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Skids (G1)

2012-02-18T12:46:31Z

Ruckus: /* IDW Generation 1 comics */ my bad english

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Skids}}
:''Skids is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Skidsg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gee, that REALLY looks like his Alternators head, what are the odds?]]
'''Skids''' is a theoretician. This is appropriate, as some would say his existence is merely theoretical; everyone forgets who he is or that he was there. But if they got to know him, they'd learn that he likes to daydream, get built into furniture, and pick up cowboy chicks.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Michael Chain]] and [[Dan Gilvezan]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese), [[Roberto Alexander]] (Latin American)

[[Image:Skidsanimated.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hoist, Prime, and Skids ogle Bumblebee's animation model.]]
Like many of the Autobots who first appeared in 1985, the exact circumstances behind Skids joining the original group of Earth-based Autobots remain unknown. Skids first appeared as part of a strike force that was sent to stop the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] from ravaging a human farm, only to meet with failure. Apparently injured in the battle, Skids underwent some repairs by [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] upon return to Autobot Headquarters, where he responded incredulously to [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]'s report that he had retrieved [[robotic insecticide]] from the planet [[Floron III]] to deal with the Insecticon threat. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:TripleTakeover Skids.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Racing into obscurity.]]
Later, Skids was part of a team sent to investigate bombs that were raining down on a city from a football stadium (the work of the [[Triple Changer]] [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]). Blitzwing, however, had the stadium surrounded by a massive "Zone Defense" maze built by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], and while attempting to traverse it, Skids crashed into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and was driven over by tank-mode Blitzwing. Skids and the other Autobots' remains were then gathered by [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]], who built a throne for himself out of them. These Autobots were soon rescued and quickly rebuilt, and participated in the crises that ensued as Blitzwing, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] vied for Decepticon leadership. Following that skirmish, Prowl opined that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was the greatest leader in the universe, which prompted himself, Skids, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] to form themselves into a throne for Prime; Prime refused to sit, saying that thrones were for Decepticons—he'd rather roll. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[Image:Binaltech_skids_cardart.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]
Skids was the first of the Binaltech Autobots created simply with the intent of upgrading an existing, healthy Transformer, rather than in the name of repairing one that had been injured. Outfitted with self-repairing nanomechanical antibodies, Skids's body can, barring heavy damage in battle, theoretically function for thousands of years without maintenance. In both his original and new body, Skids dedicated time to studying the chronal warp on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], which gave rise to the Autobot strategy known as "[[Operation: Distant Thunder]]", a last-ditch scheme should the Decepticons tamper with the fabric of space-time. That horror occurred in 2004 when Ravage used the [[Kronosphere]] to alter the timeline, and Skids prepared to initiate the plan and send [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s memory data back in time to avert the catastrophe. {{storylink|Darkest Hour}}

The data probe was launched, but as the timeline was righting itself a [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] arrived, and manipulated the temporal wave to preserve the Binaltech timeline separate from the original continuity. Possessed by the Spark of the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]], hailing from some future point in time, Nemesis Prime informed Skids and the others that their timeline was destined to produce great warriors capable of safeguarding the entire multiverse, and therefore must continue on its new course. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{-}}
=====''Henkei! Henkei!''=====
[[Image:Skids_and_screech.jpg|right|250px|thumb]]
When Skids successfully proved the existence of particles able to cross over between dimensions, he put his discovery to work for the forces of good, coating his armor in these "Dimension Slide" particles and endowing himself with the power to move between realities, as well as a snazzy new green paintjob. In this quest to examine anomalies within the multiverse, Skids found he could summon other versions of himself from different dimensions to aid him, but for unknown reasons, one of these alternate versions wound up trapped in Skids's home dimension, unable to return to his own world. Named "[[Screech (Generations)|Screech]]" (presumably to save all the Autobots a headache), this alternate Skids teamed up with his counterpart, and together, the pair worked as "Quantum Operatives" policing the multiverse while searching for a way to get Screech home. {{storylink|#Toys|Skids's toy bio}} {{storylink|Screech (Generations)|Screech's toy bio}}

Hot on the trail of one such multiversal anomaly, Skids and Screech pursued [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s ghost across the multiverse to a [[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (franchise)|parallel dimension]] where he was causing trouble. While the two dimension-hoppers kept the ghost busy with wordplay and pop culture references, the [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] of that world used his illusion casting powers to scare Starscream into fleeing the dimension by projecting an illusion of his greatest fear: [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]! {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}

{{--}}
===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Skidsnatives.jpg|right|100px|thumb|We bet you can't.]]
In the event that the [[Ark (G1)|Ark's]] mission would require more manpower, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] had several Autobots encode copies of their personalities as light patterns within crystals, including Skids. When a large number of Prime's troops were then injured during the opening volleys of the war on [[Earth]], Prime arranged for the construction of new bodies, which the personalities were then programmed into, bringing Skids and the others to life "for a second time." Now in a new body that transformed into a blue van, Skids' first mission was to aid in preventing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from stealing sonic energy from a [[Brick Springhorn]] concert, and he immediately took a liking to the music of Earth and the possibilities of what could be learned from interacting with mankind. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

When [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] ran out of fuel in the middle of the [[Powder River Basin]] in [[Wyoming]], Optimus Prime took Skids and a few other Autobots to prevent harm to the humans who had discovered him. Unfortunately, these humans (and their military) forced the Autobots into a retreat. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}}

[[Image:Charleneskids.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Proving once and for all that chicks dig giant robots.]]
On the way to raid the [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base]], Skids accidentally clipped the car of hot-tempered [[Jake Dalrymple]], who pursued the Autobots on their mission and distracted Skids just enough for [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to blast him off a cliff. Although Optimus Prime mourned the loss of Skids, neither the Autobot leader nor any other Autobot thought to recover the believed deactivated body of Skids later after their mission had been completed. {{storylink|Command Performances!}} Lying crippled and unable to transform, Skids was shortly discovered by register girl [[Charlene (cowgirl)|Charlene]], who, thinking he was an ordinary van, had him fixed up with the intent of keeping him for herself. Skids was open to the idea at first, preferring a peaceful life to that of a warrior, but after another bout of road rage with Dalrymple, the unearthly stunts he performed left him no option but to reveal his true nature of Charlene.

A somewhat unusual [[Transformer romance|relationship]] ensued between the two, but more trouble soon came Skids's way in the form of [[Donny Finkleberg]], who was being hunted down by Ravage. Fleeing from the Decepticon with Charlene and Donny, Skids hid out at an abandoned mining town, but yet again, the raging Dalrymple tracked him down and shattered his windshield, knocking him unconscious and into a dream where he died through his refusal to attack Megatron and save Charlene. Reawakening, he engaged Ravage in battle again, finally finding the strength to act, and causing his foe to tumble down a mineshaft. Skids then parted ways with Charlene, having come to the realisation that their two roles in life were too different for their relationship to work out. {{storylink|Showdown!}}

[[Image:Skidslimbo.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Oh, hey, remember Skids?]]
Skids returned to the Ark with Finkleberg, and later embarked on a mission with him to track down a group of missing Autobots who had been captured by the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team]]. Unfortunately, money still governed Finkleberg's actions, and he promptly sold out Skids to RAAT's leader [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] when Skids was deactivated for the night. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} Skids was disassembled for study, but when the Decepticons [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] appeared on Earth and began defacing landmarks, RAAT operative [[Circuit Breaker]] was forced to enter into a deal with the Autobots to stop them. Skids and the other Autobots' components were combined to form a jury-rigged robot that Circuit Breaker used to stop the [[Battlecharger]]s, but in return for their co-operation, Skids and the Autobots were allowed to go free. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

''On the return trip to the Ark, however, Skids was abruptly torn from reality when the future Decepticon [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] traveled back in time from 2006, shunting Skids into [[limbo]] to maintain temporal balance. {{storylink|Fallen Angel}} Skids remained in limbo for two years while Galvatron ran amok on Earth, his mind steadily succumbing to the dream-illusions created by the [[Limbo parasite|parasites]] native to the realm.''

{{note|While Skids was lost to limbo in the UK comics, no such fate befell him in the American stories. Luckily enough for continuity's sake, he never did anything important in the US comics again, only showing up in crowd scenes: He attended Optimus Prime's funeral {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}}, witnessed the arrival of the Spacehikers {{storylink|Spacehikers!}} and watched [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] fight for Autobot leadership on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}} To maintain consistency, the UK printings of these stories either redrew Skids into a different, [[generic]] robot, or erased him from the art entirely.}}

[[Image:Skidssurvivors.jpg|left|200px|thumb|And then he stole [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'s head.]]
''With Galvatron's eventual destruction during the [[Time Wars]], Skids was finally returned to Earth, but he had spent too long in Limbo—the limbo-creatures had succeeded in shaping a reality from his dreams, and the nightmarish monsters that he had imagined materialised on Earth with him. Fleeing from the beasts, who desired to merge with Skids so that they might become more powerful, Skids lured them into a nuclear power plant which he had planned to detonate, wiping out the monsters and himself, but the remnants of the Autobot [[Wrecker]]s—joined by [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] and [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] of the Decepticon [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]—arrived to aid him, defeating the monsters. Skids joined with this group of Transformers, forming the [[Survivors]]. {{storylink|Survivors!}}''

[[Image:Grimlockwasthatwise.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey, who here remembers when I was damaged and shoved into the medbay? No? Well, that makes all of us.]]
Grimlock traveled to [[Hydrus Four]] to use [[Nucleon]] to revive the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], he also pumped Nucleon into the med bays, reviving Skids and several others, and headed towards [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Grimlock used the Ark as a blunt instrument across [[Unicron]]'s head, forcing Skids and the others to evacuate and join the battle against the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

{{-}}
====Earthforce====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''When Carnivac ran off on his own to avenge Catilla's death, Skids and the other Survivors insisted Springer contact Grimlock and the Earthforce for back-up. Hooked up with these Autobot reinforcements, they stormed the Mayhem Attack Squad's tropical island base to save their friend. Skids personally confronted [[Octopunch]] in single combat, holding his own against the murderous Pretender.'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

''On a later mission for Earthforce, Skids and the Survivors protected an oil tanker from [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], while the rest of the Decepticons were trying to distract the Autobots with an all-out assault on their base. Undeterred by the sleight-of-hand, the Survivors caught up with Starscream in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Skids used a flying leap by Carnivac as a distraction to catch Starscream with his liquid nitrogen cannon, and then [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] knocked the Decepticon commander into the drink.'' {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}
{{-}}

===3H comics===
[[Image:Skidswreckers2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|In the context of science, "theory" does not mean "guess" or "hunch", Rodimus. You should probably pay attention.]]
Skids was among the senior scientists (including [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], and [[Rad]]) who questioned [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]'s plan to send out the best of the remaining Autobot science and research members to establish deep-space reconnaissance posts. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

{{-}}
===Dreamwave ''Generation 1'' comics===
8.2 million years ago, Skids was in the [[Chamber of the Ancients]], observing the ceremony in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] was given the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and transformed into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Immediately, three Decepticon assassins attacked, and though Skids acted to protect the new Prime, his arm was cut off by [[Umbra]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1|The War Within #1}}

Skids was repaired and he returned to his post at the [[Decagon]]. While Prime was absent, Skids picked up radar of incoming Decepticon invaders and a transmission from the force's field commander, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Skids manned auto-defenses from inside the Decagon until they and their [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]] units were destroyed. Picking up their personal weaponry, Skids and the other Autobots were all that was left to defend [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], but defend it they did and Shockwave's forces were driven back. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}}

During the Dark Ages, Skids served with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s faction of Autobots. {{storylink|Devastation}} The team got involved in a skirmish with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and the giant Decepticon jumped onto a building in which Skids was trying to hide, crushing him. He survived though. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

Skids was not among the Autobots who traveled to Earth aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', remaining behind on Cybertron as the planet slipped into the deactivated state known as the [[Great Shutdown]]. When Shockwave began reactivating the planet and successfully unified the Autobot and Decepticon factions, Skids was a member of the council of Autobots who served to represent their faction in the alliance. Few of the council members were actually suited for leadership, however, and slowly found themselves giving more and more control to Shockwave. Eventually, the example shown by the ''Ark'''s returning crew and several homegrown Autobot insurgency cells tore the blinders from the council's optics, and Skids gathered his fellow councilmen in taking to the streets and ousting the Decepticons from power. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. The Transformers''===
During an Autobot peace ceremony on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Skids reported to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] had yet to find the Autobots and [[G.I. Joe (team)|Joes]] that had gone missing while chasing [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] Their conversation was then interrupted due to a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}}

Skids was later stationed on the ''[[Arc II]]'' on Earth, where he helped his comrades in the field by warning them about incoming G.I. Joe [[S.H.A.R.C.]]s. When the ship came under attack by the [[Pretender Monster]]s, Skids was knocked out by [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] while alerting the others on board. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}} He was sent to [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]] for repairs and was expected to quickly recover from his injuries. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2}}

===''TransTech''===
In an Offworld Zone of [[Axiom Nexus]], a Skids was yet another victim of [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]], murdered for a cred-key. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===

{{spoiler|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|March 14, 2012}}

[[Image:LiarsAtoD2-Skids.jpg|left|thumb|300px|How do you like me now?]]

Skids was believed to have gone missing or dead long ago due to yet-unrevealed circumstances. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

Though too late to be heeded, a mysterious message from the future was sent to the Autobots departing to find the lost [[Knights of Cybertron]]—with a warning stating "Don't let them take Skids". {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

Piloting a shapeshifting craft, Skids arrived through a portal above the planet where the ''Lost Light'' had crashed. He was amnesiac, had an inhibitor claw clinging to his back, and was followed by mysterious warrior robots, but he slowly began to regain his memory. After ejecting the craft and exploding it, he battled the warrior robots on the ground, as they repeated one phrase over and over: "Nineteen eighty-four." Skids didn't fare well against the robots without much of his memory and an inhibitor clamp, so thankfully he ran into a small party of Autobots from the ''[[Lost Light]]''. After [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] removed the clamp, Skids destroyed the robots with some impressive moves. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] asked Skids if he were an ex-Wrecker or some other sort of elite fighting unit, but Skids, who was slowly recalling more and more of himself, responded that he was merely a theoretician.

Skids was brought on board. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

==Games==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
Skids was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
{{anchor|G1v1}}
[[Image:G1 Skids toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Introducing the new Nikahimi Deathtrap. With its poly-cotton body shell, it's the fastest car in the world... to open with the jaws of life. The Nikahimi Deathtrap—the last car you'll ever drive.]]
* '''Skids''' (Autobot, 1985/2004/2009)
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets
: Skids's toy transforms into a blue Honda City Turbo with a red stripe. His robot mode is similar to other hood-chest Autobot Transformers, but is unusual in that his rear wheels fold into his feet, aiding in stability. Also unusual for ''Transformers'' figures, his hand weapons actually attach onto his forearms rather than being held in his fists. He is also armed with a spring-loaded rocket launcher.

: Skids is one of the rarest mass-release G1 figures, as just one was included per every ''two'' [[Case|shipping cases]].

: Skids was reissued by [[Takara]] on [[September 27]] of 2002 as part of their "book-box" ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' series. In 2004, [[Hasbro]] re-released him as part of the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' VIII. The Takara version features a fully functional spring-loaded rocket launcher, whereas the Hasbro version has the launching spring removed.

: In October of 2009, [[TakaraTomy]] reissued Skids as part of their ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' series. This version of Skids featured [[tampograph|tampographed]] Autobot symbols and rear tail lights. He also featured cherry red plastic and stickers as opposed to tomato red, and his blue plastic was changed to a blueish purple plastic. The clear blue used for his windows, is a much lighter shade then the previous versions. Some of his stickers were also updated, including the pre-applied grill sticker.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] to make the [[e-HOBBY]] Autobot [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] and the ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]'' exclusive [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Skids/skids.htm More information on Skids at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VSZ}}
*'''Skids & Sunstreaker vs Buzzsaw''' (Multi-pack, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VSZ'''
: In the original Japanese toyline, Skids was released ''only'' in a multi-pack with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. This box set remains a considerable rarity on the secondary market.
{{-}}

[[Image:MillionPublishing-SkidsScreech.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You sure you can call this an homage?]]
*'''Skids & Screech Quantum Operative Ver.''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' "Material acceleration pistol", dual-barreled gun, "quantum shield" launcher, 3 rockets, scooter

: Skids is a green [[redeco]] of his Generation 1 toy. He transforms into a Honda City R hatchback. He also comes with a "scooter" accessory that fits in his hatchback. Skids was an [[exclusive]] to [[Million Publishing]], sold only in a set with [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]] with volume 3 of ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]''. While Skids' colors are an homage to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], Screech is likewise a match for Skids' twin [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Cybertron/Skids/skids.htm More information on Exclusives Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alt Skids toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Heavily clearanced so fanboys could customize him into Ironhide.]]
{{anchor|Alt}}
*'''Autobot Skids''' (2005)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''17'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BT-16'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-rifle

: Skids transforms into a 1:24-scale blue Toyota Scion xB. All four doors open, revealing a fully-detailed realistic interior with seats for a driver and passengers, plus his hood pops open to reveal his engine. His robot mode is very reminiscent of his original toy, with his head sculpt based off his animation model with toy details. His engine pops out and unfolds to become his hand-held pistol.

[[Image:BT Skids toy.jpg|left|300px|thumb|No flames here. The Scion logo doesn't exist in Japan, and a burning Toyota logo just isn't as striking.]]
: The Hasbro ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' release (part of the first wave of new "bubble packaging" toys) differs from the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Binaltech'' release in that it has a much darker shade of blue, tinted windows, and various Scion-type tampographed flame decals. The Japanese release naturally has die cast metal parts, is painted a lighter shade of blue, and has different paint decos. It also includes a sheet of stickers, including flames resembling the ones printed on the ''Alternators'' version, as well as some Generation-1-style red stripes, and most humorously, a Japanese "New Driver" badge.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' [[Blaster (G1)#Binaltech Asterisk|Broadblast]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltSkids/skids.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)

*'''Skids''' (1987)
**''Decoy number:'' '''12'''

: The figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Skids/skids.htm More information on Decoy Skids at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|3DBC}}

[[Image:EnergonWarsSkids.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Are, uh, you sure you're a G1 character?]]
*'''Skids''' (3D Battle-Card, 2007)
: A 26-point "common" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Skids "transforms" into a grey pickup truck of indeterminate make. He uses the same parts layout as [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Dropkick]].

:He is equipped with a LN2 Cryo Rifle, an Electron Blaster, and a Rocket Launcher, which are similar to his G1 weapons — but due to the interdimensional nature of the Energon Wars subset, the Battle-Card may or may not also represent the [[Skids (Movie)|live-action movie Skids]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:DiacloneSkids.jpg|right|180px|thumb|A rainbow of theoretical flavors.]]
[[Image:Skidsdiacloneconceptart.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Suck it, Ironhide! This head was mine first!]]
* The ''[[Diaclone]]'' version of Skids was additionally available in black or red. Neither of these color schemes have been used within the ''Transformers'' toyline as yet, but with [[Takara]], you never know.

* Skids' animation model head appears to be based on early ''Diaclone'' promotional concept art. The toy's head would be different... and ultimately different from the [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] head shown in his instructions, which also popped up a few times in the UK comics.

* Though Skids' toy turned into a [[wikipedia:Honda_City_Turbo|Honda City Turbo]], his car mode was often misinterpreted in Transformers fiction as one of the then-new minivans, despite the fact that a Honda City Turbo is a subcompact car, and as such, could theoretically be stowed in the back seat of an actual minivan. This is likely because most Americans in 1985 wouldn't know what a subcompact car is.

* Skids is noteworthy for his almost complete absence from the original television series. He had but two lines in two different episodes by two different voice actors.

* In the television commercial that introduced all the rest of his assortment, Skids was totally absent. Burnsauce!

* His bad luck doesn't stop there. Though Skids had an issue all to himself in the Marvel Comics, he spent upwards of 100 (UK) issues abandoned and forgotten in [[limbo]] while parasites ate his brain.

* In the "[[Survivors!]]" story, Skids was suddenly drawn with [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'s head. "Survivors!"' artist, [[Dan Reed]], previously drew him with his real head, so it'd be interesting to learn why and how this change happened. (He would later mysteriously regain his own face.)

* In more recent years, toys sporting the name "Skids" have required an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Skids'''".

* [[TakaraTomy]] accidentally revealed the color scheme for the [[Transformers_Generations_2009|Transformers Generations 2009]] exclusive Skids figure by including the [[:Image:Encore_Skids_Tokyo_Toy_Show_2009.jpg|missile launcher from the exclusive version]] with the normal ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' version at Tokyo Toy Show 2009.<ref name="internat">[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/5790/20/ TakaraTomy Accidentally Gives Clue to TF Generations Vol. 3 Mail Away Figure?!]</ref>

* [[:Image:MillionPublishing-SkidsScreech.jpg|Mockup images]] showed Skids with black shoulders, shins, and legs, but the final product's shoulders, shins, and legs are gray. His face was also shown as gray, but ended up silver.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Skids''' (スキッズ ''Sukizzu'')
*''French:'' '''Platon''' ("Plato")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Szán'''
*''Italian:'' '''Furetto''' ("Ferret")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Patins''' (Brazil comic, "Skate"), '''Pe-de-cabra''' (Portugal comic, "Crowbar")
*''Russian:'' '''Tormoz''' (Тормоз, "Brake")

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

==References==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Scientists]]

Skids (G1)

2012-02-18T12:45:39Z

Ruckus: /* IDW Generation 1 comics */ I think at this stage we don't really know who "Them" are and where they want to do the taking.

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Skids}}
:''Skids is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Skidsg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gee, that REALLY looks like his Alternators head, what are the odds?]]
'''Skids''' is a theoretician. This is appropriate, as some would say his existence is merely theoretical; everyone forgets who he is or that he was there. But if they got to know him, they'd learn that he likes to daydream, get built into furniture, and pick up cowboy chicks.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor'': [[Michael Chain]] and [[Dan Gilvezan]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese), [[Roberto Alexander]] (Latin American)

[[Image:Skidsanimated.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hoist, Prime, and Skids ogle Bumblebee's animation model.]]
Like many of the Autobots who first appeared in 1985, the exact circumstances behind Skids joining the original group of Earth-based Autobots remain unknown. Skids first appeared as part of a strike force that was sent to stop the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] from ravaging a human farm, only to meet with failure. Apparently injured in the battle, Skids underwent some repairs by [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] upon return to Autobot Headquarters, where he responded incredulously to [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]'s report that he had retrieved [[robotic insecticide]] from the planet [[Floron III]] to deal with the Insecticon threat. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:TripleTakeover Skids.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Racing into obscurity.]]
Later, Skids was part of a team sent to investigate bombs that were raining down on a city from a football stadium (the work of the [[Triple Changer]] [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]). Blitzwing, however, had the stadium surrounded by a massive "Zone Defense" maze built by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], and while attempting to traverse it, Skids crashed into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and was driven over by tank-mode Blitzwing. Skids and the other Autobots' remains were then gathered by [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]], who built a throne for himself out of them. These Autobots were soon rescued and quickly rebuilt, and participated in the crises that ensued as Blitzwing, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] vied for Decepticon leadership. Following that skirmish, Prowl opined that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was the greatest leader in the universe, which prompted himself, Skids, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] to form themselves into a throne for Prime; Prime refused to sit, saying that thrones were for Decepticons—he'd rather roll. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[Image:Binaltech_skids_cardart.jpg|left|220px|thumb]]
Skids was the first of the Binaltech Autobots created simply with the intent of upgrading an existing, healthy Transformer, rather than in the name of repairing one that had been injured. Outfitted with self-repairing nanomechanical antibodies, Skids's body can, barring heavy damage in battle, theoretically function for thousands of years without maintenance. In both his original and new body, Skids dedicated time to studying the chronal warp on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], which gave rise to the Autobot strategy known as "[[Operation: Distant Thunder]]", a last-ditch scheme should the Decepticons tamper with the fabric of space-time. That horror occurred in 2004 when Ravage used the [[Kronosphere]] to alter the timeline, and Skids prepared to initiate the plan and send [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s memory data back in time to avert the catastrophe. {{storylink|Darkest Hour}}

The data probe was launched, but as the timeline was righting itself a [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] arrived, and manipulated the temporal wave to preserve the Binaltech timeline separate from the original continuity. Possessed by the Spark of the [[Optimus Primal|Protector]], hailing from some future point in time, Nemesis Prime informed Skids and the others that their timeline was destined to produce great warriors capable of safeguarding the entire multiverse, and therefore must continue on its new course. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

{{-}}
=====''Henkei! Henkei!''=====
[[Image:Skids_and_screech.jpg|right|250px|thumb]]
When Skids successfully proved the existence of particles able to cross over between dimensions, he put his discovery to work for the forces of good, coating his armor in these "Dimension Slide" particles and endowing himself with the power to move between realities, as well as a snazzy new green paintjob. In this quest to examine anomalies within the multiverse, Skids found he could summon other versions of himself from different dimensions to aid him, but for unknown reasons, one of these alternate versions wound up trapped in Skids's home dimension, unable to return to his own world. Named "[[Screech (Generations)|Screech]]" (presumably to save all the Autobots a headache), this alternate Skids teamed up with his counterpart, and together, the pair worked as "Quantum Operatives" policing the multiverse while searching for a way to get Screech home. {{storylink|#Toys|Skids's toy bio}} {{storylink|Screech (Generations)|Screech's toy bio}}

Hot on the trail of one such multiversal anomaly, Skids and Screech pursued [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s ghost across the multiverse to a [[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (franchise)|parallel dimension]] where he was causing trouble. While the two dimension-hoppers kept the ghost busy with wordplay and pop culture references, the [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] of that world used his illusion casting powers to scare Starscream into fleeing the dimension by projecting an illusion of his greatest fear: [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]! {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}

{{--}}
===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Skidsnatives.jpg|right|100px|thumb|We bet you can't.]]
In the event that the [[Ark (G1)|Ark's]] mission would require more manpower, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] had several Autobots encode copies of their personalities as light patterns within crystals, including Skids. When a large number of Prime's troops were then injured during the opening volleys of the war on [[Earth]], Prime arranged for the construction of new bodies, which the personalities were then programmed into, bringing Skids and the others to life "for a second time." Now in a new body that transformed into a blue van, Skids' first mission was to aid in preventing [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from stealing sonic energy from a [[Brick Springhorn]] concert, and he immediately took a liking to the music of Earth and the possibilities of what could be learned from interacting with mankind. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

When [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] ran out of fuel in the middle of the [[Powder River Basin]] in [[Wyoming]], Optimus Prime took Skids and a few other Autobots to prevent harm to the humans who had discovered him. Unfortunately, these humans (and their military) forced the Autobots into a retreat. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}}

[[Image:Charleneskids.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Proving once and for all that chicks dig giant robots.]]
On the way to raid the [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base]], Skids accidentally clipped the car of hot-tempered [[Jake Dalrymple]], who pursued the Autobots on their mission and distracted Skids just enough for [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to blast him off a cliff. Although Optimus Prime mourned the loss of Skids, neither the Autobot leader nor any other Autobot thought to recover the believed deactivated body of Skids later after their mission had been completed. {{storylink|Command Performances!}} Lying crippled and unable to transform, Skids was shortly discovered by register girl [[Charlene (cowgirl)|Charlene]], who, thinking he was an ordinary van, had him fixed up with the intent of keeping him for herself. Skids was open to the idea at first, preferring a peaceful life to that of a warrior, but after another bout of road rage with Dalrymple, the unearthly stunts he performed left him no option but to reveal his true nature of Charlene.

A somewhat unusual [[Transformer romance|relationship]] ensued between the two, but more trouble soon came Skids's way in the form of [[Donny Finkleberg]], who was being hunted down by Ravage. Fleeing from the Decepticon with Charlene and Donny, Skids hid out at an abandoned mining town, but yet again, the raging Dalrymple tracked him down and shattered his windshield, knocking him unconscious and into a dream where he died through his refusal to attack Megatron and save Charlene. Reawakening, he engaged Ravage in battle again, finally finding the strength to act, and causing his foe to tumble down a mineshaft. Skids then parted ways with Charlene, having come to the realisation that their two roles in life were too different for their relationship to work out. {{storylink|Showdown!}}

[[Image:Skidslimbo.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Oh, hey, remember Skids?]]
Skids returned to the Ark with Finkleberg, and later embarked on a mission with him to track down a group of missing Autobots who had been captured by the [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team]]. Unfortunately, money still governed Finkleberg's actions, and he promptly sold out Skids to RAAT's leader [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] when Skids was deactivated for the night. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} Skids was disassembled for study, but when the Decepticons [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] appeared on Earth and began defacing landmarks, RAAT operative [[Circuit Breaker]] was forced to enter into a deal with the Autobots to stop them. Skids and the other Autobots' components were combined to form a jury-rigged robot that Circuit Breaker used to stop the [[Battlecharger]]s, but in return for their co-operation, Skids and the Autobots were allowed to go free. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

''On the return trip to the Ark, however, Skids was abruptly torn from reality when the future Decepticon [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] traveled back in time from 2006, shunting Skids into [[limbo]] to maintain temporal balance. {{storylink|Fallen Angel}} Skids remained in limbo for two years while Galvatron ran amok on Earth, his mind steadily succumbing to the dream-illusions created by the [[Limbo parasite|parasites]] native to the realm.''

{{note|While Skids was lost to limbo in the UK comics, no such fate befell him in the American stories. Luckily enough for continuity's sake, he never did anything important in the US comics again, only showing up in crowd scenes: He attended Optimus Prime's funeral {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}}, witnessed the arrival of the Spacehikers {{storylink|Spacehikers!}} and watched [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] fight for Autobot leadership on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}} To maintain consistency, the UK printings of these stories either redrew Skids into a different, [[generic]] robot, or erased him from the art entirely.}}

[[Image:Skidssurvivors.jpg|left|200px|thumb|And then he stole [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'s head.]]
''With Galvatron's eventual destruction during the [[Time Wars]], Skids was finally returned to Earth, but he had spent too long in Limbo—the limbo-creatures had succeeded in shaping a reality from his dreams, and the nightmarish monsters that he had imagined materialised on Earth with him. Fleeing from the beasts, who desired to merge with Skids so that they might become more powerful, Skids lured them into a nuclear power plant which he had planned to detonate, wiping out the monsters and himself, but the remnants of the Autobot [[Wrecker]]s—joined by [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] and [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] of the Decepticon [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]—arrived to aid him, defeating the monsters. Skids joined with this group of Transformers, forming the [[Survivors]]. {{storylink|Survivors!}}''

[[Image:Grimlockwasthatwise.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey, who here remembers when I was damaged and shoved into the medbay? No? Well, that makes all of us.]]
Grimlock traveled to [[Hydrus Four]] to use [[Nucleon]] to revive the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], he also pumped Nucleon into the med bays, reviving Skids and several others, and headed towards [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Grimlock used the Ark as a blunt instrument across [[Unicron]]'s head, forcing Skids and the others to evacuate and join the battle against the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

{{-}}
====Earthforce====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''When Carnivac ran off on his own to avenge Catilla's death, Skids and the other Survivors insisted Springer contact Grimlock and the Earthforce for back-up. Hooked up with these Autobot reinforcements, they stormed the Mayhem Attack Squad's tropical island base to save their friend. Skids personally confronted [[Octopunch]] in single combat, holding his own against the murderous Pretender.'' {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

''On a later mission for Earthforce, Skids and the Survivors protected an oil tanker from [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], while the rest of the Decepticons were trying to distract the Autobots with an all-out assault on their base. Undeterred by the sleight-of-hand, the Survivors caught up with Starscream in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Skids used a flying leap by Carnivac as a distraction to catch Starscream with his liquid nitrogen cannon, and then [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] knocked the Decepticon commander into the drink.'' {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}
{{-}}

===3H comics===
[[Image:Skidswreckers2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|In the context of science, "theory" does not mean "guess" or "hunch", Rodimus. You should probably pay attention.]]
Skids was among the senior scientists (including [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], and [[Rad]]) who questioned [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]'s plan to send out the best of the remaining Autobot science and research members to establish deep-space reconnaissance posts. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

{{-}}
===Dreamwave ''Generation 1'' comics===
8.2 million years ago, Skids was in the [[Chamber of the Ancients]], observing the ceremony in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] was given the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and transformed into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Immediately, three Decepticon assassins attacked, and though Skids acted to protect the new Prime, his arm was cut off by [[Umbra]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1|The War Within #1}}

Skids was repaired and he returned to his post at the [[Decagon]]. While Prime was absent, Skids picked up radar of incoming Decepticon invaders and a transmission from the force's field commander, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Skids manned auto-defenses from inside the Decagon until they and their [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]] units were destroyed. Picking up their personal weaponry, Skids and the other Autobots were all that was left to defend [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], but defend it they did and Shockwave's forces were driven back. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}}

During the Dark Ages, Skids served with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s faction of Autobots. {{storylink|Devastation}} The team got involved in a skirmish with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and the giant Decepticon jumped onto a building in which Skids was trying to hide, crushing him. He survived though. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

Skids was not among the Autobots who traveled to Earth aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', remaining behind on Cybertron as the planet slipped into the deactivated state known as the [[Great Shutdown]]. When Shockwave began reactivating the planet and successfully unified the Autobot and Decepticon factions, Skids was a member of the council of Autobots who served to represent their faction in the alliance. Few of the council members were actually suited for leadership, however, and slowly found themselves giving more and more control to Shockwave. Eventually, the example shown by the ''Ark'''s returning crew and several homegrown Autobot insurgency cells tore the blinders from the council's optics, and Skids gathered his fellow councilmen in taking to the streets and ousting the Decepticons from power. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. The Transformers''===
During an Autobot peace ceremony on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Skids reported to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] had yet to find the Autobots and [[G.I. Joe (team)|Joes]] that had gone missing while chasing [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] Their conversation was then interrupted due to a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}}

Skids was later stationed on the ''[[Arc II]]'' on Earth, where he helped his comrades in the field by warning them about incoming G.I. Joe [[S.H.A.R.C.]]s. When the ship came under attack by the [[Pretender Monster]]s, Skids was knocked out by [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] while alerting the others on board. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}} He was sent to [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]] for repairs and was expected to quickly recover from his injuries. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2}}

===''TransTech''===
In an Offworld Zone of [[Axiom Nexus]], a Skids was yet another victim of [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]], murdered for a cred-key. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===

{{spoiler|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|March 14, 2012}}

[[Image:LiarsAtoD2-Skids.jpg|left|thumb|300px|How do you like me now?]]

Skids was believed to have gone missing or dead long ago due to yet-unrevealed circumstances. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

Though too late to be heeded, a mysterious message from the future was sent to the Autobots departing to find the lost [[Knights of Cybertron]]—warning stating "Don't let them take Skids". {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

Piloting a shapeshifting craft, Skids arrived through a portal above the planet where the ''Lost Light'' had crashed. He was amnesiac, had an inhibitor claw clinging to his back, and was followed by mysterious warrior robots, but he slowly began to regain his memory. After ejecting the craft and exploding it, he battled the warrior robots on the ground, as they repeated one phrase over and over: "Nineteen eighty-four." Skids didn't fare well against the robots without much of his memory and an inhibitor clamp, so thankfully he ran into a small party of Autobots from the ''[[Lost Light]]''. After [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] removed the clamp, Skids destroyed the robots with some impressive moves. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] asked Skids if he were an ex-Wrecker or some other sort of elite fighting unit, but Skids, who was slowly recalling more and more of himself, responded that he was merely a theoretician.

Skids was brought on board. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

==Games==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
Skids was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
{{anchor|G1v1}}
[[Image:G1 Skids toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Introducing the new Nikahimi Deathtrap. With its poly-cotton body shell, it's the fastest car in the world... to open with the jaws of life. The Nikahimi Deathtrap—the last car you'll ever drive.]]
* '''Skids''' (Autobot, 1985/2004/2009)
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets
: Skids's toy transforms into a blue Honda City Turbo with a red stripe. His robot mode is similar to other hood-chest Autobot Transformers, but is unusual in that his rear wheels fold into his feet, aiding in stability. Also unusual for ''Transformers'' figures, his hand weapons actually attach onto his forearms rather than being held in his fists. He is also armed with a spring-loaded rocket launcher.

: Skids is one of the rarest mass-release G1 figures, as just one was included per every ''two'' [[Case|shipping cases]].

: Skids was reissued by [[Takara]] on [[September 27]] of 2002 as part of their "book-box" ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' series. In 2004, [[Hasbro]] re-released him as part of the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' VIII. The Takara version features a fully functional spring-loaded rocket launcher, whereas the Hasbro version has the launching spring removed.

: In October of 2009, [[TakaraTomy]] reissued Skids as part of their ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' series. This version of Skids featured [[tampograph|tampographed]] Autobot symbols and rear tail lights. He also featured cherry red plastic and stickers as opposed to tomato red, and his blue plastic was changed to a blueish purple plastic. The clear blue used for his windows, is a much lighter shade then the previous versions. Some of his stickers were also updated, including the pre-applied grill sticker.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] to make the [[e-HOBBY]] Autobot [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] and the ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]'' exclusive [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Skids/skids.htm More information on Skids at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VSZ}}
*'''Skids & Sunstreaker vs Buzzsaw''' (Multi-pack, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VSZ'''
: In the original Japanese toyline, Skids was released ''only'' in a multi-pack with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. This box set remains a considerable rarity on the secondary market.
{{-}}

[[Image:MillionPublishing-SkidsScreech.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You sure you can call this an homage?]]
*'''Skids & Screech Quantum Operative Ver.''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' "Material acceleration pistol", dual-barreled gun, "quantum shield" launcher, 3 rockets, scooter

: Skids is a green [[redeco]] of his Generation 1 toy. He transforms into a Honda City R hatchback. He also comes with a "scooter" accessory that fits in his hatchback. Skids was an [[exclusive]] to [[Million Publishing]], sold only in a set with [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]] with volume 3 of ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]''. While Skids' colors are an homage to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], Screech is likewise a match for Skids' twin [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Cybertron/Skids/skids.htm More information on Exclusives Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alt Skids toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Heavily clearanced so fanboys could customize him into Ironhide.]]
{{anchor|Alt}}
*'''Autobot Skids''' (2005)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''17'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BT-16'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-rifle

: Skids transforms into a 1:24-scale blue Toyota Scion xB. All four doors open, revealing a fully-detailed realistic interior with seats for a driver and passengers, plus his hood pops open to reveal his engine. His robot mode is very reminiscent of his original toy, with his head sculpt based off his animation model with toy details. His engine pops out and unfolds to become his hand-held pistol.

[[Image:BT Skids toy.jpg|left|300px|thumb|No flames here. The Scion logo doesn't exist in Japan, and a burning Toyota logo just isn't as striking.]]
: The Hasbro ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' release (part of the first wave of new "bubble packaging" toys) differs from the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Binaltech'' release in that it has a much darker shade of blue, tinted windows, and various Scion-type tampographed flame decals. The Japanese release naturally has die cast metal parts, is painted a lighter shade of blue, and has different paint decos. It also includes a sheet of stickers, including flames resembling the ones printed on the ''Alternators'' version, as well as some Generation-1-style red stripes, and most humorously, a Japanese "New Driver" badge.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' [[Blaster (G1)#Binaltech Asterisk|Broadblast]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltSkids/skids.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)

*'''Skids''' (1987)
**''Decoy number:'' '''12'''

: The figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Skids/skids.htm More information on Decoy Skids at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|3DBC}}

[[Image:EnergonWarsSkids.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Are, uh, you sure you're a G1 character?]]
*'''Skids''' (3D Battle-Card, 2007)
: A 26-point "common" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Skids "transforms" into a grey pickup truck of indeterminate make. He uses the same parts layout as [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Dropkick]].

:He is equipped with a LN2 Cryo Rifle, an Electron Blaster, and a Rocket Launcher, which are similar to his G1 weapons — but due to the interdimensional nature of the Energon Wars subset, the Battle-Card may or may not also represent the [[Skids (Movie)|live-action movie Skids]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:DiacloneSkids.jpg|right|180px|thumb|A rainbow of theoretical flavors.]]
[[Image:Skidsdiacloneconceptart.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Suck it, Ironhide! This head was mine first!]]
* The ''[[Diaclone]]'' version of Skids was additionally available in black or red. Neither of these color schemes have been used within the ''Transformers'' toyline as yet, but with [[Takara]], you never know.

* Skids' animation model head appears to be based on early ''Diaclone'' promotional concept art. The toy's head would be different... and ultimately different from the [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] head shown in his instructions, which also popped up a few times in the UK comics.

* Though Skids' toy turned into a [[wikipedia:Honda_City_Turbo|Honda City Turbo]], his car mode was often misinterpreted in Transformers fiction as one of the then-new minivans, despite the fact that a Honda City Turbo is a subcompact car, and as such, could theoretically be stowed in the back seat of an actual minivan. This is likely because most Americans in 1985 wouldn't know what a subcompact car is.

* Skids is noteworthy for his almost complete absence from the original television series. He had but two lines in two different episodes by two different voice actors.

* In the television commercial that introduced all the rest of his assortment, Skids was totally absent. Burnsauce!

* His bad luck doesn't stop there. Though Skids had an issue all to himself in the Marvel Comics, he spent upwards of 100 (UK) issues abandoned and forgotten in [[limbo]] while parasites ate his brain.

* In the "[[Survivors!]]" story, Skids was suddenly drawn with [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'s head. "Survivors!"' artist, [[Dan Reed]], previously drew him with his real head, so it'd be interesting to learn why and how this change happened. (He would later mysteriously regain his own face.)

* In more recent years, toys sporting the name "Skids" have required an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Skids'''".

* [[TakaraTomy]] accidentally revealed the color scheme for the [[Transformers_Generations_2009|Transformers Generations 2009]] exclusive Skids figure by including the [[:Image:Encore_Skids_Tokyo_Toy_Show_2009.jpg|missile launcher from the exclusive version]] with the normal ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' version at Tokyo Toy Show 2009.<ref name="internat">[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/5790/20/ TakaraTomy Accidentally Gives Clue to TF Generations Vol. 3 Mail Away Figure?!]</ref>

* [[:Image:MillionPublishing-SkidsScreech.jpg|Mockup images]] showed Skids with black shoulders, shins, and legs, but the final product's shoulders, shins, and legs are gray. His face was also shown as gray, but ended up silver.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Skids''' (スキッズ ''Sukizzu'')
*''French:'' '''Platon''' ("Plato")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Szán'''
*''Italian:'' '''Furetto''' ("Ferret")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Patins''' (Brazil comic, "Skate"), '''Pe-de-cabra''' (Portugal comic, "Crowbar")
*''Russian:'' '''Tormoz''' (Тормоз, "Brake")

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

==References==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Scientists]]

Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On

2012-02-18T12:26:32Z

Ruckus: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'' #2
|prev=Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It
|next=
|caption=
|image=MTMTE2_cvrB.jpg
|title="Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[February 15]], [[2012]]
|coverdate=February 2012
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2012)]]
}}

'''The recovering crew of the ''Lost Light'' are joined by Skids, a bot on the run... but on the run from what?'''

==Synopsis==

On the barren planet where the ''[[Lost Light]]'' has put down, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and others go about gathering up the [[Autobot]]s who have been scattered across the world's surface. [[Brainstorm]] radios in that he has discovered the source of their explosive mishap: the [[Duobot]] [[Ore]] was standing too close to the [[quantum generator]] when it activated, and wound up being "totally mashed" into it. Perturbed by Brainstorm's general tone of levity, Rodimus orders him to start helping with the search, then takes a call from [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], who is with [[Rewind]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], hauling [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] out of a lake.

Meanwhile, in the skies above the planet, a small ship materializes. It's sole occupant is [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], who awakens with an [[inhibitor claw]] on his back and the knowledge that he is running from ''something''... but cannot remember what, finding that all of his recent memories are missing. Spotting a [[mode lock]] on the shuttle's console and realizing that it is trying to transform into something, he sets the ship on collision course with the planet and bails out. He watches the ship crash, but from the flames, its remnants transform into a pair of gigantic sword-wielding robots that speak only one phrase: "nineteen eighty-four". Apparently lacking in any weapons, Skids improvises with the nearby corpses of [[Polaris]] and [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]]: he magnetizes the former to one of the giant robots, then uses the latter's gun to blow Polaris up, taking the monstrous mechanoid with it.

Aboard the ''Lost Light'', [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] tends to the wounds [[Rung]] received before take-off, startling the timid psychiatrist by smashing his own hand with a hammer to loosen his joints. They discusss [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], who is being carbon-dated by [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], and Ratchet grumbles about [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s newfound sense of unbearable positivity before half-heartedly turning his attention to the unconscious [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]. Suddenly, Whirl awakens, seizes Rung, and begins throttling him, heedless of Ratchet and Swerve's attempts to calm him. The maddened Autobot only stops when Rung chokes out the warning that if he kills him, he'll go back to prison. Whirl snaps out of it and stalks off, the ruckus having awakened Tailgate, who is relieved to find out he did not kill the unhinged Autobot. Realizing that Tailgate is a 'bot out of time, Swerve begs Ratchet to allow him to be the one to tell him, and the "gentle" manner in which Swerve relates the information elicits a horrified bellow from Tailgate that is heard outside the ''Lost Light''.

Elsewhere on the ship, Rodimus meets with Cyclonus, who explains that he attached himself to the hull of the ''Lost Light'' to join in its mission. Though unapologetic for his past actions, he pleads his case for being allowed to stay and manages to sway Rodimus to his side, though Ultra Magnus is less than convinced. Having found Whirl skulking around, Magnus brings him into the room, and orders him to settle his argument with Cyclonus. Whirl does so without admitting any guilt, and is surprised when Cyclonus hugs him... only for him to whisper during the embrace that Whirl should watch his back, because he's going to kill him.

Swerve and Tailgate go for a walk outside, with Tailgate rebuffing Swerve's request to see his [[alternate mode]] on the basis that Ratchet told him to take it easy. They meet up with Chromedome and Rewind for some proper introductions, when Skids suddenly falls out of the sky with the last of the giant 'bots on his tail. Recognizing the Autobot—and noting that he has long been thought dead—Chromedome removes Skids's inhibitor claw for him, allowing him to deploy his weapons and finish his pursuer off with impressive ease. As things calm down, though, Chromedome points out that Skids has been holding a handgun all along, which he somehow never noticed...

Skids returns to the ''Lost Light'' with the other Autobots, quickly discovering he's earned himself a fan in Swerve, who artfully balances proposing that he and Skids team up and badgering Tailgate into transforming. Rodimus addressed the assembled Autobots on recent issues, but Whirl pipes up with a "pressing issues"—unimpressed with just about everyone else on the ship, he thinks the group should at least have a cool name. Swerve proposes "The Crusadercons", but Rodimus and Skids take issue with the -con suffix. Before any further discussion can be gone into, Rodimus gets a call from [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], who has been investigating reports of noises on the lower decks with [[Shock]]... who is now lying dead by Red's side, his [[spark]] ripped out. Panicked, Red Alert relates his fear to Rodimus... that there's a [[Sparkeater]] on board!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm]] (1)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (2)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] (3)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (4)
*[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] (5)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (6)
*? (7)
*? (8)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (9)
*[[Ore]] (10)
*[[Rewind]] (11)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (12)
*[[Hoist (G1) |Hoist]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Rung]] (19)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (20)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (22)
*[[Polaris]] (23)
*[[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]] (24)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (25)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (26)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (27)
*? (28)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (30)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (31)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (32)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (33)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (34)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (35)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (36)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (37)
*[[Pointblank]] (38)
*[[Groundbreaker]] (39)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (40)
*[[Shock]] (41)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (14)
*"Massive 'bots with swords" (16)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (21)

}}

==Quotes==

"Why are you—''aak!''—doing this?" 
"It's your '''eyebrows'''! He's jealous of your capacity for self-expression!"
:—When '''Rung''' is throttled by Whirl, '''Swerve''' proves to be little help.

'''Rewind:''' "'''Wow.''' It's time like this I'm glad I have a camera bolted to my head..." 
'''Swerve:''' "Nice '''moves'''! Who '''are''' you? An '''ex-Wrecker'''? One of the '''Warriors Elite'''? An old '''pit fighter'''?" 
'''Skids:''' "I'm a '''theoretician.'''"
:—That last line kinda feels like it's missing a "...motherf@#!er!" at the end.

'''Rodimus:''' "'''Look''' at them all. What do I tell them?" 
'''Ultra Magnus:''' "The '''truth'''. We've lost contact with Cybertron, we can't find ourselves on the map, Ore is dead, Hyperion and Polaris are dead, but Cyclonus is happy, so that's okay". 
'''Rodimus:''' "See, this is why you're not a public speaker."
'''Drift:''' "I think you should accentuate the positive. We've got the quantum generators working again—big tick. We're ready to resume our quest—big tick. And we've managed to save '''virtually''' all of the Autobots who got pulled outside—that's more of a '''little''' tick, '''but it's still a tick!'''" 
'''Rodimus:''' "Hmm. I think I'll go for a mixture of depressingly gloomy and offensively upbeat. Thanks, guys."

"So, you gonna show me your alt mode or what?" 
"Ooh, '''alright''' then. But I'm taking it '''slow''', okay?" 
"Tell you what: I'll speak to Skids and pop back in about '''six million years' time''', okay?"
:—'''Swerve''' only teases '''Tailgate''' because he loves him.

"'The Crusadercons.' The more you say it, the cooler it sounds." 
"Someone hears that, they're gonna think we're Decepticons." 
"What, so it has to end in 'bot'?" 
"Well... '''yeah'''. Omnibots, Monsterbots, Duobots... it's kind of an '''unwritten rule''', isn't it." 
"Forget the '''rules'''! The war's over—it's time to '''reclaim the suffix'''!"
:—'''Swerve''' is just a really quotable 'bot, okay? '''Skids''' doesn't share our enthusiasm for him.

==Notes==

* If you don't get the double-meaning that British writer James Roberts has hidden in the Duobots' names, try saying "Shock and Ore" out loud with a British accent.
* The last page includes a summary of the crew members already introduced, with short introductions beneath. These include factoids such as Swerve's weapon of choice is his mouth, and Ultra Magnus once smiled, and has regretted it ever since.
* The big-bots-with-swords keep saying [[1984|"nineteen eighty-four"]].
* At one point, Skids remembers his "Batch number, [[Tech Specs|Technical Specifications]], [[Function]]" and even his motto, which he finds lame.

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A:''' Rodimus amongst injured Autobots; art by Alex Milne, colors by [[Josh Perez]].
* '''Cover B:''' Skids gets blown out of the ship; art by [[Nick Roche]], colors by Josh Burcham.
* '''Cover RI:''' Sketch (uncolored) version of cover A by Alex Milne.

<gallery>
Image:MTMTE2_cvrA.jpg|"Quit lying down on the job, ya bums!"
Image:MTMTE2_cvrB.jpg|Skids gets a helluva intro.
Image:MTMTE2_cvrRI.jpg|Cover RI
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Robots in Disguise issue 2|#2]]
* ''[[Infestation 2|Infestation 2: Transformers]]''
* ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' Annual 2012
* ''Road Rage''
* ''Jack Avarice is The Courier''

[[Category:More than Meets the Eye issues]]

Heavy Tread

2010-03-20T17:32:30Z

Ruckus: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Micromaster|the ''Universe'' Mini-Con|Heavytread}}
:''Heavy Tread is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Heavy tread boxart.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Caught here In a rare moment of being able to see past his own chest.]]

'''Heavy Tread''' is quite popular among his Autobot comrades for using his sense of humor to relive the stresses of war. Mostly because it involves pulling exceptionally mean and painful pranks on the [[Decepticon]]s right before he scraps them. His teammates on the [[Monster Truck Patrol]] enjoy hearing his recounts of these punks, but it's all beginning to take its toll on Heavy Tread. The pressure of coming up with newer, more inventive ways of being a jackass is mounting, and the idea that his buddies might lose interest in him if he doesn't keep out-doing himself doesn't sit well. The stress of having to constantly be entertaining and on the top of his game can actually affect his performance in battle.<ref>''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' #3</ref>

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Chenille'''

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave comic continuity===

Heavy Tread was briefly seen defending [[Little Iacon]] during the invasion of [[Venom]] and his Decepticons. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} He also showed up with the other Micromasters when they interrupted the fight between the [[guzzler]] factions. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
[[Image:G1-toy HeavyTread.jpg|right|300px|thumb|See, it's because he's a "funny" car. See what they did there?]]
===Generation 1===
*'''Monster Truck Patrol''' (Micromaster Patrol, 1990)

: Heavy Tread doesn't actually transform into a "truck" per se, but a six-wheeled, double-engined, tractor-pull funny car. He was only available in a [[Micromaster]] four-pack with his teammates [[Big Hauler]], [[Hydraulic]] and [[Slow Poke]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/HeavyTread/heavytread.htm More information on Heavy Tread at TFU.info]''

===Return of Convoy===
*'''Big Truck Team''' (Micro Trailer team, 1991)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-361'''

: The Monster Truck Patrol was released in Japan with no discernible differences during ''[[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]''. However, the team ''did'' come with [[Micro Trailer]] #1.

{{-}}
==Notes==
* In [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia, Heavy Tread is drawn with six wheels in robot mode (on his shoulders and ankles), but only four in vehicle mode. Oops.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy characters]]

Sizzle (G1)

2010-03-20T17:30:54Z

Ruckus: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Sizzle}}
:''Sizzle is an [[Autobot]] [[Sparkabot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1Sizzle%28sparkabot%29 cardart.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He's clenching his tiny fists in anger because Prime made him stand still for the photo.]]

'''Sizzle''' is always looking for a race or a fight, or both. He's only happy when he's plunging into something risky. Whatever subprogram his control systems have that serves the purpose of adrenaline, Sizzle is addicted to it. Unfortunately, though he can usually be found in the thick of combat, Sizzle is only an average warrior.

His exhaust would be great for roasting hot dogs; better even than a standard-issue [[laser scalpel]] set on low-intensity scan.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
====Generation 1====
[[Image:SizzleUK.gif|left|162px|thumb|Stole Fizzle's colors while he was passed out drunk.]]
''Sent to [[Earth]] to keep tabs on the super-[[Decepticon]] [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Sizzle and his fellow "Sparkler Mini-Bots" tracked him to Florida. They would've been all too happy to stay on land and wait for reinforcements from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] once Galvatron dove beneath the waves, but ended up in conflict anyway, with their counterparts the [[Firecon|Firecons]]. Sizzle ran in blind panic from the high-temperature flames being spewed by his opponents, lamenting about his lack of any sort of a weapon (remember this part, kids). Suddenly, in a flash of brilliant insight, he remembered that he could shoot flame too! Quickly taking advantage of this revelation, Sizzle began to actually fight back. He was doing okay until the object of both groups' attention, Galvatron, returned from the ocean waters and began to leave. With no regard to personal safety (or sanity), Sizzle decided to ignore his previous orders just to observe Galvatron and went ahead and thrust his gun threateningly in the face of the most powerful Transformer in the known worlds, before being backhanded into a grove of palm trees. That's right, his gun — Sizzle probably had another flash of brilliant insight telling him to look at his hip holster, or something.'' {{storylink|Enemy Action!}}

''Realizing that maybe a few more cerebro-circuits were needed for this kind of work, the Sparklers decided to free [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] from the volcano where he had been lying inactive for the past few months. After successfully sending Galvatron running in one fight, Ultra Magnus and the Sparklers returned to Cybertron to gather the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] for a full-scale assault on the Decepticon. They got caught up with fighting zombies and gladiators for a while, though, and the Wreckers ended up going without them.''

Sizzle was next seen in a Decepticon prison with his comrades when he, [[Fizzle]], and the [[Triggerbot]] [[Backstreet]] suddenly became qualified for a "work-release program". Sent ''back'' to Earth, they were used as running dogs for [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] to test out his new plan — human bounty hunters armed with Decepticon technology and let loose to capture the Autobots for him. The plan worked TOO successfully, as these [[Roadjammer|Roadjammers]] attempted to capture some Decepticons as well. In the end, Sizzle and his fellows Autobots helped the Roadjammers escape Decepticon retribution. Afterward, they presumably either returned to Cybertron or made contact with the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|Ca$h and Car-nage!}}

===Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual===
Sizzle was an engineer back on Cybertron and was tasked with developing weapons for the Autobots. He was also instrumental in designing the Ark, and served as one of its crew. {{storylink|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual profile}}

===IDW Comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightKup Sizzle.jpg|right|120px|thumb|YESSSSSS!!!!]]
Sizzle was one of the Autobots working under [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] on the mission to retrieve the unstable Autobot, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. Lucky for him [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] showed up when he did, otherwise Springer would've probably thrown him into the next suicide mission. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1-toy Sizzle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Sizzle''' (Sparkabot, 1988)

: Sizzle transforms into a black funny car with silver paint decos for his windows, exhaust and engine. As a [[Sparkabot]], in this mode he has a friction-motor gimmick that not only propels his vehicle mode forward, but causes "cold" sparks to shoot from his back end. His robot mode is rather monochromatic as it is almost entirely red.

: This mold was also used to make [[Hotspark]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Autobot/Sizzle/sizzle.htm More information on Sizzle at TFU.info.]''
{{-}}
===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2 Sparkabot Sizzle toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Sizzle''' (Sparkabot, 1994)

: A partially translucent redeco of his original toy, Sizzle still transforms into a funny car and retains his sparking gimmick. Notably, his card art shows his Sparkabot partner [[Blaze]], while Blaze's card depicts Sizzle. It is therefore arguable which ''Generation 2'' Sparkabot is which, but it can be reasonably assumed that the redeco of Generation 1 Sizzle is still Sizzle. This toy was available only in the European market.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Autobot/Sizzle/sizzle.htm More information on Generation 2 Sizzle at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
==Notes==
[[Image:Blaze-UKcomic.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Sizzle? Blaze? Oh, I just give up.]]

* Sizzle and Fizzle's colors were switched throughout the UK Generation 1 comics, but only in robot mode. For his ''Generation 2'' toy, his robot mode colors actually reflected his UK coloration — so naturally the UK ''Generation 2'' comics switched his entire robot mode model with his fellow Sparkabot [[Blaze]], retaining the proper vehicle mode but in Blaze's colors.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Interceptors]]
[[Category:Scouts]]

Sizzle (G1)

2010-03-20T17:28:51Z

Ruckus: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Sizzle}}
:''Sizzle is an [[Autobot]] [[Sparkabot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:G1Sizzle%28sparkabot%29 cardart.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He's clenching his tiny fists in anger because Prime made him stand still for the photo.]]

'''Sizzle''' is always looking for a race or a fight, or both. He's only happy when he's plunging into something risky. Whatever subprogram his control systems have that serves the purpose of adrenaline, Sizzle is addicted to it. Unfortunately, though he can usually be found in the thick of combat, Sizzle is only an average warrior.

His exhaust would be great for roasting hot dogs; better even than a standard-issue [[laser scalpel]] set on low-intensity scan.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
====Generation 1====
[[Image:SizzleUK.gif|left|162px|thumb|Stole Fizzle's colors while he was passed out drunk.]]
''Sent to [[Earth]] to keep tabs on the super-[[Decepticon]] [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Sizzle and his fellow "Sparkler Mini-Bots" tracked him to Florida. They would've been all too happy to stay on land and wait for reinforcements from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] once Galvatron dove beneath the waves, but ended up in conflict anyway, with their counterparts the [[Firecon|Firecons]]. Sizzle ran in blind panic from the high-temperature flames being spewed by his opponents, lamenting about his lack of any sort of a weapon (remember this part, kids). Suddenly, in a flash of brilliant insight, he remembered that he could shoot flame too! Quickly taking advantage of this revelation, Sizzle began to actually fight back. He was doing okay until the object of both groups' attention, Galvatron, returned from the ocean waters and began to leave. With no regard to personal safety (or sanity), Sizzle decided to ignore his previous orders just to observe Galvatron and went ahead and thrust his gun threateningly in the face of the most powerful Transformer in the known worlds, before being backhanded into a grove of palm trees. That's right, his gun — Sizzle probably had another flash of brilliant insight telling him to look at his hip holster, or something.'' {{storylink|Enemy Action!}}

''Realizing that maybe a few more cerebro-circuits were needed for this kind of work, the Sparklers decided to free [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] from the volcano where he had been lying inactive for the past few months. After successfully sending Galvatron running in one fight, Ultra Magnus and the Sparklers returned to Cybertron to gather the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] for a full-scale assault on the Decepticon. They got caught up with fighting zombies and gladiators for a while, though, and the Wreckers ended up going without them.''

Sizzle was next seen in a Decepticon prison with his comrades when he, [[Fizzle]], and the [[Triggerbot]] [[Backstreet]] suddenly became qualified for a "work-release program". Sent ''back'' to Earth, they were used as running dogs for [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] to test out his new plan — human bounty hunters armed with Decepticon technology and let loose to capture the Autobots for him. The plan worked TOO successfully, as these [[Roadjammer|Roadjammers]] attempted to capture some Decepticons as well. In the end, Sizzle and his fellows Autobots helped the Roadjammers escape Decepticon retribution. Afterward, they presumably either returned to Cybertron or made contact with the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|Ca$h and Car-nage!}}

===Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual===
Sizzle was an engineer back on Cybertron and was tasked with developing weapons for the Autobots. He was also instrumental in designing the Ark, and served as one of its crew. {{storylink|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual|Official Transformers Generation 2 Annual profile}}

===IDW Comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightKup Sizzle.jpg|right|120px|thumb|YESSSSSS!!!!]]
Sizzle was one of the Autobots working under [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] on the mission to retrieve the unstable Autobot, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. Lucky for him [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] showed up when he did, otherwise Springer would've probably thrown him into the next suicide mission. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1-toy Sizzle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Sizzle''' (Sparkabot, 1988)

: Sizzle transforms into a black funny car with silver paint decos for his windows, exhaust and engine. As a [[Sparkabot]], in this mode he has a friction-motor gimmick that not only propels his vehicle mode forward, but causes "cold" sparks to shoot from his back end. His robot mode is rather monochromatic as it is almost entirely red.

: This mold was also used to make [[Hotspark]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Autobot/Sizzle/sizzle.htm More information on Sizzle at TFU.info.]''
{{-}}
===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2 Sparkabot Sizzle toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*'''Sizzle''' (Sparkabot, 1994)

: A partially translucent redeco of his original toy, Sizzle still transforms into a funny car and retains his sparking gimmick. Notably, his card art shows his Sparkabot partner [[Blaze]], while Blaze's card depicts Sizzle. It is therefore arguable which ''Generation 2'' Sparkabot is which, but it can be reasonably assumed that the redeco of Generation 1 Sizzle is still Sizzle. This toy was available only in the European market.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Autobot/Sizzle/sizzle.htm More information on Generation 2 Sizzle at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
==Notes==
[[Image:Blaze-UKcomic.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Sizzle? Blaze? Oh, I just give up.]]

* Sizzle and Fizzle's colors were switched throughout the UK Generation 1 comics, but only in robot mode. For his ''Generation 2'' toy, his robot mode colors actually reflected his UK coloration — so naturally the UK ''Generation 2'' comics switched his entire robot mode model with his fellow Sparkabot [[Blaze]], retaining the proper vehicle mode but in Blaze's colors.

* In the "More than meets the eye official guide book" his alternate mode is listed as a "Funny Car".

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Interceptors]]
[[Category:Scouts]]

Heavy Tread

2010-03-20T17:24:17Z

Ruckus: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Micromaster|the ''Universe'' Mini-Con|Heavytread}}
:''Heavy Tread is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Heavy tread boxart.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Caught here In a rare moment of being able to see past his own chest.]]

'''Heavy Tread''' is quite popular among his Autobot comrades for using his sense of humor to relive the stresses of war. Mostly because it involves pulling exceptionally mean and painful pranks on the [[Decepticon]]s right before he scraps them. His teammates on the [[Monster Truck Patrol]] enjoy hearing his recounts of these punks, but it's all beginning to take its toll on Heavy Tread. The pressure of coming up with newer, more inventive ways of being a jackass is mounting, and the idea that his buddies might lose interest in him if he doesn't keep out-doing himself doesn't sit well. The stress of having to constantly be entertaining and on the top of his game can actually affect his performance in battle.<ref>''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' #3</ref>

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Chenille'''

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave comic continuity===

Heavy Tread was briefly seen defending [[Little Iacon]] during the invasion of [[Venom]] and his Decepticons. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} He also showed up with the other Micromasters when they interrupted the fight between the [[guzzler]] factions. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
[[Image:G1-toy HeavyTread.jpg|right|300px|thumb|See, it's because he's a "funny" car. See what they did there?]]
===Generation 1===
*'''Monster Truck Patrol''' (Micromaster Patrol, 1990)

: Heavy Tread doesn't actually transform into a "truck" per se, but a six-wheeled, double-engined, tractor-pull funny car. He was only available in a [[Micromaster]] four-pack with his teammates [[Big Hauler]], [[Hydraulic]] and [[Slow Poke]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/HeavyTread/heavytread.htm More information on Heavy Tread at TFU.info]''

===Return of Convoy===
*'''Big Truck Team''' (Micro Trailer team, 1991)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-361'''

: The Monster Truck Patrol was released in Japan with no discernible differences during ''[[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]''. However, the team ''did'' come with [[Micro Trailer]] #1.

{{-}}
==Notes==
* In [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia, Heavy Tread is drawn with six wheels in robot mode (on his shoulders and ankles), but only four in vehicle mode. Oops. His alternate mode is also listed as a Funny Car.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy characters]]

Ground Hog

2010-03-20T17:21:48Z

Ruckus: /* Notes */

{{factions|decepticon}}

:''Ground Hog is a [[Decepticon]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:GroundHogBoxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He can't see his shadow.]]

'''Ground Hog''' is, unusually for a Decepticon, a team player. He spends as much time as possible in the shop, fixing up his teammates in the [[Race Track Patrol]], and finding new ways for them to dominate the battlefield. And by "dominate", he means "loud, fast, and chaotic".<ref>''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]''</ref>

Oh, and he steals parts from [[Autobot]]s. ''While they're using them''.

::''Japanese name'': '''Grand Hog'''
::''French-Canadian name'': '''Marmotte'''

==Fiction==
===''Zone'' story pages===
Following [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]]'s defeat at the hands of [[Road Fire]], the Race Track Patrol were introduced as rivals of the [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]]s. They were described as being former Autobot Micromasters who defected to the side of the Decepticons, fueling the rivalry. They never actually took part in any battle. {{storylink|Zone (story page)|Zone Part 9}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Ground Hog was a loud, but otherwise relatively friendly Micromaster. He and [[Greaser]] apparently knew each other in the early days, and shared a larcenous past knocking over [[guzzler]]s and stealing their energon. Ground Hog joined up with [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]] after the [[Meltdown Riots]] and became a member of the Decepticon Race Track Patrol. After a fellow Micromaster named [[Crunch (G1)|Crunch]] was inadvertently killed on a mission, though, the Race Track Patrol started to question their position in the Decepticon hierarchy. Ground Hog followed Barricade and the patrol when they quit the Decepticon army and made off for [[Little Iacon]]. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}} After a dust-up in the [[Wastelands]], they made their way to [[The Burn Outs]]. Ground Hog tried selling some of his own special blend of energon, but nobody seemed to be buying. They met up with the [[Hot Rod Patrol]], their counterpart who had just cut loose the Autobots as well. Ground Hog started chatting with his old pal Greaser, asking if he was ready to start rolling Autobots again for fuel, but Greaser just didn't seem into it anymore. {{storylink|The Gray Race}}

When [[Venom (G1)|Venom]] and his buddies invaded Little Iacon for [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the Race Track Patrol stayed loyal to the Decepticon cause in the hopes of coming out on top. The power games kept coming, though, when [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] overthrew Shockwave and sent the rest of the bulk-sized Decepticons into a suicidal battle with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and the Autobots. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}} The whole situation turned out to be a royal mess, and Ground Hog and the Decepticon Micromasters ended up joining forces with [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] and the Autobot Micros in order to bring an end to the guzzlers' battle, at least for the moment. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

==Toys==
[[Image:G1-toy GroundHog.jpg|right|300px|thumb|No relation to Bill Murray.]]
===Generation 1/Zone===
* '''Race Track Patrol''' (Micromaster Patrol, 1990)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-341'''

: Ground Hog transforms into a tricked-out Dodge Shelby Charger. He was only available in a four-pack with his teammates [[Motorhead (Decepticon)|Motorhead]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]] and [[Roller Force]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/GroundHog/groundhog.htm More information on Ground Hog at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* In Japan, the "Race Track Patrol Team" were the ''only'' Micro Transformer set to be marketed as Decepticons. They were released as part of the [[Zone (toyline)|''Zone'' line]] to serve as minions of [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]]... though this seemingly didn't even net them an appearance in the [[Zone (story page)|''Zone'' story pages]].

* In the "More than meets the eye official guide book" his alternate mode is listed as a "Funny Car".

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category: Zone characters]]