3=B.O.T. (episode)
|image=Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots fire.JPG
|caption=Autobots, transform and kick some diodes!
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 3"
|production code=#700-10
|airdate=[[November 17]], 1984
|season=1
|season ep=13
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Leo D. Paur]]
|teleplay by=[[Leo D. Paur]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42tsk3EJLpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''As Cybertron's orbit ravages Earth, the Autobots take the fight to the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots Cybertron.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not the friendliest homecoming.]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a brainwashed [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] sounds an alarm on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. As [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] attempt to destroy them, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] rescue them. Heading to Wheeljack's lab, they review the [[hypno-chip]] data they've gained.

[[File:SurfsUp.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This sort of embarrassment is why they finally just recruited Seaspray.]]
On Earth, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is overseeing the construction of the [[sea funnel]], a large hydroelectric generator that will allow the Decepticons to harvest more energy. [[Doctor Arkeville]] is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Megatron's disregard of his interests, and feels that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] may be more sympathetic. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (on surfboards) to the generator, where their wipeout prevents them from being able to stop the Decepticons from leaving in a [[Decepticon shuttle|shuttle]] carrying [[energon cube]]s. Arkeville is left to die, but Starscream saves him, having his own plans for the scientist.

On Cybertron, Wheeljack develops a device that should disrupt the hypno-chips' control over the humans. Spike attempts another rescue of his father, but is discovered by Shockwave. However, Wheeljack's device works as planned, and the Autobots flee back to Earth with Sparkplug, who is now freed from Decepticon control.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Bumblebee Tarzan.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Jungle Love Bug]]
On an island, Megatron is overseeing the loading of a shuttle with energon cubes while [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] goes to see if he can direct the humans away from the ship. Nearby, Starscream's own experiments in draining neural energy from Arkeville have failed to fill a single energon cube. Megatron discovers them and prepares to execute Starscream for treason (again). However, Mirage manages to direct the humans away from the shuttle, and Prime orders an attack. The Decepticons outnumber the Autobots, but Skyfire and company soon arrive to even the odds as well as to free the slaves from the Decepticons' control. However, Cybertron comes into view of the island, causing a tidal wave, and Megatron flees in the shuttle for Cybertron.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Im in ur orbit, killin ur planet.]]
Spike declares that they just need to knock Cybertron out of Earth's orbit, but Prowl says that they'd need the equivalent of ten billion astroliters of energy to do that. Suddenly, Prime realizes that the [[energon]] on board the shuttle could theoretically be enough to move Cybertron. Prime orders the Autobots to shoot Megatron's shuttle. The plan works, with the energon on board moving Cybertron away from Earth.

Back on the island, Spike remarks to Optimus that Megatron appears to be gone for good, but the Autobot leader, knowing his mortal enemy's survival rate, is not so sure. In space, Megatron comes back online and flies away from the wreckage of the shuttle, vowing revenge.
{{--}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (2)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (26)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (28)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*Dark Blue [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (7)
*Light Blue Seeker (8)
*[[Watchdog (G1)|Watchdogs]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (24)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (25)
*Green Seeker (27)
*Thundercracker-colored seekers
*Skywarp-colored seekers
*Starscream-colored seekers
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"I don't suppose I could interest any of you in a magazine subscription?" 
:—'''Brawn''', door-to-door salesman to the '''Decepticons'''.

"Take them!" 
"I don't 'take' so easy."
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Brawn'''

"You're out of the picture, guys." 
:—'''Brawn''' to '''Thundercracker''' and '''Skywarp''', the latter of whom is literally off-screen.

"Prepare for termination!" 
"Prepare for a very large ''headache!''"
:—'''Shockwave''' vs. '''Brawn'''

"You cannot get out!" 
''[Shockwave unleashes a massive blast, but blows a hole in the wall instead of Skyfire]'' 
"I can now!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Skyfire'''

"All the comforts of home... if you like living in an auto-robotic factory."
:—'''Wheeljack''', on [[Wheeljack's workshop|his workshop]]

"My slaves will be caught in the tidal wave!" 
"I thought humans ''liked'' to play in the ocean!"
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' teaches '''Megatron''' an important fact about human anatomy.

"Surf's up! And I'm talkin' UP!" 
:—'''Bluestreak''' spots an approaching tsunami.

"Thanks, guys, for not giving up on me. Especially you, Spike." 
"Dad, it's like you taught me: You never quit on the people you love." 
"Mushy but true."
:—'''Sparkplug''' and '''Spike''' have a touching father-son moment, with an addendum by '''Brawn'''.

"You're not pushing slaves around this time."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to open a [[Kremzeek]] brand can of whup-ass.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: undated
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 28th July 1984
* Final script: 6th August 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 7th August 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 15th August 1984
* Storyboards revised: 20th August 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 21st August 1984 (by [[Brad Case]])
* Final storyboard revision: 23rd August 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 24th August 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Watchdog tud3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Shockwavelightdoom3.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|''Hello'', my face is up here?]]
* Wheeljack's place on Cybertron, previously seen in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", is shown again.
* A couple of [[Watchdog (G1)|Decepticon cars]] are shown in this episode, but it's not clear if they are Transformers. They have a Reflector-like color scheme.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rather than the hydrofoils they were using just two episodes ago, the Autobots are now traveling the oceans on motor-powered surfboards.
** Both Prime and Ironhide have "early warning scanners" which can detect mountain-sized tidal waves just slightly over the horizon. Man, those aren't very effective scanners.
** Rumble can extend his optic visor to make it function like binoculars.
** Shockwave can light up his chest like a searchlight. It's not clear if this is meant to be some kind of force field holding Spike in place, or if Spike just stops due to some deer-in-the-headlights psychological effect.
** Ironhide briefly carries a grey copy of the bazooka he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... which was itself a green version of the bazooka Cliffjumper had in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
** Megatron transforms and fires at Skyfire unassisted... which kinda puts the lie to all those sarcastic fan claims that his gun mode is oh-so-totally-useless without someone to fire him. Of course, he also does this ''in the show's title sequence'', so it really shouldn't be such a surprise. (Granted, title sequences also give us things like flying Autobots and Insecticons swimming around in lava, so their relevance is debatable.)
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 2: Brawn dispatches Soundwave with a single mighty blast to the chest! Brawn 2, Soundwave 0 [[Autobot Spike|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* Prowl's line "Ask, and you shall receive!" is from the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
* Starscream's dramatic proclamation "I shall return!" is a popular TV trope referring to the famous speech of {{w|Douglas MacArthur#Escape to Australia and Medal of Honor|U.S. General Douglas MacArthur upon his retreat from the Philippines in World War II}}.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream grabs Dr. Arkeville and escapes from the island.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine and some ''Falcon'' engine whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots.
** An igniting [[lightsaber]] serves as the sound of an energon cube being dropped by the freed slaves.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as the Seekers depart the island.
===Technical or animation glitches===
* In his opening recap narration, [[Victor Caroli]] mispronounces Dr. Arkeville's name as "Ark-vill".
* Both Spike and Sparkplug were wearing their signature hard hats at the end of last episode, but are missing them now.
* Coloring errors:
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as Brawn tells Spike they need to roll out.
** Wheeljack is missing the orange on his chest as Spike takes shelter behind his leg.
** The two Seekers guarding the entrance of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are shown with Starscream and Thundercracker's color schemes.
** Wheeljack's roof is plain white as the tetrajets appear above him.
** The two tetrajets that chase the Autobots first have the same color schemes as Thundercracker and Skywarp; however, when Skyfire is shooting at them, they're both colored like Skywarp. In the same shot, Skyfire's red has become blue, and his whites have become red.
** When Skyfire blasts one of the tetrajets, both of them are colored like Thundercracker.
** Wheeljack's chest (i.e., his roof) is again missing its colors in the overhead shot of his lab.
** As Wheeljack studies the mind control program, the side of Trailbreaker's chest is colored as though it were a windshield, and only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.
** Ironhide's helmet rim is gray instead of red as he turns to look at the oncoming tidal wave.
** The inside of Prime's cheek guards are gray instead of blue as he announces that they're almost there.
** The area around Starscream's cockpit is colored the same orange as the cockpit itself as he rises from the ocean to collect Dr. Arkeville.
** Skyfire's cockpit canopy is colored white instead of blue as he appears over the Autobots on Cybertron.
** As Prime announces his intention to attack, Prowl is colored like Skywarp. Prime's waist is also unusually huge.
** Skywarp's cockpit is black instead of orange as Megatron says "A fool's ploy".
** Gray helmet rims on Ironhide again as he advises Cliffjumper to save his ammo.
** Prowl's doors are all-black instead of half-black as he says they're outnumbered.
** Bumblebee's side is colored like glass as he observes the approaching crevasse.
** When Thundercracker launches to follow Megatron, he's a much darker blue than usual.
** Wheeljack is missing his orange chest colors as the Autobots brush themselves off after the explosion of Megatron's ship.
* As Shockwave melts Brawn's girder, Brawn's mouth moves, but there's no dialog. (It sure looks like he's mouthing a shocked obscenity, though!)
* Wheeljack's transformation sound doesn't play till after he's transformed.
[[File:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1| GAH! Don't do that on camera!]]
* As the Autobots escape from Decepticon HQ, Soundwave's Decepticon insignia is missing in two successive shots.
* Shockwave's eye isn't flashing as he says "You cannot get out!"
* When Skyfire says "I can now", his mouth does not move with the dialogue.
* When Spike says, "More Watchdogs on our tail, Wheeljack!", Wheeljack follows up by replying, "We've gotta lose them!" Spike smiles in reply to this sentence, not the next one, which is "My workshop's just ahead". Perhaps Wheeljack was supposed to say: "We're ''gonna'' lose them!".
* Prime's faceplate doesn't move as he reports his sensor readings to Ironhide.
* During his "Surf's up" lines, Bluestreak has only one door and one missile launcher.
* The generator Megatron throws at Starscream changes its relative size mid-air. It is initially almost as big as Megatron himself, but becomes only about as big and as wide as Starscream's chest.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** The establishing shot of the surfing Autobots shows only five 'bots (Prime, Ironhide & Ratchet, Jazz, and either Prowl or Bluestreak.) Prowl ''and'' Bluestreak are shown in the same shot a moment later, making six total. Most successive shots show only 3 or 4 surfing bots. We finally see all six as the tidal wave pursues them down the [[sea funnel]].
** There's plenty of time for Mirage and Cliffjumper to join the group as they travel to the island, but the addition of ''just'' those two seems a bit odd. Where are Sunstreaker, Gears, Sideswipe, etc. during all this?
* As Prowl grouses about Megatron's energon supply, Jazz has some weird extra lines on his optic visor.
* Reflector's voice comes in its usual triplicate form... even though there's only one of him present.
* Wheeljack is missing his Autobot insignia as he reports to Optimus.
* Wheeljack's ears are waaaay too small as he proposes field testing the anti-hypnochip device.
* Spike slightly phases through a wall just before Shockwave lights him up.
* The two Seekers that accompany Shockwave just can't make up their minds who they want to be:
** As Shockwave reaches to pick up Spike, the two generic Seekers behind him have been replaced by two Skywarps.
** As the Autobots show up, the two Skywarps have become a Thundercracker and a pine-green generic.
** As the Autobots escape, the two Seekers are colored as Thundercracker and Starscream.
** And then one of them is Skywarp again as he fires after the escaping Autobots.
* Spike has no pupils as he reacts to his father pulling a gun on him.
[[File:Tud3 wheeljack little present.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Well, we don't need Aquaman any more."]]
* As Wheeljack activates the hypno-chip-un-hypnotizer, Bumblebee is represented by a yellow-colored Cliffjumper.
* Shockwave's eye doesn't flash as he orders "After them!"
* Only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he radios Skyfire.
* The background music overlaps the scene transition as the Autobots prepare to leave Cybertron.
* Mirage's invisibility power is strangely portrayed in this episode; he lacks the usual glowing prism and energy sound effect as he activates his power, instead merely turning transparent and ''monochrome''. They get both the sound and the effect correct when he reappears in Act 3.
* Megatron is missing his Decepticon symbol as he appears behind Starscream.
* The last of the slaves to be turned around by Mirage just kind of stops, then slides off-screen rather than walking off.
* When Ironhide runs a trench to get to Optimus and Prowl, he's carrying a bazooka that disappears after he reaches them.
* In what is otherwise a beautiful depiction of his [[robot mode]], Rumble is missing his mouth after he blasts Mirage.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he announces the coming of "independence day".
* The energon cubes dropped by the slaves are a strange translucent yellow-white-purple, rather than the usual solid glowing pink-purple. In the same shot, we cannot see the torso of the fat mustached slave through the energon cube that he's carrying... but we ''can'' see his feet through the cube after he drops it.
* The chunks of earth falling into Rumble's [[earthquake (event)|earthquake]] crevasse have grass that disappears and reappears between frames.
* The exploding energon cubes are shown against a completely black background. Even if they're in an unlit cargo compartment, the cubes themselves should illuminate the space.
* A series of "natural disaster" shots is recycled from Part 1 as Megatron's ship explodes... including one of Prime talking to himself, this time without any dialog to go with his moving mouthplate.
* The last shot of orbital Cybertron once again includes clouds ''behind'' the orbiting planet.
* Optimus is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as Spike takes stock of the day's work.

===Continuity errors===
* The opening recap takes some liberties with events that happened for the sake of drama:
**Bumblebee's fall down the crevasse is cut into the scenes of the volcano housing the Ark erupting to make it appear as if he tumbled into the mouth of the volcano itself.
**But the most puzzling change is that the scene of Megatron's forces attacking the Ark from part 1 are mixed with scenes that have yet to occur (The Decepticons responding to the alarm Sparkplug pulled) to make it appear as if Megatron shot Brawn. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous!]]
* As seen last episode, Ironhide is part of the Autobot rescue party that boards Skyfire and arrives on Cybertron, only to disappear immediately after. In this episode, we see that he actually stayed behind on Earth.
* Soundwave's presence on Cybertron is not inexplicable — there's no reason he couldn't just fly there, and later have flown back to Earth before Cybertron was knocked out of its orbit. But it's a bit odd for him to have made the trip for no obvious reason or explanation.
* When we last saw [[Wheeljack's workshop]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", it was sealed by a computerized Decepticon lock. This time, the Autobots just drive right into it, no problem.
** It’s entirely possible that the Autobots were able to remove it after Chip cracked it, but this is never mentioned.
* When the Autobots and Spike arrive in the workshop, Wheeljack is wondering how the Decepticons are controlling Sparkplug, Bumblebee says that it is mind control, to which Wheeljack replies, "Mind control! Of course!" ...Seriously, what else could it have been? And how did Wheeljack, master inventor, not realize this when Bumblebee did?
[[File:SpikeshockwaveUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shockwave investigates the [[Aerialbots over America!|pivotal question]] of how well humans bounce.]]
* Superhuman Spike:
** Survives being dropped from shoulder height by Shockwave.
** Can lift Optimus's giant metal rifle.
* The dialogue of the surfing Autobots suggests they don't know what they are going to find on the beach, and quickly realize they could all be killed by ramming into the [[sea funnel]]. What... was the plan, exactly?
* Holy crap, how freaking stupid ''is'' Starscream? With a whole planet going crazy with energy sources all around him—storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves—he makes the bizarre decision to try and suck energon out of a human's brain. He further decides to do this ''right under Megatron's nose''. His attempts to convert Doctor Arkeville's neural energy into energon fail, of course; what this says about the intelligence of both scientists is debatable.
* Speaking of poor planning: Megatron leaves Dr. Arkeville to drown in the ruins of the sea funnel, saying "He is of no further use to me." Then a few minutes later when Megatron needs the slaves to work faster, he demands to know where Arkeville is. Later still, he is angry at the thought that perhaps Arkeville could have betrayed him.
* As [[Carnage in C-Minor|often]] [[The Transformers: The Movie|happens]], the Autobots' claim to be outnumbered is a bit dubious. There are 8 Autobots (Prime's surfer six, plus Mirage & Cliffjumper) against only Megatron, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Rumble, and a couple of Reflectors.
* Prime's comment to Prowl ("If we lose now, Cybertron's next orbit will tear the earth apart!") doesn't make much sense, and calls out the same total lack of strategy that the Autobots had in the last episode - namely, they aren't doing or planning ''anything'' to actually make Cybertron go away.
* Prime really does just kind of sit there and let Megatron run off into his spaceship.
* Did Spike and Prowl both hit on the idea of blowing up Megatron's ship, and just not actually ''say'' so? Or were they both hoping to ''shoot'' Cybertron out of its orbit?
* Wouldn't blowing up Megatron's ship be a good idea anyway? Why were they just letting him go?
* Megatron is able to survive an explosion which had enough energy to shift the orbit of Cybertron. Considering previous evidence of his durability, how he could survive a planet-moving blast is a mystery.
* Wouldn't a giant explosion just wreck both planets, rather than neatly pushing one of them away?
*And for that matter, if the explosion pushed Cybertron away, why wasn't Earth moved in the opposite direction?

===Rhino DVD errors===
[[File:Tud3 mirage rhino fix.jpg|thumb|315px]]

* Just like Part 2, the recap was missing from Rhino's copy of the episode, so they had to recreate it from scratch. As a result, there are several sync issues and different shots used, along with a healthy dose of interlacing.
* In several of Shockwave's speaking scenes, the glow from his eye is missing while some are managed by overlays added.
* The shot of Skyfire blasting open the door has an explosion effect which does not appear in the broadcast version.
* Only one segment of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he delivers his "We figured you might be getting lonesome" line.
* As Skyfire is shooting at the Decepticons while saying his house cleaning line, the laser fire out of his gun is missing but the sound can still be heard.
* Various shots of the Autobots "surfing" are different, more poorly-animated versions.
* Ironhide has different mouth movements and isn't bobbing up and down when he says "Where's there, and what is it?"
* The scene of Shockwave saying "We've been expecting you!" has a bizarre purple tint.
* When Mirage reappears inside the Decepticon ship, a piece of missing footage in the production master Rhino were using meant he actually ''didn't'' reappear. Rhino actually took a crack at fixing this, though, but the "fix" constituted taking a ghastly, high-contrast, low-res, single-frame figure from another version of the episode and primitively copy-pasting it into the scene.
* As he observes Skyfire's approach, [[:File:Wheresmyface.jpg|Prowl's face disappears]], leaving only his helmet.
* The energon cubes are missing from one panning shot.
* Skywarp is colored as a second Thundercracker as the pair follows their retreating leader from the island.
* The shot of the energon cubes exploding is missing its background.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
{{-}}

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Revival" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]. For some unknown reason, this version of the episode makes use of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' broadcast's audio, as the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] can be heard throughout without the Cube's visuals.
* The episode shares many of the same visual hallmarks that "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" had, including overly rounded appearances for Optimus and Wheeljack, and the stylized flying poses by the Decepticons. The main difference between those episodes and this one is that instead of orange, Wheeljack's headlights flash their usual blue color.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 3'''" ("The last judgement, part 3")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 3'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Shockwave's line "Destruction to all trespassers" is absent from the dub. The same goes for Brawn's line just after, "You're out of the picture, guys!".
:::*Skyfire's lines during the dogfight are all missing.
:::*Several logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
:::*Wheeljack's line "It's independance day!" becomes "You'll have to work yourself!".
:::*Despite never adding titles on-screen on their DVDs, the [[Déclic Images]] edition adds the title "Le sursis" ("The reprieve") for this episode.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La resa dei conti'''" ("The Last Stand")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the recap, the narrator states that Soundwave was the one who warned Megatron, instead of Sparkplug. He also weirdly calls Soundwave a "robot of the last generation".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Destino finale - Terza parte'''" ("Final Destiny - Third Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART III'''" (破滅の日 PART III, "Day of Destruction PART III")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed to the end of the series, when the legal issues were resolved (as were most Skyfire episodes). All three episodes of "The Ultimate Doom" aired on the same day in Japan as an extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Xià)'''" (灭顶之灾(下), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Parte 3: Reavivamento'''" ("The Final Destruction, Part 3: Revival")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, treći deo'''" (Судњи дан, трећи део, "Judgment Day, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte III'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP-20 Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The Ultimate Masterpiece, Part 1.]]

*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' '''[[Mirage_(G1)/toys#ElectroDisruptor|Electro Disruptor Ligier]]''' ([[TakaraTomy]], Deluxe Class, [[2009]])'''
:"Electro Disruptor Ligier" is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Mirage offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book ''[[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]]''. Its monochrome color scheme suggests it was based on the one-time depiction of Mirage's invisibility power in this episode.

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-20 [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] (TakaraTomy, 2015)'''
:A ''Masterpiece'' toy of Wheeljack that includes a weapon accessory based on the generic laser pistol he wields in this episode. Additionally, if purchased in Japan through [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], one additionally gets a toolbox based on the hypno-chip disabling device he also uses in this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-20+ Wheeljack (TakaraTomy, 2019?)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Wheeljack in a more [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] color scheme that again includes the laser pistol from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200329102144/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-10.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Guog-xImTF-a2Qur4hV61WkSZ_2spRq Full episode script, finalised on 6th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgtzy168DK8-py4sub3f9WZ_bWJEATkH/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-10-ultimate_5.html Gallery of storyboards for Act III of this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2026-03-11T11:28:48Z

Greebtron: /* Production information */

{{disambig3|Countdown to Extinction}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=14
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=9
|prev2=War of the Dinobots
|next2=Heavy Metal War
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=50
|prev3=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next3=Trans-Europe Express
|image=CountdownToExtinction.jpg
|caption=Prime helps Megatron to shoot his load.
|title="Countdown to Extinction"
|season=1
|season ep=14
|production code=#700-11
|airdate=[[December 1]], 1984
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxc1X6RRCDU
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, both sides regroup, while Starscream puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I think my toy had something like this.]]

The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones affected by Megatron's absence.

With [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] having gone AWOL and their headquarters still heavily damaged, the Decepticons are in disarray; [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] picks a fight with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] while [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] fruitlessly tries to keep them on task. This squabbling is short-lived, however, as Megatron returns, having survived the explosion of his starship. When he learns that Starscream and [[Doctor Arkeville]] are apparently working together, he sets off in pursuit with the other Decepticons.

Starscream, still believing Megatron destroyed, forces Doctor Arkeville to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there, he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[File:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Freeze, this is the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD!]]]]

Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

The Autobots detect the Decepticon activity and set off after them. After a short battle the Autobots are trapped in quicksand. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] freezes the quicksand with his liquid nitrogen allowing them to escape. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who was standing guard over them, is captured and [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] forces him to play his findings. The Autobots learn that the Decepticons are heading for the Doctor's secret laboratory and they set off to follow them.

[[File:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Fiend and machine – TERRORXTREME!]]

The Doctor, unwilling to let Starscream benefit from the Earth's destruction, attempts to sabotage the energy collectors, but the Decepticon security system stuns him with a blast of electricity. Starscream has the badly-injured Doctor 'repaired' by the [[medicroid]]s, leaving him more machine now than man. Of course, he was twisted and evil to start with, so.

The Autobots and Decepticons arrive at the laboratory and battle each other again. Unaware of the danger it represents, Megatron covets the exponential generator and fights Optimus Prime for its possession. During the fight, Megatron receives a communication from Shockwave on Cybertron.

Shockwave, unwilling to further serve Starscream, warns Megatron about the timer and Starscream's plan. Megatron rips the timer from the wall just in time. On Cybertron, Starscream is baffled that the Earth has not exploded and sets off back to check the timer.

The exponential generator has become volatile and begins to go critical, ready to explode. Prime rips it away from Megatron, but the [[Decepticon leader]] says he needs the Autobot leader's help. [[Transformation|Transforming]], Megatron tells Prime to load the generator into his gun barrel, and then fires it into space. It explodes quite near Starscream who is flying up to Earth, and the blast sends him crashing... just in front of none-too-pleased Megatron. Stunned, Starscream tries to babble something to excuse himself, but Megatron gathers the hapless Starscream up and drags him away.

With the threat ended, the Autobots let the Decepticons go. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] wonders what will happen to Starscream, and the other Autobots are amused at the thought of what Megatron plans to do.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (26)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't you do ''anything'' right, Skywarp?" 
"Watch it, you metallic mini-meatball, or I'll step on you!"
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Skywarp''' shortly before the former gets owned.

"Hey, I didn't volunteer for this geeky assignment. I want Skywarp's job." 
"Butt out, Frenzy. Geek work's made for a geek! Like you!"
:— '''Frenzy''' and '''Skywarp''' bickering before resorting to violence.

"I, Doctor Arkeville, genius of science, say... OPEN SESAME!" 
"How original."
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' shows '''Starscream''' the entrance to his secret lab.

"Hey Optimus, how'd you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?" 
"As I believe the Earthlings say... lay it on me, man."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Your destiny is to serve me, my potent beauty."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> interest in the exponential generator gets a little creepy.

'''Rumble''': Megatron, it's... it's the Autobots! 
'''Megatron''': Impossible! They were doomed! 
'''Skywarp''': Don't worry. We'll make them regret undooming themselves.
:—The Decepticons prepare to kick some exhaust port.

'''Megatron''': Here! Have a ton of fun! 
''[Megatron throws a boulder at Optimus, misses and hits Rumble.]'' 
'''Optimus''': Hahaha! Your aim's improving, Megatron!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is having a blast.

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:—'''Megatron''' missed Janeway too.

'''Bumblebee''': Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to Starscream?" 
'''Optimus''': Nothing gentle, I would say. 
''[general laughter]'' 
'''Jazz''': I think we seen the last of ol' Starcreep alright! And that's the first thing that's gone right all day.
:—The Autobots muse on Starscream's fate after Megatron is last seen carrying him off screen.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 23rd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26th July 1984
* Final script: 9th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: August 15th 1984 ([[Peter Cullen]] not present for main session, [[Chris Latta]] voiced Optimus Prime for 'dummy lines')
* First draft storyboards completed: 20th August 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 22nd August 1984
* Final storyboard revision: 27th August 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 28th August 1984

===Continuity notes===
* This episode follows on from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]" and includes a narrative recap of that episode's crucial events.
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode... and [[FIRRIB|he's red]].
*Rumble calls Skywarp a [[maxi-turkey]].
[[File:CountdowntoExtinction Mirage firing missile.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Holy cow, so that's what that thing is for!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** A relatively rare instance of Wheeljack firing his missile launcher.
** An even more rare instance of Mirage firing his.
** Ironhide unleashes his old favorite, supercooled nitrogen. It's a whitish-clear gas this time, coming from his retracted wrist. (And since nitrogen boils at well below room temperature, this may be the one time in ''Transformers'' where the substance is actually shown correctly.)
** Megatron's communication with Shockwave on Cybertron is indicated by his upper-chest rectangles blinking.
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.
* We never see Arkeville again; Starscream leaves him on Cybertron as an immobilized cyborg.
* The episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about showing the same 13 Autobots in Prime's strike force.
* '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's ship blew up! '''[[The Immobilizer|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream approaches the secret lab.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar and ''Falcon'' whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker open fire on the Autobot convoy.
** More ''Falcon'' rumble as Skywarp is hit by Wheeljack's missile.
** More TIE engine as the Decepticons move to land a second later.
** [[Death Star]] firing noise as the Decepticons launch to retreat.
** Diving [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] as the Decepticons leave the quicksand pit.
** TIE/''Falcon'' as Laserbeak launches to stop Ironhide.
* A sound effect more commonly used for the Road Runner is repurposed as Skywarp and Thundercracker diving to attack the Autobots.

===Technical or animation glitches===
* As the Dinobots push the building back into place, Grimlock has his old head design, and Sludge has that strange yellow mouth interior again.
* As Wheeljack raises his hand to indicate where the Dinobots should stop, the flashing glow of his "ears" is layered on top of his hand.
* Two Brawns are seen repairing the damaged dam, one handing the other a concrete block. In the next shot, one of them has turned into Gears, in time for Huffer to hassle him.
* When Shockwave contacts Megatron about the generator's imminent destruction, the eyes on his Decepticon insignia are missing.
* Coloring errors:
** When Skywarp's hand and arm reach into the frame to slap Rumble, they're in Thundercracker's colors.
** Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door as he mocks Thundercracker.
** As Megatron asks about Arkeville, Skywarp's chest intakes are colored black. Both he and Thundercracker have the bottom segments of their canopies colored orange instead of black/blue respectively.
** The Laserbeak tape [[Garboil (G1)|is blue]] in the first shot, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's normal red-and-white.
** While listening to Laserbeak, the black line above Megatron's eyes is white making his eyes look extra small.
** As Megatron orders his troops to move out, Soundwave's hand is white, then changes to blue.[[File:G1toon starscream and arkeville.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
** Starscream's wing stripe is gray instead of red, and his wings are mounted too low, as he orders the Doctor to open his lab door.
** Starscream's foot is light gray instead of blue as he comments on the Doctor's originality.
** Bumblebee is tan instead of yellow as the jets fire on the Autobot convoy.
** The area in front of Starscream's neck is dark gray instead of light gray as Dr. Arkeville says he must work under his supervision.'
** As Starscream prepares to flip the switch, his wings are missing most of their paint details.
** As Starscream congratulates the Doctor for understanding his intent, the stripes on his wings are white instead of red.
** In the next shot, the bridge of Starscream's nose is dark gray instead of medium gray. In fact, Starscream's nose changes color a lot throughout this episode, too much to mention.
** Starscream's elbow segment is red instead of gray after he threatens Shockwave.
** Optimus's antenna is white instead of blue as he looks up at Megatron perched on the rock peak, and again as he watches the Decepticons fly off.
** As he stands over the generator, the square red button on Megatron's waist is colored blue.
** Starscream's tailfins are miscolored as he falls to Earth and impacts.
** The chest segment above Starscream's canopy is colored yellow instead of gray as Megatron looms over him.
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** Skywarp and Thundercracker are both missing the insignia on the back of their wings as Thundercracker steps in to tell them to shape up.
* As the sliding doors start to open to admit Megatron, he disappears for a frame or two.
* Skywarp is drawn delivering Thundercracker's "He's gone!" lines.
* As usual when he's playing back a tape report, Soundwave's tape door suddenly becomes transparent as Laserbeak plays back. Behind him, Thundercracker's canopy is still over-oranged, and his wings aren't symmetrical.
* Wheeljack is missing his ears as he watches Megatron & co. on screen.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How DID Teletraan I get that image of the Decepticons flying along?
* "Puny flesh creature!" The insignia on Starscream's wing-back is badly out of place.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as Dr. Arkeville boards his [[alternate mode|jet mode]].
* As Starscream talks to Dr. Arkeville in space, his voice is muffled as though coming over a radio. Since Arkeville is ''inside'' him, shouldn't Starscream's voice be normal?
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray in the big lineup of firing Autobots. Jazz is missing his insignia. Wheeljack's ears flash for a single frame even though he's not speaking, and they're orange; he's missing his missile launcher.
* When Starscream instructs Shockwave to start setting up energy collectors, Shockwave's gun-hand has switched to his right arm.
* Thundercracker has no stripes or insignia on his wings as he, Soundwave and Rumble half-heartedly dodge Autobot fire (instead of landing like Megatron just ordered.)
* Thundercracker is drawn delivering Skywarp's "undooming themselves" line.
* The end of Megatron's fusion cannon is ''much'' too thin as he aims at Prime in front of the generator.
* As Prime warns Megatron to be careful, his faceplate drops almost all the way to his chin as he speaks.
* The damage caused to Megatron's chest by the exponential generator disappears after he leaves the lab.
* As the Autobots drive past cam, Ironhide and Ratchet's passenger side windows are HUGE.
* Prime's strange half-sloped windscreen design appears in the next shot, an error found in several other episodes including "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
* Peter Cullen's voice for Optimus Prime is given an unusual amount of robotic modulation in this episode. It's particularly noticeable in the third act's scenes between Optimus Prime and Megatron inside the lab.

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* The volume of the sound effects in the Shout! release of this episode are noticeably reduced from the original; the beeping of the timer after the first commercial break, for example, is barely audible.

===Continuity errors===
* Narrator [[Victor Caroli]] claims that Cybertron's orbit of Earth has "left the world in ruins". Yet somehow, after the opening scenes of this episode, we never see any signs of this catastrophic damage—in this episode or any future one. The Autobots are shown repairing things, but things return to normal too quickly even for Autobots.
* Megatron was beat to hell at the end of last episode. When he returns to Decepticon Headquarters, he's brand-spankin' new. Where did he get the resources to repair himself so thoroughly?
* Optimus says that "we can't let [Megatron] and the Decepticons regroup"... but it should be obvious from the screen that they already ''have'' regrouped.
*The timer that Starscream connects to the exponential generator, which starts at 8:00:00, leads to some dubious situations:
**When the timer says 7:58:20 (1:40 minutes), only about 20 seconds have passed.
**It takes Starscream less than 30 seconds to reach outer space (and have a good bit of distance between him and Earth). He then reaches Cybertron in about 4 hours. For what it's worth, Starscream's toy [[bio]] states that he can reach Mach 2.8. Also, Cybertron was probably still relatively close to Earth.
**The <del>shenanigans</del> battles out in the field, including when the Decepticons initially bury Bumblebee, and the quicksand trap, take about 5 1/2 hours.
**There's a time lapse of around 15 minutes between the moment Megatron finds the exponential generator and when he opens it up. That, of course, could be overlooked seeing how it may take Megatron, who's unfamiliar with the lab, that much time to figure out the controls.
**The battle outside Doctor Arkeville's lab, including Megatron's own standoff with Optimus Prime, goes on for 2 hours. Maybe not so dubious, but it's not the norm for the television series.
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is? (The very prominent ''front staircase'' might be a clue.)
[[File:CountdownExtinction Jazz plays Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
* When we last see Laserbeak, he's held prisoner in Jazz's tape deck. We never do learn how he gets free.
* If the generator can melt Megatron's chest, why doesn't it melt his hands?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also "[[War of the Dinobots]]" for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion). In fairness, Megatron by this point has spent some time de-wiring and perhaps de-powering the device.

===Trivia===
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list for this episode lists "Tyrex" and "Bronton" as [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s appearing with non-speaking roles. Evidence points to these being early names for Grimlock and Sludge coined by writer [[Donald F. Glut]]; in an interview with Glut,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070217131842/http://members.aol.com/tfencyc/interview_glut.html Interview with Donald F. Glut]</ref> he revealed that, prior to the Dinobots receiving their final names, he had submitted more "dinosaurian" names for them. Why Glut's proposed names were used on a cast list page for an episode he did not write—particularly when Grimlock and Sludge had been referred to in prior cast list pages under their proper names—is unknown.
* Thundercracker appears to be the one commanding the remaining Decepticons before Megatron returns; while not an outright error, it's a bit odd as based on what's understood about the Decepticon hierarchy, it seems like Soundwave is the highest-ranking one present.
* In the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS promotional blurb for this episode, the narrator claims the exponential generator's explosion is powerful enough to destroy ''the entire universe.'' So, uhhh, maybe every bit of TF fiction produced after this actually represents a different [[universal stream]]!
*One of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'s'' multiplayer modes is named after this very episode.
*Yes, the Heroic Autobots are laughing over how Megatron is going to torture Starscream.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Raz de marée'''" ("Tidal Wave")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''Le Générateur exponentiel'''" ("The Exponential Generator")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*[[Jacques Ferrière]] is absent from this episode. All his characters are consequently distributed to other cast members.
:::*Laserbeak is called "Laserback" twice in this episode. In previous episodes he was called "Laserobreak".
:::*Very rare case, all names are pronounced in the argument scene between the Decepticons (Rumble is named, and Skywarp is named twice!).
:::*Ironhide is called "Ironhike" twice. A mix between his original name and "Irok", the name they usually use in the dub.
:::*Optimus Prime's laugh after Megatron hit Rumble is replaced by weird sounds from [[Francis Lax]], making it sound like Optimus is in great pain or struggles to do something. The most likely theory is that the actors didn't watch the original version before recording and went straight to it. If we follow this theory here, the "Ah"s in the text were misinterpreted and they didn't bother to do another take.
:::*Shockwave reports to Megatron by introducing himself as "Shock". This is the name that was mistakenly used for Soundwave in several previous episodes.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Astrum, il traditore'''" ("Starscream, the Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Rumble is called "Scarlet" in this episode, despite his Italian name being "Tartar".
::*"Tread water" oddly becomes "walk on water".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Conto alla rovescia per l'estinzione'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū Shōmetsu Keikaku'''" (地球消滅計画, "The Earth Obliteration Plan")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 31]], [[1985]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter had to be delayed until the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved. As a result, with this episode being an epilogue to "The Ultimate Doom", its chronology rubs off as rather confusing in the broadcast order of the series. A guide written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] for the [[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer]] DVD box set featured a "proper viewing order" feature so that Japanese fans could watch the episodes in a more logical continuity.
::*This episode was commemorated by an exclusive [[Heroes of Cybertron (toyline)#Exclusives|Super Collection Figure]] giftset sold at the Wonder Festival 2002 convention in Japan. The set included both a metallic-painted PVC of Optimus Prime holding Megatron in gun mode and a metallic-painted PVC of Prime in truck mode.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bàozhà Qiánxī'''" (爆炸前夕, "Before Explosion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Contagem Para Destruição'''" ("Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Otschyot gibeli'''" (Отсчёт гибели, "Death Countdown")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Odbrojavanje pred uništenje'''" (Одбројавање пред уништење, "Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cuenta atrás hacia la extinción'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:GunmodeMegsMasterpieceConvoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime included an accessory of Megatron in his classic Walther P-38 altmode in reference to this episode, as well as a similar team-up in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]". Although non-transforming, it is quite detailed and includes the individually removable silencer / barrel extension, scope, and (hinged) stock.

:As the ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold has been has re-released multiple times, so too has Megatron. He was made available again without changes as an accessory for Takara's MP-4, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp4|Convoy Perfect Edition]]" and MP-1L, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#lastshot|Convoy Last Production]]", and Hasbro's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|DVD Edition]]", but has also been redecoed several times: these distinct new versions of Megatron are listed on [[Megatron (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|Megatron's toy's page]].

{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 11: "Countdown to Extinction" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Retour de Megatron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HZEQfVV6BKkVivUIYpdZyoOJftuPoM6J Full episode script, finalised on 9th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbdESYU7XIoktYiPIaN-95jJ0wJlg_6I/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-11-countdown-to_5.html Gallery of storyboards for Act III of this episode]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

A Plague of Insecticons

2026-03-11T11:28:31Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the similarly-named Marvel UK Annual story|Plague of the Insecticons!}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=15
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=64
|prev2=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next2=The Autobot Run
|image=Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG
|caption=We're gonna need a big [[Rustbug hoop|swatter]]! A really big swatter!
|title="A Plague of Insecticons"
|season=1
|season ep=15
|production code=#700-12
|airdate=[[December 29]], 1984
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGRGcFYVWVs
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Reports of giant insects terrorizing Bali lead the Decepticons to discover their long-lost comrades, the Insecticons.'''

==Synopsis==
On the island of [[Bali]], there is a heavily-forested swamp through which people rarely travel. It is the [[Demon Swamp]], and in that swamp lie monsters who appear to be enormous insects. But they are not insects, they are [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], and they are [[Transformer|robots in disguise]]. They are driven by a single, unrelenting desire: food. Attacking a trio of boats, the insects feed on the grain, but quickly become interested in the reports of a farm. At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] overhears the reports of "robot insects", and a team is taken aboard [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate while [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] remains to alert [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the rest of the [[Autobot]]s.

[[File:Insecticon Base.jpg|left|thumb|"Ravage, get back here! They're just bugs, how big could they be?"]]
However, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] comes across the transmissions, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is intrigued. He takes a group of [[Decepticon]]s to Demon Swamp, where [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] dispatches [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] to locate the robots' lair. The Decepticons discover that the lair is not a hollowed-out rock, as it appears, but an escape pod ejected from the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]] that brought them to [[Earth]]. [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] realizes what Megatron has already figured out: The robot insects are Decepticons who have been modified to assume [[Alternate mode|insect modes]]—[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], if you will.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime is leading the rest of the Autobots to the farm, but they are blocked by a local festival. [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] leads the Autobots down a shortcut...which turns out to be a dead end. Refusing to admit defeat, Sideswipe decides to drill his way through the solid rock. Arriving at the farm the Insecticons are attacking, [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] attack, only to discover that the Insecticons possess some impressive [[System|weapons systems]]. Worse, they can make clones of themselves by using shells and scrap metal. Overwhelmed, the Autobots take cover amid the crops, but Shrapnel releases a [[Shrapnel grenade|fragmentation grenade]] which cuts the crops down to size. Finally, Megatron and the Decepticons arrive. The Autobots realize they're in over their heads, but Skyfire has been damaged and cannot [[Transformation|transform]]. Shrapnel finds something familiar about the Decepticons, and when Megatron explains that they came from Decepticon science, Shrapnel extends his hand in friendship...an alliance which will be solidified by destroying the Autobots at the farm.

[[File:Optimus ram.jpg|thumb|Where we're going, we don't need roads!]]
Elsewhere, Sideswipe is getting nowhere slowly with his drilling, so Optimus Prime decides on a simpler tactic and drives right through the rock wall. Coming up on the farm just in time, Sideswipe and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] tackle the Decepticons, who withdraw to a nearby [[oil]] refinery to recharge before they destroy the Autobots. During the respite, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] repairs Skyfire, who follows them in the air while the Autobots follow from the ground. The Insecticons attack Skyfire, and Wheeljack goes to help but is knocked out of the air by Kickback. Shrapnel takes control of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, causing them to drive toward the Autobots, but [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] disrupts Shrapnel's control with his [[force field]]. Optimus throws Brawn at Shrapnel, but Kickback knocks him off. Fortunately, Skyfire is able to catch Brawn.

[[File:Skeet surfin.jpg|left|thumb|"First wave, don't get tired. Second wave, aim higher. Third wave, pull and fire. Skeet Surfin'..."]]
At the refinery, the Decepticons are busy making some [[energon cube]]s. Megatron offers the Insecticons a tanker filled to the brim, and the trio gorge themselves. Unfortunately, it also causes the oil to leak into the ocean. As the Autobots arrive, the Decepticons force them to take some cover. Shrapnel uses a shrapnel grenade to knock Optimus, Brawn, and Wheeljack into the ocean, where the Autobot leader warns that the oil could ignite. On cue, Thundercracker lights the oil on fire, only for the Autobots to knock him into the flaming water. Before the ship goes kaboom, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] is able to douse the flames. However, storm clouds appear overhead, and Shrapnel uses them as a means to fire electricity at the Autobots. Spike realizes that the rubber in their tires will serve as insulation. Some Autobots go to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], while others stand on them, neutralizing Shrapnel's abilities. In addition, Trailbreaker uses his force field to neutralize Shrapnel's control over the clones, causing them to go to pieces.

[[File:Tanker throw.jpg|thumb|Optimus shows why he's a three time World's strongest Bot champion.]]
Megatron realizes that he's losing, so the Decepticon leader employs a time-honored strategy: "If I can't have it, no one can." Megatron sets the tanker on fire and pushes it toward the refinery. However, Optimus pushes the tanker underwater, and Megatron with it. Rising to the surface, Megatron prepares to blast Bumblebee and Spike, only for Optimus Prime to throw the tanker ''through the air'' at Megatron.

The Insecticons observe the deteriorating situation and decide to cut their losses. They begin to feed off the [[energon]], but Megatron, his rage overwhelming his common sense, orders the Decepticons to attack the Insecticons. As the Insecticons flee with the Decepticons in pursuit, the Autobots claim victory. Optimus Prime still worries that the Insecticons will inevitably be drawn back towards the Decepticons, but when and if that happens, the Autobots will be ready.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (9)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (23)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (24)
|c2=
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (4)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (25)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (27)
|c3=
*Fisherman 1 (1)
*Fisherman 2 (2)
*Fisherman 3 (3)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*Villagers (18)
*Oil Refinery Worker 1
*Oil Refinery Worker 2
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy! Talk about hot lips!"
:—'''Windcharger''' is hit by an Insecticon blast.

[[File:PlagueofInsecticons Skyfire sitting in puddle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
"Still think they're optical illusions, Brawn?"
:—'''Skyfire''', after getting his ass handed to him by an army of Insecticon clones.

"Well, let's look at the bright side—at least they didn't bring that sawed-off nerd Rumble along."
:—'''Brawn''', showing he is an optimist, even in the worst situations.

"Uh-oh! What I wouldn't give for a laser-powered flyswatter."
:—'''Skyfire''' comes up with something else for Wheeljack to invent.

"Now, taste the lightning, Autobot fool!" 
"It tastes terrible."
:—'''Shrapnel''' zaps '''Wheeljack'''.

"Megatron, CATCH!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' plays catch... with a 10,000-ton oil tanker.

"Maybe we've picked the wrong allies, Shrapnel."
:—'''Bombshell''', showing a rare moment of insight.

"The traitors! We befriended them, and now they steal our power source. Forget the Autobots, DESTROY THE INSECTICONS!"
:—'''Megatron'''. He really does have a hard time keeping his troops loyal.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 27th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 6th August 1984
* Initial Insecticon models approved: 8th August 1984
* Final script: 13th August 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 20th August 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 24th August 1984
* Storyboards revised and slugged: 28th August 1984 (Slugging by [[Brad Case]])
* Final storyboard revision and shipped to Toei: 31st August 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 17th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
*It may or may not be an intentional bit of continuity, but Starscream, [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last seen]] being hauled off by Megatron for unspecified punishment, is absent from this episode. Then again, Skywarp and Frenzy are missing too, which tells us absolutely nothing.
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons fire fighting.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|It can't be [[fire-retardant foam]]; if it was, the Autobots would've won the war eons ago.]]
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Funny part is, there isn't actually any button there.]]
[[File:ShrapnelG1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|When there's lightning, you know it always brings me down]]
[[File:PlagueInsecticons Kickback harvester.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rideeeer Kick!]]

*Gadgets and powers:
**Laserbeak slides yet another gadget out of his head, this one a micro radar dish that he uses to contact Megatron.
**Megatron has the flashing pectoral rectangles to acknowledge Laserbeak's signal, as seen [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|last episode]].
**The Insecticons, presumably like all Transformers, have [[idento-computer]]s that somehow "adapted them for life on Earth by turning them into Insecticons". Depending on your interpretation of this statement, it might be considered the first instance of a Transformer gaining a new [[alternate mode]] through internal reconfiguration, rather than through external reconstruction, a premise that would not gain traction until the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise in 2002.
**Not for the last time, Skyfire extends his legs in a sort of mid-transformation pause. (Sorry, ''[[Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Macross]]'' dorks, it's not a GERWALK/Guardian. Those have arms.)
**Rather than use his rather well documented pile driver abilities to dig his tunnel, Sideswipe just retracts his hands and ''smashes his way through with his arms''. Looks like some animator misunderstood a script direction. They ''finally'' got it right in the final tunnel digging scene...and then they show him with drills on his hands.
**Windcharger activates a magnetic "repulsor field" by pressing a button on his chest.
**Wheeljack uses his documented ability to fly. He even (mostly) keeps his arms at his side like he's supposed to, considering it's supposed to be wrist rockets that let him do it. He also uses his missile launcher... sorta. Actually the missiles just kind of fly out from behind his back.
**It's a showcase for Trailbreaker's forcefield, as he uses it first to cut off Shrapnel's override waves and then his control beams, the latter destroying the Insecticon clones. It's also a rare instance of it actually being projected from the right place, namely the silver box gadget thing behind his head.
**Thundercracker uses his flamethrower again, previously seen in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" and "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]". As noted before, this was likely an interpretation of the [[incendiary gun]]s his bio described him as being armed with.
**Ironhide puts out a fire with [[Fire-retardant foam|foamy gassy white stuff]] that he fires from both retracted wrists.
**Kickback materializes a gun out of thin air in a flash of light, one of those occasional shots leading to fandom "subspace" theories about weapons and parts storage.
**As the stars of the episode, the Insecticons get a whole host of special powers:
***They quickly demonstrate one of their most characteristic powers, the ability to create clones of themselves, a power which was ''never'' mentioned in any of their Tech Spec writeups and was created solely for the cartoon. Shrapnel claims ownership of the cloning beams, but Kickback is also shown generating them. Bombshell is also involved, but the animation does not convey the full intent of the script when it comes to his role: the visuals imply that all he does is blow up a derelict tractor with his "Insecta-shells" to create debris to form the clones, but the script explains that the Insecta-shell was supposed to release streams of filament and micro-circuitry to connect the debris together, through which Shrapnel's beams are then channelled to form and animate the clones.
***Shrapnel uses his [[grenade launcher]], firing a steel ball from his wrist which then explodes into a bazillion razor-sharp fragments. His Tech Spec has the launcher as his hand-held weapon, but otherwise the ability is correct as shown. Later he identifies it as a "[[shrapnel grenade]]" (or perhaps a Shrapnel Grenade?)
***Shrapnel uses his "special override wave" to control Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.
***Shrapnel uses his famous ability to capture and fire lightning. He seems to need Bombshell's help to do it, though. The Autobots are able to counter the effects of the lightning by transforming and electrically insulating themselves from the ground with their rubber tires.
*Optimus demonstrates ''highly improbable'' amounts of strength, lifting an entire sunken [[oil tanker]] out of the water and throwing it at Megatron.
*The episode's closing dialog provides us with the interesting factoid that Spike is not yet old enough to drive, capping his likely age in 1984 at 15.

===Real-world references===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Bali establishing shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Come for the farms. Stay for the Insecticons!]]
*The Insecticons inhabit the real world island of [[Bali]], which is part of the nation of [[Indonesia]].
*Wheeljack tells Prime to "{{w|Keep On Truckin' (comics)|keep on truckin'"}}.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Kickback launches to pursue the last boat.
**''Falcon'' engine burst ''and'' [[Death Star]] superlaser as the Insecticons fly out of the swamp.
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wing]] diving whine as Laserbeak reports his findings.
**Death Star superlaser again as the Insecticons launch to attack the farm.
**''Falcon'' engine burst as the Insecticons fly to attack Skyfire.
**Death Star superlaser as Shrapnel and Bombshell cling to Skyfire's wings.
**X-wing diving whine in the same sequence.
**Luke deflecting seeker ball bolts as Thundercracker compresses the energon cubes.
**X-Wing diving whine as the Insecticons attach to the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as Megatron launches to re-ignite the tanker.
**Death Star superlaser as the Insecticons flee from the refinery.

===Technical or animation glitches===
[[File:G1 PlagueofInsecticons Bombshell blast.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shrapnel's back should be black, not yellow. His bug legs should probably be white, but the show changes their color so much that it's kinda hard to tell for sure.]]
*Coloring errors:
**Bombshell loses all his yellow and purple coloration as he throws the first boat in the swamp.
**Shrapnel's bug head is purple instead of black as he notes that Kickback's meal is escaping.[[File:Ark silver.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|.995 percent pure silver leaf]]
**In the establishing shot of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the ship is colored silver instead of orange.[[File:Plague Insecticons robot mode.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, a human comes up to the Insecticons' knees. How big ''is'' this tree??]]
**As the Insecticons stand on the (unfathomably huge) tree branch, both Shrapnel and Kickback's faces are dark gray instead of silver.
**As Skyfire arrives at the farm, his booster pack is white instead of red.
**In the next shot, Kickback's face is still dark gray.
**After the Autobots transform at the end of Sideswipe's "shortcut", Sunstreaker's engine intake is yellow instead of silver.
**As Ironhide and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe work on the tunnel, Sunstreaker's entire helmet is yellow, rather than just his ear-wings.
**Skyfire's face is white instead of gray as he tries to transform, and his antennae are blue instead of white.
**Bombshell's eyes are a creepy, empty, yet toy-like white (instead of red) as Shrapnel first addresses Megatron.
**Soundwave's missing his cassette door stripes again as the Decepticons take aim.
**When Sideswipe and Sunstreaker get ahead of Optimus Prime after breaking out of the tunnel, both are coloured in Sunstreaker's yellow color scheme for a brief moment.
**Thundercracker is a dark, toy-like blue as he fills the energon cubes, rather than his usual medium blue.
**Prime's tires are white instead of black as Shrapnel takes control of the twins.
**In the following overhead shot, Sideswipe is colored black instead of red.
**The blue vehicle next to out-of-focus Prime doesn't correspond to any Autobot present, and there wasn't anyone in that location in the previous shot anyway.
**Shrapnel's [[beast mode|bug mode]] front half is white as he sends the twins on a second attack run.
**Skyfire's cockpit, boosters and thruster nozzles are white as he fires on the refinery, rather than blue, red and black, respectively.
**Sunstreaker is [[Diaclone#Car Robots|red instead of yellow]] as the Autobots arrive at the refinery and transform.
**Wheeljack is in Bombshell's colors as the Autobots start to run for cover.
**Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray as he and the others dive into the water.
**Wheeljack is missing his orange chest details as he stands in the water.
**Brawn is in Skyfire's colors as Thundercracker prepares to ignite the spilled oil.
**As the Decepticons retreat from battle and fly towards the oil refinery, Skyfire is part of the formation.
**Prime's hand is red instead of blue as he orders Bumblebee to stay back.
**Bombshell is missing his purple color as he speculates on whether they picked the right allies.
**In the final shot of the assembled Autobots, Sunstreaker's head is yellow again. Trailbreaker's cheeks are colored blue instead of his eye visor (it looks like he's wearing reading glasses!) Sideswipe's eyes are red instead of blue. Brawn's green is very washed out.
*Bombshell's animation model totally cheats. His [[robot mode]] color scheme is completely lacking in purple, yet the same parts that are colored black instead become purple when he transforms.
*The show was ''never'' able to make up its mind about Kickback's insect mode head. Sometimes it's drawn with his robot mode face underneath it, just like the toy, even having him talk and emote with it. Other times it's just plain black, with his robot face replaced by a mechanical bug mouth, more like you'd expect from a giant super-advanced space robot trying to pass himself off as an ordinary giant metal robot grasshopper. This episode shows ''both'' versions at various times, even changing it between successive shots (such as the "there's more food to devour on a farm!" sequence.) At least once it splits the difference, showing abstract details colored like his face and eyeband.
*The "Wait for me!" rower makes a pretty spectacular and improbable leap onto the last boat.
*Kickback has no transformation noise as he swims up to his buddies and transforms.
*As Megatron orders his troops to move out, his faction emblem is all blurry.
*As Thundercracker exposits that the Insecticons are Decepticons, Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door.
*Bombshell is missing his head cannon as the Insecticons raise their guns to fire.
*Brawn and company fall over into the pond before the Insecticons' fire actually hits them.
*In the first shot after the first commercial break, all of the Insecticon clones have disappeared from the field.
*As the Insecticons charge, Bombshell's head launcher is missing its little side laser dealies, and Bombshell's Decepticon insignia is blinking.
*Windcharger is drawn delivering Bumblebee's "I sure hope Prime" line.
*As he stands aside to let Optimus through, Sideswipe's pile drivers have turned into drills.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Ratchet is shown transforming with the rest of Prime's team, despite not being part of it.
*When the Decepticons and Insecticons flee from the field, Thundercracker in jet mode is colored in Skyfire's white-and-red palette. The clones finally reappear in the same shot, after going missing for several scenes.
*At the line "bite down, it's our only chance to hang on!" the voice is Bombshell's, but Shrapnel is shown. Since they're in bug mode and Bombshell was shown in the preceding shot, this may not be an animation error exactly, but at the very least it's poor framing.
*Kickback's robot head shows up beneath his bug head as he turns to kick Brawn off of Shrapnel.
*Thundercracker's arm laser is mounted on the wrong side and in the wrong spot as he aims at Skyfire.
*Soundwave's chest compartment isn't drawn in as Ravage ejects.
*Megatron is missing his insignia as he wonders what Kickback is talking about.
*Shrapnel is missing his insignia as he wonders what went wrong.
*Someone got their signals crossed; after the Autobots prove able to defeat Shrapnel's lightning blasts by rolling on their tires, Optimus is also totally immune to ''normal'' Insecticon firepower.
*Reflector shows up out of nowhere as Megatron rails about the Insecticons stealing their energon, despite not having been seen in the entire episode.

====Rhino DVD release====
The [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] release of this episode had errors not present in the original broadcast version, due to their use of incomplete film masters:

*The movement of the boats in the opening shots is different in the DVD version.
*A cel layering error causes Skyfire's door to appear behind Spike and the Autobots as he boards them. As a result, the door closes ''behind'' Bumblebee and Spike as they wave to Optimus, only for them to disappear when it closes fully.
*The shot of the Decepticons leaving their base is mistimed, and a distracting "seam" can be seen on the background painting.
*Megatron's unibrow is white in two shots.
*The Insecticons' gunfire is purple instead of orange on several occasions.
*When Skyfire falls in the water, the water effects briefly disappear for a few frames.
*When Shrapnel shoots his ball shaped bomb, the flame and bomb are missing thus leaving him to fire absolutely nothing; the ball is shown a second later.
*As Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are being controlled by Shrapnel's control beams, Shrapnel is missing from the shot and is nowhere to be seen.
*As the two of them are forcefully driven toward the other Autobots, Sunstreaker is colored black and the frame of animation is not arranged properly.
*Just before Brawn asks Optimus to throw him, Prime is in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], then he transforms from robot to vehicle mode, and is then standing in robot mode.
*The energon cubes are not colored properly in one shot.
*A shot of Optimus and Wheeljack in the water is missing one of the water cel layers. As a result, the bottom half of Optimus's body is completely missing.
*The animation of the approaching storm clouds is missing. Instead, a single dark cloud simply floats across the screen.
*The lightning flashes as Megatron declares that the enemy is on the ground differ slightly in the DVD version.
*When Shrapnel says the line "Has brought it to us us now now" his dialogue lags behind the scene where he speaks. In addition, the sky has inexplicably turned sunny again in the DVD version.
*Some instances of Wheeljack speaking, like when he says "Thanks Prime, keep on truckin'", are missing the flashing "ears" effect.
*When Bumblebee says "There's gotta be something we can do before we all get fried", his mouth and head do not move until he says the word "fried".
*The lightning ray has different glowing effects in the DVD version.
*Spike's mouth flaps are slightly different when he talks about the rubber tires.
*When Shrapnel jumps out of the way of a laser blast, the refinery background behind him is different.
*When Optimus blasts the Insecticons away, the refinery background behind them is different yet again.
*Wheeljack's glow is stationary at the end of the episode.

===Continuity errors===
*The Insecticons' origin is fraught with problems. The story seems to be that they were aboard [[Nemesis (G1)|the Decepticon ship]], and ejected in an escape pod before it crashed, four million years ago. What happened after that is not clear, but no version of the story completely jibes with the known facts:
**Megatron says that the Insecticons' escape pod was launched "before [[Nemesis (G1)|our own ship]] crashed here millions of years ago". One might reasonably take this to mean that the Insecticons were aboard the ''Nemesis''; however, upon meeting Megatron a few scenes later, Shrapnel says to him "I don't know you", implying that they ''weren't'' aboard the ''Nemesis''. The summary of the episode in the [[production bible]] clarifies this, saying the pod "...was originally part of the Decepticon spacecraft that jettisoned away just before the Autobots and Decepticons crash landed on Earth".<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#072</ref> Guess Shrapnel was just feeling conveniently forgetful that day day.
*** (Or he's saying he doesn't know Megatron very well. Or their memory banks were a little fuzzed after four million years in a swamp.)
**The narration ("a strange new form of robot") makes it sound like the Insecticons just recently awoke, as does the sudden distress call from the residents of Bali. But if that's the case, it's a ''huge'' coincidence that, after four million years, they were revived just a few months after their kin aboard the Ark.
*** (Maybe their pod was activated after intercepting an automatic signal from the now-active Ark or Nemesis?)
**The alternative - that the Insecticons have been up and running around for millions of years - doesn't make sense either. How could neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons have ever learned of their existence until this episode?
[[File:Plagueofinsecticons Sideswipe drilling.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*''Digging a tunnel'' is seriously faster than just backtracking a mile or two to find another way around? Seriously?
*Michael Bell seems to have gotten a bit confused. Throughout this episode he uses his Prowl voice for Sideswipe.
*How does Skyfire manage to hide in the bushes with the other, shorter Autobots? He's about four Bumblebees tall! In fact the entire notion of corn that's tall enough to hide an Autobot is a bit far fetched. The absurdity is further called out a few shots later when the Autobots (and Spike!) are shown ''towering'' over the corn.
*How does Skyfire know Kickback's name? None of the Insecticons have introduced themselves.
*How does Optimus Prime's team ''drive to Bali'', an Indonesian island which is clear across the Pacific Ocean? They needed Skyfire to get to Peru. Even if we accept they used the "hydrofoils" from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 1," they arrive only moments after the Decepticons, who are already in Bali. They would have arrived even sooner if not for their "detour."
*Per the cartoon physics norm, if ''anything'' besides the ground breaks your fall, you're just fine. Thus, Wheeljack smacking into Prime's trailer does absolutely no damage to him.
*Brawn gets the same treatment a second later, as Skyfire "catches" him.
*Megatron gives the very strange order to "activate the Ravage cassette".
*As they arrive at the refinery, Optimus Prime orders "let's get them, Autobots!" They immediately run for cover, firing no weapons.
*Kickback claims there is no spray capable of stopping the Insecticons. Guess he's never heard of [[robotic insecticide]]!
*When Megatron and company arrive at the Balinese oil refinery, a human shouts "the monsters are back!" Neither the Insecticons nor Decepticons have been shown attacking an oil refinery in this episode. Unless one of the refinery workers just happens to moonlight as a swamp boater. Or knows someone who does.

===Trivia===
[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Trailbreaker projecting forcefield.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The Shout! Factory release (incorrectly?) credits this episode as being written by [[Donald F. Glut]].
*Wheeljack refers to the idea of a motorcycle alternate form as "[[Groove (G1)|something new]]". Ah, Transformers was so young and new back then!
*Some episodes provide plot, character development, and storytelling. Others are a big parade of battles and special buy-my-toy powers. The reader may draw their own conclusions as to which category this episode falls under.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un fléau d'Insecticons'''" ("A plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the European French dub, Laserbeak gains a third name after Laserobreak and Laserback, "Laserbreak".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Gli Insekticons'''" ("The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In this episode the Insecticons are both called "Insecticon" and "Insector".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''La piaga degli Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of the Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Insectron no Nazo'''" (インセクトロンの謎, "The Mystery of the Insectrons")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 24]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of this episode had to be delayed until near the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved.
::*Being a Japanese dub and all, Shrapnel dramatically announces the name of his lightning blast as though it were a special move: "Thunder Attack!"
::*The Japanese dub confuses Megatron's poorly phrased line of "This is a Decepticon escape module launched before our own starship crashed on Earth four million years ago" as meaning that the Insecticons took off and arrived on Earth long before the other Decepticons crashed on Earth.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jīqì Kūnchóng '''" (机器昆虫, "The Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Praga de Insecticons'''" ("The Plague of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nashestviye Insecticonov'''" ("The Invasion of Insecticons")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nајezdа Insektikonа'''" (Најезда Инсектикона, "Insecticon Invasion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[1986]] — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 12: "The Secret of Omega Supreme", "War Dawn", "A Plague of Insecticons" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2002]] — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] [[2003]] — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2006]] — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2007]] — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] [[2008]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2011]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1j7OGUiXk5ZF-BuqIPg3hYQfFdqXF3q4_ Full episode script, finalised on 13th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NSlZNavsyWpe9za6XHfPdv1a39KWY11R/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plague of Insecticons}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2026-03-11T11:24:58Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{disambig3|Countdown to Extinction}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=14
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=9
|prev2=War of the Dinobots
|next2=Heavy Metal War
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=50
|prev3=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next3=Trans-Europe Express
|image=CountdownToExtinction.jpg
|caption=Prime helps Megatron to shoot his load.
|title="Countdown to Extinction"
|season=1
|season ep=14
|production code=#700-11
|airdate=[[December 1]], 1984
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxc1X6RRCDU
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, both sides regroup, while Starscream puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I think my toy had something like this.]]

The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones affected by Megatron's absence.

With [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] having gone AWOL and their headquarters still heavily damaged, the Decepticons are in disarray; [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] picks a fight with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] while [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] fruitlessly tries to keep them on task. This squabbling is short-lived, however, as Megatron returns, having survived the explosion of his starship. When he learns that Starscream and [[Doctor Arkeville]] are apparently working together, he sets off in pursuit with the other Decepticons.

Starscream, still believing Megatron destroyed, forces Doctor Arkeville to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there, he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[File:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Freeze, this is the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD!]]]]

Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

The Autobots detect the Decepticon activity and set off after them. After a short battle the Autobots are trapped in quicksand. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] freezes the quicksand with his liquid nitrogen allowing them to escape. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who was standing guard over them, is captured and [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] forces him to play his findings. The Autobots learn that the Decepticons are heading for the Doctor's secret laboratory and they set off to follow them.

[[File:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Fiend and machine – TERRORXTREME!]]

The Doctor, unwilling to let Starscream benefit from the Earth's destruction, attempts to sabotage the energy collectors, but the Decepticon security system stuns him with a blast of electricity. Starscream has the badly-injured Doctor 'repaired' by the [[medicroid]]s, leaving him more machine now than man. Of course, he was twisted and evil to start with, so.

The Autobots and Decepticons arrive at the laboratory and battle each other again. Unaware of the danger it represents, Megatron covets the exponential generator and fights Optimus Prime for its possession. During the fight, Megatron receives a communication from Shockwave on Cybertron.

Shockwave, unwilling to further serve Starscream, warns Megatron about the timer and Starscream's plan. Megatron rips the timer from the wall just in time. On Cybertron, Starscream is baffled that the Earth has not exploded and sets off back to check the timer.

The exponential generator has become volatile and begins to go critical, ready to explode. Prime rips it away from Megatron, but the [[Decepticon leader]] says he needs the Autobot leader's help. [[Transformation|Transforming]], Megatron tells Prime to load the generator into his gun barrel, and then fires it into space. It explodes quite near Starscream who is flying up to Earth, and the blast sends him crashing... just in front of none-too-pleased Megatron. Stunned, Starscream tries to babble something to excuse himself, but Megatron gathers the hapless Starscream up and drags him away.

With the threat ended, the Autobots let the Decepticons go. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] wonders what will happen to Starscream, and the other Autobots are amused at the thought of what Megatron plans to do.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (26)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't you do ''anything'' right, Skywarp?" 
"Watch it, you metallic mini-meatball, or I'll step on you!"
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Skywarp''' shortly before the former gets owned.

"Hey, I didn't volunteer for this geeky assignment. I want Skywarp's job." 
"Butt out, Frenzy. Geek work's made for a geek! Like you!"
:— '''Frenzy''' and '''Skywarp''' bickering before resorting to violence.

"I, Doctor Arkeville, genius of science, say... OPEN SESAME!" 
"How original."
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' shows '''Starscream''' the entrance to his secret lab.

"Hey Optimus, how'd you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?" 
"As I believe the Earthlings say... lay it on me, man."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Your destiny is to serve me, my potent beauty."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> interest in the exponential generator gets a little creepy.

'''Rumble''': Megatron, it's... it's the Autobots! 
'''Megatron''': Impossible! They were doomed! 
'''Skywarp''': Don't worry. We'll make them regret undooming themselves.
:—The Decepticons prepare to kick some exhaust port.

'''Megatron''': Here! Have a ton of fun! 
''[Megatron throws a boulder at Optimus, misses and hits Rumble.]'' 
'''Optimus''': Hahaha! Your aim's improving, Megatron!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is having a blast.

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:—'''Megatron''' missed Janeway too.

'''Bumblebee''': Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to Starscream?" 
'''Optimus''': Nothing gentle, I would say. 
''[general laughter]'' 
'''Jazz''': I think we seen the last of ol' Starcreep alright! And that's the first thing that's gone right all day.
:—The Autobots muse on Starscream's fate after Megatron is last seen carrying him off screen.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 23rd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26th July 1984
* Final script: 9th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: August 15th 1984 ([[Peter Cullen]] not present for main session, [[Chris Latta]] voiced Optimus Prime for 'dummy lines')
* First draft storyboards completed: 20th August 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 22nd August 1984
* Final storyboard revision: 27th August 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 28th August 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 10th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
* This episode follows on from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]" and includes a narrative recap of that episode's crucial events.
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode... and [[FIRRIB|he's red]].
*Rumble calls Skywarp a [[maxi-turkey]].
[[File:CountdowntoExtinction Mirage firing missile.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Holy cow, so that's what that thing is for!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** A relatively rare instance of Wheeljack firing his missile launcher.
** An even more rare instance of Mirage firing his.
** Ironhide unleashes his old favorite, supercooled nitrogen. It's a whitish-clear gas this time, coming from his retracted wrist. (And since nitrogen boils at well below room temperature, this may be the one time in ''Transformers'' where the substance is actually shown correctly.)
** Megatron's communication with Shockwave on Cybertron is indicated by his upper-chest rectangles blinking.
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.
* We never see Arkeville again; Starscream leaves him on Cybertron as an immobilized cyborg.
* The episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about showing the same 13 Autobots in Prime's strike force.
* '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's ship blew up! '''[[The Immobilizer|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream approaches the secret lab.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar and ''Falcon'' whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker open fire on the Autobot convoy.
** More ''Falcon'' rumble as Skywarp is hit by Wheeljack's missile.
** More TIE engine as the Decepticons move to land a second later.
** [[Death Star]] firing noise as the Decepticons launch to retreat.
** Diving [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] as the Decepticons leave the quicksand pit.
** TIE/''Falcon'' as Laserbeak launches to stop Ironhide.
* A sound effect more commonly used for the Road Runner is repurposed as Skywarp and Thundercracker diving to attack the Autobots.

===Technical or animation glitches===
* As the Dinobots push the building back into place, Grimlock has his old head design, and Sludge has that strange yellow mouth interior again.
* As Wheeljack raises his hand to indicate where the Dinobots should stop, the flashing glow of his "ears" is layered on top of his hand.
* Two Brawns are seen repairing the damaged dam, one handing the other a concrete block. In the next shot, one of them has turned into Gears, in time for Huffer to hassle him.
* When Shockwave contacts Megatron about the generator's imminent destruction, the eyes on his Decepticon insignia are missing.
* Coloring errors:
** When Skywarp's hand and arm reach into the frame to slap Rumble, they're in Thundercracker's colors.
** Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door as he mocks Thundercracker.
** As Megatron asks about Arkeville, Skywarp's chest intakes are colored black. Both he and Thundercracker have the bottom segments of their canopies colored orange instead of black/blue respectively.
** The Laserbeak tape [[Garboil (G1)|is blue]] in the first shot, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's normal red-and-white.
** While listening to Laserbeak, the black line above Megatron's eyes is white making his eyes look extra small.
** As Megatron orders his troops to move out, Soundwave's hand is white, then changes to blue.[[File:G1toon starscream and arkeville.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
** Starscream's wing stripe is gray instead of red, and his wings are mounted too low, as he orders the Doctor to open his lab door.
** Starscream's foot is light gray instead of blue as he comments on the Doctor's originality.
** Bumblebee is tan instead of yellow as the jets fire on the Autobot convoy.
** The area in front of Starscream's neck is dark gray instead of light gray as Dr. Arkeville says he must work under his supervision.'
** As Starscream prepares to flip the switch, his wings are missing most of their paint details.
** As Starscream congratulates the Doctor for understanding his intent, the stripes on his wings are white instead of red.
** In the next shot, the bridge of Starscream's nose is dark gray instead of medium gray. In fact, Starscream's nose changes color a lot throughout this episode, too much to mention.
** Starscream's elbow segment is red instead of gray after he threatens Shockwave.
** Optimus's antenna is white instead of blue as he looks up at Megatron perched on the rock peak, and again as he watches the Decepticons fly off.
** As he stands over the generator, the square red button on Megatron's waist is colored blue.
** Starscream's tailfins are miscolored as he falls to Earth and impacts.
** The chest segment above Starscream's canopy is colored yellow instead of gray as Megatron looms over him.
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** Skywarp and Thundercracker are both missing the insignia on the back of their wings as Thundercracker steps in to tell them to shape up.
* As the sliding doors start to open to admit Megatron, he disappears for a frame or two.
* Skywarp is drawn delivering Thundercracker's "He's gone!" lines.
* As usual when he's playing back a tape report, Soundwave's tape door suddenly becomes transparent as Laserbeak plays back. Behind him, Thundercracker's canopy is still over-oranged, and his wings aren't symmetrical.
* Wheeljack is missing his ears as he watches Megatron & co. on screen.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How DID Teletraan I get that image of the Decepticons flying along?
* "Puny flesh creature!" The insignia on Starscream's wing-back is badly out of place.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as Dr. Arkeville boards his [[alternate mode|jet mode]].
* As Starscream talks to Dr. Arkeville in space, his voice is muffled as though coming over a radio. Since Arkeville is ''inside'' him, shouldn't Starscream's voice be normal?
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray in the big lineup of firing Autobots. Jazz is missing his insignia. Wheeljack's ears flash for a single frame even though he's not speaking, and they're orange; he's missing his missile launcher.
* When Starscream instructs Shockwave to start setting up energy collectors, Shockwave's gun-hand has switched to his right arm.
* Thundercracker has no stripes or insignia on his wings as he, Soundwave and Rumble half-heartedly dodge Autobot fire (instead of landing like Megatron just ordered.)
* Thundercracker is drawn delivering Skywarp's "undooming themselves" line.
* The end of Megatron's fusion cannon is ''much'' too thin as he aims at Prime in front of the generator.
* As Prime warns Megatron to be careful, his faceplate drops almost all the way to his chin as he speaks.
* The damage caused to Megatron's chest by the exponential generator disappears after he leaves the lab.
* As the Autobots drive past cam, Ironhide and Ratchet's passenger side windows are HUGE.
* Prime's strange half-sloped windscreen design appears in the next shot, an error found in several other episodes including "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
* Peter Cullen's voice for Optimus Prime is given an unusual amount of robotic modulation in this episode. It's particularly noticeable in the third act's scenes between Optimus Prime and Megatron inside the lab.

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* The volume of the sound effects in the Shout! release of this episode are noticeably reduced from the original; the beeping of the timer after the first commercial break, for example, is barely audible.

===Continuity errors===
* Narrator [[Victor Caroli]] claims that Cybertron's orbit of Earth has "left the world in ruins". Yet somehow, after the opening scenes of this episode, we never see any signs of this catastrophic damage—in this episode or any future one. The Autobots are shown repairing things, but things return to normal too quickly even for Autobots.
* Megatron was beat to hell at the end of last episode. When he returns to Decepticon Headquarters, he's brand-spankin' new. Where did he get the resources to repair himself so thoroughly?
* Optimus says that "we can't let [Megatron] and the Decepticons regroup"... but it should be obvious from the screen that they already ''have'' regrouped.
*The timer that Starscream connects to the exponential generator, which starts at 8:00:00, leads to some dubious situations:
**When the timer says 7:58:20 (1:40 minutes), only about 20 seconds have passed.
**It takes Starscream less than 30 seconds to reach outer space (and have a good bit of distance between him and Earth). He then reaches Cybertron in about 4 hours. For what it's worth, Starscream's toy [[bio]] states that he can reach Mach 2.8. Also, Cybertron was probably still relatively close to Earth.
**The <del>shenanigans</del> battles out in the field, including when the Decepticons initially bury Bumblebee, and the quicksand trap, take about 5 1/2 hours.
**There's a time lapse of around 15 minutes between the moment Megatron finds the exponential generator and when he opens it up. That, of course, could be overlooked seeing how it may take Megatron, who's unfamiliar with the lab, that much time to figure out the controls.
**The battle outside Doctor Arkeville's lab, including Megatron's own standoff with Optimus Prime, goes on for 2 hours. Maybe not so dubious, but it's not the norm for the television series.
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is? (The very prominent ''front staircase'' might be a clue.)
[[File:CountdownExtinction Jazz plays Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
* When we last see Laserbeak, he's held prisoner in Jazz's tape deck. We never do learn how he gets free.
* If the generator can melt Megatron's chest, why doesn't it melt his hands?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also "[[War of the Dinobots]]" for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion). In fairness, Megatron by this point has spent some time de-wiring and perhaps de-powering the device.

===Trivia===
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list for this episode lists "Tyrex" and "Bronton" as [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s appearing with non-speaking roles. Evidence points to these being early names for Grimlock and Sludge coined by writer [[Donald F. Glut]]; in an interview with Glut,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070217131842/http://members.aol.com/tfencyc/interview_glut.html Interview with Donald F. Glut]</ref> he revealed that, prior to the Dinobots receiving their final names, he had submitted more "dinosaurian" names for them. Why Glut's proposed names were used on a cast list page for an episode he did not write—particularly when Grimlock and Sludge had been referred to in prior cast list pages under their proper names—is unknown.
* Thundercracker appears to be the one commanding the remaining Decepticons before Megatron returns; while not an outright error, it's a bit odd as based on what's understood about the Decepticon hierarchy, it seems like Soundwave is the highest-ranking one present.
* In the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS promotional blurb for this episode, the narrator claims the exponential generator's explosion is powerful enough to destroy ''the entire universe.'' So, uhhh, maybe every bit of TF fiction produced after this actually represents a different [[universal stream]]!
*One of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'s'' multiplayer modes is named after this very episode.
*Yes, the Heroic Autobots are laughing over how Megatron is going to torture Starscream.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Raz de marée'''" ("Tidal Wave")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''Le Générateur exponentiel'''" ("The Exponential Generator")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*[[Jacques Ferrière]] is absent from this episode. All his characters are consequently distributed to other cast members.
:::*Laserbeak is called "Laserback" twice in this episode. In previous episodes he was called "Laserobreak".
:::*Very rare case, all names are pronounced in the argument scene between the Decepticons (Rumble is named, and Skywarp is named twice!).
:::*Ironhide is called "Ironhike" twice. A mix between his original name and "Irok", the name they usually use in the dub.
:::*Optimus Prime's laugh after Megatron hit Rumble is replaced by weird sounds from [[Francis Lax]], making it sound like Optimus is in great pain or struggles to do something. The most likely theory is that the actors didn't watch the original version before recording and went straight to it. If we follow this theory here, the "Ah"s in the text were misinterpreted and they didn't bother to do another take.
:::*Shockwave reports to Megatron by introducing himself as "Shock". This is the name that was mistakenly used for Soundwave in several previous episodes.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Astrum, il traditore'''" ("Starscream, the Traitor")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Rumble is called "Scarlet" in this episode, despite his Italian name being "Tartar".
::*"Tread water" oddly becomes "walk on water".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Conto alla rovescia per l'estinzione'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū Shōmetsu Keikaku'''" (地球消滅計画, "The Earth Obliteration Plan")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 31]], [[1985]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter had to be delayed until the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved. As a result, with this episode being an epilogue to "The Ultimate Doom", its chronology rubs off as rather confusing in the broadcast order of the series. A guide written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] for the [[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer]] DVD box set featured a "proper viewing order" feature so that Japanese fans could watch the episodes in a more logical continuity.
::*This episode was commemorated by an exclusive [[Heroes of Cybertron (toyline)#Exclusives|Super Collection Figure]] giftset sold at the Wonder Festival 2002 convention in Japan. The set included both a metallic-painted PVC of Optimus Prime holding Megatron in gun mode and a metallic-painted PVC of Prime in truck mode.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bàozhà Qiánxī'''" (爆炸前夕, "Before Explosion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Contagem Para Destruição'''" ("Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Otschyot gibeli'''" (Отсчёт гибели, "Death Countdown")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Odbrojavanje pred uništenje'''" (Одбројавање пред уништење, "Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cuenta atrás hacia la extinción'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:GunmodeMegsMasterpieceConvoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime included an accessory of Megatron in his classic Walther P-38 altmode in reference to this episode, as well as a similar team-up in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]". Although non-transforming, it is quite detailed and includes the individually removable silencer / barrel extension, scope, and (hinged) stock.

:As the ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold has been has re-released multiple times, so too has Megatron. He was made available again without changes as an accessory for Takara's MP-4, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp4|Convoy Perfect Edition]]" and MP-1L, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#lastshot|Convoy Last Production]]", and Hasbro's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|DVD Edition]]", but has also been redecoed several times: these distinct new versions of Megatron are listed on [[Megatron (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|Megatron's toy's page]].

{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 11: "Countdown to Extinction" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Retour de Megatron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HZEQfVV6BKkVivUIYpdZyoOJftuPoM6J Full episode script, finalised on 9th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NbdESYU7XIoktYiPIaN-95jJ0wJlg_6I/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-11-countdown-to_5.html Gallery of storyboards for Act III of this episode]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 3

2026-03-11T11:22:40Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=13
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=68
|prev2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next2=Earth's Greatest Crisis
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=43
|prev3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|next3=B.O.T. (episode)
|image=Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots fire.JPG
|caption=Autobots, transform and kick some diodes!
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 3"
|production code=#700-10
|airdate=[[November 17]], 1984
|season=1
|season ep=13
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Leo D. Paur]]
|teleplay by=[[Leo D. Paur]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42tsk3EJLpo
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''As Cybertron's orbit ravages Earth, the Autobots take the fight to the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Autobots Cybertron.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Not the friendliest homecoming.]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a brainwashed [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] sounds an alarm on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]. As [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] attempt to destroy them, [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] rescue them. Heading to Wheeljack's lab, they review the [[hypno-chip]] data they've gained.

[[File:SurfsUp.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This sort of embarrassment is why they finally just recruited Seaspray.]]
On Earth, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is overseeing the construction of the [[sea funnel]], a large hydroelectric generator that will allow the Decepticons to harvest more energy. [[Doctor Arkeville]] is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Megatron's disregard of his interests, and feels that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] may be more sympathetic. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] leads [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (on surfboards) to the generator, where their wipeout prevents them from being able to stop the Decepticons from leaving in a [[Decepticon shuttle|shuttle]] carrying [[energon cube]]s. Arkeville is left to die, but Starscream saves him, having his own plans for the scientist.

On Cybertron, Wheeljack develops a device that should disrupt the hypno-chips' control over the humans. Spike attempts another rescue of his father, but is discovered by Shockwave. However, Wheeljack's device works as planned, and the Autobots flee back to Earth with Sparkplug, who is now freed from Decepticon control.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Bumblebee Tarzan.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Jungle Love Bug]]
On an island, Megatron is overseeing the loading of a shuttle with energon cubes while [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] goes to see if he can direct the humans away from the ship. Nearby, Starscream's own experiments in draining neural energy from Arkeville have failed to fill a single energon cube. Megatron discovers them and prepares to execute Starscream for treason (again). However, Mirage manages to direct the humans away from the shuttle, and Prime orders an attack. The Decepticons outnumber the Autobots, but Skyfire and company soon arrive to even the odds as well as to free the slaves from the Decepticons' control. However, Cybertron comes into view of the island, causing a tidal wave, and Megatron flees in the shuttle for Cybertron.

[[File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Im in ur orbit, killin ur planet.]]
Spike declares that they just need to knock Cybertron out of Earth's orbit, but Prowl says that they'd need the equivalent of ten billion astroliters of energy to do that. Suddenly, Prime realizes that the [[energon]] on board the shuttle could theoretically be enough to move Cybertron. Prime orders the Autobots to shoot Megatron's shuttle. The plan works, with the energon on board moving Cybertron away from Earth.

Back on the island, Spike remarks to Optimus that Megatron appears to be gone for good, but the Autobot leader, knowing his mortal enemy's survival rate, is not so sure. In space, Megatron comes back online and flies away from the wreckage of the shuttle, vowing revenge.
{{--}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (2)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (14)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (15)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (26)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (28)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (29)
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*Dark Blue [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (7)
*Light Blue Seeker (8)
*[[Watchdog (G1)|Watchdogs]] (12)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (24)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (25)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (25)
*Green Seeker (27)
*Thundercracker-colored seekers
*Skywarp-colored seekers
*Starscream-colored seekers
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"I don't suppose I could interest any of you in a magazine subscription?" 
:—'''Brawn''', door-to-door salesman to the '''Decepticons'''.

"Take them!" 
"I don't 'take' so easy."
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Brawn'''

"You're out of the picture, guys." 
:—'''Brawn''' to '''Thundercracker''' and '''Skywarp''', the latter of whom is literally off-screen.

"Prepare for termination!" 
"Prepare for a very large ''headache!''"
:—'''Shockwave''' vs. '''Brawn'''

"You cannot get out!" 
''[Shockwave unleashes a massive blast, but blows a hole in the wall instead of Skyfire]'' 
"I can now!"
:—'''Shockwave''' and '''Skyfire'''

"All the comforts of home... if you like living in an auto-robotic factory."
:—'''Wheeljack''', on [[Wheeljack's workshop|his workshop]]

"My slaves will be caught in the tidal wave!" 
"I thought humans ''liked'' to play in the ocean!"
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' teaches '''Megatron''' an important fact about human anatomy.

"Surf's up! And I'm talkin' UP!" 
:—'''Bluestreak''' spots an approaching tsunami.

"Thanks, guys, for not giving up on me. Especially you, Spike." 
"Dad, it's like you taught me: You never quit on the people you love." 
"Mushy but true."
:—'''Sparkplug''' and '''Spike''' have a touching father-son moment, with an addendum by '''Brawn'''.

"You're not pushing slaves around this time."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', preparing to open a [[Kremzeek]] brand can of whup-ass.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: undated
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 28th July 1984
* Final script: 6th August 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 7th August 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 15th August 1984
* Storyboards revised: 20th August 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 21st August 1984 (by [[Brad Case]])
* Final storyboard revision: 23rd August 1984
* Shipped to Toei: 24th August 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 10th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Watchdog tud3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Shockwavelightdoom3.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|''Hello'', my face is up here?]]
* Wheeljack's place on Cybertron, previously seen in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", is shown again.
* A couple of [[Watchdog (G1)|Decepticon cars]] are shown in this episode, but it's not clear if they are Transformers. They have a Reflector-like color scheme.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rather than the hydrofoils they were using just two episodes ago, the Autobots are now traveling the oceans on motor-powered surfboards.
** Both Prime and Ironhide have "early warning scanners" which can detect mountain-sized tidal waves just slightly over the horizon. Man, those aren't very effective scanners.
** Rumble can extend his optic visor to make it function like binoculars.
** Shockwave can light up his chest like a searchlight. It's not clear if this is meant to be some kind of force field holding Spike in place, or if Spike just stops due to some deer-in-the-headlights psychological effect.
** Ironhide briefly carries a grey copy of the bazooka he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"... which was itself a green version of the bazooka Cliffjumper had in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
** Megatron transforms and fires at Skyfire unassisted... which kinda puts the lie to all those sarcastic fan claims that his gun mode is oh-so-totally-useless without someone to fire him. Of course, he also does this ''in the show's title sequence'', so it really shouldn't be such a surprise. (Granted, title sequences also give us things like flying Autobots and Insecticons swimming around in lava, so their relevance is debatable.)
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 2: Brawn dispatches Soundwave with a single mighty blast to the chest! Brawn 2, Soundwave 0 [[Autobot Spike|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* Prowl's line "Ask, and you shall receive!" is from the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
* Starscream's dramatic proclamation "I shall return!" is a popular TV trope referring to the famous speech of {{w|Douglas MacArthur#Escape to Australia and Medal of Honor|U.S. General Douglas MacArthur upon his retreat from the Philippines in World War II}}.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream grabs Dr. Arkeville and escapes from the island.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine and some ''Falcon'' engine whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots.
** An igniting [[lightsaber]] serves as the sound of an energon cube being dropped by the freed slaves.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as the Seekers depart the island.
===Technical or animation glitches===
* In his opening recap narration, [[Victor Caroli]] mispronounces Dr. Arkeville's name as "Ark-vill".
* Both Spike and Sparkplug were wearing their signature hard hats at the end of last episode, but are missing them now.
* Coloring errors:
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as Brawn tells Spike they need to roll out.
** Wheeljack is missing the orange on his chest as Spike takes shelter behind his leg.
** The two Seekers guarding the entrance of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are shown with Starscream and Thundercracker's color schemes.
** Wheeljack's roof is plain white as the tetrajets appear above him.
** The two tetrajets that chase the Autobots first have the same color schemes as Thundercracker and Skywarp; however, when Skyfire is shooting at them, they're both colored like Skywarp. In the same shot, Skyfire's red has become blue, and his whites have become red.
** When Skyfire blasts one of the tetrajets, both of them are colored like Thundercracker.
** Wheeljack's chest (i.e., his roof) is again missing its colors in the overhead shot of his lab.
** As Wheeljack studies the mind control program, the side of Trailbreaker's chest is colored as though it were a windshield, and only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash.
** Ironhide's helmet rim is gray instead of red as he turns to look at the oncoming tidal wave.
** The inside of Prime's cheek guards are gray instead of blue as he announces that they're almost there.
** The area around Starscream's cockpit is colored the same orange as the cockpit itself as he rises from the ocean to collect Dr. Arkeville.
** Skyfire's cockpit canopy is colored white instead of blue as he appears over the Autobots on Cybertron.
** As Prime announces his intention to attack, Prowl is colored like Skywarp. Prime's waist is also unusually huge.
** Skywarp's cockpit is black instead of orange as Megatron says "A fool's ploy".
** Gray helmet rims on Ironhide again as he advises Cliffjumper to save his ammo.
** Prowl's doors are all-black instead of half-black as he says they're outnumbered.
** Bumblebee's side is colored like glass as he observes the approaching crevasse.
** When Thundercracker launches to follow Megatron, he's a much darker blue than usual.
** Wheeljack is missing his orange chest colors as the Autobots brush themselves off after the explosion of Megatron's ship.
* As Shockwave melts Brawn's girder, Brawn's mouth moves, but there's no dialog. (It sure looks like he's mouthing a shocked obscenity, though!)
* Wheeljack's transformation sound doesn't play till after he's transformed.
[[File:SoundwaveButtonUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1| GAH! Don't do that on camera!]]
* As the Autobots escape from Decepticon HQ, Soundwave's Decepticon insignia is missing in two successive shots.
* Shockwave's eye isn't flashing as he says "You cannot get out!"
* When Skyfire says "I can now", his mouth does not move with the dialogue.
* When Spike says, "More Watchdogs on our tail, Wheeljack!", Wheeljack follows up by replying, "We've gotta lose them!" Spike smiles in reply to this sentence, not the next one, which is "My workshop's just ahead". Perhaps Wheeljack was supposed to say: "We're ''gonna'' lose them!".
* Prime's faceplate doesn't move as he reports his sensor readings to Ironhide.
* During his "Surf's up" lines, Bluestreak has only one door and one missile launcher.
* The generator Megatron throws at Starscream changes its relative size mid-air. It is initially almost as big as Megatron himself, but becomes only about as big and as wide as Starscream's chest.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** The establishing shot of the surfing Autobots shows only five 'bots (Prime, Ironhide & Ratchet, Jazz, and either Prowl or Bluestreak.) Prowl ''and'' Bluestreak are shown in the same shot a moment later, making six total. Most successive shots show only 3 or 4 surfing bots. We finally see all six as the tidal wave pursues them down the [[sea funnel]].
** There's plenty of time for Mirage and Cliffjumper to join the group as they travel to the island, but the addition of ''just'' those two seems a bit odd. Where are Sunstreaker, Gears, Sideswipe, etc. during all this?
* As Prowl grouses about Megatron's energon supply, Jazz has some weird extra lines on his optic visor.
* Reflector's voice comes in its usual triplicate form... even though there's only one of him present.
* Wheeljack is missing his Autobot insignia as he reports to Optimus.
* Wheeljack's ears are waaaay too small as he proposes field testing the anti-hypnochip device.
* Spike slightly phases through a wall just before Shockwave lights him up.
* The two Seekers that accompany Shockwave just can't make up their minds who they want to be:
** As Shockwave reaches to pick up Spike, the two generic Seekers behind him have been replaced by two Skywarps.
** As the Autobots show up, the two Skywarps have become a Thundercracker and a pine-green generic.
** As the Autobots escape, the two Seekers are colored as Thundercracker and Starscream.
** And then one of them is Skywarp again as he fires after the escaping Autobots.
* Spike has no pupils as he reacts to his father pulling a gun on him.
[[File:Tud3 wheeljack little present.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Well, we don't need Aquaman any more."]]
* As Wheeljack activates the hypno-chip-un-hypnotizer, Bumblebee is represented by a yellow-colored Cliffjumper.
* Shockwave's eye doesn't flash as he orders "After them!"
* Only the front side of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he radios Skyfire.
* The background music overlaps the scene transition as the Autobots prepare to leave Cybertron.
* Mirage's invisibility power is strangely portrayed in this episode; he lacks the usual glowing prism and energy sound effect as he activates his power, instead merely turning transparent and ''monochrome''. They get both the sound and the effect correct when he reappears in Act 3.
* Megatron is missing his Decepticon symbol as he appears behind Starscream.
* The last of the slaves to be turned around by Mirage just kind of stops, then slides off-screen rather than walking off.
* When Ironhide runs a trench to get to Optimus and Prowl, he's carrying a bazooka that disappears after he reaches them.
* In what is otherwise a beautiful depiction of his [[robot mode]], Rumble is missing his mouth after he blasts Mirage.
* Wheeljack's ears don't flash as he announces the coming of "independence day".
* The energon cubes dropped by the slaves are a strange translucent yellow-white-purple, rather than the usual solid glowing pink-purple. In the same shot, we cannot see the torso of the fat mustached slave through the energon cube that he's carrying... but we ''can'' see his feet through the cube after he drops it.
* The chunks of earth falling into Rumble's [[earthquake (event)|earthquake]] crevasse have grass that disappears and reappears between frames.
* The exploding energon cubes are shown against a completely black background. Even if they're in an unlit cargo compartment, the cubes themselves should illuminate the space.
* A series of "natural disaster" shots is recycled from Part 1 as Megatron's ship explodes... including one of Prime talking to himself, this time without any dialog to go with his moving mouthplate.
* The last shot of orbital Cybertron once again includes clouds ''behind'' the orbiting planet.
* Optimus is missing the horizontal lines on his tummy grille as Spike takes stock of the day's work.

===Continuity errors===
* The opening recap takes some liberties with events that happened for the sake of drama:
**Bumblebee's fall down the crevasse is cut into the scenes of the volcano housing the Ark erupting to make it appear as if he tumbled into the mouth of the volcano itself.
**But the most puzzling change is that the scene of Megatron's forces attacking the Ark from part 1 are mixed with scenes that have yet to occur (The Decepticons responding to the alarm Sparkplug pulled) to make it appear as if Megatron shot Brawn. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Ominous!]]
* As seen last episode, Ironhide is part of the Autobot rescue party that boards Skyfire and arrives on Cybertron, only to disappear immediately after. In this episode, we see that he actually stayed behind on Earth.
* Soundwave's presence on Cybertron is not inexplicable — there's no reason he couldn't just fly there, and later have flown back to Earth before Cybertron was knocked out of its orbit. But it's a bit odd for him to have made the trip for no obvious reason or explanation.
* When we last saw [[Wheeljack's workshop]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]", it was sealed by a computerized Decepticon lock. This time, the Autobots just drive right into it, no problem.
** It’s entirely possible that the Autobots were able to remove it after Chip cracked it, but this is never mentioned.
* When the Autobots and Spike arrive in the workshop, Wheeljack is wondering how the Decepticons are controlling Sparkplug, Bumblebee says that it is mind control, to which Wheeljack replies, "Mind control! Of course!" ...Seriously, what else could it have been? And how did Wheeljack, master inventor, not realize this when Bumblebee did?
[[File:SpikeshockwaveUD3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Shockwave investigates the [[Aerialbots over America!|pivotal question]] of how well humans bounce.]]
* Superhuman Spike:
** Survives being dropped from shoulder height by Shockwave.
** Can lift Optimus's giant metal rifle.
* The dialogue of the surfing Autobots suggests they don't know what they are going to find on the beach, and quickly realize they could all be killed by ramming into the [[sea funnel]]. What... was the plan, exactly?
* Holy crap, how freaking stupid ''is'' Starscream? With a whole planet going crazy with energy sources all around him—storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves—he makes the bizarre decision to try and suck energon out of a human's brain. He further decides to do this ''right under Megatron's nose''. His attempts to convert Doctor Arkeville's neural energy into energon fail, of course; what this says about the intelligence of both scientists is debatable.
* Speaking of poor planning: Megatron leaves Dr. Arkeville to drown in the ruins of the sea funnel, saying "He is of no further use to me." Then a few minutes later when Megatron needs the slaves to work faster, he demands to know where Arkeville is. Later still, he is angry at the thought that perhaps Arkeville could have betrayed him.
* As [[Carnage in C-Minor|often]] [[The Transformers: The Movie|happens]], the Autobots' claim to be outnumbered is a bit dubious. There are 8 Autobots (Prime's surfer six, plus Mirage & Cliffjumper) against only Megatron, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Rumble, and a couple of Reflectors.
* Prime's comment to Prowl ("If we lose now, Cybertron's next orbit will tear the earth apart!") doesn't make much sense, and calls out the same total lack of strategy that the Autobots had in the last episode - namely, they aren't doing or planning ''anything'' to actually make Cybertron go away.
* Prime really does just kind of sit there and let Megatron run off into his spaceship.
* Did Spike and Prowl both hit on the idea of blowing up Megatron's ship, and just not actually ''say'' so? Or were they both hoping to ''shoot'' Cybertron out of its orbit?
* Wouldn't blowing up Megatron's ship be a good idea anyway? Why were they just letting him go?
* Megatron is able to survive an explosion which had enough energy to shift the orbit of Cybertron. Considering previous evidence of his durability, how he could survive a planet-moving blast is a mystery.
* Wouldn't a giant explosion just wreck both planets, rather than neatly pushing one of them away?
*And for that matter, if the explosion pushed Cybertron away, why wasn't Earth moved in the opposite direction?

===Rhino DVD errors===
[[File:Tud3 mirage rhino fix.jpg|thumb|315px]]

* Just like Part 2, the recap was missing from Rhino's copy of the episode, so they had to recreate it from scratch. As a result, there are several sync issues and different shots used, along with a healthy dose of interlacing.
* In several of Shockwave's speaking scenes, the glow from his eye is missing while some are managed by overlays added.
* The shot of Skyfire blasting open the door has an explosion effect which does not appear in the broadcast version.
* Only one segment of Wheeljack's "ears" flash as he delivers his "We figured you might be getting lonesome" line.
* As Skyfire is shooting at the Decepticons while saying his house cleaning line, the laser fire out of his gun is missing but the sound can still be heard.
* Various shots of the Autobots "surfing" are different, more poorly-animated versions.
* Ironhide has different mouth movements and isn't bobbing up and down when he says "Where's there, and what is it?"
* The scene of Shockwave saying "We've been expecting you!" has a bizarre purple tint.
* When Mirage reappears inside the Decepticon ship, a piece of missing footage in the production master Rhino were using meant he actually ''didn't'' reappear. Rhino actually took a crack at fixing this, though, but the "fix" constituted taking a ghastly, high-contrast, low-res, single-frame figure from another version of the episode and primitively copy-pasting it into the scene.
* As he observes Skyfire's approach, [[:File:Wheresmyface.jpg|Prowl's face disappears]], leaving only his helmet.
* The energon cubes are missing from one panning shot.
* Skywarp is colored as a second Thundercracker as the pair follows their retreating leader from the island.
* The shot of the energon cubes exploding is missing its background.
*The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
{{-}}

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Revival" in scripts and other official materials.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]. For some unknown reason, this version of the episode makes use of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' broadcast's audio, as the [[Cybernet Space Cube]] can be heard throughout without the Cube's visuals.
* The episode shares many of the same visual hallmarks that "[[Roll for It]]" and "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]" had, including overly rounded appearances for Optimus and Wheeljack, and the stylized flying poses by the Decepticons. The main difference between those episodes and this one is that instead of orange, Wheeljack's headlights flash their usual blue color.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 3'''" ("The last judgement, part 3")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 3'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Shockwave's line "Destruction to all trespassers" is absent from the dub. The same goes for Brawn's line just after, "You're out of the picture, guys!".
:::*Skyfire's lines during the dogfight are all missing.
:::*Several logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
:::*Wheeljack's line "It's independance day!" becomes "You'll have to work yourself!".
:::*Despite never adding titles on-screen on their DVDs, the [[Déclic Images]] edition adds the title "Le sursis" ("The reprieve") for this episode.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La resa dei conti'''" ("The Last Stand")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*In the recap, the narrator states that Soundwave was the one who warned Megatron, instead of Sparkplug. He also weirdly calls Soundwave a "robot of the last generation".

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Destino finale - Terza parte'''" ("Final Destiny - Third Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART III'''" (破滅の日 PART III, "Day of Destruction PART III")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
::*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed to the end of the series, when the legal issues were resolved (as were most Skyfire episodes). All three episodes of "The Ultimate Doom" aired on the same day in Japan as an extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Xià)'''" (灭顶之灾(下), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Destruição Final, Parte 3: Reavivamento'''" ("The Final Destruction, Part 3: Revival")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, treći deo'''" (Судњи дан, трећи део, "Judgment Day, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte III'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part III")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP-20 Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The Ultimate Masterpiece, Part 1.]]

*'''''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' '''[[Mirage_(G1)/toys#ElectroDisruptor|Electro Disruptor Ligier]]''' ([[TakaraTomy]], Deluxe Class, [[2009]])'''
:"Electro Disruptor Ligier" is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Mirage offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book ''[[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]]''. Its monochrome color scheme suggests it was based on the one-time depiction of Mirage's invisibility power in this episode.

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-20 [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] (TakaraTomy, 2015)'''
:A ''Masterpiece'' toy of Wheeljack that includes a weapon accessory based on the generic laser pistol he wields in this episode. Additionally, if purchased in Japan through [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], one additionally gets a toolbox based on the hypno-chip disabling device he also uses in this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-20+ Wheeljack (TakaraTomy, 2019?)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Wheeljack in a more [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] color scheme that again includes the laser pistol from "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200329102144/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-10.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=14Guog-xImTF-a2Qur4hV61WkSZ_2spRq Full episode script, finalised on 6th August 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgtzy168DK8-py4sub3f9WZ_bWJEATkH/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-10-ultimate_5.html Gallery of storyboards for Act III of this episode]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Fire on the Mountain (episode)

2026-03-11T11:19:36Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{disambig3|Fire on the Mountain}}

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=9
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=63
|prev2=Fire in the Sky
|next2=A Plague of Insecticons
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=49
|prev3=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2
|next3=Countdown to Extinction (episode)
|image=Fire on the mountain.jpg
|caption="I don't understand it, baby. This has never happened to me before, honest."
|title="Fire on the Mountain"
|season=1
|season ep=9
|production code=#700-06
|airdate=[[December 22]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[Douglas Booth]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzq3C4hkfNE
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons uncover the Crystal of Power in Peru, and the Autobots resurrect Skyfire to stop them.'''

==Synopsis==
While patrolling a refinery, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] spot [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] stealing steel. The [[Decepticon]]s get away with the loot by collapsing the refinery behind them. The Autobots report back to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], who is puzzled about the Decepticons' motives. The [[Autobot]]s launch a [[Sky Spy]] to home in on any Decepticon activity, and the satellite picks up strange energy readings in the [[Peru]]vian [[Andes Mountains|Andes]].

[[File:Crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Almost ablaze, still you don't feel the heat]]
There, the Decepticons have followed an [[Inca]]n legend to an ancient temple that rests on a shaft leading deep into the [[Earth's core]], capped by the [[Crystal of Power]]. With the metal acquired by Starscream, the Decepticons have fashioned a weapon frame to accommodate the crystal. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] spots the Sky Spy, and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] tests the weapon by blowing the satellite out of the sky. The metal, however, proves inadequate and melts with exposure to the raw energy unleashed from the Earth's core. Starscream tries to shift blame to Thundercracker for the faulty metal, but Megatron blames them both and has them stay behind at the temple while he soars to a nearby mining town to find replacement metal.

The nearby Peruvian mining town is abuzz with the sudden show of power from the ancient temple. A reactionary elder proclaims that long-forgotten gods have come back to punish them, but her more level-headed granddaughter, [[Luisa]], realizes that someone must have uncovered the fabled Crystal of Power.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Sideswipe piledriving.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Freud would have had a field day with this.]]
In the [[Arctic]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] are jackhammering through the ice to resurrect the fallen warrior [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]. The massive jet emerges from the ice and transforms into [[robot mode]]. Wheeljack immediately assigns him to fly back to Autobot headquarters to pick up Brawn and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] before heading down to the Andes Mountains.

In short order, Skyfire is in the Andes, closing in on the Decepticons. Windcharger and Brawn skydive from the jet, tangling with [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] while Skyfire goes to investigate the strange energy readings from the Incan temple. While the smaller Autobots are able to hold their own against Megatron's lieutenants, the Decepticon leader proves too powerful for them and they scatter. Windcharger desperately calls for Skyfire to return while Brawn bites off more than he can chew in the form of an angered Megatron.

[[File:FireontheMountain SoundwaveMegsgun.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Men were shot down for the sake of fun 
Or just to hear the noise of their .44 guns]]
Skyfire zooms in to the rescue and gracefully airlifts Brawn and Windcharger from the thick of Decepticon danger. Skyfire quickly returns to the Ark to pick up some reinforcements and streaks back to Peru. He deposits the Autobots near the mining town to take care of Megatron while he goes to investigate the Incan temple.

The Autobots stop Megatron, Reflector and Soundwave mid-raid, with Brawn having the ball-bearings enough to swipe Megatron's [[Fusion cannon|arm cannon]] and blast the Decepticon leader with his own weapon! Laserbeak steals back the weapon and Megatron swears vengeance. He has gathered a metal strong enough for the Crystal, and requests that [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] come to retrieve it, adding further insult to Thundercracker and Starscream who are left guarding the temple.

[[File:Brawnfusioncannon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Good grief, it's a running gag.]]
A stray blast during the battle nearly drops an electrical tower on top of Luisa, but she is saved by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and Bumblebee. Luisa quickly explains that these "evil creatures" have stolen the Crystal of Power. She leads Bumblebee and Spike to a secret entrance in the temple. Soundwave detects their presence, and dispatches Ravage to follow them.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker spots Skyfire skulking about the temple. The Decepticon warrior is torn; if he blasts Skyfire, Starscream is likely to take all the credit. Conversely, if he lets Skyfire destroy the Crystal-based weapon, perhaps Starscream can take the blame. Starscream overhears Thundercracker plotting, and blasts Skyfire. He then blackmails Thundercracker to do his bidding, lest Starscream reveal to their leader just how uncertain Thundercracker's loyalties can be.

The Decepticons load up their stolen steel with Skywarp's help and depart. To cover their exit, Megatron blasts a nearby mountain, creating a deadly rockfall that threatens the mining town.

The Autobots use their firepower to reduce the falling boulders to pebbles, saving the village. Meanwhile, Megatron returns to the temple, where he successfully tests a new weapon frame that can handle the power of the crystal. Bumblebee, Spike and Luisa surreptitiously arrive in the temple, spotting the inert form of Skyfire. Spike starts repairing the fallen warrior, just as Ravage pounces. Bumblebee tries holding off the Decepticon jaguar while Spike works as fast as he can.

[[File:G1 FireontheMountain Spike Luisa BB.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|There are [[Bumblebee (Movie)|some]] out there who understand what Bumblebee's about to go through.]]
The rest of the Autobots arrive at the temple, but Megatron pins them down with devastating firepower from his weapon frame cannon. The Autobots are able to outflank Megatron, and the tide of battle is turned by Skyfire, freshly repaired by Spike. Skyfire strafes the weapons frame, destroying it and unleashing the power of the mountain. The Decepticons retreat, and Thundercracker takes fleeting pleasure in seeing Megatron and Starscream fail.

That night, Wheeljack caps the fire stream with a new invention that can contain the power that the crystal formerly held in check. The Autobots celebrate their victory while Bumblebee and Spike drive Luisa back to the mining town, where she promises to introduce Bumblebee to her brother's convertible, Juanita.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (15)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (17)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (19)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (20)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (27)
}}
|c2=
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (9)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (10)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (23)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (6)
*[[Luisa]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Looks more like stealing to me… and I'm talking steel!"
:—'''Brawn''' confronts the Decepticons with fists and horrible puns.

"Awww, hexagonal nuts!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after he and Brawn totally fail to stop the Decepticons.

"It's cold enough to freeze the ailerons off a [[titanium moose-bot]]!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

'''Soundwave:''' "The Autobot jet is afraid to fight!" 
'''Brawn:''' "Wrong again, you dipstick tapedeck!" 
'''Windcharger:''' "We just didn't want him to spoil ''our'' fun!"

"Have fun playing crystal nurse, Screamer! Byyyye!"
:—'''Skywarp''', being a jerk.

"Fate, schmate. It isn’t over yet, Megabum!"
:—'''Trailbreaker''', after Megatron prematurely gloats of imminent victory.

"Optimus ol' buddy, this is what separates the Autobots from the robot chickens!" 
"Ain’t no one calling me a robot chicken!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Brawn''' don't know what Adult Swim has planned for their kind in 20 years.

"What’s the matter, fearless leader? You and Starscream look real geeky!"
:—'''Thundercracker''', being a jerk.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Revised script submitted by Douglas Booth: 2nd July 1984
* Initial, toy-based "Jetfire" model completed: 3rd July 1984, approved on July 11th (for this episode). Final Skyfire model completed in late August and shipped to Toei in [[Heavy Metal War]] model pack.
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 9th July 1984
* Dialogue recorded: 19th July 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 20th July 1984
* Storyboards slugged: 2nd August 1984
* Final storyboard revision: 3rd August 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 10th December 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:G1 FireontheMountain SS chestmissiles.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream's dreaded boob bombs.]]
* This episode references "[[Fire in the Sky]]", the previous (and first) episode that Skyfire appeared in.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Starscream has a dozen rockets in hidden chest compartments. This ability will appear again in "[[Full Throttle Scramble Power!]]". The feature was later immortalized in toy form for Starscream's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' incarnation through clip-on accessories, and again as part of his ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure, this time actually incorporated into the figure.
** Soundwave conceals a tricorder-like scanning device in his left wrist, which was later incorporated into ''his'' Masterpiece toy as a clip-on part. Presumably the Masterpiece toy-designers really like this episode.
** The latest device to come out of Laserbeak's head is the microphone-like thing. It's not clear what purpose it serves, as Laserbeak then broadcasts his findings to Megatron via pulsewaves that come out of his ''eyes'', of all things.
** Brawn has a retractable claw that can extend in his car mode.

[[File:Megatron&crystalofpower.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Seriously, in the cartoon world, crystals are the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|most]] [[The God Gambit|powerful]] [[A Prime Problem|things]] [[Fire in the Sky|ever]].]]
* While the concept makes no sense in real-world terms, this is the second time in almost as many episodes that a greenish crystal has been linked to the Earth's core.

* Skywarp refers to Starscream by the nickname "Screamer" in this episode, a nickname used again by Streetwise in the late Season 2 episode "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]".

* Fans have long cited this episode when discussing the improbability of Brawn's death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', observing that Brawn had previously survived direct hits from Megatron's gun mode in this episode... but it simply ain't so. Brawn ''dodges'' every shot that comes from Megatron. It's actually ''Soundwave'', using his own standard weapon, who shoots Brawn in the head to no effect. Not that we're questioning the indestructibility of the all-powerful Brawn, of course.

* This is the only episode to play on Thundercracker's uncertain loyalties, a trait called out in his original [[bio]]. However, the official [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]] synopsis for the episode indicates that it was originally going to take the idea even further:

::"The Autobots arrive to stop [the Decepticons], and Jetfire tries to convince a beleaguered Thundercracker to switch loyalties and join the Autobots. He is caught and wounded by Starscream. Spike, with the help of a local native girl, goes to his rescue, and Jetfire--with a little assist from Thundercracker--turns away the Decepticons and destroys the "Crystal of Power."<ref>http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#069</ref>

[[File:Fireonthemountain soundwave vs brawn round1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Better get used to this, Soundwave.]]

*Had the audio gaffe mentioned below not taken place, this episode would mark the only instance of Thundercracker using his sonic boom powers in the entire cartoon, as the Decepticons retreat at the end of the episode. The power will ''actually'' be used by Megatron in "[[Heavy Metal War]]".

* This episode begins a mini-tradition of Bluestreak [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|shooting]] [[Brainstorm!|down]] Laserbeak.

* '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''', Round 1: Brawn flies Soundwave into a mountainside! Brawn 1, Soundwave 0 [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* The title of this episode may be a reference to the Grateful Dead song of the same name.
* The Transformers visit Peru, an ancient Incan temple, and a <s>steel manufacturing</s> mining village where everyone speaks heavily accented English.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak pursues Windcharger with a [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar, and fires on him with the sound of the [[Death Star]] super laser firing. After the commercial break, he gets more TIE sounds along with some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engines, during several different shots.
** Megatron launches to attack Brawn with another ''Falcon'' engine burst. The roar continues into the next shot as the sound of Skyfire's jets.
** ''Falcon'' engine whine as Laserbeak dives to retrieve Megatron's fusion cannon from Brawn, and again as Bluestreak and Windcharger jump out of the way, and again as Laserbeak starts chasing Bumblebee.
** More TIE engine as Laserbeak continues harassing Bumblebee, along with Death Star superlaser/Alderaan exploding.
** ''Falcon'' engine burst as Skywarp leaves the temple, and ''Falcon'' engine whine as he arrives at the battle site.
** ''Falcon'' whine as Laserbeak perches on Megatron's shoulder.

===Animation or technical errors===
* Coloring errors:
[[File:Fire on the Mountain red Trailbreaker.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Oh no! Trailbreaker has been infected with the [[Hate Plague]]!]]
** When Brawn tells Trailbreaker the jets are Decepticons, Trailbreaker is fully red.
**One of Thundercracker's intakes are blue.
**Only one of Starscream's "boobs" is colored its proper gray as he reminds Thundercracker of who is in charge.
** The back of Brawn's backpack is yellow after he transforms to [[robot mode]].
** The blue color of Trailbreaker's eyeband kind of drips down onto his face while the steel plant is collapsing around him.
** Brawn's helmet is light gray as he watches Teletraan's screen.
** Soundwave has a white leg as he follows Megatron down the pyramid's staircase.
** Starscream's eyes are blue as he drags the weapon frame over to Megatron. His Decepticon wing emblems are also red.
** Starscream has extra yellow bits above and below his canopy as Megatron helps him to his feet.
** The lower "cheeks" of Megatron's Decepticon symbol aren't colored in just before he transforms to fire on Brawn.
** Megatron's gun mode is entirely white as Soundwave grasps him two-handed, right before the first commercial break.
** Ironhide is colored gray in the aerial shot of the Autobots approaching the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** As Starscream rebukes Thundercracker, his air intake is the same dark gray as his helmet, instead of red.
** Rumble's eyeband isn't colored in as the Decepticons fly out of the <s>steel mill</s> mining town.
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as he tells Spike he can't hold Ravage off much longer.
** In the shot where Megatron's cannon shots are going wild, Starscream's leg is colored Brawn-green.
** In the wide shot of the temple top, Ironhide's head is gray instead of red; the colorists might have gotten him mixed up with Windcharger.
** Megatron's fusion cannon is light gray instead of black as Prime hoists and throws him.
* As Brawn confronts Starscream and Thundercracker, the Decepticons switch places between shots.
* After the Sky Spy explodes, we can still see a picture of the pyramid on Teletraan I's screen.
* As Wheeljack encourages Sideswipe, the glow of his right ear isn't quite aligned with the ear itself.
* As he first bursts to the surface encased in ice, Skyfire's (vaguely drawn) profile looks a lot more like his toy than his animation model, with separate booster jets and a rounded cockpit.
* When Sideswipe says "It's Skyfire", he speaks in a raspy voice that is vaguely similar to Scrapper's voice, even though Scrapper won't appear for another seven episodes.
* The parts of Skyfire's tail end that light up as he activates his jets don't actually correspond to his jet thrusters.

[[File:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The legs on the animator's Windcharger toy would never stay folded up. Your wiki editors can sympathize.]]
* Someone must have been drawing Windcharger's car mode straight off his toy. As he flees from Laserbeak, his rear section, which is his folded-up feet, is not aligned with the rest of his car body... a problem very commonly found on his toy.
* Soundwave fires on Brawn with his own gun, but with Megatron's cannon sound effect.
* Skyfire's engines don't glow throughout the whole sequence of him rescuing Brawn and Windcharger.
* Ironhide and Ratchet have crazy huge side windows as they drive alongside Prime. The same error (and animation?) pops up again in "[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction]]".
* When Optimus Prime rams Megatron through the wall, the inside of the wall momentarily becomes bright white for some reason, while the view through the newly created hole shows apparent nighttime outside.
* Flying Autobots:
** Bluestreak and Windcharger get an engine-burst noise as they leap out from beneath the collapsing transmission tower.
** Brawn gets a flight sound as he leaps the final distance between him and Starscream.
** Ironhide gets the same treatment as he leaps to attack Megatron.
** And then Prime also gets the same sound effect as he tackles Megatron.
* Bluestreak's mouth isn't moving as he delivers his "watch the birdie" line.
* Soundwave's eject button is on the wrong side (his right shoulder) as he ejects Ravage.
* Thundercracker's weapon barrel has almost no interior as he threatens Skyfire.
* When Megatron follows Starscream and Thundercracker out of the pyramid, his Decepticon emblem disappears for a moment.
* As Trailbreaker says his "isn't over yet" line, his leg is red instead of black. Then Wheeljack pops out of the rubble from the spot where Sunstreaker was buried a moment ago.
* One gun, many lasers:
** No fewer than five laser beams are shown flying at Windcharger when Laserbeak isn't on-screen. Even if you count his eye beams, Laserbeak only has four guns.
** As the battle gets fully underway, four laser beams are shown coming from Megatron's crystal weapon.
** Starscream only has two guns to fire at Brawn, but three lasers are shown streaking past him as he runs up the stairs.
* After Skyfire revives, he doesn't have the exterior damage to his chest. Spike was barely able to get Skyfire's interior damage fixed before Ravage batted Bumblebee away and tried to attack the humans. As he transforms to [[alternate mode|jet mode]], Skyfire also has an odd blue panel on his undercarriage which is not normally present.
* When Starscream lands on the temple and starts firing at Brawn and Windcharger, his lasers are Autobot orange instead of Decepticon pink. The next shot shows the usual pink lasers hitting Windcharger.
* As Reflector and Soundwave fire from the cover of the ruins, Reflector is using a tiny gun mode Shockwave as his weapon!
* In the wide shot a second later, ''all'' the lasers are colored Decepticon pink, even though some are supposed to be Autobot shots.
*When Skyfire swoops over Soundwave and Reflector and destroys their stone bunkers, both the lasers hitting their targets and the explosions are missing, so it appears the walls just fall apart.
* The crystal cannon's barrel isn't hollow as Megatron aims it at Prime and Ironhide.
* Starscream's dialogue as he whines about Thundercracker making that "awful thunder noise" as the Decepticons retreat indicates that Thundercracker was supposed to be using his sonic boom powers in the scene (see "continuity notes", above). In practice, only the standard Decepticon jet engine sound effect is heard, no louder than normal.
* The Autobots get a ridiculously loud sound effect for the act of turning on their headlights.
* Bumblebee has no interior when he opens his door to offer Spike and Luisa a lift.

===Continuity errors===
* Skyfire's resurrection is one of the cartoon's most infamously problematic bits of continuity:
** Skyfire was left for dead and mourned as such in his previous, debut appearance in "[[Fire in the Sky]]". Now, suddenly, it just takes Sideswipe's pistons to dig him up out of the ice, and Wheeljack isn't the slightest bit surprised to find him alive and well. Why didn't they just dig him up right after he crashed? They only dug him up when they needed a ride?
** As no mention is made of how they get to the North Pole, on the face of it, the episode makes it appear that Wheeljack and Sideswipe have ''driven'' there, calling into question why, if they can make such a large journey this way, the Autobots can't simply drive to South America instead of requiring Skyfire to fly them. Notably, however, per their [[bio]]s, both Wheeljack and Sideswipe are two of the very small number of Autobots capable of independent flight (Sideswipe via his [[jet pack|rocket pack]], Wheeljack via jets in his arms), so it seems logical that the scriptwriter selected them for this scene as they could have flown themselves to the Arctic. Of course, nothing explicitly indicates this in the episode itself.
** Presumably as a result of some kind of miscommunication in production, Sideswipe is seen using an actual hand-held jackhammer to unearth Skyfire, rather than his customary built-in arm-mounted jackhammers.
**Sideswipe and Wheeljack weren't present in the episode where Skyfire met the Autobots, but he knows both of them (referring to Wheeljack by name), then Wheeljack tells him to go pick up Brawn and Windcharger, who Skyfire also shouldn't know.
* The Decepticons leave the temple to attack the mining town. En route, they're attacked by Brawn and Windcharger and drive them off. Skyfire then flies all the way back to Autobot Headquarters, picks up the rest of the Autobots, flies all the way back to Peru... and the Decepticons have apparently just reached the mining town like five minutes earlier.
* Rumble leaves with Megatron, Soundwave and a Reflector to acquire new/better metal, but is nowhere to be seen during the battle with Brawn and Windcharger.
* Soundwave was last seen at the <s>steel mill</s> mining town battle, but suddenly pops up outside the temple to send Ravage after Bumblebee and the humans.
* The energy that threatens to blow up the entire mountain is erupting from the plinth on which the crystal was installed, ''inside'' the temple. Why, then, do the Autobots install a cap on the ''roof'' of the temple, instead of in the same spot where the crystal was previously installed?

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:Fitm dvd broadcast.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You call this restoration?]]
The Rhino DVD version of this episode uses a number of erroneous takes as the basis of its remastered animation. As a result, the DVD introduces several animation errors that were not present in the broadcast version:
* Trailbreaker, Brawn, and Starscream are colored red, brown, and purple (respectively) in their introductory shots. In addition, the shadows underneath Trailbreaker and Brawn are missing.
* Several laser effects were redone for the broadcast version.
* The Crystal of Power is missing its shine effects when Megatron first encounters it.
* Laserbeak's eyes are missing their glow in one shot.
* In one shot of Megatron showing off his invention to Thundercracker and Starscream, Rhino applies a mask over the scene to isolate Megatron from a heavily cleaned-up background. This change was done poorly, though, as the mask is seen wobbling around Megatron as he talks.
* The shot of Windcharger and Brawn jumping out of Skyfire is choppier in Rhino's version.
* When Prime bashes Megatron into the wall, the background inexplicably disappears.
* In one shot of Spike and Luisa inside of Bumblebee, the sky background behind them is moving in the Rhino version when it shouldn't be.
* When Skywarp mocks Starscream for having to guard the Crystal, he is colored like Thundercracker.
* Skywarp and Starscream are missing from the shot where they blast Skyfire off of the temple.
* When Starscream and Thundercracker carry Skyfire's inert form, Skyfire has Skywarp's colors.
* "Skyfire is an excellent catch!" In the first shot, Megatron steps up to stand next to Thundercracker (who has a white-instead-of-blue wingtip); in the second shot, Thundercracker has been replaced by Starscream. This is one of a handful of Rhino errors not corrected by the later [[Shout! Factory]] DVD release.
* The sky is blue instead of orange when the Autobots approach the temple.
* When Skyfire is about to destroy the cannon, it already appears to be melted to slag.
* When Skyfire strafes the crystal-powered weapon, he momentarily has Skywarp's colors.
* In addition, several scenes in the episode appear to have been taken straight from the broadcast master, judging by their poor quality. This may have been done to cover up scenes that were entirely missing from the workprints that Rhino was using.

The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD include: Opening / Stolen Steel / It's Skyfire / To The Mining Town / Visiting Decepticon / Invention Works

===Trivia===
[[File:FireontheMountain Optimus pats Skyfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Just good friends.]]
* Luisa's name is never spoken in the episode.
* A hissing sound effect (like the sound of air escaping from a canister) is heavily used in this episode, especially when a character is jumping or taking off into the air. It's never used in such a manner again. {{fact}}
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]], and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]], though it is in ''astonishingly'' low quality.
* When the Hub re-aired season 1 and 2, this episode was left out the first time
* After Skyfire flies the Autobots to Peru, Optimus Prime pats him on the nosecone affectionately. It seems he doesn't recall that section is Skyfire's robot mode crotch.
* During the original recording of the episode, Skyfire was referred to by his original name of Jetfire, but due to his [[Jetfire (G1)#Why "Skyfire"?|name change]], several lines had to be re-recorded prior to airing. Clips of these original recordings later surfaced in early 2017.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4jM2nittQk Transformers Fire On The Mountain Extended and Deleted Scene Audio - YouTube]</ref>

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le feu dans la montagne'''" ("The fire in the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*About the European French dub:
:::*Starscream calls Thundercracker "Thunder". Later in the episode, Megatron uses his full name "Thundercracker".
:::*When Spike wishes good luck to Skyfire, there is a radio effect on his voice for some reason.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il segreto degli Incas'''" ("Secret of the Incas")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's laugh when preparing to attack the Autobots with the weapon was not dubbed, so you can see him moving his mouth without saying anything.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Fuoco sulla montagna'''" ("Fire on the mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Inca no Hihō'''" (インカの秘宝, "Incaic Jewel")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 3]], [[1986]]
::*The Japanese ordering of this episode places it toward the end of the series. This was done as it featured Skyfire prominently and with his toy being of [[Bandai]] design (and not sold in Japan as a Transformer), that caused some legal concerns amongst Takara (many of Skyfire's smaller scenes in other episodes were cut entirely). Though the episodes featuring him as a main characters were eventually shown, the scripts were not reworked to adjust to the new chronological placement, simply being more or less direct translations of the original English versions.
::*'''Cuts:'''
:::* After Brawn declares, "It's fightin' time", the following overhead shot of Starscream and Skywarp fleeing the room is cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Starscream saying "Correction, Autobot...".
:::* After Starscream and Thundercracker take-off with the materials, the following scene of Brawn and Trailbreaker crawling out of the rubble, lamenting that they lost the steel and rolling out for headquarters have been cut.
:::* The close-up of Spike's head and his line, "Uh oh, it's picking up a weird energy reading from those ruins", and the monitor shot displaying the ruins, have been cut. The sequence picks up at Laserbeak flying through the air.
:::* When Megatron and the Decepticons take off for the mining town in Peru, the following scene of them flying through the air and Megatron's line, "Any who stand in our way will be demolished", have been cut.
:::* After Skyfire tells everyone to buckle-up and blasts off for Peru, the following scene of him flying over the Peruvian mountains has been cut.
:::* The scene panning over the mountain road leading to the metal forging facility has been cut.
:::* During the attack on the Decepticons at the metal forging facility, the scene of Megatron slowly marching forward as laser beams bounce off him has been cut. The sequence resumes at his lines, "Skywarp, I have created a steel alloy...".
:::* The scene of Starscream and Thundercracker carrying Skyfire's unconscious body has been cut. The sequence resumes at the close-up of Skyfire's head as he's being dropped.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shāndǐng zhī Huǒ '''" (山顶之火, "Fire on the Top of the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fogo na Montanha'''" ("Fire on the Mountain")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Skhvatka na vershine'''" (Схватка на вершине, "The Engagement at the Very Top")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 30]], [[1995]]

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vatrena planeta'''" (Ватрена планета, "Fiery Planet")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 8: "Fire on the Mountain" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P86g8dN2qmeXl36XLe-MootrJof7g95w/view?usp=drive_link Full episode script, revised by Doug Booth, with memos and insert pages]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FzYHjnRjuKTVesZj7ZiNFLePZf37iE9t Full episode script as revised by Ron Friedman 9th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cQj-QHd7sbWQLXAPr7UdyT5mNsOHg6de/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Storyboard

2026-03-09T18:48:13Z

Greebtron: /* Available storyboards */

[[File:Mirage death.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Your father smelled of elderberries!]]
'''Storyboards''' are, for lack of a better term, pieces of art that are used in movies or television shows to give the crew working on it a visual for how scenes are going to play out. This is used to help frame the scene's camera and get a basic idea of how scenes are to play out; when a piece of dialogue is said, what visuals are shown happening in the scene and the general frame of the scene is determined by it's storyboarded version.

Some scenes never make it past the storyboard phase, however; scenes like the image of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] blasting [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to the right are sometimes completely cut from the final version of an episode or movie. These are usually because of pacing, time constraints or changes to the script which neccessitate the removal of certain scenes. For example, the scenes of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] being alive after the [[Battle of Autobot City]] were cut when it was decided he would die in the battle.

These "deleted scenes" will usually end up on home video releases of the movie as a bonus feature to entice buyers if they were far enough into production.

=Available storyboards=
[[File:City_Of_Steel_storyboard_cover.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Example of a Marvel Productions storyboard cover]]
===[[The Transformers (cartoon)]]===
====Season 1====
{{collist|2|
* Unproduced [[Title_sequence#Season_1|title sequence]]
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] Act I
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] Act II samples
* [[Transport_to_Oblivion_(episode)|Transport to Oblivion]] Act II samples
* [[Roll for It]] Act III
* [[S.O.S. Dinobots]]
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]] Act III
* [[Countdown_to_Extinction_(episode)|Countdown to Extinction]] Act III
* [[Heavy Metal War]]
}}

====Season 2====
{{collist|2|
* Unproduced [[Title_sequence#Season_2|title sequence]]
* [[Autobot Spike]] Act II
* [[City of Steel (episode)|City Of Steel]]
* [[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]]
* [[The Immobilizer]]
* [[Atlantis, Arise!]]
* [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2]] (Additional Material insert)
* [[Blaster Blues]]
* [[The_Secret_of_Omega_Supreme_(episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]
* [[Sea Change]]
* [[Aerial Assault]]
* [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]
}}

====Season 3====
* [[Chaos_(episode)|Chaos]]
* [[Webworld]] Act III

===[[The Transformers: The Movie]]===
* Finalised sequences 1-31

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
File:18_City_Of_Steel_storyboards_Page_023.jpg|From [[City of Steel (episode)|City Of Steel]]. The next 8 pages have been removed from the set...
File:18_City_Of_Steel_storyboards_Page_024.jpg|After the deleted pages, we resume the produced episode.
File:18_City_Of_Steel_storyboards_Page_096.jpg|Some artists liked to use more than one panel to create a large panoramic image.
File:48_-_Sea_Change_Storyboards_Page_013.jpg|From [[Sea Change]]. Where possible, some artists saved time by copying the background layout drawing directly on to their boards.
File:60_Cosmic_Rust_storyboards_Page_038.jpg|From [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]. Storyboard directors and producers would sometimes scale down larger shots to save money.
</gallery></center>

==External links==
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/storyboard-viewing-gallery.html Index of storyboard galleries for The Transformers and The Transformers The Movie at the Sunbow Marvel Archive]

{{stub}}
[[Category:Media]]

Vincenzo's Pizza

2026-02-28T22:04:49Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

[[File:TheImmobilizer Vincenzo's Pizza.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Business picked up a couple of years later, after it relocated to the cartoon with the bipedal turtles.]]
'''Vincenzo's Pizza''' is a restaurant in a city near [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]]. Nestled between two stores that appear to be a barbers and a butchery respectively, this pizzeria is one of the many businesses unlikely to be frequented by giant transforming space robots. That sure is a big menu in the window though.

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] would have driven past Vincenzo's Pizza on his way to the [[Robots Video Arcade]], located on the other side of the butchery. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Vincenzo’s Pizza was a notable [[Portland]] restaurant. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}

==Notes==
*Vincenzo's Pizza is an [[easter egg]] self-reference by storyboard artist for this episode [[Vincenzo Trippetti]].

[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon businesses]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon locations]]
[[Category:Pacific Northwest]]
[[Category:Restaurants]]

The Immobilizer

2026-02-28T18:38:40Z

Greebtron: /* External links */

{{disambig3|Immobilizer}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=22
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=15
|prev2=Birth of the Transformers!
|next2=Atlantis, Arise!
|image=Immobilizerep6.jpg
|caption="See? We can shoot him right in the nads!" "Television doesn't work that way, you doofus."
|title="The Immobilizer"
|season=2
|season ep=6
|production code=#700-21
|airdate=[[September 24]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCjvxGsZSd8
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons steal Wheeljack's latest invention, which immobilizes stuff, and Ironhide attempts to retrieve it.'''

==Synopsis==
At [[Autobot]] headquarters, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] gathers everyone around for a demonstration of his newest invention, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer]]. Walking in late, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] sees [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]]’s hologram of [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] and, thinking it’s real, fires wildly at it, scattering the Autobots and nearly bringing down the roof. As Ironhide apologizes, Wheeljack reveals that the Immobilizer was damaged and needs a replacement [[polarizer]]. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] volunteer to go into town to retrieve it.

[[File:Immbolizerep4.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Before ''Dance Dance Revolution'', there was...''Robot Resource''.]]
While on their mission, 'Bee and Spike stop for a few rounds of ''Robot Resource'' at the [[Robots Video Arcade|local arcade]]. A young woman named [[Carly (G1) |Carly]] introduces herself to the pair and admits her fondness for the "cute Autobot". A somewhat jealous and awkward Spike reminds Bumblebee that they need to leave, and the pair take off, only to be stopped a few moments later by a sarcastic policeman. As they are being busted for speeding, [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] attacks Bumblebee and secretly plants a [[Micro-bug|miniature video camera]] on the Autobot. Spike electrocutes Ravage with jumper cables, and the [[Decepticon]] retreats. The officer lets the pair go with a warning.

With the Immobilizer repaired, Wheeljack starts the demonstration again, unaware his every word is being caught by the microbug camera on Bumblebee and relayed to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The Decepticons aren't too keen on the idea of being permanently immobilized by the invention, and Megatron promises to steal it.

[[File:Ladybreaker.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Trailbreaker has a great ass. Who knew?]]
[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] decides to move the test outdoors for safety. As the Autobots approach the location, Prime directs Ironhide to guard the perimeter. The rest proceed toward a fast-moving river, which Wheeljack immobilizes with the device. In the commotion caused by the success of the test, Spike messes with the Immobilizer and is almost zapped, but Wheeljack throws him out of the way, takes the blast himself, and winds up stiff as a board.

Still patrolling the perimeter, Ironhide catches a glimpse of a shadowy figure and fires his weapon. He discovers that the figure was Carly, whom he scolds for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The distant sound of gunfire cuts their conversation short, and Ironhide rushes off. He reaches the clearing to find the Decepticons have the Autobots at gunpoint, and blames the ambush on himself.

Megatron demands that Prime hand over the Immobilizer, and a battle ensues. The device gets knocked about and winds up in Megatron's hands, but just as he starts issuing another threat, the river, on which he and the Decepticons are now standing, re-mobilizes and sweeps them downstream.

[[File:Immobilizerep7.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Ratchet puts the finishing touches on his resin-cast Wheeljack model.]]
While undergoing repairs back at headquarters, Ironhide criticizes his performance in the field. Concluding that he's too old to be of use, he resigns from active service, and nothing [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] or Prime says dissuades him. Carly blames herself for Ironhide's attitude and tries to convince him not to quit. Ironhide gives her a tour of the base, and she pockets a grenade when they visit the armory.

Some time later, Wheeljack unfreezes, and Spike notices that Carly is missing. Suspecting she's emotional and going to do something rash ('cuz she ''is'' a girl), Spike and Bumblebee set out to look for her. Turns out he's right. Carly has driven a boat out into the ocean and, using SCUBA gear, swims down to Decepticon headquarters to plant the stolen grenade on their outer wall. However, she's detected by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], kidnapped by Laserbeak, and brought into the base to face Megatron's judgment.

Luckily for Carly, her abduction was caught by the [[Sky Spy]]. Ironhide rushes off to find Spike and Bumblebee and start a rescue mission.

Back under the ocean, the grenade Carly planted earlier goes off, and seawater starts rushing into Decepticon headquarters. They manage to fix the damage and contain the water, except in the cell where Carly is being held. With disturbing glee, Megatron and the others watch Carly struggle as water fills the cell to the ceiling. Assuming she's dead, they leave the cell unguarded. This lets Ironhide swim through the hole in the wall, grab the girl and bring her back to the surface.

[[File:Immobilizerep8.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You hit me! Kong never hit me!]]
After thanking Ironhide for the rescue, Carly rides off with Spike and Bumblebee, but when Ironhide doesn't follow, they realize that he's been immobilized. The Decepticons and Autobots square off, with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] in control of the Immobilizer and freezing most of the Autobot forces. Following a plan of Carly's design, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] tunnels under the ground with her and Spike so they come up near the Immobilizer's position. As [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] distracts the Decepticons with a [[sound and light show]], Carly crosses some wires in the device and the trio escapes. When Rumble tries to immobilize Optimus Prime, the device starts to re-mobilize the frozen Autobots instead. Ironhide grabs the Immobilizer from Laserbeak, and when all the Autobots are unfrozen, he smashes the device. With his toy in pieces, Megatron swears to return, and the Decepticons retreat.

[[File:Immobilizerep1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|This early version of ''Thelma and Louise'' never took off.]]
Back at headquarters, Ironhide asks to return to active duty, and Optimus heartily welcomes him back. Carly explains how she switched around the wires in the Immobilizer, since she does have a science scholarship at [[MIT]]. Confronted by both brains and beauty, Spike has no choice but to ask Carly on a date. Sparkplug watches them drive off and smiles in approval, despite the fact that his son is going out with a college student while he's too young to have a driver's license.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (9)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (11)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (20)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (21)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (22)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (27)
}}
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (14)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (18)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (23)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (24)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (25)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
*[[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"We should vaporize those Autobot fools and fuse their carcasses into slag!"
:—So, '''Starscream''', you're planning to, uh, fuse their vaporized carcasses? It'd be worth paying to see you attempt it.

"Give me the device now, Optimus Prime." 
"Try and take it, Mega-turkey!"
:—'''Megatron''' and the oh-so-witty '''Trailbreaker'''

"Starscream, retreat!" 
"A Decepticon ''never'' retreats!"
:—'''Megatron''' finds that '''Starscream''' is more of a prideful fool than he thought.

'''Optimus Prime''': "You’re losing your warriors, Megatron." 
'''Megatron''': "Warriors are expendable! The most important thing is I get what I deserve! And I always do." 
''[The river unfreezes; the Decepticons fall in and are swept away]'' 
'''Trailbreaker''': "You deserved ''that'', all right, Mega-jerk. Rust in peace!"
:—'''Megatron''' makes the mistake of tempting fate.

"This is where we store our ammo. Course, uh, we'd rather not have any of this stuff around. But until the Decepticons change, or we pacify 'em once and for all..." 
"Someone ''should'' pacify those Decepticons...''and'' their underwater headquarters."
:—'''Ironhide''' finds that '''Carly''' is a girl after his own heart

"The show’s over. Back to work."
:—A leering '''Megatron''' takes glee in Carly’s apparent drowning.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*This episode is Carly's introduction to the series.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Brawn uses the same tunneling drill he had in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
**Ironhide has a [[jet pack]] that pretty much fills the back of his torso. That same space contained a missile launcher in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]".
**Ironhide fires one of his liquids out of his totally-retracted wrist. It's a brownish-red stuff which appears to act like glue — very different than the whitish glue stuff he fired from tri-barreled wrist weapons back in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*This episode marks the '''second time''' that Ratchet has threatened to shut Ironhide up by ''physically removing his ability to speak'' (the first was in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"). Yeesh, someone needs to work on their bedside manner.
*If this episode's dialogue is taken seriously, it would mean that Spike is at least 13–15 years old (depending on the particular state). This raises disturbing questions about why Sparkplug allows his son to date a woman who's old enough to at least be starting college. Then again, Sparkplug had Spike working on a remote [[oil rig|oil platform]] in the middle of the ocean, so family dynamics within the Witwickys are certainly... unconventional, Carly also could be clever enough to have graduated high school early.
*Running "into town" from Autobot Headquarters presumably means that Spike and Bumblebee went to [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], the only nearby city ever named on-screen.
*'''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron got shot and fell down! '''[[Dinobot Island, Part 2|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*It was the 80s. [[Robots Video Arcade|Video arcades]] were ''the'' hot thing.
**''[[Robot Resource]]'' uses sounds from ''Galaga''.
*Carly is or will be a student at [[MIT]].
*Spike describes a chocolate [[soft drink|soda]] as "an emulsified CO2 with lactic acid".

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:TheImmobilizer Ironhide firingwildly.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|If only they all looked like this, instead of "The Core" or "Carnage in C Minor" or...]]
The general art quality in this episode is noticeably good, but not without its flubs:
*Coloring errors:
**Gears's shoulders/torso is all blue as the Autobots gather around Wheeljack. Only his truck roof should be blue; the rest should be red.
**Ironhide's helmet rim is partly light gray instead of red as Wheeljack speaks to him. The same error will recur throughout the episode.
**Bumblebee has two random black rectangles on the back of his VW Bug mode as he transforms outside the arcade.
**When Wheeljack screws the polarizer on his new doohickey, his hand and lower arm pass through the polarizer. He also has random orange on his shoulders where there should only be white.
**Bits of Brawn's helmet are yellow instead of gray during the bizarre sequence of partial transformations at Autobot Headquarters.
**As Prime orders Ironhide to take the first watch, his headlights aren't colored in. In the background, a whole line of misshapen Autobot cars is driving past, including what looks like an off-model Cliffjumper colored entirely blue.
**Starscream has an all-yellow nosecone as he transforms to fly over the force field.
**As he dives at the Autobots, Starscream's air intakes are the same light gray as the rest of him, instead of red.
**Prime's thighs are red instead of silver as Trailbreaker makes his "rust in peace" gag.
**Ravage's rear paws are light grey instead of black as he leaps to transform.
**Skywarp's arm laser, and Soundwave's head vents, are both white after Starscream gives the order to attack.
**In an overhead shot when Optimus Prime is rallying the Autobots to find the Immobilizer "before Megatron turns it against us," Cliffjumper is colored like Bumblebee (who has just left with Spike). In a subsequent front-on shot, the error is corrected, showing Cliffjumper in the same position (next to Gears), transforming into vehicle mode.
*Wheeljack is missing the lines on his "ears" when they stop flashing during "a clever little creation I call..."
*Gears is the one who asks what the Immobilizer does, but Cliffjumper is animated speaking the line.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Brawn is suddenly with the gathered Autobots as they duck from Ironhide's random firing, despite not being in any of the establishing shots of the group.
**Bumblebee leaves base to look for Carly... then is shown in the very next shot with the Autobots gathered around Prime in the base.
**Prowl is shown rolling out, even though he hasn't been in a single shot so far. Ironhide is also shown rolling out even though he "retired", and more problematically, is still at the base when Sparkplug detects Carly's kidnapping.
*Ironhide's arm is layered in front of Spike as Spike dusts himself off, making them appear the same size.
*Bumblebee's arm is layered behind one of the onlookers in [[Robots Video Arcade|the arcade]] as he bows. Said onlooker and his buddies continue their huge-mouthed gaping long after the cheering has stopped.
*The background behind Bumblebee changes between shots; when he bows, there's just the Robot Resource game, but in the next shot, two consoles have appeared, neither of them Robot Resource.
[[File:Arcade Front.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|So the car and the characters are drawn at one scale, and the hydrant and the buildings are drawn at a completely different scale.]]
*As Ravage gets zapped and runs off, the police car behind has turned from a typical 80s slab-sided squared-off car into a deformed Jetsons-like bubble car.
*Carly's car is just sitting there half on the sidewalk. It's next to a fire hydrant that's almost as big as the car. And Robots Video Arcade apparently has a ''huge'' front door.
*Ravage's eye is randomly glowing white before he attacks Bumblebee. It could be an intentional effect to show emotion or recognition or something, but it's an odd choice.
*Some have claimed that Trailbreaker and Jazz are off-model as they help clean up the mess in Autobot Headquarters (too thin and too fat, respectively). Others find this claim to be rather dubious.
*Megatron appears to have an extra right forearm segment as he speaks his first line.
*Jazz is off-model during his sequence a second later, with no fenders, no stripes, and an extra window.
*The Immobilizer ray would have passed completely over Spike. It zaps Wheeljack in the head; granted, he was stooped, but still.
*Prime has a huge crotch as the camera pans down to Bumblebee.
[[File:TheImmobilizer-Thundercracker River.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Missing Seeker insignias:
**In the first pan of the Decepticons surrounding the Autobots, Starscream's missing his wing insignia, and Soundwave's visor is white instead of red (and again when the shot is recycled after the first commercial break.)
**Starscream is missing his wing emblems as he falls over from Ironhide's goop.
**As he wanders into the trees, Starscream only has one of his wing insignia.
**Thundercracker only has one insignia as he climbs out of the river.
[[File:TheImmobilizer Trailbreaker force field.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Ratchet's mouth is missing as he stands behind the force field.
*Megatron has no transformation sound effect as he transforms to destroy the [[bouncer bomb]].
*Prime's left exhaust stack disappears into thin air as he turns toward the falling tree. He also has a random white segment above his grille.
*Trailbreaker's force field projector is missing as the Autobots prepare to return to base.
*Ironhide clips through the corner of the wall as he walks off to "retire".
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Sparkplug shows Ironhide a visual that's supposedly from the [[Sky Spy]]. Somehow, the ''orbital satellite'' shows a tracking pan view of Laserbeak that's ''right beside him'' — below him, in fact. If the entire sequence is taken as Sky Spy's footage, Laserbeak flies within ''inches'' of Sky Spy's camera, as Carly's face fills the screen at one point.
*Ironhide's observation that Laserbeak has taken Carly is muffled as if it were coming over a radio transmission.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Arcade ChuSFXHo.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*For his initial Immobilizer demonstration, Wheeljack asked Hound to project a hologram. Was he actually going to immobilize the hologram? How's that even possible?
*Spike suddenly has a wristwatch when he needs to check the time in the arcade. The watch is never seen before or after.
*Megatron knows which one is Bumblebee. [[A Prime Problem|Later]], he doesn't.
*Optimus Prime tells Ironhide to "take the first watch." How long were they expecting to be there?
*Once Bumblebee and Spike take off after Carly, Optimus Prime orders the Autobots into action in order to "recover the Immobilizer before Megatron turns it against us." They transform and head out. Exactly where are they going? They don't head to the Decepticon base; that's where Carly is, and Sparkplug needs to send the retired Ironhide out to save her.
*Carly apparently knows where the Decepticon base is located. How she knows is anyone's guess.
*In addition to the Immobilizer, she also has a great understanding of technology she's seen for the first time in her life. In the armoury, Ironhide only refers to storing ammunition yet Carly seems to recognize a bomb, or had the knowledge to convert alien ammunition into a timed explosive. MIT obviously gave that scholarship to the right candidate!
*The remote changes sizes throughout the episode. Beginning, it's the perfect size for Wheeljack's hand, which is about the size of half of Spike's body when he steps on it. But in the next shot showing the remote, it's small enough to fit in Spike's hands. Then when Rumble uses it, it's sized for his hands.
*Would Ironhide really have prevented the Decepticon sneak attack if he hadn't moved the hundred feet or so from his station? Couldn't the 'cons have just come from the other direction?
*Carly's another pressure-proof super human, [[Atlantis, Arise!|just like Spike]]. She swims at least a few hundred feet underwater to Decepticon Headquarters with no pressurized diving equipment at all. At least the animators were kind enough to give her a wet suit!
*In addition, since Ironhide isn't shown to have any SCUBA gear for Carly, he had to have made an extremely rapid ascent to the surface so she wouldn't drown. However, an ascent that fast would have given her decompression sickness, or worse.
*In all the time the Decepticons spent with the Immobilizer, making it permanent, nobody thought to scan and retain a copy of its schematics, so they could make as many as they wanted?
*"It's a theory I've had ever since I accepted my science scholarship at MIT," says Carly about Wheeljack's immobilizer, which she just encountered for the first time like, earlier that same day. Did she accept the scholarship while imprisoned in Decepticon Headquarters? It was probably supposed to mean that Carly had previously had the idea for an immobilization device that was technologically similar yet ''otherwise unrelated'' to Wheeljack's Immobilizer, which would (kind of) explain how she knew which wires to rewire to reverse the device's function, but it didn't come across very well.

===Trivia===
[[File:Arcade OhPan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Stores on the street: [[Vincenzo's Pizza]], [[Rose Beauty Saloon]], Meat, and [[Robots Video Arcade]].
*Video games in the arcade: Pan!!, Oh!!, Chu, Ha Ha Ha, SFX, Hot, and [[Robot Resource]].
*No wonder the cops pull Bumblebee over. His entrance into traffic is ''terrible''; he swerves between lanes, and totally cuts off some poor driver.
*C'mon! Starscream walking into trees is hilarious!

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'immobilisateur'''" ("The Immobilizer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Several logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
::*This is one of the worst cases of narrow-team for the dub of an episode. Only [[Francis Lax]], [[Henry Djanik]] and an unidentified actor are here to dub the entire cast, with the exception of Carly.
::*When Cliffjumper misnames the Immobilizer ("immobilisateur") as a "mobilisateur", Wheeljack corrects him. However, after Ironhide broke a piece of it, Wheeljack calls it a "mobilisateur" himself, and the way [[Henry Djanik]] pronounces it sounds like he does it on purpose for fun.
::*When Spike explains to Ironhide that Laserbeak was a hologram, he sounds very happy and relaxed compared to the original version and to the face he does at that moment.
::*Wheeljack's line "Okay everybody, here goes the immobilizer!" is only translated to "Admirez le travail !" ("watch that!"), which is very short. This results in Wheeljack's "ears" keeping lighting up after he finished talking.
::*When the river re-mobilizes and sweeps the Decepticons downstream, one of the voice actors yells a "WOOOOHOOOO" among the screams.
::*Megatron's line to Rumble "Destroy Optimus Prime!" is absent from the dub.
::*The beginning of Spike's ending phrase ("Huh, Carly!") has the voice effect used for the robots on it, before disappearing for the rest of the phrase.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''L'immobilizzatore''' ("The Immobilizer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*At the beginning, Cliffjumper and Hound are misnamed as Gears and Wheeljack.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''L'immobilizzatore''' ("The Immobilizer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The policeman's remark about Spike calling his car Bumblebee is changed to "You named your car Bumblebee? Is not like I call my car Panther or stuff". That references the fact that "Pantera" was Prowl's name in the old dub.

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Immobilizer'''" (イモビライザー)
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 18]], [[1985]]
:*'''Cut:''' All scenes featuring [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] have been removed (due to the fact that Takara were unsure about using Skyfire at the time because he was based on a [[Bandai]] toy). The cuts aren't made very well, either, as there are jumps in the background music. Skyfire-centric episodes were eventually aired near the end of the show's run when the legal matters had been resolved.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jìngzhǐqì '''" (静止器, "Immobilizer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Imobilizador'''" ("The Immobilizer")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:Masterpiece-MP-20+Wheeljack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Not Wheeljack Instant Release, though.]]
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-23 [[Exhaust#Masterpiece|Exhaust]] ([[TakaraTomy]], 2015)'''
:A redeco and retool of ''Masterpiece'' [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] with a new head and deco based on the "Marlboor" version of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' Lancia Stratos Turbo (which is unrelated to this episode) that includes an [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer#Masterpiece|Immobilizer]] accessory based on this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-20+ Wheeljack (TakaraTomy, 2019?)'''
:A redeco of ''Masterpiece'' Wheeljack in a more [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] color scheme that also includes the Immobilizer accessory originally available with Exhaust.

[[File:MP27-Ironhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-27 [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ironhide]] ([[TakaraTomy]], 2016)'''
:Included with ''Masterpiece'' Ironhide is a back-mountable jetpack as seen in this episode, complete with jet-flare effects.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 5 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Le Retour de Megatron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://youtu.be/Xkx7YEN4KnI Audio of deleted episode dialogue courtesy of Transformers At The Moon]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NrD_AtOjUJWgvCNc2eKU-BHfD7QpSBIy/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-700-21-immobilizer.html Gallery of episode storyboards]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Immobilizer}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Gregg Davidson

2026-02-28T18:37:27Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

{{disambig3|Greg}}
[[Image:Gregg Davidson.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
'''Gregg Davidson''' is a storyboard artist, currently living in San Jose, California. During the 80s and 90s he worked on a number of cartoons as a layout and storyboard artist, including ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'', ''[[Jem]] and the Holograms'', ''Captain Planet and the Planeteers'', ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' and ''[[Batman]]''. More recently he wrote and self-published "Cinematics Storyboard Workshop", a book on storyboarding, and he wrote and directed the animated pilot ''Zoorocco''.

==Storyboarding==
*''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' (seasons 1 and 2, unknown episodes)
*''[[A Plague of Insecticons]], Act III
*''[[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]], Act III (Pages 113-138)
*''[[The Immobilizer]], Act III
*''[[Aerial Assault]], Act I and II (Pages 1-78)

==Notes==
*His first name was misspelled "Greg" on the first few episodes.
*His likeness was the basis for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s character model.

==External links==
*[http://darabuka.com/ Cinematics Storyboard Workshop site]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Davidson, Gregg}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

David Russell

2026-02-28T18:36:46Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambigm|David (disambiguation)|Russell (disambiguation)}}

'''David Russell''' (born [[December 13]], [[1950]] in Los Angeles) is a storyboard artist. His original choice of profession was to be a comic book artist, inspired by the work of Jack Kirby. After meeting Kirby who became a mentor to him, Russell continued his art education and began working as a storyboard artist on cartoons. After working on ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]: Return of the Jedi'', he storyboarded on the likes of ''[[GoBots|Challenge of the GoBots]]'', ''The Mighty Orbots'', ''Super Friends'' and ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' before succeeding in becoming the first African-American to join the Hollywood storyboarding union. Since then he has moved to storyboarding big budget live-action movies, including ''[[Batman]]'', ''Terminator 2'', ''The Chronicles of Narnia'', and ''[[X-Men]] Origins: [[Wolverine (Marvel)|Wolverine]]''.

==Storyboarding==
===''The Transformers''===
*"[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]"
*"[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]"
*"[[Roll for It]]"
*"[[Fire in the Sky]]"
*"[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"
*"[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]"
*"[[The Immobilizer]]" Act II
*Season 2 (unknown episodes)

==Notes==
*Russell's favorite of the episodes he worked on is "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]".

==External links==
*[http://www.dynamicimagesdr.com/ Official site]
*[http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/visual-stimulation-soul-david-russell Biography on African American registry]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Russell, David}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

Peter Chung

2026-02-28T18:35:29Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

[[File:PeterChung.jpg‎|right|thumb|270px|]]
{{disambig3|Peter}}
'''Peter Chung''' (정근식, ''Jeong Geun-Sik'', born [[April 19]], [[1961]] in Seoul, South Korea) is an Korean-American animator. After immigrating to the United States, he studied animation at CalArts and began his career working at Dominic LoPiccolo's animation studio. After having worked on a number of animated series including ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'', ''C.O.P.S.'', ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' and ''Rugrats'', the latter of which had animated the show's opening titles, he rose to fame as the creator of animated series ''Æon Flux'' for MTV. His subsequent work has included character design on ''Phantom 2040'', the ''Animatrix'' short "Matriculated" and the film ''Firebreather''.

He is currently a teacher at the USC School of Cinematic Arts since early 2013 where he teaches a Master Class at their Division of Animation and Digital Arts.

==Storyboarding==
*''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' (seasons 1 and 2)
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] (select scenes)
*''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] (select scenes)
*''[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] (select scenes, Act II)
*''[[Roll for It]] (Act III)
*''[[The Ultimate Doom, Part_3]] (Act III)
*''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)]] (Act III)
*''[[A Plague of Insecticons]] Act II
*''[[Autobot Spike]] (Act II)
*''[[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]] (Act II, pages 83-105)
*''[[The Immobilizer]] (Act I, pages 21-52)
*''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (Sequences 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 27)

==Notes==
* Chung was credited as "P. Gun Chic Chung" for his duties on ''C.O.P.S'', a combination of his Korean and English names.

==External links==
*{{w|Peter Chung}} at Wikipedia

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chung, Peter}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

Vincenzo Trippetti

2026-02-28T18:34:57Z

Greebtron: /* Storyboarding */

{{picsneeded}}
'''Vincenzo Trippetti''' is a storyboard artist. During the 80s he did a prolific amount of storyboarding on the likes of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'', ''The Real [[Ghostbusters]]'', ''[[Jem]] and the Holograms'', ''C.O.P.S.'' and the Filmation ''Ghostbusters''. In more recent times, he has worked on ''The Simpsons'', ''Duckman'', and co-directed the Martin Luther King, Jr animated film ''Our Friend, Martin''.

==Storyboarding==
*''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' (seasons 1 and 2, unknown episodes)
*''[[City of Steel (episode)]]
*''[[Attack_of_the_Autobots_(episode)|Attack Of The Autobots]], Act II (pages 106-112), Act III (Pages 139-150).
*''[[The Immobilizer]], Act I (pages 1-20)

==External links==
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0873111/ Vincenzo Trippetti on IMDB]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Trippetti, Vincenzo}}
[[Category:Storyboard artists]]

Decepticon Graffiti!

2026-02-28T03:27:08Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #23
|prev=Heavy Traffic!
|next=Afterdeath!
|title="Decepticon Graffiti!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #94–95
|prev2=The Gift
|next2=Prey!
|image=MarvelUS-23.jpg
|caption=Runabout and Runamuck do America.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[August 26]], [[1986]]
|onsaledate=[[September 16]], 1986
|coverdate=December 1986
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[Don Perlin]]
|inkers=[[Ian Akin]] and [[Brian Garvey]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''Megatron has a message for Optimus Prime, and sends the Battlechargers out to deliver it.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Battlechargers-marvel23a.jpg|upright=1.66|left|thumb|Uhhh, that Washing Mon... you... ment thing looks like a giant dong, huh huh.]]
Thanks to [[Donny Finkleberg]] selling him out, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is taken captive by [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]]. Taken to their headquarters, the [[Autobot]] is dissected by [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]] in an attempt to learn more about the [[Transformer]]s, which gives Donny some serious second thoughts.

At the [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base in Wyoming]], [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] summons the [[Battlecharger]]s [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He charges them with delivering a message to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], challenging the Autobot leader to a duel to the death. Soundwave points out that he could just ''radio'' the Autobots, but Megatron smashes him in the face with a muffler for not appreciating the need for drama. Not wanting the same treatment, the Battlechargers quickly depart, but they remain irritated that Megatron still acts like he's in charge after a four-million-year absence. Deciding that they'd rather run rampant on the unsuspecting planet [[Earth]], they pull in at a service station to ponder their next move, where they observe a family, the Actons, on summer vacation. Bored of the vacation, the Actons' young son [[Noah Acton|Noah]] amuses himself by graffiti tagging the store wall with the message "VACATIONS ARE THE PITS"—an act of defiance that inspires the Battlechargers to follow the Actons on their tour of America, spray-painting Cybertronian graffiti of their own on national monuments like [[Mount Rushmore]] and the [[Gateway Arch]] as they go.

The Battlechargers' acts of graffiti are broadcast via news reports, and RAAT is sent to investigate and engage the robot(s) perpetrating these crimes. After the Battlechargers strike the [[Washington Monument]], the Actons approach Circuit Breaker, informing her that the graffiti has appeared at every place they've visited on their trip. Suspecting a link, Circuit Breaker's team follow the Actons to their next stop—[[Independence Hall]] in [[Philadelphia]]—and when the Battlechargers appear, RAAT are ready to engage them. While RAAT is able to prevent Independence Hall from being vandalized, in the course of the battle, Circuit Breaker is injured while saving Noah Acton from being killed in the crossfire. She is instructed to remain at RAAT headquarters to recuperate while RAAT embarks on their next effort to intercept the Battlechargers, and though she is frustrated by her inability to join the fight, she knows she is too weak to go against the robots alone. Finkleberg proposes that she reactivate the captive Autobots and ask them for help...

[[File:MarvelUS23 Autobot suit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Huh huh...fire...huh...Runabout, she said fire, huh huh."]]
In [[New York City]], RAAT prepares for the Battlechargers at the Actons' next stop: the [[Statue of Liberty]], this time having taken the appropriate precautions to avoid civilian interference. The Battlechargers hijack the Staten Island Ferry to get to the statue, and unfortunately, all RAAT's firepower is unable to stop them using [[short-range rocket jumper]]s to fly up and deface it. Disappointed that the humans haven't been getting the jokes they've been writing in Cybertronian, the pair graffiti the statue in English with the message "HUMAИƧ ARƎ WIMPƧ." Presently, Circuit Breaker and Donny arrive with some unconventional Autobot assistance: as it would have taken too long to reconstruct all the dissected Autobots, Circuit Breaker has jury-rigged their parts together into a [[Circuit Breaker's Autobot suit|giant piecemeal construct]] that she controls with her electric powers from a position on its chest. During the fight, when the suit moves on its own to shield her from the Battlechargers' fire, Circuit Breaker is once again given cause to wonder whether her hatred of all robots is justified... but the thought doesn't last long, as Runabout blasts the torch off the statue and sends it plummeting towards the ferry below. Circuit Breaker uses her Autobot suit to grab the torch, then blasts the Battlechargers to smoking wrecks, letting their remains fall into the waters of the bay.

Hours later, [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] returns to RAAT headquarters to discover that Circuit Breaker has released the captive Autobots, their freedom having been the price for their agreeing to help her fight the Battlechargers. Both she and Finkleberg are fired from RAAT for this act of insubordination, and Finkleberg returns to his [[New York City|New York]] apartment. While pondering what to do with his $50,000 paycheck, Finkleberg switches on the TV and is greeted with a report on the defacing of the Statue of Liberty. Still feeling guilty over his betrayal of Skids, Donny writes a $50,000 check in order to fund repairs on the monument.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (5)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (6)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (7)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (8)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (9)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (10)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (11)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (12)
*[[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (13)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (14)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (15)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (16)
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (18)
*[[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] (19)
*[[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] (20)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (21)
|c3=
*[[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]] (1)
*[[Donny Finkleberg]] (2)
*[[Leah Acton]] (22)
*[[Judy Acton]] (23)
*[[Gary Acton]] (24)
*[[Noah Acton]] (25)
*[[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Soundwave gets it in the face.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|HE'S PULLED OUT AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD!! This match is OUT OF CONTROL!!!]]
[[File:DecepticonGraffiti wonderfully wicked.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25]]
"When I want your opinion, I'll tell you what to say, '''Soundwave!'''"
:—'''Megatron'''

"Maybe we should forget about that tin-headed tyrant, Runamuck!" 
"Yeah - we could have a lot of fun on a world like this, Runabout. Heh heh." 
"Yes, a '''lot''' of fun!...Like what?" 
"Heh heh...I don't know."
:—'''Runabout''' and '''Runamuck''', geniuses at work.

"Heh heh heh! Let's tell the fleshlings what we think of them! Heh heh heh!" 
"Oh, Runamuck, what a wonderfully ''wicked'' thing to write! You really ''do'' have a talent for the one-liner!" 
"Yours is funny too, Runabout. It makes me laugh. [pause] Heh heh."
:—The '''Battlechargers''' take on the Washington Monument

"Heh heh! That was the most fun we've had yet, Runabout!" 
"A ''marvelous'' experience, Runamuck! We simply ''must'' stop by again some day! But these fleshlings -- they never get as angry about what ''we'' write as that other fleshling did a few days ago in the parking lot, Runamuck." 
"Yeah. They just seem... confused." 
"No doubt our wit is too slyly subtle for them to appreciate." 
"Yeah, ''that's'' it! Heh heh."
:—The '''Battlechargers''' reflect on their graffiti skills.

"My friction ray will hit her first, Runabout! Heat up her molecules, make her explode! Heh heh! Big mess! ...I ''love'' a big mess!"
:—'''Runamuck''' (miscolored as Runabout)

"Such a perfectly '''awful''' looking monstrosity, Runamuck! Whatever could it possibly be?" 
"Shoot first, ask questions later, Runabout! Heh heh heh!"
:—'''Runabout''' and '''Runamuck'''

"Heh heh. Fleshling likes to give orders to Transformers! What will you say after I've burnt you to carbon ash, fleshling, eh? Heh heh!"
:—'''Runamuck'''

==Notes==
===Production notes===
*Plot outline completed: April 22nd 1986

===Continuity notes===
[[File:DecepticonGraffiti dissected skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*The Aerialbots were captured by RAAT [[Heavy Traffic!|last issue]]; Skids has been captured between issues, after Donny sold him out at the conclusion of last issue. The Aerialbots' faces are shown to have been added to Circuit Breaker's wall of trophies along with the "[[Cybertron Seven]]," as introduced in [[Aerialbots over America!|issue #21]], which has been rearranged to accommodate them. Skids' isn't visible.
*We've previously seen Transformer brain modules in [[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|issue #9]] and [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|issue #10]]; this issue renders them as small spheres, as they were in #9, rather than the cuboids from #10.
*Flashbacks again recap Circuit Breaker's origin from [[The Worse of Two Evils!|issue #6]].
*Donny returns to his apartment, as seen in [[I, Robot-Master!|issue #15]].

===Transformers references===
*The Battlechargers are described as transforming "faster than the human eye can follow," a reference to the rapid, spring-loaded transformations of their toys. Like the commercial jingle said, "nobody jumps into action faster than Battlechargers!" In-universe, according to their profiles in ''[[The Transformers Universe]]'', their transformations take only half a second.
{{--}}

===Real-life references===
[[File:M23 noahacionrecycles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*This story's title is probably a reference to the 1973 film ''{{w|American Graffiti}}''.
*Noah Acton wears a [[Spider-Man]] shirt between pages 5 and 11 (right).
*Real-like American landmarks visited in this issue include
**Mount Rushmore, [[South Dakota]]
**The Gateway Arch, [[St. Louis]]
**Independence Hall, [[Philadelphia]]
**The [[Washington Monument]], [[Washington, D.C.]]
**The [[Statue of Liberty]], adjacent to [[New York City]]
*It is noted that the Statue of Liberty has recently undergone renovations, referring to the real-life renovations that saw it closed from 1984 to 1986. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] also touched on this theme in the episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]."

===Continuity and plotting errors===
*Circuit Breaker is forced to jury-rig the Autobots together because, according to her, "it would take days" to get the Autobots operational, but after the battle (which itself was the next day), only "several hours later," the Autobots are gone, apparently restored to their autonomous forms.
*Where do the Battlechargers get the rocket jumpers they use to fly in robot mode? They don't have them at the start of the story, when Megatron gives them their assignment; they only appear later on.
*The check Donny writes at the end of the story is dated October 4th, 1986, which would mean that ''three months'' have passed between issue #21—set on July 4th—and this one. That doesn't seem right; plus it's not even done to stay in-sync with the real-world publication date of this issue, which was in August!

===Artwork and technical errors===
[[File:DecepticonGraffiti big mess.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
[[File:DecepticonGraffiti humans are wimps.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
[[File:DecepticonGraffiti last laugh.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*Throughout this issue, neither of the two Battlechargers have their details colored particularly consistently. In particular, Runamuck is nowhere near his finalised Marvel color model; his arms are entirely white instead of having yellow fronts, and the hinge assembly around his head is red instead of orange.
*'''Page 2, panel 1:''' As in last issue, the entire front of Skids' chest is light blue, when only his grill and headlights should be this color. Additionally, his Autobot symbol is missing its "chin."
*'''Page 3, panel 4:''' Taking into account the fact that this page deliberately alters the colors of the Autobot faces mounted on RAAT's wall to make them appear further away as part of the background, chiefly by replacing white with blue: Air Raid, Skydive, and Fireflight all have red helmets, when Skydive's should be blue-black, and Fireflight's and Air Raid's should be blue; and Slingshot's head is entirely blue save for his red eyes, when his whole face and head should be red, with only the sides of his helmet as blue. These errors repeat on page 6. In the same panel, Blaster's feet are blue-black, when they should be the same grey as the rest of his legs.
*'''Page 4:'''
**'''Panel 2:''' Laserbeak is a wildly off-model collection of shapes. Part of his left wing has been colored orange, as if it were part of the car-throne Megatron is sitting on. For the first, but not the last time, Runabout and Runamuck's colors are switched. The pair's speech bubbles are matched to their colours, so the panel shows Runamuck-coloured-like-Runabout speaking Runabout's dialogue, and vice versa.
**'''Panel 4:''' The entire lower half of Megatron's body is shaded in a single dark colour; his thighs should be lighter than his pelvis and boots.
**'''Panel 5:''' The portion of Runamuck's face visible above his [[mouthplate]] is red instead of white. The tips of Runabout's fingers are uncoloured white.
*'''Page 5, panel 7:''' The yellow strip on the side of Runamuck's vehicle mode is running across the ''top'' of his side, instead of the bottom. Some misaligned color elements result in Runabout having a purple strip across his hood, while his windscreen is orange instead of red.
*'''Page 7, panel 1:''' Runamuck has yellow hands and feet. Runabout's Decepticon symbol (or rather, the featureless splotch where it ''should'' be) is red.
*'''Page 8, panel 5:''' Runamuck's face is red instead of white again. He's missing the yellow strip across the front of his hood.
*'''Pages 10–11:''' Donny's shirt has changed from green to purple on these two pages. He could just be wearing a different shirt, but there's no real cause for him to have changed.
*'''Pages 12–15:''' Noah's shirt has three white stripes on pages 12 and 15, but only two on pages 13 and 14.
*'''Page 12:'''
**'''Panel 4:''' Runamuck is missing the yellow stripe on his side.
**'''Panel 5:''' Runamuck has a yellow stripe across the tips of his feet. He technically ''should'' have this, as his feet form his hood and he has a stripe there in vehicle mode, but it's not meant to be part of his robot mode color model.
*'''Page 13, panel 1:''' Runamuck's mouthplate is red instead of white.
*'''Page 14, panel 1:''' Runamuck and Runabout's colours are switched again (above right). This time, the speech bubbles are ''not'' matched to their colours, so we have Runamuck-coloured-like-Runabout speaking Runamuck's dialogue, and vice versa. Also, Runamuck's head is entirely white, when per Runabout's colours, it should be black.
*'''Page 16:'''
**'''Panel 6:''' Runamuck is missing all his yellow stripes.
**'''Panel 7:''' Runamuck and Runabout's colours are switched again. The three speech bubbles in the panel are consequently thoroughly mismatched; first Runamuck-coloured-like-Runabout instructs Runamuck to transform; then Runabout-coloured-like-Runamuck speaks Runabout's dialogue about how "splendid" the statue is; then finally Runabout-coloured-like-Runamuck replies to himself with Runamuck's dialogue about wanting to trash the statue.
*'''Page 18:'''
**'''Panel 1:''' Runabout's trunk-cowl is red instead of white.
**'''Panel 2:''' Runabout and Runmuck's colours are switched once again.
*'''Page 19-21:''' Circuit Breaker's jury-rigged Autobot "suit" doesn't look at all like any of the Autobots that supposedly make it up, containing no parts belonging to any of them.
*'''Page 20:'''
**'''Panels 2-3:''' Runamuck's helmet is red instead of white.
**'''Panel 6:''' Runabout is coloured like Runamuck.

===UK printing===
====Issue #94====
*'''Published:''' [[December 27|27th December]], 1986
*'''Cover date:''' [[January 3|3rd January]], [[1987]]
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Spitfire and the Troubleshooters'' ("Behemoth," Part 3) and ''[[Robo-Capers]]''
*In ''[[Letters page (Marvel UK)#Grim Grams|Grim Grams]]'', [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] reveals that [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]] weighs 90 tons.
====Issue #95====
*'''Published:''' [[January 3|3rd January]], 1987
*'''Cover date:''' [[January 10|10th January]], 1987
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Spitfire and the Troubleshooters'' ("Counterattack," Part 1) and ''Robo-Capers''

===Other trivia===
[[File:Battlechargers-marvel23b.jpg|upright=1|thumb|So, like, Todd, can we like, be in your gang?]]
*This issue was a favourite among fans back in the '90s, due almost entirely to the miscreant characterization of the Battlechargers. Runamuck's constant "heh heh" snickering to himself put many fans in mind of ''Beavis and Butt-Head'', who had risen to fame in the intervening years, and comparisons between the two duos were common—though in reality, Runabout doesn't act that way at all, instead speaking in an eloquent way that suggests delusions of sophistication.
*This issue was one of writer Bob Budiansky's favourites.<ref>[http://traffic.libsyn.com/moonbase2/BobBinterview.mp3 Bob Budiansky interview] at Moonbase 2</ref>
*''Stan friggin' Lee'' enjoyed this issue so much he wrote a letter to the creative team congratulating them on it!<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20130707233534/http://www.oneshallstand.com:80/articles/bob_budiansky.html An interview with Bob Budiansky] at OneShallStand.com (Archived copy)</ref>
*Both the upcoming [[G.I. Joe and the Transformers (comic)|Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover]] and ''The Transformers Universe'' profile series are teased in this issue's letters page. The editor notes that, following the invitation extended in [[The Bridge to Nowhere!|issue #18]] for young reader "[[Shingo]]" to write in, several letters from "imitators" have been received, but they're still waiting for the genuine article to get in touch.
*Due to the presence of Marvel-owned character Circuit Breaker, [[IDW Publishing]] were unable to reprint this issue in their 2008 ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2]]'' collection, as they had not yet negotiated a license to do so with Marvel. The issue was replaced in the collection with a text summary.

===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: 23 active as all RAAT captives are freed; 5 rogue Dinobots; 14 in repair bay. (42 total)
*Decepticons: 21 active; 9 offline as the Battlechargers both enter and leave the picture. (30 total)

===Courtesy of my...===
*Runabout namechecks his [[particle beam rifle]].
*Likewise, Runamuck calls out his [[Friction rifle|friction ray]].

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #23:''' Battlechargers defacing the Statue of Liberty, by [[Herb Trimpe]].
*'''UK issue #94:''' Battlechargers, by [[Lee Sullivan]].
*'''UK issue #95:''' reuse of art from US cover, with some new word balloons.
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-23.jpg|'''US issue #23''' - Lady Liberty sheds a tear.
File:MarvelUK-094.jpg|'''UK issue #94''' - Blurr wants a word with these guys.
File:MarvelUK-095.jpg|'''UK issue #95''' - Ha. Ah ha. Got it.
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Titan-ShowdownSC.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: Showdown]]'' TPB''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-ShowdownHC.jpg|'''''Transformers: Showdown'' HC''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:TFClassicsVol2.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 2|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 2]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2012)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v6.jpg|'''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|''The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 6: Target: 2006''''' (Hachette Partworks, 2016)
</gallery>

===IDW Transformers Classics edits===
[[File:DecepticonGraffiti lets trash it.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]'', with exceptions noted below.
*'''Page 1:''' The green of Circuit Breaker's irises is erased.
*'''Page 2:''' Here and throughout the issue, Circuit Breaker has a much more tanned skin tone than all the other humans, despite them all having the same colour skin in the original printing.
*'''Page 4:''' Unusual for IDW, Soundwave was ''not'' recolored blue for this issue, and appears only with his original purple color.
*'''Pages 5–11:''' Spider-Man's face is erased from Noah's shirt. However, it was restored for Hachette's Definitive Collection.
*'''Page 5, panel 7:''' The erroneous purple stripe is removed from Runabout's hood.
*'''Pages 12–13:''' Inconsistent remastering results in both Runabout's blue-black tone, and Runamuck's light-blue tone both being too dark, making the pair appear solid black and solid blue, respectively.
*'''Page 16, panel 6:''' Runamuck and Runabout's colours are switched so that this panel matches with panel 7. Of course, as described above, ''panel 7'' is the one in error, so this creates a double-goof.
*'''Page 22, panel 4:''' The news anchor on Donny's TV is recolored to have an African-American skin tone. He remains Caucasian in the very next panel.
{{--}}
===Advertisements===
'''US'''
*[[M&M's]] - inside front cover
*Lazer Tag - between pages 4 & 5
*Bonkers! (candy) - between pages 5 & 6
*Westfield Comics Subscription Service - between pages 9 & 10
*NBC Saturday morning cartoons: ''Kissyfur'', Disney's ''Adventures of the Gummi Bears'', ''Smurfs'', ''Punky Brewster'', ''Alvin and the Chipmunks'', ''Foofur'', ''Kidd Video'', plus: ''One to Grow On''. - between pages 12 & 13
*Adidas Astronauts (boys & girls activewear) - between pages 15 & 16
*Marvel Super Mart and sketchy ads - between pages 16 & 17
*Bullpen Bulletins - between pages 20 & 21
*[[Letters page|Transmissions]]
*Marvel subscription service
*''Dungeons & Dragons'' set #1: Basic Rules - inside back cover
*Brach's candy (back cover)

'''UK issue #94:'''
*[[The Transformers: The Movie - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|''The Transformers: The Movie'' soundtrack]]
*''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (back cover)
'''UK issue #95:'''
*[[S.T.A.R.S.]]
*Heinz Invaders fan club
*''Dungeons & Dragons'' Basic Rules Set 1 (back cover)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

The Smelting Pool!

2026-02-28T03:24:52Z

Greebtron: /* Production notes */

{{disambig2|issue #17 of the Marvel US comic|the Decepticon torture and recycling device|Smelting pool}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #17
|prev=Plight of the Bumblebee!
|next=The Bridge to Nowhere!
|title="Return to Cybertron Part 1: The Smelting Pool!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #66–67
|prev2=Second Generation!
|next2=The Bridge to Nowhere!
|image=MarvelUS-17.jpg
|caption=Apparently it melted Blaster's paint right off!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[February 25]], [[1986]]
|onsaledate=[[March 18]], 1986
|coverdate=June 1986
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[Don Perlin]]
|inker=[[Keith Williams]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Michael Carlin]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''On Cybertron, an Autobot spy discovers a message sent to the Decepticons from Earth.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Transformer]]s' homeworld, the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], is a war-torn, resource-strapped wasteland. Struggling survivors hide from ruthless [[Decepticon]] overlords, who hunt them down for sport and scrap metal. In the slums of [[Polyhex]], known as the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], the [[Autobot]] [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]—waiting to meet up with his partner [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]]—spies one such hunter, [[Ferak]], pursuing a helpless robot, and quickly ends him.
[[File:Straxusholdscourt.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.75|All around me are unfamiliar faces...]]
Scrounge, meanwhile, is making his way to the Decepticon fortress headquarters of [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]], seeking to discover what has become of the [[Neutral]] interdimensional engineer [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], whom the Decepticons recently abducted. Scrounge sends the wire-guided fingers of his "very special arm," containing audio and video recording modules, into the fortress's ventilation system to search. He fails to find Spanner, but instead comes upon a laboratory where [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] and some Decepticon technicians are analyzing a coded interstellar transmission they have received—a transmission of world-shaking importance, which is what has prompted Spanner's abduction. Scrounge makes a recording of the coded data, but as he retracts his sensors, he trips an alarm. Scrounge attempts to flee back through the Dead End to pass the data off to Blaster, but Shrapnel catches up to him and captures him. Scrounge is brought to the court of Polyhex's ruler, Lord High Governor [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], who crushes his special arm during a brief interrogation, then orders him tossed into the [[smelting pool]]—a colossal pit in the heart of Darkmount used to execute Autobots by melting their bodies down into raw materials that are then processed for use in the Decepticon war effort.
[[File:TheSmeltingPool scrounge melted.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.25|"Oh, what a world!"]]
After Scrounge does not show up to their meeting, Blaster returns to [[Autobase]], the subterranean headquarters of the rebel Autobot cell of which he is a part. He informs [[Cybertron Seven|his fellow Autobots]] that they must assemble a search party to find Scrounge, but base commander [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] objects, citing Scrounge's past unreliability. Blaster tells him to get stuffed and turns to leave to find Scrounge on his own, but all the other Autobots agree to go with him, and Perceptor yields to the majority vote. The team heads for the Dead End to question the fuel-starved "[[Empty|Empties]]" about Scrounge's disappearance, and learn of his capture from the down-and-out [[Wheezel (G1)|Wheezel]]. The others lose all hope, sure that Scrounge is dead already, but Blaster refuses to give up hope and continues the hunt alone.

Brazenly storming his way into Darkmount, Blaster is quickly captured and brought before Straxus, who is in the process of overseeing a [[Space bridge|large construction project]]. The tyrant proves uninterested and orders Blaster tossed into the pool—which is just where Blaster wants to be, as it is where he knows he'll find Scrounge. Clinging to the walls of the pit to avoid falling directly into the bubbling slag below, Blaster spies Scrounge afloat in the deadly cauldron, and tries to fish him out. Scrounge struggles; he knows he will only slow Blaster down, and insists he needs to take the information he has and get away. As they argue, the other Autobots disobey Perceptor's orders and arrive to rescue Blaster. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] drops a line down into the pit so Blaster can climb out, but when he tries to lift Scrounge out, he is horrified to discover that the pool has already melted away much of Scrounge's body. Forced to accept that Scrounge is too badly damage to be saved, he takes the recording of the Decepticon message from his old friend, and leaves him to his fate. The Autobots proceed to fight their way out of Darkmount, with the furious Blaster using molten metal pumped from the smelting pool as a weapon to drive off the attacking Decepticons.

The Autobots return to Autobase, where Perceptor decodes and plays the message, which turns out to be a transmission sent by [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s Decepticons, who disappeared from Cybertron millions of years ago. They still live, now stranded on an alien world known as [[Earth]]... as do [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots. This news galvanizes the team, and Blaster silently bids Scrounge a final farewell, thanking him for the new hope he has brought the Autobots.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (5)
*[[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] (6)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (9)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (10)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (11)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (12)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (13)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'' (26)
|c2=
*[[Ferak]] (1)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (7)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (15)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (16)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (17)
*[[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] (18)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (19)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (20)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'' (21)
*''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]'' (22)
*''[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'' (23)
*''[[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]]'' (24)
*''[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]]'' (25)
|h4=[[Empty|Empties]]|c4=
*[[Telus]] (2)
*[[Rotorbolt (G1)|Rotorbolt]] (3)
*[[Telus and Rotorbolt's buddy|Their friend]] (4)
*[[Wheezel (G1)|Wheezel]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"Ha ha! You are making great sport of this, slagger!" 
"...I have another game for you, Decepticon... I call it, "Try to fly straight -- after a blast from my ''electro-scrambler!''"
:—'''Ferak''' and '''Blaster'''

"Th-thank you, uh..." 
"The name's '''Blaster!''' And if you want to thank me you'll crawl back into your hole, pal. I've got better things to do than save the rusty hides of robo-wretches like you!"
:—a '''unnamed Empty''' and '''Blaster'''

"The rest of us obviously find Scrounge less valuable than you do. No doubt this is another one of his self-serving fantasies and he's afraid we'll catch him in another lie. Or else the Decepticons captured him -- in which case he's already a '''slag slick''' floating atop the '''smelting pool!''' Forget him, Blaster."
:—'''Perceptor''' is a harsh dude

[[File:TheSmeltingPool only death.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Most metal Transformers comic issue ever?]]

"Sit here and rust then, with your statues... '''I'm''' going to '''find''' Scrounge!"
:—'''Blaster''' doesn't care for Perceptor's leadership

"We've done no wrong! Have mercy!" 
"Please, spare us!" 
"'''Mercy''' is not dispensed here, fools... only '''death!'''"
:—two '''unnamed neutrals''' discover '''Straxus''''s brand of justice

"And what did you find out, Autobot? What were you going to tell your fellow weaklings?" 
"N-nothing I wish to share with you, S-Straxus!" 
"Maybe I can loosen your voice box by loosening a shoulder joint, eh?" 
"'''AGH!!''' My -- my '''arm!''' My special arm... there is no other like it!" 
[''crushes it''] "Now there is not even '''one''' like it!"
:—'''Straxus''' brutalizes '''Scrounge'''

"Toss him in the pool! And you, Shrapnel, can expect to '''join''' him there if you continue '''wasting my time!'''" 
''I like this Lord Straxus -- he thinks like I do. We both agree this is the place I should be.... 'cause this is the only place I even have a ''chance'' of finding Scrounge.''
:—'''Straxus''' wins the sarcastic approval of '''Blaster'''

[[File:TheSmeltingPool eat hot slag.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.75|Yeah, it totally is.]]

"I've always been a failure... as an Autobot... Now I have the chance... to change that... do something worthwhile... but I need your help to do it... bring this back to Autobase for me... '''please'''... Then maybe the others... will... think... better of me..."
:—'''Scrounge''''s last words, before vanishing into the smelting pool

''These pipes normally pump molten metal from the smelting pool -- but no longer...'' 
"'''''EAT HOT SLAG, DECEPTICONS!''''' '''Burn''', you tin-plated tyrants! '''Feel''' what '''Scrounge''' felt when you tossed him into your '''stinking pit!'''"
:—'''Blaster''' lets the Decepticons have it

"This recording is '''fantastic''', Blaster -- and more importantly than giving us mere '''facts'''.... it gives us '''hope!''' And there is no greater gift than '''that!'''" 
''Wherever you are, Scrounge, I hope you heard that... You did good, little buddy.''
:—'''Perceptor''' and '''Blaster'''

==Notes==
===Production notes===
[[File:The Smelting Pool! The Dead End.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*Plot outline completed: September 28th 1985
*This issue marks the first look at Cybertron offered by the comic since [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]], a year-and-a-half prior. The story is unambiguous in depicting it as a hellish nightmare where citizens struggle to survive; writer [[Bob Budiansky]] drew inspiration from the blasted post-apocalyptic wastelands shown in the 1984 movie ''[[T-800|The Terminator]]'',<ref name="Interview at Rusting Carcass">[http://rustingcarcass.yuku.com/topic/954/t/Bob-Budiansky.html Interview at Rusting Carcass]</ref> and began the description of the metal planet in the issue's script with: "Think of hell." <ref name="BC10">[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc10/bc10bb.html griffin's 2010 BotCon report]</ref>
*The story is able to use its Cybertronian setting to introduce most of the remaining characters from the 1985 product line who have not yet appeared in the comic. In keeping with what we saw of Cybertron in issue #1, and in the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|first episode]] of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]], many of the characters are given unique Cybertronian [[alternate mode]]s (though most of them aren't terribly different from their Earth forms). The Insecticons and the new Decepticon jets, however, seem to already have their Earth forms, which ''might'' be in anticipation of the journey to Earth next issue will reveal they are planning to take.

===Continuity notes===
*The message the Decepticons have received was sent by Soundwave in [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|issue #10]].

===Continuity and plotting errors===
*The narration states that the smelted Transformers' metal will be used to build newer, more advanced Transformers. In the absence of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]]—lost for four million years on Earth—it's not clear how those Transformers would be given life.
*The transmission received on Cybertron states that the Decepticons on Earth are led by Megatron and the Autobots by Optimus Prime. However, when Soundwave sent the message, ''[[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]'' was leader of the Decepticons, with Megatron lost and presumed dead, and Optimus Prime was his captive, reduced to a severed head.

===Artwork and technical errors===
[[File:BlasterUS17.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1]]
*Blaster's finalized [[character model]] was evidently not ready for artist [[Don Perlin]] to use as reference while drawing this issue; in addition to the toy-accurate head he appears with, with its distinctive visor (right), as opposed to the individual eyes the finished model gave him, none of the details on Blaster's legs match the final model. Though the finalized model would eventually be cycled into use from [[Funeral for a Friend!|issue #26]] onward, Blaster would retain his toy-accurate head for most of the series, throughout all his major appearances.
*That said, the illustration of Blaster on the issue's ''cover'' uses the finalized character model.
*There's a huge design disparity between the toy-based characters and most of the generics invented for the issue; the latter are spindly, don't seem to turn into anything, and look like 1950s sci-fi robots.
[[File:TheSmeltingPool-Perceptor.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1]]
*Perceptor's face is consistently colored in a two-tone scheme throughout this issue, which makes the upper half dark blue/black, and the lower half white (right). This strange look is apparently derived from an attempt to colour him like his toy, which had a silver mouthplate instead of a normal face. It would be abandoned after this issue, with Perceptor's face appearing all-white going forward, but a blue-mouthplate/silver-eyes-area iteration would appear on his profile image in ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|The Transformers Universe]]''. Oddly, [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[2013]]-[[2014|14]] comic ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' chose to revive it and consistently colored Perceptor that way.
*Shrapnel, meanwhile, is coloured in an early color scheme, with purple boots, solid-purple arms, a silver-white face and orange toes. Though everything but his boots are based on features of his toy, they would be removed from his finalized Marvel character model and would be dropped after this issue.
*Page 4, panel 5: Scrounge wonders "why the Decepticons would suddenly be interested in a neutralist who's specialty is interdimensional engineering." That should use the possessive "whose," rather than "who's" (contraction of "who is").
*Page 6:
**Panel 6: As Shrapnel grabs Scrounge, his thumb is colored yellow as if it were a part of Scrounge.
**Panel 7: Aside from his purple arm, Shrapnel's whole body is colored pale blue.
*Page 8, panel 1: Perceptor's left thigh is colored greyish-pink, like it's part of the background.
*Page 10:
**Panel 4: Shrapnel's right thigh is colored pale purple instead of blue-black.
**Panel 6: Shrapnel's thumb is colored yellow as if it were a part of Scrounge.
*Page 17, panel 2: The data-tape Scrounge ejects from his head is colored purple in this panel, when it is red in the others.
*Page 19:
**Panel 2: Dirge and Thrust have their colors switched. Shrapnel has yellow mandibles instead of silver-white, while Ramjet's body and Kickback's wings, which also ought to be silver-white, are the same blue as the background.
**Panel 4: Blaster's forehead and the side of his torso are colored yellow.
**Panel 5: The whole front of Blaster's torso is yellow, instead of just his chest door.
{{--}}

===UK printing===
'''Issue #66:'''
*'''Published:''' [[June 14|14th June]], 1986
*'''Cover date:''' [[June 21|21st June]], 1986
*'''[[Back-up strips]]:''' [[Robo-Capers issue 66|Bumblebee puts in an appearance]] in ''[[Robo-Capers]]''; ''Matt and the Cat'' gets a full-page strip this issue instead of the usual half-page; and ''Rocket Raccoon'' ("The Age of Enlightenment," Part 1).
*'''Free Gift:''' [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] collector card for the [[Second Generation!#Back-up material|Special Teams Special Collection Wallchart]]
'''Issue #67:'''
*'''Published:''' [[June 21|21st June]], 1986
*'''Cover date:''' [[June 28|28th June]], 1986
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Robo-Capers,'' ''Rocket Raccoon'' ("The Age of Enlightenment," Part 2), and ''Matt and the Cat''
*'''[[Fact File|Fact File Interface]]:''' [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
*'''Free Gift:''' [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] collector card for the [[Second Generation!#Back-up material|Special Teams Special Collection Wallchart]]
*'''Other features:''' "Mixed-Up Mechanoids" word puzzle.

===Other trivia===
[[File:Hunter seekers.jpg|right|thumb]]
*Cybertron is shown with two moons. This would go on to become pretty standard in ''Transformers'' lore, with ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' going on to also depict the planet with twin satellites.
*Another piece of persistent lore introduced this issue are the Cybertronian [[units of time]], the breem (8.3 minutes) and the vorn (83 years).
*{{w|Kirby Krackle}} can be seen throughout the issue. It's most noticeable on the first page and when Straxus wields his pick-axe.
*Ferak (seen in vehicle mode at right) would never appear in the Marvel US series again, but nearly 25 years later, showed up in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''. For this appearance, he was drawn with a robot mode for the first time, which was based on that of the unnamed leader of the Decepticon [[airborne hunter squad]] seen in the Marvel UK story, "[[Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!]]". In [[2015]], the Facebook feature [[Ask Vector Prime]] would build on this to retroactively confirm that Ferak survived his encounter with Blaster in this issue and ''was'' the Decepticon seen in that later UK story.

===Courtesy of my...===
*Blaster's famous [[electro-scrambler]] gets its first namecheck here.
*The smelting pool is defended by [[laser sentinel tower]]s.

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #17:''' Blaster falling into the smelting pool, by [[Herb Trimpe]].
*'''UK issue #66:''' reuse of art from US cover.
*'''UK issue #67:''' Blaster attacking Decepticons, by [[John Higgins]].

<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-17.jpg|'''US issue #17''' - Cybertron could only afford red.
File:MarvelUK-066.jpg|'''UK issue #66''' - Delicious Transformer soup.
File:MarvelUK-067.jpg|'''UK issue #67''' - I can write my name in the snow too.
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Tf digest 9.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 9|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #9]]''' (Marvel US, 1988)
File:Condor-comic-magazin-cover-issue-5.jpg|'''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 5|''Transformers Comic-Magazin'' #5]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1989)
File:Titan-CybertronReduxSC.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: Cybertron Redux]]'' paperback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-CybertronReduxHC.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: Cybertron Redux]]'' hardback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:IDW Generations 5 Cover A.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Generations (comic)#"The Smelting Pool!"|''The Transformers: Generations'' #5]] cover A''' (IDW Publishing, 2006)
File:IDW Generations 5 Cover B.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Generations (comic)#"The Smelting Pool!"|''The Transformers: Generations'' #5]] cover B''' (IDW Publishing, 2006)
File:IDW Generations 5 Cover RI.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Generations (comic)#"The Smelting Pool!"|''The Transformers: Generations'' #5]] cover RI''' (IDW Publishing, 2006)
File:Generations TPB.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers: Generations (comic)|The Transformers: Generations]]'' TPB''' (IDW Publishing, 2007)
File:Classic Transformers Vol2.jpg|'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 2]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2008)
File:TFClassicsVol2.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 2|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 2]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2012)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v5.jpg|'''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|''The Definitive G1 Collection, Vol. 5: The Smelting Pool'']]''' (Hachette Partworks, Ltd., 2019)
</gallery>

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]''.
*Page 6, panel 6-7: The inconsistent "remastering" turns Shrapnel's arm a muddy brownish-purple that doesn't match with the shade of purple he is in the rest of the comic.
*Page 7, panel 6: The window on Blaster's chest door is changed from its correct grey to an incorrect yellow.
*Page 8:
**Panel 1: Cosmos's left shoulder is miscolored blue. Both of Perceptor's thighs have become light blue instead of white.
**Panel 3: Powerglide's light pink highlights become the same dark grey as his face and arm.
*Page 10, panel 6: The pale purple used to color Bombshell and Kickback's heads, Bombshell's arm, and Kickback's legs (representing not their actual color, but to make them look paler so as to mark them as being in the background) is changed to a light blue.
*Page 17, panel 2: The data-tape is changed from purple to red to match its appearance in other panels.
*Page 19, panel 6: the grating on the refinery is recolored blue instead of grey.

===Advertisements===
*[[M&M's]] (inside front cover)
*Mile High Comics - between pages 4 & 5 and between pages 5 & 6
*Alternate Realities Distributing - between pages 5 & 6
*Academic Industries "Comic Classics Offer" - between pages 7 & 8
*J&S Comics and Marvel Super Mart - between pages 8 & 9
*Various comic shops, Charles Atlas and typical ads from the era - between pages 16 & 17
*The ''Amazing [[Spider-Man]]: the saga of the Hobgoblin - between pages 17 & 18
*''Dakota North Investigations'' - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Bulletins - between pages 20 & 21
*[[Letters page|Transmissions]] returns
*Marvel subscriptions
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]: Droids'' comic (inside back cover)
*''Power Pack'' and the ''Amazing [[Spider-Man]]'' with tips on ways to prevent sexual abuse (back cover)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Smelting Pool!}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

DIS-Integrated Circuits!

2026-02-28T03:07:58Z

Greebtron: /* Production notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #9
|prev=Repeat Performance!
|next=The Next Best Thing to Being There!
|title="DIS-Integrated Circuits!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #33–34
|prev2=The Wrath of Grimlock!
|next2=The Next Best Thing to Being There!
|image=MarvelUS-09.jpg
|caption=Decepticon sexual harassment violates you. And it violates the law.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[June 25]], [[1985]]
|onsaledate=[[July 16]], 1985
|coverdate=October 1985
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[Mike Manley]]
|inks="[[M. Hands]]"
|colors=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letters=[[Rick Parker]]
|editor=[[Christopher J. Priest]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots, now restored, strike a deal with G.B. Blackrock. But one of his former employees has other plans.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Anti-robotphotonicmulti-cannon.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7|"Jack Kirby's Sybian City Saga" never got the attention it deserved, really.]]
[[G.B. Blackrock]], driving practice laps on a race track, is interrupted by General [[Capshaw]], who expresses concern over Blackrock's plans to unveil a new weapon designed to destroy the [[Transformer]]s. Blackrock shrugs him off, and goes to visit [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Josie Beller]] in her hospital room to update her on the situation. She, in turn, shows Blackrock some technology she's been working on from her hospital bed, causing Blackrock to worry that she may put herself in another dangerous situation in her desire for revenge against the robots who crippled her.

These fears are warranted when Josie escapes from her hospital room, and shows up in Blackrock's office that night, revealing herself as Circuit Breaker, wearing a metal suit designed to compensate for her damaged nervous system and granting her offensive capability against any mechanical form. Blackrock orders her to forget the whole thing and get back to the hospital; Circuit Breaker ignores him and says she's going to do what she has to.

The [[Autobot]]s have been revived after their imprisonment aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], with [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] in command. They seek a new solution to their fuel shortage, and [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] takes [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] and goes to strike a deal with G.B. Blackrock. Kidnapping the billionaire, Jazz offers to provide him with protection from the [[Decepticon]]s in exchange for fuel. After a few confused moments, Blackrock agrees.

[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] is feeling mutinous after receiving word that the Autobots are online again and that [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] has disappeared. [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] sends him and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] to destroy Blackrock's weapon, allowing them to blow off some steam.

[[File:DisintegratedCircuits buster uses matrix.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
[[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s customers are also feeling mutinous, as [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] can only offer fumbling excuses and delays while his father remains in the hospital. Despite tinkering with the automobiles in for repairs, it's all a mystery to him. But another headache-seizure grips him, and in a flash, everything becomes clear—the structure, the problem, everything. Buster repairs an engine block with merely a thought.

Later that day, the unveiling of Blackrock's [[Anti-Robot Photonic Multi-Cannon]] is sabotaged by Circuit Breaker, in an effort to get him to announce '''her''' as his intended weapon. The Decepticons attack just then. Jazz and Wheeljack transform, intending to make good on their promise to provide Blackrock with protection; but Circuit Breaker, unable to discern between Autobot and Decepticon, severely injures Wheeljack. Between her and Jazz, the Decepticons are driven off, though Jazz is damaged. Although Circuit Breaker spares Jazz at Blackrock's pleading, she destroys his weapon, and severs her ties with him. Blackrock fears she is the only one to have truly lost the day's battle...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (6)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (7)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] (8)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] (9)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (10)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (11)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (13)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (14)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]] (15)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (18)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (19)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
}}
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (22)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (23)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] (24)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (25)
|c3=
*[[Chuck (G1)|Chuck]] (1)
*[[Ames (G1)|Ames]] (2)
*[[Capshaw]] (3)
*[[G.B. Blackrock]] (4)
*[[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]] (5)
*[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"Getting fuel is a piece of cake!" 
"Cake is fuel?"
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Prowl''' - different strokes, man.

"Now, with your okay, I'm going to pay a visit to Mr. Blackrock. We have a deal to negotiate." 
"As my Special Operations officer, you have my complete trust, Jazz. Permission granted. Take '''Wheeljack''' with you as a back-up. I only wish I knew what I just gave you permission '''for!'''"
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Prowl'''

"Or else... fall before the sonic fury of... '''Frenzy!!''' Ha ha ha!! Ha! Ha-ha-ha! ...An Autobot -- '''here!''' No matter -- you'll be a flaming piece of junk when I'm done with you! Ha ha ha!"
:—'''Frenzy''', smashing stuff and happy as a clam.

==Notes==
===Production notes===
[[File:SecretWarsII-Circuitbreaker.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.75|They lack the "[[spark]]"? How things change...]]
*Second draft script: 19th March 1985
*This issue marks the introduction of Josie Beller's superhuman identity, Circuit Breaker. Conceived and designed by Budiansky to resemble Marvel colorist Janet "Jay Jay" Jackson, Circuit Breaker will go on to become easily the most famous of the comic's original characters, but this would not translate to roles in wider Transformers fiction—because Budiansky and Marvel orchestrated it so that ''they'' would own her, not Hasbro. Hasbro's licensing agreement with Marvel stated that any new characters debuting within ''The Transformers'' would be their property, so, to circumvent this, Budiansky requested that Marvel insert Circuit Breaker into the pages of their crossover event ''{{w|Secret Wars II}}'' prior to her appearance in the comic. So it was that Circuit Breaker debuted in ''Secret Wars II'' #3 (right), released a month before ''The Transformers'' #9, securing Marvel ownership of the character. The issue contained a capsule summary of Circuit Breaker's origin and her hatred of robots (with a footnote directing readers to pick up ''Transformers'' #9 for more); in fact, it was her disgust of such "soulless mockeries of life" that "had no true free will" that convinced the antagonist of the series, {{w|Beyonder (comics)|the Beyonder}}, to release Earth from the mind-control he had placed it under, as he realized he had reduced humanity to a comparable state.

===Continuity notes===
*If the circumstances surrounding Circuit Breaker didn't make it clear enough, this issue was still being written from the perspective that ''The Transformers'' was set within the wider Marvel Universe, as is further evidenced by the newspaper in which [[Capshaw|General Capshaw]] reads about Blackrock's upcoming weapons test: it's the [[Daily Bugle]], the publication that pays [[Spider-Man]]'s bills, which previously appeared in [[Prisoner of War!|issue #3]].
*As footnotes reminds us, Josie Beller was injured by Shockwave in [[The Worse of Two Evils!|issue #6]], and has been working towards her recovery for the last two issues, with additional checks in on her ongoing subplot in the interspersed UK-original stories, "[[Decepticon Dam-Busters!]]" and "[[The Wrath of Grimlock!]]".
*As the Autobots finish their performance examinations, [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] is absent from the group. He was blasted point blank by Shockwave in [[The New Order|issue #5]], and next issue is shown to still be inoperative, with Ratchet uncertain of his prospects for recovery.
*It is revealed that the "electric shock" Optimus Prime gave Buster in issue #6 was him transferring the Creation Matrix into the human's mind. Buster has been having "headaches" since [[Warrior School!|issue #7]], in which his control over metal and machines began to manifest. The UK series got out ahead of this subplot, revealing this truth ahead of its reprinting of this story, in "[[The Wrath of Guardian!]]"
*This is the first time US audiences are seeing Blackrock's photonic multi-cannon, but again, the UK reprints of the series got ahead of this plotline and actually seeded it a few issues in advance in "Decepticon Dam-Busters!"

===Real-life references===
*A sponsor logo for the real-life {{w|Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company}} can be seen on the side of Blackrock's racetrack.
*Alluding to then-current political tensions, the general worries that "[[Soviet Union|Communists]]" might behind the ongoing robot plague.
*Jazz likes [[Madonna]], blasting her song "{{w|Material Girl}}" during the Autobots' test drive.
*The guard at Blackrock's offices is totally reading [[Playboy]].
*The "next issue" box reads "CONSTRUCTICONS--PHONE HOME!", quoting the movie ''{{w|E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial}}''.

===Artwork and technical errors===
*The latest change of artists has Josie Beller looking quite a bit different than previous issues. In particular, her hair's wavier, shorter and brighter now (and more in line with the Marvel employee that Budiansky modeled her after.) After she becomes Circuit Breaker, it changes into a ponytailed mullet.
*Prowl's forehead crest is consistently colored white instead of red throughout this issue, and he is lacking in portions of blue-black trim, including on his chest and thighs.
*After settling into his finalized colour scheme last issue, Shockwave goes off-model again with blue shoulders instead of purple.
*Cover: Starscream's helmet is colored white instead of blue, and his cockpit grey instead of orange.
[[File:Autobots-disintegratedcircuits1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]
*Page 4 (pictured at right):
**Panel 3: Huffer is red instead of orange, the red and white on Wheeljack's chest are inverted, and Jazz is missing the blue on his hood.
**Panel 4: Gears's face is red instead of white, while his helmet is blue instead of red; Cliffjumper's face is yellow; Jazz is still missing the blue on his hood; Sideswipe's helmet is white instead of blue. As all the formerly-injured Autobots bar Sunstreaker are supposed to be in this scene, Trailbreaker should be visible, but he's the only one who's missing.
*Page 5:
**Panel 5: The arms and torso of Optimus Prime's headless body are colored white instead of red.
**Panel 6: Ratchet is drawn finishing Prowl's line about rescuing Optimus and acquiring fuel. This leads to the peculiar sight of Ratchet stating that he is in command of the Autobots!
*Page 6, panel 2-3: Wheeljack has a blue-black pelvis and white thighs instead of the other way around. He's missing the red on his torso, the blue-black on his shoulders, and his shoulder-fins are blue-black instead of white.
*Page 6, panel 6: Starscream is missing his shoulder intakes, and his cockpit is red instead of orange. Buzzsaw is colored like Laserbeak.
*Page 7, panel 2: Buzzsaw is still colored like Laserbeak.
*Page 8: Continuing an error introduced by the artist of the previous two issues, Optimus Prime's head is drawn missing its antenna-ears.
*Page 8, panel 7: The sign on Sparkplug's garage reads "Witwicky Auto Repair," but per [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]] and [[Power Play!|#2]], it ought to say "'''S.''' Witwicky Auto Repair."
*Page 10, panel 14: The sign on G.B. Blackrock's office door reads "JB BLACKROCK."
*Page 16:
**Panel 7: "You really are a robot" is missing its punctuation.
**Panel 8: Jazz says "If I were a Decepticon I would've let you bounce me a couple of times before scraping you off the ground!" The "me" probably shouldn't be there.
*Page 20: Wheeljack's colored incorrectly again, still missing the red on his torso, and still with a blue pelvis (now in addition to his corrected blue thighs). His shoulder-fins have become red (except in panel 5, where they're colored like part of the background, and panel 6, in which they disappear altogether), and his shoulder-cannon is purple instead of blue. These panels were evidently used as reference for the coloring of the UK strips "The Wrath of Guardian!" and "The Wrath of Grimlock!"
*Page 21:
**Panel 6: The interior of Starscream's shoulder-intake is colored pink like the background. His null ray is colored pale purple. The narration bizarrely refers to Starscream's robot form as his "secret mode".
**Panel 7: Starscream's wings are missing. His one visible null-ray remains miscolored, except for its rearmost segment, but only because the coloring misinterprets it as part of Starscream's shoulder.

===UK printing===
[[File:DIS-Integrated Circuits UK printing error.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|"Jazz, are you all right?"—"Totally not! I'm seeing weird colors, man!"]]
'''Issue #33:'''
*'''Published:''' [[October 26|26th October]], 1985
*'''Cover date:''' [[November 2|2nd November]], 1985
*'''[[Back-up strips]]:''' ''Machine Man'' ("If This Be Sanctuary?!" Part 3), ''[[Robo-Capers]]'' and ''Matt and the Cat''
*'''November calendar:''' Prowl
*A printing error resulted in the magneta and cyan plates of the CMYK printing process being switched for pages 4, 5, and 9, a problem that would continue into the next issue and occur again in [[Fallen Angel|issue #101]] and [[Time Wars|issue #201]] (there with the yellow and cyan plates). The original US printing of this issue used the correct colors.

'''Issue #34:'''
*'''Published:''' [[November 2|2nd November]], 1985
*'''Cover date:''' [[November 9|9th November]], 1985
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Machine Man'' ("If This Be Sanctuary?!" Part 4), ''Robo-Capers'' and ''Matt and the Cat''
*The printing error continues, with the magenta and cyan plates switched again for pages 5 and 10.

===Other trivia===
[[File:DisintegratedCircuits-JazzBlackrock.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Float like a Jazzerfly...]]
*The inker of this issue is credited as "[[M. Hands]]". This isn't a person, but a pseudonym (short for "Many Hands") used to cover multiple inkers working on a rush-job.
*The presence of Marvel-owned character Circuit Breaker meant that when [[IDW Publishing]] was first reprinting the Marvel comic for their ''[[Classic Transformers]]'' series, this was another issue (like issue #3 before it) that they could not secure the license to reproduce, and were forced instead to replace it with a text summary. This was later resolved and the issue was included in the later reprint volume [[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 1]]—but only in the print copy of the book, not the digital version.
*Judge Reinhold's character is shown reading pages from this issue in the film Vice Versa (1988). Though when the comic is closed issue #8's cover can be seen poking out from the newspaper that was used as a cover.
*As seen at right, this issue is perhaps the only occurrence of Jazz demonstrating the capability to glide using his "rear-mounted ailerons" as he catches Blackrock and gently floats to the bottom of the cliff. This ability is only brought up in Jazz's expanded ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|Transformers Universe]]'' profile and while it doesn't specify which mode Jazz can utilize it in, the art here seems to portray his car doors as said rear-mounted ailerons.

===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: 21 active, as Ratchet revives all but one of the captive Autobots; Sunstreaker inactive; Optimus Prime held captive. (23 total)
*Decepticons: 10 active; Megatron missing in action. (11 total)

===Courtesy of my...===
*Blackrock unveils the [[Anti-Robot Photonic Multi-Cannon]].
*Circuit Breaker disrupts Jazz's [[Photon rifle|rifle]].
*Wheeljack douses Frenzy in [[magnetic inducer|magnetic powder]].
*Starscream once again deploys his [[cluster bomb]]s, this time unloading on Jazz.

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #9:''' Circuit Breaker and Starscream, by [[Mike Manley]].
*'''UK issue #33:''' Circuit Breaker, Wheeljack and Frenzy, by [[John Higgins]].
*'''UK issue #34:''' reuse of art from US cover, modified to fit the UK aspect ratio.
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-09.jpg|'''US issue #9''' - Thanks Marvel. ''Thanks''
File:MarvelUK-033.jpg|'''UK issue #33''' - Introducing: DAVID BOWIE
File:MarvelUK-034.jpg|'''UK issue #34''' - Starscream has a really sweet cycling helmet
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Transformers Digest 05-cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 5|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #5]]''' (Marvel US, 1987)
File:Titan-NewOrderSC.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: New Order]]'' paperback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-NewOrderHC.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: New Order]]'' hardback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:TFClassicsVol1.JPG|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2011)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v2.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Vol. 2: New Order''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2018)
File:HXClassicsVol3.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers Classics#Japanese reprints|The Transformers Classics]], Vol. 3''''' ([[Mediaboy Mook]], 2019)
</gallery>

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
[[File:DISintegratedCircuits-WheeljackIDWreprint.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|wheeljack's got green, right, here's some dang green then, wherevs]]
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]''.
*Cover: Starscream's head is changed from the incorrect white to a cartoon-based grey-black, with cartoon red eyes. His cockpit becomes the correct orange.
*Page 4, panel 4: Cliffjumper's miscolored face is the only error corrected on this page.
*Page 5, panel 5: The colors of Optimus Prime's headless body are corrected.
*Page 6:
**Panels 2-3: Spots of green are added to Wheeljack to emulate his toy/cartoon model.
**Panel 6: Shockwave's shoulders are corrected for this panel alone, but his Decepticon insignia and highlights on his chest-nubbins somehow become orange.
*Page 8, panel 1: Shockwave's right shoulder is corrected, but his left shoulder is not.
*Page 20: Green trim is again added to Wheeljack's chest and legs as well, and his blue shoulders are changed to white (pictured at right).

===Advertisements===
*Young Astronaut Program (inside front cover)
*Newtons Fruit Chewy Cookies - between pages 4 & 5
*Twizzlers - between pages 5 & 6
*''The Heavenly Kid'' (live-action film) - between pages 7 & 8
*[[Nestlé]] Quik - between pages 8 & 9
*Tootsie Roll - between pages 16 & 17
*''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' on videocassette - between pages 17 & 18
*Mile High Comics - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Belletins - between pages 20 & 21
*''The West Coast Avengers'' and ''The Vision and the Scarlet Witch''
*Marvel subscriptions
*''Secret Wars II'' #5, ''The [[Thing]]'' #30, ''Dr. Strange'' #74, and ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #285 (inside back cover)
*Rip-Off's shoes (back cover)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dis-Integrated Circuits!}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Special Armored Trooper Dorvack

2026-02-19T00:54:08Z

Greebtron: /* Mecha */

'''''Special Armored Battalion Dorvack''''' (特装機兵ドルバック ''Tokusō Kihei Dorubakku'', also '''''Powered Armor Dorvack''''') was a mecha franchise spanning [[1983]]–[[1984]], supporting a toyline by [[Takatoku Toys]]. Its media centerpiece was a 36-episode anime produced by [[Ashi Productions]].

As part of their need for more toys in their burgeoning and very successful ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toyline, [[Hasbro]] licensed two of the toyline's three mecha molds—producing the [[Deluxe Vehicle]] assortment that included [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]].

==Story==
In [[1999]], the alien Idelians (イデリア人) in their colony-ship have arrived in [[Earth]] orbit and have staged an invasion. Many forces on Earth attempt to fight the aliens with their "powered armor", but the only unit with success is the Dorvack battalion led by Colonel Yoichi Takagi (高城洋一). Their mecha are able to transform between vehicular and humanoid modes as the situation requires in the battle against the Idelians.

==Mecha==
[[File:BonaparteTulcas.jpg|thumb|Bonaparte Tulcas]]
In ''Dorvack'', the mecha are known as "Variable Machines" (バリアブルマシーン, "VM" for short), vehicles converted to be able to transform into a humanoid robot mode.
*VV-54AR Mugen Caliber<ref>This is usually spelled as "Mugen Calibur", but the likely intention is the English word "caliber". ''Mugen'' (無限) means "infinite".</ref> (ムゲンキャリバー), off-road vehicle piloted by Japanese Masato Mugen (無限真人 ''Mugen Masato'')
**Was used for [[Roadbuster (G1)#The Transformers|Roadbuster]]
*VH-64MR Oberon Gazzette (オベロンガゼット), helicopter piloted by American Louie Oberon (ルイ・オベロン)
**Was used for [[Whirl (G1)#The Transformers|Whirl]]
*VT-61LC Bonaparte Tulcas (ボナパルトタルカス), tank piloted by French Pierre Bonaparte (ピエール・ボナパルト) and later British Stanley Hilton (スタンレー・ヒルトン)
**Considered for ''Transformers'' but ultimately unused, likely due to its barely humanoid robot mode, later inspired [[Headcannon]]

==''Dorvack'' in ''Transformers''==
In 1984, Takatoku collapsed as a company, halting any further plans for another franchise, ''[[Armored Insect Corps Beetras|Beetras]]''. Their assets would soon be bought out by [[Bandai]], who then subsequently loaned the ''Dorvack'' molds to [[Hasbro]], who was desperately needing molds to fill out the [[1985]] product line of the unexpectedly popular ''Transformers''. Two molds were selected out of the set and were given new color schemes as the "[[Deluxe Vehicle]]s". As Bandai at the time was only concerned about business in Japan, Hasbro was free to sell the molds as ''Transformers'' figures in non-Japan markets, but couldn't use the Deluxe Insecticons in [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the accompanying cartoon]], as to not step on the toes of Bandai with the cartoon also airing in Japan. They were also not included in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|the contemporary comic]] in the United States but made prominent appearances as [[Wreckers]] in the UK version of the comic.

In later times, the Deluxe Vehicles have made more appearances, eventually even getting modern toys in the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toyline. References to ''Dorvack'' itself in ''Transformers'' are scant.

==Fiction==
===Legends World===
After being transformed by the [[Legends World]]'s [[spirit energy]] into [[Tankor (BM)|a cool robot]], [[Rhinox (BW)#Legends World|Rhinox]] intensified his obsession with the '80s by adopting a "'80s real robot anime-style" transformation. {{Storylink|LG03 Tankor}} After his initial plan to use the [['80s-ization beam]] failed, he used his [[Bonapar Island]] facilities to build [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] based on an '80s anime that he could never get the name out without being interrupted. In accordance, Roadbuster would usually end his sentences with "vack" and Whirl did the same with "dor".

When Tankor rampaged in [[Tokyo]] with his creations, [[Waspinator (BW)#Legends World|Waspinator]] identified the two robots as [[Wreckers]] from the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|British ''Transformers'' comic]], which infuriated the '80s anime-obsessed Tankor. When Whirl met [[Whirl's friend|a human]] and decided to oppose his creator, he changed his vocal tic to "whi". {{storylink|LG04 Roadbuster}} Roadbuster would follow by changing to "buster". {{storylink|LG05 Whirl}}

==External links==
*''{{w|Special Armored Battalion Dorvack}}'' at Wikipedia

[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Pre-Transformer franchises]]

Jeffrey Scott (writer)

2026-02-18T18:03:02Z

Greebtron: Updating with info from the CBS pitch documents

{{disambig3|Jeff}}
'''Jeffrey Scott''' ([[May 7]], [[1952]]–) is an American writer. His extensive resume of writing credits goes back to the 1970s, and includes a mix of television scripts, movie scripts, and series pitches. Shows that he's done work on include the ''Super Friends'' franchise, ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'', ''[[Wizards of the Coast|Dungeons & Dragons]]'', ''Muppet Babies'', and ''James Bond Jr.''

Across February and March 1984, in response to the [[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]] toyline's hugely successful debut at New York Toy Fair, Scott was hurriedly commissioned by [[Marvel Productions]] to write a [[production bible|development bible]] and the script for a pilot episode entitled "A Robot's Best Friend Is His Dog" as part of a larger effort to [[The Transformers (CBS pitch)|sell the series to network television]], following the [[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|three-part pilot mini-series]] already being produced for syndication; <ref>[http://www.jeffreyscott.tv/FullCredits.htm#Transformers Detailed entry for his Transformers writing credits, as listed on his official website]</ref>. Scott's second draft bible included original female Transformers characters 'Fire-Cycle' and 'Whirlpool' (by network request), and a trio of human allies: trucker Matt Conroy, driver of [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/Generation_1_cartoon_continuity|Optimus Prime]], along with his dog Burt. As well as teenager Wendy Fairchild, owner of clutzy VW Beetle 'Muffler', and her younger brother Eddie Fairchild.

Instead, the decision was made to continue the series in syndication. [[Bryce Malek]] and [[Dick Robbins]] were hired as story editors and wrote a new production bible. They reviewed Scott's work, looking to salvage usuable ideas. By late April 1984, they had chosen to drop the female Transformers (given that they were not part of the toyline), as well as Wendy Fairchild. Later —after some deliberation— they also rejected Matt and Eddie in favor of continuing with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and adding the character [[Chip Chase]]. However, the names Eddie Fairchild and Matt Conroy were eventually recycled for [[Eddie Fairchild and Matt Conroy|a pair of characters]] from ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers: Animated]]''.

In an interview on [[Rhino Entertainment]]'s release of the third season of the cartoon, writer [[David Wise]] recalled Scott's involvement with the early development of the cartoon, as related to him by Malek. The description of Optimus Prime as "an Abraham Lincoln" was attributed to Scott, as a result of him transcribing [[Bob Budiansky]]'s character profiles for the development bible, with only minor edits.

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.jeffreyscott.tv/ Official website]
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0561026/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 IMDB entry]
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=105268 Anime News Network entry]
*[http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#149 Archived correspondence referring to Eddie character]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Scott, Jeffrey}}
[[Category:Writers]]

Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!

2026-02-05T00:11:01Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Unite Warriors Offshot]]'' #7
|prev=Special Training in the Lava Baths of Planet Thrull!
|next=Surprise Father's Day Party!!
|image=Unite Warriors Offshot 7.jpg
|title="Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!"
|japanese=闇バザーでショッピング!
|romaji=Yami Bazaar de Shopping!
|packaged with=[[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|UW-07 Bruticus]]
|manga=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|date=[[June 25]], [[2016]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|chronology=[[2021]]
}}

'''The Combaticons network with old "friends".'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] host an arms trading market at [[Combaticons' headquarters|their base]], with many unscrupulous humans showing up to do business. While [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] assess the goods for sale, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] busies himself with selling his own home-made missiles as well as items belonging to [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], much to the latter's annoyance. Three scientists, [[Elise Presser]], [[Martin and Roland|Martin, and Roland]], claim they have come to sell their newest creation, [[B.O.T. II]], but [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] suspects they're actually trying to sneak a mole into the Combaticons' operations.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c2=
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (5)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (6)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (7)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (8)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Elise Presser]] (2)
*[[Martin and Roland|Roland]] (3)
*[[Martin and Roland|Martin]] (4)
*[[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]] (10)
*[[Chumley]] (11)
*[[Dinsmore]] (12)
*[[El Presidente]] (13)

|c4=
*[[B.O.T. II]] (1)
}}

==Notes==
*In addition to the presence of a new [[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]] and its creators, this chapter references "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]" by having Swindle selling Brawl's parts.
*The launch platform Ali & Blast Off are standing on is recolored from [[Rocket Base]].
*Based on information regarding their ages in the script for [[Prime_Target_(G1)|Prime Target]], Dinsmore is 137 years old in this story, while Lord Chumley is somewhere close to 100 years old himself (He was stated to be in his early twenties while fighting in World War II).

[[Category:Unite Warriors Offshot]]

S.O.S. Dinobots

2026-02-04T03:03:43Z

Greebtron: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the mobile game event|S.O.S. Dinobots (Legends)}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=8
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=7
|prev2=Divide and Conquer
|next2=War of the Dinobots
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=4
|prev3=More than Meets the Eye, Part 3
|next3=Heavy Metal War
|image=SOSDinobots fossilcavern.jpg
|caption=Wheeljack? Consult the Book of Armaments.
|title="S.O.S. Dinobots"
|season=1
|season ep=8
|production code=#700-05
|airdate=[[October 27]], 1984
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Nakamura Production]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xOg3uBAL6s
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Autobots create the Dinobots, but can barely control these new powerful warriors.'''

==Synopsis==
As the [[Autobot]]s discuss whether or not the [[Decepticon]]s are behind the tremors they've been experiencing recently, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] notices the tremors are stronger near one of the rock walls of the Autobot base. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]'s sensors detect something odd behind the wall, so the Autobots break through, finding a cavern. Spike explains to the surprised Autobots that the bones scattered around the cave are [[dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaur]] fossils, which pique the curiosity of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]].

Elsewhere, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] stake out the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power facility, and return to the Decepticon base once they have enough information.

Spike takes [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] on a tour of a natural history museum to further illustrate his paleontological crash-course. Hound snaps a few holograms of dinosaur bone displays, which he played back for the other Autobots. Wheeljack and [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] are inspired, believing that they could construct robot versions to use against the Decepticons, and Optimus gives them permission. A laborious construction ensues, based on designs drawn up on [[Teletraan I]], with all of the Autobots taking part.

[[File:SOSDinobots Grimlockwrecks Teletraan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|When the [[television|TV]] no work, Me know how to fix it!]]
Meanwhile [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] announces that the Great Falls constitute a perpetual power source that will let them take over the [[Universe (universe)|universe]] forever. On his order, the Decepticon forces fly out to take the dam.

Wheeljack unveils the three new additions to their ranks: the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]. Impressed by the giant Dinobots and their ability to transform into dinosaurs, Optimus asks for a demonstration of their other abilities, and Wheeljack has them disintegrate the rubble from the earlier excavation. As Wheeljack explains that he's looking to upgrade the Dinobots' limited intelligence, the trio suddenly start attacking the Autobots. Grimlock heads for the control room, pursued by [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and Spike, but the pair are unable to prevent the Dinobot from trashing Teletraan I. Bumblebee does manage to lure Grimlock away from the room so Ratchet can start the long repair job. As the fight continues, Optimus orders the Dinobots destroyed, but Wheeljack manages to disable them with his [[magnetic inducer]]. Despite Wheeljack's pleas, Optimus orders them decommissioned, and the three Dinobots are sealed in the rock cavern, never to be activated again.

[[File:SOSDinobots Ravage window.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Holy Hell!]]
The Decepticons arrive at the Great Falls, and the humans try to reach the Autobots via Teletraan I. Their distress signal goes unheard, as Teletraan I is currently offline thanks to the Dinobot rampage. [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] trashes the humans' communication equipment, and the facility falls under Decepticon control.

With Teletraan I out of commission, it's up to individual Autobot scouts like Hound to be on the lookout for Decepticon activity. Hound's sensors detect the ransacking of the Great Falls plant, and he alerts Optimus. Optimus leaves with a strike force, ordering Bumblebee to stay behind to guard the base.

The Decepticons are gathering energy from the dam as [[energon cube]]s, and Megatron assures [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] that he has a plan for when the Autobots arrive. When the Autobots do arrive on a cliff overlooking the falls, they're unable to detect any Decepticons, but the foe soon pops out of their hiding places and attack. As his warriors keep the Autobots occupied, Megatron connects his [[fusion cannon]] directly into the Great Falls' power output. He blasts the cliff-face where the Autobots stand while [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] bashes at the ground, causing the cliff to crumble and sending the Autobots falling into the raging waters below.

Disobeying orders, Bumblebee arrives at the Great Falls and picks up Spike, as Megatron orders the Autobots retrieved and prepared for destruction. Bumblebee and Spike return to the Ark, informing Wheeljack and Ratchet of the Autobots' failure at the Great Falls. Wheeljack decides to reactivate the Dinobots. He has secretly developed a series of memory components that would upgrade the Dinobots' brains. Despite Bumblebee's protests that it goes against Optimus's orders, they install the new components, and the Dinobots awaken. Still relatively simple-minded, they are now much more intelligent than the mindless monsters that first appeared. Sludge, Slag and Grimlock agree to follow Wheeljack's orders, and blast their way out of the side of the volcano.

[[File:SOSDinobots Megatron falls.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I've warned you about that, mighty Megatron.]]
The Decepticons have the Autobots trussed up with [[energon chains]]. Just as the Decepticons are about to execute the captives, the Dinobots arrive with Wheeljack. Wheeljack takes out Megatron with a [[gyro-inhibitor shell]], resulting in Starscream declaring himself leader on the grounds that Megatron has literally just fallen. The Decepticons take to the air, but even with air superiority, they find themselves being tossed around and battered by the Dinobots. As Megatron transforms and latches onto Starscream's jet mode, Wheeljack spots his fellow Autobots' weapons, and uses them to free his friends. The Dinobots blast Megatron, who finds himself faced with both the Dinobots and the freed Autobots. He quickly calls a retreat, and the Decepticons turn tail. Wheeljack and Bumblebee brace themselves for reprimands for disobeying Prime's direct orders, but Prime concedes he was wrong. He accepts the Dinobots as the newest members of the Autobot forces. The Autobots cheer the decision, and the Dinobots growl their approval.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (11)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (22)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (25)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (27)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (28)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (29)
}}
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (9)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (15)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (16)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (18)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (30)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (31)
|c3=
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well I'll be a Cybertronic [[bolt-bat]]!"
:—'''Sideswipe'''

[[File:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Heck, robot satanic hellspawn nuclear explosive suicide troops might be useful too. Whip us up some of those while you're at it."]]
"Robot dinosaurs might be useful. You have my authorization."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives the okay to make the Dinobots, because sure, why not?

"Maybe Hound's got [[Glitch-mouse|glitch-mice]] in his databanks again!"
:—'''Bluestreak''', mocking Hound's radar accuracy, to the amusement of no one

"Nice shootin', if you were aimin' for the sky!"
:—'''Rumble''' goading Bluestreak

[[File:SOSDinobots-Sludge Insignia.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rubsigns save lives!]]
"Which ones... friends?" 
"Ones with... face like this... uh, I think." 
"That... good enough for Slag."
:—'''Slag''' and '''Sludge''' determine friend from foe by using faction symbols.

"If on Decepticon turf you happen to tumble, look out robot, 'cause here comes Rumble!"
:—'''Rumble'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s clever combat banter

"Heat seeking missiles seek heat!"
:—'''Skywarp'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s slightly less clever combat banter

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 29th June 1984
* Grimlock, Sludge and Slag initial models completed: 3rd July 1984 (Approved on July 11th)
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 7th July 1984
* First draft storyboards completed: 25th July 1984 (Artists: [[David Russell]], [[Doug Lefler]], [[Gerald Moeller]], [[Lindsay Dawson]], [[Bob Smith]], [[Brian Ray]]).
* Returned to the US for telecine: 17th October 1984

===Continuity notes===
*The natural history museum that Spike and Hound visit might be assumed to be in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], later shown in "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]" to be located near Autobot Headquarters.
*After being almost totally ignored (or completely absent) for the first seven episodes, Windcharger finally gets his first speaking line.
*Wheeljack is shown working on the memory upgrades for the Dinobots before they're even built!
*Flying Autobots:
**Gears takes to the air to attack the Decepticons at the power plant, and Wheeljack flies alongside the Dinobots. These abilities are never explained within the cartoon itself. However, according to the [[Tech Spec]]s, these two (along with Sideswipe) are the original Autobots who are SUPPOSED to be flight-capable; Gears is equipped with compressed air boosters and Wheeljack has solid-fuel rockets in his arms. Gears would never be shown to use his flight capabilities again; Wheeljack, however, will fly again in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]" and actually use his arm-rockets in "[[The Core]]" and "[[The Autobot Run]]".
**The Dinobots are also shown to be able to fly in robot mode under their own power; they will consistently retain this ability all the way through Season 2 and the Movie.
*"We do... as told... for now." Grimlock's first lines already foretell the trouble that the Autobots will have keeping the Dinobots in line.
*The Dinobots are shown to be incredibly tough and resistant to damage. Nothing the Decepticons do leaves so much as a scratch or scorch mark, not even shots from gun mode Megatron. This too is consistent through Season 2 and the Movie.
**Slag's neck frill can reflect Optimus Prime's laser rifle blast back at him.
[[File:Sosdinos sonadar sensors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:SOSDinobots Trailbreaker in force field.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:SOSDinobot Hound radios in.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|As noted [[#Rhino_DVD_release|above]], Hound's glowy bits were bright blue in the original broadcast version.]]
*Powers and gadgets:
**Ironhide is equipped with a [[sonodar]] sensor array that extends from his forearm, capable of penetrating solid rock. The findings of the sensor are displayed in the windshield in his chest.
**Sideswipe is equipped with piston arms, that allow him to punch through stone walls. Here, they are simply heavy protrusions that he slams into the rock to break it up, but when they show up again in "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]" they actually operate like pneumatic jackhammers. His pistons are also misinterpreted as a ''hand-held'' jackhammer in "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]".
**Trailbreaker's force field is rendered as a glowing yellow sphere that comes from the space between his upraised hands. (Well, hand, since the other one is a gun.)
**Wheeljack fires a "magnetic inducer" from his shoulder cannon to stop the rampaging Dinobots, and later nails Megatron with a "[[gyro-inhibitor shell]]", launched from the same. Both of these are weapons Wheeljack's tech spec says he has and fires from his shoulder cannons.
**Per the original script, Thundercracker was intended to use his sonic boom powers in robot mode during the Decepticons' attack on the Great Falls by slamming his fists together. As he was attacking the tourists from earlier - whose other scenes were cut - this scene was excised as well.
**Hound uses a cheekguard-mounted communicator to contact Autobot Headquarters, along with a button on his stomach that lights up parts of his helmet while he's transmitting.
**Optimus has a similar cheekguard communicator, along with little antennae which slide out of the larger antennae on his head.
**Thundercracker attempts to torch the Dinobots with a flamethrower, which shows up again in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]". This weapon is probably based on his tech spec's mention of [[incendiary gun]]s.
**Skywarp still packs heat-seeking missiles, per his tech spec bio.
**Starscream drops small bomb-missiles on the Dinobots. These may or may not be from the launchers concealed in his air ducts, which are used in "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]".
[[File:Sosdinos rumble broken piledrivers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Megatron actually refers to his [[fusion cannon]] by that name.
*Laserbeak does not appear but is mentioned in this episode, as Megatron credits him for gathering intelligence at the Great Falls.
*Per his tech spec bio, Sludge proves adept in the water. He also uses his seismic stomp to retaliate against Rumble's earthquake power.
*Rumble getting hit by Sludge's quake while using his piledrivers causes them to break off.
*'''[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's lost his equilibrium! '''[[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*Dinosaurs, obviously. And a natural history museum, and a lame joke about "heavy metal" in reference to Hound.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**[[Death Star]] turbolasers are used as the sound of Bluestreak firing at Rumble.
**[[Luke Skywalker|Luke]] repelling Seeker bolts with his [[lightsaber]] is used as the sound of the Decepticons lifting off under Starscream's command.
**Clashing lightsabers are used as the sound of Slag's horns powering up.
**More lightsabers as the Dinobots fire on Megatron and Starscream.

===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:SOSDinobots-Miscolors.jpg|thumb|center|600px|[[Nelson Yomtov|Yomtov]]-licious!]]
[[File:SOSDinobots bluePrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Don't even think about [[redeco|it]], [[e-HOBBY]]!]]
[[File:SOSDinobots Soundwave shoots Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Coloring errors:
**Wheeljack's ears flash orange in this episode, rather than the usual blue. It's a convention that also appeared in "[[Roll for It]]" (an episode which has a similar art style to this one.)
**Ironhide's cheekguards are gray instead of red as he explains his sonodar sensor.
**The exposition-spouting tourist visiting the Great Falls hydroelectric power plant has hair that turns from red to black from one shot to the next.
**In his introductory shot, Slag's head is miscolored, mostly gray instead of all-red. This is the first of many, many, many times that his head and face will get the wrong colors.
**Another frequent coloring error has Sludge with gray on the sides of his dino head, which should be all-gold. It pops up numerous times in this episode.
**When the Decepticons arrive at the Great Falls plant, Rumble is colored like Brawn.
**As Skywarp and another Decepticon land, a foreground Decepticon Seeker's leg is colored a deep yellow (an error, but as close as [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] ever came to appearing on Earth in a Generation 1 cartoon.)
**As Megatron claims control of the dam and the Decepticons strike silly poses, two background Seekers appear to have Bluestreak's colors.
**As Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe the Autobots, ''every single Autobot is miscolored'', including Sideswipe painted as Sunstreaker, Bluestreak as Trailbreaker, Brawn as Hound, Optimus Prime as Sideswipe, Hound as Ironhide, Trailbreaker as Gears, and Mirage as Bluestreak.
**Rumble's pile driver tips are the same blue-purple as the rest of him when he lands, but are red in a close-up shot a second later.
**Sunstreaker's hands are yellow in the shot of him, Jazz, etc. reacting to Rumble's earthquake.
**As Prime rolls toward the falls, his smokestacks are red.
**"Nice shootin'!" Rumble's eyeband is gray instead of red.
**When Gears flies up to Soundwave, his truck roof (on his back) is red instead of blue.
**Optimus's chest is the same blue as his head as he struggles in the water. As the Autobots move past camera, he morphs into his usual red.
**Ratchet's head crest is white instead of gray as he works on Teletraan-1.
**While the Autobots are trapped in Energon Chains, Optimus is colored entirely blue and Trailbreaker is a light grey rather than black.
**Starscream's entire cockpit cowling is yellow after the transforms, rather than just the canopy.
**Rumble's shin is all-yellow as he and the rest of the Decepticon group take off.
**When Skywarp drops bombs on Grimlock, Grimlock's an overly-dark shade of gray.
**Rumble's colors are reversed as Sludge's crevasse knocks him over.
**After they transform to retreat, all three Seekers have entirely gold nosecones. A pan across the three jets shows Starscream, Thundercracker, and a second Starscream in place of Skywarp.
**Sludge's face is black after he returns to [[robot mode]].
*Brawn's lines don't quite time up with the animation; he says "let's clean up this mess" while in the middle of tossing rocks everywhere; and he says "Hey, there's a cavern in there!" while gaping at a huge opening that must have been revealed much earlier in their dig.
*Wheeljack likewise says "Feels like stone" before he's even picked up one of the dinosaur bones. His ears don't flash for the first part of his line. And the top of his chest is colored windshield blue when it should be metal armor white.
*Jazz clearly isn't with the group that enters the cave; yet he abruptly pops up out of nowhere to say his line.
*Only the front of Wheeljack's ears flash for his "I'd sure like to know more about 'em" line.
*Spike identifies a ''Brontosaurus'' during his tour of the museum's dinosaur exhibit, though there does not appear to be a ''Brontosaurus'' on display. Though, to be fair, it may just be Spike's error, or the ''Brontosaurus'' skeleton might be out of the camera's view. (Also, at the time this episode took place, {{w|Brontosaurus|''Brontosaurus'' was a deprecated genus}}, but that's just picking nits, especially since the genus has now been reinstated.)
*Wheeljack's ears are drawn as mishapen white blobs as he and Prime first call up the image of the dinosaurs on Teletraan 1.
*Wheeljack is missing his wings as he works on the helmet-brain units.
*The Decepticon Headquarters docking tower is rather clumsily animated against the background matte, shaking a bit as it lowers. When the tower lowers, the source of the streaming bubbles lowers with it!
*"I suppose you've devised a brilliant plan..." Starscream's intakes are shown behind his shoulders, rather than on top of them.
*The top of the docking tower is missing as the Decepticons fly out it.
*Wheeljack's line of dialogue, "Autobots, meet Dinobots" is delivered by Ratchet.
*As Wheeljack introduces the Dinobots, the foreground characters slide magically against the background scenery due to an error in animation.
*As the Autobots react with shock upon seeing the Dinobots, all three audible lines in the scene—"Look at the size of those things", "Great Cybertron", and "Holy heterodyne"—are animated as being spoken by Bluestreak. The lines were evidently not scripted as belonging to any specific characters, as they are provided respectively by [[Peter Cullen]] (using neither Prime nor Ironhide's voice), [[Dan Gilvezan]] (sounding like himself) and [[Gregg Berger]] (who shouldn't be voicing ''any'' of the assembled Autobots!).
*Wheeljack is missing his wings as he's introducing the Dinobots.
*As Huffer mocks the Dinobots, he says: "Dinobots, huh? I thought you were supposed to make ''dino''saurs!" The emphasis, of course, should be on the "saurs".
*Optimus Prime's line, "Interesting, but what else can they do?" is delivered by Cliffjumper.
*As he opens his mouth to clear the rubble, Grimlock's dinosaur head has whole bunch of extra joint lines, based on his toy's detail. This detail never appears again.
*Bluestreak gets Optimus Prime's laser rifle sound effect for his shoulder launcher blasts.
*As Slag shoots him, Sideswipe cries out in Bluestreak's voice.
*As Grimlock heads into the control room, he just slides across the frame, rather than being animated with leg motion, etc.
*Grimlock clearly destroys the big main screen with the lolipop next to it. Yet as Bumblebee tries to get away, he passes this same screen, totally intact, while the explosion comes from somewhere else (unless there's ''two'' big screens with lolipops?)
*Ratchet rights a tipped-over Bumblebee in the thick of the Dinobot rampage. After Bumblebee drives away, the section of Ratchet obscured by a foreground Bumblebee is still missing.
*As often happens, Prowl has Sideswipe's voice as he asks "Doesn't anything get to this guy?"
*Prime's missing his grille lines as he declares that the Dinobots must be destroyed.
[[File:SOSDinobots magnetic inducer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*As he fires to deactivate the Dinobots, Wheeljack's missile launcher swings around and clicks into place, pointing forward. Only... it was already pointing forward just a second earlier. In fact, it's never shown pointing in any other direction.
*After standing in front of the cave lamenting the loss of his creations (aw, poor Wheeljack!), Wheeljack moves out of the way as the Autobots open fire to seal the cavern. Yet as the rocks come down, he's back in front of the cave.
*After Optimus signs off from Hound's transmission, his head does a strange little back-and-forth bob. As the view pans out from him, we see Bluestreak, whose headcrest is gray instead of red.
*As the Autobots roll out, they kind of slide sideways across the floor of Autobot Headquarters.
[[File:SOSDinobots Autobots in chains.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|They just left Gears and the others at the bottom of the river.]]
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Wheeljack is shown in the lineup of Autobots leaving HQ; yet a moment later, it's shown that he stayed behind to continue working on stuff.
**Not nearly enough Autobots are shown in the energon chain lineup.
*"Endless energy, Starscream!" Megatron is missing his waist details.
*When Optimus tells the Autobots to fight, his line is clipped off at the end, telling the Autobots to "fight ba-".
*Just before Gears tumbles into him, Bluestreak is standing there waving a fist in the air. It looks like he was supposed to be shooting, but the laser fire wasn't animated.
*Bluestreak is knocked over by Gears, but is standing and firing in the next shot.
*Megatron is shown laughing, but there's no vocalization to go with it.
*Megatron's missing his insignia as he and Starscream look down from the cliff.
*"We shall retrieve their short-circuited carcasses..." Megatron's slow-moving lip-flap doesn't keep pace with his speech. This is because the animation was originally intended for his preceding response to Starscream of "Hardly, but the water has weakened them enough to make them powerless to resist.". This line was dropped and the broadcast line moved up to compensate, when it was originally intended to be voiced over a scene of Bumblebee executing a three-point turn and heading back to Autobot Headquarters.
*"I've been working on a little research project." Once again, only the front of Wheeljack's ears flash.
*As the Autobots struggle against the chains, Megatron suffers another severe lip-flap malfunction. The energon chains to bounce and move like a single solid object; this is apparently supposed to show the Autobots struggling against their bonds, but it doesn't really work very well.
*Yet another vocal malfunction for Megatron after Wheeljack shoots him; he makes a falling-over "Whauurrrrrr!" sound long after he's already fallen over.
*"And whatever punishment you have in mind..." Bumblebee is missing his insignia, has yellow "cheeks" instead of white, and appears to have borrowed [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]'s rectangular chest.
*The closing scene features Optimus announcing that the Dinobots... will stay! And everyone is happy, and everybody cheers! Everybody except the background music, which is a tense, frantic piece normally reserved for cliffhanging crises and catastrophes.

===Continuity errors===
*So, why ''didn't'' Wheeljack just give the Dinobots their cognitive upgrades ''before'' he activated them and showed them off?
*The data gathered by Reflector and Soundwave leads Megatron to conclude with relish that the Great Falls contain enough energy to vanquish the Autobots and control the universe... but that's really nothing new. The Decepticons have targeted hydroelectric power sources before.
*What is it about falling into the river that is so devastating to the Autobots? We've seen that Autobots can deal with being in the water (Hound in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]", various Autobots in "[[The Ultimate Doom]]", [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]], and [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', etc.). It's possible that the fall itself damaged them, but the Autobots are clearly shown struggling around in the water. Then again, Optimus Prime needed Jazz's help to escape the rushing river in "More Than Meets the Eye, Part 2".
*It's possible the editorial pace of the show plays with time and space, but taken at face value, the Autobots build three Dinobots in the span of time it takes the Decepticons to decide to attack the Great Falls.
*So... what caused the tremors? Once the Autobots found the dinosaur bones, they completely lost interest in the mystery that kickstarted the whole thing in the first place.

===Rhino DVD release===
[[File:dvd broadcast.jpg|thumb|Pretty colors are more important than things making sense!]]

*The chapter stops for this episode on the Rhino DVD are: Opening / Old Bones / "Dinobots Must Die" / Fusion Power / Permanent Dysfunction / Dinobots Will Stay.
*Though all G1 episodes released on DVD by Rhino were altered in some way, both with additional sound effects and unintentional changes induced by not using the finalized broadcast masters, this one is particularly screwed up:
**The opening zoom on Autobot HQ is different.
**Ironhide's monitor has less detail in the Rhino version.
**As the Autobots walk around the unnamed museum, they pass a pair of street punks looking at a display. While divided into grey and blue parts in the broadcast version, the display was [[:File:SOSDinobotsPunksDisplay.jpg|rendered entirely blue]] in the Kid Rhino version of the episode, making it look a bit like a computer terminal. This random color change was ''not'' undone in the Shout! Factory version. In the same shot, one of the background extras is missing as well.
**Optimus and Wheeljack are missing from one shot where they are supposed to be looking at the screen.
**The montage of the Dinobots being built is rather poorly edited on the Kid Rhino version.
**The Rhino version uses a faulty take for the shot where the Dinobots demonstrate their power by clearing rubble. In the DVD, the blasts from the Dinobots' mouths are missing, and the rubble does not vanish. The broadcast version, though, has both effects, which were reinstated on the Shout! Factory release. (See illustration).
**"Look at the size of those things!" In the shot where Bluestreak speaks the three lines in three different voices, the Rhino version features an additional error: Huffer's mouth is also moving in unison with Bluestreak's for all three lines.
**The soldiers' guns disappear from the ground when they run away. They are also missing in the later shot when the Decepticons land. Shout! corrected the first instance, but not the second one.
** The laser that Starscream fires in one shot is horribly misaligned in the DVD version.
**Not so much a goof, but the Rhino DVD version of this episode has a rainbow visible at the Great Falls when Megatron lands. This is not in the broadcast version and was removed when Shout Factory corrected the scene.
**In the following shot, the Rhino version has Megatron standing in front of a sky instead of rocks.
**The foreground layer of grass is missing when Spike exits Hound.
**When Hound contacts Autobot Headquarters with a recon report, the glowing lights on his chest and forehead are blue in the broadcast version, but red in the DVD version. This was changed back in the Shout! Factory release.
**The Energon cubes have different glow effects in one shot.
**...When Spike says the line "Is it much farther, Hound" the broadcast version has his mouth move with his speech but the Rhino version has his mouth stop at the word "much" with his mouth hanging open in the rest of the sentence and this error is uncorrected in Shout! Factory's version.
**When the Autobots arrive at the Great Falls and they transform from [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] to [[robot mode]], the shot of Bluestreak is reversed, and he is shown transforming from robot to car. The broadcast version used the correct take, as does the Shout! Factory release.
**The laser effects are not properly colored in some shots.
**When Megatron transforms into a gun to attack the Dinobots, the background matte is misaligned, showing only the sky and not the ground.
**And before the shot mentioned in the previous error, the camera pan from the Dinobots to Megatron is jumpy.

===Trivia===
[[File:SOSDinobots Great Falls.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The rules of Decepticon fashion dictate that no two members of a flying group can use the same arm pose.]]
[[File:Reflector_wrecked.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Reflector's fate - deleted from two episodes]]
*Though the holographic dinosaurs illustrated in the episodes matched some of the concepts of the early ‘80s, their depiction is outdated by today's standards. The dinosaurs in the show are the sluggish, tail-dragging cold-blooded variety not in keeping with more modern theories of warm-blooded, bird-like animals.
**Also when the holographic dinosaurs are shown, a ''Brontosaurus'' is seen living alongside a ''Triceratops'' and a ''Tyrannosaurus''. In reality, ''Brontosaurus'' lived in the Jurassic Period, while ''Triceratops'' and ''Tyrannosaurus'' lived at the end of the Cretaceous Period (to put this into perspective, ''Triceratops'' and ''Tyrannosaurus'' lived closer to the present day than they did to when ''Brontosaurus'' was alive). So basically, they were separated by tens of millions of years, {{w|Fantasia (film)|but apparently}}, {{w|The Flintstones|in a cartoon}}, {{w|The Land Before Time|that doesn't matter}}.
*At one point in the script's development, Megatron was going to proclaim himself "Megatron of Cybertron" when taking over the power plant. This was briefly amended to "Megatron Septimus Five of Cybertron", before being altered to "I, Megatron, declare this facility Decepticon domain!" as the finalized line.
*A scene deleted from the episode storyboards (pictured at right) shows Reflector receiving a brutal beatdown from all three Dinobots. This scene was scripted to be repeated in future episode [[War of the Dinobots]], as the Decepticons watch video footage of their defeat. As the scene was deleted before the episode was animated, its re-use was cut as well.
*This episode shares the slightly stylized artistic style of "[[Roll for It]]". Note the strange poses that the Decepticons strike while flying, Optimus's unusually rounded head, Bumblebee's somewhat flattened head, and the little bits of shading seen on characters's faces in closeup.
*Another deleted scene would have shown a human mother and child at the Great Falls both voiced by [[Mona Marshall]] that was recorded but cut from the final episode.
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]], and the three on the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PSP)|PSP game]], though it is in ''astonishingly'' low quality.
*Prime's characterization is a bit off in this episode; Wheeljack has just created living, sentient beings... and once they show they have free will by attacking the Autobots, he orders them sealed in a cave. Once they wipe the floor with the Decepticons, their brutality is a-okay. Apparently, freedom is the right of all sentient beings that fight on his side.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''S.O.S. Dinobots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*Megatron calls Soundwave "Shock".
:::*When Megatron loses his equilibrium, "equilibrium" was not translated in French and kept this way in the phrase, resulting in the equilibrium being a mechanical piece that was damaged by Wheeljack.

'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Die Dinobots'''" ("The Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 21]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''La nascita dei Dinorobot'''" ("Birth of the Dinobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Rumble and Slag are called "Scarlet" and "Tricec" in this episode, despite their Italian names being "Tartar" and "Tricex".
::*The heavy metal joke is not well rendered.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''S.O.S. Dinobots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*The same filter used for Transformers is applied to Spike in two of his lines ("Or maybe he just can't respond!"/"We've got to try to save him and our friends!").

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dinobot Tanjō!'''" (ダイノボット誕生!, "The Dinobots Are Born!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 17]], [[1985]]
::*The Dinobots' roars are replaced with library tracks of classic movie kaiju roars (mostly an altered version of Baragon's roar from Toho's ''Frankenstein Conquers the World'').
::*'''Cut:''' Following Spike's line, "There goes an Autobot with guts" and Ratchet charging, the close-up of Spike's head and Ratchet repairing Teletraan-1 have been cut. The sequence resumes at Sludge firing his laser eyes.
::*'''Cut:''' After Prime yells "Roll out!" and transforms, the following footage of the Autobots driving out of the Ark behind him, the pan across the base interior and the footage of Wheeljack working on the Dinobot brain upgrades have all been cut.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jǐnjí Hūjiào '''" (紧急呼叫, "Emergency Calls")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''S.O.S. Dinobots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Na pomoshch, Dinoboty!'''" (На помощь, Диноботы!, "Help us, Dinobots!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 30]], [[1995]]

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''S.O.S Dinoboti'''" (С.О.С Диноботи, "S.O.S Dinobot")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:MP27-Ironhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right]]
*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-27 [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ironhide]] ([[TakaraTomy]], 2016)'''
:Included with ''Masterpiece'' Ironhide is a wrist-mounted sonodar dish, as well as a readout image of dinosaur bones that can be slipped behind his windshield based on the tools he uses in this episode.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 3: "S.O.S. Dinobots" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1997 — ''The Transformers'' — War of the Dinobots ([[Malofilm]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: The Complete Original Series'' ([[Maverick]])<ref>https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00006JY0B/</ref> 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Three (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2011 — ''Transformers'' — L'Attaque des Autobots ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Roar of the Dinobots (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200323170910/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-05.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=16Dyce43nsYGdqAZshU7s5QszJ8IeT6JG Episode script as revised by Ron Friedman 7th July 1984]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zMFISMcqEwq0hxHW5S5wr9SANrqUefu5/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]
*[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/the-transformers-mp-700-05-sos-dinobots.html Gallery of first draft storyboards]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sos Dinobots}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Power Play!

2026-02-01T16:40:59Z

Greebtron: /* Artwork and technical errors */

{{disambig2|The issue of the Generation 1 Marvel comic|the campaign of the ''[[Transformers: Earth Wars|Earth Wars]]'' mobile game|Power Play (Earth Wars)}}

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #2
|prev=The Transformers (issue)
|next=Prisoner of War!
|title="Power Play!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #3–4
|prev2=The Transformers (issue)
|next2=Prisoner of War!
|image=MarvelUS-02.jpg
|caption=Nuclear weapons are the right of all sentient beings, Prime!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[July 10]], [[1984]]
|onsaledate=[[July 31]], 1984
|coverdate=November 1984
|plot=[[Bill Mantlo]]
|script=[[Jim Salicrup]]
|pencils=[[Frank Springer]]
|inks=[[Kim DeMulder]]
|colors=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|lettering=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''The Decepticons attack a nuclear power plant in an attempt to secure fuel. Meanwhile, Bumblebee makes contact with some humans.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:PowerPlay skywarp actionatlast.jpg|thumb|left]]
Seeking new sources of energy, the [[Decepticon]]s discover a half-completed [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant|nuclear power plant]]. [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] is sent in to scout and stumbles upon [[Jason Boyd|an engineer]] making a progress report on the station's construction. The spy transforms into a [[Mini-Cassette|mini-cassette]] and sneaks his way into the engineer's tape recorder, gathering information on the power plant's energy potential. Hours later, Ravage returns to his comrades and reports on the power plant and its [[human]] inhabitants. [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] deduces that mankind's technology has the power to supply the Decepticons with limitless energy and orders his troops to attack the plant. After the Decepticons ransack the power plant with their unique abilities and weaponry, Megatron orders them to strip the plant of its technological components, stealing them for their own purposes.

Meanwhile at [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service|the Witwicky garage]], [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] pleads with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|his dad]] to fix [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|the "wounded" VW Beetle]] he's brought home. Sparkplug believes it to be a practical joke, but his son insists to his father that its all true, telling the story of how he and his friends escaped an attack by giant robots and jet fighters. Sparkplug eventually concedes, if only to get a good night's sleep afterwards. Hours later, Sparkplug's repairs have seemingly worked as the car suddenly changes shape into a robot, which introduces itself as Bumblebee. Bumblebee thanks Sparkplug for his help and tells him of the other [[Autobot|Autobots]] and their plight to find resources. Sparkplug offers his help and Bumblebee obliges, transforming to return to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and inform his comrades about Sparkplug's offer and brings Buster along for the ride. On the way, Bumblebee tells Buster about the [[Great War (G1)|war]] and their initial mission that brought them to Earth before they eventually run into [["O"]] and [[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]], Buster's friends. Watching from afar, Ravage recognizes the humans from the battle at the drive-in and transforms, planting himself in "O"'s boom-box and listening in as "O" and Jesse tell Buster and Bumblebee about the Decepticons' attack on the power plant. Realizing the dangerous potential of the Decepticons harnessing nuclear energy, Buster and Bumblebee high-tail it back to the garage to refuel.

Aboard the Ark at [[Mount St. Hilary]], the Autobots' computer reveals that fuel supplies have reached dangerous levels, mostly due to repairs done to the computer itself. The Autobots quarrel over what to do, with [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] suggesting they simply take the resources they need while [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] argues the humans have a right to their own resources. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] interrupts and declares they will seek to ally with the humans and barter for the fuel they need, using technology from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as bargaining chips. Suddenly, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] receives an emergency radio broadcast from Bumblebee, who has constructed a crude communicator out of spare parts at Sparkplug's garage. Bumblebee informs Optimus of both the Decepticons' plans to harness nuclear energy and of Sparkplug's offer to help their situation and the Autobot leader orders a squadron of troops to [[roll out]] to the garage.

At the half-constructed Decepticon base, Ravage informs Megatron of the Autobots' alliance with Sparkplug, with the latter demanding that they capture Sparkplug and have him convert fuel to energy for them alone. As the Autobots arrive at the garage and meet the Witwickys, the Decepticons suddenly ambush them, turning Sparkplug's scrapyard into an all-out war zone. The battle sprawls out into the neighboring streets, with bystanders calling police who begin firing at both Decepticon and Autobot. Meanwhile, in a safe area in the junkyard, Bumblebee guards Sparkplug and Buster...unaware that Megatron has snuck upon him from behind! With one swift chop, he takes out Bumblebee and grabs Sparkplug. Hearing Buster's cries for help, Optimus leaps over to battle Megatron, who drops Sparkplug in the ensuing fight. Buster tries in vain to help his father, who is suddenly nabbed by [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], taking the human hostage inside his jet mode and rocketing away with his Decepticon teammates following suit.

With the battle over and Sparkplug captured, Buster begs the Autobots to do anything they can to help his father. Optimus agrees...but without sufficient energy, the Autobots have no hope of succeeding and they fall to their knees.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]]'' (11)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] (22)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (28)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (31)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] (3)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (4)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] (6)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (7)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]] (8)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (9)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (13)
|c3=
*[[Jason Boyd]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (14)
*[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Jesse (G1)|Jessie]] (17)
*[["O"]] (18)
*[[Doris Roland]] (29)
*[[Mitchell Roland]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
''The humans employ far better design standards on their machines than on themselves! What a backward world!''
: — '''Skywarp'''

"Is he healed?" 
"Blast it, son! I'm a mechanic, not a doctor! All I did was fix a broken fuel line and tune up some parts! It wasn't easy! I've never seen a car quite like it, and I've—" 
''KLIK'' 
"Huh?" 
''KLIK'' 
"What the—? ...Oh, no! It's falling apart!"
:'''Buster''' and '''Sparkplug''' meet Bumblebee
{{-}}

"Who are you? Where do you come from? What do you want? And how'd you wind up in my garage?" 
"I am code-named '''Bumblebee''', I'm from the planet '''Cybertron''', I'm in desperate need of fuel, and your son drove me here! Do all small, pink things ask so many questions?"
: — '''Sparkplug''' and '''Bumblebee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*While introducing himself to the Witwickys, "Bumblebee" says that his name is a "[[Transformer naming|code-name]]." The idea that the names we know the Transformers by are not their "real" names is something that would very occasionally be revisited in future Transformers media, but in Marvel continuity specifically, it will be reiterated just a few issues from now in the UK story "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]."
*"O" and Jessie catch a song by Marvel superhero-slash-singing-sensation [[Dazzler]] on the radio. This is the first in a series of references to mainstream Marvel continuity that the mini-series would make, which were quietly ignored once the series became an ongoing as the Transformers universe was retconned into being its own thing, separate from the Marvel universe.

===Real-life references===
*Sparkplug states that he's "a mechanic, not a doctor", an homage to ''[[Star Trek]]'''s [[Leonard McCoy|Doctor McCoy]].
*"O" notes that the television show ''[[That's Incredible!]]'' has been cancelled. The show had indeed ended its original run in 1984.

===Continuity and plotting errors===
*Jesse is spelled "Jessie" in this issue.
*Megatron orders all five of his fliers into the air, while standing around and watching them go. So how does he get to the subsequent battle himself?

===Artwork and technical errors===
[[File:LamboTwinsSwitch.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Sideswipe and Sunstreaker began sharing their body molds sooner than most believe.]]
Continuing on from the precedent established last issue, [[Marvel Productions]]' [[character model]]s for a lot of the cast still had not been created, approved and made available to Marvel Comics for the majority of this issue's production. Many characters are drawn using designs based directly on their toys, that tried to match the general aesthetic of the few character models that did exist. The toy interpretations get even looser this issue, as characters like Bumblebee and Windcharger have very rough, inconsistent head designs. At the other extreme, throughout the issue, Sunstreaker is drawn using Sideswipe's character model, with his own head and color scheme. The remaining models only became available in time for use on the cover, the removal of wheels from the back of Optimus Prime's legs (in line with his final model) and the one small panel of Rumble's robot mode on Page 6.
*Page 1: Starscream's right wing has a yellow decal while his left has a red one.
*Page 3: The flashback to last issue preserves a coloring error from that story, as Soundwave is colored like Megatron.
*Page 5: The portion of Harrison Nuclear Plant which Laserbeak attacks looks a lot like a steel mill, but not at all like a nuke plant.
*Page 6:
**Panel 5: Starscream and Thundercracker are missing their wings as they transform in panel 5. This art is loosely copied later in the issue on page 18, and the error repeats there.
**Panel 6: Starscream is still missing his wings as he starts tearing the plant to pieces, and instead of his null rays, his jet mode missile-tanks are mounted on his arms.
*Page 13:
**Panel 1: Optimus Prime appears to have goggles instead of standard optics.
**Panel 2: Jazz is colored like Hound.
*Page 14: As the Autobots transform in a three-panel sequence, Prowl and Sunstreaker switch places in the middle panel.
*Page 15: Ratchet is shown pulling up to Sparkplug's garage despite being left behind at the Ark.
*Page 16: In panel 7, Thundercracker and Skywarp's cockpit cowlings are colored entirely orange.
*Page 17, panels 5 and 7: Sideswipe and Sunstreaker's alternate modes are switched, thus representing Bob Budiansky's original plans for the two before Hasbro decided to switch the sculpts very late in the game. As you can see in the image at right, Sunstreaker's dialogue emanates from Sideswipe's vehicle mode, ''colored'' like Sunstreaker. Once transformed, the brothers are the correct colors, but are both drawn with Sideswipe's body. As a result, the Sunstreaker toy's exposed supercharger becomes the "[[jet pack|rocket backpack]]" mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]], as per Budiansky's original intent (more on this [[Sideswipe (G1)#Notes|here]]). And they're not even switched ''right''; yellow-Sideswipe's roof is blue, while is hood is red. For the reprint published in [[Titan Books|Titan]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|Transformers: Beginnings]]'' trade paperback collection, both of them had many of the uncolored white sections on their vehicle modes highlighted in yellow, including the headlights and the side windows. For "Sideswipe", this was carried over to the reprint published in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|Transformers Classics Vol. 1]]'' trade paperback collection.
*Page 21: The lower half of Prime's right leg is missing as he throws the engine block at Megatron.
*Page 22: In panel 8, Jazz is colored like Hound again.
{{-}}

===UK printing===
'''Issue #3:'''
*'''Published:''' [[October 18|18th October]], 1984
*'''[[Back-up strips]]:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Byte of the Binary Bug!|"Byte of the Binary Bug!"}} part 3)
*'''[[Fact File]]:''' [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
*'''Free gift:''' Transformers Iron-On transfer
*'''Other features:''' Mail-in contest to win a [[Mini Vehicle]] toy; two single-page posters of animation stills from early [[commercial/Generation 1|commercials]]; "Robot Round-Up"
'''Issue #4:'''
*'''Published:''' [[November 1|1st November]], 1984
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Where Walk the Gods!|"Where Walk the Gods!"}} part 1)
*'''Fact File:''' [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
*'''Other features:''' "Make Mandala Yours," a contest to win the "Mandala" board game; "Robot Round-Up"; two single-page posters of animation stills from early [[commercial/Generation 1|commercials]]; mail-in contest to win the ''A-Team'' soundtrack album

===Other trivia===
*Advertised as part 2 in a [[The Transformers Four-Issue Limited Series|four-issue limited series]].
*Both the "next issue" box of the previous issue, and the September 1984 issue of ''The Comic Reader'' (#219) solicited this issue's story title as being "Hey Buddy, Can Ya Spare Some Fuel?"—something that evidently changed when Jim Salicrup took over as scripter from Ralph Macchio.
*Megatron appears in the cover corner box for both this issue and issue [[The Last Stand|#4]], the only times in the U.S. run that a Decepticon was featured (although issue [[End of the Road! (US)|#80]] featured a Decepticon [[Insignia|sigil]]). 'Cons would get a little more love from the UK corner boxes.
*During the entire battle at the Witwicky's house, Optimus Prime's trailer sits parked, frequently in view. This is in stark contrast to the more fantastical cartoon, where it would just roll off-screen and vanish.

===Courtesy of my...===
*Starscream launches [[cluster bomb]]s.
*Skywarp rakes the buildings with [[machine gun]] fire.
*Laserbeak fires his [[laser cannon]]s.
*Sunstreaker readies his [[electron pulse gun]].
*Sideswipe blinds Thundercracker with a [[flare gun]].
*Optimus shoots Laserbeak with a [[laser rifle]].
*Ravage surprises Mirage before he can use his [[Electro-disrupter|electro-disruptor]].

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #2:''' Megatron blasts Prime, by [[Michael Golden]].
*'''UK issue #3:''' Bumblebee with the Witwickys, by [[Jerry Paris]].
*'''UK issue #4:''' reuse of art from US issue #2's cover by [[Michael Golden]].
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-02.jpg|'''US issue #2''' - Megatron is angry that Prime stole his nose.
File:MarvelUK-003.jpg|'''UK issue #3''' - [[Furmanism]] inspiration?
File:MarvelUK-004.jpg|'''UK issue #4''' - Megatron is still angry!
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Tfcolcom01.jpg|'''''[[Transformers Collected Comics|Collected Comics]]'' (UK) #1''' (Marvel UK, 1985)
File:TFUSCollectedComics1StoryBegins.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Collected Comics 1 - The Story Begins...|''Collected Comics'' (US) #1: The Story Begins...]]''' (Marvel US, 1985)
File:FederalSuperSpecial.jpg|'''''The Transformers: A Federal Super Special''''' (Federal Publishing Company, 1985)
File:Complete works 1 cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: The Complete Works Part 1|''The Complete Works'' Part 1]]''' (Marvel UK, 1986)
File:Die tf 01.jpg|'''[[Die Transformer issue 1|''Die Transformer'' #1]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986; reprints pages 1–7)
File:Dtf2.JPG|'''[[Die Transformer issue 2|''Die Transformer'' #2]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986; reprints pages 8–23)
File:Transformers Digest 01-cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 1|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #1]]''' (Marvel US, 1986)
File:Titan-BeginningsSC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] paperback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-BeginningsHC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] hardback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Classic Transformers Vol1.jpg|'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 1|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2008)
File:TFClassicsVol1.JPG|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2011)
File:ClassicComicCollection1.jpg|'''''Transformers: Classic Comic Collection, Vol. 1''''' (Chrirpy Bird, 2015)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v1.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Vol. 1: Power Play''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
File:HXClassicsVol1.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers Classics#Japanese reprints|The Transformers: Classics]], Vol. 1''''' ([[Hero-X]], 2018)
</gallery>

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]''.
*Soundwave is colored blue throughout this issue, erasing his standard purple Marvel color scheme. Unlike in the previous issue, this does ''not'' extend to correcting the error that colors him like Megatron on page 3.
*Page 1: Starscream's yellow right wing is recolored red to match his left one
*Page 6:
**Panel 5: Skywarp's weapons and portions of his legs are colored red for some reason.
**Panel 6: Seemingly operating under the misconception that he is Soundwave, Starscream's boots have been recolored blue.
*Page 13:
**Panel 1: The yellow decals on Optimus's pelvis, uncolored in the original art (as they so often are) are filled in yellow. This is also done on page 19, panel 1, but not in other instances of their absence.
**Panel 2: Jazz's colors are corrected.
*Page 14, panel 1: For this panel alone, Hound's legs are recolored from their standard Marvel solid blue to green with white thighs.
*Page 17, panel 5: Yellow-Sideswipe's roof and hood color are corrected to match the rest of his body, but the vehicles remain the incorrect colors overall.
*Page 18, panel 3 and page 22, panel 4: For these two panels alone, Starscream's jet mode is recolored into its finalized mostly-white color scheme.
*Page 23:
**Panel 4: Careless text recreation turns the sentence "--they are gone!" into the nonsense "--they are go'''m'''e!"
**Panel 6: Jazz's colors are "corrected," but to blue-black, rather than the straight blue the comic normally uses for him.

===Advertisements===
*Inside cover: ''Mario Bros.'' for Atari
*Goofy Fig Newton maze - between pages 4 & 5
*''Dazzler the Movie'' (Marvel Graphic Novel #12) - between pages 5 & 6
*New York Comic Book Convention/Various comic shops - between pages 7 & 8
*Block of questionable mail-ins (Camouflage clothing, karate, "build huge muscles," etc.) - between pages 8 & 9
*Military Diamond Sales - between pages 16 & 17
*Stuntmen's Association T-shirt/Comic World - between pages 17 & 18
*Marvel Super Mart - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Bulletins - between pages 20 & 21
*Subscriber's Club
*Inside rear cover: TSR Endless Quest books (inner back cover)
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' arcade game for home consoles (back cover)

====Second printing====
*Monogram ''[[GoBots]]'' motorized model kits (inside front cover)
*Fig Newtons and Apple Newtons (pg 5)
*Star Comics (pg 7)
*Mile High Comics (pg 10)
*Mile High Comics (pg 12)
*''Power Pack'' and ''The Amazing [[Spider-Man]]'' with tips on ways to prevent sexual abuse (pg 21)
*Calendar of upcoming events & Marvel Mart (pg 23)
*Block of various Sketchy Things (pg 26)
*Bullpen Bulletins (pg 28)
*Comic subscriptions (pg 32)
*''Indiana Jones'' RPG by TSR (rear inside cover)
*''Risk'' board game (rear cover)

[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

The Last Stand

2026-01-31T21:04:24Z

Greebtron: /* Production notes */ Character model timeline

{{disambig3|Last Stand}}
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #4
|prev=Prisoner of War!
|next=The New Order
|title="The Last Stand"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #7–8
|prev2=Prisoner of War!
|next2=Man of Iron (issue)
|image=MarvelUS-04.jpg
|caption=Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's... oh. It actually ''is'' a [[Seeker (body-type)|plane]].
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[November 13]], [[1984]]
|onsaledate=[[December 4]], 1984
|coverdate=March [[1985]]
|writer=[[Jim Salicrup]]
|pencils=[[Frank Springer]]
|inks=[[Ian Akin]], [[Brian Garvey]]
|colors=[[Nelson Yomtov]]
|letters=[[John Workman]]
|editor=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''The Autobots make a desperate gamble to defeat the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:LastStand-heartattack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|left|The last issue had [[Spider-Man]], so Sparkplug wants to be the [[Human Torch]].]]
Some of the [[Autobot]]s accuse [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] of betraying them by giving the [[Decepticon]]s the fuel conversion they needed. Panicked, Sparkplug and [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|his son]] attempt to escape, but when [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] blocks their path with a wall of flame, Sparkplug suffers a heart attack. He is rushed to [[Greater Portland Medical Center|the hospital]] by [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] and Buster.

[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] tells [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] about a discovery he made in the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s memory banks: Just after the ship crashed, its barely functional computers detected the Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] arriving on [[Earth]] in pursuit. With the last of its power, the Ark modified five Autobot warriors to combat him, thus creating the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. They traveled in a [[Ark shuttlecraft|shuttle]] to the [[Savage Land]] to confront Shockwave, at which point contact was lost. Huffer has Ratchet dispatch a probe to search for the lost Dinobots.

At the hospital, Sparkplug undergoes emergency treatment and dreams of his Army service in [[North Korea|Korea]], where he was forced to repair [[North Korea]]n vehicles. He further recalls sabotaging those vehicles...

With no new fuel sources forthcoming, the remaining Autobots are forced to make a desperate gamble to fight the Decepticons one last time. All the Autobots sacrifice their remaining [[Transformer fuel|fuel]] resources to Optimus Prime, Huffer, [[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], and [[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]]. These five prepare to fight the Decepticons within the [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] that the Ark has crashed into, as the Decepticons arrive to destroy the Autobots once and for all.

In the Savage Land, Huffer's probe has found something and starts to dig it out—until a giant purple hand crushes it...

Although the Decepticons begin to win the battle by virtue of their greater numbers, at the moment of apparent victory, the Decepticons all fall, writhing in internal agony. As he reveals to Buster at the hospital, Sparkplug had corrupted the fuel he provided to the Decepticons, and they are now poisoned. Optimus Prime proclaims the debt that they, and the entire world, owe to Sparkplug Witwicky.

But suddenly, a gigantic blast from above knocks out all the Autobot troops... and Shockwave stands supreme!

"NOT the end..."
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (2)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (3)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (6)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] (7)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (8)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (9)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (11)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (13)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (14)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (26)
*''[[Snarl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Snarl]]'' (39)
*''[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'' (40)
*''[[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Swoop]]'' (41)
*''[[Sludge (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Sludge]]'' (42)
*''[[Slag (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Slag]]'' (43)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (44)
}}
|c2=
{{collist|2|
*[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (27)
*[[Decepticon medics|Decepticon medic]] (28)
*Medic's assistants (29-31)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (32)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (33)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]] (34)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (35)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (36)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] (37)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] (38)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (45)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (46)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] (47)
*[[Viewfinder]] (50, see notes)
}}
|c3=
*[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (5)
*[[Ted Koppel]] (15, voice)
*[["O"]] (16)
*[[Mister O]] (17)
*[[Doris Roland]] (18)
*[[Mitchell Roland]] (19)
*[[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]] (20)
*[[Jesse's ballet class]] (21-24)
*[[Gus (medic)|Gus]] (48)
*[[Mel (medic)|Mel]] (49)
}}

==Quotes==
"What's eating you, O? This robot stuff is great for business! The place is packed with reporters and worried townsfolk! With this costume, I might wind up in '''People Magazine!'''" 
"That's great! If they start shooting [[Nuclear weapon|nukes]] at us, you'll really clean up, huh?"
: — '''Mr. O''' and his son '''"O"''' aren't seeing eye-to-eye on the Transformers' invasion

"Is your father still functioning?" 
"I hope your father can be repaired!"
: — '''Optimus Prime''' is still struggling with organic biology

"Go ahead, little ones, do your worst!" 
"'''Fire!''' Let 'im have it!" 
''[The Army opens fire for 15 minutes; Megatron is undamaged]'' 
"'''''HA!'''''"
: — a fully-fueled '''Megatron''' is not even scratched by the '''U.S. Army''''s might

"Starscream, I'm afraid I've heard... '''enough!''' Let those who defy Megatron taste the power of my fusion canon!"
 "Add Starscream to the damage report!"
: — '''Megatron''' blasts Starscream out the door. The Decepticon '''medic''' takes it in stride.

"At last! Victory is within my grasp! Soon that self-righteous Autobot will be nothing but scrap! He's had this coming for centuries! He will learn that no one can defy Megatron! ...Isn't that right, Starscream?" 
"Yes, great Megatron!"
: — '''Megatron''' rants... and makes sure '''Starscream''' knows his place in the pecking order.

"After four million Earth years I have accomplished my mission -- '''the Autobots are no more!'''"
: — '''Shockwave''' makes his debut

==Notes==
===Production notes===
[[File:TheLastStand-HappyEndingVsShockwave.jpg|right|thumb]]
Two reprints of this issue (see below) have featured an alternate ending to the story, to prevent the mini-series from ending on a cliffhanger.
*The first alternate ending appeared in 1985's [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/australian-peters-ice-cream-comic-with-alternate-ending.1090906/''Federal Super Special''], released in Australia by Federal Publishing Company as part of a promotion with Peters Ice Cream. This reprint of the issue cuts out all of the material dealing with Shockwave and the Dinobots, and expands the second panel of the penultimate page into a final full-page image, eliminating the other panels entirely.
*The second, more famous alternate ending (pictured at right) appeared in Marvel UK's 1987 [[The Transformers: The Complete Works Part 2|''Transformers: The Complete Works'' Part 2]]. It removes the final panel of the penultimate page (in which Shockwave strikes), and replaces it with two panels of Optimus Prime declaring the Decepticons defeated once and for all. It has often been claimed that this ending was created by Marvel US at the time of the original issue's production, in the case series failed to progress past issue #4, but that's never made a lot of sense; the issue was clearly written with the knowledge the series would be continuing, given the way it spends several pages telling the story of Shockwave and the Dinobots and setting up Shockwave's return. The two new panels are, in fact, created by re-using artwork by [[Don Perlin]] from [[Heavy Traffic!|issue #22]], a comic released a year-and-a-half after this issue, proving they were assembled for this 1987 reprint; the first is a composite, using a zoomed-in redrawing of Prime's torso from the preceding panel, but adding with a new head, left arm, roof-lights, and abdominal detaling mirrored from an image of Prime in issue #22, page 5, panel 8; while the second panel is copied directly from a close-up shot of Prime's face from issue #22, page 7, panel 5.
While the four land-based Dinobots are depicted on page 11 using their standard [[character model]]s, created on 3rd July 1984. Swoop appears with a design based loosely on the toy, as his character model was drawn and approved later, on 26th and 28th July respectively.

===Continuity notes===
*The existence of Shockwave was alluded to in [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]], when Megatron observed that "one of the Decepticons' mightiest" was missing.

===Real-life references===
*The narrative box makes a quick reference to the World War I novel ''All Quiet on the Western Front'': "Meanwhile, all's quiet on the Decepticon front..."
*Sparkplug has more [[North Korea|Korea]] flashbacks, including a mission to reach the 4067th M.A.S.H. unit. The number of the unit is suspiciously close to the 4077th featured in the popular movie ''M*A*S*H'' and its subsequent spin-off TV show, which concluded its lengthy run the year before this issue was published.
*The action remains in rural [[Oregon]] and the unnamed city of [[Portland]], apart from the flashback to the Dinobots' adventures in [[Antarctica]].

===Continuity and plotting errors===
*Issue #1 noted that the Ark's probe was totally unaware of Earth's organic life, yet here, it is established that, millions of years prior, it had no trouble scanning the organic dinosaurs of the Savage Land to give new alternate forms to the Dinobots.
*Wheeljack, Trailbreaker, Prowl and Jazz are all shown to be up and about in this issue, yet they are not shown among the donor Autobots in the [[Tubes of Transference]].
*A major plot point is that the fuel-starved Autobots pool their resources to empower five, and only five, Autobots. Thus, after the Tubes of Transference scene on page 13, only Optimus, Huffer, Bluestreak, Ironhide and Mirage should appear. A variety of art errors make it clear that artist Frank Springer didn't get the memo:
**Page 14: Brawn is shown among the active Autobots.
**Page 16: There's Brawn again! And Windcharger!
**Page 18:
***Panel 5: Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are both shown among the Autobots, both incorrectly colored blue and white, no less; there's a generic lying on the ground.
***Panel 6: Cliffjumper is among the Autobots.
**Page 21, panel 1: There's Sunstreaker again, and in the bottom right, a block-colored Windcharger.
**Page 22: And Windcharger again, this time colored like Mirage.
*Less explicitly called out is that the Decepticon ranks are thinned as well. The damage roll call only a few pages before the final battle leaves only Megatron, Starscream, Thundercracker, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ravage up and operating. Again, several Decepticons who are in repair bay show up in the final fight:
**Frenzy and Rumble are shown as active despite page 9 stating they had been knocked out of action last issue. [[The New Order|The next issue]] reinforces their injury status.
**Page 18, Panel 6: Skywarp, Rumble and Soundwave are among the Decepticons charging, despite being reported as out of action nine pages earlier. A total of nine Decepticons are shown.
**Page 19, Panel 3: Skywarp is shown again despite being off action. Either that or the Seeker is a miscoloured Thundercracker.
**Page 20: Frenzy and Rumble are once again present.
**Page 21, panel 1: Soundwave is lying among the defeated Decepticons.
[[File:Decepticons Medics-The Last Stand.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*And finally, the first issue of the series made it very clear that there were 18 Autobots and 10 Decepticons on Earth - no more, no less. Shockwave even explicitly says that there are eleven (including himself) Decepticons in the next issue. Despite this, the ranks of both sides start swelling up with generic background troops:
**Page 9: The Decepticons have suddenly gained a nameless medic (whose design is loosely based on Megatron himself, including his bucket helmet and off-center Decepticon symbol) and his three generic assistants—at least two of which have features that ''vaguely'' resemble [[Spectro]] and [[Spyglass]]'s toys (see image to the right).
**Page 18, Panel 5: There's a generic lying on the ground among the Autobots.
**Page 19, Panel 6: Who're those generic guys on the ground next to Optimus?
**Page 20: A generic Decepticon can be seen between Megatron's legs.
**Page 18, Panel 6: A total of nine Decepticons are shown charging (and none of them are the cassettes, making a total of 12); there should be only six.
**Page 21: Several generic Decepticons are among the fallen Decepticons, including a blue Ironhide, and—bizarrely—[[Viewfinder]] coloured like Rumble. Out of the three [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] components, this is the only one that is without a doubt the character in question. Ten troops are shown, with Laserbeak and Ravage missing.

===Artwork and technical errors===
*As with last issue, Megatron's Decepticon insignia is off-center throughout this story.
*Cover: Megatron is colored mostly brown.
*Page 1: Brawn is colored red and blue like Gears, while Optimus Prime's left hand is green. Sunstreaker's shoulder-pylons are red like the shoulders beneath them, when they should be yellow, and his engine-backpack is yellow when it should be blue. Several generic Autobots are seen in the second inset panel.
*Page 2:
**Panel 1: Windcharger is ''also'' colored like Gears. Standing behind Huffer is red-and-blue version of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s original character model (based on the ''[[Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Macross]]'' Valkyrie toy) which would never actually be used for the character in the comic.
**Panel 2: Ratchet continues to be colored in his unusual early color scheme through this issue, but here, his face is also colored red in addition to his arms and forehead crest.
**Panel 4: Why does Ironhide have yellow accordion knees?
*Page 3:
**Panel 2: Mirage is colored with red arms and a white head. Jazz (seen holding back Ironhide) is colored mostly blue with red legs, instead of mostly white with black details.
**Panel 5: When Jazz unleashes his flamethrower, the art depicts him using his hand-held [[photon rifle]], instead of the shoulder-mounted weapon described in his [[bio]] (based on the missile launcher his toy comes with). This weapon wasn't part of his finalized character model, explaining the artist's confusion.
*Page 9: If that's supposed to be Frenzy on one of the repair beds, he's completely off-model.
*Page 13: Bumblebee is colored approximately like Sideswipe.
*Page 16: In a recurring error with the Decepticon jets, Thundercracker's entire fuselage is colored orange like his cockpit canopy.
*Page 21: Mirage magically has his left arm again, after it was bitten off by Ravage; whatever damage was done to his chest/head by Buzzsaw has likewise vanished.
*Page 22: Like Ratchet, Shockwave seems to be colored in an early color scheme. He's an all-over bright fuchsia instead of the more subdued purple of his final colors, and his shoulders are silver-white.

===UK printing===
'''Issue #7:'''
*'''Published:''' [[December 15|15th December]], 1984
*'''[[Back-up strips]]:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Xanadu!|"Xanadu!"}} part 2) and ''{{TFUK|The Transformers issue 7/Matt and the Cat|Matt and the Cat}}''
*'''[[Fact File]]:''' [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]]
*'''Other features:''' The center pages of the issues are given over to "The Transformers Christmas Spread," a collection of readers' artwork; Transformers Word Search; "Robot Round-Up"

'''Issue #8:'''
*'''Published:''' [[December 29|29th December]], 1984
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|The Man Who Could Walk Through Walls|"The Man Who Could Walk Through Walls"}} part 1) and ''{{TFUK|The Transformers issue 8/Matt and the Cat|Matt and the Cat}}''
*'''Fact File:''' [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]]
*'''January calendar:''' Starting in this issue and running for the next year, one issue a month gives its center pages over to a pull-out calendar, featuring a full-page illustration of a single character. Kicking this off is, of course, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]].
*'''Other features:''' "Warrior Word Search"; "Robot Round-Up"

===Other trivia===
*Advertised as part 4 in a [[The Transformers Four-Issue Limited Series|four-issue limited series]], but the ending and [[Letters page|letter column]], which itself debuted in this issue, both make clear that issue [[The New Order|#5]] of what was now an ongoing was forthcoming.

===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: Ratchet active; 17 inactive; 5 Dinobots missing in action.
*Decepticons:'' Shockwave active; 10 inactive.

===Courtesy of my...===
*Jazz blocks Sparkplug and Buster's path with his [[Flamethrower|flame-thrower]], however, see "Artwork and technical errors" above.
*Megatron namedrops his [[fusion cannon]] when blasting Starscream with it, and again later during the battle when he contemplates shooting his own troops to hit Optimus.
*Mirage blasts Ravage with armor-piercing [[liquid fuel dart]]s.
*Bluestreak fires both of his [[Missile|rockets]] at Megatron.

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #4 cover:''' the final battle, by [[Mark Texeira]].
*'''UK issue #7 cover:''' reuse of art from US issue #4's cover by [[Mark Texeira]].
*'''UK issue #8 cover:''' Megatron holds the defeated Optimus Prime overhead, by [[Barry Kitson]].
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-04.jpg|'''US issue #4''' - Rare Brown Megatron appears!
File:MarvelUK-007.jpg|'''UK issue #7''' - Megatron isn't even allowed on the UK cover
File:MarvelUK-008.jpg|'''UK issue #8''' - Megatron took first in the Prime Press contest
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Tfcolcom02.jpg|'''''[[Transformers Collected Comics|Collected Comics]]'' (UK) #2''' (Marvel UK, 1985)
File:TFUSCollectedComics2BattleContinues.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Collected Comics 2 - The Battle Continues...|''The Transformers: Collected Comics'' (US) #2 - The Battle Continues...]]''' (Marvel US, 1985)
File:FederalSuperSpecial.jpg|'''''The Transformers: A Federal Super Special''''' (Federal Publishing Company, 1985)
File:Dtf3.JPG|'''[[Die Transformer issue 3|''Die Transformer'' #3]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986)
File:Transformers Digest 02-cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 2|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #2]]''' (Marvel US, 1986)
File:Complete works 2 cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: The Complete Works Part 2|''The Complete Works'' Part 2]]''' (Marvel UK, 1987)
File:Titan-BeginningsSC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] paperback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-BeginningsHC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] hardback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:GreatestBattles.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers: Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron|Transformers: Greatest Battles of Optimus Prime and Megatron]]:''''' (IDW Publishing, 2007)
File:Classic Transformers Vol1.jpg|'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 1|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2008)
File:TFClassicsVol1.JPG|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2011)
File:ClassicComicCollection1.jpg|'''''Transformers: Classic Comic Collection, Vol. 1''''' (Chrirpy Bird, 2015)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v1.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Vol. 1: Power Play''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
File:HXClassicsVol1.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers Classics#Japanese reprints|The Transformers: Classics]], Vol. 1''''' ([[Hero-X]], 2018)
</gallery>

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]''.
*Throughout this issue (with the exception of page 14, panel 4) Ironhide is given a white face, which was red in the original art. He ''did'' have a white face in his finalized Marvel character model (as seen in ''[[The Transformers Universe]]'') but for the majority of his appearances in the comic (and the UK title) he kept the red face of his early color scheme.
*Also throughout this issue, Optimus Prime's legs are recolored a slightly darker shade of blue than his helmet and hands.
*Page 1, panel 1: Brawn's colors are corrected, as is the color of Optimus Prime's hand.
*Page 2: Windcharger's colors are corrected, and Ratchet's colors are changed to his finalized Marvel color scheme.
*Page 3
**Panel 2: Mirage's colors are corrected; Sunstreaker's colors are changed but aren't made any more correct, his forearms changing from correct blue to incorrect white, his shoulders going from correct red to incorrect yellow, and his shoulder-pylons going from incorrect red to incorrect blue.
**Panels 2, 4-5: Jazz's incorrect colors in panel 2 are "fixed," but in all three, instead of the correct solid blue, a pale blue is used.
*Page 5:
**Panel 4: Ratchet's colors are changed to his finalized Marvel color scheme, but his helmet isn't colored red to go along with it.
**Panel 5-6: Ratchet is colored ''entirely'' white, with no red helmet ''or'' hands.
*Page 6, panels 7-8: The Korean soldiers have Caucasian skin tone.
*Page 9, panel 1: For this one appearance this issue, Soundwave is still being recolored blue, erasing his standard Marvel purple color scheme (when he incorrectly appears on page 21, he is ''not'' recolored). Rumble and Frenzy's yellow decals are recolored light blue, and the Decepticon medic's insignia—uncolored in the original art—becomes red.
*Page 13, panel 1: Bumblebee's colors are corrected to yellow and blue, but his fists, forearms, and bumpers are incorrectly made yellow when they should be blue, and he's got a white face, which is normally yellow in the comic.
*Page 16, panel 4: Thundercracker's jet mode is recolored solid blue (save for the orange fuselage).
*Page 21, panel 1: Both Windcharger and the generic "blue Ironhide" Decepticon are colored red like the real Ironhide.
*Page 22: Shockwave's fuchsia is replaced with a pale purple like his finalized colors, but the other elements of his early color scheme remain.

===Advertisements===
*Monogram ''[[GoBots]]'' motorized model kits (inside front cover)
*Fig Newtons and Apple Newtons - between pages 4 & 5
*Star Comics - between pages 5 & 6
*Mile High Comics - between pages 7 & 8, and between pages 8 & 9
*''Power Pack'' and ''The Amazing [[Spider-Man]]'' with tips on ways to prevent sexual abuse - between pages 16 & 17
*Calendar of upcoming events & Marvel Mart - between pages 17 & 18
*Block of various Sketchy Things - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Bulletins - between pages 20 & 21
*''Swords of the Swashbucklers'' (pg 23, below Trans-Missions)
*Comic subscriptions
*''Indiana Jones'' RPG by TSR (rear inside cover)
*''Risk'' (rear cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/faq/#1f "Is it true there was an alternate version of #4?" at Tfarchive.com]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Last Stand}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Prisoner of War!

2026-01-31T20:57:25Z

Greebtron: /* Continuity notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #3
|prev=Power Play!
|next=The Last Stand
|title="Prisoner of War!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #5–6
|prev2=Power Play!
|next2=The Last Stand
|image=MarvelUS-03.jpg
|caption=Is he strong? Listen, [[bud]], he made Megatron go thud!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[September 11]], [[1984]]
|onsaledate=[[October 2]], 1984
|coverdate=January [[1985]]
|writer=[[Jim Salicrup]]
|penciler=[[Frank Springer]]
|inker=[[Kim DeMulder]], [[Mike Esposito]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov]]
|letterers=[[Janice Chiang]] & Others
|editor=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''When Sparkplug is kidnapped, it's up to Gears and Spider-Man to save him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:PrisonerofWar starscream and sparkplug.jpg|thumb|left]]
The [[Decepticon]]s bring Sparkplug Witwicky to their [[Fortress Sinister|base of operations]], with [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] proclaiming that his help will be the key to their very survival on [[Earth]]. [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] compliments Starscream on a job well done, but muses internally about the treacherous Decepticon jet's true intentions - taking over as leader! Megatron informs Sparkplug of [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage's]] espionage, including learning of his plans to convert Earth fuel into energy for the [[Autobot]]s, and demands that he use this knowledge to help them instead. Equating his current situation with his wartime days in [[North Korea|Korea]], Sparkplug adamantly refuses to help, even after being threatened by an enraged Megatron.

Back at the Witwicky garage, the Autobots are in bad shape following their fight with the Decepticons. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] attempts to take the blame for Sparkplug's kidnapping, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] declares that, as leader of the Autobots, the blame rests at his feet. [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] doesn't care who's to blame and simply wants them to help take his father back. The Autobots transform and head back to base as the entire neighborhood watches them depart, with [[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]] giving Buster a kiss for good luck. Along the way, a motorcycle cop attempts to pull over the speeding Autobots...but is quickly frightened away by an aggressive [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] greets the Autobots as they return to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], eager to inform Optimus about an anomaly the ship's computer detected, but the Autobot leader shrugs it off, insisting on him and his troops being refueled immediately.

Sparkplug's defiance is quickly worn down by a close-call from [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak's]] [[Optic weaponry|eyebeams]] and he agrees to help the Decepticons, requesting a fuel sample (provided by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] at Megatron's request) and a workspace to begin creating the conversion formula. [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], Rumble, and [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] stomp to the [[University of Oregon]] and steal components from the chemistry department and a tanker truck as raw materials for Sparkplug's creation. Their earlier attack on the power plant catches the attention of [[Moscow]], [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] officers [[Dum Dum]] and [[Nicholas Fury]], and [[Daily Bugle]] editor [[Joe Robertson]], who has sent mild-mannered photographer [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]] to the Decepticon base to grab some snapshots. At the site of the Decepticon fortress, numerous news crews and the [[United States military]] are stationed outside. Peter, unable to get a clear view, changes into his alter-ego Spider-Man in order to get closer to the action.

Inside the Decepticon fortress, Soundwave intercepts a transmission from the U.S. military, who urge the Decepticons to engage in peaceful talks...a request that Megatron balks at, sending Starscream, [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] to deal with the intruders. The battle ensues, with the Decepticon jets, along with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], making short work of the military forces. In the heat of the battle, Spider-Man spots Gears heading in on a scouting mission and mistakenly assumes him to be a Decepticon. Spider-Man attempts to wrangle Gears, but the two stop to save a group of journalists from being squashed by a tank thrown at them by Skywarp. Convinced that they're on the same side, Gears brings Spider-Man up to speed and contacts Optimus Prime to inform him of what's transpired so far.

With the military out-gunned and retreating, the Autobots and Spider-Man spring into action, sneaking through the military squadron in disguise. As they reach the front-line, the Autobots are attacked by unaware military troops...as well as the Decepticons swooping in for an all-out battle!

As their allies and comrades fight below, Sparkplug has finished the conversion formula for Megatron, just as Gears and Spider-Man successfully sneak into the Decepticon base. After tripping up an unaware Rumble and Frenzy, the two encounter and subsequently evade Ravage and Soundwave, breaking through the closing doors of the Decepticon base. Gears and Spider-Man manage to find Sparkplug and Megatron, quickly nabbing him from out of the Decepticon leader's clutches...until Megatron shoots out the floor from underneath Gears and Sparkplug! As the two fall from the Decepticon base, Spider-Man leaps after them and manages to save Sparkplug thanks to his webs. Gears, however, isn't as lucky and plummets to the ground, exploding to pieces.

With their battle with the Decepticons ceased, the other Autobots return to the site of Gears' demise and manage to secure all of his pieces. Spider-Man and Sparkplug comment on their seemingly cold-natured reaction to Gears' death, with Optimus Prime internally noting that humans don't understand the nuances of Cybertronian life. Back at the Ark, Buster and Sparkplug are happily reunited. Spider-Man grieves for Gears, but Optimus is confused at the hero's belief that Gears is permanently gone. Running short on time, Spider-Man bids the Autobots farewell as Optimus commends him for a job well done.

Later, Ratchet has successfully managed to revive Gears, albeit at a lower-than-normal operating level. The newly revived Autobot tries to speak, managing to utter up their worst fears: Sparkplug has given Megatron exactly what he wanted! Dad, say it ain't so!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (13)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (18)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (19)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (22)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]] (25)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (26)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (34)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]] (35)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (5)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (7)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (8)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] (9)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (11)
|c3=
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (4)
*[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]] (20)
*[["O"]] (21)
*[[Ronald Reagan|President of the United States]] (27, voice)
*[[Dum Dum]] (28)
*[[Nicholas Fury|Nicholas]] (29)
*[[Joe Robertson]] (30)
*[[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]] (31)
*[[McBregg]] (32, voice)
*[[Blue Leader]] (33)
}}

==Quotes==
"''Let me outta here, you stupid machine!''" 
"A foolish request! Our analysis of your species finds that if I were to release you at this height your frail form couldn't possibly survive! We need you, for our purposes, '''whole!'''"
: — '''Sparkplug''' fails to persuade '''Starscream'''

"Machines have been slaves on this backward world long enough! Today the roles are rightly reversed!" 
"You'll never get away with this! I'm an American citizen!"
: — '''Starscream''' and '''Sparkplug'''

"Sarge always said if you put in enough miles, you'll believe a car could talk!"
: — a '''highway patrolman''' encounters the speeding Autobots

''This human reminds me of Bluestreak -- they both seem to love the sound of their own voice!''
: — '''Gears''', on Spider-Man

"Do all humans have powers like yours?" 
"Not since I checked last! I'd feel real foolish if they did!"
: — '''Gears''' and '''Spider-Man'''

"...We've reached a dead end! The only way out is the way we came in!" 
"Not necessarily!" [''rips a wall open''] 
"Bet you're lots of fun at parties, too!"
: — '''Spider-Man''' and '''Gears'''

'''Gears:''' "No! It is too late!" 
'''Megatron:''' "'''''WHO DARES ATTEMPT TO ENSNARE MEGATRON?!'''''" 
'''Spider-Man:''' "Uh-oh."

"Mission accomplished --- friend!"
: — '''Gears''' tumbles to his doom

==Notes==
===Production notes===
*After scripting the previous issue based on a plot by [[Bill Mantlo]], Jim Salicrup takes over full writing duties with this issue. As the editor of the ''Spider-Man'' titles at Marvel at the time, it is perhaps no surprise that he chose to add Spider-Man to the story, but clearing the guest-appearance with Hasbro wasn't without complications. Hasbro initially objected to the inclusion of Spider-Man in the comic, because rival toy company [[Mattel]] had recently released a figure of the web-slinger in their ''Secret Wars'' toyline, and they felt that the character's inclusion in another licensed toy-based comic gave the figure free advertising. As a compromise, because the ''Secret Wars'' toy depicted Spider-Man in his classic red-and-blue outfit, it was decided to feature the hero in his [[Venom (Marvel)|black symbiote costume]], which he was no longer wearing in current comic continuity, having disposed of the suit two months prior.<ref>[https://moonbase2.libsyn.com/the-moonbase-2-podcast-interviews-bob-budiansky- Bob Budiansky discusses Spider-Man's appearance during an interview on the Moonbase 2 podcast]</ref>

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Spider-man.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Can all humans stick to walls?" asked the [[flight|flying]] Autobot.]]
*Following on from a reference to [[Dazzler]] in the previous issue, this chapter of the original four-issue miniseries leans heavily on the fact that the comic was, at the time, being written as explicitly set in the mainstream Marvel universe, as was the standard for most of Marvel's licensed properties at the time (''[[Micronauts]]'', ''[[Rom]]'', ''[[Godzilla]]'', ''Shogun Warriors'', etc.). This conceit would be quietly dropped as the series expanded its length and scope, due to the impossibility of maintaining a coherent continuity with the vast and complicated Marvel universe; the [[letters page]] for [[Deadly Obsession|issue #64]] explicitly stated the world of the Transformers and the Marvel Universe to be separate, and politely asked readers to forget about this issue, which is loaded with Marvel references, including:
**A cover-grabbing guest appearance by Spider-Man in his symbiote costume, complete with a footnote that dates the story as occurring before ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #258 (in which he disposed of the suit). Spidey supporting character [[Joe Robertson]] also shows up for a panel.
**[[Nicholas Fury|Nick Fury]] and [[Dum Dum|Dum Dum Dugan]] of [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] put in a one-panel appearance, making a reference to Godzilla, in whose own licensed Marvel title Dum Dum was a recurring character.
**The titular truck from ''[[U.S. 1]]'', another licensed comic promoting die cast toy trucks from Tyco, can be seen in the background as the Autobots drive down the highway on page 6.
**Spider-Man mentions the [[Fantastic Four]] and its leader [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] on the final page.
*Beginning with this issue, character models for the whole cast were made available to artist [[Frank Springer]], having been created at [[Marvel Productions]], then going through a period of revisions and approval by [[Sunbow Productions]] across March 1984. So characters who were drawn based on their toys for the first two issues of the series now suddenly look very different—a phenomenon most noticeable in the case of Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Ironhide. Color schemes, on the other hand, do not appear to have been fully perfected yet; Ratchet in particular appears in a very random color scheme. Though his colors will be corrected in future issues, the early color models used in this mini-series for other characters like Megatron (black helmet) and Soundwave (all-over purple) will continue to be employed even after their designs have been corrected, and will remain in use for the duration of the Marvel series, becoming hallmarks of their appearance in it.
*The events of the early UK stories "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]" (which would later be reprinted as issues #33-34 of the US series) and "[[Decepticon Dam-Busters!]]" take place during this issue, essentially occurring somewhere in the midst of the montage/time-lapse that spans pages 9–11. It's not the smoothest of fits, but it's better than that offered for the other two early stories, "[[The Enemy Within!]]" and "[[Raiders of the Last Ark]]," which are clumsily suggested (by "Robot War" text features in UK issues [[The New Order|#22]], [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#36]] and [[Second Generation!|#63]]) to have taken place somewhere between panels at the ''end'' of this issue, after Spider-Man rescues Sparkplug but before Sparkplug is taken back to the Ark, which really doesn't work.

===Real world references===
*Amongst the military vehicles seen in this issue, the [[MOBAT]] and the [[Wolverine (G.I. Joe)|Wolverine]] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' series appear repeatedly.
*Locations raided by the Decepticons include the real-life [[University of Oregon]] campus, while government reactions are shown at the White House and in Moscow, and Sparkplug flashes back to his time in the Korean War, during which he served in the Marines.
*"O" calls the Autobots "rejects from a [[George Lucas]] [[Star Wars (film)|film]]".
*"O" compares the Autobot's [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to Noah's ark.
*A police officer mentions the [[Indy 500]].
*Moscow speculates the Americans are testing their [[Star Wars (defense system)|Star Wars]] arsenal.
*Spider-Man references [[Joan Rivers]]' talk show (which was semi-popular at the time) by saying "Can we talk?".
*Spider-Man mentions the Super Bowl, takes a dig at Rumble and Frenzy as "{{w|Tweedledum and Tweedledee|Tweedledee and Tweedledum}}", and calls Megatron "{{w|Bazooka Joe}}".

===Artwork and technical errors===
*Throughout this issue, Megatron's Decepticon [[insignia]] is off-center—a result of slightly dodgy proportions and angles of his [[character model]]. This is not the last time this error will crop up in the series.
*In the "Story so far" section of the UK issue #6 printing, Sparkplug's name is mistakenly given as "Sparks".
*Page 2: Rumble's name is not called out by the narrator when listing who is transforming in the panel.
*Page 3: An odd printing/coloring error on this page makes Megatron's face and pelvis in panel 1, and Rumble's face and Skywarp's cockpit in panel 5 all a pale pink-purple color.
*Page 5:
**Panel 1: Ironhide is colored like... uh... uh... well, he's got blue arms, blue and gray legs, and a white windshield frame.
**Panel 3: The silhouettes behind Optimus don't match anyone from the Autobot ranks.
**Panel 4: Windcharger is colored white and blue instead of red and gray.
*Page 8: Ratchet is colored with a red crest, shoulders, and legs. They should all be white. For the rest of Ratchet's appearances in this issue, he's colored with a blue windshield frame and red shoulders; it happens consistently enough to suggest that it was an earlier color scheme rather than a flat-out error.
*Page 9: [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] is shown hanging out with the Decepticons. Next issue will reveal that he's still buried in rock at this point.
[[File:PrisonerofWar skywarp trueface.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
[[File:Ratchetgetstofixgears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Page 13: Skywarp's [[alternate mode|jet mode]] is colored as if his cockpit canopy extended all the way back to his tail fins. When he lands on the Air Force jet, his wings are missing.
*Page 16:
**Panel 2: Sunstreaker is colored red instead of yellow.
**Panel 3: Cliffjumper's head is colored yellow instead of red.
*Page 17: A blue-colored Gears is drawn behind Brawn, even though Gears is off somewhere else with Spider-Man. It should probably be Frenzy, who shows up in the next panel.
*Page 18: Gears's legs can't seem to decide what color they are.
*Page 19: In panel 1: Megatron is drawn instead of Soundwave. Amusingly, the thought bubbles ''almost'' work for Megatron.
*Page 20:
**Panel 3: Gears's face is the same orangey-yellow as the decal on his chest.
**Panel 8: Soundwave is drawn with a strange, enormous cannon attached to his arm, rather than his usual weapon.
*Page 22: In panel 4, Brawn and Cliffjumper are both white and blue instead of their normal color schemes. Sunstreaker is blue, white and red, and has the wrong head, AND is missing most of his left arm.
*Page 23:
**Panel 3: Optimus is drawn with strange huge conjoined goggles instead of his usual separate eyes.
**Panel 4: Cliffjumper is still white and blue (but with red legs), while Hound is colored red and white instead of green. Ratchet's [[onebox component|repair bay]] is colored [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#The Transformers|red]] instead of white.
**Panel 5: Optimus's head is ''tiny''!
**Panel 6: Ratchet's repair bay appears to speak, as a speech bubble saying "I've managed to revive him to minimum operating level." Ratchet himself speaks immediately afterwards, indicating that this was merely a misattributed speech balloon.

===UK printing===
'''Issue #5:'''
*'''Published:''' [[November 17|17th November]], 1984
*'''[[Back-up strips]]:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Where Walk the Gods!|"Where Walk the Gods!"}} part 2) and ''{{TFUK|The Transformers issue 5/Matt and the Cat|Matt and the Cat}}''; the latter debuts this issue, and will run until [[Showdown!|issue #73]]
*'''[[Fact File]]:''' [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]
*'''Other features:''' An article on "Sieve-Head," robot mascot of the British children's programme ''{{w|Saturday Superstore}}''; "Robot Round-Up"; poster made from an animation still from the first ''Transformers'' [[commercial/Generation 1|commercial]]; mail-in contest to win the game "Four-In-Line"
*Though advertised last issue for release on [[November 15|15th November]] (a Thursday, as had been normal up to this point), this issue marks the point at which the series changed to be released on a Saturday, which would remain its regular release day for the remainder of the comic's eight-year run.

'''Issue #6:'''
*'''Published:''' [[December 1|1st December]], 1984
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Xanadu!|"Xanadu!"}} part 1) and ''{{TFUK|The Transformers issue 6/Matt and the Cat|Matt and the Cat}}''
*'''Fact File:''' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]
*'''Other features:''' "Robot Round-Up"; poster made from an animation still from the first ''Transformers'' [[commercial/Generation 1|commercial]]; "Robot Right Words" crossword; mail-in contest to win a Bontempi HT 313 keyboard

===Other trivia===
[[File:Prisonerofwar clusterbombs.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Well what do you expect ''me'' to do about it?]]
*Advertised as part 3 in a [[The Transformers Four-Issue Limited Series|four-issue limited series]].
*Although he doesn't appear in the cover art proper despite his prominent role in the story, Gears does get the cover corner box, the only time in the US series that a character not designated as Autobot or Decepticon leader at the time of the comic gets in the cover box.
*Rumble calls Sparkplug a [[scraplet]], a generic insult which years later would be repurposed as the name of a robotic disease.
*The Decepticons are dropping [[cluster bomb]]s on human soldiers, which are going off ''right next'' to soldiers. We can safely assume a whole bunch of them are now dead.
*Spider-Man completely ignores the Decepticon rampage and starts a fight with Gears instead, who is not near any humans at the time. Jameson's right, he's a menace!
*In 2007's [[Man and Machine, Part Four|''New Avengers/Transformers #4]], Spider-Man web-swings around Megatron in a visual homage to the cover of this issue.
*When IDW Publishing released their ''[[Classic Transformers]]'' series of reprints in 2008, they were unable to secure the license to reprint Spider-Man's appearance, so this issue had to be omitted from [[Classic Transformers Volume 1|volume 1]]. In 2011, when they reprinted the series again as ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'', they sorted the rights and ''were'' able to include the issue (see below)—but only in the physical version of the book, ''not'' in the digital version that was released in 2012.
*The issue's cover art was misattributed to artist {{w|Mike Zeck}} for many years, until [[Bob Budiansky]] corrected the mistake in 2021, clarifying that the actual artist was [[Mark Texeira]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Mark Texeira illustrated the covers for Transformers #3 and #4.|link=https://twitter.com/BobBudiansky/status/1416224679682101253|name=Bob Budiansky|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=07|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>

===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: 18 active.
*Decepticons: 6 active; 4 inactive as the Autobots take out Skywarp, Soundwave, Rumble and Frenzy; Shockwave missing in action.

===Courtesy of my...===
*Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] gets its first namecheck as he ponders Starscream's potential for treachery.
*Laserbeak is seen demonstrating the [[optic weaponry|eyebeams]] he mentioned in [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]].
*Once again Starscream deploys [[cluster bomb]]s, this time against the US military.
*Sunstreaker takes out Skywarp with one of his shoulder-mounted, laser-guided, ground-to-air [[missile]]s.

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #3:''' Spider-Man webbing Megatron, by [[Mark Texeira]].
*'''UK issue #5:''' Thundercracker and Sparkplug, by [[John Ridgway]].
*'''UK issue #6:''' reuse of US issue #3's cover by [[Mark Texeira]].

<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-03.jpg|'''US issue #3''' - A moralistic tale for the ages.
File:MarvelUK-005.jpg|'''UK issue #5''' - I'm glad my pants are already brown!
File:MarvelUK-006.jpg|'''UK issue #6''' - The UK needs more RED.
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Tfcolcom02.jpg|'''''[[Transformers Collected Comics|Collected Comics]]'' (UK) #2''' (Marvel UK, 1985)
File:TFUSCollectedComics1StoryBegins.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Collected Comics 1 - The Story Begins...|''Collected Comics'' (US) #1: The Story Begins...]]''' (Marvel US, 1985)
File:FederalSuperSpecial.jpg|'''''The Transformers: A Federal Super Special''''' (Federal Publishing Company, 1985)
File:Dtf2.JPG|'''[[Die Transformer issue 2|''Die Transformer'' #2]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986; reprints first half)
File:Dtf3.JPG|'''[[Die Transformer issue 3|''Die Transformer'' #3]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986; reprints second half)
File:Transformers Digest 02-cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 2|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #2]]''' (Marvel US, 1986)
File:Complete works 2 cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: The Complete Works Part 2|''The Complete Works'' Part 2]]''' (Marvel UK, 1987)
File:Titan-BeginningsSC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] paperback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-BeginningsHC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] hardback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:TFClassicsVol1.JPG|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2011)
File:ClassicComicCollection1.jpg|'''''Transformers: Classic Comic Collection, Vol. 1''''' (Chrirpy Bird, 2015)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v1.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Vol. 1: Power Play''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
File:HXClassicsVol1.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers Classics#Japanese reprints|The Transformers: Classics]], Vol. 1''''' ([[Hero-X]], 2018)
</gallery>

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]''.
*Soundwave is colored blue throughout this issue, erasing his standard purple Marvel color scheme.
*Page 2, panel 6: For this panel alone, Skywarp is partially recolored to add various purple details to his body in line with his finalized color scheme.
*Page 3: The miscolored portions of Megatron and Skywarp are corrected, but Rumble's face is not.
**Panel 1: For this panel alone, Starscream's colors are changed to match his finalized color scheme, with red chest vents and blue on his feet.
*Page 5: Ironhide and Windcharger's colors are corrected.
*Page 6, panel 2: For this panel alone, Hound's legs are changed from their standard Marvel solid-blue to green with white thighs.
*Page 8, panel 6: Ratchet's colors are changed to give him a white crest and thighs, but the incorrect red shoulders and boots remain.
*Page 15, panel 2: Ratchet's colors are changed again, this time making his legs, arms, and chest the correct all-over white, but failing to change his incorrect red crest.
*Page 16, panel 3: The color of Cliffjumper's head is corrected.
*Page 18: Gears's inconsistently colored legs are changed to their consistent, correct colors.
*Page 20, panel 3: The color of Gears's face is corrected, but the orange detail on his chest is incorrectly change to white along with it.
*Page 22, panel 4: Sunstreaker, Brawn and Cliffjumper's colors are corrected, but parts of Sunstreaker are colored a greyish-black, as opposed to the straight blue the comic's palette normally substitutes for this color.
*Page 23:
**Ratchet's colors are changed ''again'', this time to his finalized Marvel color scheme.
**Panel 4: Hound and Cliffjumper's colors are corrected; again, Hound uses the "incorrect" cartoon/toy colors with green boots and white thighs, instead of the comic's standard blue.

===Advertisements===
*Monogram plastic model kits (inside front cover)
*Fig Newtons and Apple Newtons - between pages 4 & 5
*Bonkers fruit candy - between pages 5 & 6
*Marvel Super Heroes ''Secret Wars'' action figures and accessories - between pages 7 & 8
*Block of various Sketchy Things - between pages 8 & 9
*Block of various Sketchy Things - between pages 16 & 17
*NFL SuperPro Club - between pages 17 & 18
*Win a job at Marvel Comics - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Bulletins - between pages 20 & 21
*Marvel Comic subscriptions
*''Decathlon'' by Activision video game (rear inside cover)
*''Montezuma's Revenge'' by Parker Brothers video game (rear cover)

===Advertisements (Second Printing)===
*Monogram [[GoBots]] motorized model kits (inside front cover)
*Fig Newtons and Apple Newtons (pg 5)
*Star Comics (pg 7)
*Mile High Comics (pg 10)
*Mile High Comics (pg 12)
*Power Pack and The Amazing [[Spider-Man]] with tips on ways to prevent sexual abuse (pg 21)
*Calendar of upcoming events & Marvel Mart (pg 23)
*Block of various Sketchy Things (pg 26)
*Bullpen Bulletins (pg 28)
*Comic subscriptions (pg 32)
*Indiana Jones RPG by TSR (rear inside cover)
*Risk (rear cover)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Power Play!

2026-01-31T20:52:04Z

Greebtron: /* Artwork and technical errors */ Character model timeline

{{disambig2|The issue of the Generation 1 Marvel comic|the campaign of the ''[[Transformers: Earth Wars|Earth Wars]]'' mobile game|Power Play (Earth Wars)}}

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #2
|prev=The Transformers (issue)
|next=Prisoner of War!
|title="Power Play!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #3–4
|prev2=The Transformers (issue)
|next2=Prisoner of War!
|image=MarvelUS-02.jpg
|caption=Nuclear weapons are the right of all sentient beings, Prime!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[July 10]], [[1984]]
|onsaledate=[[July 31]], 1984
|coverdate=November 1984
|plot=[[Bill Mantlo]]
|script=[[Jim Salicrup]]
|pencils=[[Frank Springer]]
|inks=[[Kim DeMulder]]
|colors=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|lettering=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''The Decepticons attack a nuclear power plant in an attempt to secure fuel. Meanwhile, Bumblebee makes contact with some humans.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:PowerPlay skywarp actionatlast.jpg|thumb|left]]
Seeking new sources of energy, the [[Decepticon]]s discover a half-completed [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant|nuclear power plant]]. [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] is sent in to scout and stumbles upon [[Jason Boyd|an engineer]] making a progress report on the station's construction. The spy transforms into a [[Mini-Cassette|mini-cassette]] and sneaks his way into the engineer's tape recorder, gathering information on the power plant's energy potential. Hours later, Ravage returns to his comrades and reports on the power plant and its [[human]] inhabitants. [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] deduces that mankind's technology has the power to supply the Decepticons with limitless energy and orders his troops to attack the plant. After the Decepticons ransack the power plant with their unique abilities and weaponry, Megatron orders them to strip the plant of its technological components, stealing them for their own purposes.

Meanwhile at [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service|the Witwicky garage]], [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] pleads with [[Sparkplug Witwicky|his dad]] to fix [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|the "wounded" VW Beetle]] he's brought home. Sparkplug believes it to be a practical joke, but his son insists to his father that its all true, telling the story of how he and his friends escaped an attack by giant robots and jet fighters. Sparkplug eventually concedes, if only to get a good night's sleep afterwards. Hours later, Sparkplug's repairs have seemingly worked as the car suddenly changes shape into a robot, which introduces itself as Bumblebee. Bumblebee thanks Sparkplug for his help and tells him of the other [[Autobot|Autobots]] and their plight to find resources. Sparkplug offers his help and Bumblebee obliges, transforming to return to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and inform his comrades about Sparkplug's offer and brings Buster along for the ride. On the way, Bumblebee tells Buster about the [[Great War (G1)|war]] and their initial mission that brought them to Earth before they eventually run into [["O"]] and [[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]], Buster's friends. Watching from afar, Ravage recognizes the humans from the battle at the drive-in and transforms, planting himself in "O"'s boom-box and listening in as "O" and Jesse tell Buster and Bumblebee about the Decepticons' attack on the power plant. Realizing the dangerous potential of the Decepticons harnessing nuclear energy, Buster and Bumblebee high-tail it back to the garage to refuel.

Aboard the Ark at [[Mount St. Hilary]], the Autobots' computer reveals that fuel supplies have reached dangerous levels, mostly due to repairs done to the computer itself. The Autobots quarrel over what to do, with [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] suggesting they simply take the resources they need while [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] argues the humans have a right to their own resources. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] interrupts and declares they will seek to ally with the humans and barter for the fuel they need, using technology from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as bargaining chips. Suddenly, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] receives an emergency radio broadcast from Bumblebee, who has constructed a crude communicator out of spare parts at Sparkplug's garage. Bumblebee informs Optimus of both the Decepticons' plans to harness nuclear energy and of Sparkplug's offer to help their situation and the Autobot leader orders a squadron of troops to [[roll out]] to the garage.

At the half-constructed Decepticon base, Ravage informs Megatron of the Autobots' alliance with Sparkplug, with the latter demanding that they capture Sparkplug and have him convert fuel to energy for them alone. As the Autobots arrive at the garage and meet the Witwickys, the Decepticons suddenly ambush them, turning Sparkplug's scrapyard into an all-out war zone. The battle sprawls out into the neighboring streets, with bystanders calling police who begin firing at both Decepticon and Autobot. Meanwhile, in a safe area in the junkyard, Bumblebee guards Sparkplug and Buster...unaware that Megatron has snuck upon him from behind! With one swift chop, he takes out Bumblebee and grabs Sparkplug. Hearing Buster's cries for help, Optimus leaps over to battle Megatron, who drops Sparkplug in the ensuing fight. Buster tries in vain to help his father, who is suddenly nabbed by [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], taking the human hostage inside his jet mode and rocketing away with his Decepticon teammates following suit.

With the battle over and Sparkplug captured, Buster begs the Autobots to do anything they can to help his father. Optimus agrees...but without sufficient energy, the Autobots have no hope of succeeding and they fall to their knees.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]]'' (11)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (19)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] (22)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Mirage]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (28)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (31)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] (3)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (4)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] (6)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (7)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]] (8)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (9)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (13)
|c3=
*[[Jason Boyd]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (14)
*[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Jesse (G1)|Jessie]] (17)
*[["O"]] (18)
*[[Doris Roland]] (29)
*[[Mitchell Roland]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
''The humans employ far better design standards on their machines than on themselves! What a backward world!''
: — '''Skywarp'''

"Is he healed?" 
"Blast it, son! I'm a mechanic, not a doctor! All I did was fix a broken fuel line and tune up some parts! It wasn't easy! I've never seen a car quite like it, and I've—" 
''KLIK'' 
"Huh?" 
''KLIK'' 
"What the—? ...Oh, no! It's falling apart!"
:'''Buster''' and '''Sparkplug''' meet Bumblebee
{{-}}

"Who are you? Where do you come from? What do you want? And how'd you wind up in my garage?" 
"I am code-named '''Bumblebee''', I'm from the planet '''Cybertron''', I'm in desperate need of fuel, and your son drove me here! Do all small, pink things ask so many questions?"
: — '''Sparkplug''' and '''Bumblebee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*While introducing himself to the Witwickys, "Bumblebee" says that his name is a "[[Transformer naming|code-name]]." The idea that the names we know the Transformers by are not their "real" names is something that would very occasionally be revisited in future Transformers media, but in Marvel continuity specifically, it will be reiterated just a few issues from now in the UK story "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]."
*"O" and Jessie catch a song by Marvel superhero-slash-singing-sensation [[Dazzler]] on the radio. This is the first in a series of references to mainstream Marvel continuity that the mini-series would make, which were quietly ignored once the series became an ongoing as the Transformers universe was retconned into being its own thing, separate from the Marvel universe.

===Real-life references===
*Sparkplug states that he's "a mechanic, not a doctor", an homage to ''[[Star Trek]]'''s [[Leonard McCoy|Doctor McCoy]].
*"O" notes that the television show ''[[That's Incredible!]]'' has been cancelled. The show had indeed ended its original run in 1984.

===Continuity and plotting errors===
*Jesse is spelled "Jessie" in this issue.
*Megatron orders all five of his fliers into the air, while standing around and watching them go. So how does he get to the subsequent battle himself?

===Artwork and technical errors===
[[File:LamboTwinsSwitch.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Sideswipe and Sunstreaker began sharing their body molds sooner than most believe.]]
Continuing on from the precedent established last issue, [[character model]]s for a lot of the cast still had not been created at the time of this issue's lineart being produced (final designs for Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee were available for the cover though). Many characters are drawn using designs based directly on their toys, that tried to match the general aesthetic of the few character models that did exist. The toy interpretations get even looser this issue, as characters like Bumblebee and Windcharger have very rough, inconsistent head designs. At the other extreme, throughout the issue, Sunstreaker is drawn using Sideswipe's character model, with his own head and color scheme. The only new character model provided for this issue is Optimus Prime's finalized robot mode design (which removes the wheels that were visible on the back of his legs in issue 1).
*Page 1: Starscream's right wing has a yellow decal while his left has a red one.
*Page 3: The flashback to last issue preserves a coloring error from that story, as Soundwave is colored like Megatron.
*Page 5: The portion of Harrison Nuclear Plant which Laserbeak attacks looks a lot like a steel mill, but not at all like a nuke plant.
*Page 6:
**Panel 5: Starscream and Thundercracker are missing their wings as they transform in panel 5. This art is loosely copied later in the issue on page 18, and the error repeats there.
**Panel 6: Starscream is still missing his wings as he starts tearing the plant to pieces, and instead of his null rays, his jet mode missile-tanks are mounted on his arms.
*Page 13:
**Panel 1: Optimus Prime appears to have goggles instead of standard optics.
**Panel 2: Jazz is colored like Hound.
*Page 14: As the Autobots transform in a three-panel sequence, Prowl and Sunstreaker switch places in the middle panel.
*Page 15: Ratchet is shown pulling up to Sparkplug's garage despite being left behind at the Ark.
*Page 16: In panel 7, Thundercracker and Skywarp's cockpit cowlings are colored entirely orange.
*Page 17, panels 5 and 7: Sideswipe and Sunstreaker's alternate modes are switched, thus representing Bob Budiansky's original plans for the two before Hasbro decided to switch the sculpts very late in the game. As you can see in the image at right, Sunstreaker's dialogue emanates from Sideswipe's vehicle mode, ''colored'' like Sunstreaker. Once transformed, the brothers are the correct colors, but are both drawn with Sideswipe's body. As a result, the Sunstreaker toy's exposed supercharger becomes the "[[jet pack|rocket backpack]]" mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]], as per Budiansky's original intent (more on this [[Sideswipe (G1)#Notes|here]]). And they're not even switched ''right''; yellow-Sideswipe's roof is blue, while is hood is red. For the reprint published in [[Titan Books|Titan]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|Transformers: Beginnings]]'' trade paperback collection, both of them had many of the uncolored white sections on their vehicle modes highlighted in yellow, including the headlights and the side windows. For "Sideswipe", this was carried over to the reprint published in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|Transformers Classics Vol. 1]]'' trade paperback collection.
*Page 21: The lower half of Prime's right leg is missing as he throws the engine block at Megatron.
*Page 22: In panel 8, Jazz is colored like Hound again.
{{-}}

===UK printing===
'''Issue #3:'''
*'''Published:''' [[October 18|18th October]], 1984
*'''[[Back-up strips]]:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Byte of the Binary Bug!|"Byte of the Binary Bug!"}} part 3)
*'''[[Fact File]]:''' [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
*'''Free gift:''' Transformers Iron-On transfer
*'''Other features:''' Mail-in contest to win a [[Mini Vehicle]] toy; two single-page posters of animation stills from early [[commercial/Generation 1|commercials]]; "Robot Round-Up"
'''Issue #4:'''
*'''Published:''' [[November 1|1st November]], 1984
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Where Walk the Gods!|"Where Walk the Gods!"}} part 1)
*'''Fact File:''' [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
*'''Other features:''' "Make Mandala Yours," a contest to win the "Mandala" board game; "Robot Round-Up"; two single-page posters of animation stills from early [[commercial/Generation 1|commercials]]; mail-in contest to win the ''A-Team'' soundtrack album

===Other trivia===
*Advertised as part 2 in a [[The Transformers Four-Issue Limited Series|four-issue limited series]].
*Both the "next issue" box of the previous issue, and the September 1984 issue of ''The Comic Reader'' (#219) solicited this issue's story title as being "Hey Buddy, Can Ya Spare Some Fuel?"—something that evidently changed when Jim Salicrup took over as scripter from Ralph Macchio.
*Megatron appears in the cover corner box for both this issue and issue [[The Last Stand|#4]], the only times in the U.S. run that a Decepticon was featured (although issue [[End of the Road! (US)|#80]] featured a Decepticon [[Insignia|sigil]]). 'Cons would get a little more love from the UK corner boxes.
*During the entire battle at the Witwicky's house, Optimus Prime's trailer sits parked, frequently in view. This is in stark contrast to the more fantastical cartoon, where it would just roll off-screen and vanish.

===Courtesy of my...===
*Starscream launches [[cluster bomb]]s.
*Skywarp rakes the buildings with [[machine gun]] fire.
*Laserbeak fires his [[laser cannon]]s.
*Sunstreaker readies his [[electron pulse gun]].
*Sideswipe blinds Thundercracker with a [[flare gun]].
*Optimus shoots Laserbeak with a [[laser rifle]].
*Ravage surprises Mirage before he can use his [[Electro-disrupter|electro-disruptor]].

===Covers (3)===
*'''US issue #2:''' Megatron blasts Prime, by [[Michael Golden]].
*'''UK issue #3:''' Bumblebee with the Witwickys, by [[Jerry Paris]].
*'''UK issue #4:''' reuse of art from US issue #2's cover by [[Michael Golden]].
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-02.jpg|'''US issue #2''' - Megatron is angry that Prime stole his nose.
File:MarvelUK-003.jpg|'''UK issue #3''' - [[Furmanism]] inspiration?
File:MarvelUK-004.jpg|'''UK issue #4''' - Megatron is still angry!
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Tfcolcom01.jpg|'''''[[Transformers Collected Comics|Collected Comics]]'' (UK) #1''' (Marvel UK, 1985)
File:TFUSCollectedComics1StoryBegins.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: Collected Comics 1 - The Story Begins...|''Collected Comics'' (US) #1: The Story Begins...]]''' (Marvel US, 1985)
File:FederalSuperSpecial.jpg|'''''The Transformers: A Federal Super Special''''' (Federal Publishing Company, 1985)
File:Complete works 1 cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: The Complete Works Part 1|''The Complete Works'' Part 1]]''' (Marvel UK, 1986)
File:Die tf 01.jpg|'''[[Die Transformer issue 1|''Die Transformer'' #1]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986; reprints pages 1–7)
File:Dtf2.JPG|'''[[Die Transformer issue 2|''Die Transformer'' #2]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986; reprints pages 8–23)
File:Transformers Digest 01-cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 1|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #1]]''' (Marvel US, 1986)
File:Titan-BeginningsSC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] paperback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-BeginningsHC.jpg|'''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|''Transformers: Beginnings'']] hardback''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Classic Transformers Vol1.jpg|'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 1|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2008)
File:TFClassicsVol1.JPG|'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 1]]''' (IDW Publishing, 2011)
File:ClassicComicCollection1.jpg|'''''Transformers: Classic Comic Collection, Vol. 1''''' (Chrirpy Bird, 2015)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v1.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Vol. 1: Power Play''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
File:HXClassicsVol1.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers Classics#Japanese reprints|The Transformers: Classics]], Vol. 1''''' ([[Hero-X]], 2018)
</gallery>

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]''.
*Soundwave is colored blue throughout this issue, erasing his standard purple Marvel color scheme. Unlike in the previous issue, this does ''not'' extend to correcting the error that colors him like Megatron on page 3.
*Page 1: Starscream's yellow right wing is recolored red to match his left one
*Page 6:
**Panel 5: Skywarp's weapons and portions of his legs are colored red for some reason.
**Panel 6: Seemingly operating under the misconception that he is Soundwave, Starscream's boots have been recolored blue.
*Page 13:
**Panel 1: The yellow decals on Optimus's pelvis, uncolored in the original art (as they so often are) are filled in yellow. This is also done on page 19, panel 1, but not in other instances of their absence.
**Panel 2: Jazz's colors are corrected.
*Page 14, panel 1: For this panel alone, Hound's legs are recolored from their standard Marvel solid blue to green with white thighs.
*Page 17, panel 5: Yellow-Sideswipe's roof and hood color are corrected to match the rest of his body, but the vehicles remain the incorrect colors overall.
*Page 18, panel 3 and page 22, panel 4: For these two panels alone, Starscream's jet mode is recolored into its finalized mostly-white color scheme.
*Page 23:
**Panel 4: Careless text recreation turns the sentence "--they are gone!" into the nonsense "--they are go'''m'''e!"
**Panel 6: Jazz's colors are "corrected," but to blue-black, rather than the straight blue the comic normally uses for him.

===Advertisements===
*Inside cover: ''Mario Bros.'' for Atari
*Goofy Fig Newton maze - between pages 4 & 5
*''Dazzler the Movie'' (Marvel Graphic Novel #12) - between pages 5 & 6
*New York Comic Book Convention/Various comic shops - between pages 7 & 8
*Block of questionable mail-ins (Camouflage clothing, karate, "build huge muscles," etc.) - between pages 8 & 9
*Military Diamond Sales - between pages 16 & 17
*Stuntmen's Association T-shirt/Comic World - between pages 17 & 18
*Marvel Super Mart - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Bulletins - between pages 20 & 21
*Subscriber's Club
*Inside rear cover: TSR Endless Quest books (inner back cover)
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' arcade game for home consoles (back cover)

====Second printing====
*Monogram ''[[GoBots]]'' motorized model kits (inside front cover)
*Fig Newtons and Apple Newtons (pg 5)
*Star Comics (pg 7)
*Mile High Comics (pg 10)
*Mile High Comics (pg 12)
*''Power Pack'' and ''The Amazing [[Spider-Man]]'' with tips on ways to prevent sexual abuse (pg 21)
*Calendar of upcoming events & Marvel Mart (pg 23)
*Block of various Sketchy Things (pg 26)
*Bullpen Bulletins (pg 28)
*Comic subscriptions (pg 32)
*''Indiana Jones'' RPG by TSR (rear inside cover)
*''Risk'' board game (rear cover)

[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

The Transformers (issue)

2026-01-31T20:43:20Z

Greebtron: /* Production notes */ Character model timeline

{{disambig2|the first comic issue of the first comic series about Transformers|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}
{{comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #1
|next=Power Play!
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #1–2
|next2=Power Play!
|image=MarvelUS-01.jpg
|caption=[[Smallest Transforming Transformers|Largest Transforming Transformers]] Optimus Prime! One of six blind-packed $500,000,000 toys!
|title="The Transformers"
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[May 8]], [[1984]]
|onsaledate=[[May 29]], 1984
|coverdate=September 1984
|plot=[[Bill Mantlo]]
|script=[[Ralph Macchio]]
|pencils=[[Frank Springer]]
|inks=[[Kim DeMulder]]
|colors=[[Nelson Yomtov]]
|lettering=[[Michael Higgins]], [[Rick Parker]]
|editor=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
|packaged with=|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
}}

'''A group of sentient warring robots crash-lands on Earth four million years ago. When they awake in the present day, their battle begins anew.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Marvel issue 1 Cybertron.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
On the [[Saturn]]-sized mechanical world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], life has evolved not through carbon bonding, but via "[[Atechnogenesis|naturally-occurring gears, levers, and pulleys]]". The resultant sentient robots, the [[Autobot]]s, live in peace for many eons, until some of their number fall victim to a lust for power. Rallying behind the banner of the powerful [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], these "[[Decepticon]]s" rebuild their bodies, allowing them to [[transformation|transform]] into vehicles and weapons of destruction, and declare war on the Autobots, intending to conquer the planet and rebuild it as a cosmic dreadnought. The Autobots adopt the ability of transformation as well, but struggle to repel the Decepticon onslaught until a leader emerges from the city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]: the wise and powerful [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Under his leadership, the scattered Autobots are successfully united to become an effective fighting force... and thus, an [[Great War (G1)|all-consuming war]] rages across the planet for a thousand years, while the planet itself—dislodged from its orbit by the titanic battles—spins out of control through the cosmos.

Eventually, the Autobots learn that an [[asteroid belt]] lies in Cybertron's path, threatening the planet with destruction. Optimus Prime and a specially-chosen group of Autobots set out aboard a huge spacecraft dubbed the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to clear a path through the asteroids... but their preparations are observed by the Decepticon spy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], allowing the Decepticons to plot against them. The Autobots go on to successfully complete their mission, after which the Decepticons launch an attack against them, boarding the Ark and easily overwhelming the weakened warriors. Facing inevitable defeat, Optimus Prime sets the Ark on a suicide course towards the third planet of the solar system: prehistoric [[Earth]]. The ship crashes into a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]], and all aboard are knocked offline.

[[File:Combat deck marvel 1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Combat Deck bought a junker lot from eBay.]]
Four million years later, the volcano erupts, reactivating the Ark's dormant [[Aunty|computer]]. Launching a probe to scan the planet, the computer proves unable to detect Earth's carbon-based [[human]] and animal life, believing instead that humanity's vehicles and machines are its dominant "life form." Under this mistaken belief, the computer sets about rebuilding and reactivating the ship's occupants, reconfiguring their alternate modes to match Earth's machines. Damaged, the computer is unable to tell friend from foe, and restores both Autobots and Decepticons alike. After [[Introdump|checking themselves over]], the Decepticons make a hasty exist to search for sources of [[Transformer fuel|fuel]], leaving the Autobots to set about attempting to repair the Ark. Reviewing the footage the ship's probe has gathered from across the planet, the Autobots learn of Earth's machines, and—still labouring under the misconception that they are living beings—Optimus Prime vows to protect these "lifeforms" and their planet from the Decepticon menaces he has accidentally unleashed upon them.

In a [[Portland|nearby city]], human teenager [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] returns home from school late, having stayed behind to catch up on the library work involved in his literary scholarship. His father, mechanic [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], despairs; he loves his son, but the Witwicky patriarch is a blue-collar guy who sees little value in literature and the arts, and wishes Buster would learn a manual trade so that he'll be able to make a living with his hands. Though a little annoyed that Buster has arrived home too late to help with work in the family auto-shop, Sparkplug gives the boy permission to head out and meet his friends at the [[Community Drive-In|drive-in theater]].

[[File:TheTransformers drivein battle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2.25]]

As night falls, Optimus Prime sends a team of five Autobots, under the command of [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]], to scout out the new world and make contact with the natives. The group comes upon the drive-in theater, and, mistaking it for some kind of religious ritual, heads in to make contact with the "natives"—unaware that their movements have been spotted by Decepticon [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and reported back to Megatron. Eager to be the first to greet an Earthling, the young [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] over-enthusiastically nudges the car in which Buster, his girlfiend [[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]], and his best friend [["O"]] are sitting, and just as the three kids climb out to see what has happened, the Decepticons attack, intent on keeping their foes from establishing an alliance with the planet's natives. The villains' opening salvo injures Bumblebee, and the other Autobots reluctantly transform and defend themselves, turning the drive-in into a battlefield. During the battle, Prowl realizes that the automobiles are not alive at all, but the humans fleeing from them are; the Autobots retreat to draw the Decepticons' fire away from the apparently defenseless fleshlings, forced to leave Bumblebee behind.

Having heard the damaged Bumblebee cry out in pain when struck, a confused Buster tries to help, and ends up "driving" him away from the battlefield, back to the Witwicky garage. The noise of their arrival awakens Sparkplug, who is at first delighted to find Buster apparently showing an interest in auto-repair... but not so amused when the car cries out that it needs help, because it is dying...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Council of Autobot Elders|Autobot elder]] (5)
* [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] (11)
* [[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]] (14)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (15)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (16)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (17)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (18)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (19)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (20)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (21)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (22)
* [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]] (23)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (25)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (26)
* [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (27)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (28)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (29)
}}

|c2=
* [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] (1)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (3)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (6)
* [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]] (7)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (8)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (9)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (10)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Thundercracker]] (12)
* [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (13)

|c3=
* [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (30)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (31)
* [[Hitchhiker]] (32)
* Cashier (33)
* [[Jesse (G1)|Jesse]] (34)
* [["O"]] (35)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:TheTransformers decepticon boarding party.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
[[File:TheTransformers suicidal heading.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|"Uh, Prime, are you sure you've thought this through?" "SORRY, WHAT? CAN'T HEAR YOU, PROWL! TOO BUSY SACRIFICING MYSELF!" "* sigh* "]]
[[File:Glassgas.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]

"We have lived peacefully with the Autobots for eons, slowly, '''secretly''' gathering our strength and pursuing our technology. Now we shall strike at those who have brought the stagnation of peace and plenty to Cybertron. They shall learn the way of conflict... the way of war... the way of Megatron."
:—'''Megatron''', have you thought this through?

"'''Strike! Strike!''' With all the might at our command! Death to the Autobots and the decay they stand for!"
:—'''Megatron''' launches his war

"The Ark and its secrets must never fall into enemy hands, so I plotted an alternate course that would take us on a suicidal heading... directly into the third planet of this system. Farewell, my friend. Though we die, at least our enemies are taken with us."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' pushes the fatal button

"Let us never forget our primary purpose -- to spare this world from the scourge we have unwittingly unleashed upon it!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s "we" is more of an "I"

"Bumblebee, come back! We must reconnoiter first!" 
"You can't check the exuberance of youth, Prowl!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Hound'''

"I had hoped to Optimus we could avoid this, but... it seems our adversaries have left us little choice. Assume defensive configurations." 
"Now yer talkin' my lingo."
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Brawn'''

"So, '''Starscream''', you strike at me because you think isolation makes me vulnerable? You have obviously never flown in the face of my glass-gas gun!" 
"Yarrgh! The gas coats me, making my metal brittle and breakable as glass!"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Starscream''' team up to tell the reader how CJ's special gun works

==Notes==
===Production notes===
[[File:Generic autobots marvel 1.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Generic robots use the color schemes of Bumblebee, Trailbreaker, Sunstreaker, Hound, and Optimus Prime; the last of these, in the bottom right, bears a resemblance to Optimus and might be intended to represent a "pre-war" incarnation of him.]]
[[File:Generics marvel 1.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Since he's called out in the caption box, it's probably fair to assume that the robot armed with the [[ion blaster]] represents Optimus Prime, albeit miscolored. On his right is a robot using Sideswipe's design, apparently armed with a [[fusion cannon]].]]
* ''The Transformers'' was initially conceived as a [[The Transformers Four-Issue Limited Series|four-issue limited series]]. At the start of its production, [[character model]]s did not yet exist for the majority of the cast; only the early designs created for the first animated commercials (Optimus Prime, Sideswipe, Prowl, Jazz, Megatron, the three Decepticon jets, Soundwave, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw) as revised by [[Floro Dery]] in December 1983. As such, for the first two issues of the series, the appearances of the Autobots and Decepticons is quite variable, based on the toys themselves, and their [[package art]] (most evident on characters like Ironhide and Ratchet). The remaining characters' initial models were ready in time for [[Prisoner of War!|issue #3]], but the early color schemes used in these issues for certain characters—like Optimus Prime's lack of a silver stripe on his torso, Megatron's black helmet, Starscream's blue chest-vents, and the entirely-purple Soundwave—would persist throughout most if not all of the comic's run, in some cases becoming hallmarks of the characters' Marvel appearances.
* In addition to these teething troubles, artist [[Frank Springer]] and colorist [[Nelson Yomtov]] played fast and loose with what robot and technology designs they ''did'' have. Multiples of Optimus Prime's [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] are used to represent the "revival drones" that rebuilt the Ark's crew on pages 11–12, while a [[Onebox component]] like that used by Ironhide and Ratchet appears mounted to the hull of the Ark, firing on the asteroids, on page 6. Further, a range broad of [[generic]] Transformers appear throughout the issue; some are wholly original (such as the one prominently displayed on the title page that fans would go on to dub "[[Big Red (G1)|Big Red]]"), but others use and abuse existing characters' designs and/or color schemes (as seen in the images at right). As the brand was in its infancy at this stage, some of these might have been [[authorial intent|intended]] to represent actual characters, but whether they do so is probably best left [[Personal canon|up to you]].
* Both an early advertisement featured in comic news magazines (such as "David Anthony Kraft's Comics Interview #11, May issue; and ''The Comic Reader'' #218, June issue) and the announcement for the miniseries in ''Marvel Age'' #17 (August cover date) stated ''The Transformers'' would begin in April 1984 ('''possibly''' intended to ship April 3 and be "on sale" April 24, working backwards from other titles in the ''Marvel Age'' #17 checklist). However, the U.S. copyright office filing for the issue places its publication at May 8, which in turn puts its "on sale" date at May 29. '''Why''' the series apparently launched a whole month after it was '''supposed''' to come out, we dunno...

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|It's never too early in the morning to infodump!]]
* Along with the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|first episode of the cartoon]], this issue establishes several iconic aspects of the cartoon and the entire [[Transformers brand]]. The planet Cybertron and its city Iacon both appear in many other media and continuities. The crash of the Ark and the four-million-year slumber of its inhabitants likewise recur in several other versions of the Generation 1 story.
* As is only natural, some of this issue's early details would be retconned away or simply ignored as the series progressed and expanded its mythology, including the idea of Cybertron as "Saturn-sized," and the idea that the Transformers had "naturally evolved". In particular, this origin would be source of much mockery in the earlier days of online fandom, but modern media went on to dub the idea of spontaneously evolving mechanical life "[[atechnogenesis]]" and offer it up as one of several possible-but-unverified origins for the Transformers, who ''themselves'' did not know if it was true or not.
* Megatron's reason for starting the whole dang war is made pretty explicit in the text: He's bored. However, many years down the line, toward the end of the series' run Simon Furman would raise the claim that ''actually'' the Decepticons are a sub-species of Cybertronian with a built-in need for war, and further still in ''Generation 2'' that all Decepticons are descendants of the ''evil'' Liege Maximo.
* Megatron's plan to turn the planet into a "cosmic dreadnought" would be further explored in the Marvel UK story "[[Legion of the Lost!]]".
* Megatron's statement that "one of our mightiest is missing" plants the seed for [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]'s debut in [[The Last Stand|issue #4]]. This brief mention parallels the character's cameo appearance in cartoon's [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|pilot episode]], which likewise set the stage for his full-fledged appearance in the [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|first regular episode]] of the series proper. Shockwave was among the first, if not ''the'' first, of the second-year toys to be released.

===Real-life references===
* [[Mount St. Hilary]] is obviously inspired by the 1980 eruption of [[Mount St. Helens]].
* Unlike the contemporaneous cartoon, which was always shy about specifics, the comic immediately lets us know that the action is set in the state of [[Oregon]]. Issues #5 and #7 will later name [[Portland]] as the location of Sparkplug's garage, presumably making it the unnamed city we see here and elsewhere in the next few issues.
* A [[hitchhiker]] compares the sound of a team of Autobots driving down the highway to the [[Indy 500]].
* The Autobots visit a drive-in movie theater, which in the early 80s were still a thing.
* The cover for the Marvel UK ''Transformers'' #2 edition is an homage to the famous cover of EC's [https://www.comics.org/issue/10134/cover/4/ ''Weird Science'' #16]. The [[Martian]]s of ''[[Mars Attacks: The Transformers|Mars Attacks]]'' were inspired by the same cover.

===Continuity and plotting errors===
* It's said in this issue that the war between the Transformers ''knocked Cybertron out of its orbit'', which sounds...very improbable because of the sheer magnitude of force required for something like that to happen; Cybertron would have likely been completely obliterated before it would've been knocked out of its orbit.
* Numerous [[generic]]s show up aboard the Ark, when per story continuity, it should only have the 18 crew members shown here (plus, according to [[The Last Stand|issue #4]], the future Dinobots, whose characters presumably didn't exist yet in real-life terms). That said, the art on page 12 seems to provide a possible "out" for this by showing what looks to be a huge pile of unrepaired Transformers between behind Optimus and Megatron as they re-awaken.
* Page 10: "The drone swiftly plots its return to the Ark"—it's not clear from context if "it" is the jet scanned by the probe, or the probe itself. Neither makes a lot of sense.
* A solitary reference is made to "Aunty" as the name of the Ark's computer. This was an early name conceived by [[Jim Shooter]] when he wrote the original treatment for the Transformers backstory, at a time when the spaceship itself did not yet have a name. During hand-written re-writes of his treatment, Shooter replaced the name "Aunty" with "The Ark," which came to be treated as the name of the ship itself, with the apparent intent being to make the computer and ship synonymous with one another. Consequently, the inclusion of the outdated "Aunty" name in this issue appears to be in error; it would never be used in the US series again, but did reoccur in [[Raiders of the Last Ark|one early UK-original story]].

===Artwork and technical errors===
Hoo-boy.
[[File:Contentedfools.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
* The iconic cover of this issue depicts Optimus Prime in a design that appears to have been based on a reference image in an early [[character model|model sheet]] that was offered on [[eBay]] in 2016, <ref name="modelsheets">[https://web.archive.org/web/20160805095324/http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/93711-more-unseen-tftm-designs-plus-some-early-colors-and-some-show-design/page-11#entry3191211 D.M on The Allspark Forums, 01 April 2016 (via the Internet Archive)]</ref> which in turn is based on an early [[prototype]] or mock-up for his original toy's ''[[Diaclone]]'' predecessor depicted in an early ''Diaclone'' catalog. <ref name="diaclonecatalogs">[https://web.archive.org/web/20151017201739/http://1501bc.com/pretf/pictures/tfdiac6b.jpg Diaclone catalog scan, formerly at 1501bc.com (via the Internet Archive)]</ref>
* Page 1: The third sentence has an "its/it's" typo: "It's content was entirely--mechanical."
* Page 2: In his very first appearance, parts of Soundwave's backpack, arms and legs are colored red.
[[File:M01 tomaandi.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Jazz experimented with [[electrum]] before [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|it was cool]].]]
* Page 5: As he and Optimus Prime report to the Autobot Elders, Jazz is colored like Bumblebee. Additionally, he is drawn to be ''extremely'' toy-based, complete with Earthly car parts, right down to having the toy's conjoined uni-feet, and has two missile launchers instead of one.
[[File:Generic decepticons marvel 1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|...[[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]], is that you?]]
* Page 7:
** Panel 3: As the Decepticons first strike the Ark, Optimus Prime is colored almost entirely red.
** Panel 5: A blue-chested, red-legged Optimus Prime is among the invading Decepticons! In the same panel, Optimus himself is colored entirely red and is missing his chest windows. Prime's thought "Our firepower - no match" is missing its punctuation.
** None of the invading Decepticons resemble the ten Decepticons later shown to compose Megatron's crew.
* Page 8: Prowl is missing his door/wings, though one could retcon this as being his "Cybertronian" body.
* Page 12:
** The robots undergoing repair don't really correspond to any Transformer known to be present.
** The speech bubble beginning "The Autobots, too" is pointing to Optimus, but it seems to be being said by Megatron: it refers to the Autobots as if the speaker is not one, and the line continues into Megatron's line at the start of the next page.
* Page 13: Soundwave converts to his tape player form and flies off with the jets! Or starts to, at least—he's not shown in the next panel as the Decepticons flee the volcano.
* In the giant two-page Autobot spread:
** Sideswipe seems to have a made-up or at least off-model head.
** Wheeljack's "ears" are kind of folded up against his head.
** Bluestreak is missing his door/wings and shoulder rockets.
** Gears is a strange alternate model bearing almost no resemblance to his toy or later design.
** Hound, Wheeljack, and Sideswipe are all missing their shoulder launchers.
** Trailbreaker is missing his force field projector.
** Due to the overhead perspective, Windcharger looks taller than Hound.
[[File:Gearsg1firstappearance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Follow your dreams, you can reach your goals; I'm living proof. Beefcake. Beefcake!"]]
* Page 16:
** Panel 1: Bluestreak is colored like Prowl.
** Panel 1: Sideswipe is colored like Sunstreaker.
** Panel 1: Gears seems to have an entirely new, entirely different model.
** Panel 2: Bumblebee suddenly has the toy-based "backing plate" behind his head, whereas before he didn't.
** Panel 3: Not all of the silhouettes correspond to actual characters.
** Panel 4: Sunstreaker's "ears" are misshapen.
* Page 17:
** Panel 5: Sparkplug's "okay" is missing a period at the end.
** Panel 6: Sparkplug is meant to say "learnin'," to parallel the way he drops the g from the end of "readin'" in the first half of his sentence, but the word is written with the g... ''and'' the apostrophe meant to signify its absence.
* Page 19: When an Autobot asks Prowl "why would machines worship moving pictures of strange objects?", Prowl identifies the speaker as Bumblebee, but the art shows the speech bubble emanating from Brawn. It's not clear which is in error.
* Page 21: Buster refers to Bumblebee as a Volkswag'''o'''n; that should be [[Volkswagen|Volkswag'''e'''n]].
* Page 22: Starscream's entire cockpit cowling is colored as though it were a canopy.
* Page 23:
** Panel 2: When Ravage confronts him, Hound has ''two'' shoulder launchers.
** Panels 5-6: Soundwave is colored like Megatron as he attacks Prowl and Cliffjumper. His gun is missing its narrow tip, looking more like Megatron's fusion cannon, which is likely what caused the coloring error.
* Page 24: Cliffjumper's arms are colored white as Prowl orders the retreat.

===UK printing===
[[File:TheTransformers action transfers.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]

'''Issue #1:'''
* '''Published:''' [[September 20|20th September]], 1984
* '''[[Back-up strips]]:''' ''Machine Man'' ({{TFUK|Introducing Machine Man|"Introducing Machine Man"}} & {{TFUK|Byte of the Binary Bug!|"Byte of the Binary Bug!"}} part 1)
* '''Free gift:''' "Action Transfers"; page 16 of the comic is a full-page pin-up of a street featuring Sparkplug's garage that the transfers can be stuck on to create action scenes ''(right)''
* '''Other features:''' Spot-the-difference contest to win a Jazz figure; pin-up of Prowl, Jazz, and Sideswipe, made using a screengrab from the original ''Transformers'' comic book animated commercial; "Robot Round-Up," a two-page text feature looking at modern advancements in robotics
* The letters printed in issue #1 of the UK comic were provided by pupils from Greycourt School (in Ham, near Richmond in South West London) who were visiting the Marvel UK offices. Their visit was written up in a magazine published at the school. The teacher who arranged the visit was Stephen Payne, former president of the [[Doctor Who]] Appreciation Society and soon to be publisher of Visual Imagination Magazines (Starburst & TV Zone). <ref>Extract from Greycourt school 1984 sci fi mag detailing visit to the Marvel UK comics offices that resulted in comments appearing in the letters page of Marvel UK Transformers #1 https://www.flickr.com/photos/48819633@N05/5297859701/</ref>
[[File:TheTransformers autobot introdump.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]

'''Issue #2:'''
* '''Published:''' [[October 4|4th October]], 1984
* '''Backup strips:''' ''Machine Man'' ("Byte of the Binary Bug!" part 2)
* '''Free Gift:''' More "Action Transfers"
* '''Other features:''' "Design a Decepticon" contest to win a Decepticon jet figure; "Robot Round-Up"
* While the first issue was published in full-colour, this issue introudces the half-colour, half-black-and-white format the UK series will adhere to until [[Repeat Performance!|issue #27]]. Almost the entire ''Transformers'' strip is in black-and-white, with only the two pages of Buster returning home after school, and the Autobots departing on their survey mission, appearing in colour.
* The two-page spread of the Autobots introducing themselves ''(right)'' is omitted from the story, probably because the way the comic is laid out would have resulted in half of it being in black and white, and half in colour. New text captions added to the end of the preceding page and the start of the next to link them together. The spread ''is'' included in the issue, however, repurposed to become a full-colour pull-out poster, with the Transformers logo pasted over the two panels in the top-left corner (showing the Decepticons escapsing, and Prowl and Optimus watching them go). The spread would also be printed in this edited form in the [[Transformers Annual 1985|the 1985 annual]]. In a sense, this means the early UK continuity initially lacks an in-story list of the Autobots originally on Earth, making appearances by [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] in "[[The Enemy Within!]]" and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] in "[[Decepticon Dam-Busters!]]" a ''weeeee'' bit easier to reconcile.

===Other trivia===
* This mini-series was printed on high-quality [[Mando paper]].
* On [[May 22]], the [https://groups.google.com/g/net.comics/c/TuupqbD-CBc/m/dgMOYd_32hwJ?hl=en first Usenet post about Transformers] is posted by Ted Nolan to net.comics, regarding this issue. Capsule review? "Worst comic of the year."
** In 2018, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AKb1Xw0ZbA&t=1633s TFU.INFO interviewed Ted Nolan about the post].
* The cover price is 75 cents, which would be about $1.80 when adjusted for inflation to 2017 dollars. Comics as an industry are rather notorious for their price increases over and above standard inflation; today, a standard [[IDW Publishing]] ''Transformers'' comic costs $3.99.
* The cover corner box, a staple of Marvel's covers from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, features a [[character model]] of Optimus Prime. A new, more dramatic pose would debut with the first ongoing issue ([[The New Order|issue #5]]).
* The cover banner that promotes this issue as "#1 IN A FOUR ISSUE LIMITED SERIES" would be spoofed for the [[End of the Road! (US)|final issue of the series]] ("#80 IN A FOUR ISSUE LIMITED SERIES"), and again for the [[The War to End All Wars, Part 5|final issue]] of the modern-day sequel ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' ("#100 IN A FOUR ISSUE LIMITED SERIES").
* Other latter-day references to this issue include:
** A loving homage in IDW's ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Primus: All Good Things|2012 Annual]]
** Various parodies and homages to its distinctly surreal cover art including an [[:File:TDOOP cvrRIA.jpg|incentive cover]] of "[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]", [[:File:RG1 100 cvrB.jpg|Cover B]] of the [[The War to End All Wars, Part 5|final issue]] of ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'', a [[:File:TAAO1 cvrREB.jpg|convention exclusive cover]] for ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]'' [[07:00:00|#1]], the "cover" for "[[The Inexorable March]]", and a [[:File:TFUnicron1 cvrRIC.jpg|retailer incentive cover]] to ''[[Transformers: Unicron|Unicron]]'' [[Last Stand (Unicron)|#1]].

===Bot Roster===
* Autobots: 18 active.
* Decepticons: 10 active; Shockwave missing in action.

===Courtesy of my...===
[[File:Tellhimwhodefeatedyouthisday.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
* Laserbeak mentions his [[Optic weaponry|optical lasers]].
* Sunstreaker boasts about his ground-to-air [[missile]]s.
* Cliffjumper talks up his [[glass gas]], later using it to damage Starscream and Thundercracker.
* Jazz says he's ready to fight with his [[photon rifle]] and overhead [[flamethrower]]s.
* Trailbreaker mentions having to use his [[Force field|force-field]] projector to protect himself from Wheeljack's [[shrapnel shell]]s.
* Hound scares away Ravage with a [[Hologram|holographic missile]] projected from his [[turret gun]].
* Soundwave shoots at Prowl and Cliffjumper with his [[Concussion weapon|concussion cannon]].

===Covers (3)===
* '''US issue #1:''' gigantic Optimus Prime, tiny Starscream, Gears, Laserbeak and the Witwickys, by [[Bill Sienkiewicz]].
* '''UK issue #1:''' Soundwave and Buzzsaw kick Prime's ass, by [[Jerry Paris]].
* '''UK issue #2:''' the Autobots depart the Ark, by [[John Ridgway]]; inspired by the cover of ''{{w|Weird Science (comics)|Weird Science}}'' [[wikia:eccomics:Weird Science Vol 1 16|issue #16]] (November, 1952)

<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-01.jpg|'''US issue #1''' – First he will crush the planes, then he will crush the giant floating heads.
File:MarvelUK-001.jpg|'''UK issue #1''' – Is Soundwave on [[Ore-13|Ultra-Energon]]?
File:MarvelUK-002.jpg|'''UK issue #2''' – Is this girl '''that''' into her doll that she didn't see the [[Michael Bay|giant f* cking robots]]?
</gallery>

===Reprints===
<gallery>
File:Tfcolcom01.jpg|'''[[Transformers Collected Comics|Collected Comics]] #1''' (Marvel UK, 1985)
File:TFUSCollectedComics1StoryBegins.jpg|[[The Transformers: Collected Comics 1 - The Story Begins...|'''''Collected Comics'' #1: ''The Story Begins...''''']] (Marvel US, 1985)
File:FederalSuperSpecial.jpg|'''''The Transformers: A Federal Super Special''''' (Federal Publishing Company, 1985)
File:Complete works 1 cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers: The Complete Works Part 1|''The Transformers: The Complete Works'' Part 1]]''' (Marvel UK, 1986)
File:Die tf 01.jpg|'''[[Die Transformer issue 1|''Die Transformer'' #1]]''' (Condor Verlag, 1986)
File:Transformers Digest 01-cover.jpg|'''[[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 1|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #1]]''' (Marvel US, 1986)
File:Titan-BeginningsSC.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: Beginnings (G1)|Transformers: Beginnings]]'' TPB''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:Titan-BeginningsHC.jpg|'''''Transformers: Beginnings'' HC''' (Titan Books, 2003)
File:MarvelUS-01-25years.jpg|Pack-in with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|25th Anniversary Optimus Prime]] toy (Hasbro, 2009)
File:Classic Transformers Vol1.jpg|'''''[[Classic Transformers]] [[Classic Transformers Volume 1|Volume 1]]''''' (IDW Publishing, 2008)
File:TFClassicsVol1.JPG|'''''[[The Transformers Classics]], [[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1|Vol. 1]]''''' (IDW Publishing, 2011)
File:TF 30thAnniversaryColl.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers 30th Anniversary Collection]]''''' (IDW Publishing, 2013)
File:TF1 100PennyPress.jpg|'''''One Hundred Penny Press Edition''''' (IDW Publishing, 2014)
File:ClassicComicCollection1.jpg|'''''Transformers: Classic Comic Collection Volume 1''''' (Chrirpy Bird, 2015)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v1.jpg|'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 1: Power Play''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
File:HXClassicsVol1.jpg|'''''[[The Transformers Classics#Japanese reprints|The Transformers: Classics]] Vol. 1''''' (Hero-X, 2018)
File:TF 1 40th Cover A.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition Cover A''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th Cover B.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition Cover B''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th Cover C.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition Cover C''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th Big Time Collectibles Cover A.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition Big Time Collectibles exclusive A''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th Big Time Collectibles Cover B.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition Big Time Collectibles exclusive B''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th Maximus Books N' More Cover.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition Maximus Books N' More exclusive''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th SuperManila Comic Con Cover.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition SuperManila Comic Con exclusive''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF 1 40th Marcelo Matere Cover.jpg|'''''Transformers'' #1 40th Anniversary Edition New York Comic Con exclusive''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2024)
File:TF Compendium 1.jpg|'''''The Transformers Compendium Volume 1''''' (Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment, 2025)
</gallery>

====Reprint notes====
* The UK ''Collected Comics'' #1 omits the double-page Autobot roll-call scene, as the original UK printing of the issue did (see [[#UK printing|UK printing]], above).
* ''The Complete Works'' reinstates the Autobot roll-call spread, but replaces the two panels in the corner with a single exterior shot of the Ark, re-used from [[Crisis of Command!|UK issue #42]], drawn by [[Geoff Senior]]. Presumably, this had to be done because Marvel UK either damaged or lost the original panels after removing them to edit the page into a poster for their original printing of the issue (again, see [[#UK printing|UK printing]]).
* The 2024 Image Comics facsimile reprint uses the IDW ''Transformers Classics'' version of the comic.

====IDW ''Transformers Classics'' edits====
For ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' series of trade paperbacks, IDW Publishing "remastered" the coloring of the series with varying degrees of success. These changes were sometimes to fix errors, but often to alter characters' color schemes to make them resemble their toy and/or cartoon selves, and were rarely applied with consistency. IDW's recolored version was also used for Hachette's ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|The Definitive G1 Collection]]'' and Skybound's Transformers Compendium.
* Soundwave is recolored blue throughout the issue, erasing his standard Marvel purple color scheme, as well as correcting the coloring errors on pages 2 and 23.
* Page 1, panel 5: The blue thighs of the generic red robot (second from the left) are recolored to also be red.
* Page 3: Haphazard text recreation for the IDW reprint results in [[Michael Higgins]]' last name being misspelled "Hissins".
* Page 5: Jazz's colors are corrected as best they can be, changing him from incorrect yellow to white and blue.
* Page 7: Optimus's colors in panels 3 and 5 are largely corrected, though his pelvis remains blue.
* Page 13: More imperfect text recreation results in a blue quadrangle replacing the letter "S" in [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]'s speech bubble, resulting in the word "slip" becoming a nonsensical "■lip". Meanwhile, [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]'s speech bubble screws up the letter "u" in his own name, resulting in "Blizzsaw".
* Page 15: Wheeljack is recolored to add a patch of green to his chest.
* Page 22, panel 4 and page 23, panel 1: For these two panels alone, Starscream is recolored into his finalized, predominantly white color scheme, as opposed to the early blue scheme he has in the rest of the issue.
* Page 23-24: For these two pages, Hound's legs are recolored from their standard Marvel solid blue to green with white thighs.

===Advertisements===
====US====
* ''The Last Starfighter'' (Inside front cover)
* Free [[Spider-Man]] Comic from Fig Newtons - between pages 4 & 5
* Olympic Sales Club - between pages 5 & 6
* Mile High Comics (2-page spread) - between pages 13 & 14
* Block of various Sketchy Things (I.E. Charles Atlas) - between pages 16 & 17
* Helen of Toy mail-in military scenes - between pages 22 & 23
* Marvel bonus certificate
* ''Muppets Take Manhattan'' storybook & record (Inside rear cover)
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' home console video arcade cassette (Rear cover)

====UK====
'''Issue #1'''
* The ''Transformers'' toyline, spotlighting the [[Autobot Cars]], Autobot [[Mini-Vehicle]]s, [[Decepticon Planes]], and [[Mini-Cassette]]s.
* ''Indiana Jones'' #1
* ''The Savage Sword of Conan'' #85
* ''The Best Pals Club''

'''Issue #2'''
* Mail-away "[[Autobot (G2)|Robot Watch]]" offer
* Weetabix cereal home computer competition
* Grandreams 1985 hardback annuals
* The ''Transformers'' toyline
* Mail-away [[Spider-Man]] watches offer

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (issue)}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Mirage (G1)

2026-01-15T18:53:56Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{featured}}
{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|cobra|decepticon|primusvanguard}}
{{disambig3|Mirage}}
{{suite}}
:''Mirage is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:OperationOmegaMirage.jpg|upright=2|thumb|"The ship was... full."]]
'''Mirage''' is what [[human]]s call "old money." Before the war, he was a member of affluent [[Cybertronian (disambiguation)|Cybertronian]] society, with his own large estate and high-priced [[Mirage's friends|friends]]. He enjoyed the finer things in life: vintage [[energon]], swank evening events, and [[turbofox]] [[Hunting|hunts]] on the grounds. But when the war started, he was forced to choose sides and found himself banded with a group of commoners he didn't really understand. Mirage demands certain high standards from life and has little time for those who can't "rise" to his class.

Some of the other Autobots don't trust Mirage. He feels the war, even after all these millions of years, is beneath him. War is not, after all, how civilized, erudite beings conduct themselves. He often questions the Autobots' violent means, and not-so-secretly hopes they and the [[Decepticon]]s can get along. Because of this, he has been labelled by a few others as a Decepticon sympathizer. Under Mirage's "holier than thou" attitude pulses the [[spark]] of a loyal friend and a consummate field professional... but, most of the time, it's kind of hard to see past his obvious self-involvement. Still, he sided with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] for a reason, and he'll be there for the Autobots when they need him.

Mirage has the ability to create illusions which typically either render him invisible or make him appear to be somewhere he isn't. In some universes, he can [[combiner|combine]] with his fellow Autobots to form [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]].

{{bigquote|For someone who doesn't like to fight, heh, you're not bad, Mirage!|[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]|"[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}

[[File:ManofIron mirage.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Mirage was one of the Autobots on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed, and was subsequently reactivated in [[1984]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} Eager to return to Cybertron, he advocated that the Autobots simply take the fuel they needed from Earth's natives; when his comrades disagreed, he began to think that he was on the wrong side in the conflict, as the Decepticons would have no such qualms. As such, when he was pounced upon by [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] during his his first foray into battle, rather than fight back, Mirage tried reasoning with his "brother Transformer", arguing that the fighting was unnecessary since they all wanted to return to their homeworld. When this proved useless, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] came to Mirage's rescue, prompting Mirage to express his gratitude to his "powerful friend". {{storylink|Power Play!}}

[[File:DecepticonDamBusters mirage control yourself.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

After returning to the Ark, {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} the Autobots detected a Cybertronian signal emanating from [[United Kingdom|England]], and Mirage was part of the unit sent to investigate. When local boy [[Sammy Harker]] encountered [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]], the Autobots tried to make an ally of the scared child; Mirage approached his house under cover of night and attempted to spirit him away, but left when he found a peculiar manuscript depicting what appeared to be [[Man of Iron (G1)|a Transformer]] in the boy's room. The ancient illustration convinced the Autobots that an Autobot spacecraft was buried in the region, and they needed Sammy's help to stop local authorities from unearthing it, lest the Decepticons destroy it. Jazz succeeded in coercing Sammy into accompanying him to meet the other Autobots, and Mirage and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] joined him in ferrying the boy to a rendezvous with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. On the way, they were attacked by the Decepticon jets, and Mirage used his [[electro-disrupter]] to disrupt their sensors, disappearing from view and causing the disoriented 'Con to crash into a road bridge. {{storylink|Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron}}

''Mirage was among the Autobots who saved a small town from a tidal wave created by the Decepticons' destruction of [[Sherman Dam|Boulder Dam]], but when the humans mistakenly believed that the Autobots were responsible for the dam's destruction, a furious Mirage hurled a stream of abuse at them. Optimus Prime reined him in, but the damage was done, his outburst having convinced the humans that the Autobots were the bad guys.'' {{storylink|Decepticon Dam-Busters!}}

''Later, back at the Ark, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] held up a piece of machinery while Mirage repaired it. Unfortunately, Mirage's repair job was insufficient, and when he tried turning on the machine, it exploded, subjecting Brawn to an extreme neuro-shock, causing him to rebel and turn against his teammates. Mirage helped the Autobots hunt him down and tranquilize him. This same accident also amplified Mirage's ability to create illusions, which he later used to trick the Decepticons into believing that a [[Trial by Combat]] between Brawn and [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] ended with Brawn's death.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} ''In retribution for the deception, the Decepticon launched an attack on the Ark, during which Mirage gave [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] a good clobbering, but the battle was brought to a halt by the Ark's computer, [[Aunty]].'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

With the Autobots' fuel levels running dangerously low and another attack by the Decepticons imminent, Mirage was one of five Autobots who powered themselves to combat-capable levels using the combined energies of all their other team-mates. In the ensuing battle, Mirage faced off against Ravage again and had his left arm severed by the feline Decepticons' jaws. This was what it took to finally convince him to enter the fight with everything he had, as defeating the Decepticons was the only way he would see Cybertron again. His new resolve afforded no protection against the serrated beak of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], which tore his armor open, but just as things looked their worst, the Decepticons all collapsed, victims of poisoned fuel tainted by the Autobots' human ally [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. The Autobots' victory was short-lived; Mirage and the others were then suddenly blasted into oblivion by [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], {{storylink|The Last Stand}} and their bodies were strung up in the captured Ark. {{storylink|The New Order}} In time, through the efforts of [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], the Ark was retaken, and Mirage and the other offline Autobots were repaired and reactivated. ubsequently, to make sure all of the Autobots were back in fighting shape, Ratchet had Mirage and the others go on a diagnostics run through the open plains. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

[[File:CrisisofCommand mirage vs ravage.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

''When Prowl proposed that Optimus Prime use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] to create [[ultimate Autobot]]s, Mirage agreed, but Prime refused. Discovering that their argument had been observed by Ravage, Mirage deceived the Decepticon spy with an illusion, and Hound trapped him in an energy net. Regrettably, Ravage was able to easily escape, and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] saw an opportunity to prove himself to the other Autobots by tracking him down. The Decepticons captured the little Autobot, and Mirage was part of the team who mobilized to rescue him.'' {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}} ''Soon after, during the Dinobot Hunt, Mirage was assigned to B-Team to track down [[Snarl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Snarl]] in [[Nevada]]'s [[Black Rock Desert]]. The struggle with the Dinobot took them into a nearby military base, and when the base's human personnel initiated a self-destruct sequence, Snarl was knocked out by the blast and left inert and easy to capture.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

[[File:DarkStar octane scorches mirage.jpg|left|thumb]]

Mirage was one of only a handful of Autobots who remained active following a series of recent casualties. He and Prowl helped their leader carry out the [[Rite of the Autobrand]] for [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], and accompanied him to check up on a group of new Autobot trainees out in the field. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} ''When one of the new Autobots, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], was late to a meeting, Mirage flippantly remarked that the "Earth-lover" was wasting time exploring Greater [[Portland]] and showing off his alternate mode.'' {{storylink|Missing in Action}} ''While visiting the small town of [[Pinewoodsville]], Mirage was one of the Autobots whose personalities were inverted by a [[Purnel's Auto-Reverse Defence|mysterious signal]]. Tracking the signal to England, the Autobots found themselves affected by it for a second time, just as the Decepticons launched an attack on them. His personality twisted again, Mirage blamed Optimus Prime for not detecting the Decepticons' approach and proposed that the Autobots dispose of their leader for his failure. Fortunately, the signal's effects wore off before they could do too much harm, though their attack did leave Prime stuck in robot mode; once of the source of the signal had been destroyed, Mirage and the others carried their robot-mode leader home on the backs of their vehicle modes.'' {{storylink|To a Power Unknown!}}

''When the future Decepticon [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and his lieutenants [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] travelled back in time in an attempt to change the future, Mirage was the first Autobot to fall before their might.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}} It would be years before Mirage was seen in action again; he resurfaced to watch a battle between [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] on the surface of the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. The Autobots came under fire from the Decepticons while the duel was underway, though Mirage managed to emerge from the subsequent scuffle relatively unscathed. {{storylink|Totaled!}} A little later, he took part in a training exercise with Blaster, {{storylink|Club Con!}} after which he was blown to pieces by [[Octane]] during an [[Arctic]] battle between the Autobots and Decepticons that had been orchestrated by Starscream. Realizing they had been played by Starscream, the Autobots and Decepticons teamed up against the treacherous air commander, who was now empowered by the [[Underbase]]; the repaired Mirage was part of a team that headed to [[New York City]], but no sooner had he rolled up and transformed than he and his team-mates were destroyed by Starscream's cosmic powers. {{storylink|Dark Star}}
{{--}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:DevicesAndDesires-Mirage.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Disobeying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] led a covert team (which included Mirage) onto the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] ship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'' to defeat [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his army of "evolved Decepticons." Grimlock's plan was an utter failure, ending in [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s death and the Autobots' capture. Mirage was destroyed by enemy fire during the following prison break. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

====''Classics''====
{{noteclassics}}
[[File:CrossingOver classics mirage.jpg|left|thumb]]
Revived in time to see the end of the war, Mirage was initially the happiest of them all to see the conflict ended at last. He tried to return to his old life, but it was not easy; most of his old high-class friends were dead, and he found himself with little to say to those that still lived, and he had to start an organization for the conservation of the turbo-foxes he had once loved to [[Hunting|hunt]] when he found that the species was the on the brink of extinction. He was hesitant when Optimus Prime asked him to return to Earth with him and continue the fight against the Decepticons there, but eventually accepted when he realized that he could no longer continue pretending that his old life still existed. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|Mirage's profile in Club magazine #13}}

When Mirage, Prime, Grimlock, and Jetfire responded to Decepticon activity, Mirage was charged with evacuating the human [[Armored Robot Hunters|RUNT]] pilots who had been battling [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 1}} Soon after, he battled the Decepticons to keep them from obtaining a subterranean reservoir of [[Rarified Energon]], {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}} though he knew the Autobots couldn't hold out forever. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}} To try and tip the scales of battle, he turned invisible and got the drop on Soundwave, holding him at gunpoint and forcing him to back off. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

After the Autobots returned to base, Mirage observed Grimlock receiving a communication from the crew of the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]'', and secretly followed him while invisible as he left to meet them. On the way, he lost Grimlock's trail, and stumbled across a meeting between Starscream and a newly arrived group of Decepticons led by [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]]. [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s infra-red sensors and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]]'s keen nose allowed the Decepticons to find him, and he was gift-wrapped for Megatron. The Gravitron crew, led by Grimlock and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]], then attacked the Decepticon base, and Mirage was rescued by [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]], [[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Snarl]], and [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}
{{--}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:DestinyPart4 mirage treat as hostile.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In [[2012]], Mirage was one of a group of Autobot warriors selected by Optimus Prime to travel to Earth and confront Megatron. While Prime grappled with the insane tyrant, the others battled his undead army of "Ex-Bots" and Mirage was charged by a [[zombie]] [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]]. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 5}} He was injured badly enough during the fight for [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to put him on the critical list in his report to Prime afterwards. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part One}}

[[File:Grimlock kup mirage war to end all wars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

After returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard the ''[[Valiant (G1)|Valiant]]'', Mirage had recovered by the time [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s [[Blitz Engine]]s invaded the planet; although he led a counterattack squad that included [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Siren (G1)|Siren]], and [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], the Decepticon war machines devastated the Autobot lines. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Four}}

In the wake of Bludgeon's defeat, Mirage was manning a monitoring station and detected the arrival of a fleet of ships captained by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 1}} When war broke out between the Autobots and Jhiaxus's forces, Mirage was one of the Autobots who left Cybertron to strike at Jhiaxus's home base, the [[Hub (G2)|Hub]]. Upon return to Cybertron, however, the Autobots discovered that in their absence, the planet had been consumed by a corrupted fragment of the Creation Matrix, which had turned all the remaining Transformers into [[shadow-leech]]es. Mirage was fortunate enough to evade the leeches long enough to be part of the team that headed to Earth via the space bridge to stop the Matrix-entity's plan to breach the barriers of the [[multiverse]]. Recruiting aid from Earth's human resistance fighters, Mirage's group then travelled over the bridge to [[Nebulos]], to back up [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s unit in battle against [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] and a corrupted [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 5}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers '84''====
[[File:TF84-Autobots.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]

As Cybertron drifted towards the dangerous region of space known as the [[Stellae Cimeterium]], Mirage—intrigued by the idea of a covert mission—was one of the high-profile Autobots who joined the crew of the Ark to help clear a path through an [[asteroid belt]]. Although the crew cleared a path through the [[asteroid belt]], a Decepticon attack prompted Optimus to crash their ship on nearby [[Earth]], a suicide gambit that would hopefully remove him, Megatron, and their most trusted soldiers from the equation. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}

{{--}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====

{{voiceactor|[[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese, "Traitor", "Enter the Nightbird", "The Golden Lagoon", "The Core", "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3")|[[Liu Qin]] (Chinese), [[Juan Carralero]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Guillermo Romano]] (Latin-American Spanish, "City Of Steel"), [[Álvaro Pandelo]] (Latin-American Spanish ''40th Anniversary Event'' dub), [[Pablo Monleón]] (Spain Spanish, ''40th Anniversary Event'' dub), [[Gunnar Ernblad]] (Swedish), [[Henry Djanik]] (European French), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French, "Roll for it" & "The Core"), [[Albert Augier]] (European French, "The Autobot Run"), [[Lorenzo De Angelis]] (Italian, ''40th Anniversary Event'' dub), [[Júlio Chaves]] (Portuguese), [[Marcos Miranda]] (Portuguese, "Traitor"), [[Francisco José]] (Portuguese, "Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1"), [[Mário Jorge Andrade]] (Portuguese, "Masquerade"), [[Marco Moreira]] (Portuguese, "Generation 2", Audio News Dub)}}

[[File:MTMTE2 Mirage talking to Spike.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Tellin' ya all it's a sabotage!]]

Mirage was part of the bridge crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Autobots' spaceship]] when it crash-landed on [[Earth]] four million years ago. A volcanic eruption in 1984 awakened the ship's computer [[Teletraan I]], which reactivated and reformatted the craft's slumbering occupants with terrestrial [[alternate mode]]s—in Mirage's case, a Formula-1 racer. His first mission came when the Autobots rolled out to stop the Decepticons attacking an oil rig. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After the battle, he got to show off his invisibility power to [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]]. Following another failed battle at [[Sherman Dam]], he suggested they simply leave Earth to the Decepticons and return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a suggestion soundly rejected by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

At the [[ruby crystal mines of Burma]], when Optimus was caught in an explosion, Mirage helped right him. He expressed hope that with the Decepticons perished in the explosion, they'd be able to return to Cybertron, but his optimism was quashed a few moments later when their foe emerged, functional and with more energy to fuel their [[Victory (G1)|new star cruiser]]. While guarding Ravage, Mirage gave [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] the idea to spring a trap on the Decepticons using a holographic rocket base. Unfortunately the Decepticons saw through the plan and raided the real rocket base, attaining the rest of the energy they needed. During the final Autobot operation to try and prevent the launch of the Decepticon cruiser, Mirage used his cloaking ability to sneak aboard. While the Decepticons were squabbling, he uncloaked and opened fire, blasting away at the ship's controls. He then bailed from the doomed cruiser, floating back to Earth's surface on a parasail as the Decepticons crashed into the ocean. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[File:CountdowntoExtinction Mirage firing missile.jpg|thumb|left|"I used to sit around and think about what to do about quicksand. I never thought about how to handle real problems in adult life, I was never like 'Oh, what's it gonna be like when relatives ask to borrow money?'"|upright=1.4]]

After [[Chip Chase]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons who were after the [[antimatter]] formula the boy had memorised, Hound and Mirage utilised their respective powers to sneak into the antimatter laboratory. They were able to rescue Chip, but the Decepticons had managed to get the formula and use it to create [[Energon]]. Mirage subsequently helped defend Autobot Headquarters. {{storylink|Roll for It}} Mirage again rolled out to protect Autobot Headquarters while [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] worked to save Prime's life, after the Autobot leader was badly damaged in a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} He took part in the construction of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]... and then had to try to stop them when they ran wild. He, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] sealed the three Dinobots in a cave, but were mighty grateful when, after almost all of the Autobots were captured by the Decepticons, the Dinobots were released to come to the rescue. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

When [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] was using [[hypno-chip]]ped humans to load Energon onto their shuttle for transport to Cybertron, Mirage used his invisibility to sneak on board and order the humans to start unloading the Energon again. He was blasted in the back a short time later by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}} When the Autobots were caught in quicksand while pursuing the Decepticons, Mirage used his shoulder missile to shoot down [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]]. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}} Mirage turned out with the other Autobots to watch Optimus and Megatron engage in single combat as per Cybertronian law. To their horror, Optimus lost, but they later discovered that Megatron had cheated, so the results were nullified. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} Mirage rolled out to attack Megatron's [[Solar Needle]] and rescue [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], but didn't play much role in the battle. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

[[File:Traitor Mirage cerebro shell implant.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]

When the Decepticons conquered [[New York City]], Mirage joined Ratchet's team as they entered the sewers to rescue Optimus. After tangling with an [[Alligaticon]], they found Prime... in pieces. The Alligaticon had been built from Optimus's parts, and Mirage, Ratchet and Hound had to capture it so Ratchet could rebuild their leader. Once Optimus had been put back together, they proceeded to the surface and battled Decepticons, [[battle taxi]]s and Prime's own severed arm. {{storylink|City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel}}

The spotlight shone on Mirage again when [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] suspected him of disloyalty. The discovery of a Decepticon installation in a sector Mirage had recently scouted caused Cliffjumper to leap the incorrect conclusion that Mirage had concealed the information and was a traitor to the Autobots. During a battle with the Decepticons at the site, Mirage was injured, but managed to rip a Decepticon [[Insignia|seal]] off [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]]. Mirage risked the trust of his comrades by sneaking away to perform a plan of his own, framing the Decepticons for stealing [[Energon cube]]s from the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Spotted carrying the cubes by Cliffjumper, Mirage's guilt seemed all but confirmed, and before he could reveal his innocence, he was captured and brainwashed by one of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s mind-controlling [[cerebro-shell]]s. Under Bombshell's control, Mirage led the Autobots into an ambush, but at the battle's end, the assorted manipulations were revealed and Cliffjumper apologized to Mirage. {{storylink|Traitor (episode)|Traitor}}

[[File:AutobotRun Jazz Mirage vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Mirage took part in a charity race organised by the Autobots. While they raced and performed stunts, the Autobots were affected by Megatron's latest invention, the [[Transfixatron]], which locked them in their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s. They were herded by the Decepticons to a ghost town, where the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s had created a machine to destroy them. It was only through an intervention of Ratchet and Wheeljack's counter invention that they were saved. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[File:EntertheNightbird invisible Mirage.jpg|thumb|Engage active camouflage! Reveal yourselves only after [[Keith David|the Arbiter]] has joined battle with the enemy!]]
Mirage came with the other Autobots when they were hired by [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]] to protect [[Nightbird (G1)|his latest invention]] when it was being unveiled. When Decepticons attacked, Mirage became invisible and attacked Soundwave. Megatron offered to make Mirage disappear for good, but Optimus Prime saw to it that it wouldn't come true. After the Decepticons made off with Nightbird, Mirage and Ratchet insisted that [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] stay behind at Autobot base for repairs. As Brawn and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] were being repaired, Optimus detected an intruder. Mirage went to investigate, only to be beaten up by a Decepticon-reprogrammed Nightbird. Mirage pursued her with the other Autobots. When they caught up with her, Mirage became invisible in order to return Optimus Prime's laser rifle undetected, giving him the advantage. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

When Mirage and the other Autobots found they mysteriously had two Optimus Primes, the duo were subjected to a series of inconclusive tests. Before any further testing could be done, they had to roll out to a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal]]s to investigate strange readings. During the battle with the Decepticons that followed, the real Prime's identity was soon revealed. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} Mirage was part of [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]]'s team when they stumbled on the Decepticons' drilling operation. As [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] blasted him off a cliff, Mirage became invisible so the Decepticons would "never find [his] pieces". Of course, he survived and he and Sunstreaker used his grappling hook to take down Devastator. Back at Headquarters, a plan was hatched to plant [[dominator disk]]s on the Constructicons. Mirage took part, planting two of the disks at once, and Devastator was soon under Autobot control. Alas, it didn't last long — while they were trying to stop the Decepticons drilling to the [[Earth's core]], Megatron retook control of the combiner. {{storylink|The Core}}

Mirage was at Headquarters when [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] reported the discovery of [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]]. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Through a cunning plan on Megatron's part, the Autobots were found guilty of stealing energy and forced to leave Earth in a spaceship supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They soon discovered that the spacecraft was locked on course to the [[Sun]]. Through the heroic efforts of Chip Chase and bungling of [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], as well as the use of [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s [[force field]]s, the Autobots returned to Earth, where the Decepticons had already revealed their true nature. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

[[File:DesertionDinobots1 Mirage steals fusion cannon.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.34|Have you seen "Night at the Museum IV"? See it now! All rights reserved!]]
During an attempt by the Decepticons to steal the plans to the [[Ultra Plane]], Mirage used his invisibility to steal Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] right off the Decepticon leader's arm. A brief tug-of-war ensued over the weapon, which Mirage lost, but Megatron retreated in the end anyhow. Later, as the Dinobots were being repaired after another battle, Mirage reminisced about how great Cybertron was. When [[cybertonium]] depletion started affecting all of the Transformers, Mirage's invisibility power went on the fritz — instead of making him invisible, it merely altered his color scheme slightly. Unfortunately he didn't find this out until after he tried to sneak up on [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and was promptly blasted into a wall. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The Autobots' condition worsened, until they were unable to move. They remained this way until the Dinobots, Spike and [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] managed to retrieve more Cybertonium from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

[[File:GoldenLagoon Mirage reports to Autobots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Mirage rolled out for [[Haley Observatory]] when Megatron stole the [[Voltronic Galaxer]], but went missing somewhere along the way, and didn't arrive with the rest of the group. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} He was part of an Autobot team who faced [[electrum]]-plated Decepticons with little success. He had to retreat back to [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s position for reinforcements. When even Omega fell before the Decepticons, Mirage returned to Headquarters to break the news, and Teletraan I soon worked out how the Decepticons had become invincible. Soon the Autobots had found the electrum pool and, coating themselves, were able to defeat the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon}} After a number of Autobots were abducted by big game hunter [[Chumley|Lord Chumley]], Mirage was present at Headquarters when Cosmos finally located the missing Autobots. {{storylink|Prime Target (G1)|Prime Target}} He also helped coat the [[Statue of Liberty]] with [[corrostop]], Perceptor's latest invention. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

Mirage was among the team of five Autobots who disguised themselves as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], with Mirage's alternate mode making him the perfect choice to masquerade as [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]]. Penetrating the Decepticon camp, the Autobots ran into trouble when the real Stunticons arrived, trying to prove their identities by forming [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. With a combination of [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]'s magnetic powers and Mirage's illusion-creating ability, the Autobots were able to appear as Menasor too. Though the deception was soon revealed, they were still able to thwart the Decepticons’ plans. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{note|An unused scene from the storyboard for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' showed Mirage being blasted (possibly killed) by Megatron during the [[Battle of Autobot City]]. See [[#Notes|Notes]] for more details.}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Mirage engaged the Decepticons in battle with his comrades. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====

[[File:FSRLFstorypage distresscall.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

When the Autobots arrived on Earth, Mirage picked up a distress call alerting the Autobots to a Decepticon attack on [[New York City]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)#Part 1|Broadcasting on TV! Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers}} When the [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] project began, Mirage could be seen driving through the newly constructed city, {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)#Part 7|Story page #7}} and flying into action alongside it and his fellow Autobots when the city transformed into its robot mode, [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)#Part 9|Story page #9}} Later, while battling [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], Mirage proved no match for the combiner and was sent flying through the air. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)#Part 12|Story page #12}}

{{--}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
Mirage was part of the Masquerade Project, a project inspired by the fake Menasor combination he'd been part of that saw him and four other Autobots modify their [[Transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]]s to adopt true combiner forms. Their combined form, [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]], was unstable, but they did manage to form him long enough to defeat [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] during the battle for the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

=====''The Battle of the Star Gate''=====
[[File:StargateBattles mirage.jpg|thumb|right]]

Mirage was amongst the Autobots who confronted Megatron and his Decepticons at the ''[[Trigger]]'' in Earth orbit. The battle concluded with the Trigger's destruction, which sent all the comabants sent plummeting down to Earth in flames. {{storylink|The Battle of the Star Gate}}

{{--}}

=====''Robotmasters'' comic=====
[[File:RobotMasters mirage vs megs.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Mirage was discussing a series of earthquakes with his teammate [[R-Blade]] when another tremor struck [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], heralding the arrival of Beast Megatron. Unaware of the purple dinosaur's true identity, Mirage charged into action, but was sent flying by the Predacon's powerful jaws. Megatron transformed to reveal his true form, but Mirage and the Autobots then concentrated their fire, forcing him to retreat. {{storylink|Clash! The Two Leaders}} {{storylink|The New Battle Begins!}}

More time-displaced warriors soon arrived through the Blastizone, and Mirage fell before the might of [[Gigant Bomb]] and [[Smokesniper]]. {{storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}}

Mirage was present within the Ark when the Autobots developed an energy-absorbing upgrade via a "[[Black body (technology)|black body]]" coating, only for it to be used against them by the Decepticons. Knowing that Starscream had gained access to the process, Mirage was surprised to see that it was the Predacon [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] who had been upgraded with a "black body." He correctly deduced that Starscream would not have let anyone else gain access to the upgrade if he hadn't plotted a more self-serving scheme first. {{storylink|Black Body (prose)|Black Body}}

Receiving word of the discovery of a [[solitarium]] deposit on [[Chaar]], Mirage approached the new Autobot arrival [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]] for his help in locating it. {{storylink|Defend the Solitarium!}} Later, while manning the monitors at Autobot City, Mirage spotted an injured Transformer who had collapsed outside the fortress. The mysterious newcomer identified himself as [[Reverse Convoy]], {{storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} but turned out to in fact be the original Megatron in disguise. Megatron took Mirage, Optimus, and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] prisoner at [[Sherman Dam]], but they were soon saved by [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Lio Convoy]]. {{storylink|The Dark Emperor of Destruction, Reborn}}

Mirage participated in the three-day final battle with the Decepticons that concluded with the Autobots' victory, and the time-displaced Transformers being sent back to their homes. {{storylink|And Then}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[File:Binaltech mirage boxart.jpg|thumb|right]]

{{Note|This section takes place in [[BT World|a divergent timeline]]. Skip to the next section to continue reading about the original timeline.}}

A few years after the defeat of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] in [[2005]], the Autobots were forced off of Cybertron by the Decepticons. Consulting the files of the [[time travel]]ling [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]], the Autobots learned of a mysterious [[Large switch|switch]] hidden away on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] which, when pulled, would instantaneously immobilize all Transformers throughout the universe. More homesick for his homeworld than any of his fellows, Mirage volunteered for the dangerous mission to infiltrate the planet and activate the switch. To this end, he transferred his spark into a new [[Binaltech (technology)|Binaltech]] body that had been designed to replicate the function of his [[power chip rectifier]], but which had instead resulted in greatly ''magnified'' powers. The new body's Electro Disruptor kept it ''permanently'' invisible, which allowed Mirage to make his way to Cybertron, past the Decepticons, and down into the planet's depths to the switch. After throwing the switch, though, Mirage was surprised to find that he was still mobile. It seemed the Binaltech warriors (both Autobot and Decepticon) were significantly different enough from regular Transformers to be unaffected by the immobilization wave. With the Autobots now vastly outnumbering the Decepticons still in operation, the tide of the war had irreparably shifted. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
In [[2021]], Mirage, having gained a combiner body, was present on Cybertron when [[Megaempress]] and her [[4 Guards]] intervened in the battle between [[Sky Reign]] and [[Grand Galvatron]]. Subsequently, Mirage combined with Ironhide, Prowl, Sunstreaker, and a temporarily-resurrected Optimus Prime into [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] to fight [[Megatronia]]. {{storylink|Megatronia Chapter}} Unicron then attacked Cybertron, and the Autobots separated to fight off his minions, the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]]. Mirage tried using his invisibility to sneak up on [[Rollbar (RID)|Greejeeber]], but the trained martial artist sensed his presence and neutralized him with a [[crystalocution]] kick. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part One}} Once the Combatrons turned on Unicron, Mirage and the others combined back into Optimus Maximus to help defeat the evil god. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part Two}}

Mirage and his combining teammates went to [[Hawaii]] for what was supposedly "special surfing training". There, Mirage stayed on the beach to... suntan, or something. {{storylink|Crossing the Pacific Ocean!?}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], Mirage and the Autobots joined in the [[Selector]]s rebellion. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}} As [[Angolmois Energy]] erupted on the planet, Mirage was caught in the corrupting blast of one of the geysers, causing him to change. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Mirage was among the Autobots stationed at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] when [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the Decepticons attacked. Though the Autobots were ultimately victorious, the entire attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] could go perform ''evil'' somewhere in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

Mirage later appeared at the Autobots' newly constructed Japanese base, welcoming the small [[human]] boy, [[Kenji]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}

=====Full Throttle Scramble Power!=====
[[File:Scramblepower autobots say no.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
When Megatron threatened the world with the nefarious [[Omega Wave Cannon]], Mirage was one of the Autobots who objected to the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] being sent into action, citing their lack of experience. The Autobots' human allies [[Tōru]] and [[Jenny (G1)|Jenny]] managed to destroy the Whip, upon which Mirage and the other Autobots rolled into action to stop the Decepticons escaping. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{--}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:Termination mw mirage.jpg|left|thumb]]
After the defeat of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] and the onset of Cybertron's new [[Golden Age]], Mirage returned to his homeworld in hopes of finding peace. {{storylink|#Timelines|BotCon 2013 Mirage profile card}} However, a new threat soon emerged: [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], a renegade Cybertronian who fashioned a clone army for himself that even included [[Mirage (G2)|a clone]] of Mirage himself. {{storylink|A Flash Forward, Part 3}} Jhiaxus's ever-expanding army swept across the galaxy in a conflict known as the "[[Machine Wars (event)|Machine Wars]]", and Mirage teamed up with [[Electro]] to provide upgrades to Cybertron's population in preparation for the conflict inevitably reaching the Transformers' homeworld. As part of this, Mirage upgraded his own speed by a factor of two and exposed himself to [[forestonite]], which considerably enhanced the range of his invisibility field. {{storylink|#Timelines|BotCon 2013 Mirage profile card}} Unfortunately, in acquiring said weaponry and upgrades, Mirage and Electro had to go outside the law, violating several arms regulations and consorting with black marketeers and other criminals, which led to them being arrested by [[Clampdown (G1)|Clamp Down]]. He agreed to let the pair go so they could join the impending fight against Jhiaxus's approaching forces, ''if'' they would testify that their crimes had been committed at the order of Autobot Earth commander [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]]. Electro pushed back, but as alarms began blaring to signify that Jhiaxus's army had arrived, Mirage quickly agreed to Clamp Down's terms—but as it turned out, there was little they could do, as a colossal bombing run by the enemy forces levelled the city.

Jhiaxus's clone army, led by [[Megaplex]], seized control of Cybertron in only a few days. Scattered groups of Autobot survivors quickly organized; Mirage and Electro were called to a rendezvous with a squad led by [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] outside of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], where Mirage used his enhanced powers to keep a substantial number of reinforcements hidden from view. When Megaplex and his men were lured out by the seemingly small group of rebels, Mirage dropped the invisibility field, revealing to the clones that they were surrounded. A fierce battle erupted, but the tide began to turn against the Autobots when it turned out that their teammate [[Sandstorm (MW)|Sandstorm]] was actually an undercover agent, who blasted Obsidian. {{storylink|Termination}} Still the heroes fought on, with Mirage and Override attempt to take on the Sandstorm clone, only to be soundly thrashed. As reinforcements from Earth began to arrive, Mirage regrouped with Electro, and the pair tried to ambush the [[Skywarp (MW)|Skywarp clone]], only for him to teleport away and send his drones after them. They were unexpectedly rescued by a squad of Decepticons, and joined with them in fighting off Jhiaxus's legions—a sight that convinced Jhiaxus to ''surrender'', as he was content that he had achieved his goal of uniting Cybertron as one. {{storylink|A Common Foe}}

====Yolopark comics====
After [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] was replaced since his manufacture by the "[[Cliffjumper (Yolopark)|Cliffjumper]]" of another universe, the unknowing Mirage had her among his comrades that awoke on [[Earth]] in [[1984]]. {{storylink|A Cliffjumper(s) Tale}}
{{--}}

===Marvel Storybooks continuity===
[[File:BattleforEarth mirage.jpg|thumb|I think "Armless" suits you better!]]
Mirage was one of the survivors of the Ark's crash who was rebuilt as an Earth vehicle. During the Global building fiasco, Mirage was among the Autobots who tried and failed to scratch Devastator's paint. Still, he managed to teleport into Megatron's war room and reverse the effects of the Devastator Button, freeing the Decepticons' hostages. {{storylink|Battle for Earth}}

===Marvel coloring books===
[[File:DecepticonPatrol mirage electric balls.jpg|left|thumb]]
One peaceful day, Optimus decided it was too quiet, and sent Bumblebee and Mirage out to spy on the Decepticons. Sure enough, the Decepticons were up to something. The cowardly Laserbeak having mistakenly identified an automobile factory as an Autobot factory. The Decepticons had been sent out to locate and destroy this factory. Reporting this back to Optimus, Mirage was instructed to project the holographic image of an Autobot factory nearby so as to trap the Decepticons in a big hole. Ravage saw through the ruse, and attacked Mirage from behind, dispelling his illusion just as Megatron was about to fall for the trap. Ratchet quickly fixed up Mirage, and Mirage retaliated against Ravage by throwing [[electric ball]]s at him. {{storylink|Decepticon Patrol}}

Mirage was part of the Autobot convoy that followed Optimus Prime into combat when it was discovered that the Decepticons used a [[molecular transfer device]] to steal fuel from all around the globe. He, Optimus, Hound, Jazz, and Bumblebee infiltrated the Decepticons' stronghold, only to meet with opposition from the Decepticons posted to guard the machine. Mirage used his holographic powers to confuse Megatron, creating an opening for Bumblebee to grab the molecular transfer device's controls, and drain all of the Decepticons' fuel. {{storylink|Summertime Coloring Book}}

When the Decepticons took over the Autobots' base by deceiving them with a phony message from Cybertron, the Autobots turned the tables by sending a fake message of their own. Believing they were about to be attacked by [[Martian]]s, the Decepticons came running out of the base, straight into an Autobot ambush. Mirage joined in sending the villains on their way, hurling electric balls at Megatron and Ravage. {{storylink|A Message From Outer Space}}

Optimus Prime had Mirage create a mirage (!) that the Autobot base-camp was occupied when in fact the Autobots had secretly relocated. The Decepticons attacked and wasted all their ammunition on the illusion, leaving them easy targets for an Autobot ambush. {{storylink|Bumblebee's Dangerous Mission}}

When Gears had fallen for a dastardly Decepticon trap, Mirage, Ratchet and Sideswipe somehow learned about it instantly. Mirage jammed Thundercracker's circuits with his [[circuit-jammer]], paralyzing him in mid-air. {{storylink|The Autobot Smasher!}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Big Book of Coloring Fun}}}}
{{-}}

===Big Looker storybooks continuity===
[[File:GreatCarRally skywarp vs mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25]]
When the Cybertronian civil war had yet to leave the planet, Optimus asked his Autobots to join him in leaving their home world behind and travel out into space. When Bumblebee volunteered to join Optimus, Mirage and the rest of the Autobots jumped in as well. After crash-landing on Earth and being offline for about 65 million years, Mirage and the rest of the Autobots met Sparkplug and his son Spike. With the Decepticons still not in the know of what forms the Autobots had taken, Mirage was one of the troops that Optimus led into the desert in order to ambush their enemies. Though they successfully took by surprise a squadron of Decepticons, the Autobots had not anticipated a second group flying in from the opposite direction. Thanks to a warning from Spike and Sparkplug, the Autobots managed to fend off the Decepticons, and came to accept Earth as their new home. {{storylink|Battle for Cybertron}}

Mirage and Cliffjumper found out about a cross-country car rally that offered a year's worth of gas and oil to whoever won the competition. The pair excitedly went off to tell Optimus Prime about it, unaware that Soundwave had been spying on them. As Optimus went over the specifics of the race with his troops, he elected Mirage to participate in the rally's first heat, where Mirage's ability to handle winding roads could be used to his advantage. Mirage managed to secure an early lead in the race, only to be attacked by Skywarp. Mirage found himself struggling to both dodge Skywarp's blasts and race at the same time. With the other drivers closing in on Mirage, the Autobot race car deployed his [[Electro-disrupter|Electro-disruptor]], and caused Skywarp to crash into the nearby sea. This distraction out of the way, Mirage finished up his part of the race, though he arrived in last place. Passing the baton to Hound, he warned him to watch out for more Decepticons that might show up during the race.{{storylink|The Great Car Rally}}

Thanks to [[Shooting Star]], Optimus discovered that Blitzwing was planning to steal oil from a nearby oil truck. Optimus took Mirage and a team of Autobots to stop the theft. Thanks to Swoop's help, the Autobots managed to thwart the Decepticons’ heist. Mirage laughed when the Autobots realized that the humans involved had fainted upon seeing Swoop. Mirage pointed out that he was glad that a robot who transformed into a monstrosity out of Earth's distant past was on the Autobots' side. {{storylink|Decepticon Hijack}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
[[File:MegatronsFightForPower repairing the ship.jpg|left|thumb]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots who attended the test run of [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]'s lightning collector, {{storylink|Autobots' Lightning Strike}} and later assisted in the ongoing reconstruction of the Autobots' space cruiser. {{storylink|Megatron's Fight for Power}}

When the Decepticons attacked Autobot City without any early warning, it was Mirage who suggested they may have already constructed a hideout nearby, allowing them to appear without warning. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}
{{-}}

===''S.T.A.R.S.'' continuity===
[[File:PackIn RodimusPrimeRemembers Inside2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25]]
When [[Johnny (G1)|Johnny]] spotted [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] stealing energy, he called his Autobot allies through his S.T.A.R.S. control center. Mirage was amongst those who responded to Johnny's call, {{storylink|Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?}} and joined in the struggle against Thundercracker, even though his movements were slowed by the Decepticon syphoning off his power. {{storylink|Can one boy, alone, hold back the evil Decepticons?}}

Later, Ultra Magnus pleaded for [[you]] to "requisition" Mirage and other Autobots in order to combat the Decepticon threat. Using the human power known as "imagination," S.T.A.R.S. recruits could perceive what it was like to be Mirage. {{storylink|You Have Been Chosen.}}

Before the construction of Autobot City on Earth, Optimus led a convoy of Autobots to find the ideal location for their new base's construction. Mirage was amongst the troops accompanying Optimus. As they drove along, the Autobots were ambushed by the Decepticons. The battle that ensued later came to be known as "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (G1)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]." {{storylink|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.}} {{storylink|The Autobots Are Under Attack!}}
{{-}}

===Find Your Fate Junior===
{{notemultipath}}
====Dinobots Strike Back====
When Bombshell used his cerebro-shells to gain control of all the Dinobots except Swoop, one path found Mirage among several Autobots in the war room listening to Prowl's warning that the rampaging quartet was approaching [[Bandit's Bluff]], dangerously close to a human city. This gave Mirage the idea to cast an illusion of Optimus Prime, whom Bombshell had surely ordered his new minions to attack, on the edge of the cliff to trick them into charging over it and into the ocean. If Optimus selected this plan over [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger's]], it went off without a hitch, plunging the Dinobots into the sea, where Autobots aboard [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray's]] massive destroyer mode were able to salvage them and return to base where Windcharger could safely remove the shells. {{storylink|Dinobots Strike Back}}
====Attack of the Insecticons====
Mirage was one of many Autobots involved in a plot where the Sun-Pak, a device invented by Sparkplug to solve the Autobots' energy problems, is stolen by the Decepticons.

In one possible adventure, where Sparkplug has been kidnapped by Starscream and injected by a Cerebro-Shell by Bombshell in order to force the human into building more of the device for the Decepticons, Mirage is the one to discover Sparkplug wandering away from the Decepticon base some time later. After returning with Sparkplug from his espionage mission, Mirage and the rest of the Autobots find out that Sparkplug had his memory damaged when injected with the Cerebro-Shell, and was only capable of producing a laser-toothbrush for the Decepticons in-lieu of the Sun-Pak.

In an alternate path, where the Autobots escape from the Decepticons initial attempt at stealing the Sun-Pak, but lose the device to the Decepticons anyways, Mirage can be sent as an advance scout to discover the whereabouts of the Insecticons and their newly acquired Sun-Pak. With Buster tagging along, the both of them are made to swear to Optimus that they will not engage the enemy, and contact the rest of the Autobots once they have located the Sun-Pak. Following the ultra-sonic vibrations of the Insecticons' wings, Mirage tracks down the trio to a rotting forest. As they spy on the Insecticons, Shrapnel gloats he we will the device he stole to overpower Megatron himself. Mirage spots Ravage darting away from the scene, and realizing that the Decepticon mini-cassette will inform Megatron of what is happening, making time of the essence, he contemplates breaking his promise to Optimus.

If Mirage does decide to break his promise to Optimus, he uses his Electro-Scrambler to produce holograms of himself, confusing the three Insecticons, while Buster snatches the Sun-Pak. Congratulating each other on successfully outwitting the Insecticons, Buster and Mirage make their way back to Autobot base.

If, alternatively, Mirage decides to not break his promise to Optimus and contact the rest of the Autobots as he agreed to before, Megatron does indeed arrive first on the scene. But while the Decepticons squabble, the Autobots in turn arrive on the scene, and Megatron decides to stay in the forest to ambush his adversaries. Unbeknownst to him, Mirage and Buster still spy on the Decepticons' activities, and forewarn Optimus of Megatron's ploy. Optimus decides to have [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] pour acid on the concealed Decepticons, winning the day at the expense of the easily replaceable Sun-Pak. {{storylink|Attack of the Insecticons}}

====Earthquake====
While discussing how nice the recent lull in Decepticon activity was, Mirage interjected about how trickery was the best way to outdo the evil robots, and boasted about his holographic abilities.

In one possible scenario, Mirage was able to put his abilities to good use. Beachcomber returned prematurely from his day off to report that he had discovered a secret Decepticon fortress. Within the fortress was a Destruction beam device, which the Decepticons were about to use to destroy the nearby Center City. Beachcomber had been unable to find the lab housing the device, however, and so consulted his fellow Autobots. Beachcomber and Mirage headed back to the Decepticons’ fortress, and using Mirage's holographic abilities, tricked Buzzsaw into thinking the fortress was overrun by an Autobot army. This prompted him to head back to the lab to defend it. Following him, the Autobots were able to destroy the Destruction beam before it caused any harm, and then hurried out of the fortress while the Decepticons still panicked over Buzzsaw's report of an Autobot army. {{storylink|Earthquake (book)|Earthquake}}

====Decepticon Poison====
When Red Alert came bursting into the Autobots’ headquarters, warning them about Ramjet being spotted nearby, and a number of Autobot subsequently found themselves unable to transform, Mirage correctly deduced that the Decepticon had poisoned the Autobots’ fuel supply.

In one possible scenario that ensued, Mirage was part of the Autobots’ back-up squadron, as they attempted to defend the Autobot base against the Decepticons. In one version of the ensuing events, the Autobots were able to beat back the Decepticons, though not without receiving some grievous injuries themselves.

In another possible scenario, where Optimus followed a plan courtesy of Prowl, the Autobot leader instructed his troops to transform into vehicle mode and play dead. The Decepticons, believing the Autobots’ ruse, disarmed themselves in order to carry out the Autobots’ “carcasses.” Now with the element of surprise against unarmed opponent, the Autobots Transformed and were able to easily defeat the evil robots.

In another possible turn of events, Perceptor gave out too much of his antidote to cure each poisoned Autobot. The Autobots who received the antidote soon found themselves falling apart, leaving Mirage and the rest outmatched against the greater number of Decepticons.

In a completely different scenario, Optimus agreed to Prowl's plan to go on the offensive and try and discover the full extent of the Decepticons’ plans. Optimus nominated Prowl, Bumblebee and Mirage to go along with him on the mission. The group refuelled with the gas that Sparkplug brought back from the Autobots’ secret storage area, and took off. The group soon happened upon the Decepticons’ lab in the middle of a barren, polluted wasteland.

If all four Autobots ventured together into the Decepticons’ lab, they first encountered Laserbeak, only to quickly dispatch him. Venturing further into the lab, the group soon spotted the antidote they were after, and sent Mirage to fetch it. Disguising himself as Laserbeak with his electro-scrambler, Mirage successfully retrieved the beaker, thought not before overhearing Starscream and Ramjet conversing. The two Decepticons were gloating about using a new poison to turn humans into mindless slaves.

If Optimus ordered his squad to instead return to Autobot headquarters immediately, his squad returned to find their comrades nearly dead from the poison. But with Ratchet's help, the antidote was quickly distributed, and the Autobots sprung back to life.

If Optimus led his troops back to the Decepticons’ poison lab, Mirage was amongst the Autobot convoy that drove into action. Whatever decisions they took, the Autobots managed to destroy the Decepticons’ lab.

If however Optimus ordered his troops to deal with the Decepticons before returning to base with the antidote, the Autobots were faced with another decision; deal with Starscream and Ramjet first, or to attempt to destroy the containers of poison first, as per Prowl's suggestion.

If the Autobots went along with Prowl's strategy, the resulting heat from the explosion caused the Autobots’ circuits to overheat, rendering them unconscious. In the process, Mirage dropped the vial containing the antidote to the Decepticons’ poison, causing it to shatter into a million pieces. Upon reawakening, the Autobots found themselves captives of Megatron, who informed them that their fellow Autobots would soon perish, and that the humans would be conquered by the Decepticons shortly after.

If Optimus instead decided to deal with Ramjet and Starscream first, his troop easily overpowered the pair, Prowl and Mirage working together to wrestle down Starscream. After having destroyed the lab, the Autobots returned to their headquarters with the antidote.

If instead of all heading into the lab together, the Autobots had sent in Bumblebee alone, and Bumblebee subsequently managed to escape with the antidote to the Decepticons’ poison, the Autobots escaped from the [[Decepticon Poison Lab|Valley of Poison]] and returned to Autobot headquarters. Once the other Autobots were cured, they all drank a toast to Bumblebee, to celebrate his part in the mission. {{storylink|Decepticon Poison}}
{{-}}

====Autobot Alert!====
[[File:AutobotAlertCyclonusonscreen.jpg|thumb]]
Mirage was in Metroplex city when an Autobot Alert sounded.

In one possible scenario, Mirage was selected alongside Jazz, Swoop, Powerglide and Prowl, to join Ultra Magnus on an orbital mission to both rescue Cosmos and halt a Decepticon plot to take over Earth's broadcast satellites. After donning special space gear for solar protection, the team took off and headed towards Cosmos's last coordinates.Though they soon found Cosmos, so did they spot Galvatron's ship, Cyclonus, looming nearby. After both Mirage and Powerglide retrieved Cosmos, Mirage overlooked him quickly. He was able to detect weak life signs within Cosmos, but could not repair Cosmos himself. Returning to the shuttle's control deck, Mirage and Ultra Magnus discovered that Cyclonus himself was acting as the Decepticons’ signal-jamming device. Ultra Magnus then ordered his troops to train all of their available weapons on Cyclonus for a full-frontal assault. Mirage questioned the wisdom of this plan, pointing out it could easily turn into a suicide mission.

If the Autobots went along with Ultra Magnus's plan, Mirage and the rest of the Autobots were horrorstruck when Galvatron himself emerged from Cyclonus, followed by an army of multiwing jet fighters. Mirage and the others were left drifting helplessly into space as the Decepticons tore their shuttle apart.

If instead Powerglide and Swoop went about their own way of defeating the Decepticons, Cyclonus's transmission device was successfully destroyed and the entire crew of the Autobot shuttle presumably returned to base safely.

In a completely different possible sequence of events, wherein Ultra Magnus agreed to prioritize theft of the coded message, Mirage was part of the captive audience that listened to Kup divulge information about an ancient Autobot formula. {{storylink|Autobot Alert!}}
{{-}}

===The Official Transformers: Generation 2 Annual===
While "computer hacking," Mirage discovered numerous human reports of a mysterious construction project occurring on the uninhabited [[Clarke Atoll]], which the Autobots identified as a set of gigantic rocket engines. After an independent report by [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] corroborated his suspicions, Mirage related his findings to the other Autobots, and they all headed out to stop the Decepticons' plan to use the engines to force Earth out of orbit and convert it into a new Cybertron. {{storylink|Moving Day Planet Earth}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
[[File:DarkAges5 its not stopping.jpg|thumb|upright=2]]
Despite his misgiving about the war effort, Mirage's tenure with the Autobot cause dates back to the time of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. When Shockwave staged a disastrous offensive against [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], Mirage was there defending the [[Decagon]] alongside Prowl and the other Autobot soldiers. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}} During the [[Dark Ages]], he continued serving under Prowl as part of the main Autobot faction at [[Virtue's Forum]], in the remains of Iacon. {{storylink|Fragmentation (G1)|Fragmentation}} Alongside Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], he tried defending their prisoner, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Experiment D-43]], against the intruder known as [[The Fallen]], but failed miserably in the process. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}} During the [[Quintesson]] occupation of Cybertron, he was among the Autobots held captive at [[Internment Camp Pi]]. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.2}}

{{unreleased WW comic}}
Optimus returned to Cybertron, and the Autobots were freed from slavery. {{Storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.6}}

Four million years ago, Mirage crash-landed on the planet Earth aboard the shuttle known as the Ark, with more than two dozen of his fellow Autobots and Decepticons. They remained inactive in stasis lock at the base of a volcano until 1984, when volcanic activity shook them back on-line. The war began again, but without reinforcements or connection to Cybertron, Megatron and his Decepticons were eventually defeated and taken prisoner by the Autobots in 1998. Mirage and the rest of the Transformers were prepared to fly back to Cybertron in a new spacecraft, the ''[[Ark II]]'', but it exploded shortly after takeoff in 1999, leaving them all believed dead.

[[File:PrimeDirective5 mirage fights virus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2]]
Not so. Most of the Transformers had been salvaged by a mercenary named [[Lazarus]], who spent the next few years repairing and reprogramming the Cybertronians to use as weapons of mass destruction at his command. Optimus Prime was reactivated by the United States military to oppose Lazarus, and he in turn used the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to revive several other Autobots who had escaped Lazarus' salvage crews, including Mirage. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} Together, they helped in the clean-up operation at the [[Smitco Oil Refinery]] following an attack upon it by Lazarus-controlled Transformers, then made a bee-line for Lazarus's base of operations, only to find that Megatron and the Decepticons had broken free of his control. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} While half the Autobots pursued the Decepticons to [[San Francisco]], Mirage and the rest remained at Lazarus's base to repair the other Autobots left strewn around, and to find a way to stop the cyberforming virus Megatron had unleashed upon the planet. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} Mirage and his allies combated the virus using curative weapons powered by their own energon reserves. Despite the interference of the well-meaning Canadian military, {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} the Autobots eventually emerged triumphant, though Wheeljack wound up putting himself in stasis lock to neutralize the virus. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

''Mirage was remarkably unhelpful during the war with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]]. After Optimus Prime was forced to give the Matrix over to Megatron as a debt of honor, Mirage sniped about the decision worse than any of the Autobots. His criticisms only got louder after a news report from [[Washington, D.C.]] made it clear that Megatron had found one of his warriors, the already mighty [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]], who could actually wield the power of the Matrix directly. Now that Prime had actually strengthened their enemies as well as weakening the Autobots, Mirage just wouldn't shut up about it. The final straw was when [[Franklin Townsend]], a crazed augment working for the Keepers, idly strolled into the Ark, took over control of [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]'s mind, and made his getaway. Mirage was ready to brazenly disobey Prime's orders and charge right after Bluestreak, until Optimus physically slammed him into a wall and forced him to obey his commanding officer. When you're being so much of a dick that the legendary patience of Optimus Prime runs out, it's time to rein it in, Mirage. {{storylink|Transformers: Fusion|Fusion}}''

[[File:WarandPeace2 traitor.jpg|thumb|upright=2]]
Following a vision experienced by Optimus Prime, the Autobots battled the Decepticons over a Cybertronian stasis pod in [[Alaska]], during which Mirage went up against Thundercracker. The fighting came to an abrupt, surprising end when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his forces arrived on Earth and announced that, in their absence, the Autobot/Decepticon wars on Cybertron had ended and that the two factions had been united. Thrilled at the prospect of being able to return home, Mirage was one of the first to fall in with the new regime, and helped talk Prowl into surrendering to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|New World Order}} Taken into custody as war criminals, several of the Autobots (especially [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]) considered Mirage a traitor. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Once back on Cybertron, however, the Autobots learned of a secret rebellion, {{storylink|Passive Aggression}} and Mirage quickly realigned himself with the Autobot cause when Shockwave's true plan was revealed. During the subsequent rebel uprising that ended with Shockwave's dethroning, Mirage made amends with Cliffjumper by using his invisibility to sneak up and save him from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

[[File:DWG1v36 mirage.jpg|thumb|left]]
Unfortunately for Mirage, in the wake of Shockwave's defeat, the Autobots' acting commander Prowl soon came to the conclusion that they needed to return to Earth, and called a meeting to discuss the matter. {{storylink|Original Sin}} Prowl proposed that a more significant beach-head had to be established on Earth for the future, but Mirage—happy to finally be home—had no desire to return to "that primitive little rock," and while he did not oppose the plan, advocated being conscious of the costs involved. [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] didn't take his remarks well, feeling that Mirage was putting money before friends, and didn't hesitate to point out that Mirage's fortune from his aristocracy days was now non-existent, his estate and possessions having been partitioned up and sold off by Shockwave's united government while he was gone. {{storylink|Atonement}} Mirage ultimately lost the argument, and was last seen grumpily standing on the [[Autobase]] shuttle landing platform as supplies for the trip back to Earth were loaded. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[File:GIJoevsTF4 Mirage Ferret.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] found Mirage's holo-projector aboard the ''Ark'', and used it to make a better holographic driver for himself than [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] could. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}}

Meanwhile, Mirage was among the dormant Transformers discovered by [[Cobra]], reprogrammed for nefarious purposes, and given new alternate modes (Mirage now transformed into a Cobra [[Ferret]]). Upon being freed from Cobra's control by Wheeljack, Mirage's group located Optimus Prime and helped fight back against the newly freed Decepticons. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} He later stood watch as the damaged Prime was formulating a plan to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Mirage was apparently among the Autobots awakened on the [[Fera Islands]] in [[1939]], as Optimus Prime mentioned that he had been killed in the battle against [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===''The Beast Within''===
[[File:BeastWithin mirage.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.75|Ow.]]
Mirage participated in a savage battle against the Decepticons, though he did not fare too well, already laying defeated on the battleground during the conflict's early stages. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Megatron Origin issue 3|''Megatron Origin'' #3]]; [[Spotlight: Blaster]] (modern era)}}

[[File:Mirage pharma remembrance day.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2]]

Before the [[Great War (G1)|war]] broke out, Mirage was in attendance for the funeral of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} He was one of the few Autobots who witnessed firsthand [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s lifeless shell be dropped off as part of a [[Decepticon]] intimidation tactic. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4|Megatron Origin #4}} Some time later, early in the war, Mirage was a guard at the [[Institute|New Institute]], a place known to use brainwashing to keep Autobots with wavering loyalties in line. Hmm. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} He and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] were members of the same institution (though it is unclear if it was a school, a place of employment, a military unit, or something else), where the motto was "Veritas". {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:SpotlightMirage trappedHound.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|This didn't actually happen. Or did it? No, it didn't.]]
Mirage lived with an ongoing medical condition, which periodically caused a build-up of gamma-cybrobuteric acid in his brain that led him to start having hallucinations. {{storylink|The Possible Light}} This condition flared up when he was damaged in an explosion; while recuperating in a repair station, he dreamed of another time and place where his life had taken a different course, and he had wound up a Decepticon mercenary in the employ of [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]. In this dream, in order to finally end the war, and crush the last few remaining Autobots, Mirage used his holographic powers to disguise himself as [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and infiltrated the enemy base. Once he disabled their security systems, his fellow Decepticons swarmed in, and they proceeded with the subjugation of their long-hated foes. Though [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] was holding his own during the fight, Mirage took a disabled [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] hostage to force the Autobot leader to surrender. Mirage then contacted Megatron to inform him of his victory. Despite Mirage's protests, Megatron insisted he kill all of the Autobots, rather than take them in as prisoners of war. Mirage stabbed [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] through the [[spark]], provoking an enraged Optimus to tackle him into a nearby container of [[Zodiac]] energy. The dream ended with an explosion, but Mirage was left to wonder if it had ''truly'' been a dream, or if the unearthly powers of the [[Zodiac]] had granted him a brief glimpse across the dimensions. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}

Mirage was a suspect in the assassination attempts on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], as he was one of only four Autobots present on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub|Hub]] during both attacks. He and two of the other Autobots were cleared when it was discovered that a mind-controlled [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] was the true culprit. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

[[File:Mirage Invisibility AHM 5.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|Everybody hates a mime.]]
A year later, Mirage joined Optimus Prime's crew on [[Earth]] to help root out the Decepticons they had been forced to leave alone on the planet. After months of searching, Mirage finally turned up some information that suggested there had been a schism in the Decepticon ranks—information that turned out to be false, and which drew the Autobots into a hideous ambush. Badly outmatched, the Autobots were soundly defeated and lined up to be dumped through a space bridge to Cybertron, but before they were sent through, Megatron revealed that there had been a willing traitor collaborator involved in his trap. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} As the one who had delivered the information, Mirage was the prime suspect, with everyone but [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] believing he'd betrayed them to the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4|All Hail Megatron #4}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

[[File:AHM7 Ironhide assaults Mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|[[All Hail Megatron issue 4|Ironhide. Punches. ''Everyone.'']]]]
Frustrated at being stranded on Cybertron, Mirage listened to Tracks tell a story to pass the time. {{storylink|Spotlight: Jazz}} Presently, when [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]]'s crew arrived on the planet, Mirage served as an invisible sentry, undetectably watching the group as they arrived. Kup scoffed at the apparent "lack" of a guard, allowing Jazz to get one up on the old 'bot by instructing Mirage to reveal himself. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}} Not long after, a raging [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] finally snapped and dragged Mirage into a corner, blamed the supposed "traitor" for the trap, which had nearly killed Optimus Prime. Mirage could only protest weakly as Ironhide beat him half to death and ripped off his Autobot badge. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}}

It was eventually revealed that [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] had been the real traitor, and Ironhide tried to apologize to Mirage. Mirage wouldn't accept his apology, however, leaving his badge off out of spite and warning Ironhide against ever talking to him again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}} However, despite his harsh words, Mirage came to Ironhide's rescue during a [[Insecticon swarm|swarm]] attack, urging his comrade to save himself. Ironhide refused, and instead proved that he trusted Mirage again by staying behind to help him fight the monstrosities. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After the Autobots were saved by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], they returned to Earth and fought against the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}}

[[File:Mirage New Arrivals Old Encounters.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]

Three years later, the Autobots were still squatting on Earth at Optimus Prime's insistence, keeping the humans "safe" from the Decepticons while being hunted by those very same humans. Mirage was present when [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] finally went stir-crazy and demanded some action. That "action" led to Ironhide's death and Prime surrendering himself to the human robot-hunters, [[Skywatch]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} Along with Prowl, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and several others, Mirage joined Hot Rod in breaking off from what remained of the Autobot forces to leave the planet of mud and water behind. At first, they tried convincing Omega Supreme to leave with them, but Hot Rod's speeches failed to overcome Omega's loyalty to Optimus Prime. Instead, they found unlikely allies in a pack of roving Decepticons led by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} With the additional manpower, and despite the unease they had for one another, the unlikely allies began construction of a new space cruiser to leave Earth forever, {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} with Mirage working on the new flight control systems. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}} Unsurprisingly, the Decepticons eventually betrayed Hot Rod's team and attempted to take the space cruiser for themselves. Mirage and the others fought against their new creation, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and eventually brought him down. Mirage was one of several Autobots who were injured in the battle, and was repaired by Skywatch technicians. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

Looking to make up for his mistake of trusting the Decepticons, Hot Rod (or "Rodimus") left Earth for some time, returning months later with a previously presumed-dead Sunstreaker in tow. Mirage initially had trouble facing Sunstreaker, what with having been blamed for his betrayal years earlier, but his anger was soon overcome by the joy of being reunited with old friends. The Autobots then left Earth to return to Cybertron, which according to Rodimus had been restored but conquered by [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} Once back home, they fought against both Galvatron's [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] and Megatron's Decepticons. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}}

[[File:Mirage The Autonomy Lesson.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
After the battle ended with Cybertron restored to a primordial state and most Decepticons in captivity, Mirage witnessed the disastrous launch of Rodimus's ''[[Lost Light]]''. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} He tried to return to a normal life among the [[NAIL|unaligned Cybertronians]] who had returned home following the end of the war, {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} but when the Decepticons rebelled and tried to conquer Cybertron again, Mirage was injured trying to sneak up on them and had to be carried to the local med-center by Jazz. {{storylink|Plan for Everything}} Following the attack and defeat of the [[Necrotitan]], Mirage celebrated with [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] and Sunstreaker, the latter having returned aboard the ''Lost Light'', the group's differences with one another a thing of the past at last. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}} Mirage was displeased with the results of [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s trial, believing the former Decepticon should have been executed outright. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 1): Full Circle|Full Circle}}

[[File:MTMTE40 mirage tends bar.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Mirage decided to join the crew of the ''Lost Light'' on its second departure from Cybertron; given a tour of the vessel by [[Crosscut (G1)|Crosscut]], he was decidedly unimpressed by the much-lauded [[Swerve's|Swerve's bar]]. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} Once the ship was airborne and off on its way once more, Mirage and several others attempted to eavesdrop on [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s psychiatric examination of the ship's unlikely new co-captain, Megatron himself. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} When the ship encountered a coffin floating in outer space, Mirage helped bring it in, {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} kickstarting a chain of events that caused the ship itself to disappear and forcing Mirage and the rest of the crew to evacuate. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|Predestination: A Beginner's Guide}}

A while after the event was all sorted out and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]]'s plans to change the past were stopped, Mirage addressed the issues he had with Swerve's by opening his ''own'' bar named [["Visages"]]. Because of an incident that had occurred at ''Swerve's'' when Brainstorm poisoned everyone's drinks, Mirage's bar flourished, but Swerve got his own back at the upper-class Autobot by suggesting that Megatron read some of his poetry at "Visages", which caused its patrons to abandon it in droves, flooding back to Swerve's. {{storylink|Our Steps Will Always Rhyme}} Mirage joined many other Autobots when Rodimus gave news of Thunderclash's pre-wake. {{storylink|The Sensuous Frame}} At some point, [[Getaway]] and/or [[Atomizer]] approached Mirage and asked whether or not he would stand with them in a mutiny against Megatron. Mirage responded that he would. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 1): Full Circle|Full Circle}}

[[File:TF41 ironhide and mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Bar management soon became the least of Mirage's concerns, however, as his old condition reared its head again, and he fell unconscious, tormented by dreams of Cybertron, Earth, and the colony world of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] burning, scoured by giant figures of flame. Rodimus considered this serious enough to have Mirage sent back to Cybertron, and had the "[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]" take a shuttle and escort him back home. {{storylink|The Possible Light}} Mirage had awoken by the time the group arrived on Cybertron, and he immediately attempted to warn Optimus of what he had seen in his visions, but an attack on Caminus by the renegade Prowl and [[Devastator (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]] tabled the conversation. {{storylink|Mistakes and Mayhem}} Once the combiner's assault was stopped, Mirage retired to [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] with Ironhide and Sunstreaker, where they talked out their old differences, made amends... and realized that Ironhide had also had the same vision Mirage had experienced. Realizing the danger was not yet over and that the destruction they had foreseen could yet come to pass, the trio tried to bring their information to Optimus Prime as he was visiting Prowl in prison. There, however, they were all caught up in Prowl's activation of the stolen [[Enigma of Combination]], which merged all five Autobots present into "[[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]". {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} Within the newborn combiner's shared mindspace, Mirage and the others overcame Prowl's cold logic to unite their way of thinking, and Optimus Maximus put down Prowl's rebellion, then separated so Prowl could be taken into custody. {{storylink|All That Remains}} Soon after, Mirage and the Protectobots boarded their shuttle to head back to the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:JourneysEnd StarSaberKillsMirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Star Saber cares not for [[Spotlight: Mirage|Mirage's self-insert fanfiction]].]]
Months later, their shuttle finally caught up with the ''Lost Light'', where it made a smart crash-landing in Shuttle Bay 4 to discover [[Getaway]] was now in command. After a rather tense reunion, Mirage comfortably slipped back into his bartending role at "Visages" selling overpriced and pretentious drinks. However, soon after, [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] called the returnees to "Swerve's" for a private meeting where he confessed his suspicions about the crew's attitudes. Mirage violently defended the crew, noting that the real problem was Megatron dodging his execution, before [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] arrived and explained the truth regarding the mutiny against [[Team Rodimus (G1)|Team Rodimus]]. When Getaway's inner circle arrived, Mirage cloaked himself, only reappearing to smash a glass against Getaway after [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] discovered [[life cord]]s suspended in [[engex]]. Using a table as cover, the returnees ran back to their shuttle, only for their ship to be crippled by a [[proton missile]] and towed in with a tractor beam before they were all placed in memory loops. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 1): Full Circle|Full Circle}}

Along with [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]], they were soon freed by Riptide. After making a quick trip to the morgue for [[Ambulon]], Mirage acted as forward scout, using his invisibility to scope out the shuttle bay. Finding Getaway there along with a group of security guards, Mirage reported back to the group, prompting the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to form [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. When new arrival [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] gunned down Thunderclash, Mirage tried to reason with the enforcer and explain the situation only to be gruesomely cleaved in twain by a backhand swipe of the zealot's sword. His death was the final straw for Atomizer, who subsequently gave his life to allow Riptide, First Aid, and Thunderclash to escape. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 3): Journey's End|Journey's End}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in manga===
[[File:Henkeipackin mirage.jpg|thumb|upright=2]]
Mirage was not seen participating in the Autobots' first recorded battle with the Decepticons on Earth, but he did show up to stand around in the background while Optimus Prime explained the situation to human authorities. Mirage doubted that the Decepticons would give up after one defeat, {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 1}} and he was quickly proven correct when he caught [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] menacing a passenger train. Mirage leapt onto the train-mode Decepticon's back, but was shaken off when Astrotrain converted to shuttle mode and blasted off. Prime and Bumblebee caught up to the villain, {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 2}} and Mirage soon joined them in battling him. When [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] then arrived to join the fight, Mirage grinned and remarked they'd been keeping things warm for him. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 3}}

Later, Mirage, Ironhide, and Rodimus tracked the Decepticons to a volcanic region of the planet, where [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] gathered to await the emergence of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] from one of the lava pools. Mirage and the Autobots blocked the pool with a rain of boulders, but Galvatron was able to blast his way free anyway, the mighty explosion scattering the three heroes. Fortunately for them, Galvatron proved more interested in berating Cyclonus and Starscream for interrupting his nap than attacking the Autobots. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 9|Henkei! Henkei! #9}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' BunBun manga===
[[File:Henkei9 mirage.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.25]]
Mirage was part of the small crew of Autobots led by Optimus Prime who came to Earth in search of the fragments of the legendary [[Energon cube|Energon Cube]]. Eleven years after their arrival, Mirage joined his comrades in battling the Decepticons, who had also come searching for the Cube, in the [[Hoshinochō]] [[Star Dome]]. {{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} The Autobots received some help in the fight from human boy [[Wataru Hoshinoumi]], but Mirage still had to question Optimus Prime's decision to bring the boy to their secret underground base, beneath the Star Dome. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}} While Prime and Bumblebee showed off the base to Wataru, Mirage and Grimlock were ordered to return to the surface. As they went, Grimlock lamented that they had had to leave so many friends behind on Cybertron; Mirage comforted him, hoping that their allies would join them on Earth some day. {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}}

When Mirage and the Autobots sped into action to stop new Decepticon recruit [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s attack on a hydroelectric plant, Mirage's sleek racecar mode drew some attention from the motorists he zoomed past. {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} The battle ended when Wataru revealed he possessed the ability to manipulate energon, which freed Skyfire from his Decepticon brainwashing. Optimus explained that Wataru was a "[[Booster]]", a human bestowed with powers by the Energon Cube, and Mirage feared that Megatron would some soon looking for the boy. {{storylink|Wataru's Power}} Mirage's prediction soon came true, and Optimus was badly injured protecting Wataru. [[File:Henkei12 mirage transformers.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]] When the Autobots next had to go into battle, it was without their leader, and Mirage was defeated by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]. Fortunately, Optimus recovered in time to come to his troops' aid. {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}}

When Optimus found himself embroiled in battle with the deranged Galvatron, all hope seemed lost until Mirage and the other Autobots arrived in response to a "distress call" sent by Starscream, who hoped to see Galvatron destroyed. {{storylink|The Threat of Galvatron}} Mirage found himself unable to open fire on Galvatron for fear of shooting Optimus, and only narrowly avoided being atomized by Galvatron's volley of return fire. Fortunately, this gave Optimus the chance to fight back, and when he punctured Galvatron's armor with his sword, the explosive energies released collapsed the cavern in which they were fighting, forcing Mirage and all the Autobots to flee. {{storylink|Revenge (Henkei)|Revenge}} This was not enough to stop Galvatron, however, and he soon returned to menace Hoshinochō. {{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}} This time, Optimus used the power of the Matrix to defeat him, in a battle that forced the Autobots to reveal their existence to humanity. After appearing on television to introduce themselves to the world, Mirage and the Autobots then left the planet to pursue the fleeing Galvatron back to Cybertron. {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 4}} {{storylink|Visualize Shot 6}}}}

===''Universe'' cartoon===
[[File:ActionBlast1 autobots.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.75|Mirage is the extremely pixellated one.]]
Mirage was one of the many oppressed Cybertronians who sought freedom when their planet's halls of power grew dark with corruption, greed and malice. He was one of the first Autobots to travel to Earth, and took on an alternate form to disguise himself amongst its populace. {{storylink|Action Blast 1}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Generations'' manga===
[[File:MiragesRebirth.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
While invisible, Mirage managed to sneak up on [[Octane]] and blast him off-line with his [[electro-disrupter]], saving [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] from a nasty beating. Both Autobots were surprised, then, when Octane got back up despite his circuits being completely shorted out—he had, it turned out, been possessed by the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. The two Autobots gawped at the sight of the spectral Decepticon taking form before them, attempting to figure out if he was the real thing or a hologram. {{storylink|Mirage's Activity}} Starscream quickly defeated them, but decided against possessing the unconscious Mirage, deeming a ground-bound Autobot body to be beneath him. {{storylink|Starscream's Ambition}}

After recovering, Mirage and Ironhide tracked Starscream's ghost to the Decepticons' base, certain that once he had dethroned Megatron he would turn his evil intentions towards the Autobots. They received some unexpected backup in the form of interdimensional Autobot quantum operatives [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]], who kept Starscream busy while Mirage used some kind of heretofore unmentioned telepathic ability to probe the ghostly villain's mind. Focusing on Starscream's worst fear, Mirage projected a hologram of that nightmare: Galvatron! The sight of his former leader was enough to send Starscream fleeing back to his home dimension. {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' cartoon===
[[File:Miragekreo-wallpaper.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"The brick was... full."]]
Mirage was in the audience of a tag battle pitting [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]] against [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Kre-O)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Last Bot Standing}} He was in the audience of a dance competition too. {{storylink|Bot Stars}}

Mirage was also part of a crowd that waited at the finish line of a race between Optimus, Bumblebee and Megatron. He cheered for Bumblebee as he finished the race, though it turned out Optimus had already won the competition. {{storylink|The Big Race}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
[[File:AllSpark2 mirage.jpg|thumb]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots who gathered to meet Spike Witwicky when he was brought to the Autobots' headquarters. {{storylink|To Earth}} He would later participate in battle against the Decepticons when they used a massive space bridge to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit, {{storylink|Great Aspirations}} and afterwards, appeared before the press alongside his comrades so they could introduce themselves to the world. {{storylink|Conclusion}}

===''BeCool'' shorts===
[[File:BeCool quiz audience1.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.75]]
'''Red Sports Car''' (赤のスポーツカー ''Aka no Supōtsu Kā'') was part of the audience of ''Quiz! BeCool''. {{storylink|The Story of Quiz! BeCool}} He was part of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Yellow Sports Car]]'s explanations about the BeCool mark. {{storylink|The Story of What Do I Know About the BeCool Mark?}} Red Sports Car was later caught in a big traffic accident when Yellow Sports Car spun out of control after slipping on a [[banana]] peel. {{storylink|The Story of Protecting the Signal!}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Mirage was among the Autobots menaced by the Decepticons' [[Alligaticon]]. {{storylink|Negligence Is the Greatest Enemy! Optimus Became a Monster!?}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
[[File:TFvsJoe2 mirage is in charge.jpg|thumb]]
Together with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], Mirage investigated [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] after the abandoned city was covered in foliage spawned by the "[[G.I.Rocket|green bombs]]" [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] had dropped on Cybertron. The Autobots were then caught up in a Decepticon attack against the invading humans, though Mirage escaped while Perceptor and Brawn were captured. Though tempted to only think of his own safety, Mirage made use of his illusory powers to sneak into Megatron's throne room and liberate both his comrades and the Joes. {{storylink|Targetmasters (issue)|Targetmasters}}

The trio brought the Joes back to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] as captives, then immediately turned around and headed back out to search for the missing Wheeljack, who they soon found being vivisected within the Joes' base camp. Mirage and his friends charged in, exchanging fire with the off-worlders until blasts from both sides knocked everyone unconscious. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend}} Both teams eventually awakened and were about to start fighting again when Grimlock arrived to declare that a truce between the Autobots and Joes had been reached. Both factions partied together to cement their alliance, and during the celebration, Grimlock told the Joes about Optimus Prime, lost leader of the Autobots. Mirage expressed his complete faith in Prime, stating that he was always exactly where he needed to be. {{storylink|Form Follows Function}}

Following an attack by the DeceptiCobra alliance, Mirage, Brawn, and Rodimus found that [[Bazooka (G.I. Joe)|Bazooka]], while in a trance, had drawn a map to the Chamber of Primus on Metroplex's floor. Following the map, the three Autobots, Bazooka, [[Cover Girl]], and [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] travelled deep into the planet, and discovered that the Decepticons had built a temple upon the god's gigantic brow that had placed him, and by extension the planet, under Megatron's control. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}} Defeating the temple's DeceptiCobra guards, they ventured even deeper into Primus's cavernous mind, where Primus's [[Keeper (Transformer)|Keeper]] told them the story of Primus's origins. {{storylink|Earth: R.I.P.}} [[File:TFvsJoe11 no man left behind.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2]] Tremors then began to shake the chamber as Cybertron transformed into Primus's robot mode, and the team tried to escape before they could be buried alive. Mirage was not as lucky as his comrades and was pinned under a hail of debris. Duke returned to help dig him out, and the pair were then airlifted to safety by [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Falcon (G.I. Joe)|Falcon]]. {{storylink|Escape from Primus}}

When the combined might of the Autobots and Joes marched on [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] for the final battle, Mirage was at the fore, carrying [[Tunnel Rat]] on his shoulder. {{storylink|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 12|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #12}} During the battle, a powered-up Megatron combined the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] with his [[Black hole (phenomenon)|black hole]] spark to draw Mirage and the other Autobots to him, using their bodies to form a giant "Mega-Megatron" body. They were saved when [[Shipwreck]] split Mega-Megatron apart, and the Autobots and Joes were ultimately victorious. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}
{{-}}

===''TransTech''===
[[File:G2MirageVaultArt.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Most preppies just wear an alligator '''shirt''', Mirage.]]
In [[Axiom Nexus]], Mirage went to [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] for a new color scheme. He left in [[:File:G2MirageVaultArt.jpg|an interesting deco]]. {{Storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter, 2015/05/19}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In [[Primax 096.0 Beta]] during the Battle for [[Sherman Dam]], Mirage and [[Sideswipe (G1)#Ask Vector Prime|Sideswipe]] attempted to stop the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] [[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]] from escaping with ill-gotten [[energon cube]]s. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/06}}
{{note|Mirage's coloration in both these ''TransTech'' and Ask Vector Prime stories is based on an unproduced [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'']] redeco of his Generation 1 toy. See "[[Mirage (G1)/toys#G2DiacloneUnreleased]]", on the toy page, for more details.}}

{{--}}
===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
Before the war, Mirage was very wealthy.

After the beginning of the war, but millions of years before the present day, Mirage became a soldier on the front line. While loyal to the Autobot cause, he developed a bit of a reputation for challenging Autobot authority in public - both over the purpose of warfare, and whether there were better ways to resolve the conflict with the Decepticons. As a result, Mirage became a bit of an outsider among his peers. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Mirage's bio}}

He was on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crash-landed on Earth. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Mirage's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Autobot Hound's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Wheeljack's bio}}

The existential threat of Decepticon combiners in the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]] pushed [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Optimus Prime]] to master the [[Ultra Prime|power of combination]] and form [[Optimus Maximus (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Optimus Maximus]] {{storylink|Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#BattleCoreOP|Battle Core Optimus Prime's bio}} to protect Earth. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Mirage's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Ironhide's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Prowl's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Sunstreaker's bio}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling a particularly blue Mirage was a member of the [[Blue Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. He and his comrades followed their commander [[Blue Big Convoy]] into battle when a duel between [[G1 World|dimension-tossed]] future warriors [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects Special Comic (1)|Ultra Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Star Convoy]] threatened the [[Blue Planet (GS)|Blue Planet]] and [[Beast People|its people]]. {{Storylink|Super Megatron comic 2}}

===''Mazinger Z versus Transformers''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Mazinger Z versus Transformers}}}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:Siege-Mirage-art.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6]]
On Cybertron, Mirage was a [[Cybertronian military insignia|Ground Command Special Ops Sergeant]], whose function was a spy. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Siege|''Siege'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/siege ''Siege'' website]</ref> During the final days of the war for Cybertron, Mirage was dispatched to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] to decrypt a satellite signal relay containing location-masking protocols. {{storylink|Source:Teletraan-1 Data Files|''Siege'' Teletraan-1 Data Files}}

Closer than ever to reaching the [[AllSpark]], the Autobots awakened after crash-landing on pre-Ice Age Earth. While battling the Decepticons, both sides were joined by the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, their epic battle changing their combined destinies.

During the collective battle, Mirage and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] attempted to keep the Decepticon/Predacon threat at bay while being pursued by [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Battle Across Time Collection marketing material}}<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TM6TDF7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Battle Across Time Collection on Amazon]</ref>
{{charfictionstub}}
{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
[[File:Siege-Ep3-Mirage-is-a-bad-spy.jpg|thumb|300px|"How do you do, fellow 'cons?"]]
{{voiceactor|[[Shawn Hawkins]] (English), [[Yoshiyuki Matsūra]] (Japanese)|[[Ádel Mercadante]] (Portuguese), [[Laurent Maurel]] (French), [[Armin Schlagwein]] (German), [[Álex Saudinós]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Edson Matus]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Paolo Vivio]] (Italian)}}

Mirage was part of the upper-echelon before the war and a famous racer. Mirage was present when the Autobots were ambushed by the Decepticons, when they were trying to find the [[AllSpark|Allspark]]. He fought [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] during the battle. {{storylink|Siege episode 2}}
Mirage attempted to infiltrate the Decepticon camp by using a hologram. However, his hologram began to fail when he saw the grizzly remains of fallen Autobots. He was saved by [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], who blasted the Decepticons from cover. Three Refraktor warriors attacked Mirage. Mirage used a hologram to duplicate himself confusing the Decepticons. Refraktor attacked the holograms, which disappeared on impact, allowing the real Mirage to finally defeat Refractor. He was comforted by Chromia at the end of the skirmish. The group found [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Mirage threatens Ratchet when he wishes to have no part of the conflict. He was tackled by [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], who then traded barbs with Mirage. Mirage opposed the idea of Impactor joining the team to recover the spacebridge. {{storylink|Siege episode 3}}
Mirage was placed in charge of the team sent to fix the Spacebridge. Once Ratchet had fixed the Spacebridge, Mirage used his Holographic ability to hide the Spacebridge from Seekers flying overhead. {{storylink|Siege episode 4}}
The strain of holding onto the hologram finally becomes to much for Mirage and he passed out, which revealed the Spacebridge again, and nearly drained Mirage's spark in the process. {{storylink|Siege episode 5}}
Mirage recovered enough to help protect the Spacebridge from the Seekers. His small force finally became overwhelmed, and he ordered his troops to cover. {{storylink|Siege episode 6}}

Mirage was taken captive by [[Doubledealer]] and his crew. He was held back with the other Autobots as Optimus was bought alone to face [[Deseeus]]. Wheeljack managed to free the shackles holding the Autobots just as Doubledealer and his men also attacked Deseeus and it's guards, allowing the Autobots to escape in the chaos. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 2}}
The ''Ark'' traveled to the [[Nebulos|Nebulon]] Station. He was part of a team that set-up explosives within the station. Mirage created a hologram of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] which distracted [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and allowed Wheeljack to be rescued. Scorponok then transformed into robot-mode, forcing the Autobots to flee him. They make it to a hall-way and sealed the door behind them, separating them from Scorponok. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 3}}
Scorponok broke through the door, forcing the Autobots to attack him again. The Decepticon forces lead by Megatron arrived and they also begun to attack Scorponok. Optimus detonated an explosive charge which caused the Autobots to be sealed in with the station core. Mirage was concerned about Prime, but was reassured by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. The Decepticons then showed up under the command of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who ordered them to attack the Autobots. Megatron who was supported by Optimus, arrived and ordered them to cease fire. He watched as Starscream and Megatron fought for leadership. Scorponok then attacked again, forcing Mirage to counter-attack. Once Scorponok retreated, Megatron ordered the Autobots to be terminated. Scorponok returned and attacked the Decepticons, allowing the Autobots to escape in all the chaos. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 4}}

{{charfictionstub}}
{{--}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
Mirage was one of the many Autobots Optimus Prime assembled to take down [[King Sombra]] and his brainwashed minions during their invasion of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Although Mirage activated his camouflage to catch the evil pony off-guard before he could cast any more mind-control spells, Sombra literally slipped through his fingers by turning into black smoke and possessed the body of the dormant [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|Finale (The Magic of Cybertron)|Finale}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 30}} {{storylink|Running Wild with Hologram Ninjutsu!}} {{storylink|Transformers Go! Go! Extra Volume|Extra Volume}} {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 39}} {{storylink|The Transformers Go! Go! Search Quiz is Here!|Search Quiz}} {{storylink|Watch Out for Giraffes at the Beach!}}}}

===Energon Universe===
Mirage was discovered at the bottom of the ocean in [[1936]], but it was not until [[1984]] that the [[United States of America]] had the technology capable of bringing him up. He was then brought to [[Shadow Watch]].

In the present day, [[General Flagg]] brought Optimus Prime to Shadow Watch and showed him the deactivated bodies of Mirage and [[Bulkhead (G1)|Bulkhead]], offering to let the Autobot leader bring the two in to be reactivated. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 25|''Transformers'' #25}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 26|''Transformers'' #26}} {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 27|''Transformers'' #27}}}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[File:BotCon2009 mirage and wheeljack.jpg|thumb]]
*At Optimus Prime's command, Mirage (in his ''Alternators'' body), transformed and rolled out for [[BotCon 2009]] alongside his fellow Autobots. {{storylink|BotCon 2009!}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
[[File:TFAdventureGame mirage.jpg|left|thumb|Nobody "makes you" do anything! Own your decisions!]]
When Optimus embarked on his mission to rescue the Autobots' [[Mini-Vehicle|Minicar]] troops from the Decepticons, Mirage could involve himself in the quest through the Decepticons' maze-like base. He had the power to force [[you]] to trade places with another player. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' (Commodore 64)===
[[File:TFc64 mirage.jpg|right|thumb]]
Mirage was among the few remaining Autobots in the wake of the Decepticon creation of ROBO-CLONING technology. With his energy-starved comrades, he desperately sought pieces of the Autobot Energon Cube before the Decepticons could get their hands on them. {{storylink|The Transformers (Commodore 64)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots Battle Game!''===
[[File:Bsbg-mirage.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1|I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle.]]
Mirage 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!}}
{{-}}

===Kre-O Transformers Konquest===
The Autobots' peaceful day in [[Kreopolis]] was shattered when the city was bombarded by the Decepticons, and a number of Autobots including Mirage were shattered into their component blocks. Mirage's pieces began raining from the sky alongside the Decepticon bombs, but they were gathered up by Optimus Prime's [[Kreon]], who used them to reassemble Mirage. Prime subsequently rode back out to the battlefield by clinging to Mirage's spoiler, so he could catch more Autobot bricks. {{storylink|Kre-O Transformers Konquest}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:TFLegends mirage.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Mirage was present on Cybertron during Nova Prime's peaceful reign. {{storylink|Prime Evil}}

Mirage participated in a battle against the Insecticons. {{storylink|Harvest of the Insecticons}} Following a Decepticon attack on [[New York City]], Mirage led a team of infiltrators including [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] on a hunt for Decepticons. They were thwarted by three of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. {{storylink|War Dawn (Legends)|War Dawn}} Mirage was talked into taking part in a charity race, during which the Constructicons fused everyone in their vehicle modes using the [[Transfixatron]]. The Autobots managed to keep the Decepticons at bay, even trapped as cars, until the process could be reversed. {{storylink|Autobot Run}}

After Optimus Prime's defeat at the hand of Megatron, Mirage was involved in the skirmishes in Autobot city that ensued. {{storylink|The Omega Corps}}

Mirage was part of [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s team which had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding. They made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}
{{-}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bubbles#As Mirage}}
Mirage appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He also appears in Prime Pass Season 8 as Private Mirage. He is portrayed by Bubbles. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Mirage-(CW).jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.75]]
Mirage (CW) participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 160 units of Cybermetal, and 95 units of Transmetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Mirage-Earth-Wars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I should have had an invisibility ability. But then so would one of the Decepticons.]]
Mirage by name, mirage by nature - this Autobot speedster functions best by hiding who and what he is from the enemy.
Because honestly, given a straight choice, he'd rather be racing in Monte Carlo than fighting 'cons on the battlefield, and he sees that as a weakness that could be exploited.
Nevertheless, Mirage is an effective and deadly fighter, and an even more effective intelligence gatherer, which is the role he much prefers.{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Mirage bio}}

*'''Class''': Gunner
*'''Lowest Star Rating''': 2 star
*'''Weapons''': Mirage uses a standard issue [[grenade launcher]] to bombard enemies from afar.
*'''Ability:EMP rocket Barrage'''- fire 6 EMP rockets dealing damage and stunning all defenses in the blast radius for a few seconds!
**'''Cost''': 4 ability points ÷2 for reuses.

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

===''Transformers Online'' (2017 video game)===
[[File:Mirage TFO.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers Online (2017 video game)|Transformers Online}}}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:Mirage-Forged-to-Fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Can you keep up?"]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots pulled from [[The Transformers (franchise)|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! As an agile Tech bot, he has versatile utilities, each Special Attack activating different modes: By default Power Mode shields damage from Special Attacks, Special 1 Disruption Mode burns enemy Power with speedy ranged attacks, Special 2 Incapacitation Mode debuffs opponents' attack with Unblockable stun-locking punches, and Special 3 Agility Mode buffs attack with each dodge. {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{chargamestub}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOMirage.jpg|thumb|left]]
Mirage took part in a series of attacks against multiple Decepticon bases, destroying them and defeating all enemies in the process. 2500 Armor, 2500 Blaster Strength, Starting Multiplier: x144, Coins x7, Blaster Speed: Slow{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Mirage originally joined the Autobots to protect his family's holdings, but he soon became a dedicated Autobot. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}} He and [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] were part of an elaborate Autobot ruse designed to mislead the Decepticons—after tricking their enemies into thinking they were shipping an eastbound cargo of [[energon cube]]s by rail, the two Autobots rolled alongside the remote-controlled [[Union Pacific]] train, using Mirage's holograms to remain invisible. The pair wound up clashing with a group of Decepticons, who defeated them and subsequently traced the train's path back to the ''real'' energon cache in eastern [[Colorado]]. {{storylink|The Great Energon Robbery}}

==Toys==
{{main|Mirage (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Mirage (G1)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:Mirage_death.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mirage was exploding violently before [[Michael Bay]] made it cool.]]
*As noted in this article's opening section, Mirage's powers have been rather inconsistent across the media he's appeared in.
**Per the original [[bio]] written by [[Bob Budiansky]] (and the on-package [[Tech Spec|tech specs]] based on it), Mirage's [[electro-disrupter]] allowed him to scramble the senses of other Transformers, causing them to see images that were not there, or to make himself appear to be somewhere he was not—hence, his name! The device works by "casting discrete packets of electrical charges"—a phrase that seems to have been misinterpreted by the Marvel colouring books, which depicted Mirage as actually being able to hurl destructive balls of electricity at his enemies.
**However, an alternate bio included in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] [[production bible]] describes Mirage's abilities differently. In this write-up, he is equipped with a ''photon'' disrupter, which, in addition to the features mentioned in Budiansky's bio, can "make him invisible" and "generate holographic images"—that is to say, achieving actual light-bending effects observable by the naked eye, instead of merely interfering with enemy robots' circuitry to make them ''think'' they were seeing these things happen.
**It's apparent that this bio was not created just for the cartoon, because ''most'' classic media—including the Marvel UK comic, and various colouring and storybooks—depicts his powers operating this way. This might indicate that the alternate bio was an early draft that licencees never got an updated version of. After all, Mirage's fellow Autobot [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] also had the ability to create holograms, so it seems likely that Mirage's profile would have been revised to eliminate the redundancy of two 'bots with the same "superpower."
**Likely because of the fact holograms were Hound's "thing," the cartoon itself almost never features Mirage using them, instead treating invisibility as his signature power. He would create a hologram only once, in the episode "[[Masquerade]]," to help complete the illusion of the disguised Autobots combining into an ersatz [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]—an episode so close to the end of the second season, and Mirage's entire time in the cartoon, that it feels like the usage slipped in by mistake.
**Today, modern comic books and cartoons continue to depict Mirage with the powers described in the alternate bio, but his use of holograms has been known to cause confusion among audiences who only remember the cartoon and its prominent use of invisibility.
* Like almost all characters from the 1984 product line, Mirage was phased out of the animated series following ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. A storyboarded scene cut from the movie shows what happened to him: amidst the transformation of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], Mirage was to ambush the Insecticon [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] while standing on a bridge that was retracting into the city, and then be fired upon by Megatron. While the finalised storyboards continued to use the long shot pictured above and thus Mirage's fate appears ambiguous, [[Peter Chung|Peter Chung's]] first draft storyboard is more explicit: as the bridge continues to retract under cover, Mirage appears for a split-second in the second of the narrow windows. Megatron's blast hits him and he explodes inside the building, as seen through the third window.
* Mirage transforms into a {{w|Ligier JS11}} {{w|Formula One}} racecar. Incidentally, the model had been succeeded years before the show's debut. Notable drivers of the JS11 inclide {{w|Jacques Laffite}} and {{w|Jacky Ickx}}. The original racecar was sponsored by {{w|Gitanes}} tobacco, but due to laws concerning tobacco advertising on children's toys, the livery was slightly altered to "Citanes".
* At one point during development, Mirage's [[robot mode]] [[character model]] was to have the split in half "Citanes" logos drawn on his arms and legs, as revealed in [[:File:Unfinalized-Mirage-model-notes.jpg|a model sheet]] from an early production bible. Notes to the animators were also included, telling them to exclude the logos for the scenes where Mirage is meant to be depicted in a pre-[[Earth]]/Cybertronian body. Alas, this feature was dropped in the final revisions of his model sheet, as the logos were removed altogether, with a note in [[Japan]]ese stating that the "logos disappear for robot mode", hence why they don't show up in the cartoon.<ref>[https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nE8Erb-2gRw/XUWo5zwV8VI/AAAAAAAA5tU/iTBqSmky2v8FBUT0KHz3fLZlMS8CQOwGQCKgBGAs/s1600/03.jpg Mirage's final model sheet] - at TFRAW.com</ref>
** The unfinalized version of Mirage's robot mode model using the "Citanes" logos was published in [[The Ark series|''The Ark'' series]] books, presumably due to [[Jim Sorenson]] being unaware at the time of publishing that later revisions of Mirage's model decided to use the logoless design instead.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Ligier''' (リジェ ''Rije''),<ref>This name is sometimes officially Romanized as "Rijie", perhaps to evade legal attention, but the intention is clearly the name of {{w|Ligier|the automobile maker}}.</ref> '''Mirage''' (ミラージュ ''Mirāju'')
*''Czech:'' '''Rychlík'''
*''Hungarian:'' '''Délibáb''' ("Mirage")
*''Italian:'' '''Mistero''' ("Mystery")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Hǎishìshènlóu''' (Taiwan, 海市蜃樓, "Mirage"), '''Huànyǐng''' (幻影, "Phantom")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Miragem''' ("Mirage")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Bartenders]]
[[Category:Blue Order]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Go! Autobots]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:Saboteurs]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

User talk:Greebtron

2026-01-10T19:18:09Z

Greebtron: /* Magno and TFTM */

{{preview}}
Best to edit the entire page and use the "Show preview" button instead of filling up the Recent Changes page with micro-edits, unless it's a fairly large chunk of editing on the sections. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] ([[User talk:Lonegamer78|talk]]) 03:25, 6 September 2022 (EDT)

==Magno and TFTM==
What's the source on [[Magno Sound & Video]] editing ''The Transformers: The Movie'' circa 3rd December 1986? – [[User:TheLastGherkin|TheLastGherkin]] ([[User talk:TheLastGherkin|talk]]) 09:57, 10 January 2026 (EST)

Title card on the UK version included with the 2005 [[Metrodome]] "Reconstructed" DVD (opening five minutes at the following link: https://youtu.be/aa5tBheWEwM?si=u1bSXR1bT0W4WtTU) [[User:Greebtron|Greebtron]] ([[User talk:Greebtron|talk]]) 10:23, 10 January 2026 (EST)

:How can we be sure that the name in title card refers to the UK edits and not the DVD remaster? And with Magno being American, the date being 3rd December and not 12th March? – [[User:TheLastGherkin|TheLastGherkin]] ([[User talk:TheLastGherkin|talk]]) 10:51, 10 January 2026 (EST)

::In order, the master card reads: "Sunbow Productions. Transformers The Movie. 84:55. 12/3/86. Magno Video." Then goes to the BBFC Certification and the Rank Gongman [[User:Greebtron|Greebtron]] ([[User talk:Greebtron|talk]]) 14:18, 10 January 2026 (EST)

User talk:Greebtron

2026-01-10T15:23:23Z

Greebtron: /* Magno and TFTM */

Fracas

2026-01-01T22:40:51Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{Factions|decepticon|minicon|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the small American Targetmaster|his Japanese counterpart|Nightstick (Headmasters)}}
:''Fracas is a [[Decepticon]]-allied [[Nebulan]] [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Fracas uk1.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|It's not clear who sat in this [[cockpit]] before Fracas came along.]]
'''Fracas'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s new [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] body allows him to transform into an [[incendiary cannon]] for his [[Decepticon]] partner [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]—fitting, since Fracas is himself a hot-running, volatile scrapper who explodes into violent rages.

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukonly}}
Fracas became the Targetmaster partner to Scourge, under [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s command, near the end of the Decepticons' stay on his homeworld of [[Nebulos]]. During his trial-run, Scourge wielded him in battle against several Autobot Headmasters who had just escaped from a Decepticon prison into the streets of [[Koraja]]. When the Autobots left Nebulos, Scorponok's Decepticons followed, as did their Nebulan partners. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''If Fracas knew his partner was a time-lost traveler from the future, he gave no indication of it. That fact would soon come into play on [[Earth]], however, as [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and Scourge apparently deserted Scorponok to seek out their former commander [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who, like them, had arrived via [[time travel]] on 1980s Earth. En route, the pair encountered a squadron of [[United States Air Force|Earth jets]]. When one nearly got the better of Cyclonus, Scourge ordered Fracas to have Cyclonus's partner [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] take control and retreat.''

''Cyclonus and Scourge met up with Galvatron in a human city, demanding his [[time-jump trigger device]]. When Galvatron asked how they planned to defeat him without weapons, Fracas and Nightstick promptly transformed, taking their place as the two Decepticons' weapons. The arrival of the [[Wreckers]] at that moment prevented the three Decepticons from coming to blows.''

[[File:Fracas uk2.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|I'll be able to fight better if my gun goes for a jog.]]
''In the midst of the ensuing battle, Scourge sent Fracas to find Nightstick, who had retreated when Cyclonus was briefly knocked out. The Decepticons finally ended up retreating when lured out into the open by [[Springer (G1)|Springer]].'' {{storylink|Wrecking Havoc}}

''The two Decepticons and their Nebulan partners returned to the [[Fortress Sinister|headquarters]] of [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], to whom they had promised allegiance in return for protection if their bid to return to the future failed. As they waited to meet with him, Fracas wondered why they didn't simply kill him and take control of the Decepticons of this time period, to which Scourge noted that they'd had [[Death's Head (G1)|help]] last time. Shockwave's arrival interrupted the conversation, and a slip-up by Cyclonus soon turned the meeting into a firefight, with Fracas and Nightstick converting to their weapon modes. The fight soon turned against them when Shockwave unleashed the brainwashed [[Straxus (G1)|clone]] of [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] on them. The clone bashed Scourge aside, wounded Cyclonus, and killed Nightstick. Scourge was confident that Megatron would not survive a full-powered shot from Fracas, but realized that if Megatron was killed before he ever became Galvatron, Scourge himself might cease to exist. Thus he decided to make his exit, leaving the wounded Cyclonus to die at the hands of "Megatron".'' {{storylink|Dry Run!}}

''Scourge soon reconciled his differences with both "Megatron" and Galvatron, and he and Fracas were waiting when [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] stumbled into their [[Galvatron's subterranean base|underground base]]. Galvatron stayed Scourge's hand, however, welcoming Ravage as a potential ally.''

''When the Wreckers and the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] entered Galvatron's base, Scourge and Fracas challenged their leaders, [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] and Springer. Fracas waited nearby while Scourge presented himself as unarmed, hoping to goad Carnivac into an attack. But Springer recognized the trick, having seen it before, and held Carnivac back. Fracas transformed anyway and prepared to fire, but Springer spoke to Scourge, telling him that a [[time rift|rift in time and space]] had opened, and that he and Cyclonus were part of the problem. Scourge began to question his decision to side with Galvatron and soon left the battle.''

''Fracas and Scourge flew off and returned to Shockwave's headquarters. As they blasted their way in, Fracas wondered if returning there was such a good idea, considering how they'd fared previously, but Scourge was adamant that there was no other way. Fracas quickly transformed to arm his partner, taking some comfort in his firepower. Scourge then explained to Fracas how he and Cyclonus had time-jumped without using the proper [[mass substitution]], creating an imbalance and thus the rift which was now threatening to consume the Earth.''

''In Shockwave's control room, the pair found Shockwave sunk into dementia in the face of his future demise, and Cyclonus's body strung up like a wall hanging. When Scourge tried to remove it, however, Shockwave blasted him and left him for dead.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

{{note|At this point Fracas just disappears from continuity. While Scourge and Shockwave both reappear in the "Time Wars" finale—to be swallowed by and to seal the time rift respectively—the Nebulan's fate is left unresolved. Separated from Scorponok's forces and with Cyclonus, Scourge and Nightstick dead or missing in the time rift, the best possible scenario would be that Fracas was left to live out his days on [[Primax 984.20 Gamma|Earth-120185]].}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Neil Ross]] (English), [[Jin Horikawa]] (Japanese)|[[Michel Barbey]] (European French)}}
Fracas was a member of the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]], the ruling body of [[Nebulos]] who commanded machines with their very thoughts, but had let their physical shells wither and decay with disuse. Seeing an opportunity, the Hive leader [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] forged an alliance with the Decepticons to create [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], giving Fracas and the others bio-mechanically supported exo-suits to restore their mobility. Fracas became the weapon for [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], one of the leaders of the Decepticons, although Scourge was less than thrilled with the arrangement. Fracas and the Nebulan Targetmasters assisted the Decepticons in recovering the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]] from their Autobot foes, but then insisted at Zarak's command that the Decepticons return to the Hive city without wiping out the Autobots. When Scourge resisted, Fracas showed him who wore the muzzle in the partnership, and politely insisted. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

Fracas continued to serve as Scourge's weapon after the rise of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and their return to Cybertron. He was then formally initiated into the Decepticons: in other words, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] threatened to kill him. Fracas and the Targetmasters were later on-board Scorponok when the plasma energy plumes rocketed it off Cybertron and into deeper space. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
Scourge wielded Fracas during the Decepticons' attack on [[Tau-Ursa]]. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

===''United''===
Scourge carried Fracas in a battle with the [[Autobot]]s on [[Nebulos]]. His presence did not have much effect, as the [[Decepticon]]s retreated after [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], their field commander, was defeated. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}

===''Titans Return'' marketing material===
An ancient [[Titan Master]], Fracas granted his partner the ability to steal other bots' powers. {{storylink|#Generations|''Titans Return'' Fracas and Scourge toy bio}} Scourge, Fracas, and [[Squeezeplay (G1)|Crashbash]] tracked [[Haywire|Hyperfire]] to [[Velocitron]], and attempted to kidnap Blurr's Titan Master on the final lap of the planet's biggest race. They didn't get far before having to fight [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Hardhead, and Optimus. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Fracas was a Nebulan member of the [[World Watcher]] alliance, fighting against the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]-Decepticon coalition. When the Autobots developed Targetmaster technology, Fracas became a Targetmaster and partnered up with the Autobot [[Artfire]]. However, Fracas and [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|Nightstick]] defected to the Decepticons, and brought the secrets of spark-enhancing Targetmaster technology to the Decepticons. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

Subsequently, Fracas bonded to the high-ranking Decepticon [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], also working alongside the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Krunix (G1)|Krunix]], {{storylink|Identity Politics}} until the Great War finally ground to a close. When the military tribunal found Galvatron and his cohorts guilty in the wake of the destructive [[Great Push]], Fracas was released to Artfire for extradition. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

Centuries later, Krunix still remembered Scourge and Fracas, immortalizing the latter with a hologram in [[The Scourge of Athenia|his bar]]. {{storylink|Identity Politics}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material===
[[File:Siege-Decepticon-Phantomstrike-Squadron-box-art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Fracas was an [[Cybertronian military insignia|Air Force Weapons Raider]] and a member of the [[Phantomstrike Squadron|Decepticon Phantomstrike Squadron]]. After countless attacks had been made on several of the [[Autobot]] resistance's positions by Fracas and the rest of the Phantomstrike Squadron, the [[Firestormer|Autobot Alphastrike Counterforce]] was called into action. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Siege#Exclusives|Final Strike Figure Series marketing material}}<ref name=Amazon>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Generations-Cybertron-Decepticon-Phantomstrike/dp/B07NZ86GJP Decepticon Phantomstrike Squadron on Amazon]</ref> Dispatched to the outer edge of the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], inside an [[Underground Safe Zone|underground base]], {{storylink|Source:Teletraan-1 Data Files|''Siege'' Teletraan-1 Data Files}} Alphastrike analyzed the Phantomstrike Squadron's attack patterns, anticipating their next strike. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Siege#Exclusives|Final Strike Figure Series marketing material}}<ref name=Amazon/>

While the Phantomstrike Squadron was stationed in [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]], south-east of Alphastrike's position,<ref>[[:File:WFC-Siege-CybertronMap.jpeg|Map of Cybertron released as part of the online ''Siege'' bonus content.]]</ref> [[Greenlight]]—who had been tracking them from her drop point in a nearby deserted Decepticon zone—attempted to transmit the all-clear for the attack to commence, but the Phantomstrike Squadron discovered her transmission and corrupted its signal. [[Teletraan I|Teletraan-1]] attempted to retrieve the full transmission from the Decepticons to gather the location data needed to assess the threat. Following this, a battle ensued between both strike teams. {{storylink|Source:Teletraan-1 Data Files|''Siege'' Teletraan-1 Data Files}}
{{--}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Fracas-EW.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
{{chargamestub|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1toy-ScourgeTM.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Scourge''' (Targetmaster, [[1987]])}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Richard Marcej]] (packaging)}}

:Released in the fourth year of the Hasbro ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline, Fracas is a figure of an armored humanoid in gray armor with black legs. Fracas folds in half to turn into an incendiary cannon that can be held by any Targetmaster (or any toy that uses 5 mm pegs for accessory holding/mounting), though he is designated as complementing his partner [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Toys|Scourge]].

:Fracas was released in Japan without changes as [[Artfire#Toys|Artfire]]'s partner, [[Nightstick (Headmasters)#Toys|Nightstick]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Decepticon/Fracas/fracas.htm More information on Fracas at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''United''===
[[File:United-toy Fracas.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No, I was shot midway between the me and the navel.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Fracas''' (Targetmaster Micron, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[December 28]], [[2010]]
:''[[Transformers United|United]]'' "Targetmaster [[Mini-Con|Micron]]" Fracas is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Chainclaw (PCC)#Toys|Chainclaw]], transforming into a non-firing multi-missile launcher that can be held by any toy using [[5 mm post|5 mm weapon-mount points]], though he is meant to complement the ''United'' release of [[Scourge (G1)/toys#United|Scourge]].

:His instructions only show the hand-held mode, but as he is a ''Power Core Combiners'' Mini-Con mold, he can also be converted into a missile launcher meant for [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] use (attached by his [[Powerlinx]] socket), plus an "armor" mode that connects to a Power Core Combiners Commander toy's chest or back-mounted Powerlinx plug for use in either of their [[robot mode]]s.

:Fracas was part of the "Targetmaster United" [[campaign item|promotional campaign]], a free gift available only with the purchase of 3000 yen worth of ''United'' product at Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores in [[Japan]] in (very) late December 2010.

:This mold was also used to make ''Power Core Combiners'' [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]] and ''United EX'' [[Spanner (United)|Spanner]].
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
{{anchor|Generations}}
[[File:Generationstoy-Fracas.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Scourge likes wearing Fracas's arms as earmuffs.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Fracas & Scourge''' (Deluxe Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:Packaged with [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Scourge]] as part of the first wave of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Deluxes, this Fracas is a [[Titan Master]], transforming from a tiny robot (based on the original [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]] toy,[[Fracas#Notes|see below]]) into a head compatible with Scourge or any other Deluxe-or-larger ''Titans Return'' figure.

:Fracas features ball-joints in the neck and shoulders, with swivels in the hip and knees. This gives a deceptive amount of articulation and posability for a toy its size. The knees are double jointed, allowing them to bend backwards for a seated on kneeling position in addition to forming his head mode. The balljointed neck also allows for Scourge to move his head.

:In addition to forming his head, Fracas can also sit in Scourge's vehicle mode cockpit and in his double-barrelled gun. He also features peg holes in his feet which allow him to attach to a wide variety of ''Titans Return'' figures.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' version of [[Krunix (G1)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Krunix]], and this mold was redecoed in Japan to make the small [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] stage of ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Legends|Scourge]] and retooled as ''Legends'' [[Sweep (G1)#Legends|Sweeps]].
{{TRFracasMold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Decepticon-Phantomstrike-Squadron-Fracas.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Shrute cosplaying as Fracas, or Firedrive cosplaying as Shrute? You decide!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Phantomstrike Squadron''' (Multi-pack, [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S27'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''SG-EX'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 20]], [[2021]]
:*''Hidden message code'': '''TELEPORT'''
:Packed with [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Skywarp]], [[Hairsplitter#War for Cybertron: Siege|Shrute]], and [[Terror-Daxtyl#Toys|Terror-Daxtyl]], ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' "Decepticon Fracas" is a straight redeco of the Battle Master [[Firebolt (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Firedrive]], transforming to "Duo-Charge Electrostatic [[Photon cannon|Photon Cannon]]" in five steps. As a part of the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], he includes two "[[Fire Blast effect]]" pieces that can be used to simulate his blaster mode firing, and can slot onto the various hardpoints found on other figures and weaponry from the same subline to simulate blaster fire or explosions. The outer peg of the effect parts can also attach to 5 mm ports. The actual gun barrel piece can detach from the back, revealing a 3 mm peg, and connect to his arm like a cannon. Due to the size of the piece compared to Fracas, attaching Fire Blast parts to his barrels will cause the figure to become too unbalanced to stand.

:The CG stock render on the packaging depicts his torso as grey, and his unpaintable limbs as black. The final product ends up inverting his plastic colors; due to this, Fracas ends up looking like a pearlescent version of Firedrive. It's worth noting that, while never officially repurposed back, the ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' line would later release a [[Nightstick (Headmasters)#Generations Selects|Nightstick]] closely resembling this render.

:You can choose to pair him with any version of Scourge with 5 mm fists, though the [[Studio Series]] [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Studio Series|SS86-05 release]] is contemporary.

:This set was an [[Amazon]] exclusive for North America, which also label the set as "Final Strike Figure Series: Part 2", and later a [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive for Japan.

:Fracas, along with the rest of the Phantomstrike Squadron, was rereleased in early 2025 as an exclusive to several online retail sites and Gamestop in the United States.
{{WFCSiegeFiredriveMold}}
{{WFCSiegeFiredriveFireBlastMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:(cyclonus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"Fracas who? Oh, no, I'm Nightstick, his, uh...''brother''."]]
*The [[character model]]s for Fracas and [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] appear to have been swapped around in pre-production, so Fracas's fictional appearances in both the cartoon and Marvel comics are based on Nightstick's toy, and vice-versa. This seems to have originated from a model sheet (see right) that refers to Fracas's model as being the partner to [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]]. It also seems that the animators caught onto this too; though a little too late into production, leaving them no choice but to just swap the colors around. So even though Fracas is clearly based on Nightstick's toy, he's still colored like Fracas.
**This also means that [[Krunix (G1)|Krunix]] is ''technically'' a giant Fracas, not a giant Nightstick.
**Targetmaster Scourge's box art shows him holding the Fracas mold in Nightstick's colors; so basically he's got model-sheet Nightstick.
*Scourge's revised profile for 1987 originally named his Targetmaster partner as "Sizzler".
*Amusingly, Fracas is merely referred to as "the Nebulan" in Scourge's G1 on-package [[bio]]. Thankfully, his name is printed on the box-front and in the instructions.
*''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generations|Scourge]] has a pair of handguns that can combine into a single weapon resembling the original Fracas toy's rifle mode.
*Arms Micron [[Blowpipe (G1)#Transformers|Blowpipe]] was initially solicited under the name "Fracas".
*Fracas replaces his identical twin Nightstick-the-goodie in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' as a playful way to explain why they look identical.<ref>[[Jim Sorenson]] at the Allspark Forums, 2 December 2016: "[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/101932-tfwikinet-thread-30/?p=3392670 Artfire's partner was definitely Fracas. But then he became partners with Scourge. I mean, really, I'd think if you're taking that seriously, you'd want to MERGE Nightstick (Artfire) with Fracas and then merge Nightstick (Ricochet) with Nightstick (G1), because the whole point of that little arc was to explain all of the discrepancies of those little guys.]"</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Fracas''' (フレイカス ''Fureikasu'')
*''Russian:'' '''Prikus''' (Прикус, "Bite")

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

[[Category:Battle Masters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Nebulans]]
[[Category:C.O.M.B.A.T. Bots]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Hive]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Nebulans]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy Mall exclusives]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Titan Masters]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Variable species characters]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]

Fracas

2026-01-01T22:40:16Z

Greebtron: /* Notes */

{{Factions|decepticon|minicon|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the small American Targetmaster|his Japanese counterpart|Nightstick (Headmasters)}}
:''Fracas is a [[Decepticon]]-allied [[Nebulan]] [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Fracas uk1.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|It's not clear who sat in this [[cockpit]] before Fracas came along.]]
'''Fracas'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s new [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] body allows him to transform into an [[incendiary cannon]] for his [[Decepticon]] partner [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]—fitting, since Fracas is himself a hot-running, volatile scrapper who explodes into violent rages.

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukonly}}
Fracas became the Targetmaster partner to Scourge, under [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s command, near the end of the Decepticons' stay on his homeworld of [[Nebulos]]. During his trial-run, Scourge wielded him in battle against several Autobot Headmasters who had just escaped from a Decepticon prison into the streets of [[Koraja]]. When the Autobots left Nebulos, Scorponok's Decepticons followed, as did their Nebulan partners. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''If Fracas knew his partner was a time-lost traveler from the future, he gave no indication of it. That fact would soon come into play on [[Earth]], however, as [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and Scourge apparently deserted Scorponok to seek out their former commander [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who, like them, had arrived via [[time travel]] on 1980s Earth. En route, the pair encountered a squadron of [[United States Air Force|Earth jets]]. When one nearly got the better of Cyclonus, Scourge ordered Fracas to have Cyclonus's partner [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] take control and retreat.''

''Cyclonus and Scourge met up with Galvatron in a human city, demanding his [[time-jump trigger device]]. When Galvatron asked how they planned to defeat him without weapons, Fracas and Nightstick promptly transformed, taking their place as the two Decepticons' weapons. The arrival of the [[Wreckers]] at that moment prevented the three Decepticons from coming to blows.''

[[File:Fracas uk2.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|I'll be able to fight better if my gun goes for a jog.]]
''In the midst of the ensuing battle, Scourge sent Fracas to find Nightstick, who had retreated when Cyclonus was briefly knocked out. The Decepticons finally ended up retreating when lured out into the open by [[Springer (G1)|Springer]].'' {{storylink|Wrecking Havoc}}

''The two Decepticons and their Nebulan partners returned to the [[Fortress Sinister|headquarters]] of [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], to whom they had promised allegiance in return for protection if their bid to return to the future failed. As they waited to meet with him, Fracas wondered why they didn't simply kill him and take control of the Decepticons of this time period, to which Scourge noted that they'd had [[Death's Head (G1)|help]] last time. Shockwave's arrival interrupted the conversation, and a slip-up by Cyclonus soon turned the meeting into a firefight, with Fracas and Nightstick converting to their weapon modes. The fight soon turned against them when Shockwave unleashed the brainwashed [[Straxus (G1)|clone]] of [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] on them. The clone bashed Scourge aside, wounded Cyclonus, and killed Nightstick. Scourge was confident that Megatron would not survive a full-powered shot from Fracas, but realized that if Megatron was killed before he ever became Galvatron, Scourge himself might cease to exist. Thus he decided to make his exit, leaving the wounded Cyclonus to die at the hands of "Megatron".'' {{storylink|Dry Run!}}

''Scourge soon reconciled his differences with both "Megatron" and Galvatron, and he and Fracas were waiting when [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] stumbled into their [[Galvatron's subterranean base|underground base]]. Galvatron stayed Scourge's hand, however, welcoming Ravage as a potential ally.''

''When the Wreckers and the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] entered Galvatron's base, Scourge and Fracas challenged their leaders, [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] and Springer. Fracas waited nearby while Scourge presented himself as unarmed, hoping to goad Carnivac into an attack. But Springer recognized the trick, having seen it before, and held Carnivac back. Fracas transformed anyway and prepared to fire, but Springer spoke to Scourge, telling him that a [[time rift|rift in time and space]] had opened, and that he and Cyclonus were part of the problem. Scourge began to question his decision to side with Galvatron and soon left the battle.''

''Fracas and Scourge flew off and returned to Shockwave's headquarters. As they blasted their way in, Fracas wondered if returning there was such a good idea, considering how they'd fared previously, but Scourge was adamant that there was no other way. Fracas quickly transformed to arm his partner, taking some comfort in his firepower. Scourge then explained to Fracas how he and Cyclonus had time-jumped without using the proper [[mass substitution]], creating an imbalance and thus the rift which was now threatening to consume the Earth.''

''In Shockwave's control room, the pair found Shockwave sunk into dementia in the face of his future demise, and Cyclonus's body strung up like a wall hanging. When Scourge tried to remove it, however, Shockwave blasted him and left him for dead.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

{{note|At this point Fracas just disappears from continuity. While Scourge and Shockwave both reappear in the "Time Wars" finale—to be swallowed by and to seal the time rift respectively—the Nebulan's fate is left unresolved. Separated from Scorponok's forces and with Cyclonus, Scourge and Nightstick dead or missing in the time rift, the best possible scenario would be that Fracas was left to live out his days on [[Primax 984.20 Gamma|Earth-120185]].}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Neil Ross]] (English), [[Jin Horikawa]] (Japanese)|[[Michel Barbey]] (European French)}}
Fracas was a member of the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]], the ruling body of [[Nebulos]] who commanded machines with their very thoughts, but had let their physical shells wither and decay with disuse. Seeing an opportunity, the Hive leader [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] forged an alliance with the Decepticons to create [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], giving Fracas and the others bio-mechanically supported exo-suits to restore their mobility. Fracas became the weapon for [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], one of the leaders of the Decepticons, although Scourge was less than thrilled with the arrangement. Fracas and the Nebulan Targetmasters assisted the Decepticons in recovering the Key to the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]] from their Autobot foes, but then insisted at Zarak's command that the Decepticons return to the Hive city without wiping out the Autobots. When Scourge resisted, Fracas showed him who wore the muzzle in the partnership, and politely insisted. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

Fracas continued to serve as Scourge's weapon after the rise of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], and their return to Cybertron. He was then formally initiated into the Decepticons: in other words, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] threatened to kill him. Fracas and the Targetmasters were later on-board Scorponok when the plasma energy plumes rocketed it off Cybertron and into deeper space. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
Scourge wielded Fracas during the Decepticons' attack on [[Tau-Ursa]]. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

===''United''===
Scourge carried Fracas in a battle with the [[Autobot]]s on [[Nebulos]]. His presence did not have much effect, as the [[Decepticon]]s retreated after [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], their field commander, was defeated. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}

===''Titans Return'' marketing material===
An ancient [[Titan Master]], Fracas granted his partner the ability to steal other bots' powers. {{storylink|#Generations|''Titans Return'' Fracas and Scourge toy bio}} Scourge, Fracas, and [[Squeezeplay (G1)|Crashbash]] tracked [[Haywire|Hyperfire]] to [[Velocitron]], and attempted to kidnap Blurr's Titan Master on the final lap of the planet's biggest race. They didn't get far before having to fight [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], Hardhead, and Optimus. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Fracas was a Nebulan member of the [[World Watcher]] alliance, fighting against the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]]-Decepticon coalition. When the Autobots developed Targetmaster technology, Fracas became a Targetmaster and partnered up with the Autobot [[Artfire]]. However, Fracas and [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|Nightstick]] defected to the Decepticons, and brought the secrets of spark-enhancing Targetmaster technology to the Decepticons. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

Subsequently, Fracas bonded to the high-ranking Decepticon [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], also working alongside the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Krunix (G1)|Krunix]], {{storylink|Identity Politics}} until the Great War finally ground to a close. When the military tribunal found Galvatron and his cohorts guilty in the wake of the destructive [[Great Push]], Fracas was released to Artfire for extradition. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

Centuries later, Krunix still remembered Scourge and Fracas, immortalizing the latter with a hologram in [[The Scourge of Athenia|his bar]]. {{storylink|Identity Politics}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material===
[[File:Siege-Decepticon-Phantomstrike-Squadron-box-art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Fracas was an [[Cybertronian military insignia|Air Force Weapons Raider]] and a member of the [[Phantomstrike Squadron|Decepticon Phantomstrike Squadron]]. After countless attacks had been made on several of the [[Autobot]] resistance's positions by Fracas and the rest of the Phantomstrike Squadron, the [[Firestormer|Autobot Alphastrike Counterforce]] was called into action. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Siege#Exclusives|Final Strike Figure Series marketing material}}<ref name=Amazon>[https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Generations-Cybertron-Decepticon-Phantomstrike/dp/B07NZ86GJP Decepticon Phantomstrike Squadron on Amazon]</ref> Dispatched to the outer edge of the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]], inside an [[Underground Safe Zone|underground base]], {{storylink|Source:Teletraan-1 Data Files|''Siege'' Teletraan-1 Data Files}} Alphastrike analyzed the Phantomstrike Squadron's attack patterns, anticipating their next strike. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Siege#Exclusives|Final Strike Figure Series marketing material}}<ref name=Amazon/>

While the Phantomstrike Squadron was stationed in [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]], south-east of Alphastrike's position,<ref>[[:File:WFC-Siege-CybertronMap.jpeg|Map of Cybertron released as part of the online ''Siege'' bonus content.]]</ref> [[Greenlight]]—who had been tracking them from her drop point in a nearby deserted Decepticon zone—attempted to transmit the all-clear for the attack to commence, but the Phantomstrike Squadron discovered her transmission and corrupted its signal. [[Teletraan I|Teletraan-1]] attempted to retrieve the full transmission from the Decepticons to gather the location data needed to assess the threat. Following this, a battle ensued between both strike teams. {{storylink|Source:Teletraan-1 Data Files|''Siege'' Teletraan-1 Data Files}}
{{--}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Fracas-EW.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
{{chargamestub|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1toy-ScourgeTM.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Scourge''' (Targetmaster, [[1987]])}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Richard Marcej]] (packaging)}}

:Released in the fourth year of the Hasbro ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline, Fracas is a figure of an armored humanoid in gray armor with black legs. Fracas folds in half to turn into an incendiary cannon that can be held by any Targetmaster (or any toy that uses 5 mm pegs for accessory holding/mounting), though he is designated as complementing his partner [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Toys|Scourge]].

:Fracas was released in Japan without changes as [[Artfire#Toys|Artfire]]'s partner, [[Nightstick (Headmasters)#Toys|Nightstick]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Decepticon/Fracas/fracas.htm More information on Fracas at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''United''===
[[File:United-toy Fracas.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No, I was shot midway between the me and the navel.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Fracas''' (Targetmaster Micron, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[December 28]], [[2010]]
:''[[Transformers United|United]]'' "Targetmaster [[Mini-Con|Micron]]" Fracas is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Chainclaw (PCC)#Toys|Chainclaw]], transforming into a non-firing multi-missile launcher that can be held by any toy using [[5 mm post|5 mm weapon-mount points]], though he is meant to complement the ''United'' release of [[Scourge (G1)/toys#United|Scourge]].

:His instructions only show the hand-held mode, but as he is a ''Power Core Combiners'' Mini-Con mold, he can also be converted into a missile launcher meant for [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] use (attached by his [[Powerlinx]] socket), plus an "armor" mode that connects to a Power Core Combiners Commander toy's chest or back-mounted Powerlinx plug for use in either of their [[robot mode]]s.

:Fracas was part of the "Targetmaster United" [[campaign item|promotional campaign]], a free gift available only with the purchase of 3000 yen worth of ''United'' product at Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores in [[Japan]] in (very) late December 2010.

:This mold was also used to make ''Power Core Combiners'' [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]] and ''United EX'' [[Spanner (United)|Spanner]].
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
{{anchor|Generations}}
[[File:Generationstoy-Fracas.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Scourge likes wearing Fracas's arms as earmuffs.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Fracas & Scourge''' (Deluxe Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:Packaged with [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Scourge]] as part of the first wave of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Deluxes, this Fracas is a [[Titan Master]], transforming from a tiny robot (based on the original [[Nightstick (G1)#Toys|Nightstick]] toy,[[Fracas#Notes|see below]]) into a head compatible with Scourge or any other Deluxe-or-larger ''Titans Return'' figure.

:Fracas features ball-joints in the neck and shoulders, with swivels in the hip and knees. This gives a deceptive amount of articulation and posability for a toy its size. The knees are double jointed, allowing them to bend backwards for a seated on kneeling position in addition to forming his head mode. The balljointed neck also allows for Scourge to move his head.

:In addition to forming his head, Fracas can also sit in Scourge's vehicle mode cockpit and in his double-barrelled gun. He also features peg holes in his feet which allow him to attach to a wide variety of ''Titans Return'' figures.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' version of [[Krunix (G1)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Krunix]], and this mold was redecoed in Japan to make the small [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] stage of ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Legends|Scourge]] and retooled as ''Legends'' [[Sweep (G1)#Legends|Sweeps]].
{{TRFracasMold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Decepticon-Phantomstrike-Squadron-Fracas.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Shrute cosplaying as Fracas, or Firedrive cosplaying as Shrute? You decide!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Phantomstrike Squadron''' (Multi-pack, [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S27'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''SG-EX'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 20]], [[2021]]
:*''Hidden message code'': '''TELEPORT'''
:Packed with [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Skywarp]], [[Hairsplitter#War for Cybertron: Siege|Shrute]], and [[Terror-Daxtyl#Toys|Terror-Daxtyl]], ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' "Decepticon Fracas" is a straight redeco of the Battle Master [[Firebolt (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Firedrive]], transforming to "Duo-Charge Electrostatic [[Photon cannon|Photon Cannon]]" in five steps. As a part of the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], he includes two "[[Fire Blast effect]]" pieces that can be used to simulate his blaster mode firing, and can slot onto the various hardpoints found on other figures and weaponry from the same subline to simulate blaster fire or explosions. The outer peg of the effect parts can also attach to 5 mm ports. The actual gun barrel piece can detach from the back, revealing a 3 mm peg, and connect to his arm like a cannon. Due to the size of the piece compared to Fracas, attaching Fire Blast parts to his barrels will cause the figure to become too unbalanced to stand.

:The CG stock render on the packaging depicts his torso as grey, and his unpaintable limbs as black. The final product ends up inverting his plastic colors; due to this, Fracas ends up looking like a pearlescent version of Firedrive. It's worth noting that, while never officially repurposed back, the ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' line would later release a [[Nightstick (Headmasters)#Generations Selects|Nightstick]] closely resembling this render.

:You can choose to pair him with any version of Scourge with 5 mm fists, though the [[Studio Series]] [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Studio Series|SS86-05 release]] is contemporary.

:This set was an [[Amazon]] exclusive for North America, which also label the set as "Final Strike Figure Series: Part 2", and later a [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive for Japan.

:Fracas, along with the rest of the Phantomstrike Squadron, was rereleased in early 2025 as an exclusive to several online retail sites and Gamestop in the United States.
{{WFCSiegeFiredriveMold}}
{{WFCSiegeFiredriveFireBlastMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:(cyclonus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"Fracas who? Oh, no, I'm Nightstick, his, uh...''brother''."]]
*The [[character model]]s for Fracas and [[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] appear to have been swapped around in pre-production, so Fracas's fictional appearances in both the cartoon and Marvel comics are based on Nightstick's toy, and vice-versa. This seems to have originated from a model sheet (see right) that refers to Fracas's model as being the partner to [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]]. It also seems that the animators caught onto this too; though a little too late into production, leaving them no choice but to just swap the colors around. So even though Fracas is clearly based on Nightstick's toy, he's still colored like Fracas.
**This also means that [[Krunix (G1)|Krunix]] is ''technically'' a giant Fracas, not a giant Nightstick.
**Scourge's revised profile for 1987 originally named his Targetmaster partner as "Sizzler".
**Targetmaster Scourge's box art shows him holding the Fracas mold in Nightstick's colors; so basically he's got model-sheet Nightstick.
*Amusingly, Fracas is merely referred to as "the Nebulan" in Scourge's G1 on-package [[bio]]. Thankfully, his name is printed on the box-front and in the instructions.
*''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Generations|Scourge]] has a pair of handguns that can combine into a single weapon resembling the original Fracas toy's rifle mode.
*Arms Micron [[Blowpipe (G1)#Transformers|Blowpipe]] was initially solicited under the name "Fracas".
*Fracas replaces his identical twin Nightstick-the-goodie in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' as a playful way to explain why they look identical.<ref>[[Jim Sorenson]] at the Allspark Forums, 2 December 2016: "[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/101932-tfwikinet-thread-30/?p=3392670 Artfire's partner was definitely Fracas. But then he became partners with Scourge. I mean, really, I'd think if you're taking that seriously, you'd want to MERGE Nightstick (Artfire) with Fracas and then merge Nightstick (Ricochet) with Nightstick (G1), because the whole point of that little arc was to explain all of the discrepancies of those little guys.]"</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Fracas''' (フレイカス ''Fureikasu'')
*''Russian:'' '''Prikus''' (Прикус, "Bite")

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

[[Category:Battle Masters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Nebulans]]
[[Category:C.O.M.B.A.T. Bots]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Hive]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Nebulans]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy Mall exclusives]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Titan Masters]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Variable species characters]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]

User:Greebtron

2025-12-30T16:23:34Z

Greebtron:

[[The Transformers (cartoon)]] production material available at the Sunbow and Marvel Archive, some linked or listed on the wiki:

'''''Season 1'''''

* Unproduced [[Title sequence]] storyboard
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]] Full script, dialogue script
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]] Full script, dialogue script, Act I full storyboard, Act III storyboard samples
* [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]] Full script, dialogue script, Act II storyboard samples

* [[Production bible]] - Season 1 cast only
* [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)]] Full script (revised 8th June 1984), full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act II storyboard samples
* [[Roll for It]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III partial storyboard
* [[Divide and Conquer]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[Fire in the Sky]] Full script (first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[S.O.S. Dinobots]] Full script (revised by [[Ron Friedman]]), dialogue script, first draft storyboards
* [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[War of the Dinobots]] Full script (first draft), full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III storyboards
* [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, Act III storyboards
* [[A Plague of Insecticons]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script
* [[Heavy Metal War]] Full script (finalised), dialogue script, full first draft storyboards

'''''Season 2'''''

* Unproduced [[Title sequence]] storyboard
* Unproduced [[Commercial bumper]] storyboard
* [[Autobot Spike]] dialogue script, Act II storyboards
* [[Changing Gears]] dialogue script
* [[City of Steel (episode)]] dialogue script, full storyboards (near final)
* [[Attack of the Autobots (episode)]] dialogue script, full storyboards (near final)
* [[Traitor (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[The Immobilizer]] storyboard samples
* [[The Autobot Run]] dialogue script
* [[Atlantis, Arise!]] dialogue script, first draft storyboards
* [[Day of the Machines]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Enter the Nightbird]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[A_Prime_Problem]] Partial script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Core]] Partial script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Insecticon Syndrome]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Dinobot Island, Part 1]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Dinobot Island, Part 2]] Full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Master Builders (episode)]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman 31st January 1985), dialogue script
* [[Auto Berserk]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Microbots]] Full script (first draft), dialogue script
* [[Megatron%27s Master Plan, Part 1]] Full script (digital reconstruction of first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Megatron%27s Master Plan, Part 2]] dialogue script, Additional Material section storyboard
* [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Blaster Blues]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur%27s Court (episode)]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The God Gambit]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Make Tracks]] Full script (first draft), full script (revised by Ron Friedman), dialogue script
* [[Child%27s Play (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Quest for Survival]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Gambler]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Kremzeek!]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Sea_Change]] full script (first draft), full script (revised by Doug Booth), first draft storyboards, dialogue script
* [[Triple Takeover]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Prime Target (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Auto-Bop]] full script, dialogue script
* [[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)]] full script, voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part_1]] dialogue script
* [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part_2]] dialogue script
* [[Aerial Assault]] dialogue script, full storyboards
* [[War Dawn (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Trans-Europe Express]] dialogue script
* [[Cosmic Rust (episode)]] First page of outline, first draft script, dialogue script, full storyboards (final revision)
* [[Starscream%27s Brigade]] First draft script, dialogue script
* [[The Revenge of Bruticus]] Full script (final), dialogue script
* [[Masquerade]] dialogue script
* [[B.O.T. (episode)]] dialogue script

[[The Transformers: The Movie]]
* First Ron Friedman draft script
* Second draft script outline
* Second Ron Friedman draft script
* August 6, 1985 final script
* Early storyboard sequences 1-8 and 25
* Finalised storyboard sequences 1-31
* Dialogue script ([[Walker Edmiston]] copy.)

'''''Season 3'''''

* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]] outline, full script, dialogue script
* [[The Killing_Jar (episode)]] full script, dialogue script
* [[Chaos (episode)]] partial outline, first draft script, revised script, full storyboards, voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[Dark Awakening (episode)]] voice actor call sheet and dialogue script
* [[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Thief in the Night]] dialogue script
* [[Surprise Party]] dialogue script
* [[Madman%27s Paradise]] dialogue script
* [[Nightmare Planet]] dialogue script
* [[Ghost in the Machine (G1)]] dialogue script
* [[Webworld]] dialogue script, Act III storyboard
* [[Carnage in C-Minor]] dialogue script
* [[The Quintesson Journal]] dialogue script
* [[The Ultimate Weapon]] dialogue script
* [[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Fight or Flee_(episode)]] full script (final)
* [[Only Human]] dialogue script
* [[Grimlock%27s New Brain]] dialogue script
* [[Money Is Everything (episode)]] dialogue script
* [[Grimlock%27s New Brain]] dialogue script
* [[Call of the Primitives]] dialogue script
* [[The Face of the Nijika]] dialogue script
* [[The Burden Hardest to Bear]] dialogue script
* [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]] full script (final), dialogue script
* [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]] full script (final), dialogue script