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Scourge (RID)

2023-02-14T03:34:48Z

Mr. Silverstreak:

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{{disambig3.5|the evil, black Optimus Prime clone from ''Robots in Disguise''|the other evil, black Optimus Prime clones|Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Scourge}}
:''Scourge is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Black Convoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I see a [[Optimus Prime (RID)|red truck]] and I want it [[Black repaint|painted black]].]]

One of [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]]'s twisted schemes involved corrupting a stolen [[Autobot]] [[protoform]] with Decepticon programming. In the process, the protoform scanned some attributes of [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], but the Decepticon programming held—and Prime's dark doppelgänger '''Scourge''' was born. Scourge is arguably Megatron's second in command, leading the new Decepticon forces, a much more effective unit than [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]].

He is a ruthless and cunning warrior who contains all of Optimus Prime's strengths and skill, but none of his compassion and mercy. He's also a very ''ambitious'' warrior, with plans to dethrone Megatron!

Scourge's greatest strength is also his weakness—his temper. Fearless and furious, he charges into battle wildly hacking his [[Sword of Fury|broadsword]] as his [[trailer]] combat deck launches missile barrages overhead. Yet his rage also makes him impatient, petulant, and easily provoked; it also scares the heck out of his subordinates.

Naturally, Sky-Byte sees Scourge as a threat on just about every level. For once, he's right.

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Barry Stigler]] (English), [[Taitem Kusunoki]] (Japanese)|[[Fabrizio Vidale]] (Italian), [[Vladimir Gerasimov]] (Russian, till [[Koji Gets His Wish]]), [[Mikhail Tihonov]] (Russian, from [[Koji Gets His Wish]]), [[Alfonso Mellado]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Júlio César]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}

[[File:TheDecepticons-Scourge.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem. Oh yeah!]]
The robot who came to be named Scourge was originally one of a crew of six [[Autobot]]s sent to [[Earth]] to reactivate the legendary Autobot battle station, [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]]. As leader of the expedition, Scourge was equipped with the ability to detect the unique energy signatures of the [[O-Part]]s, the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] components that held the key to reawakening Maximus. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish}} {{storylink|A Friendly Contest}} However, Scourge never had the opportunity to use that ability in the service of the Autobots, when the team's craft malfunctioned and crashed on Earth in the mid-20th century. Having been in [[protoform]]-state with [[stasis pod]]s for the duration of their voyage, the six Autobots were entombed in their crashed ship.

In the early days of the 21st century, archaeologist and energy expert [[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]]'s work eventually led him to find the various links in the chain of Fortress Maximus—he located the fortress itself beneath [[Metro City]], mapped the location of the O-Parts, and discovered the location of the crashed Autobot spaceship. However, when the evil [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] came to Earth with the intent of harnessing Maximus's power, he captured Onishi, and through mental scans, discerned the location of the Autobots' ship. Stealing the six protoforms, Megatron took them to a nearby military base to scan [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s for them, infusing them with a part of his own spark energy to turn them to the side of evil. The first five became the [[Commando (RID)|Commandos]], but when Megatron targeted a tanker truck to scan as the [[alternate mode]] of the final protoform, [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] leapt into action in order to save the truck's [[Kelly (RID)|human driver]], and as a result, the tanker, Prime ''and'' the human were all scanned. With an infusion of Megatron's spark energy to complete the concoction, Scourge was born, emerging from his pod as a dark twin of Optimus Prime, who proved that Megatron's programming had over-ridden any Autobot goodness within him. Appointing himself leader of the new "[[Decepticon]]s", he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. {{storylink|The Decepticons}}

[[File:Commandos Scourge.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|I look more like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] than [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] does!]]
To prove the effectiveness of the new troops, Scourge led them on a mission to attack [[Sherman Dam]] and made short work of the [[Autobot Brothers]], tossing them into the lake behind the dam. Once the dam was mined with bombs, he attempted to detonate it, only to find that the bombs had been tampered with—Sky-Byte and the Predacons, annoyed at being pushed down in rank by the new arrivals, had taken control of the bombs in order to prove their own effectiveness to Megatron. The arrival of more Autobots in the form of Optimus and [[Team Bullet Train]] caused Megatron to call off the mission with only minor damage to the dam. {{storylink|Commandos}}

The next mission saw Scourge and the Commandos on guard duty, perhaps as a punishment for their previous failed mission, while the Predacon trio dug under a volcano. Scourge and Sky-Byte both fought Optimus when the Autobot leader arrived with the [[Spychanger]]s, although the shark appeared to regard Scourge as just as valid a target. When a flow of lava was unleashed, Scourge unleashed a Barrage Attack on the Spy Changers who were attempting to stop it, little caring that Sky-Byte and the Predacons were in the blast area. His amusement when the lava soon chased the Predacons into the water was almost palpable. {{storylink|Volcano (episode)|Volcano}}

After [[Movor]] was shot into orbit, Scourge grew steadily impatient with the shuttle's hopeless attempts to guide the rest of the Decepticons to the Autobot base and threatened much bodily injury. Movor was tricked by the Autobots into leading the Decepticons into a trap. While Scourge grappled with Optimus, Movor attempted to help by firing on Optimus from space, but only succeeded in hitting Scourge, who promised to turn the shuttle into "metal confetti". {{storylink|Attack from Outer Space}}

[[File:TheTest Scourgecar.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|But I always cut the crusts off!]]
As part of a new ploy, Scourge interrupted Sky-Byte's attack on an oil rig and chased off the Predacon. Seeing this, Optimus Prime believed that the Decepticons had begun to experience a resurgence of their Autobot sparks. Scourge was disgruntled with [[Mega-Octane]]'s plan, believing lies and deceit to be unworthy of a warrior, but went along with it. The Decepticons successfully gave the appearance of changing sides to the Autobots and underwent various tests such as cleaning a forest, with Scourge holding his temper barely in check the whole time. The appearance of Sky-Byte (who'd been kept ignorant of the plan) gave Scourge an opportunity to blow off some steam, but his attack endangered the life of a [[Kelly (RID)|passerby]]. When Optimus told him to stand down, Scourge exploded and ended up giving the whole plan away, forcing the Decepticons to retreat under the full force of Optimus' rage. {{storylink|The Test (episode)|The Test}}

Scourge presented the increasingly impatient Megatron with a new plan which involved attacking power plants. The Autobots were hampered by the misguided assistance of Sky-Byte, but seemed to repel most of the Decepticon assaults. {{storylink|The Fish Test}} Scourge and the Decepticons subsequently butted in on one of Sky-Byte's plans, stealing a disk supposedly containing the plans to the Autobots' [[Global Space Bridge]] which the Predacons were trying to obtain. Unfortunately it was an Autobot trick, and both the Decepticons and Predacons ended up in a sewer. {{storylink|Wedge's Short Fuse}}

Annoyed by the Autobots constant escapes through the space bridge, Scourge had [[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] track one of the [[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]] to the space bridge control center. The Decepticons broke in and Scourge sabotaged the controls, resulting in the space bridge sending any Autobots who used it to a random destination. Once chaos was established, Scourge and Megatron attacked the North Energy Research Center, but were unable to achieve much before the Autobots repaired the space bridge and arrived to chase them off. {{storylink|Landfill (episode)|Landfill}}

[[File:Sky-Byte Saves the Day Scourge Battle Station.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|Say hello to my leetle friend]]
Scourge and [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] attempted to intercept Optimus on his way to taking the O-Parts to Sky-Byte, who had taken some humans as hostage. Ruination was swiftly disabled by the Autobot, but Scourge was only wounded and trailed Optimus to the site of the [[CGA Tower]] attack. He again fought Optimus in an attempt to take the O-Parts, but his threatened attack on the tower itself was thwarted by the Build Team. Optimus was able to chase Scourge off so that the tower could be saved. {{storylink|Sky-Byte Saves the Day}}

[[File:Ultra Magnus Scourge Megaoctane.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Do NOT 'step on the gas'.]]
After a semi-successful attempt to raid an oil refinery, Scourge and Mega-Octane leaked a transmission ordering Sky-Byte to look for O-Parts in order to lead the Autobots into an ambush. However instead of the expected Autobots, they were confronted by [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]. They attempted to fight the newly arrived Autobot warrior, but retreated after Optimus Prime arrived to lend a hand. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus}} Back at [[Megastar|base]], they watched Movor's surveillance of Ultra Magnus beating down Optimus, and Megatron demanded of Scourge to know why one Autobot had done what the Decepticons had failed to do so many times. They were able to track Sky-Byte to the island on which Optimus was recuperating after the battle and mount an attack, but were chased off once again when Optimus and Ultra Magnus merged into [[Omega Prime]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!}}

The Decepticons interrupted another of Sky-Byte's plans in order to kidnap the Autobot Brothers. With the three brothers as hostages, the Decepticons led Optimus into a trap and fought the Autobot leader savagely. They were again seen off after Magnus rescued the brothers. {{storylink|The Two Faces of Ultra Magnus}} Sensing an opportunity, Scourge met with Ultra Magnus to try to persuade the Autobot to join him against both Optimus Prime and Megatron. When Magnus turned him down, Scourge and the Commandos turned on him, only to end up fighting the three Autobot Brothers instead. {{storylink|Power to Burn!}}

Scourge joined Sky-Byte, Megatron, and the Commandos in watching archival footage of Ultra Magnus in order to get a better understanding of their newly arrived enemy. {{storylink|Mystery of the Ultra Magnus}}

[[File:Fortress Maximus Scourge.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|I've got the power!]]
With information extracted from Doctor Onishi, Scourge and the Decepticons were able to find a huge cavern beneath Metro City housing some ruins. Although the Autobots were on hand to try to fight them off, Scourge attempted to approach the ruins, and his proximity caused Fortress Maximus to rise. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus}} The exposure to the battle station's energies awakened memories of his original Autobot mission to find and reactivate Maximus and, twisted by Megatron's reprogramming, he became determined to take control of the huge Autobot in order to take over leadership of the Decepticon/Predacon forces and eventually the Universe. With Ruination fighting the Autobots as a distraction, Scourge set out to find Maximus, fighting with Optimus Prime and eventually breaking into the cavern to find that Maximus was gone. Upon retreating, Scourge also discovered that Sky-Byte had freed Doctor Onishi, but covered for him with Megatron so that the Predacon would owe him. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish}}

As the race began to locate the remaining O-Parts, Scourge rediscovered his ability to sense them, part of his original mission as an Autobot. The attempts by Scourge and the Decepticons to stop the Autobots finding the O-Part were hampered by Sky-Byte's misguided attempts to find the O-Parts himself, and eventually the Autobots were able to collect them all. {{storylink|A Friendly Contest}} Movor was soon able to locate the Autobots in the [[Sahara]], and Megatron himself led the Predacons and Decepticons there to take the [[Orb of Sigma]] from them. With the loss of Megatron, Scourge and the Decepticons retreated. {{storylink|Peril from the Past}}

[[File:Maximus Emerges Scourge.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Behold my insignias! They are pretty!]]
With Megatron gone, Scourge took command of the ''[[Megastar]]'', much to the Predacons' dismay. They were able to successfully capture [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] from the Autobots, and Scourge was able to use the Autobot part of his bio-signature to dupe the robot into activating Maximus. However he soon found he was unable to control the giant robot, who ran amok until the Autobots' human ally, [[Koji Onishi|Koji]], was able to stop it. Additionally the arrival of Galvatron, Megatron's reborn form, during the battle, also meant that Scourge had lost his new leadership. {{storylink|Maximus Emerges}} Realizing that humans could control Maximus, Scourge then amplified the human part of his bio-signature and succeeded in taking control of the giant, until he was overridden by a large group of human children. {{storylink|The Human Element}} Seeking to use Koji himself for the process, a case of mistaken identity resulted in the Decepticons capturing his best friend, [[Carl (RID)|Carl]], instead, but when Carl proved able to activate Fortress Maximus, Scourge dropped his façade of loyalty and ordered Maximus to destroy Galvatron. {{storylink|Mistaken Identity}}

The revelation of his betrayal brought about a punishment most severe—Scourge and the Decepticons had their autonomy stripped by Galvatron, turned once again into loyal servants so absolutely dedicated to their leader {{storylink|Surprise Attack!}} that they continued to do his will even after he attempted to kill them with molten lava as a belated punishment. {{storylink|Galvatron's Revenge}} With Galvatron's ultimate defeat at the hands of Omega Prime, Scourge was captured and taken aboard Fortress Maximus for imprisonment with the other villains. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}
{{--}}

====Dreamwave ''Robots in Disguise'' comic====
[[File:UltraMagnustotheRescue Scourge.jpg|upright=0.75|thumb|right|What do you think of my breast-reduction surgery?]]
Sent by Megatron to help Sky-Byte steal an experimental nuclear generator from a facility in [[Arizona]], he and the Predacon bickered at length, until the arrival of Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus. After an unsuccessful attempt to engage Magnus in combat, during which he was slammed against the building, he realized that the Autobots' concern for the humans would be their downfall. Threatening the nearest human with his sword, Scourge commanded the two Autobots to surrender.

When Sky-Byte protested that this wasn't part of the mission, Scourge accused him of becoming soft. Magnus and Prime, after a brief discussion, agreed to surrender. Scourge raised his sword to strike them down, however he was interrupted by the Predacons making their escape with the nuclear generator. The distraction allowed Prime and Magnus to simultaneously punch Scourge in the face, and he and his Decepticons set out in pursuit of the Predacons. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus...to the Rescue?}}
{{--}}

====''Legends''/''Unite Warriors''====
{{CRnote|Scourge|[[Scourge (G1)|Generation 1 Scourge]]}}

[[File:Transformers Legends EX Black Convoy has Optimus Minor.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Scourge escaped from the Autobot prison, modified his body into a new form incorporating an [[Energon Matrix]] stolen from [[Vector Sigma]], and somehow ended up in the [[Legends World]] where he attacked the [[Tokyo Toy Show]], defeating an actor portraying [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|another Optimus Prime]] and taking [[Optimus Minor|Minor]] hostage. He then encountered Sky-Byte, another visitor to this strange universe, but found his offer to join forces rebuffed when the shark was provoked by his treatment of Minor and challenged him to a fight. After a short battle, Scourge defeated Sky-Byte with his new "Matrix Dead Maser" attack, but was impressed enough by his willingness to fight that he let Minor go and restated his offer, this time explaining that he sought to free Gigatron from prison as his power would be needed if Scourge were to truly achieve galactic conquest. This time Sky-Byte accepted, and the two returned to their home dimension together. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

[[File:BaldigusChapter2 BlackConvoyGelshark.jpg|thumb|right|300px| "I'm the coolest!"]]

Scourge and Sky-Byte made their way to Cybertron in [[2021]], where they exposed the true identity of [[Grand Scourge]], who had tricked [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] into thinking ''he'' was Scourge. Sensing that Scourge possessed a Matrix, Grand Scourge crossed blades with him, but Scourge came out on top by calling on Ruination to blow his enemy away. Following a battle with Grand Scourge's master, [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], Scourge recruited Ruination to his cause and traveled to the future era in which Gigatron was imprisoned. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part Two}} Their journey to rescue their leader was put on hold while the other Combatrons enjoyed their baths, to Scourge's annoyance. {{Storylink|Strategy Meeting in an Earth Bath?!}}

Recovering the ship he once arrived on Earth with, Scourge led his troops in an attack on [[Neo Brave Maximus]] where Gigatron was held, crashing the ship into Maximus and using [[Dark Ai]] to hack [[T-AI]]. As he confronted Fire Convoy to demand the release of his leader, Gigatron himself appeared, revealed that he had given up on his evil ambitions and asked Scourge to do the same. He refused, having embraced his evil programming as his true self, and instead attempted to absorb Gigatron's power for himself. He was held back by Sky-Byte, allowing Gigatron to extract the evil he once infused him with, and he reverted to an Autobot protoform. {{storylink|LGEX Scourge Prologue}}

As the heroic Autobot he had been meant to be, Scourge joined the Dimensional Patrol and was placed in command of a squadron of fellow protoforms as well as drones based on his previous body. A mission to capture his fellow Combatrons saw him return to the Legends World, where he and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] detained the local [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]]' [[transtector]]s for safety reasons until they got their hands on the final fugitive, Dark Ai. The Autobot Headmasters took this poorly and joined forces with Dark Ai, modifying captured Patrol drones into transtectors as part of a plan to trick Scourge into adopting a Headmaster form himself in order to combat them. When he did so, Dark Ai interfaced with his transtector and installed backup data of his previous identity, restoring his evil programming. Scourge promptly turned on the Dimensional Patrol and chased them off, then restored the captured Combatrons. As he prepared to return home with his new drone forces in tow, he played with the idea of conquering the Legends World, but was dissuaded by the Autobots and scolded by Dark Ai for considering it. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge 2)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

Scourge and the other Combatrons continued traveling together with Dark Ai, seeking their own destiny. {{storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}
{{-}}

===''Robots in Disguise'' toy bios===
A no-nonsense field commander, Scourge was created when Megatron scanned both a tanker truck and Optimus Prime; consequently, Scourge especially resented the Autobot leader. {{storylink|#Robots in Disguise (2001)|''Robots in Disguise'' Super Class Scourge toy bio}}

Galvatron placed [[Axer (G1)|Axer]] under Scourge's leadership, but Axer resented Scourge. {{storylink|Axer (G1)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|''Robots in Disguise'' Axer toy bio}}

===Shell Game continuity===
In [[Viron 704.31 Epsilon]], Scourge challenged Megazarak for leadership of the Predacon/Decepticon forces following the death of Megatron. Megazarak appeared to back down only to poison his rival with [[Tox-En]]. He then recycled Scourge's chassis with a new mind, creating [[Toxitron (Universe)|Toxitron]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/30}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
[[File:RiD2001 DestructiconScourge CardArt.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Confused by his sword-less hand.]]
In [[Viron 403.0 Beta]], the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]]s, including Scourge, [[Bludgeon (RID 2001)|Bludgeon]], [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]], and [[Smokejumper]], were the subordinates of [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]], their God Emperor Supreme. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} They fought against the [[Dinobot (Dinobots)|Dinobots]], the sole remaining Autobot resistance in their universe. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/29}} When Megazarak decided to conquer other universes, Scourge and his comrades accompanied their master to [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]], where they proceeded to curb-stomp all opposition. The victorious Destructicons were then abducted by [[Unicron]] for the [[Universe War]], but Scourge and Bludgeon's fate is unknown. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

===Spy Changer continuity===
In [[Viron 1103.12 Gamma]], [[Optimus Prime (Universe)#Spy Changer continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Scourge were female. After Earth's energon was rendered toxic and the Predacons' stash blown up, only energy-saving Spy Changers could stay active. Scourge was the only villain who could convert and unluckily found herself up against thirteen Autobots! {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/18}}

===Velocitron Speedia 500===
Scourge competed in the [[Speedia 500]] for the chance to become leader of [[Velocitron]]. {{Storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 1}} His evil antics, including using his tanker's internal weapons and knocking [[Hauler|Road Hauler]] aside, forced [[Miko Tezuka]] and [[Clampdown (G1)|Clampdown]] to intervene in the race. Ultimately, it was all for naught as [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] won the race, to Scourge's dismay. {{Storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 2}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsScourgeRID.jpg|thumb|400px|right|This [[sword]] is so hard to lug around!]]
Scourge participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Super Rare character who was available in the first Daily Campaign in May and could be recruited after collecting 20 Alpha cores, 20 Beta cores, 20 Omega cores, and 10 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
[[File:CarRobotsBlackConvoy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Inverted G2 Black Laser Convoy Prime Clone. ''(Takara version pictured)'']]
[[File:RID-toy Scourge Ultra.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|This toy almost makes the black repaint craze worth it. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
*'''Black Convoy''' (July 2000) / '''Scourge''' (Super Class, 2002)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''D-012'''
**''Accessories:'' "[[Sword of Fury#Toys|Black Sword/Sword of Fury]]", "Plasma Gun", 5 discs, 10 small missiles, 2 large missiles

: First released in the fifth wave of Takara's ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Car Robots]]'' toyline, "Black Convoy" is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#LaserOptimusPrime|Laser Optimus Prime]] mold, transforming into a Western Star 4964EX truck with black and teal paint apps, thick foil stickers, and pink transparent plastic that works exceptionally well for [[light-piping]]. The toy lacks all of Laser Prime's electronics to keep costs down, the entire back of the cab is now covered with a black sticker to hide the empty battery compartment.

: The chromed oil-tanker trailer has a top-mounted disc launcher, and opens up into a battle station. In this mode it has the disc launcher, a spring-loaded five-missile launcher (which can also be held in the robot's hand), a large air-pressure rocket launcher, plus the robot's double-barreled Plasma Gun can be mounted at the top of the tower. All of these weapons can be stored inside the trailer mode. Care should be taken when opening the trailer into base mode, as the springs in this version are very strong compared to other releases, and will scratch the chrome sides by slamming them into the ground. The toy also suffers from mild mold wear in that the Plasma Gun's rear clip is somewhat warped and the figure's shoulders have a harder time staying upright than Laser Prime's. Due to the ''Generation 2'' Autobot symbols sculpted on Black Convoy's launcher discs, [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] made Black Convoy's faction symbol the ''Generation 2'' Autobot one, but upside down. By extension, this also explains the faction symbol for the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]].

:The later Hasbro ''Robots in Disguise'' release of the toy, under the name "Scourge", was sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[Toys"R"Us]] in the USA. The clear pink plastic has been replaced with blood red, the metallic gray plastics are a darker shade, the stickers are now matte gray with Decepticon logos instead of silver foil with "negative-Autobot" logos, the sword has blunted tip, and the discs are [[retool]]ed to remove the faction symbol altogether (save the small hole in the crest) with thicker edges. The only notable paint changes are that Scourge has Decepticon sigils [[tampograph]]ed on his doors, while lacking Black Convoy's teal stripes along the sides of the cab's nose. The license plate sticker on the tanker now states "SCOURGE D-012" (a reference to Black Convoy's ID Number). The toy lacks electronics like the Takara release, but instead of having a large sticker over the battery compartment, the battery lid is simply glued shut.

: The original release of Scourge sold via the Toys"R"Us website had the Hasbro stickers and mold changes, but retained the Japanese cab [[paint operation]]s and pink plastic. A later [[variant#running changes|running change variant]] leaves the bottom finger of both hands unpainted for whatever reason.

: This toy was later released by [[Sonokong]] as ''Car Bot'' Black Convoy in [[South Korea]], identical to the Hasbro release but with Black Convoy's foil stickers.

: Scourge's box has one of the [http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/mistransformed/images/rid_scourge_box.jpg worst stock photos ever], depicting the figure about half transformed—his shoulders are folded down oddly and his legs haven't been extended at all, making him hilariously stubby. Considering how simple the figure is and how bad the crude early photoshoppery looks, one can only assume there was a hell of a tight deadline. Similar errors would continue to make their way into other stock images of the toy.

::* ''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Destron/BlackConvoy/blackconvoy.htm More information on Black Convoy at TFU.info]''
::* ''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Scourge/scourge.htm More information on Scourge at TFU.info]''
{{G2LaserOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Spychanger}}
[[File:RID-toy ScourgeSpyChanger.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Sword-less fury!]]
*'''X-Brawn / Scourge''' (Basic Class, 2002)

: Released in the fourth wave of ''Robots in Disguise'' Basic figures, Spy Changer Scourge, aside from being the only all-new tooling toy of the character, features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He was only available in a 2-pack with a Spy Changer version of [[X-Brawn#Spychanger|X-Brawn]].

: As with most of the new ''Robots in Disguise'' releases, the X-Brawn / Scourge pack was available in Japan as a "USA Edition" mass-released toy.

: This mold was later redecoed ''both'' as Generation 1 Spy Changer [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]] in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' toyline, and as "Movie" [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Optimus Prime Figure|Optimus Prime]] for a Japanese pack-in DVD exclusive.

: This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Generation 1 Nemesis Prime]] in "[[Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric]]".

::* ''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/ScourgeGobot/scourge.htm More information on Spy Changer Scourge at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Destructicon}}
[[File:RID-toy ScourgeDestructon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It's me again!]]
*'''Destructicon Scourge''' (Deluxe Class, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 rockets
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Frankel]] (Hasbro)}}

:[[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]] Scourge is a black redeco of ''Generation 2'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#HeroOptimusPrime|Hero Optimus Prime]], transforming into a sleek longnose Kenworth truck with a very large rocket launcher/bellows assembly on the back end. In either truck or [[robot mode]], this launcher fires the two large rockets with air power from the bellows; the quicker/harder it's slammed, the further the rocket flies. The launcher is "permanently" affixed to the truck bed/Scourge's right arm. The two rubber-tipped rockets can be stored on clips on the sides of the truck bed, which end up on his back in robot mode.

:By the time this toy was released, its tooling had degraded somewhat since Hero Optimus Prime's original production run. As a result, neither robot nor [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] hold together very well on many specimens. Keeping his missiles stored can be difficult, as they may pop out from their storage clips involuntarily. Additionally, initial shipments appear to have been missing a certain part that allowed the waist to ratchet, instead letting it spin freely.

:Over time, the rubber portions on the missiles and hose degrade also considerably faster than previous versions.

:Scourge and his fellow Destructicon [[Bludgeon (RID 2001)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Bludgeon]] were [[exclusive]] to [[KB Toys]] in the United States, released under the ''Robots in Disguise'' banner long after the series had been replaced with ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', which explains why they used the same packaging style. Additionally, they were also available at retail in the United Kingdom four months after their release in the United States, complete with [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]], but instead exclusive to [[Toys"R"Us]].

::* ''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Scourge/scourge.htm More information on Destructicon Scourge at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Timelines''===
[[File:TL-toy ScourgeTFSS.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Now with bigger shoulders!]]
*'''Scourge''' (TFSS 1.0, 2013)
**''TFSS1 number'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': [[Sword of Fury#Timelines|Sword of Fury]]

: A black and teal [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#RTS|Reveal the Shield]]'' Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]], ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Scourge transforms into a longnosed "racing" truck cab, adorned with the Japanese-style "Anti-Cybertron" symbols rather than Decepticon branding. He comes with a sword that he can wield with both hands, and is folded up and stored between his legs in truck mode, forming the fifth wheel. Scourge also has a (non-detachable) matrix gimmick in robot mode formed by a relief pattern on the inside of the cab's side windows, and is visible through the windshield/chest in robot mode. He is also very articulated and poseable, even featuring ankles and wrists that are both ball-jointed and hinged.

: Scourge was the first of six [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] [[exclusive]] figures to be shipped out via the "[[Transformers Figure Subscription Service]]" in 2013. The final version lacks the heat-sensitive [[rubsign]] seen in the promotional mockup for the toy, which used a Photoshopped image of the rubsign-having original toy as its base.

: This toy was also used to make [[BotCon 2012]] [[Optimus Prime (SG)#BotCon2012|''Shattered Glass'' Optimus Prime]], and was retooled into [[Ultra Magnus (SG)#Timelines|''Shattered Glass'' Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/TFSSScourge/scourge.htm More information on ''Timelines'' Scourge at TFU.info]''
{{2010DeluxeOptimusPrimeMold}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-legends-LG-EX-Black-Convoy.jpg|300px|thumb|Now with less SYMBOLISM.]]
*'''Black Convoy''' ([[June 21]], [[2015]])
**''ID number'': '''LG-EX'''
**''Accessories'': [[Sword of Fury#Legends|Black Sword]]

:Debuting as a [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2015 exclusive, ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Black Convoy is another redeco of ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#RTS|Reveal the Shield]]'' Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]]. While it broadly resembles ''Timelines'' Scourge, its plastic colors and painted deco more specifically match the original ''Car Robots'' Black Convoy figure, with such details as the teal striping on the truck cab and "Anti-Autobot" Combatron symbols on the robot shoulders.

:Interestingly, though this toy was announced to the public less than one month before its release, that was still enough time for a change to the painted deco: the packaging and widespread [[Stock photography|stock photographs]] show silver paint on the robot's inner forearms, but this paint was absent from the final toy.

:Unlike all other ''Legends'' releases, both this and the Voyager Class figure below buck the trend of using both the character's Japanese Takara name ("Black Convoy") in katakana and its English Hasbro name ("Scourge") in Latin script by instead using only the Japanese Takara name in both Japanese and English text.
{{2010DeluxeOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Voyager}}
[[File:TF-Legends-LGEX-Headmaster-Black-Convoy.jpg|300px|thumb|The Return of Dark Laser.]]
*'''Black Convoy''' ([[June 3]], [[2017]])
**''ID number'': '''LG-EX'''
**''Accessories'': [[Sword of Fury#Voyager|Black Sword]], Double-barreled rifle, Headmaster

:Debuting as a [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2017 exclusive, this Black Convoy is a redeco of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TRVoyager|Optimus Prime]], transforming from robot to tanker truck to plane and back. His deco is heavily based on his [[#Toys|original ''Car Robots'' toy]]. He comes with a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] redecoed from [[Diac#Generations|Diac]] which transforms from a small robot representing his original identity as a heroic Autobot protoform, into his own post-scanning head (but any [[Titan Master]] or ''Legends'' Headmaster is compatible) and he has built-in spring-loaded pylons to "bulk up" his noggin, although this step was optional according to the stock photos.

:The [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy 2)|included mini-manga]] also depicts a fourth mode the toy can be transformed into, a base mode inspired by the [[#Car Robots|original Black Convoy toy]]'s trailer base. The manga also features [[Black Convoy Mass Production Type Drone]]s that can be recreated using the toy by repurposing the jet mode engine as a one-eyed head.

:Due to unexpectedly high demand, TakaraTomy took the unusual step of producing a second run of this figure, which were made available from [[TakaraTomy Mall]] on [[November 30]], 2017.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/tokyo-toy-show-2017-exclusive-legends-black-convoy.1106395/page-25#post-14744370</ref>

:This mold was also retooled into [[Octane#Titans Return|Octone]].
{{TRDiacMold}}
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:TF-Legacy-Velocitron-Speedia-500-Scourge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Scourge of the Universe/Universal Collapse]]
*'''Robots in Disguise 2000 Universe Scourge''' (Leader Class, [[2022]])
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL EX-08'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February]], [[2023]]
**''Accessories'': Energon axe, Energon sword, Matrix
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro)}}<ref>Sam Smith's [https://www.instagram.com/p/CfJ_6pIu02K/ Instagram] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CfKAH2rOZR3/ posts] [https://www.instagram.com/p/CfKATvXOpqx/ about] Legacy Scourge</ref>

: ''[[Transformers: Legacy]] Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection'' "Robots in Disguise 2000 Universe Scourge" (phew!) is a [[redeco]] of ''Legacy'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Legacy|Laser Optimus Prime]], transforming into a mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX tanker truck. Though he keeps his Hasbro "Scourge" name, the flipped Autobot symbols are from the Takara ''Car Robots'' Black Convoy deco. In fact, this toy's [[case|shipping case]], advance listings on many online dealer sites, and [[Walmart]] shelf tags had the name "Black Convoy", suggesting a late-stage name change.

: Scourge's tanker trailer can convert into a battle station, complete with adjustable turret. Scourge also has a deep magenta (in contrast to Scourge's usual blood red or Black Convoy's lighter pink) transparent Energon axe and sword, which can store inside his trailer when not used and can combine to create a larger sword. The axe and sword can store either inside the trailer or on the cab, with the sword storing underneath the rear section of the cab like the original and the axe slotting in over the trailer hitch. In tanker mode, the trailer's claw arm can be folded down to act as a jack to allow it to stand freely. He also includes a magenta and silver Matrix, with the casing of the Matrix core left unpainted. The Matrix can be attached to the axe or the combined sword, using the rectangular peg near the axe's haft (normally meant to keep the handle folded neatly for storage). However, it doesn't stand out much due to using mostly the same color scheme. His signature shoulder pylons can open outwards to reveal missile pods. The chest slot where the Matrix plugs in is open in the back, seemingly meant to allow for [[light piping]] in robot mode. Unlike Laser Optimus Prime, Scourge's head light-piping is left intact.

: Scourge's robot mode features a new deco compared to previous versions, making almost the entire torso black. This is a deliberate choice, as Hasbro designer [[Sam Smith]] cited his unfamiliarity with the character, as well as the desire to better match the truck cab's appearance of black framing pink windows.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=the chest color was an intention design decision on my part. The upper chest is molded in the clear pink, so we had reign over the color that was painted. I chose black vs gray due to the windshield frame of the truck being black (I always assume they should match) but I’m hearing otherwise on this guy|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/CfJ_6pIu02K/|name=Sam Smith|site=Instagram|title=SPEEDIA 500 VELOCITRON RID SCOURGE|year=2022|month=06|day=23}}</ref> Moreover, [[Mark Maher]]'s request to paint the tanker silver meant that they could not afford to paint the shoulders. Scourge's truck mode's usual teal accent lines have also been reimagined as more elaborate pinstriping. The resulting deco coincidentally makes this Scourge reminiscent of [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. Some stock pictures feature his cab mistransformed, not having his gas canisters on the sides flipped out. His instruction booklet uses the G2 Autobot symbol correctly oriented as opposed to upside-down ones the toy has.

: The ''Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection'' was exclusive to [[Walmart]] in the US, with [[Hasbro Pulse]] receiving limited quantities of the figure. The series went up for pre-order on [[July 21]]st 2022, and started arriving in stores by [[August 1]]st.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* While the honor of ''first'' evil black clone of an heroic leader goes to [[Black Lio Convoy]], Scourge's snazzy color scheme set the tone for future [[black redeco]]s representing evil doppelgängers that continues to this day.
* An unrealized ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'' story would have featured Scourge, based on his TFSS toy, as one of [[Jhiaxus (G2)#Wings Universe|Jhiaxus]]'s clones. A conflicted Scourge would have led Jhiaxus's forces in taking down [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]].<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/128200-new-tcc-prose-counterpunch-story-the-truth-we-make/?p=3229535 Post on the Allspark Forums by Pete@BotCon (Pete Sinclair), 2016/05/12]</ref><ref>[https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/135573-wings-universecannonball-loose-ends/?p=3406634 Post on the Allspark Forums by NightViper (Jesse Wittenrich), 2016/12/23]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Black Convoy''' (ブラックコンボイ ''Burakku Konboi''), '''Scourge''' (スカージ ''Sukāji'')
*''Korean:'' '''Black Convoy''' (블랙콘보이 ''Beullaek Konboi'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Car Robots Predacons]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Destructicons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:E-HOBBY exclusives]]
[[Category:Evil clones]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Predacons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy Mall exclusives]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors characters]]
[[Category:Variable gender characters]]

Rom

2023-02-14T01:58:13Z

Mr. Silverstreak:

:''Rom is an [[Elonian]] [[Space Knight]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Revolution2 Romprofile.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Buzz Lightyear|"You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity"]].]]
'''Rom''' is a [[Space Knight]], Lord of the [[Solstar Order]]. One of their most powerful Knights, the evil [[Dire Wraith]]s fear him more than all others, earning him the nickname "Wraithslayer". He has hounded them and kept them underground for centuries. He alone could wipe them off the face of existence. He is Rom, Lord of the Solstar Order! Rom, the Wraithslayer! Rom, the Space Knight!

{{quote|He sounds like he's got a '''fusion cannon''' up his tailpipe... but you've convinced me that's part of his '''charm'''.|[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] to [[Stardrive]]|[[Shining Armor issue 4|''Shining Armor'' #4]]}}

==Fiction==
===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] got into a pick-up game of [[Basketrek]] with an [[Iocus]]-cluster space knight. As he had underwent the [[Silver Knight (AOE)|Silver Modification]] process, he had quite a jump shot. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/27}}

===Island Revolution!===
According to [[Mark Weber]], Rom rescued [[Sidney Biggles-Jones|Dr. Biggles-Jones]] from the Cobra Island lab explosion. Rom then restored [[Air Raid (G.I. Joe)|Air Raid]] to his proper age. {{storylink|Island Revolution!}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{MainIDW|Rom}}
[[File:ShiningArmor01-Rom.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"And YOU, my friend, are responsible for delaying my rendezvous with Star Command!"]]
Two hundred years ago, '''Rom K'atsema''' lived an idyllic life with his brother and mothers on the peaceful planet [[Elonia]], a world constantly protected by a powerful planet-wide shield that blocked debris and potential invaders. Rom studied geology at the Elonia University of Arts and Sciences, and befriended [[Livia]] and {{i|Fy-Laa}}. One day, the three of them investigated a mysterious meteor shower that had breached Elonia's shield and discovered that the explosive meteors were of [[Dire Wraith]] origin: weapons designed to penetrate the shield in advance of a potential Wraith invasion, and ultimately responsible for killing his family. When the [[Space Knight]]s of the [[Solstar Order]] intervened, Rom learned that {{i|Shah K'atsema|one of his mothers}} had been infected by a Wraith and transformed into one of their number. Vowing to avenge his family, Rom and his friends joined the Solstar Order as Space Knights.

On his first mission, Rom would be responsible for discovering Elonia's supply of [[Ore-12]], a miraculous liquid metal capable of "bonding" with its wielder and becoming a permanent suit of armor. Realizing that this mysterious metal was the reason ''why'' the Dire Wraiths had attacked their world, the Solstar Order would go on to mine the rest of the ore and equip the rest of their Space Knights with the substance. Soon afterwards, Rom—now a full-fledged Space Knight—left Elonia shortly afterwards, leaving behind a beacon in memory of his family. {{storylink|Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook issue 3|Rom profile}} {{storylink|Cold Fire}}

[[File:RomVsTF02-RomAndStardrive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Uh, ma - ma'am? I, uh, um, well, I just wanted to say you're a bright young woman with a beautiful helmet full of circuitry. A circuitry full of helmet. It's ah... um... I must go."]]
Over the next fifty years, Rom took part in a variety of battles against the Dire Wraiths, and participated in the massive battle that saw the Wraith's current homeworld, within the [[Dark Nebula]], destroyed. The Space Knights spent the next few years pursuing remnant Dire Wraith forces across backwater planets within Solstar territory.

In the mid-1800s,<ref>[https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-transformers-rom-crossover-new-character-hasbro/] In an interview, co-writer [[Christos Gage]] identified ''[[Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor|Rom vs. Transformers]]'' as transpiring "not quite 200 years ago, but around 175, 180 years in the past", placing the timeframe circa [[1837]] to [[1842]]</ref> shortly after the destruction of the Dire Wraith homeworld, Rom was patrolling the [[Gray Area]] when he witnessed a [[Galactic Council]] warship shoot down a fleeing vessel. Placing himself between the wreckage and the aggressor, Rom demanded that the Council explain themselves, only for them to warp away the instant he was distracted. Rom investigated the Transformer ship—unbeknownst to him, of [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] origin—and discovered that it had carried a cargo of [[protoform]]s, most of which had died in the crash. A single protoform had survived, however; compelled to help the orphaned Transformer, Rom brought it to nearby Elonia, where Solstar scientists built an [[energon synthesizer]] and helped nurture the protoform into a female Transformer who called herself [[Stardrive]]. During her early life, Rom and several other Space Knights would come to her rescue on the planet [[Mato Grosso (planet)|Mato Grosso]], driving off the Wraith leader [[Vekktral]] and saving Stardrive's life for a second time. The young 'bot would soon come to see Rom as her hero and joined the Space Knights to emulate him.

[[File:ShiningArmor01-RomAndLivia.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"This isn't flying, this is falling with style!"]]
Five years later, Rom and Livia brought new recruits [[Auxin]] and [[Sata]] to [[Mining Colony 25-6-41]] as part of their training. Rooting out the Wraith infestation, Rom and Livia engaged several Wraiths in battle and encountered Stardrive, who had been staking out the colony for a week. Though Livia suggested that the colony would have to be destroyed, Rom agreed with Stardrive's assessment and spared the planetoid, noting that there was insufficient Dire Wraith activity to justify its sterilization.

With Stardrive in tow, Rom flew the group aboard the ''[[Solstar V]]'' to their next mission: a security function at a diplomatic meeting between the Order and Galactic Council, to discuss the threat of Dire Wraiths fleeing into territory beyond Solstar space. Livia and Rom repeatedly argued about Stardrive's compassion; on arriving at the ''[[Orchid Crossing]]'' over [[Xetaxxis]], Rom and Livia explained to Stardrive that they had brought her along to show Council representatives that the Solstar Order could keep Cybertronians "in their place." Rom tried to console a hurt Stardrive by telling her that she was capable of more than the rest of her species.

Negotiations got off to a poor start when the Council representative revealed himself as Vekktral, co-leader of a [[Decepticon]]/Dire Wraith alliance that had been formed to steal Stardrive's energon synthesizer. Rom moved to protect Stardrive as [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] tried to recruit her, only to receive a shot to the chest. By the time Rom had recovered, Starscream had found Stardrive's synthesizer... only for the Autobots [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] to burst through the wall, ignoring Rom's weak protests. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

[[File:RomVsTF02-RomShootsUltraMagnus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|"I just want you to know that even though you tried to terminate me, revenge is not an idea we promote on my planet. But we're not ''on'' my planet. ''Are we?''"]]
Unwilling to let the fragile peace between the two galactic powers crumble under a Cybertronian assault, Rom fired on Ultra Magnus, but soon deduced that the [[Autobot]]s and Space Knights might yet be on the same side—only for Magnus to shoot him (and Stardrive and Starscream) through a wall for being annoying and talking too much. Back in the chaos of battle, a horrified Rom watched as a Dire Wraith merged with [[Sky Blast (G1)|Sky Blast]], engaging the resulting monster to buy time for the crew to evacuate. As the damaged station plummeted into Xetaxxis' atmosphere, Rom shouted for Stardrive to leave with them... only for the Cybertronian Space Knight to choose to help the Autobots escape instead.

As they descended towards Xetaxxis, Rom and Livia argued about whether Stardrive had fully defected or not; arriving over the Autobot impact site, Rom shot Magnus in the chest and offered Bumblebee the chance to surrender. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 2|Shining Armor #2}}

Magnus quickly recovered from what Rom had assumed would be a killing blow; gearing up for another fight, Rom and Livia engaged Magnus, only for the blue Autobot to withstand every attack. Confused by Magnus' attempts to protect Stardrive, the cadet stepped up to stop the fighting, accusing her superiors of lying to her about her heritage. Learning from Ultra Magnus that, unlike the worlds of the Solstar Order, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] had never permanently unified—and that different Cybertronian factions could stand for different principles —the Autobots and Space Knights agreed to a temporary alliance, with he, Livia, and Stardrive heading off to search for the Energon synthesizer in the ruins.

Arriving after another terse argument between himself and Livia, the group discovered the [[Xetaxxan|natives]] salvaging the wreckage of the ship. Despite Livia's disgust, Rom was content with letting the aliens scavenge for what they could and allowed Stardrive to evacuate them before Starscream landed ''on Rom''. Quickly recovering, Rom socked Starscream in the jaw and vowed that he would protect Xetaxxis from both Wraiths and Decepticons. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 3|Shining Armor #3}}

[[File:ShiningArmor04-RomNeutralizer.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"Unhand me, Zurg scum! The Galactic Courts will show you no mercy."]]
Rom and Livia battled [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], managing to temporarily take them out and force Starscream into a retreat. Rom prepared to pursue the Decepticons when Livia suggested an alternate course of action: destroying the energon synthesizer to sterilize the planet, eliminating the Wraith infestation and putting the machine beyond Starscream's reach. Attempting to mediate between Livia and Stardrive, Rom's careless words caused Stardrive take the synthesizer and threaten to cut ties with the Space Knights, lashing out at Livia before Bumblebee and Sata arrived.

Rom and Bumblebee managed to convince Stardrive to stand down, and, together, the alliance agreed that their next course of action would not involve taking innocent lives. Before they could move, however, they were attacked by Vekktral, who had managed to possess Ultra Magnus's body and regrouped his hordes. In the ensuing battle, Rom and the others were quickly overpowered and surrounded... before Vekktral turned on his former allies and began infecting Starscream's forces. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 4|Shining Armor #4}}

Another battle broke out as the Decepticons joined forces with the Autobots and Space Knights to defend themselves; though Stardrive attempted to stop Starscream from getting away, Starscream was able to cut his losses and run, blasting the energon synthesizer so that the volatile detonation would take out the ground-bound Autobots. In the meantime, Ultra Magnus was briefly able to reassert his own consciousness and wrest control of his body back from Vekktral, opening his outer armor so that Rom - despite his misgivings - could deliver a fatal blow. Confused by the presence of [[Convoy (G1)|a smaller robot]] inside Magnus's body, Bumblebee briefly explained the nature of the [[Magnus Armor]] as the Space Knights airlifted Bumblebee and the Magnus Armor away from the destruction of Xetaxxis as the energon synthesizer detonated. Disgusted by everything that had transpired, Stardrive shed her armor, renounced her ties to the Space Knights, and flew away, while Bumblebee used the Magnus Armor's recall switch to return to the Autobot fleet.

Some time later, Rom and [[Orphion]] participated in another meeting with the Galactic Council, where they were informed that the Council would not join their war against the Dire Wraiths. Rom turned his attention to Livia and Sata, and sadly watched as they imparted their ruthless ideals on a new group of Space Knight recruits. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 5|Shining Armor #5}}

[[File:Revolution 1 Wraith Colton dies.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Please be careful! You don't want to be in the way when my laser goes off."]]
Circa [[2016]], Rom came to [[Earth]] to eradicate the Dire Wraiths that had hidden themselves among its populace. Landing in northern [[California]], his elimination of several Wraiths—which, to outsiders, looked like indiscriminate murder—caught the attention of the [[Earth Defense Command]] and [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. {{storylink|Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders}} Learning that [[Ore-13|an alien ore]] on Earth had the power to amplify the [[magic]] of the Wraiths and render them invisible to his [[Energy Analyzer]]s, Rom also discovered that G.I. Joe had been recently compromised by Wraiths. {{storylink|Field Test}}

Seeking to eliminate the Wraith imposters, Rom intervened in a battle between the Joes and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s Cybertronian peacekeepers in [[Portland]], and slew the Wraiths who had been masquerading as [[Red Zone]], [[Hi-Tech]], [[Wreckage (G.I. Joe)|Wreckage]], and team leader General [[Joe Colton (Dire Wraith)|Joe Colton]]. Believing he had just killed their human teammates, the other Joes opened fire on him, but Rom refused to counterattack and simply flew off.

[[File:TheDivineSourceOfLiberty-romvsoptimus.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"Don't talk to me about importance! Because of ''you'', the future of this entire universe is in jeopardy!"]]
Unfortunately, Rom's mechanical armor had led the Joes to believe he was a Cybertronian, which forced Optimus Prime and his team to give chase so that they could clear their names. {{storylink|Concorde Hymn}} Prime and his teammates pursued Rom to the [[Umpqua National Forest]], where Prime attempted to interrogate the Space Knight. Rom was initially able to outmaneuver Prime, but—outnumbered by the Cybertronians—was soon defeated and "urged" to explain himself. {{storylink|The Divine Source of Liberty}}

Escorted by the Autobots, Rom was brought to [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], where he briefly witnessed the aftermath of [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'s return from the realm of [[Microspace]]. {{storylink|Informed}} Rom gave the Autobots information on the Wraiths' pursuit of [[Ore-13]], before realizing that his armor—unbeknownst to him, Cybertronian in nature—"resonated" at a similar frequency to [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]'s own [[Space bridge|Space Bridge]].

Realizing that he could use this connection to put Ore-13 beyond the reach of the Dire Wraiths, Rom activated the bridge to teleport chunks of Ore-13 into Microspace, inadvertently causing destruction on the other side. When Windblade and Optimus made him realize that he was allowing his desire to defeat the Wraiths to blind his reason and logic, Rom stood down and was placed in [[stasis cuffs]] by Soundwave who sympathized with what he did. {{storylink|O Ship of State}}

When the ''[[Heliopolis]]'' and [[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]] were discovered within the city, Rom and Windblade deduced the crew of the former were inhabitants of Microspace; despite being unable to understand one another's language, Rom offered a heartfelt apology for endangering their universe, which endeared the Micronauts to him; his Analyzers soon detected a massive army of Wraiths bearing down on Autobot City, backed up by [[M.A.S.K.]] forces.

[[File:ValleyForge-TheTeamup.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Don't worry, Soundwave. In just a few hours, you'll be sitting around a campfire with Matt making delicious hot Schmoes."]]
Rom joined Optimus's new alliance to mount a defense of Autobot City, defending the space bridge and Ore-13 while engaging the [[Caleb Awan|lead Wraith]] in combat. The Ultra-Energon-empowered Wraiths outnumbered the heroes, and things only got worse when the villainous [[Baron Karza]] emerged from the spacebridge, enerchanging with the Wraiths and M.A.S.K. tech to become a fusion of Cybertronian, Wraith, and Microspace power. {{storylink|The New Colossus}}

As their teamup broke down into confusion, Rom found himself mistakenly battling Snake Eyes until Optimus intervened, grabbing the pair and [[Acroyear (Micronaut)|Acroyear]] so that the Autobot leader could explain that Karza had masterminded the entire crisis from the beginning. Karza was now too powerful to fight one-on-one, however; instead, Rom joined Soundwave, the Micronauts, [[Mainframe (G.I. Joe)|Mainframe]] and [[Matt Trakker|Trakker]] to concoct an alternate strategy, using Rom's armor as a buffer between the energies of the nearby spacebridge and the Micronauts' [[enerchange]] abilities, while Trakker used his mask to beam a counter-frequency to the bridge, sending Karza back to Microspace and destroying the space bridge to ensure that he wouldn't return. Rom rescued Matt from the ensuing explosion, and once on solid ground, apologized to [[Scarlett]] for all the trouble he'd caused before flying off. {{storylink|Valley Forge}}

[[File:CrisisIntervention-RomMeetsGIJoe.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"Keep your accessories with you at all times. Spare parts, batteries, anything you need for an orderly transition."]]
Several months later, a surge of Wraith energy in Europe led Rom to [[Verenya]], where he discovered that the city had been overrun by hostile Wraith-like beings. Rom quickly deduced that they were not "true" Wraiths, but innocent civilians who had been mutated with Wraith genetics; when he encountered a G.I. Joe detachment led by [[Ayana Jones|Mayday]], he joined forces with them and requested that they refrain from using lethal force against the creatures, instead using low-level [[Neutralizer]] blasts to stun them into submission.

Venturing into an abandoned bunker, the group discovered that an alien [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] had been responsible for the mutation, which in turn had been caused by a battle between [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]] and [[Action Man]]. Rom intervened in their fight, allowing Mayday to talk down the combatants; when the [[Oktober Guard]] attacked, Rom was took part in the struggle, and used his Neutralizer to create a forcefield to shield Action Man and Mayday from the Talisman's mutagenic blast. Rom tried to use his [[Energy Analyzer]] to glean the Talisman's origins, but was interrupted when their captive [[Major Bludd]] teleported away with Action Man. When the group was still without an answer hours later, Rom had to take his leave to fight off the true Wraiths. {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}}

[[File:UnstoppedAndUnstoppable-RomAndJazz.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"This is an intergalactic emergency. I need to commandeer your vessel to Sector 12. Who's in charge here?"]]
Rom returned to battling the Wraiths on Earth, and briefly embarked on a series of adventures with the Micronauts in [[Microspace]], {{istorylink|Rom & The Micronauts}} and when Rom next found himself involved in Cybertronian affairs once more, it was while tracking a group of [[human]]s contaminated with Wraith biomatter. As it transpired, those same humans were also involved in trafficking black-market Cybertronian technology, which had attracted the attention of [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]]. Though the two were able to subdue the criminals, Rom suddenly felt a surge of pain, alerting him to danger on his homeworld: Elonia was under attack by [[Unicron/Generation 1|an object of immense power]]. Realizing that he needed to return to his home planet as soon as possible, Jazz ferried Rom to meet with the [[President of the United States]], and allowed himself to be arrested so that Rom could use [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s space bridge to reach the Transformer homeworld. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

From there, Rom joined forces with Optimus Prime and his Cybertronian alliance aboard the ''[[Ark-Zero]];'' having already lost multiple Transformer colonies to Unicron, the Cybertronians set course for Elonia as fast as they could, but found that they'd arrived too late: [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] had already begun his attack on the peaceful planet. Rom met up with [[Livia]] as they began a reconnaissance flight across the planet-eater's surface, discovering the remains of [[Velocitron]], but were unable to prevent Unicron from annihilating several of their Space Knight comrades, with the blast sending the pair hurtling into the planet's surface. The impact inadvertently unearthed the lost [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]]; as Rom realized that his homeworld was a Transformer colony, this discovery confirmed Optimus's suspicions that Unicron was deliberately targeting each of Cybertron's thirteen colonies. In order for [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] to safely evacuate the [[Elonian]]s, [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] was forced to destroy Emissary's comatose [[brain module]], and Rom rejoined the Transformers aboard the ''Ark-Zero'' as Unicron devoured the remains of Elonia. {{storylink|Our Darkest}}

[[File:UnstoppedAndUnstoppable-sadrom.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"One minute you're defending the whole galaxy, and, suddenly, you find yourself sucking down Darjeeling with Marie Antoinette... and her little sister."]]
In the aftermath, Rom was left dejected, despite Optimus's affirmation that the survivors of Elonia needed the Space Knights more than ever. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} In their temporary lodgings on Cybertron, Rom was eventually able to come to grips with the loss of his homeworld, and successfully rallied his equally depressed comrades to redouble their efforts to stop Unicron, and all evil in the galaxy. {{storylink|Ad Infinitum}} Determined not to let Unicron win, Rom joined the Autobot fleet as Prime's armada headed to [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]; despite his and Soundwave's best efforts to repel the [[Maximal]] hordes that threatened to overrun the planet, they were forced to withdraw, allowing Unicron to devour Caminus. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} Back on Cybertron, Rom watched apprehensively as [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] announced his plan to rally Decepticons across the galaxy to strike back at Unicron. {{storylink|Stranger Eons}}

WIth Unicron now on Cybertron's doorstep, Rom joined [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] in [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s brain chamber, arguing in favor of transforming Metroplex to take on the Titan. This was interrupted when Bumblebee arrived, bringing news of a vision—courtesy of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]—that explained Unicron's origins, and those of the Dire Wraiths, though Rom was skeptical of the veracity of Bumblebee's theory. {{storylink|Our Finest}} Though Cybertron was ultimately destroyed by Unicron, the intervention of the [[Spectral Knight]]s and the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] allowed the inhabitants of Cybertron to safely evacuate to Earth, rematerializing in [[Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park|Mosi-oa-Tunya]]. {{storylink|Road's End}} As the Cybertronian refugees regrouped, Rom and Livia hovered above the crowd. {{storylink|A Sunrise Dark}}

[[File:Ceremony-RomAndLivia.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|"He once risked his life to save me. I couldn't call myself his friend if I weren't willing to do the same."]]
Unfortunately, Unicron was not content to end his crusade with destroying Cybertron; intent on finishing his mission of extinction, the planet-eater set course for Earth as the heroes and villains of Earth prepared a counterattack aboard Trypticon—including Dire Wraiths, the presence of their ancient nemeses forcing Rom to remind Livia of the ''true'' threat at hand. To allow Arcee and Optimus the chance to slip through Unicron's defenses, the two Space Knights joined the other Transformers in Earth's orbit and met Unicron and the Maximal horde head-on. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}}

Rom and Livia both took part in the cataclysmic battle for Earth, and when Unicron was defeated—at the cost of Prime's life—the two Space Knights returned to Earth along with [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Their jubilation was tempered somewhat when they learned that one of the Elonian children had lost her parents in the attack, prompting Livia to wonder aloud if the title of "Space Knight" should take on a new meaning as they started anew. {{storylink|Ceremony}} Some time later, Rom was one of the many mourners who attended Optimus Prime's funeral in [[Little Cybertron]], with the orphaned child eventually settling into a happy new life on Earth. {{storylink|Post}}
{{-}}

===''Aw Yeah Revolution!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Aw Yeah Revolution! issue 1|Aw Yeah Revolution! #1}} {{storylink|Aw Yeah Revolution! issue 2|Aw Yeah Revolution! #2}} {{storylink|Aw Yeah Revolution! issue 3|Aw Yeah Revolution! #3}}}}

===When Worlds Collide===
Rom was one of the many heroes that joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots after [[Cobra Commander]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] stole the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|When Worlds Collide}}

==Toys==
===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:ToyFair2013-BSRomTheSpaceKnight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Years of Academy training, wasted!"]]
*'''Rom the Space Knight''' (2013?)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B007'''
***''Fist strength'': ''' '''
***''Blaster strength'': ''' '''
***''Sword strength'': ''' '''
:Presumably intended as part of a Series 2 single-pack assortment, ''[[Bot Shots (franchise)|Bot Shots]]'' Jump Shot Rom the Space Knight is a [[redeco]] of [[Cindersaur (G1)#Bot Shots|Cindersaur]] (which was itself originally based on ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' [[Skystalker (Prime)|Skystalker]]). He transforms into a beaky-looking reptile thing on wheels. An impact to the front of his [[beast mode]] causes him to spring up and [[Autotransformation|autotransform]] into a robot armed with a pistol. He has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels.

:This mold was also used to make [[Skystalker (Prime)#Bot Shots|Skystalker]] and the similarly-canceled [[Buzzclaw (BS)#Bot Shots|Buzzclaw]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===''Revolution''===
[[File:SDCC 2017 Rom Stock.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|"I've set my Neutralizer from stun... to kill."]]
*'''Revolution Set''' (SDCC Gift Set, [[2017]])
**''Accessories'': Neutralizer, G.I. Joe display stand
:Released as part of a San Diego Comic-Con 2017 exclusive set, Rom the Space Knight is an action figure based on the character's original [[Marvel Comics]] appearance, made up of redecoed parts from various [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]] action figures with a new head, torso and weapon. He was packed with several other [[Hasbro Universe]] action figures: [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Revolution|Jetfire]], [[Matt Trakker]] of ''[[M.A.S.K.]]'', [[Action Man]], ''[[Visionaries]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[Leoric]], [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] of ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', a [[Dire Wraith]], and 9 ''[[Micronauts]]'' mini-figurines.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Rom and his Camien chums.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|"Spare me your lies, temptress! Your emperor's defeated, and I'm immune to your bewitching good looks!"]]
*Rom was originally a toy released by [[Parker Brothers]] in 1979. One of the great predecessors of the "toys-to-cartoons" media boom of the 1980s that Transformers are a prime example of, Rom would almost certainly have been forgotten by history had he not been the star of a successful and fondly-remembered comic book tie-in series from [[Marvel Comics]] (which was actually presented as part of the "Marvel Universe" and had many crossovers with the company's superheroes, unlike the Transformers). Parker Brothers merged with [[Kenner]] in 1985, who were bought by [[Tonka]] in 1987, who were in turn bought by Hasbro in 1991, placing the character under Hasbro ownership—but aside from Rom himself and a few pieces of relevant terminology, that appears to be ''all'' Hasbro owns, as his villains, setting, and supporting cast were all created and owned by Marvel and have been periodically used by them ever since. In 2016, [[IDW Publishing]] launched a revived version of Rom, stripped of all Marvel elements, co-written by IDW Editor-In-Chief [[Chris Ryall]], as part of their ''[[Revolution]]'' event, crossing over several of IDW's Hasbro titles. To celebrate, all of IDW's Hasbro comics, including the ''Transformers'' titles, received variant covers featuring Rom.
*Prior to his IDW revival, Rom was almost featured in the ''Bot Shots'' toyline, as seen above. The silver and red redeco of the Bot Shot mold based on ''Prime'' Skystalker was first shown at [[Toy Fair 2013]] amongst [[:File:ToyFair2013-BSGroup.jpg|a pile of other Bot Shots]], but due to a lack of name placards at the event, the identities of those toys were unknown at the time. Even after the names of other Bot Shots shown at Toy Fair were revealed, the silver Skystalker remained unidentified until a massive product listing leak from the Hasbro Customer Service website landed in the fandom's lap in late October/early November 2013. Among those Customer Service listings was "TRA BOT SHOTS ROM THE SPACE KNIGHT A2587," and Rom's classic silver color scheme clearly marked him as the Skystalker redeco. ''Why'' there was going to be a Bot Shot of Rom the Space Knight is anyone's guess—possibly to secure a [[trademark]]—but the intent is clear. It's not known what faction ''Bot Shots'' Rom would have been released under, but it can at least be assumed that his ID number is "B007," as there was no Series 2 figure with that number.
*In Spain, Rom's relation to Transformers went a bit further, as Comics Forum (the Spanish editorial that had the Marvel rights in the 80s) had Rom as the back-up feature of the Transformers comic book.
*In the U.K., Rom was released under the toyline of fellow ''[[Revolution]]'' star [[Action Man]].<ref>http://www.toysyouhad.com/Rom.htm</ref>
*As far as we know, he's not related to [[Quark]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://bugeyedmonster.com/rom-the-space-knight/ Rom at BugEyedMonster.com]
*{{i|Rom}} on the IDW Hasbro Wiki

[[Category:Bot Shots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) aliens]]
[[Category:Rom]]
[[Category:Solstar Order]]

Sideburn's Obsession

2023-02-14T01:33:59Z

Mr. Silverstreak: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|series=RiD
|ep=7
|title="Sideburn's Obsession"
|japanese=スピードブレイカーの危機!
|romaji=Speedbreaker no Kiki!
|translation=Speedbreaker's Crisis!
|image=Sideburnsobsession titlecard.jpg
|caption=[''[[Template:Sic|sic]]'']
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Yukiyoshi Ōhashi]] (Japanese) [[Richard Epcar]] (English)
|director=[[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[May 17]], [[2000]] (Japanese) [[September 15]], [[2001]] (English)
|continuity=
}}

'''Side Burn likes sports cars''' 
'''Megatron is in disguise''' 
'''Fatal attraction'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sideburn's Obsession Megatronsideburn.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Megatron's milkshake brings Side Burn to the junk yard]]
It all starts with [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] chasing down a weird-looking red car. Alerted to his brother's lovesick pursuit by a report of two speeding vehicles, [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] tries to stop them, but his compulsion to follow traffic laws means he stops at a red light and loses them. Side Burn follows the car into a junkyard and is shocked and upset to discover that the red car is actually [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]]. (Which brings up an interesting point, does Side Burn care about the car's gender?) The [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] apparently know about his taste in cars and used it to trick him. Side Burn is then captured by the Predacons and is now part of their evil plan.

The next day [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus]] and Side Burn's brothers are all worried that he hasn't checked in and go out to search for him. They are stopped by the Predacons who leave a message that if they want to see Side Burn again, Optimus has to go get him alone. Optimus decides to go, against the wishes of his soldiers who know it's a trap.

[[File:Sideburn's Obsession Sideburngasskunkdarkscream.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Cue "Dueling Banjos"]]
Meanwhile, [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] is with his friend [[Carl (RID)|Carl]] and Carl's father at a car crushing facility. The Predacons attack and order them to leave. As they run, Koji spots Side Burn as their prisoner and stays to see if he can help. Inside the Predacons tell Side Burn their plot. They're going to use Side Burn to lure Optimus into a trap and then hand him over to [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]].

Back at the base Prowl and [[X-Brawn]] convince [[T-AI]] to send the [[Spychanger]]s to help Optimus. The two brothers decide to help out by going in disguise. Sadly it doesn't seem that Prowl has any imagination (he's wearing a NO ENTRY bib and holding a NO ENTRY sign while asking his brother to guess who he is) and X-Brawn tells him that it's the dumbest disguise he has ever seen. Thankfully X-Brawn has imagination...but no taste; he and Prowl wind up in vehicle mode but covered in goofy looking paint jobs.

[[File:Sideburn's Obsession Sideburntricycle.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|I want to ride my tricycle. I want to ride my trike.]]
Meanwhile, the Predacons are curious as to why Side Burn is into red sport cars. Side Burn then tells a woeful tale of when he was a classic blue sports car and how he met a classic red sports car, but after a tragic accident Side Burn was left all alone. Now the Predacons are all feeling sorry for him, particularly after hearing how, when Side Burn was just a young tricycle, a red tricycle was his first love. Of course, as an irritated [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] reminds them, Side Burn is from Cybertron and was never a classic blue sports car or a tricycle.

Optimus finally arrives and, even though Side Burn tries to warn him, is captured in Energon ropes. Outside, Prowl and X-Brawn arrive and witness Megatron arriving. Fortunately he doesn't notice them and goes inside the building. Inside, Sky-Byte hands over Optimus, and Megatron uses this moment to use the helpless Autobot leader as a punching bag. (Low, Megatron, even for you.)

Outside, Prowl and X-Brawn need a plan to help their brother and leader. They spot Koji and contact him through his phone. Prowl asks him to switch on the magnetic machine so he can get into the building unnoticed. As the machine lifts him into the air the Predacons all agree that Prowl is one ugly car. As Prowl lands on the conveyor belt he transforms and blasts the machine which powered the Energon ropes, freeing Optimus and Side Burn. The Spychangers suddenly show up and Optimus and Side Burn decide that it's time for payback. After a rousing fight, the Predacons flee back to base, where Sky-Byte neatly shifts the blame onto Gas Skunk and Dark Scream.

Side Burn apologizes and says he'll never chase a red sports car again. Sadly (and very predictably), the moment he promises this a red sports car whizzes by and he tails it screaming that he thinks he's in love.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (2)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[T-AI]] (9)
*[[X-Brawn]] (10)
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] (15)
*[[R.E.V.]] (16)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] (17)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (18)
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (19)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (20)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c2=
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (4)
*[[Gas Skunk]] (5)
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (6)
*[[Dark Scream]] (7)

|c3=
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (11)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (12)
*[[Carl (RID)|Carl]] (13)
*Carl's father (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"Oh baby, you're looking fine, you know I can't resist a red sportscar!"
:—'''Side Burn''', admiring Megatron's ass.

"Oh man, what a downer."
:—'''Side Burn''', realizing the sportscar he's been admiring is actually Megatron in disguise.

"Sometimes you're as stubborn as a Packbot!"
:—'''X-Brawn''', on Optimus Prime's predilection for self-sacrifice.

"I know it's not right to seek revenge. Think we should just turn the other fender, maybe cut 'em a break?" 
"Let's teach these creeps a lesson they won't forget!" 
"Works for me!"
:—'''Side Burn''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*''Robots in Disguise'' splices an extra shot of Prowl into the pursuit at the beginning of the episode, suspecting that there is something odd about the "red sports car".
*''Robots in Disguise'' digitally recolors the traffic lights Prowl stops at, so that the green light is actually ''green'', instead of the blue normally used in Japanese cartoons. [[Hidden#Trivia|Have a read here]] for more details on the history behind this coloring oddity. Incidentally, while it's obvious from the visuals, ''Car Robots'' makes super-certain we know by having Prowl loudly announce that the red light is the reason he has stopped, while ''Robots in Disguise'' just has him grouse about Side Burn.
*After Side Burn and Megatron turn into the staging area for the Predacons' trap, ''Robots in Disguise'' shortens the scene a little by cutting down on Side Burn's flirtatious dialogue. In ''Car Robots'', among his general flirts is the proposal of a date to the real-life {{w|Rainbow Bridge (Tokyo)|Rainbow Bridge}}.
*Side Burn is bound with an "electric rope" in ''Car Robots''; ''Robots in Disguise'' dubs these bonds as [[energon chains]] (see ''Transformers references'', below).
*As ever, ''Robots in Disguise'' removes the Japanese toy ID numbers from the member select program screens. For the first selection, as in "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]", only the Autobot Brothers' numbers are replaced with their names; the Spychangers don't get that luxury until they get their dedicated member selection later in the episode.
[[File:Rid ep7 prowlscreens.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*In ''Car Robots'', Prowl responds to T-AI's call with an image of his face on his internal dashboard screen. ''Robots in Disguise'' replaces this with a newly created scene of Prowl appearing on one of T-AI's screens in the Autobot base.
*X-Brawn and Prowl are much more adamant that Prime allow them to undertake the Side Burn rescue mission in ''Car Robots'', claiming that he is their brother, and their responsibility. The end result is the same, though ''Robots in Disguise'' does cut out the shot that ends the scene, which is of Prowl looking down solemnly.
*In ''Car Robots'', as Dark Scream sets up the energon chains, the scene repeatedly cuts back to Sky-Byte as he thinks over his plan. In ''Robots in Disguise'', Dark Scream monologues for the whole scene, with the cut-backs to Sky-Byte serving no purpose.
*In ''Car Robots'', T-AI turns down X-Brawn and Prowl's request for the Spychangers to be sent out on the basis that only Optimus Prime can give the order, eventually relenting when she is told that Optimus is in danger. In ''Robots in Disguise'', she simply doesn't want to recall them from an assignment they're already on, and is talked into it.
*''Robots in Disguise'' adds in extra clips of Hot Shot and R.E.V. rolling into action.
*When the episode returns to Side Burn in the clutches of the Predacons, ''Robots in Disguise'' adds in a panning shot of the exterior of the scrapyard to establish the scene.
*''Robots in Disguise'' adds CGI POV targeting shots as Optimus Prime and R.E.V. draw beads on Megatron and Gas Skunk, respectively.
*Extended scenes created for ''Robots in Disguise'' by looping and repeating footage include:
**Sky-Byte gloating over Side Burn's capture.
**Sky-Byte laughing as Side Burn is bound.
**Prime requesting T-AI run the member select program.
**T-AI calling Prowl, and talking to him on his internal screen.
**Prime telling Prowl to wait before he pursues Slapper.
**Prime swearing he'll rescue Side Burn.
**Dark Scream's monologuing as he sets up the energon chains.
**T-AI and Prowl talking about the Spychangers.
**Optimus demanding the Predacons hand Side Burn over.
**Several of X-Brawn and Prowl's exchanges in the scrapyard.
**Prowl's conversation with Koji over his communicator.
**Megatron threatening Gas Skunk and Dark Scream.

===Animation or technical errors===
*Side Burn's name is incorrectly spelled as one word in the episode title.

===Continuity errors===
*T-AI says the Spychangers are "on assignment", but when she contacts them, they're not actually doing anything.

===Transformers references===
*Slapper mentions [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]].
*The Predacons bind Side Burn with [[energon chains]], previously seen in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] episode "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]".

===Trivia===
[[File:Carrobots cgi intromod.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

*This was [[Wayne C. Lewis]]'s favourite episode to work on.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20030116082412/http://www.transfandom.net/matrix/interviews/wankus.shtml Transfandom interview] (Wayback Machine)</ref>
*The red car Side Burn chases at the end of the episode has a license plate 97–99.
*Prowl's "Jet Boosters!" attack involves... throwing his gun at his opponent (Megatron bats it aside). Unsurprisingly that's the sum total of Prowl's contribution to the fight. Way to go, genius.
*While chasing Side Burn (and Megatron), and despite the fact he's running both lights and sirens, as well as having taken over control and responsibility for a high-speed pursuit originally requiring four police cars, Prowl ''stops'' at a red light of an empty intersection. He later claims that "they lost me". Presumably he also doesn't arrest criminals who state that they "didn't do it, man".
**In ''Car Robots'', he stops at the light due his insistent need to "obey the traffic laws all the time, even now." Sounds like Side Burn ain't the only obsessed one, here.
*Starting this episode, the [[title sequence]] for ''Car Robots'' has Team Bullet Train appearing in CG rather than traditional cel.

{{-}}

===Foreign localization===
'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Obsessão de Sideburn'''" ("Sideburn's Obsession")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 2 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battling the Predacons (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-07-sideburns-obsession "Sideburn's Obsession" transcript on RiDForever.info]

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes]]

User:Mr. Silverstreak

2023-02-07T08:13:21Z

Mr. Silverstreak: Created page with "HA NOTHING HERE"

HA NOTHING HERE

Area 52 (Movie)

2023-02-07T08:11:58Z

Mr. Silverstreak: /* Titan movie comics */

{{factions|sector7}}
{{disambig3|Area 5X}}
[[File:Hoover dam.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
The [[Sector Seven]] base known as ''Area 52''<ref>The "Area 52" name did not make it into the final movie, but the name still appears in some ancillary merchandise such as the [[Transformers Coloring and Activity Book and Crayons|Movie Coloring Book]].</ref> and ''Area 50''<ref>The "Area 50" name did not make it into the regular release of the movie, but Simmons calls it that in the extended IMAX release.</ref> is located in the [[Hoover Dam]].

==Fiction==
=== Capture the Cube ===
In 2007, preceding the main Transformer conflict, a [[Dewbot|lone operative]] of a [[Mountain Dew Robot|third Transformer faction]] was able to infiltrate Area 52 and almost obtain the "cube", simply by ''changing shape'' when people were coming. If it had reached the "cube", the results [[Dew City|would have been horrific]]. {{storylink|Capture the Cube}}

===''Transformers'' film===
[[Hoover Dam]] had always been a dam intended to provide power. It was not the secret base of [[Sector Seven]], because Sector Seven did not exist. At no point in time did it hold any [[Bumblebee (Movie)|robotic]] [[Megatron (Movie)|lifeforms]] or [[AllSpark|alien technology]]. There is nothing to see! These aren't the [[Transformer|droids]] you're looking for. You may go about your business. Move along. {{storylink|Transformers (film)|''Transformers''}}

===Titan movie comics===
In a [[Tyran 208.28 Gamma|divergent timeline]], the Decepticons succeeded at Mission City and conquered the United States. Megatron used the former Sector Seven base as a prison for Optimus Prime—whom he had frozen, for he was petty. A tunnel link to the dam could be accessed in Denver. {{storylink|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1|Twilight's Last Gleaming #1}} A ferocious running battle eventually saw Optimus rescued and Megatron dead. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming #5}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Bases]]
[[Category:Sector Seven]]
[[Category:Movie locations]]