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Vortex (G1)

2013-06-12T19:52:06Z

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{{disambig3|Vortex}}
:''Vortex is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:MTMTEVortex.jpg|300px|thumb|I'm FANCY!]]
In a past life, it is very possible that '''Vortex''' was a roller coaster of some sort. He is the interrogator of the [[Decepticon]]s, and his favorite method of coaxing secrets from trembling [[Autobot]]s is to take them on ''Mr. Vortex's Wild Ride''. Laughing like a maniac, Vortex will treat Autobots held hostage within his cargo hold to a psychotic helicopter ride of twists, turns and near-death experiences. Then, once he has learned everything they have to tell: kerplop!

Vortex can combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Johnny Haymer]] (English), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese), [[Eiji Yanagisawa]] (Japanese, ''The Rebirth''), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American), [[Willi Röbke]] (German, ''Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2''), [[Thomas Rau]] (German, ''Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4''), [[Michael Rüth]] (German, ''The Ultimate Weapon''), [[Tonio von der Meden]] (German, Generation 2 Dub of ''Starscreams Brigade'' & ''The Revenge of Bruticus''), [[Willy Schäfer]] (German, Generation 2 Dub of ''The Ultimate Weapon'')
[[File:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Hey dude, I don't think we're in [[Kansas]] anymore!"<br>
"Shut up, Jazz."]]
Vortex was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the [[Air Commander]]'s latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Vortex in particular went from being a [[wikipedia:F4U Corsair|Chance Vought F4U Corsair]]<ref>"Starscream's Brigade" shooting script</ref> to being a helicopter, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel. While their first missions for Starscream were initially successful, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' intervention meant the brigade's defeat, and Megatron exiled all six to a remote asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Vortex and his fellow Combaticons soon escaped the asteroid and invaded [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], defeating [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s defenses as Bruticus. After Onslaught modified the [[space bridge]] to pull [[Earth]] into the [[sun]], the Combaticons were attacked by unknown forces, which were actually [[hologram]]s. Vortex was quite happy, as he ''loved'' sneak attacks. Once again, however, the Combaticons were defeated by outside intervention, as the Autobots and Decepticons temporarily allied against the renegades. While Megatron allowed the Autobots to believe the Combaticons had been destroyed, he secretly had Bruticus (and his components, we guess) reprogrammed to serve more loyally. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:RevengeBruticus BlastOff Vortex.jpg|200px|thumb|Another example of why headbanging isn't more popular among the Decepticons.]]

Some time later, the Combaticons set a trap for the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], and Vortex attacked them alongside [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. He was eventually shot down by [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] and retreated back to Megatron's [[Giant Purple Griffin]], which the Aerialbots eventually discovered. In the ensuing battle, Vortex took control of a few of Megatron's jet fighter [[drone]]s, but didn't fare particularly well anyway. The Combaticons then tried to merge into Bruticus, but were defeated by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} Afterwards, Bruticus was blown to pieces by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] sold Vortex's parts. What a friend. Vortex and the other Combaticons were eventually repaired just in time for Bruticus to be defeated again. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[File:FFoD2 SwindleVortex.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Hey, my semi-automatic glue gun isn't firing lasers any more! It must be... broken?"]]

After the great battle at [[Autobot City]], the Combaticons were among the battered Decepticon forces who withdrew to [[Chaar]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When the Deceptions spotted [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] spying on them, Vortex was the first to note that their weapons weren't working due to their low energy levels. He and his comrades simply opted for bashing the intruders to death instead. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} The Combaticons later participated in a [[Quintesson]]-led assault on a group of Autobots trapped on [[Goo 8739B|Goo]], {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} until [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] returned and took back control of his forces. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[File:UltimateWeapon Vortex interrogation.jpg|200px|thumb|"Confess! Where is the candlestick? What were you doing in the conservatory?"]]

The Combaticons later performed a hit-and-run attack on Cybertron in order to destroy a peace conference shuttle. When the Autobots fought back, Vortex shot [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] with a barrage of lasers, but was blasted out of the sky by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] for it. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} Much later, Vortex was charged with guarding [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in the [[Netherlands]]. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]], seated in a disguised Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime, respectively, tried tricking him into thinking they were repairmen in order to infiltrate the city-bot, but unfortunately Vortex could detect the "nauseating smell of Autobot fumes" on them. He tried shaking the truth out of Daniel, only to accidentally throw him off a cliff. The Autobots were forced to abandon their disguises in order to save him, and Rodimus blasted Vortex into unconsciousness. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

[[File:ReturnOptimusPrime1 InfectedVortex.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The difference between a Decepticon and a Decepticon infected with the hate plague is... murky, at best.]]

When the Earth was infected by the [[Hate Plague]], the Combaticons were among the early victims. In a frenzy, Vortex started flying around an airfield blowing up jumbo jets. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} By order of Galvatron, the Combaticons later constructed a giant planetary rocket engine that was used to propel Cybertron into orbit around Earth. They also dragged away the bodies of defeated Autobots to use as fuel for the engine. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
As Bruticus, Vortex and the Combaticons aided Menasor when the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' new base found itself under attack from [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. Whilst Bruticus took care of Defensor with relative ease, Superion shot his leg components off, allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places. Taking control of the giant's flight systems, the two [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] flew off with Bruticus's remaining components, planning to drop them off somewhere over the ocean. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

Vortex and the Combaticons were later ordered to hunt down a [[Murdered puppy|dog]] imbued with [[Decepticon super science]]. The Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s led by [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] soon arrived to save the poor animal, and the Combaticons formed Bruticus in response. However, the dog used its super science to power up Powerglide, who used [[Scramble Power]] to combine with his comrades and drill straight through him, forcing the Combaticons to withdraw. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====Scramble City: Mobilization=====
Vortex and the other Combaticons were dispatched to help the Stunticons in a battle against the Aerialbots. As Bruticus and Menasor, the two groups nearly defeated Superion, until [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] arrived and blew them away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
The Combaticons participated in a major Decepticon assault on Cybertron, during which Vortex performed air strikes until he was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} He later combined with the other Combaticons to continue fighting, but even Bruticus was driven away by the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} The Combaticons were subsequently sent to Earth, where they set out to stop [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] from retrieving the [[Matrix of Leadership]] for Optimus Prime. They didn't get far before being ambushed by the Protectobots, who buried the team in a rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} Vortex and the others later defended [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] against [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]]'s attempted infiltration, but got their hands full when the Aerialbots also joined the battle. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

The Decepticon army, including the Combaticons, later attacked Cybertron again, in order to obtain the precious [[Cybertonuron]] created by [[Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} This didn't go very well, as Bruticus was again defeated by Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Bruticus was then sent to [[San Francisco]] with orders to destroy any Autobots out to kill the giant carnivorous plant hidden there by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. He ended up dueling with [[Raiden]], the [[Trainbot]] combiner. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Vortex and his team were later seen under the command of [[Sixshot]], who ordered them to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Miami]] in order to divert troops from [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} They also unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Vortex later watched and cheered as Scorponok official took leadership of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} As Bruticus's arm, he later tried to lure Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]], but it didn't work. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} Bruticus was later seen laughing with [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] as they sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Naturally, Vortex and the Combaticons were part of the final climactic battle with the Autobot army at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], and retreated into space when Scorponok's plan to tear Earth apart appeared to become a reality. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

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

====''Wings Universe''====
Vortex was part of an Autobot [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] special ops unit created by [[Magnum]] to take out the various [[Decepticon leader|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}
{{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}
{{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}
{{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}}

Bruticus managed to slaughter pretty much all of the Guard before [[Dion]] blinded the giant, forcing them to separate. After Vortex suggested that Dion had probably perished at Bruticus's hand, they headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

Repairs proceeded, but the Combaticons were startled to learn that Deathsaurus could force them to combine into Bruticus at will. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} They still turned out to help defend the base against the remnants of the Elite Guard. Vortex boasted that if they formed Bruticus, killing the Guard would be like fighting mindless drones, however as the Combaticons attempted to merge, they were blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} They picked themselves up again, but were still unable to merge, as Blast Off had gone missing. At the end of the battle, the team failed to retreat fast enough and were captured by the Elite Guard. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
''[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] was the only human in existence to have ever possessed the Autobots' [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] in his mind. Months after returning the Matrix to its true guardian, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], Buster began experiencing nightmares of strange new Transformers, [[Special Teams]] with the ability to merge into a 5-in-1 giant. Vortex and his Combaticon teammates appeared in one of Buster's earlier dreams, before he sought help from the Autobots. In order to process the information his subconscious was feeding him, Buster linked his mind with Prime, so that the next dream came through far clearer than the previous ones. He and Prime observed a <s>toy commercial</s> scenario where Vortex and his fellow Combaticons joined forces with the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] against their Autobot counterparts, the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. The Combaticons fought together as [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], but were defeated by the teamwork shown by Autobot gestalts [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. After Prime and Buster awoke, the Autobots immediately went to work designing these new warriors. Thanks to [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s hacking skills, however, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] also saw the visions and began working on their own Special Teams. {{storylink|Second Generation!}}''

{{note|The above origin was not referenced in the U.S. comics and, unlike the Stunticons, the Combaticons were never explicitly stated to have been built on Earth. Although it's generally assumed they were anyway, one [[Swarm (issue)|obscure reference]] inferred that they may have come from Cybertron.}}

[[File:Afterdeath Vortex BlastOff.JPG|200px|thumb|For the glory of Mesmeron!]]
At Megatron's command, Vortex began scouting human energy projects for possible sources of energon for the Decepticons to steal. Hovering over [[Energy Futures Industries]] on the Oregon coast, Vortex learned about a new device called a [[hydrothermocline]], which could potentially summon limitless energy from beneath the seas. He summoned Megatron and the rest of the Combaticons for a late night raid. Unfortunately for them, the Autobots had been doing a little spying of their own, and the Combaticons found Optimus Prime and the Protectobots lying in wait at EFI when they arrived. Optimus and Megatron were busy measuring who had the biggest gestalt when [[Ethan Zachary]], a human programmer working at EFI, offered them a better solution than brawling. Using his [[Multi-World]] video game scenario, Zachery could upload the Autobots and Decepticons into the game, allowing them to fight without risking the hydro-whatsis or innocent lives in the process.

Inside Multi-World, Vortex and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] teamed up to hunt down Protectobots. In the region known as the [[Cloud-Steppes]], they came across [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] and [[Blades (G1)|Blades]]. The digital environment was composed of a series of roadways supported by cables connecting them to hovering clouds. Vortex chose the simplest solution and began cutting through the cables with his rotor blades, sending the ground-bound Groove and several Cloud-Steppers to their doom. Groove saved himself, and Blades caught the cloud people as they fell. The Autobots' new friends then turned their cloud power against the Combaticons, blinding them long enough for Groove to... blind them again. Stupid pacifists. Anyway, Vortex and Blast Off then crashed into each other and "died", their consciousnesses returning to reality. The other Combaticons fared just as well, leaving Megatron alone to fight Prime and Defensor. Blindly choking his subordinates in the real world, Megatron got close enough for Vortex to whisper a "cheat code" he had overheard when first scouting the location... AFTERDEATH. Despite using the password to cheat, Megatron still lost the battle. But, because Optimus Prime was forced to sacrifice innocent "people" in the game to defeat Megatron, he allowed the Decepticons to take the hydrothermocline anyway. Truly an [[Heavy Metal War|overdeveloped sense of honor]]. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}

During the Decepticon plans to move the hydrothermocline to a more energy efficient location for its work, Vortex was transporting the land-bound Decepticons to their island base. At Shockwave's request, however, he was dissuaded from picking up Megatron on time, allowing Shockwave's [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] mercenaries time to complete their assassination attempt on the Decepticon leader. Megatron survived, but ended up blowing himself up anyway, leaving Vortex and the Combaticons under Shockwave's command. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}} When fuel auditor [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] arrived to supervise the Decepticon activities, Shockwave engineered a daring daylight raid on an oil tanker in the Caribbean. Vortex, the [[Conehead]]s and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] successfully commandeered the vessel and brought it to the Decepticons island base. It was the perfect plan... with the small technicality of there not being any fuel in the tanker. {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

''On a later mission, Soundwave and the Combaticons were commissioned with destroying the inactive super-Decepticon known as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who had been trapped inside the lava flow of an active volcano, preserving him like a fly in amber. Shockwave nevertheless saw Galvatron as a potential threat to his command, and wanted him eliminated permanently. Vortex and the others were to set up explosive charges around the mouth, burying the future warrior forever. Their plans were waylaid by a group of human females, who used up most of the explosives against the Combaticons. The Decepticons were then forced to retreat once [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s arrived to back-up the humans, but they swore vengeance for the interference. {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}}''

Vortex began trailing the Throttlebots, and caught up with them on a California freeway. He was freely taking pot shots at them until Blaster transformed and supported himself on [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and [[Chase (G1)|Chase]]'s vehicle modes, firing back at the Combaticon with his electro-scrambler gun. After nearly causing a traffic pile-up, Blaster got a good shot at Vortex, overloading his circuitry and sending the Decepticon careening through the sky. Once he recovered, Vortex tracked Blaster and the Throttlebots to a used car dealership, and summoned the rest of the Combaticons. Matters became complicated when the Protectobots also arrived on the scene, looking to arrest Blaster and Goldbug for going AWOL and rebelling against the Autobot commander, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]... not to mention the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] brigade of human military officers looking to take the Autobots into custody as well. The resulting four-way war left everyone confused and the dealership a wreck. Vortex was blinded early on battling [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]], and the Combaticons ultimately retreated once Blaster joined forces with the Protectobots. In the melee, however, the Throttlebots were carted off by RAAT, and the Protectobots still took Blaster into custody for Grimlock after the fight was over. {{storylink|Used Autobots}}

Vortex tracked the Protectobots from a distance, as they transported the mode-locked Blaster back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] for trial and execution. The two teams clashed again at a (mostly) abandoned railyard once the Combaticons had fully assembled on Vortex's position. Vortex clashed with his opposite number, the Protectobot helicopter known as Blades, trading fire in the skies. Despite his computer image-guided targeting technology, Blades was unable to overcome Vortex's aerial agility and score a decent hit. The Combaticons eventually combined into Bruticus and managed to defeat the united Defensor in battle. Meanwhile, Blaster had managed to shake off his mode-lock and, despite his current situation, brought down the Decepticons in defense of his fellow Autobots. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[File:Jetfireyourehit.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
The Combaticons licked their wounds and eventually limped back to the Decepticons' hidden island base in the Caribbean. Decepticon leadership soon changed from Shockwave to Ratbat after the former was critically injured and believed dead following a space battle with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}} When the Autobots decided the best way for Grimlock and Blaster to finally settle their differences was through trial by combat, Ratbat brought the Decepticons to the combat site on the moon and launched a full scale assault on the unsuspecting Autobots. Vortex and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] managed to shoot down [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but ultimately Grimlock and Blaster put aside their differences and turned the tide, sending the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

For their next trick, the Decepticons turned their deserted desert island base into a tropical paradise for humans, using the tourist trade to hide their true motives and protect themselves from any Autobot attack with human shields. Despite their distaste for flesh-creatures, many of the Decepticons were in good spirits. Vortex was seen trading stories with [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] about how he told off one of the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Those nerds. {{storylink|Club Con!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''Vortex and the Decepticon air force were led into battle by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] in 2008. They planned to strike back against the Autobots, but were instead ambushed by the [[Quintesson]]s in what could have been a massacre. Putting aside his pride, Decepticon commander [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] radioed the Autobots for assistance, and soon the two factions were fighting side-by-side on Cybertron against the invading Quintesson forces. After the fight was over, Soundwave left the battlefield in Vortex's [[Scale|ridiculously-oversized]] helicopter mode. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

====Generation 2====
When Megatron was looking to forge an alliance with Optimus Prime against [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s Cybertronians, he brought a contingent of Decepticons to Ethos to back-up the Autobots. Vortex joined Starscream and [[Ransack (G2)|Ransack]] in supplementing the Aerialbots and the other Autobot sky forces. {{storylink|Escalation!}}

Vortex, along with the other Combaticons, formed the first line of defense against Jhiaxus's attack on [[Warworld]]. While Vortex's ultimate fate is unseen, the fact that Jhiaxus's troops ultimately took Warworld makes it likely he was destroyed. {{storylink|Total War!}}

===Young Corgi continuity===
Vortex and his fellow Combaticons were searching for a mysterious city beneath the ice when the Aerialbots, [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] and [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]], interfered. Vortex got into a dogfight with Skydive, flying through the icy mountains and canyons of the North Pole. Luckily, as a Super Seasprite helicopter, he was infinitely more maneuverable than an F-16. Vortex led Skydive straight towards a mountain wall, and shot upwards at the last instant to send the Aerialbot flying nose first into the side of the mountain. Unfortunately for Vortex, Skydive vaporized the mountain peak with his [[nega-gun]] and, flipping back around in robot mode, clocked the Combaticon with a solid blow while Vortex was blinding by the steam.

Vortex was presumably still seeing stars when the rest of the Decepticons learned the [[city-dweller]]s were the true enemy and joined forces with the Autobots against them. Hopefully, Vortex's fellow Combaticons remembered to pick him up for repairs when they departed. {{storylink|Battle Beneath the Ice}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Shortly after [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] became the new Autobot Supreme Commander, Vortex and the other Combaticons took part in the Decepticon assault upon [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s command. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}}

Millions of years later, after the [[Great Shutdown]], Vortex, along with his fellow Combaticons, was imprisoned in the [[Detention Banks]] in [[Quadrant Epsilon]] by Shockwave under his new "Cybertronian" regime. When the Autobots rose up against Shockwave and the Decepticons, Starscream turned tail and escaped to [[Earth]] with the [[protoform]]s of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

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

[[File:G1DW SkyLynx defeats Combaticons.jpg|250px|thumb|Nice kitty... pretty kitty...]]

The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal, where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. Starscream ordered them to defeat the Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a means to train themselves for greater battles. Blast Off ordered Vortex to "take [Sky Lynx] down", but the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, and Blast Off was embarrassingly grabbed in the flying form's jaws while Vortex looked on.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon as Sky Lynx was deactivated. This encounter also did not end well. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{--}}
===''G.I. Joe vs the Transformers''===
As part of [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]'s forces, Vortex defended the newly unified Decepticon army's base against a combined Autobot/[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] strike force. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
Vortex was part of the Combaticons', under the command of [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]]'s [[Decepticon Secret Service]]. They attacked the [[Garrus-9]] penal facility to seize the [[Pretender Monster|new gestalt Transformers]]. When [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] turned up to kill them all, it was Vortex who reacted quickly and sprang the gestalts while under fire. He then dissed [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] on the way out. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

After a deal was negotiated between Arcee and Banzaitron, Vortex and the other Combaticons later helped her in an attempt to recapture [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (who had been stolen by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]]'s forces) on [[Rotan]], though the insane Autobot disappeared mid-battle. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

{{note|Due to the truncated nature of the ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' miniseries, the outcome of this battle is unknown, though [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] existing a year later may be a clue.}}

Years later on Earth the Combaticons were hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on the [[South Korea|South]]. Brawl, Onslaught and Vortex destroyed a South Korean outpost on the border of the DMZ to this end, with Vortex destroying air support the South had sent. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}}

None of the Combaticons were particularly happy about working for humans, but as the Koreans were the only ones able to produce [[energon]] for them, they had little choice in the matter. It wasn't long before the Autobots got involved, attacking the Combaticons while they were bickering and attempting to keep Vortex groundbound. Using his rotor blades, Vortex managed to deflect [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]'s smokescreen and damage [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] before taking to the air. The Autobots called in their own air support in the form of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but the scientist failed to stand up to a trained soldier like Vortex, who cut one of his wings and sent him crashing into [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]. He then picked up Onslaught before retreating. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}}

As the Combaticons toasted to their victory, Vortex bragged about Jetfire's defeat and wished that the Autobots would come back so he could do it all over again. His wish was immediately granted, as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] smashed through the wall and sent Vortex flying into [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], who attempted to cut his rotors off. He managed to shake the Autobot off and take flight...only to be knocked back down by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], now allied with the Autobots. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} The Combaticons soon found themselves defeated, and they didn't get involved when the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] got showed up and the humans attempted to nuke all the Transformers. Fortunately for Vortex and his teammates, the Autobots didn't have the resources to take prisoners, so they remained at large. Thundercracker destroyed the energon facilities in North Korea, though, so the Combaticons wouldn't get involved with ''them'' again. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1Vortex toy.jpg|300px|thumb|Get to da choppa. I dare ya.]]
* '''Vortex''' (Combaticon, 1985/1986/1991)
**''Team ID number'': '''C4'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-66'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol, left & right cannons

: Vortex transforms into a [[Wikipedia:Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite|Kaman Aerospace SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter]]. He is armed with a small, chin-mounted [[Glue gun|semi-automatic glue gun]] and two large, tri-barrel Gatling guns mounted astern on his tail.

: In robot mode, Vortex is armed with his helicopter chin gun, and along with fellow Combaticon [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], is one of the first Transformers figures to utilize ball-joints, located in his shoulders. The top of his helicopter mode (where his rotor attaches) is capable of rotating as part of his transformation so that the rotor can be mounted 'forwards' in vehicle mode but high on his back in robot mode. Many pictures of Vortex (including the one to the right) neglect this step, leaving him mistransformed and awkward looking in his helicopter form. Vortex normally becomes the left arm of Bruticus, but as a [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style design, he can also occupy any other limb slot on Bruticus.

: There are a few variations of this toy. Initial releases of Vortex gave him a [[die-cast]] metal chestplate painted deep purple. Later releases replaced the metal with lighter-purple plastic. In 1991, the entire Combaticon team was re-released as part of the European "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line; like many toys released in this series, Vortex was [[retool]]ed to remove the [[rubsign]] indent from his vehicle mode.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]'' [[Target Hawk]], ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Ro-Tor. Vortex's left side cannon was [[retool]]ed into the [[Action Master]] [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]'s handgun, which appropriately can be attached to his [[Attack Copter|helicopter]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Vortex/vortex.htm More information on Vortex at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (Gift set, 1985, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-69'''

:Vortex, along with the other Combaticons, were included in a [[giftset]] that was only available in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

:In 2009, this set was reissued under the ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' line, using the [[retool]]ed molds from the ''[[Car Robots]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' lines.
{{--}}

===Generation 2===
* '''Vortex''' (Combaticon, 1994)
**''Team ID number'': '''C4'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol, left & right cannons

: During the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' line, Vortex was redecoed blue with purple camouflage paint. His weapons were also redecoed purple, and his chest was changed to a different shade of purple, making him totally inconspicuous.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Vortex/vortex.htm More information on Generation 2 Vortex at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|FOCgiftset}}
[[File:Generationstoy-G2Vortex.jpg|thumb|300px|"I can chop you up with this blade or these blades. Decisions, decisions."]]e bege e vermelho na sua cor original
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, 2012)
: Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Vortex is a redeco of ''[[Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. He can form any arm or leg of Bruticus, although his nominal placement is as the left arm, as usual.

{{--}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Vortex.jpg|thumb|300px| MY PSYCHO-COPTER GOES SOISOISOISOISOISOI]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Vortex is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Blackout (combiner)|Blackout]]/[[Stormcloud (Energon)|Stormcloud]] mold, transforming into a blue/grey assault helicopter somewhat similar to an AH-1 Cobra. He was only available with ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus giftset. When combined with the other Combaticons, Vortex is nominally Bruticus Maximus' left arm, though he can be used in any other limb position. "V-1" is [[tampograph]]ed on the right side of his cockpit.

:This mold was also used to make [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]-[[exclusive]] [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]] and ''Universe'' (2008) [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. Said Swindle is identical to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Swindle (ROTF)|Swindle]], and Vortex himself also doubles as that franchise's [[Vortex (ROTF)|Vortex]]. Another planned redeco, [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] [[Reverb (Movie)|Reverb]], was canceled.
{{--}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[File:Henkei-toy VortexMicron.jpg|300px|thumb|And he doesn't take American Express.]]
*'''Destron Vorter''' (Micron, 2009)

: A redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Mini-Con]] [[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]], Vortex now transforms into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|AH-64D Longbow Apache assault helicopter]].

: Vortex was only available by—brace yourself—signing up for a [http://www.transformers-card.com/pre2/index.html Transformers-themed Visa credit card] through Pocket Card Co., Ltd. Vortex is available only to those who get the Decepticon-themed card. Also available is [[Slingshot (G1)|Sling]] for those who get the Autobot card. How one gets both without paying out the butt is anyone's guess.

: This mold was also used to make [[Torque Gain]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Cloudraker (Universe)|Cloudraker]] and [[Crosshairs (Universe)|Crosshairs]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2009/Destron/Vorter/vorter.htm More information on ''Henkei!'' Vorter at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===United===
*'''Bruticus''' (2012)
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has colours similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a greater emphasis on G1-accuracy. Vortex's colour layout is similar to the previous releases, but has a darker, more G1-accurate blue-green. Additionally, the quad blaster/combined mode foot/hand previously cast in translucent coloured plastic is now opaque grey, though his energon star remains red.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:EuroClassicsCombaticons.jpg|thumb|200px]]
* The [[character model]]s of the Combaticons are kinda... okay, heavily made-up. [[:Image:G1OddCombat.jpg|Early models of the team]] which were a bit more accurate to the toys - except for the heads, oddly enough - have shown up in various sourcebooks, though Vortex's is still off in some very odd ways.
* The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted the Combaticons in (mostly) new color schemes, despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
* In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Vortex's vice is his love of fine oil, most likely to represent Gluttony.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Vorter''' (ボルター ''Borutā'')
*''Russian:'' '''Vihr'''' (Вихрь, "Whirlwind")

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Vortex Vortex's ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Interrogators]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

Vortex (G1)

2013-06-12T19:43:45Z

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{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|minicon|autobot|eliteguard}}
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{{disambig3|Vortex}}
:''Vortex is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:MTMTEVortex.jpg|300px|thumb|I'm FANCY!]]
In a past life, it is very possible that '''Vortex''' was a roller coaster of some sort. He is the interrogator of the [[Decepticon]]s, and his favorite method of coaxing secrets from trembling [[Autobot]]s is to take them on ''Mr. Vortex's Wild Ride''. Laughing like a maniac, Vortex will treat Autobots held hostage within his cargo hold to a psychotic helicopter ride of twists, turns and near-death experiences. Then, once he has learned everything they have to tell: kerplop!

Vortex can combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Johnny Haymer]] (English), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese), [[Eiji Yanagisawa]] (Japanese, ''The Rebirth''), [[Héctor Vieyra]] (Latin American), [[Willi Röbke]] (German, ''Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2''), [[Thomas Rau]] (German, ''Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4''), [[Michael Rüth]] (German, ''The Ultimate Weapon''), [[Tonio von der Meden]] (German, Generation 2 Dub of ''Starscreams Brigade'' & ''The Revenge of Bruticus''), [[Willy Schäfer]] (German, Generation 2 Dub of ''The Ultimate Weapon'')
[[File:StarscreamsBrigade Vortex capture.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Hey dude, I don't think we're in [[Kansas]] anymore!"<br>
"Shut up, Jazz."]]
Vortex was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the [[Air Commander]]'s latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Vortex in particular went from being a [[wikipedia:F4U Corsair|Chance Vought F4U Corsair]]<ref>"Starscream's Brigade" shooting script</ref> to being a helicopter, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel. While their first missions for Starscream were initially successful, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' intervention meant the brigade's defeat, and Megatron exiled all six to a remote asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Vortex and his fellow Combaticons soon escaped the asteroid and invaded [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], defeating [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s defenses as Bruticus. After Onslaught modified the [[space bridge]] to pull [[Earth]] into the [[sun]], the Combaticons were attacked by unknown forces, which were actually [[hologram]]s. Vortex was quite happy, as he ''loved'' sneak attacks. Once again, however, the Combaticons were defeated by outside intervention, as the Autobots and Decepticons temporarily allied against the renegades. While Megatron allowed the Autobots to believe the Combaticons had been destroyed, he secretly had Bruticus (and his components, we guess) reprogrammed to serve more loyally. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:RevengeBruticus BlastOff Vortex.jpg|200px|thumb|Another example of why headbanging isn't more popular among the Decepticons.]]

Some time later, the Combaticons set a trap for the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], and Vortex attacked them alongside [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. He was eventually shot down by [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] and retreated back to Megatron's [[Giant Purple Griffin]], which the Aerialbots eventually discovered. In the ensuing battle, Vortex took control of a few of Megatron's jet fighter [[drone]]s, but didn't fare particularly well anyway. The Combaticons then tried to merge into Bruticus, but were defeated by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}} Afterwards, Bruticus was blown to pieces by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] sold Vortex's parts. What a friend. Vortex and the other Combaticons were eventually repaired just in time for Bruticus to be defeated again. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[File:FFoD2 SwindleVortex.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Hey, my semi-automatic glue gun isn't firing lasers any more! It must be... broken?"]]

After the great battle at [[Autobot City]], the Combaticons were among the battered Decepticon forces who withdrew to [[Chaar]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When the Deceptions spotted [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] spying on them, Vortex was the first to note that their weapons weren't working due to their low energy levels. He and his comrades simply opted for bashing the intruders to death instead. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} The Combaticons later participated in a [[Quintesson]]-led assault on a group of Autobots trapped on [[Goo 8739B|Goo]], {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} until [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] returned and took back control of his forces. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[File:UltimateWeapon Vortex interrogation.jpg|200px|thumb|"Confess! Where is the candlestick? What were you doing in the conservatory?"]]

The Combaticons later performed a hit-and-run attack on Cybertron in order to destroy a peace conference shuttle. When the Autobots fought back, Vortex shot [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] with a barrage of lasers, but was blasted out of the sky by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] for it. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} Much later, Vortex was charged with guarding [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in the [[Netherlands]]. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]], seated in a disguised Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime, respectively, tried tricking him into thinking they were repairmen in order to infiltrate the city-bot, but unfortunately Vortex could detect the "nauseating smell of Autobot fumes" on them. He tried shaking the truth out of Daniel, only to accidentally throw him off a cliff. The Autobots were forced to abandon their disguises in order to save him, and Rodimus blasted Vortex into unconsciousness. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

[[File:ReturnOptimusPrime1 InfectedVortex.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The difference between a Decepticon and a Decepticon infected with the hate plague is... murky, at best.]]

When the Earth was infected by the [[Hate Plague]], the Combaticons were among the early victims. In a frenzy, Vortex started flying around an airfield blowing up jumbo jets. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}} By order of Galvatron, the Combaticons later constructed a giant planetary rocket engine that was used to propel Cybertron into orbit around Earth. They also dragged away the bodies of defeated Autobots to use as fuel for the engine. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
As Bruticus, Vortex and the Combaticons aided Menasor when the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' new base found itself under attack from [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. Whilst Bruticus took care of Defensor with relative ease, Superion shot his leg components off, allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places. Taking control of the giant's flight systems, the two [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] flew off with Bruticus's remaining components, planning to drop them off somewhere over the ocean. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

Vortex and the Combaticons were later ordered to hunt down a [[Murdered puppy|dog]] imbued with [[Decepticon super science]]. The Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s led by [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] soon arrived to save the poor animal, and the Combaticons formed Bruticus in response. However, the dog used its super science to power up Powerglide, who used [[Scramble Power]] to combine with his comrades and drill straight through him, forcing the Combaticons to withdraw. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====Scramble City: Mobilization=====
Vortex and the other Combaticons were dispatched to help the Stunticons in a battle against the Aerialbots. As Bruticus and Menasor, the two groups nearly defeated Superion, until [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] arrived and blew them away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
The Combaticons participated in a major Decepticon assault on Cybertron, during which Vortex performed air strikes until he was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} He later combined with the other Combaticons to continue fighting, but even Bruticus was driven away by the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} The Combaticons were subsequently sent to Earth, where they set out to stop [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] from retrieving the [[Matrix of Leadership]] for Optimus Prime. They didn't get far before being ambushed by the Protectobots, who buried the team in a rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} Vortex and the others later defended [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] against [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]]'s attempted infiltration, but got their hands full when the Aerialbots also joined the battle. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

The Decepticon army, including the Combaticons, later attacked Cybertron again, in order to obtain the precious [[Cybertonuron]] created by [[Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} This didn't go very well, as Bruticus was again defeated by Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Bruticus was then sent to [[San Francisco]] with orders to destroy any Autobots out to kill the giant carnivorous plant hidden there by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. He ended up dueling with [[Raiden]], the [[Trainbot]] combiner. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Vortex and his team were later seen under the command of [[Sixshot]], who ordered them to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Miami]] in order to divert troops from [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} They also unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Vortex later watched and cheered as Scorponok official took leadership of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} As Bruticus's arm, he later tried to lure Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]], but it didn't work. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} Bruticus was later seen laughing with [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] as they sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Naturally, Vortex and the Combaticons were part of the final climactic battle with the Autobot army at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], and retreated into space when Scorponok's plan to tear Earth apart appeared to become a reality. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

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

====''Wings Universe''====
Vortex was part of an Autobot [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] special ops unit created by [[Magnum]] to take out the various [[Decepticon leader|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}
{{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}
{{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}
{{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}}

Bruticus managed to slaughter pretty much all of the Guard before [[Dion]] blinded the giant, forcing them to separate. After Vortex suggested that Dion had probably perished at Bruticus's hand, they headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

Repairs proceeded, but the Combaticons were startled to learn that Deathsaurus could force them to combine into Bruticus at will. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} They still turned out to help defend the base against the remnants of the Elite Guard. Vortex boasted that if they formed Bruticus, killing the Guard would be like fighting mindless drones, however as the Combaticons attempted to merge, they were blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} They picked themselves up again, but were still unable to merge, as Blast Off had gone missing. At the end of the battle, the team failed to retreat fast enough and were captured by the Elite Guard. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
''[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] was the only human in existence to have ever possessed the Autobots' [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] in his mind. Months after returning the Matrix to its true guardian, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], Buster began experiencing nightmares of strange new Transformers, [[Special Teams]] with the ability to merge into a 5-in-1 giant. Vortex and his Combaticon teammates appeared in one of Buster's earlier dreams, before he sought help from the Autobots. In order to process the information his subconscious was feeding him, Buster linked his mind with Prime, so that the next dream came through far clearer than the previous ones. He and Prime observed a <s>toy commercial</s> scenario where Vortex and his fellow Combaticons joined forces with the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] against their Autobot counterparts, the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. The Combaticons fought together as [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], but were defeated by the teamwork shown by Autobot gestalts [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. After Prime and Buster awoke, the Autobots immediately went to work designing these new warriors. Thanks to [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s hacking skills, however, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] also saw the visions and began working on their own Special Teams. {{storylink|Second Generation!}}''

{{note|The above origin was not referenced in the U.S. comics and, unlike the Stunticons, the Combaticons were never explicitly stated to have been built on Earth. Although it's generally assumed they were anyway, one [[Swarm (issue)|obscure reference]] inferred that they may have come from Cybertron.}}

[[File:Afterdeath Vortex BlastOff.JPG|200px|thumb|For the glory of Mesmeron!]]
At Megatron's command, Vortex began scouting human energy projects for possible sources of energon for the Decepticons to steal. Hovering over [[Energy Futures Industries]] on the Oregon coast, Vortex learned about a new device called a [[hydrothermocline]], which could potentially summon limitless energy from beneath the seas. He summoned Megatron and the rest of the Combaticons for a late night raid. Unfortunately for them, the Autobots had been doing a little spying of their own, and the Combaticons found Optimus Prime and the Protectobots lying in wait at EFI when they arrived. Optimus and Megatron were busy measuring who had the biggest gestalt when [[Ethan Zachary]], a human programmer working at EFI, offered them a better solution than brawling. Using his [[Multi-World]] video game scenario, Zachery could upload the Autobots and Decepticons into the game, allowing them to fight without risking the hydro-whatsis or innocent lives in the process.

Inside Multi-World, Vortex and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] teamed up to hunt down Protectobots. In the region known as the [[Cloud-Steppes]], they came across [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] and [[Blades (G1)|Blades]]. The digital environment was composed of a series of roadways supported by cables connecting them to hovering clouds. Vortex chose the simplest solution and began cutting through the cables with his rotor blades, sending the ground-bound Groove and several Cloud-Steppers to their doom. Groove saved himself, and Blades caught the cloud people as they fell. The Autobots' new friends then turned their cloud power against the Combaticons, blinding them long enough for Groove to... blind them again. Stupid pacifists. Anyway, Vortex and Blast Off then crashed into each other and "died", their consciousnesses returning to reality. The other Combaticons fared just as well, leaving Megatron alone to fight Prime and Defensor. Blindly choking his subordinates in the real world, Megatron got close enough for Vortex to whisper a "cheat code" he had overheard when first scouting the location... AFTERDEATH. Despite using the password to cheat, Megatron still lost the battle. But, because Optimus Prime was forced to sacrifice innocent "people" in the game to defeat Megatron, he allowed the Decepticons to take the hydrothermocline anyway. Truly an [[Heavy Metal War|overdeveloped sense of honor]]. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}

During the Decepticon plans to move the hydrothermocline to a more energy efficient location for its work, Vortex was transporting the land-bound Decepticons to their island base. At Shockwave's request, however, he was dissuaded from picking up Megatron on time, allowing Shockwave's [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] mercenaries time to complete their assassination attempt on the Decepticon leader. Megatron survived, but ended up blowing himself up anyway, leaving Vortex and the Combaticons under Shockwave's command. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}} When fuel auditor [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] arrived to supervise the Decepticon activities, Shockwave engineered a daring daylight raid on an oil tanker in the Caribbean. Vortex, the [[Conehead]]s and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] successfully commandeered the vessel and brought it to the Decepticons island base. It was the perfect plan... with the small technicality of there not being any fuel in the tanker. {{storylink|Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom}}

''On a later mission, Soundwave and the Combaticons were commissioned with destroying the inactive super-Decepticon known as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who had been trapped inside the lava flow of an active volcano, preserving him like a fly in amber. Shockwave nevertheless saw Galvatron as a potential threat to his command, and wanted him eliminated permanently. Vortex and the others were to set up explosive charges around the mouth, burying the future warrior forever. Their plans were waylaid by a group of human females, who used up most of the explosives against the Combaticons. The Decepticons were then forced to retreat once [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s arrived to back-up the humans, but they swore vengeance for the interference. {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}}''

Vortex began trailing the Throttlebots, and caught up with them on a California freeway. He was freely taking pot shots at them until Blaster transformed and supported himself on [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and [[Chase (G1)|Chase]]'s vehicle modes, firing back at the Combaticon with his electro-scrambler gun. After nearly causing a traffic pile-up, Blaster got a good shot at Vortex, overloading his circuitry and sending the Decepticon careening through the sky. Once he recovered, Vortex tracked Blaster and the Throttlebots to a used car dealership, and summoned the rest of the Combaticons. Matters became complicated when the Protectobots also arrived on the scene, looking to arrest Blaster and Goldbug for going AWOL and rebelling against the Autobot commander, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]... not to mention the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] brigade of human military officers looking to take the Autobots into custody as well. The resulting four-way war left everyone confused and the dealership a wreck. Vortex was blinded early on battling [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]], and the Combaticons ultimately retreated once Blaster joined forces with the Protectobots. In the melee, however, the Throttlebots were carted off by RAAT, and the Protectobots still took Blaster into custody for Grimlock after the fight was over. {{storylink|Used Autobots}}

Vortex tracked the Protectobots from a distance, as they transported the mode-locked Blaster back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] for trial and execution. The two teams clashed again at a (mostly) abandoned railyard once the Combaticons had fully assembled on Vortex's position. Vortex clashed with his opposite number, the Protectobot helicopter known as Blades, trading fire in the skies. Despite his computer image-guided targeting technology, Blades was unable to overcome Vortex's aerial agility and score a decent hit. The Combaticons eventually combined into Bruticus and managed to defeat the united Defensor in battle. Meanwhile, Blaster had managed to shake off his mode-lock and, despite his current situation, brought down the Decepticons in defense of his fellow Autobots. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[File:Jetfireyourehit.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
The Combaticons licked their wounds and eventually limped back to the Decepticons' hidden island base in the Caribbean. Decepticon leadership soon changed from Shockwave to Ratbat after the former was critically injured and believed dead following a space battle with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}} When the Autobots decided the best way for Grimlock and Blaster to finally settle their differences was through trial by combat, Ratbat brought the Decepticons to the combat site on the moon and launched a full scale assault on the unsuspecting Autobots. Vortex and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] managed to shoot down [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but ultimately Grimlock and Blaster put aside their differences and turned the tide, sending the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

For their next trick, the Decepticons turned their deserted desert island base into a tropical paradise for humans, using the tourist trade to hide their true motives and protect themselves from any Autobot attack with human shields. Despite their distaste for flesh-creatures, many of the Decepticons were in good spirits. Vortex was seen trading stories with [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] about how he told off one of the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Those nerds. {{storylink|Club Con!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''Vortex and the Decepticon air force were led into battle by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] in 2008. They planned to strike back against the Autobots, but were instead ambushed by the [[Quintesson]]s in what could have been a massacre. Putting aside his pride, Decepticon commander [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] radioed the Autobots for assistance, and soon the two factions were fighting side-by-side on Cybertron against the invading Quintesson forces. After the fight was over, Soundwave left the battlefield in Vortex's [[Scale|ridiculously-oversized]] helicopter mode. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

====Generation 2====
When Megatron was looking to forge an alliance with Optimus Prime against [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s Cybertronians, he brought a contingent of Decepticons to Ethos to back-up the Autobots. Vortex joined Starscream and [[Ransack (G2)|Ransack]] in supplementing the Aerialbots and the other Autobot sky forces. {{storylink|Escalation!}}

Vortex, along with the other Combaticons, formed the first line of defense against Jhiaxus's attack on [[Warworld]]. While Vortex's ultimate fate is unseen, the fact that Jhiaxus's troops ultimately took Warworld makes it likely he was destroyed. {{storylink|Total War!}}

===Young Corgi continuity===
Vortex and his fellow Combaticons were searching for a mysterious city beneath the ice when the Aerialbots, [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] and [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]], interfered. Vortex got into a dogfight with Skydive, flying through the icy mountains and canyons of the North Pole. Luckily, as a Super Seasprite helicopter, he was infinitely more maneuverable than an F-16. Vortex led Skydive straight towards a mountain wall, and shot upwards at the last instant to send the Aerialbot flying nose first into the side of the mountain. Unfortunately for Vortex, Skydive vaporized the mountain peak with his [[nega-gun]] and, flipping back around in robot mode, clocked the Combaticon with a solid blow while Vortex was blinding by the steam.

Vortex was presumably still seeing stars when the rest of the Decepticons learned the [[city-dweller]]s were the true enemy and joined forces with the Autobots against them. Hopefully, Vortex's fellow Combaticons remembered to pick him up for repairs when they departed. {{storylink|Battle Beneath the Ice}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Shortly after [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] became the new Autobot Supreme Commander, Vortex and the other Combaticons took part in the Decepticon assault upon [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s command. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}}

Millions of years later, after the [[Great Shutdown]], Vortex, along with his fellow Combaticons, was imprisoned in the [[Detention Banks]] in [[Quadrant Epsilon]] by Shockwave under his new "Cybertronian" regime. When the Autobots rose up against Shockwave and the Decepticons, Starscream turned tail and escaped to [[Earth]] with the [[protoform]]s of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

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

[[File:G1DW SkyLynx defeats Combaticons.jpg|250px|thumb|Nice kitty... pretty kitty...]]

The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal, where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. Starscream ordered them to defeat the Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a means to train themselves for greater battles. Blast Off ordered Vortex to "take [Sky Lynx] down", but the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, and Blast Off was embarrassingly grabbed in the flying form's jaws while Vortex looked on.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon as Sky Lynx was deactivated. This encounter also did not end well. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{--}}
===''G.I. Joe vs the Transformers''===
As part of [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]'s forces, Vortex defended the newly unified Decepticon army's base against a combined Autobot/[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] strike force. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
Vortex was part of the Combaticons', under the command of [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]]'s [[Decepticon Secret Service]]. They attacked the [[Garrus-9]] penal facility to seize the [[Pretender Monster|new gestalt Transformers]]. When [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] turned up to kill them all, it was Vortex who reacted quickly and sprang the gestalts while under fire. He then dissed [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] on the way out. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

After a deal was negotiated between Arcee and Banzaitron, Vortex and the other Combaticons later helped her in an attempt to recapture [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (who had been stolen by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]]'s forces) on [[Rotan]], though the insane Autobot disappeared mid-battle. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

{{note|Due to the truncated nature of the ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'' miniseries, the outcome of this battle is unknown, though [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] existing a year later may be a clue.}}

Years later on Earth the Combaticons were hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on the [[South Korea|South]]. Brawl, Onslaught and Vortex destroyed a South Korean outpost on the border of the DMZ to this end, with Vortex destroying air support the South had sent. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}}

None of the Combaticons were particularly happy about working for humans, but as the Koreans were the only ones able to produce [[energon]] for them, they had little choice in the matter. It wasn't long before the Autobots got involved, attacking the Combaticons while they were bickering and attempting to keep Vortex groundbound. Using his rotor blades, Vortex managed to deflect [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]'s smokescreen and damage [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] before taking to the air. The Autobots called in their own air support in the form of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but the scientist failed to stand up to a trained soldier like Vortex, who cut one of his wings and sent him crashing into [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]. He then picked up Onslaught before retreating. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}}

As the Combaticons toasted to their victory, Vortex bragged about Jetfire's defeat and wished that the Autobots would come back so he could do it all over again. His wish was immediately granted, as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] smashed through the wall and sent Vortex flying into [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], who attempted to cut his rotors off. He managed to shake the Autobot off and take flight...only to be knocked back down by [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], now allied with the Autobots. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"}} The Combaticons soon found themselves defeated, and they didn't get involved when the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] got showed up and the humans attempted to nuke all the Transformers. Fortunately for Vortex and his teammates, the Autobots didn't have the resources to take prisoners, so they remained at large. Thundercracker destroyed the energon facilities in North Korea, though, so the Combaticons wouldn't get involved with ''them'' again. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1Vortex toy.jpg|300px|thumb|Get to da choppa. I dare ya.]]
* '''Vortex''' (Combaticon, 1985/1986/1991)
**''Team ID number'': '''C4'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-66'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol, left & right cannons

: Vortex transforms into a [[Wikipedia:Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite|Kaman Aerospace SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter]]. He is armed with a small, chin-mounted [[Glue gun|semi-automatic glue gun]] and two large, tri-barrel Gatling guns mounted astern on his tail.

: In robot mode, Vortex is armed with his helicopter chin gun, and along with fellow Combaticon [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], is one of the first Transformers figures to utilize ball-joints, located in his shoulders. The top of his helicopter mode (where his rotor attaches) is capable of rotating as part of his transformation so that the rotor can be mounted 'forwards' in vehicle mode but high on his back in robot mode. Many pictures of Vortex (including the one to the right) neglect this step, leaving him mistransformed and awkward looking in his helicopter form. Vortex normally becomes the left arm of Bruticus, but as a [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style design, he can also occupy any other limb slot on Bruticus.

: There are a few variations of this toy. Initial releases of Vortex gave him a [[die-cast]] metal chestplate painted deep purple. Later releases replaced the metal with lighter-purple plastic. In 1991, the entire Combaticon team was re-released as part of the European "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line; like many toys released in this series, Vortex was [[retool]]ed to remove the [[rubsign]] indent from his vehicle mode.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]'' [[Target Hawk]], ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Ro-Tor. Vortex's left side cannon was [[retool]]ed into the [[Action Master]] [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]'s handgun, which appropriately can be attached to his [[Attack Copter|helicopter]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Vortex/vortex.htm More information on Vortex at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (Gift set, 1985, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-69'''

:Vortex, along with the other Combaticons, were included in a [[giftset]] that was only available in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

:In 2009, this set was reissued under the ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' line, using the [[retool]]ed molds from the ''[[Car Robots]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' lines.
{{--}}

===Generation 2===
* '''Vortex''' (Combaticon, 1994)
**''Team ID number'': '''C4'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol, left & right cannons

: During the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' line, Vortex was redecoed blue with purple camouflage paint. His weapons were also redecoed purple, and his chest was changed to a different shade of purple, making him totally inconspicuous.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Vortex/vortex.htm More information on Generation 2 Vortex at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|FOCgiftset}}
[[File:Generationstoy-G2Vortex.jpg|thumb|300px|"I can chop you up with this blade or these blades. Decisions, decisions."]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, 2012)
: Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Vortex is a redeco of ''[[Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. He can form any arm or leg of Bruticus, although his nominal placement is as the left arm, as usual.

also in red and beige with its original color<nowiki>
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https://www.google.com.br/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=S7qJy6aFVNQxIM&tbnid=M2PVIhBmSuW9wM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftformers.com%2Ftransformers-cyber-mondays-shows-transformers-fall%2F17864%2Fnews.html&ei=1c24UceUDbK60AGJqIEI&bvm=bv.47810305,d.eWU&psig=AFQjCNFyHfCli3qV4nug8L2XEA9Gws5dAQ&ust=1371152145822574
{{anchor|FOCgiftset}}
have moved here to color
{{--}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Vortex.jpg|thumb|300px| MY PSYCHO-COPTER GOES SOISOISOISOISOISOI]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Vortex is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Blackout (combiner)|Blackout]]/[[Stormcloud (Energon)|Stormcloud]] mold, transforming into a blue/grey assault helicopter somewhat similar to an AH-1 Cobra. He was only available with ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus giftset. When combined with the other Combaticons, Vortex is nominally Bruticus Maximus' left arm, though he can be used in any other limb position. "V-1" is [[tampograph]]ed on the right side of his cockpit.

:This mold was also used to make [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]-[[exclusive]] [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]] and ''Universe'' (2008) [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. Said Swindle is identical to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Swindle (ROTF)|Swindle]], and Vortex himself also doubles as that franchise's [[Vortex (ROTF)|Vortex]]. Another planned redeco, [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] [[Reverb (Movie)|Reverb]], was canceled.
{{--}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[File:Henkei-toy VortexMicron.jpg|300px|thumb|And he doesn't take American Express.]]
*'''Destron Vorter''' (Micron, 2009)

: A redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Mini-Con]] [[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]], Vortex now transforms into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|AH-64D Longbow Apache assault helicopter]].

: Vortex was only available by—brace yourself—signing up for a [http://www.transformers-card.com/pre2/index.html Transformers-themed Visa credit card] through Pocket Card Co., Ltd. Vortex is available only to those who get the Decepticon-themed card. Also available is [[Slingshot (G1)|Sling]] for those who get the Autobot card. How one gets both without paying out the butt is anyone's guess.

: This mold was also used to make [[Torque Gain]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Cloudraker (Universe)|Cloudraker]] and [[Crosshairs (Universe)|Crosshairs]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2009/Destron/Vorter/vorter.htm More information on ''Henkei!'' Vorter at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===United===
*'''Bruticus''' (2012)
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has colours similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a greater emphasis on G1-accuracy. Vortex's colour layout is similar to the previous releases, but has a darker, more G1-accurate blue-green. Additionally, the quad blaster/combined mode foot/hand previously cast in translucent coloured plastic is now opaque grey, though his energon star remains red.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:EuroClassicsCombaticons.jpg|thumb|200px]]
* The [[character model]]s of the Combaticons are kinda... okay, heavily made-up. [[:Image:G1OddCombat.jpg|Early models of the team]] which were a bit more accurate to the toys - except for the heads, oddly enough - have shown up in various sourcebooks, though Vortex's is still off in some very odd ways.
* The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted the Combaticons in (mostly) new color schemes, despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
* In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Vortex's vice is his love of fine oil, most likely to represent Gluttony.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Vorter''' (ボルター ''Borutā'')
*''Russian:'' '''Vihr'''' (Вихрь, "Whirlwind")

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Vortex Vortex's ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Interrogators]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]