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Combaticon (G1)

2025-05-05T01:58:12Z

Orogogus: /* Energon Universe */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard|exarchon}}
{{disambig3|Combaticon}}
:''The Combaticons are a [[Decepticon]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:TVMGuideCombaticons.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|The Dirty Half-Dozen Minus One—from left to right Swindle, Vortex, Onslaught, Blast Off and Brawl.]]
The '''Combaticons''' are a unit of fierce Decepticon soldiers, operating with (mostly) military precision under the watchful eye of the tactically brilliant Onslaught. They sometimes operate out of [[Combaticons' headquarters|their own headquarters]].

The Combaticons consist of:
*The tactician [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (leader)
*The violent [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]
*The egotistical [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]
*The con man [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]
*The unhinged [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]

They combine to form the highly powerful, but extremely stupid [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

{{quote|We aim to maim!|Brawl tells us the basic gist of the team|"[[Spotlight: Arcee]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[File:Starscreams brigade 5 letsgo.jpg|upright=2.0|thumb|Dad's Army]]
When [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] was banished from the Decepticons for Yet Another Failed Coup Against [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], he was deposited on the island of [[Guadalcanal]], the site of one of the major battles between the [[United States of America]] and [[Japan|Imperial Japan]] during [[World War II]]. There he found and rebuilt several abandoned US military vehicles to pass the time. After he finished, he decided that if Megatron can have a Decepticon army, then so can he!

After bluffing his way past [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] to use the [[space bridge]], he travelled to a [[Decepticon Detention Center|detention center]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and liberated the [[personality component]]s of several [[Renegade Decepticon|Decepticon political prisoners]] before destroying the rest. Back on [[Earth]], Starscream installed the components into the rusting military vehicles and ordered them to transform.

The reborn Combaticons were less than pleased with their "new," primitive bodies, nor were they particularly thankful to Starscream for freeing them after millions of years of imprisonment. That is, until the former Decepticon Air Commander revealed that he had neglected to install [[energy absorber]] units into their bodies, so they would have no way of refueling. As he was the only one with the knowledge and expertise to install them, he demanded their allegiance in his aim to overthrow Megatron. The Combaticons agreed to obey Starscream, for now.

[[File:Combaticons group.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7|Swindle suddenly becomes a fervent opponent of [[scale]].]]
Under Starscream's leadership, the Combaticons managed to capture several prisoners, then used their energy absorbers to recharge themselves at a power plant. Unfortunately, Megatron and the Decepticons attacked, while the Autobots rescued their comrades. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] formed [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], who was quickly defeated by the Combaticons' much more powerful, but dull-witted combined form, Bruticus. Starscream ordered Bruticus to grab Megatron, forcing his former commander to acknowledge Starscream as the new leader of the Decepticons. Under duress, Megatron did so as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] watched nearby. The latter group, deciding that Starscream would be too dangerous as a leader, quickly formed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and defeated Bruticus with a single attack. Starscream and the Combaticons were banished from Earth on a small asteroid, left to wallow in their own misery and blame each other for their failures. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Starscream and the Combaticons quickly had a falling-out. After Starscream left, the Combaticons attacked Cybertron, easily defeating [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his [[Sentinel (G1)|drones]]. Thirsting for revenge, Onslaught reprogrammed the space bridge to pull Earth closer to the [[Sun]], in the hopes of destroying it and every Transformer there. The Autobots and Decepticons temporarily joined forces to retake Cybertron and prevent Earth's destruction, and with Starscream's help, they deactivated the Combaticons once they formed Bruticus through a failsafe device built into the treacherous giant's back. Optimus Prime and Megatron agreed that Bruticus must be destroyed, but the Decepticon leader fooled the Autobots by using Shockwave's [[holographic projector]] to make it appear as though Bruticus was destroyed, when in reality the combiner was reprogrammed to be loyal only to Megatron. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:BOT-Road.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Uh, boss, why are Blast Off and I on the-" "DON'T QUESTION MY BRILLIANT PLAN, VORTEX!"]]
Soon afterwards, during Megatron's latest scheme on Earth involving the theft of fighter aircraft using Middle-Eastern criminals, the Combaticons were called into service to defend Megatron's [[Giant Purple Griffin]], a large... thing that apparently pumped [[oil]]. Or something. Struggling against the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], the Combaticons formed Bruticus, yet were still knocked over when the Aerialbots twisted a tow cable around his legs. The Decepticon combiner was finally defeated when the Aerialbots ignited the nearby oil wells, causing a massive explosion that sent Megatron, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], Bruticus and gas prices flying away. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

While attacking a human city, Bruticus was destroyed in battle with [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (man, this guy can't seem to catch a break). Only Swindle survived, and he sold the remains of his comrades to various mercenaries and [[El Presidente|third-world dictator-types]], only to be forced to locate and rebuild the Combaticons by Megatron. The reformed Bruticus was then defeated when Megatron's disruptor cannon was overloaded by the human-built [[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]], once again sending the Decepticon flying into the sky. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[File:Combaticons bruticus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|Not often you can get a view of the whole team AND their combined form in a single screencap.]]
After the great battle at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], the Combaticons were among the battered Decepticon forces who withdrew to [[Chaar]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} Swindle was instrumental in negotiating an alliance with the [[Quintesson]]s; {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} the Combaticons later participated in a Quintesson-led assault on the Autobots on [[Goo Number 8739-B|Goo]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

A lone Blast Off later attacked a [[Skuxxoid]] who was using [[death crystal]]s to blow stuff up in Decepticon territory, and forced the alien to tell him where he got the ammunition. When a group of Autobots tried to find the crystals as well, Blast Off attacked them alongside [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]]. {{storylink|Chaos (episode)|Chaos}} The Combaticons later failed to assassinate Decepticon exile [[Octane]] at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}} then succeeded in shooting up a shuttle meant to take human delegates to an interstellar peace conference. {{storylink|Surprise Party}}

During a Decepticon attack on the [[Netherlands]], Swindle infiltrated [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and stole his [[transformation cog]], whilst Vortex was charged with guarding [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}} The Combaticons later participated in the assault on [[Paradron]], where they guarded the imprisoned Paradronians, among other things. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} When the Earth was infected by the [[Hate Plague]], the Combaticons (Bruticus) were among those infected. Brawl was seen driving along the road and infecting [[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] who, in turn, infected [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] while Vortex attacked a civilian plane on a runway. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

Under [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s directions, the Combaticons 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. Once Scorponok and Fortress Maximus began to fight the Combaticons ran away. They presumably left Cybertron with Galvatron in Scorponok {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{-}}
====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====Scramble City=====
When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were attacked by the Aerialbots and did not fare too well. The Combaticons arrived to help, and together Bruticus and Menasor easily overpowered Superion. However, Scramble City itself soon arrived and blasted both combiners away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
The Combaticons participated in an all-out Decepticon attack on Cybertron, {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} until [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] arrived and drove them away. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Shortly afterwards, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] set out to find the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and bring it to Optimus Prime, and the Combaticons were among the troops sent out to stop him. They were ambushed by the Protectobots, and defeated when Defensor buried Bruticus in a rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} Not long after that, the Combaticons defended [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] against [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]]'s attempted infiltration, but failed when the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] arrived and distracted them. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

[[File:UltraMagnusDies Combaticons.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"All six Combaticons present and accou... Wait! Why are [[Snapdragon (G1)|YOU]] with us?"]]
The Combaticons were later part of ''another'' attack on Cybertron, during which they killed plenty of [[Generic|soldiers]] before getting into another fight with Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They lost. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} When the Decepticons planted a giant carnivorous plant in [[San Francisco]], the Combaticons and Stunticons were ordered to with attack any Autobots who arrived to kill it. When the Aerialbots and [[Trainbot]]s did just that, Bruticus got into an energy-sword fight with [[Raiden]]. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Sixshot later sent the Combaticons, [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]] to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]], in order to lure Autobot troops away from [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}}

The Combaticons were present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] held a speech about Galvatron's recent death and took control of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} Bruticus was later part of a small group of Decepticons who tried to lead Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} He then stood by and laughed as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean, before being stationed at one of Scorponok's [[Death Tower]]s in Canberra, [[Australia]]. He defended the tower against Defensor until it activated, at which point [[Wingspan]] and [[Pounce]] ordered him to withdraw. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}}

Bruticus participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and fought [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] alongside [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. As Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart, Bruticus retreated into the atmosphere to watch the results alongside the rest of the Decepticon forces. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{-}}

=====''Zone'' OVA, manga, and story pages=====
Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], [[Emperor of Destruction|Decepticon Emperor]] [[Violengiguar]] gathered together the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]], upgrading them with powerful new armor and weaponry, then sent them forth to conquer planets. The Combaticons were of those summoned, but only in the form 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!}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:FSRLmanga08-title.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Bruticus arrived to help the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] fight [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] at a baseball stadium in [[Japan]]. He quickly defeated Defensor, injuring [[Hot Spot (G1)|his torso]] and preventing him from combining. In response, Superion disabled Brawl and Swindle using his [[electrostatic discharger rifle]], allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places as Bruticus's legs. Taking control of the giant's flight systems, the two Protectobots flew off with Bruticus as [[Kenji]] cheered at them to drop the Combaticons into the sea. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}} Onslaught later joined the Stunticons in a scheme to defame the Autobots by destroying factories around Japan whilst wearing Autobot [[insignia]]s. When confronted by the real Autobots, he "combined" with fellow [[Decepticon Trailer Corps]] member [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]], but they were defeated and sent packing by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

The Combaticons' next mission was to hunt down [[Battle Dog|an escaped dog]] that Megatron had experimented on, imbuing it with powerful energy. Brawl managed to fatally injure the animal, much to Onslaught's annoyance as they were supposed to capture it alive. The Autobot [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] soon arrived to put a halt to their activities, and the dog expressed its gratitude by using its powers to energize Powerglide with [[Scramble Power]]. As Powerglide used the power to combine with his fellow [[Mini-Vehicle|Minibots]], the Combaticons responded by forming Bruticus. He proved weaker than this new [[Minibot combiner]], however, as it used the "Minibot Warrior Spiral Attack" to drill straight through Bruticus' chest, defeating him.

The dog still died, though. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
The Combaticons emerged as Bruticus alongside the other Decepticon super-warriors, ready to storm the Autobot energy tower on the planet [[Feminia]]. Galvatron and his men laughed off the presence of Superion, Defensor and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]... but the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]? Carrying a length of thread?! Oh, the horror. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
The Combaticons and Stunticons were working out of Trypticon where the kidnapped scientist Doctor [[Dalton]] was being forced to work for Galvatron's evil ends. When the Aerialbots and Protectobots arrived to save the scientist, Onslaught and Motormaster combined with Trypticon in their deployment launcher modes. Hurtling their fellow Decepticons at Superion did such damage that the Aerialbots were forced to disassemble. Somehow, however, the remaining Protectobots managed to hold off both Bruticus and Menasor long enough for [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] to repair the Aerialbots, and for [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] to sneak past the Decepticons and retrieve Dalton. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

=====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic=====
Brawl and Blast Off participated in an attack on [[Athenia]] by forming the right limbs of [[Scramble 7]], a Decepticon combiner using various combiner team members in a supposedly "ideal" configuration. Despite being so great, however, Scramble 7 was defeated by [[Ginrai (human)|Super Ginrai]], [[Lightfoot (G1)|Lightfoot]], and [[Ranger]] thanks to their use of [[Chōkon Power]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The Earth-Space Alliance Army}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Buster combaticons second generation.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8]]
''The Combaticons and their fellow [[Special Teams]] were first conceived within [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s mind shortly after the human had relinquished control of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] was able to view this data remotely and prepare for their development.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[File:Onslaught afterdeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
On their first mission on Earth, the Combaticons followed [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] to retrieve the human [[hydrothermocline]] plant. When they arrived, they faced Optimus Prime and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] waiting for them. The Combaticons formed Bruticus and stared down [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] when a nearby human named [[Ethan Zachary]] suggested that they play a [[Multi-World|video game]] over the plant instead. Optimus Prime and Megatron both agreed, and the Combaticons were sent into the game to attack the Protectobots. However, they lost every battle due to not taking the "wildlife" AI into account. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}} After this, the Combaticons didn't do much but follow Megatron around, even when their mentally unstable leader heavily damaged Brawl for mouthing off. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

''Later, [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] led the Combaticons to kill [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]—and co-incidentally [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]—while they were trapped in the cooled lava flow of [[Mount Verona]]. After making short work of the human military encamped on the site, the Combaticons set up explosive charges around the volcano to obliterate the entire area but their operation was met with resistance thanks to [[Cindy Newell|three]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Joy Meadows|women]], as well as [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s. When the Combaticons retreated to detonate their explosives, their remote signal was jammed by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]].'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}} ''In response to that humiliation,'' the Combaticons would later attack the [[Throttlebot]]s in a used car lot, only for the Protectobots and Blaster to interfere and force them to retreat. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} Shortly afterwards, the group decided to ambush the Protectobots on their way to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. This time, Bruticus claimed victory over Defensor by hitting him with a train, but was soon tricked and broken into his component parts by Blaster. After this, Blaster took control of Blast Off and flew into space, separating the shuttle from the other Combaticons. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}} Along with most of the Decepticon army, the Combaticons later ambushed the Autobots on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], only to be beaten back by Blaster and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

''At some point thereafter, the Combaticons worked with [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] to steal a backup of the [[floppy disk]] containing Optimus Prime's personality.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:Totalwar-combaticons.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|Grrrrrr... feisty!]]
After Bludgeon's defeat, Swindle took the returning Decepticon leader Megatron on a tour of the [[Warworld]] battleship he had inherited. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} Soon after, Brawl and Blast Off were among the Decepticons preparing to charge into battle against the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronians]]. {{storylink|New Dawn}} Vortex was seen with various other Decepticons attacking the [[Ethos raiding party|Cybertronians]] on [[Ethos]]. {{storylink|Escalation!}} As the alliance progressed, Onslaught was struck by empathic pains as his apparent spawn [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]] was consumed by the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}}

During the final battle at [[Earth]], all the Combaticons later attempted to defend the Warworld against a Cybertronian boarding party led by the treacherous Starscream. Despite Onslaught's emphatic orders of "maximum firepower", they didn't do so well. {{storylink|Total War!}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
{{groupstub|{{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|Transformers in Action: He Who Laughs Last ...}}}}

===Young Corgi continuity===
[[File:BBTI-Combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right]]
When the fleshlings discovered a mysterious lost civilization buried underneath the ice, the Combaticons Brawl, Vortex and Blast Off joined [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] in seeking whatever treasures the hidden city might have. They were confronted by the Aerialbots named [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] and [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]], and fought on the surface over the city. Little did they know that the [[city-dweller]]s were robots themselves, remotely storing and copying images of the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, imprinting themselves with the skills of warfare. They were only stopped by the unlikely duo of Ravage and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]. After the city-dwellers were defeated, the Autobots granted safe passage to their one-time Decepticon allies. Blast Off expanded to his maximum size to transport his fellow 'Cons back to Decepticon headquarters. {{storylink|Battle Beneath the Ice}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
The five soldiers who would one day become the Combaticons were early participants in the Decepticons' war effort. While Onslaught and the others joined Shockwave in attacking [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] and the [[High Council Pavilions]] being protected by the Autobots, Swindle chose to throw in with Starscream, helping him to disable [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and assume temporary control over Megatron's planetary juggernaut project. {{storylink|Transformers: The War Within|The War Within}}

At some later date, these five warriors were officially brought together as a combiner team, given the ability to form Bruticus. Like the other Combiners, they were banned from operating together on any given faction during the Dark Ages, by decree of the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]] to prevent any more devastation to the planet at the hands of the super-robot combiners.{{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} The Combaticons were still authorized to operate individually and separately among the various Decepticon factions. Given his previous efforts helping [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and the [[Battlecharger]]s with Starscream's coup, Swindle may have joined them as a member of the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]], although this was never stated. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

[[File:Onslaught G1DW routeofallevil.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|left|"YOOOOOO CON!"]]
By the modern era, the Combaticons had been declared war criminals by the united Cybertronian government under Shockwave and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. The details of their crimes and why they were singled-out for imprisonment is unclear—Shockwave may have been intentionally eliminating [[Ratbat (G1)|potential rivals]] or [[Stunticon (G1)|loose cannons]], or may simply have allowed their imprisonment as a token showing of cooperation with the Autobot High Council. Once the Transformers from Earth were contacted, and uprisings began taking place on Cybertron, Starscream managed to worm his way into the [[Detention Banks]] and recover the five stasis pods containing the Combaticons. He loaded them onto his stolen transport and brought them back to Earth with him and the rest of his hand-picked crew. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

On Earth, Starscream reactivated the Combaticons as his personal "brigade", scanning Earth military vehicles for their alternate modes. Using the Combaticons as shock troops, he made a two-staged assault on the Ark, and successfully took five of the seven remaining Autobots off-line. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Starscream and Bruticus' efforts to complete their set were interrupted by the arrival of [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], Starscream's crazed clone-brother, and Bruticus was damaged in the melee. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} After the battle with Sunstorm, Starscream attempted to train the Combaticons into better military shape, using the Autobot prisoner [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a "tackling dummy". His training efforts were interrupted by the return of Megatron and his combiner team, the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. Even as Bruticus, the Combaticons quickly fell before the might of [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
The Combaticons were among the Decepticons under control of "the Son of Megatron", [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]. Onslaught tried to protect his leader from a vengeful Optimus Prime while Brawl, Vortex and Blast Off were seen fighting against a combined Autobot-[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] army. Swindle, however, was nowhere to be found. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:SpotlightArcee AimToMaim.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|]]
Early in the [[Great War (G1)|war]], Brawl and Onslaught were part of an armored division led by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. They participated in the defense of the [[Citadel (building)|Citadel]] but were overwhelmed by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]]. {{storylink|Endgame}} When [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] was overthrown by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the Combaticons were among the Decepticons who refused to their new leader and left Cybertron to do their own thing. While breaking into an armory at the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]], they were approached by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and offered ample payment for their return to the frontlines. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}} They accepted, and Onslaught and Brawl were later seen participating in Megatron's attack on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}}

During the war [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] became one of the worst violators of the [[Tyrest Accord]], constantly selling Transformers technology to alien races, and had gone AWOL from the Decepticons, hunted by both sides of the war. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ultra Magnus}} The other four remained Combaticons, and were a dangerous tactical unit capable of taking on and beating superior numbers (even ones backed up by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|total loonies]]). Under orders from [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]], they successfully raided the [[Garrus-9]] Autobot prison and abducted [[Pretender Monster|the six newest inmates]], the gestalt Transformers, despite taking some damage from a high threat convict, Arcee, who was released to stop them. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}} Soon afterwards, the Combaticons were among the only survivors of an attack by the [[Dead Universe]] Transformers, who activated the gestalt combined form, [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]], inside Banzaitron's base. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} After a deal was negotiated between Arcee and Banzaitron; the Combaticons, remaining [[Decepticon Secret Service|DSS]] members and the crazed Autobot fought Monstructor on [[Rotan]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Two years after the fall of Megatron, the Combaticons were among the Decepticons left behind on Earth. Swindle joined up with a small band of roaming Decepticons, {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} while Onslaught was one of many Transformers captured by [[Skywatch]] using their reverse-engineered energon and Cybertronian technology. He and several other Decepticons were rescued from Skywatch custody by Swindle's team, who removed the mode-locks placed on them by Skywatch's restraint tech. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} After Swindle failed to take advantage of some rebellious Autobots in an attempt to get off Earth, he disappeared. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:RanksOfBronze CombaticonsRelax.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|The Relaxicons.]]
Fleeing to [[North Korea]], Swindle made a deal with [[Kim Jong Du]], the leader of the nation, offering him the Combaticons as an invasion force in exchange for energon. He left when he got the energy he needed, but the other Combaticons remained. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}} Soon enough, Onslaught, Brawl and Vortex were invading [[South Korea]] for their employer (Blast Off's whereabouts were unknown: Skywatch noted that the Koreans had enough energon for five Transformers, but he might just have left Earth on his own). {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|"The Land Ironclads"}} They ended up in a brawl with both the Autobots (allied with Skywatch) and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] (allied with [[China]]), but were ultimately defeated. Luckily for them, the Autobots didn't have the resources at hand to take them captive. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|"All My Sins Remembered"}}

Brawl later tried to kill [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] on Swindle's behalf, but failed and was captured by the Autobots. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}} Swindle himself was taken in shortly afterwards when his latest scheme failed. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}} The captured Combaticons, and likely the others as well, ended up being forced to work for the Autobots on a restored Cybertron once the war was declared over. {{storylink|The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|The Autonomy Lesson}} The Decepticons felt oppressed under a provisional government of Autobots, Non-Aligned Cybertronians, and Starscream. Starscream approached Onslaught to buy the Combaticons' services as he made his play for Iacon's leadership. In exchange for protecting him from those like the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] or unruly bots, Starscream would allow the group a position of power when the time came. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

Blast Off and Brawl were among those brought by Starscream to pressure Prowl into revealing one of his secret discoveries below ground. Later underground, they witnessed a Titan declare that Starscream was the Cybertronian destined to unite their whole race. They and the other Cybertronians celebrated afterwards with Starscream. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}} Later, most of the Combaticons were involved in the rioting that began when Megatron returned, although Swindle, along with [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], offered their testimony on Prowl's murder of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. {{storylink|City on Fire}} {{storylink|The Verge}} Some time later, when Starscream successfully became the ruler of Iacon, he reneged on his deal with Onslaught, who was furious over the betrayal. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

After Megatron's defection to the Autobots, [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] took command of the Decepticons and led a contingent back to Earth, which included Brawl, where they formed an alliance with the [[Earth Defense Command]] against the Autobots. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World}} Back on Cybertron, with Metroplex's installation as Cybertron's new capital, Onslaught and many other disgruntled Decepticons chose to live in slums outside the city instead. When they caught Optimus Prime making his way through their territory, many of them formed a mob and attacked him. {{storylink|City of Steel (issue)|City of Steel}} Blast Off joined the riot for Metroplex's space bridge under Swindle's claims that a better life was possible on [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} Swindle himself would be blasted in the back by Starscream in order to keep him from revealing his role in the attack on Caminus, and apparently expired. {{storylink|All That Remains}}

[[File:ChooseMe OnslaughtGrenade.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|]]
Onslaught later skulked by as a group of Camiens were passing out fliers regarding Optimus Prime's divinity in the district. Brawl returned from Earth at this time to help rally the Decepticons for Galvatron's campaign. {{storylink|The Transgressors}} The Combaticons soon reunited and stewed over Starscream's leadership. Upon throwing an energon canister at a viewscreen promoting Starscream's success in uniting some of the lost colonies, Onslaught declared that they wouldn't let Starscream forget the past, not without having to go through them first. They sprayed "SWINDLE LIVES" on a wall {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} thanks to Onslaught being informed by an anonymous informant, "[[Rattrap (BW)|DC-357]]", that Swindle was alive and had damaging info on Starscream. {{storylink|07:00:00}} Brawl, Blast Off, and Vortex got Onslaught a new grenade in light if the newly declared "Chosen One Day". {{storylink|Choose Me}}

Brawl rejoined [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] to prepare for Galvatron's conquest of Earth. Brawl and Needlenose led a team of Decepticons, including Onslaught, to the Space Bridge nexus, where they transported aboard the ''[[Ark-7]]'' to overpower the Autobots in Earth orbit. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} Brawl, Onslaught and the Decepticons engaged Arcee, [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] before the ship crashed into Shanghai, China. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} The Earth Defense Command's "mindbomb" felled several of the Decepticons within the first minute of the battle. After the Chinese Mecha Force began tearing through the Decepticons, Brawl was taken through the space bridge by Ironhide, but began fighting his way through the Autobots in a panic and reignited the fight at the other end. Barely surviving an attack by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], he and several Decepticons were able to slip away. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

Onslaught continued to search the underbelly of Cybertron for the missing Swindle, and as the [[Badgeless]] began to brutalise Decepticons for information, he became sure DC-357 was onto something. However, the other Combaticons, particularly Blast Off, became worried he was too focused on finding Swindle, costing them paying jobs. The idea of dropping the search made Onslaught storm off in a huff, failing to notice a new message from DC-357. Blast Off did catch it, however, and soon he donned a Badgeless disguise, joined a patrol, and as soon as he got a chance he shot a Decepticon dead and sent footage of it to the press. {{storylink|07:00:00}} With riots breaking out, Vortex and Brawl were eager to join in, but Onslaught held them back until Blast Off returned. Onslaught suspected the situation was orchestrated by Starscream so that the colonists would be made to turn against their cause, until Blast Off admitted to doing the killing by following DC-357's suggestion to provoke an uprising. Onslaught hit upon a sneaky plan: he started a large protest that marched on Starscream to shake the tree and see what happened, and when what happened was Ironhide was made head of the cops and opened them up to anyone who wanted. Onslaught then started a fight so that Blast Off could 'stop him' and 'denounce' his plans, thus getting into the police as someone Ironhide would trust. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

[[File:TheLineBetweenUs CombaticonsAntespace.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0|]]
Blast Off was able to use his position to eventually uncover surveillance footage of [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] taking Swindle. While Onslaught took Brawl and went to Rattrap's, Blast Off and Vortex barged into Wheeljack's home, and ultimately threatened to kill [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] unless Wheeljack talked. Wheeljack admitted that he and Rattrap had tried to save Swindle, but he was currently brain dead. Onslaught was unperturbed by Swindle's condition, and forced Rattrap to retrieve the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} Onslaught used the Enigma on himself and his team, forming [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], hoping that he might be able to access the dirt Swindle had on Starscream. As Bruticus rampaged through Iacon, within the combiner's psyche, Vortex reveled in the power that they wielded as Bruticus, Brawl was wallowing in pain after feeling Swindle's death, and Blast Off struggled to keep them all together. Eventually Onslaught found what he was looking for, and he, Brawl and Vortex began reveling in their path of destruction despite Blast Off's protests. Though [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] tried to appeal to the Combaticon combiner to help her take down Starscream with their evidence, it was to no avail. Eventually Ironhide was forced to fire a rocket at Bruticus' head, and the shock forced the Combaticons to disconnect. Windblade frantically tried to get the Combaticons to wake up to share what they had learned, but failed. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

The Combaticons were imprisoned and awaiting trial, though Ironhide was reluctant to prosecute them if their mental scarring proved too great. {{storylink|Ping}} They were still comatose when Starscream told the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to turn them to his side as one of his combiners. Though the Combaticons minds had imprinted on each other during their combination, making them susceptible to the process, one of the Combaticons was required to be aware of the deception in order to cover any holes in their story should the others get suspicious. Blast Off was chosen and bribed into accepting the deal after Starscream reminded him that Onslaught would never let the past go or ever take any real interest in him. As a result, the others Combaticons were made to believe that Onslaught's original deal with Starscream had worked out, with them having been his secret and loyal bodyguards, and that their forming of Bruticus had been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life with Starscream's approval. Starscream informed Ironhide that Airachnid would be testifying that the Combaticons had not been responsible for their actions as Bruticus. {{storylink|The Price of You}} Soon the Combaticons "resumed" their work of protecting Starscream, and Onslaught and Blast Off arranged a date. Shortly afterwards, Swindle was restored, with his memories manipulated as well. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

[[File:TheChosenOne CombaticonsImprisoned.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|They finally get Swindle back, then kick Blast Off out.]]
The Combaticons later provided security for the ceremony to welcome Earth into the Council of Worlds. When [[Iron Ring|a group of human assailants]] attacked, the Combaticons mobilized to fight back and evacuate Starscream. {{storylink|First Strike issue 1|First Strike #1}}

Onslaught and Vortex later ushered Circuit and Longtooth out of the Council chambers during Windblade's official return to her post, with Vortex daring the two reporters to resist. When Windblade invited people to speak with her one-on-one during her campaign to become the new leader of Cybertron, Brawl was an unexpected supporter of her war-free vision. Vortex and Blast Off later stood guard outside Starscream's office as Windblade confronted Starscream, and Blast Off was disturbed at Vortex's ideas for what they were doing. During the final debate, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, all of the Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus, and Blast Off was ostracized by the others for his role in their manipulation. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

===''Wings Universe''===
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1| DUM DUM DUUUUUUM!]]
The Combaticons were an [[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}} After they ended up getting captured by [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], the silver-tongued Decepticon manipulated the Combaticons to join him so they could prove their superiority over the rest of the Elite Guard. In return, he modified them so they could combine into Bruticus. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}

They attacked Elite Guard HQ, using their new combined form {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} and managed to slaughter most of the Elite Guard defenders, until [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] injured the giant, forcing them to separate. They departed the scene, assuming everyone to be dead. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}} Returning to Deathsaurus's base, they underwent repairs, though they were startled to learn that Deathsaurus could control their merging remotely. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} As the remnants of the Elite Guard tried to attack the base, the Combaticons joined the other Decepticons in defending it. However, as they tried to merge into Bruticus, they were blasted by some new arrivals {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} who were, it turned out, even more survivors of the massacre. Blast Off was captured and bound by [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], meaning the Combaticons were unable to form Bruticus for the rest of the battle. After Deathsaurus called a retreat, the team was slow to comply, and as a result 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}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:Kre-O Combaticons.jpg|thumb]]

Summoned by [[Starscream (Kre-O)|Starscream]] to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Onslaught, Brawl, Swindle, and a repainted Vortex rolled onto the scene. After they all declared their specialties, Onslaught, Brawl, and Swindle were irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. Even though the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex's constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. When Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, the Combaticons happily informed their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

Swindle was able to steal [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[transformation cog]], but his looking forward to being rewarded was interrupted when the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] tracked him down to take back his loot. The Combaticons combined to form Bruticus, but were defeated by the Protectobots' own combined form, [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and taken back to the Autobot base to have his injuries treated by the gentle [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]. {{storylink|Bad at Fighting? Rescue Team Protectobots, Dispatch!}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:ConstructiconsRisingPart4 Combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|]]
During the interwar period between the [[War of the Threefold Spark]] and the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the Combaticons; Onslaught, Blast Off, Vortex and Brawl; were agents of [[The Rise]] under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s command. After the devastation of [[Mayalx]], the Combaticons were sent to the colony to collect a bounty of [[energon cube]]s. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 4}}

When [[Exarchon]] returned, the Combaticons were summoned to Shockwave's bunker to meet with the ancient warlord. Though Blast Off had rocketed away after receiving a message, the other three pledged their loyalty to the Threefold Spark. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} No sooner had they arrived to reinforce him at his fortress in the [[Sonic Canyons]] did the Decepticons arrive and the Combaticons engaged them with the help of Exarchon's swarm of [[Skywarp drone]]s. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} The [[Companion]]s showed up to try and stop Exarchon only for all hostiles to retreat when [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] arrived. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}} When the Autobots and Decepticons returned for a united attack, the Combaticons rushed to Exarchon's defense only for the Threefold Spark to ultimately be trapped and destroyed. In the aftermath, Onslaught, Vortex and Brawl surrendered and were taken into Decepticon custody. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

Having been invited to join him on the damaged [[Winged Moon]] by [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], Blast Off helped his friend repair the satellite, managing to get the lights on by the time the Autobots arrived to seek refuge. {{storylink|Transformers: Fate of Cybertron|Fate of Cybertron}}

===Energon Universe===
[[File:TF2023 no. 9 – The Combaticons Corner Elita One.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right]]
Stationed in [[Shockwave's Tower|Shockwave's fortress]], {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 11|Transformers #11}} the Combaticons pursued [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] when she tried to rescue [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. After gunning down Vortex, Elita managed to flee with Magnus through a [[space bridge]] to Earth. Giving chase, Onslaught ordered the Combaticons to combine only for Elita to damage the space bridge, resulting in Brawl being bisected at the waist and him and Onslaught being cut off from the other Combaticons as the portal shut down. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9|Transformers #9}}

Dragging Brawl out of the way, Onslaught largely kept to himself as he waited for repairs to be effected to the space bridge. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 10|Transformers #10}}

After the space bridge was repaired, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] briefly returned to Cybertron, being greeted by Vortex, Blast Off and Swindle. Shockwave quickly brushed aside their concerns and ordered them to battle stations in anticipation of the fortress' high energon signature attracting Autobot rebels. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 11|Transformers #11}}

Standing guard at the space bridge, the Combaticons were at ground zero when [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] was kicked through. After Shockwave returned, he ordered the three to dispose of Cliffjumper before Optimus Prime arrived. Finding themselves outmatched by the Autobot leader, the Combaticons quickly fled the area. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 12|Transformers #12}}

After Optimus Prime had severed the space bridge link between Cybertron and Earth, a chunk of Cybertron broke off and landed in Earth's oceans, causing a tidal wave. Caught up in the event, Onslaught and Brawl were rescued by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]. Landing at the fragment of Cybertron, the two reunited with the other Combaticons, the group pledging fealty to Starscream. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 14|Transformers #14}}

After being fully repaired, the Combaticons were deployed into battle against Soundwave's faction, forming Bruticus as their opening salvo. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 15|Transformers #15}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
The Combaticons were a tight-knit unit of elite soldiers. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
[[File:G1Onslaught toy.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|"How come the other Combaticons aren't as tall as I am? Because I'm a natural-born leader, HAH!"]]
[[File:G1Vortex toy.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|"Ride the whirlwind! Slag, I got it wrong!"]]
[[File:Bruticus toy.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|"Rargh... humans transform Bruticus wrong... and blame Bruticus's design..."]]
*'''Combaticons''' (1986/1991)
**[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]
**[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]
**[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]
**[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]
**[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]

:*''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-69'''

:As a [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style [[combiner]] team, the Combaticon team includes four small toys, sold carded at the $5 price point, and one large leader toy, sold boxed for $12 or so and including all the combiner [[kibble]]. They were available as part of the 1986 and 1987 assortments. In most markets, the Combaticons were only sold as individuals; the combined [[giftset]] was only available in Japan and Italy.

:Like their counterparts, the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], the four small Combaticons feature unique transformation schemes. All have attachable weapons for their vehicle modes. Posability varies from figure to figure; Brawl and Swindle have knee and "elbow" joints (their shoulder joints are halfway down their arms), but their legs are conjoined at the knees. Blast Off and Vortex feature an early use of [[ball joint]]s in their shoulders, giving them near-universal range of motion, but are otherwise similarly limited.

:Like the other three original Scramble City teams, the small limbs can attach to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s robot mode, while the leader can be used to make an additional ramp/platform for Metroplex or [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]].

:All five Combaticons were later available as part of the [[Europe]]an ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line in 1991.

:The Combaticon molds have been frequently redecoed (and slightly retooled) over the years; they have been used to make ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]'' [[Battle Gaia]], [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Ruination. They are also a favorite for [[Knockoff|bootleg]] toy manufacturers to copy, sometimes sold with bizarre new names like [[Onslaught (G1)|Tugging Gun]], [[Swindle (G1)|Copter]], [[Blast Off (G1)|Secpmdary]], [[Onslaught (G1)|Steel Generals]], [[Blast Off (G1)|Secondary Brain]], [[Brawl (G1)|Panzer]], [[Vortex (G1)|Armament]], and [[Bruticus (G1)|Steel Hetman]].
{{--}}

===''Generation 2''===
*'''Combaticons''' (1993)
**Onslaught
**Brawl
**Blast Off
**Swindle
**Vortex

:A redeco of the Generation 1 molds that looks like they just went through a paintball war... and lost. They all combine and kick Superion's behind as the big, bad, battling Bruticus.

*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, 2012)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}
[[File:Generationstoy-G2Bruticus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"You all laughed when I wore these colors before.
WHO'S LAUGHING NOW!?"]]
: Bruticus is a G2-styled giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], containing [[redeco]]es of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Combaticons in their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors with G2-style Decepticon insignia. This may be considered a tie-in to Amazon's preorder bonus for the game: a "''Generation 2''"-themed skin for Bruticus.

{{--}}

===''Alternators''===
*'''Swindle''' (2004)

{{main|Swindle (G1)#Alternators}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
*'''Onslaught''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2008)
*'''Onslaught''' (Ultra, 2008)

{{main|Onslaught (G1)#Universe (2008)}}

[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy BruticusMaximus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' (2008)

: The ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Combaticons are [[redeco]]s of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Destruction Team]]. In this incarnation, Swindle is a helicopter and Blast Off is a tank, while their combined form is known as Bruticus Maximus for [[trademark]] reasons. They were only available as a Bruticus Maximus multi-pack.

: The Combaticons are identical to the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Combaticon (ROTF)|Combaticons]].
{{--}}

===''United''===
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' (2012)

:Released exclusively in Takara's 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 much greater emphasis on G1-accuracy. Additionally, the hand/feet/weapons previously cast in translucent coloured plastic are now opaque grey.

===''Kre-O''===
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''

:One of the first ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]] combiner sets, Bruticus includes four [[Kreon]]s: [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. These four component Kreons can be rebuilt into their alternate modes or taken apart and combined into Bruticus. While he is not included in the set, [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] was made available through the first wave of blind-bagged Micro-Changers and can be built onto Bruticus if you're feeling creative.

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CWBruticus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Peace]] [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|at]] [[Bruticus (WFC)#Generations|last.]] [[Transformers Unite Warriors|(Just kidding.)]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Blast Off''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Brawl''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Vortex''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Shockwave''' (Legends Class, 2016)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Designed in the "Scramble City" style, all four Deluxe Combaticons can each become either an arm or a leg, and come with double-barrelled guns that can transform into either a foot or a fist to complete the limb. The stock photography shows Blast Off and Vortex as arms and Swindle and Brawl as legs. Notably, he is the first 'classic' combiner in the [[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]] series to not have a 'replacement' member. Continuing the aforementioned theme, however, Blast Off is a jet (a redeco of [[Slingshot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Quickslinger]]) instead of a space shuttle or a tank. Shockwave transforms into the combiner robot's handheld weapon.

: Originally there were plans to have a running change in Onslaught's colors; initial shipments were to feature the Bruticus chest cast in silver for a Bruticus-accurate color scheme, while a tan Onslaught-accurate color scheme was also revealed. However, the tan variant never made it to retail.

:Like [[Defensor (G1)#Generations|Defensor]] before them, all four limbs were released in the same wave, making it much easier to complete a set.

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|CombinerWarsG2}}
[[File:CW-toy Bruticus G2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|TASTE THE RAINBOW. TASTE IT!!!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Weapons/combiner extremities, Onslaught's two guns, Blast Off's gun, Vortex's gun, Brawl's barrel rifle, Swindle's gun

: The whole <s>metamorphin' Dudicus</s> big, bad, battlin' Bruticus team was redecoed in their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' colors, packed with a sorta-generically ''Generation 2''-esque, vaguely-[[Action Master]]-version-ish deco'd version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Shockwave]]. However, despite being (broadly) accurate in their base colors, all of the Combaticons have Generation 1 insignias, while Shockwave comes with the movie version of the Decepticon faction symbol.

: There is no ''Generation 2''-colored version of the Space Shuttle Blast Off toy, sorry. You only get the jet.

: Weirdly, the ''backs'' of the antennae on Bruticus's head are painted silver, rather than the front where they'd be far more noticeable/make any amount of sense. On the other hand, the original ''Generation 2'' Bruticus had unpainted antennae, so hey.

: This version of the combiner was only sold as a complete team in a big box set, which also included a poster and a collector card based on the packaging art. This set was sold "exclusively" through multiple online outlets, though it eventually found its way to closeout retailers like TJ Maxx and Ross the following holiday season for well below its original price, alongside more or less all of the other "Collection Pack" semi-exclusives in the line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Bruticus/bruticus.htm More information on Generation 2 ''Combiner Wars'' Bruticus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[File:Combiner-Wars-Special-Edition-Deluxe-Blast-Off.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Blast Off''' (Special Edition Deluxe, [[2018]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Blaster, gun/fist/foot, [[The Fallen/toys#SpecialEdition|Megatronus]] [[Prime Master]]

:''Combiner Wars'' Special Edition Blast Off is a redeco of his [[#Unite Warriors 2|''Unite Warriors'' mold]], featuring a dark brown deco more accurate to his original toy (essentially, plastic colors almost identical to the original ''Combiner Wars'' jet figure), as well as Shuttler's reverse chest as compared to the ''Unite Warriors'' release. If desired, his torso can be disassembled and reassembled in the same configuration as the ''Unite Warriors'' release. As part of a trio of "Special Edition" toys celebrating the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'', he is packaged in a premium window box and includes a redeco of the [[The Fallen/toys#Generations|Megatronus]] [[Prime Master]] (sans [[Bomb-Burst (G1)#Generations|Bomb-Burst]] decoy suit) cast in translucent red plastic.

:Blast Off was first publicly revealed via preorder listings on Amazon and several Asia-based toy retailers without prior announcement from Hasbro.
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-UW07-Bruticus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Combatron Combined Soldier Bruticus''' (giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''English name:'' '''Decepticon Combaticons Combiner Bruticus'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The ''Unite Warriors'' release of the set includes a cartoon-accurate color scheme, and a new Blast Off mold.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Bruticus and Defensor.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb]]
*'''Guardian & Bruticus Set''' ([[December]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''71 & 72'''

:Released as part of the tenth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "[[Defensor (G1)|Guardian]]" (with his components [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Groove (G1)|Groove]], and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]) and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (with ''his'' components [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#71|Translation of Defensor's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:G1OddCombat.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Floro Dery does odd things.]]
*The Generation 1 cartoon [[character model]]s for the Combaticons look ''very'' little like their toys, much like the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. This would seem to have spawned from [[:File:G1-Combaticon-early-patent-sketches.jpg|early patent drafts]] that featured the ''bare'' minimum of details, which were then used as the basis for the early, non-final Combaticon models (pictured at right). From there, the models were revised to the point where the finished character designs and toys had very little in common. Unlike the Stunticons, however; the finished Combaticon models ''do'' replace the original head designs with toy-accurate ones, which were likely based on the figures' [[package art]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Combatron''' (コンバットロン ''Konbattoron''), '''Combaticon''' (コンバッティコン ''Konbattikon'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Zhàn Chē Duì''' (China, 战车队, "Combat Vehicles Team")
*''French:'' '''Combatican''' (Europe, "Combaticon")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Csatarobot''' ("Battle-robot")
*''Italian:'' '''Combacticon'''
*''Portuguese:'' '''Combatantes'''
*''Russian:'' '''Boevikon''' (Боевикон, "Thrillercon")

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Combaticons| Combaticon (G1)]]
[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 2 subgroups]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) subgroups]]
[[Category:Kre-O subgroups]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors subgroups]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe subgroups]]

Megatron (G1)/toys

2025-03-21T05:20:46Z

Orogogus: /* The Transformers */ avoid using "specialized" twice in the same sentence.

{{suite}}
[[File:G1 megatron boxart.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.95|CROTCH ACTIVATE!]]
Many toys have been made of '''[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'''. So many, in fact they have to get their own page!

Due to the popularity of the character and the evergrowing Generation 1 continuity family, this article had become far too large, causing internet browsers to struggle loading all of its contents—and in the most extreme cases—crashing entirely. For the sake of a nice clean split, we have opted to move all of Megatron's ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toys into a separate article which can be found '''[[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys|here]]'''.

==''The Transformers''==
[[File:G1Megatron toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|This photo needs an orange cap or someone might shoot the wiki. (''Hasbro release'')]]
[[File:G1toy japanese megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I blue myself. (''Takara release'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (Decepticon Leader, 1984 / 1985)}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''16'''
:*''Accessories (Hasbro release)'': Silencer, stock, telescopic sight/"fusion cannon", "high-density infrared [[laser cannon]]"
:*''Accessories (Takara release)'': Sword, "high-density infrared laser cannon", 20 bullets
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] and [[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the first year of the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toyline, Megatron transforms into an accurate replica of a Walther P-38 pistol... specifically, the unique Walther pistol seen in the popular 1960s spy television series ''{{w|The Man from U.N.C.L.E.}}'',<ref>"U.N.C.L.E. Special" Carbine at CIA Museum, [http://web.archive.org/web/20100324191047/https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/cia-museum/spy-fi-archives/item08.html archived version]</ref> with its specialized scope, silencer and stock. In robot mode, the sight doubles as his signature arm-mounted [[fusion cannon]], but can also be combined with the other attachments to form either a "[[Particle beam cannon|Particle Beam Cannon]]" weapons emplacement that Megatron can man, or a "Telescopic Laser Cannon" that connects to the figure as an over-shoulder weapons array. Megatron also came with a chromed silver "high-density infrared laser cannon" that plugs into either of his hands.

: The toy was originally the Takara ''[[Microman]]'' "Gun Robo - P38 U.N.C.L.E." (it also came in other colors with other accessories, which will come up later), which had several features that were altered or omitted from the Hasbro version. The Gun Robo featured a spring-loaded firing mechanism that allowed the toy to shoot ([[for safety reasons|dangerously small]]) plastic bullets one at a time from its barrel. A similar launching mechanism was also built into the stock piece, which could launch the bullets when the accessories were configured into their weapons emplacement mode, or attach to its hip when in robot mode and launch the bullets through his barrel. This feature was removed completely from the Hasbro release of the toy (rather than merely weakened like most launching gimmicks), though the ports into which the bullets were inserted are still present. The stock/scope/silencer pieces can also form a turret that a ''Microman'' figure can sit on and operate (that's what the tiny handles on Megatron's fusion cannon are for), but this feature was naturally left out of the ''Transformers'' version's instructions.

: Megatron has had several variations, reissues and [[redeco]]s released down through the years; this article strives to list each distinct edition of the toy under its own respective series. The earliest variation of the toy came in 1985, when (like all toys originally available in 1984) a factory-applied [[rubsign]] was added to Megatron's right arm, while another version had the rub sign on his left hip guard.

: The following year, when he was no longer a part of the toy assortment sold at retail, Megatron was made available as a mail-away item in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (G1)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed in with boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $21.50 and five [[Robot Point]]s. To coincide with the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 animated movie]] release, he was also offered in "[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]" mail-away pamphlet and came with a special "Movie Edition Certificate" and a round sticker that read "Movie . Edition . Transformer" with the Autobot symbol in the middle; this item is now considered particularly rare.

: Perhaps the most significant variant of Megatron released in these early years was the version of the figure released by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] in Japan. Instead of using the ''Microman'' "U.N.C.L.E." figure as Hasbro had, Takara released the ''standard'' version of the Gun Robo P-38 ''Microman'' figure, in its grey color scheme, which featured flat grey plastic on the chest and arms (where Hasbro's toy was chromed), and blue plastic on the inner arms and legs (where Hasbro's was red). Most notably, like that standard ''Microman'' figure, Takara's Megatron did not come with the stock, silencer and scope accessories (lacking even the attachment point for his cannon on his right arm), but instead came with a silver-chromed sword, and retained his original bullet-firing mechanism. Takara's [[package art]] for the figure was an entirely different illustration from the Hasbro version, showing this toy's accessories, but it still erroneously showed the figure with red plastic on its limbs. This coloration was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] by [[e-HOBBY]] for a new character named [[Megaplex#Toys|Megaplex]].

: Megatron is probably the most troubled ''Transformers'' toy in all of ''Transformers''<nowiki>'</nowiki> history, due to being originally developed in a country which had different toy [[For safety reasons#Firearm replicas|safety laws regarding firearm replicas]]. The measures required to alter the toy to not look a realistic firearm enough to be legally sold at retail vary from region to region, with even ''completely un-gun-like colors'' not being enough in some areas. This has of course prevented any reissues of the toy to be released in the US, where it is distressingly easy to own a ''real'' Walther P-38 handgun.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Megatron at TFU.info]''
::*[http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=ngAuAAAAEBAJ Patent info]
{{G1MegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VSX}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Convoy VS Megatron''' (Multi-pack, 1985)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''VSX'''
:*''Accessories'': Sword, "high-density infrared laser cannon", 20 bullets

: In Japan, Megatron was also made available in a special two-pack with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Optimus Prime]]. Both toys were identical to their individual releases. In Megatron's case, that means unchromed gray plastic, blue instead of red, and a functional firing mechanism and sword, instead of the scope, silencer and stock.

: This box also used an altered version of the individual release's box-art, turning his head sideways to face Prime, as opposed to the original's camera-facing head position.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoodBye}}
[[File:G1toy gb megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|''The world can be one together, Cosmos without hatred. Stars like diamonds in your eyes...'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Good Bye Megatron''' (Multi-pack, 1986)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Sword, "high-density infrared laser cannon", 20 bullets, targeting sight/fusion cannon

: Megatron was released again as part of a special "Good Bye" set to commemorate his passing ([[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|of sorts]]) in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', packaged with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Starscream]] (who also was now no more). Although it still lacked the chrome seen on the Hasbro version of the toy, this edition of the figure replaced the blue plastic seen on previous Takara releases with Hasbro's show-accurate red, and included the fusion cannon accessory for the first time with a Takara release, complete with the mounting point now added to Megatron's right arm. Though still lacking the silencer and stock, the toy retained its Japanese-exclusive sword accessory and its bullet-firing mechanism, with one modification: the bullets, formerly blue, were now red.

: Despite the change to the toy's colors, the box art on this set, the same art used for the [[Hasbro]] releases, was recolored to match the blue of the ''previous'' releases. Whoops.

{{-}}{{anchor|Galvatron}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Galvatron''' (Decepticon [[City Commander]], 1986)}}</ul>
{{main|Galvatron (G1)/toys}}

{{-}}{{anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[File:Neutro-fusiontanktoy1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Uh-oh! Visual interest!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Neutro-Fusion Tank with Megatron''' (Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicle, 1990)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Neutro-Fusion Tank, 4 missiles, "twin laser cannon"
{{toydesigner|[[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

: Released in the seventh and final year of the US ''Transformers'' line (sixth and non-final in Europe), [[Action Master]] Megatron is a 3¾-inch non-transforming action figure based heavily upon the character's animation model design. His construction is broadly similar to that used by the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' figures of the time, having a swivel neck, shoulders and knees, plus ball-jointed hips attached via a steel rod internally secured by a rubber "o-ring". His hands have standard 3 mm holes which allow him to hold any other accessory in the Action Master line, plus his feet have holes in the bottom to secure him to larger vehicles. On top of that, the hole in his back is compatible with [[5 mm post]]s.

: He came packaged with the [[Neutro-Fusion Tank]], a large tank vehicle whose hull could transform into a base/gun emplacement, with the turret forming a flight pod.

: In a fairly notable omission, ''Action Master'' Megatron did not come with the character's iconic fusion cannon accessory. In 1992, however, a Japanese fan sculpted his own cannon accessory, which could plug into the figure's arm using the shoulder peg-hole (seen in the image at right). In a surprising move, Takara gave this cannon their approval and allowed it to be officially sold with their copyright stamp at a Japanese convention {{fact|which one?}} for only one day, at the price of 2000 yen.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Action Master Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2001reissue}}
[[File:G1toy 2000 megatron reissue.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (Destron, 2001)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''16-S'''
:*''Accessories'': Silencer, stock, telescopic sight/fusion cannon, "high-density infrared laser cannon", sword, 20 bullets

: This reissue of the original Megatron figure combines the best aspects of the Hasbro and Takara versions into the most "complete" version of Megatron available at that point. The set features the chromed chest/arms and red plastic of the Hasbro release, and includes the silencer, stock and sight/cannon, while also coming with Takara's sword and functional bullet-firing mechanisms (and bullets, of course).

:This reissue was redecoed to make the simultaneously-available exclusive "Megatron Black Version" (see below).
{{G1MegatronMold}}
{{-}}

==''Collector's Edition''==
{{anchor|BlackG1}}
[[File:G1toy black megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|[[Black redeco|Blacktron]], nemesis of the Space Police.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron Black Version''' (Destron, [[2001]] / [[2009]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''16-S'''
:*''Accessories'': Silencer, stock, telescopic sight/"fusion cannon", "high-density infrared laser cannon", sword, 20 bullets

: Where the original Takara Megatron toy made use of one of the two color schemes of the original ''Microman'' MC-12 Gun Robo P38 toy, this redeco of the 2000 reissue Megatron is an homage to the ''second'', black color scheme for the ''Microman'' toy, though serving more as a "What If" for the black MC-12 if it had received the U.N.C.L.E. upgrade with chrome and red plastic like its grey and blue brother. Available exclusively through [[e-HOBBY]] and pre-orders at [[BotCon Japan 2000]], "Megatron Black Version" features dark gunmetal chrome, black plastic instead of grey, and distinctive metallic brown gun handle-grips, fists and "inner helmet". The chrome replaces the flat black plastic chest and arms of the original ''Microman'' toy, while the original MC-12's blue has been swapped to traditional Megatron/U.N.C.L.E. package red. The toy was limited to 1000 pieces.

: Sadly, the metallic brown plastic is the sparkly, swirled type and suffers from [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]]. Pegging the sword or rifle into the robot hands or attaching the stock to the handle in gun mode is highly inadvisable unless you only want to do it once.

: This set shipped out to buyers in February of 2001. e-HOBBY later reissued Megatron Black Version in February 2009, now in [[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]] packaging. This release includes a [[Destron Leader Megatron Black Ver.|mini-comic]] explaining the story behind the redeco.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2000/Destron/BlackMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Megatron Black Version at TFU.info]''
{{G1MegatronMold}}
{{-}}

==''Generation 2''==
[[File:G2Megatron toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|G2 Megatron is always ready for tank combat in one of Earth's many green and purple jungles.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Megatron''' (Decepticon, 1992)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle, 6 missiles, sight
{{toydesigner|[[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

: Owing to Hasbro's [[for safety reasons|inability]] to re-release the original Megatron because that toy was a pistol, ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' instead saw the release of an entirely new Megatron toy in 1992, now as a large green M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. His main gimmick is his gravity-fed cannon, which holds four of his missiles at once (the remaining two can store in clips inside his legs) and can rapidly launch them one after the other. Pulling back on the cannon's tab drops a missile into the firing tube and triggers a "lock and load" sound effect, and pressing the launch button is accompanied by a firing sound effect. In tank mode, pressing a panel on his forward section trigger's the toy's infamous battle cry of '''"Megatron Attack!"''', while pressing down on the tank body while it is on a flat surface activates engine noises.

: In robot mode, Megatron is, by the standards of the time, a very large robot, towering over all ''Generation 2'' incarnations of Optimus Prime. His legs are immobile, but he has upper shoulder rotation and elbow joints; when raised, his left arm triggers an electronic laser sound effect. His cannon and all its sound effects still work in this mode, as does his "Megatron Attack!" sound effect, now triggered by pressing down on the figure's head. Megatron also features an autotransforming gimmick on the head, as it pops out once the cannon is slid to the right.

: This sculpt was slightly [[redeco]]ed (with new stickers) as ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)#BWII|Beast Wars II]]'' [[Megastorm#Toys|Megastorm]].

: Furthermore, a [[retool]]ed version of the toy's lock-and-load shoulder cannon (or a new sculpt heavily based on it) was used as the main cannon on the [http://www.yojoe.com/sgtsavage/panther.shtml I.R.O.N Panther Tank] in the very short-lived 1995 ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' line ''Sgt. Savage and his Screaming Eagles''.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1993/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Generation 2 Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Hero}}
[[File:G2-toy Megatron Hero.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|By this point, the purple had almost completely taken over his body.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Megatron''' (Hero, 1993)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Megatron Missile Tank''' (メガトロンミサイル夕ンク)
:*''Takara ID number'': '''TRF-2'''
:*''Accessories'': Rifle, 2 air-launch missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

: Megatron was released again the following year as [[Hero (G2)|Hero]] Megatron: a smaller, but similarly styled tank based off the M1 Abrams. In both modes his main cannon is attached to a bellows that launches the included air-propelled missiles when quickly compressed. Both missiles can be kept on Megatron thanks to clips on his turret, which become his robot mode arms, which can also kinda simulate the "classic" Megatron arm cannon to boot by turning them so their warheads point backwards.

: Hero Megatron was designed with articulation in mind, so he is loaded with multiple swivel and universal joints, giving him far greater movement compared to his original ''Generation 2'' toy. However, it's really just friction that keeps his joints tight and his parts together in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] (no pegs or clips) so after a bit of time and play, he turns pretty floppy. The joints connecting his biceps to his shoulders are also reportedly easy to break due to overly-tight tolerances, so caution is advised.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Hero Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{G2HeroMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Go-Bot}}
[[File:Megatron-G2GoBot.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He'd be a better shot if he could only see over his hood-chest. (''Hasbro release'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Megatron''' (Go-Bot, 1995)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

: Part of the second assortment of [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], this version of Megatron is a mild [[redeco]] of the Autobot [[Blowout#Toys|Blowout]], transforming into a 1:64-scale sports car similar to a {{w|Porsche 959}} and through-axle construction. This not only makes him roll exceptionally fast in car mode, but also makes him largely compatible with playsets from the "[[Hot Wheels]]" and "Matchbox" toy-car lines.

: Megatron and Blowout share the same blue and black inner robot colors, but Megatron uses opaque silver plastic with a shiny metallic silver paint overcoat, as opposed to Blowout's smoky-clear plastic. (All of the toys from the first wave that had transparent plastics were released in this wave with opaques instead; Blowout and [[Firecracker#Toys|Firecracker]] became new versions of Megatron and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#GobotOptimusPrime|Optimus Prime]] respectively, while [[Gearhead#Toys|Gearhead]] and [[Motormouth#Toys|Motormouth]] stayed themselves.)

: In Europe, this deco was sold as Blowout himself rather than Megatron (at least in the French/Dutch/German packaging variant).

:[[File:G2-toy Megatron GoBotTakara.jpg|upright=1|left|thumb|(''Takara release'')]]

: Megatron was one of only three Go-Bots sold in the ''G-2'' line, but it was a... weird release. His hood was tampographed with a stylized "T" with the ''Transformers'' logo set within the top bar, the same deco that appears on Go-Bots [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Soundwave]], as well as the Japanese release of Go-Bots [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#GobotOptimusPrime|Optimus Prime]]. These three toys were sold on cards that were nigh-identical to the Hasbro cards on the front, rather than the usual ''G-2'' style packaging, with only a small bit of Japanese text on the front in the logo. The back side is stylistically close to the ''Generation 2'' packaging, but a "generic" cardback used for all three toys and entirely in Japanese. It's unclear why these toys were released this way; it's possible these were sold in convenience stores or some other similar outlet rather than in conventional toy stores/departments, and the toys are not even present in the normal ''G-2'' pack-in catalogs. Even more oddly, the Megatron shown on the cross-sell is actually a Frenzy with the car panels hand-painted back to silver, and lacks the "T" on the hood.

: This sculpt was also redecod for the third wave of Go-Bots to become [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Frenzy]], and later still into the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Spychanger]] [[Hot Shot (RID)#Toys|Hot Shot]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1995/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Go-Bot Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{G2BlowoutMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroRecolor}}
[[File:CombatHeroMegatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I AM POWERED BY UNOBTAINIUM!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Megatron''' (Hero, <s>[[1995]]</s>)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': rifle, 2 air-launch missiles

: This Megatron was to be a kinda-sorta "arctic"-camo version of the [[#Hero|Hero Megatron]] toy. Packaged samples of this toy were produced, but it was ultimately never released.

: Since much of the advertising for the ultimately unreleased redeco used an older, outdated name for the "Heroes" assortment, "Combat Heroes", Megatron and an [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#HeroRecolorOptimusPrime|equally unreleased redeco of "Hero" Optimus Prime]] are commonly referred to by fans as "Combat Heroes" compared to the original "Heroes" releases, although all evidence suggests that Hasbro had never actually intended such a distinction, instead treating them as mere color variants. Though the packaging is mostly unchanged (including a reuse of the existing packaging art depicting the original release's color scheme), one of the few minor alterations sees the addition of the name "Hero" (rather than "Combat Hero") to Megatron's name above the (otherwise unchanged) UPC barcode.

: At [[BotCon 1996]], a donated Hero Megatron redeco was one of the items in the charity auction, along with several other canceled ''Generation 2'' toys.

::*''[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Generation2/HeroMegatronProtoMOSC.html "Combat Hero" Megatron in packaging at Super Toy Archive]''
::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/generation+2/camoflague+megatron/3725 Image gallery of a loose "Combat Hero" Megatron at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{G2HeroMegatronMold}}
{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|ATB}}
[[File:G2toy ATB megs and screamer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Cancelled?! This is all YOUR fault, Starscream!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Advanced Tactical Bomber Megatron''' (Decepticon, [[1995]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 12 missiles, 2 missile launchers

: A redeco of ''Generation 2'' [[Dreadwing (G2)#Toys|Dreadwing]], this two-pack of Megatron and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ATB|Starscream]] was about as close to "cancelled" as a toy can get while still seeing the light of day at all: released only in test markets in [[Ohio]], USA in very limited quantities, and never getting a wider release. Some of the few known specimens have [[KB Toys|Kay-Bee Toys]] price stickers on their boxes. Megatron and Starscream combine to form a "flying wing" Advanced Tactical Bomber, with an under-slung six-missile gatling cannon that can rapid-fire six missiles by twisting the back end. Each wing can store three more missiles, which can "carpet-bomb" targets below by pressing the pressure-launch buttons above each. Removing Starscream from the jet mode triggers an autotransformation mechanism in Megatron's wings, folding them up and starting him on his way to his third mode as a treaded "tank." According to the Toy Fair 1995 Transformers presentation, the toy's missiles were intended to [[Glow-in-the-dark|glow in the dark]].

: This toy's deco was modified to make ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)#1998 (Beast Wars II)|Beast Wars]]'' [[BB (BW)#Toys|BB]] and [[Starscream (BW)#Toys|Starscream]] out of the same mold-set. Importantly, ATB Megatron uses light gray plastic rather than BB's silver plastic, lacks chrome on his wings, and has pale, supposed-to-glow-in-the-dark missiles rather than bright yellow. The missiles are also [[retool]]ed with a different, pointier back-end, indicating the launchers' interiors were also retooled; this tooling is completely different from the retooling done to each individual later use of the mold, meaning ''none'' of the missiles are interchangeable between them. Of course the stickers are also different, but those can be replicated and put onto a BB, so heads up!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/issue02/atbmegs.htm ATB Megatron in packaging at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/generation+2/+megatron+atb/3590 Image gallery of a loose ATB Megatron at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{G2DreadwingMold}}
{{-}}

==''Beast Wars''==
{{Note|Very early in the life of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toyline (before the debut of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon), Hasbro treated the series as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and so Megatron was presented as being the same character as Generation 1 Megatron.}}

[[File:BWtoy-MegatronBasic.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Go Gators!]]
*'''Optimus Primal VS Megatron''' (Basic Class Two-pack, [[1996]]/[[1997]])
**''Takara ID number:'' '''VS-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail
{{toydesigner|[[Takio Ejima]] (TakaraTomy), [[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

:The initial version of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Megatron transforms into a green alligator. The toy shares a mold with [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]], sporting different beast and robot mode heads and lacking the lizard's frill (though the screw hole for the frill bracket remains); as the two toys were released at the same time, it is unknown if one is a [[retool]] of the other, or if the mold was designed for both simultaneously. Megatron transforms via a spring-loaded one-step process, and his removable [[beast mode]] tail hides a non-firing blaster cannon that becomes a hand-held weapon for his robot mode.

:This mold was redecoed into the purple Megalligator ([[#CDgator|see below]]), released individually to be his own character [[Megalligator]] and a different redeco was proposed for the unproduced [[Albitron]]. The Iguanus version of the mold was redecoed into [[Crazybolt (BW)|Crazybolt]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1996/Predacon/MegatronGator/megatron.htm More information on ''Beast Wars'' Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{BWBasicMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BWultra}}
[[File:Bwmegatron toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Don't call him Barney.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Ultra Class, 1996)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''D-1'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles, "poisonous paralyzer fluid" water-squirting gun
{{toydesigner|[[Takio Ejima]] (TakaraTomy), [[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

: This version of Megatron transforms into a purple organic ''Tyrannosaurus rex'', and is loaded with multiple play features. His dinosaur head, which becomes his right hand in robot mode, features a [[water-squirting gimmick]] activated by opening the dinosaur's mouth, while his tail folds into a working plunger-operate pincer that forms his left arm. The outer shells of his dinosaur thighs conceal spring-loaded missile launchers that fire anchor-shaped projectiles, and like all larger ''Beast Wars'' figures of the era, he features a [[mutant head]], formed from two bat-like wing adornments that fold around his robot head.

: This mold was also used to make the ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobot]] [[T-Wrecks#Toys|T-Wrecks]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on ''T. rex'' Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{BWUltraMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VSS1}}{{anchor|CDgator}}
[[File:CDMegaligator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Because a solid grey alligator would just be silly.]]
*'''Amazon Showdown''' (Two-pack, 1997)
**''ID number:'' '''VS-S1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/tail

:This figure is a purple [[redeco]] of Megatron's alligator form ([[#Hero|likely taking his colors from the ''G-2'' Megatron toy]] released in Japan), and was sold with a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#VSS1|red and white redeco]] of the bat version of Optimus Primal. This toy was released with a bio that indicates him to be Generation 1 Megatron, having been a "Walther P38-type pistol robo" who evolved into a new form by scanning an alligator. The set also came with a CD-ROM featuring tech specs and video clips of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon cast and images to color.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1997/Destron/MegagatorJapan/megatron.htm More information on Amazon Showdown Megalligator at TFU.info]''
::*''[https://ameblo.jp/aburachoujin/entry-12545863577.html Review including CD-ROM images at aburachoujin's blog]''
{{BWBasicMegatronMold}}
{{--}}

==''Machine Wars''==
[[File:MW-toy Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And that's why Thundercracker turned green.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Basic Class, 1997)
**''Accessories'': 2-part rifle

: Sharing a mold with his concurrently-released ally [[Megaplex#Toys|Megaplex]] (using the [[#G2Flipchanger|above-described mold]] developed for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''), ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' Megatron transforms from a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet]] to robot mode with a spring-loaded one-step transformation. The two halves of his rifle store in the back of his robot mode legs.

: Oddly, the ''Machine Wars'' stock photos (and even the boxart) portray Megatron as the gray F-22 jet and Megaplex as the blue one, the ''opposite'' of the actual toys. This means that either the package designers made the mistake, or the toys were packaged on the wrong cards. The latter is more likely, since gray is more associated with Megatron than blue... but we list them how they were packaged, oh well. Like most other toys in the line, the boxart was recycled from an earlier figure, in this case from the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]] [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1997/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Machine Wars Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{MWMegaplexMold}}
{{--}}

==''Choro-Q Robo''==
[[File:Choroq megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Does he really count as ''Mega''tron at this size?]]
*'''Megatron TV Version''' (2001)
**''ID Number:'' '''Q/03'''
{{toydesigner|[[Kazutami Yasuhiko]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[Choro-Q|Choro-Q Robo]]'' Megatron is a small, cutesified transforming figure of the Decepticon leader. He is the only ''Choro-Q Robo'' Transformers figure that does not come with a weapon accessory, but after all, he does turn ''into'' a gun. In a bizarre and hilarious touch, Megatron has wheels on his base and barrel, so that he can share the common feature of the ''Choro-Q Robo'' figures: a pull-back motor!

:Sadly, Megatron's gray plastic is ''extremely'' prone to [[Photodegradation|yellowing]] even when not exposed to sunlight and becomes brittle just as quickly, shattering to bits easily. Some copies of the black version also have embrittlement issues.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2001/Destron/ChoroQMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Choro-Q'' Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Choro-black}}
*'''Megatron Black Version''' (2001)
**''ID Number:'' '''Q/04'''

:This version of ''Choro-Q Robo'' Megatron is a redeco of the first, decked out in a metallic color scheme based on the "Black Version" of the reissue of the Generation 1 figure released earlier that year.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2001/Destron/ChoroQBlackMegs/megatron.htm More information on ''Choro-Q'' Black Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''The Transformers Collection''==
{{anchor|TFCMegatron}}
[[File:G1toy tfc megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I LOVE YOU KITCHEN GUN]]
*'''Megatron''' (2002)
**''ID number:'' '''6'''
**''Accessories'': Silencer, stock, telescopic sight/fusion cannon, "high-density infrared laser cannon", sword, 20 bullets, [[energon mace]], mouse pad
{{toydesigner|[[Pat Lee]] (packaging artist)}}

:The original Generation 1 Megatron figure was again reissued in 2002 as part of Takara's ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' series. This release was identical to the previous "D-16 Special" reissue above, in that it featured the colors of the Hasbro release of the toy and all the accessories of both the Hasbro and Takara versions, but this time it also included a new [[energon mace]] weapon which plugs over Megatron's hand, as used by the Decepticon leader in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] episode "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]". Much like the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|"New Year Special"]] version of Optimus Prime released the previous year, Megatron also came with a sheet of Decepticon [[insignia]] stickers of different sizes, and a Decepticon mouse pad.

: If ordered in several non-Japan sites like BigBadToyStore, Megatron comes with an orange tip installed on his barrel.

: This version of the toy was used to make [[Megaplex#Collector's Edition|Megaplex]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm More information on Transformers Collection Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{G1MegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|TFCStarscream}}
[[File:TFC09ScreamerHoldingMegs.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Sometimes I just... want to be held.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Transformers Collection, 2003)
**''ID number:'' '''9'''

: A diminutive version of Megatron in his Walther P-38 mode was included as a new accessory with the ''Transformers Collection'' release of Starscream. Needless to say, he doesn't transform, but can be held by Starscream in both modes. Megatron's handle disconnects to reveal a peg, which can then be inserted into either of Starscream's fists, which were specifically resculpted for this purpose. Each fist also features a tab on its underside, into which Megatron's handle can be inserted, completing the effect. Megatron can also attach to Starscream's jet mode; the right-hand side of Megatron's handle features a square peg which is designed to fit snugly in gaps in Starscream's pectorals, as in the Generation 1 episode, "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]". Unfortunately, this peg has, for no fathomable reason, been cast in the same sky blue color as Starscream's hands, unnecessarily making it ''as obtrusive as humanly possible''. An additional tabbed right fist for [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] (complementing his then-upcoming ''Transformers Collection'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers Collection|Convoy]] release) was included as well.

: Megatron's post is compatible with [[5 mm post|5 mm post]] fist holes, provided there is sufficient clearance for both the trigger and the back of the gun, and if you don't mind not using the handle.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/AnimeStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Transformers Collection Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Commemorative Series''==
[[File:TF-Commemorative-Series-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|Did NOT kill Squadron X.|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (<s>200?</s>, unreleased)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Silencer, stock, telescopic sight/fusion cannon, "high-density infrared laser cannon", sword
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]]}}

: Hasbro attempted to include the original Generation 1 Megatron toy in their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' of reissues, but his realistic-gun-ness posed [[for safety reasons|a challenge]]. In an attempt to convince Toys"R"Us (the retailer through whom the line was exclusively available) to carry the toy, ''Transformers'' Lead Designer, [[Aaron Archer]] worked on a proposed extensive redeco of the figure, replacing its silver chrome with blue and its grey plastic with bright orange, including the tip of his silencer, in accordance with standard safety measures taken with toy guns. Even this was not enough to convince the chain to release the figure and it was shelved, but the design was shown to fans at [[BotCon 2002]], where it was noted that a potential way to the market the unusually-colored toy would have been to brand it as "'''Lava Megatron'''", depicting the Decepticon leader after his dunk in lava at the end of the cartoon episode, "[[Heavy Metal War]]". Fans, however, had another nickname for it that became better known: "'''Safety Megatron'''". Notably, this version of the toy would apparently have come with Megatron's Japanese-exclusive sword accessory.

:The same images were later shown at [[BotCon 2005]]. Sadly, photography was not allowed at either panel the toy was shown at.

:*''[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=177341559109628&set=a.129078730602578.24553.129076873936097&type=1&theater Images of "Safety Megatron" on The Spacebridge's facebook page]''
{{G1MegatronMold}}
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Smallest Transforming Transformers''==
[[File:STFMegatron toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Not 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime's gun.]]
*'''Megatron''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''GTF 07'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon/scope

: ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Megatron was released in the second wave of the diminutive Takara toyline, including only his fusion cannon. Easily the most complex of the ''Smallest Transforming'' figures, Megatron is a just-barely-simplified version of his original Generation 1 toy, possessing the same [[transformation scheme]] and retaining most of his articulation. The transformation step involving sliding his chest upwards away from his hips is extremely difficult and will usually result in the chest popping off; this is fixable.

:Just as ''Smallest Transforming'' Optimus Prime's trailer was released as a separate figure in the line, so too were a set of silencer and stock attachments originally intended to be released for Megatron in the line's third wave. Unfortunately, this wave, and most of the other original figures it was set to contain, was cancelled, and so Megatron was left under-armed.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2004/Destron/SmallestMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|smallestvsx}}
[[File:Wst vsx megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Convoy vs Megatron''' (multipack, 2004)
**''ID Number:'' '''VSX'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon/scope

:Available exclusively as a freebie through the September 2004 issue of [[Dengeki Hobby]] magazine, this ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' two-pack contains both Optimus Prime and Megatron, in homage to the original 1984 "VSX" giftset containing the original versions of the two leaders. While Optimus is unaltered from his original release, Megatron takes the homage a little further, removing the swirled pattern from the original figure's chest and replacing the red plastic with blue to emulate the original Takara version of the full-size Generation 1 figure.
{{--}}

==''Robotmasters''==
{{anchor|reverseconvoy}}
[[File:RMtoy reverse convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|My Convoy counterpart is nearby. Real nearby.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Reverse Convoy''' (2005)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''RM-24'''
:*''Release date'': [[May 26]], 2005
:*''Accessories'': "Reverse Blaster", missile

: The only release in the seventh wave of Takara's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' toys, Reverse Convoy is a [[redeco]] and [[retool]] of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[#Hero|"Hero Megatron" toy]], transforming into a heavily modified blue and tan [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|M1 Abrams tank]]. In addition to a new "[[Reverse Convoy]]" head that flips out of the same compartment as the head on the original version of the mold, the toy features a brand new "Mega Blaster" cannon assembly that houses most of the toy's new features. The Mega Blaster fires a spring-loaded blue missile, and the rear of the cannon can be removed and transformed into the hand-held "Reverse Blaster" weapon, featuring twin barrels and a rack of six (non-removable) missiles. Once the Reverse Blaster is removed, the toy's "Rebirth Megatron" head can be rotated out from the back of the cannon to take the place of Reverse Convoy's head between the figure's shoulders.

: The toy still retains the opening panels on its forearms, despite no longer featuring the large missiles they are designed to store.

: The original version of this mold was use to make [[Archforce#Toys|Archforce]] and [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Bludgeon (RID 2001)#Toys|Bludgeon]] (which has been [[Repurposing|repurposed]] to also be ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Bludgeon (SG)|Bludgeon]]) and [[Yellow Megatron]].

: This toy was later [[repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Brightes]] and as [[Blue Megatron]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/ReverseConvoy/reverseconvoy.htm More information on Reverse Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{G2HeroMegatronMold}}
{{--}}

==''Masterpiece''==
{{anchor|Masterpiece}}
[[File:GunmodeMegsMasterpieceConvoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bang bang! He shot me down! Bang bang! I hit the ground...]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime included an accessory of Megatron in his classic Walther P-38 altmode. Although non-transforming, it is quite detailed and includes the individually removable silencer / barrel extension, scope, and (hinged) stock. Although notionally [[scale]]d to be wielded by Prime, Megatron is really rather small, so a diagonal sliding joint is added to his handle, allowing it to be lengthened and narrowed enough so that Prime can actually hold it. Both the stock and the sliding butt-end of the handle are made of a soft, rubbery vinyl, compared to the hard plastic of the other pieces. The stock extension connecting clamp is prone to breakage, much to the chagrin of owners who keep theirs sealed and untouched.

:Needless to say, the later-released ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Starscream]] (and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|his]] [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|redecoes]]) can also hold this version of Megatron, and each include a small round clip that plugs in under their nosecones, allowing them to wield Megatron while in jet mode, as Starscream did in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]".

:As the ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold has been has re-released multiple times, so too has Megatron. He was made available again without changes as an accessory for Takara's MP-4, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP4|Convoy Perfect Edition]]" and MP-1L, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP1L|Convoy Last Production]]", and Hasbro's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|DVD Edition]]", but has also been redecoed several times: these distinct new versions of Megatron are listed below.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/20thPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MPGold}}
[[File:MPtoy gold megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|This thing was badass in ''GoldenEye''.]]
*'''Convoy''' (Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:Offered as part of a Lucky Draw campaign in August 2004, this extremely rare version of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MPGold|''Masterpiece'' Prime]] is almost entirely vacuum-metalized gold, lacking any other painted detail or stickers. The same is true of the Megatron accessory, who is all chromed golden save for the butt of his handle and his stock, which are metallic golden plastic.

::*''[http://www.goldoptimusprime.com/ More information on gold ''Masterpiece'' Convoy at GoldOptimusPrime.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MP2}}
[[File:MPtoy magnus megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Ultra Magnus''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-2'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:When ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime was recolored to become [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ultra Magnus]], Megatron received a new coat of paint as well: the black and brown color scheme of his ''Micro Change'' progenitor, which had previously been used on the e-HOBBY exclusive "Megatron Black Version".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/UltraMagnus/ultramagnus.htm More information on Masterpiece Ultra Magnus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MasterpieceMegs}}{{anchor|MP5}}
[[File:MP05 megatron.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|You will pay dearly for this. Literally and metaphorically...]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[March 29]], 2007)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-5'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon, energon mace, energy dagger, laser pistol, [[Kremzeek]] figure
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Scaled to the same height as ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime and designed in only twelve days by [[Hisashi Yuki]],<ref name="mpmegsdev">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-masterpiece-47/takaratomy-staff-interview-hisashi-yuki-on-masterpiece-180888/ TakaraTomy Staff Interview - Hisashi Yuki on Masterpiece]: - I hear the first Masterpiece figure you created was MP-5 Megatron and you hold the fastest development record with it.
[Yuki]: That is right. (*laughs) I was not assigned to be in charge of it initially, but due to the circumstance within the company I was unexpectedly handed down the project. The schedule came with it and I was stunned when I realised that I was only given 12 days, about 2 weeks...To make it worse, at the time of my receiving the task, even the product size wasn't decided. (*tears)</ref> ''Masterpiece'' Megatron is an incredibly complex figure—potentially one of, if not ''the'', most complicated ''Transformers'' toys to date—designed to depict a fairly [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Megatron capable of transforming into a realistic (if oversized) Walther P-38. In achieving this seemingly impossible goal, Megatron winds up with the least articulation of the ''Masterpiece'' line, as well as a notably low percentage of die-cast metal.

: Like Prime before him, Megatron comes with several of his iconic accessories from the Generation 1 cartoon: his energon mace from "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2", the energy dagger and laser pistol used in his duel against Prime in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', and a tiny translucent [[Kremzeek#Masterpiece|Kremzeek]] figure. His fusion cannon also contains a powerful red LED activated when the round detailing on the side of his cannon is pressed. Unfortunately, Megatron lacks the extended-stock and silencer parts to complete his gun mode, leaving him as a standard pistol aside from the mounted-scope made from his Fusion Cannon.

: Due to concern surrounding updated realistic toy gun laws, some online importers modified ''Masterpiece'' Megatron in order to safely get the toy through United States customs. This customarily involved inserting plugs into the tip of the toy's barrel, from rounded red ones affixed by adhesive to [[:File:HLJplug.jpg|flat-tipped yellow ones]] that could be easily removed. Ultimately, there were no reports of problems with the toy making its way into America, but Australia was another matter. Considered a replica gun and therefore a "restricted import" by Australian Customs, both mass shipments and individual packages of the toy were seized, requiring buyers in some areas to obtain a special permit to own him.

: Given the relatively thin clips throughout the toy to hold it tightly together in gun mode, Megatron's plastic components are particularly prone to breakage, especially on the clips on the upper black grip plates and some of the silver sections near the trigger. Many owners of this figure have also reported rust and tarnish problems on what few metal pieces he has; if your Megatron is a sufferer, check out [http://seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?t=16106 this guide] for solutions.

:The mace's chain was was reused 16 years later for [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] [[Deathsaurus (G1)#Legacy|Decepticon Deathsaurus]].<ref>[https://youtu.be/bGfJQ62ImYc?t=1765] EP1 test shot walkthrough with [[Evan Brooks]]</ref>

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Destron/MPMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Masterpiece Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MP1B}}
[[File:MPtoy eldedroid megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|... Don't suppose these are [[Megaplex#Collector's Edition|Megaplex]]es now, are they?]]
*'''Convoy Black Ver.''' ([[November 21]], 2009)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-1B'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:The version of Megatron included with this black redeco of Prime—representing a mass-produced [[Eldedroid]]—was much the same as the original accessory, but with dark metallic silver paint.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP4S}}
[[File:MPtoy sleep mode megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now even ''more'' breakable!]]
*'''Convoy Sleep Mode''' (June 2010)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-4S'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:Just as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#sleepmode|this release]] of Optimus Prime was recolored in the faded black and grey hues of he took on with his death in ''The Transformers: The Movie'', so too did his Megatron accessory get a movie-themed makeover: this Megatron is cast entirely in translucent purple plastics, evoking the scene of his transformation into Galvatron from the film, in which he is first reduced to a transparent purple wireframe model.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP13}}
[[File:TRU Masterpiece Soundwave-MegatronGun.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' ([[January 26]], [[2013]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-13'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:A [[repaint]] and [[retool]] of the Megatron gun originally included with MP-01 and his redecos, the '''Megatron gun''' included with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece 2|MP-13 Soundwave]] has been retooled in response to the breakage issues the original version suffered from. Both the sliding butt-end of the handle and the stock have been molded in hard plastic instead of the soft rubbery vinyl of the MP-01 version. A joint has been added to the stock connection point on the handle; for the joint in the stock itself, a straight pin has replaced the original rivet-style pin the softer plastic required. The stock itself no longer emulates the transforming accessory from the G1 toy, and instead features a smaller cylindrical shaft that more closely resembles the original U.N.C.L.E Special. In terms of deco, the minute red paint application on the scope is omitted.

{{anchor|HasbroMasterpieceSoundwave}}
*'''Soundwave''' (2013)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-02'''
**'''09 OF 30'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:The [[Hasbro]] version of ''Masterpiece'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Soundwave]] also comes with the Megatron gun. It is seemingly unchanged.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP13B}}
[[File:Megatron mp-13b.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Now in cherry flavor.]]
*'''Soundblaster''' ([[February 22]], [[2014]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-13B'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:A [[repaint]] and [[retool]] of the Megatron gun originally included with MP-01 and his redecos, the '''Megatron gun''' included with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#MP13B|MP-13B Soundblaster]] features the same retooling as the version released with MP-13 Soundwave, although this time the pieces are cast in translucent red plastic. The only paint application is a silver Decepticon symbol.

{{-}}{{anchor|MasterpieceGoldMegs}}{{anchor|MP5G}}
[[File:MasterpieceGoldMegs.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Does not come studded with Swarovski Elements]]
*'''Megatron Gold Ver.''' (December 2014)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-5G'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon, energon mace, energy dagger, laser pistol, [[Kremzeek]] figure, [[Reflector (G1)#MP5G|Reflector]] figure

: A gold redeco of the original MP-5 mold, Megatron Gold Version is a Hasbro Asia release under the TakaraTomy label (making it the first TakaraTomy Masterpiece to not be released, thus far, in Japan). It comes with all the same accessories as the original release as well as a new, non-transforming Reflector in camera mode.

: This toy was used as "[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects Special Comic (1)|Gold Megatron]]," Megatron's super-iest duper-iest [[Super Mode|super mode]] in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP11SW}}
*'''Skywarp''' (January [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-11SW'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:The Asia only MP-11 version of [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#MP11SW|Skywarp]] comes with the original MP-1 version of the Megatron gun.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP29}}
*'''Destron Laserwave''' ([[March 26]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-29'''
**''Accessories'': Left and right fists, translucent right fist, gun barrel (opaque and translucent), saluting right hand (opaque and translucent), "Laser Vulcan", stand, die-cast Megatron Gun accessory (Asia reissue)

:When reissued by Hasbro Asia in 2016, ''Masterpiece'' [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Laserwave]] included a non-transforming diecast Megatron gun accessory which could be held by Laserwave. The accessory is similar, but not identical, to the Megatron gun included with MP-01/MP-13. Of particular note, the very detailed single-piece accessory is sculpted with the barrel extension and scope, but not the stock, and features the loop/swirl pattern found on the original toy's robot mode chest.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP36}}
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-36-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|US/Australia import ban awaiting to happen.]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[April 1]], [[2017]]/[[January 27]], [[2018]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-36'''
**''Accessories'': Fusion cannon/scope, stock, silencer, energon mace, jointed chain for mace, angry face, smiling face, neutral face, damaged face, chestplate, damaged chestplate, clone control helmet, energy dagger, laser pistol, [[Key to Vector Sigma#MP36|Key to Vector Sigma]]
{{toydesigner|[[Yuki Ohshima]] (concept artist)}}

:The second ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' version of Megatron transforms from a more accurate-looking and well-articulated robot mode into a more realistically-sized gun; those extra design goals make this figure's transformation even more challenging than the 2007 figure (and, really, anything else). He comes with the stock and silencer parts for the gun that the MP-5 mold was missing, which can be combined to create both the "telescopic laser cannon" and "particle beam cannon" arrays the pieces were capable of forming on the Generation 1 toy; the stock also transforms into a "flight stand" that can support the figure in mid-air. In addition to his "regular" face, Megatron has alternate angry and smiling faces, plus a fourth, damaged face that, together with an alternate damaged chestplate, replicates his injuries from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. When his face is removed, it exposes a detailed recreation of the interior of his head as it was shown during the "x-ray" sequence in the film, when he was reformatted into Galvatron.

:Like the previous ''Masterpiece'' figure, Megatron comes with the pistol and energy dagger used during his battle with Prime in the movie, and his energon mace from "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2," which this time comes with a jointed plastic chain that allows the weapon to be posed dynamically, in addition to a regular, "real" chain. Finally, he also comes with a diecast Key to Vector Sigma from the [[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1|two]]-[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2|part]] Generation 1 cartoon episode of the same name, and the clone control helmet he wore in "[[A Prime Problem]]."

:Unfortunately, this figure is prone to paint damage on areas that scrape together during transformation. Significant care must be taken when covering the robot face with the chestplate (or you can just take the face off beforehand as a precaution). It is apparently impossible to attach the silencer without scraping some paint off the gun barrel, not helped by the fact of some copies having the silencer stuck due to the inner plastic piece meant to slide inside the gun barrel being too thick.

:Megatron holds the distinction of being the first ''Masterpiece'' figure with a soundbox, activated by pressing a button on the fusion cannon, with a red switch to give a selection. The three positions of the cannon's sliding switch now denote a singular laser noise, the transformation sound effect (played forwards and backwards), and five speech clips by his Japanese voice actor, [[Seizō Katō]]: "Wa-ha-ha-ha, kono orokamono-me!" (Bwah ha ha ha! You fools!), "Eei, Cybertron o hineri-tsubuse!" (Hrr--crush the Autobots!), "Kono yaku-tatazu mono ga!" (You're all useless!), "Eei, hakai shite kureru wa!" (Grrah, I'll destroy you!), and "Destron gundan, transform!" (Decepticon army, transform!). Due to Katō's death three years prior, Megatron's clips were reused from the 2005 reissue Galvatron.

:When purchased in some non-Japanese online stores like [[BigBadToyStore]], Megatron comes with an orange plug.
{{note|DAMMIT!}}

:On the other hand, Megatron also comes with a [[collector coin]], if bought in Asian countries outside of Japan.

:This figure was reissued by TakaraTomy on [[January 27]], [[2018]].

{{-}}{{anchor|MP36Plus}}
[[File:Masterpiece-MP-36+Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| I have fewer accessories than the other one while being more nostalgic, I'm just as difficult to transform, but your money is in your hands right now, oh whatever shall you do?]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[December 29]], [[2018]])
**''ID number'': '''MP-36+'''
**''Accessories'': Fusion cannon/scope, stock, silencer, toy-accurate face, neutral face, angry face, smiling face, chestplate, cartoon-accurate chestplate

:A redeco of MP-36, this Megatron replicates his [[#Generation 1|Generation 1 toy's appearance]], complete with vacuum-metalized parts and several stickers. Subsequently, most of the original MP-36 accessories are omitted, such as the Key to Vector Sigma, Clone Control Helmet, and the 1986 movie accessories. However, it maintains all face plates based from the MP-36 mold, but with yellow eyes, and suitable for either figure, as well as adding a shiny chromed version of the cartoon-accurate chest plate, for those who prefer to interpret the Megatron's coloring in the cartoon as silver rather than gray.

:In aid of the "toy-accurate" theme, Megatron's gun barrel is now nominally positioned next to his right hip rather than on his back; this required no retooling as it can also be achieved with the regular MP-36. Among the toy-accurate deco enhancements is the addition of Decepticon logos onto the handle of the gun mode. Due to the transformation pattern, these logos end up [[Wikipedia:tramp stamp|amusingly placed]] on his butt.

:When purchased from a seller supplied by Hasbro Asia, MP-36+ comes with a collector coin. The coin and the card it's mounted on appear almost identical to the one included with the original version, except for a "+" added on the reverse side of the coin, and the "2018" date stamp on the back of the card.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP52}}
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-52-Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Starscream Ver. 2.0''' ([[June 26]], [[2021]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-52'''

:The all-new-for-2021 ''Masterpiece'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP52|Starscream]] includes his own Megatron gun mode accessory, produced without a removable scope or stock. Megatron can peg underneath Starscream's fuselage in his vehicle mode, or his handle can extend for Starscream to wield him in robot mode.

:Despite a history of many ''Masterpiece'' Starscreams and many gun mode Megatron accessories, this is the first time that a ''Masterpiece'' Starscream has actually ''included'' a Megatron!

{{-}}{{anchor|MP52Plus}}
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-52-Skywarp.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Skywarp Ver. 2.0''' ([[December 25]], [[2021]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-52+'''

:MP-52 Starscream's redeco [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#MP52|Skywarp]] also includes the same Megatron accessory, now painted in a slightly darker grey.
{{--}}

==''Titanium Series''==
[[File:TitaniumGIJoeHeroesMegatron toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|THE BOX OF DOOM.]]
*'''Megatron''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Stand with nameplate
{{toydesigner|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

:Part of the very first wave of six-inch ''[[Titanium Series]]'' toys, Megatron was inspired by [[Dreamwave Productions]]' first ''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe]]'' comic book series, set in an alternate-reality World War II. Since the gun mode Megatron sported in that story was nonviable as a toy, this toy features a newly-designed tank alternate mode of made-up model. The backstory of the Megatron from the crossover, including references to Cobra, was retained on the package, make it the first U.S. figure ever produced as part of a ''G.I. Joe / [[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' crossover.

:The toy suffers from a number of unusual shortcomings, and proved a rather hefty [[shelfwarmer]]. Notably, due to a large number of [[design flaw]]s, it is known to fall apart very easily, with the crotch coming undone with minimal force and the arms and legs often popping off over the course of basic transformation or even movement. In particular, the lower body is attached to the torso by very thin open clips, unsuited for holding up the weight of entirely [[die-cast]] legs, and the lower arms, which need to be pulled out, are extremely liable to disconnect from their balljoints rather than extending properly. Many of the joints are also extremely loose, owing to both poor construction and the excessive weight of the limbs.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/TitMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Titanium Megatron at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.yojoe.com/archive/actfig/tmegs/ Packaging images and text at YoJoe.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TiWarWithin}}
[[File:Megatrontitaniumtww.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|THE... NAP OF DOOM?]]
*'''War Within Megatron''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Arm cannon, shield, stand with nameplate
{{toydesigner|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

:The second ''Titanium Series'' Megatron is based on his [[Transformers: The War Within|''War Within'']] design and was initially shown at [[BotCon 2006]], and was released in spring of 2007. Like the original comic book design, his robot mode has a removable arm cannon and shield. In contrast to his previous ''Titanium'' toy, this Megatron has a more posable robot mode, but a fairly unimpressive alternate mode with a transformation that consists of little more than lying the toy on its back and attaching the gun/shield. There is a small clip on the back of the toy which designer [[Don Figueroa]] said was to hold his sword, seen in the comic book, but that accessory was ultimately not produced.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/TitTWWMegatron/megatron.htm More information on War Within Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|WarWithin2pack}}
[[File:Titanium war within 2pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|NAP OF DOOM ''IN'' A BOX.]]
*'''War Within Optimus Prime vs. War Within Megatron''' (Two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Arm cannon, shield
{{toydesigner|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

:This [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] ''Titanium'' two-pack includes the previously-released ''War Within'' Megatron and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Titanium|Optimus Prime]] figures along with a copy of [[The War Within issue 5|''The War Within'' #5]] with an exclusive variant cover. Despite being mentioned in the joint [[instructions]] leaflet for the set, the display bases which came with the individual releases of the figures are not included.

:As the mass retail release of the last waves of the ''Titanium'' "Cybertron Heroes" figures was delayed for several months, this two-pack release Megatron was initially more widely available than the individually-sold one. The pack itself was available in two variations: One version has the Optimus Prime figure more or less identical to its individual release, whereas the other one drops the additional black paint weathering, making him much cleaner-looking.
{{--}}

==''Classics''==
{{anchor|Classics (2006)}}
[[File:Megatronclassicstoy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Foam Darts Sold Separately]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, 2006)
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takio Ejima]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:After years of tanks and jets, ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Megatron finally found a way to take Megatron back to his root as a transforming gun, complete with a working crosshairs in his scope and a spring-loaded clicking trigger. Described on-package as a "fusion blaster", Megatron's gun mode is apparently based on a [[:File:N-strike maverick.jpg|Nerf N-Strike Maverick blaster]], and decked out in a [[for safety reasons|safety-regulation-friendly]] color scheme consisting of lots of green and purple (in an apparent homage to his old ''Generation 2'' colors), plus bright orange on both the tip of the barrel and the scope. Years later, it would be discovered that, for currently unknown reasons, the bright color of this orange plastic would fade over time, even if not directly exposed to sunlight.

:Early [[stock photography|official Hasbro photographs]], including those appearing on the toy's [[packaging]], show the gun mode's trigger and other small parts as being orange, those parts were gray in later stock photography and the final release. They also depict Megatron with noticeably different "eyebrow" [[paint operation]]s that matched those of the original Megatron toy, consisting of two small black triangles on his gray plastic forehead. The finished toy inverts this, painting most of his forehead black and leaving the triangles unpainted grey.

:In a glaring example of poor [[quality control]], the back of the packaging reads "working scope becomes anti-proton pulse ''[[canon]]''!"<ref name="canon">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/classics/megatron/928/2/20/ ''Classics'' Megatron's packaging misspells "cannon" as "canon".]</ref>

:''Classics'' Megatron was redecoed in Japan [[#Henkei! Henkei!|as part of]] the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' line by [[TakaraTomy]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Classics Voyager Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimateBattle}}
[[File:Classicstoy ultimate battle megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Former moonwalker extraordinaire.]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle''' (Deluxe Class versus set, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takio Ejima]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: "Ultimate Battle" Megatron evokes his ''Generation 2'' form as a green tank. Like his pack-in partner, who has a spinning "power punch" action, Megatron features a similar "spinning dervish action" gimmick, his right arm ending not in a fist but a bladed polearm which whirls around with the press of a button at his shoulder. At best, it looks silly, but at worst, it comes off easily. He comes with a small rifle with a rather pointless flip-out stock extension. The tip of his cannon is a detachable piece and can ''very'' easily become lost if care is not taken.

: Megatron is [[misassembly|misassembled]] in-package, with his feet swapped and attached backward. Although not immediately noticeable because the [[:File:MegatronUltimateBattle.jpg|promotional]] and box-art photography also show this misassembly, any attempt to transform Megatron into tank mode immediately demonstrates the mistake, which is easily corrected by unscrewing his lower legs, reversing the foot pieces, and attaching each to the opposite leg (as has been done in the picture at right).

:In the United States, Megatron was only available in a special two-pack with a similarly unique ''Classics'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#UltimateBattle|Optimus Prime toy]], and the specially-produced "[[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle|The Ultimate Battle]]" DVD (which is, inappropriately enough, entirely about the [[Unicron Trilogy]]). The two-pack (including the DVD) was also available as a [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] "Bonus Value" version with two randomly selected members of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]], in the combinations [[Overcast (Cybertron)|Overcast]]/[[Longarm (Cybertron)|Longarm]], Overcast/[[Deepdive (Cybertron)|Deepdive]] and Deepdive/Longarm. International markets, including European countries, saw the two-pack in a considerably smaller, differently-shaped box that was lacking the DVD case (in the [[United Kingdom]] and the Netherlands, the DVD just came in a paper sleeve; in other European countries, it was instead made available separately). In addition, the two figures were also sold on [[#cardedultbattle|individual cardbacks]] in some countries (see below). For the United States market, the two-pack was [[rebranding|rebranded]] and [[#universeultbattle|re-released]] in the [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|''Universe'']] line in 2007, and [[#2010ultimatebattle|again in 2011]] for the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] line.

:Not initially released in Japan, this sculpt only got a TakaraTomy release six years later when it was redecoed into "[[#UnitedTank|Tank Megatron]]" for TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' toyline.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsDVDMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Classics Deluxe Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|cardedultbattle}}
[[File:Classicstoy ultimate battle megatron carded.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

:The "Ultimate Battle" version of Megatron was also sold on his own in several countries, Mexico, Singapore, and some European countries including the [[United Kingdom]], the Netherlands, Hungary and also Russia. He is identical to the two-pack version, down to his misassembled feet.
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2003)==
{{anchor|universeultbattle}}[[File:Universetoy ultimate battle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle''' (Multi-pack, 2007/2008)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:The "Ultimate Battle" two-pack, sans DVD, was [[rebranding|rebranded]] for inclusion in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' toy line, and one was one of the last releases to come out of the line, several years after it had ceased regularly releasing figures. The set appeared in liquidation outlets like Big Lots! and Dollar General stores in Fall 2007, then later in [[KB Toys]] in Summer 2008. The figures remain identical to their previous releases, with Megatron's feet still coming assembled backwards.
{{--}}

==''Sports Label''==
[[File:Nikeatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Some idiots thought I was going to be life-sized! Fools! Foooools!!!]]
*'''Megatron featuring Nike Free 7.0''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''02'''
**''Accessories:'' two-part gun
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[Transformers Sports Label|Sports Label]]'' Megatron is a retool of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Sports Label|''Sports Label'' Convoy]], one of the strangest examples of licensed ''Transformers'' products in that he transforms into a ''shoe''. Something of a [[shellformer]], this baffling incarnation of Megatron is primarily black and silver in his alternate mode as a realistic-looking (if notably undersized) Nike Free 7.0 sneaker, complete with gratuitously long real fabric shoelaces (characterized as "electrical discharge cables" in his bio). In robot mode, he sports some additional red paint applications and a somewhat uniquely-shaped yet instantly recognizable Generation 1-inspired head. Also in this mode, Megatron's feet are sculpted in the likeness of his own sneaker mode, making it seem like he's wearing himself!

:His gun splits into two halves and stores inside his [[kibble]] in shoe mode. It can be held in his hands or mounted on his forearm in traditional Megatron fashion. In an undocumented feature, it has two handle pegs on opposite sides, so that it can be held either at its far end or halfway along its length. The gun halves can also be plugged together in two different ways.

:This mold might have been planned for a redeco into [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Sports Label|''Sports Label'' Starscream]], but that's a bit vague.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Destron/SLMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Sports Label'' Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Encore''==
[[File:Encoretoy megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Megatron''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''02'''
**''Accessories'': Silencer, stock, telescopic sight/fusion cannon, "high-density infrared laser cannon", sword, 20 bullets

:The original Generation 1 Megatron figure was reissued yet again in 2007 as part of TakaraTomy's new line of ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' reissues. Like previous reissues, this Megatron features the Hasbro colors and the accessories from both Hasbro and Takara editions of the figure, with the distinguishing new feature of a tan shade to both his gray plastic and his chrome.
{{G1MegatronMold}}
{{--}}

==''Henkei! Henkei!''==
[[File:Henkeitoy megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Megatron's palette must be swapped... no matter the cost."]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[March 13]], [[2008]])
**''ID number:'' '''D-01'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (deco artist)}}

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' Megatron is a redeco of the ''Classics'' Voyager Class mold. Not bound by the safety regulations that necessitated ''Classics'' Megatron's more colorful appearance, ''Henkei'' Megatron features a significantly different color scheme of black, silver and red designed to make him resemble his original Generation 1 appearance, including translucent red plastic to replicate his classic cartoon "Decepticon red" eyes. All ''Henkei'' toys feature (somewhat randomly-applied) vacuum-metalized chrome parts; in Megatron's case, his chest plate and kneecaps are chromed silver.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Henkei Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2008)==
{{anchor|2008legend}}[[File:Megatronlegend2008.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|His shoulders hurt too, buddy!]]
*'''Megatron''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2008)
**''Series'': '''Classic Series'''
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

:A [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] version of Megatron inspired by [[#Generation 2|his ''Generation 2'' tank design]], although featuring a more realistic shade of green.

:Sadly, because of his transformation, when transformed into tank mode his turret doesn't turn around. Some of Legends Class Megatron's transformation shares several similarities to his Generation 2 toy.

:Although his first stock photography features a slightly long turret, the final product had it shortened.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Universe Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|UniSpecEd}}
[[File:Universe2008-toy SEMegatron.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|"Psst, my cannon shoots Nerf darts."]]
*'''Megatron''' (Deluxe Class: Special Edition, 2008)
**''ID number:'' '''SE-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

:This "Special Edition" of Megatron is a redeco of the "Ultimate Battle" Megatron from ''Classics'', this time featuring a Generation 1-inspired deco of grays, red and black. This new deco takes advantage of the toy's mould break-up to add a fifth plastic colour (where the original only had four), dividing the parts which were dark grey on the original version between light grey, red and black plastic. Also marking this figure as a particularly "special" edition is the fact that it's the first release of the figure to assemble his feet the correct way around. Amusingly, his [[packaging]] [[stock photography]] depicts him as ''missing a part'': his cannon's detachable tip is missing, and the tip of the cannon's stub is painted red to somehow compensate for that.

:Like all the figures in the small Special Edition line, Megatron was designed for Australasian markets and features a bookbox style packaging with black-and-white boxart, retailing at about 150% of the price for a normal deluxe outside of the United States. He was not available at retail in North America, but was for sale on Hasbrotoyshop.com, like the other Special Edition toys. Years later, Hasbro liquidated excess stock of the special edition figures through Marshall's stores and were sold for a fraction of the original prices.

:Oddly enough, this Megatron and the three other Universe Special Edition toys were included in Taiwanese special value packs each containing a [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)/home video|''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVD]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/HTSMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Special Edition Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Alternity''==
[[File:Alternity Megatron Toy Blade Silver.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Behold, my Inertia Manipulating Device under my Skirt Armor!!!]]
*'''Megatron [Blade Silver]''' (2009)
**''ID number:'' '''A-02'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "tesseractal swords"
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (concept artist)}}
:The ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' Megatron toy transforms into a 1:32 scale model of a Nissan 370Z and features die-cast metal parts and rubber tires. The figure wields two "tesseractal swords" which can be pegged at its hips, or stored under the car in vehicle mode. Each forearm features a flip-out "gravital blade."

: In the hyper-dimensional world of the oft-confusing ''Alternity'' fiction, each figure from this line represents a distinct version of a character from a separate [[universal stream]], but which precise Megatron the "Blade Silver" toy embodies has not been disclosed. Upon its initial release, this toy was also available in blue (see below), and later redecoed in a black variant as well. It was later redecoed into ''Alternity'' [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Alternity|Galvatron]].

:[[:File:Alternity Megatron Cannon.jpg|Early concepts]] for ''Alternity'' showed him with the trademark fusion cannon rather than his twin swords, as well as a pronounced Decepticon [[insignia]] on his chest.

{{-}}{{anchor|AlternityBlue}}
[[File:Alternitytoy blue megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Megatron [Premium LeMans Blue]''' (2009)
**''ID number:'' '''A-02'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "tesseractal swords"
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (concept artist)}}

: "Premium LeMans Blue" Megatron is a blue redeco of the "Blade Silver" version, representing the Megatron of [[universal stream]] [[BT World|Primax 903.0 Beta]]. The figure was available simultaneously with the "Blade Silver" version, sharing the same packaging and pack-in materials, save for the color of the illustration on the front of the box, and a sticker that identified the figure within.

{{-}}{{anchor|AlternityBlack}}
[[File:Alternitytoy black megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Megatron [Diamond Black]''' (2009)
**''ID number:'' '''A-02'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 "tesseractal swords"
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (concept artist)}}

: Another redeco of ''Alternity'' Megatron, this time transforming into a black car with robot parts in red and gold, and specifically representing the Megatron of universal stream [[Primax 1286.3 Kappa]]. It was released several months after the first two Megatrons and featured a new package illustration.
{{--}}

==''United''==
[[File:Unitedtoy cybertron megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Megatron Cybertron Mode''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''ID number'': '''UN-04'''
**''Accessories'': Cannon/missile launcher, energy-blast missile

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' product, "Cybertron Mode" Megatron is a [[redeco]] of the Deluxe Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Generations|''War for Cybertron'' Megatron toy]], transforming into a Cybertronian self-propelled gun. The treads of his vehicle can be positioned in either a vertical configuration like a traditional tank or in a horizontal, [[Popular Cybertronian vehicle alternate modes#Hovertank|hovertank]] configuration. Megatron's spring-loaded cannon can attach to either arm.

:Megatron is cast in a deep dark metallic gray plastic rather than the light gray plastic of the Hasbro version. He also features a blood red metallic paint instead of the more traditional red used on the Hasbro version. Other notable differences include the Decepticon symbol upon his chest as well as lacking paint on the sliding mechanism within his fusion cannon.

:This mold was also used to make [[Darkside Megatron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|UnitedEarth}}
[[File:United Megatron voyager toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|No, I didn't direct any of the ''Taken'' films!]]
*'''Megatron''' (December 25, 2010)
**''ID number:'' '''UN-09'''

:The second ''United'' Megatron (but still part of the first assortment) is a redeco of the Voyager Class mold from ''[[#Classics|Classics]]''/''[[#Henkei! Henkei!|Henkei!]]''.

:This release of Megatron features an extensive silver paint job, as well as metallic crimson for details. This figure's deco is based on the G1 cartoon model, removing any extraneous painted details from the previous releases. The face and eyebrow crest are painted white, giving it an appearance very similar to the initial solicitations of ''Classics'' Megatron.

{{-}}{{anchor|UnitedTank}}
[[File:Unitedtoy thunder megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Megatron rules!" isn't written anywhere on my body, so doesn't that technically make me [[Archforce]]?]]
*'''Tank Megatron''' ([[January 28]], 2012)
**''ID number:'' '''UN-25'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:Tank Megatron is the first Japanese release of the "Ultimate Battle" Deluxe Class Megatron mold from ''Classics'', in a new color scheme paying homage to his [[#Hero|''Generation 2'' "Hero" deco]]. The connection is strengthened by the [[:File:United Megatron Rules.jpg|photo on the back of the packaging]], which depicts Megatron standing in a ruined, burning landscape, surrounded by over a dozen "Megatron Rules" signs.

:Like the 5th and 6th wave figures, Tank Megatron's package feature a sticker that said "limited quantity (数量限定)", indicating that this figure is released in limited numbers after its first and only shipment.

:Like the [[#UniSpecEd|''Universe'' Special Edition figure above]], Tank Megatron features correctly assembled feet. He was originally solicited as "'''Thunder Megatron'''".
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2010)==
{{anchor|2010Legend}}
[[File:TF2010-toy Legends Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Safety first!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (Legends Class, 2011)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

: Part of the first wave of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' line]]'s "[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#Hasbro Reveal the Shield subline|Reveal the Shield]]" Legends Class toys, this toy is based on Megatron's Generation 1 cartoon appearance (with a little inspiration from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' design around the abdomen), transforming into a variation on Megatron's original gun mode (referred to as a "blaster" on Hasbro's website). As he was part of Reveal the Shield, he has a [[rubsign]] on his chest.

[[File:MP Acid Storm-Chronicle gun Megatron-Pull My Trigger.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.85|To hell with safety!]]
: In a fit of complete awesomeness, the figure is sculpted with notches in its handle that specifically allow the ''Masterpiece'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Starscream]] mold to grip it. Additionally, the slightly thicker portion of the barrel closer to the main body can be held by the clip included with ''Masterpiece'' Starscream and attach to his jet mode. Unfortunately, Megatron can only be held vertically.

: Despite his tiny size, Hasbro had to cast much of the gun (his arms, the barrel/fusion cannon, and the upper half of his torso) in orange plastic [[for safety reasons]] (not helped by the fact that [https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-tiniest-cutest-guns-that-shoot-real-bullets-1683682859 functional small guns do exist]). Official Hasbro [[stock photography|stock photos]] and early [[prototype|samples]] from China had the orange plastic on the barrel fully painted over in gray, yet the final toy leaves the end of the barrel unpainted.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/RTSMegatron/megatron.htm More information on "Reveal the Shield" Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2010ultimatebattle}}
[[File:TF2010toy ultimate battle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''The Ultimate Battle''' (Multi-pack, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: ''Another'' [[rebranding|rebranded]] re-release of the ''Classics'' "[[#UltimateBattle|Ultimate Battle]]" set, again lacking the DVD and featuring [[misassembly|misassembled]] feet on Megatron.

: This particular release of the set was available as a "shared exclusive" between Dollar General stores and online retailer [[BigBadToyStore]]. This set was also available at Canadian Tire stores in [[Canada]].

{{-}}{{anchor|DollarLegends}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (Legends Class, 2012)}}</ul>

: A [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Legends Class Megatron]]without changes (besides the packaging) was released as a "Dollar Store" exclusive (available at stores such as Dollar General and Big Lots) in generic 2010 ''Transformers'' packaging packaging alongside [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Optimus Prime]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Starscream]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Bumblebee]].

{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

==''Kre-O''==
[[File:KreO Megatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
* '''Megatron''' (2011)
**''Set number'': '''30688'''
**''Pieces'': '''310'''
**''Kreons'': Megatron, [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Shockwave]], [[Specialist]], [[Police Officer]]
**''Accessories'': Clip-on Megatron cannon

: While the large brick-built Megatron in this ''[[Kre-O]]'' set is based on the [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action film Megatron]] in his ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' body, the accompanying Megatron [[Kreon]] is very much a Generation 1 Megatron, at least from the neck down. The helmet is definitely a "cleaner" take on the movie-style helmet, but those [[tampograph]]s are a simplified version of the [[#Generation 1|original Megatron toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/Kre-OMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Custom}}
[[File:KreO-Toy MegatronCustomKreon.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Gwilled, gwilled, gwilled, gwilled cheese, if you pwease.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Custom Kreon, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A6088'''
**''Pieces'': '''36'''
**''Accessories'': Rack, clip-on Megatron cannon, bazooka, Cobra Commander pistol, wing-pack, claw attachment, double-bladed staff

: Part of the first assortment of "Custom Kreons", this version of Megatron comes with a buildable parts rack on which to hang/store his many many extra pieces. His [[tampograph]]s are much more heavily-detailed than the original Kreon, and his plastics have a slight metal-flake sheen. His "normal" helmet and arm cannon are [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]], plus he comes with an extra clear-plastic helmet, torso and legs. He also has a pair of extra arms and a wing-pack (originally from the ''Kre-O Battleship'' aliens), plus a buildable bazooka, a small pistol (originally [[Cobra Commander]]'s from the ''Kre-O [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' series), a claw-attachment for his wrists, and a double-headed staff weapon.

: The cross-sell advertisement from the back of the packaging features a bizarre error: [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Custom|Soundwave]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Custom|Starscream]] are mislabeled. Soundwave is labeled as Starscream, while Starscream is labeled as Megatron.

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2014}}
[[File:KreO-Toy MegatronC84.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Of course we take class pics on a bad helm day.]]
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''B0090'''
**''Voted'': Best Frenemies (With Starscream)
**''Accessories'': Clip-on Megatron cannon

: The [[Kreon Class of 1984]] version of Megatron is ''even more'' toy-based [[tampograph]]s than his prior versions, including his face detailing. Yes, it's a whole new tampograph layout. He's also mostly in metallic silver plastic, yet his helmet remains light flat gray.

:He was only available in a pack of 30 Kreons dubbed the "Kreon Class of 1984". This set was made for sale at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014. Remaining stock was to be sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online, only there ''was'' no remaining stock after the show.

{{-}}{{anchor|BrickBox}}
*'''Brick Box''' (2015)
**''Set number'': '''B2961'''
**''Pieces'': '''88'''
**''Accessories'': Megatron clip-on cannon

: Sold only at discount chains like Family Dollar, this version of Megatron uses the new 2015 style of Kreon hips and torso, with a hollow hip-peg and a central post inside the torso for increased grip... which also makes them incompatible with about four years' worth of Kreons. He also features entirely new face and chest tampographs. So version number four of the same base design.

: The set comes with two bags of Kre-O parts, one coming from the [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Kre-O|first-year Starscream kit]] (mostly all the small bits and landing gear), the other "new" with some basic bricks and plates. The set has no instructions, as it's just a box of bricks to make whatever with.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChanger}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changers-2-pack-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime VS Megatron''' (Battle Changers 2-pack, 2015)
**''Set Number'': '''???'''
**''Pieces'': ''198''
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro)}}<ref>[https://youtu.be/PdsHMGVDZFg?si=7IIIhq2AU8jwMnSx Interview] with [[Hasbro]] designer [[Evan Brooks]] on the Triple Takeover podcast, from their YouTube channel</ref>

:Available in a two pack set with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#BattleChangers2pack|Battle Changers Optimus Prime]], this Megatron is an entirely a new buildable toy, transforming from robot to tank without removing any parts. Megatron also features battle damage on his Kreon chest.

:All of the 2015 ''Transformers Kre-O'' product was skipped by retailers in the US (at first), seeing release in Canada, Australia and various Asian markets. In late 2015, much of the line was finally released at discount in the US through TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores, including this set.
{{--}}

==''G.I. Joe and the Transformers''==
[[File:JoevsTF megatron accessory.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|That's nice, but where's the [[Joey Slick]] figure?]]
*'''Starscream Sky Striker (XP-21F) with Cobra Commander''' (2011)

: Produced exclusively for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2011, this redeco of the ''G.I. Joe'' [[Skystriker (vehicle)|Sky Striker]] jet plane [[Starscream (G1)/merchandise#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|into Starscream colors]] comes with a 3.75" [[Cobra Commander#G.I. Joe and the Transformers 2|Cobra Commander]] pilot figure, among whose accessories is a non-transforming gun mode Megatron.

::*''[https://www.yojoe.com/action/11/cobracommander47.shtml More information on Cobra Commander (v47) (with Megatron) at YoJoe.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ClubCrossover}}
[[File:Ninja Force Megatron toy.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|"What'sss thisss? A Megatron for antsssssssss????"]]
*''' G.I. Joe featuring Ninja Force and Transformers''' (2017)
:A redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#GenerationsLegends|Legends Class Megatron]] in G2 colors was included in a crossover set sold by [[Fun Publications]]. The toy is translucent to represent a 3D hologram of Megatron's design schematics, thus giving a reason for why it is so small in relation to the other figures in the set. Also included is a redeco of the above gun mode Megatron accessory.

:Also in the box set were [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|Ratbat]], the ''Joe'' figures [[Scarlett#NinjaForce|Ninja Force: Scarlett]], [[Sidney Biggles-Jones#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|Dr. Sidney Biggles-Jones]], and [[Cobra Commander#FubPub|Cobra Commander]], a figurine of [[Blackcat (G1)#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|Autobot Black Cat]], and accessories of [[Toaster#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|Autobot Toaster]] and three [[Crusticon#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|Crusticon]]s.

::*''[https://www.yojoe.com/action/17/megatron.shtml More information on Megatron (v1) at YoJoe.com]''
{{--}}

==''Chronicle''==
[[File:Chronicletoy ez megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Megatron''' (EZ Collection, 2011)

:A redeco of the 2010 ''Transformers'' Legends Class Megatron was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' EZ Collection line. Due to Japan's different gun laws, he is instead cast in gray plastic, with the barrel being fully painted. The gray paint on the aforementioned barrel is also darker and metallic, (instead of Hasbro's glossy light-gray paint) his red [[paint operation]]s are darker, and he replaces the rubsign with a full-color Decepticon symbol [[tampograph]]. This toy was only available [[Blindpacking|blindpacked]].

{{-}}{{anchor|G1MovieMegatron}}
[[File:Chronicletoy-CH02G1Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''G1 Megatron & Movie Megatron''' (Multi-pack, 2011)
**''ID number:'' '''CH02'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon, "high-density infrared laser cannon", sword, 20 bullets

:This reissue of the original Generation 1 Megatron toy comes in a two-pack with a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Chronicle|Megatron]]. This version of Megatron is made to the specifications of the 1986 "[[#GoodBye|Goodbye Megatron]]" release, featuring red plastic (as opposed to the original Takara blue) but lacking any silver chrome, including his fusion cannon but not his stock and silencer, armed with his laser cannon and sword, and retaining his bullet-firing mechanism. Like most Megatron reissues, the toy features a slight variation in plastic colors from previous releases, this time giving him a darker warmer gray than normal. In a new twist, this version of Megatron features tampographed symbols on his chest and back.
{{G1MegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|ChronicleEZHero}}
[[File:Chronicletoy ez series2 megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Trukk not munky|Gunn not Tank]]!...no wait, tank is cooler.]]
*'''Megatron''' (EZ Collection, 2011)

:A [[redeco]] of the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]] [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] Megatron, this time inspired by his smaller ''Generation 2'' "Hero" tank design.
{{--}}

==''Generations''==
{{main|Megatron (G1)/Generations toys}}

==''Bot Shots''==
[[File:Bot Shots S1 BP004 Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Nemesis Prime / Megatron / Acid Storm''' (Multi-pack, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''BP004'''
***''Fist strength'': '''170'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''820'''
***''Sword strength'': '''625'''

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Series 1 three-packs, Megatron is a teeny tank that borrows some elements from both the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Megatron designs. He has [[Autotransformation|a spring-loaded automatic transformation]] to robot mode triggered when his front is pressed, and has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels.

:He comes with [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] and [[Acid Storm (G1)|Super Bot Acid Storm]]. He shares parts with [[Brawl (Movie)#Bot Shots|Decepticon Brawl]] and [[Shockwave (Movie)#Bot Shots|Shockwave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BS3pkMegatron/megatron.htm More information on 3-pack Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotLauncher}}
[[File:BStoy-MegatronLauncher.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Megatron Launcher''' (Launcher, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''BL002'''
***''Fist strength'': '''530'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''900'''
***''Sword strength'': '''210'''

:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 1 Launchers, this is a [[redeco]] of the ''Bot Shots'' tank Megatron mold in bronze. He comes with a large "trailer" tank body extension that transforms into a battle station with flip-out cannons and a launching mechanism. The large, main cannon on the launcher has detailing reminiscent of the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s [[fusion cannon]], such as the "dials" on the sides.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSLMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Launcher Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotSuperBot}}
[[File:Bot_Shots_Super_Bot_Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Megatron''' (2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''285'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''465'''
***''Sword strength'': '''870'''

:Part of the third wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 1 single-packs, "Super Bot" Megatron transforms into a semi-truck with trailer, taking inspiration from the ''[[Kre-O]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Megatrons. As a Super Bot, he has more lopsided stats (sorta), and was [[Shortpacking|shortpacked]] one per case.

:This mold was redecoed into [[Motormaster (G1)|Motorbreath]]. He shares parts with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Optimus Prime]] and Nemesis Prime.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSSBMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Super Bot Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotBattleForMatrix}}
[[File:BStoy-BattlefortheMatrix-LauncherMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''UB003'''
***''Fist strength'': '''875'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''330'''
***''Sword strength'': '''415'''

: This redeco of the tank version of Megatron is cast in a warmer, non-metallic shade of black, with bronze details, a brighter silver face, and brighter red eyes. He comes with a redeco of his launcher, also in black, bronze, and silver.

: The set also comes with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#BotShotBattleForMatrix|Optimus Prime with his launcher]], [[Brawl (Movie)#BotShotBattleForMatrix|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShotBattleForMatrix|Bumblebee]], and a [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Bot Shots|Matrix]] prize.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSBFTMMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Battle for the Matrix Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotTruck}}
[[File:BStoy-CybertruckMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Megatron doesn't ''need'' your puny windshields.]]
*'''Megatron''' (2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''B018'''
***''Fist strength'': '''800'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''520'''
***''Sword strength'': '''300'''

:Part of the fifth wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 1 single-packs, this Megatron is a redeco of Super Bot Megatron in opaque plastics and with a painted "tanker" trailer section. The online Bot Shots checklist refers to this toy as "Megatron Cybertruck", a name not found on the packaging.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSB018Megatron/megatron.htm More information on "Cybertruck" Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|DragonTrack}}
[[File:BotShots Dragon Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Dragon Track''' (Playset, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''UB002'''
***''Fist strength'': '''480'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''735'''
***''Sword strength'': '''405'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher

:Available only with the [[Dragon Track]] set, this version of Megatron is a Flip Shot, changing into a purple jet with animalistic styling on its nose, and featuring a robot mode that's inspired more by ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' Megatron. An impact to the front of the jet will cause Megatron to flip back into robot mode. He comes with a launcher that can be connected to the track, as well as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#DragonTrack|Flip Shot Optimus Prime and his launcher]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSDTMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Dragon Track Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireAssaultTeam}}
[[File:BotShots FireAssault Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I—I stayed out in the sun too long, okay!?"]]
*'''Decepticon Fire Assault Team''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T016'''
***''Fist strength'': '''290'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''868'''
***''Sword strength'': '''462'''

:A redeco of the original Megatron mold in red and orange, this version of Megatron was available in a five-pack with similar redecos of [[Shockwave (Movie)#FireAssaultTeam|Shockwave]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Starscream]], [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#FireAssaultTeam|Barricade]], and [[Lockdown (ROTF)#FireAssaultTeam|Lockdown]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSDFAMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Fire Assault Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SpinShot}}
[[File:BStoy-SpinShotMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|At least, we think it's a car.]]
*'''Megatron''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B008'''
***''Fist strength'': '''725'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''220'''
***''Sword strength'': '''675'''

:Part of the third wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this Megatron transforms into a vaguely-animalistic black-and-silver car with wings, and with a robot mode that's also inspired by ''Prime'' Megatron. As a Spin Shot, one manually winds up his upper body beforehand when transforming him into vehicle mode, where striking the front of the vehicle will cause him to burst open and spin while auto-transforming.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/BSSSMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Spin Shot Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''BeCool''==
[[File:BeCool TankLorry.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Tank Lorry (Megatron)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''B18'''

:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "Tank Lorry" is a redeco of the ''Bot Shots'' truck [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#BotShotSuperBot|Megatron]] mold in orange with metallic silver paint on his head, chest, windshield and tanker section. Instead of game stats, the stickers in his chest spinner feature drawings of his vehicle mode, a gas pump and the {{w|kanji}} for "danger" (危).

{{-}}{{anchor|HyperTank}}
[[File:BotShots_BeCool_HyperTankBaseMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|In Japan, it's Megatron who gets ''[[Brawl (Movie)#BotShotBattleForMatrix|ANGRY]]''.]]
*'''Hyper Tank and Hyper Tank Base (Megatron)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''BS04'''

:"Hyper Tank" is a redeco of the tank [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Bot Shots|Megatron]] mold in bright green that comes with the Hyper Tank Base, a dark green and bronze redeco of the Megatron Launcher. His chest stickers now display pictures of the launcher in base mode, Megatron pulling it in trailer mode, and a compass, and he also comes with an additional sticker sheet for decorating the trailer.
{{--}}

==''EZ Collection Gum''==
[[File:EZC-toy Megatron Gum.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
{{anchor|EZCollectionGum}}
*'''Megatron''' (Candy toy, 2012)
**''ID number'': '''4'''
**''Release date'': [[July 30]] 2012

: Part of the ''[[EZ Collection]] Gum'' [[candy toy]] collection made by TakaraTomy A.R.T.S., this Megatron is another redeco of the Universe Legends Class Megatron toy. While the paint application layouts and general color scheme are identical to the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''-inspired [[#Chronicle|''Chronicle'' version]] of the toy, all of his purple plastics are absolutely ''covered'' in metallic purple paint, and his dark gray parts are a glossy-metallic plastic.

: As per the toyline's name, he comes with a yellow candy-shelled piece of lemony-flavored gum.

: His on-package tank mode stock photo is mistransformed: the arms are not folded up to form his tank turret. Whoops.
{{--}}

==''GT''==
[[File:GT Megatron.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]]
*'''GT-R Megatron''' ([[July 27]], [[2013]])
**''ID number:'' '''GT-03'''
**''Accessories:'' "EX. Cannon", [[Noa]] race queen figure

: ''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]'' "GT-R Megatron" is a heavy retool of the ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] toy, transforming into a 1:32 scale replica of the S Road REITO MOLA GT-R race car used by [http://www.mola-international.co.jp/mola.cgi?field=%E3%83%A2%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9D%E3%83%BC%E3%83%84%3C%3E%E3%83%81%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E4%BD%93%E5%88%B6 MOLA] in the {{w|Super GT}} racing championship series. He features die-cast metal parts, an opening hood, trunk and doors, as well as an interior, complete with his feet and thighs being sculpted to form the back seats. His armaments include flip-out non-firing blasters on his arms as well as a handheld gun called the EX. Cannon, a weapon designed to resemble the fire extinguishers used at races. Like all ''GT'' toys, Megatron also comes with a [[GT Sister]], a poseable human figure themed after a {{w|race queen}}, his partner being a lady named Noa.

: This mold was also used, with different heads and accessories, to make the other ''Transformers GT'' toys: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#GT|GT-R Prime]], [[Star Saber (G1)#GT|GT-R Saber]], and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#GT|GT-R Maximus]].
{{AlternityConvoyMold}}
{{--}}

==''Go!''==
[[File:Transformers-Go-G09-Hunter-Ratchet.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The ultimate apotheosis of Megatron, apparently. Don't tell the [[#Alternity|Alternity]] guys.]]
*'''Hunter Ratchet''' ([[August 31]], 2013)
**''ID number:'' '''G19'''
**''Accessories:'' Drill
{{note|[[Ratchet (WFC)/toys#Go.21|''Go!'' Hunter Ratchet]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the final form of Megatron in "[[Cybertron Magna Convoy]]" and the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic|Generations Selects]]'' comic.}}

:Part of the fourth wave of TakaraTomy ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' toys, Hunter Ratchet is a green, black, and translucent-red redeco of the ''Beast Hunters'' Deluxe Class Ratchet toy. Unusually, he's identified as a Decepticon, complete with [[insignia]]! According to a translated version of the bio, Ratchet was captured by the Decepticons, and forcibly exposed to Dark Energon thus mutating him into a Decepticon.

:This toy was previously repurposed as [[Green Megatron]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/HunterRatchet/ratchet.htm More information on Hunter Ratchet at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Nike==
[[File:NikeMegatronRises.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|''"Peace through touchdowns."'']]
*'''Calvin Johnson Megatron''' (2013)
**''Accessories'': 2 wings (combine to form fusion cannon), football
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (deco artist)}}

:Calvin Johnson Megatron was available with the purchase of {{w|Nike, Inc.|Nike}}'s CJ81 Megatron Trainer Max, inspired by American football player {{w|Calvin Johnson}}, who is [[Megatron (human)|nicknamed]] after the Decepticon leader. A redeco of his [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#T30Deluxe|''Generations Thrilling 30'' Deluxe Class toy]], Megatron transforms from robot to stealth bomber, with his wings detaching to form a fusion cannon in robot mode. He features Johnson's signature printed on his chest, and also includes an American football accessory redecoed from the one included with Red Dog in the 2011 ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' "Slaughter's Marauders Battle Set" which Megatron is totally incapable of actually holding, though since the ball has a divot carved in one side it can be neatly pegged onto the two prongs on the ends of his forearms.
{{-}}

*'''Megatron Rises 3-Pack''' (2013)
**''Accessories'': 2 wings (combine to form fusion cannon), football
:The Calvin Johnson Megatron figure was also available in the "Megatron Rising 3-Pack", which includes three pairs of Megatron-themed shoes: the Nike CJ81 Megatron Trainer Max, the Megatron Nike Air Trainer SC II, and the Nike CJ81 Megatron Elite TD Cleat, the last of which is exclusive to the pack. The pack was limited to 81 pieces, in reference to Johnson's shirt number, and available only from Nike's 21 Mercer Street store in [[New York City]], select Nike Yardline stores, and Nike.com.
{{--}}

==''Construct-Bots''==
[[File:Megatron Construct-Bots.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (Elite Class, 2013)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: [[Construct-Bots]] Megatron transforms into a wheeled tank-like vehicle. He includes the same parts as the Ultimate Class figure however his armor is translucent purple plastic and he features numerous paint differences. He includes giant red swords, blasters, and a projectile-launching gun.
{{-}}

[[File:ConstructBots 2pack Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
{{anchor|constructbotsUltimate}}
*'''Optimus Prime vs Megatron''' (Ultimate Class, 2013)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist), [[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}

: Megatron's Elite Class toy was packed alongside his eternal nemesis [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Construct-Bots|Optimus Prime]]. This version is identical to his Elite-Class single release in construction, but this version features a more Generation 1-based paint scheme. He retains the gimmickry of the Elite-Class version but also includes a myriad of extra parts; enough to switch his alternate form from a tank to a jet if one were so inclined.

:Megatron's blaster was later redeco/reused for [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Construct-Bots|Thundercracker]] and one of ''Timelines'' [[Oilmaster#Timelines|Oilmaster]]'s weapons.
{{--}}

==''Hero Mashers''==
[[File:HM-toy Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I will destroy Optimus Prime! Then use his arm as a back scratcher!]]
*'''Megatron''' (Battle Upgrade, 2014)
**''Pieces'': '''18'''
**''Accessories'': Backpack, spring-loaded cannon, missile, blaster, energy flail, 2 blaster-pods, "Skywarp" right forearm

: Part of the first wave of "Battle Upgrade" ''[[Hero Mashers]]'' toys, Megatron is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints, about six inches tall. His design is mostly based on Generation 1 Megatron, but with angles and styling very evocative of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount any ''Hero Mashers'' accessory. As a first-wave figure, he has extra ankle articulation that is not present in later waves (a cut that was made to all ''Hero Mashers'' lines, not just the ''Transformers''-branded ones).

: He is designed with a removable head, forearms, thighs, and lower legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any other ''Hero Mashers'' figure... which includes figures from [[Marvel Comics]], ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'', and ''[[Jurassic Park|Jurassic World]]'', meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

: While he is (roughly) the same size as a standard Hero Masher, his larger [[size class|price point]] is made up for with a lot more parts and gimmicks. Both of his hands are removable, which allows for accessories to be placed in his wrist sockets, notably his "energy flail" piece. His ''massive'' "fusion cannon" piece is a spring-loaded missile launcher. He also comes with [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Hero Mashers|Skywarp]]'s right forearm, which is a [[redeco]] of ''Hero Mashers'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Hero Mashers|Starscream]]'s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/HMMegatron/megatron.htm More information on Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''EZ Collection''==
{{anchor|EG06}}
[[File:EZ-Collection-EG-06-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (EZ Collection, [[April 27]], 2013)
**''ID number'': '''EG-06'''

:Another [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Legends Class Megatron, this individual carded release of ''EZ Collection'' Megatron features gray plastic with purple-painted hands. His stock photography retains the G2 Decepticon symbol, though the toy proper has original Decepticon symbols.
{{--}}

==''Bearbrick''==
[[File:Bearbrick Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm an ''intensive'' care bear.]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[July 17]], 2014)

: A special edition [[Bearbrick]] released in celebration of the ''Transformers'' 30th anniversary, Megatron transforms from a Bearbrick painted up like Megatron to a bear-eared robot. He has no accessories, but holes in his robot mode hands can accommodate other toys' weapons.

: This mold, with a different head sculpt, was also used for the simultaneously released Bearbrick [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|G1 Optimus Prime]] and the later released [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Bearbrick|''Age of Extinction'' Optimus Prime]] and the exclusive [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Bearbrick|G1 Nemesis Prime]], and was further retooled into [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Starscream]].
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2014)==
[[File:Transformers-2014-Legion-Class-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (Legion Class, 2014)

:Another re-release of the ''Universe'' Legends Class Megatron sculpt, this time with a slightly lighter shade of green and darker shade of purple camouflage patterns from its previous iterations. Bizarrely, the [[package art]] is taken from the ''Generations'' Legends Class Megatron/Chop Shop two-pack's packaging and half-heartedly recolored–ignoring the black and yellow safety striping from the design the art was originally made for–to match the broad strokes of this figure's deco.

:In the United States, Megatron was found at at discount stores such as Big Lots and Family Dollar. In Australia, he was available at general retail, however was packaged alongside the previous wave of Legion Class figures instead of the wave he was intended for. For unknown reasons, the wave that Megatron was intended to be in was released at general markets in Europe, but did not include Megatron himself.
{{--}}

==Mega Drive Megatron==
[[File:MegaDriveMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|MEEEEEGAAAAA]]
*'''16-Bit Mega Drive Megatron''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Cannon, gamepad, game cartridge, cap

: Released under the "TakaraTomy Arts" banner alongside a [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Optimus Prime featuring Original PlayStation|Sony PlayStation version of Optimus Prime]] and outside of any other toyline, Mega Drive Megatron transforms from robot to a scaled-down Japanese [[Sega]] {{w|Sega Genesis|Mega Drive}} video game console... which coincidentally is about the size of a real-life Mega Drive cartridge. He comes with a gamepad with pushable buttons which splits in two and attaches to his back like a pair of wings. The left side of the console detaches and transforms into an arm-mounted cannon attached to his back via the gamepad's cord. He also includes a cartridge depicting the Japanese release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' that slots into the console/his chest.

: This figure includes what is most likely the smallest accessory to ever be included with a Transformers toy; a small cap that covers the hole left if one does not insert the gamepad into the console mode. The piece is sculpted to resemble an open slot for a gamepad and is a teensy bit ''smaller'' than even the fist parts for a ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Genesis}}
[[File:SegaGenesisMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Blast processing.]]
*'''Sega Genesis Megatron''' (2015)
**''Accessories:'' Cannon, gamepad, game cartridge

: Sega Genesis Megatron is a redeco and slight retool of Mega Drive Megatron in the form of its North American release, the Sega Genesis. In addition to the changes to the console, the red on Megatron's robot mode has been replaced with purple, and the art on the ''Sonic'' cartridge has been changed to match its American release. Even the packaging is changed to evoke Genesis packaging, right down to featuring (awkwardly translated) English text on the back. This version of Megatron is a TakaraTomy Arts online store exclusive.

: Curiously, the promotional pictures of Sega Genesis Megatron appear to show the retooled "16-Bit" panel molded to read "1'''5'''-Bit", but the final release has it correctly molded.

{{-}}
[[File:MegaDriveMegatronGold.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Megadroid's strangest body yet.]]
*'''Mega Drive Megatron Gold Ver.''' (2015)
**''Accessories:'' Cannon, gamepad, game cartridge

: A [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] gold chrome redeco of Mega Drive Megatron was one of the prizes in a lottery open to those who purchased the ''{{w|Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives}}'' [[Nintendo 3DS]] game. For this release the cartridge art was changed to that of ''Bare Knuckle'', the Japanese release of ''{{w|Streets of Rage}}'' and one of the games included in ''Sega 3D Fukkoku Archives''. The lottery was open from December 18, 2014 to January 31, 2015, with only 5 golden Megatrons up for grabs.
{{--}}

==''Q-Transformers''==
[[File:QTransformers Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[April 25]], 2015)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-20'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Megatron is a small [[super deformed]] toy that transforms from Lamborghini Veneno to robot. He comes with a code for unlocking Megatron as a playable character in the ''[[Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns]]'' game.

{{-}}
[[File:QTransformers BlackMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Black Megatron''' ([[November 14]], 2015)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-32'''

:Released appropriately alongside [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Q-Transformers|Black Convoy]], Black Megatron is a redeco of the previous toy in darker colors with red highlights in new places, blue windows and a Lamborghini logo in place of his Decepticon insignia.

:Although usually sold in Japanese markets, some department stores in Asia had sold the figure as well.

{{-}}
*'''Decepticons 3-Figure Set''' (2016)
**''ID number:'' '''QTFS-02'''

:During the second ''Q-Transformers'' series, the Megatron toy was available in a three-pack alongside [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Soundwave]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Shockwave]]. He is identical to the original ''Q-Transformers'' toy.
{{--}}

==''Legends''==
{{anchor|LG13}}
[[File:Tf-legends-lg-13-megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' ([[May 30]], [[2015]])
**''ID number'': '''LG13'''
**''Accessories'': 2 guns (combine to form rifle)

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Megatron is a redeco of the [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' Leader Class Megatron]] toy. Aside from the show-accurate paint applications, he also features some changes slightly different from the Hasbro release: Several numbers of his red plastic are replaced with grey, and his Decepticon insignia (slightly larger than Hasbro's) is now tampographed on his chest. He comes with a leaflet featuring a character profile, tech specs, and the [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 13|''Legends'' Bonus Edition Vol. 13]] mini-comic. Unlike the original mold, Megatron's Mini-con styled post on his crotch panel/rear tank area has been omitted, which also results in a less secure connection.

{{-}}{{anchor|LG23}}
[[File:Legendstoy-MegatronHM.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Who shrunk me?! This is all YOUR fault, Starscream!]]
*'''Galvatron''' ([[July 23]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''LG23'''
**''Accessories:'' Megatron Headmaster, cannon

:Available with ''Legends'' [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Legends|Galvatron]], Megatron is a redeco of ''Titans Return'' [[Nucleon (TR)|Nucleon]] and transforms into Galvatron's head. He features paint applications to resemble his appearances in the cartoon, while his Headmaster mode features silver paint on his face, and some purple details.

:This mold was also used to make ''Legends'' [[Megalligator#Legends|Megaligator]].

{{-}}{{anchor|LG63}}
[[File:Legendstoy-LG63-G2Megatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Beast Wars ''and'' G2? What is this, [[Alignment]]?]]
*'''G2 Megatron''' ([[February 24]], [[2018]])
**''ID number:'' '''LG63'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon, rifle, Headmaster, [[Noble (BM)#Legends|Noble]] Partner Drone

:''Legends'' G2 Megatron is a redeco of the [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' Voyager Class figure]] in his "[[#Hero|Hero]]" colors. He also comes with [[Noble (BM)#Legends|Noble]], who is redecoed from [[Fangry (G1)#Generations|Fangry]]'s drone accessory.

:In fiction, this toy represents a transtector body initially owned by [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Legends|''Beast Wars'' Megatron]] before coming into G1 Megatron's possession.
{{--}}

==''au x Transformers''==
[[File:INFOBAR-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Ring ring, It's TYRANNY calling!"]]
*'''INFOBAR Megatron (BUILDING)''' (2017)
**''Accessories:'' Mini flip-phone, display stand, swappable display cards
{{toydesigner|[[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released in conjunction with Japanese cellphone maker au,<ref>[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p170201.pdf TakaraTomy au x Transformers Project press release]</ref> ''[[au × Transformers]]'' INFOBAR Megatron is a retool of the same line's [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#au x Transformers|INFOBAR Optimus Prime]], with a new head and decoed in traditional Megatron colors.

:The INFOBAR figures celebrate 15 years since the 2002 au Design Project that resulted in the INFOBAR cellphone, as well as the 10th anniversary of the [[Live-action film series|live-action films]]. He transforms into a (non-functional) scaled-down replica of the 2002 au INFOBAR, and in lieu of cellphone functions, the figure can be paired via Bluetooth with a smartphone, such as an iPhone, to act as a notification alarm in either robot or INFOBAR mode. The screen is also non-functional, but pre-printed cards are included which can be slid into the screen to show an Autobot logo, Decepticon logo, a mockup of a cellphone home screen, or a technical "Transformers INFOBAR" design. He features articulated hands for grasping the included tiny flip-phone accessory (which can flip open) that is stored in the bottom of the cell phone mode. The figure also includes a display stand.

:The project was crowdfunded through Japanese crowdfunding site Makuake.<ref>[http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/01/31/transformers-x-au-transforming-phones-launch-crowdfunding-campaign-332289 Transformers x au Transforming Phones Launch Crowdfunding Campaign at TFW2005.com]</ref> Both Megatron and Bumblebee could only be obtained by contributing 16,200 yen to the project to receive a package of all three INFOBAR figures; at the 5,400 yen level, contributors received only INFOBAR Optimus Prime. The project received one million yen in the first 24 hours, ultimately topping out at over 32 million yen.

:This figure was differently retooled, with another head, and redecoed into [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#au x Transformers|INFOBAR Bumblebee]].

::*''[https://time-space.kddi.com/au-transformers/ More information on au x Transformers website (Japanese)]''
::*''[https://www.makuake.com/project/au-transformers/ More information on INFOBAR Megatron at Makuake crowd-funding site (Japanese)]''
{{--}}

==''Authentics''==
[[File:Authentics 5inch Megatron.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|Good luck turning me into a blaster.]]
*'''Decepticon Megatron''' (Bravo, 2017)
**''Accessories:'' Tank barrel/fusion cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Transformers Authentics|Authentics]]'' "Decepticon Megatron" is a figure roughly the size of a 2015 [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)#Mini-Con Battle Packs|''Robots in Disguise'' Battle Pack]] toy. He changes from an [[evergreen]]-inspired robot into a tank in just six steps, with his fusion cannon doubling as the tank mode's cannon.

:He features two 5 mm-compatible hands, and his head is made out of a slightly soft, rubbery plastic. Like [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Authentics|Starscream]], he actually has elbows, and like all ''Authentics'' toys, Megatron features sculpted insignias on his chest and the sole of his right foot; the latter is visible in tank mode while the former is visible in robot mode.

:Unfortunately, Megatron does not have any functional small wheels on his painted treads (although the rear treads do have slots cut into them for some reason), making them prone to chipping if he is "rolled" along. Sadly, the forearms and the cannon's posts are ''not'' 5 mm/3 mm compatible.

{{-}}{{anchor|5 inch 2024}}
[[File:TF-Authentics-Bravo-2024-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Despite everything, you're still more articulated than your [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Authentics|arch enemy]].]]
*'''Megatron''' (Bravo, 2024)
**''Accessories:'' Tank barrel/fusion cannon
:Released in the seventh wave of ''Authentics'' Bravo figures, Megatron transforms into a Cybertronian tank in five steps. He features ball-jointed shoulders and hips, though his forward hip movement is obscured by his skirt armor. His fusion cannon can be mounted on his arm, or held in his fists.

{{-}}{{anchor|7 inch}}
[[File:TF-Authentics-Alpha-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Decepticon Megatron''' (Alpha, 2018)
**''Accessories:'' Tank barrel/fusion cannon

:Part of the second wave of ''Authentics'' 7-inch toys, this Megatron is functionally an upsized copy of the 5-inch toy above, though with several modifications like the reversed chest, rotating waist, and flip-out chest panel with a head-tucking gimmick, which allows him to transform into vehicle mode from the front view. He also features functional small wheels for the treads.

{{-}}{{anchor|7 inch 2024}}
[[File:TF-Authentics-Alpha-2024-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (Alpha, 2024)
**''Accessories:'' Tank barrel/fusion cannon, missile packs

:Similar to the previous Alpha figure, this Megatron is an upscaled version of the concurrently released 2024 Bravo class figure, with a more elaborate transformation scheme from robot to tank in 13 steps along with greatly increased articulation. However, unlike the 2017 figure, the tank mode lacks small wheels inside the treads. The smaller missile packs on his sides are removable. The design of the tank is loosely inspired by ''Revenge of The Fallen'' Megatron's tank form.

:Like the Alpha class [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Authentics|Starscream]] figure, Megatron has trouble standing up due to his small heels, although this can be remedied by rotating the panels of his shins so that the slanted part is facing down. His legs are decently articulated, though his waist impedes forward movement of his legs.

{{-}}{{anchor|TitanChanger}}
[[File:TF-Authentics-Titan-Changer-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Megatron''' (Titan Changer, 2019)
**''Accessories:'' Tank barrel/fusion cannon

:Part of the first wave of ''Authentics'' Titan Changers, Megatron changes from a thin robot to a tank. The Fusion cannon can be mounted on either arm or held in either fist via a 5 mm post. Like most Titan Changers, he only features articulation in his ball-jointed shoulders.
:This figure was primarily only available in dollar stores like Family Dollar and similar chains.
:Megatron was re-released in 2022 in Wave 3, and repackaged unchanged in 2023 as his [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#ROTBTitanChanger|live-action film incarnation]] for the ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (toyline)|Rise of the Beasts]]'' toyline. In 2024 he was [[Megatron (One)#One|repackaged again]] for the ''[[Transformers One (toyline)|Transformers One]]'' toyline.
{{--}}

==''Street Fighter II × Transformers''==
[[File:Collab-toy SF2 VegaBison.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|YES! '''YES!''']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Convoy [Ryu] vs Megatron [Vega]''' (Two-pack, [[2018]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[May 26]], 2018
:*''Accessories'': Cannon, rifle, Headmaster

:Part of the Japan-exclusive ''[[Street Fighter II × Transformers]]'' toyline, Megatron is a redeco of ''Titans Return'' Voyager Class [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#Titans Return|Megatron]] in [[M. Bison]]'s traditional colors, fleshy bits and all. He transforms from robot to tank to fighter jet (both made-up models), complete with [[Shadaloo]] [[insignia]]. The smaller [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] unit's robot mode is also painted to resemble Bison.

:Like all Voyager Class ''Titans Return'' figures, he has a pair of pop-up parts to fill in the area around his head; in this case, a pair of missile racks. However, those parts heavily restrict his neck articulation when deployed; unlike many others in his size class, his chest does not contain a pivoting assembly for a better range of movement. Due to the nature of his transformation, it is possible to transform the figure into tank mode without removing his head.

:His cannon can plug into the short barrel of the tank turret or the rifle/Headmaster vehicle weapon. In an undocumented additional feature, the rifle can be inserted into the front end of the cannon. The cannon can be mounted on his forearm or held by any figure with 5 mm hands. It also has a peg hole that an accessory such as his rifle can plug into, with extra square peg holes specifically to hold the rifle in place.

:Megatron was only available in a two-pack with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Street Fighter II × Transformers|Convoy]] <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Ryu#Toys|Ryu]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>. This set was available for pre-order on [[TakaraTomy Mall]] from [[November 22]] to [[November 27|27]], with orders fulfilled in late May 2018. A pre-order goal was set as well: if 3000 units were pre-ordered in total, the set would also come with clear display stands for both toys.

:This two-pack was later brought to the West in 2022 as part of the ''[[Transformers Collaborative]]'' line, released as a [[Target]] and [[Hasbro Pulse]] exclusive in the United States. These releases are functionally identical to the Takara versions; the Hasbro versions have new manufacturing tampographs, but are otherwise the same. They even have all of the Takara packaging ''inside'' the new Hasbro outer packaging!
{{-}}

==''Vintage G1''==
[[File:TF-Walmart-exclusive-G1-Starscream-reissue.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Starscream''' (exclusive reissue, 2018)

:A slight redeco of the Megatron accessory that came with the [[#TFCStarscream|Takara ''The Transformers Collection'' Starscream reissue]], this version of Megatron was included with the [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|G1 Starscream]] reissue under the ''[[Vintage|Vintage G1]]'' label.
{{--}}

==''Classic Heroes Team''==
[[File:ClassicHeroesTeam-Megatron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Drill Nuts|Drill? Nuts!]]]]
*'''Megatron''' (All Star Rescan, [[2022]])
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

:''[[Transformers: Classic Heroes Team|Classic Heroes Team]]'' Megatron converts from robot mode to a drill tank in two steps -- one for the usual automatic transformation, and a second step which points the drill arm forward at the elbow hinge. The drill does not spin.
{{-}}{{anchor|CHTgator}}

[[File:ClassicHeroesTeam-Megatronalligator.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Cowards! Put a Predacon logo on me!]]
*'''Megatron''' (Classic Heroes Team, [[2023]])
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

:This Megatron converts from robot mode to alligator in two steps -- though the second step is just reorienting the tip of his tail. In alligator mode, he has an articulated jaw and a cannon on his backside. He's an entirely mechanical alligator with a Decepticon logo and sold as "Megatron," so he's probably not [[Megalligator]] no matter how much we want him to be.
{{--}}

==''Transformers Retro''==
[[File:TFRetro-Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Starscream''' (Walmart exclusive reissue/redeco, [[2023]])

:Walmart once again [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers Retro|reissued the original Starscream toy]] in 2023–now in more cartoon accurate colours–under the ''[[Transformers Retro]]'' label. He retains the gun mode Megatron accessory first included with ''The Transformers Collection'' Starscream.

:Unlike the original versions of Starscream's fists from ''The Transformers Collection'' reissue, the fists from this version are cast in black plastic and ''painted'' blue. The added paint makes the post on the bottom of his fists thicker than they should be, so attaching the lower portion of the Megatron gun can be difficult.

*'''Thundercracker''' (Walmart exclusive reissue/redeco, 2023)

:The same Megatron accessory was included with [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Transformers Retro|''Retro'' Thundercracker]] a few months later with no notable changes.

*'''Skywarp''' (Walmart exclusive reissue/redeco, 2023)

:The same Megatron accessory was included with [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Transformers Retro|''Retro'' Skywarp]] later with no notable changes.

{{--}}

==''Dramatic Capture Series''==
[[File:TF-DCS-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''Watch me dazzle like a diamond in the rough'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Bridge''' ([[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March]] 2024
:*''Accessories'': Fusion Cannon, tank turret/bladed weapon, tank-filler part/shield
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released as the first entry of the ''[[Dramatic Capture Series]]'' line by TakaraTomy, this Megatron is a redeco of the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|mold]] in Generation 1 cartoon-accurate colors, notably slathering him in silver paint.

:Megatron's turret doubles as a melee weapon, though it must be forearm-mounted in order to use the blade. The blade can be a shield if paired with the sword from the ''Siege'' toy. To try and reduce his alternate mode's resemblance to an H-tank, he has a [[Partformer|partsforming]] piece that is attached between his shins. The melee weapon can plug into his back as a back-mounted cannon, much like his G1 cartoon design, and the filler part can be a forearm-mounted shield or mounted onto the bladed weapon.

:It can be difficult to pull his head out while transforming him to robot mode; the strain of doing so can cause the ball joint socket to crack, and form stress marks on his cheeks. This can be remedied by pushing the flap up from beneath using the filler/shield piece tabs. This version of Megatron appears to suffer from [[Mold#Deterioration|mold degradation]], with reports of very loose knees, hips, and shoulder tabs.

:Megatron is packaged with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Soundwave]], [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Laserbeak]], and [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Shockwave]]. Also included is a throne/command chair, a reuse of ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Studio Series|Coronation Starscream]]'s throne, which was based on the command chair of the ''Nemesis'''s bridge to begin with.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}

{{--}}

==''Robosen Flagship Edition''==
[[File:RobosenFlagshipMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''Nobody summons Megatron!'' jk lol go for it]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron Auto-Converting Robot''' ([[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Carrying Case, Sword, Mace, 4 tank shells, Optimus Prime paper target, [[Collector coin]]

: ''[[Robosen]]'' Megatron is a high-end programmable interactive transforming robot. Responding to user voice commands or the Robosen app, Megatron transforms from a 21" tall robot into a tank with functioning treads and firing cannon. His robot mode is highly evocative of the [[Megatron (G1)/Generations toys#Combiner Wars|Leader-Class ''Combiner Wars'' Megatron]] figure, including the vertically-mounted tank treads on his back. Features include 112 different [[LED]] functions, 36 servo [[battery-powered motor|motors]], 118 microchips and over 200 lines of dialogue from [[Frank Welker]]. Unlike previous ''Robosen'' robots, Megatron has a battery level indicator on his chest, and the ability to react to the user's touch. However, like the previous robots, he is unable to stand when powered off in robot mode due to the joints having gone limp. It is, therefore, best to power him off in tank mode. MSRP was $1200 but a special "early bird" price of $899 was available until May 25th.
{{--}}

==''Synergenex''==
[[File:TF T-SPARK Synergenex Megatron Type Godzilla.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''History shows again and again / How nature points out the folly of men'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Megatron Type Godzilla''' (メガトロン Typeゴジラ, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Release date:'' [[2025]] [[May 31]]
:*''Accessories:'' blaster, 3 [[Fire Blast effect|blast effect part]]s

:Part of [[T-SPARK]]'s ''[[Synergenex]]'' line of collector-targeted crossover toys celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the ''[[Godzilla]]'' franchise, "Megatron Type Godzilla" is a retool of ''[[Studio Series]] 86'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Studio Series|Grimlock]], decked in colors representing the King of Monsters during the [https://wikizilla.org/wiki/Millennium_era Millennium era]. His dino neck is cast in translucent blue plastic partially painted black to evoke the charging of Godzilla's Atomic Breath, and he also includes stackable blast effect parts, of the same set first introduced for ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Omega Supreme (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Omega Supreme]], to represent this fiery attack. He has a new robot head, designed to resemble [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]. His blaster, carried over from Grimlock, is now cast in silver plastic.

::*[https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tsparkofficial/synergenex/godzilla Official TakaraTomy website of ''Synergenex'' Megatron Type Godzilla]
{{WFCSiegeOmegaSupremeFireBlastMold}}
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==MixMashers==
[[File:TF-MixMashers-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Are you sure those tank treads doesn't [[Transformers (2023) issue 14|belong to Starscream?]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Fusion Cannon, Left arm/Energon Mace, 2 blasters, sword, 2 tank treads, flight pack

:''[[MixMashers]]'' Megatron is a 5-inch non-transforming action figure modeled after his evergreen design. Like the previously-released figure from the ''[[Hero Mashers]]'' line, he features 10 detachable base body parts, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. Megatron also comes with his signature Fusion Cannon, an Energon Mace arm that can only be mounted onto his left arm due to the forearm panel, a pair of 2 blasters, a sword, a pair of tank treads, and a flight pack.

==Swapticons==
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' ([[2025]])}}</ul>
{{toystub}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:MicroChangeGunRoboWalther.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|[[Megaplex]] Black Version?]]
[[File:Skywarpatron.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Skywarp really DID need close supervision.]]
[[File:UnmadeVideoCameraMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
*To date, an exact copy of the black ''[[Microman]]'' ''[[Micro Change]]'' Walther P-38 toy has not been reissued as a Transformer. The e-Hobby version replaced the blue plastic with red and most of the black plastic parts with dark silver chrome.
*It seems that no one could get Megatron's [[package art]] right in Japan. His standard release used edited box art from the standard Micro Change P-38 toy's black deco, recolored to Megatron's US toy color scheme with shiny "chrome" and red on his legs and arms instead of the Japanese toy's flat gray and blue. The VS-X art replaced the red with blue, but kept the "chrome". The art on the "Goodbye Megatron" set used edited US box art (which in turn was the Micro Change P-38 UNCLE art with an added sigil) that replaced the red with blue, yet this toy used red plastic.
*In a fit of madness, a triple changer was proposed that would switch between [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] (possibly mistaken for Starscream), Megatron, and Skywarp's jet mode.
*In a slightly more sane attempt, [[:File:Megalvatron.jpg|another triple changer]] was proposed which would switch between Megatron, a very awkward [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]], and a Walther P-38 handgun with a futuristic silencer and laser sight.
*Two kitbashed mock-ups of Megatron as a '90s video camcorder exist, one using the ''Generation 2'' tank Megatron mold to showcase a robot mode, and a nontransforming camera model. According to [[Vincent D'Alleva]], during the short turbulent period after G2 and before Beast Wars, one of the ideas floated was going back to highly realistic electronics for the line, and camcorder Megatron was a proof of concept model before it was decided that Beast Wars was the more viable option [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVRZdx1fFz8&ab_channel=TheToyFilesPodcast]. The mock-up was originally offered for sale in [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/4f98fe3d58bfe696/b1d0163d38587281?q=ramjet+whiz+bang+toys&pli=1 October of 2000] from Whiz Bang Collectibles, along with other items from a former Hasbro employee's collection.<ref>[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Generation2/MegatronVideoCameraMock1.html Megatron Video Camera at Toyarchive.com]</ref>
{{--}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm Megatron at TFU.info]
*[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/1783/Generation+2/Megatron+ATB.html Gallery of ATB Megatron with comparison to BB at Transformers At the Moon]
*[http://www.theunclegun.com/ Unclegun.com - The Walther P-38 as seen in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.]
*[http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=ngAuAAAAEBAJ Megatrons patent]

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[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day

2025-02-21T00:38:39Z

Orogogus: /* Other trivia */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=53
|prev=The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears
|next=The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage
|image=MTMTE53_regcvr.jpg
|title="The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day"
|caption=''Men of Harlech, stop your dreaming Can't you see their spear points gleaming''
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 25]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=May 2016
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]] (pg 1-13, 19-20) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (pg 14-18)
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2016)]]
}}
'''In the final hours before the sun sets, Rewind and Chromedome finally solve the mystery of Dominus Ambus.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:AtCloseOfDay-tailgatedemolishes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|''Hey yo, I'm just like my country'' ''I'm young, scrappy and hungry'' ''And I am not throwing away my shot!'']]
In the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s fortress, [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] finishes up repairs on [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] while simultaneously perusing [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]]'s case notes from recent events in order to get caught up on what has happened while he's been away. He expresses some concern for [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], observing that other crewmembers exposed to the energy released by his spark upon its mutation have experienced sudden system crashes, but the group can't worry too much about that right now, as the little 'bot is hard at work demolishing part of the fortress to provide [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] with raw materials to make weapons. Although the team is making ready to fight, they also must prepare for the worst, and so [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] records some last words from each of them, to be sent out in the event of their deaths.

Despite the danger, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]'s mind is preoccupied with the mystery of the hollow planet on which they now stand, and he convinces [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] to allow him to spend the remaining daylight hours investigating it. He ropes [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] into helping him, but just before they depart, they are called into a room by [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], along with Brainstorm, Velocity, and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. Casting hesitations aside in the face of impending death, Nautica recites the formal oath that bonds each of them to her as [[Amica Endura]]. Afterward, however, as Rung leaves with Nightbeat, his parting with Skids seems noticeably awkward.

[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] volunteers to perform [[mnemosurgery]] on the captive Pet in order to obtain the location of the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD]]'s [[Peaceful Tyranny|spaceship]] for [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]. As he injects the little creature, however, the experience proves stranger than expected, and he soon comes to a horrifying realization: the Pet is not a [[turbofox]] at all, but a Transformer...

Simultaneously, Rewind watches as Brainstorm measures Minimus Ambus for a new armor, which leads Minimus to mention that the ability to carry a heavier load was the one thing he was better at than his brother and fellow Loadbearer [[Dominus Ambus]]. Rewind is shocked to learn that his former [[Conjunx Endura]] kept the secret that he was a Loadbearer from him, and immediately opens the [[Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy]] on the Necrobot's computer so that Minimus can find Dominus's true appearance in it. Minimus does so with ease, pulling up his brother's base alternate mode: a turbofox.

[[File:It's not your choice to make.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''There are moments that the words don't reach...'']]
Understanding strikes Rewind and Chromedome at the same time, and the little archivist runs straight to the medibay (pausing only to sock Rodimus on the jaw for letting Chromedome inject yet again), where Chromedome pulls the full truth from The Pet's memories. Dominus disappeared because ''he'' was the Autobot undercover operative [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], but when his true identity was discovered by the D.J.D., they "domesticated" him as a form of torture, locking him in beast mode by removing his [[transformation cog]] and lobotomizing him, turning him into their Pet. Chromedome has begun to repair Dominus's mind, but the mnemosurgeon's spark starts to fade thanks to the rigors of the procedure. Rewind urges him to stop, but Chromedome explains that Dominus will die if he does, and that he is willing to give up his life so that Rewind and Dominus can be together. Rewind refuses to let him, grabbing [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s sword and slicing Chromedome's needle-arm off, severing the connection, and saving his life at the cost of Dominus's.

[[File:MTMTE53FullyArmedBatallion.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|''Let's show these Federalists who they're up against'' ''SOUTHERN'' '''''MOTHERFRAGGING''''' ''DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICANS'']]
Hours later, the forces of the D.J.D. gather outside the fortress's [[storm-shield]], while [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] work to finish assembling perimeter defenses. As Cyclonus puts the finishing touches to a turret, Whirl asks him about his relationship with [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] and whether or not they are "together." Cyclonus angrily informs him that they are not, because Tailgate deserves someone better than him, but vows that no harm will come to him this day. With the turret completed, Whirl fires upon the Decepticon mob, but unfortuntely discovers that in addition to preventing the Decepticons from firing ''in'', the storm-shield prevents the turrets from firing outward. With only twenty minutes until sunset, Whirl and Cyclonus head back inside the fortress to share this report, leading Rodimus to contemplate simply shutting the shield down and facing death head-on. Megatron urges him to reconsider and for the group to cherish every minute of life they have left; from his tone, and the fact that he rebuffs the gift of a freshly-constructed [[fusion cannon]], Rodimus realizes that Megatron does not intend to stand with them in the fight. Calling himself too weak and too afraid, Megatron slinks away, leaving even [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] ashamed of his once-great leader. But where Megatron has let the team down, Brainstorm has not: he has constructed an absolutely ''colossal'' new suit of "Maximus Ambus" armor for Minimus that will give the D.J.D. as hard a fight as possible. Though Nightbeat and Rung have not yet returned, Rodimus welcomes the team into a group hug, thanks them all for travelling with him... then deactivates the storm-shield, so that they may all rush out and meet their destiny together.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (1)
* [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (2)
* [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (3)
* [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (4)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
* [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (6)
* [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (7)
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (8)
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Dominus Ambus|Dominus Ambus/The Pet/Agent 113]] (10)
* [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (11)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (12)
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (13)
* [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (14)
* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (15)
* [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (16)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (23)
{{!}}}
|c2=
* [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (17)
* [[Nickel]] (18)
* [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]] (19)
* [[Vos (G1)|Vos]] (20)
* [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] (21)
* [[Leozack]] (22)
* [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (25)
|c4=
* [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
* [[Ten]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"And Minimus is okay with this..." 
"Yes, provided I don't go alone. I said I'd take someone he could do without. Joking." 
"You're not, though, are you?" 
"No."
:—'''Rung''' and '''Nightbeat'''

"I bid you stand in the glow of my spark that you may feel the heat of my words and know them to be true. I invite you to '''receive my light''' and in doing so becoming Amica Endura—from now until forever. Rung, for your '''words.''' Brainstorm, for your '''intellect.''' Lotty, for your '''determination.''' Nightbeat, for your '''curiosity.''' And Skids, for your '''kindness.''' Your kindness and your '''dancing.''' As you are to me, may I be to you—today, tomorrow, and always."
:—'''Nautica''' recites the Amica Endura oath

"If I pull out now, he'll '''die!''' His mind will '''collapse''' and he will die!" 
"But if you stay in there, '''you'll''' die..." 
"It doesn't '''matter!''' There's never been room for both of us in your life anyway!" 
"But I can't..." 
"Yes you '''can'''! <big>'''''YOU CAN HAVE HIM INSTEAD OF ME!'''''</big>" 
(beat) 
''SLIKT'' 
"It's not your decision to make, Domey. It's not your decision to make."
:—'''Chromedome''' and '''Rewind''' creating the first cry-your-eyes-out moment of this issue

"No. We haven't spoken. Not about that. Important things are '''felt''', not '''said'''." 
"I'll take your word for it. I don't do "relationships." My world begins and ends with me. So why '''aren't''' you guys a couple?" 
"......he deserves better. He's '''kind.''' He '''cares''' about people. The more he's pushed away, the more he reaches out." 
"So it's not the height difference." 
"It is, in a way. '''He towers over me.'''" 
"Well, I still think you should be spending the rest of your lives together. I mean we're talking all of '''24 minutes''', but..." 
"Oh, we'll survive this. '''He'll''' survive, at any rate." 
"Because of the upgrade?" 
"Because I'll split this world open and tear down the sky before I let him come to even the '''slightest''' harm."
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Whirl''' creating the second cry-your-eyes-out moment of this issue.

"C'mere, guys... Group hug. Thanks for travelling with me. Ready?"
:—'''Rodimus''' creating the third... I'm not... ''I'm not crying, dammit!''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Ratchet names [[Powerflash]] and [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] as those affected by the energy released by Tailgate; they were part of the security team who confronted him and Cyclonus in [[The Lopsided Triangle|issue #47]]. Ratchet compares the sudden burnout they have suffered to the effects of [[Ore-13|Ultra-Energon]], which was known to cause those who used it to burn out after it ran out—this fate befell [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] in ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'' and Megatron in ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''. The footnote refers the reader all the way back to ''[[The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration]]'', in which the substance was introduced.
* A one-panel cutaway shows Swerve having a breakdown. Rightly so, since we learned in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]] that he's seen the D.J.D. in action in the past, and should know better than just about anyone what the group's in for.
* The recording of the message seen in [[The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|issue #50]] takes place off-panel this issue. It was in that same issue that we learned the Necrobot's planet was hollow.
* Rewind snarls that Rodimus is an "enabler" for Chromedome's injecting habit. Chromedome declared he'd given it up for good back in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|#27]] but six months later, Rodimus cajoled him to do it again ''just this once'' [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|in #30]], [[Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|#36]], and [[Speak, Memory: Part 1|#48]].
* At long last, the mystery revealed! Dominus Ambus was first introduced to audiences in [[Before & After|issue #12]], when Chromedome told Tailgate his story, and the unanswered question of what became of him has hung over the series ever since. With this issue, we learn that he was the mysterious "Agent 113", the Autobots' mole inside the D.J.D. originally introduced in the prose story "[[Bullets]]" in 2010. The revelation that he was a Loadbearer explains the different appearance he had when he was serving as the previous Vos, seen in [[The Not Knowing|issue #44]]. The designation "113" (which #44 told us was chosen by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and which Ultra Magnus noted probably "meant something") is revealed to have been taken from the number applied to his turbofox alternate mode in the Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy.
* Further, a lot of Dominus's history now takes on increased meaning: as a tiny beast-former, with a form frowned on by [[Functionism]], the idea that he was responsible for creating the [[Ambus Test]] to validate the sentience of such Cybertronians makes even more sense, as does his treatment of, and ultimately loving relationship with, a [[Disposable class]] 'bot like Rewind. This also adds an extra dimension to Dominus staying in his shell and never revealing his true inner form, as this would allow him to 'pass' for a 'higher' functioning Transformer.
* In [[Functionist Universe|an alternate timeline]], Dominus Ambus was put in charge of categorizing "the animals" within the Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy.
* Dominus was subjected to "domestication" to turn him into the D.J.D.'s pet, lobotomizing him and removing his [[transformation cog]]. We've seen this horrifying process before, back in [[Animals|issue #46]], in which it was revealed that Decepticon [[Demus]] was performing it on other Cybertronians to turn them into "torture-dolls" to sell to alien races. The "meet the cast" page all the way back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]] even described the Pet as "domesticated"!!
* In fact, the Latin-rooted "Dominus Ambus" never seemed to make a ''heck'' of a lot of sense for the character, effectively meaning "Master Walks." But ''now'', well, it seems like it might have been foreshadowing all along, 'cause... who's good boy? Walkies? You want master to take you walkies? Yes you do ess oo doo ess oo ''dooooo'' lets go walkies
* The reveal of just what the Pet really is puts [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]]'s obvious emotional attachment to him in a much creepier light. It also makes Tarn's violent reaction last issue a bit more understandable; Kaon wasn't just blubbering about a lost pet, he was expressing love and concern for ''an enemy spy''.
[[File:MTMTE 15 vs 53 Chromedome loses his arm.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|left|He lost that same arm again… but at least this time, he didn't lose Rewind. Yay, progress…?]]
* Chromedome mentions that Dominus ''"was Agent 113! The *original* Agent 113!"'', which implies both that Dominus had a successor and that Chromedome knows that the original has been replaced. This is probably alluding to a (fortunately) cut plot in which Chromedome and Prowl were complicit in the disappearance of Dominus Ambus.
* On the other hand, this could be a dialogue error and the line is meant to read "was Vos! The *original* Vos!", which would also make (more) sense in this context.
* After Rewind slices Chromedome's arm off, the shot of them lying on the floor together mirrors the final page of [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]]. Chromedome's even missing the same arm! On top of that, Drift's short sword was basically the reason Rewind # 1 had to sacrifice himself against Overlord back in that same issue. Here, Rewind # 2 uses Drift's short sword to save Chromedome's life and thus... sacrifice Dominus Ambus.
* Whirl notes that Tailgate was "wearing Cyclonus's energon for a while," as seen in [[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|issue #49]].
* Nightbeat is told off by Minimus Ambus for "doing that thing again" - using an extended metaphor, in this case "marinating in a rich gravy of trouble." It was actually Skids who used to do this, back in [[Signal to Noise]], where he referred to "a rich tapestry of trouble... shades of trouble so multifaceted that you probably have to take several steps back to fully appreciate the breadth and scale of the trouble we're in." And Minimus was unconscious at the time.
{{-}}

===Real-life references===
* As with the previous chapters, this issue's title (and the title of the multi-parter itself) is taken from the poem "{{w|Do not go gentle into that good night}}," by {{w|Dylan Thomas}}.
* Velocity notes that Ultra Magnus wanted to read the group a poem "about poppies." The poem, as alluded to by the "next issue" caption, is "{{w|In Flanders Fields}}", by {{w|John McCrae}}, a memorial poem about the trench warfare that took place in the poppy fields of Flanders, [[Belgium]], in World War I. Such warfare often involved the tactic of "going over the top," charging towards enemy forces and facing near-certain death, hence the evocative use of the poem here, paralleling the crew's actions.
* Given the above, it's likely no coincidence that the Necroworld is covered with flowers.

===Errors===
[[File:It's not your choice to make single vs tpb.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|This is not the right moment for ventriloquism.]]
* On page five, Nautica invites the gang to be her "amica endura" (singular), when the plural has previously been established by Nightbeat as "amica endur'''ae'''." (If we want to get ''really'' technical, the Latin pluralization should be "amic'''ae''' endur'''ae'''.") This is corrected in the trade paperback.
* On page eight, Minimus says Dominus was "even more sensitive about his height that I was," instead of "than I was." This is corrected in the trade paperback.
* The trade paperback actually ''creates'' an error — it adds a link to Rewind's dialogue bubble in the scene where he's holding the downed Chromedome. The bubble is linked... to something off-panel, when it is clear that the dialogue is supposed to be Rewind's.
* On page seventeen, Ten holds up Megatron's newly built cannon with both hands... except he lost his left arm last issue. You might think he's been repaired since then, but next issue shows him to still be missing the limb, so this scene is definitely a goof.
{{-}}

===Other trivia===
* In addition to cans of [[Kremzeek]]-brand drink, Easter eggs scattered around [[Priscilla Tramontano]]'s retailer incentive cover for this issue include a [[curly straw]] and [[Ten]]'s doll of Minimus Ambus from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]]. A sign promotes a poetry reading with the small-print warning that "non-attendance will result in punishment."
* Back in [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]], Prowl indicated there was a dark secret in Chromedome's past that he wouldn't want Rewind to know about. This secret would never be revealed in the comic, but at TFcon USA 2018, James Roberts explained that, originally, he had envisioned that Chromedome was "complicit" in Dominus Ambus's disappearance, having helped Prowl place Dominus undercover as "Agent 113," presumably through some judicious application of mnemosurgery. Specifically Chromedome would have also performed mnemosurgery on Rewind, so that he would be unaware of Dominus's fate, and the circumstances leading up to it. This would mean that the pair would have met prior to #12's flashback, and that Chromedome had kept this from Rewind throughout their entire relationship. Roberts explained that he discarded the idea because he didn't want to make another romantic couple suffer in his stories, and explicitly deemed it "non-canon."
* Milne actually inked an additional two pages before learning that Sakamoto would be drawing them instead.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=A couple pages I did before I knew @hayatoron was given some pages to work on for issue 53 #mtmte Enjoy :) https://t.co/m07plfZXc3|link=https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/738478133859454976|name=Alex Milne|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=06|day=02|(defunct=)}}</ref>

===Soundtrack===
For all of "The Dying of the Light":
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCdBc5uByFQ Hurt]" by {{w|Johnny Cash}}

For this issue alone:
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUk4DU_5mKM Make Your Move]" by {{w|The Delgados}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The first song to accompany MTMTE #53 (53!!) is a special mix of Make Your Move, by the Delgados: https://t.co/cdF1mH6SEn|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732676637490315264|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=05|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YatfHlIFGb0 Little Things (That Keep Us Together)]" by {{w|Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The MTMTE #53 soundtrack continues with Scott Walker's Little Things (That Keep Us Together): https://t.co/kMuGZhYfe3|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732678144545685504|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=05|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsESk0GESxk Into Dust]" by {{w|Mazzy Star}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The next song from MTMTE #53 is 'Into Dust' by Mazzy Star: https://t.co/3aaqcpBvtq|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732682375956680704|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=05|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkLWf-fbsLo Out of Time]" by {{w|Blur (band)|Blur}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Last song from MTMTE #53 is 'Out of Time' by Blur: https://t.co/phql6h9SyM|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732683063579267073|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=05|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>

===Covers (3)===
* '''Regular cover:''' Skids, Nautica, and Minimus Ambus surrounded by drill-spikes, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
* '''Subscription cover:''' [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]], [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]], and what's left of [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]], by [[Hayato Sakamoto]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover:''' Swerve tends bar, by [[Priscilla Tramontano]]; one of two retailer incentive variants by Tramontano on this month's IDW ''Transformers'' titles.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE53 regcvr.jpg|Do NOT want!
File:MTMTE53 subcvr.jpg|Overlord always giggles at mayhem.
File:MTMTE53 cvrRI.jpg|Gimme a clean martini in a dirty [[Kremzeek]] glass!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''More than Meets the Eye'' #54
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|#53]]
* ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|#5]]
* ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]''
* ''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' #13
* IDW ''Transformers'' reading guide
* IDW online comics (back cover)

===Reprints===
* '''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' ([[October 5]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631407163 / ISBN 978-1631407161
** Collects ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55.
** Bonus material includes covers of each issue.
** Trade paperback format.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' ([[January 24]], [[2018]])
** Collects ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55.
** Bonus material includes the bonus story "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]", essential background material on the DJD, a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].
** Hardcover format.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11]]''''' ([[June 17]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684056403 / ISBN 978-1684056408
** Collects ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]: [[Silent Light]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]'', [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' (2012)]] issues [[Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|#46]]–[[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|50]] & "[[New Worlds Order]]", and ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55 & "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]".
** Hardcover format.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol10.jpg|'''''More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' – cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v72.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' – cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Cyclonus) and Alex Milne (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V11.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11''''' – cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.newsarama.com/29398-amica-endura-is-magic-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-53-preview.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day}}

The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears

2025-02-21T00:29:15Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=52
|prev=The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight
|next=The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day
|image=MTMTE52_regcvr.jpg
|title="The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears
|caption=Death waits you! You have made a covenant with death, and with Hell you are in agreement. You're all going to die! Don't you realize? Can't you see? You're all going to die! Die! Death awaits you all!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 27]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=April 2016
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2016)]]
}}
'''Megatron versus Tarn! A new challenger appears!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Mtmte52 evacuating ten.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|''I'm with you, but the situation is fraught!'']]
As [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] struggle to hold off the [[Decepticon Justice Division|D.J.D.]] and their allies, Drift observes [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]]'s horrified reaction to [[Ten]] striking [[Dominus Ambus|the Pet]], then seizes the little creature and threatens to kill it in order to stay the villains' hands. A distraught Kaon orders everyone to stand down, and Ratchet, Drift, and Ten are then airlifted to safety by their own ship, piloted by [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]. [[Helex (G1)|Helex]], furious, overturns Kaon's order and everyone opens fire on the ship, damaging it and sending it falling out of the sky.

Elsewhere on [[Necroworld]], [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]] and [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] meet in front of Megatron's statue, where Tarn is left incredulous by Megatron's request that the D.J.D. spare the other Autobots if he surrenders to them. Tarn speaks of Megatron's inspiring legacy and all the lives that were willingly sacrificed to his cause, but the weary Megatron regrets everything, even his own life. Disgusted, Tarn launches a brutal physical attack on his former leader, knocking his Autobot [[insignia]] off, hoping to reignite his lost fire by forcing him to fight back. But the battered Megatron refuses to rise to the bait, citing both his newfound pacifism, and the fact that the [[Fool's Energon]] he is fuelled with makes it impossible anyway. Megatron chuckles, reflecting on the side effect of Fool's Energon that can allegedly change a 'bot's personality... and realizes that, even if that is true, despite his lifelong fear of mental tampering... he's ''better'' the way he is now. Realizing that the 'bot he once worshipped is gone, Tarn blasts him point-blank in the chest, and is about to deliver a second, fatal shot when a third party suddenly arrives on the scene and orders him to stop... a third party named '''[[Overlord (G1)|OVERLORD]]!'''

Ravage manages to crash Ratchet and Drift's ship at the entrance to the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s fortress, and the group takes cover inside. The Autobots are happy to see their two old friends again, but [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is confused as to why they are here; it turns out they came in response to a call [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] made on the communicator [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] gave her, which the D.J.D.'s signal blockers had cut off before she could speak. Velocity had thought she was making contact with First Aid himself, and immediately makes a rather terrible first impression on Ratchet. Infinitely more tense is the concurrent reunion of Drift and [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]], the latter still feeling guilty over letting Drift take the blame for the Overlord debacle, and for never coming to look for him after the truth came out, out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepts Rodimus's sincere apology, but doubts his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive.

[[File:TarnvsOverlord.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''Where have you been?'' Uh, France?]]
Overlord demands that ''he'' be the one to kill Megatron, and a fight instantly breaks out between the two Decepticons over who will have the honor. As they battle, Tarn remarks that the D.J.D. believed Overlord to be dead; the [[Phase Sixer]] explains that he was recovered and repaired by a group of mysterious benefactors, who have sent him to Necroworld to kill Megatron—an "alignment of interests," as Overlord puts it. Tarn proposes an alliance, but Overlord refuses: Megatron is ''his'', and his alone, to end. At that point, however, the two combatants realize that while they have been distracted grappling with one another, Megatron has dragged his battered body onto the [[space scooter]] that brought him there, and escaped back to the fortress!

[[File:YourFierceTears-byebyekaon.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Man openly campaigns against me, talking 'bout "I look forward to our partnership!"]]
At the fortress, [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] regards the Necrobot's memorial for the "[[disappeared]]", pondering the names carved into it as a means of keeping his mind busy. Presently, [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] arrives; she wonders where [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] is, and the archivist tells her that they have had an argument, each believing the other should have used the teleport chamber to escape. Nautica then asks about the pair's history, wondering about the protocol for becoming either [[Conjunx Endura]] or [[Amica Endura]] in Cybertronian society. When Rewind asks her why, she remarks that their looming fate has led her to question some matters she has been avoiding...

Tarn and Overlord return to the ''[[Peaceful Tyranny]]'', where Overlord immediately sets about mocking and undermining the group and its alliance with [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]. The distressed Kaon then arrives to report what happened to his unit, and the capture of the Pet, which only gives Overlord more material to work with. Tarn embraces his panicking colleague... then with cold fury, rips his head clean off, horrifying the watching [[Nickel]] and even silencing Overlord. Smashing Kaon's severed head across Overlord's chest, he declares that ''emotion'' was the weakness that changed Megatron, and it is a weakness he will not allow himself, or any of his men, to feel.

And back at the fortress, the unconscious Megatron is hauled inside by his allies, fuel-streaked Autobot symbol still defiantly clutched in his hand...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (4)
* [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (5)
* [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (8)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (12)
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
* [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (14)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (15)
* [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (16)
* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (17)
|c2=
* [[Helex (G1)|Helex]] (1)
* [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]] (6)
* [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (7)
* [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]] (9)
* [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] (10)
* [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (18)
* [[Nickel]] (19)
|c4=
* [[Ten]] (2)
* [[Dominus Ambus|The Pet]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Drift! Say something '''inspirational!''' I fight better when I'm annoyed!"
:—'''Ratchet'''

"You want to talk about wasted lives? What about all the people who '''died''' following your orders? The road-sweepers and the haulers. The '''miners!''' All those who died in service to a future '''you''' promised to bring about? Did '''they''' waste their lives? Did '''I''' waste '''mine?''' Look around you. Every flower represents a life '''you''' ended—a death for which you bear '''full responsibility.''' You think they're all Autobots?"
:—'''Tarn'''

"I know everything is '''connected.''' I know it's impossible to preserve some moments and not others—however tempting it might be. I know that not long ago, someone tried to kill me before I was born. And I know I hated them less for their '''ambition''' than their failure to '''realise it.'''"
:—'''Megatron'''

"The thought of anyone tampering with my mind used to '''terrify''' me. But if Prime's chemicals have '''kept me in line...''' then maybe that's a good thing. '''I'm better like this.'''" 
"No. You're better dead." 
''(CHOOM!)''
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Tarn'''

"'''You're''' Ratchet? The '''sourpuss'''? The '''slavedriver'''? The '''hand-thief''' who took a thousand years to retire? '''You're''' him?" 
"Er..." 
"I hope '''not'''—otherwise I've made a really '''bad''' first impression...!"
:—'''Velocity''' and '''Ratchet'''

"You're both angry for the same reason? Is that logical?" 
"Let me know the next time you and the person you love have a logical argument."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Rewind'''

"Come here, Kaon. I never realized that you cared for that creature as much as you '''do.''' Sorry—" 
''(RRRIP!)'' 
"—as much as you '''did.'''"
:—'''Tarn'''

"Don't you '''ever''' think '''you''' can come into my house and '''pass judgement'''. I will not be '''ridiculed''' by someone who spent half his life '''running''' and the other half '''sulking''' because no one gave chase."
:—'''Tarn''', to Overlord

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Megatron hints that, before becoming a Decepticon, Tarn was a significant 'bot in the life of some importance, remarking that he "turned" him to the Decepticon side in order to "hurt" that 'bot by proving that it could be done. The last time Megatron talked about doing something purely out of spite in order to hurt someone, he was talking about [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], back in [[slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|issue #34]]. Is that misdirection we see, or it is another big fat in-your-face hint that Tarn is Optimus's old buddy [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] under his mask, following the possible set up in [[Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|issue #36]]? Of note, Roller's name ''seems'' to be included on the Necrobot's memorial for the "disappeared"...
* Megatron refers to Brainstorm's attempt to kill him before he was born, from [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
* Aaaaaa''aaaAAAAA'' '''''AAAAAAAAAAA'''''<big>'''''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA IT'S OVERLORD!!!!'''''</big> The original ''More than Meets the Eye'' Big Bad makes his return after being blasted out of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' back in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]], but c'mon, none of us ''really'' believed he was dead, did we? Tarn gives a quick rundown of his backstory from ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', summarizing how he refused to follow Megatron's orders, went rogue, and then, upon realizing that Megatron didn't care and wasn't pursuing, staged the events of that mini-series as a way of trying to get his old leader's attention.
* Tarn recalls crossing Overlord off [[The List|the D.J.D.'s list]]; they actually killed Overlord's quantum duplicate, as shown back in issues [[slaughterhouse|#32]] and [[slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|33]].
* For such a devoted fan of Megatron, Tarn forgets a very important fact about him, as was established alllll the way back in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory]]: Megatron's got a habit of not dying.
* As noted in a footnote, in [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]] Ratchet gave the communicator to First Aid, who then passed it on to Velocity in [[The One Where They Go to Earth|issue #43]].
* Given that Drift knows that Rodimus told the rest of the crew the truth about the Overlord conspiracy, Ratchet must have told him about it following the end of [[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|''Empire of Stone'']]. That mini was evidently written without proper understanding of the full story behind Drift's exile, while issue #40 of this series also floundered a little while trying to deal with the fallout of Rodimus's reveal, but this issue ties it off at last. Rodimus told the crew the truth, but didn't try to find and bring Drift back because he was afraid he would hate him for making his sacrifice meaningless.
* We previously saw the Necrobot's memorial for the disappeared in [[The Not Knowing|issue #44]].
* It is noted that several months have passed between the two-part story in issues [[Speak, Memory: Part 1|#48]] and [[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|#49]] and "The Dying of the Light" (during which, we know, both the [[Silent Light|''Holiday Special'' story]] and [[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases|issue #50's back-up strip]] took place).
* Tarn ripping Kaon's head and spine out and crushing it against a solid surface echoes Kaon's killing of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] in [[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|issue #34]].

===Transformers references===

===Real-life references===
* As with the previous chapters, this issue's title (and the title of the multi-parter itself) is taken from the poem "{{w|Do not go gentle into that good night}}," by {{w|Dylan Thomas}}.
* On the Necrobot's memorial to the disappeared, there's a name reading "-EAMWA-". Now it could certainly be "Screamwarp" or "Steamwash" but there's one other very [[Dreamwave Productions|obvious answer]]...

===Errors===
* On page 6, Tarn says "wasted lifes," rather than "wasted lives." This is fixed in the trade paperback.
* On page 17, Tarn says "a suggestion: perhaps we should -" twice, being interrupted by Overlord both times. Only the second one really makes sense in context; the first is a bit of a non-sequitur.
* Not strictly an error, but on pages 7 and 19, Megatron and Tarn use the British spelling, "realise," rather than the American "realize." The former is fixed in the trade paperback, but the latter is not.
* On page 17, Rewind says "and they pleasure they take in doing it" instead of "''the'' pleasure." This is fixed in the trade paperback.

===Other trivia===
* We learn a little more about the types of "Endura" bonding. Nautica notes that in some civilizations, you have to be "Amica" before you can then move on to being "Conjunx," though that is not true of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]. Rewind explains that in Cybertronian society, one must actually first ''rule out'' being Conjunx before "opting" for Amica. "It can make for a very bittersweet ceremony," he says. No doubt!
* Whirl and Cyclonus feature quite prominently on the Retailer Incentive cover but do not appear at all in this issue.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "The Dying of the Light":
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCdBc5uByFQ Hurt]" by {{w|Johnny Cash}}

For this issue alone:
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S7DmnjWTSk Franklyn]" by {{w|Michael Nyman}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=First 'song' from MTMTE #52 is Franklyn, by Michael Nyman: https://t.co/Ibo9BOSiF4|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723596046329360384|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn4dy_7Q9Bo The Return of Evil Bill]" by {{w|Clinic (band)|Clinic}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Second song from MTMTE #52 is 'The Return of Evil Bill' by Clinic: https://t.co/101tGvL988|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723596314597068800|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s Teardrop]" by {{w|Massive Attack}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Third song from MTMTE #52 is Teardrop by Massive Attack: https://t.co/5wupRync0z|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723596609775349762|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMJZLDhScCw Twilight of the Empire]" by {{w|Fariña}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=And the fourth song for MTMTE #52 isn't on YouTube, but on Spotify: it's Twilight Of The Empire by Fariña ♫ https://t.co/hgzosw1k3r|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723597298421239808|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>

===Covers (4)===
* '''Regular cover:''' A fuel-streaked Megatron receives a face-punching from Tarn, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
* '''Subscription cover:''' The D.J.D. and Deathsaurus's forces, by [[Hayato Sakamoto]] and [[MGR]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover:''' Don't worry: Megatron, Ravage, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] are the good guys! By [[Brendan Cahill]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
* '''Heroes and Fantasies Alamo City Comic Con exclusive cover:''' Wraparound image of Megatron, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Unicron]], by [[Juan Carlos Ramos]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE52 regcvr.jpg|This one's for my brother, this one's for my pa, and this one's for me!
File:MTMTE52 subcvr.jpg|These are the bad guys!
File:MTMTE52 cvrRI.jpg|This is more believable, looking at the bad guys!
File:MTMTE52 cvrRE.jpg|[[Orson Welles]] is still hungry.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''More than Meets the Eye'' #53
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|#52]]
* ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|#4]]
* IDW ''Micronauts'' comic
* IDW online comics (back page)

===Reprints===
* '''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' ([[October 5]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631407163 / ISBN 978-1631407161
** Collects ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55.
** Bonus material includes covers of each issue.
** Trade paperback format.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' ([[January 24]], [[2018]])
** Collects ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55.
** Bonus material includes the bonus story "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]", essential background material on the DJD, a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].
** Hardcover format.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11]]''''' ([[June 17]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684056403 / ISBN 978-1684056408
** Collects ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]: [[Silent Light]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]'', [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' (2012)]] issues [[Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|#46]]–[[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|50]] & "[[New Worlds Order]]", and ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55 & "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]".
** Hardcover format.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol10.jpg|'''''More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' – cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v72.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' – cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Cyclonus) and Alex Milne (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V11.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11''''' – cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.newsarama.com/28977-the-autobots-are-stranded-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-22-preview.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears}}

The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears

2025-02-21T00:27:09Z

Orogogus: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=52
|prev=The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight
|next=The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day
|image=MTMTE52_regcvr.jpg
|title="The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears
|caption=Death waits you! You have made a covenant with death, and with Hell you are in agreement. You're all going to die! Don't you realize? Can't you see? You're all going to die! Die! Death awaits you all!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 27]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=April 2016
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2016)]]
}}
'''Megatron versus Tarn! A new challenger appears!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Mtmte52 evacuating ten.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|''I'm with you, but the situation is fraught!'']]
As [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] struggle to hold off the [[Decepticon Justice Division|D.J.D.]] and their allies, Drift observes [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]]'s horrified reaction to [[Ten]] striking [[Dominus Ambus|The Pet]], then seizes the little creature and threatens to kill it in order to stay the villains' hands. A distraught Kaon orders everyone to stand down, and Ratchet, Drift, and Ten are then airlifted to safety by their own ship, piloted by [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]. [[Helex (G1)|Helex]], furious, overturns Kaon's order and everyone opens fire on the ship, damaging it and sending it falling out of the sky.

Elsewhere on [[Necroworld]], [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]] and [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] meet in front of Megatron's statue, where Tarn is left incredulous by Megatron's request that the D.J.D. spare the other Autobots if he surrenders to them. Tarn speaks of Megatron's inspiring legacy and all the lives that were willingly sacrificed to his cause, but the weary Megatron regrets everything, even his own life. Disgusted, Tarn launches a brutal physical attack on his former leader, knocking his Autobot [[insignia]] off, hoping to reignite his lost fire by forcing him to fight back. But the battered Megatron refuses to rise to the bait, citing both his newfound pacifism, and the fact that the [[Fool's Energon]] he is fuelled with makes it impossible anyway. Megatron chuckles, reflecting on the side effect of Fool's Energon that can allegedly change a 'bot's personality... and realizes that, even if that is true, despite his lifelong fear of mental tampering... he's ''better'' the way he is now. Realizing that the 'bot he once worshipped is gone, Tarn blasts him point-blank in the chest, and is about to deliver a second, fatal shot when a third party suddenly arrives on the scene and orders him to stop... a third party named '''[[Overlord (G1)|OVERLORD]]!'''

Ravage manages to crash Ratchet and Drift's ship at the entrance to the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s fortress, and the group takes cover inside. The Autobots are happy to see their two old friends again, but [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is confused as to why they are here; it turns out they came in response to a call [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] made on the communicator [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] gave her, which the D.J.D.'s signal blockers had cut off before she could speak. Velocity had thought she was making contact with First Aid himself, and immediately makes a rather terrible first impression on Ratchet. Infinitely more tense is the concurrent reunion of Drift and [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]], the latter still feeling guilty over letting Drift take the blame for the Overlord debacle, and for never coming to look for him after the truth came out, out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepts Rodimus's sincere apology, but doubts his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive.

[[File:TarnvsOverlord.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''Where have you been?'' Uh, France?]]
Overlord demands that ''he'' be the one to kill Megatron, and a fight instantly breaks out between the two Decepticons over who will have the honor. As they battle, Tarn remarks that the D.J.D. believed Overlord to be dead; the [[Phase Sixer]] explains that he was recovered and repaired by a group of mysterious benefactors, who have sent him to Necroworld to kill Megatron—an "alignment of interests," as Overlord puts it. Tarn proposes an alliance, but Overlord refuses: Megatron is ''his'', and his alone, to end. At that point, however, the two combatants realize that while they have been distracted grappling with one another, Megatron has dragged his battered body onto the [[space scooter]] that brought him there, and escaped back to the fortress!

[[File:YourFierceTears-byebyekaon.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Man openly campaigns against me, talking 'bout "I look forward to our partnership!"]]
At the fortress, [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] regards the Necrobot's memorial for the "[[disappeared]]", pondering the names carved into it as a means of keeping his mind busy. Presently, [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] arrives; she wonders where [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] is, and the archivist tells her that they have had an argument, each believing the other should have used the teleport chamber to escape. Nautica then asks about the pair's history, wondering about the protocol for becoming either [[Conjunx Endura]] or [[Amica Endura]] in Cybertronian society. When Rewind asks her why, she remarks that their looming fate has led her to question some matters she has been avoiding...

Tarn and Overlord return to the ''[[Peaceful Tyranny]]'', where Overlord immediately sets about mocking and undermining the group and its alliance with [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]. The distressed Kaon then arrives to report what happened to his unit, and the capture of The Pet, which only gives Overlord more material to work with. Tarn embraces his panicking colleague... then with cold fury, rips his head clean off, horrifying the watching [[Nickel]] and even silencing Overlord. Smashing Kaon's severed head across Overlord's chest, he declares that ''emotion'' was the weakness that changed Megatron, and it is a weakness he will not allow himself, or any of his men, to feel.

And back at the fortress, the unconscious Megatron is hauled inside by his allies, fuel-streaked Autobot symbol still defiantly clutched in his hand...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (4)
* [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (5)
* [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (8)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (12)
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
* [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (14)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (15)
* [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (16)
* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (17)
|c2=
* [[Helex (G1)|Helex]] (1)
* [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]] (6)
* [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (7)
* [[Tarn (G1)|Tarn]] (9)
* [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] (10)
* [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (18)
* [[Nickel]] (19)
|c4=
* [[Ten]] (2)
* [[Dominus Ambus|The Pet]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Drift! Say something '''inspirational!''' I fight better when I'm annoyed!"
:—'''Ratchet'''

"You want to talk about wasted lives? What about all the people who '''died''' following your orders? The road-sweepers and the haulers. The '''miners!''' All those who died in service to a future '''you''' promised to bring about? Did '''they''' waste their lives? Did '''I''' waste '''mine?''' Look around you. Every flower represents a life '''you''' ended—a death for which you bear '''full responsibility.''' You think they're all Autobots?"
:—'''Tarn'''

"I know everything is '''connected.''' I know it's impossible to preserve some moments and not others—however tempting it might be. I know that not long ago, someone tried to kill me before I was born. And I know I hated them less for their '''ambition''' than their failure to '''realise it.'''"
:—'''Megatron'''

"The thought of anyone tampering with my mind used to '''terrify''' me. But if Prime's chemicals have '''kept me in line...''' then maybe that's a good thing. '''I'm better like this.'''" 
"No. You're better dead." 
''(CHOOM!)''
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Tarn'''

"'''You're''' Ratchet? The '''sourpuss'''? The '''slavedriver'''? The '''hand-thief''' who took a thousand years to retire? '''You're''' him?" 
"Er..." 
"I hope '''not'''—otherwise I've made a really '''bad''' first impression...!"
:—'''Velocity''' and '''Ratchet'''

"You're both angry for the same reason? Is that logical?" 
"Let me know the next time you and the person you love have a logical argument."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Rewind'''

"Come here, Kaon. I never realized that you cared for that creature as much as you '''do.''' Sorry—" 
''(RRRIP!)'' 
"—as much as you '''did.'''"
:—'''Tarn'''

"Don't you '''ever''' think '''you''' can come into my house and '''pass judgement'''. I will not be '''ridiculed''' by someone who spent half his life '''running''' and the other half '''sulking''' because no one gave chase."
:—'''Tarn''', to Overlord

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Megatron hints that, before becoming a Decepticon, Tarn was a significant 'bot in the life of some importance, remarking that he "turned" him to the Decepticon side in order to "hurt" that 'bot by proving that it could be done. The last time Megatron talked about doing something purely out of spite in order to hurt someone, he was talking about [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], back in [[slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|issue #34]]. Is that misdirection we see, or it is another big fat in-your-face hint that Tarn is Optimus's old buddy [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] under his mask, following the possible set up in [[Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|issue #36]]? Of note, Roller's name ''seems'' to be included on the Necrobot's memorial for the "disappeared"...
* Megatron refers to Brainstorm's attempt to kill him before he was born, from [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
* Aaaaaa''aaaAAAAA'' '''''AAAAAAAAAAA'''''<big>'''''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA IT'S OVERLORD!!!!'''''</big> The original ''More than Meets the Eye'' Big Bad makes his return after being blasted out of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' back in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]], but c'mon, none of us ''really'' believed he was dead, did we? Tarn gives a quick rundown of his backstory from ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', summarizing how he refused to follow Megatron's orders, went rogue, and then, upon realizing that Megatron didn't care and wasn't pursuing, staged the events of that mini-series as a way of trying to get his old leader's attention.
* Tarn recalls crossing Overlord off [[The List|the D.J.D.'s list]]; they actually killed Overlord's quantum duplicate, as shown back in issues [[slaughterhouse|#32]] and [[slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|33]].
* For such a devoted fan of Megatron, Tarn forgets a very important fact about him, as was established alllll the way back in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory]]: Megatron's got a habit of not dying.
* As noted in a footnote, in [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]] Ratchet gave the communicator to First Aid, who then passed it on to Velocity in [[The One Where They Go to Earth|issue #43]].
* Given that Drift knows that Rodimus told the rest of the crew the truth about the Overlord conspiracy, Ratchet must have told him about it following the end of [[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|''Empire of Stone'']]. That mini was evidently written without proper understanding of the full story behind Drift's exile, while issue #40 of this series also floundered a little while trying to deal with the fallout of Rodimus's reveal, but this issue ties it off at last. Rodimus told the crew the truth, but didn't try to find and bring Drift back because he was afraid he would hate him for making his sacrifice meaningless.
* We previously saw the Necrobot's memorial for the disappeared in [[The Not Knowing|issue #44]].
* It is noted that several months have passed between the two-part story in issues [[Speak, Memory: Part 1|#48]] and [[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|#49]] and "The Dying of the Light" (during which, we know, both the [[Silent Light|''Holiday Special'' story]] and [[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases|issue #50's back-up strip]] took place).
* Tarn ripping Kaon's head and spine out and crushing it against a solid surface echoes Kaon's killing of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] in [[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|issue #34]].

===Transformers references===

===Real-life references===
* As with the previous chapters, this issue's title (and the title of the multi-parter itself) is taken from the poem "{{w|Do not go gentle into that good night}}," by {{w|Dylan Thomas}}.
* On the Necrobot's memorial to the disappeared, there's a name reading "-EAMWA-". Now it could certainly be "Screamwarp" or "Steamwash" but there's one other very [[Dreamwave Productions|obvious answer]]...

===Errors===
* On page 6, Tarn says "wasted lifes," rather than "wasted lives." This is fixed in the trade paperback.
* On page 17, Tarn says "a suggestion: perhaps we should -" twice, being interrupted by Overlord both times. Only the second one really makes sense in context; the first is a bit of a non-sequitur.
* Not strictly an error, but on pages 7 and 19, Megatron and Tarn use the British spelling, "realise," rather than the American "realize." The former is fixed in the trade paperback, but the latter is not.
* On page 17, Rewind says "and they pleasure they take in doing it" instead of "''the'' pleasure." This is fixed in the trade paperback.

===Other trivia===
* We learn a little more about the types of "Endura" bonding. Nautica notes that in some civilizations, you have to be "Amica" before you can then move on to being "Conjunx," though that is not true of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]]. Rewind explains that in Cybertronian society, one must actually first ''rule out'' being Conjunx before "opting" for Amica. "It can make for a very bittersweet ceremony," he says. No doubt!
* Whirl and Cyclonus feature quite prominently on the Retailer Incentive cover but do not appear at all in this issue.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "The Dying of the Light":
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCdBc5uByFQ Hurt]" by {{w|Johnny Cash}}

For this issue alone:
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S7DmnjWTSk Franklyn]" by {{w|Michael Nyman}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=First 'song' from MTMTE #52 is Franklyn, by Michael Nyman: https://t.co/Ibo9BOSiF4|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723596046329360384|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn4dy_7Q9Bo The Return of Evil Bill]" by {{w|Clinic (band)|Clinic}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Second song from MTMTE #52 is 'The Return of Evil Bill' by Clinic: https://t.co/101tGvL988|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723596314597068800|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s Teardrop]" by {{w|Massive Attack}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Third song from MTMTE #52 is Teardrop by Massive Attack: https://t.co/5wupRync0z|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723596609775349762|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMJZLDhScCw Twilight of the Empire]" by {{w|Fariña}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=And the fourth song for MTMTE #52 isn't on YouTube, but on Spotify: it's Twilight Of The Empire by Fariña ♫ https://t.co/hgzosw1k3r|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/723597298421239808|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2016|month=04|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>

===Covers (4)===
* '''Regular cover:''' A fuel-streaked Megatron receives a face-punching from Tarn, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
* '''Subscription cover:''' The D.J.D. and Deathsaurus's forces, by [[Hayato Sakamoto]] and [[MGR]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover:''' Don't worry: Megatron, Ravage, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] are the good guys! By [[Brendan Cahill]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
* '''Heroes and Fantasies Alamo City Comic Con exclusive cover:''' Wraparound image of Megatron, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Unicron]], by [[Juan Carlos Ramos]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE52 regcvr.jpg|This one's for my brother, this one's for my pa, and this one's for me!
File:MTMTE52 subcvr.jpg|These are the bad guys!
File:MTMTE52 cvrRI.jpg|This is more believable, looking at the bad guys!
File:MTMTE52 cvrRE.jpg|[[Orson Welles]] is still hungry.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''More than Meets the Eye'' #53
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|#52]]
* ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|#4]]
* IDW ''Micronauts'' comic
* IDW online comics (back page)

===Reprints===
* '''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' ([[October 5]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631407163 / ISBN 978-1631407161
** Collects ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55.
** Bonus material includes covers of each issue.
** Trade paperback format.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' ([[January 24]], [[2018]])
** Collects ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55.
** Bonus material includes the bonus story "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]", essential background material on the DJD, a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].
** Hardcover format.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11]]''''' ([[June 17]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684056403 / ISBN 978-1684056408
** Collects ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]: [[Silent Light]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]'', [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' (2012)]] issues [[Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|#46]]–[[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|50]] & "[[New Worlds Order]]", and ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50–55 & "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]".
** Hardcover format.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol10.jpg|'''''More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' – cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v72.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' – cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Cyclonus) and Alex Milne (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V11.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11''''' – cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.newsarama.com/28977-the-autobots-are-stranded-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-22-preview.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears}}

Arcee (Animated)

2024-05-15T02:19:59Z

Orogogus: /* Prevenge */

{{faction|autobot|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Arcee}}
:''Arcee is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Animated continuity family]].''
[[File:Animatedarcee.jpg|right|thumb|In Japan, I'm a secretary!]]
Before the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], '''Teaching Unit RC-687-040'''—'''Arcee''' for short—was a teacher, giving young Autobots the knowledge to make their own decisions and spurring them to think for themselves. Once the conflict erupted, she became an intelligence officer for the Autobot war effort, serving under [[Highbrow (Animated)|Highbrow]] in such risky endeavors as [[Project Omega]].

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
{{voiceactor|[[Susan Blu]] (English), [[Ayahi Takagaki]] (Japanese)|[[Silvia Mißbach]] (German), [[Jessica Toledo]] (Latin-American Spanish, seasons 1 and 2), [[Nancy Cardozo]] (Latin-American Spanish, season 3), [[Antía Jiménez Álvarez]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Letícia Quinto]] (Portuguese), [[Minna Tasanto]] (Finnish), [[Anne Plumet]] (French)}}

[[File:Ratchetanimatedthrill.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hi, good-looking, get sick here often?"]]
Arcee was a teacher on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} and an Autobot intelligence officer during the War. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}} ''She encountered the "[[Kremzeek]]" trojan horse virus and energy being at least once during her intel days.'' {{storylink|The Return of Blurr}} Originally intended to be the commander of [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], she carried crucial access codes for his activation. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

At one point, Arcee was damaged in the line of duty. [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] repaired her and tried to take her to safety, but the two were attacked by [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], who had been hired by the [[Decepticon]]s to bring her in.

Held prisoner within Lockdown's ship, Arcee insisted that Ratchet use his [[electromagnetic pulse]] tool to wipe the codes from her head. Lockdown overheard this and tried to stop the pair, but in the struggle, the device overloaded and sent out a powerful burst. In the confusion, Ratchet and Arcee were somehow able to escape... but Arcee no longer knew who or where she was. The EMP blast had wiped her memory clean. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}}

[[File:TransWarpedArcee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Well, this [[Spotlight: Arcee|looks familiar]].]]
Arcee was later taken to Cybertron, where [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] made Ratchet perform open-processor surgery on her vivisected head in an attempt to obtain the access codes for Omega Supreme's activation. This triggered a failsafe which copied the codes to Ratchet's memory. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[File:TFAni ThisisWhyIHateMachines Arcee Earth.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|Dames—always waking up at the worst possible moment!]]
Arcee never awoke from the open-processor surgery and was stored for the subsequent four-million-plus years in the [[Cybertron Central Infirmary]] in a comatose state. When the Decepticons needed to acquire the command codes to "restart" Omega Supreme into a dreadnought loyal to them, both [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] and Ratchet reasoned that their best chance for this would be from Arcee herself. The two of them battled over Arcee and, thanks to the blundering interference of [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]], Shockwave won—abducting Arcee and escaping with her onto Omega Supreme, which Megatron then commanded to transwarp back to the [[Solar System]]. [[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]] was certain that the damage to Arcee's circuitry was totally irreversible, and there was thus no way for the Decepticons to get the codes from her... but apparently he forgot to tell Arcee herself, who soon woke up on the Decepticon-controlled Omega Supreme, calling for Ratchet. {{storylink|This Is Why I Hate Machines}}

On Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Shockwave proceeded to rifle through Arcee's memories, initially putting her into a fugue state where she relived her days as "Teaching Unit R-C-687-040" with little awareness of what was going on around her. When [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] transwarped onto the moon, he found her like this and—fearful of what would happen if he disconnected her from the cables plugged into her segmented head—merely opened her commlink before returning to Earth.

[[File:EndgamePart1-BumblebeeArcee.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|But is it art?]]

Eventually, Shockwave managed to access the data tracks from her time as an intel bot, making her aware and—transforming into Longarm Prime mode—asked her to confirm she had the activation codes from Project Omega. When she did so, he unplugged her from the cables, knocking her into stasis mode. Outside, with three purple Omega Supreme clones standing by, as well as the original, he took her fully online again and ordered her to give them the codes. Given that [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] himself was standing right in front of her, she refused, and instead Shockwave "had to extract it manually". The code transferred to [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] was "missing a security upgrade patch", however, meaning Lugnut had to be wired directly into Omega Supreme to get them online; while Shockwave worked further on Arcee to try and get the patch. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

[[File:EndgamePartII-Arceeisback.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|She's rather personable when she's not a prop.]]

As Shockwave rooted through her processor, most of the restoration work he had previously undertaken was undone, which left her once again as a fugue-state Teaching Unit, even as Shockwave still failed to get the codes. Instead, he used her as bait when Ratchet—accompanied by Bumblebee, [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] and [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]]—transwarped to the Moon with the aim of retrieving her and Omega Supreme. While Bumblebee and Bulkhead fought off Shockwave, Ratchet and Sari took Arcee and fled to a lab inside Omega Supreme. There, as Ratchet bemoaned the damage the "Deceptiscum" had done to her, Sari was able to use her nascent technopathy to instruct Ratchet in how to restore Arcee, using the very EMP generator which had caused the original damage to her so long before. She came back online, recognizing Ratchet but remembering nothing since their capture by Lockdown. Ratchet promised to fill her in on the stellar cycles she'd missed, but said that they first would need to regain control of Omega Supreme.

Ratchet and Arcee traveled to Omega's head, and the field-tech lowered her using his magnetics to allow her to reactivate Omega Supreme. With this done, Omega ejected Lugnut, and Arcee joined the Earth residents in flying to Detroit aboard the shipbot so that Omega could confront his [[Lugnut Supreme|Decepticon clones]]. Soon afterward, with Megatron's crew all captured or dead, she presumably flew back to Cybertron with them aboard Omega, although she wasn't seen to join them in their triumphant disembarking. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

[[File:StunticonJob-Maincastbox.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right]]
''Following her return to Cybertron, Arcee's memories were fully restored by Sari. She also received a pair of laser swords from Ratchet, who had intended to build her pointers for her re-instated position as a teacher but had gotten carried away. She took a small group consisting of Sari, [[Hosehead (Animated)|Hosehead]], [[Nightbeat (Animated)|Nightbeat]] and [[Siren (Animated)|Siren]] on a field-trip to Cybertron's Metroplex. During the trip, she noticed that Sari had gone missing, and thankfully found her down in the facility's recycling center just in time to save her from being crushed by the machinery there. Sari informed her that a Kremzeek had gotten loose, and Arcee was forced to fight against her own students as they became possessed by the creature. The Kremzeek eventually escaped, intent on making its way to Fortress Maximus, where it could do untold damage to Cybertron. Arcee and Sari pursued it, eventually containing it before it could do anyone serious harm.'' {{storylink|The Return of Blurr}} ''Arcee then attended the [[Team Stunticon|Stunt Convoy]] show in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] alongside her companions from Earth.'' {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}} ''She was later present when Optimus Prime used the AllSpark Matrix to restore Blurr to full working condition. She was pleased that her class had learned a valuable lesson about not judging individuals based on their appearances after their adventure together.'' {{storylink|The Return of Blurr}}

===Prevenge===
{{voiceactor|[[Susan Blu]] (English)}}
Arcee was about to learn all about Sari Sumdac's mysterious origins when she was abducted via a trans-dimensional portal. She then found herself in a metallic corridor where she met the Mini-Con [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]]. The pair got off on a rough start at first due to their vastly different visual styles, but they quickly made amends. Next, Sureshock attempted to Powerlinx with Arcee, an act that Arcee found highly inappropriate. Finding a door before them, the pair stepped through and met six other 'bots who had been abducted from their home dimensions: [[Blades (RB)|Blades]], [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]], [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]], and [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]].

The group's captor then made his presence known, and after rather embarrassingly trying to sic a sick [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] on them, ordered the abductees to fight one another to the death. To force his captives into doing so, he threatened to detonate a Dark Energon bomb should they defy him. Arcee protested, stating that Autobots couldn't fight without first participating in the ancient tradition of a "pre-battle huddle." The group deduced that whoever had abducted them had purposely avoided bringing in a scientist. With this information, they were able to bluff their captor into admitting that there was no bomb. The [[Skuxxoid]] revealed himself as the architect behind the whole plot, tired of being continuously dismissed by the Transformers in his home universe. Arcee attempted to show the creature some compassion by asking it its name, but the Skuxxoid had forgotten it, having been referred to as "The Skuxxoid" for so long. Snarl then punted the villain over the horizon, leaving the group to figure out a way to get back home on their own. They eventually settled on all laughing together, as characters from a cheesy cartoon are prone to do when an episode comes to an end. Surprisingly enough, this worked, and everyone was sent back to their home dimensions. {{storylink|Prevenge}}

==Toys==
===''Animated''===
[[File:Animatedtoy-Arcee.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Hey, remember the [[:File:Botconarceetoy.jpg|spider]]? Remember when you were content with that?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Arcee''' (Deluxe, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''TA-12'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[April 24]], 2010
:*''Accessories'': 2 swords, left & right wings
{{toydesigner|[[Alex Kubalsky]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Arcee transforms into a Cybertronic "rocket car," notable to [[fandom|fans]] as the first toy of Arcee that transforms from an approximation of the [[Arcee (G1)|original Arcee]]'s [[character model]] into a car. She comes with two wings, which can be attached at the rear of her [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] (or her [[robot mode]] back), and two swords, which can be held in her hands or stored securely in shafts in the rear of her vehicle mode (or atop her shoulder kibble). Some have reported the swords fit loosely, though they are designed to click into place—albeit with a certain amount of fiddling in some cases.

: There is a manufacturing error with many if not all Arcee figures. The more Arcee's swords are inserted into the hands, the more the thumbs weaken and will eventually snap off. This can be remedied by shaving down the two tabs on either side of the sword. Most Arcees have stress marks straight out of the package due to the way her thumbs peg onto her back fenders in vehicle mode. Additionally, the unfortunate placement of a tab on the back of her right knee (used to lock the front of her car mode together) prevents her lower leg from straightening out fully.

: Originally intended to be part of a mass retail wave in the [[Hasbro]] line, Arcee and [[Ratchet (Animated)#Cybertron|Cybertron Mode Ratchet]] were eventually released as [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]]s in the Hasbro line. Arcee was notably difficult to find for many fans, leading to accusations of mass [[toy scalping]]. Additionally, Arcee was subject to a running change: original shipments had Arcee in a glossy deep magenta color plastic, whereas later shipments switched her plastic to a matte medium-dark pink. The softer matte plastic means that one can now force her lower right leg into position over the tab. At least some later shipped figures had a [[:File: Arceeknee.jpg|remolded tab]] that further corrected the design flaw.

: Arcee was released at mass retail in Takara's [[Transformers Animated (toyline)#TakaraTomy Animated toyline|''Animated'' toyline]], in its second wave of product. Her deco has been tweaked and expanded to make her more show-like (in theory): the most immediately-noticeable changes are that her midriff and biceps are now dark drown/burgundy, her toes have been painted white and magenta, and -like all the Takara ''Animated'' product- her faction symbols are now full-color with white outlines rather than the un-outlined metallics of the Hasbro release. Takara Arcee also sports a much brighter white plastic and lighter-pink face paint. (As to if this version has the later running changes to her legs, we don't know at the moment.)

: This mold was used as the model for the Japanese-card-reader-game-only [[Chromia (Animated)|Chromia]], was redecoed for the [[BotCon 2011]] exclusives [[Drag Strip (Animated)#Toys|Drag Strip]] and [[Minerva (Animated)#Toys|Minerva]], and served as the basis for [[Nightbeat (Animated)|Nightbeat]] in the illustrated portion of [[BotCon 2015]]'s "[[The Return of Blurr]]".

:[[:File:Animated arcee toy.jpg|Stock photography of the toy]] features wings of a similar-but-different sculpt compared to the wings on the production version. They also attached at a point further from the rear of the vehicle.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Arcee/arcee.htm More information on Arcee at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
*Arcee's swords and vehicle mode were designed by [[Eric Siebenaler]] rather than the ''Animated'' television staff.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Eric Siebenaler designed the Arcee swords and vechicle mode. Not the Angry Archer.|link=https://twitter.com/DerrickJWyatt/status/1432265686|name=Derrick J. Wyatt|site=Twitter|year=2009|month=04|day=01|(defunct=)}}</ref>
*After Hasbro decided to make her into a toy, Arcee's [[character model]] grew some new vehicle kibble to match. Her shoulder kibble sprouted tiny wings and wheels, her shins grew wheels, and her vehicle mode's canopy popped out of her butt.
*Initial proposals for [[BotCon 2011]] included redecoes of ''Animated'' Arcee into ''Animated'' versions of [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]], [[Nightracer (G2)|Nightracer]], and [[Antagony (Animated)|Antagony]].<ref>[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14br.html BotCon 2014 attendee report by griffin]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Arcee''' (アーシー ''Āshī'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Teachers]]

The Coming Storm: Part 6

2022-01-17T00:07:20Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[The Coming Storm]]''
|prev=The Coming Storm: Part 5
|next=Battle Lines, Part 1
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe]]''
|title="The Coming Storm: Part 6"
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|published in=[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 36|''Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club'' #36]]
|story=[[Rik Alvarez]] & [[Pete Sinclair]]
|writers=Pete Sinclair & [[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|pencils by=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks by=[[Josh Warner]]
|colors by=[[Thomas Deer]]
|letters by=[[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|managing editor=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|continuity=[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]
}}
'''End of the line for the Elite Guard.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] and his troops rush to the battle against the monstrous [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], made of their former allies the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. Suddenly, an object erupts through the wall behind [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] and [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]], landing in front of [[Dion (G1)|Dion]]; the broken corpse of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], horrifying the young Autobot. Meanwhile, the [[Elite Guard]]smen make their stand against Bruticus, who has already killed many of them; the giant vaporizes [[Roadfire]], [[Delta Seeker]], and [[Powerflash]] with one blast, with [[Ranger]] narrowly avoiding the blast. The Autobot is hardly lucky, however; when he attempts to fall back, Bruticus picks up Ranger, and rips him in two. As Metalhawk's group arrives, Ironfist turns into vehicle mode, rushing in despite Metalhawk's protests. Enraged by the deaths of his friends, Ironfist uses a broken section of road as a ramp, and barrels into the combiner. Surprisingly, Ironfist actually manages to topple Bruticus, but this simply makes it easier for the giant to grab Ironfist. Over-Run manages to stop the combiner before he can grab his friend with his [[Attack Copter]], and tells Ironfist to flee. The obstinate Autobot refuses, setting up his massive cannon, and while Over-Run is distracted, Bruticus grabs his drone copter, throwing it back at its operator, killing him instantly. Ironfist tells Bruticus that he'll pay, but the combiner silences him with a massive laser blast, seemingly vaporizing him. A sullen Metalhawk tells Dion they have to fall back, but the young Autobot refuses. Transforming to vehicle mode, he uses his rocket boosters to send him towards Bruticus' back cannons, transforming back to robot mode and holding on. As Bruticus turns his head, Dion tells him that no matter who he used to be, he's nothing to Dion now, and proceeds to blind Bruticus with his cannons. The blinded giant throws Dion into a nearby building, and separates into his components, who proceed to advance on Dion's position. Metalhawk, however, stops them, telling the five that if they want Dion, they'll have to go through him. [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] shoots his former friend point blank in the chest, the last vestiges of the Autobot he was falling away. [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] figures Dion is most likely dead, and the five return to [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] for repairs, vowing to destroy the council. Dion, meanwhile, has survived, emerging from the wreckage of the building he was thrown into. Hours later, [[Thunder Clash]] and his crew, having returned from their mission, are unable to get a landing signal, and are horrified to find what has happened to their comrades...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] (1)
*[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (2)
*[[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] (3)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (4)
*[[Dion (G1)|Dion]] (5)
*[[Windsail]] (6)
*[[Clear Out]] (8)
*[[Roadfire]] (9)
*[[Powerflash]] (10)
*[[Delta Seeker]] (11)
*[[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] (12)
*[[Ranger]] (13)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (14)
*[[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]] (15)
*[[Halonix Maximus]] (16)
*[[Braver]] (17)
*[[Laster]] (18)
*[[Blacker]] (19)
*[[Rest-Q (G1)|Rest-Q]] (20)
*[[Padlock (G1)|Padlock]] (21)
*[[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] (27)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (28)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (29)
*[[Flak (G1)|Flak]] (30)

|c2=
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (7)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (22)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (23)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (24)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (25)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
""Fall back!" '''HA'''! Yes, '''run'''! More sport for Bruticus! You, though, didn't run fast enough!"
:—'''Bruticus''' pulling a "No, I want two!" on Ranger.

"I don't care who you used to be, you're not them any more. You're not anything. And while your boots '''may''' thunder, brute, I have the '''lightning'''!"
:—'''Dion''' goes up against Bruticus.

"I won't let you. If you want to kill him, you'll have to '''go through me'''."
:—'''Metalhawk''' has some famous last words.

==Notes==
* Characters mentioned who do not appear include: [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Magnum]].

===Continuity notes===
* Over-Run swears by "the maker's five faces", obviously referring to the [[Quintesson]]s.
* Thunderclash and his crew were sent on their mission in "[[The Coming Storm: Part 2]]".

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coming Storm: Part 6}}
[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

The Coming Storm: Part 5

2022-01-17T00:01:44Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[The Coming Storm]]''
|prev=The Coming Storm: Part 4
|next=The Coming Storm: Part 6
|title="The Coming Storm: Part 5"
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe]]''
|prev2=A Team Effort
|next2=The Coming Storm: Part 6
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|published in=[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 35|''Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club'' #35]]
|story=[[Rik Alvarez]] & [[Pete Sinclair]]
|writers=Pete Sinclair & [[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|pencils by=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks by=[[Josh Warner]]
|colors by=[[Thomas Deer]]
|letters by=[[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|managing editor=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|continuity=[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]
}}
'''The Elite Guard comes under fire as Deathsaurus makes his move.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] and his squad are out on patrol, having been sent to an abandoned region by command after possible reports of Decepticon forces returning to the area. [[Dion (G1)|Dion]], however, feels the assignment is pointless, wanting to look for the missing [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] and Metalhawk share his sentiments, but the latter tells Dion that until command calls them back, they're unable to do anything. The conversation about the Combaticons draws out a small robot, one Dion recognizes as an [[Empty]] from his time on the docks. The Empty begins to ramble about a coming storm, one that will strike at the [[Elite Guard]], and indicates that the Combaticons are somehow involved. [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] pushes the Empty into a nearby wall, but the unfazed robot continues his rants, telling them that the Combaticons role is a surprise. The Autobots leave the bot, thinking him crazy, when a distress signal begins to come through. A holographic message from [[Sentinel Major]] orders every Elite Guardsman in the field to head back to the base, which is currently under attack. The shocked Autobots transform and roll out.

Soon, the Autobots arrive at base, finding information clerk [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] complaining about the destruction of office equipment. Ricochet explains to Metalhawk that the base was attacked by Decepticon forces, mostly composed of weaker Decepticons, and is quick to point out his minor contributions to the battle. Ricochet then hands the Autobot jet a viewscreen, showing Sentinel Major rounding up the last of the Decepticon forces: the Combaticons! Dion notices that something is different about them, as Sentinel Major orders [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] and the others to surrender, unable to fathom why they would side up with Decepticon "losers". Onslaught tells his former commander that he's the one giving orders now, and as Sentinel tries to arrest them one last time, he and the rest of the Combaticons combine into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]! The large robot grabs Sentinel and crushes him in his hand, declaring he hates the Elite Guard, as Guardsmen begin to fire on the massive gestalt...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Dion (G1)|Dion]] (1)
*[[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] (2)
*[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (3)
*[[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] (4)
*[[Sentinel Major]] (6)
*[[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] (7)
*[[Halonix Maximus]] (9)
*[[Ranger]] (10)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (12)
*[[R-Third]] (13)
*[[Big Bang (G1)|Big Bang]] (14)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (20)
*[[Delta Seeker]] (21)
*[[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] (22)
*[[Powerflash]] (24)
*[[Clear Out]] (25)
*[[Windsail]] (26)
*[[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]] (27)
*[[Blacker]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Supersonic]] (8)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (11)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (15)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (17)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (18)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (19)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (23)

|c4=
*[[Empty]] (5)
}}

==Notes==
* Mentioned characters include: [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]] and [[Roadfire]].

===Continuity notes===
* This story takes place a week after the previous chapter.
* Dion remembers the Empty from his time at the docks, his previous profession as established by "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".
* Starscream can be very briefly glimpsed in one panel, setting up next year's "[[Battle Lines]]" storyline.
* A ruined statue of [[Vector Sigma]] is seen among the wreckage of the Elite Guard base.

===Transformers references===
* With this chapter, almost every Elite Guardsman shows up, although some are not as easily identifiable as others. While most had shown up in the two prose stories released the same year ("[[Flames of Yesterday]]" and "[[A Team Effort]]"), and there's still some who do not appear, we'll list them all out here to make it more simple. Aside from Elite Guardsman previously appearing in this storyline (including, Magnum, Sentinel Major, and the squads of Thunderclash, Metalhawk, and Onslaught), these include:
** Big Bang, based on an unused ''Return of Convoy'' design.
** The Stealth Team, whose members include Powerflash, Sprocket, Rumbler, and Tap-Out. Powerflash was a European exclusive [[Action Master]] from the original ''The Transformers'' toyline. Sprocket was another Action Master, one of those that were released in America, and he would be redecoed for Europe as Rumbler. Tap-Out, meanwhile, was an exclusive toy from [[BotCon 2002]], a redeco of the keychain ''Generation 1'' [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] toy.
** The Artillery Team, whose members include Halonix Maximus, Windsail, Clear Out, and Padlock. Of the four, only Halonix Maximus (or Halo, for short) is based on a pre-existing Transformer; the giant Autobot hologram seen in ''The Transformers'' episode "[[Heavy Metal War]]". All of the colors of the other three were created by colorist [[Josh Perez]]; Windsail's is based on Perez's character [https://dyemooch.deviantart.com/art/DUCKGUIN-RAGE-154320925 Alan], a duck/penguin hybrid; the other two are based on Perez's non-''Transformers'' toys, with Clear Out based on the Red Dragon Thunderzord from ''{{w|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers}}'', while Padlock is based on [[Fly Trap]] from ''[[GoBots]]''.
** The Fast Attack Team, whose members include Ranger, Blacker, Braver, and Laster. Ranger is a Godmaster from ''Masterforce'', while the others are all Brainmasters from ''Victory''.
** The Recon Team, whose members include Roadfire, Delta Seeker, Crosscut, and Rest-Q. Roadfire was one of the Powered Masters from ''Zone'', while Delta Seeker was a Cyberjet from the ''Robotmasters'' series. Crosscut was an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive redeco/remold of [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], based on the ''Diaclone'' version of the toy. Rest-Q, meanwhile, takes his name from the ''Gobots'' [[Rest-Q (GoBots)|Guardian]], and his based on an early coloration of [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] seen in the [[Toy Fair 1986]] catalogue.
* Empties originally appeared in the Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics, Cybertronians so low on fuel they couldn't even transform.
* Supersonic is among Deathsaurus' forces invading the Elite Guard base. A Micromaster from the ''Operation Combination'' series, he was originally sold as an Autobot, but was turned into a Decepticon for the Japanese ''Micromaster'' series.
* Sentinel's companion, R-Third (previously seen in "A Team Effort"), has the unique insignia from the ''[[First Transformers]]'' toyline on his chest.

===Real-world references===
* Dion notes he and Orion Pax used to deal with the empty seen this chapter at [[Galleon (location)|Galleon]], a location named for the Chinese Dragon/pirate galleon mecha from ''{{w|Dennō Bōkenki Webdiver}}''.
* R-Third is based on the {{w|Tick (comics)|Tick}}'s companion Arthur. Sentinel Major's inspiration, ''Animated'' [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]], was designed to look like the Tick.

===Errors===
* On page 4, Ironfist is miscolored as Swindle.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coming Storm: Part 5}}
[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

Battle Lines, Part 1

2022-01-16T23:57:42Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[Battle Lines]]''
|next=Battle Lines, Part 2
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe]]''
|prev=The Coming Storm: Part 6
|title="Battle Lines, Part 1"
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|published in=[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 37|''Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club'' #37]]
|story=[[Rik Alvarez]] & [[Pete Sinclair]]
|writers=Pete Sinclair & [[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|pencils by=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks by=Dan Khanna
|colors by=[[Evan Gauntt]] and [[Jesse Wittenrich]]
|letters by=Jesse Wittenrich
|managing editor=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|continuity=[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]
}}
'''The Autobots and Decepticons regroup after the fallout of Bruticus' attack.'''

==Synopsis==
''As Dion is being repaired after [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]' attack on the [[Elite Guard]]'s headquarters, his story is related. Before the war, he and his friends [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]] and [[Elita One (G1)|Ariel]] worked on the docks, and lived happy lives. That all changed when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] came onto the scene; Dion watched as his friends were gunned down by Megatron, and is soon gunned down by the Decepticon's troops himself, falling into the embrace of death. However, Dion finds that life is not done with him yet, as the Elite Guard have reformatted him so that he may join their ranks. Dion bonds with his new comrades, in particular becoming good friends with fellow young cadet [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. Soon, however, Dion is once again jerked into the past, as his new friends are murdered as well, this time by the traitorous [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]...''

As it turns out, however, Dion’s story has been related by [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], who has impersonated the Guardsman in an attempt to pick up [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]] and [[Red waitress Transformer|another fembot]]. His deception is soon ended when [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] calls him by name, revealing his true identity. The fembots and Prowl are disgusted by Side Burn’s actions, the latter noting that aside from the fact that impersonating an Elite Guardsman is a federal offense, the Decepticon attack only ''just'' happened. However, with Prowl’s lecture failing to get through to Side Burn, and more important matters at hand, he lets the issue go, and the two transform and head off to the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]].

Meanwhile, at [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]'s lair, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] reports that Bruticus has destroyed the Elite Guard, and that the Combaticons are en route back to base. Starscream proceeds to ask Deathsaurus why he has given the Combaticons the honor of wearing the Decepticon symbol; after all, they're only using Deathsaurus to further their ambitions, and are bound to stab him in the back at some point. Deathsaurus tells his lieutenant that ambition makes the perfect Decepticon, unlike the stagnation the Autobots have had in their rule over Cybertron. Deathsaurus sends Starscream off to [[Lyzack (G1)|Lyzack]] to ensure that the med-bay is ready for the Combaticon's arrival. Starscream is bemused by Lyzack's supposed timidity, and walks off, ready to crush the Autobot's will. An annoyed Lyzack places the dishes she was carrying on a shelf, right below a massive sword, muttering to herself about timidity...

At the High Council's Citadel, [[Magnum]] has gathered the remaining Elite Guard members for an emergency session, focused on the security of the Autobots. Kup believes they should be out in the fields preparing for the next attack, but Magnum insists on all of the being here, to show the Council that the Elite Guard isn't finished yet. [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] tells Dion that he still is injured and that he doesn't have to be here, but Dion insists, both for the comrades he's lost, and himself. Prepared to make their case, the remaining Elite Guard members are shocked when they walk in to find that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has been appointed the new commander of the Autobots!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Dion (G1)|Dion]] (1)
*''[[Paradron Medic]]'' (2)
*''[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]]'' (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax/Optimus Prime]] (4)
*''[[Roller (G1)|Barrelroller]]'' (5)
*''[[Elita One (G1)|Ariel]]'' (6)
*''[[Cop-Tur (G1)|Cop-Tur]]'' (9)
*''[[Sentinel Major]]'' (11)
*[[Magnum]] (12)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (13)
*[[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] (14)
*''[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'' (15)
*''[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'' (16)
*''[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]'' (17)
*''[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]'' (18)
*[[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]] (19)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (20)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (26)
*[[Flak (G1)|Flak]] (27)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (28)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (29)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (30)
|c2=
*''[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'' (7)
*''[[Dropkick (G1)|Transport warriors]]'' (8)
*''[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]'' (10)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (24)
*[[Lyzack (G1)|Lyzack]] (25)
|c4=
*[[Red waitress Transformer]] (21)
}}

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This story takes place shortly after the conclusion of last year's "[[The Coming Storm]]" storyline, in which the Combaticons killed most of the Elite Guard members, and Dion gained the injuries he displays here.
* A "Paradron medic" appears as one of the Autobots repairing Dion; they (along with the planet [[Paradron]]) appeared in ''Transformers'' episode "[[Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee]]".
* Various scenes from cartoon episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]" are recreated on the first page, including Dion socializing with his friends, and Megatron firing on them. In particular, you can spot five silhouettes in panel 3; presumably, these are the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s, who were sent back in time by the [[Kronosphere]].
* Also seen in flashback is the Combaticons being introduced by Magnum, from "[[The Coming Storm: Part 2]]".
* Prowl transforms into an alien vehicle, despite having obvious Datsun vehicle kibble, much like the Transformers seen converting on Cybertron in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Starscream became Deathsaurus' lieutenant in "[[A Team Effort]]". Also seen in that story was the death of the majority of remaining Decepticon Warlords in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], an event to which Kup refers.

===Transformers references===
* Both Ratchet and Ironhide are depicted in their [[BotCon 2005]] "Descent into Evil" bodies.
* Orion Pax is holding a gun-like device on panel 2 of page 1; this is [[Roller (G1)|Barrelroller]], a redecoed version of [[Recoil (G1)|Recoil]] from the Orion Pax [[e-HOBBY]] toy, who represents a version of Roller from before Orion Pax was rebuilt into Optimus Prime.
* Road Rage was an e-HOBBY exclusive redeco of [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], using the original ''Diaclone'' colors.
* The waitress Transformer seen in this story is based on Side Burn's fellow ''Robots in Disguise'' character [[T-AI]].
* Prowl's relationship with Side Burn references his [[Prowl (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' counterpart]], who was Side Burn's brother.
* Several generics in the crowd scene on the last page are colored based on pre-existing characters, including [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], and [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]].
[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

Battle Lines, Part 2

2022-01-16T23:54:55Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[Battle Lines]]''
|prev=Battle Lines, Part 1
|next=Battle Lines, Part 3
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe]]''
|title="Battle Lines, Part 2"
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|published in=[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 38|''Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club'' #38]]
|story=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|writers=[[Jesse Wittenrich]] & Pete Sinclair
|pencils by=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks by=Dan Khanna
|colors by=[[Evan Gauntt]] and Jesse Wittenrich
|letters by=Jesse Wittenrich
|managing editor=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|continuity=[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]
}}

'''The Elite Guard searches for Deathsaurus and the Combaticons.'''

==Synopsis==
At Autobot headquarters, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his team gear up, the [[Autobot High Council|Council]] having assigned them to go after the Decepticon Warlord [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] think that the mission will be easy, while [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] wonders why they aren't going after [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] instead, feeling that they're the greater threat. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] explains that the Safety and Defense Mobilization Sub-Committee has given the [[Elite Guard]] the go-ahead on Deathsaurus' faction, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] derisively claiming that [[Magnum]]'s committee would do that. Prime calms his troops down, stating that for the sake of civilians, they must fulfill the task they have been given, but stops his speech when he notices [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] has gone missing. All eyes turn to Prowl, who begrudgingly admits that he knows where his friend might be...

Meanwhile, Side Burn watches as Magnum and the Elite Guard drive through dilapidated streets. [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] questions whether what they're doing is illegal; Magnum claims that a small group of councilors have approved his mission, but [[Landshark]] points out they need a majority decision. Magnum admits that the situation is complicated, and opens up a slot on the door of one of the nearby buildings. Magnum's secretary, the gruff [[Outback (G1)|Outback]], demands to hear the secret code, which an exasperated Magnum gives. Magnum explains to the others that this was the Guard's auxiliary storage locker, built after the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s, and that they'll need all the weapons they can get if they want to go up against Deathsaurus' army. Additionally, Outback, along with other assistants [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] volunteer. Magnum explains to the enthusiastic bots the danger that lies ahead of them, and the consequences of what would happen if they fail, but the three are undeterred. The 9 Autobots head out to search, followed by the still hidden Side Burn...

At Deathsaurus' headquarters, his personal cadre of [[Constructicon (G1)|Construticons]] look over the Combaticons. The head foreman explains to his master that while the individual's repairs are near complete, Bruticus will not be up to full functionality if they were sent into battle right away. Deathsaurus has them stop repairs on the individuals, and the Constructicons force a combination against the Combaticon's will. With his optics still destroyed, the Constructicons prioritize rebuilding them over the other repairs. The blind combiner flails about, knocking one Constructicon into the wall, but the Constructicons shoot him in the back, knocking him offline. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] enters the room, praising his leader's ingenuity, but Deathsaurus has him get to the point. Returning to the control room, Starscream shows to his master that the Elite Guard still functions. Starscream meekly states that the Elite Guard must have been more persistent then they thought, and Deathsaurus subtly insults his lieutenant's intelligence. Still, the Decepticon Warlord offers the Seeker a chance to redeem himself, telling Starscream to gather all the troops. After all, if the Elite Guard still wants a fight, Deathsaurus is all too happy to give them one...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (1)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (2)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (7)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (8)
*[[Dion (G1)|Dion]] (9)
*[[Flak (G1)|Flak]] (10)
*[[Magnum]] (11)
*[[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] (12)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (13)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (14)
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] (15)
*[[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] (16)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] (18)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (19)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (20)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (21)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (22)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (23)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (24)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (25)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (26)

}}

==Quotes==
"Why thank you, Outback. I'm glad ''my own assistant'' recognizes me."
:—'''Magnum'''

"Decepticons, tremble! The desk jockeys are here!"
:—'''Flak''' is amused by Ricochet and Moonracer.

"We might as well get started right--" 
"YES, SIR!" 
"--away..."
:—'''Magnum''' and an over-enthusiastic '''Ricochet'''

==Notes==
* Characters mentioned but not seen include: [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].

===Continuity notes===
* Jazz remarks that their mission to hunt down Megatron should be a "piece of [[oil cake]]", a substance mentioned by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] in ''Transformers'' episode "[[Roll for It]]".
* Outback was previously mentioned as Magnum's secretary in "[[Flames of Yesterday]]".
* Bruticus' eyes were destroyed by Dion in "[[The Coming Storm: Part 6]]".

===Transformers references===
* The gun Ironhide holds on page 1 is the "Static Laser Gun" that came with his original toy, while Jazz fiddles with his toy's shoulder mounted missile.
* Optimus Prime begins to say "no matter the cost" before realizing Side Burn is missing, paraphrasing the line he would (chronologically) later say in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* Outback is depicted in his [[BotCon 2005]] toy body, which was called "Fallback" for trademark reasons.
* Magnum's code is "TF2001-1500-69". This is taken from the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' series' 15th episode, "[[Commandos]]", where, 69 seconds in, the [[Commando (RID)|Commando]]s blow up [[Sherman Dam]]. Author Jesse Wittenrich stated that he chose this because he felt this was the Commando's first truly evil act, and that they served as a parallel for the Wings Universe' Combaticons.

[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

Battle Lines, Part 6

2022-01-16T23:49:39Z

Orogogus: /* Continuity notes */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[Battle Lines]]''
|prev=Battle Lines, Part 5
|next=A Flash Forward
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe]]''
|next2=Wings of Honor
|title="Battle Lines, Part 6"
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|published in=[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 42|''Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club'' #42]]
|story=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|writers=[[Jesse Wittenrich]] & Pete Sinclair
|pencils=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks=Dan Khanna
|colors=[[Evan Gauntt]]
|letters=Jesse Wittenrich
|managing editor=Pete Sinclair
|continuity=[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]
}}
'''As the threats of energy depletion and war continue, many find their own solutions to those problems.'''

==Synopsis==
The Decepticons bear down in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], with new combiner [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] at the forefront. Surrounded, the Autobots open fire; [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] is reminded of a situation on [[Derelictus Five]], as does [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]], who realizes that what they did their might just work here. Opening fire on a hanging cable, they are able to sever it, sending it crashing into the Devastator. Although the jolt manages to cause him pain, the giant Decepticon manages to shrug it off, but [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] realizes that Devastator can be hurt. Shouting at everyone to aim for the knees, the combined fire of all the Autobots manages to force the leg components of Devastator to disconnect from the rest, forcing him back into his components. [[Magnum]] praises Dion for his quick thinking, but [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] declares he still has an army to command. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] shouts that while that may be true, his army lacks something the Autobots do: courage and a pair of leaders who Megatron could never hope to outwit. Megatron takes him at his words, and blasts Magnum with the full force of his fusion cannon. Dion jumps in front of Optimus before Megatron can do the same to him, and an angered Optimus blasts back at Megatron. With the Autobot's leadership crippled, Megatron orders the Decepticons out of the city, and as the Autobots cheer, Prime kneels next to his two damaged friends.

With the battle over, the Autobots take stock; both military and civilians alike lay dead and damaged across Iacon. Prime brings Magnum and Dion to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who can only save one of the pair. Meanwhile, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], and other Autobot scientists rebuild the damaged civilians into war capable bots. Later, Alpha Trion has managed to save the Autobot who made it, rebuilding him into "[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]", a name befitting his new size. Other Autobots, such as [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]], look to upgrades for smaller bodies to conserve energy as part of the [[Micromaster]] initiative, to which [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] agrees. Many Autobots flee Cybertron, not wanting to be part of the war, even including former Guardsmen [[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] and [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]], who leave along with a group of [[Paradron Medic|medics]]. The medics plan to call whatever planet they end up on "[[Paradron]]", an old Cybertron word for peace; Sprocket claims that [[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] likes the sound of that, unable to cope with his brother having died in the battle in Iacon.

5 million years of war later, energy on Cybertron had become dangerously low; Prime and the Autobots plan to leave the planet to find new sources of energy. Gathering the best of the Autobots, they built a [[Ark (G1)|ship]] in secret, but the Decepticons managed to uncover their plans. When it came time to launch, the Decepticons attacked, leaving a group of Autobots serving under [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] behind...as recounted by [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] into a datapad. Elita comes to tell him that Alpha Trion has prepared stasis pods that will hide the Autobots from the Decepticon forces still on Cybertron. Alpha Trion tells them they will come back online once significant energy sources are detected coming back to Cybertron. As most of the Autobots get in, Trion asks Kup if he and the others members of [[Cybertron Defense Team (G1)|Cybertron Defense Team]] are sure about staying online, as without energy the Transformer aging process dramatically increases. Kup reasons that someone has to stay online to fight the Decepticons, and that in any case, he's ''already'' five million years old; what harm would another three or four million do? Alpha Trion cryptically tells him he'd be surprised, and the Autobots walk out as their comrades enter stasis...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Big Bang (G1)|Big Bang]] (1)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (2)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (3)
*[[Magnum]] (4)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (5)
*[[Dion (G1)|Dion]] (6)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (7)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (9)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (10)
*[[Hauler]] (11)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (12)
*[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (17)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] (19)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (20)
*[[Firster Aid]] (21)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (22)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (23)
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (24)
*[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] (25)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (26)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (27)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (28)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (29)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (30)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (31)
*[[Cop-Tur (G1)|Cop-Tur]] (32)
*[[Flak (G1)|Flak]] (33)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (34)
*[[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] (35)
*[[Paradron Medic]]s (36)
*[[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]] (37)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (39)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (40)
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (41)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (42)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (43)
*[[Lancer]] (44)
*[[Greenlight]] (45)
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] (46)
*[[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] (47)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (15)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (38)
}}

==Quotes==
"Not electricity: a concussive jolt!" 
"You're gonna swear at him?" 
"What? No..."
:—'''Dion''' and '''Side Burn'''

==Notes==
* Characters mentioned but not seen include: [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]].

===Continuity notes===
* Refugees were seen fleeing Cybertron in ships identical to the ''Ark'' in pre-war records in "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]", which is recreated here. Among those refugees are those who would go on to colonize Paradron, seen in "[[Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee]]", including the medics seen in this story.
* The scene with Optimus conferring with Jazz, Prowl, and Trailbreaker over the search mission from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" is directly recreated here. In the next panel, Laserbeak can (barely) be seen spying on the Autobots loading up the ship, which wasn't present in the episode but obviously happens between Laserbeak spying on Optimus and his return to Soundwave.
* Wheeljack brings the [[Sky Spy]] drone onboard, thinking it might come in handy. As it turns out, it would!
* The scene in which Elita One and the others are separated from the departing Autobots by Decepticons is recreated from "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]".
* The idea that the season 2 Autobots and the Female Autobots were stored in stasis on Cybertron while the others left serves as an explanation as to where they were during season 1. Although it doesn't explain why they show up out of nowhere in the cartoon, one can infer that most of them managed to escape to Earth once they were reawakened, thanks to the Decepticons bringing energy sources from Earth during season 1.
* Lancer and Greenlight evidently joined up with the Autobot military at some point, after having been assistants in an archeological dig in "[[Flames of Yesterday]]".
* The idea that being outside of stasis and without energy will age a Transformer more rapidly serves to explain why Kup, who is one of the youngest Autobots in the story, is one of the oldest Transformers in the present day.

===Transformers references===
* Countdown appears in his ''Universe'' toy body.
* Side Burns notes that Countdown's Micromaster Initiative "was also a new means to "surprise" the enemy," riffing on the Micromaster packaging slogan: "Micro-size has the power to surprise!"
* The Cybertron Defense group is named for the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]] from (wait for it) ''Cybertron''.

===Other trivia===
* It's obviously meant to be uncertain who becomes Ultra Magnus; Prime greets him as an "old friend", which would make sense for Dion, but looks like Magnum. Magnus would later claim that in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' that he's "just a soldier" when Prime passed leadership of the Autobots to him, which would go against Magnum's role as part of the High Council.
* Although it's not clear from the comic itself, Jesse Wittenrich indicated that Big Bang and Ironfist survived the battle in Iacon, and would become part of Cybertron Defense with Kup and Thunderclash.
* Derelictus 5 was originally meant to be part of prose story that would take place after this story, featuring Kup and Thunderclash.
*On page 4, there's [[Firster Aid|a guy]] who looks like [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] but in blue. It's not a coloring mistake; First Aid wasn't created yet, so that's just a guy who looks like First Aid, but in blue. ''Supposedly''. ''Ask Vector Prime'' would later ignore the idea they hadn't been created yet.

[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

Battle Lines, Part 3

2022-01-16T23:44:59Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[Battle Lines]]''
|prev=Battle Lines, Part 2
|next=Battle Lines, Part 4
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe]]''
|title="Battle Lines, Part 3"
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|published in=[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 39|''Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club'' #39]]
|story=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|writers=[[Jesse Wittenrich]] & Pete Sinclair
|pencils by=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks by=Dan Khanna
|colors by=[[Evan Gauntt]] and Jesse Wittenrich
|letters by=Jesse Wittenrich
|managing editor=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|continuity=[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]
}}

'''The Elite Guard confronts Deathsaurus and the Combaticons.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Magnum]] and his team search for [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and his Decepticons, [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] proposes splitting up to cover more ground. Magnum insists on sticking together, when they are interrupted by [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], who proclaims to know where the Decepticons are. Side Burn proceeds to childishly mock the others, when a blast throws him off-balance. Magnum hauls an indignant Side Burn to the side, as the Decepticons begin to attack. Magnum realizes that the Decepticons knew they were coming, having spies all over the area, and has [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] scout out for the leader. Ricochet's spots [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and tries to relay the information, but the Seeker, mocking the flying Autobot, blasts him with his null-rays, sending him plummeting to the ground. Transforming, he instructs the Decepticons to attack...until he too is blasted out the air by [[Flak (G1)|Flak]]. Magnum orders his troops to attack as well, intending to beat them back to Deathsaurus. Almost as if on cue, the Decepticon leader lands, joining the battle..

Magnum rushes forth to attack Deathsaurus, telling the Decepticon that he will pay for what he did to the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s, believing that he brainwashed him. A bemused Deathsaurus tells him that the Combaticons chose to turn against the [[Elite Guard]], and the Combaticons, having also arrived, confirm his story. Deathsaurus goads Magnum, proclaiming that if the dedicated Combaticons could defect, then so could he; enraged, Magnum rushes forth, knocking back Deathsaurus. Thunderclash [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Dion (G1)|Dion]], Side Burn, and [[Landshark]] engage the Combaticons, trying to keep them from merging into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. Meanwhile, Flak, [[Outback (G1)|Outback]], and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] gather around Ricochet, who was mortally injured in his fall. The rookie Autobot asks if he did good, and when the others assure him, he takes comfort in that as he dies. There is no time to mourn, however, as [[Lyzack (G1)|Lyzack]], armed with [[Leozack]]'s blade, engages them. Side Burn is momentarily distracted by the female Decepticon, allowing [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] to take him down. As the other Autobots fall before them, [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] orders the Combaticons to merge into Bruticus to finish them off. But before their combination can be completed, they're blasted apart by an unseen party, one that Dion can't believe he's seeing...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Thunder Clash]] (1)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (2)
*[[Flak (G1)|Flak]] (3)
*[[Magnum]] (4)
*[[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] (5)
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] (6)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (7)
*[[Dion (G1)|Dion]] (8)
*[[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] (9)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (10)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (11)
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (12)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (13)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (14)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (15)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (16)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (17)
*[[Lyzack (G1)|Lyzack]] (18)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"They fired on me first... that still counts as me finding them, right?"
:—'''Side Burn'''

"Nice shooting, Flak." 
"Well, all those missiles had to be good for something."
:—'''Magnum''' and '''Flak'''

"The mighty Magnum knows who I am? I'm humbled. But "vile"? Tsk. Watch your tongue when in the presence of <big>'''your new emperor!'''</big>"
:—'''Deathsaurus'''

==Notes==
* Characters mentioned but not seen include: [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]], [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], and Lyzack's [[Leozack|brother]].

===Continuity notes===
* Skyquake was noted to have designed the [[Skyraider]]s in his [[BotCon 2009]] tech specs; evidently, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s are an upgraded version of the Skyraider body-type. Members of both are seen as part of Deathsaurus' army.
* Swindle previously tried to get Dion to sell him his guns in "[[Flames of Yesterday]]".

===Transformers references===
* Ricochet notes that Starscream's body-type is specifically a "Seeker 3.050" model; the original Starscream toy's UPC number was "0 '''3'''8976 ''''05'''781 '''0'''".
* Several of the Decepticon's designs are influenced by the [[Early war history records Transformers|Transformers]] seen in the records of pre-war history in ''Transformers'' episode "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]".

===Real-world references===
*Kup's remembers a battle with the "dreaded [[Omacronian]]s of [[Persei Eight]]", referencing to the planet [http://theinfosphere.org/Omicron_Persei_8 Omicron Persei 8] and the Omicronians from ''{{w|Futurama}}''.

===Errors===
*On the second-to-last panel of page 1, Side Burn's speech balloon is missing, though its tail is still there. A transcript of what it was supposed to contain can be found on [http://comments.deviantart.com/5/40922667/2039416751 Wittenrich's DA journal]: "'''Smelt it'''! Those gear-slippin’ Decepti-jokers know how to ruin a guy’s '''hero moment'''!"

[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

Star Saber (G1)

2022-01-11T07:13:36Z

Orogogus: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{factions|autobot|decepticon|adaptus}}
{{disambig3|Star Saber}}
{{featured}}
{{suite}}
:''Star Saber is an [[Autobot]] [[Brainmaster]] from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Victory]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:G1 Star Saber boxart.jpg|350px|thumb|Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs!]]
Famed throughout the length and breadth of the cosmos as the greatest swordsman in the universe, the heroic '''Star Saber''' (スターセイバー ''Sutā Seibā'') has ascended from humble beginnings to the lofty position of [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Autobot]]s and head of the interplanetary [[Galactic Peace Alliance|Galactic Defense Force]]. Protector of the weak, defender of the defenceless and lover of life in all its forms, Star Saber's heart [[Burning justice|burns]] with an unending passion for justice and peace unequalled by any other, which drives him to quash evil wherever he finds it, with a cry of "Let's say go!"<ref>"Let's say go" is a Japanese language pun, as it is written with the English word, "Let's", and the Japanese word "seigō" (整合), meaning "coordinate" or "integrate" (as seen in print in "[[Shine, Five Stars of Victory]]"). As such, it's hard to preserve the pun in translation, so the official DVD releases of the series by [[Metrodome]] and [[Madman Entertainment]] didn't bother, rendering the phrase simply as "Let's say go".</ref> This idealism is perhaps best evidenced in his adoption of the orphaned human child, [[Jan Minakaze]], as his own son, for whom he cares deeply.

Star Saber is a member of the powerful subgroup known as the [[Brainmaster]]s, who possess incredible courage, strength, skill and intelligence. Star Saber exemplifies courage in particular: his smallest robot form is the '''Brain of Courage''' (勇気のブレイン ''Yūki no Brain''), which connects to a larger body to become the robot known as '''Saber''' (セイバー ''Seibā''). In either robot or jet mode, Saber connects to the mobile battle platform named the [[V-Star]] with a cry of "Battle Up!" to become Star Saber. Furthermore, in either mode, Star Saber is capable of linking up with his team-mate [[Victory Leo]] to become '''Victory Saber''' (ビクトリーセイバー ''Bikutorī Seibā''). In this form, Star Saber's speed and power are greatly enhanced, but at times, Victory Leo's savage personality can override his calm and collected nature.

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Victory'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Hideyuki Tanaka]] (Japan)|[[John Culkin]] (English, Omni Productions dub)}}

[[File:Starsaber deathsaurus first battle.jpg|left|215px|thumb|I know that dragon guy is around here somewhere.]]
As a child, Star Saber was a paragon of good behaviour. He was never greedy, so he never had to sneak food, and he never once wet the bed and got scolded for it. He was, however, still a fun-loving kid, who would zoom around on a skateboard while wearing his bedsheet as a cape.<ref>This description of Star Saber's childhood comes from the lyrics of ''Victory''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing [[theme song|theme tune]], "[[Cybertron Banzai]]". While the very notion of Transformers having a childhood that they actually physically grow out of is rather bizarre, resulting in the temptation to not consider the song "canon", the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|Victory]]'' manga ''also'' depicts Star Saber as a child, in an actual, in-story flashback. So if it can happen in the comics, there's really no reason to think that it can't also have been the case in the cartoon.</ref>

Around 500,000 years ago, when Star Saber was a commander in the Autobot army, the powerful [[Decepticon]] warrior [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] threatened the galaxy with his colossal [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]]. Star Saber led a garrison of Autobots in an assault against the fortress, and battled Deathsaurus personally while his troops planted gravity boosters on the fortress's surface. The boosters de-energized the fortress and trapped it in a gravity cell at the heart of the [[Dark Nebula]], forever earning Star Saber the enmity of Deathsaurus. {{storylink|Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress}}

[[File:Starsaber and jean.jpg|215px|thumb|That's where I saw the leprechaun. He told me to burn things.]]
Several years before [[2025]], Star Saber was appointed Supreme Commander of the Autobots, and consulted his friend, [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]], on whether or not he should take the job. {{storylink|Ginrai Dies!!}} Star Saber accepted the role, and by extension, became head of the [[Galactic Peace Alliance]]'s Galactic Defense Force, dedicated to protecting planets all throughout the galaxy from the renewed threat of the Decepticons under the command of Deathsaurus, who had succeeded in his quest to become [[Emperor of Destruction]]. {{storylink|The Brave Hero of the Universe - Star Saber}} In one of these attacks, a [[human]] spacecraft was destroyed by the [[Dinoforce]], killing all on board, save for a baby that had been placed in an escape pod. Star Saber recovered the child, [[Jan Minakaze]], and adopted him as his own son. {{storylink|Attack! Leozack}}

[[File:Starsaber vehiclemode.jpg|left|215px|thumb|[[Steve Blum|Spike Spiegel's]] weekend ride.]]
In 2025, Deathsaurus's attacks on Earth's sector of space intensified, leading Star Saber to make preparations to leave the Autobots' base on [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]] and personally take command of the defense force unit stationed in Earth's sector. After saving the small frontier community of [[Iron Town]] from a pair of [[Decepticon desperadoes]], Star Saber returned to base to a report of an attack by the Dinoforce on the [[Lunar Base (Victory)|Lunar Base]] on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]] and immediately headed to the scene. As he drew close to the moon, Deathsaurus appeared to bar his way, and the two old foes battled while [[Blacker]], [[Braver]] and [[Laster]] clashed with the Dinoforce. Star Saber broke the fight off when Jan alerted him to the worsening battle on the moon's surface, and he proceeded to dispatch the Dinoforce with ease before Deathsaurus caught up to him and their battle continued. Battling his way through Deathsaurus's [[Breast Animal]]s, Star Saber emerged victorious, and the Decepticons fled. {{storylink|The Brave Hero of the Universe - Star Saber}} The Autobots proceeded to transport the human staff of the damaged Lunar Base back to Earth aboard their [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], but when they came under attack from the Dinoforce again, Star Saber split himself into Saber and the V-Star to defeat their combined robot form of [[Dinoking]]. {{storylink|Sneak Attack! Dinoking}}

[[File:Saber and vstar.jpg|215px|thumb|Anakin built it in a junk yard in a desert.]]
Operating out of the Shuttle Base, Star Saber's Autobots took Earth as a second home of sorts, and staged all their operations from there. Star Saber enrolled Jan at school, flying him there personally for his first day and giving the [[Mayville|headmistress]] quite a shock. Unfortunately for everyone, Star Saber's presence at the school attracted the attention of the Decepticon [[Breastforce]]r [[Leozack]], who put the student body in mortal danger when he attacked. Star Saber separated from the V-Star and had Jan use it to carry the students to safety while he tackled Leozack and the Dinoforce. When the students were safe, Saber recombined with the V-Star, and defeated Leozack and Dinoking with the aid of [[Road Caesar]]. {{storylink|Attack! Leozack}}

[[File:Starsaber vs dinoking.jpg|left|215px|thumb|And now we know what killed the dinosaurs.]]
Star Saber later battled Dinoking again at an energy plant, this time with the aid of [[Landcross (G1)|Landcross]], {{storylink|Unite!! Multiforce}} then went up against Leozack once more at the Ocean Exhibition amusement park, {{storylink|Move Out! Rescue Team}} before battling both opponents yet again at a uranium mine. {{storylink|Infiltration... The Uranium Mine}} Later, when Blacker and the [[Multiforce]] investigated a Decepticon energy base in the Amazon jungle, Star Saber became concerned when he was unable to contact them, and sped to their aid, helping them to dispatch the villains. {{storylink|Explosion!! The Energy Base}}

[[File:Starsaber vs breastanimals.jpg|215px|thumb|This is why you don't get out of the car in a safari park.]]
When the Breastforce began draining electrical energy from a major American subway system, Star Saber proved too large to venture into the tunnels to investigate, and had to divide into Saber and the V-Star to proceed. Investigating the power distribution centre, Saber was confronted by Deathsaurus, and in the cramped quarters of the building, proved to be no match for the villain's nimble Breast Animals. Directing the V-Star to crash into Deathsaurus, Saber forced the Decepticon to block the craft, thereby leaving his unprotected chest open for attack and allowing Saber to impale him with his sword. Thus wounded, Deathsaurus fled, leaving Saber victorious once more. {{storylink|Big City - Underground Terror}}

[[File:Saber robotmode.jpg|left|215px|thumb|Behold! Galva—wait, no.]]
When Leozack called in his newest Breastforce recruit [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]], Star Saber went up against the pair several times, joining the other Autobots in battling through Hellbat's hypnotic waves, {{storylink|The New Warrior - Hellbat}} and splitting into Saber and the V-Star to take on the two at once when they stole energy from a Nevada spaceport. {{storylink|Attack the Shuttle Base!!}} Star Saber later joined with the Brainmasters in saving [[Marine City]] from the threat of a [[neutron bomb]], giving Blacker the V-Star so he could search for the bomb while he battled Leozack as Saber. {{storylink|Tanker Hijack Operation}} Later, while Star Saber was busy leading the Autobots in an attack against Leozack and most of the Breastforce, Hellbat kidnapped Jan and [[Holi]]. Jan proved resourceful enough to escape his cell and contact Star Saber, who came to his rescue, defeating Dinoking by collapsing a mountain on him. {{storylink|Rescue Jan!!}} Not long after, Star Saber and the Multiforce thwarted a Decepticon hydroelectric power-gathering scheme. {{storylink|Mach and Tackle}}

The strange disappearance of several spaceships while passing through the asteroid belt led Star Saber to investigate, disguising himself as an ordinary spacecraft with a large exoskeleton. Venturing into the asteroid belt, Star Saber discovered that the vanishing ships were the work of the Decepticons when the villains caught him in a tractor beam. Luckily, he avoided detection long enough to summon the other Autobots to his location, and bested the Breastforce single-handed in the ensuing battle. {{storylink|A Fierce Battle!! The Asteroid}}

[[File:Starsaber vs liokaiser.jpg|215px|thumb|It was at this moment Star Saber knew... he f**ked up.]]
When the occupied God Ginrai was unable to respond to an attack by Hellbat and [[Black Shadow (G1)|two]] [[Blue Bacchus|mercenaries]] in his employ on the planet [[Micro]], Star Saber was forced to travel to the planet to investigate. With the aid of [[Sixshot (G1)|Greatshot]], Star Saber defeated the villains, but had pushed his strength to its limit to wrench an overloading power plant from its moorings with his bare hands and fly it into space to prevent the devastation its explosion would have caused. {{storylink|Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior|Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior}} Soon after, the Breastforce attacked the [[Planet Micro Satellite Penitentiary]] in an attempt to free their comrade [[Guyhawk]], and despite fighting hard, Star Saber was unable to prevent the Decepticons' escape. {{storylink|Rescue! Guyhawk}} With all six of their members now together, the Breastforce were able to combine into the terrifying [[Liokaiser]], who was actually able to hand Star Saber his first real defeat. Indeed, Star Saber would have died at Liokaiser's hands had God Ginrai not arrived in time to rescue him. {{storylink|Unite! Liokaiser}}

[[File:Starsaber living metal destroying cannon.jpg|left|thumb|Not a Buster!]]
Star Saber stared death in the face once again on the return trip to Earth when he was attacked by Deathsaurus and confronted by the emperor's deadly [[Living-Metal-Destroying Cannon]]. Although Deathsaurus actually pulled the trigger on what would have been a fatal blast, it was simple luck for Star Saber that Deathsaurus had already used up too much of his personal energy supply, leaving the cannon unable to fire. {{storylink|Resurrection!? The Decepticon Fortress}} Once back on Earth, Star Saber steeled himself for another confrontation with Liokaiser, and found himself having to soothe the fears of Jan, who was having nightmares of his father's demise. When Liokaiser struck again at the [[Schaeffer Energy]] production plant, Star Saber held his own in the fight, but a definitive outcome was not to be had, since Deathsaurus ordered a retreat when the plant's energy was successfully stolen. {{storylink|Battle Up of Wrath!!}} Another battle between Star Saber and Liokaiser soon followed, this time at the South Pole, where Star Saber was again defeated by the combiner, and would have met his end had Deathsaurus not interrupted and attempted to claim the honor for himself. This momentary distraction allowed Star Saber to turn the tables and defeat Deathsaurus while an insulted Liokaiser did nothing but watch his leader lose. {{storylink|Fight to the Death!! Antarctic Battle}}

[[File:Victory30 victorysaber.jpg|thumb|Stand up to the Victory!]]
When a battle with Deathsaurus in the desert left Star Saber and Blacker wounded, {{storylink|Crisis! Ambush in the Desert}} the Decepticons capitalized upon the Autobots' lack of manpower by stepping up their attacks, until Star Saber was left with no option but to enter battle despite his injuries. Confronted by Deathsaurus and Liokaiser in a subterranean cave in Asia, Star Saber was once again saved from the brink of death by God Ginrai, who took the shot meant for his friend. {{storylink|A Deadly Battle}} Fatally wounded with no hope of repair, Ginrai insisted that Star Saber allow him to be deactivated and rebuilt using a power-up design the commander had created. Star Saber was revolted at the notion of using his friend's body in such a way, but Ginrai would not relent, {{storylink|Ginrai Dies!!}} and was reconstructed by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Minerva (G1 robot)|Minerva]] as Victory Leo. {{storylink|Fight!! Victory Leo}} Star Saber then had the scientists implant a combination circuit in his head, which would allow him to merge with Victory Leo. {{storylink|Awaken! Victory Leo}} The duo successfully accomplished this combination for the first time when Deathsaurus was bombarding the Earth with missiles from space; together, they became Victory Saber, outraced Deathsaurus's missiles, destroyed his launcher and defeated him in battle. {{storylink|The Tide Is Turned! The Ultimate Weapon, the Victory Unification}}

[[File:Victory31 dinoforcespared.jpg|left|215px|thumb|Remember kids, don't walk away from your problems.]]
Star Saber was in space seeing Perceptor off when the Dinoforce attacked Jan's school, leaving the boy to defend his friends as best he could in his mech, the [[Illumina II]], before Star Saber was able to come to his aid. After defeating Dinoking, however, Star Saber was surprised to have the battered Dinoforce troops clutch at his legs and throw themselves in his path in an attempt to save their leader, [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]]. Touched by this genuine display of camaraderie, Star Saber sheathed his sword and told Goryu to be sure to heal properly for their next battle. {{storylink|Jan - Defend the Campus!!}}

While Star Saber was attending a Galactic Peace Alliance conference, Leozack attempted to exploit the Autobots' trust of their leader by donning an exoskeleton in his likeness and posing as him in order to obtain information on his combination with Victory Leo. As it happened, only Victory Leo smelled a rat, and in time, the real Star Saber returned to combine with his partner and expose the phoney to the other Autobots. {{storylink|A Mystery?! The Deception of the Base Bombs}} Later, Jan used the Illumina II to help save Star Saber from the Decepticons' latest threat, the metal-eating [[Doriya]] insects. {{storylink|The Death-Bringing Space Insects!!}}

[[File:Victory37 finalblow.jpg|215px|thumb|"Swords! My only weakness...for now."]]
A month later, after no further Decepticon attacks, Star Saber and the Autobots were suddenly forced to go into action when the Decepticons raised [[Atlantis]] off the coast of [[Portugal]]. Disasters caused by the tidal waves the raising of the continent had created kept the Autobots occupied with relief efforts, allowing the Decepticons to steal enough of Atlantis's energy to finally re-power Deathsaurus's fortress. {{storylink|The Terror of the Giant Tidal Waves}} Greatshot and the Brainmasters headed out to serve as the first line of defence against the fortress, while Star Saber and Victory Leo found themselves delayed by the Dinoforce, who had—unbeknownst even to themselves—been abandoned on Earth by Deathsaurus. As Victory Saber and Dinoking battled, the fortress began bombarding the Earth with meteor bombs, one of which struck Dinoking and ended the battle. Victory Saber proceeded to head into space to confront the fortress, but was blasted by its weapons and crashed on its surface, unconscious. {{storylink|The Wrath of the Resurrected Giant Fortress!}}

[[File:Victory37 saberfireguts.jpg|left|215px|thumb|Oh crap, Hate Plague!]]
Victory Saber did not regain consciousness until the fortress was nearly upon the Earth, and immediately renewed his attack on the massive weapon, leading Deathsaurus to dispatch Liokaiser to keep Victory Saber busy. Just as the two combatants engaged each other, Jan arrived on the scene in the Illumina II, having been giving information on the fortress's weak spot by Goryu, who had realized that Deathsaurus had abandoned him and his troops. Star Saber separated from Victory Leo, leaving his partner to deal with Liokaiser while he covered his son's entrance into the fortress. Within the fortress, Star Saber faced off against Deathsaurus for their final brutal battle, eventually besting his eternal foe just as Jan succeeded in destroying the fortress's weapon power core. Deathsaurus refused to accept defeat, and sealed Star Saber in the fortress, setting it on collision course with Earth, but with help from Victory Leo, Star Saber escaped. The pair then merged into Victory Saber and, burning with flaming energy, tore the fortress apart from within, causing it to explode in a cosmic firestorm before it collided with Earth. Although the pair initially seemed as through they were destroyed in the conflagration, both Star Saber and Victory Leo emerged from its ashes, just as victorious as their name. {{storylink|Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification}}
{{-}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon====
When [[Shūta Gō|Shūta]] asked [[Grand Maximus|Grand]] if he could meet the new [[Supreme Commander]], Grand obliged by showing him clips of Star Saber. {{storylink|Shūta and Grand's Masterforce Super-Secrets!}}

====''Legends'' comic (1)====
In [[2021]], the [[Concurrence]] made plans to eliminate the Autobots in general and Star Saber in particular. {{storylink|Mutant Targetmaster Birth Chapter}} By manipulating the Galactic Peace Alliance, they had Star Saber arrested on false charges and imprisoned in the [[Planet Micro Satellite Penitentiary]] until he was broken out by [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]], who brought him to the [[Legends World]]. There he hid out at [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]'s place and helped him draw manga until [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] showed up to arrest them, at which point Star Saber fled while Sixshot kept him busy. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 50|Bonus Edition Vol. 50}} Star Saber repaid Sixshot by gifting him a new [[transtector]], suggesting he use it to join the Autobots under the identity "Greatshot" to continue the illusion that he was dead. Once the Concurrence lost their influence over the Galactic Peace Alliance, Star Saber was cleared of all charges and returned home where he joined forces with Greatshot to destroy the Concurrence. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Greatshot)|Bonus Edition Greatshot}}

====''United EX''====
[[File:UnitedEX5 dragon dues.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Star Saber saved [[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]]'s life, influencing the Decepticon to later join the Autobots. {{storylink|The Dragon Pays His Dues}}
{{--}}

====''Kiss Players''====
At the instruction of the [[Sparkbot]]s, [[Shaoshao Li]] travelled forward in time from [[2007]] to witness Star Saber's final attack against Deathsaurus's fortress in 2025. She kissed the Autobot leader to obtain a fragment of what she believed was the [[AllSpark]] within him (but which was, in actuality, a splinter of Unicron's fractured [[Angolmois Energy|lifeforce]]). {{storylink|Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #44}}

====''Zone'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Hideyuki Tanaka]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Starsaber vs trypticon zone.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
Some time after the end of the Victory war, a new energy source known as [[Energon Z]] was developed on planet Micro. Knowing that the Decepticons—who had since fallen under the command of the supernatural being [[Violengiguar]]—would want the energy for their own nefarious purposes, Star Saber ordered the fortification of Micro into a defense base that could properly protect its precious new innovation. Employing a process developed by the [[Super Car Patrol Team]], the Autobot space pioneers known as the Powered Masters rebuilt Micro as the planet "Zone". {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone story page #1}}

As the "[[Nine Great Demon Generals]]" that Violengiguar had assembled began attacking planets throughout the galaxy, Star Saber issued commands from his base on Planet V, directing the [[Micromaster]]s of Zone to respond to the threats. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone story page #2}} When [[King Poseidon]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked the planet [[Wall]], however, he and Victory Leo were forced to take action as Victory Saber, only to be ambushed b the two Decepticons, who tried to drag them beneath the watery surface of the planet. Luckily for them, a combined attack from [[Missile Bull]], [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], [[Overload (G1)|Overload]] and [[Skywave]] saw the villains off. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone story page #3}}

[[File:Victorysaber feminia destruction.jpg|215px|thumb|left|Alright, who ordered the barbecued Victory Saber extra fresh?]]
When the generals attacked the planet [[Feminia]], Star Saber and Victory Leo merged into Victory Saber and headed for the planet with [[Galaxy Shuttle]] and the [[Rescue Patrol Team]] to do what they could for the inhabitants. Victory Saber saved a native boy named [[Cain]] from falling into a pit of lava as the ground beneath his feet collapsed, and got him to the Galaxy Shuttle in time to evacuate, but he was unable to get to safety himself, and was caught in the planet's explosion and feared dead by his troops.

Two-and-a-half months later, Victory Saber's body was discovered floating in space, badly damaged but alive, by the Autobot [[Powered Master]]s [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Sonic Bomber]]. They brought him to planet [[Micro|Zone]] for medical treatment, before heading on to Earth to defeat the Demon Generals that were in the process of attacking the planet. Impressed by Dai Atlas's skill in battle, Star Saber held a ceremony to appoint Dai Atlas the new Supreme Commander of the Autobots. {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}
{{--}}

====''Robotmasters''====
Some time after Dai Atlas's eventual defeat of Violengiguar, Star Saber and Victory Leo set about tracking down the Decepticon criminal, [[Gigant Bomb]]. In the course of the pursuit, all three warriors travelled through the mysterious dimensional fissure known as the [[Blastizone]] and were cast through space and time, to arrive on Earth in [[2004]]. Star Saber and Victory Leo aligned themselves with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and various other Autobots from throughout space and time to prevent the Decepticons from acquiring the power of [[Solitarium]], and eventually returned to their home time when the task was done.

{{note| ''Robotmasters'' is explicitly placed in the Japanese cartoon continuity, after ''Zone'', by [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Takara's 2007 Transformers timeline]]. However, none of the three pieces of actual ''Robotmasters'' fiction tells the story of the line in its entirety, and each of them relate certain events in notably different ways. Precisely ''which'' of the three—covered individually below—should be considered the [[canon]] one for the cartoon timeline is unknown.}}

=====Pack-in manga=====
[[File:Starsaber robotmasters minicomic.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|"Hey Primal, does Prime's chest look pointier than usual to you?"]]
A Solitarium-empowered Gigant Bomb, now partnered with the Decepticon [[Smokesniper]], had Optimus Prime, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], [[Bound Rogue]], and [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] on the ropes, until Star Saber and Victory Leo suddenly appeared on the battlefield and vowed to rip their bodies apart. The pair merged into Victory Saber and destroyed their Solitarium with a single strike, causing the two Decepticons to immediately flee the scene. Star Saber then properly introduced himself to Prime and Primal, declaring it an honor to meet them, and that together, they would surely defeat [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|The Victory Warriors Enter!!}}
{{-}}

=====Online manga=====
[[File:Victorysaber robotmasters online comic.jpg|thumb]]
Investigating the decay of planets across the galaxy, Star Saber and Victory Leo came across the [[Blastizone]], and a vortex of negative energy surrounding [[Earth]] on the other side of the Zone. After crossing the distortion into the year [[2004]], Star Saber surveyed Earth and came across the Decepticon [[Smokesniper]]. Star Saber battled Smokesniper one-on-one and defeated his opponent, only to be attacked from behind and disarmed by [[Gigant Bomb]]. Gigant Bomber and Smokesniper combined into [[Gigant Sniper]] and opened fire on Star Saber, {{storylink|Go! Star Saber}} but Victory Leo soon came to his aid, and the pair fused into Victory Saber for round two of the duel. The Decepticons were defeated and Victory Saber joined the Autobots native to the era. {{storylink|Bonds Stronger than Steel}}

[[File:Starsaber vs lioconvoy rm.jpg|left|thumb|"Let us fight kung fu-style! Ho! Ha! Ho!"]]
When [[Lio Convoy]] arrived through the Blastizone, Megatron directed him to attack Star Saber and Victory Leo, who once again combined to fight back. {{storylink|The Lio Convoy Typhoon Enters (issue)|The Lio Convoy Typhoon Enters}} Luckily, Optimus Prime arrived to break up the fight and make the combatants realize they belonged to the same side, and together, Star Saber, Victory Leo, Prime, Primal, and Lio Convoy sent the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

When an injured robot named "[[Reverse Convoy]]" appeared on Earth, Star Saber and the Autobots brought him to their base for medical aid. {{storylink|Strategic Meeting: The Mysterious New Warrior}} Their trusting natures proved to be their downfall, however, when this so-called Convoy turned out to be the original [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] in a new guise. In a trap, he captured Optimus Prime, Optimus Primal, Victory Leo, and Mirage, and shot down Star Saber when he attempted to rescue them, but was bested by the sudden entrance of Lio Convoy. {{storylink|The Dark Emperor of Destruction, Reborn}}

Victory Saber later joined Prime, Primal and Lio Convoy in battling both Megatrons, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]. Unsurprisingly, they claimed victory once again and the power of [[solitarium]] allowed Star Saber and his contemporaries to return to their native time. {{storylink|And Then}}
{{-}}

=====Cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Masahito Yabe]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:Victorysaber robotmasters cartoon.jpg|thumb]]
While investigating a mysterious explosion, Star Saber came under attack from Starscream, who scored two missile hits on the future-born Autobot. Unable to hit Starscream with his own guns, Star Saber summoned Victory Leo, and the pair combined into Victory Saber to take the fight up close and personal. It took the arrival of Optimus Prime for the Decepticon Air Commander to be defeated, but at that point, Megatron, Gigant Bomb, and Smokesniper arrived. Victory Saber kept Gigant Bomb and Smokesniper busy while Prime defeated Megatron with aid from the newly arrived Optimus Primal. After Megatron was defeated, the three commanders agreed to continue the fight against the new Decepticons/Predacons and protect Earth's Solitarium. {{storylink|Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!}}

[[File:RM Star Saber.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb]]
Later, when the Decepticons attacked a city, Star Saber was a bit late to the game, arriving merged with Victory Leo to attack Gigant Bomb and Smokesniper. The pair promptly disengaged, only to be shot by new arrival Reverse Convoy, who revealed that he was, in fact, the original Megatron in disguise. Prime and Primal were able to defeat the two Megatrons with the aid of newcomer Lio Convoy, after which Star Saber and Victory Leo linked up in jet mode to carry Prime to the next battle. {{storylink|The Lio Convoy Typhoon Enters (episode)|The Lio Convoy Typhoon Enters}}
{{-}}

=====Victory Saber Limited Black Version bio=====
The Autobots were tasked by the [[United Nations]] to go undercover in the [[Middle East]] to uncover an underworld market working in alliance with the [[Decepticon]]s. Taking advantage of the Decepticons' ignorance of future Autobots, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] sent Star Saber and Victory Leo, disguised with "optical camouflage" that could only last six hours. Their weapons were modulated as to not cause any unnecessary human causalities, and a cover story of the duo seceding from the Autobots was provided.<ref>''Robotmasters'' Victory Saber Limited Black Version bio</ref>

=====3D diorama manga=====
After assembling the [[Arsenal Force]], [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Beast Megatron]] used it to power-up [[Wingstun]], [[Air Hunter]], [[Psycho-Orb]], and [[Tow-Line (RID)|Wrecker Hook]]. Victory Saber got wind of this, however, and managed to destroy the Arsenal Force, thereby returning the other Decepticons to their usual loser selves. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 3}}

Victory Saber was present at Autobot HQ when [[Reverse Convoy]] arrived with data stolen from the Decepticons. He helped protect his fellow Autobot from an attack by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who wanted the lost data back. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 9}}

Bad move, as Reverse Convoy soon revealed himself to actually be [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rebirth Megatron]] incognito. Rebirth Megatron captured Victory Saber, Optimus Prime, and Optimus Primal, sapping them of their energy. Victory Saber and the others were soon rescued by [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|an alternate reality Optimus Prime]]. Together, they vanquished Rebirth Megatron, Beast Megatron, and all the other Decepticons with their Big Bang Cannon. {{storylink|Robotmasters Vol. 11}}

====''Legends'' comic (2)====
In [[2038]], Star Saber and Victory Leo responded to an attack on [[Micro|Zone]]. Victory Saber fought alongside [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]], [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] & [[Grand Maximus]], and many others in defense of the Zone Base being assaulted by [[Dark Nova]]'s minions. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}} Dark Nova's [[Vok Galaman]] proved a devastating opponent, however, tearing through the various Supreme Commanders allied against him. With the encouragement of Optimus Prime, Victory Saber used his heart of burning justice to empower the Matrix within him, getting back into the fight. The Supreme Commanders each called upon their Matrix power to re-energize the [[Reconfiguration Matrix]] inside of Convoy, allowing him to evolve into a healed Star Convoy once more. Together, Star Convoy and Dai Atlas dealt a significant blow to Dark Nova. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 5: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part Two|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part Two}}

====''Generations Selects Special Comic''====

In the [[Precursor World]], Star Convoy did battle with [[King Poseidon]]. Through the power of the [[Silver Matrix]], he connected with the future Supreme Commanders he had met during the [[Robotmasters|Solitarium Wars]], Lio Convoy, Star Saber, and Beast Convoy. With their strength feeding his own, Star Convoy healed his wounds and was revitalized. {{storylink|Seacons comic 5}}
{{--}}

===''TV Magazine'' comic continuity===
====''Victory'' comic====
[[File:MangaYoungDeathyStarSaber.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]
Star Saber and Deathsaurus's rivalry began when they were children 500,000 years ago, and argued all the time. {{storylink|Star of Friendship, Jan and Star Saber!}} That rivalry came to a true head in 2025, when Deathsaurus began attacking the Earth in pursuit of the energy required to keep his gigantic "Space Stronghold" powered up. {{storylink|The Grand Victory War}} In response to Deathsaurus's first attack, Star Saber led the Multiforce to Earth, and made short work of Deathsaurus by cleaving his shoulder with his Saber Blade. As the Decepticon emperor retreated, Star Saber made a vow to protect the beauty of Earth's nature for all mankind. {{storylink|So Cool! Our Ally, Star Saber!}}

[[File:Super saber meteor spin.jpg|thumb]]
Earth's nature proved to be the very next thing that Deathsaurus attacked, when he started a forest fire and defeated Landcross. Star Saber and Road Caesar came to their friend's aid, but were unprepared for the new strength Deathsaurus had drawn from the energy of the fire. Luckily, Deathsaurus was distracted when his own cyborg-human son, [[Solon Kitakaze (G1)|Solon]], arrived with Jan in a deadly hold, and Star Saber exploited the opening to flatten Deathsaurus with a "Super Saber Meteor Spin". {{storylink|Great Reversal! Star Saber}}

After Jan alerted him to an attack on an Earth city by the Decepticon Leozack, Star Saber came speeding to the rescue, only to be knocked from the sky by the villain's electromagnetic nunchaku. Unfortunately for Leozack, he had forgotten to bring his Breast Animal into battle with him that day, allowing Star Saber to puncture his unprotected torso with his sword and send him fleeing. {{storylink|Leozack's Rampage!}} The rest of the Breastforce didn't do much better in a later battle against Star Saber, and neither did inept Dinoforcer [[Kakuryu (G1)|Kakuryu]], who was hurled over a cliff by a "Saber Vacuum Tornado Pacifier" from the Autobot commander. As he dangled on the cliff's edge, however, Kakuryu was shocked when Star Saber pulled him to safety, displaying once more the compassion and love of life that made him worthy of the role of Supreme Commander. {{storylink|Star Saber, Warrior of Love!}}

[[File:Starsaber and jean manga.jpg|left|thumb]]
When Deathsaurus kidnapped Jan and took him to the Decepticons' ''[[Thunder Arrow]]'' out in space, an enraged Star Saber gave chase and came tearing through the ship's hull. Deathsaurus didn't take Jan's rejection well, but couldn't stand up to Star Saber's shattering "Planetary Impulse Sword Death-Strike" attack. {{storylink|Danger, Jan! Hurry, Star Saber!}} Although the reunion between Star Saber and Jan was a happy one, tempers soon flared between the two of them when they pursued the Decepticon to [[Energy Planet X]], only to lose their trail and start blaming each other. When they were attacked by the lurking Liokaiser, Star Saber disengaged from the V-Star, and allowed Jan to take control of it, transforming it into battle station mode and opening fire on Liokaiser. Saber delivered the final blow that drove the villains into retreat, and the two heroes apologized to each other, realizing that if they couldn't work together, they'd wind up like the Decepticons. {{storylink|Star of Friendship, Jan and Star Saber!}}

[[File:Victorysaber manga.jpg|thumb]]
Attacked by Deathsaurus, Dinoking and Liokaiser all at once, Star Saber was defeated and would have met his end if not for the sudden appearance of the new, feral Autobot, Victory Leo. Star Saber found he could combine with the newcomer, and together, they became Victory Saber and defeated the Decepticons with their "Flash Victory" attack. {{storylink|The Strongest Pair, the Combination of Victory!}} Deathsaurus tried to create a counter-force for this powerful new combination, creating a mech for Solon with which he could combine to become "Kingsaurus", but when Solon lost focus during a battle on the planet [[Guard]], Victory Saber destroyed his mech with a "Victory Boomberang" attack. {{storylink|Victory Saber Is Strong!}} Later, with the power of the Autobot boy-team, the [[Victories]], increasing their own energy, Victory Saber and Road Caesar combined their powers into the "Victory Caliber" attack, which grievously wounded Deathsaurus and Liokaiser in one shot. {{storylink|Shine, Five Stars of Victory}}

[[File:Starsaber deathsaurus truce.jpg|left|thumb]]
After this definitive battle, Deathsaurus withdrew his forces to the Space Stronghold and began bombarding Earth with meteorites. Star Saber engaged Deathsaurus in a battle in space while the rest of his troops entered the massive fortress, but the treacherous Leozack had been planning for this moment, and turned the power of the fortress's main cannon on Deathsaurus himself. Deathsaurus survived the blast and crippled the fortress with his own weapons, allowing Star Saber to come crashing through the control room window and unleash his Planetary Impulse Sword on Leozack. Leozack begged Star Saber not to destroy the fortress, at which point the injured Deathsaurus chose to reveal the true reason for his energy-gathering attacks on Earth to the Autobots: the fortress was, in fact, home to the Decepticon civilians, and they required the energy to keep the fortress functional for them to live in. Star Saber realized that it was time to set aside their warring ways and follow the example set by Jan and Solon. With a handshake between the two leaders, the [[Victory War]] came to an end, bringing peace to everyone—the truest victory of all! {{storylink|The Grand Victory War}}
{{-}}

====''Zone'' comic====
[[File:Starsaber vs trypticon zone.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
Some time after the end of the Victory war, a new energy source known as [[Energon Z]] was developed on planet Micro. Knowing that the Decepticons—who had since fallen under the command of the supernatural being [[Violengiguar]]—would want the energy for their own nefarious purposes, Star Saber ordered the fortification of Micro into a defense base that could properly protect its precious new innovation. Employing a process developed by the [[Super Car Patrol Team]], the Autobot space pioneers known as the Powered Masters rebuilt Micro as the planet "Zone". {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone story page #1}}

[[File:Starsaber and daiatlas manga.jpg|left|thumb|"Take my job, New Toy! You've earned it!"]]
As the "[[Nine Great Demon Generals]]" that Violengiguar had assembled began attacking planets throughout the galaxy, Star Saber issued commands from his base on Planet V, directing the [[Micromaster]]s of Zone to respond to the threats. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone story page #2}} When [[King Poseidon]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] attacked the planet [[Wall]], however, he and Victory Leo were forced to take action as Victory Saber, only to be ambushed b the two Decepticons, who tried to drag them beneath the watery surface of the planet. Luckily for them, a combined attack from [[Missile Bull]], [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], [[Overload (G1)|Overload]] and [[Skywave]] saw the villains off. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone story page #3}}

When the Demon Generals destroyed the planet Feminia, Star Saber was caught in the planet's eruption and feared dead by his troops. A month later, however, he was found floating in space by Powered Masters Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber, who brought him back to Zone for medical attention. After Dai Atlas's successful defeat of the Demon Generals on Earth, Star Saber decided to pass the mantle of Supreme Commander on to the Powered Master. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|Zone}}
{{--}}

===''PDTF Comic'' comic===
[[File:PDType-Star Saber tuna.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|I think we both know the answer to that.]]
While facing Liokaiser, Star Saber combined with Victory Leo to form Victory Saber! Victory Saber attempted to give a speech, only to be constantly interrupted by an odd growling noise, and he finally had to tell Victory Leo's lion head to keep the noise down. {{storylink|PDTF Comic##2 "He's Here! Victory Saber!!"|He's Here! Victory Saber!!}} Star Saber prepared to finish Deathsaurus off once and for all, only for the Decepticon leader to bring out Liokaiser. Star Saber attempted unsuccessfully to distract Liokaiser with some tuna, before resorting to hiding and trying to contact Victory Leo. {{storylink|PDTF Comic##5 "Don't Lose! Star Saber!!"|Don't Lose! Star Saber!!}}

Star Saber nominated [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] as his secondary defense while he battled Deathsaurus. The fight raged on for ages, but Star Saber finally triumphed, and Deathsaurus fell to the ground where he was nommed on by Grimlock. {{storylink|PDTF Comic##8 "Me Strongest! Me Grimlock!"|Me Strongest! Me Grimlock!}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers GT: Mission GT-R''===
[[File:GT-R Saber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In a world where the Transformers' war settled into a series of friendly competitive races known as the [[Transformers GT]], Star Saber became the [[GT Transformer]] known as '''GT-R Saber'''. A hot-blooded combatant, his main tactic in one-on-one races was to transform into [[robot mode]] and use his [[Gas-Fill-Blade]] to slice apart his opponent's drivetrain. Like other racers, GT-R Saber put a limit on his own strength by separating his Matrix into a [[GT Sister]], creating his partner [[Anna]].

====''Story of Transformers GT''====
On the day before the Transformers GT began, GT-R Saber went out for a test run and found himself racing with the similarly practicing [[Optimus Prime (G1)|GT-R Prime]]. Towards the end of the race, Prime transformed into robot mode: assuming he was preparing to fight, Saber transformed as well, only for Prime to turn back into car mode and finish the race while his opponent was distracted. {{storylink|Test Run Battle! –Prelude–}} Saber was determined to get back at Prime in the actual race the next day, finding support in Anna who advised him to target Prime as his victories had likely made him careless. As soon as the race started, Saber blindsided Prime and sent him flying, allowing him to take first place. {{storylink|First Fast Attack! –Whoever Strikes First Wins–}} Lagging behind as the race went on, he found himself behind [[Megatron (G1)|GT-R Megatron]] and sped towards him for an attack, only to be blasted by his opponent's [[EX. Cannon]] and spin out of control. {{storylink|One Shot and One Kill!! –Finishing Blow–}}

====Comic====
GT-R Saber was racing against [[Optimus Prime (G1)|GT-R Prime]] and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|GT-R Maximus]], being goaded on by Anna on the sidelines, when the race was interrupted by the arrival of the ruthless [[Megatron (G1)|GT-R Megatron]]. An offended Saber threw a punch at the intruder, who effortlessly dodged it and declared his intent to crush all racers inferior to him. In the end, GT-R Prime put a stop to the battle by persuading Megatron to race the three of them instead. {{storylink|Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (comic)|Transformers GT: Mission GT-R}}

====Story pages====
Like other racers, GT-R Saber attended photo shoots alongside Anna in order to promote coexistence between humans and Transformers. {{storylink|Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (story page)|The Work of the GT Sister Race Queens?}} When a reincarnated [[Unicron]] attacked the Transformers GT finals and absorbed the huge [[energon]] pool saved up for the final prize, Saber restored his true power by using the "Matrix In" process to recombine with Anna. Together with the other powered up racers, he fought and defeated Unicron, saving Earth. {{storylink|Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (story page)|The True TFGT}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|''More Than Meets The Eye'' #18]]}}
{{quote|Pathetic, '''all''' of you! If God were on your side, you'd have stopped me by now! Will '''anybody''' pit their faith against mine?|Star Saber|"[[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life]]"}}
[[File:StarSaber TheDividedSelf.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Not so much "[[burning justice|BURNING JUSTICE]]" anymore as "BURNING HERETICS".]]
Star Saber was part of the [[Circle of Light]] {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} and known as a religious fanatic, proposing an "atheist holocaust". Part of his religious efforts included trying to turn the Circle over to his ideology, only to be rejected by [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]. Documentaries were made about his holy wars, giving him the nickname of the "Dark Evangelist". Circle of Light member [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] was aware of the stories surrounding him, relaying them to [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] when they were together on the ''[[Lost Light]]''. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}

Star Saber later fell in with [[Solomus|Chief Justice Tyrest]], betraying the Circle of Light by opening their [[Crystal City]] to an attack by Tyrest's [[Legislator]]s. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}} Once in Tyrest's inner circle, Star Saber helped him with his operations on [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]]. When Minimus Ambus disappointed Tyrest in his performance as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], the Chief Justice decided to appoint Star Saber as the new enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]] in Ultra Magnus's place. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}

[[File:StarSaber Primushatesyou ArmtheLonely.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Nobody is innocent, there are merely varying levels of guilt."]]
When the ''Lost Light'' arrived on Luna 1, Star Saber joined the [[Legislator]] attack on the ship, seeking out the "criminal" and "apostate" [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. After stabbing Skids through the torso and knocking out [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}} he had both teleported to a Luna 1 jail cell containing Rodimus and some of the ''Lost Light'' crew. Star Saber was soon there to bring another prisoner from the [[variable voltage harness]]—Skids' partner in crime, [[Getaway]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}

Soon after, the captive members of the Circle of Light broke free and Star Saber personally attended to the riot. There, he crossed [[Great Sword]]s with Dai Atlas before plunging a fist into his former leader's chest and coldly crushing his [[spark]]. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

Star Saber proceeded to tear through the members of the Circle of Light, demanding worthy challengers. [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] answered his call and engaged the enforcer, who quickly gained the upper hand. Star Saber was about to execute his opponent and questioned his reasons for fighting, to which Cyclonus answered to it being personal and turned the tables by stabbing one of Star Saber's eyes with his remaining horn. Cyclonus moved in for the killing blow as the blinded warrior held his damaged eye in pain, but Saber managed to teleport to safety before it could be delivered. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}}

[[File:JourneysEnd StarSaberKillsMirage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|"To show you the power of [[Primus]], I sawed this heretic in half!"]]
When Getaway's reign over the ''[[Lost Light]]'' began to falter, he hired Star Saber to serve as the ship's new chief of security in spite of their past relationship, luring him with the promise of a rematch against Cyclonus. Star Saber arrived just as the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]], [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]], and [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] were making their escape. He immediately shot Thunderclash, and then proceeded to hideously murder Mirage and cut down the non-believing [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], but was prevented from finishing off [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], Riptide, and the injured Thunderclash when [[Atomizer]] shot him with a [[nudge gun]]. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 3): Journey's End|Journey's End}}

Not long after, the ''Lost Light'' finally arrived at what ''appeared'' to be the mythical Cyberutopia, {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 3): Journey's End|Journey's End}} but what was actually the planet [[Mederi]], a planet-sized euthanasia clinic that operated by creating what its occupants ''wanted'' to see. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}} Having never formed a coherent vision of what "Cyberutopia" might be, the telepaths who operated the simulation were unable to process the crew's desire, revealing the planet in its default, barren state. They were then attacked by the forces of the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]]; to save himself, Getaway struck a deal with the mysterious being, claiming that Rodimus and his loyalists were on their way to foil the Architect's plans. In exchange for a position of power among the Architect's retinue, Getaway was asked to prove his loyalty to the cause... and so allowed the Grand Architect's associate [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]] to transform the rest of the crew into [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeater]]s, {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}} which were then unleashed on Rodimus's team when they arrived on Mederi. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Star Saber himself was spared. (Probably because his old boss Tyrest was also working for the Grand Architect.)

[[File:LL20-CyclonusKillsStarSaber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"And He shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit!"]]
Star Saber finally had his chance to get revenge on Cyclonus when he and Rodimus stormed the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge, but Cyclonus immediately transformed and flew off upon seeing him. Thinking Cyclonus was fleeing like a coward, Star Saber transformed and chased after him. However, Cyclonus was in fact luring Star Saber into a narrow corridor in which his vehicle mode would not be able to maneuver properly, where he promptly transformed and brandished his Great Sword. Unable to dodge or react in time, Star Saber flew straight into the ancient warrior's sword and was sliced right down the middle. Cyclonus gave a brief eulogy for the fallen fanatic, praying that Primus would forgive his sins. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
[[File:KreO-webcomic-6-VictorySaber.jpg|thumb|75px|left]]
Victory Saber was one of several Autobots reeling from the appearance of the mighty [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{Storylink|A New Menace! The Giant Soldier Devastator Appears!}}

Later, Saber attempted to dry out some bedsheets that he had wet. {{storylink|Two Giant Bases! Everybody Getting Along, Come On, Fight!}}
{{-}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
When asked who was the greatest Cybertronian swordmaster he had met, [[Vector Prime]] noted Star Saber to be a master sword-user. Vector Prime also noted that though relatively rare in the multiverse, there were realities where Star Saber became a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], or more commonly, was upgraded into '''Saber Convoy'''. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/26}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
[[Preditron]] remembered Star Saber as a worthy Autobot who would inspire future generations of Transformers. {{storylink|The Predacon Manifesto}}

===''Power of the Primes'' marketing material===
[[File:POTP vote Star Saber.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=0.5]]

{{quote|The light of peace will illuminate the path to victory.}}
Star Saber was a potential bearer of the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. As a force for order, Star Saber vowed to use his supreme swordsmanship to become a champion of all of Cybertron's people, striving for a just peace. Instead, the Matrix went to [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]. {{storylink|Fan polls#2017|''Power of the Primes'' fan poll}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers '84''===
[[File:Secrets-and-lies-84-Star-Saber.jpg|thumb|250px|I really hope being in the '80s again implies that maybe, this time, I won't be a crazy religious killer...]]

After [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] had become the de facto [[Decepticon leader]], Star Saber was facing off against Deathsaurus's Decepticons only to eventually be surrounded. After insulting his enemy's cowardice, Star Saber flew off in the V-Star where he received a call from [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]], who requested him back to [[Autobase]]. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 3|Secrets & Lies #3}}

Inspired by the [[Wrecker]]s' explosive victory over [[Project Dreadnought]], Ultra Magnus decided to share command of the Autobots with Star Saber and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]], opting for a decentralized response to the now fragmented war, augmented by a few autonomous units like the Wreckers. {{storylink|Secrets & Lies issue 4|Secrets & Lies #4}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Legends''===
Star Saber was a member of the Circle of Light on a quest to find a peaceful place to call home. He found the AWOL Decepticon Deadlock, whom he returned to the Circle's base. When [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] came looking for Deadlock, Star Saber and the other members of the Circle fought the bounty hunter, and as a result, Deadlock turned over a new leaf, changing his name to Drift and joining their group. {{storylink|Circle of Light (Legends)|Circle of Light}}
===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:StarSaberEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75| I fight for Peace! Justice! And better graphics!]]

Famed as one of the greatest cyber-swordsmen in the known universe, Star Saber fought his way up through the ranks, from footsoldier to commander, driven by a flaming passion for justice and peace, and a commitment to the Autobot cause to rival that of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Star Saber Bio}}

When the Autobots broke through the [[trithyllium]] doors of the Deception [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]] in the Arctic, Blaster detected a faint signal from a spaceship in the vicinity. Star Saber gave a warning not to enter the fortress because [[Deathsaurus (G1)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Deathsaurus]] was in there, and Optimus Prime took heed. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - What Lies Beneath}}

When Star Saber finally met the Autobots face to face, he explained to them who Deathsaurus was. Soon they detected that the fortress energy levels were rising. The Fortress wasn't not activating, but was about to self-destruct. Everyone was able to evacuate. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - Monster Within}}

Later, after he joined the Autobots through the Space Bridge, he assumed that the planet was "covered in a brittle exo-skin". Prowl corrected him that the "exo-skin" was actually ice which covers only parts of the Earth. He's a bit dull as Ultra Magnus, as he ranted on how he will not rest in finding Deathsaurus, much to Prowl's chagrin, and mentioned that he lectured at the [[Autobot Academy]], much to Jazz's boredom.

He later told Prowl the reason he spent so much time in the Arctic was that he was looking for his Saber Blade, which is better than the spare he currently wields. So Prowl and Jazz go with Star Saber to find it.

In the Arctic, he was startled by a [[polar bear]], and prepared to defend the others. Jazz told him that it is more scared of him than he is of it, and he replied that he was Justice Warrior of the Year three years in a row.

Soon he ran into Deathsaurus, and he immediately assumed he remained on Earth to conquer and oppress. Deathsaurus responded he was just looking for his lost weapons, but Star Saber would not let him pass. It seemed to Deathsaurus that he was trying to talk him to death.

Months later after his return from the Arctic, he came across Grimlock and the Space Bridge, newly modified as a doorway through time. He felt the presence of a [[Optimus Primal (BW)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Prime]] in the making. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|A Stitch in Time}}

*'''Class:''' Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Weapons''': Star Saber uses his Saber Blade and shield to attack opposing Decepticons!
*'''Ability: Blazing Storm''': Rush into battle spreading electrical fire over a large radius and deals damage to surrounding targets and disables them!
**'''Cost''': 12 Ability Points +3 cost increase.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:star-saber Star Saber at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]

==Toys==
{{main|Star Saber (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Star Saber (G1)/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:Star Saber-Alex Milne-MTMTE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]

*Star Saber's Brainmaster figure has for years been (and continues to be) incorrectly referred to by fans with the names "Yuki" and "Yukio", mistakenly derived from the Japanese word meaning "courage" (勇気 ''yūki''). In truth, like all Brainmaster units, it does not have a proper name, but is known simply by the title used in this article, the "Brain of Courage".
*After an initial pass in the usual Takara house style by [[Takashi Kunihiro]], Star Saber's final visual design was drafted by famous ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' mechanical designer [[Kunio Okawara]], who was also the design lead on the ''Victory'' cartoon. This resulted in Star Saber's classical "{{w|Mecha anime and manga#Super_robot|super robot}}" aesthetic fairly unique in the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGXJ0qrB1s Interview] with [[Hisashi Yuki]] on Star Saber at [[Hasbro Pulse]]</ref>
*The ''Robotmasters'' episode "[[Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!]]" [[Romanization|Romanizes]] Star Saber's name as "'''Star Saver'''"; both names are homonyms in Japanese.
*Star Saber as a brutal villain in the [[2005 IDW continuity]] is drawn from [[James Roberts]]'s days as part of the [[Transmasters UK|Transmasters UK fanfic group]], which depicted the character as such. His exact characterization is different, as Roberts wanted to respect his former collaborators and not poach their ideas. Star Saber was used because he was an existing Generation 1 character yet to be established in this continuity who would have had weight if he showed up as Tyrest's new right hand.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 19:24 - 31:07]</ref> Thematically, he fits with [[Solomus|Tyrest]] and [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]'s theme of being one of the main pillars of society (in this case religion) going wrong.<ref>[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts – 02:05:34 to 02:05:57]</ref>
*IDW's depiction of Star Saber depicts him as a normal robot, never incorporating the original figure's [[Brainmaster]] [[gimmick]]. During his climactic death scene, artist [[Casey Coller]] took some artistic liberties by depicting the head of a smaller robot lying amidst Star Saber's remains—a detail not requested in James Roberts's script.<ref>[https://twitter.com/CaseyWColler/status/1030391425941348352 Casey Coller on Twitter]</ref>
*Like all non-toy robot Kreons in the ''Kre-O'' comics, Victory Saber is made from existing ''Kre-O'' parts. He uses the [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Toys|Optimus Prime]] helmet, and a backpack made from a 2x4 harness and a pair of 1x2 plates with side-bars, a pair of clip-on wings ''and'' a pair of clip-on rifles. Add to that a chestplate that's the [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Wheeljack]] wing-pack draped forward. He stands atop a pair of platform shoes, each made out of a 1x2 plate with a slope over one stud, and a 1x2 Combiner "lower limb" block. He carries a short-sword of the type most commonly carried by the [[Predaking (G1)#Kre-O|Predaking]] components. Whoof! Saber himself has a simpler assembly, using a shield piece and an unmasked version of Optimus Prime's helmet.

===Foreign names===
====Saber====
*''Mandarin:'' '''Star''' (China, 史达 ''Shǐdá'')

====Star Saber====
*''Mandarin:'' '''Wángzhězhījiàn Star''' (China, 王者之剑史达,"Excalibur Star"), '''Xīng Yǔ''' (Taiwan, 星宇, "Star Cosmos")
*''Russian:'' '''Istrebitel''' (Истребитель, "(Aircraft) Fighter")

====Victory Saber====
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shīwáng Star''' (China, 狮王史达, "Lion King Star")
*''Russian:'' '''Pobeditel'''' (Победитель, "Victor")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:GT characters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Primes]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:United EX Autobots]]
[[Category:Victory Autobots]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

The Perfect Decepticon

2021-12-12T19:53:01Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig2|the ''Cyberverse'' episode|the drones sometimes referred to as "Perfect Decepticons"|Decepticon supersoldier}}

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 64
|image=Cyberverse-S4E2-PerfectDecepticon-TarnTakesCommand.jpg
|caption="You've got a little...something on your face."
|prev=The Immobilizers
|next=
|title="The Perfect Decepticon"
|airdate=[[November 7]], [[2021]] (Canada) [[November 20]], [[2021]] (YouTube) [[December 22]], 2021 (Netflix)
|production company=[[Entertainment One|eOne]]
|writer=[[Gavin Hignight]] [[Maasai Singleton]]
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=[[Ehud Landsberg]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5F_jamHVRo
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''The Decepticons from the other dimension return to Cybertron, forcing the Autobots and Decepticons into a conflict that threatens to reignite the Great War all over again.'''

==Synopsis==
Life on peacetime [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] goes on, with [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] and his fellow leaders speaking at the dedication of the new [[Trypticon Plaza]]. However, the festivities are interrupted by the sudden appearance of a swirling vortex in the air. The flaming form of [[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]] emerges from the portal and crashes down in the plaza. As Optimus and the others rush to his side, the badly damaged Astrotrain gives the group a cryptic warning before succumbing to his wounds: something much worse than [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|the other Megatron]] is coming.

Within [[Iaconus]], the leaders of both factions attempt to prepare for the invasion, though not knowing what's coming makes preparations difficult. The [[Dinobot (Cyberverse)|Dinobots]] are itching for a fight, but only succeed in annoying everyone they come across with their overenthusiasm. [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] and [[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]] raise the planetary shields as a precautionary measure, putting all of Cybertron on edge. However, it doesn't take long before the shield is broken, and a group of [[Decepticon supersoldier]]s teleport into the room—and immediately start beating the scrap out of each other. Confused, the others pull the fighters apart, and the most damaged among them takes the opportunity to finish off his aggressors, warning that everyone is in grave danger. Indeed, Optimus receives a transmission from [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]], who confirms that more supersoldiers are appearing all over Cybertron, ruthlessly fighting one another. The damaged bot explains that his dimension's Megatron programmed them to be mindless soldiers that lived only for battle, but after his destruction, the supersoldiers slayed Astrotrain in retribution and now fight among themselves for leadership. While most of the supersoldiers are mindless and instinctive, the damaged one has evolved and given himself a name: [[Tarn (Cyberverse)|Tarn]]. Optimus insists they stop the conflict, hoping the rest can change like Tarn did, but the [[Decepticon]]s would rather see the invaders destroy each other. Thus, two plans are put into motion...

Wheeljack arms the [[Autobot]]s with various gadgets, intent on using them to pacify and disable the supersoldierss. The plan works well at first, with the devices managing to incapacitate the brawlers. However, the supersoldiers use their teleporters to free themselves from the traps before reemerging and beginning their street fight anew. With the plan deemed a failure, [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] decides it's time for the Decepticon approach. On his orders, the Decepticons open fire on their otherdimensional counterparts, but they prove impervious to their weapons. Even an attempt to drop a warhead on the supersoldiers is ineffective, as they simply teleport away from the blast. Optimus worries that they have run out of options, but Tarn offers a solution: the [[Cortex Helm]], a legendary relic that could be used to rewrite their programming and remove their need for dominance.

At Bumblebee's suggestion, he, Optimus, Soundwave, [[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]] and Tarn journey into the wilderness and find [[Thunderhowl (Cyberverse)|Thunderhowl]] to ask him about the Cortex Helm. Thunderhowl confirms it once belonged to his former master [[Onyx Prime]] and, with some persuasion, agrees to take them to its hiding place. The group travels by shuttle to a spot high above Cybertron, and are shocked when Thunderhowl orders them to land on the open air—even more so when they actually do so successfully. The ancient warrior places his sword in a hidden plinth to reveal the landmass on which they now stand: the [[Isle of Onyx Prime]]. As they traverse the isle, the group find themselves attacked by giant statues of [[Alpha Trion (Cyberverse)|Alpha Trion]]. Despite the statues' regenerative abilities, they are defeated when the group manages to force them over the edge, plummeting to the surface below. Venturing deeper in, the group nearly falls victim to the same fate when a walkway crumbles beneath them, barely managing to reach the other side in time.

At last, they reach the central chamber, sealed with a door that can only be unlocked by the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. As Prime does so, Tarn breaks away from the others and charges in, grabbing the Cortex Helm and placing it upon his head, much to everyone's shock. Tarn confirms he has removed the desire for dominance from his brethren's programming, but has instead replaced it with subservience to himself. Other supersoldiers appear and restrain the team, and Tarn announces that he will finish what Megatron couldn't, putting a permanent end to the Autobots. As Tarn issues his orders, supersoldiers all over the planet stop fighting and immediately turn their attention to the Autobots, opening fire.

With his machinations in motion, Tarn invites Soundwave and Shadow Striker to join his new regime, to which they reluctantly agree. Tarn then orders Shadow Striker to execute Bumblebee and Thunderhowl before departing with Optimus and Soundwave in tow. The three re-emerge in an empty [[Cube (sport)|Cube]] arena, and Tarn begins broadcasting to all of Cybertron. He announces himself as the new Decepticon leader, and that much like Megatron fought in the [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiator]] pits of old, Optimus will now have to fight a gauntlet of his supersoldiers for the right to challenge him. As Optimus begins his battle, Tarn declares and that the [[Treaty of the Wall|peace treaty]] is now null and void, ordering the Decepticons to destroy any remaining Autobots. Some follow their new orders, while others like [[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]] and [[Wildwheel (Cyberverse)|Wildwheel]] can only bring themselves to watch. The Autobots attempt to fight back, but soon find themselves on the back foot and are forced to retreat. [[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] sends coordinates to all the Autobots, ordering them to regroup there.

On the Isle of Onyx Prime, the supersoldiers hold Bumblebee and Thunderhowl over the precipice, waiting for Shadow Striker to finish them. Bumblebee chastises Shadow Striker for still holding onto her grudge against him, but she surprises him when she shoots the supersoldiers off the ledge instead. She orders the two to escape as she is confronted by another group of supersoldiers. In the arena, Optimus wins his first match, but Tarn begins sending increasing numbers of opponents to battle him at once. Elsewhere, Wheeljack, [[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] and [[Clobber (Cyberverse)|Clobber]] find themselves cornered by a group of supersoldiers. Unable to watch his friend be hurt any longer, [[Lockdown (Cyberverse)|Lockdown]] steps in to help Clobber, giving them the opening they all need to get away. [[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]] finds himself under attack as well, but is saved by some timely intervention from [[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]], and they head to the rendezvous point.

Optimus's battle is beginning to take its toll on him, and though he attempts to reason with Tarn, pointing out how he has come to embody the sort of corrpution Megatron originally stood against, Tarn is unfazed and continues to throw more opponents at Optimus. Shadow Striker is brought before Tarn, who expresses disappointment at her decision to betray him. Shadow Striker berates Soundwave for serving under Tarn so easily, but Soundwave replies that he's simply following orders, just as he always did for [[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]]—and Shadow Striker at last realizes Soundwave's true intentions. Optimus tosses one of the Decepticons at Tarn, knockng him aside and giving Shadow Striker the opportunity to escape.

The Dinobots finally reach Hot Rod's coordinates in Cybertron's underworld, confident that the Decepticons will not find them there, and [[Repugnus (Cyberverse)|Repugnus]] leads them to where Hot Rod and the others are waiting. The group are all in agreement that they need to rescue Optimus, but Hot Rod points out they don't need to defeat Tarn's army; they just need to take the Cortex Helm so Tarn can't control them anymore. Wheeljack reveals they now have an advantage: while fleeing from the supersoldiers, he managed to pull a teleporter from one of their remains, and he should now be able to equip each Autobot with one of their own.

With six supersoldiers fighting him at once, Optimus is finally pushed to his limit and falls. Tarn is disappointed by Optimus's failure and prepares to put him out of his misery, but Windblade teleports in and blasts him away. She is followed in short order by Thunderhowl, [[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]] and Bumblebee, who knock the supersoldiers away and help Optimus to his feet. Tarn attempts to attack them, but they teleport out of the way before reappearing with an army of Autobots alongside them. Tarn isn't worried, though; not only are his troops stronger, but the Autobots now have to contend with the rest of the Decepticons, who have surrounded them. Tarn orders the Decepticons to attack, but is confused when they remain stationary. Shadow Striker emerges from the crowd and reveals that the Decepticons have unanimously decided the peace treaty still stands. Soundwave voices his agreement and prepares to fire on Tarn, but is restrained by the supersoldiers before being freed by [[Volcanicus (Cyberverse)|Volcanicus]]. Enraged, Tarn orders his troops to destroy them all, and the Autobots and Decepticons engage in a united assault on the enemy invaders.

The Cybertronians manage to fare well in the battle, working together with one another to take out many of the supersoldiers. As the two forces clash, Optimus and Hot Rod attempt to remove the Cortex Helm from Tarn's head, but he proves too powerful and manages to drive them off. Frustrated with the battle, Tarn summons even more of his forces, and they begin ripping the teleporters from the Autobots, quickly overwhelming all the combatants. With the opposition pinned down, Tarn mocks Optimus and controls his troops to charge their cannons, preparing to finish everyone off. Before he can fire, Hot Rod tackles him and attempts to pull the Cortex Helm off once more, but Tarn overpowers him and begins beating him senseless. Soundwave, having finally had enough, uses a sonic blast to free himself, and Tarn orders his troops to stand down so the two can have a final one-on-one confrontation.

[[Laserbeak (Cyberverse)|Laserbeak]] ejects and attacks Tarn's face, giving Soundwave the chance to approach Tarn and pin him down, finally pulling the Cortex Helm free. He places it upon his own head and uses its power, causing the supersoldiers to release their captives, but Tarn attacks him and pulls the Helm off. Moments before Tarn can don the helm once more, the severely damaged Soundwave uses the last of his strength to release a massive sonic blast that engulfs the arena and spreads for miles. As the light fades, the supersoldiers stand and drop their weapons. Seeing the Autobots' confusion, one of them reveals that the changes Soundwave made to their programming didn't just make them stop—Soundwave gave them the freedom to ''choose'' to stop. Everyone turns to congratulate Soundwave, only to find a smoldering crater where he and Tarn once stood, with no trace of either one left behind. The onlookers can only stare in silence as Laserbeak mourns the loss of his trusted friend.

[[File:Cyberverse-S4E2-PerfectDecepticon-RaiseAGlass.jpg|thumb|250px|''Raise a glass to freedom.'' ''Something they can never take away.'' ''No matter what they tell you…'']]
Later at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's]], Autobots, Decepticons, and reformed supersoldiers alike have gathered to hold a wake for Soundwave. Hot Rod eulogizes his friend and shares fond memories, and Optimus leads the others in a toast for their fallen ally. As the wake continues, Optimus steps out for some air, later joined by Bumblebee, Hot Rod and Windblade. Optimus smiles, commenting that for once, everything is good, and Bumblebee admits that after millions of years of war, he doesn't know what to do with himself now that it's all over, a sentiment the others agree with. Optimus knows, though: with the war over, Cybertron doesn't need a Prime anymore, so he'll be stepping away from leadership to simply enjoy the newfound peace. However, given how they've proven themselves, he's more than confident that the other three will be able to lead in his stead—as will Shadow Striker, now accompanied by her new partner Laserbeak, who has joined them outside. The other Autobots join Optimus in a group hug, while a reluctant Shadow Striker merely stands to the side until getting pushed into the hug by the arriving Dinobots. The group laugh as they look forward to the future of Cybertron together. A future where, at long last...

[['Til all are one|All are one]].

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
* [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] (9)
* [[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] (10)
* [[Perceptor (Cyberverse)|Perceptor]] (11)
* Countless generics (12)
* [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] (15)
* [[Swoop (Cyberverse)|Swoop]] (17)
* [[Slug (Cyberverse)|Slug]] (18)
* [[Snarl (Cyberverse)|Snarl]] (19)
* [[Sludge (Cyberverse)|Sludge]] (20)
* [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] (21)
* [[Volcanicus (Cyberverse)|Volcanicus]] (22)
* [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] (25)
* [[Clobber (Cyberverse)|Clobber]] (26)
* [[Kup (Cyberverse)|Kup]] (28)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]] (29)
* [[Thunderhowl (Cyberverse)|Thunderhowl]] (30)
* [[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] (34)
* [[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]] (35)
* [[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]] (36)
* [[Hammerbyte]] (39)
* [[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]] (40)
* [[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]] (41)
* [[Meteorfire (Cyberverse)|Meteorfire]] (42)
* [[Cosmos (Cyberverse)|Cosmos]] (43)

|c2=
* [[Laserbeak (Cyberverse)|Laserbeak]] (2)
* [[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]] (4)
* [[Alpha Strike]] (5)
* [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] (6)
* [[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]] (7)
* Countless generics (13)
* [[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]] (31)
* [[Lockdown (Cyberverse)|Lockdown]] (32)
* [[Wildwheel (Cyberverse)|Wildwheel]] (33)
* [[Ramjet (Cyberverse)|Ramjet]] (44)
* [[Dirge (Cyberverse)|Dirge]] (45)

|h3=Megatron X Timeline Inhabitants|c3=
* [[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]] (14)
* [[Tarn (Cyberverse)|Tarn]] (23)
* [[Decepticon supersoldier]]s (24)
* ''[[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|Megatron X]]'' (27)

|c4=
* [[Trypticon (Cyberverse)|Trypticon]] (1)
* [[Buzzsaw (Cyberverse)|Buzzsaw]] (3)
* [[Teletraan-X (Cyberverse)|Teletraan-X]] (16)
* [[Repugnus (Cyberverse)|Repugnus]] (37)
* [[Monsterbot (Cyberverse)|Monsterbots]] (38)

}}

==Quotes==
'''Hot Rod:''' "Thaaat's... odd." 
'''Swoop:''' "Yes, odd. And I would also call it... ''ominous''." 
'''Hot Rod:''' "''Totally'' ominous." 
'''Sludge:''' "What om-in-ous?" 
'''Windblade:''' "It's like having a feeling something ''bad'' will happen." 
''(The supersoldiers start marching towards the Autobots)'' 
'''Sludge:''' "Wooah! Sludge having om-in-ous!" 
:—The Autobots react to the om-in-ous Decepticon supersoldiers.

"Tarn, by using the Cortex Helm to force these soldiers to fight me, you are no better than those Megatron rose up against." 
"That's fine. Three more!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tries to convince '''Tarn''' of his wrongdoings, and he doesn't really care!

"'Decepticons attack?' Who're you to tell us what to do? I've talked with my fellow Decepticons, and we all agree: the treaty between us and the Autobots stands. Get off our planet, ''Tarn''."
:—'''Shadow Striker''' and the Decepticons make a stand against Tarn.

"Survival is the right of all sentient beings... ''if'' they're strong enough."
:—'''Tarn''' steals Prime's catchphrase.

"Soundwave superior. Tarn... most inferior."
:—'''Soundwave's''' glitchy last words.

"In defending each other, and protecting our home, you have all demonstrated that you are well equipped to lead." 
"What'll you do now, Optimus?" 
"I will... enjoy myself. I will enjoy a Cybertron that is free and just for everyone. When challenges arise, I know you will solve them together. ''All'' of you."
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' parting words, as '''Hot Rod''' and the others look to the future.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode builds on the events of the Chapter Three finale episodes "[[Silent Strike]]" and "[[The Other One]]", in which Megatron X and his dimension-hopping army of supersoldiers attempted to invade. Those events ended with Astrotrain planning to leave the disabled Megatron X trapped within himself in [[unspace]], but...well, you can see how that worked out.
*One of the Decepticon generics claims the planetary shields are being raised because the [[Quintesson]]s have returned, having previously taken over the planet during the first half of the third season.
*An Autobot generic responds to the aforementioned claim, saying he heard from [[Red Five]] that the shields are protecting against [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream's]] [[ghost]]. Starscream perished during the climax of the aforementioned Quintesson invasion, back in "[[The End Of The Universe IV]]". Meanwhile, [[Red Five]] was the name given to a generic Autobot in "[[Escape From Earth]]".
*Perceptor compares the supersoldiers' brawl to [[Polyhex]] vs. [[Iacon Wreckers|Iacon City]], a [[Cube (sport)|Cube]] match depicted in the episode "[[Cube (episode)|Cube]]".
*Wheeljack arms the Autobots with the [[force shield blaster]]s and [[Mega Magnetizer]]s he created in "[[The Visitor]]", and the [[gravity modulator]]s he invented in "[[Secret Science]]".
*Optimus recognizes the Cube arena, as seen in the flashback of "[[Cube (episode)|Cube]]", while Tarn recognizes it as an arena Megatron rose to power, in the first flashback of "[[Megatron Is My Hero]]".
*When they are about to be executed by Shadow Striker, Bumblebee assumes she will go through with it due to her grudge from the events depicted in the flashback scenes of "[[Shadowstriker (episode)|Shadowstriker]]".
*Teletraan-X refers to Windblade as "not crew", as he did back in his earliest first season appearances.
*Soundwave finally acts against Tarn after he nearly kills Hot Rod; Hot Rod and Soundwave developed a sort of friendship during the third season.
*In Hot Rod's eulogy, he mentions when Soundwave ordered Clobber to destroy Hot Rod and her following attempt, in "[[The Prisoner]]".
*Optimus mentions he will finally enjoy himself, concluding his struggle to relax and have fun from "[[Party Down]]".

===Transformers references===
* While Starscream returning as a ghost is just a rumor here, he's actually done so in many past ''Transformers'' stories dating back to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]".
* Locations shown on the war room monitor include [[Protihex]], [[Praxus]], [[Ky-Alexia|Alexia]], [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], North and South [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], North and South [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]], and [[Nova Cronum|Cronum]].
* At one point, the supersoliders are using sniper rifles resembling [[Vos (DJD)|Vos]].
* One last [[The Transformers: The Movie|"Soundwave Superior"]] for the road.

===Real-world references===
*When the supersoldiers first invade Cybertron and fight each other, a blue Autobot generic shouts "Game over, man!" in reference to the movie ''Aliens''.

===Other trivia===
*Originally scheduled for a November 21st premiere on [[Netflix]], the episode was pushed back a month to December 22. However, the episode ended up airing well before then on November 7 via Canadian TV network Teletoon, followed by a YouTube release two weeks later.
*The Decepticon supersoldiers' melee weapons are red and purple recolors of a few of the weapons in [[Iaconus]]'s training rooms in "[[The Alliance]]", as well as Shadow Striker's daggers.
*This episode marks the only instance in which we see Cosmos transform into her UFO alternate mode.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Bumblebee and Shadow Striker drive across the crumbling walkway in the Isle of Onyx Prime, Bee is in his Earth sports car mode as opposed to his Cybertronian vehicle mode. In the same scene, Shadow Striker hovers upward in car mode, much like Bumblebee's Cybertronian vehicle mode would.
*Before entering through the door to the temple, Optimus' arms are not properly out of his torso.
*Cosmos has the Autobot insignia visible on her alternate mode, but not her robot mode
*As in the previous episode, Teletraan-X is misspelled as "Teletran X" in the credits.

===Foreign localization===
'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Decepticon Perfeito'''" ("The Perfect Decepticon")
:*''Original airdate:'' November 20, 2021

==Home video releases==
*TBA

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Perfect Decepticon, The}}
[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)

2021-12-12T19:33:50Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig3|Dweller in the Depths}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 60
|image=Cyberverse DwellerDepths.jpg
|caption=''In those grisly eyes were mirrored all the unholy things and vile secrets that sleep in the cities under the sea-''
|prev=Rack 'n' Ruin 'n' Ratchet
|next=Silent Strike
|title="Dweller In The Depths"
|airdate=[[February 25]], [[2020]] (UK) [[May 31]], 2020 (USA)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=[[Zac Atkinson (writer)|Zac Atkinson]]
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=[[Jean Texier]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ145NKwar4
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Chromia and Bumblebee venture into Cybertron's gaseous Argon Sea in search of Windblade.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]], [[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]] and [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] stand before [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]], preparing to upload what they have of her mind. Just as they finish, a shark-bot breaks into the sickbay and steals their friend. Taking a shuttle, Bumblebee and Chromia follow the thief to the [[Argon Sea]] and dive in. Meanwhile, [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] assembles the Autobots in a strategy meeting. Just before he finishes, he freezes as the [[Matrix of Leadership]] floats out of his chest.

In the Argon Sea, Bumblebee and Chromia find a beautifully populated landscape under the surface and spot the thief, immediately giving chase. Unfortunately, he topples nearby structures to throw them off. Upon escaping, Bumblebee and Chromia dive deeper to find a giant transmission of Windblade's face screaming for help. It disappears and local wildlife attacks them. Meanwhile inside the Matrix realm, Optimus finds himself surrounded by 12 slabs belonging to deceased members of the [[Thirteen]]. [[Maccadam]] emerges from one of the slabs.

Back in the Argon, the sea creatures manage to damage the shields on the shuttle. Once the creatures leave, the shark-bot arrives and smashes the window. Bumblebee mounts and incapacitates the shark-bot with a surge from his [[stinger (weapon)|stinger]] but falls into the ravine. As Chromia follows Bumblebee down, the captured shark-bot awakens in a grumpy mode over his current condition. An argument breaks out, which ends with the shark-bot introducing himself as [[Hammerbyte]], the Argon Sea's Guardian, and admitting that he was under the thrall of a recently-awakened beast known as the [[Dweller (Cyberverse)|Dweller]]. Chromia and Hammerbyte set off to rescue Bumblebee and Windblade.

Finding Bumblebee, they follow him down a hatchway. Just before Hammerbyte enters, a tentacle appears and hits him with an orange gas, sending him into a mind-controlled trance. He quickly catches up to Chromia, who flees until she reaches a mind-controlled Bumblebee. Evading both of them, Chromia reaches a large room with Windblade floating in the middle. The Dweller reveals that he was awoken by one of the cityspeaker's psychic shards and sent Hammerbyte to retrieve her so he could return the piece to her.

Quickly working out that the Dweller is a [[Titan (group)|Titan]], Chromia strands defiant. The Dweller sics Bumblebee and Hammerbyte on her, though Chromia quickly turns Bumblebee's stinger against them, breaking them out of their trances. Not willing to lose potential citizens, the Dweller releases more hypnotic gasses. Bumblebee, Chromia, and Hammerbyte grab Windblade and manage to escape, though at the cost of their shuttle. Returning Windblade to her friends, Hammerbyte apologizes for his Dweller-induced actions and heads back into the Argon Sea.

Back in the Matrix realm, Optimus asks how Maccadam could also be in the Matrix. Revealing himself as [[Alchemist Prime]], the former bartender instructs Optimus to destroy [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]]'s Matrix. A confused Optimus worries that destroying the alternate Matrix will destroy the other [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]s, but Alchemist reveals that a piece of Windblade is also inside. As Optimus returns to the real world, he rounds up the Autobots for a universe-saving mission on their hands.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Hammerbyte]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] (7)
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] (8)
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] (9)
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]] (11)

|c4=
*[[Mechanimal]]s (12)
*[[Maccadam]]/[[Alchemist Prime]] (13)
*[[Dweller (Cyberverse)|Dweller]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*By the end of this episode, 80% of Windblade's scattered mind has been gathered due to the Dweller having returned the psychic shard that reactivated him to her.
**It is also revealed that the remaining 20% of Windblade's mind is currently in the alternate Matrix in Megatron's possession.
*The Argon Seas was first mentioned by [[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]] in "[[The End Of The Universe II]]".
*Like [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]] before him, the Dweller is able to possess a cityspeaker, suggesting that this may be an ability of the Titans.
*When Optimus hosts his meeting with the other Autobots, he mentions the discovery made by Rack'n'Ruin in the previous episode.

===Transformers references===
*When faced by the possessed Bumblebee, Chromia swears by the [[Mistress of Flame]].
*The Dweller first appeared in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode which this one [[The Dweller in the Depths|takes its name from]].
*We finally learn the truth about Maccadam and, as we totally called, he is none other than [[Alchemist Prime]], taking inspiration from the idea put forth in ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' that the old barkeep was one of the [[Thirteen]] Primes.
*Speaking of the Thirteen, the other eleven slabs seen within the Matrix in addition to Alchemist's are identified in concept art as belonging to [[The Fallen|Megatronus]], [[Prima]], [[Micronus Prime|Micronus]], [[Solus Prime|Solus]], [[Alpha Trion (Cyberverse)|Alpha Trion]], [[Vector Prime|Vector]], [[Nexus Prime|Nexus]], [[Onyx Prime|Onyx]], [[Liege Maximo|Liege Maximo]], [[Quintus Prime|Quintus]], and [[Amalgamous Prime|Amalgamous]]. In other words, this universe's version of the Thirteen is in line with their depictions in the "Aligned" and 2005 IDW continuities.

===Real-world references===
*Though [[Dweller (G1)|the original Dweller]] was a [[Quintesson]] [[Trans-Organic]], this version is a monstrous tentacle-wielding Titan that has some heavy Lovecraftian vibes. Specifically, he calls to mind [[H. P. Lovecraft]]'s most famous creation Cthulhu.

===Other trivia===
*The [[mechanimal]]s of the Argon Sea appear to be based on the Cambrian Era ''{{w|Opabinia|Opabinia regalis}}'' and ''{{w|Anomalocaris|Anomalocaris canadensis}}''.
*The reason why Optimus does not have a slab for himself in the Matrix realm, despite it showing up in concept art, was to ensure that a dead Optimus would have to be an alternate counterpart.<ref>"[https://shikai-the-storyteller.tumblr.com/post/613237429097365504/i-absolutely-didnt-go-back-through-and-edit-this Transformers: Cyberverse – Mae Catt Q&A Session (Unedited Edition)]"</ref> This explains why there is a slab for Optimus in the Matrix realm featured in the following episodes.

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Andarilho nas Profundezas'''" ("Wanderer in the Depths")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 14]], 2021
:*''Notes:'' The YouTube upload of this episode is titled "'''Morador nas Profundezas'''" ("Dweller in the Depths").

==Home video releases==
*TBA

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

The End Of The Universe III

2021-12-12T19:13:37Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 52
|image=Cyberverse - EOTU 3 - Clash of the Titans.jpg
|caption=''He's DEFLECTIN his lazor''
|prev=The End Of The Universe II
|next=The End Of The Universe IV
|title="The End Of The Universe III"
|airdate=[[February 20]], [[2020]] (UK) [[April 26]], 2020 (USA)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=[[Zac Atkinson (writer)|Zac Atkinson]] [[Mae Catt]] [[Gavin Hignight]] [[Dan Salgarolo]]
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=[[Ehud Landsberg]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyqS1pMbuRo
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''Cybertron bears witness to a clash of Titans.'''

==Synopsis==
''[[Kup (Cyberverse)|Kup]] explains to his audience the nature of War [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s, that they are tough and armed with enough firepower to take on a neutron star. However, [[Iaconus]] is just a straight-up berserker.'' Standing over [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon City]], the newly-awoken Iaconus draws his sword and smashes the nearest building with it. [[Maccadam]] observes that the day has finally arrived and laments that he does not know how this will end.

Inside the Titan's mind, [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] watches as he randomly smashes every building in sight and commands him to listen, telling him that [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is under attack and that it is his job to defend it. She points out the distant form of Judge [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] and Iaconus immediately charges towards his new enemy. Seeing the colossal 'bot heading towards him, Judge Starscream panics and calls the [[Scientist (Cyberverse)|Scientist]], demanding he do something. Intrigued by the sight of Iaconus, which he claims has never happened before in any of the [[Quintesson]]s' conquests, the Scientist reassures Starscream he is prepared for all eventualities and that the Titan will not be a problem as he presses a panel at his computer.

A ball of fire hurtles from the sky and land at Iaconus's feet. As it turns out, [[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]] has been enslaved and upgraded by the Quintessons and squares off against Iaconus, summoning an energy whip which momentarily immobilizes his opponent. As Iaconus uses his sword to slice himself free, Croaton pulls out a large cannon which knocks Iaconus onto his back. Windblade urges him to get up but Iaconus states he is not so easily defeated. As Croaton approaches, ready to down his enemy, Iaconus kicks him hard and uses the advantage to let loose with every missile he has, knocking Croaton over. Iaconus tries to use his own cannon to slay Croaton only for the other Titan to summon an energy shield, deflecting the attack. In the Quintesson prison, the captive Autobots and Decepticons are awed.

Meanwhile in the strange other universe, [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] is having difficulties with gravity. As he declares their present location his least favorite universe, [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] sees [[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] stirring. The scientist is wowed by the sight of the universe before using his grappling gun to make his way over to Optimus, Bumblebee, and the multiversal portal. Asks if they had not just considered using that to get home, Wheeljack activates the portal. As they step through, Wheeljack admits he does not know where they will wind up. But wherever they do, it will be home-sweet-home. As it turns out, the "where" that Wheeljack has taken them turns out to be the Scientist's laboratory. As Optimus sees Iaconus and Croaton fighting, the Scientist appears, ready to inflict some science on the Autobots.

Outside, Iaconus and Croaton continue brawling, their weapons forgotten in favour of simply punching one another. The sight of "his" Titan losing incenses Judge Starscream enough to make him go yell at Croaton, completely forgetting the captive [[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]], leaving her subject to the whims of gravity. Fortunately, [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] manages to catch her. While Judge Starscream rages at Croaton, Maccadam casually strolls into the Quintesson prison, which gets him noticed by the guards. Unconcerned, Maccadam transforms and makes short work of the Quintesson Prosecutors and [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s. That done, he tells the Autobots and Decepticons that it has been his pleasure to serve them and it is time to get them out.

Starscream tries pointing out Croaton's armaments to the enslaved Titan, and in Iaconus's mind, Windblade tells the War Titan to attack him. So Iaconus punches Starscream, sending him flying into the distance, though this gives Croaton the opening to tackle him. ''In their simulated prison, [[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] and [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] have buffed away nearly all of the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Rust Plague]]... save for one spot they missed. As the wall of rust approaches them, they seem doomed...'' Until they notice that they have been freed from the simulation by their comrades.

As the Cybertronians leave, Hot Rod notices Maccadam staying behind and calls for the bartender to come with him. Cryptic to the last, he responds that his time has come as Croaton deflects another shot from Iaconus that is heading toward the prison. Saying it is not yet Hot Rod's time, Maccadam shoves him out of the way. The beam hits and, with a massive explosion, Maccadam perishes. Inside Iaconus's mind, Windblade hears the War Titan rage at the loss of his last citizen before noticing Croaton charging at Iaconus again.

[[File:EndOfTheUniverse3-Iaconuscitymode.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Iaconus will never get head again.]]

Inside the Scientist's lair, Optimus and Bumblebee gun down copy after copy of the Scientist, but Optimus notes they cannot keep going on this way. Looking at one of the corpses, Wheeljack discovers it is giving off a signal. Following it to a panel in the floor, Wheeljack opens it and finds a subchamber. Investigating further inside, he finds the true form of the Scientist, a diminutive spider thing. The Scientist panics, summoning tendrils to try and immobilize Wheeljack, but the Autobot effortlessly overcomes them. Once Wheeljack brings his fist down on the Quintesson, the various bodies of the Scientist shut down in response to their controller's death. Optimus, Bumblebee, and Wheeljack leave to find the others, unaware of the fact they have stumbled across the Scientist's leftover collection of alternate Soundwaves, who all reactivate...

Iaconus manages to overpower Croaton and prepares to deal the finishing blow to his opponent as Judge Starscream returns. Angrily demanding if he must do everything himself, Starscream summons a portion of unspace, which surrounds Iaconus's head. Having been decapitated, the last War Titan's body falls backwards and shifts back into its city mode. With his opponent gone, Croaton spots Optimus, Bumblebee and Wheeljack emerging from the tower's ruins and advances.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Kup (Cyberverse)|Kup]] (1)
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] (4)
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]] (10)
*Autobot soldiers (13)
*[[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]] (14)
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] (17)
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]] (18)
*[[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]] (22)
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]] (9)
*Decepticon soldiers (11)
*[[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]] (15)
*[[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] (24)

|c4=
*[[Iaconus]] (2)
*[[Maccadam]] (3)
*Judge [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] (5)
*[[Quintesson]] [[Scientist (Cyberverse)|Scientist]] (7)
*[[Croaton (Cyberverse)|Croaton]] (12)
*Quintesson Scientist's clones (19)
*Quintesson [[Prosecutor (Cyberverse)|Prosecutor]]s (20)
*[[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s (21)
*Alternate Soundwaves (25)
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The Scientist's impressive collection of preserved Soundwaves was established in "[[The Scientist]]". At the time, there was no clear indication they were actually still alive.

===Transformers references===
*Iaconus' reversion to city mode after his head's destruction echoes [[rigor morphis]] from the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
*The reveal of the Scientist's true nature—a tiny, apparently organic creature—might come as a surprise, but it's not without some precedent: the 2014 novel ''[[Transformers: Retribution]]'' similarly revealed that the Quintesson [[Inquirata (Prime)|Inquirata]] was, in reality, a diminutive organic who piloted a variety of larger bodies in order to fool Cybertronian visitors to [[Aquatron]].

===Real-world references===
*TBA

===Other trivia===
*Not to nitpick, but if Maccadam had not been standing exactly where he stood and had just ''moved'' like Hot Rod said, he would not have gotten himself killed in the first place. But then, he is the type of guy who can see the future.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In "The Scientist", the Scientist said that he did not have a blue Soundwave yet. But in this episode, there are two blue Soundwaves colored in the exact same shade as our Soundwave.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Ende des Universums Teil 3'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 9]], 2021

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''O Fim do Universo, Parte 3'''" ("The End of the Universe, Part 3")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 4]], 2021

==Home video releases==
*TBA

{{DEFAULTSORT:End Of The Universe III}}
[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Savage Landing Part 3

2021-04-09T17:21:48Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Beast Wars]]'' #3
|prev=Savage Landing Part 2
|next=Savage Landing Part 4
|title="Savage Landing Part 3"
|image=BW21 3 cvrA.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 7]], 2021
|coverdate=April 2021
|written by=[[Erik Burnham]]
|art by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
|continuity=''[[Transformers: Beast Wars]]''
}}

'''Unbeknownst to the Maximals, the Predacons have captured Nyx—but Megatron's brutal approach to interrogation leaves Dinobot questioning his allegiance.'''

==Synopsis==
As night falls on the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s have jury-rigged an electrical torture device for their [[Maximal]] prisoner [[Nyx]] and allowed [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] to take charge of their interrogation session. Initially, the Predacon leader puts on an air of civility, but makes his intentions clear—if Nyx doesn't answer his questions, he'll turn her over to [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], who will surely find a creative way to break her. While the spider-bot enthuses at the prospect of a new guinea pig, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] excuses himself from the proceedings and scowls at the sound of Nyx's screams...

On the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] worries that Nyx still hasn't returned from her scouting mission. [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] suggests that the excitable pilot might have just gotten distracted and lost track of time; when Cheetor suggests organising a search party, however, his captain shoots him down—they can't risk sending ''more'' Maximals into unknown territory after nightfall. Primal suggests that Cheetor try to establish a link with the [[stasis pod]]s currently in orbit around the planet to expand their sensor range. Cheetor agrees... but leaves grumbling under his breath that he should've just gone to search the jungle by himself. As Optimus and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] head down a different corridor, Rhinox wryly points out that Optimus has lucked himself into the middle of the adventure he so craved: they're shipwrecked on an unfamiliar planet with a crew member missing in action. Rhinox commends his captain for keeping a level head in the midst of the crisis, but can offer no theories regarding Nyx's disappearance—she ''could'' have simply gotten lost and hunkered down for the night, but ultimately they have no way of knowing for certain.

Despite the terrible torture the Predacons inflict upon her, Nyx refuses to crack—when Megatron offers her another chance to give up what she knows, Nyx defiantly mumbles that no one will remember him, just like [[Megatron (G1)|his namesake]]. Incensed by the jibe, the Predacon leader cranks the torture device to maximum and blasts her again with a near-fatal surge of electricity. The agonizing sound finally prompts Dinobot to step in; he does his best to try and talk his leader down, even pointing out that a dead prisoner can't give them any useful information, but his sensible advice only only goads Megatron into a towering rage. Furious at this insubordination, Megatron grabs Dinobot by the throat over the warrior's protests that a worthy foe deserves an honorable death... but it's Tarantulas who finally speaks up and breaks the stalemate. Nyx might not be talking, but her ''silence'' speaks volumes—if she were the sole survivor of the crash, he deduces, then she'd have no comrades to protect and no reason to stay silent. Pleased by this hypothesis, Megatron rewards Tarantulas... by allowing him to the freedom to use Nyx for his experiments. The mad scientist cackles that she'll make an excellent test subject for his prototype inventions, while Megatron forgives Dinobot for his outburst, but delivers a final ultimatum: do ''not'' defy his will again.

Some time later, Nyx comes to on the desert ground just outside the ''Darksyde''. At first, she writes the whole experience off as a bad dream... until Megatron's voice draws her attention to the sight of all seven Predacons, gathered just outside the ship to watch her execution. Thinking quickly, Nyx tries to transform and fly off... only to fall flat on her face when her systems malfunction, trapping her in [[robot mode]]! As her [[onboard computer]] warns that she ''must'' transform or face deactivation, Tarantulas reveals his prototype [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]]: as long as he trains its beam on her, she'll be unable to transform or even enter protective [[stasis lock]]. Nyx tries to fight back, but discovers her onboard weapons have been sabotaged; with no other option but to make a run for it, the Predacons gleefully take potshots at the Maximal until she finally succumbs to the ambient [[energon radiation]] and collapses. [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] invites Dinobot to get in on the action before the fun's over; Dinobot obliges, and lines up a shot with his [[Optic weaponry|eye lasers]]... only to blast Tarantulas's invention to pieces! Relieved, Nyx uses the last of her strength to change back into her [[beast mode]] as the Predacons turn on the troublemaker. Megatron orders his loyalists to kill the traitor, but the honorable Predacon is a canny fighter: he first takes out Tarantulas, then [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and Terrorsaur, and finally punches out [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. When [[Skold]] leaps into the fray to kill the traitor, Dinobot explains that he's anything but—by turning on his comrades, he has ''not'' betrayed himself or his ideals, and it's not too late for Skold to realize that she too can aspire to be more than just an amoral thug. With one final condemnation of Megatron, Dinobot manages to hurl the little Predacon at Megatron's face, then speaks aloud the code to force the ''Darksyde'' into full lockdown, trapping all the Predacons inside their own ship!

While the other Predacons gripe, Megatron grudgingly admits that Dinobot's treachery is almost impressive. Still, he muses, they won't be trapped in their ship forever—and when Megatron gets his hands on his former underling, there will be another execution...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
* [[Nyx]] (2)
* [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (6)
* [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (7)
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (8)
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (9)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s|c2=
* [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (1)
* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (4)
* [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (5)
* [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (10)
* [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (11)
* [[Skold]] (12)
}}

==Quotes==
"Good evening, my dear, and welcome to the '''''Darksyde'''''. I am '''Megatron''', and we're going to have a wonderful conversation, you and I."
:—'''Megatron''' interrogates Nyx

"Meantime, hey, little elbow grease'll take your mind off things!" 
"I've been working on the sensor systems all day, Rattrap! My elbows are '''fully greased'''." 
"Promise me you'll '''never''' say those words out loud at a metadisco."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Cheetor'''

"When you go dark, Maximal, it will be for good... and then I'll take you apart, piece by piece, and '''consume''' your tender circuits, cooked to perfection in an energon bath. It'll be so much fun!"
:—'''Tarantulas'''

"That prototype was one of a kind! You destroyed my '''baby!'''" 
"Your baby was an '''abomination'''."
:—'''Tarantulas''' and '''Dinobot'''

"I have not betrayed myself, or the principles I believe in. I've just stopped pretending that Megatron and the others believe in anything '''I''' can respect. It's not too late for you, Skold. You can still be better than they are. A Predacon worthy of '''respect'''."
:—'''Dinobot''' vs Skold

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* While interrogating Nyx, Megatron refers to the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'''s "cowardly attack" upon the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''; he can't know it, but Nyx was the Maximal responsible for spearheading the space battle against Megatron's stolen starship. Indeed, her impulsive decision to ram the Darksyde in [[Savage Landing Part 1|issue #1]] makes her the one responsible for stranding ''all'' of them on the planet.

===Transformers references===
* Nyx notes that "history barely remembers [[Megatron (G1)|the original Megatron]]"—while many modern ''Beast Wars'' spinoffs have depicted the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s as just one generation removed from, and sometimes contemporaries with, the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, the original ''Beast Wars'' cartoon was much more ambiguous, and the characters treated their ancestors as quasi-mythical figures of ancient history. That said, the [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] of this universe ''is'' apparently still alive and kicking...
* The [[Transformation Lock Lens|transformation lock lens]] appeared in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[The Probe]]", an invention of [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s designed to trap its victims in their [[beast mode]]s. Its origins and appearance are faithfully replicated for this comic, right down to the dark red electrical blasts it uses to keep its victims mode-locked, but Tarantulas uses it for the ''opposite'' purpose: here, he keeps Nyx trapped in her unshielded [[robot mode]] until she succumbs to the planet's [[energon radiation]] and collapses.
* Tarantulas enthuses at the prospect of dissecting Nyx and consuming her circuits; he expressed a similar desire to kill and eat a captured [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] in the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[The Web]]".

===Errors===
* Nyx uses the "maximize" [[activation code]] to transform into her [[alternate mode]]. This is the ''opposite'' of its intended use, however; in the television show, the Beast Warriors used it to transform into their robot modes, and transformed into their beast modes by simply saying... well, "beast mode".

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Nyx is a bit tied up right now, by [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Cover B:''' Tarantulas and Rattrap, by [[Dan Schoening]] and [[Luis Antonio Delgado]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Toyetic Beast Warriors, by [[Josh Perez]]

<gallery>
File:BW21 3 cvrA.jpg
File:BW21 3 cvrB.jpg
File:BW21 3 cvrRI.jpg

</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Reborn''

==External links==
[http://majorspoilers.com/2021/04/06/preview-transformers-beast-wars-3/ Preview]

[[Category:Beast Wars (2021) issues]]

Speak, Memory: Part 1

2021-02-15T21:58:02Z

Orogogus: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=48
|prev=The Lopsided Triangle
|next=Speak, Memory! (Part 2)
|image=MTMTE48_regcvr.jpg
|title="Speak, Memory: Part 1"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[December 23]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=December 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] & [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''Rung's attempts to help Skids safely recover his lost memories are threatened by the unexpected return of Froid.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Mtmte 48 grindcore.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|This is how Decepticons do conga lines.]]
In session with [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] helps the psychotherapist rebuild one of his model kits while trying to recall more of his missing memories. With Rung's aid, he is able to remember the time when an "[[anti-personal mine]]" he was attempting to defuse—a landmine built out of a living Transformer—exploded and knocked him offline, allowing him to be captured by a [[Decepticon]] "[[hygiene team]]" and taken to the legendary [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]]. He recalls the gruesome installation of a transformation-inhibiting "[[inhibitor spike|mouth flower]]", but his memories begin to sputter out just before he can remember the identity of his cellmate. Rung congratulates him on a job well done and calls an end to the session, replacing the completed model kit on his shelf; Skids suggests that he should get some ''new'' models, but Rung explains that he only collects models of ships he has served on (justifying his model of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]]'' by noting he was recalled from the crew by the [[Senate]] at the last minute). Just before Skids leaves, [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] knocks on the door to inform Rung he has a ''very'' unexpected visitor: his old rival, [[Froid]], who Rung believed to be dead! Skids compliments Froid's set of [[Primal Beads]], and leaves the two to get reacquainted.

In the ''[[Lost Light]]'' medibay, the surprisingly-still-alive [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] receives a report on [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]'s condition from [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]], who explains that the little 'bot has been left comatose after his spark sent a wave of energy throughout the ship, which has succeeded in awakening [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] from his own coma. [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] offers his apologies for lashing out at Tailgate, while [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] tells him that they have arrested [[Getaway]] and [[Atomizer]] for their crimes. Cyclonus is puzzled as to how they learned the pair were responsible, and Rodimus reveals he had [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgically]] obtain the information from the unconscious Tailgate—something that both Megatron and Cyclonus question the ethics of.

A tense conversation between Rung and Froid establishes that the last time they spoke was on the day [[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]], a rogue mnemosurgeon turned serial killer known as the "Tetrahex Ripper", was arrested, along with his brother [[Sceptre]]. Fascinated by the case, Froid had been aboard the prison ship taking Sunder to [[Garrus 6]] when the two brothers escaped their cells and took him hostage, fleeing the vessel in a shuttle. The shuttle was destroyed and Sceptre died, but Froid escaped and settled on [[Scarvix]], where he has allegedly become something of a local celebrity. Tiring of his passive-aggressive remarks, Rung demands to know why Froid has come to the ''Lost Light''; Froid requests to look through Rung's case files, but Rung refuses, citing both doctor-patient confidentiality and Froid's tendency toward plagiarism. But Froid doesn't take no for an answer, insinuating he knows a secret about Rung's past that ''might just'' come to light if Rung doesn't acquiesce...

Down in the ship's [[oil]] reservoir, Skids tries to recall more of his time in Grindcore. With a little effort, he is able to remember that his cellmate was [[Quark]], and recalls how he removed his "mouth flower" thanks to his super-learning abilities. Quark warned him against publicly displaying such skills and told him a little about the prison and how they used to pipe music in, at which point they discovered that the prison's commandant had been listening at the door...

Rung continues to refuse Froid's request and escorts him back to his ship in the shuttle bay, where the two guards [[Kindle]] and [[Fervor]] are only too happy to see Froid leave. Rung is puzzled by their remarks, but soon discovers the reason behind them: Sunder is a prisoner aboard Froid's ship! Froid delights in explaining that he has been helping Sunder work through the loss of his brother, but Rung fears that Froid is too close to his patient. Froid scoffs at the accusation: who is Rung to talk about such things, given the secret Froid knows about him—the fact that, while serving aboard the ''[[Fateful Archetype]]'', ''Rung'' became too close to a patient and was disbarred from practising medicine by the ship's tribunal. But then the ''Archetype'' was shot down, leaving Rung as the sole survivor, able to pretend the verdict had never been given—something he had once confessed to Froid back when they were still friends. At Froid's instruction, Sunder lifts his head up to look at them, revealing a pair of eyeless sockets; Froid explains that he has removed Sunder's eyes because he is capable of remote mnemosurgery via eye-contact. Sunder feeds on repressed memories, and Froid hasn't just been helping him deal with the loss of his brother... he keeps him ''fed''. With Rung having refused to let Froid see his files so he could select some new victims, Froid intends to make Rung himself Sunder's next meal. Fortunately, Skids arrives at just that moment, having been sent a message by Rung via a remote upload of Skids's case notes. Froid rips the "Primal Beads" from around his neck and tosses them toward Sunder: in truth, they are not beads, but the murderer's plucked-out eyes! Sunder inserts them back into his sockets, and turns his unholy ability against the two Autobots, starting with Skids...

...whose memories race back to Grindcore once again, right where they left off, and the door of his cell opens to reveal that the prison commandant is [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]!!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (1)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (2)
*''[[Heavy Tread]]'' (3)
*''[[Rev-Tone]]'' (6)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (15, voice only)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (17)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (19)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (20)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (21)
*''[[Getaway]]'' (22)
*''[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'' (23)
*''[[Atomizer]]'' (24)
*[[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]] (25)
*''[[Quark]]'' (26)
*[[Kindle]] (27)
*[[Fervor]] (28)
|c2=
*''[[Charger]]'' (4)
*''[[Glit (KP)|Glit]]'' (5)
*''[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]/[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''? (see Notes, 7)
*''[[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]]'' (8)
*''[[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]]'' (9)
*''[[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]]'' (10)
*''[[Octus (G1)|Octus]]'' (11)
*''[[Take-Off]] (12)
*''[[Flywheels]]'' (13)
*''[[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]]'' (14)
*''[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]'' (29)
|c4=
*[[Froid]] (16)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"No one loves the '''moral high ground''' as much as you. Wouldn't it be '''awful''' if you had to '''vacate''' it after all this time?"
:—'''Froid''' threatens Rung

"After his arrest, Sunder took his skills to the next level: '''remote mnemosurgery.''' He can access your memories just by '''looking at you.''' He says memories have a '''flavor'''—the '''darker''' the memory, the '''sweeter''' the taste. And the sweetest ones are the ones we lock away. The ones we '''bury.'''"
:—'''Froid'''

"'''Look''' at you all! So '''young'''! So thin-winged and bow-legged and blood-warm and '''new.''' And me... a mess of '''angles''' and '''frequencies''' of '''sour light''' and '''brown noise''' and—oh! The '''smell''' of you! You '''stink of sin.''' You '''reek''' of what you've done—and what you'd do '''again''' if only you could overcome the '''shame''' of it all."
:—'''Sunder'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Skids notes that his capture occurred not long after the oft-mentioned [[Simanzi Massacre]]; he is able to recall this fact because he can remember that "the ground still burned [his] feet." Among the many tidbits we've learned about the Simanzi Massacre was that it caused the planet to become superheated, and that it took years for it to cool back down, as recounted by Megatron in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|issue #27]].
*There's a 'bot among the Decepticons at Grindcore who is drawn with the body design of [[Dreadwing (G2)|''Generation 2'' Dreadwing]] from [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]], but colored like [[Dreadwind (G1)|Generation 1 Dreadwin'''''d''''']]. With the similarity of their names, it's very easy to imagine a mix-up happening, but it's impossible to tell whether he's supposed to be the former character mistakenly colored like the latter, or the latter character deliberately sharing a body-type with the former.
*Most of the Decepticons at Grindcore who have previously appeared in present-day stories in IDW continuity are ones who died in those stories. [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] and [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]] died in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''; [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] met his end in [[Stormbringer issue 3|''Stormbringer'' #3]]; and [[Flywheels]] ate it in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|''More Than Meets the Eye'' #8]]. [[Charger]] and [[Take-Off]] have only appeared previously in the set-in-the-past ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' mini-series as [[Turmoil]]'s troops, where Dreadwing first appeared (conversely, if he's supposed to be Dreadwin''d'', he's also dead in the present day, as of [[All His Engines|issue #7]] of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]]). It was also in the ''Drift'' mini-series that a corpse that ''might'' have been [[Glit (KP)|Glit]] showed up, but that was an Easter-egg reference to [[Ravage (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Ravage]] and might not count for much. [[Octus (G1)|Octus]] and [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]] have not appeared in the IDW continuity before.
*Grindcore prison makes its first on-panel appearance after being mentioned in several previous issues.
*Flywheels has a set of Primal Beads, in-keeping with the religiosity he showed during his previous appearances in the series.
*The drill attachment that Stalker deploys from his wrist looks like a portable version of the [[endoscopic claw]] he'll use to torture [[Twin Twist]] in ''[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4]]''.
*As pointed out in a footnote, Chromedome discovered Skids's repressed memories and refused to unearth them in issue #8. The one thing Skids learned in that issue was that the song stuck in his head was "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", which is about to take on greater meaning...
*The ''Lost Light'' now has a [[transwarp|subspace]] hatch in medibay, which is how Skids suggests Rung get some new models sent over. The existence of this hatch was concurrently established by ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]'', released the same day as this issue.
*Froid's rise in popularity and the accompanying dwindling of Rung's reputation were previously remarked on in the prose story, "[[Signal to Noise]]", as was Froid's apparent death.
*Back in [[The Sensuous Frame|issue #41]], [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] related how Rung had made a comment about the authorship of Froid's work "Conflict of Interest: Psychotherapy and Perpetual War" which she interpreted as an inference that Rung had ghost-written it. Given Rung's remark here, it seems much more likely that he was actually implying that ''Froid'' had plagiarized it from ''him''.
*We learned that Quark was incarcerated at Grindcore in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
*Quark tells Skids that music used to be played in Grindcore, at which point Tarn arrives and mentions that is it only played when they have something to celebrate. With these twin revelations, it becomes apparent that the music must be the "The Empyrean Suite", "theme song" of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]], and that his experiences in Grindcore are the reason that Skids had the song in his head. The tune had already implied a connection between Skids and Tarn that [[The Permanent Revolution|issue #39]] confirmed...
*Note that Tarn's name is 'censored' in the flashbacks. This is partly to build up his appearance. It's also because he's still using his real name and, as we'll learn [[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|in issue #55]], Skids actually knows 'Tarn' from back in the day.

===Transformers references===
*The Transformer in the anti-personal mine is (was!) named [[Heavytread (disambiguation)|Heavy Tread]], a name shared by several 'bots. It's hard to know if Roberts had a specific one in mind when he wrote the scene, but Sakamoto has drawn the [[Heavy Tread|Micromaster Heavy Tread]], though he has a different color scheme to his original toy.
*Glit is a battlefield surgeon so it makes sense for him to show up as part of a POW-roundup squad. He's also supposed to be compassionate to all, so, er, whoops.
*The Decepticons at Grindcore are all wielding the trident weapon that came with the 2010 [[Terradive (TF 2010)|Terradive]] toy.
*The prison [[Garrus 6]] follows the naming scheme of the IDW prisons [[Garrus-1]] and [[Garrus-9]] as well as the extra-continuity [[Garrus-7]] and [[Garrus-16]], but with no hyphen.

===Real-life references===
*This two-parter takes its title from the {{w|Vladimir Nabokov}} novel, ''{{w|Speak, Memory}}''.
*Given that Rung served aboard it, the ''Fateful Archetype'' may take its name from the concept of {{w|Jungian archetypes}}.
*Sunder's nickname harkens to the notorious {{w|Peter Sutcliffe}}, the "Yorkshire Ripper".

===Errors===
*Page 1: "A explosive device" should be "an explosive device." This is fixed in the trade.
*Page 2, panel 2: "And the I remember" should be "And then I remember". Not fixed in the trade.
*In the final panel of page 4, there's a word balloon mix-up, with a conversation clearly meant to be between two people depicted as a three-way conversation. This is fixed in the trade.
*In the last panel of page 5, Skids says "You should treat yourself to some new [model ships]" and Rung, as if answering a question, replies "Because I only collect ships on which I've '''served'''". Perhaps Skids was supposed to ask, "Why not treat yourself to some new ones?"
*Both of Cyclonus's horns are intact in this story, when a chunk got blasted off one the climax of the previous issue. We wouldn't normally draw attention to something quite so inconsequential—it's just a product of two artists drawing the two separate issues and choosing to represent the precise extent of Cyclonus's damage differently—but it stands out due to fact previous story points have prominently focused on Cyclonus's horns and his [[Clavis Aurea|religious stance]] on replacing body parts. And yeah, it was his ''original'' horn that got damaged, not Tailgate's replacement!
*Froid's line to Skids about losing his faith on page 7 is repeated on page 8 in Velocity's dialogue to Cyclonus. This error is absent from the digital edition, and is fixed in the trade.
*Page 9: One of Cyclonus's word balloons has its left edge sliced off. This is fixed in the trade.
*Skids's Matrix [[tattoo]] is missing its "handles" on the final page.

===Trivia===
*According to Roberts, the gold Autobot who Stalker drills a mouth into is named Rev-Tone, a character from Roberts' ''Eugenesis'' fan-fiction novel (which Quark's name originates from as well).<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-author-james-roberts-answers-even-more-fan-questions-on-twitter/34509/ James Roberts Answers Even More Fan Question On Twitter]</ref>

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOBS0RNN-Sk Take Back the Days]" by {{w|East River Pipe}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/676566971668803584 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjs5vkX3JGg You or Your Memory]" by {{w|the Mountain Goats}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/676569919706652676 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' The battered and bound Skids is led into the horrors of Grindcore, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Ten gets into body-painting, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Ultra Magnus, Swerve, Tailgate, Nightbeat, Getaway, and Velocity, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]; part of a series of variant covers "counting down" to the release of the 50th issues of ''The Transformers'' and ''More than Meets the Eye'' in February 2016.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE48 regcvr.jpg|Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
File:MTMTE48 subcvr.jpg|Do you want my body, don't you think I'm sexy?
File:MTMTE48 cvrRI.jpg|I smell a traitor in the midst.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #49
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Conquerors Part 3: Helden|#48]]
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]]
*IDW ''Transformers'' Reading Guide
*IDW's 5-week "Holiday Specials" event, including ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library
*Transformers comics app
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' Micro Comic Collector Packs (back page)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 9''''' ([[May 4]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631406159 / ISBN 978-1631406157
:*Contains issues #45 to #49.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 66: Speak, Memory''''' ([[December 25]], [[2019]])
:*Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #43 to #49.
:*Bonus content includes a one-page article about the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]], a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10]]''''' ([[January 1]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684055849 / ISBN 978-1684055845
:*Contains [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] issues [[The Transgressors|#44]] to [[The Nothing Man|#45]], ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #45 to #49, [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2]] issues [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|#6]] to [[The Will of the Few|#7]], the ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' miniseries, the ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot and "[[Choose Me]]" and "[[The Thirteenth Day of Christmas]]" from ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol9.jpg|'''Volume 9'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v66.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 66: Speak, Memory'''''; cover art by [[Dan Khanna]] (Getaway) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V10.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 10'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/27244-skids-goes-grindcore-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-48-preview.html Preview]

Speak, Memory: Part 1

2021-02-15T21:57:27Z

Orogogus: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=48
|prev=The Lopsided Triangle
|next=Speak, Memory! (Part 2)
|image=MTMTE48_regcvr.jpg
|title="Speak, Memory: Part 1"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[December 23]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=December 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] & [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''Rung's attempts to help Skids safely recover his lost memories are threatened by the unexpected return of Froid.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Mtmte 48 grindcore.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|This is how Decepticons do conga lines.]]
In session with [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] helps the psychotherapist rebuild one of his model kits while trying to recall more of his missing memories. With Rung's aid, he is able to remember the time when an "[[anti-personal mine]]" he was attempting to defuse—a landmine built out of a living Transformer—exploded and knocked him offline, allowing him to be captured by a [[Decepticon]] "[[hygiene team]]" and taken to the legendary [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]]. He recalls the gruesome installation of a transformation-inhibiting "[[inhibitor spike|mouth flower]]", but his memories begin to sputter out just before he can remember the identity of his cellmate. Rung congratulates him on a job well done and calls an end to the session, replacing the completed model kit on his shelf; Skids suggests that he should get some ''new'' models, but Rung explains that he only collects models of ships he has served on (justifying his model of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]]'' by noting he was recalled from the crew by the [[Senate]] at the last minute). Just before Skids leaves, [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] knocks on the door to inform Rung he has a ''very'' unexpected visitor: his old rival, [[Froid]], who Rung believed to be dead! Skids compliments Froid's set of [[Primal Beads]], and leaves the two to get reacquainted.

In the ''[[Lost Light]]'' medibay, the surprisingly-still-alive [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] receives a report on [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]'s condition from [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]], who explains that the little 'bot has been left comatose after his spark sent a wave of energy throughout the ship, which has succeeded in awakening [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] from his own coma. [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] offers his apologies for lashing out at Tailgate, while [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] tells him that they have arrested [[Getaway]] and [[Atomizer]] for their crimes. Cyclonus is puzzled as to how they learned the pair were responsible, and Rodimus reveals he had [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgically]] obtain the information from the unconscious Tailgate—something that both Megatron and Cyclonus question the ethics of.

A tense conversation between Rung and Froid establishes that the last time they spoke was on the day [[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]], a rogue mnemosurgeon turned serial killer known as the "Tetrahex Ripper", was arrested, along with his brother [[Sceptre]]. Fascinated by the case, Froid had been aboard the prison ship taking Sunder to [[Garrus 6]] when the two brothers escaped their cells and took him hostage, fleeing the vessel in a shuttle. The shuttle was destroyed and Sceptre died, but Froid escaped and settled on [[Scarvix]], where he has allegedly become something of a local celebrity. Tiring of his passive-aggressive remarks, Rung demands to know why Froid has come to the ''Lost Light''; Froid requests to look through Rung's case files, but Rung refuses, citing both doctor-patient confidentiality and Froid's tendency toward plagiarism. But Froid doesn't take no for an answer, insinuating he knows a secret about Rung's past that ''might just'' come to light if Rung doesn't acquiesce...

Down in the ship's [[oil]] reservoir, Skids tries to recall more of his time in Grindcore. With a little effort, he is able to remember that his cellmate was [[Quark]], and recalls how he removed his "mouth flower" thanks to his super-learning abilities. Quark warned him against publicly displaying such skills and told him a little about the prison and how they used to pipe music in, at which point they discovered that the prison's commandant had been listening at the door...

Rung continues to refuse Froid's request and escorts him back to his ship in the shuttle bay, where the two guards [[Kindle]] and [[Fervor]] are only too happy to see Froid leave. Rung is puzzled by their remarks, but soon discovers the reason behind them: Sunder is a prisoner aboard Froid's ship! Froid delights in explaining that he has been helping Sunder work through the loss of his brother, but Rung fears that Froid is too close to his patient. Froid scoffs at the accusation: who is Rung to talk about such things, given the secret Froid knows about him—the fact that, while serving aboard the ''[[Fateful Archetype]]'', ''Rung'' became too close to a patient and was disbarred from practising medicine by the ship's tribunal. But then the ''Archetype'' was shot down, leaving Rung as the sole survivor, able to pretend the verdict had never been given—something he had once confessed to Froid back when they were still friends. At Froid's instruction, Sunder lifts his head up to look at them, revealing a pair of eyeless sockets; Froid explains that he has removed Sunder's eyes because he is capable of remote mnemosurgery via eye-contact. Sunder feeds on repressed memories, and Froid hasn't just been helping him deal with the loss of his brother... he keeps him ''fed''. With Rung having refused to let Froid see his files so he could select some new victims, Froid intends to make Rung himself Sunder's next meal. Fortunately, Skids arrives at just that moment, having been sent a message by Rung via a remote upload of Skids's case notes. Froid rips the "Primal Beads" from around his neck and tosses them toward Sunder: in truth, they are not beads, but the murderer's plucked-out eyes! Sunder inserts them back into his sockets, and turns his unholy ability against the two Autobots, starting with Skids...

...whose memories race back to Grindcore once again, right where they left off, and the door of his cell opens to reveal that the prison commandant is [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]!!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (1)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (2)
*''[[Heavy Tread]]'' (3)
*''[[Rev-Tone]]'' (6)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (15, voice only)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (17)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (19)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (20)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (21)
*''[[Getaway]]'' (22)
*''[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'' (23)
*''[[Atomizer]]'' (24)
*[[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]] (25)
*''[[Quark]]'' (26)
*[[Kindle]] (27)
*[[Fervor]] (28)
|c2=
*''[[Charger]]'' (4)
*''[[Glit (KP)|Glit]]'' (5)
*''[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]/[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''? (see Notes, 7)
*''[[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]]'' (8)
*''[[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]]'' (9)
*''[[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]]'' (10)
*''[[Octus (G1)|Octus]]'' (11)
*''[[Take-Off]] (12)
*''[[Flywheels]]'' (13)
*''[[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]]'' (14)
*''[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]'' (29)
|c4=
*[[Froid]] (16)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"No one loves the '''moral high ground''' as much as you. Wouldn't it be '''awful''' if you had to '''vacate''' it after all this time?"
:—'''Froid''' threatens Rung

"After his arrest, Sunder took his skills to the next level: '''remote mnemosurgery.''' He can access your memories just by '''looking at you.''' He says memories have a '''flavor'''—the '''darker''' the memory, the '''sweeter''' the taste. And the sweetest ones are the ones we lock away. The ones we '''bury.'''"
:—'''Froid'''

"'''Look''' at you all! So '''young'''! So thin-winged and bow-legged and blood-warm and '''new.''' And me... a mess of '''angles''' and '''frequencies''' of '''sour light''' and '''brown noise''' and—oh! The '''smell''' of you! You '''stink of sin.''' You '''reek''' of what you've done—and what you'd do '''again''' if only you could overcome the '''shame''' of it all."
:—'''Sunder'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Skids notes that his capture occurred not long after the oft-mentioned [[Simanzi Massacre]]; he is able to recall this fact because he can remember that "the ground still burned [his] feet." Among the many tidbits we've learned about the Simanzi Massacre was that it caused the planet to become superheated, and that it took years for it to cool back down, as recounted by Megatron in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|issue #27]].
*There's a 'bot among the Decepticons at Grindcore who is drawn with the body design of [[Dreadwing (G2)|''Generation 2'' Dreadwing]] from [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]], but colored like [[Dreadwind (G1)|Generation 1 Dreadwin'''''d''''']]. With the similarity of their names, it's very easy to imagine a mix-up happening, but it's impossible to tell whether he's supposed to be the former character mistakenly colored like the latter, or the latter character deliberately sharing a body-type with the former.
*Most of the Decepticons at Grindcore who have previously appeared in present-day stories in IDW continuity are ones who died in those stories. [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] and [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]] died in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''; [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] met his end in [[Stormbringer issue 3|''Stormbringer'' #3]]; and [[Flywheels]] ate it in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|''More Than Meets the Eye'' #8]]. [[Charger]] and [[Take-Off]] have only appeared previously in the set-in-the-past ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' mini-series as [[Turmoil]]'s troops, where Dreadwing first appeared (conversely, if he's supposed to be Dreadwin''d'', he's also dead in the present day, as of [[All His Engines|issue #7]] of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]]). It was also in the ''Drift'' mini-series that a corpse that ''might'' have been [[Glit (KP)|Glit]] showed up, but that was an Easter-egg reference to [[Ravage (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Ravage]] and might not count for much. [[Octus (G1)|Octus]] and [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]] have not appeared in the IDW continuity before.
*Grindcore prison makes its first on-panel appearance after being mentioned in several previous issues.
*Flywheels has a set of Primal Beads, in-keeping with the religiosity he showed during his previous appearances in the series.
*The drill attachment that Stalker deploys from his wrist looks like a portable version of the [[endoscopic claw]] he'll use to torture [[Twin Twist]] in ''[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4]]''.
*As pointed out in a footnote, Chromedome discovered Skids's repressed memories and refused to unearth them in issue #8. The one thing Skids learned in that issue was that the song stuck in his head was "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", which is about to take on greater meaning...
*The ''Lost Light'' now has a [[transwarp|subspace]] hatch in medibay, which is how Skids suggests Rung get some new models sent over. The existence of this hatch was concurrently established by ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]'', released the same day as this issue.
*Froid's rise in popularity and the accompanying dwindling of Rung's reputation were previously remarked on in the prose story, "[[Signal to Noise]]", as was Froid's apparent death.
*Back in [[The Sensuous Frame|issue #41]], [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] related how Rung had made a comment about the authorship of Froid's work "Conflict of Interest: Psychotherapy and Perpetual War" which she interpreted as an inference that Rung had ghost-written it. Given Rung's remark here, it seems much more likely that he was actually implying that ''Froid'' had plagiarized it from ''him''.
*We learned that Quark was incarcerated at Grindcore in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
*Quark tells Skids that music used to be played in Grindcore, at which point Tarn arrives and mentions that is it only played when they have something to celebrate. With these twin revelations, it becomes apparent that the music must be the "The Empyrean Suite", "theme song" of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]], and that his experiences in Grindcore are the reason that Skids had the song in his head. The tune had already implied a connection between Skids and Tarn that [[The Permanent Revolution|issue #39]] confirmed...
*Note that Tarn's name is 'censored' in the flashbacks. This is partly to build up his appearance. It's also because he's still using his real name and, as we'll learn [[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|in issue #55]], Skids actually knows 'Tarn' from back in the day.

===Transformers references===
*The Transformer in the anti-personal mine is (was!) named [[Heavytread (disambiguation)|Heavy Tread]], a name shared by several 'bots. It's hard to know if Roberts had a specific one in mind when he wrote the scene, but Sakamoto has drawn the [[Heavy Tread|Micromaster Heavy Tread]], though he has a different color scheme to his original toy.
*Glit is a battlefield surgeon so it makes sense for him to show up as part of a POW-roundup squad. He's also supposed to be compassionate to all, so, er, whoops.
*The Decepticons at Grindcore are all wielding the trident weapon that came with the 2010 [[Terradive (TF 2010)|Terradive]] toy.
*The prison [[Garrus 6]] follows the naming scheme of the IDW prisons [[Garrus-1]] and [[Garrus-9]] as well as the extra-continuity [[Garrus-7]] and [[Garrus-16]], but with no hyphen.

===Real-life references===
*This two-parter takes its title from the {{w|Vladimir Nabokov}} novel, ''{{w|Speak, Memory}}''.
*Given that Rung served aboard it, the ''Fateful Archetype'' may take its name from the concept of {{w|Jungian archetypes}}.
*Sunder's nickname harkens to the notorious {{w|Peter Sutcliffe}}, the "Yorkshire Ripper".

===Errors===
*Page 1: "A explosive device" should be "an explosive device." This is fixed in the trade.
*Page 2, panel 2: "And the I remember" should be "And ''then'' I remember". Not fixed in the trade.
*In the final panel of page 4, there's a word balloon mix-up, with a conversation clearly meant to be between two people depicted as a three-way conversation. This is fixed in the trade.
*In the last panel of page 5, Skids says "You should treat yourself to some new [model ships]" and Rung, as if answering a question, replies "Because I only collect ships on which I've '''served'''". Perhaps Skids was supposed to ask, "Why not treat yourself to some new ones?"
*Both of Cyclonus's horns are intact in this story, when a chunk got blasted off one the climax of the previous issue. We wouldn't normally draw attention to something quite so inconsequential—it's just a product of two artists drawing the two separate issues and choosing to represent the precise extent of Cyclonus's damage differently—but it stands out due to fact previous story points have prominently focused on Cyclonus's horns and his [[Clavis Aurea|religious stance]] on replacing body parts. And yeah, it was his ''original'' horn that got damaged, not Tailgate's replacement!
*Froid's line to Skids about losing his faith on page 7 is repeated on page 8 in Velocity's dialogue to Cyclonus. This error is absent from the digital edition, and is fixed in the trade.
*Page 9: One of Cyclonus's word balloons has its left edge sliced off. This is fixed in the trade.
*Skids's Matrix [[tattoo]] is missing its "handles" on the final page.

===Trivia===
*According to Roberts, the gold Autobot who Stalker drills a mouth into is named Rev-Tone, a character from Roberts' ''Eugenesis'' fan-fiction novel (which Quark's name originates from as well).<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-author-james-roberts-answers-even-more-fan-questions-on-twitter/34509/ James Roberts Answers Even More Fan Question On Twitter]</ref>

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOBS0RNN-Sk Take Back the Days]" by {{w|East River Pipe}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/676566971668803584 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjs5vkX3JGg You or Your Memory]" by {{w|the Mountain Goats}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/676569919706652676 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' The battered and bound Skids is led into the horrors of Grindcore, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Ten gets into body-painting, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Ultra Magnus, Swerve, Tailgate, Nightbeat, Getaway, and Velocity, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]; part of a series of variant covers "counting down" to the release of the 50th issues of ''The Transformers'' and ''More than Meets the Eye'' in February 2016.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE48 regcvr.jpg|Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
File:MTMTE48 subcvr.jpg|Do you want my body, don't you think I'm sexy?
File:MTMTE48 cvrRI.jpg|I smell a traitor in the midst.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #49
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Conquerors Part 3: Helden|#48]]
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]]
*IDW ''Transformers'' Reading Guide
*IDW's 5-week "Holiday Specials" event, including ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library
*Transformers comics app
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' Micro Comic Collector Packs (back page)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 9''''' ([[May 4]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631406159 / ISBN 978-1631406157
:*Contains issues #45 to #49.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 66: Speak, Memory''''' ([[December 25]], [[2019]])
:*Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #43 to #49.
:*Bonus content includes a one-page article about the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]], a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10]]''''' ([[January 1]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684055849 / ISBN 978-1684055845
:*Contains [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] issues [[The Transgressors|#44]] to [[The Nothing Man|#45]], ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #45 to #49, [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2]] issues [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|#6]] to [[The Will of the Few|#7]], the ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' miniseries, the ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot and "[[Choose Me]]" and "[[The Thirteenth Day of Christmas]]" from ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol9.jpg|'''Volume 9'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v66.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 66: Speak, Memory'''''; cover art by [[Dan Khanna]] (Getaway) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V10.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 10'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/27244-skids-goes-grindcore-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-48-preview.html Preview]

Some Of My Best Friends Are Autobots

2021-02-15T21:33:52Z

Orogogus: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=45
|prev=The Not Knowing
|next=Animals
|image=MTMTE45_regcvr.jpg
|title="Some Of My Best Friends Are Autobots"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[September 30]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=September 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]] and Alex Milne
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''They're ba-aack!'''

==Synopsis==
It's been a funny old time for the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]]. Ever since learning that [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] has defected to the [[Autobot]]s and that [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] now rules [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], their plans to return home have been abandoned, and they have been pottering around the galaxy having wacky adventures: being cursed to speak only in song, accidentally raising eldritch horrors, dealing with the image of [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] coming alive from a datapad, holomatter escapades on [[Magisteria VI]], playing [[Jenga]] against a giant space jellyfish for the fate of the universe, falling into a [[perspective trap]], and even, somehow, getting turned into [[toy]]s! Today, though, the crew are just enjoying a simple game of "[[Cybertronian games#Shoot Shoot Bang Bang|Shoot Shoot Bang Bang]]", hunting each other around their ship, the ''[[Weak Anthropic Principle]]'', with dart guns. [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] lets his internal monologue run away with him, allowing [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] to get the drop on him, but [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] jumps in at the last second to score the winning shot. Unfortunately, in order to do so, Crankcase has left the bridge unmanned, and the ship promptly crashes into [[Tebris VII]].

[[File:Krok crankcase fulcrum some of my best friends are autobots.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
Four hours later, the battered [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] wakes up to find Crankcase and [[Fulcrum]] lounging around watching television—specifically, the stand-up routine of Krok's old shipmate [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]], who has made a mint in the post-war era by rebranding himself as a "self-hating Decepticon" comedian. Heartily cheesed off to see Skullcruncher and so many other Decepticons finding new jobs and new successes while he and the rest of the Scavengers are just bumming around the galaxy living hand-to-mouth, Krok chucks a Skullcruncher souvenir through the television, and starts lecturing his crewmates about taking control of their lives... only to be almost immediately interrupted when a rampaging [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] comes tearing into the room, with Misfire holding onto his back for dear life. Misfire has been attempting to "house-train" the mentally-damaged [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]], but after his biggest success to date—managing to write the first letter of his own name—Grimlock has had another in an escalating series of "fits" that forces the Scavengers to blast him into submission. Tiring of Krok's bossy tone, Misfire is about to rip into him about the "clicker" in his hand, but before anyone says anything they can't take back, Spinister enters to inform the team a communication is coming through.

[[File:Demus some of my best friends are autobots.jpg|thumb]]
The communication is from [[Demus]], a Decepticon scrap merchant on Tebris VII, who Krok knows from the [[Militant Monoform Movement|Triple M]] sub-group on the Decepticon social networking site, [[The Big Conversation]]. Demus invites the Scavengers to his scrapyard, and, thinking they are going to be offered jobs, they even agree to inject themselves with temporary [[Inhibitor/deterrence chip|inhibitor chip]]s upon arrival due to Demus's condition—he is so militantly monoform that the very ''sight'' of transformation makes him sick. The group are led by the noticeably skittish Demus through his stockyard, full of merchandise from his profitable side-business making "[[Roboid]]" toys, before arriving at his office, where it turns out he does not want to ''employ'' them: he wants to buy Grimlock from them. He steps out to take a call while the Scavengers talk the proposal over amongst themselves; the obscene amount of money on offer all it takes to sway Krok, Crankcase, and Spinister into selling, outvoting the more compassionate Misfire and Fulcrum, the latter also healthily suspicious of Demus's motives. And it seems Fulcrum is right to be suspicious—out in the stockyard, Demus talks on his communicator in a panicked whisper about being on a list, and needing help from the caller... but he realizes that such concerns have become moot when a huge shadowy figure appears in front of him. Demus is hurled back through his office window and then has his brains blown out right in front of the Scavengers... as the Duly Appointed Enforcer of the [[Tyrest Accord]], [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]], steps through the door and inquires which of them will be next!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] (7)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (10)
|c2=
*[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] (1)
*[[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (2)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (3)
*[[Fulcrum]] (4)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] (image of hand, 5)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (6)
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] (8)
*[[Demus]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"Crankcase! That was '''my''' shot! You're not even playing!" 
"True. But I can't listen to someone else's party without wanting to '''pop their balloons'''."
:—'''Spinister''' isn't happy that '''Crankcase''' has stolen his win

"—and we used to say to him, 'Megatron, mate, why not get all the Phase Sixers and throw 'em at the Autobots?' Like, 'Forget the planets! You can cyberform as many planets as you like once you've killed all your enemies! '''You're not making the best use of your assets.'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>"
:—'''Skullcruncher''' likes to claim he spoke truth to power, but somehow, we doubt it

"Are you sure you won't let Spinister fix your head? He's a brilliant surgeon." 
"He's a brilliant surgeon who classifies random objects as 'goodies' or 'baddies' based on the sound they make when he punches them. I don't want him anywhere near my brain."
:—'''Krok''' and '''Crankcase'''

"When we found you on '''Clemency''', we didn't know '''what''' was going on. Now we '''do''', and it's worse than we thought. The Autobots have won, Megatron's '''flipped''', and Starscream's in charge of Cybertron! '''Starscream!''' At least the Autobots were '''upfront''' about wanting to kill us! I wouldn't trust Starscream to tell me my own name!"
:—'''Krok'''

"You must be the Scavengers." 
"It's pronounced '''<big>SCAVENGERS.</big>'''"
:—'''Demus''' and '''Misfire'''

"Are we gonna kill him and steal his money? <big>'''HA!'''</big> Joking. But seriously, are we gonna kill him and steal his money?"
:—'''Crankcase''', on dealing with '''Demus'''

'''Demus:''' "I'd like to buy [Grimlock] off you." 
'''Misfire:''' "You '''what'''?" 
'''Crankcase:''' "'''Buy''' him?" 
'''Fulcrum:''' "Bizarre." 
'''Spinister:''' "'''WHAT AM I REACTING TO AND IS ANGER APPROPRIATE?!'''"

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:Magisteria vi some of my best friends are autobots.jpg|thumb]]
*The single panel that shows the Scavengers' holomatter adventure on Magisteria VI has one of them remark that the holomatter program is struggling with the native species's gender; [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] had the same problem back in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]].
*The Scavengers were seen playing Jenga when they last popped up in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|issue #20]].
*Misfire highlights the mystery of Grimlock's current condition; found by the Scavengers on [[Temptoria]] in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]], the last time he had appeared before that was when he was being taken to [[Garrus-9]] at the climax of the ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|Maximum Dinobots]]'' miniseries.
* Misfire also mentions that he has a 'contact' within the Autobots who told him what happened on Garrus-9, informing us that Grimlock "went missing". It's likely that he's talking about [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]], who worked as an insider for the Decepticons, but never divulged any information that was actually ''useful''.
*Krok mentions that the Scavengers sometimes vandalize [[Autopedia]], the Autobots' free-to-edit database.
*During his stand-up routine, Skullcruncher talks about his having been part of infiltration squads during the war. We know he's speaking from experience, as he was last seen way back in ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'' as a member of one such squad—alongside Crankcase, no less—on the planet [[Nebulos]] where they were both apparently killed by [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], though obviously not.
*The "clicker" in Krok's hand was last seen in issue #7, or rather, it was ''heard''. He claimed it was a device that he clicked to keep rebooting the ship's continually failing communications systems, but in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]], Misfire strongly implied that whatever the device was, it wasn't that. The way Fulcrum takes Krok's hand to stop him clicking it as he rants this issue certainly indicates it's an uncontrolled expression of anxiety like a nervous tic, and Misfire is just about to broach the clearly-taboo subject of what the thing is, but they get interrupted by Demus's communication.
*Krok makes reference to the planet [[Troja Major]], first (and last) heard of in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]]. This was the world on which [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] picked up the original, unedited version of "[[Towards Peace]]"; perhaps the Decepticon antiquarian, [[Agonizer]], who Krok notes set up shop on the planet, had something to do with that.
*Demus previously served under [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]], who gave him an honorable discharge after the war. Surprising to hear about a Decepticon, perhaps, but we saw in [[The Permanent Revolution|issue #39]] that Deathsaurus is the sort to treat his men right.
*Crankcase is swayed into selling Grimlock by the possibility of using the money to buy his own spaceship, something we know from issue #8 that he always wanted to have.
*We last saw Fortress Maximus in [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]], in which he took on the position of enforcer of the Tyrest Accord following the defeat of then-current holder of the title, [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]].

===Transformers references===
*We see the ''Weak Anthropic Principle'' for the first time, and it turns out to be a Decepticon-purple version of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] [[character model|animation model]]. The sequence of it crashing, complete with "Four Hours Later" caption, is styled directly after the scene of the Ark crashing from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"; the shot of the post-crash bridge, with rocks bulging in through the windows, is likewise styled after the interior of the cartoon's Autobot Headquarters.
*When Spinister places his gun against Misfire's head to end their game of "Shoot Shoot Bang Bang", he paraphrases [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'': "I would've waited an eternity for this. It's over, Misfire."
*Krok is revealed to be a [[Monoformer]]—the IDW continuity term for a Transformer that does not transform—referencing the fact that his original Generation 1 toy was a non-transforming [[Action Master]].
*According to Skullcruncher's routine, Krok named himself after "his dead pet", an allusion to Krok's Action Master parter [[Gatoraider]]—who was, of course, a crocodile.

===Real-life references===
*As mentioned in the plot synopsis, one of the situations featured in the fake "recap" section at the beginning of the issue depicts Fulcrum playing [[Jenga]] against a giant space jellyfish for the fate of the universe. Jenga is, of course, a popular game of skill, the rights of which currently belong to Hasbro. Grimlock was previously seen playing Jenga back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|issue 20]].
*The Decepticon website "The Big Conversation" (established by an [[M.T.O.]] named [[Biteback]], Krok says) is likely named for the (now defunct) real-life website of the same name, launched in 2003 by the Labour government of the [[United Kingdom]].
*The comment about killing off the name Scavengers because it is too close to the word "scroungers" is a reference to the 2015 Tory government of the United Kingdom's policy on the use of the word in their political rhetoric.

===Errors===
*On page 2's final panel, Misfire thinks that "all hell broke lose". This should be "all hell broke '''loose'''". This was not corrected for the trade.
*On page 11, panel 4, Krok's second speech bubble ("We should be taking control of our lives!"...) is coming from Crankcase. This is corrected in the trade.
*On page 19, panel 1, Misfire says, "Bear my frikkin' soul?" This should be "'''Bare'''". Not corrected in the trade.

===Other trivia===
[[File:Scavengers_IRL.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Poor Fulcrum. Missing out on such an awesome scene."]]
*The final panel on the "recap" page, showing the Scavengers turned into toys, was taken by Maziar Shahsafdari using the original Generation 1 Spinister, Crankcase, Krok, and Misfire toys. [http://tfsquareone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/idw-mtmte-45-that-scavengers-photo.html Read about the photo shoot here!]
*Skullcruncher's routine involves pointing out that nobody actually knows what phases 3 through 5 of [[infiltration protocol]] are, a joke based on the fact that they were never detailed back during [[Simon Furman]]'s "-ations" era on the IDW books, and that it's a little tricky to imagine what three distinct stages between "Instigating conflict" and "killing everything" would actually be.
*Crankcase mixes up the concepts of [[copyright]] and [[trademark]] and is promptly made fun of for it by Fulcrum, a common occurrence in online discussions among the ''Transformers'' [[fandom]].

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf73xqZvk6k Loaded]" by {{w|Primal Scream}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/646458995377573888 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBsazIACpYM Fool's Gold]" by {{w|The Stone Roses}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/646459879834677248 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Jt-o8OGBc Shake Your Money]" by {{w|Black Grape}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/646460867064823809 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (4)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Scavengers group shot, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' The other Scavengers don't appreciate whatever Misfire is laughing about, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' [[Solomus|Tyrest]], [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], and [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], by [[Kei Zama]] and Josh Burcham; one of September's series of retailer incentive covers by Zama.
*'''Giant Robot Comics exclusive cover:''' Wraparound cover of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Wheeljack, Arcee, and Omega Supreme battle Megatron, Soundwave, Rumble, Swindle, Onslaught, and Devastator at [http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g780595-d209840-Reviews-Peggy_s_Cove_Lighthouse-Peggy_s_Cove_Halifax_Region_Nova_Scotia.html Peggy's Cove Lighthouse] in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]. Available exclusively from [http://www.giantrobotcomics.com/ Giant Robot Comics], who are based in Halifax; third in [[Less Than Zero|a]] [[The World of Tomorrow|series]] of exclusive covers for the retailer by Coller and Bove, which all feature Halifax landmarks.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE45 regcvr.jpg|"Who loves ya, baby?"
File:MTMTE45 subcvr.jpg|Misfire is the Jerry Lewis of the Scavengers.
File:MTMTE45 cvrRI.jpg|What have these guys been up to?
File:MTMTE45 cvrRE.jpg|For Primus's sake, save the lighthouse!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #46
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[The Nothing Man|#45]]
*''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' [[The Will of the Few|#7]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Stick To Your Guns|#9]]
*IDW ''Skylanders SuperChargers'' comic
*[[Mickey Mouse]] is back in action at IDW!
*''{{i|Jem and the Holograms (comic)|Jem and the Holograms}}'' Vol. 1 TPB
*"More than Meets the iPad" - IDW Transformers Comics app
*IDW ''[[Back to the Future]]'' comic (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 9''''' ([[May 4]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631406159 / ISBN 978-1631406157
:*Contains issues #45 to #49.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 66: Speak, Memory''''' ([[December 25]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #43 to #49.
:* Bonus content includes a one-page article about the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]], a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10]]''''' ([[January 1]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684055849 / ISBN 978-1684055845
:* Contains [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] issues [[The Transgressors|#44]] to [[The Nothing Man|#45]], ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #45 to #49, [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2]] issues [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|#6]] to [[The Will of the Few|#7]], the ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' miniseries, the ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot and "[[Choose Me]]" and "[[The Thirteenth Day of Christmas]]" from ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol9.jpg|'''Volume 9'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v66.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 66: Speak, Memory'''''; cover art by [[Dan Khanna]] (Getaway) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V10.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 10'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/26050-decepticons-do-battle-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-45-preview.html Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2021-02-15T20:37:05Z

Orogogus: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=The Frail Gaze
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=The idea of a "Thunder Clash [[Skyquake (Prime)|Pre-Memorial Hospital]]" is not out of the question either.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:SensuousFrame-ThunderClash.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to [[Nautica's wrench]] at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

[[File:TheSensuousFrame-Firestar.jpg|thumb|Nautica reunited with her old [[Amica Endura|flame]].]]
Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

[[File:Getaway photon the sensuous frame.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity, and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren (G1)|Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Borer]] (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*[[Skater]] (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad (G1)|Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (9)
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly.
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves.
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*During Rodimus's announcement, Xaaron and Dipstick stand together in the audience, marking the third time the two have been spotted hanging out with one another in the series. It's perhaps safe to say at this point that the two are pals.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalis'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like hieroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious ball of energy, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Nightbeat makes a disparaging remark about Alpha Trion's supposed wisdom. We previously witnessed his distinct ''lack'' of awe towards the elder Autobot in [[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]].
*Countdown is famous for his heroism in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction.
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''[[Quantum Leap]]'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest}}''.
** The publisher's summary of the latter describes it as "Equal parts philosophical quest and screwball comedy". Sounds familiar to anyone?
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
* Rodimus’ line “wrong, actually! Utterly, demonstrably, villainously wrong” is almost word for word taken from Arnold Rimmer in {{w|Red Dwarf}} lecturing Lister in the episode Kryten: “Wrong, actually! Totally, utterly, and completely wrong.”
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*Nautica says that Rung "leant" (past tense of "lean", chiefly British) her a book, but it should say "lent" (past tense of "lend").
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange. Given the coloured disco lightball and that Whirl is coloured red behind him, this could just be a stylistic choice.
*While listing Camiens on board, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker (vehicle)|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure. "Skystalker" is indeed corrected to "Skystriker" for the trade paperback.
*On Thunderclash's wall map, a black line to the right of the re-charge socket is miscolored as part of his drawings.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline. This is corrected in the trade paperback.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]], and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story. She would, however, appear in the [[The Frail Gaze|next issue]].

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600415058271838208 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600417547855523840 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600419681250443264 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600419681250443264 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600422489211174912 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|Nautica resolved to never have another girls' night out with Firestar after she caused a major wildfire by simply walking past a couple of trees.
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|They apparently built the damn thing in front of the Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma.
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|Y'all come back now, ya hear?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*"[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]"
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''{{i|Jem and the Holograms (comic)|Jem and the Holograms}}'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 8''''' ([[October 21]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631404520 / ISBN 978-1631404528
:*Contains issues #39 to #44.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9]]''''' ([[June 19]], [[2019]]) ISBN 1684054842 / ISBN 978-1684054848
:* Contains ''More than Meets the Eye'' #41 to #44, ''Robots in Disguise'' #39 to #42, and ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade vol.2]]'' #1 to #5.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 63: Elegant Chaos''''' ([[June 12]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' #35 to #42.
:* Bonus content includes a cover gallery and intro by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol8.jpg|'''Volume 8'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V9.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 9'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v63.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 63: Elegant Chaos'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Trailbreaker) and [[Alex Milne]] (retro)</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sensuous Frame}}

The Sensuous Frame

2021-02-15T20:36:42Z

Orogogus: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=The Frail Gaze
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=The idea of a "Thunder Clash [[Skyquake (Prime)|Pre-Memorial Hospital]]" is not out of the question either.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:SensuousFrame-ThunderClash.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to [[Nautica's wrench]] at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

[[File:TheSensuousFrame-Firestar.jpg|thumb|Nautica reunited with her old [[Amica Endura|flame]].]]
Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

[[File:Getaway photon the sensuous frame.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity, and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren (G1)|Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Borer]] (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*[[Skater]] (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad (G1)|Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (9)
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly.
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves.
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*During Rodimus's announcement, Xaaron and Dipstick stand together in the audience, marking the third time the two have been spotted hanging out with one another in the series. It's perhaps safe to say at this point that the two are pals.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalis'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like hieroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious ball of energy, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Nightbeat makes a disparaging remark about Alpha Trion's supposed wisdom. We previously witnessed his distinct ''lack'' of awe towards the elder Autobot in [[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]].
*Countdown is famous for his heroism in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction.
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''[[Quantum Leap]]'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest}}''.
** The publisher's summary of the latter describes it as "Equal parts philosophical quest and screwball comedy". Sounds familiar to anyone?
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
* Rodimus’ line “wrong, actually! Utterly, demonstrably, villainously wrong” is almost word for word taken from Arnold Rimmer in {{w|Red Dwarf}} lecturing Lister in the episode Kryten: “Wrong, actually! Totally, utterly, and completely wrong.”
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*Nautica says that Rung "leant" (past tense of "lean", chiefly British) her a book, but it should say "lent" (past tense of "lend")
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange. Given the coloured disco lightball and that Whirl is coloured red behind him, this could just be a stylistic choice.
*While listing Camiens on board, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker (vehicle)|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure. "Skystalker" is indeed corrected to "Skystriker" for the trade paperback.
*On Thunderclash's wall map, a black line to the right of the re-charge socket is miscolored as part of his drawings.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline. This is corrected in the trade paperback.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]], and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story. She would, however, appear in the [[The Frail Gaze|next issue]].

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600415058271838208 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600417547855523840 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600419681250443264 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600419681250443264 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/600422489211174912 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|Nautica resolved to never have another girls' night out with Firestar after she caused a major wildfire by simply walking past a couple of trees.
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|They apparently built the damn thing in front of the Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma.
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|Y'all come back now, ya hear?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*"[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]"
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''{{i|Jem and the Holograms (comic)|Jem and the Holograms}}'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 8''''' ([[October 21]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631404520 / ISBN 978-1631404528
:*Contains issues #39 to #44.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9]]''''' ([[June 19]], [[2019]]) ISBN 1684054842 / ISBN 978-1684054848
:* Contains ''More than Meets the Eye'' #41 to #44, ''Robots in Disguise'' #39 to #42, and ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade vol.2]]'' #1 to #5.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 63: Elegant Chaos''''' ([[June 12]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' #35 to #42.
:* Bonus content includes a cover gallery and intro by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol8.jpg|'''Volume 8'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V9.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 9'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v63.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 63: Elegant Chaos'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Trailbreaker) and [[Alex Milne]] (retro)</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sensuous Frame}}

Earthrise episode 6

2021-02-13T00:05:58Z

Orogogus: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Earthrise]]''
|image=EarthRise6PrimeVsMegatron.jpg
|caption="Any last words?" "None you'd wanna hear, Megatron."
|prev=Earthrise episode 5
|next=
|title=Episode 6
|airdate=[[December 30]], [[2020]] (Netflix)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]], [[Rooster Teeth]]
|written by=[[Tim Sheridan]]
|director=[[Takashi Kamei]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
}}
'''Autobots, Decepticons, Mercenaries, and a Quintesson meet in the orbit of a familiar world to determine the fate of the Allspark.'''

==Synopsis==

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] and her team of [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] prepare to raid [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] Arena. They quickly learn that the arena is empty, and that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is nowhere to be found. As the team places detonation charges across the arena, Elita finds a terminal and accesses a log of [[Doubledealer]] confirming his capture of the still-living [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']] crew. She feels relief that Prime is still alive, but the relief is immediately interrupted by Shockwave, who now possesses a cloaking ability. Elita is forced to rely on her last resort: the [[Guardian robot|Guardians]]!

[[File:Earthrise6ElitaAims.jpg|left|thumb]]
Seeking cover, Elita arms the detonation charges, but is waylaid by Shockwave, who demands she call off her Guardian attack. Smirking, she kicks Shockwave in the eye for falling for a simple deception, damaging his cloaking system. Unfortunately, Shockwave has harvested [[energon]] for his own strength and eventually overwhelms Elita after a brief battle, rendering her unconscious. Elita's team fares no better; as they await her signal, they are attacked by invisible assailants. Chromia is shot at close range, and the firearms of the resistance are taken, floating in front of their faces at point-blank range. [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] de-cloaks, knocking [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] unconscious.

As Elita's team is led towards the energon harvesting area, [[Scrapface]] attempts to warn Spinister that explosive charges are set to go off all over the arena. Spinister is unmoved since none of them has the ability to detonate them, ignorant that the charges are set by timer. Elita herself is strapped down in a torture chamber and awakens just in time to see Shockwave threaten her with a knife; she is saved only by Spinister's message that her team is captured. Frustrated, Shockwave jams the knife into the operating table slab and leaves the room. She uses her dexterity (and [[teeth]]) to grab the knife and try to free herself. Meanwhile, her team is saved by a rogue Skytread and a still-functional Chromia, who shoot the captors and stasis cuffs respectively. But then, the explosives finally go off, engulfing Shockwave's and Elita's teams alike in flames and destruction!

In near-[[Earth]] space, the ''Ark'' and [[Nemesis (G1)|''Nemesis'']] are disabled following their return from the [[Dead Universe]]. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] aboard the ''Ark'' attempt to re-establish orbital stability around Earth. [[Cog (G1)|Cog]] determines that the unresponsive ''Ark'' is dedicating all of its resources towards processing a massive data upload it received upon exiting the Dead Universe.

Nearby, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] communes with the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], seeking wisdom on the best of action on how to handle [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] arrives and suggests that Megatron cannot be redeemed and must be stopped, no matter the cost. But the pair have no time to debate; the ''Nemesis'' is now active, and extending a tractor beam to the ''Ark''! The ''Nemesis'' then collides with the Autobot spacecraft, breaching its hull.

[[File:Earthrise6CogBewilderment.jpg|right|thumb|Out of the way, Cog! That's Prime's fight!]]
Megatron and a team of Decepticons storm the bridge and find it empty. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] calls the Autobots cowards before they leap out from hiding, ambushing the invaders. The Autobots gain the upper hand against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] as Megatron searches for Prime elsewhere on the ship. Prime, horrified by the Matrix-induced visions he received in the Dead Universe, unleashes a ferocious attack on Megatron, gaining resolve to end his life in order to save billions in the future. Megatron mocks his honor, but Prime's resolve will not shatter, and he demands forgiveness from Megatron for the loss of the Allspark. At that moment, Cog encounters the two leaders and is horrified by Prime's decision to kill Megatron. This gives Megatron an opportunity to counterattack Prime, and while they are locked in struggle, an explosion occurs just behind Cog, who is helplessly sucked into space. Prime and Megatron grab onto the ship as the room depressurizes.

The culprits behind the explosion are the [[Mercenary|Mercenaries]], piloting the ''[[Fool's Fortune]]'' through the rift in the Dead Universe. Ostensibly, they have come to honor their agreement with Megatron. On the bridge of the ''Ark'', Starscream is impatient as he asks [[Doubledealer]] for assistance, but the latter's tone has changed: he plans to destroy both Autobots ''and'' Decepticons, and begins firing at the ''Ark''! Starscream and Bumblebee hastily form an alliance to fight back, but the ''Fortune'' soon further disables the ''Ark''. But the ''Fortune'' is not without its own troubles: [[Exhaust]] and [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] are patching up a hole on the craft and making plans for the future when an unexpected assailant—Cog—fires on them both, sending them careening into space!

On the bridge of the ''Ark'', [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] redirects all available energy to shielding as a tentative defense against the ''Fortune''. Doubledealer hails them again, hellbent on revenge. His actions don't make sense to Bumblebee; why would Doubledealer knowingly try to kill both Autobots as well as Decepticons given that he has a deal with the latter? But it all becomes clear, as Doubledealer is revealed to be mind-controlled by [[Deseeus]]! The [[Quintesson]] receives a surprise himself as the ''Nemesis'' begins firing on the ''Fortune''. This is no act of Decepticon support; while the Decepticons were invading the ''Ark'', Wheeljack stole aboard the ''Nemesis'' and led a team take control of its bridge!

His plans for vengeance unraveling, Deseeus summons Bug Bite and Exhaust via Doubledealer's body, but he receives only Cog, who shoots off one of Deseeus's tentacle spikes, preventing him from attacking his colleagues. The Autobots on the ''Ark'' detect an overload in the ''Fortune's'' warp system, and note the immense danger to them if it were to explode. Wheeljack doesn't know this yet, however, and keeps firing on the ''Fortune'', jostling Cog and giving Deseeus the opportunity to attack him, critically wounding him with a tentacle stab through the chest before leaving the bridge. Cog sends an emergency distress signal to that he has taken control of the ''Fortune'', calling for a cease fire, but no one receives it, and he sits alone on the bridge, inadvertently under attack from his own colleagues...

[[File:Earthrise6DinobotOptic.jpg|left|thumb|The eye sees not itself, but by reflection, by some other things.]]
Prime and Megatron bicker about which of them will possess the [[AllSpark|Allspark]], but Prime turns words into action and begins pummeling his adversary. Megatron soon begs Prime for mercy, but the request was a feint; Megatron shocks Prime with a nearby electrical cable. Megatron opens the chest cavity of the stunned Prime and extracts the Matrix! Optimus awakens, but Megatron no longer refers to him as Optimus Prime, but rather ''Orion Pax''. Clutching the Matrix, Megatron fulfills the counsel recently given to him by his [[Galvatron (G1)|guide from the future]], and as he raises his [[fusion cannon]] to slay Prime, Bumblebee comes to his rescue. Megatron escapes with the Matrix as Bumblebee helps Optimus to his feet. The two Autobots limp to the bridge to stop Megatron from retrieving the Allspark on the planet below. Wheeljack and the other Autobots on the bridge have only bad news to report: the ''Nemesis'' is disengaging from the ''Ark'', beginning to tear it apart, while the ''Fortune'' careens towards both spacecraft. Prime orders the shields be raised as the ''Fortune'' explodes, sending debris plummeting as meteoric streaks in Earth's atmosphere...

''Time passes.''

On the surface of ''prehistoric'' Earth, [[Dinobot (BW)|a ''Velociraptor'']] stalks through a jungle. It pauses, its optic sensor detecting something unusual: a crashed spacecraft, the ''Ark''!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (4)
*[[Cog (G1)|Cog]] (5)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] (16)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (17)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (18)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Scrapface]] (19)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] (21)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (22)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (26)
*[[Ion Storm]] (27)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (30)
*[[Flywheels|Skytread]] (31)

|h3=[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]|c3=
*[[Doubledealer]] (15)
*[[Exhaust]] (24)
*[[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] (25)

|h4=Others|c4=
*[[Deseeus]] (28)
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==
"You don't need a Matrix to be a hero."
:—'''Bumblebee''' inspires Optimus Prime and does some foreshadowing

"Whose side are you on?" 
"''Mine.''"
:—'''Starscream''' learns that '''Doubledealer''' plays by his own rules

"Who's paying you, Doubledealer?" 
"Payment? No. ''Payback''."
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Doubledealer/Deseeus'''

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
*When the ''Ark'' exits the Dead Universe, and Teletraan I is processing the information on Cog's glitched screen, a flurry of images are shown that are ''War for Cybertron Trilogy''-style recreations of moments from the original ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' cartoon:
**Optimus and Megatron [[:File:Mtmte2 shermandam.jpg|dueling]] on [[Sherman Dam]] from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]."
**[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] [[:File:MTMtE Part2 Greetings.jpg|thanking]] Optimus Prime from "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2."
**Cybertron [[:File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|leaving]] Earth's orbit from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]."
**Bumblebee [[:File:MMP2 scorched Bumblebee.jpg|burning]] from the sun's heat from "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2]]."
**[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] [[:File:KtVS2 Introducing Menasor.jpg|introducing himself]] to Optimus Prime from "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]." Note that Menasor utilizes his ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' design.
**[[:File:TFTM optimus color fades.gif|Optimus Prime's death]] with [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] catching the shining Matrix of Leadership from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
**The numbers "[[1984]]" and "[[2005]]" sometimes flash, which are when season 1 of ''The Transformers'' and ''The Transformers: The Movie'' take place, respectively.
*Megatron's feigning weakness and begging for mercy is yet another callback to the 1986 movie.
*Shockwave and Elita-1 had a rivalry in the episode of ''The Transformers'' that introduced the latter, "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]".
*Once he steals the Matrix, Megatron calls Prime "Orion Pax", a name frequently given to a younger, pre-leader version of Optimus. It was first used in ''The Transformers'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".

===Animation and technical errors===

===Trivia===
*Astrotrain once again is relegated to a brief shot, though here he is far smaller compared to his appearance in the [[Siege episode 6|last season's finale]], and closer to his [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|toy]].

===Foreign localization===

==External Links==
*[https://www.netflix.com/watch/81056824 Episode 6 on Netflix]

[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Trilogy episodes]]

Earthrise episode 6

2021-02-13T00:05:33Z

Orogogus: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Earthrise]]''
|image=EarthRise6PrimeVsMegatron.jpg
|caption="Any last words?" "None you'd wanna hear, Megatron."
|prev=Earthrise episode 5
|next=
|title=Episode 6
|airdate=[[December 30]], [[2020]] (Netflix)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]], [[Rooster Teeth]]
|written by=[[Tim Sheridan]]
|director=[[Takashi Kamei]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
}}
'''Autobots, Decepticons, Mercenaries, and a Quintesson meet in the orbit of a familiar world to determine the fate of the Allspark.'''

==Synopsis==

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] and her team of [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] prepare to raid [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] Arena. They quickly learn that the arena is empty, and that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is nowhere to be found. As the team places detonation charges across the arena, Elita finds a terminal and accesses a log of [[Doubledealer]] confirming his capture of the still-living [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']] crew. She feels relief that Prime is still alive, but the relief is immediately interrupted by Shockwave, who now possesses a cloaking ability. Elita is forced to rely on her last resort: the [[Guardian robot|Guardians]]!

[[File:Earthrise6ElitaAims.jpg|left|thumb]]
Seeking cover, Elita arms the detonation charges, but is waylaid by Shockwave, who demands she call off her Guardian attack. Smirking, she kicks Shockwave in the eye for falling for a simple deception, damaging his cloaking system. Unfortunately, Shockwave has harvested [[energon]] for his own strength and eventually overwhelms Elita after a brief battle, rendering her unconscious. Elita's team fares no better; as they await her signal, they are attacked by invisible assailants. Chromia is shot at close range, and the firearms of the resistance are taken, floating in front of their faces at point-blank range. [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] de-cloaks, knocking [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] unconscious.

As Elita's team is led towards the energon harvesting area, [[Scrapface]] attempts to warn Spinister that explosive charges are set to go off all over the arena. Spinister is unmoved since none of them has the ability to detonate them, ignorant that the charges are set by timer. Elita herself is strapped down in a torture chamber and awakens just in time to see Shockwave threaten her with a knife; she is saved only by Spinister's message that her team is captured. Frustrated, Shockwave jams the knife into the operating table slab and leaves the room. She uses her dexterity (and [[teeth]]) to grab the knife and try to free herself. Meanwhile, her team is saved by a rogue Skytread and a still-functional Chromia, who shoot the captors and stasis cuffs respectively. But then, the explosives finally go off, engulfing Shockwave's and Elita's teams alike in flames and destruction!

In near-[[Earth]] space, the ''Ark'' and [[Nemesis (G1)|''Nemesis'']] are disabled following their return from the [[Dead Universe]]. The [[Autobot|Autobots]] aboard the ''Ark'' attempt to re-establish orbital stability around Earth. [[Cog (G1)|Cog]] determines that the unresponsive ''Ark'' is dedicating all of its resources towards processing a massive data upload it received upon exiting the Dead Universe.

Nearby, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] communes with the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], seeking wisdom on the best of action on how to handle [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] arrives and suggests that Megatron cannot be redeemed and must be stopped, no matter the cost. But the pair have no time to debate; the ''Nemesis'' is now active, and extending a tractor beam to the ''Ark''! The ''Nemesis'' then collides with the Autobot spacecraft, breaching its hull.

[[File:Earthrise6CogBewilderment.jpg|right|thumb|Out of the way, Cog! That's Prime's fight!]]
Megatron and a team of Decepticons storm the bridge and find it empty. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] calls the Autobots cowards before they leap out from hiding, ambushing the invaders. The Autobots gain the upper hand against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] as Megatron searches for Prime elsewhere on the ship. Prime, horrified by the Matrix-induced visions he received in the Dead Universe, unleashes a ferocious attack on Megatron, gaining resolve to end his life in order to save billions in the future. Megatron mocks his honor, but Prime's resolve will not shatter, and he demands forgiveness from Megatron for the loss of the Allspark. At that moment, Cog encounters the two leaders and is horrified by Prime's decision to kill Megatron. This gives Megatron an opportunity to counterattack Prime, and while they are locked in struggle, an explosion occurs just behind Cog, who is helplessly sucked into space. Prime and Megatron grab onto the ship as the room depressurizes.

The culprits behind the explosion are the [[Mercenary|Mercenaries]], piloting the ''[[Fool's Fortune]]'' through the rift in the Dead Universe. Ostensibly, they have come to honor their agreement with Megatron. On the bridge of the ''Ark'', Starscream is impatient as he asks [[Doubledealer]] for assistance, but the latter's tone has changed: he plans to destroy both Autobots ''and'' Decepticons, and begins firing at the ''Ark''! Starscream and Bumblebee hastily form an alliance to fight back, but the ''Fortune'' soon further disables the ''Ark''. But the ''Fortune'' is not without its own troubles: [[Exhaust]] and [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] are patching up a hole on the craft and making plans for the future when an unexpected assailant—Cog—fires on them both, sending them careening into space!

On the bridge of the ''Ark'', [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] redirects all available energy to shielding as a tentative defense against the ''Fortune''. Doubledealer hails them again, hellbent on revenge. His actions don't make sense to Bumblebee; why would Doubledealer knowingly try to kill both Autobots as well as Decepticons given that he has a deal with the latter? But it all becomes clear, as Doubledealer is revealed to be mind-controlled by [[Deseeus]]! The [[Quintesson]] receives a surprise himself as the ''Nemesis'' begins firing on the ''Fortune''. This is no act of Decepticon support; while the Decepticons were invading the ''Ark'', Wheeljack stole aboard the ''Nemesis'' and led a team take control of its bridge!

His plans for vengeance unraveling, Deseeus summons Bug Bite and Exhaust via Doubledealer's body, but he receives only Cog, who shoots off one of Deseeus's tentacle spikes, preventing him from attacking his colleagues. The Autobots on the ''Ark'' detect an overload in the ''Fortune's'' warp system, and note the immense danger to them if it were to explode. Wheeljack doesn't know this yet, however, and keeps firing on the ''Fortune'', jostling Cog and giving Deseeus the opportunity to attack him, critically wounding him with a tentacle stab through the chest before leaving the bridge. Cog sends an emergency distress signal to that he has taken control of the ''Fortune'', calling for a cease fire, but no one receives it, and he sits alone on the bridge, inadvertently under attack from his own colleagues...

[[File:Earthrise6DinobotOptic.jpg|left|thumb|The eye sees not itself, but by reflection, by some other things.]]
Prime and Megatron bicker about which of them will possess the [[AllSpark|Allspark]], but Prime turns words into action and begins pummeling his adversary. Megatron soon begs Prime for mercy, but the request was a feint; Megatron shocks Prime with a nearby electrical cable. Megatron opens the chest cavity of the stunned Prime and extracts the Matrix! Optimus awakens, but Megatron no longer refers to him as Optimus Prime, but rather ''Orion Pax''. Clutching the Matrix, Megatron fulfills the counsel recently given to him by his [[Galvatron (G1)|guide from the future]], and as he raises his [[fusion cannon]] to slay Prime, Bumblebee comes to his rescue. Megatron escapes with the Matrix as Bumblebee helps Optimus to his feet. The two Autobots limp to the bridge to stop Megatron from retrieving the Allspark on the planet below. Wheeljack and the other Autobots on the bridge have only bad news to report: the ''Nemesis'' is disengaging from the ''Ark'', beginning to tear it apart, while the ''Fortune'' careens towards both spacecraft. Prime orders the shields be raised as the ''Fortune'' explodes, sending debris plummeting as meteoric streaks in Earth's atmosphere...

''Time passes.''

On the surface of ''prehistoric'' Earth, [[Dinobot (BW)|a ''Velociraptor'']] stalks through a jungle. It pauses, its optic sensor detecting something unusual: a crashed spacecraft, the ''Ark''!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (4)
*[[Cog (G1)|Cog]] (5)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] (16)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (17)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (18)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (22)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Scrapface]] (19)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] (21)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (22)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (26)
*[[Ion Storm]] (27)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (30)
*[[Flywheels|Skytread]] (31)

|h3=[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]|c3=
*[[Doubledealer]] (15)
*[[Exhaust]] (24)
*[[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] (25)

|h4=Others|c4=
*[[Deseeus]] (28)
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==
"You don't need a Matrix to be a hero."
:—'''Bumblebee''' inspires Optimus Prime and does some foreshadowing

"Whose side are you on?" 
"''Mine.''"
:—'''Starscream''' learns that '''Doubledealer''' plays by his own rules

"Who's paying you, Doubledealer?" 
"Payment? No. ''Payback''."
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Doubledealer/Deseeus'''

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
*When the ''Ark'' exits the Dead Universe, and Teletraan I is processing the information on Cog's glitched screen, a flurry of images are shown that are ''War for Cybertron Trilogy''-style recreations of moments from the original ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' cartoon:
**Optimus and Megatron [[:File:Mtmte2 shermandam.jpg|dueling]] on [[Sherman Dam]] from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]."
**[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] [[:File:MTMtE Part2 Greetings.jpg|thanking]] Optimus Prime from "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2."
**Cybertron [[:File:Ultimate Doom 3 Cybertron leave.JPG|leaving]] Earth's orbit from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]."
**Bumblebee [[:File:MMP2 scorched Bumblebee.jpg|burning]] from the sun's heat from "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2]]."
**[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] [[:File:KtVS2 Introducing Menasor.jpg|introducing himself]] to Optimus Prime from "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]." Note that Menasor utilizes his ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' design.
**[[:File:TFTM optimus color fades.gif|Optimus Prime's death]] with [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] catching the shining Matrix of Leadership from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
**The numbers "[[1984]]" and "[[2005]]" sometimes flash, which are when season 1 of ''The Transformers'' and ''The Transformers: The Movie'' take place, respectively.
*Megatron's feigning weakness and begging for mercy is yet another callback to the 1986 movie.
*Shockwave and Elita-1 had a rivalry in the episode of ''The Transformers'' that introduced the latter, "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]".
*Once he steals the Matrix, Megatron calls Prime "Orion Pax", a name frequently given to a younger, pre-leader version of Optimus. It was first used in ''The Transformers'' episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".

===Animation and technical errors===

===Trivia===
*Astrotrain once again is delegated to a brief shot, though here he is far smaller compared to his appearance in the [[Siege episode 6|last season's finale]], and closer to his [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|toy]].

===Foreign localization===

==External Links==
*[https://www.netflix.com/watch/81056824 Episode 6 on Netflix]

[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Trilogy episodes]]

Escape Part Two

2021-02-11T20:32:34Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Escape]]'' #2
|prev=Escape Part One
|next=Escape Part Three
|caption=
|image=TFEscape 2 cvrA.jpg
|title="Escape Part Two"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[February 10]], 2021
|coverdate=January 2021
|written by=[[Brian Ruckley]]
|art by=[[Beth McGuire-Smith]]
|colors by=[[Priscilla Tramontano]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]], and [[Riley Farmer]]
|continuity=[[2019 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''The Autobot refugee convoy encounters dangerous enemies and an ancient ally in the wilderness, while the Insecticons go behind Shockwave's back to raise an army.'''

==Synopsis==
''The [[War of the Threefold Spark]]: [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] enter one of [[Exarchon]]'s strongholds to cut a deal with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]...''

The present: in Shockwave's hidden bunker, the three [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s push past [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] and demand an audience with their would-be benefactor. A displeased Shockwave pointedly reminds them that he told them to keep a low profile, and their antics in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] have only jeopardised his efforts further and put them all at risk of discovery. Bombshell demands to know the status of his [[cloning]] project, but the scientist waves them off by telling them that he'll contact them when the time is right. As they go, Shockwave's minion [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] asks if he's told the Insecticons that he doesn't actually ''need'' the trio to finish his project. Shockwave answers: the Insecticons are dangerous, unknown quantities, and even ''they'' do not yet understand the full scope of their power... though he resolves to keep a close eye on Bombshell, the cleverest of the three, who's already probing the limits of his abilities.

[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] have scraped together a [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]]-bound evacuation convoy consisting of [[A'ovan]] refugees, former inhabitants of the [[Xeno-Quarter]], injured Cybertronians, and [[Autobot]] guards. As they trundle out of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], Wheeljack wonders aloud why Hound cares so deeply for the A'ovans, and Hound explains that his time out among the colonies broadened his horizons, and opened his eyes to the value of all life. Long ago, he once visited the [[Na'conda|A'ovan homeworld]] with [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] and [[Meteorfire (G1)|Meteorfire]], who introduced him to the planet's delicate beauty... and when the [[Thraal]] attacked, that beauty was almost lost forever. Hound sees it as his duty to preserve whatever remains of that world and Wheeljack agrees, but reminds his friend that their plan hinges on whether [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] and his compatriots can persuade Darkmount's notoriously temperamental senator to turn over the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]s.

In [[Crystal City]]'s [[Academy of Research]], Highbrow and his associates [[Geomotus]], [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]], and [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] put through a call to Highbrow's old colleague, the reclusive Senator [[Straxus (G1)|Straxxus]]. Haughty and arrogant as ever, the theoretician-turned-senator is far more interested in discussing his latest scientific findings regarding the planet's geology than the Arks. Geomotus, on the other hand, has read his recent papers and is quite interested in what he has to say—if Straxxus's calculations are correct, he postulates, then the increasing tremors could very well fracture the impermeable layer that surrounds the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. The idea horrifies his compatriots, but Straxxus finds these postulations intriguing—if these trends continue, he predicts then the planet could very well shake itself apart. That's why he's already hauled one of the Arks out of storage, and begun the process of refitting it into an escape vessel for the citizens of Darkmount should this prediction come to pass: he's quite happy to let Highbrow have the ''other'' three vessels, however... and an exasperated Highbrow groans that it would've been ''much'' easier if Straxxus had simply been upfront with them from the beginning.

As the Autobot convoy makes its way through a winding canyon road, they don't see [[Flywheels|Skytread]] and his [[Decepticon]]s camped out on the ridge above them. [[Roadtrap (Generations)|Roadtrap]] points out that these civilians pose no threat, but Skytread points out that these refugees are Decepticon subjects now. Not only are they being abetted by known enemies of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], they also don't have ''permission'' to leave, and Skytread orders his detachment to open fire on the caravan below. The ambush catches the Autobots off-guard, and Hound shouts for everyone to get to cover while he calls in [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]]. Nautica's bodyguard obligingly takes to the sky and draws [[Airwave (facility)|Airwave]]'s artillery fire, but warns Hound that she can't win this fight alone. Just as Hound calls in reinforcements, however, the ground shakes, heralding the arrival of [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], whose very presence sends the four Decepticons running!

In Shockwave's laboratory, Skrapnel wants a word with Skystalker; although the little Decepticon thinks that the Insecticon is just there to bully him some more, he's surprised when Skrapnel tells him that he's there to sympathise with his loss. Believing that he's found a sympathetic ear, Skystalker vents his emotions as he laments the disappearance of his friend [[Vigilem]] and so lost is he in self-pity that he doesn't see Bombshell creeping up behind him -until Skrapnel and Kickback suddenly pin him down while Bombshell jams a [[cerebro-shell]] into his neck! The Insecticons aren't interested in waiting for Shockwave: their new slave can procure the machinery they'll need, while the three Insecticons harvest the fuel to run them...

While Nautica and [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] chat with the A'ovan [[Pra'jak]], Wheeljack and Hound catch up with Dai Atlas. ''No'' Cybertronian in history has ever returned from [[Immersant | immersion]], but Dai Atlas explains as best he can: this body holds only a portion of his old self, while another part of him still continues his spiritual journey onwards to the [[Transformer afterlife|place where immersant Sparks go]]. Hound is just relieved that he showed up when he did to see the Decepticons off, but Dai Atlas corrects him—he ''renounced'' violence long ago, and specifically went immersant to find a place without conflict. Road Rage demands to know why he's come if not to help them fight their way through the trials to come... but before she can get a real answer to her question, the group receives a distress call from Nautica: the rearguard is under attack! Skrapnel attacks Nautica and [[Tote]], and though Road Rage arrives just in time to prevent Skrapnel from killing Nautica, Kickback and Skrapnel incapacitate her. Hound warns the Insecticons to back off, but the trio only mock his affection for the fragile organics. Determined to uphold his promise, the taunts only galvanize his resolve, and he squares up to take them ''all'' on by himself!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (8)
* [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]] (20)
* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (22)
* [[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]] (23)
* [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] (24)
* [[Tote]] (26)

|c2=
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] (1)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (2)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (3)
* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] (4)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (5)
* [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] (6)
* [[Roadtrap (Generations)|Roadtrap]] (16)
* [[Flywheels|Skytread]] (17)
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (18)
* [[Airwave (facility)|Airwave]] (19)

|c4=
* ''[[Meteorfire (G1)|Meteorfire]]'' (9)
* ''[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'' (10)
* [[Geomotus]] (11)
* [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]] (12)
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (13)
* [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (14)
* [[Straxus (G1)|Straxxus]] (15)
* [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] (21)
* [[Pra'jak]] (25)

}}

==Quotes==
"There were these creatures that lived in the soil. And they transformed and became lighter-than-air. On a single night, they all rose into the sky and mated and died and disintegrated and fell back into the ground. Like snow. It was beautiful and terrible, fragile and ancient. That's how Meteorfire described it. It was... kind of '''glorious''', I suppose. It was all lost when that world was destroyed. The universe got smaller and less interesting. Turns out, I prefer my universe '''big'''."
:—'''Hound'''

"We save what we can, of the organic and the inorganic. The injured, the innocent, and the alien."
:—'''Wheeljack'''

"Shockwave thinks we can't do anything without him. He never did respect us. None of them ever did. But they feared us. Now we'll show them they never feared us '''enough'''."
:—'''Bombshell'''

"Ambidextrous. Huh. Is that a real word, Nautica?" 
"Yes, Mudslinger." 
"'''Hey, Tote!''' Did you know that there's a thing called ambidextrous? And that these organics aren't?"
:—'''Mudslinger''' and '''Nautica'''

"You're not '''seriously''' going to fight for all these soft creatures, are you?" 
"Yes, I am." 
"'''Why?''' They don't '''last''' anyway! They'll all be dead before long. Dying's what they '''do'''!" 
"There you go, making it even easier. Now I'd be fighting against '''you''', even if there was '''no one''' to defend."
: —'''Bombshell''' and '''Hound'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The one-panel flashback in this story is set during the [[War of the Threefold Spark]]. As per ''[[Transformers: Galaxies|Galaxies]]'' [[Constructicons Rising, Part 2|issue #2]], we know that the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s helped clear battlefields and dispose of dead bodies, but this issue seems to show them working for [[Exarchon]]! This isn't ''entirely'' at odds with their backstory in ''Galaxies'', however: during his conversation with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, Bombshell never specified ''which'' side of the war they were on...
* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] last appeared in ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|issue #19]], where he was distraught over [[Vigilem]]'s disappearance after his [[Titan (group)|Titan]] partner destroyed the [[Tether]]. He's still camped out in Shockwave's bunker where the Decepticon scientist ran [[The Rise|the Rise]] before Megatron cleaned house in [[The Change In Your Nature Part Three|issue #15]]; indeed, Skrapnel mocks him for this prior defeat.
* [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] last appeared in the [[Storm Horizon Part 3|final issue]] of ''Galaxies'', which ended with him returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] well before [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and the other 'bots aboard the ''[[Fist of Iacon]]''. That issue didn't ''entirely'' lay out what his deal was, but this one clarifies that he'd been sent out into space to gather the necessary parts to jumpstart Shockwave's cloning operations... though it's still not clear if Soundblaster himself is a clone of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]].
* [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] previously appeared as a diplomat during a flashback in [[Nautica: Home|''Transformers'' issue #11]], where he and Nautica helped negotiate a peace treaty between the Thraal and the [[Occulted Dremden]].
* The geologists [[Geomotus]] and [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]] last appeared in [[Rise of the Decepticons: Tremors|''Transformers'' #21]], where they were investigating tectonic anomalies out in the badlands for [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]].
* [[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]] appeared in a crowd scene with several other new Autobots in [[War World: Awakenings|''Transformers'' #26]]. He makes a cameo here along with fellow [[Off Road Patrol]] members [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] and [[Tote]]—traditional team leader [[Powertrain]] is conspicuously absent, however, perhaps because [[Storm Horizon Part 1|''Galaxies'' #9]] already depicted him as a crew member aboard Ultra Magnus's ship.

===Transformers references===
* [[Meteorfire (G1)|Meteorfire]] is based on the [[Meteorfire (Cyberverse)|the ''Cyberverse'' character of the same name.]] In that continuity, Meteorfire was an explorer who hosted the television program ''[[Alien Hunt!]]''; appropriately enough, this universe features him as a member of Cybertron's xenobiology division.
* The refugee convoy includes several injured Transformers recuperating inside [[stasis pod]]s, based on how they appeared in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'']] cartoon.
* Skytread swears by the [[Void]] upon seeing Dai Atlas, just as [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] did in [[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Five|''Transformers'' #11]].

===Errors===
* On page ten, panel four, Airwave is coloured black.
* As he gloats on page thirteen, [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s insect legs are mistakenly coloured purple rather than silver.

===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for January 20th, this issue arrives three weeks late.
* Cybertronians are apparently naturally ambidextrous.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Hound, Wheeljack, and a Cybertron in jeopardy, by [[Beth McGuire-Smith]]
* '''Cover B''': Dai Atlas goes immersant, by [[Anna Malkova]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''': Mirrored art of Bombshell, by [[Nicole Goux]]

<gallery>
File:TFEscape 2 cvrA.jpg
File:TFEscape 2 cvrB.jpg
File:TFEscape 2 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]''
* ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles''
* ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars]]''

===Reprints===
*'''''Transformers Volume 4: Declaration of War''''' ([[August 10]], 2021 **''scheduled''**) ISBN 1684058066 / ISBN 978-1684058068
**Hardcover.
**Collects ''Transformers'' issues #25–30, ''Transformers Valentine's Day Special'', and ''[[Transformers: Escape|Escape]]'' issues #1-5.
**Bonus material currently unknown, most likely alternate covers.

<gallery>
image:TF-IDW-2019v4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: Declaration of War'''''; cover art by [[Cryssy Cheung]]
</gallery>

==External links==
* [https://tformers.com/transformers-escape-2-comic-book-preview/40199/news.html Preview]

[[Category: Escape issues]]

Signal to Noise

2021-02-11T03:16:05Z

Orogogus: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory|
|series=mtmte|issueno=13
|prev=Cybertronian Homesick Blues
|next=Remembrance Day
|caption=
|image=
|title="Signal to Noise" (A ''Lost Light'' Interlude)
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|published in=[[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|''More than Meets the Eye'' #13]]
|date=[[February 6]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=January 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2012)]]
}}

'''Rung meets with Rodimus after a trip to Hedonia reawakens an important memory.'''

==Synopsis==
Growing a little claustrophobic, [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] exits the elevator he is travelling in twenty floors early and carries on towards his appointment on foot. With [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] at his side being his usual non-conversational self, Rung is left to think quietly to himself about the nature of his recently repaired body—[[mode attachment|still unchanged from its original design]]—and the psychological link between bodyforms and warfare. He recalls his convalescence following his accidental injuring, how the very first time he moved following his reawakening was to press a finger to [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s lips to silence him, and Rewind's multiple storytelling sessions. Most recently, he remembers his work with [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] to create upgraded [[holomatter]] avatars that draw on their users' psyches, which they tested on [[Hedonia]]... where Rung remembered something important...

''In the gift shop outside the bar on Hedonia, a short time after abandoning [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] with a drunken Ultra Magnus, Rung, [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]], [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are browsing the store's wares. Tailgate grows bored as Skids tries on hats but refuses to wait outside with Whirl, who is banging his head on a display case to, according to Rung, "relieve the pressure on his brain". Rung is also feeling guilty about leaving Swerve, and worries about the trouble they'll be in with Magnus, encouraging Rewind to suggest that if they're already in trouble, they might as well get into some ''serious'' trouble by searching for the "dark secret" of Hedonia (since all friendly, welcoming planets have a seamy underbelly). Rather than do that, though, they instead decide to watch [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]], also browsing the aisles, out of the corners of their eyes and talk about him behind his back. Rung selects a model spaceship and takes it to the pay-port, only to be stopped by the sight of a rack of memory sticks, containing recordings of the "Hedonian experience". Rewind dissuades him from buying any, since he's recording his own, but purchasing them is not on Rung's mind: the sight of them has triggered a memory...''

Ultra Magnus finally speaks up after twenty minutes of silence, warning Rung that his impending meeting with Rodimus may not be too smooth, given the various problems Rodimus is dealing with: the failure of the long-range subspace network, the loss of their only lead in their quest, and his own personal issues. Rung remarks on the succinctness of Magnus's language, which prompts Magnus to try and make a joke, only for it to come out so seriously that Rung misses its intent entirely. Rung encourages him to find a kind of humor that works for him, and Magnus tries again, only to fluff the punchline and grimly apologise. Mercifully, the pair then arrive at Rodimus's office (complete with a new plaque commemorating his residence that Rung dubs "premature"), where the ship's captain is drawing on his desk with a laser scalpel. He quizzes Rung on the psychological health of the crew following recent setbacks, and, satisfied with his answers, returns to his doodling until Magnus points out that it was Rung who asked for the appointment, not Rodimus. His attention back on Rung, Rodimus listens as the psychiatrist describes [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s final sessions with him before his apparent suicide attempt and the mysterious voice he claimed to hear coming from beneath the ship. Rodimus is doubtful of the paranoid Red's claims, but Rung verifies them by bringing up the recording Red made of the voice, and Rodimus agrees to look into it—after dealing with prior appointments with Brainstorm and [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]]. Rung is ushered out, and when Magnus, waiting outside, asks how it went, Rung invites him for a chat. After all, it would be nice for someone to listen to ''him'' for a change.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (1)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (4)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (5)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (8)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (6)
}}

==Mentioned characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (2)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (4)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (5)
*[[Blurr (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (7)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (8)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] (9)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (11)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] (3)
|c4=
*[[Froid]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'm not going outside by myself—Nutjob's out there." 
"So?" 
"So he knows I'm easily led. He'll talk me into assassinating Rodimus or swapping my [[transformation cog]] with a hand grenade or something. And to be honest, I'm starting to think—and don't you dare tell him this—but I'm starting to think he's not stable."
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Skids'''

"When he's bored he tends to shoot someone. He's not allowed in museums because people end up dead."
:—'''Rewind''' on Whirl

'''Rung:''' "You're saying the more outwardly peaceable and well-adjusted a society, the greater the likelihood-" 
'''Rewind:''' "Of it having a sinister underbelly. Yup." 
'''Skids:''' "Even [[Lovetopia]], off [[Rigel VII]]?" 
'''Rewind:''' "Lovetopia? Please. The [[Lovetopian]] elite were selling the lower classes to the [[Macerator (G1)|Macerators]]. The 'magic ingredient' in every pint of [[Yum-Yum juice]]? An impoverished family of six." 
'''Skids:''' "[[Cuddlex]], in the [[Benevolon Sector]]?" 
'''Rewind:''' "A wonderful place for a vacation—if you ignore the fact that they breed [[haemoslave]]s to fight in service to the [[Antigod]]. And don't even get me started on the living hell that is [[Giggleopolis]]."

"I've spent years weaning myself off figurative language. It clouds the facts. I occasionally resort to a simile if the situation absolutely demands it, but I remain intensely distrustful of extended metaphors."
:—'''Ultra Magnus

"First I've got to see Brainstorm about the [[proton missile]] launchers, and then—" 
"I didn't know we had any proton missile launchers." 
"Yeah, we bought them from the Hedonians—turns out they're the most well-connected arms dealers in the galaxy. Can you believe it?"
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Rung'''

==Notes==
* This story was accidentally left out of the digital copy of [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|''More than Meets the Eye'' #13]], which had to be updated to add it back in. The framing sequence takes place after the main story in the issue, "[[Cybertronian Homesick Blues]]", but the flashback in the middle occurs between pages 12 and 14 of that story.
* Rung refers to a rival practitioner of psychology named "[[Froid]]", a reference to real-life rival practitioners {{w|Carl Jung|Jung}} and {{w|Sigmund Freud|Freud}}.
* Tailgate name-drops the [[Cosmic Carnival]].
* After Magnus' collapse, Skids laments "we're in a rich tapestry of trouble! We're in shades of trouble so subtle and multi-faceted that you probably have to take several steps back to fully appreciate." This verbal tic of using Blackadder-esque extended metaphors will [[The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|later]] transfer to [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]].
* Though "Signal to Noise" is usually included in collections that contain issue 13, the [[Hachette]] ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection|Definitive G1 Collection]]'' instead groups it with their "Remain in Light" volume (issues 14–21), which also includes the prose story "[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]".

===Errors===
* On page one, irreparable is misspelled "irreperable". This was ''not'' fixed for the TPB.
* On page four, Rodimus says: "I said it's got '''the''' be better than Cybertron, right?" This was fixed for the trade paperback collection.
* In the very next paragraph, Rung's first sentence has "who's" misspelled as "whose". This was ''not'' fixed for the TPB.
* Also on the same page, "someone" is spelled "so'''n'''eone." This was also fixed for the TPB.
* Ultra Magnus says he's "not much of a conversationist". ''Conversationist'' is not a word, but ''conversationalist'' is.
* In a cosmological context, "heatdeath" should be spelled as two words, "heat death".
* Missing spaces: "if that's what you mean.As far as I'm concerned", "information about members of the crew.As Director of Security".

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2021-01-30T03:21:07Z

Orogogus: /* Real-World references */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Stephen Hawking in a rare Transformers cameo.]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 23rd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26th July 1984
* Final script: 9th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Peter Cullen]] not present for main session, [[Chris Latta]] voiced Optimus Prime for scratch track)

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Foreign localization===

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Astrum, il traditore'''" ("Starscream, the Traitor")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Conto alla rovescia per l'estinzione'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-11.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HZEQfVV6BKkVivUIYpdZyoOJftuPoM6J Full episode script, finalised on 9th August 1984]

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

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2021-01-30T03:15:50Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Stephen Hawking in a rare Transformers cameo.]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 23rd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26th July 1984
* Final script: 9th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Peter Cullen]] not present for main session, [[Chris Latta]] voiced Optimus Prime for scratch track)

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Foreign localization===

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Astrum, il traditore'''" ("Starscream, the Traitor")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Conto alla rovescia per l'estinzione'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-11.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HZEQfVV6BKkVivUIYpdZyoOJftuPoM6J Full episode script, finalised on 9th August 1984]

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

War World: Awakenings

2021-01-09T03:03:25Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig3|Awakening}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' #26
|prev=War World: Prime
|next=War World: Moon
|caption=
|image=TF2019 26 cvrB.jpg
|title="War World: Awakenings"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[December 30]], 2020
|coverdate=December 2020
|written by=[[Brian Ruckley]]
|art by=[[Anna Malkova]]
|colors=[[David García Cruz]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
|continuity=[[2019 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Optimus Prime gets to grips with his new role as Autobot leader by seeking counsel from a controversial source, while Megatron confronts a figure from his past.'''

==Synopsis==
''The past: [[Termagax]] watches the [[Tether]] collapse from the balcony of [[Termagax's fortress|her tower]] before deciding that it's time for her to act, and promptly orders her house to manufacture something for her.''

The present: inside the [[White Tower]] prison complex, a hesitant [[Froid]] watches as [[Pyra Magna]] exits her secure stasis chamber. The former [[Great General]] can hardly believe that [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] has suddenly authorized her release, and Froid points out that he didn't—[[Optimus Prime (G1)|''Optimus'' Prime]], the new leader of the Autobots, has made the decision. Meanwhile, Optimus himself, still finding his feet as [[Autobot]] commander after accepting the [[Matrix of Leadership]], addresses the crowd who have gathered under his command at Autobot headquarters, and makes his points clear: although none of them seek war, Optimus will do everything in his power to safeguard lives and protect the innocent from tyranny. And, if that means taking up arms against [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and his [[Decepticon]]s... then he ''will'' fight.

Across [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], Megatron himself deals with a similar set of burdens as he and his [[Decepticon]]s plan their next moves. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] criticizes Megatron's reckless decision to send the [[Rainmaker]]s after Sentinel Prime, but [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] shuts him down: what's done is done, and now that the Decepticons have seized power they must convince the citizens of Cybertron to recognize their legitimacy. Megatron has no intention of ruling from the old [[Senate]] building, and tells Strika to turn the building into a prison for the Senators within; in the meantime, they must tighten their control over Iacon's infrastructure—factories, academies, the [[Titan Hub]], and the intelligence division. To make any kind of progress, they must turn the 'bots responsible for their day-to-day operation to the Decepticon cause, but most of them are more devoted to their jobs than to any political ideology... with one glaring exception. Ratbat confirms Megatron's suspicions—[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] wants a word with the Decepticon leader.

Having recovered and interred Sentinel Prime's body, Optimus seeks counsel from [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] regarding his recent decision to release Pyra Magna. Ironhide points out that many Autobots will disapprove, including members of the [[Senate Guard]], but Optimus remains adamant that they need an experienced tactician on their side. With Strika a Decepticon and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] missing in action, they need a military strategist to provide counsel; Prime will not recklessly throw any more lives away, and although he still doesn't know all of the answers... the least he can do is ''try'' to do the right thing.

At the top of the White Tower, prison warden [[Roadmaster]] watches as Pyra steps out into the sunlight for the first time in kilocycles before meeting with [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]. Though Roadmaster remains uneasy, Chromia admits that Pyra fought harder and longer than anyone else during the [[War of the Threefold Spark]], and in the face of Decepticon tyranny they may very well require that same kind of vigor once more. Before Pyra seeks counsel with Optimus, however, she has one thing she must do first: once Roadmaster shuts off the prison's comms blockers, the general sends a long-range transmission across Cybertron and contacts her old lieutenant [[Jumpstream]], who promptly drops everything and uses her [[teleportation]] power to jump across the surface of Cybertron—over the [[Cybertronian Mountains]], across the [[Rust Sea]], all the way up onto the tower itself to finally kneel before her beloved leader. Roadmaster and Chromia are disturbed by Jumpstream's fanaticism, and when Pyra commands her lieutenant to track down the other "Companions", their concern only grows...

Elsewhere in Iacon, roving reporter [[Andromeda (G1)|Andromeda]] races toward the highway to investigate a mysterious communications blackout in the city of [[Tarn (polity)|Tarn]], until a hologram of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] cuts her off and orders her to report to Decepticon headquarters to meet with them. Elsewhere in the city, [[Crasher (G1)|Crasher]]'s Decepticon patrol sweep the streets, while [[Battleslash]] and [[Roadtrap (Generations)|Roadtrap]] discuss the prospect of [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] taking over from [[Flywheels|Skytread]] as leader of the Decepticon Guard, meaning that they completely fail to notice [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], eager to settle his score with the Decepticon six-changer, lurking in the shadows.

At Decepticon Headquarters, Starscream's meeting with Megatron starts out on the wrong foot and only gets worse. Arrogant as ever, the spymaster's antics push Megatron's patience, and his overconfidence soon lands him in over his head when he taunts his old colleague Soundwave and gets blasted against the wall. Tired of these games, Megatron simply points his [[fusion cannon]] at Starscream and orders him to tell him everything he knows—and although Starscream sputters that he knows something about the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s and the [[Enigma of Combination]], he doesn't get any further before Skytread barges in, bearing some unexpected news: Termagax has returned, and she is ''not'' happy!

In the old gladiatorial arena, Termagax delivers a furious speech to the assembled Decepticons: her movement was founded on ideals, not the violence and anarchy that Megatron has unleashed upon Iacon. But it's Megatron who strides onto the arena floor to cut her off: the difference between them is that Termagax gave up, and Megatron didn't, and his remarks finally cause Termagax to realize the truth about her old Mentee. Megatron ''never'' truly cared about the sanctity of her cause, or genuinely improving Cybertron: everything Megatron has ever done as leader of the Ascenticons, has been about ''him'', and him alone. Termagax knew that the Ascenticons could only win if they ''convinced'' Cybertron to choose a new path, not force it upon them—but that's as far as Termagax gets before Megatron unloads his [[fusion cannon]] upon her. Convinced he's vanquished the last remnant of his past, Megatron tells his Decepticons that their course is set... only for Ratbat to reveal the truth: that wasn't the genuine article! "Termagax" was merely a mindless [[spectrosynth drone]], remotely controlled by the real Termagax from the safety of her fortress; as she orders the construction of another drone, she decides to relocate, and transforms her tower into a mobile fortress that stands up and strides off into the wasteland...

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in hallucinatory form. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Froid]] (2)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (4)
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (5)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (6)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (7)
* [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] (8)
* [[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]] (9)
* [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] (10)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (11)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (12)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (14)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (15)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (16)
* [[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (19)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (20)
* [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] or [[Eject (G1)|Eject]] (21)
* [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s corpse (28)
* [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (30)

{{!}}}

|h2=[[Decepticon|Ascenticon]]s/[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Termagax]] (1)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (22)
* [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] (23)
* [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] (24)
* [[Nova Storm (G1)|Nova Storm]] (25)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (26)
* [[Ion Storm]] (27)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (33)
* [[Roadtrap (Generations)|Roadtrap]] (34)
* [[Crasher (G1)|Crasher]] (35)
* [[Battleslash]] (36)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (37)
* [[Flywheels|Skytread]] (44)
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (45)
* [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] (46)
* [[Lugnut (TF 2010)|Lugnut]] (47)
* [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] (48)
* [[Runamuck (G1)|Runabout]] (49)
* [[Scatterspike (G1)|Scatterspike]] (50)
* [[Nautilator]] (51)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (52)

{{!}}}

|c4=
* [[Pyra Magna]] (3)
* [[Roadmaster]] (29)
* [[Jumpstream]] (31)
* [[Andromeda (G1)|Andromeda]] (32)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (38)
* ''[[Highfire]]'' (39)
* ''[[Gridlock]]'' (40)
* ''[[Provoke]]'' (41)
* ''[[Grudge]]'' (42)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (43)

}}

==Quotes==
"And '''who''' is Optimus Prime?" 
"Well, that's something I'm sure a great many of us are curious to discover."
:—'''Froid''' and '''Pyra Magna'''

"I know that you are here because you feel compelled to stand against what is happening. And I know that you are looking to '''me''' for answers. But you should also know that I am not as I was. I have seen... I am not certain what I saw. Nor '''what''' answers I can give. I remember that Megatron and his followers... whatever happens, they remain of '''us'''. We are parts of a '''whole'''. I have no wish to fight, since it can only be a fight against ourselves. But I '''will'''. If that is what it takes to save lives, to prevent something worse... if there is truly no other choice, I will fight."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"We should mourn Sentinel Prime. He was flawed, as we '''all''' are. Perhaps he failed. But he faced a choice, when the Matrix came to him. And in that moment, he chose to '''try'''."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

"Just so you know, I'm not on board with this ridiculous idea." 
"You amaze me, Roadmaster. Isn't it '''every''' jailor's ambition to see their most famous prisoner released, then? Of course, you've got so few inmates up here, perhaps you'll be out of a job soon ayway."
:—'''Roadmaster''' and '''Pyra Magna'''

"How stupid of me not to have seen it long ago. It's not about the cause. It's about '''you'''. Self-elevation. Self-glorification. You mislearned '''every lesson''' I tried to teach. Look at you, standing there, with that cannon on your arm. What are you doing? Fighting another war? Cybertron had to '''choose''' a better future, you '''fool'''."
:—'''Termagax'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This story takes place more or less concurrently with the events of [[Escape Part One|the first issue]] of the ''[[Transformers: Escape]]'' miniseries, and features several characters from that story in minor roles—[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], and [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]]. With this in mind, we can probably assume that Hound and Nautica have their adventure in the [[A'ovan habitat]] at some point after attending Optimus Prime's first speech, while Gutcruncher returns to Decepticon headquarters to see Termagax following his encounter with Hoist and Ratchet.
* The prologue on page one picks up after [[Vigilem]]'s destruction of the [[Tether]] back in [[The Change In Your Nature Part Five|issue #17]]. In [[Arcee/Greenlight: Run|#18]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] warned that the planet's orbit would wrap the Tether around its equator like a ball of twine, and Termagax observes such a phenomenon taking place as the cable contours itself over the landscape.
* Optimus mentions that they do not know when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] will return to Cybertron; thanks to [[Storm Horizon Part 3|issue #12]] of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies|Galaxies]]'', we know that, thanks to the space-time distorting properties of the [[Black Sphere]] system, he and the crew of the ''[[Fist of Iacon]]'' have been delayed by at least seventy cycles after rescuing [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] from [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]].
* Pyra Magna at last! Aaaaaaaaaall the way back in [[The World In Your Eyes Part Three|issue #3]], [[Froid]] mentioned a mysterious patient—one of his "four substantial failures"—who he had been barred from visiting; Pyra was first namedropped in [[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Two|issue #8]], but this is the first issue to reveal that they are, in fact, the same person. In [[The World In Your Eyes Part Two|issue #2]] and [[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Four|#9]], we flagged up some individuals who shared Pyra Magna's distinctive teal-and-red color scheme; as we suspected at the time, this was ''not'' a coincidence, as [[Jumpstream]] notes that she and many others deliberately adopted Pyra's colors as a combination protest and tribute to their leader.
* Cyclonus has been looking for [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] to settle a score for some time now; in issue #17, he learned from [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] that Sixshot had deliberately destroyed the [[Memorial Crater]] which he had taken it upon himself to guard.
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] have quite the history: in [[The Change In Your Nature Part Two|issue #14]], we learned that Starscream had somehow ousted Soundwave from his position as the head of Cybertronian intelligence. Judging by his behaviour here, Soundwave's been nursing a grudge for some time!
* Starscream promises some intel regarding to the [[Enigma of Combination]] and [[Titan (group)|Titansparks]]. The Enigma was last seen in Termagax's custody in ''Galaxies'' [[Constructicons Rising, Part 1|#1]]; we learned from a blurb in issue #18, meanwhile, that the [[Well of All Sparks]] had not produced a Titanspark in many cycles, but ''why'' this is so is not yet clear...

===Transformers references===
* Back in [[Nautica: Home|issue #12]], a frustrated [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]] told Nautica that she only knew two Cybertronians capable of teleportation. While one was almost certainly [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], it wasn't clear at the time who the other one could be, but this issue reveals that [[Jumpstream]] possesses a similar ability. She was noted to possess this power in her [[bio]], but never displayed any such ability in [[2005 IDW continuity|the original IDW continuity]].
* Pyra Magna's jailer [[Roadmaster]] began as a one-off character created for [[The Frail Gaze|issue #43]] of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'', though she later made a few background appearances during the ''[[Transformers: Unicron|Unicron]]'' crossover event.
* [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] puts in an appearance on page sixteen standing next to [[Lugnut (TF 2010)|Lugnut]]. Rather than the hovering, skeletal shape he used in both ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]'', however, he's wearing a body based on his [[Obsidian (BM)#Timelines 2|2013 BotCon toy]], a humanoid form that appeared in that year's "[[Termination]]" comic.
* A hunchbacked Decepticon in the crowd on on page seventeen is drawn and colored to resemble [[Scatterspike (RID)|Scatterspike]] from the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon, specifically her Warrior Class toy.
* Termagax's [[spectrosynth drone]]s may be a reference to the stage name of undercover actor [[Clipshade]] from the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic.

===Real-world references===
* Termagax's fortress possessing chicken-esque legs for locomotion is likely inspired by the similar house of {{w|Baba Yaga}}, witch of Slavic folklore.

===Errors===
* On page four, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] is again depicted with a red chevron and different shoulder details as he was in [[Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|issue #19]], while his appearance in ''[[Transformers: Escape|Escape]]'' [[Escape Part One|#1]] gives him a toy-accurate black crest.

===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for the first week of December, this issue arrives almost a month late, the latest in a series of ongoing delays from IDW.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Megatron on the rampage, by [[Freddie E. Williams]]
* '''Cover B''': Pyra Magna and Jumpstream, by [[Billie Montfort]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''': Megatron blasts Termagax, by [[Alex Milne]]

<gallery>
File:TF2019 26 cvrA.jpg
File:TF2019 26 cvrB.jpg
File:TF2019 26 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[Transformers: Escape]]''

===Reprints===
*'''''Transformers Volume 4: Declaration of War''''' ([[August 10]], 2021 **''scheduled''**) ISBN 1684058066 / ISBN 978-1684058068
**Hardcover.
**Collects ''Transformers'' issues #25–30, ''Transformers Valentine's Day Special'', and ''[[Transformers: Escape|Escape]]'' issues #1-5.
**Bonus material currently unknown, most likely alternate covers.

<gallery>
image:TF-IDW-2019v4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: Declaration of War'''''; cover art by [[Cryssy Cheung]]
</gallery>

==External links==
* [http://majorspoilers.com/2020/12/29/preview-transformers-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=preview-transformers-26 Preview]

[[Category:Transformers (2019) issues]]

Enemy of My Enemy Part Four

2020-10-02T01:41:40Z

Orogogus: /* Terminator references */

{{disambig3|Enemy of My Enemy}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers vs. The Terminator]]'' #4
|prev=Enemy of My Enemy Part Three
|next=
|image=TFTerminator 4 cvrB.jpg
|title="Enemy of My Enemy Part Four"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]] and [[Dark Horse Comics]]
|date=[[September 30]], [[2020]]
|coverdate=September 2020
|story by= [[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[John Barber]]
|written by=[[David Mariotte]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
}}

'''The future hangs in the balance as Optimus Prime and Megatron face off in final battle—but will Earth's inheritors be human, machine, or Cybertronian?'''

==Synopsis==
[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s made an offer he's sure the [[T-800]] can't turn down: since his robotic foe hails from the future, he gloats that the timeline now hangs on whether or not he executes the [[Cyberdyne Systems]] employees he's holding hostage—and he ''will'' spare the humans, but only if the Terminator returns the favor by helping him to depose [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. But what Starscream ''doesn't'' realize is that the Terminator has already seen through his ploy by analyzing the captives, deducing that none of them are crucial to [[Skynet]]'s creation, and feigning surrender; unaware of the deceit, Starscream lays out his plan...

[[Sarah Connor]] takes cover inside Cyberdyne's parking booth, where she uses the two-way radio to try and contact the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' for reinforcements. She gets no answer, however, and the situation gets worse when [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] locks on to her position. Surrounded on all sides by the Decepticons, it seems like the end for the trio of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]]... until [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] detects Sarah's transmission and breaks off from the fight to investigate. He deduces that she cannot reach the ''Ark'', but before he can inform [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] that there are no Autobot reinforcements on the way, Starscream swoops overhead and blasts him through the torso! As Megatron duels [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Starscream swoops in over the pair and ejects the Terminator from his cockpit. This living missile streaks right towards Megatron, but even his heavy-duty weapons only dent the Decepticon leader's thick armor. Tired of the irritating little robot, Megatron contemptuously hurls his attacker back into the sky, and his impact against Starscream's cockpit sends the Air Commander crashing to the ground. The interruption gives Prime the opening he needs to cleave his [[energon-axe]] straight into Megatron's chest, but in spite of this grievous injury, the Decepticon leader still refuses to surrender.

As Ravage witnesses Starscream's betrayal and Soundwave's near-destruction, he finds himself torn away from his mission to stop Sarah and help Soundwave... and that gives the once-meek human the opportunity to grab a handgun and wrestle the feline Decepticon long enough to shove the gun into his mouth and shoot him through the head. Arcee takes out [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] while Velocity and Bumblebee incapacitate [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]]; [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] had already perished in the fight. Sarah tries to pull the badly damaged Terminator out from underneath Starscream, but only retrieves the top half of his body from the wreckage. Starscream has survived the crash, however; as he transforms and prepares to kill the android for his failure, a blast from a furious Soundwave prompts him to make a cowardly retreat. Sparking and leaking, the dying Soundwave accuses the pair of having destroyed the Decepticons... but his words only encourage the pair to join forces and blast him with small-arms fire until he finally collapses.

By the time Bumblebee arrives, Sarah tells him that she couldn't raise [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and suspects that nobody's coming to help them. Without legs, the Terminator can't complete his mission; he informs Bumblebee that he needs Bumblebee's help. On his instructions, the yellow Autobot tosses the Terminator to Velocity, who hurls him to Arcee... and as Arcee tosses the T-800 at Megatron, the smaller robot flies right into Megatron's chest wound and blasts his [[spark]]! The surge of energy annihilates the Terminator on the spot and rips Megatron apart from the inside; as he dies, Megatron spits defiance at his old friend, who bids him a weary goodbye before turning his attention to their four Decepticon captives. As the Autobots load their prisoners into Optimus's trailer and prepare to return to the ''Ark'', Bumblebee asks Sarah if she'd like to join them as an honorary [[Autobot]]. Sarah declines; she'll do what she can to help the human survivors and keep the police off their trail. They'll keep in touch, Sarah promises, and she'll do her best to keep an eye on her alien friends.

Once Optimus and the Autobots arrive at the molten remains of [[Mount St. Hilary]], however, everything becomes clear—the Terminator had ''always'' intended to double-cross the Autobots, and his betrayal has left the last eight Transformers on [[Earth]] without reinforcements or a way home. Velocity can't process the loss, but Optimus urges them to let the past lie and try and find a new way forward. With Megatron gone, Autobots and Decepticons should lay down their arms and live on Earth in secret until they can find a way to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]; both sides agree, and as Prime stares out at the lake of molten magma, he briefly eulogizes the Terminator as best he could: in death, he completed his mission and ended the Cybertronian war.

Time passes, and Sarah eventually gets a job at the [[Skywatch]] corporation, where she uses her new connections to keep an eye on the Transformers in hiding. It seems a happy ending, and perhaps it might be... if not for Skywatch's ''new'' top-secret project. In Skynet's secret [[Omega Base|Alpha Base]], scientists dissect, study, and reverse-engineer Megatron's lifeless remains to create a computerized defense network. Armies of robotic tanks and airborne drones take shape. Legions of skeletal Terminator androids stand ready. Skynet activates... and Megatron lives again.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (9)
* [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (10)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (13)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (3)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] (6)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (7)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (8)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Sarah Connor]] (4)
* [[Chet]] (15)

|h4=[[Skynet]]|c4=
* [[T-800]] (2)
* [[T-8000]]s (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"We got this, right, Bee? You and I each take an Insecticon and Arcee takes the other two?" 
"I dunno, Lotty. Mebbe if we didn't have Soundwave coming up on our rear, too." 
"Oh... then we're '''doomed''', huh?" 
"Mmm... yep." 
:—'''Velocity''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"I don't fear you. I don't fear your Autobots or the meatbags or the children's toys or Starscream. '''FOR I AM FEAR ITSELF!'''" 
:—'''Megatron'''

"Guess you always land on your feet, huh? Time for your permanent catnap." 
:—'''Sarah Connor''' versus Ravage

"This was supposed to be '''your''' death, Prime. Your death..."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s last words

"No use wondering if I ever got through to the Terminator. His mission was accomplished and from '''that''', he is free. I can only hope that was enough."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* As he pretends to accept [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s offer, the Terminator remembers the battle against the 2029 Decepticons from [[Enemy of My Enemy Part One|issue #1]], including the exchange where Starscream calls the Terminators "slave-bots".
* Sarah describes her fight against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] as "round two", having previously tangled with the Decepticon aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' in [[Enemy of My Enemy Part Two|issue #2]].
* [[Skywatch]] appears in the final page; although issue #2 depicted it as a purely anti-Cybertronian military operation formed in response to the Cybertronian invasion of Earth, in this new timeline it seems to be a more generalized research and development firm, since the invasion never occurred. That's not to say that this new version Skywatch doesn't have ''some'' connections to the Transformers, however...
* ... because the final scene of the comic is set in the same secret bunker underneath the Big Jeff's restaurant that appeared in issue #1, which now hosts a new version of Skynet reverse-engineered from Megatron's remains. Here, however, it's called "Alpha Base" instead of that comic's "[[Omega Base|Omega]]". Much like Omega Base, it features regular Terminator robots, HK tanks and jets, and a new version of the giant [[T-8000]] units, but since ''these'' models are directly reverse-engineered from Megatron's remains, they sport his famous bucket helmet instead.

===Transformers references===
* Bumblebee calls Velocity "Lotty", the nickname she frequently went by in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''.
* The duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron involves Optimus injuring Megatron with his energon axe and preparing to put him down with it, only for an injured and fallen Megatron to retaliate with a two-handed haymaker uppercut, a reversed homage to their famous duel in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', in which Megatron injured Optimus with a laser sword and Optimus delivered the uppercut. Somewhat tellingly, Megatron dies shortly after making said move, just like Optimus did in the film.
* The Cybertronians ratify their truce by solemnly chanting "[['Til all are one|Till all are one]]", in what's probably a reference to the ending of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', where the victorious Autobots marked the apparent end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] by repeating the phrase.

===Terminator references===
* The Terminator loses his legs when he and Starscream crash; in the {{w|The Terminator|original film}}, he had his legs blown off by Kyle Reese at climax, only to continue to chasing Sarah Connor as a legless torso.
* The loading bay on the side of Cyberdyne System features signage that reads "T2" and "T3", the generally-accepted fan acronyms for the {{w|Terminator 2: Judgement Day|second}} and {{w|Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines|third}} films in the series.
* The final scene of the miniseries, featuring a new version of Skynet poised and ready to unleash itself upon humanity, appears to tie into a theme from the ''Terminator'' films in its third installation and onwards: the eventual extinction of mankind cannot be stopped, only delayed. Whether it's extensive time-travel manipulation, an entirely new AI taking Skynet's place, or—as seen here—an alien intelligence hijacking the network, the machines ''will'' rise...
** Of course, it also ties into the revelation of ''Terminator 2: Judgement Day''; that the Terminator sent back to kill Sarah Connor was responsible for Skynet's creation, its remains having been found by Cyberdyne.

===Real-life references===
* The calendar inside the Cyberdyne parking booth on page three features a depiction of the ''[[USS Enterprise]]'' battling the ''USS Reliant'' from the film ''[[Star Trek]] II: The Wrath of Khan.''

===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for a June 24th release, this issue was pushed back to September 16th as a result of IDW Publishing suspending operations, then slipped to the 30th as a result of regular production delays.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Sarah, the Terminator, and Megatron, by [[Gavin Fullerton]]
* '''Cover B''': Optimus Prime and the Terminator, by [[Billie Montfort]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''': Optimus merged with the Terminator's skull, by [[Freddie E. Williams]] and [[Jeremy Colwell]]

<gallery>
File:TFTerminator 4 cvrA.jpg
File:TFTerminator 4 cvrB.jpg
File:TFTerminator 4 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Joe Hill novels
*''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection]]'' [[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11|#11]]
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==External links==
[https://comic-watch.com/news/sneak-peek-preview-of-dark-horse-idws-transformers-vs-the-terminator-4 Preview]

[[Category:Transformers vs. The Terminator issues]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Enemy of My Enemy Part 4}}

Enemy of My Enemy Part Four

2020-10-02T01:40:12Z

Orogogus: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig3|Enemy of My Enemy}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers vs. The Terminator]]'' #4
|prev=Enemy of My Enemy Part Three
|next=
|image=TFTerminator 4 cvrB.jpg
|title="Enemy of My Enemy Part Four"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]] and [[Dark Horse Comics]]
|date=[[September 30]], [[2020]]
|coverdate=September 2020
|story by= [[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[John Barber]]
|written by=[[David Mariotte]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
}}

'''The future hangs in the balance as Optimus Prime and Megatron face off in final battle—but will Earth's inheritors be human, machine, or Cybertronian?'''

==Synopsis==
[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s made an offer he's sure the [[T-800]] can't turn down: since his robotic foe hails from the future, he gloats that the timeline now hangs on whether or not he executes the [[Cyberdyne Systems]] employees he's holding hostage—and he ''will'' spare the humans, but only if the Terminator returns the favor by helping him to depose [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. But what Starscream ''doesn't'' realize is that the Terminator has already seen through his ploy by analyzing the captives, deducing that none of them are crucial to [[Skynet]]'s creation, and feigning surrender; unaware of the deceit, Starscream lays out his plan...

[[Sarah Connor]] takes cover inside Cyberdyne's parking booth, where she uses the two-way radio to try and contact the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' for reinforcements. She gets no answer, however, and the situation gets worse when [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] locks on to her position. Surrounded on all sides by the Decepticons, it seems like the end for the trio of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]]... until [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] detects Sarah's transmission and breaks off from the fight to investigate. He deduces that she cannot reach the ''Ark'', but before he can inform [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] that there are no Autobot reinforcements on the way, Starscream swoops overhead and blasts him through the torso! As Megatron duels [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Starscream swoops in over the pair and ejects the Terminator from his cockpit. This living missile streaks right towards Megatron, but even his heavy-duty weapons only dent the Decepticon leader's thick armor. Tired of the irritating little robot, Megatron contemptuously hurls his attacker back into the sky, and his impact against Starscream's cockpit sends the Air Commander crashing to the ground. The interruption gives Prime the opening he needs to cleave his [[energon-axe]] straight into Megatron's chest, but in spite of this grievous injury, the Decepticon leader still refuses to surrender.

As Ravage witnesses Starscream's betrayal and Soundwave's near-destruction, he finds himself torn away from his mission to stop Sarah and help Soundwave... and that gives the once-meek human the opportunity to grab a handgun and wrestle the feline Decepticon long enough to shove the gun into his mouth and shoot him through the head. Arcee takes out [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] while Velocity and Bumblebee incapacitate [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]]; [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] had already perished in the fight. Sarah tries to pull the badly damaged Terminator out from underneath Starscream, but only retrieves the top half of his body from the wreckage. Starscream has survived the crash, however; as he transforms and prepares to kill the android for his failure, a blast from a furious Soundwave prompts him to make a cowardly retreat. Sparking and leaking, the dying Soundwave accuses the pair of having destroyed the Decepticons... but his words only encourage the pair to join forces and blast him with small-arms fire until he finally collapses.

By the time Bumblebee arrives, Sarah tells him that she couldn't raise [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], and suspects that nobody's coming to help them. Without legs, the Terminator can't complete his mission; he informs Bumblebee that he needs Bumblebee's help. On his instructions, the yellow Autobot tosses the Terminator to Velocity, who hurls him to Arcee... and as Arcee tosses the T-800 at Megatron, the smaller robot flies right into Megatron's chest wound and blasts his [[spark]]! The surge of energy annihilates the Terminator on the spot and rips Megatron apart from the inside; as he dies, Megatron spits defiance at his old friend, who bids him a weary goodbye before turning his attention to their four Decepticon captives. As the Autobots load their prisoners into Optimus's trailer and prepare to return to the ''Ark'', Bumblebee asks Sarah if she'd like to join them as an honorary [[Autobot]]. Sarah declines; she'll do what she can to help the human survivors and keep the police off their trail. They'll keep in touch, Sarah promises, and she'll do her best to keep an eye on her alien friends.

Once Optimus and the Autobots arrive at the molten remains of [[Mount St. Hilary]], however, everything becomes clear—the Terminator had ''always'' intended to double-cross the Autobots, and his betrayal has left the last eight Transformers on [[Earth]] without reinforcements or a way home. Velocity can't process the loss, but Optimus urges them to let the past lie and try and find a new way forward. With Megatron gone, Autobots and Decepticons should lay down their arms and live on Earth in secret until they can find a way to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]; both sides agree, and as Prime stares out at the lake of molten magma, he briefly eulogizes the Terminator as best he could: in death, he completed his mission and ended the Cybertronian war.

Time passes, and Sarah eventually gets a job at the [[Skywatch]] corporation, where she uses her new connections to keep an eye on the Transformers in hiding. It seems a happy ending, and perhaps it might be... if not for Skywatch's ''new'' top-secret project. In Skynet's secret [[Omega Base|Alpha Base]], scientists dissect, study, and reverse-engineer Megatron's lifeless remains to create a computerized defense network. Armies of robotic tanks and airborne drones take shape. Legions of skeletal Terminator androids stand ready. Skynet activates... and Megatron lives again.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (9)
* [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (10)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (13)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (1)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (3)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (5)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] (6)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (7)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (8)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (11)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (14)

|c3=
* [[Sarah Connor]] (4)
* [[Chet]] (15)

|h4=[[Skynet]]|c4=
* [[T-800]] (2)
* [[T-8000]]s (16)
}}

==Quotes==
"We got this, right, Bee? You and I each take an Insecticon and Arcee takes the other two?" 
"I dunno, Lotty. Mebbe if we didn't have Soundwave coming up on our rear, too." 
"Oh... then we're '''doomed''', huh?" 
"Mmm... yep." 
:—'''Velocity''' and '''Bumblebee'''

"I don't fear you. I don't fear your Autobots or the meatbags or the children's toys or Starscream. '''FOR I AM FEAR ITSELF!'''" 
:—'''Megatron'''

"Guess you always land on your feet, huh? Time for your permanent catnap." 
:—'''Sarah Connor''' versus Ravage

"This was supposed to be '''your''' death, Prime. Your death..."
:—'''Megatron'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s last words

"No use wondering if I ever got through to the Terminator. His mission was accomplished and from '''that''', he is free. I can only hope that was enough."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* As he pretends to accept [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s offer, the Terminator remembers the battle against the 2029 Decepticons from [[Enemy of My Enemy Part One|issue #1]], including the exchange where Starscream calls the Terminators "slave-bots".
* Sarah describes her fight against [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] as "round two", having previously tangled with the Decepticon aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' in [[Enemy of My Enemy Part Two|issue #2]].
* [[Skywatch]] appears in the final page; although issue #2 depicted it as a purely anti-Cybertronian military operation formed in response to the Cybertronian invasion of Earth, in this new timeline it seems to be a more generalized research and development firm, since the invasion never occurred. That's not to say that this new version Skywatch doesn't have ''some'' connections to the Transformers, however...
* ... because the final scene of the comic is set in the same secret bunker underneath the Big Jeff's restaurant that appeared in issue #1, which now hosts a new version of Skynet reverse-engineered from Megatron's remains. Here, however, it's called "Alpha Base" instead of that comic's "[[Omega Base|Omega]]". Much like Omega Base, it features regular Terminator robots, HK tanks and jets, and a new version of the giant [[T-8000]] units, but since ''these'' models are directly reverse-engineered from Megatron's remains, they sport his famous bucket helmet instead.

===Transformers references===
* Bumblebee calls Velocity "Lotty", the nickname she frequently went by in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''.
* The duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron involves Optimus injuring Megatron with his energon axe and preparing to put him down with it, only for an injured and fallen Megatron to retaliate with a two-handed haymaker uppercut, a reversed homage to their famous duel in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', in which Megatron injured Optimus with a laser sword and Optimus delivered the uppercut. Somewhat tellingly, Megatron dies shortly after making said move, just like Optimus did in the film.
* The Cybertronians ratify their truce by solemnly chanting "[['Til all are one|Till all are one]]", in what's probably a reference to the ending of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', where the victorious Autobots marked the apparent end of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] by repeating the phrase.

===Terminator references===
* The Terminator loses his legs when he and Starscream crash; in the {{w|The Terminator|original film}}, it had its legs blown off by Kyle Reese at climax, only to continue to chasing Sarah Connor as a legless torso.
* The loading bay on the side of Cyberdyne System features signage that reads "T2" and "T3", the generally-accepted fan acronyms for the {{w|Terminator 2: Judgement Day|second}} and {{w|Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines|third}} films in the series.
* The final scene of the miniseries, featuring a new version of Skynet poised and ready to unleash itself upon humanity, appears to tie into a theme from the ''Terminator'' films in its third installation and onwards: the eventual extinction of mankind cannot be stopped, only delayed. Whether it's extensive time-travel manipulation, an entirely new AI taking Skynet's place, or—as seen here—an alien intelligence hijacking the network, the machines ''will'' rise...
** Of course, it also ties into the revelation of ''Terminator 2: Judgement Day''; that the Terminator sent back to kill Sarah Connor was responsible for Skynet's creation, its remains having been found by Cyberdyne.

===Real-life references===
* The calendar inside the Cyberdyne parking booth on page three features a depiction of the ''[[USS Enterprise]]'' battling the ''USS Reliant'' from the film ''[[Star Trek]] II: The Wrath of Khan.''

===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for a June 24th release, this issue was pushed back to September 16th as a result of IDW Publishing suspending operations, then slipped to the 30th as a result of regular production delays.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Sarah, the Terminator, and Megatron, by [[Gavin Fullerton]]
* '''Cover B''': Optimus Prime and the Terminator, by [[Billie Montfort]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''': Optimus merged with the Terminator's skull, by [[Freddie E. Williams]] and [[Jeremy Colwell]]

<gallery>
File:TFTerminator 4 cvrA.jpg
File:TFTerminator 4 cvrB.jpg
File:TFTerminator 4 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Joe Hill novels
*''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection]]'' [[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11|#11]]
*''The Crow''
*''[[Star Trek]]: Picard''

==External links==
[https://comic-watch.com/news/sneak-peek-preview-of-dark-horse-idws-transformers-vs-the-terminator-4 Preview]

[[Category:Transformers vs. The Terminator issues]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Enemy of My Enemy Part 4}}

Secrets & Lies issue 3

2020-09-06T20:26:39Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers '84: Secrets & Lies]]'' #3
|prev=Secrets & Lies issue 2
|next=Secrets & Lies issue 4
|caption=
|image=TF84 3 cvrA.jpg
|title=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[September 2]], 2020
|coverdate=September 2020
|written by=[[Simon Furman]]
|art by=[[Guido Guidi]]
|colors by=[[John-Paul Bove]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''As Grimlock runs amok on Earth, Ultra Magnus gathers allies to topple Straxus’s Decepticon war machine.'''

==Synopsis==
''With [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]'' both ''out of the picture, things didn't get any easier for the [[Autobot]]s on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. In fact, as [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]] explains, things only got worse...''

When he first appointed him to the role, Shockwave had assumed that [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] would be a mere placeholder, content to keep Shockwave's seat warm until he returned... but Shockwave underestimated his lieutenant's own ambitions, for Straxus wasted no time in carving out an empire of his own. Straxus and his fellow Decepticon leaders, [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]], each control a portion of Cybertron—but their alliance is an uneasy one. After one unproductive meeting, Straxus confers with Counterpunch at his private [[smelting pool]] as they watch the latest round of executions. Straxus asks Counterpunch if he thinks Megatron will ever return, and [[Transformers '84 issue 0|Counterpunch opines that it isn't likely]]. Galvanized by this response, Straxus orders the reactivation of [[Project Dreadnought]], ready to turn his sights on the galaxy.

Of course, Punch ''can't'' allow this to happen, and the moment the double-agent returns to [[Autobase]] he immediately informs [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]] of this new development. To take out the planetary engines once and for all, they'll need time, resources, and a heavy-hitting team, all assets that Magnus can't scrounge up. As if to underline this point, Magnus receives a desperate transmission from [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] as Scorponok's forces overrun his current position. Faced with the enormity of the burden of leadership, and the unenviable task of whipping the faltering Autobot resistance back into shape, Magnus briefly despairs until [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] arrive. Impactor points out that, although Ultra Magnus isn't [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], that's not a ''bad'' thing: if the war's changing, then perhaps Optimus appointed him ''because'' the Autobots needed an fresh new leader capable of adapting tactics. And, having overheard Magnus's conversation with Punch, Impactor is interested by Ultra Magnus's talk of a "wrecking crew..."

Far away, on prehistoric [[Earth]], [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s still juiced up on raw [[energon]] as he rampages through the jungle, unaware that Punch is remotely monitoring his progress using one of Shockwave's spare [[auto-assembly drone]]s. Grimlock storms back towards the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''; unfortunately, however, the crash has also damaged the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Aunty|AUNTIE]] computer and left her unable to distinguish Autobot from Decepticon. As such, AUNTIE identifies the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] leader as a threat to her "cargo" and retaliates by hastily constructing new bodies for five of the Autobot minds encoded into the ship's [[mind bank]], downloading copies of their engrams, but not their [[spark]]s, into these forms to create an ad-hoc platoon of emotionless warriors. Meanwhile, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] recover from their [[scraplet]]-induced paralysis aboard the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''; correctly deducing that Shockwave's double-crossed them, the three set out to find and take revenge on the scientist, wherever he might be on the primitive planet below them. Thus, they're the first Cybertronians to stumble across the crashed ''Ark'' and run afoul of AUNTIE's team: [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. The three fliers are immediately unsettled by the cold, ruthless attacks of these facsimile "Autobots", and not even Dirge's infamous psychological attacks have any effect on the mindless drones. And, as the battle rages, neither side sees Grimlock barge his way through the crossfire until it's too late. In response, AUNTIE brings a trio of [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids online and sics them on the Dinobot.

Back on Cybertron, Autobots across the planet struggle on against overwhelming odds—Autobots like the brave warrior [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]. Alone against an entire Decepticon force, Star Saber refuses to give his nemesis [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] the satisfaction of surrender, and instead summons his [[V-Star|flying battle platform]] to make a dynamic escape! Once airborne, Star Saber's innermost robot form receives a transmission from Ultra Magnus: the new Autobot leader needs him at Autobase, as part of his new team to stop Straxus. Meanwhile, at Autobase, Impactor introduces his new special operations unit to Punch—a team he's dubbed the "[[Wrecker]]s"!

Back on Earth, Grimlock tears his way through one Guardian robot after the next, but the exertion quickly drains his power high; as Grimlock gradually comes to, he remembers that he needs to find and rescue the other four Dinobots, casualties of their recent battle against Shockwave. It's unfortunate for him, then, that AUNTIE doesn't intend for him to leave anytime soon... because, in desperation, she's reactivated ''Megatron''!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (1)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (17)
* [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (18)
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (19)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (22)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (23)
* [[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] (26)
* [[Pointblank]] (28)
* [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] (29)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (30)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] (31)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (33)
* [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] (34)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (36)
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (37)
* [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (42)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (44)
* [[Twin Twist]] (45)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (46)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]] (47)

{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (2)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (3)
* [[Sparkstalker]] (4)
* [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (5)
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (6)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (7)
* [[Afterburner (G2)|Afterburner]] (8)
* [[Octopunch (G1)|Octopunch]] (9)
* [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] (10)
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (11)
* [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] (12)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (14)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (15)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (20)
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] (21)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (24)
* [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] (25)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (27)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (38)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (39)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (40)
* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (43)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (48)
{{!}}}
|c4=
* [[Aunty|AUNTIE]] (32)
* [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian drone]]s (41)
}}

==Quotes==
"Ironic, eh? This all started with Shockwave looking to get his precious planetary turbines up and running at any cost, and his erstwhile replacement just says 'Make it happen.'"
:—'''Punch'''

"Hhhh. Why '''me'''?" 
"Because... you're Cybertron's greatest warrior, that's why." 
"Whoever coined '''that''' epithet, '''Impactor''', did me no favors at all. We're losing this... because I'm just not ready. Not the finished article."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Impactor'''

"That monocular logic-chip plugged us fulla scraplets...'''scraplets!'''" 
"Enh. Yeah. What's he '''up''' to?" 
"Who cares. All that matters to me... is rainin' fear an' loathin' on his sorry aft!"
:—'''Ramjet''', '''Thrust''', and '''Dirge'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Marvel's US and UK comics featured [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]], and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] as Decepticon leaders; here, we see them ruling Cybertron together in Megatron's absence, each controlling a portion of Decepticon-occupied [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Much like Furman's ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' series, ''Transformers '84'' plays pretty loose with Marvel's UK comics, but for completion's sake we'd point out that this entire sequence of events ''is'' at odds with the UK story "[[Cybertron: The Middle Years!]]", where Straxus climbed the ranks by himself and succeeded [[Trannis]] to become Decepticon leader.
* The [[Pretender]]s [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Octopunch (G1)|Octopunch]], and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] all make appearances. In a clever bit of continuity, however, they're all shown in their inner robot forms, since Scorponok won't invent Pretender technology until [[Pretender to the Throne!|US #40]], four million years from now.
* Straxus and Counterpunch make a few nods to last year's [[Transformers '84 issue 0|issue #0]]: in his meeting with Scorponok and Thunderwing, Straxus mentions a "token search effort" to find Megatron, referring to the reconnaissance team that will eventually land on Earth in the year [[1017]], the same one that "Counterpunch" will eventually infiltrate and bring down from within. When Straxus asks Counterpunch's opinion if Megatron will ever return, Counterpunch is skeptical; in #0, he learned from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] that Prime deliberately sacrificed himself and his troops in a suicide gambit to lure Megatron offworld in the hopes of ending the war. As Counterpunch's narration points out, however, Optimus ''didn't'' foresee Megatron's absence creating a power vacuum that would enable the rise of Straxus.
* As Straxus watches the latest round of Autobot executions, a legion of [[harvester unit]]s, which first appeared in [[The Smelting Pool!|Marvel US #17]], are shown dumping their unfortunate victims into [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]]'s [[smelting pool]]. They're drawn a bit differently from their appearance in that issue, however; they sport steam shovel-style buckets instead of mechanical arms.
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] first appeared in the [[Ring of Hate!|first issue]] of the ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' miniseries as an Autobot commander disillusioned with the war for Cybertron. Here, Maximus is shown fighting alongside the future [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s he commanded in ''Headmasters'' #1, and his weariness is already setting in as he openly questions his role in the war to Ultra Magnus.
* Maximus and his men battle against the many Decepticon 'masters-to-be who will eventually pursue them to the planet [[Nebulos]]. Although their location is not stated in this issue, it's a reasonable guess that they're fighting in the [[Manganese Mountains]], their stated theater of engagement in the ''Headmasters'' miniseries.
* Impactor refers to Ultra Magnus as "Cybertron's greatest warrior", the title [[Xaaron]] gave him in the ''[[Target: 2006]]'' storyline in the UK comics.
* Punch's narration notes that the crash damaged AUNTIE and left her unable to determine friend from foe; although she never really appeared in the US comics after her brief role in [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]], this "psychosis" ''did'' play a major role in the UK story "[[Raiders of the Last Ark]]", in which she appeared using the glowing yellow face she sports in this issue. The [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids she deploys against Grimlock debuted in that story, and later jumped across the pond to play a role in [[Yesterday's Heroes!|Marvel US #60]] when [[Simon Furman]] took over from [[Bob Budiansky]]. Grimlock going up against the droids also evokes the two-part storyline in UK issues [[The Wrath of Guardian!|#31]] and [[The Wrath of Grimlock!|#32]].
* To stop Grimlock, Auntie downloads the engrams of five Autobots into new bodies from the ship's [[mind bank]]: [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]... but the narration specifically notes that these makeshift bodies lack [[spark]]s—they're just copies of the genuine article. As [[Simon Furman]]'s author commentary notes, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] brings them online in [[Rock and Roll-Out!|Marvel US #14]], he'll transfer their frozen sparks back into their bodies and truly bring them back to life (but see our "continuity discrepancies" section from our article on [[Secrets & Lies issue 2|last issue]] for more on that.)
* Make way for the [[Wrecker]]s! Everyone's favorite special ops unit first debuted in the UK continuity and later received an origin story in "Middle Years", though the details between this story and that one don't really match up. There, they were the team [[Xaaron|Emirate Xaaron]] had assembled to assassinate Trannis, while in this story they appear to have been handpicked by [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] instead. Either way, the group consists of their classic lineup from the Marvel UK continuity: Impactor, [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Twin Twist]], [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]], and [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]].
* The reactivated Megatron leaks crackling energy from his eyes—he's tapping [[antimatter]] from a black hole. This ability first appeared in his original, unabridged [[Tech Spec]]s, but has only ever seen very sparing use through fiction; he used this power once in [[Raiders of the Last Ark|Marvel UK #20]], and again in [[Resurrection!|#104]]. Younger readers might remember [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|IDW's Megatron]] pulling off a similar feat in [[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|issue #55]] of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' to kill the [[Decepticon Justice Division]].

===Continuity discrepancies===
* In his author commentary, Furman notes that no one ever explained [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] showing up as "regular" Decepticons in the ''Headmasters'' miniseries. Now, this ''is'' true in the US series, where they just showed up along with Scorponok and all the other new Decepticons in that series... but the UK-exclusive "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]", written by Furman himself, ''did'' offer an explanation—the pair got involved in a [[time portal]] accident that sent them back to the Great War.

===Transformers references===
* With Fortress Maximus's forces in retreat, Ultra Magnus orders them to fall back to the Omega Point, after Furman's [[BotCon 1998]]-[[BotCon 2000|2000]] storyline, ''[[Reaching the Omega Point]]'', although here it's a military staging ground rather than a mythological event.
* [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] and his foe [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] didn't appear in the [[Marvel Comics continuity]]—they hail from the Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Transformers: Victory]]'' anime. Naturally, his introduction takes the opportunity to squeeze in a few ''Victory'' references.
** Star Saber remotely pilots the [[V-Star]] battle platform, then uses it to make a quick getaway; in the cartoon, he could combine with this to form a larger "[[Super Mode|super mode]]".
** As he remotely controls the V-Star, Star Saber gets the opportunity to sling one of his cartoon catchphrases used during his power-up sequence: "Battle Up!"
** Finally, as he flies away from the battlefield, Star Saber ejects his innermost robot from his robot mode and pilots his jet form from within. If you haven't watched the ''Victory'' cartoon, you'd be forgiven for thinking him some kind of Headmaster—he's actually a ''[[Brainmaster]]'', an entirely different group of tiny gimmick robots!
* During his battle, Star Saber shoots a pair of Decepticons colored to resemble [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]].

===Real-world references===
* Straxus describes his alliance with Scorponok and Thunderwing as an "{{w|axis of evil}}", in reference to then-President {{w|George W. Bush}}'s controversial 2002 State of the Union address.
* Dirge desires to see the Coneheads "rainin' fear an' loathin' on (Shockwave's) sorry aft!", likely referencing the {{w|Hunter S. Thompson}} novel {{w|Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas}}.

===Errors===
* On page one, [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] is miscolored to resemble [[Stranglehold]].
* On panel one of page five, Counterpunch refers to Straxus as Shockwave's "erstwhile replacement", but [https://www.lexico.com/definition/erstwhile "erstwhile" means "former"], and "former replacement" makes no sense in this context. Perhaps he meant to say "ersatz"? Although that's [https://grammargeddon.com/2016/12/20/when-the-right-word-is-still-the-wrong-word not much better].
* On page twenty, Punch says that AUNTIE had gone to "Defcon-Ninety". Since Defcon One is the highest threat level, he either has a very low opinion of Megatron, or (more probably) it's another mistake.

===Other trivia===
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] appears pretty prominently in two of this comic's three covers, but nowhere in the actual comic itself. This is likely to account for his role in "Target: 2006," in which he and the other Autobot Triple Changers meet Impactor for the first time and join the Wreckers in the present day.
* Originally solicited for May 13th, this issue was pushed back to September as a result of [[IDW Publishing]] temporarily suspending operations.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Star Saber, by [[Guido Guidi]]
*'''Cover B:''' Springer, Fortress Maximus, Ultra Magnus, and Straxus, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Heroes and villains, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]

<gallery>
File:TF84 3 cvrA.jpg
File:TF84 3 cvrB.jpg
File:TF84 3 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

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==External links==
*[https://graphicpolicy.com/2020/09/01/preview-transformers-84-secrets-lies-3-of-4/ Preview]

[[Category:Transformers '84 issues]]

Secrets & Lies issue 3

2020-09-06T20:21:49Z

Orogogus: /* Quotes */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers '84: Secrets & Lies]]'' #3
|prev=Secrets & Lies issue 2
|next=Secrets & Lies issue 4
|caption=
|image=TF84 3 cvrA.jpg
|title=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[September 2]], 2020
|coverdate=September 2020
|written by=[[Simon Furman]]
|art by=[[Guido Guidi]]
|colors by=[[John-Paul Bove]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''As Grimlock runs amok on Earth, Ultra Magnus gathers allies to topple Straxus’s Decepticon war machine.'''

==Synopsis==
''With [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]'' both ''out of the picture, things didn't get any easier for the [[Autobot]]s on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. In fact, as [[Punch (G1)|Counterpunch]] explains, things only got worse...''

When he first appointed him to the role, Shockwave had assumed that [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] would be mere placeholder, content to keep Shockwave's seat warm until he returned... but Shockwave underestimated his lieutenant's own ambitions, for Straxus wasted no time in carving out an empire of his own. Straxus and his fellow Decepticon leaders [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], and [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] each control a portion of Cybertron—but their alliance is an uneasy one. After one such unproductive meeting, Straxus confers with Counterpunch at his private [[smelting pool]] as they watch the latest round of executions. Straxus asks Counterpunch if he thinks Megatron will ever return, and [[Transformers '84 issue 0|Counterpunch opines that it isn't likely]]. Galvanized by this response, Straxus orders the reactivation of [[Project Dreadnought]], ready to turn his sights on the galaxy.

Of course, Punch ''can't'' allow this to happen, and the moment the double-agent returns to [[Autobase]] he immediately informs [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]] of this new development. To take out the planetary engines once and for all, they'll need time, resources, and a heavy-hitting team, all assets that Magnus can't scrounge up. As if to undercut his point, Magnus receives a desperate transmission from [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] as Scorponok's forces overrun his current position. Faced with the enormity of the burden of leadership, and the unenviable task of whipping the faltering Autobot resistance back into shape, Magnus briefly despairs until [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] arrive. Impactor points out that, although Ultra Magnus isn't [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], that's not a ''bad'' thing: if the war's changing, then perhaps Optimus appointed him ''because'' the Autobots needed an fresh new leader capable of adapting tactics. And, having overheard Magnus's conversation with Punch, Impactor is interested by Ultra Magnus's talk of a "wrecking crew..."

Far away, on prehistoric [[Earth]], [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s still juiced up on raw [[energon]] as he rampages through the jungle, unaware that Punch is remotely monitoring his progress using one of Shockwave's spare [[auto-assembly drone]]s. Grimlock storms back towards the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''; unfortunately, however, the crash has also damaged the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Aunty|AUNTIE]] computer and left her unable to distinguish Autobot from Decepticon. As such, AUNTIE identifies the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] leader as a threat to her "cargo" and retaliates by hastily constructing new bodies for five of the Autobot minds encoded into the ship's [[mind bank]], downloading copies of their engrams, but not their [[spark]]s, into these forms to create an ad-hoc platoon of emotionless warriors. Meanwhile, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] recover from their [[scraplet]]-induced paralysis aboard the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''; correctly deducing that Shockwave's double-crossed them, the three set out to find and take revenge on the scientist, wherever he might be on the primitive planet below them. Thus, they're the first Cybertronians to stumble across the crashed ''Ark'' and run afoul of AUNTIE's team: [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. The three fliers are immediately unsettled by the cold, ruthless attacks of these facsimile "Autobots", and not even Dirge's infamous psychological attacks have any effect on the mindless drones. And, as the battle rages, neither side sees Grimlock barge his way through the crossfire until it's too late. In response, AUNTIE brings a trio of [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids online and sics them on the Dinobot.

Back on Cybertron, Autobots across the planet struggle on against overwhelming odds—Autobots like the brave warrior [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]. Alone against an entire Decepticon force, Star Saber refuses to give his nemesis [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] the satisfaction of surrender, and instead summons his [[V-Star|flying battle platform]] to make a dynamic escape! Once airborne, Star Saber's innermost robot form receives a transmission from Ultra Magnus: the new Autobot leader needs him at Autobase, as part of his new team to stop Straxus. Meanwhile, at Autobase, Impactor introduces his new special operations unit to Punch—a team he's dubbed the "[[Wrecker]]s"!

Back on Earth, Grimlock tears his way through one Guardian robot after the next, but the exertion quickly drains his power high; as Grimlock gradually comes to, he remembers that he needs to find and rescue the other four Dinobots, casualties of their recent battle against Shockwave. It's unfortunate for him, then, that AUNTIE doesn't intend for him to leave anytime soon... because, in desperation, she's reactivated ''Megatron''!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Punch (G1)|Punch/Counterpunch]] (1)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (17)
* [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (18)
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (19)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (22)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (23)
* [[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] (26)
* [[Pointblank]] (28)
* [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] (29)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (30)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] (31)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (33)
* [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] (34)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (36)
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (37)
* [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (42)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (44)
* [[Twin Twist]] (45)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (46)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]] (47)

{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (2)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (3)
* [[Sparkstalker]] (4)
* [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (5)
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (6)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (7)
* [[Afterburner (G2)|Afterburner]] (8)
* [[Octopunch (G1)|Octopunch]] (9)
* [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] (10)
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (11)
* [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] (12)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (14)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (15)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (20)
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] (21)
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (24)
* [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] (25)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (27)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (38)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (39)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (40)
* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (43)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (48)
{{!}}}
|c4=
* [[Aunty|AUNTIE]] (32)
* [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian drone]]s (41)
}}

==Quotes==
"Ironic, eh? This all started with Shockwave looking to get his precious planetary turbines up and running at any cost, and his erstwhile replacement just says 'Make it happen.'"
:—'''Punch'''

"Hhhh. Why '''me'''?" 
"Because... you're Cybertron's greatest warrior, that's why." 
"Whoever coined '''that''' epithet, '''Impactor''', did me no favors at all. We're losing this... because I'm just not ready. Not the finished article."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Impactor'''

"That monocular logic-chip plugged us fulla scraplets...'''scraplets!'''" 
"Enh. Yeah. What's he '''up''' to?" 
"Who cares. All that matters to me... is rainin' fear an' loathin' on his sorry aft!"
:—'''Ramjet''', '''Thrust''', and '''Dirge'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Marvel's US and UK comics featured [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]], and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] as Decepticon leaders; here, we see them ruling Cybertron together in Megatron's absence, each controlling a portion of Decepticon-occupied [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Much like Furman's ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' series, ''Transformers '84'' plays pretty loose with Marvel's UK comics, but for completion's sake we'd point out that this entire sequence of events ''is'' at odds with the UK story "[[Cybertron: The Middle Years!]]", where Straxus climbed the ranks by himself and succeeded [[Trannis]] to become Decepticon leader.
* The [[Pretender]]s [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Octopunch (G1)|Octopunch]], and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] all make appearances. In a clever bit of continuity, however, they're all shown in their inner robot forms, since Scorponok won't invent Pretender technology until [[Pretender to the Throne!|US #40]], four million years from now.
* Straxus and Counterpunch make a few nods to last year's [[Transformers '84 issue 0|issue #0]]: in his meeting with Scorponok and Thunderwing, Straxus mentions a "token search effort" to find Megatron, referring to the reconnaissance team that will eventually land on Earth in the year [[1017]], the same one that "Counterpunch" will eventually infiltrate and bring down from within. When Straxus asks Counterpunch's opinion if Megatron will ever return, Counterpunch is skeptical; in #0, he learned from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] that Prime deliberately sacrificed himself and his troops in a suicide gambit to lure Megatron offworld in the hopes of ending the war. As Counterpunch's narration points out, however, Optimus ''didn't'' foresee Megatron's absence creating a power vacuum that would enable the rise of Straxus.
* As Straxus watches the latest round of Autobot executions, a legion of [[harvester unit]]s, which first appeared in [[The Smelting Pool!|Marvel US #17]], are shown dumping their unfortunate victims into [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]]'s [[smelting pool]]. They're drawn a bit differently from their appearance in that issue, however; they sport steam shovel-style buckets instead of mechanical arms.
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] first appeared in the [[Ring of Hate!|first issue]] of the ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' miniseries as an Autobot commander disillusioned with the war for Cybertron. Here, Maximus is shown fighting alongside the future [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s he commanded in ''Headmasters'' #1, and his weariness is already setting in as he openly questions his role in the war to Ultra Magnus.
* Maximus and his men battle against the many Decepticon 'masters-to-be who will eventually pursue them to the planet [[Nebulos]]. Although their location is not stated in this issue, it's a reasonable guess that they're fighting in the [[Manganese Mountains]], their stated theater of engagement in the ''Headmasters'' miniseries.
* Impactor refers to Ultra Magnus as "Cybertron's greatest warrior", the title [[Xaaron]] gave him in the ''[[Target: 2006]]'' storyline in the UK comics.
* Punch's narration notes that the crash damaged AUNTIE and left her unable to determine friend from foe; although she never really appeared in the US comics after her brief role in [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]], this "psychosis" ''did'' play a major role in the UK story "[[Raiders of the Last Ark]]", in which she appeared using the glowing yellow face she sports in this issue. The [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids she deploys against Grimlock debuted in that story, and later jumped across the pond to play a role in [[Yesterday's Heroes!|Marvel US #60]] when [[Simon Furman]] took over from [[Bob Budiansky]]. Grimlock going up against the droids also evokes the two-part storyline in UK issues [[The Wrath of Guardian!|#31]] and [[The Wrath of Grimlock!|#32]].
* To stop Grimlock, Auntie downloads the engrams of five Autobots into new bodies from the ship's [[mind bank]]: [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]... but the narration specifically notes that these makeshift bodies lack [[spark]]s—they're just copies of the genuine article. As [[Simon Furman]]'s author commentary notes, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] brings them online in [[Rock and Roll-Out!|Marvel US #14]], he'll transfer their frozen sparks back into their bodies and truly bring them back to life (but see our "continuity discrepancies" section from our article on [[Secrets & Lies issue 2|last issue]] for more on that.)
* Make way for the [[Wrecker]]s! Everyone's favorite special ops unit first debuted in the UK continuity and later received an origin story in "Middle Years", though the details between this story and that one don't really match up. There, they were the team [[Xaaron|Emirate Xaaron]] had assembled to assassinate Trannis, while in this story they appear to have been handpicked by [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] instead. Either way, the group consists of their classic lineup from the Marvel UK continuity: Impactor, [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Twin Twist]], [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]], and [[Rack'n'Ruin (G1)|Rack'n'Ruin]].
* The reactivated Megatron leaks crackling energy from his eyes—he's tapping [[antimatter]] from a black hole. This ability first appeared in his original, unabridged [[Tech Spec]]s, but has only ever seen very sparing use through fiction; he used this power once in [[Raiders of the Last Ark|Marvel UK #20]], and again in [[Resurrection!|#104]]. Younger readers might remember [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|IDW's Megatron]] pulling off a similar feat in [[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|issue #55]] of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' to kill the [[Decepticon Justice Division]].

===Continuity discrepancies===
* In his author commentary, Furman notes that no one ever explained [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] showing up as "regular" Decepticons in the ''Headmasters'' miniseries. Now, this ''is'' true in the US series, where they just showed up along with Scorponok and all the other new Decepticons in that series... but the UK-exclusive "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]", written by Furman himself, ''did'' offer an explanation—the pair got involved in a [[time portal]] accident that sent them back to the Great War.

===Transformers references===
* With Fortress Maximus's forces in retreat, Ultra Magnus orders them to fall back to the Omega Point, after Furman's [[BotCon 1998]]-[[BotCon 2000|2000]] storyline, ''[[Reaching the Omega Point]]'', although here it's a military staging ground rather than a mythological event.
* [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] and his foe [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] didn't appear in the [[Marvel Comics continuity]]—they hail from the Japanese-exclusive ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Transformers: Victory]]'' anime. Naturally, his introduction takes the opportunity to squeeze in a few ''Victory'' references.
** Star Saber remotely pilots the [[V-Star]] battle platform, then uses it to make a quick getaway; in the cartoon, he could combine with this to form a larger "[[Super Mode|super mode]]".
** As he remotely controls the V-Star, Star Saber gets the opportunity to sling one of his cartoon catchphrases used during his power-up sequence: "Battle Up!"
** Finally, as he flies away from the battlefield, Star Saber ejects his innermost robot from his robot mode and pilots his jet form from within. If you haven't watched the ''Victory'' cartoon, you'd be forgiven for thinking him some kind of Headmaster—he's actually a ''[[Brainmaster]]'', an entirely different group of tiny gimmick robots!
* During his battle, Star Saber shoots a pair of Decepticons colored to resemble [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]].

===Real-world references===
* Straxus describes his alliance with Scorponok and Thunderwing as an "{{w|axis of evil}}", in reference to then-President {{w|George W. Bush}}'s controversial 2002 State of the Union address.
* Dirge desires to see the Coneheads "rainin' fear an' loathin' on (Shockwave's) sorry aft!", likely referencing the {{w|Hunter S. Thompson}} novel {{w|Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas}}.

===Errors===
* On page one, [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] is miscolored to resemble [[Stranglehold]].
* On panel one of page five, Counterpunch refers to Straxus as Shockwave's "erstwhile replacement", but [https://www.lexico.com/definition/erstwhile "erstwhile" means "former"], and "former replacement" makes no sense in this context. Perhaps he meant to say "ersatz"? Although that's [https://grammargeddon.com/2016/12/20/when-the-right-word-is-still-the-wrong-word not much better].
* On page twenty, Punch says that AUNTIE had gone to "Defcon-Ninety". Since Defcon One is the highest threat level, he either has a very low opinion of Megatron, or (more probably) it's another mistake.

===Other trivia===
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] appears pretty prominently in two of this comic's three covers, but nowhere in the actual comic itself. This is likely to account for his role in "Target: 2006," in which he and the other Autobot Triple Changers meet Impactor for the first time and join the Wreckers in the present day.
* Originally solicited for May 13th, this issue was pushed back to September as a result of [[IDW Publishing]] temporarily suspending operations.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Star Saber, by [[Guido Guidi]]
*'''Cover B:''' Springer, Fortress Maximus, Ultra Magnus, and Straxus, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Heroes and villains, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]

<gallery>
File:TF84 3 cvrA.jpg
File:TF84 3 cvrB.jpg
File:TF84 3 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Batman/The Maxx: Arkham Dreams''
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==External links==
*[https://graphicpolicy.com/2020/09/01/preview-transformers-84-secrets-lies-3-of-4/ Preview]

[[Category:Transformers '84 issues]]

Enemy of My Enemy Part Three

2020-08-31T22:46:42Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig3|Enemy of My Enemy}}

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers vs. The Terminator]]'' #3
|prev=Enemy of My Enemy Part Two
|next=Enemy of My Enemy Part Four
|image=TFTerminator 3 cvrB.jpg
|title="Enemy of My Enemy Part Three"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]] and [[Dark Horse Comics]]
|date=[[August 19]], [[2020]]
|coverdate=August 2020
|story by= [[David Mariotte]], [[Tom Waltz]] and [[John Barber]]
|written by=[[David Mariotte]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[David García Cruz]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[Tom Waltz]] and [[Riley Farmer]]
}}

'''Sarah Connor assists the Autobots as they search for the Decepticons, but the Terminator has his own agenda...'''

==Synopsis==
Inside the crashed ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', [[Sarah Connor]] does what she can to help the [[Autobot]]s get their base up and running. Although [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] have reactivated several more Autobots—[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]], and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]—there's still a lot to do, and the heroes work together to move [[stasis lock]]ed bodies and get the ''Ark'' operational; despite the nominal truce that exists between him and the Autobots, however, the [[T-800]] Terminator refuses to contribute to the repair effort: he is only programmed to ''eliminate'' Cybertronians, not help them. Ratchet informs Prime that the other, still-deactivated Autobots will require extensive repairs, time, and [[energon]] to get into fighting shape, while Wheeljack chimes in to report that the ''Ark'' won't be able to fly anytime soon. Undaunted, Prime rallies his troops and lays down his orders: Ratchet and Wheeljack will remain behind to continue repairs and monitor local transmissions for any sightings of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], while the other Autobots will split up. Prime and Velocity will search for possible energon sources, Arcee and the Terminator will sweep the immediate area for any signs of Decepticon activity, and Bumblebee will take Sarah home.

At the [[Cyberdyne Systems]] manufacturing plant in [[California]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] reports on their progress to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Already, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] has taken Cyberdyne's scientists hostage to interrogate them for any information about their mysterious robotic foe; [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] have harnessed the factory's on-site nuclear reactor to produce [[energon cube]]s, while the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s literally tear the factory apart in search of any sign of advanced robotic technology. Megatron demands answers regarding the mystery robot—he will ''not'' allow a foe capable of exploiting all of their weak spots to run amok.

On [[Oregon]]'s west coast, Prime and Velocity follow the trail of the Decepticons to a nearby beach, where Velocity finds the discarded optic casing on the ground. The sight of the blasted dune buggy leaves Prime in a somber mood, however; already, he notes, the Decepticons have brought death and terror to another innocent world, and they ''must'' find and stop Megatron before he can do any more damage. Far to the south, in the city of [[Stockton]], Bumblebee waits in the parking lot while Sarah goes shopping for street clothes, eager to get rid of the tattered remains of her waitress outfit. As Bumblebee drives her home, Sarah wonders just where she can go now: she can't go back to her old life, but when Bumblebee suggests helping the Autobots, Sarah refuses: she doesn't want to become a warrior, either. But when Sarah turns on Bumblebee's radio, a sudden newsflash warns listeners about a mysterious terrorist attack in [[Sunnyvale]]...

In the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s armory, Arcee offers the T-800 some Cybertronian-caliber firepower, pointing out that Optimus obviously trusts the machine warrior—but warns him that if he ''ever'' turns their own weapons on the Autobots, he'll immediately regret it. The Terminator gladly accepts a heavy-duty Cybertronian blaster and an explosive detonator... but as they turn to leave, neither Arcee, Ratchet, nor Wheeljack notice him placing a Cybertronian explosive next to Wheeljack's workstation. As Arcee and the Terminator make their patrol, the Terminator surreptitiously scatters more bombs around the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s perimeter when his partner isn't looking. Finally, the two stop by the [[Sky Spy]] probe that the Terminator shot down, and while the Terminator investigates the wrecked machine, Arcee gets a transmission from Bumblebee: they've found the Decepticons!

Observing what remains of the Cyberdyne factory from a nearby ledge, Sarah and Bumblebee keep their distance as the Decepticons ransack the factory; not wanting her to come to any harm, Bumblebee tells Sarah to keep a lookout while he gets a closer look. Unfortunately [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] spies the two from above, and promptly teleports in to attack! Thinking quickly, Bumblebee scoops up Sarah and makes a run for it, heading ''toward'' Megatron in the hopes that Skywarp will collide with his allies. Skywarp's too smart to take the bait; it seems like the end for Bumblebee, but his stunt has bought time for Optimus, the other Autobots, and the Terminator to arrive and turn the tide! Autobots and Decepticons clash amidst the wreckage of Cyberdyne while Bumblebee shouts for Sarah to get to safety and contact Wheeljack and Ratchet. As Optimus and Megatron have it out, Refraktor advances on the Terminator—but the Terminator pinpoints the weak point on Refraktor's face, hurls an explosive charge at the Decepticon, then thumbs the detonator...

Wheeljack and Ratchet anxiously monitor the fight as they do what they can to try and bring their fellow Autobots back online. As they discuss strategies, however, a beeping noise catches their attention—then, all at once, the bombs the Terminator had planted around the ''Ark'' simultaneously detonate—for the second time that day, [[Mount St. Hilary]] erupts as a massive explosion consumes the ''Ark''!

Back at Cyberdyne Systems, none of the Autobots realize they've been double-crossed as Velocity commends the Terminator for taking down Refraktor. Before the Terminator can respond, however a null-ray blast lances over his head—a blast courtesy of Starscream, who's finally worked out the truth behind the Terminator's existence. If Starscream shoots his Cyberdyne hostages, then [[Skynet]] will never be... so Starscream wants to cut a deal!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (1)
* [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (2)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (5)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (7)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (10)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (22)
* [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (23)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (11)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (12)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (15)
* [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] (16)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (17)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] (18)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (19)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (20)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (21)

|c3=
* [[Sarah Connor]] (4)
* [[Cyberdyne Systems|Cyberdyne]] employees (14)

|h4=[[Skynet]]|c4=
* [[T-800]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
"'''Hello!''' Earth to whatever your name is?" 
"Cyberdyne Systems model 101 series 800..." 
"Oh! Really rolls off the tongue, huh?"
:—'''Sarah Connor''' and the '''Terminator'''

"What's '''your''' job, Sarah? Are you a warrior like Arcee?" 
"No, I'm a waitress... why would I be a warrior?" 
"I'm spitballin'! Your outfit just reminds me a lot of her. So, a waitress... whazzat?" 
"I take orders from people, and—" 
"Sounds like a warrior to me." 
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Sarah Connor'''

"Y'know, I think you've picked up on the fact that most of the Autobots aren't soldiers—they're doctors, engineers, bots who want to do the right thing. But that doesn't mean that we aren't well-armed for when we '''need''' to be."
:—'''Arcee''' to the Terminator

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Arcee and the Terminator revisit the crashed [[Sky Spy]] probe, which the Terminator shot down in [[Enemy of My Enemy Part One|issue #1]]. The Terminator notes that the device [[scanning|scanned]] ''him'', not just the truck he was driving at the time, a revelation which might have some interesting ripples on the timeline...
* History finds new ways to repeat itself—[[Enemy of My Enemy Part Two|once again]], Refraktor gets himself killed by a Terminator. Poor dude.
* The previous issue featured the Terminator's secret directive, which he didn't reveal to Optimus Prime: ensure the creation of [[Skynet]] by any means necessary, a step which evidently involves the destruction of all Cybertronians, truce or no truce. At any rate, the Terminator's surreptitious betrayal in this issue suggests that he's not interested in playing by the rules of your average crossover teamup!

===Transformers references===
* In a move that took ''everyone'' by surprise, [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] makes her return to IDW's ''Transformers'' comics! This turquoise Autobot debuted in the pages of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' as a medic, a role that Optimus Prime mentions here. She's been slightly redesigned in this comic—not only does she now transform into a 1977 {{w|Pontiac Firebird}} rather than an alien car, but she also sports a different head shape and an orange, rather than gray, face.
* Continuing the readout gags from last issue, the T-800 identifies [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] as "MODEL 11^C56", the Japanese ID numbers of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#The_Transformers|Bumblebee's original G1 toy]] (one from 1985, another from 1986); he also recognizes Arcee as "MODEL 02^021", the Hasbro ID number for her [[Arcee (G1)/toys#Thrilling_30|2014 ''Thrilling 30'' figure]], and classifies her threat level at "maximum" in what's probably a reference to her [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW counterpart]]'s reputation as a scary-strong warrior. Finally, he recognizes [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] as "MODEL SG^26" after terminating him—Refraktor's ''[[Reflector (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|War for Cybertron]]'' toy goes by the number "SG-2''8''", but since there are at least three of him running around in the comic, maybe each Refraktor gets its own number in [[Skynet]]'s reference book?
* Bumblebee notes that he used to do search and rescue operations; in the [[2019 IDW continuity]], this was the profession of [[Bumblebee (G1)#2019 IDW continuity|that universe's Bumblebee]] until he later joined the [[Ascenticon Guard]].
* Similarly, while the other Cybertronians all use regular word balloons, Soundwave's dialogue uses the blue, "electronic" speech bubbles that his 2019 IDW counterpart uses over in [[2019 IDW continuity|IDW's current ''Transformers'' comic universe]].
* Soundwave and Refraktor work to create [[energon cube]]s, and Soundwave extrudes the hollow cubes from his chest as he did in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episodes "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" and "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]".
* Megatron declares "'''nothing's''' going to stand in my way!" on page seven, referencing the [[Spectre General]] [[Nothin's Gonna Stand in Our Way|song]] that appeared in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* While working to reactivate the Autobots, Wheeljack proclaims "all we need is a little energon, and a lotta luck", which [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] famously proclaimed in ''The Movie''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s opening scene. On page sixteen, Prime and Megatron do the "one shall stand, one shall fall" routine from the film's first-act throwdown, and Megatron continues the homage by pointing out that Prime "throw[s] his life away so recklessly".
* In a bit of non-movie reference, Optimus Prime and Megatron use their [[energon-axe]] and [[Energon mace|mace]], respectively, in reference to their [[Sherman Dam]] confrontation in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]". Just like in that episode, Optimus Prime taunts Megatron by calling him "yesterday's model [...] ready for the scrap heap."

===Terminator references===
* The Terminator describes himself as a "Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 T-800" unit; [[wikia:terminator:Kyle Reese|Kyle Reese]] first described the antagonistic Terminator from {{w|The Terminator|original ''Terminator'' film}} as such, and this Terminator model went on to appear in {{w|Terminator 2: Judgement Day|the first sequel}} and many other spinoffs and adaptations.
* While contemplating her future with Bumblebee, Sarah notes that she "[doesn't] want [her] life defined by escaping death at the hands of evil robots"... unfortunately, as the closest thing to a recurring protagonist in the ''Terminator'' franchise, this is, of course, what Sarah's life largely devolves into across multiple works of ''Terminator'' fiction.
* In what's either a running gag or some kind of foreshadowing, the phrase "[[wikia:terminator:Judgement Day|Judgement Day]]" shows up again, this time on the emergency newsflash Bumblebee picks up on his radio.
* After killing Refraktor, the Terminator mimics Velocity by flashing a thumbs-up, which might be a reference to the T-800's famous "self-termination" scene in ''Judgement Day''.

===Errors===
* On the last panel on page seven, "impertinence" is misspelled as "impertenence".
* On page eleven, Skywarp's line—"'''head's up!'''" contains an unnecessary apostrophe.

===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for May, this comic was deliberately pushed back to July due to IDW Publishing temporarily suspending operations, then slipped to late August.
* Backmatter for this issue includes [[Alex Milne]]'s concept art for Velocity and Arcee: although Arcee ''did'' make a brief cameo in [[Enemy of My Enemy Part Two|the previous issue]] sporting her traditional design and proportions, this issue gives her a beefy new Earth mode based on a 1983 {{w|Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang}}.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Sarah and the Terminator ride on the Terminator’s motorcycle from the first ''Terminator'' film alongside Optimus and Bumblebee, by [[Gavin Fullerton]]
* '''Cover B''': Optimus, Megatron, and the Terminator, by [[Andrew Griffith]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover''': Megatron and an army of Terminators, by [[Freddie E. Williams]] and [[Jeremy Colwell]]

<gallery>
File:TFTerminator 3 cvrA.jpg
File:TFTerminator 3 cvrB.jpg
File:TFTerminator 3 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''The Last Ronin''
* Joe Hill novels
* IDW digital comics

==External links==
[https://graphicpolicy.com/2020/08/18/preview-transformers-vs-terminator-3-of-4/ Preview]

[[Category:Transformers vs. The Terminator issues]]

Impactor (G1)

2020-05-11T16:54:51Z

Orogogus: /* Marvel The Transformers comics */

{{factions|autobot|wreckers|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Impactor}}
{{featured}}
:''Impactor is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Impactor Autopedia.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Madeup leader of the nobody squad.]]
'''Impactor''' is the legendary former leader of the [[Wrecker]]s, an elite [[Autobot]] strike team, and as such is a deadly force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. His body is covered with weaponry, from the tank cannon on his shoulder, to the missiles hidden in his chest,<ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/727425912287928320 Nick Roche (@NickRoche) on Twitter, 3 May 2016]</ref> to the handgun strapped to his leg, and finally his signature harpoon weapon that replaces his right hand. His audacity and resolve is what puts him in the history books, for better or for worse.

Impactor's first officer, [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], is inevitably his replacement, once terrible things occur. Springer's feelings regarding his filling of Impactor's immense shoes are always a source of angst. Just when Springer thinks these emotions are dealt with and buried, Impactor somehow returns to mix things up again.

{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukexclusive|Impactor}}
[[File:Impactorfearless.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Macabre]] who?]]
After the departure of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and their troops from the war, [[Xaaron|Emirate Xaaron]] assigned the Wreckers to assassinate the warlord [[Trannis]], who came into power in Megatron's absence. Impactor was chosen to lead this team. Though the assassination attempt was successful, other leaders quickly sprung up to take Trannis' place.

[[File:Xaaronimpactor.jpg|thumb|Impactor carries a gun barrel around for those (*ahem*, Xaaron) who invade his personal space.]]
Though Impactor was dedicated to his troops, he was not so dedicated to his superiors, and was not above directly insulting them. Emirate Xaaron took this attitude in stride, and could give as well as he received. Impactor referred to the Autobot resistance leader as a "wily old buzzard," as he was often surprised by Xaaron's blunt yet indirect ways of making his point and getting what he wanted. Despite this, their difficulties masked a genuine friendship.

Countless years later, after Optimus Prime and his Autobots had awoken on [[Earth]], Impactor and the Wreckers were responsible for executing [[Operation: Volcano]], a planned ambush of the [[Ten Deadliest Killers|Decepticons' fiercest warriors]] using Xaaron as bait. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]] was assigned to the Wreckers to help them bolster their ranks for the mission, but he was quickly needed to travel to Earth to investigate the disappearance of Optimus Prime. Impactor's commitment to the mission wavered and he at first refused to deploy his team without Magnus there as back-up, but he changed his mind after a conversation with Xaaron. Impactor's doubts were further quelled when Xaaron convinced him that [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] were an adequate replacement for Magnus, which Xaaron accomplished by having them disguise themselves as Decepticons and beat Impactor up. Operation: Volcano was once again on track.

Xaaron, the bait for the Wreckers' trap, was placed according to plan, but suddenly Megatron called his warriors to Earth, overriding all other commands, including the planned ambush on Xaaron. Disappointed that their trap was ruined, the Wreckers let down their guard long enough to allow an assassin named [[Macabre]], ignoring Megatron's orders, to fire upon Xaaron. Impactor was the first to react and pushed Xaaron out of the way, taking the shots meant for the Autobot underground resistance leader. Immediately, the other Wreckers turned and fired upon Macabre, killing him, but Impactor was fatally wounded. With his last words he named Springer the next leader of the Wreckers before dying in Xaaron's arms, again calling him a "wily old buzzard." {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[File:Impactorzombie.jpg|left|thumb|Brains!]]
Impactor's death would haunt several other Autobots for some time to come. Though he sought to deny it, Ultra Magnus felt guilty for not returning to Cybertron in time, and this led to his taking an excessive approach when dealing with Optimus Prime, whom intelligence reports stated was a traitor. {{storylink|Under Fire!}} Subsequently, Magnus found a fight with Megatron proved the opportunity to release his pent-up aggression over Impactor's death. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} Even after that, the sight of a volcano on Earth left him uneasy, and cause him to flashback to Impactor's death. {{storylink|Burning Sky!}}

Springer was also severely affected by Impactor's death, and felt inadequate in the shadow of his legacy. So when a rogue Autobot scientist named [[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]] discovered a way to reanimate dead Transformers, Springer was crippled from action when he was met with the reanimated corpse of Impactor. After being captured by the zombies' controller, the mad scientist [[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]], the Wreckers were put in an underground cell, guarded by their former team leader. Managing to find his courage once more, Springer made use of his leaping abilities to escape, but Impactor grabbed a hold of him, dragging him outside of the cell as well. Springer reluctantly fought his predecessor until he managed to jar Impactor into remembering his past life. Confused, Impactor wandered away while Springer pursued his mission to foil Flame's machinations. {{storylink|Legion of the Lost!}} Eventually, Impactor shambled into Flame's inner sanctum, where the rest of the Autobots were facing off both against the crazed scientist, and what remained of his zombie horde. As Flame lunged for Xaaron, Impactor launched his harpoon, impaling Flame through the forehead and killing him. But though Flame had now been dealt with, his machines were overloading, threatening to take the whole planet with them in a chain reaction. The only means to shut them down was to enter a control room bathed in deadly radiation. Though Xaaron had initially planned to sacrifice himself, Impactor took his place, arguing he was already dead anyways. In his second death, Impactor saved [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] once more. {{storylink|Meltdown!}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #1]]}}

[[File:Ongoing22 MaccadamsNewOilHouse.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Let's see: 'I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness. Starving, hysterical, naked...' Nah, it's never gonna catch on, Megs."]]
Impactor was [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|constructed cold]] before the war. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} He worked as a miner near Nova Point, and befriended a fellow mine grunt, [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] there. The two became best friends<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/681985702821793794 James Roberts's MTMTE2015 Q&A on Twitter, 29 December 2015]</ref> despite their differences, and were together when miners were shipped to [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]] when Cybertron's need for energy rose. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}} {{storylink|Shockwaves}} Impactor thought Megatron's nonviolent solutions to Cybertron's class warfare were cute, and reminded him that there would always be a pecking order, no matter how large or small the equation. Megatron's naïveté was underscored when the lowly [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] was ganged up on by a much larger pair of military cadets and tossed across their table. Impactor, drunk, got up to deal with them the only way he thought mattered. Megatron was put off by the violence and stayed out of the fight, but was arrested anyway; Impactor was taken to [[Deltaran Medical Facility]], but not before he'd torn the cadet's legs off and shoved them into a garbage grinder. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}} {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet}}

When [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] was arrested for the beating he gave Megatron during the latter's brief incarceration, Impactor ended up being his cellmate on [[Garrus-1]]. Impactor proceeded to beat up Whirl to the brink of fade-out, leaving him in critical condition. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}}

At some point after war broke out, Impactor joined the Wreckers, when they were not yet the war heroes they would come to be known as, but merely a rumor. {{storylink|Zero Point}} During this time, he was approached by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] who had formed a partnership with the depraved scientist [[Tarantulas (BW)#2005 IDW continuity|Mesothulas]]. In exchange for releasing his friend [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] from prison early, Impactor would take down Mesothulas and destroy everything they had built together. Clad in a suit of early [[Anti-rad armor]], Impactor did just that, shoving the scientist into his own [[Noisemaze|experimental weapon]] and annihilating Mesothulas's various weapons. Impactor found, however, that neither he nor Prowl could bring themselves to kill Mesothulas's pet project: an artificial Cybertronian named Ostaros. Instead, they enlisted him as an Autobot under the name "[[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]]". {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}} {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}} Impactor and Prowl agreed that Springer would be best off serving under [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], as neither of them considered themselves to be decent role models for the young 'bot. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

[[File:RulesofDisengagement-BlackShadowvsWreckers.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.4|Only extraordinary Decepticons get to brag about kicking Impactor in the face.]]
He battled [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]] in the 11th iteration of the team, under the command of [[Crest]]. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}} He would go on to become leader of the Wreckers in turn and still holds the record as their longest-serving member to present day. It was ''he'' who coined the phrase "Wreck and Rule!" while saving [[Xaaron]] at the [[Sonic Canyons]]. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} He left an impact on Springer at [[Sherma Bridge]], when he took control of a flaming Decepticon shuttle pod by disposing of its headless pilot, landing it safely. The incident would inspire Springer to sign up for the Wreckers reservists. {{storylink|Zero Point}} In a minor incident at the Vosian Citadel, Impactor also unknowingly inspired [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] to become a major Wreckers fanboy and hagiographer. {{storylink|Bullets}}

[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers WreckersWelcome.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Welcome to the Just-Us League.]]
Much later, Impactor personally approached Springer at [[Toxic Sludge Swamps]] to recruit him into the 17th line-up of the Wreckers. With his entrance, he took down eight hidden Decepticons. Springer was impressed but didn't realise at the time that it was all a scripted part of the Wreckers mythology and that Impactor never gave him a choice. {{storylink|Dead Men's Boots}} A different recollection of this encounter had Impactor recruit Springer after watching him take down a Decepticon supply drone. When Springer showed up for his first day as a Wrecker with Kup in tow, Impactor and the entire team greeted the two. Impactor poked a little fun at Springer's obvious attachment to Kup and when the old-timer departed without a word of farewell for the lad, he assured Springer that he'd take care of him. {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}

Impactor took Springer under his wing from that point, and the two shared a close bond not much unlike brothers. He even nicknamed Springer "my little green circuit booster" after the effect he had on him with his speeches. But during Impactor's leadership as the war got dirtier and dirtier, so did the Wreckers. His Wreckers were barely Autobots at that point—they would abuse prisoners, cause unnecessary pain unto their enemies and kill Decepticons even when not needed. When Megatron responded with [[Squadron X]], that sent Impactor into a single-minded rage. As any Autobot would, he hated Squadron X but for him it was personal as he saw an echo of the Wreckers in the team. Impactor then proceeded to chase the enemy team across nine star systems, ignoring significant war events such as the [[Black Epoch]], the [[Simanzi Massacre]], the [[Crucible]], and the "Rise of the [[Dethroner]]". {{storylink|Zero Point}}

[[File:Gloaming-battle-for-hells-point.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|He gave it a shot; turns out that two hands are for chumps.]]
He was among the Autobots fighting atop a Decepticon warcruiser during the [[Battle for Hell's Point]], {{storylink|The Gloaming}} where he picked up the nickname "'''Kiloton'''" for the number of Decepticons he slaughtered during the battle. Over time, his mental state became increasingly unstable, something both his superiors and his fellow Wreckers chose to ignore. Impactor was inspired to replace his hand with a harpoon weapon after a run-in with a dimension-hopping "[[Death's Head (G1)|freelance peacekeeping agent]]". After a long string of suicide missions, Impactor became an alarmingly obsessed individual, especially regarding Squadron X as he felt indirectly responsible for the atrocities they had committed. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Impactor's psych-screening}}

As described in Ironfist's [[Wreckers: Declassified|''The Wreckers' Air Attack'']], Impactor met his old friend Megatron at the [[Manganese Mountains]] where they fought on a drilling platform. Eventually, Impactor lost his hand, chin, and had Megatron's fusion cannon pressed to his head. Before giving the killing blow, Megatron gave a poetic speech of Impactor's coming death. Even with no power to lift his harpoon, Impactor replied by scratching the words "NOT MORE POETRY" on the platform, and gave Megatron pause (That moment, at least, appears to be entirely factual as Fisitron is unaware of why these "random" words affected Megatron). In that window of opportunity, Springer used a sky sled to knock Megatron down, sending him to fall thousands of feet into the Mountains.

After gathering his mouth, Impactor proceeded to inform Springer what they'd have to do in four minutes: save Xaaron, rescue [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] from his antimatter duplicate, deactivate [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s necrocannon and stop the platform they were on from crashing into a nucleon reactor. Springer was unsure if they could manage all that in the given time so Impactor told him that they actually had two minutes, but assured him that he had a plan. Years later [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] would consider this account full of embellishments and fabrications, but said the essence was true.{{storylink|Zero Point}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5-squadronexxed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|They were like that when I got here!]]
After chasing Squadron X across the galaxy, the Wreckers' rivalry with them came to an end on the planet [[Pova]]. The Wreckers found themselves in a bad way after Impactor's first officer, Springer, was trapped under some collapsed rubble. Despite Springer's pleas, Impactor used Springer's own body as a shield against Squadron X's advancing troops, firing through it. This helped turn the tide, and the Wreckers rounded up all of Squadron X for transport offworld. Unfortunately, Prowl told Impactor that Pova was neutral territory, and that he was ordered to set them free or else the Autobots would face diplomatic repercussions. Impactor snapped, and personally executed every member of Squadron X while they were restrained. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

When the Wreckers were on their way back from Pova, they stopped at [[G'th Semane]]. Springer made a call to [[Autobot High Command]], and turned Impactor in for the massacre. The mech he talked to had been waiting for the opportunity to arrest Impactor for hundreds of years. Impactor passively detached his harpoon and went without a fight, much to Springer's surprise. {{storylink|Zero Point}}

Springer testified against Impactor, and the disgraced Wreckers leader was imprisoned on [[Garrus-9]]. A cover story for what happened on Pova was released which involved Springer suggesting Impactor fire through his torso and Squadron X later escaping their restraints, necessitating their deaths. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4}} As extra punishment for refusing to show remorse for what he'd done, Impactor was not granted the mercy of spark removal, and instead was imprisoned normally. In jail, they called him "the Autobot that went ''too far''". {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} As Impactor was dragged to his cell, Springer said something he didn't want to hear, something he would dwell upon for the length of his incarceration: Squadron X deserved to die, but that didn't give Impactor the right to kill them. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers1-Impactor post boom.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|left|Give him a hand, folks!]]
Twenty years later, [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] seized control of G-9, and Springer's Wreckers were sent to liberate it. Springer was trying hard not to think of Impactor. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} However, the Decepticon [[Snare]], wanting Overlord gone, released Impactor from his cell in the hope he could escape the planet and get help. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} As the Wreckers arrived at Garrus-9, a decrepit Decepticon dropship blocked their path. It exploded before their eyes, but not before the battered form of Impactor ejected from the craft. Appearing before the shocked Wreckers, Impactor sneered, requesting to be let aboard. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

He filled the new Wreckers in on the situation and how he'd escaped, while continuing to clash with Springer. He not only refused to recognize that his former soldier was now in charge, he snarled that he used to think Springer would've done the same thing Impactor himself did on Pova... and was now sickened that Springer ''wouldn't''. Conflict aside, Springer knew Impactor was needed for the mission. Given a new harpoon, he was placed in Springer's drop-team and deployed to G-9... and he recognized, with visible glumness, the name of their secondary objective, "[[Aequitas]]".

Descending towards G-9 in two ejected escape pods, they met with tough Decepticon resistance. Despite their maneuvering, Impactor's ship was the first to go down, though the other wasn't far behind. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} After their crash-landing, Impactor led them towards where the Autobot prisoners were being held. Cell Block G was directly below him, best he recalled, but [[Twin Twist]]'s drilling only sent them tumbling into a large, empty chamber. At the bottom, Impactor found the twisted remains of [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]], whom he regarded as one of the few guards who treated G-9's prisoners with respect. Their presence in this chamber signaled G-9's defenses, and after he, Springer, and Twin Twist were electrocuted, they woke up strapped to tables in the care of [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]]. A sadist, Stalker grabbed his tools of torture and gleefully went to work on them. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers4-fivewords.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2.0|He makes that same face when he doesn't want to eat his peas.]]
Unlike Springer and Twin Twist, Impactor had grown used to the Decepticons' methods in the time since their takeover of G-9, so he alone managed to stay online during Stalker's "work". Twin Twist was looking terrible and mangled, and Springer had just woken up when he and Impactor began talking about their murky past. Impactor accused Springer of betraying the Wreckers with the testimony against him, while Springer was surprised to learn that Impactor still had no remorse for what he'd done. So long as Impactor refused to realize that he'd done wrong, their feelings were at an impasse.

Stalker returned with a [[endoscopic claw|new torture device]] but his work on Twin Twist was interrupted when his brother Topspin sacrificed his own life elsewhere, extinguishing both sparks. Disappointed, Stalker turned his attentions to Impactor, but was again interrupted. [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]], and the turncoat Decepticon Snare blasted into Stalker's lair. Snare was mortally wounded in the following skirmish, and Stalker was killed. As Snare lay dying, Impactor questioned him, wondering why the Decepticon had saved them. Snare told them that Overlord was on his way and asked that he himself be killed, which Impactor did curtly before Snare could finish his final words.

True to Snare's last warning, Overlord arrived with a boom. Unknown to them, elsewhere, the other half of the Wreckers had completed their objective by hacking the supercomputer judge Aequitas and downloading it into Ironfist's brain. They were surrounded by Decepticons whom they could easily deal with if they simply signaled all the deterrence chips in their heads, killing them. But they knew this would also kill Impactor, who was also an ex-prisoner, and so his and their fate came to a vote. Perceptor voted for killing him for the sake of many, Pyro voted against, and...Ironfist, Impactor's greatest fanboy and new host to Aequitas's judgment of Impactor, came to the sad realization that his hero very much deserved to die. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5-finishhimoff.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Surprise! He's a tank. Surprise! He's gonna kick your ass.]]
Fortunately for Impactor (and the Wreckers), [[Verity Carlo]] convinced the others to spare Impactor. After Overlord pulled Guzzle apart and used the pieces to put Kup down, Impactor removed Overlord's eye with his harpoon. In response, Overlord stomped Impactor into the ground, forcing him offline. When Impactor came to, Overlord had been reduced to a flaming skeleton facing only the fragile Verity Carlo. Impactor blasted Overlord's arm off and attacked him, but Overlord had lost the will to fight, as he'd learned that Megatron had perished, robbing Overlord of his final showdown with him. Overlord beckoned Impactor to kill him, but Impactor refused. In honor of Springer, whom Impactor thought had died, the former Wreckers commander promised that Overlord would serve trial as a criminal, and himself finally came to terms with the crimes he committed on Pova.

Impactor was pardoned in exchange for his help retaking Garrus-9, and he immediately left for parts unknown on a shuttle with the repaired Guzzle. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

Things didn't go well for the new pair: Guzzle became increasingly violent and obsessed with racking up a bodycount, something that struck Impactor too close to home, and which got him captured in a rescue mission against Decepticon Harvesters. The fact Impactor cared about Guzzle and the alien hostages enough to rescue them was a sign that he was improving... but when the hostages were killed, Impactor allowed himself to succumb to bloodlust once more, realising to his horror that he could not escape it. {{storylink|Escape (G1)|Escape}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers1 ImpactorRoadbusterArgue.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7|]]
Eventually, Impactor balked and had Guzzle imprisoned at Debris for butchering prisoners, something that a raging Guzzle felt was hypocritical. All Impactor could now do was wile away his days with Roadbuster, lamenting the state of the Wreckers and their lack of purpose. Roadbuster comforted Impactor by pointing out he ''didn't'' join the killing and was trying to care for a comrade. Such caring was a point of contention between the two as Impactor felt it was wrong for his teammate to keep Springer alive, after years of no mental activity, and tried to drag Debris administrator [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] into the debate.

Shortly after, Springer did in fact regain consciousness: just in time for the Wreckers to be gathered once again to try and rescue a captured Prowl. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|Sins of the Wreckers #1}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers2 ImpactorMeetsCarnivac.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left|It's a tank-eat-bear world.]]
On Earth, Impactor and the Wreckers found Prowl's old collaborator [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] hunting for him, after he went missing en route to Verity Carlo and her copy of the [[Aequitas]] [[data slug]]. When a "[[Stampy (BWN)|rabbit]]" stole the data slug, Impactor and Guzzle took off after the creature, but soon encountered several [[Chimeracon]]s, robots in disguise as Earth creatures. While Guzzle took on [[Polar Claw]], [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] disabled Springer with his paralyzing [[outlier (group)|outlier]] ability. Impactor came to Springer's aid, and Carnivac introduced himself as the leader of [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]], a rogue group intent on toppling the corrupt power structures created by the Autobots and Decepticons alike. Carnivac extended an offer to join them, being familiar with Impactor's reputation as a maverick. Impactor refused, particularly unimpressed with Carnivac's indifference when Guzzle killed Polar Claw right in front of them. Carnivac departed and Impactor and the recovered Springer were left to handle the raging Guzzle, who had ingested some of Polar Claw's [[Obtenteum|spilled fuel]] and was being hideously mutated by its effects. Rendezvousing with the others nearby as they took on more members of Mayhem, Impactor and Springer let Guzzle loose on the massive Chimeracon known as [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Tidal Wave]]. Surmising that Prowl was being held inside him, Springer led a squad into Tidal Wave as Impactor, Kup, and Guzzle remained outside to draw fire and divert their other attackers. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|Sins of the Wreckers #2}}

Becoming stuck in mid-transformation, Tidal Wave was ordered to retreat. Impactor was intent on following, but Kup elaborated on the mind-link Prowl had installed in him, eliciting an angry response. Kup forwarded a message Prowl sent through it and upon hearing a mention of the "[[Noisemaze]]", Impactor immediately knew [[Tarantulas (BW)|who they were dealing with]], filling him with dread. Without wasting any time, he told Kup they must return to Debris. Once they were back on the space station and with Guzzle recharging, Impactor began digging up his own pre-made grave in the Wreckers' mausoleum. He explained to Kup what the Noisemaze was and the two brainstormed a method of countering the pocket dimension's mind-warping effects. Impactor then revealed he had hidden a gate to the Noisemaze in the grave. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|Sins of the Wreckers #3}}

[[File:Sotw4 undeserved.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|]]
With Tarantulas now holding the other Wreckers prisoner along with Prowl, Impactor prepared a rescue plan. He had to knock Kup out cold in order for the old-timer to send a warning message to Prowl through their mind-link. Impactor then used his long-hidden gate to breach the Noisemaze with Debris itself, intending to destabilize the entire dimension with the massive space station. He made sure Kup and Guzzle understood the plan and the three tooled-up, leaping into battle with Mayhem's Chimeracons, who Tarantulas fielded to defend him. The giant Tidal Wave breached the Noisemaze as well, exacerbating its collapse as Impactor singled out Carnivac for a one-on-one fight. Carnivac again attempted to seduce Impactor to his side, but Impactor wasn't having it, gaining the upper hand in their scuffle. However, the two were forced to stop when the towering Tidal Wave loomed over them, intent on getting in on some of the action. Impactor found himself solidly punted by Tidal Wave's massive foot straight into the [[Tor]]- Tarantulas' lair at the heart of the Noisemaze.

Inside, Impactor watched from the shadows as Prowl leveled a gun at the traitorous Hubcap, intent on silencing him and protecting the sensitive data the communications specialist had accrued. Prowl was ultimately swayed not to shoot Hubcap, but Impactor felt keeping the traitor around was too great a security risk and that the deaths of his comrades would've been for nothing if that data was leaked. Shooting Hubcap through the chest, he cynically declared that guys like Prowl would always have someone like Impactor around to do the dirty work when they faltered.

Soon the escaped Springer and the others caught up to them, and Impactor took responsibility up-front for eliminating Hubcap. Noticing that Roadbuster was missing from the group, Impactor immediately knew what that meant for his old comrade and took a moment with Springer to lament the loss of their friend. The group began to hatch a plan to destroy the Noisemaze and Tor for good, hitting upon the idea of forcing Tidal Wave to transform. The gravimetric crunch of such a massive Transformer doing so would destabilize the maze to a critical point, and Impactor suggested adding the super-fuel [[Obtenteum]] to the mix. The team headed to the room with the main Obtenteum supply stored in a giant column, and Impactor and Springer immediately moved to pilfer some and lay explosives to destroy the rest. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|Sins of the Wreckers #4}}

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers5 SpringerImpactorLastOrder.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0|]]
Tarantulas appeared before the group, the giant spider growing further in size and initiating a contraction of the Tor so he could escape with his experiments intact. As the others engaged him, Springer weighed their options and told Impactor to get the rest out as he ensured the destruction of Tarantulas' lair. Impactor protested, but Springer gave Impactor the order to remotely blow the charges if he was unable to escape in time. Impactor harpooned over the giant Tarantulas as Springer and Arcee cut the web the spider was perched on. Tarantulas prevented himself from falling by growing yet larger and grabbed Verity, but Impactor and the others quickly wrested her free from the spider's clutches. Impactor took a moment to reveal that HE was the one who originally chucked Mesothulas into the Noisemaze, not Prowl as Tarantulas had first assumed. Learning this, Tarantulas came to the conclusion that Prowl hadn't done away with Ostaros either, and demanded to know what had happened to his beloved creation. After hearing Springer's voice signal Impactor and noting a meaningful look between Impactor and Prowl at this, Tarantulas instinctively realized that Ostaros was in fact present at the moment and moved to reunite with him. Impactor ordered Prowl and Verity out of the Tor as Arcee intercepted Tarantulas and sliced his giant spider head off. Impactor then used the decapitated head to halt the Tor's contraction via Tarantulas' retinal scanner.

[[File:SinsoftheWreckers5 ImpactorJoinsMayhem.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|right|We have ''years''--as many as we need... years-- to ''train'' and ''study'' and ''plan''... This will be a ''good'' life... good ''enough''.]]
After Prowl and the others outside successfully got Tidal Wave juiced up on Obtentium and forcefully-transformed, the Noisemaze began to violently collapse. The decapitated Tarantulas suddenly recovered and leaped down the Obtentium column before Impactor and Arcee could stop him. Impactor wanted to pursue but received another message from Springer, ordering him to stay the course and follow his last command. Arcee reassured the torn Impactor that Springer knew what he was doing and the two exited the Tor, with Impactor choosing to have faith in his former subordinate. Once outside, Springer's signals stopped, and a sorrowful Impactor ultimately had to blow the charges and destroy the Tor. Jumping aboard Debris, Impactor and Arcee found a wrathful Guzzle preparing to execute Prowl and Kup, and Impactor was forced to neutralize his former companion with a harpoon through the head. Thankfully, Prowl insisted on going back into the collapsing Noisemaze one last time, and a surviving Springer was successfully rescued, much to Impactor's relief. In the aftermath, Impactor decided to take Carnivac up on his offer to join Mayhem, and the two began to plot the group's future. {{storylink|Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|Sins of the Wreckers #5}}

Impactor was mistakenly remembered to be in queue to board the ''[[Lost Light]]'' before its maiden launch by [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}} When Kup was equipped with a rocket pack for travel to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], he stated in elation, "If only Impactor and the guys could see me now!" {{storylink|Enter The Shadow}}

[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers ImpactorUndercoverAltMode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left|]]
As Impactor and Carnivac pushed forward with their plans for Mayhem, Impactor began to take the leading role in the organization, much to Carnivac's chagrin. They concocted a scheme to ruin human/Cybertronian relations by framing an Autobot for murdering a prominent human politician. To that end, Impactor reformatted his alternate mode and went undercover in the [[President of the United States]]' motorcade. Carnivac used his absence to reassert his own authority over Mayhem and went forward with their frame-up plan without Impactor's knowledge, spitefully choosing Springer as the Autobot they would utilize. Having gotten an invitation from Springer to talk in the wake of Kup's death, Impactor stumbled upon Carnivac's plot in motion. Carnivac used his outlier powers to control Springer like a puppet and assassinate the politician Megan Guiglione. However, "Megan" turned out to be Overlord in disguise, using Tarantulas' Chimeracon tech to assume a human form. Overlord revealed himself and attacked Springer, forcing the other undercover members of Mayhem present to intervene. Impactor arrived on the scene to find his Mayhem colleagues slaughtered, and Overlord fleeing after taking Verity Carlo prisoner. Tending to the paralyzed Springer, Impactor called Carnivac out of hiding, furious that things had spiraled so far out of control. Carnivac, weakened from controlling Springer, tried to explain himself but Impactor didn't want his excuses. Impactor told him that they would return to their base so both Carnivac and Springer could recover... and then Carnivac would DIE at Impactor's hand.

[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers SpringerAndImpactorAttack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|right|]]
Back at Mayhem's base, Impactor put Springer in a [[CR chamber]] and kept vigil over him. Suddenly, the enraged [[Triple Changer]] woke up and burst out of the chamber, throttling Impactor and blaming him for the situation. Impactor tried to shift the blame to Carnivac and when the former Decepticon entered the room, Impactor slugged him and demanded answers. Carnivac revealed the full extent of Impactor's involvement in Mayhem's frame-up plan, much to Springer's horror, although Impactor protested that it wasn't supposed to be Springer who would be the fall guy. Springer buried the disgust he was feeling at the moment, intending to track down and rescue Verity from Overlord. He looked to Impactor for support and guilt-stricken, Impactor chose to accompany him. The two found Verity in the company of not only Overlord, but Tarantulas, with whom Overlord had formed an alliance. Impactor nailed Overlord's left eye with a wired harpoon shot and engaged the [[Phase Sixer]] as Springer confronted Tarantulas and ensured Verity's safety. Overlord tossed Impactor down a deep crevasse in Tarantulas' new lair, but the falling Impactor managed to tangle Overlord's legs up with another harpoon shot. Springer slammed into Overlord and sent the three tumbling down into the darkness, with Overlord's firepower collapsing some of the surrounding rock on top of them.

[[File:RequiemoftheWreckers ImpactorDies.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|]]
Buried in rubble and separated from Overlord at the moment, Impactor took the time to briefly reminice about how he and Springer first met. Impactor acknowledged that Kup was the reason Springer became such a good person, and admitted it might have been better if he never brought Springer into the the murky world of the Wreckers at all. Suddenly, the recovered Overlord began to approach and Impactor told Springer he had one last thing to do as a Wrecker; re-enact what happened on [[Pova]] between them, but with the roles reversed. Springer was to shoot through the still-trapped Impactor for a surprise attack on Overlord. When the unsuspecting Phase Sixer stood before his pinned prey and smugly asked for some last words, Impactor only had one response- ''WRECK AND RULE''. Springer fired through his friend's chest, stunning Overlord and knocking him over before bursting through Impactor's flaming wreckage in vehicle mode. Heading back up to Verity with a furious Overlord in pursuit, Springer ruefully eulogized Impactor by calling him "a wily old buzzard." {{storylink|Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers}}
{{-}}

===''Wings Universe''===
Impactor led the Wreckers during their campaign against Squadron X on [[Frellus IV]]. There, he willingly sacrificed members of the [[Hasmata]] in order to flee from Squadron X's siege. Impactor and the Wreckers then stole Squadron X's ship to escape the planet. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur, 2014/05/15}}

===''Cloud''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|TFC-A04}}}}

===''Of Masters and Mayhem''===
[[File:TheTruthWeMake ImpactorCounterpunch.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Do you expect me to talk?"
"No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die."

]]
Impactor was the leader of the Wreckers, with missions such as [[Operation: Volcano]], the Battle of [[Hell's Point]], and the [[Garrus-9|Garrus 9]] Incursion being the stuff of legend among Autobots and Decepticons alike. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 68|Impactor's profile in Club magazine #68}}

During [[Operation Cybaxx]], Impactor and the Wreckers tracked down High Circuitmaster [[Boltax (G1)|Boltax]], who had preserved his consciousness inside the knowledge base known as the [[Underbase]]. The secrecy of their mission put them at odds with another Autobot team running Operation: Dark Star, and led to numerous rumors and false retellings of the operation. Boltax was recovered, under the codename of Cybaxx, and incorporated into the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s' merger [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] to feed the knowledge of the Underbase into Computron's data processing abilities.

Despite his reputation as a stone killer, Impactor remembered the deaths of all his men and those they were forced to kill in the line of duty. The Wreckers once had a recorder named [[Ironfist (G1)|Fisitron]] who attempted to alleviate the weight of Impactor's actions by creating his own thorough chronicle of the Wreckers' history. When Fisitron died, Impactor wore his data disc around his neck as a reminder. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}

The story of Impactor and his Wreckers was cut short, however, when [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was left ravaged by [[Decepticon]] [[combiner]] [[Thunder Mayhem]]. Vowing revenge, Impactor set out across the planet to build a new team with which to destroy the apocalyptic gestalt. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 68|Impactor's profile in Club magazine #68}}

His first recruit was the spy [[Punch (G1)|Punch]], who Impactor found critically injured in the ruins of an Autobot outpost on [[Gargoid]] {{storylink|The Truth We Make}} and then took to [[Paradron]] for medical care. Impactor was initially outraged that [[Lifeline (G1)|Lifeline]] could only save one of Punch's robot forms, but after storming out, he had second thoughts. {{storylink|Insight}} It was also on Paradron that Impactor installed some medical equipment with lethal capabilities into himself. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 68|Impactor's profile in Club magazine #68}}

After the spy awoke, he gave Impactor the shocking news that Punch had been the fiction and Counterpunch the true identity all along. The Wrecker leader was angry at this long-term deception, but put this aside to make Counterpunch an offer: join him the Wreckers and stop the monster that destroyed Cybertron. {{storylink|The Truth We Make}}
[[Image:Toxic Transformer The Wreckers.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Impactor and Counterpunch subsequently followed a distress signal to [[Chicxulania|a mysterious planet]] where they found found a small group of Cybertronians who had taken on bestial [[alternate mode]]s. After donating a universal translator from Paradron to help the "[[Raptoricon]]s" clear up their relations with the planet's local lifeforms, Impactor recruited their newest associate, [[Decepticon]] geochemist [[Fractyl]], to the Wreckers. {{storylink|Life Finds a Way}}

Next, Impactor tracked down a data trail indicating a Decepticon research bunker may have shut down before the final fallout with Thunder Mayhem, leaving a test subject inside. Sure enough, the Wreckers discovered Toxitron, still trapped in stasis from his vain attempt to escape. After reviewing the records on Toxitron, Impactor decided to free him from his stasis and offer him the choice to join the Wreckers. Fortunately for all, Toxitron accepted. {{storylink|The Toxic Transformer}}

[[File:DeadlyAim Wreckage.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Building off the design schematics from the former Wreckers engineer, [[Ironclad]], Impactor hoped to create his own Wreckers combiner to oppose Thunder Mayhem. To that end, two more Wreckers were found and recruited, named [[Alpha Bravo]] and [[Offroad]], who had already been fitted as reserve members of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s. Fractyl also reasoned out the means of creating a Matrix from the Greenergon he found on Chicxulania, introducing it into Toxitron's system as the central component to supercharge the Wreckers combiner. During the surgery, however, Impactor also introduced a failsafe compound of thiotimoline into Toxitron's body, which would react violently to the toxic materials in the test subject's body if necessary.

To test their new form, Impactor brought Counterpunch, Fractyl, Toxitron, Alpha Bravo, and Offroad to a [[Mecannibal]] nest. Sure enough, the Greenergon-powered goliath named Wreckage was an unstoppable foe. However, Wreckage proved to have no self-control when it came to wrecking, and would wreck anything in his line of sight. Impactor only barely survived Wreckage turning his sights on the Wreckers leader, until Alpha Bravo forced a separation. Shellshocked by the mental merger, Alpha Bravo killed Offroad to prevent Wreckage from ever forming again, and was killed in turn by Toxitron. {{storylink|Foundation and Wreckage Part 1: Deadly Aim|Deadly Aim}}

[[File:LivelyPursuit Wreckers.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
Impactor was prepared to give up when the Wreckers received a distress call from Cybertron. They met the former Autobot gunner named [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], who had encountered Impactor during Operation: Dark Star. Bluestreak had been approached by aliens named the [[Teklaan]]s who claimed they could revive Cybertron, but needed living sparks to rekindle the lives of the lost population. Bluestreak initially turned Impactor and the Wreckers over to the Teklaans, but soon learned their terraforming process would ultimately destroy Cybertron all over again in a few generations.

As the Wreckers escaped confinement, Impactor got Bluestreak into a reconstruction lab where they applied Ironclad's upgrades to themselves. After that, they rejoined the other Wreckers and successfully recreated Wreckage. With greater focus on the mission than before thanks to the inclusion of Impactor, Wreckage destroyed the Teklaans' ship and disassembled on command. The Wreckers were now complete, and they had the combiner power to face Thunder Mayhem. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}

Impactor and the Wreckers received a signal tracking Thunder Mayhem to the planet [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Pandora's Gift}} There they teamed up with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and the humans and [[Mega Pretender]]s of another reality to battle Thunder Mayhem. The human [[Lisa|Elizabeth]] used her power to channel Wreckage's energies and shatter the [[Matrix of Malice]], forcing the evil combiner apart. Impactor and the Wreckers took the Mayhem Attack Squad into custody following that exchange. {{storylink|Finale}}
===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Brook Chalmers]] (English)}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Impactor was the leader of the fearless Wreckers squad which liberated Garrus-9 from the grip of [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and the [[Air Strike Patrol]], though they destroyed most of the facility in the process. {{storylink|The Wreckers}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Impactor_Earth_Wars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 star
*'''Ability: '''Energon Mineblaster: For 10 seconds, your laser causes damage. You generate a shield attracting defenses and absorbing a percentage of the damage you receive. Every time you get hit, your laser damage increases by 1%.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:impactor Impactor at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generations===
====Fall of Cybertron====
[[Image:Generationstoy-Impactor.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1.75|You always were a wily old GIANT HEAD INSIDE MY CHEST.]]
*'''Impactor''' (Deluxe Class, 2013)
**''Series / Number'': '''01 / #014'''
**'''PART 1 OF 5!'''
**''Accessories'': Dual cannon, harpoon launcher, harpoon [[missile]]
{{note|''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Impactor (Prime)#Toys|Impactor]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as ''Cloud'' [[#Cloud|Impactor]].}}

: Part of the fourth wave of 2012-onwards ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Impactor is an orange and purple [[redeco]] and [[retool]] of ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Onslaught (WFC)#Generations|Onslaught]], with a new robot head sculpt based on [[Nick Roche]]'s rendition of Impactor in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', and a new combiner head based on [[Xaaron|Emirate Xaaron]]. He transforms into a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] "missile carrier" truck.

:Impactor comes with a twin-barreled cannon that can be attached to two small pegs on top of the vehicle mode, completing his "missile carrier" mode, and a brand new spring-loaded missile launcher accessory (with the missile shaped to resemble a harpoon) that can be attached on top of the twin-barreled cannon. Both weapons can be held via [[5 mm post]], and feature additional pegs and peg-holes for mounting/storage.

:In addition to his robot and vehicle modes, Impactor can also combine with his fellow Wreckers into Ruination, serving as the gestalt torso. The twin-barreled cannon can either be combined with the other Wreckers' weapons into a huge "phase cannon" for Ruination to wield, or the twin-barreled cannon can be attached to Ruination's back. As the result of a [[design flaw]], two small tabs that are used to attach the cannon more securely are very prone to showing stress marks, and eventually breaking.

:In addition to a [[tampograph]]ed orange regular Autobot [[insignia]] on his lower chest, Impactor also sports a tampographed light blue version of the "Wreckers" insignia from [[3H Productions|3H]]'s [[Transformers: The Wreckers|''Wreckers'' comics]]. Oddly, even though both the official Hasbro [[stock photography|stock photos]] that depict a hand-painted [[prototype]] (which are also featured on the back of the [[packaging]]) and the ones that depict a (pre)-production sample show the Wreckers insignia, at least one specimen from Asia sports a light blue regular Autobot insignia instead.,<ref name="taiwan">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/929782-generations-foc-wreckers-ruination-pics.html TFW2005 thread] with a Taiwan-based fan's photos of the Wreckers, depicting Impactor with a light blue regular Autobot insignia</ref> thus matching the one on display at [[Toy Fair 2013]].<ref name="toyfair2013">[http://www.tfu.info/HasbroFanMediaEvent/2013/Generations/index.htm Hasbro Fan Media Event 2013] at TFU.info.</ref>

:The original version of this mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Onslaught (G1)#G2BoxSet|Onslaught]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/FOCImpactor/impactor.htm More information on Impactor on TFU.info]''

{{anchor|TFSS}}
====Combiner Wars====
[[File:CombinerWarstoy-Impactor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now I finally have a toy; maybe people will stop buying up those third-party Wreckers, right? ...right?]]
*'''Impactor''' (TFSS 4.0, [[2016]])
**''Accessories'': Clamp weapon, combiner hand/foot, assorted hand attachments

:Part of the [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service#Series 4.0 (2016)|Figure Subscription Service 4.0]], ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Impactor is a [[retool]] of Deluxe Class [[Rook (Generations)#Generations|Rook]] with a new head. He transforms into an armored personnel carrier, and can also form an arm or leg for any compatible ''Combiner Wars''-style Voyager figure (or into one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber]]'s legs). One of his hands is unpainted purple so as to replicate the character's traditional one-handed appearance. He includes the mold's [[5 mm post|5 mm]] clamp weapon, along with redecoes of ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Arcee (G1)/toys#Generations|Arcee]]'s four accessories. Of those, the swords are intended to be used to recreate Impactor's traditional harpoon-hand, whilst the larger pistol is decoed to resemble his shoulder cannon. Although Impactor can use his weapon/extremity for his arm mode, his clamp weapon can be plugged in to represent Wreckage's harpoon-hand.

:Impactor was released alongside [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Bluestreak]].

:The original version of this mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' [[Roller (G1)#Toys|Wandering Roller]], slightly retooled into [[BotCon 2016]] [[Tarantulas (BW)#Generations|Predacon Tarantulas]], heavily retooled into ''Combiner Wars'' [[Swindle (G1)#Combiner Wars|Swindle]] and [[Hound (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Hound]], and ''even further'' retooled into [[Nosecone (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|''Unite Warriors'' Nosecone]]. Additionally, this mold also served as the model for the non-toy ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' version of [[Brawn (SG)|X-Brawn]].
{{CWRookMold}}

====War for Cybertron: Siege====
[[File:WFC-Siege-WFCS42-Deluxe-Impactor.jpg|300px|thumb|Look, now I'm available at general retail! Won't you please stop buying third-party versions of me? ...please?]]
*'''Impactor''' (Deluxe Class, [[2019]])
**''ID number'': '''WFC-S42'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''SG-36'''
**''Japanese Release Date'': '''[[November 23]], 2019'''
**''Accessories'': "HP Energon Mineblaster" rifle, "Trilithium Drill"

:In accordance with his victory in the 2018 ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' [[Fan polls#2018|Hasbro fan poll]], Impactor received a new figure in ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege (toyline)|Siege]]'', thematically matched up against [[Mirage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Mirage]]. As his first non-retool figure, Impactor is styled after his Marvel appearance and transforms into a Cybertronian 4-treaded battle tank with a working turret. He comes with 2 accessories: the HP Energon Mineblaster and the Trilithium Drill, which is styled after his classic harpoon. He features multiple [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]] weapon ports to attach weapons, enabling custom configurations in bot and vehicle modes. The figure is noticeably tall for a Deluxe figure, rivaling the height of Ironhide from the same line. As part of the ''Siege'' line, Impactor features battle damage paint applications, specifically above his treads and mine plow. The Autobot insignia on his chest is uncolored, filled by the base plastic colors of the figure. Unlike most Siege toys, Impactor's two weapons are not designed to be combined into a larger weapon.

:Some figures have been reported coming with instruction sheets that list the weapon names in Cybertronian, for no apparent reason.

:Because of the way in which he transforms, it's possible to make either a tank turret standing on Impactor's legs or Impactor's upper body rolling on a tank hull.

:Exercise caution while transforming the waist section: The unpaintable waist's upper cavity may clash and chip off the hip's painted front stomach after repeated transformations. Due to the weak connection, the cover panel/5mm port on Impactor's nape is not strong enough to support heavy Weaponizer backpacks.

:Both the TakaraTomy and Hasbro's secondary stock photos depict his Trilithium Drill as a handheld weapon.

{{-}}{{anchor|AmazonFanVote3Pack}}
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Fan-Vote-Battle-3-Pack-Decepticon-Impactor.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, I have an IDW-accurate head again! Buy me a third time!]]
*'''Fan Vote Battle 3-Pack''' (Multi-pack, 2019)
**''ID number'': '''WFC-S56'''
**''Accessories'': "HP Energon Mineblaster" rifle, harpoon

:Released as part of a three-pack with [[Mirage_(G1)/toys#S55|Holo Mirage]] and [[Aragon#S56|Powerdasher Aragon]], "Decepticon Impactor" is a redeco/retool of the figure above, featuring a new IDW-accurate head. While most of the paint applications are identical, Impactor features additional paint operations on his shoulders and the orange-yellow knees are replaced with red.

: His instructions do not call out his harpoon accessory specifically (nor does it show it as a wrist-attachment weapon), but do note that it combines with his shoulder-cannon to form the "Earthbreaker Cannon".

:This set was an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the United States, Canada and Europe, but was available at general retail in Hong Kong, released before the original figure above.
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W4CaptainImpactor.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Captain Impactor//Special Ops•Wrecker''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T02/T52'''
**''Stars: ''7

{{-}}

==Notes==
{{quote|What does Impactor transform into?}}{{quote|Who cares, he's dead.|Human child and [[Blaster (G1)#Letter's page|Blaster]]|[[Eye of the Storm|#306 Darn 'n' Blast It]]}}
*According to [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] in [[Survivors!|issue #221]]'s [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]], Impactor transformed into an "earth-boring vehicle". In the letter page to [[Survival Run|issue #238]], Dreadwind clarified that he transformed into a drill tank but didn't have an earth mode. Later, in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]],'' he transformed into a non-drill tank. Later still, but [[Chaos Theory Part 1|earlier in IDW's timeline]], he gained a drill replacement for his hand.
*In the Marvel comics, Impactor's right hand can be interchanged for a harpoon. This emulates the wrist-launcher gimmick found in many ''[[Diaclone]]''-based toys. He is frequently seen carrying a club which looks an awful lot like a gun barrel, and which may be a gun attachment for his right arm; but being Impactor, he only ever uses it to smack guys around.
*Impactor was the one Wrecker in ''Last Stand'' who was ''never'' going to die! <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9DPbginVXE Moonbase 2's AA2010 interview], 21:22</ref>
*[[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]] revealed that all the Aequitas defendants were [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|"constructed cold"]]: their sparks taken from the Matrix itself and slapped into a body. That same issue also said Impactor was a [[Point One Percenter]], i.e. ''not'' constructed cold, causing some confusion until James Roberts confirmed that was a mistake.<ref name="moonbase2">[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ moonbase2 interview with James Roberts]</ref> The trade paperback snips Impactor's name from the Point One line.
*In IDW's original Generation 1 continuity, Impactor was once a friend of Megatron, and later gains the nickname Kiloton. In reference to this, "[[Ask Vector Prime]]" christened [[Kiloton|Megatron's unnamed friend]] from the ''Generation 2'' manga "Kiloton".

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Impactor''' (インパクター ''Inpakutā'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Zhuàng Zhēn''' (China, 撞针, "Firing Pin")

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://transfans.co.uk/comics_guide_detail.php?id=257&page=13 Transformers #221 Letters Page on Transfans.co.uk]
*[http://transfans.co.uk/comics_guide_detail.php?id=291&page=14 Transformers #238 Letters Page on Transfans.co.uk]

[[Category:Cloud Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:European-original Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Mayhem]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]
[[Category:Zombies]]

Wannabee, Part 2

2020-03-25T21:34:03Z

Orogogus: /* Covers (3) */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' #6
|prev=Wannabee, Part 1
|next=Gauging the Truth, Part 1
|caption=
|image=TFGalaxies 6 cvrA.jpg
|title="Wannabee, Part 2"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 25]], 2020
|coverdate=February 2020
|written by=[[Kate Leth]] and [[Cohen Edenfield]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[David Garcia Cruz]]
|letters by=[[Jake Wood]] and [[Val Lopez]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]] and [[Tom Waltz]]
|continuity=[[2019 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Exposed as an impostor and framed for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Cliffjumper to save the people of Probat, who all want him dead!'''

==Synopsis==
''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] has spent his entire life living in [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s shadow; while Bumblebee's forging in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] was marked by joyful celebration and a warm introduction to his mentor [[Shutter]], Cliffjumper, an unprecedented accidental forging, emerged from the [[Pyramid (Cybertron)|Pyramid]] mere hours later, alone, unwelcome, and unloved save for the brusque ministrations of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]] and an unfriendly [[Voin]].''

Now, on the planet [[Probat (planet)|Probat]], all of these past problems pale in comparison to Cliffjumper's current dilemma: [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] towers over his much smaller compatriot, but suddenly shows a moment of uncharacteristic concern for the panicked Cliffjumper's well-being by inviting him to help himself to whatever [[energon]] he can get in the refinery while Deathsaurus goes out to "refine" some more from the homespires of the native [[Probat (species)|Probat]], rich in flammable, energon-catalyzing guano. But when Cliffjumper—the murder of [[Natalus]] still fresh in his mind—asks what will happen to the inhabitants of those spires, Deathsaurus drops the charitable act and coldly tells him that the Probat can either get out of the way or burn where they stand. Cliffjumper protests that Probat is a Cybertronian colony world, under the protection of the [[Senate]], but Deathsaurus just laughs off his concerns; with Sentinel Prime offworld, the [[Senate]] will be rent by infighting and paralyzed by indecision, powerless to prevent Deathsaurus from taking whatever he wants. Cliffjumper doesn't pick up on the sarcasm, however, and boldly tells Deathsaurus that he'll report the ambassador to the Senate... at which point Deathsaurus, tired of having to make nice with Cliffjumper, simply picks up the smaller 'bot and piledrives him straight through the nearest wall. Taking only a moment to wipe his face clean of sprayed energon, Deathsaurus steps outside to deliver the terrible news to the throngs of adoring Probat gathered around the refinery: their hero "Bumblebee" has been unmasked as a villainous impostor and, worse, a ''murderer'', as evidenced by Natalus's charred skull. It doesn't take much of this off-the-cuff slander to properly rile the crowd and unite them in hatred against the "false Bee"—and thus, when Cliffjumper finally pulls himself free from the wall, he's immediately beset by a tide of bloodthirsty Probats bent on avenging their fallen leader!

Unable to reason with the angry mob, Cliffjumper flees through the abandoned refinery, then transforms and zooms out of the nearest window—but the mob soon catches up with him on the ground below. Although he's initially confused by their sudden change of opinion, Cliff quickly puts the pieces together when one of the Probat accuse ''him'' of killing Natalus; realizing that he's been framed, Cliff swerves into a deserted section of the Probat city to try and calm his nerves... only for a little voice to pipe up, praising him for his skill. That voice, it turns out, belongs to a young Probat child, who stowed away in his passenger compartment. Although the Probat child means Cliffjumper no harm, this revelation could not have come at a worse time—when the mob catches up with Cliffjumper, they accuse him of having ''kidnapped'' the child, just as Deathsaurus foretold! Cliffjumper panics and swerves into the nearest cave, where the pair take shelter behind a boulder that conceals them from the sonar of their pursuers. The other Probat assume that the trail's gone cold and leave, and Cliffjumper warns his new friend to fly away before the aliens come back before correcting himself, remembering that all Probat have their wings shorn. He's quite surprised when the child reveals that she ''does'' have her wings intact, only because she's not old enough—once she grows up, however, her wings will be taken from her. Cliffjumper asks why, and the girl explains: once, all Probat flew... but when the Cybertronians uplifted their race and appointed Natalus head foreman of their new energon refinery, Natalus claimed that the Transformers told him only ''he'' should be able to fly, and ordered that all other Probat be stripped of their wings. Cliffjumper swears that he didn't kill Natalus, and the girl agrees with him—not only because she doesn't think a 'bot like him could be capable of murder... but also because she can sense the presence of the ''other'' Cybertronian.

As Probats flee from his monstrous [[beast mode]], Deathsaurus begins his rampage and torches the first of many homespires with his fiery breath; although Cliffjumper orders his new friend to stay put, but the little Probat cajoles Cliff into taking her with him, and Cliffjumper grudgingly obliges. Transforming into his vehicle mode, the child climbs aboard as the two race towards the inferno while Cliffjumper explains: sufficient heat catalyzes the sacred Probat "substance" into energon. Cliffjumper shouts for Deathsaurus to stop, but his pleas are ignored; Deathsaurus doesn't ''want'' to kill every Probat. Once he's burned down their city and stolen their energon, he'll let them rebuild... then come back every megacycle to conduct this grisly "harvest" all over again. As the first homespire crystallizes into a skyscraper-sized mass of energon, Cliffjumper races up its side, while his Probat passenger grabs a chunk of the crystal and jams it into Cliffjumper's dashboard. Deathsaurus quickly realizes that he's miscalculated, and fumbles for Cliffjumper's name to try and talk him down... but the overenergized Cliffjumper triumphantly shouts his name as he rams into Deathsaurus at full speed, transforms, and impales the monstrous Transformer on his own energon spire!

Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], an incredulous [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] grill Cliffjumper about the bizarre failure of what should have been a routine diplomatic mission, one that's ended with a comatose Deathsaurus and no energon to show for their troubles. Cliffjumper lies that he and Deathsaurus had to scuttle the refinery after the planet's energon dried up, and Deathsaurus sustained an injury after the leftover energon exploded; with the exhaustion of the planet's resources, there's no reason for ''any'' Cybertronian to go back there. The conversation is interrupted when a group of Cybertronians cheer for a passing Bumblebee, and Chromia grudgingly lets Cliffjumper go, but warns him that this investigation isn't over. Although Chromia can't remember his name, the red Cybertronian doesn't mind; after all, ''he'' knows who he is... and so do the grateful inhabitants of the planet Probat, who now soar free, on newly healed wings, over a massive statue of their ''new ''savior: Cliffjumper.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Nominus Prime]]'' (9)
* ''[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel]]'' (12)

|h2=[[Decepticon|Ascenticon]]s|c2=
* ''[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'' (4)
* ''[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'' (5)
* ''[[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]]'' (6)

|h4=Cybertronians|c4=
* ''[[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]]'' (1)
* ''[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'' (2)
* ''[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'' (3)
* ''[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]'' (7)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (10)
* ''[[Shutter]]'' (11)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (13)
* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (14)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (16)
* [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (17)

|h5=Others|c5=
* ''[[Voin]]'' (8)
* [[Probat]] child (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"H-hello? I exist, I guess? Sorry..."
:—'''Cliffjumper's''' first words

"Oh, please '''do'''. Please whine to the Senate. Sentinel is playing with the organics, so... Orion Pax will dither, Megatron will pontificate, and the other factions will whisper while the big boys flirt."
:—'''Deathsaurus'''

"The horned menace of Cybertron...'''Clogjammer!''' He's here to, hmm...steal your young? Yes. Better kill him first! '''For Natalus'''!"
:—'''Deathsaurus''' knows how to work a crowd!

"You'd be safer here." 
"Oh, yes, I'm sure I will be able to find my way home. And that my home is not on fire. After all, it is not that far to walk, even with legs as small as mine..." 
"Okay! Okay! Weeping spark, you should be on the Senate!" 
"Yes. I should."
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and his '''Probat friend'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* It's not entirely clear when this story takes place: Deathsaurus notes that Sentinel Prime is off "playing with the organics" in what seems like a reference to his tour of Cybertron's colonies that occurred over in [[Transformers (2019 comic)|the main ongoing]], leaving [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in control of the [[Senate]]; however, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] shows up in the final scene, seemingly as a member of [[Security Operations]]—when [[The World In Your Eyes Part Five|''Transformers'' issue #5]] revealed that Bumblebee had been expelled from that organization. With that in mind, it's possible that Sentinel has taken multiple offworld trips, and that this comic took place while he was away on some prior tour of the Cybertronian commonwealth.
* The crowd who turns out to attend Bumblebee's forging includes [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]], and, most intriguingly, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], who, in the present day, has become a reclusive hermit. Evidently, something must have happened between then and now to push him out of Cybertronian society...
* Shutter is shown with a wrist-based communicator similar to the one that Bumblebee tried to set up for [[Rubble]] in [[The World In Your Eyes Part Three|''Transformers'' issue #3]].
* The flashback also features the earliest chronological appearance of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] as just "Sentinel;" much like his counterpart in the [[2005 IDW continuity]], he appears to be acting on behalf of the [[Senate]] before his ascension to the rank of Prime.

===Transformers references===
* As he attempts to steady his jangled nerves, Cliffjumper mumbles that "he's got the touch" in reference to [[Stan Bush]]'s [[The Touch|song of the same name]].

===Real-life references===
* While trying to remember Cliffjumper's name, Deathsaurus accidentally calls him "{{w|Clickbait|Clickbaiter}}."

===Errors===
* In the flashback sequence, both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper are drawn identically to their present day selves, complete with vehicle mode [[kibble]]. In this new universe, however, it's something of a key plot point that newly born Cybertronians, such as [[Rubble]] and [[Gauge]], don't ''have'' [[alternate mode]]s when they're newly forged, and must voluntarily choose a shape for themselves as part of their development.

===Other notes===
* Originally solicited for February 26, this comic arrives a month late.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A''': Cliffjumper in front of a stained-glass panel of Deathsaurus, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
* '''Cover B''': Cliffjumper is Probat's Most Wanted, by [[Bethany McGuire-Smith]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover ''': Deathsaurus vs. Cliffjumper, by [[George Caltsoudas]]

<gallery>
File:TFGalaxies 6 cvrA.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 6 cvrB.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 6 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection]]'' [[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11|#11]]
* ''[[Transformers Valentine's Day Special]]''
* ''Locke & Key''

==External links==
* [https://popculthq.com/2020/03/24/preview-idws-3-25-release-transformers-galaxies-6/ Preview]

[[Category:Galaxies issues]]

Decepticon Justice Division

2020-03-10T18:49:01Z

Orogogus: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''The Decepticon Justice Division is a group from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Mtmte7 djd.jpg|thumb|upright=2.8|So it's just "Or Death" then?]]
{{bigquote|Find. Kill. Cleanse.|The D.J.D. motto}}
The '''Decepticon Justice Division''' is a division of the Decepticon army that handles justice. And by justice, we mean "unmarked graves". Assuming there's enough left of their victims to bury.

Traitors, deserters, and any manner of transgressors to the [[Decepticon]] cause end up on "[[The List]]", and are targeted by these enforcers of [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron's]] will. If the rumors are to be believed, they ''always'' find their quarry, and execute them in the messiest fashion possible to make an example of them. Several of them are living torture devices, either having horrific instruments of pain built into their bodies, or having [[alternate mode]]s that become such devices. As a group, they're even able to take down the mighty [[Phase Sixer]]s. So fearsome is their reputation that many Decepticons prefer suicide to waiting for the D.J.D. to find them... unfortunately, many Decepticons only find out they were ''on'' The List right as the D.J.D. arrive. Obviously, this makes them incredibly unpopular among the rank-and-file, many wondering just what level of minor infraction will get you on The List in the first damn place.

Their usual killing fields are in the proximity of the planet [[Messatine]], and they pursue targets in their spaceship the ''[[Peaceful Tyranny]]''.

The group's lineup has changed over the years, but its core five members always use the same five code-names: those of [[Fall of the First Five Cities|the first five cities]] to fall to the Decepticons. Should one member die, another Decepticon is eventually selected to take their place and name. Only the group's leader, [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]], is known to have been in the group from the start.

Known members include:

*[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]] (leader)
*[[Helex (DJD)|Helex]]
*[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]]
*[[Tesarus (DJD)|Tesarus]]
*[[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]] (previously as "Vos", now "The Pet")
*[[Vos (DJD)|Vos]] (replacing Agent 113)
*[[Nickel]]

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===

[[File:Tarn transforms MTMTE08.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1]]

Tarn runs a tight ship. They hold regular prayers in front of two statues of Megatron, must obey a stringent health and safety policy, and are subjected to constant performance reviews. It's not all fun and games!{{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

The late and unlamented [[Crosscut (Decepticon)|Crosscut]] was often mistaken for a Justice Division man, which he used to his advantage. {{storylink|The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Crosscut's Squadron X profile}}

The D.J.D. has killed quite a few of the renegade Decepticon warlord [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]'s troops for their desertion. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} But while the Division are primarily about killing Decepticons, they ''looooove'' killing Autobots too. They had a reputation of being Megatron's personal assassins and [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] lost many good friends to them. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse}}

[[File:MTMTE44 Agent113.jpg|thumb|left|Vos AKA Agent 113 AKA Dominus Ambus AKA Matches Malone AKA Keyser Soze.]]

The last-but-one Vos had hooks for hands and feet. Footage of him doing his usual business with the rest of the D.J.D. was recorded and presented as evidence during Megatron's trial. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} Unknown to the Decepticons, that Vos was an [[Autobot]] mole, the famous [[Dominus Ambus]], codenamed Agent 113! {{storylink|The Not Knowing}}{{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} He used his position to pass information to the Autobots; due to a justifiably extreme paranoia about being found out, he used info-slugs disguised as bullets to pass message covertly. Usually this information would be the turncoats and traitors that the Division was hunting down, whom the Autobots could protect from [[death|justice]] in return for information. {{storylink|Bullets}}

In order to ensure the safety of the Autobot medical facility of [[Delphi]] on the planet [[Messatine]], deep within D.J.D. territory, the facility's chief medical officer [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]] entered into a deal with the Division's leader. In return for their leaving Delphi be, Pharma would provide Tarn with a constant supply of fresh [[transformation cog]]s from Delphi's dead, in order to feed his addiction to changing shape that caused him to constantly burn through cogs. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

During Ambus's time, the Division had learned the mysterious [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] was real and the existence of his planet, [[Necroworld]]. They didn't bother to investigate it. {{storylink|The Not Knowing}} Shortly after, he fired a warning about numerous issues, as well as the Necroworld's location, into [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] when he was witnessing a typical D.J.D. atrocity. Unfortunately, Swerve was never aware this had ''been'' a message bullet and none of the alerted medics ever saw him. The shock rendered Swerve speechless for six months, which was quite a feat for him. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} {{storylink|The One Where They Go to Earth}}

Shortly after the Great Surge of 2008, the D.J.D. became concerned that the Decepticon forces attacking [[Garrus-9]] hadn't reported back. They dispatched an exploratory force to the colony and learned that any attempt to get near [[Garrus-9]] was blown out of the sky with extreme prejudice. Ambus passed this on to the Wreckers, via firing a message at [[Dodger (G1)|Dodger]] when [[Dogfight (G1)|Dogfight's]] group had crossed the Division's path near Messatine's Serp Mines. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} {{storylink|Bullets}}

Eventually, the D.J.D. came across a ship piloted by none other than [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] who was also on their list. Shockwave attempted to broker a deal with Tarn, offering his crew (consisting of virtually every Decepticon imprisoned in Garrus-9 who were on the list beneath him) in exchange for letting him live. However, the zealous Tarn had no intention of letting ''any'' of them live and attacked with his lethal voice. While [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]] and a [[Flame (Marvel)|few]] [[Flywheels|others]] abandoned ship, salvation came in the form of Shockwave blasting out the radio and back-up arriving in the form of the ''[[Torment]]''. Rather than face [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]], the D.J.D. retreated. {{storylink|The Ties That Bind}}

Shortly after the Dogfight battle, the Division found out who "Vos" was. When a new Vos appeared, the Autobots assumed Agent 113 was dead {{storylink|The Not Knowing}} but in fact the Division had "domesticated" Ambus: a sadistic form of torture directed at beast-mode Transformers that leaves them lobotimised as a 'pet'. Now simply called "the Pet" and dragged around on a lead by Kaon, the once-mighty intellectual was used as a feral hunting dog and a propaganda tool (the Division claimed he was a tamed [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeater]]). In a bit of Lima syndrome, Kaon developed a twisted affection for his "pet". {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}}

Around 2009, the D.J.D. discovered a mutated form of nucleon on Messatine. They dubbed it [[Nuke]] and kept it to themselves: only Megatron was alerted, and he was playing dead at the time. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

Some time later, the D.J.D. discovered the ravaged Cybertronian [[Prion (planet)|colony]] founded by the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]] and recruited its sole survivor, Nickel, into their ranks. She took up a job as their nurse. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

With the D.J.D.'s monthly quota of cogs constantly rising, Pharma was forced into drastic action, seeking to escape the deal by shutting down the facility without implicating himself. To this end, he hired Decepticon nobodies [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]] to pose as [[Monoformer]]s and seek asylum at Delphi, professing to be on the run from the D.J.D. Once inside, they detonated a viral soundbomb that infected Delphi with a corrosive plague that would be blamed on D.J.D. chemical warfare. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

Meanwhile, the D.J.D. caught up with [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]] and brutally tortured him to death after he sold his services to the Autobots. Despite popular conception, Tarn declared the war wasn't over until Megatron personally ''said'' it was over. Kaon then alerted Tarn to a signal on the planet Clemency from an undetonated [[K-Class]] named [[Fulcrum]]. When they arrived, Tarn gave Fulcrum's companions fifteen minutes to give him up and watch him die or be killed themselves. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}}

[[File:BrainstormDJDComeGetHim.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|left|Only Brainstorm invites genocidal murderers not to genocidally murder everyone on his ship.]] The so-called [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]] chose to fight, turning an incidentally captive [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] against Tarn and the others. The initial surprise wore off, though, and the Scavengers got brutalized. Tesarus ground up [[Flywheels]] in his chest compartment, while Vos made [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] "wear his face". Even a [[Cybernought]] barely helped improve their odds. The remaining hapless Decepticons only survived because Kaon detected [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]'s spark signature, and Fulcrum had seemingly died moments prior in a failed suicide-bomb attempt (he hadn't, but everyone was a little too busy to double-check). Tarn ordered the D.J.D. off to hunt for bigger fish, but not before warning the surviving Scavengers that their names had all been added to the List. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

[[File:Slaughterhouse mtmte -32 djd attack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|And the fandom collectively wept. Whether it was because they had [[spark|souls]] or because they loved watching the D.J.D. kill people has yet to be determined.]]‎
Following a tip-off from the Decepticon mole [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]], the D.J.D. caught up with the ''[[Lost Light]]'' (unbeknownst to anyone, one of two created by a quantum engine accident) over [[Ofsted XVII]]. Though Tarn had initially agreed to spare them in return for Overlord, after learning that known defector [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] was also onboard they slaughtered the entire crew before reaching the rogue Phase Sixer in his slow cell beneath the ship and sawing off his head. The D.J.D, however, left one member of the crew—[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]], whom they'd sadistically forced to ''record'' their atrocities in exchange for his partner [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome's]] life (and then killed Chromedome anyway when he refused to erase all memory of Rewind from his mind). {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

Unbeknownst to them, on Cybertron they were being used as boogeymen for [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] to get a "protection" gig with Starscream. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} When the [[Quintessa (IDW)|Necrotitan]] marched on the city a year later, Megatron listed the Division as a loyal force he could call on to help them retake Cybertron from [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave's]] forces if a retreat was needed. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} Finally, at Megatron's trial, their atrocities were part of the evidence. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}}

Seventeen months later, the Division returned to the shattered ''Lost Light'' at Nickel's urging in order to steal the ship's [[Quantum generator|quantum engines]]. This turned out to be a mistake: the D.J.D. arrived in the middle of a battle between the [[Galactic Council]] and [[Black Block Consortia]], both of whom were also after the engines. Rather than leave Cybertronian technology in the hands of ''organics'', the D.J.D. attacked both sides, which simply led to the two organizations teaming up against them. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

[[File:BirthsDeathsAndInterventions-kaonkillstrailcutter.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Sheesh! That's not what a [[Brainmaster]] is!]]
Pursuing Council forces to the surface of Ofsted XVII, Vos and Kaon were trapped on the planet when an overwhelming number of organic reinforcements forced the ''Peaceful Tyranny'' to retreat. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} The two Decepticons were left badly damaged and close to death by the battle. The pair's salvation arrived when a trio of Autobots (from the surviving ''Lost Light'' duplicate) helped them, initially unaware of who they were; after learning just who Vos was, [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] still did the ethical thing and helped. He was rewarded by getting trapped in his panic bubble forcefield with Kaon and butchered to death. Vos and Kaon were able to call for a teleport back to their ship, bringing with them the new postwar edition of ''[[Towards Peace]]''. {{storylink|Births, Deaths, and Interventions}}

The rest of the D.J.D. caught up with and murdered [[Blip]] in the interim. Tesarus was feeling guilty about abandoning their two comrades, considering it "un-Decepticon"; this got him a beating from Tarn and a threat of death. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

Watching Megatron renounce and denounce the Decepticon cause in ''Towards Peace'' shook Tarn's faith in the movement, and he nearly killed himself by Nuke overdose before realizing a better option. The D.J.D. leader organized a meeting with the rogue Deathsaurus, not to murder him but to ''ally'' with him. In exchange, he and all of his troops would be stricken from The List. Despite some initial friction, Deathsaurus agreed to the alliance. With the D.J.D. now bolstered by the addition of Deathsaurus's considerable forces, Tarn declared their new objective: kill the traitorous Megatron and all of his allies aboard the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

Meanwhile, the ''Lost Light'' medics finally found and extracted the message bullet from Swerve, {{storylink|The One Where They Go to Earth}} but it had deteriorated: the only usable data was the location of the Necrobot [[Mortilus|Censere]]. {{storylink|The Not Knowing}}

Upon detecting long-missing AWOLs that had been on the List on Necroworld, the D.J.D. returned to the planet and learned that the ''Lost Light'' had been there not too long ago. Formulating a plan, the D.J.D. sent a distress signal to the Autobot ship using the Necrobot's own computers in order to lure them back. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}} The Division then butchered the Necrobot and ambushed Megatron, and his only loyal crew members, when they arrived. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|How Bright Their Frail Deeds}} As they'd been taught, and to Megatron's dismay, they made a display of strength before departing, promising to return at sundown: thus, they assumed, terrifying their foes (Deathsaurus thought this was dumb). While some of the Lost Light crew searched for an escape ship, Megatron tried to negotiate his surrender with Tarn. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}}

[[File:YourFierceTears-byebyekaon.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The DJD were determined to get into the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' line.]]

That's when things began to deteriorate: the Pet was captured by the Autobots and Kaon let two new arrivals, Drift and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]], reach the others for fear of the Pet being hurt. Meanwhile, disgusted by how far his former leader had fallen, Tarn savagely attacked Megatron but was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Overlord! Megatron escaped in the commotion and Tarn reluctantly brought Overlord into the plan. As the Phase Sixer constantly sniped at him, Kaon came in crying about the loss of his Pet and that they had to get him back... so, to Nickel's horror, Tarn ''killed him'' for the sin of emotion (and smooshed his head on Overlord's chest to shut the guy up), an act that disgusted even Overlord. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}}

Shortly before sunset, the Autobots learned the fate of Dominus Ambus and Rewind was forced to mercy-kill him. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}}

[[File:mtmte 55 antimatter.jpg|left|thumb|300px|The DJD learn the very hard way that as an Autobot leader, Megatron does indeed now have [[The Touch]]. The Touch of [[Instruments of Destruction|Destruction]].]]
During the final battle, the Autobots were worn down and Tarn ripped [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] in half to draw out Megatron. This finally succeeded and Tarn, to Nickel's dismay, ordered the troops to wade in and soak up gunfire so ''he'' could get the drop. Eventually, Megatron was disarmed and held at gunpoint, {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} surviving only because Megatron had taken Trailcutter's forcefield for himself. The Division pounded on it to get in, even as Overlord wandered off and Deathsaurus ordered his army to retreat from the pointless slaughter, a disillusioned Nickel in tow.

This, however, was a trap: Megatron had rigged the forcefield to let them in but not out, ironically leaving them just as trapped as Trailcutter had been. Once in, he could finally unleash the antimatter weapon he'd been working on for so many years. Megatron raged that they'd ruined all his chances at redemption and leaving any conflict, and he wasn't going to give them the dignity of dying under their aliases. As he tore them to pieces, each was named: <s>Vos</s> Forestock, <s>Helex</s> Crucible, <s>Tesarus</s> Scissorsaw, and finally Glitch, who died with his mask off after bargaining and false bravado had both failed to stay Megatron's hand. With their deaths and Nickel's defection to Deathsaurus' forces, the Decepticon Justice Division was no more. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

Among [[Agonizer|Agonizer's]] rare items was an early version of [[The List]] with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream's]] name on it. {{storylink|An Axe to Break the Ice}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], the DJD operated out of the [[Mandala]] in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] under the supervision of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Three centuries after the end of the war, statues of Kaon and Tesarus remained in the halls of the Mandala, immortalizing their deeds. {{storylink|Trigger Warnings}}

==Notes==
*In an early plan for "[[Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory]]", the D.J.D. were going to attack.<ref>[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts - 01:33:27 to 01:35:00]</ref>
*[[James Roberts]] elaborated that when a D.J.D. member dies, his replacement takes his name.<ref>[http://boards.idwpublishing.com/3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12651&start=15 IDW Forums James Roberts Q&A]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Decepticon Shihōkyoku''' (ディセプティコン司法局), '''DJD'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising subgroups]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) subgroups]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformer culture]]
[[Category:Law enforcement]]

Achilles virus

2020-03-09T19:08:18Z

Orogogus: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

The '''Achilles virus''' is a virus created by [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] that robs an affected [[Transformer]] of the ability to perceive [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s weaknesses.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Not trusting [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]], Megatron had Shockwave infect him with the Achilles virus during the process that turned him nigh-invincible. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} When Overlord desired to move against Megatron for daring to constrain him into being just a [[Phase Sixer]], he realized that, despite his skills in strategy and tactics, he was incapable of recognizing Megatron's weaknesses and exploiting them. As such, he invaded [[Garrus-9]] and, after maintaining control of the prison, released Shockwave so that he could cure Overlord of the Achilles virus. The logical [[Decepticon]] agreed to do so in exchange for leaving the planet. {{Storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

[[Category:IDW (2005) diseases]]

Astrotrain (Cyberverse)

2020-03-08T07:00:58Z

Orogogus: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Astrotrain}}
:''Astrotrain is a [[Decepticon]] [[Triple Changer]] from the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|Cyberverse]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Cyberverse astrotrain.jpeg|thumb|300px|]]
At first glance, '''Astrotrain''' appears to be a colossal [[Decepticon]], using his Triple Changing abilities combined with his force fields, dimensional portals, and door closing abilities for his own selfish gain and occasionally to fuel his sadistic streak, if it's [[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]].

All subsequent glances will reveal that this is in fact an excellent summary of Astrotrain, save for one detail that lets [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]] control him: he is absolutely ''terrified'' of his [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|former master]]. And he will do anything, whether it that includes shooting down [[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|helpless Autobots]] or working with Dead End, to avoid the tyrant.

==Fiction==
===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Mike Rose]] (English)}}
[[File:Cyberverse astrotrain train.JPG|thumb|It was a dark and stormy night...suddenly, a train whistle rang out.]]
After the [[Great War (Cyberverse)|Great War]] was won by [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|Megatron]], the tyrant created [[Perfect Decepticon|a master race of Decepticons]] before ridding himself of all "unneeded" Decepticons. Along with the [[Insecticon (Cyberverse)|Insecticons]], Astrotrain was kept around, being tortured and abused for millions of years before eventually being freed by an alternate [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Enemy Line}} Astrotrain waited with [[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]], to whom Astrotrain took an immediate dislike, while Megatron and the Insecticons stole the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. When they returned under heavy fire, Astrotrain opened a portal to another universe and flew them through. {{storylink|Silent Strike}}

Astrotrain transported Megatron, Dead End, and the Insecticons to Megatron's home dimension in time to battle Judge [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]]. When they attempted to seal off the portal to [[Transwarp|unspace]], Astrotrain was seized by [[Croaton]] until [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] removed the [[Quintesson]] influence from the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]'s mind. Astrotrain used a beam to start closing the portal, but his forcefield began failing when an angry Judge Starscream retaliated. He was saved by Megatron and [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]], and closed the portal completely. Astrotrain later transported the Decepticons to Megatron's meeting with Optimus. {{storylink|The End Of The Universe IV}}

[[File:Cyberverse astrotrain shuttle.JPG|thumb|left|And will you be requiring a baggage fare?]]
In the aftermath of the war against the Quintessons, Astrotrain began patrolling the barrier between Autobot and Decepticon halves of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. When he began underperfoming, Megatron reminded him who he owed his freedom to, Astrotrain reluctantly falling back into line. {{storylink|Enemy Line}}

Astrotrain worked with Dead End to create a cannon that weaponized unspace to use against The Other One. After testing it on [[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]] and finding it to be faulty, he captured both Jetfire and [[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]], intent on using them as test subjects. [[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]] suddenly burst in and attacked Astrotrain, serving as little more than an annoyance, until the randomly-firing unspace cannon hit a door, revealing [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] and [[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]] listening in. After Shadow Striker mocked him, Astrotrain ordered them to leave, and Soundwave challenged him to make them. They posed no more threat than Rack'n'Ruin, but before he could finish the fight, Astrotrain himself was hit by the cannon and sent to unspace. Gleeful that the weapon worked, Astrotrain opened a portal back to his new universe. {{storylink|Rack N' Ruin N' Ratchet}}

{{spoiler|The Other One|March 26}}

Astrotrain returned to the Decepticon control room and presented the completed weapon to Megatron. Soon enough, the Perfect Decepticons began teleporting in, even if the dimensional shield delayed their approach. When the Autobots arrived, the Perfect Decepticons managed to beam in and surround the group. {{storylink|Silent Strike}} Opting for the better part of valour, Astrotrain opened up a multiverse portal and flew away. Once [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] had defeated Megatron, Astrotrain returned to seize the prone form of his old master, intending to imprison him in his own body as he sailed the multiverse, laughing about his "big plans." {{storylink|The Other One}}

==Notes==
[[File:Cyberverse astrotrain hologram.JPG|thumb|Get your feet off the coffee table!]]
*Astrotrain is the only ''Cyberverse'' character seen to create a hologram of his head inside his vehicle mode.
*Given his lack of a counterpart in the primary timeline, Astrotrain's origin is not immediately clear. He could have been created by Megatron X using the [[AllSpark|Allspark]] or he could simply be an ordinary, if large, Cybertronian who, for whatever reason, did not come to associate with [[Decepticon High Command]] in the main universe.
*Astrotrain's design draws inspiration from several of his Generation 1 [[Astrotrain (G1)|counterpart]]'s, specifically the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Classics|toy]], the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Titans Return|toy]], and his more recent ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege (toyline)|Siege]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|toy]].
**However, ''Cyberverse'' Astrotrain stands several times taller than Megatron himself, thereby becoming the largest incarnation of Astrotrain yet. Maybe go a little easy on the protein shakes, huh?

[[Category:Cartoon-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Cyberverse Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]

The Other One

2020-03-08T06:59:34Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 62
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Silent Strike
|next=
|title="The Other One"
|airdate=[[February 26]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''The Autobots and Decepticons confront The Other One, a more powerful and tyrannical version of Megatron from another universe.'''

==Synopsis==
Within [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]]'s [[Matrix of Leadership]], [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]] reaches the pillars that bear the names of the [[Thirteen]] [[Prime (rank)|Primes]]. From one of these pillars emerges [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]], explaining her status as a psychic shard, but much to the [[cityspeaker]]'s surprise, he insists that he is not the Optimus that she knows and serves with. Seeing her confusion, Optimus gives her one simple order: Destroy the Matrix.

Within [[Croaton]], Optimus recognizes the soldiers surrounding them as the [[Perfect Decepticon]]s that Megatron had dreamed of creating; but as [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] points out, how could the tyrant have created them without manipulating the [[AllSpark]]? Megatron confirms the scout's skepticism, proclaiming that the soldiers, everything he dreamed of, were created by "the Other One." The soldiers' stillness is revealed to be the result of them waiting for their master, whose impending arrival causes [[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]] to flee. This shakes everyone out of their shock with [[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]] and [[Thunderhowl (Cyberverse)|Thunderhowl]] leading the charge into battle. Unfortunately, the soldiers are too powerful to be bested by standard weapons, forcing Optimus and Megatron to channel their [[multiverse]] energy and atomize the invaders. Though Optimus reiterates that the alternate Matrix must be destroyed, Megatron insists that both it and its local counterpart must be combined to fell the Other One. Before the debate can continue, a second wave teleports in, Megatron contemptuously blasting them all away to [[Transwarp|unspace]]. Just as Megatron lowers his guard, a teleport flare appears behind him, from which steps forth the Other One, a towering, black version of [[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|Megatron]].

Swatting away his smaller counterpart's weapon, the alternate Megatron fatally wounds his counterpart and sends him flying back. [[Alphastrike]] attempts to avenge her master only for her artillery to be absorbed by the invader and fired back at her. As Megatron observes the differences between this reality and his own, [[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]] demands to know who he is, prompting the warlord to tell his tale.

''[[Megatron Is My Hero|When Optimus Prime refused to join the Decepticons]], Megatron realized that his old friend would forever oppose him and fired a point blank round from his [[fusion cannon]], fatally wounding the newly minted Prime before he seized the Matrix. In this reality, the [[Great War (Cyberverse)|Great War]] was quickly won by the Decepticons before Megatron used the AllSpark to create his perfect race of Decepticon warriors. Years later, when the [[Quintesson]]s sought to invade [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Megatron destroyed their ship with a [[laser snare]], salvaging their multiversal technology from its wreckage.''

Suitably cowed, the Decepticons bow to Megatron only for him to laugh them off before he telekinetically reclaims his Matrix, killing his counterpart in the process. Before he can bond with the talisman once again, Bumblebee steals it and races for the border. Dodging several Perfect Decepticons, the scout reaches the border but cannot breach the now hemisphere-encompassing shield. Circling for a gap to fly through, he is downed by Megatron. Though the tyrant commends Bumblebee's effort, the arrival of Optimus causes him to reassess his priorities. Optimus instantly unleashes the power of the Matrix on the invader. Initially caught off-guard by the attack, Megatron quickly retaliates with a blast of his own, his beam steadily overcoming Optimus'.

Within Megatron's Matrix, Windblade, pressed on by the ghost of the alternate Optimus, unleashes her sword on the psychic pillars of the Primes, short-circuiting the talisman in the physical world and allowing Optimus to overcome his foe, immobilizing him. Getting up, Bumblebee collects the fragment of Windblade, rising from the broken tyrant's chest. As Optimus ponders what to do with Megatron, Astrotrain arrives. Thanking the confused Optimus for his heroics, Astrotrain seizes the prone form of his old master and opens another portal into the multiverse where he intends to keep Megatron trapped forever as revenge for his cruelty against him.

Under the light of the rising sun, [[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]] presents the healed Windblade to the [[Autobot]]s, to everyone's hearty delight.

[['Til all are one]].

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]]
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]]
*[[Thunderhowl (Cyberverse)|Thunderhowl]]
*[[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]]
*[[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]]
*[[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]]
*[[Perceptor (Cyberverse)|Perceptor]]
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]]
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]]
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]]
*[[Clobber (Cyberverse)|Clobber]]
*[[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]]
*[[Kup (Cyberverse)|Kup]]

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]]
*[[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]]
*[[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]]
*[[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]]
*[[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]]
*[[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]]
*[[Wild Wheel]]
*[[Alphastrike]]

|h4=Megatron X Timeline Inhabitants|c4=
*[[Perfect Decepticon]]s
*[[Megatron X (Cyberverse)|Megatron X]]
*''[[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]]''
*Optimus Prime
*''Bumblebee''
*''Shadow Striker''
*''[[Quintesson]]s''

}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The Tarn-esque soldiers from the previous episode are revealed to be Megatron's race of perfect Decepticons that he intended to have Vector Sigma and the AllSpark create back in "[[Megatron Is My Hero]]."
**However, Megatron is quick to point out that they are not his creations, given how the AllSpark was returned to Cybertron and Vector Sigma was sent to unspace in "[[The Battle For Cybertron IV]]".
*"The Other One", first mentioned in "[[Enemy Line]]" is revealed to be none other than a more ruthless alternate Megatron from the same dimension as Astrotrain and the [[Insecticon (Cyberverse)|Insecticon]]s.
*Megatron X's timeline diverged during the third flashback of "Megatron Is My Hero", which also reveals that those events took place after Megatron killed the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] and Optimus received the [[Matrix of Leadership]] in the [[Matrix of Leadership (episode)|eponymous episode]].
*Upon seeing Shadow Striker, the alternate Megatron comments that she looks like one of [[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]]'s experiments, referencing her reconstruction by ol' one eye in "[[Shadowstriker (episode)|Shadowstriker]]".
**However, Shadow Striker's near-death experience at the hands of Bumblebee was not something that happened in the Megatron X Timeline. Especially since Optimus was dead long before he could get captured, so...
*Megatron X defeated his reality's version of the [[Quintesson]]s with a [[laser snare]], the same kind of device that Shockwave used to destroy the [[Ark (Cyberverse)|''Ark'']] back in "[[The Battle For Cybertron I]]."

===Transformers references===
*[[Prima]] and [[Micronus Prime|Micronus]] are revealed to be among this universe's version of the [[Thirteen]].
*Megatron quotes [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s famous line from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'': "One shall stand, one shall fall."

===Real-world references===
*TBA

===Other trivia===
*In an interesting blink-and-miss moment, Soundwave and Shadow Striker can be seen celebrating Windblade's revival alongside the Autobots, suggesting that Megatron's request for the split control of Cybertron was repealed following his death.
*The show ends with Perceptor ''still'' being blind. Guess he prefers seeing the unconventional way.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When Windblade begins destroying Megatron's Matrix, she gains her wings in one shot and they disappear for the rest of the scene.
*Just before Astrotrain returns, Megatron X is missing his Decepticon emblem.

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Wannabee, Part 1

2020-03-04T23:35:27Z

Orogogus: /* Quotes */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' #5
|prev=Constructicons Rising, Part 4
|next=Wannabee, Part 2
|caption=
|image=TFGalaxies 5 cvrB.jpg
|title="Wannabee, Part 1"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 4]], 2020
|coverdate=January 2020
|written by=[[Kate Leth]] and [[Cohen Edenfield]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]]
|letters by=[[Jake Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]] and [[Tom Waltz]]
|continuity=[[2019 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Deathsaurus needs some help dealing with an alien race that literally worships Bumblebee... but with a certain yellow 'bot unavailable, he'll have to settle for the next best thing!'''

==Synopsis==
On the bleak world of [[Probat (planet)|Probat]], a pair of recently-arrived Cybertronians make their way to the elevator that will take them down from the planet's spaceport into the settlement below. But while Ambassador [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] has visited the planet many times as part of his routine [[energon]]-collecting duties for the [[Senate]], it's [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'s first time on Probat... although, oblivious to the awed whispers of the native [[Probat (species)|Probat]]s in the elevator down, he's puzzled as to ''why'' the cold, brusque ambassador brought him along on this particular assignment.
Deathsaurus doesn't answer right away; the moment he opens the doors to the Probat city beyond, however, Cliffjumper gawps at the sight of hundreds of bat-like citizens lining the road to the city's [[energon]] refinery. Foreman [[Natalus]] leads this strange congregation and joyfully announces that their "savior" has returned—their savior, ''[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]''!

Correctly anticipating Cliffjumper's confusion, Deathsaurus grabs his fellow Cybertronian and whispers for him to play along: the Probats "see" with echolocation, and can't distinguish color, but Cliffjumper has no time to process this before he's shoved into the crowd and beset by his adoring fans. Pleased with the festivities, Natalus watches from a distance, but Deathsaurus has no time for these pleasantries: ''he''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s more concerned with picking up his regularly scheduled energon allocation and returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

Still puzzled by his apparent popularity, Cliff quickly deduces that Bumblebee is a hero to the Probats, adored for helping to "uplift" their race and helping to install the city's energon refinery. Indeed, the Probat claim that Bumblebee even appointed Natalus as their leader; out of respect, all other Probat deliberately mutilate their wings and render themselves flightless in reverence to Natalus. Finally, Cliffjumper realizes that this is just the latest in a series of frustrating misunderstandings: in his humble job as a sanitation engineer on Cybertron, ''everyone'' mistakes him for his more popular yellow lookalike. Before he can correct his fans, however, the Probats abruptly hustle him off to their homespire to continue the celebration. Deathsaurus and Natalus watch as the riff-raff disperse, and the Probat leader invites Deathsaurus back to his own spire for a feast; Deathsaurus, however, demands that Natalus take him to the energon refinery immediately so that he can inspect the shipment.

The towering roost that is a Probat homespire is home to dozens of Probat, but Cliffjumper's discomfort in the lightless environment prompt the Probats to build a fire for his benefit, igniting a portion of the mysterious, highly-reactive "substance" that lines the spire floor. Intrigued, Cliffjumper asks just what this substance ''is'', and in response the Probats recount a portion of their creation myth. Long ago, his host explains, the Probats were helpless cave-dwellers until the substance changed their bodies, giving them the power to fly and echolocate. Eventually, the Probats incorprated this miraculous element into every aspect of their lives—but when Cliffjumper asks just what this substance is, he's a little disturbed when the storyteller explains that the substance comes from ''them'', the Probats themselves! Although slightly disgusted by this revelation, Cliffjumper learns that the Probats have learned to farm their own waste, carefully harvesting only that which they need to survive and shipping the excess guano to Natalus for further "refinement". No sooner does Cliff asks what ''that'' entails, however, before the fire burns out and the cavern is illuminated by a strange, purple glow...

In the Cybertronian outpost, Natalus and Deathsaurus make their way towards the shipment of energon bound for Cybertron. Still oblivious to Deathsaurus's ruse, Natalus praises Deathsaurus for bringing "Bumblebee" back to their planet, but points out that the most recent growing season has been unsatisfactory as he shows Deathsaurus the shipment: a shipment far below Probat's expected quota of [[energon cube]]s. Deathsaurus doesn't buy Natalus's story for an instant, however, and immediately smashes a nearby wall to reveal a hidden energon stockpile—proof that his trading partner has been lying to him.

Bidding his new friends farewell, Cliffjumper hurries back to the Cybertronian facility to share his discovery with Deathsaurus, unaware that his fellow Cybertronian is currently threatening the helpless Natalus. Natalus desperately tries to explain that the Probat have been trying to stockpile energon in case of disaster, but Deathsaurus refuses to listen; as Cliffjumper rounds the corner, he watches in shock as Deathsaurus transforms into his monstrous [[beast mode]] and annihilates Natalus with a single gout of flame! Cliff's cry of horror alerts Deathsaurus to his presence. Demanding to know why Cliffjumper has come early, the smaller Cybertronian explains the truth behind Probat biology: they've never needed the refinery at all. If heated correctly, Probat waste instantly becomes a hyper-refined [[energon crystal]], but when he shows one such crystal as proof, Deathsaurus simply grabs and devours it. Although he only brought Cliffjumper along as a distraction to keep the rabble busy, Deathsaurus is pleased with his choice in lieutenants: once Deathsaurus has burned every spire to the ground and stolen the resulting energon for himself, Cliffjumper will be free to take whatever's left. Cliff refuses to help Deathsaurus destroy the Probat, however, and so the much larger Cybertronian simply piledrives him into the ground. Cliffjumper only gets ''one'' chance, Deathsaurus warns, so he had better choose wisely...

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]]'' (4)

|h4=Cybertronians|c4=
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (2)
* ''[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'' (5)
* ''[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'' (6)

|h5=Others|c5=
* [[Natalus]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hold on a second. '''I'm''' not-" 
"-comfortable with all the attention, we know, but come now, Bumblebee. These crawling things are your people!"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Deathsaurus'''

"You '''uplifted''' us! Brought us the Great Facility!" 
"Appointed and anointed our glorious leader!" 
"We have kept the faith that you would return, Bumblebee." 
"I'm never getting away from this, am I?"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' makes some new friends

"Come now, ambassador. We've done what we can under the circumstances." 
"I'm hearing a lot of excuses. A lot of 'we.' You know where I '''usually''' hear that? Last words."
:—'''Natalus''' and '''Deathsaurus'''

"Please, Ambassador, I was--''we've'' been hoarding--''storing'' for...for... against some unknown disaster..." 
"Failure to meet your quota ''is'' a disaster, organic. Wasting my '''time''' is a disaster. '''Lying''' to me, though? Thinking me your equal--no, your '''inferior?''' That's not a disaster. '''IT'S A CATASTROPHE!'''"
:—'''Natalus''' gets a lesson in why '''Deathsaurus''' gets to call himself that

==Notes==
'''First appearances''': [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]

===Continuity notes===
* As per ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[The World In Your Eyes Part One|issue #1]] and [[The World In Your Eyes Part Five|#5]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was formerly a member of [[Security Operations]], but was expelled under unclear circumstances and eventually joined Cybertron's search and rescue division. Keeping that in mind, it's not ''entirely'' clear when he visited the Probat homeworld to set up this energon-trading operation: it's possible that he took another job in between these two careers, or this might be an adventure that he had before joining the force.
* ''Transformers'' [[The World In Your Eyes Part Two|#2]] had Bumblebee allude to the existence of [[energon crystal]]s elsewhere in the galaxy, a more efficient fuel source than the energon harvested by Cybertron's own [[Winged Moon]]. Presumably, they're not ''all''...um... "manufactured" this way...

===Transformers references===
* We'd be remiss if we didn't at least touch on the big meta-joke here: Bumblebee is one of the most prominent Transformers in the franchise, and the concept of an entire alien race infatuated with the little yellow guy seems like a wink at Bumblebee's meteoric rise to fame as the star of the [[Transformers (film)|first live-action film]] and his high levels of popularity since then, headlining multiple comics, movies, and television shows, while Cliffjumper's status as a forgettable nobody seems like a bit of a jab at how he's, well, not achieved anything close to Bumblebee's success. The Probats mistaking him for Bumblebee also references the fact that most Cliffjumper toys use variations of a Bumblebee mold.
* The concept of an alien race who literally...er... ''produce'' energon is not a new one: the [[The Test (issue)|first issue]] of [[Blackthorne Publishing]]'s "[[Transformers in 3-D]]" comics featured a different [[Observer|race of organic creatures]] with a similar ability.

===Real-world references===
* In keeping with the theme of the Probats, Natalus takes his name from the {{w|Natalus|identically-named bat genus}} that encompasses various tropical bat species.
* It's not clear if this was a deliberate influence on the story at hand or just a fun coincidence, but in the real world guano really ''was'' a valuable natural resource for a hot minute: to exploit gigantic guano deposits, various 18th-century colonial powers set up elaborate harvesting operations on New World islands... although, in that case, they were harvesting ''bird'' droppings, not the kind left by bats!

===Errors===
* On page seven, there’s an extra comma in Cliffjumper’s dialogue in panel five: "it’s, Cybertron."

===Other notes===
* Originally solicited for the end of January, this issue arrives extremely late, landing in the first week of March. This will be a trend for the foreseeable future.

===Covers (4)===
* '''Cover A''': "Bumblebee" struggles with his new fans, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
* '''Cover B''': Cliffjumper's got an inferiority complex, by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover A''': "Bumblebee" poses in front of a statue, by [[Anna Malkova]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover B''': Cliffjumper and Deathsaurus, by [[Kei Zama]]

<gallery>
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrA.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrB.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrRIA.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrRIB.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''The Kill Lock''
* ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Angel''
* ''The Umbrella Academy''
* ''Locke and Key''

==External links==
* [https://tformers.com/transformers-galaxies-5-comic-preview-wannabee-part-one/36369/news.html Preview]

[[Category:Galaxies issues]]

Wannabee, Part 1

2020-03-04T23:33:54Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' #5
|prev=Constructicons Rising, Part 4
|next=Wannabee, Part 2
|caption=
|image=TFGalaxies 5 cvrB.jpg
|title="Wannabee, Part 1"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 4]], 2020
|coverdate=January 2020
|written by=[[Kate Leth]] and [[Cohen Edenfield]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]]
|letters by=[[Jake Wood]]
|editor=[[David Mariotte]] and [[Tom Waltz]]
|continuity=[[2019 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Deathsaurus needs some help dealing with an alien race that literally worships Bumblebee... but with a certain yellow 'bot unavailable, he'll have to settle for the next best thing!'''

==Synopsis==
On the bleak world of [[Probat (planet)|Probat]], a pair of recently-arrived Cybertronians make their way to the elevator that will take them down from the planet's spaceport into the settlement below. But while Ambassador [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] has visited the planet many times as part of his routine [[energon]]-collecting duties for the [[Senate]], it's [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'s first time on Probat... although, oblivious to the awed whispers of the native [[Probat (species)|Probat]]s in the elevator down, he's puzzled as to ''why'' the cold, brusque ambassador brought him along on this particular assignment.
Deathsaurus doesn't answer right away; the moment he opens the doors to the Probat city beyond, however, Cliffjumper gawps at the sight of hundreds of bat-like citizens lining the road to the city's [[energon]] refinery. Foreman [[Natalus]] leads this strange congregation and joyfully announces that their "savior" has returned—their savior, ''[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]''!

Correctly anticipating Cliffjumper's confusion, Deathsaurus grabs his fellow Cybertronian and whispers for him to play along: the Probats "see" with echolocation, and can't distinguish color, but Cliffjumper has no time to process this before he's shoved into the crowd and beset by his adoring fans. Pleased with the festivities, Natalus watches from a distance, but Deathsaurus has no time for these pleasantries: ''he''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s more concerned with picking up his regularly scheduled energon allocation and returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

Still puzzled by his apparent popularity, Cliff quickly deduces that Bumblebee is a hero to the Probats, adored for helping to "uplift" their race and helping to install the city's energon refinery. Indeed, the Probat claim that Bumblebee even appointed Natalus as their leader; out of respect, all other Probat deliberately mutilate their wings and render themselves flightless in reverence to Natalus. Finally, Cliffjumper realizes that this is just the latest in a series of frustrating misunderstandings: in his humble job as a sanitation engineer on Cybertron, ''everyone'' mistakes him for his more popular yellow lookalike. Before he can correct his fans, however, the Probats abruptly hustle him off to their homespire to continue the celebration. Deathsaurus and Natalus watch as the riff-raff disperse, and the Probat leader invites Deathsaurus back to his own spire for a feast; Deathsaurus, however, demands that Natalus take him to the energon refinery immediately so that he can inspect the shipment.

The towering roost that is a Probat homespire is home to dozens of Probat, but Cliffjumper's discomfort in the lightless environment prompt the Probats to build a fire for his benefit, igniting a portion of the mysterious, highly-reactive "substance" that lines the spire floor. Intrigued, Cliffjumper asks just what this substance ''is'', and in response the Probats recount a portion of their creation myth. Long ago, his host explains, the Probats were helpless cave-dwellers until the substance changed their bodies, giving them the power to fly and echolocate. Eventually, the Probats incorprated this miraculous element into every aspect of their lives—but when Cliffjumper asks just what this substance is, he's a little disturbed when the storyteller explains that the substance comes from ''them'', the Probats themselves! Although slightly disgusted by this revelation, Cliffjumper learns that the Probats have learned to farm their own waste, carefully harvesting only that which they need to survive and shipping the excess guano to Natalus for further "refinement". No sooner does Cliff asks what ''that'' entails, however, before the fire burns out and the cavern is illuminated by a strange, purple glow...

In the Cybertronian outpost, Natalus and Deathsaurus make their way towards the shipment of energon bound for Cybertron. Still oblivious to Deathsaurus's ruse, Natalus praises Deathsaurus for bringing "Bumblebee" back to their planet, but points out that the most recent growing season has been unsatisfactory as he shows Deathsaurus the shipment: a shipment far below Probat's expected quota of [[energon cube]]s. Deathsaurus doesn't buy Natalus's story for an instant, however, and immediately smashes a nearby wall to reveal a hidden energon stockpile—proof that his trading partner has been lying to him.

Bidding his new friends farewell, Cliffjumper hurries back to the Cybertronian facility to share his discovery with Deathsaurus, unaware that his fellow Cybertronian is currently threatening the helpless Natalus. Natalus desperately tries to explain that the Probat have been trying to stockpile energon in case of disaster, but Deathsaurus refuses to listen; as Cliffjumper rounds the corner, he watches in shock as Deathsaurus transforms into his monstrous [[beast mode]] and annihilates Natalus with a single gout of flame! Cliff's cry of horror alerts Deathsaurus to his presence. Demanding to know why Cliffjumper has come early, the smaller Cybertronian explains the truth behind Probat biology: they've never needed the refinery at all. If heated correctly, Probat waste instantly becomes a hyper-refined [[energon crystal]], but when he shows one such crystal as proof, Deathsaurus simply grabs and devours it. Although he only brought Cliffjumper along as a distraction to keep the rabble busy, Deathsaurus is pleased with his choice in lieutenants: once Deathsaurus has burned every spire to the ground and stolen the resulting energon for himself, Cliffjumper will be free to take whatever's left. Cliff refuses to help Deathsaurus destroy the Probat, however, and so the much larger Cybertronian simply piledrives him into the ground. Cliffjumper only gets ''one'' chance, Deathsaurus warns, so he had better choose wisely...

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]]'' (4)

|h4=Cybertronians|c4=
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (1)
* [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] (2)
* ''[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'' (5)
* ''[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'' (6)

|h5=Others|c5=
* [[Natalus]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hold on a second. '''I'm''' not-" 
"-comfortable with all the attention, we know, but come now, Bumblebee. These crawling things are your people!"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' and '''Deathsaurus'''

"You '''uplifted''' us! Brought us the Great Facility!" 
"Appointed and anointed our glorious leader!" 
"We have kept the faith that you would return, Bumblebee." 
"I'm never getting away from this, am I?"
:—'''Cliffjumper''' makes some new friends

"Come now, ambassador. We've done what we can under the circumstances." 
"I'm hearing a lot of excuses. A lot of 'we.' You know where I '''usually''' hear that? Last words."
:—'''Deathsaurus''' and '''Natalus'''

"Please, Ambassador, I was--''we've'' been hoarding--''storing'' for...for... against some unknown disaster..." 
"Failure to meet your quota ''is'' a disaster, organic. Wasting my '''time''' is a disaster. '''Lying''' to me, though? Thinking me your equal--no, your '''inferior?''' That's not a disaster. '''IT'S A CATASTROPHE!'''"
:—'''Natalus''' gets a lesson in why '''Deathsaurus''' gets to call himself that

==Notes==
'''First appearances''': [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]

===Continuity notes===
* As per ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[The World In Your Eyes Part One|issue #1]] and [[The World In Your Eyes Part Five|#5]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was formerly a member of [[Security Operations]], but was expelled under unclear circumstances and eventually joined Cybertron's search and rescue division. Keeping that in mind, it's not ''entirely'' clear when he visited the Probat homeworld to set up this energon-trading operation: it's possible that he took another job in between these two careers, or this might be an adventure that he had before joining the force.
* ''Transformers'' [[The World In Your Eyes Part Two|#2]] had Bumblebee allude to the existence of [[energon crystal]]s elsewhere in the galaxy, a more efficient fuel source than the energon harvested by Cybertron's own [[Winged Moon]]. Presumably, they're not ''all''...um... "manufactured" this way...

===Transformers references===
* We'd be remiss if we didn't at least touch on the big meta-joke here: Bumblebee is one of the most prominent Transformers in the franchise, and the concept of an entire alien race infatuated with the little yellow guy seems like a wink at Bumblebee's meteoric rise to fame as the star of the [[Transformers (film)|first live-action film]] and his high levels of popularity since then, headlining multiple comics, movies, and television shows, while Cliffjumper's status as a forgettable nobody seems like a bit of a jab at how he's, well, not achieved anything close to Bumblebee's success. The Probats mistaking him for Bumblebee also references the fact that most Cliffjumper toys use variations of a Bumblebee mold.
* The concept of an alien race who literally...er... ''produce'' energon is not a new one: the [[The Test (issue)|first issue]] of [[Blackthorne Publishing]]'s "[[Transformers in 3-D]]" comics featured a different [[Observer|race of organic creatures]] with a similar ability.

===Real-world references===
* In keeping with the theme of the Probats, Natalus takes his name from the {{w|Natalus|identically-named bat genus}} that encompasses various tropical bat species.
* It's not clear if this was a deliberate influence on the story at hand or just a fun coincidence, but in the real world guano really ''was'' a valuable natural resource for a hot minute: to exploit gigantic guano deposits, various 18th-century colonial powers set up elaborate harvesting operations on New World islands... although, in that case, they were harvesting ''bird'' droppings, not the kind left by bats!

===Errors===
* On page seven, there’s an extra comma in Cliffjumper’s dialogue in panel five: "it’s, Cybertron."

===Other notes===
* Originally solicited for the end of January, this issue arrives extremely late, landing in the first week of March. This will be a trend for the foreseeable future.

===Covers (4)===
* '''Cover A''': "Bumblebee" struggles with his new fans, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
* '''Cover B''': Cliffjumper's got an inferiority complex, by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover A''': "Bumblebee" poses in front of a statue, by [[Anna Malkova]]
* '''Retailer incentive cover B''': Cliffjumper and Deathsaurus, by [[Kei Zama]]

<gallery>
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrA.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrB.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrRIA.jpg
File:TFGalaxies 5 cvrRIB.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''The Kill Lock''
* ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Angel''
* ''The Umbrella Academy''
* ''Locke and Key''

==External links==
* [https://tformers.com/transformers-galaxies-5-comic-preview-wannabee-part-one/36369/news.html Preview]

[[Category:Galaxies issues]]

Energon crystal

2020-03-04T23:33:30Z

Orogogus: /* 2019 IDW continuity */

[[File:PowerSurge energon crystals.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|Fuel, scenery, and high-grade explosive all in one...what more can you ask for?]]
'''Energon crystals''' are a powerful raw form of [[energon]] with the drawback that they are also extremely unstable. They emit [[Energon radiation|radiation]] which can cause [[stasis lock]] in [[Transformer]]s and is even potentially fatal to them. Energon crystals are highly explosive, more so even than [[energon cube]]s; they can be detonated by blunt impacts, fractures and even sudden temperature increases.

==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] led the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] to [[Earth]] with the hope of finding energon, but the crystals were so powerful, the radiation from them threatened to extinguish the [[spark]]s of the Predacons and [[Maximal]]s. To avoid death, both factions took [[beast mode]]s to allow them to function outside their respective vessels, which had shielding systems to sufficiently protect them from the radiation. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} Sufficiently large deposits, such as the one the Predacons uncovered on a mountaintop, produced enough radiation to make it hazardous to switch to their [[robot mode]]s. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] later found a [[Flying mountain|mountain]] filled with extremely unstable energon crystals, causing it to float in the air. Although the mountain was destroyed by [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], it did empower Terrorsaur enough to defeat Megatron…for a few [[Units of time|nano-kliks]]. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}} An experiment by Megatron to increase the power of the crystals appeared to fail, but as this later turned out to be part of a ruse, it's unclear if Megatron had any success in his work. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[File:Dark Voyage Energon mining.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Looks like [[Samus Aran|Samus]] missed some Phazon, after all!"]]
An exploding deposit of energon crystals blinded a group of energon-mining Maximals, and contaminated them with energon radiation. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} Exploding crystals also proved effective in extracting [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s body. {{storylink|Possession}}

When the [[Vok]], who seeded the energon on the planet, discovered the presence of the Maximals and Predacons, they attempted to destroy the planet by detonating the energon crystals with the [[Planet Buster]]. Optimus Primal managed to destroy the weapon with a [[stasis pod]] reconfigured by [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] to serve as an escape pod, but the initial heatwave and subsequent [[Transwarp]] explosion caused the energon crystals in the area surrounding the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' and ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'' to detonate or convert to energon cubes. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} This allowed the Maximals and Predacons to stay in robot mode for prolonged amounts of time without the effects of energon buildup.

Some crystals survived the destruction, Megatron was able to locate a cave full of them, but Tarantulas managed to manipulate events so he could use it as [[Tarantulas's lair|his lair]]. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} A small cluster of crystals near [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]'s [[stasis pod]] was destroyed during a battle, blasting the participants in all directions. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Another cave containing crystals was destroyed by [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] in a moment of insane self-destruction. {{Storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} An abundance of them were located on the ocean floor near the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]; however, they were presumably all destroyed by the explosion when [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] killed Rampage. {{Storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

===''Prime'' cartoon===
Raw Energon is naturally shaped as crystals {{storylink|Rock Bottom}} that must be processed into liquid form for consumption by Cybertronian life-forms and machines. Energon is stored and shipped in crystal cubes {{storylink|Masters & Students}} that are then processed into liquid form by an Energon converter, {{storylink|Hard Knocks}} or an Energon harvester. {{storylink|Deus ex Machina}}

When the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]] broke out, both Autobots and Decepticons seeded Energon crystals all across the galaxy for the sole reason of hiding them from the opposing forces. It is the reason why Energon deposits exist on alien planets such as Earth to be mined. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}} They were highly combustible and when detonated in bulk, created a large enough explosion to destroy a mountain. {{storylink|Hurt}}

On occasion, Energon deposits would be buried due to environmental shifts of the world they were planted on and were unmineable by conventional means. {{storylink|Deus ex Machina}} The largest of these deposits became known as an N.D.7 class. {{storylink|Out of His Head}}

[[Dark Energon]] also naturally formed in crystals identical in appearance (save the colour) to regular Energon crystals. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 2}} Like regular Energon, it had to be converted into cubes, {{storylink|Flying Mind}} or liquid form for consumption. {{storylink|Thirst}} Crystals were also the natural form of [[Red Energon]], {{storylink|New Recruit}} which likewise had to be refined into liquid form for a Cybertronian to access its speed enhancing powers. {{storylink|Hard Knocks}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
When watching the [[Winged Moon]] with [[Rubble]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] informed his protege that the moon was inefficient at its job and that the harvest of energon crystals was a better way to fuel Cybertron. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Two}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals'' (N64)===
[[Megatron X (BW)|Megatron X]]'s body was made of crystallized energon. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals}}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle''===
A super-powerful energon crystal was found and [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] fought to assure control of the crystal. Its fate depended on the winner.

*[[Lio Convoy]], determined to keep the crystal out of the wrong hands, sealed it away forever.
*[[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]], after absorbing the crystal, grew mad with power and destroyed his own base.
*[[Scuba]] used the crystal's power to repair the environmental damage caused by the Predacons.
*[[Megastorm]] gloated to himself that with the power of the crystal, he would finally overcome Galvatron...only for his brother to steal the crystal right from under his nose.
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], having used the crystal to become the most powerful of all Maximals, was promoted to [[Supreme Commander]]. However, he couldn't handle the responsibility required for the post, and ran away after only three days.
*[[Guiledart]] decided not to use the crystal right away. Believing that there is still a long time until the war ends, he kept it around as a future trump card.
*[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] used the crystal's power to defeat the Predacons once and for all, saving the universe!
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] took the crystal and set out to defeat his eternal nemesis, Optimus Primal.
*[[Star Upper (BWII)|Star Upper]] wanted to become strong under his own power and didn't use the crystal for anything.
*[[Artemis]], blissfully ignorant of the crystal's power, found it really pretty and took it home to decorate her room with it. {{Storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle}}

[[Category:Beast Wars substances]]
[[Category:Crystals]]
[[Category:Energon|Crystal]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) substances]]
[[Category:Power sources]]
[[Category:Prime]]

Silent Strike

2020-03-04T23:29:12Z

Orogogus: /* Transformers references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 61
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)
|next=The Other One
|title="Silent Strike"
|airdate=[[February 26]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''Optimus Prime leads a strike team of Autobots on a mission deep into Decepticon territory to destroy a dangerous artifact.'''

==Synopsis==
{{epstub}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]]
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]]
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]]
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]]
*[[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]]
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]]
*[[Thunderhowl (Cyberverse)|Thunderhowl]]
*[[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]]
*[[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]]
*[[Clobber (Cyberverse)|Clobber]]

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]]
*[[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]]
*[[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]]
*[[Wild Wheel]]
*[[Sky-Byte (Cyberverse)|Sky-Byte]]
*[[Lockdown (Cyberverse)|Lockdown]]
*[[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]]
*[[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]]
*[[Laserbeak (Cyberverse)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Insecticon (Cyberverse)|Insecticon]]s
*[[Shrapnel (Cyberverse)|Shrapnel]]
*[[Kickback (Cyberverse)|Kickback]]
*[[Bombshell (Cyberverse)|Bombshell]]
*[[Alphastrike]]

|c4=
*[[Perfect Decepticon]]s
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*TBA

===Transformers references===
*The army of [[Perfect Decepticons|Decepticon]]s teleported in at the end of the episode are of course instantly recognizable as being based off of [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]], the zealous leader of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. Considering what we learn of where they come from next episode, he'd probably appreciate the compliment.
*Two Insecticons are identified as "Bombshell" and "Kickback". The fact that they share the same body-type as Shrapnel could be a reference to ''[[Transformers: Prime]]'', where all the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s in that show shared the same model.
*When the Insecticons cut their losses and fly off, it is a reference to [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] where the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] often acted as a rogue splinter faction.

===Real-world references===
*TBA

===Other trivia===
*TBA

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Megatron X (Cyberverse)

2020-03-02T17:52:13Z

Orogogus:

{{factions|decepticon|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3.5|the shadowy double of [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Megatron]]|the chromed double of [[Megatron (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Megatron]]|Megatron X (BW)|Megatron}}
{{suite|root=Megatron (Cyberverse)}}
{{mainpic}}
:''Megatron X is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|Cyberverse]] [[continuity family]].''
An alternate dimension version of [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]], '''Megatron X''' (aka '''the Other One''') was different in many ways. Actually having the nerve to kill his version of [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]] and downright ''steal'' his [[Matrix of Leadership]], he did what his primary universe counterpart failed to do... but with more tyranny than the primary version ever employed.

==Fiction==
===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Marc Thompson]] (English)}}
{{spoiler|The Other One|March 26}}
Eons ago, Megatron was a [[Gladiatorial combat|gladiatorial champion]] on Cybertron, besting numerous powerful opponents, including [[Devastator Maximus]] whose [[brain module]] he crushed. {{storylink|Trials}} While Megatron's raw strength served him well in the gladiatorial pits, it was his charisma which netted him a large following of admirers from all flocks of life. {{storylink|Megatron Is My Hero}} Among his followers was [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus]], a file clerk who began to author Megatron's speeches to his following. {{storylink|Maccadam's}} At a rally, Megatron dubbed his movement '[[Decepticon]]s', and swore to create a new Cybertron that would bring equal rights to all citizens. As his power base grew however, Megatron's personality took a darker turn, {{storylink|Megatron Is My Hero}} eventually staging a fatal attack on the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]]. {{storylink|Matrix of Leadership (episode)|Matrix of Leadership}}

Following this, Optimus—now going by "Optimus Prime"—confronted Megatron and made a plea for his old friend to stand down from his aggression. With neither willing to compromise, Megatron realized that Optimus would forever oppose him and fired a point-blank round from his [[fusion cannon]], mortally wounding his once friend before ripping the [[Matrix of Leadership]] from the short-lived [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]'s chest. {{storylink|Megatron Is My Hero}} {{storylink|The Other One}}

With the Matrix, Megatron declared a [[Great War (Cyberverse)|lightning war]] on the Autobots, wiping them out completely. Free of any resistance, he used the [[AllSpark]] to create a master race of perfectly obedient Decepticons before ridding himself of the "unneeded" Decepticons. When the [[Quintesson]]s arrived, Megatron quickly defeated them using a [[laser snare]] before salvaging their [[multiverse]] technology for his own ends. {{storylink|The Other One}}

Megatron's universe was eventually visited by an alternate version of himself who managed to steal his Matrix of Leadership and flee back to his own universe, taking [[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]] and the [[Insecticon (Cyberverse)|Insecticons]] with him. Megatron eventually managed to locate the universe where his Matrix was and sent his perfect troops as an advance guard. {{storylink|Silent Strike}}

After his troops had been defeated, Megatron teleported into the other universe and quickly defeated his counterpart and reclaimed his Matrix. Before he could re-insert it into himself, however, [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]] seized it and flew off. Though commending him for the effort, Megatron caught up to the scout at the Autobot/Decepticon border and reclaimed his prize before being confronted by Optimus, who engaged him in a duel of the Matrices. Though initially caught off-guard, Megatron soon gained the advantage. Unbeknownst to Megatron, his Matrix now held a psychic shard of [[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]], her mind scattered following her rescue of [[Croaton]]. Guided by the ghost of his universe's Optimus, Windblade sabotaged Megatron's Matrix, short-circuiting him. The crippled Megatron was retrieved by Astrotrain, who promised to take him into the multiverse and keep him trapped within him as revenge for his cruelty. {{storylink|The Other One}}

==Toys==
===Cyberverse===
====Tiny Turbo Changers====
*'''Megatron''' (Tiny Turbo Changers, 2019)
**''Series'' '''3'''
**''Bag Code'': '''G2'''

: A black redeco of the Series 1 ''Cyberverse'' [[Tiny Turbo Changers]] Megatron, Megatron X changes from a stubby little tank to a robot in a few steps. Like many of his other-universe counterpart's toys, he features an "energon mace" molded in place of his left hand.

==Notes==
*To differentiate himself from the primary ''Cyberverse'' Megatron, X is almost half the height of Astrotrain and features a prominently darker color scheme. He becomes the same size as his primary counterpart once his Matrix is destroyed.
[[Category:Cyberverse Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]

Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)

2020-03-02T17:46:13Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{disambig3|Dweller in the Depths}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 60
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Rack N' Ruin N' Ratchet
|next=Silent Strike
|title="Dweller In The Depths"
|airdate=[[February 25]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''Chromia and Bumblebee venture into Cybertron's gaseous Argon Sea in search of Windblade.'''

==Synopsis==
Chromia, Ratchet and Bumblebee stand before Windblade, preparing to upload what they have of her mind. Just as they finish, a shark-bot breaks into the sickbay and steals their friend. Taking a shuttle, they follow the thief to the Argon Sea, and dive in.

Meanwhile, Optimus assembles the Autobots in a strategy meeting. Just before he finishes, he freezes, and the Matrix of Leadership floats out of his chest.

In the Argon Sea, Bee and Chromia find a beautifully populated landscape under the surface, and spotting the thief, immediately give chase. Unfortunately, he topples nearby structures to throw them off. Upon escaping, Bee and Chromia dive deeper to find a giant transmission of Windblade's face screaming for help. It disappears, and local wildlife attacks them.

As Optimus manifests into the Matrix, he is joined by Maccadam.

The creatures manage to damage the shields on the shuttle, and once they leave, the shark-bot arrives and smashes the window. Bumblebee mounts and incapacitates the shark-bot, but falls into the ravine. Chromia follows him down, and the shark-bot awakens, grumpy with his position. An argument breaks out, and the shark-bot introduces himself as Hammerbyte, the Argon Sea's Guardian. After explanations, they set off to rescue Bee and Windblade.

Finding Bumblebee, they follow him down a hatchway. Just before Hammerbyte enters, a tentacle appears and hits him with an orange gas, sending him into a mind-controlled trance. He quickly catches up to Chromia, who flees until she reaches Bumblebee... also under mind control. Evading both of them, Chromia reaches a large room with Windblade floating in the middle, before the Dweller. Quickly working out that it's a Titan, Chromia strands defiant, and the Dweller sics Bumblebee and Hammerbyte on her. Engaging her friends, Chromia quickly turns Bumblebee's stinger against them, breaking them out of their trances.

Not willing to lose potential citizens, the Dweller releases more hypnotic gasses, but the trio manage to grab Windblade and escape... though at the cost of their shuttle. Returning Windblade to her friends, Hammerbyte apologizes for his Dweller-induced actions and heads back into the Argon Sea.

Pondering how Maccadam is in the Matrix, Optimus's inquiry is answered: all along, he was one of the Thirteen: Alchemist Prime. He instructs Optimus to do the most appalling act for a Prime: the destruction of Megatron's Matrix.

As Optimus returns to the real world, he rounds up the troops; they have a world-saving mission on their hands.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]]
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]]
*[[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]]
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]]
*[[Wheeljack (Cyberverse)|Wheeljack]]
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]]
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]]
*[[Hammerbyte]]

|c4=
*[[Maccadam]]
*[[Dweller (Cyberverse)|Dweller]]
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Like [[Croaton]] before him, the Dweller is able to possess a cityspeaker, suggesting that this may be an ability of the Titans.

===Transformers references===
*When faced by the possessed Bumblebee, Chromia swears by the [[Mistress of Flame]].
*The Dweller first appeared in the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode which this one [[The Dweller in the Depths|takes it name from]]. Though the original Dweller was a [[Quintesson]] [[Trans-Organic]] rather than a Titan.
*We finally learn the truth about Maccadam and, as we totally called, he's [[Alchemist Prime]], taking inspiration from the idea put forth in ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' that the old barkeep was one of the [[Thirteen]] Primes.

===Real-world references===
*The Dweller, now a monstrous, unknowable, tentacle-wielding monstrosity, has some heavy Lovecraftian vibes. Specifically he calls to mind Lovecraft's most famous creation Cthulhu.

===Other trivia===
*The [[mechanimal]]s of the Argon Sea appear to be based on the Cambrian Era ''{{w|Opabinia|Opabinia regalis}}'' and ''{{w|Anomalocaris|Anomalocaris canadensis}}''.

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Rack 'n' Ruin 'n' Ratchet

2020-03-02T17:22:51Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 59
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Journey To The Valley Of Repugnus
|next=Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)
|title="Rack N' Ruin N' Ratchet"
|airdate=[[February 25]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''A rescue mission to save Jetfire reveals a secret Decepticon operation.'''

==Synopsis==
As Prime and Hot Rod contemplate Megatron's motives, Arcee and Whirl have nothing to report. Jetfire initially has the same, but is hit by an energy blast that robs him of his wings, sending him plummeting.

As Rack'N'Ruin load a shuttle, they compliment each other before the craft suddenly takes off. As it turns out, Ratchet is taking the ship on a mission to rescue Jetfire. The medic is very surprised to find Rack'N'Ruin on board, but has no choice but to take them along for the mission, much to their joy and his annoyance.

As Jetfire wakes up, he notices his wings are back... only to find his legs have now disappeared! His screaming leads Ratchet and Rack'N'Ruin straight to him, but they find him walking around aimlessly with his head missing. Ratchet instructs them to search for his head... only for it to appear out of nowhere. As he explains his dilemma, his arms disappear. As it turns out, Jetfire's body parts are existing at different quantum frequencies, caused by a strange Decepticon weapon. He sends Rack'N'Ruin to fetch a purple stabilizer, but the two emerge debating the color. Unfortunately for them, Astrotrain and Dead End beat them to Ratchet and Jetfire, kidnapping them.

Making their way to a secret Decepticon facility, Rack'N'Ruin sneak their way to the door unnoticed... or so they think. In actuality, they crawl to the door in plain sight, and are easily captured by Soundwave and Shadow Striker. As it turns out, the two high-ranking Decepticons are also clueless about the facility, and after a failed interrogation, let the duo loose as a way to sneak inside.

Inside, Dead End and Astrotrain have strapped their prisoners to large slabs for weapon testing... and they have a ray aimed straight at Ratchet. Rack'N'Ruin attempt to blast Astrotrain, but the giant con merely grows annoyed and throws the conjoined twins into the control panel, causing the ray to randomly blast objects into unspace. The two manage to annoy Astrotrain enough that he inadvertently knocks the ray, which goes berserk and sends Ratchet's platform into unspace. Rack'N'Ruin throw the stabilizer to Ratchet, while the ray hits the door as a tug-of-war breaks out between Ratchet and Dead End, revealing Shadow Striker and Soundwave trying to break in.

While the cons are distracted, Ratchet heals Jetfire, and they make a break for it while the cons deal with the haywire multiverse ray. It hits Astrotrain and sends him into unspace. Gleeful that the weapon worked, Astrotrain opens a portal back to his new universe just in time to see the Autobots escape. All three are congratulated by Optimus, celebrating with a three-way high-five.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]]
*[[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]]
*[[Rack'n'Ruin (Cyberverse)|Rack'n'Ruin]]
*[[Jetfire (Cyberverse)|Jetfire]]
*[[Whirl (Cyberverse)|Whirl]]
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]]

|c2=
*[[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]]
*[[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]]
*[[Dead End (Cyberverse)|Dead End]]
*[[Astrotrain (Cyberverse)|Astrotrain]]

}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This episode brings back the Rack'N'Ruin stacking gag from season 2.

===Transformers references===
*TBA

===Real-world references===
*TBA

===Other trivia===
*We get to see more of Rack'N'Ruin here, and they turn out to be ''Dino mode Grimlock'' dumb.

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire And Cosmos

2020-03-02T17:11:30Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 57
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Wild Wild Wheel
|next=Journey To The Valley Of Repugnus
|title="Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire And Cosmos"
|airdate=[[February 24]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''Bumblebee must travel to Cybertron's forbidden moon to help Windblade.'''

==Synopsis==
''A bot finds a new planet and begins to scope it out with his partner, Cosmos, who is attacked by their leader as the intro begins for... Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire! And Cosmos!''

In the sickbay, Bee finds another shard on Luna 3... the forbidden moon. Luckily, Chromia knows a bot who can break him in, and Bee follows her directions to a shuttle. Inside, said bot sits sulkily watching reruns of Alien Hunt! while chugging mugs of energon. The bot mourns the loss of his partner as he watches a rerun of her abduction. He turns off the screen as Bee enters, the scout becoming starstruck as he realizes he is speaking with Meteorfire, the star of Alien Hunt!. Explaining his circumstances, Meteorfire signs a mug and gives it to Bee, who loses the starstruck vibe enough to recruit him to infiltrate Luna 3. The former TV star agrees, and uses the opportunity to film a new episode for his show.

Disabling the quarantine generator, Meteorfire makes his way inside with Bumblebee close behind. Bee tracks Windblade's shard to the moon's dark side, though to his exasperation, Meteorfire instead opts to scout out the old communications hub. He finds the flier examining the computer terminals, but runs in fear at the sight of Shockwave's ghost trying to grab him. Making his way out, he is greeted by the ghost of Blurr, and later comes under siege from phantom Seekers. He returns fire, hitting a few before they disappear and also hitting one of Meteorfire's drones.

As they make their way closer to Windblade, Meteorfire alerts Bumblebee that he is possessed. They find Windblade's shard in what Meteorfire dubs a [[obicular-class parasitic entity]], explaining its telepathic abilities were responsible for his possession and the visions of Bumblebee's fears. Although Meteorfire puts on a brave face, his fear overtakes him when the entity surprises him and begins consuming him. Charging up with multiverse energy, Bee kills the alien with a single punch, absorbing the free shard of Windblade.

Another surprise comes when Cosmos emerges alive from the wreckage, reuniting her with an overjoyed Meteorfire. As it turns out, the entity took Cosmos prisoner so she could take it to Cybertron, allowing it to feed off the whole planet. Her desertion was the result of her attempt to halt its plans. As the show returns to screen with Cosmos' return, Hot Rod points out to Grimlock and Arcee that Bee's on the show, while they simply express gratitude that the show is back on the air.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]]
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]]
*[[Meteorfire]]
*[[Cosmos (Cyberverse)|Cosmos]]
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]]
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]]
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]]
*[[Perceptor (Cyberverse)|Perceptor]]
|h4=Ghosts|c4=
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]]
*[[Blurr (Cyberverse)|Blurr]]
*Various [[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seekers]]

}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Among Meteorfire's alien junk is [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]]'s [[Quintesson]] judge head, confirming his death in "[[The End Of The Universe IV]]".
*The entity haunts Bumblebee with the ghosts of Shockwave, who died trying to corrupt the [[AllSpark]] in "[[The Battle For Cybertron IV]]"); Blurr, who died from the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Rust Plague]] breakout on [[Velocitron]] in "[[Terminal Velocity]]"); and several Seekers, who were killed by Starscream in "[[I Am The Allspark]]").

===Transformers references===
*TBA

===Real-world references===
*The (largely) possessed Meteorfire's head turns 180 degrees, an overused reference to {{w|The Exorcist (film)|''The Exorcist''}}.

===Other trivia===
*TBA

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire And Cosmos

2020-03-02T17:04:28Z

Orogogus: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 57
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Wild Wild Wheel
|next=Journey To The Valley Of Repugnus
|title="Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire And Cosmos"
|airdate=[[February 24]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''Bumblebee must travel to Cybertron's forbidden moon to help Windblade.'''

==Synopsis==
''A bot shows a new planet and begins to scope it out with his partner, Cosmos, who ends up attacked by their leader as the intro begins for... Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire! And Cosmos!''

In the sickbay, Bee finds another shard on Luna 3... The forbidden moon. Luckily, Chromia knows a bot who can break him in, and Bee follows her directions to a shuttle. Inside, the bot sit sulkily watching reruns of Alien Hunt! while chugging down mugs of energon. The bot mourns the loss of his partner as he watches a rerun of her abduction on-screen. He turns off the screen as Bee enters, the scout becoming starstruck as he realizes he is speaking with Meteorfire, the star of Alien Hunt!. Explaining his circumstances, Meteorfire signs a mug and gives it to Bee, who loses the starstruck vibe enough to recruit him to infiltrate Luna 3. The former tv star agrees, and uses the oppurtunity to film a new episode for his show.

Disabling the quarantine generator, Meteorfire makes his way inside with Bumblebee in hot pursuit. Bee tracks Wndblade's shard to the moon's dark side, though to his exasperation, Meteorfire instead opts to scout out the old communications hub. He finds the flyer examining the computer terminals, but after displaying towards Meteorfire's focus on his show runs in fear at the sight of what appears to be Shockwave's ghost trying to grab him. Making his way out, he is greeted by the ghost of Blurr, and later comes under siege from phantom seekers. He soon retaliates fire, hitting a few before they disappear and his blasts hit one of Meteorfire's drones.

Making their way closer to Wiindblade, Meteorfire alerts to Bumblebee he is possessed. The scout soon comes under attack by his friend, and with Meteorfire's advice, dodges him long enough to land a direct hit with his stinger. Annoyed by Meteorfire's focus on his show, Bee reaffirms his mission, which Meteorfire gives his full support to. They find Windblade's shard in what Meteorfire dubs a [[obicular-class parasitic entity]], explaining its telepathic abilities were responsible for his prior possession and the visions of Bumblebee's fears. Although Meteorfire puts on a brave face, his fear overtakes him when the entity surprises him and begins consuming him. Charging up with multiverse energy, Bee kills the alien with a single punch, absorbing the free shard of Windblade.

Another surprise comes when Cosmos emerges alive from the wreckage, reuniting her with an overjoyed Meteorfire. As it turns out, the entity took Cosmos prisoner so she could take it to Cybertron, allowing it to feed off the whole planet. The moon's desertion was the result of her attempting to halt it's plans. As the show returns to screen with Cosmos' return, Hot Rod points out to Grimlock and Arcee that Bee's on the show, while they simply express gratitude that the show is back on the air.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Chromia (Cyberverse)|Chromia]]
*[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]]
*[[Meteorfire]]
*[[Cosmos (Cyberverse)|Cosmos]]
*[[Arcee (Cyberverse)|Arcee]]
*[[Hot Rod (Cyberverse)|Hot Rod]]
*[[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock]]
*[[Perceptor (Cyberverse)|Perceptor]]
|h4=Ghosts|c4=
*[[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|Shockwave]]
*[[Blurr (Cyberverse)|Blurr]]
*Various [[Seeker (Cyberverse)|Seekers]]

}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Among Meteorfire's alien junk is [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]]'s [[Quintesson]] judge head, confirming his death in "[[The End Of The Universe IV]]".
*The entity haunts Bumblebee with the ghosts of Shockwave, who died trying to corrupt the [[AllSpark]] in "[[The Battle For Cybertron IV]]"); Blurr, who died from the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Rust Plague]] breakout on [[Velocitron]] in "[[Terminal Velocity]]"); and several Seekers, who were killed by Starscream in "[[I Am The Allspark]]").

===Transformers references===
*TBA

===Real-world references===
*The (largely) possessed Meteorfire's head turns 180 degrees, an overused reference to {{w|The Exorcist (film)|''The Exorcist''}}.

===Other trivia===
*TBA

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]

Wild Wild Wheel

2020-03-02T17:02:03Z

Orogogus: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|Transformers: Cyberverse]]'' ep 56
|image=
|caption=
|prev=Thunderhowl (episode)
|next=Alien Hunt! With Meteorfire And Cosmos
|title="Wild Wild Wheel"
|airdate=[[February 21]], [[2020]] (UK)
|production company=[[Allspark Animation]]
|writer=
|animation studio=[[Boulder Media Studio]]
|director=
}}

'''A forgotten bot returns to Cybertron, looking for revenge.'''

==Synopsis==
On a seemlingly ordinary day at Maccadam's (now run by Perceptor follwing the death of Maccadam), things are pretty quiet and casual... until a hooded stranger enters demanding the location of Optimus Prime. Perceptor refuses, prompting the newcomer to grab his pistols and shoot the energon mugs on the bar.

As a shuttle lands on the Decepticon side of Cybertron, a mysterious bot steps out, shooing the shuttle away as he makes his way towards the city, where Dirge and Ramjet amuse themselves by harassingly shooting a Decepticon trooper. The mystery bot points out the unfairness of their game, and they make it fair by pointing both of the weapons at the newcomer... Who effortlessly snipes off their barrels before they can even fire a single shot. Intimidated by this disarmament, the coneheads opt to flee. The harassed trooper then thanks his supposed savior, but is bombarded with pistol fire as the mystery bot demands the location of Optimus Prime.

Making his way into Croaton City, the mystery bot gets ambushed by Insecticons. A showdown soon breaks out, and the mystery bot overpowers their attacks and lassos one of them, catching a ride on its back to the town square and meeting a furious Megatron. The warlord initially threatens the newcomer, but quickly sees an ally upon hearing him demand Optimus Prime. Leading him to the borders, Megatron offers a spot on the Decepticons to the newcomer before he takes off.

Muscling his way past a border, the newcomer follows a rancher's advice to Maccadam's Old Oil House, where a patron leads him to Cobalt Springs. Sure enough, Prime is there assisting in restoration efforts, including the erection of a massive Energon tower. Unfortunately, the tower is felled by a stampede, and after saving a few civilians, Prime comes face to face with the saboteur, who eventually reveals himself to his old comrade and crew-mate of the ''Ark'', Wild Wheel.

''As the ''Ark'' set off through the cosmos, Wild Wheel and a few other Autobots ended up in stasis. Unfortunately, the ship had a hull breach, and Wild Wheel was one of the many who fell through. His pod bursting open midway through the atmospheric re-entry, Wild Wheel crashed on Earth, landing in a swamp. Millions of years passed until he finally broke free, but by then it was the time of the wild west. Despite his apprehensions, Wild Wheel had to become an outlaw to survive, and committed thousands of crimes across the universe just to get a ride home.'' He was one the good guys, but Optimus left him on Earth to rot.

Hearing his story, a sorrowful Prime apologizes, and Wild Wheel responds by scaring the citizens on the sidelines. Prime once again offers Wild Wheel a chance to rejoin the Autobots, but the outlaw refuses, shooting Optimus and a civilian who tries to fight him. This merciless act convinces an outraged Prime to a standoff, and he promptly wins a showdown. Once again offering a chance to rejoin the Autobots, Optimus can only watch with guilt as Wild Wheel refuses yet again and heads off to Decepticon territory, knowing his life as an Autobot is over.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Perceptor (Cyberverse)|Perceptor]]

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]]
*[[Shadow Striker (Cyberverse)|Shadow Striker]]
*[[Soundwave (Cyberverse)|Soundwave]]
*[[Ramjet (Cyberverse)|Ramjet]]
*[[Shrapnel (Cyberverse)|Shrapnel]]
*[[Dirge (Cyberverse)|Dirge]]

|c4=
*[[Wild Wheel]]
}}

==Quotes==

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Wild Wheel's stasis pod was one of those seen getting sucked out of the ''Ark'' during Grimlock's flashback in "[[King of the Dinosaurs]]". (Hey, we totally called that it would be plot-relevant one day!)
*Perceptor seems to have taken over [[Maccadam]]'s [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|bar]] since his demise in "[[The End Of The Universe III]]".
* Speaking of Perceptor, his optics are ''still'' fried from his prison break in "[[The Battle For Cybertron I]]". Even if his microscope fills in for them just fine, you'd think Ratchet would at least take a look at them.

===Transformers references===
*In his flashback, Wild Wheel can be heard calling to [[Jazz (Cyberverse)|Jazz]].

===Real-world references===
*This episode features all the tropes of a story about the wild west, including a ranch, bar scenes, creature riding and even a showdown.
*Though Wild Wheel himself is an entirely new character created for this episode, his design—namely the hat, poncho, and gun-slinging skills—are based on the {{w|Man with No Name}} of {{w|Sergio Leone}}'s "Dollars Trilogy".

===Other trivia===
*In fairness to Wild Wheel's grudge, irrational and misplaced though it may be, in all this time none of his former crewmates have been shown sparing even a passing thought for him or his whereabouts. No wonder he's pissed. Of course, the out-of-universe explanation is that Wild Wheel was not conceived until this episode.

===Animation and technical errors===
*TBA

===Foreign localization===
*TBA

==Home video releases==
*TBA

[[Category:Cyberverse episodes]]