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Star Saber (G1)

2024-07-26T07:47:17Z

SideswipeLambor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the Breastforce began draining electrical energy from a major American subway system, Star Saber proved too large to venture into the tunnels to investigate, and had to divide into Saber and the V-Star to proceed. Investigating the power distribution centre, Saber was confronted by Deathsaurus, and in the cramped quarters of the building, proved to be no match for the villain's nimble Breast Animals. Directing the V-Star to crash into Deathsaurus, Saber forced the Decepticon to block the craft, thereby leaving his unprotected chest open for attack and allowing Saber to impale him with his sword. Thus wounded, Deathsaurus fled, leaving Saber victorious once more. {{storylink|Big City - Underground Terror}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

====''Robotmasters'' comic====
[[File:Victorysaber robotmasters online comic.jpg|thumb|left]]

Some time after Dai Atlas's eventual defeat of Violengiguar, Star Saber and Victory Leo set about tracking down the Decepticon criminal, [[Gigant Bomb]]. Investigating the decay of planets across the [[Milky Way]] galaxy, Star Saber and Victory Leo came across the [[Blastizone]], and a vortex of negative energy surrounding [[Earth]] on the other side of the Zone. After crossing the distortion into the year [[2004]], Star Saber surveyed Earth and came across the Decepticon [[Smokesniper]]. Star Saber battled Smokesniper one-on-one and defeated his opponent, only to be attacked from behind and disarmed by [[Gigant Bomb]]. Gigant Bomber and Smokesniper combined into [[Gigant Sniper]] and opened fire on Star Saber, {{storylink|Go! Star Saber}} but Victory Leo soon came to his aid, and the pair fused into Victory Saber for round two of the duel. The Decepticons were defeated and Victory Saber joined the Autobots native to the era. {{storylink|Bonds Stronger than Steel}}

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

When [[Lio Convoy]] arrived through the Blastizone, Megatron directed him to attack Star Saber and Victory Leo, who once again combined to fight back. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (issue)|Lio Convoy Storms In}} Luckily, Optimus Prime arrived to break up the fight and make the combatants realize they belonged to the same side, and together, Star Saber, Victory Leo, Prime, Primal, and Lio Convoy sent the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===2019 IDW continuity===
Star Saber had at some point encountered the [[Wreckers]] and earned their trust. Later on, [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] included him in a list of potential recruits for a new team of Wreckers. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}
{{--}}

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

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

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

When Star Saber finally met the Autobots face to face, he explained to them who Deathsaurus was. Soon they detected that the fortress' energy levels were rising and about to self-destruct but they were all able to evacuate in time. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - Monster Within}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Victory}}
[[File:TF-Victory-Star-Saber-toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Tall/Grande.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' (Brainmaster, [[1989]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-324'''
:*''Accessories'': "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser"
:*''Known designers'': [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy), [[Kunio Okawara]], [[Ban Magami]] and [[Masakatsu Saitō]] (concept artists)

: Released in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1989 (Victory)|Victory]]'' portion of [[TakaraTomy|Takara's]] ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' toyline, Star Saber transforms into a red, blue, and white Cybertronic spacecraft with numerous features and modes.

:The forward section of the spacecraft, "Saber", can detach from the larger spacecraft body (known by itself as the "V-Star") to form a smaller red fighter jet, the cockpit of which houses the small Brainmaster figure, the "Brain of Courage". When Saber transforms into robot mode, the Brain of Courage is placed within his chest; when the chest is closed, the figure rises up to become Saber's face. The jet nosecone mounts on Saber's shoulder as a shield, and he can wield the "Saber Laser" rifle.

:In grand Autobot leader tradition, the V-Star ship transforms into the "Fire Base" (ファイヤーベース) battle station which Saber can man, and then into a larger body with which Saber can combine, forming "Star Saber". Saber slots into the empty chest area of the V-Star body, with his normal robot head forming Star Saber's ordinary, unmasked head, which is the appearance he commonly employs in fiction when he is not in battle. His battle helmet, featuring an Optimus Prime-style mouthplate, is connected to the V-Star, and can swing up to fit over Saber's head.

:In Star Saber mode, Saber's nosecone/shield becomes a sword hilt. The chromed "Saber Blade" of the sword stores in a slot in Star Saber's back, and is drawn by inserting the hilt into the slot and withdrawing it, an action which brings the blade with it, and which is regularly used to dramatic effect in the ''Victory'' animated series. He can also wield the Saber Laser.

:Star Saber was available in two different types of packaging: horizontal-style ("long") and vertical-style ("tall"), with the horizontal-style box being the first release.<ref>https://robonin.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-193.html</ref> Besides having different package art (and accompanying layouts), the two releases of the toy are fundamentally the same. However, they have one key difference: the gold on Star Saber's chest-plate is shiny stickers on the first release, but gold [[chrome]] on the second release.<ref>https://robonin.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-192.html</ref>

:Star Saber can further combine with [[Ginrai (robot)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Victory Leo]] to form Victory Saber in both vehicle and super [[robot mode]]s. (see below).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Cybertron/StarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on Star Saber at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|VictorySaber}}
[[File:G1 VictorySaber toy.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Venti.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Victory Saber''' (Gift set, 1989)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-328'''
:*''Accessories'': "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser", "V-Lock Cannon", two "V-Lock Rifles", three missiles
:*''Known designers'': [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy), [[Kunio Okawara]], [[Ban Magami]] and [[Masakatsu Saitō]] (concept artists)}}

:The Victory Saber [[giftset]] is a two-pack of Star Saber and Victory Leo. In Victory Saber [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Victory Leo "transforms" into a large yellow block with wings, and connects into the rear between Star Saber's engines/legs, forming a huge-ass spaceship.

:For Victory Saber robot mode, Victory Leo splits up into multiple parts, with most of Leo's body becoming "shoes" for Star Saber and the rest of him forming a winged backpack with shoulder cannons. As Victory Saber, the Star Saber robot is armed with his sword and Victory Leo's giant missile-firing "V-Lock Cannon".

:In an undocumented feature, the Saber Laser can be plugged into the holes in Victory Leo's forelegs so no pieces are left unused.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Cybertron/VictorySaber/victorysaber.htm More information on Victory Saber at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

====''Transform Jr''====
[[File:Starsaber junior.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Short. (You have to ask for it at the counter.)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' (1989)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-324'''
:*''Accessories:'' "Saber Laser", red wings, blue tailfins, cardboard nosecone

:''[[Transform Jr]]'' Star Saber is an immensely simplified version of the larger figure—and that's no exaggeration. His Brainmaster gimmick and the V-Star's base mode are eliminated, and there is virtually no element of actual transformation left in the figure. Saber's jet mode wings are a separate piece that is removed, as are the V-Star's tailfins, and to combine the pair, rather than fold up Saber's legs, you simply pull them off and plug them into his chest. None of that, however, compares to the fact that Saber's jet nosecone is now a piece of folded-up cardboard, lacking its other functions as a shield or sword hilt.

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber DX Set''' (1989)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-324'''
:*''Accessories:'' "Saber Laser", red wings, blue tailfins, cardboard nosecone, roleplay "camcorder", 20 silver pellets, cardboard target

:This "Deluxe set" includes the ''Transform Jr'' Star Saber figure and a [[roleplay toy|roleplay]] camcorder toy, which shoots silver pellets. The set (shown in-box in the top-right of the image above) comes with a stand-up cardboard target decorated with Star Saber's [[package art]], so you can practice your accuracy.

{{-}}

===''Robotmasters''===
[[File:RobotMasters StarSaber toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Travel size!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' ([[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''RM-15'''
:*''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", "Thermal Shot" rifle, nosecone/shield/sword hilt

: Released in the fourth wave of ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' product, this version of Star Saber is a simpler, smaller version of the original, standing slightly below the average "Deluxe" level toy. Though it lacks the "base mode" configuration and the Brainmaster component (as the smaller "Saber" robot itself is about the size of the original's Brainmaster!), it is largely identical to the original Star Saber figure in transformation and weaponry. As a small compensation for losing two of his gimmicks, the figure has also been redesigned with more show-accurate proportions and is generally nicer to look at.

: The miniature "Saber" figure transforms into a Cybertronian jet, with the nosecone forming an arm-mounted shield in robot mode. In both jet and robot mode he can combine with his larger "V-Star" body to form a Cybertronian superjet, or the "Star Saber" robot, with the Saber nosecone/shield forming the handle and hilt of his sword. The V-Star lacks landing gear, but it ''does'' have waist rotation and ball-jointed hips in robot mode, offering a bit more articulation than the original (though the hips are severely limited in their range of motion due to his armored "skirt"). In both modes, Star Saber can combine with ''Robotmasters'' [[Ginrai (robot)#Robotmasters|Victory Leo]] to form "Victory Saber".

: His "Thermal Shot" rifle looks absolutely nothing like the original's "Saber Laser".

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/StarSaber/starsaber.htm ''More information on ''Robotmasters'' Star Saber at TFU.info'']

{{-}}{{anchor|RMVictorySaber}}
[[File:RobotMasters VictorySaber toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Economy size!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Victory Saber''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''RM-17'''
:*''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", "Thermal Shot" rifle, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "V-Lock Cannon", missile, "V-Lock Rifle", 2 "Superconductor Rifles"

:Star Saber was also available in a two-pack with the ''Robotmasters'' version of Victory Leo, with whom he could still combine to form Victory Saber in both jet and robot modes. The two figures in this pack are differentiated from their standard release by the addition of a metallic paint job.

: This set also includes a single collector card for the "Victory Saber" mode, lacking the cards for the individual components.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/VictorySaberRM17/victorysaber.htm ''More information on ''Robotmasters'' Victory Saber at TFU.info'']

{{-}}{{anchor|RMeHobby}}
[[File:RM-toy StarSaber Black.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|How do you do, fellow Decepticons?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Victory Saber Limited Black Version''' (Multi-pack, [[2005]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''RM-17'''
:*''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", "Thermal Shot" rifle, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "V-Lock Cannon", missile, "V-Lock Rifle", 2 "Superconductor Rifles"

: Available only as an [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] two-pack, this iteration of ''Robotmasters'' Victory Saber features the heroic Autobot pair of Star Saber and [[Ginrai (robot)#Robotmasters|Victory Leo]] in the by-then standard-issue "evil hero colors" of black and gray with turquoise and purple highlights, with some bronze thrown in, as well as Decepticon symbols. This redeco represents the two heroes in "optical camouflage" paint jobs for use on an undercover mission to investigate Decepticon dealings in the Middle East black market... according to online listings.

[[File:RM-toy VictorySaber Black.jpg|upright=1.66|left|thumb|]]

: This set was packaged in the normal retail-release Victory Saber 2-pack box, completely unaltered save for the addition of a sticker on the window announcing its name and e-HOBBY exclusive status. The collector's card inside is similarly exactly the same one as packaged with the normal Victory Saber set.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/VictorySaber/victorysaber.htm ''More information on black ''Robotmasters'' Star Saber at TFU.info'']
{{--}}

===''GT''===
[[File:TF-GT-02-GT-R-Saber.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Espresso]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''GT-R Saber''' ([[May 25]], [[2013]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''GT-02'''
:*''Accessories:'' Gas-Fill-Blade, [[Anna]] race queen figure

:''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]'' GT-R Saber is a heavy retool of the ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] toy, transforming into a 1:32 replica of the Calsonic Impul GT-R race car used by [http://www.impul.co.jp/ Team Impul] in the {{w|Super GT}} racing championship series. He features die-cast metal parts, an opening hood, trunk and doors, as well as an interior, complete with his feet and thighs being sculpted to form the back seats. His armaments include flip-out non-firing blasters on his arms as well as the awkwardly named Gas-Fill-Blade, a sword based on his trademark Saber Blade but designed to resemble a fuel dispenser. Like all ''GT'' toys, Saber also comes with a [[GT Sister]], poseable human figures themed after {{w|race queen}}s, his partner being a lady named Anna.

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

===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:MP24-StarSaber.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|He's here to deal with [[Star Saber (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|that crazy fruit-loop]] who besmirched his good name.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' ([[2015]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''MP-24'''
:*''Release date'': [[March 21]], 2015
:*''Accessories:'' "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, big nosecone/shield/sword hilt, small nosecone/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", small "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser", Shield, stand pieces
:*''Known designer'': [[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy), [[Junichi Akutsu]] (concept artist)

:The winner of the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Fan polls#Masterpiece Fan's Choice|Fan's Choice poll]] with a 31.2% majority, Star Saber adapts the original toy to the ''Masterpiece'' standard, focusing on accuracy to the original ''Victory'' animated series. [[Hisashi Yuki]] led the ''Masterpiece'' Star Saber project, rather than the usual ''Masterpiece'' designer, [[Shogo Hasui]], so the creation of Star Saber did not derail the other ongoing ''Masterpiece'' releases. As such, Star Saber is made to [[scale]] with the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' figures that were released at the time, rather than the other ''Masterpiece'' figures.

:Star Saber keeps most of the features the original toy had, the main difference being in how the Brainmaster gimmick works: Saber's face is in the main body rather than in the Brain of Courage figure. He also comes with an extra accessory that was not in the original figure, the shield Star Saber used in "[[Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification]]", which doubles as a "flight stand" for the figure when in its [[alternate mode]]. The cannons on the tips of his shoulders can open to reveal molded missile pods, representing the "Psycho Missiles" he used in the same episode. He also comes with two swords, one scaled for Saber and one scaled for Star Saber. The small one's blade is stored in the slot opposite to the one where the regular blade is stored, while its hilt detaches from the big one. An undocumented feature has him storing the smaller sword hilt beneath the folding lower back panel slot near his hip/leg junction only in his vehicle mode. Unfortunately, Star Saber is infamous for his weak joints, leaving him largely unable to support his accessories or maintain a pose.

:As mentioned further up in this section, and despite Star Saber being one of the larger figures in the ''Masterpiece'' line, he is ''still'' much smaller than he should be at ''Masterpiece''-scale, as an accurately-sized Star Saber figure would be roughly the size of a Titan Class figure. Ironically, ''Masterpiece'' Star Saber is closer to the cartoon scale with the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]''-era figures, than the [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' figure listed [[#Legacy|below]].

:Curiously, the [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#MP10|Matrix of Leadership]] from any [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10|MP-10 mold]] fits quite nicely into the large Saber Blade hilt. Maybe the poor guy couldn't fit the Matrix in his chest with all that Brainmaster junk.

:Star Saber came with a [[collector coin]] when ordered from [[Amazon]] in Asia (excluding Japan). The coin comes in a box-shaped like Star Saber's chest. Star Saber was also released in Australia as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]], with his box and instructions translated to English. The English version of his bio is based on his [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] incarnation.<ref>http://tformers.com/hasbro-australia-to-distribute-masterpiece-star-saber/25793/news.html</ref>

::*''[http://www.transformers-universe.com/i.php?ID=5659 More information on Masterpiece Star Saber at Transformers-Universe.com]''
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
{{anchor|HasLab}}
[[File:TF-HasLab-Star-Saber.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|All this, and it '''''won't''''' [[Unicron/toys#HasLab|cost you a kidney]]!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Victory Saber''' (Multi-pack, [[2022]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-CF2021'''
:*''Accessories'': "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, helmet, nosecone/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser", 6 [[Fire Blast effect]]s, two-piece flight/figure stand, "V-Shield"
:*''Known designers'': [[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy), [[Guido Guidi]] (packaging artist)

:The second [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] crowdfunded figure for ''Transformers'', ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' "Autobot Star Saber" houses the diminutive "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster (even smaller than a [[Titan Master]]!) in his chest, though they interact differently than in previous toys: now the Brainmaster's backpack folds up to form Saber's face. The entire Brainmaster stands in a revolving chamber affixed to Saber's helmet, allowing for neck rotation. Despite its diminutive size, the Brainmaster features just enough articulation to allow it to sit in Saber's cockpit and pilot the jet mode.

:Once in the Star Saber robot mode, the Saber Blade can be lodged in the sword hilt in two different configurations, depending on whether owners wish to represent the original animation model or original toy. As an expensive crowdfunded figure, Star Saber features a greatly increased range of articulation compared to a typical mass-retail toy, including two different butterfly joints in each of his shoulders to allow for more dynamic poses with his sword (one that articulates forwards to allow both of his hands to grip on his sword, and one that articulates backwards to spread his shoulders out), as well as an ab crunch. Much like the original toy, the helmet needs to be removed between transformations, and the V-Star can transform into the "Fire Base Mode" which Saber can man. Much like the original toy Star Saber can combine with the included, smaller [[Ginrai (robot)#Legacy|Victory Leo]] figure to form Victory Saber in both modes.

[[File:TF-HasLab-Victory-Saber.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.33|Introducing Victory Saber to this article for the first time!]]

:At $179.99 USD, Victory Saber cost less than a third of the [[Unicron/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|previous HasLab ''Transformers'' product]], but required 37% more orders, for a total of 11,000 "backers" before it could go into production. It reached that goal on [[September 29]], [[2021]]—11 days before the project deadline. Upon reaching the 14,000 backer mark on [[October 6]], the first tier of "extras" were also included—these being the gigantic "V-Lock Cannon" and 6 aquamarine [[Fire Blast effect]]s redecoed from those of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Jetfire]]. It reached the 17,000 backer mark on [[October 8]], unlocking the second tier of bonuses—a translucent blue two-piece [[flight stand]] bearing the ''Victory'' logo and the Autobot insignia that can support Victory Saber in either vehicle or robot mode. The 20,000 backer mark, which was reached around 10 hours before the project deadline, unlocked Victory Saber's "V-Shield" (which was inadvertently revealed in Hasbro renders several days before its official announcement) as well as pack-in ''Victory'' [[Micromaster]] costars [[Holi#Legacy|Holi]] and [[Fire#Legacy|Fire]]. The final deadline was [[October 10]], coinciding with [[New York Comic Con]]. After all was said and done, the project had over 27,000 backers—way more than double the initial goal.

:Officially, the V-Lock Cannon is shown in the [[instructions]] and stock images to asymmetrically plug into one side in Victory Saber's combined vehicle mode (via one of the many [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]] located down the side of the V-Star), to allow space for the V-Shield to store, covering up the gap between the two figures. ''However'', one can replicate the G1 toys' orientation, by tabbing the cannon into the tab on the white back-panel of Victory Leo (used for tabbing the cannon onto Victory Leo's own flight mode), since the panel is hinged and allows for the cannon to rest on Star Saber's helmet (also like the original toy). This does, however, mean that the shield can't be plugged in, since the panel takes up the same real estate that the shield does. The strength of this tab likely varies between samples as well, meaning this may not work for everyone who owns the set. The V-Shield can also form the front of the V-Star's Fire Base Mode, making it look a ''little'' more convincing as a defensive emplacement—though, the connection points for the shield don't hold on too well.

:Victory Saber was marketed as "introducing Japanese canon to the Transformers line for the first time in 30 years", but this requires a little squinting and ignoring prior Hasbro toys of other Japanese-original characters that were made under different contexts.

:Victory Saber was designed by Hasbro's [[Evan Brooks]]<ref name="FFF">[[May 21]], 2021's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txGS01bXx9U "Hasbro Pulse | Fan First Friday: Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]] and [[Evan Brooks]].</ref> and TakaraTomy's [[Hisashi Yuki]]<ref>Interview with designer [[Hisashi Yuki]] on Hasbro Pulse's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGXJ0qrB1s YouTube]</ref>, returning from the ''[[#Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' toy above. Victory Saber's [[August 27]], 2021 [[Hasbro Pulse#Fan First Friday|Fan First Friday]] reveal<ref name="FFF"/> and subsequent Hasbro Pulse page only depicted only gray prototype stock renders. Colored renders were revealed by voice actor {{w|Christopher Sabat}} during a live stream with Hasbro's [[Amanda Granato]] and Evan Brooks on [[September 22]], [[2021]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=2021-09-22 - Haslab Transformers Live Stream https://t.co/MaYjG62qwb|link=https://twitter.com/JustChrisSabat/status/1440737824861343748|name=JustChrisSabat|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=9|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref> Painted prototype images were revealed alongside Tier 3 on [[October 1]].<ref name="Tier3">HasLab Victory Saber's final tier and painted prototype photography revealed on the official ''Transformers'' [https://www.instagram.com/p/CUfs0taLJjz/ Instagram]</ref>

:Victory Saber, as a HasLab item, was exclusive to Hasbro Pulse in the [[United States of America|U.S.]], [[United Kingdom|U.K.]], and [[Canada]], [[TakaraTomy Mall]] in Japan, and various retailers for other countries. Unfortunately for [[Taiwan]]ese fans who backed this project, their toy shipments were heavily water damaged during transit and could not be delivered; those buyers instead received a full refund and a ''Legacy'' "A Hero Is Born" [[Alpha Trion (G1)#Legacy|Alpha Trion]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Legacy|Orion Pax]] 2-pack. No, that set is nowhere near as cool. Sorry? On top of that, EU retailer Zavvi canceled orders in multiple countries; it is currently unclear ''why'' this has happened, with Zavvi customer service simply stating the set is "no longer available".

:The box comes with a reversible slipcover so owners can display it in two different styles. One side has a "modern" ''Generations Selects'' style, with English writing, the ''Legacy'' logo, and new wireframe cutaway art. The other side has a more "classic" look with Japanese writing and C-328 serial number, the ''Victory'' logo, and art and photos resembling the original box. Purchasers in Japan through [[TakaraTomy Mall]] received an additional second slipcover with slightly modified art.

:Unfortunately, most if not all Victory Sabers suffer from numerous [[quality control]] issues that resulted in many collector complaints. The most common issues are damage to the [[vacuum metallizing|gold chrome]] on Star Saber's chest-"V" and a diagonal scratch across his mouthplate. The latter in particular occurs identically across multiple figures, leading fans to suspect a problem with the mold itself. Other prominent problems were sword blades that could only be inserted in one of their two advertised angles, nosecone attachment notches that were incompletely formed, leaving the nosecone slanted in vehicle mode, and leg panels that won't fully close in V-Star mode. Some figures also suffer from a minor misassembly where the extendable landing gear in each of his knees are pinned to the wrong legs; the molded details are molded on a slight slant to make them sit parallel with the rest of the leg details—which are also molded on a slight slant, for the figure's bulky legs to naturally stand at an A-stance in robot mode. In some cases, both of his knees feature the exact same landing gear pieces, leaving only one leg with the molded details slanted in the wrong direction. Faced with such widespread concerns about QC, in early 2023 Hasbro / Takara produced a small second run of the set to accommodate those wanting replacements. These second run figures are immediately distinguishable because Star Saber is now packaged with a layer of clear plastic protecting the chest-"V". It is not publicly known how many were produced in this run, but since the only way to receive one was by mailing back one's original set, the total number in potential market circulation should have stayed the same.

:Victory Saber first started shipping to backers, beginning with those living in China, in [[November]] 2022.
{{WFCSiegeJetfireFireBlastMold}}

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transform Jr Roleplay Toys''===
[[File:Starsaberdiskpistol.jpg|thumb|Free trade.]]
*'''Star Saber Enban Pistol''' (1989)
**''Accessories:'' 12 bullet disks

:Manufactured by Takara subsidiary Seven, this Star Saber-themed general disk-shooting gun (no, not the Saber Laser, mind you) comes with additional bullet disks molded on a sprue.
{{--}}

===''Transformers Gum''===
[[File:Tfgum starsaber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Cheap.]]
*'''Star Saber''' (1989)
**''Accessories:'' V-Star ship/body, Saber Blade, Saber Laser

:Part of the eleventh wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' series of [[candy toy]]s, this Star Saber figure is a snap-together model kit cast in blue, red and white plastic. Although lacking in any paint applications, the figure feature stickers for detail, and retains most of the accessories and features of the actual Star Saber toy, including the V-Star's base mode and the deploying faceplate for Star Saber mode. He does not, however, feature the Brainmaster gimmick for the smaller Saber robot, and while it ''is'' capable of combining with the Victory Leo kit that was later released in the line's thirteenth wave, it could only do so in jet mode, not robot mode. The kit comes with a stick of something claimed to be gum.

{{-}}
[[File:Tfgum victorysaber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Bargain.]]
*'''Victory Saber''' (1989)
**''Accessories:'' V-Lock Cannon

:A double-pack of Star Saber and Victory Leo was released in the thirteenth and final wave of the ''Transformers Gum'' series, cast in red, white and black plastic. Much simplified from the larger toys, the pair can combine to form Victory Leo in both vehicle and robot modes. Star Saber alone can transform into both robot and vehicle forms, while Victory Leo features only his lion mode.

{{-}}
[[File:Kabaya-Wave-1-Star-Saber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Low-Priced.]]
*'''Star Saber''' ([[2009]])

:Released in the first wave of the revived ''Transformers Gum'' series in 2009, this transforming model kit of Star Saber is made from red, white, and blue plastic, with stickers for detail. It's based on the ''Robotmasters'' Star Saber toy, and does not feature a robot mode for Saber.

{{-}}
[[File:Kabaya-Victory-Saber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Discount with a bonus.]]
*'''Victory Saber''' ([[2012]])
:An undocumented feature with the Victory Leo kit, the above Star Saber kit can combine to form Victory Saber. Unusually, the Victory Leo kit was released two years later!

{{-}}
[[File:DXGattai-VictorySaber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Two for the price of one.|200px]]
*'''Victory Saber''' ([[2016]])

:Star Saber and Victory Leo were re-released together under the ''DX Gattai'' label in 2016. Unlike the previous release, at least one molded part is revised.

:As with other ''DX Gattai'' toys featuring box art in homage to their original figures, Victory Saber's packaging mimics that of the original 1989 Victory Saber gift set.
{{--}}

===''Parody Deformed''===
[[File:Starsaber pd models.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Wild Victini appeared!]]
*'''Victory Saber''' ([[1990]])

:A small white and red, non-transforming [[super deformed]] model kit of Victory Saber was available as part of Kabaya's ''[[Parody Deformed]]'' line of candy toys. The second figure in the series, he came with a ''[[PDTF Comic]]'' about himself, "He's Here! Victory Saber!!", and more of that alleged "gum".

*'''Star Saber''' (1990)
:A Parody Deformed version of Star Saber alone was later made available in the next wave of the line. As the fifth figure of the series, he came with the ''PDTF Comic'' "Don't Lose! Star Saber!!" and something accused of being chocolate.
{{--}}

===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:Starsaber scfs.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|A three-for-one deal.]]
*'''Star Saber''' ([[2002]])
**''Act'': '''7'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:A [[Plastic|PVC]] of Star Saber was released in the seventh ''Victory''-centric wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all figures in the wave, he was available in both full color and metallic silver "pewter" versions.

:Additionally, the figure could be "transformed" into Victory Saber by attaching a collection of six additional parts, one of each of which were included with the pewter versions of the six figures in the line in the tradition of "Build-A-Figures" from waves past. The pewter Star Saber himself came packaged with Victory Saber's V-Lock Rifles; his backpack came with [[Road Caesar#Super Collection Figure|Road Caesar]], his wings came with [[Deathsaurus (G1)#Super Collection Figure|Deathsaurus]], his rifle came with [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure|Perceptor]], his left boot came with [[Liokaiser#Super Collection Figure|Liokaiser]], and his right boot came with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure|Wheeljack]]. Like the figures themselves, the parts came in both standard full-color (at a rate of 8 out of 10 cases) and rare pewter (only 2 out of every 10 cases) variations.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/StarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/PewterStarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on pewter ''Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/VictorySaber/victorysaber.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Victory Saber at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFVictoryGold}}
[[File:SCF VictorySaber-Gold.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Gold.]]
*'''Victory Saber Gold Version'''{{fact}} (2002)
**''Act'': '''7'''
**''Accessories'': Victory Saber parts, stand

:The seventh wave of the ''Super Collection Figure'' line also included a complete Victory Saber figure, entirely metallic golden in color, which was only available as a rare "Secret Figure" at a rate of 1 in 10 cases. He came with a complete set of parts for both normal "Star Saber" and "Victory Saber" modes.

: It is currently unknown which figure —if any in specific— this figure replaced in the case.
{{--}}

===''Mega Super Collection Figure''===
{{anchor|MCSF}}
[[File:G1 MegaSCF StarSaber.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Pequeño.]]
*'''Star Saber''' (2002)
**''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", 2 left hands, 2 right hands, 2 heads
{{toydesigner|[[Kazutami Yasuhiko]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber is a five inch tall posable PVC action figure. He comes replete with a collection of additional body parts, including two "open" hands and two "closed" hands, the later being used to grip onto his Saber Blade sword. He also includes two heads: his unmasked "Saber" head, and his masked "Star Saber" visage. Although he cannot transform, Star Saber can combine with the simultaneously-released Victory Leo ''Mega SCF'' figure to form Victory Saber.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/MegaSCFStarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
[[File:Robot Heroes Victory Saber Dessaras.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Mini.]]
*'''Victory Saber & Dessaras''' (Two-pack, <s>2009</s>)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}

:A surprise entry in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''-branded ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' series, this [[super deformed]] figurine depicts Star Saber combined with Victory Leo as Victory Saber, and packaged with an equally adorable "[[Deathsaurus (G1)#Robot Heroes|Dessaras]]". Originally discovered amongst [[Walmart]] store computer listings in mid-2008, this ill-fated pack failed to materialize before the ''Universe'' portion of the ''Robot Heroes'' line was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===Flame Toys===
[[File:kurosaber.jpg|200px|thumb|Viciously huge and expensive.]]
*'''Star Saber''' (July [[2019]])
**''Number:'' '''03'''
:Released by [[Flame Toys]], Star Saber is a high-end non-transforming poseable figure based on [[Alex Milne]]'s ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comic [[#2005 IDW continuity|design]].

:Star Saber is also able to combine with Flame Toys' [[Ginrai (robot)#Flame Toys|Victory Leo]] to form Victory Saber.
{{toystub}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
{{anchor|TCC Victory Saber}}
[[File:Transformers Character Card Victory Saber and Deathsaurus.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|]]
*'''Deszaras & Victory Saber Set''' ([[December]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''69 & 70'''

:Released as part of the tenth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deszaras]]" ([[Deathsaurus (G1)#Name|not again!]]) and Victory Saber along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#70|Translation of Victory Saber's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|TCC Star Saber}}
[[File:Transformers Character Card Victory Leo and Star Saber.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|]]
*'''Star Saber & Victory Leo Set''' ([[June]], [[2024]])
**''ID number:'' '''85 & 86'''

:Released as part of the twelfth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of the non-combined Star Saber and [[Victory Leo]] along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#85|Translation of Star Saber's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Star Saber's Brainmaster figure was for years incorrectly referred to by fans with the names "Yuki" and "Yukio", mistakenly derived from Japanese readings of 勇気 ("courage"). In truth, like all Brainmaster units, it does not have a proper name, but is known simply by the title used in this article, the "Brain of Courage".
*After an initial pass in the usual Takara house style by [[Takashi Kunihiro]], Star Saber's final visual design was drafted by famous ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' mechanical designer [[Kunio Okawara]], who was also the design lead on the ''Victory'' cartoon. This resulted in Star Saber's classical "{{w|Mecha anime and manga#Super_robot|super robot}}" aesthetic fairly unique in the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGXJ0qrB1s Interview] with [[Hisashi Yuki]] on Star Saber at [[Hasbro Pulse]]</ref>
* Concept art exists of a soccer-themed retool of Star Saber, presumably meant to be a character in [[Brave_(franchise)|''The Brave Police J-Decker'']]. This concept may have evolved into the soccer-themed character Drill Boy in that series. <ref>Brave Series 30th Anniversary Memorial Archive Art Book</ref>
*The ''Robotmasters'' episode "[[Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!]]" [[Japanese language|Romanizes]] Star Saber's name as "'''Star Saver'''"; both names are homonyms in Japanese.
*Star Saber as a brutal villain in the [[2005 IDW continuity]] is drawn from [[James Roberts]]'s days as part of the [[Transmasters UK|Transmasters UK fanfic group]], which depicted the character as such. His exact characterization is different, as Roberts wanted to respect his former collaborators and not poach their ideas. Star Saber was used because he was an existing Generation 1 character yet to be established in this continuity who would have had weight if he showed up as Tyrest's new right hand.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 19:24 - 31:07]</ref> Thematically, he fits with [[Solomus|Tyrest]] and [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]'s theme of being one of the main pillars of society (in this case religion) going wrong.<ref>[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts – 02:05:34 to 02:05:57]</ref>
*IDW's depiction of Star Saber depicts him as a normal robot, never incorporating the original figure's [[Brainmaster]] [[gimmick]]. During his climactic death scene, artist [[Casey Coller]] took some artistic liberties by depicting the head of a smaller robot lying amidst Star Saber's remains—a detail not requested in James Roberts's script.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=This wasn't part of the script, so if anyone has a problem with it, that'd be my fault... but I wanted to share that lovely bit with you all this Friday morning :)|link=https://twitter.com/CaseyWColler/status/1030391425941348352|name=Casey W. Coller|site=Twitter|year=2018|month=08|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>
*Like all non-toy robot Kreons in the ''Kre-O'' comics, Victory Saber is made from existing ''Kre-O'' parts. He uses the [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Toys|Optimus Prime]] helmet, and a backpack made from a 2x4 harness and a pair of 1x2 plates with side-bars, a pair of clip-on wings ''and'' a pair of clip-on rifles. Add to that a chestplate that's the [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Wheeljack]] wing-pack draped forward. He stands atop a pair of platform shoes, each made out of a 1x2 plate with a slope over one stud, and a 1x2 Combiner "lower limb" block. He carries a short-sword of the type most commonly carried by the [[Predaking (G1)#Kre-O|Predaking]] components. Whoof! Saber himself has a simpler assembly, using a shield piece and an unmasked version of Optimus Prime's helmet.
* Had IDW's [[2019 IDW continuity|rebooted ''Transformers'' continuity]] continued, Star Saber would have joined the Wreckers, as foreshadowed in the final issue of ''Tread & Circuits''.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=And spoiler for another story that may never happen–had we gotten another series, some of the would-be-Wreckers featured at the end of issue #4 would’ve made it to the team (Star Saber and Leadfoot for sure).|link=https://davidmariottecomics.tumblr.com/post/704031757980270592/transformers-till-we-meet-again|name=David Mariotte|site=Tumblr|day=18|month=12|year=2022}}</ref>

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

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

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

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Star Saber-Alex Milne-MTMTE.jpg|2005 IDW continuity design
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:GT characters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Primes]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:United EX Autobots]]
[[Category:Victory Autobots]]
[[Category:Victory combiners]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]
[[Category:Legacy Autobots]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]

Star Saber (G1)

2024-07-26T07:46:39Z

SideswipeLambor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the Breastforce began draining electrical energy from a major American subway system, Star Saber proved too large to venture into the tunnels to investigate, and had to divide into Saber and the V-Star to proceed. Investigating the power distribution centre, Saber was confronted by Deathsaurus, and in the cramped quarters of the building, proved to be no match for the villain's nimble Breast Animals. Directing the V-Star to crash into Deathsaurus, Saber forced the Decepticon to block the craft, thereby leaving his unprotected chest open for attack and allowing Saber to impale him with his sword. Thus wounded, Deathsaurus fled, leaving Saber victorious once more. {{storylink|Big City - Underground Terror}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

====''Robotmasters'' comic====
[[File:Victorysaber robotmasters online comic.jpg|thumb|left]]

Some time after Dai Atlas's eventual defeat of Violengiguar, Star Saber and Victory Leo set about tracking down the Decepticon criminal, [[Gigant Bomb]]. Investigating the decay of planets across the [[Milky Way]] galaxy, Star Saber and Victory Leo came across the [[Blastizone]], and a vortex of negative energy surrounding [[Earth]] on the other side of the Zone. After crossing the distortion into the year [[2004]], Star Saber surveyed Earth and came across the Decepticon [[Smokesniper]]. Star Saber battled Smokesniper one-on-one and defeated his opponent, only to be attacked from behind and disarmed by [[Gigant Bomb]]. Gigant Bomber and Smokesniper combined into [[Gigant Sniper]] and opened fire on Star Saber, {{storylink|Go! Star Saber}} but Victory Leo soon came to his aid, and the pair fused into Victory Saber for round two of the duel. The Decepticons were defeated and Victory Saber joined the Autobots native to the era. {{storylink|Bonds Stronger than Steel}}

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

When [[Lio Convoy]] arrived through the Blastizone, Megatron directed him to attack Star Saber and Victory Leo, who once again combined to fight back. {{storylink|Lio Convoy Storms In (issue)|Lio Convoy Storms In}} Luckily, Optimus Prime arrived to break up the fight and make the combatants realize they belonged to the same side, and together, Star Saber, Victory Leo, Prime, Primal, and Lio Convoy sent the Decepticons packing. {{storylink|Together, the 4 Great Supreme Commanders}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===2019 IDW continuity===
Star Saber had at some point encountered the [[Wreckers]] and earned their trust. Later on, [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] included him in a list of potential recruits for a new team of Wreckers. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}
{{--}}

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

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

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

When Star Saber finally met the Autobots face to face, he explained to them who Deathsaurus was. Soon they detected that the fortress' energy levels were rising and about to self-destruct but they were all able to evacuate in time. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - Monster Within}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Victory}}
[[File:TF-Victory-Star-Saber-toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Tall/Grande.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' (Brainmaster, [[1989]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-324'''
:*''Accessories'': "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser"
:*''Known designers'': [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy), [[Kunio Okawara]], [[Ban Magami]] and [[Masakatsu Saitō]] (concept artists)

: Released in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1989 (Victory)|Victory]]'' portion of [[TakaraTomy|Takara's]] ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' toyline, Star Saber transforms into a red, blue, and white Cybertronic spacecraft with numerous features and modes.

:The forward section of the spacecraft, "Saber", can detach from the larger spacecraft body (known by itself as the "V-Star") to form a smaller red fighter jet, the cockpit of which houses the small Brainmaster figure, the "Brain of Courage". When Saber transforms into robot mode, the Brain of Courage is placed within his chest; when the chest is closed, the figure rises up to become Saber's face. The jet nosecone mounts on Saber's shoulder as a shield, and he can wield the "Saber Laser" rifle.

:In grand Autobot leader tradition, the V-Star ship transforms into the "Fire Base" (ファイヤーベース) battle station which Saber can man, and then into a larger body with which Saber can combine, forming "Star Saber". Saber slots into the empty chest area of the V-Star body, with his normal robot head forming Star Saber's ordinary, unmasked head, which is the appearance he commonly employs in fiction when he is not in battle. His battle helmet, featuring an Optimus Prime-style mouthplate, is connected to the V-Star, and can swing up to fit over Saber's head.

:In Star Saber mode, Saber's nosecone/shield becomes a sword hilt. The chromed "Saber Blade" of the sword stores in a slot in Star Saber's back, and is drawn by inserting the hilt into the slot and withdrawing it, an action which brings the blade with it, and which is regularly used to dramatic effect in the ''Victory'' animated series. He can also wield the Saber Laser.

:Star Saber was available in two different types of packaging: horizontal-style ("long") and vertical-style ("tall"), with the horizontal-style box being the first release.<ref>https://robonin.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-193.html</ref> Besides having different package art (and accompanying layouts), the two releases of the toy are fundamentally the same. However, they have one key difference: the gold on Star Saber's chest-plate is shiny stickers on the first release, but gold [[chrome]] on the second release.<ref>https://robonin.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-192.html</ref>

:Star Saber can further combine with [[Ginrai (robot)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers|Victory Leo]] to form Victory Saber in both vehicle and super [[robot mode]]s. (see below).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Cybertron/StarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on Star Saber at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|VictorySaber}}
[[File:G1 VictorySaber toy.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Venti.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Victory Saber''' (Gift set, 1989)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-328'''
:*''Accessories'': "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser", "V-Lock Cannon", two "V-Lock Rifles", three missiles
:*''Known designers'': [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy), [[Kunio Okawara]], [[Ban Magami]] and [[Masakatsu Saitō]] (concept artists)}}

:The Victory Saber [[giftset]] is a two-pack of Star Saber and Victory Leo. In Victory Saber [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Victory Leo "transforms" into a large yellow block with wings, and connects into the rear between Star Saber's engines/legs, forming a huge-ass spaceship.

:For Victory Saber robot mode, Victory Leo splits up into multiple parts, with most of Leo's body becoming "shoes" for Star Saber and the rest of him forming a winged backpack with shoulder cannons. As Victory Saber, the Star Saber robot is armed with his sword and Victory Leo's giant missile-firing "V-Lock Cannon".

:In an undocumented feature, the Saber Laser can be plugged into the holes in Victory Leo's forelegs so no pieces are left unused.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Cybertron/VictorySaber/victorysaber.htm More information on Victory Saber at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

====''Transform Jr''====
[[File:Starsaber junior.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Short. (You have to ask for it at the counter.)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' (1989)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-324'''
:*''Accessories:'' "Saber Laser", red wings, blue tailfins, cardboard nosecone

:''[[Transform Jr]]'' Star Saber is an immensely simplified version of the larger figure—and that's no exaggeration. His Brainmaster gimmick and the V-Star's base mode are eliminated, and there is virtually no element of actual transformation left in the figure. Saber's jet mode wings are a separate piece that is removed, as are the V-Star's tailfins, and to combine the pair, rather than fold up Saber's legs, you simply pull them off and plug them into his chest. None of that, however, compares to the fact that Saber's jet nosecone is now a piece of folded-up cardboard, lacking its other functions as a shield or sword hilt.

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber DX Set''' (1989)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''C-324'''
:*''Accessories:'' "Saber Laser", red wings, blue tailfins, cardboard nosecone, roleplay "camcorder", 20 silver pellets, cardboard target

:This "Deluxe set" includes the ''Transform Jr'' Star Saber figure and a [[roleplay toy|roleplay]] camcorder toy, which shoots silver pellets. The set (shown in-box in the top-right of the image above) comes with a stand-up cardboard target decorated with Star Saber's [[package art]], so you can practice your accuracy.

{{-}}

===''Robotmasters''===
[[File:RobotMasters StarSaber toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Travel size!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' ([[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''RM-15'''
:*''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", "Thermal Shot" rifle, nosecone/shield/sword hilt

: Released in the fourth wave of ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' product, this version of Star Saber is a simpler, smaller version of the original, standing slightly below the average "Deluxe" level toy. Though it lacks the "base mode" configuration and the Brainmaster component (as the smaller "Saber" robot itself is about the size of the original's Brainmaster!), it is largely identical to the original Star Saber figure in transformation and weaponry. As a small compensation for losing two of his gimmicks, the figure has also been redesigned with more show-accurate proportions and is generally nicer to look at.

: The miniature "Saber" figure transforms into a Cybertronian jet, with the nosecone forming an arm-mounted shield in robot mode. In both jet and robot mode he can combine with his larger "V-Star" body to form a Cybertronian superjet, or the "Star Saber" robot, with the Saber nosecone/shield forming the handle and hilt of his sword. The V-Star lacks landing gear, but it ''does'' have waist rotation and ball-jointed hips in robot mode, offering a bit more articulation than the original (though the hips are severely limited in their range of motion due to his armored "skirt"). In both modes, Star Saber can combine with ''Robotmasters'' [[Ginrai (robot)#Robotmasters|Victory Leo]] to form "Victory Saber".

: His "Thermal Shot" rifle looks absolutely nothing like the original's "Saber Laser".

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/StarSaber/starsaber.htm ''More information on ''Robotmasters'' Star Saber at TFU.info'']

{{-}}{{anchor|RMVictorySaber}}
[[File:RobotMasters VictorySaber toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Economy size!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Victory Saber''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''RM-17'''
:*''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", "Thermal Shot" rifle, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "V-Lock Cannon", missile, "V-Lock Rifle", 2 "Superconductor Rifles"

:Star Saber was also available in a two-pack with the ''Robotmasters'' version of Victory Leo, with whom he could still combine to form Victory Saber in both jet and robot modes. The two figures in this pack are differentiated from their standard release by the addition of a metallic paint job.

: This set also includes a single collector card for the "Victory Saber" mode, lacking the cards for the individual components.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/VictorySaberRM17/victorysaber.htm ''More information on ''Robotmasters'' Victory Saber at TFU.info'']

{{-}}{{anchor|RMeHobby}}
[[File:RM-toy StarSaber Black.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|How do you do, fellow Decepticons?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Victory Saber Limited Black Version''' (Multi-pack, [[2005]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''RM-17'''
:*''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", "Thermal Shot" rifle, nosecone/shield/sword hilt, "V-Lock Cannon", missile, "V-Lock Rifle", 2 "Superconductor Rifles"

: Available only as an [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] two-pack, this iteration of ''Robotmasters'' Victory Saber features the heroic Autobot pair of Star Saber and [[Ginrai (robot)#Robotmasters|Victory Leo]] in the by-then standard-issue "evil hero colors" of black and gray with turquoise and purple highlights, with some bronze thrown in, as well as Decepticon symbols. This redeco represents the two heroes in "optical camouflage" paint jobs for use on an undercover mission to investigate Decepticon dealings in the Middle East black market... according to online listings.

[[File:RM-toy VictorySaber Black.jpg|upright=1.66|left|thumb|]]

: This set was packaged in the normal retail-release Victory Saber 2-pack box, completely unaltered save for the addition of a sticker on the window announcing its name and e-HOBBY exclusive status. The collector's card inside is similarly exactly the same one as packaged with the normal Victory Saber set.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/VictorySaber/victorysaber.htm ''More information on black ''Robotmasters'' Star Saber at TFU.info'']
{{--}}

===''GT''===
[[File:TF-GT-02-GT-R-Saber.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Espresso]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''GT-R Saber''' ([[May 25]], [[2013]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''GT-02'''
:*''Accessories:'' Gas-Fill-Blade, [[Anna]] race queen figure

:''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]'' GT-R Saber is a heavy retool of the ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternity|Convoy]] toy, transforming into a 1:32 replica of the Calsonic Impul GT-R race car used by [http://www.impul.co.jp/ Team Impul] in the {{w|Super GT}} racing championship series. He features die-cast metal parts, an opening hood, trunk and doors, as well as an interior, complete with his feet and thighs being sculpted to form the back seats. His armaments include flip-out non-firing blasters on his arms as well as the awkwardly named Gas-Fill-Blade, a sword based on his trademark Saber Blade but designed to resemble a fuel dispenser. Like all ''GT'' toys, Saber also comes with a [[GT Sister]], poseable human figures themed after {{w|race queen}}s, his partner being a lady named Anna.

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

===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:MP24-StarSaber.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|He's here to deal with [[Star Saber (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|that crazy fruit-loop]] who besmirched his good name.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Star Saber''' ([[2015]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''MP-24'''
:*''Release date'': [[March 21]], 2015
:*''Accessories:'' "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, big nosecone/shield/sword hilt, small nosecone/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", small "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser", Shield, stand pieces
:*''Known designer'': [[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy), [[Junichi Akutsu]] (concept artist)

:The winner of the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Fan polls#Masterpiece Fan's Choice|Fan's Choice poll]] with a 31.2% majority, Star Saber adapts the original toy to the ''Masterpiece'' standard, focusing on accuracy to the original ''Victory'' animated series. [[Hisashi Yuki]] led the ''Masterpiece'' Star Saber project, rather than the usual ''Masterpiece'' designer, [[Shogo Hasui]], so the creation of Star Saber did not derail the other ongoing ''Masterpiece'' releases. As such, Star Saber is made to [[scale]] with the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' figures that were released at the time, rather than the other ''Masterpiece'' figures.

:Star Saber keeps most of the features the original toy had, the main difference being in how the Brainmaster gimmick works: Saber's face is in the main body rather than in the Brain of Courage figure. He also comes with an extra accessory that was not in the original figure, the shield Star Saber used in "[[Showdown! The Fortress vs the Victory Unification]]", which doubles as a "flight stand" for the figure when in its [[alternate mode]]. The cannons on the tips of his shoulders can open to reveal molded missile pods, representing the "Psycho Missiles" he used in the same episode. He also comes with two swords, one scaled for Saber and one scaled for Star Saber. The small one's blade is stored in the slot opposite to the one where the regular blade is stored, while its hilt detaches from the big one. An undocumented feature has him storing the smaller sword hilt beneath the folding lower back panel slot near his hip/leg junction only in his vehicle mode. Unfortunately, Star Saber is infamous for his weak joints, leaving him largely unable to support his accessories or maintain a pose.

:As mentioned further up in this section, and despite Star Saber being one of the larger figures in the ''Masterpiece'' line, he is ''still'' much smaller than he should be at ''Masterpiece''-scale, as an accurately-sized Star Saber figure would be roughly the size of a Titan Class figure. Ironically, ''Masterpiece'' Star Saber is closer to the cartoon scale with the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]''-era figures, than the [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' figure listed [[#Legacy|below]].

:Curiously, the [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#MP10|Matrix of Leadership]] from any [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10|MP-10 mold]] fits quite nicely into the large Saber Blade hilt. Maybe the poor guy couldn't fit the Matrix in his chest with all that Brainmaster junk.

:Star Saber came with a [[collector coin]] when ordered from [[Amazon]] in Asia (excluding Japan). The coin comes in a box-shaped like Star Saber's chest. Star Saber was also released in Australia as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]], with his box and instructions translated to English. The English version of his bio is based on his [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] incarnation.<ref>http://tformers.com/hasbro-australia-to-distribute-masterpiece-star-saber/25793/news.html</ref>

::*''[http://www.transformers-universe.com/i.php?ID=5659 More information on Masterpiece Star Saber at Transformers-Universe.com]''
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
{{anchor|HasLab}}
[[File:TF-HasLab-Star-Saber.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|All this, and it '''''won't''''' [[Unicron/toys#HasLab|cost you a kidney]]!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Victory Saber''' (Multi-pack, [[2022]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-CF2021'''
:*''Accessories'': "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster figure, "V-Star" ship/body, helmet, nosecone/sword hilt, "Saber Blade", "Saber Laser", 6 [[Fire Blast effect]]s, two-piece flight/figure stand, "V-Shield"
:*''Known designers'': [[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy), [[Guido Guidi]] (packaging artist)

:The second [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] crowdfunded figure for ''Transformers'', ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' "Autobot Star Saber" houses the diminutive "Brain of Courage" Brainmaster (even smaller than a [[Titan Master]]!) in his chest, though they interact differently than in previous toys: now the Brainmaster's backpack folds up to form Saber's face. The entire Brainmaster stands in a revolving chamber affixed to Saber's helmet, allowing for neck rotation. Despite its diminutive size, the Brainmaster features just enough articulation to allow it to sit in Saber's cockpit and pilot the jet mode.

:Once in the Star Saber robot mode, the Saber Blade can be lodged in the sword hilt in two different configurations, depending on whether owners wish to represent the original animation model or original toy. As an expensive crowdfunded figure, Star Saber features a greatly increased range of articulation compared to a typical mass-retail toy, including two different butterfly joints in each of his shoulders to allow for more dynamic poses with his sword (one that articulates forwards to allow both of his hands to grip on his sword, and one that articulates backwards to spread his shoulders out), as well as an ab crunch. Much like the original toy, the helmet needs to be removed between transformations, and the V-Star can transform into the "Fire Base Mode" which Saber can man. Much like the original toy Star Saber can combine with the included, smaller [[Ginrai (robot)#Legacy|Victory Leo]] figure to form Victory Saber in both modes.

[[File:TF-HasLab-Victory-Saber.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.33|Introducing Victory Saber to this article for the first time!]]

:At $179.99 USD, Victory Saber cost less than a third of the [[Unicron/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|previous HasLab ''Transformers'' product]], but required 37% more orders, for a total of 11,000 "backers" before it could go into production. It reached that goal on [[September 29]], [[2021]]—11 days before the project deadline. Upon reaching the 14,000 backer mark on [[October 6]], the first tier of "extras" were also included—these being the gigantic "V-Lock Cannon" and 6 aquamarine [[Fire Blast effect]]s redecoed from those of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Jetfire]]. It reached the 17,000 backer mark on [[October 8]], unlocking the second tier of bonuses—a translucent blue two-piece [[flight stand]] bearing the ''Victory'' logo and the Autobot insignia that can support Victory Saber in either vehicle or robot mode. The 20,000 backer mark, which was reached around 10 hours before the project deadline, unlocked Victory Saber's "V-Shield" (which was inadvertently revealed in Hasbro renders several days before its official announcement) as well as pack-in ''Victory'' [[Micromaster]] costars [[Holi#Legacy|Holi]] and [[Fire#Legacy|Fire]]. The final deadline was [[October 10]], coinciding with [[New York Comic Con]]. After all was said and done, the project had over 27,000 backers—way more than double the initial goal.

:Officially, the V-Lock Cannon is shown in the [[instructions]] and stock images to asymmetrically plug into one side in Victory Saber's combined vehicle mode (via one of the many [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]] located down the side of the V-Star), to allow space for the V-Shield to store, covering up the gap between the two figures. ''However'', one can replicate the G1 toys' orientation, by tabbing the cannon into the tab on the white back-panel of Victory Leo (used for tabbing the cannon onto Victory Leo's own flight mode), since the panel is hinged and allows for the cannon to rest on Star Saber's helmet (also like the original toy). This does, however, mean that the shield can't be plugged in, since the panel takes up the same real estate that the shield does. The strength of this tab likely varies between samples as well, meaning this may not work for everyone who owns the set. The V-Shield can also form the front of the V-Star's Fire Base Mode, making it look a ''little'' more convincing as a defensive emplacement—though, the connection points for the shield don't hold on too well.

:Victory Saber was marketed as "introducing Japanese canon to the Transformers line for the first time in 30 years", but this requires a little squinting and ignoring prior Hasbro toys of other Japanese-original characters that were made under different contexts.

:Victory Saber was designed by Hasbro's [[Evan Brooks]]<ref name="FFF">[[May 21]], 2021's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txGS01bXx9U "Hasbro Pulse | Fan First Friday: Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]] and [[Evan Brooks]].</ref> and TakaraTomy's [[Hisashi Yuki]]<ref>Interview with designer [[Hisashi Yuki]] on Hasbro Pulse's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGXJ0qrB1s YouTube]</ref>, returning from the ''[[#Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' toy above. Victory Saber's [[August 27]], 2021 [[Hasbro Pulse#Fan First Friday|Fan First Friday]] reveal<ref name="FFF"/> and subsequent Hasbro Pulse page only depicted only gray prototype stock renders. Colored renders were revealed by voice actor {{w|Christopher Sabat}} during a live stream with Hasbro's [[Amanda Granato]] and Evan Brooks on [[September 22]], [[2021]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=2021-09-22 - Haslab Transformers Live Stream https://t.co/MaYjG62qwb|link=https://twitter.com/JustChrisSabat/status/1440737824861343748|name=JustChrisSabat|site=Twitter|year=2021|month=9|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref> Painted prototype images were revealed alongside Tier 3 on [[October 1]].<ref name="Tier3">HasLab Victory Saber's final tier and painted prototype photography revealed on the official ''Transformers'' [https://www.instagram.com/p/CUfs0taLJjz/ Instagram]</ref>

:Victory Saber, as a HasLab item, was exclusive to Hasbro Pulse in the [[United States of America|U.S.]], [[United Kingdom|U.K.]], and [[Canada]], [[TakaraTomy Mall]] in Japan, and various retailers for other countries. Unfortunately for [[Taiwan]]ese fans who backed this project, their toy shipments were heavily water damaged during transit and could not be delivered; those buyers instead received a full refund and a ''Legacy'' "A Hero Is Born" [[Alpha Trion (G1)#Legacy|Alpha Trion]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Legacy|Orion Pax]] 2-pack. No, that set is nowhere near as cool. Sorry? On top of that, EU retailer Zavvi canceled orders in multiple countries; it is currently unclear ''why'' this has happened, with Zavvi customer service simply stating the set is "no longer available".

:The box comes with a reversible slipcover so owners can display it in two different styles. One side has a "modern" ''Generations Selects'' style, with English writing, the ''Legacy'' logo, and new wireframe cutaway art. The other side has a more "classic" look with Japanese writing and C-328 serial number, the ''Victory'' logo, and art and photos resembling the original box. Purchasers in Japan through [[TakaraTomy Mall]] received an additional second slipcover with slightly modified art.

:Unfortunately, most if not all Victory Sabers suffer from numerous [[quality control]] issues that resulted in many collector complaints. The most common issues are damage to the [[vacuum metallizing|gold chrome]] on Star Saber's chest-"V" and a diagonal scratch across his mouthplate. The latter in particular occurs identically across multiple figures, leading fans to suspect a problem with the mold itself. Other prominent problems were sword blades that could only be inserted in one of their two advertised angles, nosecone attachment notches that were incompletely formed, leaving the nosecone slanted in vehicle mode, and leg panels that won't fully close in V-Star mode. Some figures also suffer from a minor misassembly where the extendable landing gear in each of his knees are pinned to the wrong legs; the molded details are molded on a slight slant to make them sit parallel with the rest of the leg details—which are also molded on a slight slant, for the figure's bulky legs to naturally stand at an A-stance in robot mode. In some cases, both of his knees feature the exact same landing gear pieces, leaving only one leg with the molded details slanted in the wrong direction. Faced with such widespread concerns about QC, in early 2023 Hasbro / Takara produced a small second run of the set to accommodate those wanting replacements. These second run figures are immediately distinguishable because Star Saber is now packaged with a layer of clear plastic protecting the chest-"V". It is not publicly known how many were produced in this run, but since the only way to receive one was by mailing back one's original set, the total number in potential market circulation should have stayed the same.

:Victory Saber first started shipping to backers, beginning with those living in China, in [[November]] 2022.
{{WFCSiegeJetfireFireBlastMold}}

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transform Jr Roleplay Toys''===
[[File:Starsaberdiskpistol.jpg|thumb|Free trade.]]
*'''Star Saber Enban Pistol''' (1989)
**''Accessories:'' 12 bullet disks

:Manufactured by Takara subsidiary Seven, this Star Saber-themed general disk-shooting gun (no, not the Saber Laser, mind you) comes with additional bullet disks molded on a sprue.
{{--}}

===''Transformers Gum''===
[[File:Tfgum starsaber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Cheap.]]
*'''Star Saber''' (1989)
**''Accessories:'' V-Star ship/body, Saber Blade, Saber Laser

:Part of the eleventh wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' series of [[candy toy]]s, this Star Saber figure is a snap-together model kit cast in blue, red and white plastic. Although lacking in any paint applications, the figure feature stickers for detail, and retains most of the accessories and features of the actual Star Saber toy, including the V-Star's base mode and the deploying faceplate for Star Saber mode. He does not, however, feature the Brainmaster gimmick for the smaller Saber robot, and while it ''is'' capable of combining with the Victory Leo kit that was later released in the line's thirteenth wave, it could only do so in jet mode, not robot mode. The kit comes with a stick of something claimed to be gum.

{{-}}
[[File:Tfgum victorysaber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Bargain.]]
*'''Victory Saber''' (1989)
**''Accessories:'' V-Lock Cannon

:A double-pack of Star Saber and Victory Leo was released in the thirteenth and final wave of the ''Transformers Gum'' series, cast in red, white and black plastic. Much simplified from the larger toys, the pair can combine to form Victory Leo in both vehicle and robot modes. Star Saber alone can transform into both robot and vehicle forms, while Victory Leo features only his lion mode.

{{-}}
[[File:Kabaya-Wave-1-Star-Saber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Low-Priced.]]
*'''Star Saber''' ([[2009]])

:Released in the first wave of the revived ''Transformers Gum'' series in 2009, this transforming model kit of Star Saber is made from red, white, and blue plastic, with stickers for detail. It's based on the ''Robotmasters'' Star Saber toy, and does not feature a robot mode for Saber.

{{-}}
[[File:Kabaya-Victory-Saber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Discount with a bonus.]]
*'''Victory Saber''' ([[2012]])
:An undocumented feature with the Victory Leo kit, the above Star Saber kit can combine to form Victory Saber. Unusually, the Victory Leo kit was released two years later!

{{-}}
[[File:DXGattai-VictorySaber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Two for the price of one.|200px]]
*'''Victory Saber''' ([[2016]])

:Star Saber and Victory Leo were re-released together under the ''DX Gattai'' label in 2016. Unlike the previous release, at least one molded part is revised.

:As with other ''DX Gattai'' toys featuring box art in homage to their original figures, Victory Saber's packaging mimics that of the original 1989 Victory Saber gift set.
{{--}}

===''Parody Deformed''===
[[File:Starsaber pd models.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Wild Victini appeared!)]]
*'''Victory Saber''' ([[1990]])

:A small white and red, non-transforming [[super deformed]] model kit of Victory Saber was available as part of Kabaya's ''[[Parody Deformed]]'' line of candy toys. The second figure in the series, he came with a ''[[PDTF Comic]]'' about himself, "He's Here! Victory Saber!!", and more of that alleged "gum".

*'''Star Saber''' (1990)
:A Parody Deformed version of Star Saber alone was later made available in the next wave of the line. As the fifth figure of the series, he came with the ''PDTF Comic'' "Don't Lose! Star Saber!!" and something accused of being chocolate.
{{--}}

===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:Starsaber scfs.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|A three-for-one deal.]]
*'''Star Saber''' ([[2002]])
**''Act'': '''7'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:A [[Plastic|PVC]] of Star Saber was released in the seventh ''Victory''-centric wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all figures in the wave, he was available in both full color and metallic silver "pewter" versions.

:Additionally, the figure could be "transformed" into Victory Saber by attaching a collection of six additional parts, one of each of which were included with the pewter versions of the six figures in the line in the tradition of "Build-A-Figures" from waves past. The pewter Star Saber himself came packaged with Victory Saber's V-Lock Rifles; his backpack came with [[Road Caesar#Super Collection Figure|Road Caesar]], his wings came with [[Deathsaurus (G1)#Super Collection Figure|Deathsaurus]], his rifle came with [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure|Perceptor]], his left boot came with [[Liokaiser#Super Collection Figure|Liokaiser]], and his right boot came with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure|Wheeljack]]. Like the figures themselves, the parts came in both standard full-color (at a rate of 8 out of 10 cases) and rare pewter (only 2 out of every 10 cases) variations.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/StarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/PewterStarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on pewter ''Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/VictorySaber/victorysaber.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Victory Saber at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFVictoryGold}}
[[File:SCF VictorySaber-Gold.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Gold.]]
*'''Victory Saber Gold Version'''{{fact}} (2002)
**''Act'': '''7'''
**''Accessories'': Victory Saber parts, stand

:The seventh wave of the ''Super Collection Figure'' line also included a complete Victory Saber figure, entirely metallic golden in color, which was only available as a rare "Secret Figure" at a rate of 1 in 10 cases. He came with a complete set of parts for both normal "Star Saber" and "Victory Saber" modes.

: It is currently unknown which figure —if any in specific— this figure replaced in the case.
{{--}}

===''Mega Super Collection Figure''===
{{anchor|MCSF}}
[[File:G1 MegaSCF StarSaber.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Pequeño.]]
*'''Star Saber''' (2002)
**''Accessories'': "Saber Blade", 2 left hands, 2 right hands, 2 heads
{{toydesigner|[[Kazutami Yasuhiko]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber is a five inch tall posable PVC action figure. He comes replete with a collection of additional body parts, including two "open" hands and two "closed" hands, the later being used to grip onto his Saber Blade sword. He also includes two heads: his unmasked "Saber" head, and his masked "Star Saber" visage. Although he cannot transform, Star Saber can combine with the simultaneously-released Victory Leo ''Mega SCF'' figure to form Victory Saber.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/MegaSCFStarSaber/starsaber.htm More information on ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Star Saber at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
[[File:Robot Heroes Victory Saber Dessaras.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Mini.]]
*'''Victory Saber & Dessaras''' (Two-pack, <s>2009</s>)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}

:A surprise entry in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''-branded ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' series, this [[super deformed]] figurine depicts Star Saber combined with Victory Leo as Victory Saber, and packaged with an equally adorable "[[Deathsaurus (G1)#Robot Heroes|Dessaras]]". Originally discovered amongst [[Walmart]] store computer listings in mid-2008, this ill-fated pack failed to materialize before the ''Universe'' portion of the ''Robot Heroes'' line was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===Flame Toys===
[[File:kurosaber.jpg|200px|thumb|Viciously huge and expensive.]]
*'''Star Saber''' (July [[2019]])
**''Number:'' '''03'''
:Released by [[Flame Toys]], Star Saber is a high-end non-transforming poseable figure based on [[Alex Milne]]'s ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comic [[#2005 IDW continuity|design]].

:Star Saber is also able to combine with Flame Toys' [[Ginrai (robot)#Flame Toys|Victory Leo]] to form Victory Saber.
{{toystub}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
{{anchor|TCC Victory Saber}}
[[File:Transformers Character Card Victory Saber and Deathsaurus.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|]]
*'''Deszaras & Victory Saber Set''' ([[December]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''69 & 70'''

:Released as part of the tenth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deszaras]]" ([[Deathsaurus (G1)#Name|not again!]]) and Victory Saber along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#70|Translation of Victory Saber's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|TCC Star Saber}}
[[File:Transformers Character Card Victory Leo and Star Saber.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|]]
*'''Star Saber & Victory Leo Set''' ([[June]], [[2024]])
**''ID number:'' '''85 & 86'''

:Released as part of the twelfth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of the non-combined Star Saber and [[Victory Leo]] along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#85|Translation of Star Saber's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Star Saber's Brainmaster figure was for years incorrectly referred to by fans with the names "Yuki" and "Yukio", mistakenly derived from Japanese readings of 勇気 ("courage"). In truth, like all Brainmaster units, it does not have a proper name, but is known simply by the title used in this article, the "Brain of Courage".
*After an initial pass in the usual Takara house style by [[Takashi Kunihiro]], Star Saber's final visual design was drafted by famous ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' mechanical designer [[Kunio Okawara]], who was also the design lead on the ''Victory'' cartoon. This resulted in Star Saber's classical "{{w|Mecha anime and manga#Super_robot|super robot}}" aesthetic fairly unique in the ''Transformers'' franchise.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGXJ0qrB1s Interview] with [[Hisashi Yuki]] on Star Saber at [[Hasbro Pulse]]</ref>
* Concept art exists of a soccer-themed retool of Star Saber, presumably meant to be a character in [[Brave_(franchise)|''The Brave Police J-Decker'']]. This concept may have evolved into the soccer-themed character Drill Boy in that series. <ref>Brave Series 30th Anniversary Memorial Archive Art Book</ref>
*The ''Robotmasters'' episode "[[Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!]]" [[Japanese language|Romanizes]] Star Saber's name as "'''Star Saver'''"; both names are homonyms in Japanese.
*Star Saber as a brutal villain in the [[2005 IDW continuity]] is drawn from [[James Roberts]]'s days as part of the [[Transmasters UK|Transmasters UK fanfic group]], which depicted the character as such. His exact characterization is different, as Roberts wanted to respect his former collaborators and not poach their ideas. Star Saber was used because he was an existing Generation 1 character yet to be established in this continuity who would have had weight if he showed up as Tyrest's new right hand.<ref>[http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/ Women Write About Comics: "James Roberts on IDW’s Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye" 19:24 - 31:07]</ref> Thematically, he fits with [[Solomus|Tyrest]] and [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]'s theme of being one of the main pillars of society (in this case religion) going wrong.<ref>[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts – 02:05:34 to 02:05:57]</ref>
*IDW's depiction of Star Saber depicts him as a normal robot, never incorporating the original figure's [[Brainmaster]] [[gimmick]]. During his climactic death scene, artist [[Casey Coller]] took some artistic liberties by depicting the head of a smaller robot lying amidst Star Saber's remains—a detail not requested in James Roberts's script.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=This wasn't part of the script, so if anyone has a problem with it, that'd be my fault... but I wanted to share that lovely bit with you all this Friday morning :)|link=https://twitter.com/CaseyWColler/status/1030391425941348352|name=Casey W. Coller|site=Twitter|year=2018|month=08|day=17|(defunct=)}}</ref>
*Like all non-toy robot Kreons in the ''Kre-O'' comics, Victory Saber is made from existing ''Kre-O'' parts. He uses the [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#Toys|Optimus Prime]] helmet, and a backpack made from a 2x4 harness and a pair of 1x2 plates with side-bars, a pair of clip-on wings ''and'' a pair of clip-on rifles. Add to that a chestplate that's the [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Wheeljack]] wing-pack draped forward. He stands atop a pair of platform shoes, each made out of a 1x2 plate with a slope over one stud, and a 1x2 Combiner "lower limb" block. He carries a short-sword of the type most commonly carried by the [[Predaking (G1)#Kre-O|Predaking]] components. Whoof! Saber himself has a simpler assembly, using a shield piece and an unmasked version of Optimus Prime's helmet.
* Had IDW's [[2019 IDW continuity|rebooted ''Transformers'' continuity]] continued, Star Saber would have joined the Wreckers, as foreshadowed in the final issue of ''Tread & Circuits''.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=And spoiler for another story that may never happen–had we gotten another series, some of the would-be-Wreckers featured at the end of issue #4 would’ve made it to the team (Star Saber and Leadfoot for sure).|link=https://davidmariottecomics.tumblr.com/post/704031757980270592/transformers-till-we-meet-again|name=David Mariotte|site=Tumblr|day=18|month=12|year=2022}}</ref>

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

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

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

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Star Saber-Alex Milne-MTMTE.jpg|2005 IDW continuity design
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Convoys]]
[[Category:GT characters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Primes]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:United EX Autobots]]
[[Category:Victory Autobots]]
[[Category:Victory combiners]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]
[[Category:Legacy Autobots]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]

Windblade (disambiguation)

2024-07-26T07:19:52Z

SideswipeLambor:

'''Windblade''' is the [[Female Transformer|female]] swordsbot whom [[you]] [[Fan polls|created]]!

==Major Windblades==
<center><gallery widths="150px" heights="200px">
File:Revolution5-Windbladeprofile.jpg|[[Windblade (G1)|"Generation 1" Windblade]]
File:Windblade-RID.jpg|[[Windblade (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Windblade]]
File:CyberverseWindblade.jpg|[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Windblade]]
</gallery></center>

==Full list of Windblades==
{{disamb|y=[[2013]]|[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], the [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].}}
{{disamb|y=[[2015]]|[[Windblade (RID)|Windblade]], the Autobot from the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' franchise.}}
{{disamb|y=2015|[[Windblade (SG)|Windblade]], the evil Autobot from ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]''.}}
{{disamb|y=[[2016]]|Windblade Bird, the [[Autobird|Transformerized form]] of [[Silver (AB)|Silver]] from ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers]]''.}}
{{disamb|y=[[2018]]|[[Windblade (Cyberverse)|Windblade]], the Autobot from ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|Cyberverse]]''.}}
{{disamb|y=2018|[[Windblade (BB)|Windblade]], the Autobot from ''[[Bumblebee (franchise)|Bumblebee]]''.}}

==Media with "Windblade" in the title==
{{disamb|y=[[2014]]|''[[The Transformers: Windblade]]'', the name of two mini-series from [[IDW Publishing]].}}
{{disamb|y=[[2015]]|"[[The Buzz on Windblade]]", an episode of the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon.}}
{{disamb|y=[[2017]]|''Windblade'', a volume of ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]'' collecting the first mini-series.}}
{{disamb|y=[[2022]]|''[[Transformers: Best of Windblade]]'', a reprint one-shot of ''[[The Transformers: Best of]]'' collection from IDW Publishing.}}

==Not to be confused with...==
* [[Wingblade]], an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]].
* [[Wingblaze]], a [[Mini-Con]] from ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (franchise)|Rescue Bots]]''.
* [[Wingblazer]], a [[Decepticon]] from the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
* [[Windy]], an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].

{{disambig}}

Drift (G1)

2024-07-26T07:14:31Z

SideswipeLambor:

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|ascenticon|primusvanguard|mercenary}}
{{disambigm|Drift (disambiguation)|Deadlock (disambiguation)}}
{{featured}}
:''Drift is an [[Autobot]] and former [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:AHM 06 CoverA.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|While you were out partying, I studied THE BLADE.]]
'''Drift''' was not always an Autobot. In fact, he slaughtered quite a few when he was known as the Decepticon '''Deadlock'''. But Deadlock's eyes were opened to what the Transformers' war had become when he stumbled across a lost faction of neutral Transformers long since forgotten. He discarded his ruthless ways, abandoned his guns for swords, and changed his name and appearance.

When Drift returned to the Transformer war to make right what he put wrong, he was a bot of few words and disciplined action. He since went on to be an enthusiastic spiritualist and a self-punishing crusader, all in an attempt to get away from the nasty parts of his personality that are still lurking within him. It doesn't matter what his personality is because with his Decepticon past, Drift isn't well-liked or trusted by [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a few]] of the Autobots and [[Hellbat (G1)|some of]] the Decepticons think he's just ''lying'' about having changed. This hits Drift more than you might think because at the end of the day, despite his loner attitude, Drift ''really'' just wants to be part of something.

In addition to the two swords kept in his hip scabbards, Drift carries a legendary [[Great Sword]]. An ancient weapon that predates modern civilization, the Great Sword draws upon the [[spark]] energy of its bearer, and as such must only be used in the most dire of circumstances.

{{quote|We're going about this the wrong way, '''all''' of us! After countless centuries of fighting ... the Autobots are a '''step''' away from what we were when all this '''started.''' And us—the Decepticons have become something '''worse''' than any of us could have '''imagined'''.|Drift explains his new perception of the war to his [[Turmoil|former commander]]|"[[Spotlight: Drift]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[All Hail Megatron issue 5|''All Hail Megatron'' #5]]}}

[[File:Drift2-renamed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"Eh....Inferno, tell to Death Blade that if he calling me that again, his name will become DEATH BOT!"]]
Drift was originally a homeless Cybertronian, living on the streets and stealing energon to survive. The hopeless 'bot was befriended by [[Gasket]] {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} but otherwise had no one. During one [[circuit booster|drug trip]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], he was assaulted by [[Sonic (IDW)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]], who were abducting homeless people for money. Drift was rescued by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], who brought him to [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s secret clinic in [[Rodion]]. Ratchet saved Drift's life, and told the young robot that he could achieve great things in his life if he tried— he could just ''tell'' Drift was destined for something special. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

Drift would soon learn what that was, after Gasket was killed by Autobot law enforcement after trying to stop them from executing a thief. Drift exploded with rage, grabbed the nearest gun and killed them all. His knack for violence attracted the attention of the Cybertronian underground, who trained Drift as a killer. Amongst this group, Drift realized the level of corruption in the [[Senate]], and a recruitment rally held by [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] drew Drift in with his talk of equality. Megatron singled Drift out of the crowd, claiming to have heard great things of him, and asked him to join the Decepticons to fight for a better Cybertron. Drift agreed and, after being was hailed by the crowd, was renamed Deadlock by Megatron. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} Drift rose to become the second-in-command of [[Turmoil]], garnering a reputation as a vicious and merciless fighter. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

During their time with [[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]], Turmoil and Deadlock crashed on a desert world and investigated a nearby stone fortress to find a way out. The two of them would go on to massacre the inhabitants before leaving, though not before Deadlock recorded the presence of a Stone Army on the planet. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}}

[[File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deadlock prefers to pose so his legs don't block any of the action.]]
Much later, on the planet [[Dabola]], Deadlock led a battalion against an Autobot squadron. The [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Autobots' leader]] called a retreat, and Deadlock's team celebrated. This was spoiled when [[Not Carnivac|one of the soldiers]] pointed out that Deadlock had been ordered to merely observe, and once again had disobeyed orders. When the soldier threatened to inform Turmoil of Deadlock's disobedience, Deadlock killed him. Claiming Turmoil was too cautious and that it was time for new leadership, he called for the other soldiers to follow him, but they summarily captured him and brought him to Turmoil. Turmoil used a stasis lock to trap him in [[robot mode]] and attempted to execute him. Deadlock managed to escape, and after initiating an emergency protocol to cover his escape, stole an escape pod and departed the ship.

Deadlock crashed on an unknown planet. After scaling some, he found a massive structure, but before he could explore, a mysterious cloaked figure appeared, named [[Wing (IDW)|Wing]]. Wing offered a deal: help him free the slaves, and he would find Deadlock a ship. Deadlock, introducing himself as "Drift," agreed, but first Drift said he needed guns. Together, they jumped some guards and stole their weapons, however a stray blast stripped Wing of his cloak, revealing him to be Cybertronian. Once they jumped into the complex, Drift automatically fled for the ship, abandoning Wing. Despite this betrayal, when Drift was attacked and nearly killed by one the slavers, Wing brought Drift back with him to a new [[Crystal City]], where he was repaired. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

[[File:Drift1-rebuilt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We were okay with your old legs. Rest had to go."]]
Wing explained that they were the [[Circle of Light]], a group of Cybertronian scholars and scientists who abandoned the planet during the early days of the war in order to find peace and preserve Cybertron's culture. Wing and Drift were taken to a meeting with Crystal City's leader, [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]. While Drift waited outside, Wing was admonished for bringing a corrupting influence to the city. He was ordered to keep Drift with him at all times. Afterward, Wing brought Drift to an empty room, discarded his swords and asked him what the Decepticon symbol stood for. Drift replied it meant strength, power and conviction, and the belief in the survival of the strongest. Wing offered Drift a chance to earn his freedom by defeating him without guns in combat, but Drift never succeeded. Drift grumbled that he'd never learned to fight without projectile weaponry.

Weeks later, Wing was still dominating Drift. Over time, Drift admitted that Crystal City held everything Drift had ever wanted, while the Decepticons had lost sight of this goal some time ago. Their sparring was interrupted by a summons from Dai Atlas. When they arrived in the control room, he informed them that they had received a coded signal and he thought Drift might be able to translate. Though Drift claimed he could not understand it, that night he snuck out of the city and drove far into the desert. There he met with the slavers, who had used a Decepticon code to offer Drift a deal. The code had been obtained from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], a Decepticon sent by Megatron. The deal was simple: hand over the location of the Circle of Light or die. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}}

[[File:Drift4-notdoneyet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Man, I bet those dumb G2 guys wish they had this kind of endurance.]]
Lockdown reminded "Deadlock" of his high-standing in the Decepticon army. Megatron held Deadlock in high esteem, and by guarding these Transformers Drift stood to lose that. Meanwhile, the head slaver, [[Braid]], required Cybertronian bodies to experiment on, and were willing to take captives from the neutral camp in lieu of Deadlock, in payment for the property he'd damaged earlier. After agreeing to lead the neutral Transformers into an ambush, Drift stumbled back to Crystal City, where he informed the Circle of Light about the pact he'd made with Lockdown and the slavers. Drift argued that they should fight their attackers to preserve their freedom and their way of life, but Dai Atlas sharply disagreed. He would have no fighting at all, even to preserve his own life, and blamed Drift for ruining their civilization. The others did not agree, and supported Drift. A small number of them offered to help fight the slavers while keeping the true number of their population unknown. As they reached the surface with a hastily constructed craft to make it appear as if the Circle of Light had recently crashed there, Drift revealed himself to have been rebuilt head-to-toe to match his new colleagues. With a sword mounted on each hip, Drift announced he was ready. {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Soon, Lockdown and the slavers were upon them. After slaying a few of the slavers, Drift realized that he was past the point of no return. Lockdown realized this as well, and asked the former Decepticon why he'd given it all away so easily. "What I've always wanted... the promise of a better Cybertron." But their sparring was interrupted by the death of Wing. Enraged, Drift jumped Braid, Wing's murderer, but he did not accomplish much. He was not as agile a fighter as his late friend, and Braid easily defeated him.

Before the killing blow could be delivered, Crystal City in its entirety rose from the ground, as Wing's death had spurred Dai Atlas into action. With the entirety of the population now fighting the slavers, the tide was quickly turned. Despite his injuries, Drift slew Braid with his Great Sword, while Lockdown, startled at Drift's transformation, cut his losses and left. Though the Circle of Light asked Drift to stay with them, Drift reminded them that he'd promised Wing to return the freed slaves to their homes. Drift was given Wing's Great Sword and given their blessing. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift Deadlockisdead.jpg|left|thumb|He's your horrible fancharacter.]]
Some time after leaving Crystal City and returning the slaves, Drift set off to make a difference in the Autobot/Decepticon Civil War. First, he attempted to free a group of Autobots held captive on the ship he'd previously served aboard. Upon entering Turmoil's ship, his attempt at stealth was successful until the [[Wreckers]] arrived and blasted their way aboard. Jumping into the battle to assist them, he piqued the interest of a few Autobots. [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] was injured as Turmoil entered the battle and, recognizing Drift's voice as that of his former lieutenant, attempted to destroy him. However, his attack only resulted in knocking Drift and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] to another room. The two quickly worked together to program the ship to overload. In his final confrontation with Turmoil, Drift stated his intention was to help, not kill, and left to rescue Perceptor before the ship blew up.

After his arrival on the Autobot ship, Kup invited Drift to join his new unit as an Autobot. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift-car.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
Now a crew member of the spacecraft ''[[Trion]]'', Drift got to know his new teammate [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] over many friendly games of [[Go (game)|Go]]. Perceptor felt he owed a debt to Drift for saving his life, and so devoted much of his time to upgrading himself for more combat-oriented tasks. While Kup discouraged this, Drift stoically accepted Perceptor's new ambitions. {{storylink|Lost & Found}}

They were soon baited into a Decepticon ambush over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The ''Trion''{{'}}s command codes were hacked due to their being sold to the Decepticons by an Autobot traitor, and, left defenseless, it was forced to crash-land on the desolate landscape of the planet. Eventually, the crew were found by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s unit, who unfortunately proved to be ''also'' stranded. When [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] was revealed by [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] to have been standing invisibly among them, Drift was the only one who didn't appear surprised. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Allhailmegatron6-omgdriftomg.jpg|left|thumb|Seriously, you made this guy up when you were eight.]]
When an advance scout of the [[Insecticon swarm]] discovered the Autobots' base camp, Drift was dispatched to take care of it. Drift stood stock-still as the creature walked up to him, greeting it with a simple, smirking "hello" as the monstrous beast snarled in his face. Finally, he beheaded the scout with a single wave of his sword. A second creature tried to attack Drift from behind, but the smirking Autobot merely tilted his head slightly, allowing Perceptor to kill the beast with some precision sniping. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] thought the incident was the coolest thing ever. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

After Sunstreaker revealed to [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] that he was the traitor, an army of the Swarm came after them. Drift saved Ironhide while Sunstreaker blew up a bridge, killing himself and the Swarm army. Later, Drift visited Ironhide and claimed that the Decepticons had access to the Autobots' systems in a way that Sunstreaker couldn't possibly have. Ironhide asked if this meant there was a second traitor, but Drift replied that there was simply more to the situation than they knew. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

When Mirage was showing some doubt in the Autobot cause, it was Drift who said that, now more than ever, the Autobots should continue being who they are. [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] insinuated that Drift had no right to say something like that, which started an argument that was only stopped by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

[[File:Thundercracker Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Another of your ill-timed jokes, Drift??" {{-}}
"... You and I are enemies now."]]
Drift took part in the battle against the Swarm and joined the others in escaping Cybertron in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}. On Earth, he battled the Decepticons, and when [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] volunteered to divert the humans' nuclear bomb, Drift attempted to congratulate his former comrade on seeing the light. Thundercracker called him a traitor, slapping Drift's hand away and claiming he was merely following the Decepticons' ''true'' ideal. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

At some point Drift traveled to [[Japan]] and did some drift racing all by himself. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:Drift Drift4drifting.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Fast and the Furious: ''Tokyo Me'']]
Two years later, Drift was still with the Autobots, hiding on Earth. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} After Optimus Prime left the Autobots, Drift decided to stay with the larger group, rather than leave with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and his fellow defectors. Drift celebrated Bumblebee's election with numerous other Autobots. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Drift was among the Autobots who confronted [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and his troops when they crashed their ship in [[Las Vegas]], bringing with them a [[zombie]] invasion. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|Infestation #1}} The Autobots and Decepticons worked together to banish the zombies to the [[Dead Universe]], though Drift himself really just stood silently in the background the whole time. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|Infestation #2}}

Drift listened to [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] tell tales of, presumably, his time in space and accompanied Optimus Prime and many others to Cybertron aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme's]] rocket form. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} Along the way, he and many others tried to listen in on a conversation between Optimus Prime and a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Later, Drift accompanied Optimus, Hot Rod, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper to Cybertron to confront Galvatron and his army. After a brief skirmish with Galvatron's forces, the landing party returned to the Autobot landing zone. As Drift pointed out that maybe Galvatron was telling the truth and he had been assembling his army for a reason, the Autobots were bathed in a red light... {{storylink| Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} which turned out to be a blast from the orbiting space station [[Kimia Facility|Kimia]], recently commandeered by Galvatron's forces. Optimus Prime handed out orders to combat this new threat, telling Drift and Sunstreaker to establish a base of operations. After the threat of Kimia had ended, Omega Supreme's rocket landed at this base-camp and Rodimus and Drift set out after Optimus Prime and Ironhide, who had left to locate Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:Drift Chaos Part3 Kings.jpg|right||thumb|Thanks to the magical power of [[The Sound of Breaking Glass#Continuity notes|retcon]]... that is the wrong sword.]]
At the crater that Kimia's main weapon had blown into the surface of the planet, Drift accompanied Optimus and the others underground. The Autobots finally intercepted Galvatron and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and Optimus Prime demanded their surrender. Galvatron claimed that the core of Cybertron had to be destroyed to save the universe, revealing the glowing [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] within his chest. At this, Drift began spouting gibberish and attacking his comrades in a maddened state, allowing for Galvatron and Jhiaxus to escape. The others attempted to restrain him, but Drift summoned what free will he had left and impaled himself on one of his own blades, much to Ironhide's horror. {{storylink| Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} While Drift survived this, Ironhide told Prime that they'd have to evacuate him immediately for medical attention. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:TDOOP-Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
After recovering, Drift's near-death experience had reawakened his spiritual side. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} Optimus Prime's return to Autobot camp three weeks later brought the discovery of a map inscribed inside the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Drift was consumed with the idea that the map gave directions to [[Cyberutopia]], the home of the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. Despite [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'s insistence that the Knights of Cybertron never existed, Drift maintained that he had heard all about the Knights of Cybertron from Dai Atlas, and that the stories were true. Drift's passion for this discovery inspired Rodimus to assemble a team to leave the planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

At some point, Drift shed his Earth mode and took a more sleek, Cybertronian form for himself. Rodimus tasked himself with recruiting as many Autobots as he could to take off-planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. He was very good at working a crowd, though admittedly Drift wrote all of his speeches. The guy became the nominal third-in-command because, or so Ratchet said, he told Rodimus what he wanted to hear. Ratchet, older and grumpier than the pre-war days, was on the same ship as Drift and ''really'' had it in for him for everything the 'bot he'd saved had done with the life he'd given him. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:TwentyPlusOne LostLightNamed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Drift himself found a ship for the quest, purchasing the [[Lost Light|U1]] with the help of [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] and [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] for ''one billion'' [[Shanix]] from a group of [[Mortilus]]-worshipping NAILs during the [[Festival of Lost Light]], from which the ship got it's new name, the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Before departing, Rodimus and Drift met with Prowl in his office. Prowl asked Rodimus to bring the captive and near-comatose [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] along on the journey, as part of a plan to create [[Phase Sixer]]s for the Autobots. While Drift strongly advised against this course of action, Rodimus was pressured into it by Prowl. Aside from [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] and the [[Duobot]]s, Overlord's presence on board was kept secret from the rest of the crew. {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

After boarding their new craft, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Drift had counted 208 total Autobots on board. (He also complimented Rodimus's latest speech.) Drift asked why [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] appeared displeased (more than usual) with the crew, and Ultra Magnus revealed that he felt most of them were practically criminals. (Drift himself was under high suspicion, though Ultra Magnus didn't say this out loud.) As launch was underway, Drift continued to act as Rodimus's right-hand man, and moments before takeoff, Drift brought to his attention the "[[Whirl (G1)|weapon of mass destruction]]" [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] had apparently brought on board. Something went wrong during takeoff, and the ship [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]]ed before it was ready, placing the ship somewhere random in space, just over a planet. A tear in the hull was expelling Autobots into space, and as the ship stabilized, Drift named off the Autobots they'd lost. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Drift MTMTE2 positiveenergy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.90]]
As recovery efforts were undertaken, Drift radioed Ratchet a status update and also to tell the medical officer to make sure the medibay was "buzzing with positive energy" so those injured were "guaranteed a speedy recovery!". After he had signed off, Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] shared their annoyance with Drift's new attitude and...''interesting'' theories about the Knights of Cybertron. Later, when Rodimus was deciding how to address the crew about their current situation, Drift cheerfully suggested he focus on the positive. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

After a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] had thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Drift accompanied Rodimus' hand-picked team to investigate. As they examined the creature's [[Shock (G1)|first victim]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] confirmed that it was indeed a Sparkeater and Drift opined that this was a dark omen and that they were being "punished" for the horrific things that must have happened on the ship before it came into their possession, much to Ratchet's skepticism.

While the others searched for the creature, Rodimus and Drift tried to figure out how the previous owners of the ''Lost Light'' kept the Sparkeater contained. They figured out that the Sparkeater had been trapped in the engine rooms and fed [[turbofox]]es to keep it docile. After the Sparkeater made its way back to the engine rooms, chasing [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], Drift helped Rodimus put his plan to kill the creature into action. Utilizing a second quantum jump, Rodimus managed to stuff the Sparkeater into the ship's engine block, where it died after being fused into the mechanism. Drift was awed by Rodimus' quick-thinking and ingenuity. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

At the "Grand Secret Opening" of [[Swerve's]], Drift shared a drink with Pipes. When the smaller 'bot let on that he was looking for a relationship, Drift offered to introduce him to the similarly diminutive [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]... unaware that Tailgate's future self was invisibly listening in via a 'magic window' in time. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

[[File:Drift killsDent LifeAfterBigBang.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|The only thing I know for real... THERE WILL BE BLOOD- (blood!) SHED!!! (shed!).]]
Drift accompanied Ratchet and Pipes on an investigation of the remote medical facility [[Delphi]]. Drift was subjected to repeated verbal barbs from Ratchet along the way, despite his efforts to get along with the medic. Once they had finally reached Delphi, Pipes impulsively rammed through a door that had the universal "plague" symbol on it. They found themselves in a morgue full of Transformers that had died from a mysterious "[[Red Rust]]" virus. When Drift noticed a [[Dent|shambling, disease-ridden Transformer]] approaching Pipes from behind, he sprung into action and dismembered the poor soul, much to Ratchet's outrage.

[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] showed up and explained the situation to them, how five days ago, a mysterious explosion had heralded the outbreak of this rust plague. [[Ambulon]] brought them to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who had been accidentally locked in a quarantine room when the explosion went off. Suddenly, Pipes began showcasing the symptoms of the virus and staggered toward them, disoriented and terrified. Pipes began vomiting and leaking from his optics, cornering Drift. Ratchet freed Pharma from the quarantine while telling Drift to non-fatally disable Pipes. Drift managed to slip behind his diseased comrade and knock him out with a blow to the head. Ratchet brought Pipes to the emergency ward, seeking to tend to him. By that time, Drift began to exhibit the symptoms as well, assuming he'd been infected by Pipes. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

[[File:Drift Sparkles Post Hoc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|I sparkle because I'm too beautiful for everything.]]
While being tended to by Ratchet, Drift recalled the [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|time in Rodion before the war]] when the Autobot medic had also been trying to save his life. Drift asked Ratchet to put him out of his misery in the event that the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] showed up, despite having earlier claimed that he wasn't afraid of them. When Pharma was revealed as a traitor, Ratchet had a confrontation with his former friend on Delphi's roof. The stricken Drift made his way up there and managed to save Ratchet from being shot in the back by chopping off Pharma's hands. With Ratchet having obtained a vaccine for the Red Rust virus from Pharma, Drift and the other victims were soon cured. Drift returned to the ''Lost Light'' along with the survivors. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

After the ''Lost Light'' was impacted by a discarded thumb from Metroplex, and was subsequently repaired, Drift attended an award ceremony honoring Brainstorm, Chromedome, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] for their part in saving the ship. He chatted with Rodimus during the celebration, until Whirl and Trailbreaker drew Rodimus's attention. Later, Drift along with nearly everyone on board of the ''Lost Light'' were frozen in place due to one of Brainstorm's experimental weapons accidentally going off. After he recovered, he was awarded a Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Drift reported to Rodimus and Ultra Magnus that [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] had locked himself in Rung's office. He was the first to notice both when Rung stared at the camera, and when he tapped on his model of the Ark. After the hostage situation had been resolved, Drift complimented Rodimus on the eulogy he gave for the gravely-injured Rung, even though he hadn't written that particular speech. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Drift Theophany MTMTEAnnual.jpg|thumb|right||A fabulous secret [[Titan (group)|Titan]] was revealed to Drift the day he held aloft his magic sword and said...]]
En route to [[Theophany]], Drift helped Rodimus prepare for Tailgate's [[Act of Affiliation]] ceremony, and politely pointed out his overuse of the phrase "[['Til all are one]]". When Ultra Magnus interrupted and expressed concern over a lack of radio contact with the Circle Of Light, Drift argued that they knew how to take care of themselves. Later at the ceremony, Rodimus inscribed a message in [[Cybertronian language|Old Cybertronian]] on Tailgate's chest instead of branding him with the Autobot sigil. Drift supposed that it was caused by some sort of possession, which was quickly dismissed by Ratchet as "complete and utter guff".

The ceremony was further interrupted by the arrival of the [[Galactic Council]]'s ship, ''[[The Benign Intervention]]''. Its [[K'gard|captain]] informed them that Theophany was deserted, much to Drift's disbelief. After some red-tape wrangling from Ultra Magnus, Drift and a group of others were allowed to teleport to the planet's surface, where they found Crystal City ruined and abandoned. Confused and agitated, a despairing Drift snapped at [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] and decked Whirl after the latter mocked him. He attempted to call out to any of the denizens of Crystal City, but when there was no response, Drift drove one of his swords into the ground in frustration. The ground gave way and sent the Autobots plunging underground, where they found [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], a slumbering [[Titan (group)|Titan]]. This discovery led [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] to share his [[Guiding Hand|myth of creation]], which triggered a theological debate between Drift and Ratchet, culminating in Drift pulling his sword on Ratchet. Rodimus took Drift for a walk to cool him down, where Drift reaffirmed his faith in Rodimus.

After Chromedome's mnemosurgery reawakened the Titan and made it fire its eye-beams at the ''Benign Intervention'', Drift was among those dispatched to fight off the Galactic Council's troops. The Titan eventually teleported Drift and the others back onto the ''Lost Light'', which then quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

A few days later, Drift and other crew members aided Rewind in helping heal Rung's dormant mind by telling his part in a story of past events. Drift elaborated on the time in Rodion when he was rescued by Orion Pax and treated by Ratchet, being sure to antagonize Ratchet by claiming he had uttered religious praises during that time. All the while, he was being pestered by calls from Rodimus, who finally ordered Drift to meet him in the oil reservoir. Drift arrived there just in time to see [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] recover Red Alert's headless body from the reservoir. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Ultra Magnus-Cyclonus-Rodimus and Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|Of ''course'' Drift wants to get at the ''{{w|oni}}''-looking guy...]]
After the suspected assailant Cyclonus was sent to their makeshift interrogation room, Drift conducted a very hostile interrogation, pointing his sword at Cyclonus in a threatening manner. (Ultra Magnus later suggested Drift's overly enthusiastic interrogation was an unfortunate attempt to impress Rodimus.) The attempt didn't work, as Cyclonus quickly swatted the sword away and smashed Drift into a table. Rodimus and Ultra Magnus were forced to intervene and break the two of them up. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} First Aid soon discerned that Red Alert's "accident" was actually a suicide attempt, and Ultra Magnus suggested that the troubled security chief should be left in stasis until they could revive him in a less stressful environment. Rodimus railed against this, but when Drift agreed with Magnus, he sadly acquiesced. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

The crew of the ''Lost Light'' intervened on [[Temptoria]], where a group of Decepticons had invaded and subjugated the local populace. A fierce battle erupted on the planet's surface, in which Drift cut down [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]] and [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]. He also interrupted Rodimus' battle with [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snap Trap]], shoving a sword through the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]'s face. Rodimus chided him for butting in, but Drift protested that "the ones with swords" were his to fight. In the aftermath of the fight, Drift<ref>{{citesocial|quote='Twas Drift.|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/309434563879383040|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2013|month=03|day=06}}</ref> visited Chromedome's room to make a proposal. {{storylink|Before & After}} He and Brainstorm revealed to Chromedome that Overlord was aboard, hidden in a specially-constructed room beneath the ship, and the [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] agreed to interface with the dormant Phase-Sixer to learn the secret of his power. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

[[File:Aquafend swerve drift cybertronian homesick blues.jpg|thumb|right|“I don't even want you to nod, that's how much you annoy me. Just freeze and shut up.”
]]
Drift was teaching Rodimus how to use a sword, forging a deeper friendship with his captain, when a possible security situation interrupted. However, it merely turned out to be Cyclonus singing loudly to Tailgate. Swerve asked Drift if he wanted to be ''his'' roommate but Drift, claiming to prefer solitude, declined. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} Drift was among those interviewed by Rewind for his documentary on life aboard the ''Lost Light''. When [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] arrived on the ship seeking aid, Rodimus trotted Drift out as an accomplishment of his, claiming he had "rehabilitated" the ex-Decepticon. Drift was puzzled by Rodimus' claims, but impressed by Thunderclash, who greeted him respectfully and in accordance with his religious beliefs. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:Drift Overlord UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|This can only end well!]]
During a mnemosurgery session, Chromedome was outsmarted by Overlord, who obtained from the Autobot's memory the security codes to his cell that Drift provided. Drift was one of the first Autobots to fight the escaped Overlord outside of the medibay, urging Ratchet to lock himself in. But Ratchet chose to stand with his "friend" and sealed them outside the room. By the time reinforcements arrived, Overlord had severed both of Drift's legs and badly beaten Ratchet. Drift radioed the ship's brig to release Fortress Maximus, but not before his Great Sword was used by Overlord to mortally-wound Ultra Magnus. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

After Overlord had been jettisoned from the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus announced an inquiry to be held, knowing full well who was responsible for the Phase Sixer's presence on the ship. Drift offered to take full blame for the incident, protecting the identities of the other conspirators. He explained to Rodimus that he had a vision back on Cybertron, after he had impaled himself outside of Vector Sigma's chamber. Drift felt sure that Rodimus was essential to finding the Knights of Cybertron and couldn't let him out himself as having knowledge of the Overlord conspiracy. A hesitant and sorrowful Rodimus agreed and "furiously" stripped Drift of his Autobot symbol, exiling him from the ship. As he walked towards [[Drift's shuttle|the shuttle]] prepared for him, Drift was knocked down by a piece of debris hurled by an angry crew member. Ratchet helped him up, and Drift departed the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

[[File:mtmte39 tarn sees drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Oi oi OI! Are you looking at me bird?!]]

Eighteen months from the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] had listed Drift as deceased. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} The deceased Drift was actually part of a quantum duplicated ''Lost Light'' created by the initial accident at launch. When the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] arrived there to kill Overlord, the presence of Drift—another one on their List—caused them to go on a massive kill spree. Drift died first, killed along with Ratchet and Hound by [[Helex (G1)|Helex]]. When Megatron later found their corpses an inspection of Drift allowed him to determine who had attacked the ship. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

[[File:Empire of Stone 2 Drift Ratchet where is this coming from.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"You look terrible." "Thank you." "So you agree? You think you look terrible?"]]

Meanwhile, the original Drift was defending planets across the outer rim from rogue Decepticons. He'd been left battered by all the fighting, fights made harder as he'd promised to never kill again, but was neglecting to get himself repaired. While handing [[Grit]] over to the [[Galactic Council]], he ran into Ratchet: all of the truth of Drift's departure had come out now and the medic had come to take him home. Drift refused. Ratchet stubbornly stuck with him while he tracked down the main Decepticon army—right to the desert planet he'd discovered centuries ago. Both Autobots and Grit were shot down by the army and Drift found himself defending Grit from being killed for suspected treason.

The leader of the army turned out to be Drift's old boss Gigatron {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 1|Empire of Stone #1}} who was ignoring the war had ended and was trying to find the Stone Army "Deadlock" had mentioned before. Drift, who knew the army wasn't hidden in the first place, refused until Ratchet's life was threatened and the three bots ended up in the cells. Ratchet's plan to get out was for Drift to pretend to be injured so the guard would open the cell—it was a ''very'' lame attempt but luckily the guard was a friend of Grit. As the robots escaped, Drift tried and failed to get Grit not to kill [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] for slighting him: the Decepticon said he was sure in himself and his path in life, and didn't want the man projecting his own issues onto him. The Autobots carried on and found Gigatron hadn't found the army because Hellbat was hiding it from him {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} so he could use them himself to ''kill everything'', having decided to embrace the only thing he believed the Transformers were any good at. When Drift protested that he'd vowed never to kill again, Hellbat sneered and pointed to all the dead monks "Deadlock" had killed years ago.

[[File:Empire of Stone 4 Drift Gigatron FASTBALL SPECIAL.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|SUPERMAN WHEEEEE]]
A battle broke out and Drift found himself fought to a standstill by [[Vanquish]] before Hellbat activated the Stone Army. Rather than alert Cybertron, Drift felt they had to stop the army here and now and he turned to Gigatron for aid. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}} Together, the Autobots and Decepticons tore through the golems. Drift took the fight to Hellbat (after Gigatron used "[[Fastball Special|maneuver seven]]", ''throwing'' Drift at Hellbat) and was goaded into killing him. Instead, the Autobot ripped the Stone Army's control device from him... at which point Gigatron went for him and no amount of reasoning could get Gigatron to stand down. Forced to defend himself, Drift dropped the device and Hellbat retrieved it.

Gigatron and Hellbat would kill each other, taking the Stone Army with them, while Drift and Ratchet escaped. When the medic again tried to get Drift back to the ''Lost Light'', the swordsman said he'd spent his whole life struggling to belong to ''something'' but only ever joined as a killer, and the Hellbat affair just reiterated that he didn't want to live a life where all he could offer was death. Ratchet rephrased the offer: instead of coming back as an Autobot, he should come back as his ''friend''. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 4|Empire of Stone #4}}

[[File:YourFierceTears-RatchetDrift.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
The two Autobots upgraded their bodies over the course of their adventures and Drift began sporting a facial tattoo in honour of the deceased Dai Atlas.<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/716702702416355328|name=Alex Milne|site=Twitter|day=03|month=04|year=2016|quote=it's was done to honor Dai Atlas.}}</ref> They eventually ran back into the ''Lost Light'' crew, or some of them, after a mutiny had stranded Megatron, Rodimus, and their assumed loyalists on [[Necroworld|the Necrobot's planet]] and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] had put out a call for help. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} In a blaze of action, they saved the robot [[Ten]] from a Decepticon mauling! {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} They very quickly found the Decepticons were a bigger deal than most of their foes and were nearly overrun until Drift spotted how [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]] of the D.J.D. was ''really'' protective of "the Pet", a '[[domestication|domesticated]]' beast-mode Transformer. Drift swiftly took "the Pet" hostage, giving them a chance to escape to the Autobot's fortress.

[[File:YourFierceTears DriftRodimusReconcile.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8|“Did you win your sword fight?" {{-}}
"Of course I won the fragging sword fight, I'm the greatest sword fighter in the world."]]
There, Rodimus and Drift had a long overdue discussion. Drift wanted to know ''why'' Rodimus hadn't come looking for him after revealing the truth to the crew, and Rodimus admitted it was out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepted Rodimus's sincere apology—Rodimus pleaded that he ignore his words and focus on his aura, eye colour, or any means Drift had claimed he could 'see', which Drift just smiled at—but doubted his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Indeed, Drift even arranged it with Rewind that everyone could record their last wishes and how they wanted their bodies disposed of, to broadcast into space as an act of catharsis and closure. He witnessed very little catharsis when Chromedome almost died trying [[mnemosurgery]] on "the Pet" in front of him and, when the "Pet" was revealed by Rewind to be ''the lost [[Dominus Ambus]]'', he had his sword stolen by Rewind to kill Ambus before Chromedome could die.

When sunrise came, the Decepticons attacked. Rodimus embraced Drift and the others and thanked them for travelling with him, before the group charged into battle. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Drift and the crew survived for some time in fight with the hundreds of Decepticons thanks to the temporary [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] powers they cooked up, but soon they began to tire. When Megatron finally took to the field of battle, the others retreated back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} Drift was present as the DJD were brought down and the Disappeared released from stasis under the Necrobot's citadel. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

[[File:SomeOtherCybertron DriftVision.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left]]
Drift had succeeded in getting Rodimus to convert to [[Spectralism]], but he was concerned about the ramifications of Rodimus's new paint job, signifying the severity of his intentions towards Getaway. Also, Drift experienced a curious vision when he touched one of the newly awakened Disappeared named [[Anode]]. He saw [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], [[Worldsweeper]]s of the [[Phantom Fleet]], and crystals that rained from the sky as [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] emerged from threadbare space, all surrounded by the words "Prepare. Confront. Repel." over and over again.

[[File:BadMoonRising-DriftVsFunctionaries.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
...so anyway, Brainstorm constructed a teleportation "den" to send some of the group back to Cybertron to find transport for the rest of them. When they arrived, however, Cybertron was undeniably changed. Rewind soon recognized it as the [[Functionist Universe]], the alternate history that overlapped on his database when Brainstorm used his time case. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] captured Drift and the others as suspected members of the revolutionary [[Anti-Vocationist League]]. The real AVL arrived and caused a distraction for the crew to escape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} Drift and his friends were matter transported to "Cyberutopia", the sanctuary city of [[Kalis|Adaptica]] ruled by the rogue Functionist [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. They learned that in this reality Rung was hailed by the AVL as the "Useless One" for his alt mode that apparently stood in defiance of Primus and Functionism. Unfortunately, the Functionist Council chose that day to reveal they had discovered Rung's true use as a mining tank, allowing them to access [[Vector Sigma]] which had been sealed off by the Senate millennia ago. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Drift and the others traveled to Vector Sigma to confront the Council and rescue Rung. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} They succeeded and stole the Council's flying base, the Cog, to make their way back to Cyberutopia. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} With the help of teleport technology in a weaponized Luna-2 and wand-tech Brainstorm recovered from [[Killmaster]] on Necroworld, they transported the entire world back from the Functionist Universe to their original one. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Sardines DriftRatchetRight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
The crew prepared to continue their quest for the real Cyberutopia, and for revenge on Getaway and the mutineers. A Decepticon corpse named [[Skip]] was modified and mass-displaced to form a passable space craft, and so Drift and the others pressed on. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

As they sailed through space, Drift noted that Ratchet's colour looked different before the doctor returned, having inexplicably succumbed to [[aggressive depigmentation]], with Drift noting that his aura had disappeared.{{storylink|Sardines}} All of a sudden, Skip's mass displacement wore off. To survive, Ten directed the engineers on how to access the [[Warren]] so they could reach a [[Mederi]] facility. Mid-transit however, the crew was forced to abandon ship, their bodies being ravaged by the effects of super-compressed space. Emerging in the orbit of the original Mederi, the moon repaired them and led them to believe that they'd gone to the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]].{{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:TheGodWar DriftSummoned.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7]]
Drift was giddy at coming to the promised land, dreaming about Ratchet's face when he and the doctor next met, {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} before he was summoned, along with Ratchet and Magnus, before the [[Guiding Hand]] at Rodimus' request. Despite Rodimus' pleas, the deities rejected their desire for resurrection and returned them to the Afterspark's landing. After Magnus had driven off, the remaining three explored a temple, driven on by Ratchet's claims of writing that only he could see before they found a ward of organics hooked up to a pillar of "trapped light". As the organics began chanting, Omega Guardians emerged from the darkness. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}}

When Magnus returned, the quartet quickly defeated the Guardians before Ratchet shattered the pillar, revealing Mederi to them. Accessing the computers, Drift found that the moon was a euthanasia clinic before Nautica arrived with the [[Scavengers (G1)|Scavengers]] and [[Axe (G1)|Axe]]'s corpse. At Rodimus' command, Drift then plotted a course from Cybertron to Mederi, revealing that the moon was Cyberutopia, the Knights having fallen victim to the same trap that nearly claimed their lives. With everything over and done with, the group prepared to leave before [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] formed out of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew descended from the skies. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|left|Definitely not street-legal...]]
Though the group quickly rolled out, [[Wipe-Out's ship]] soon arrived, bearing allies and weapons. After the ''Lost Light'' made itself known, Drift boarded the Q-Ship to steal back the larger craft only to wound up caught in Getaway's trap, the shuttle bay being flooded with the contents of the oil reservoir and its [[scraplet]] horde. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Fortunately, Whirl's domesticated scraplets counted amongst the horde and the Wrecker was quickly able to tame the predators and release them. No sooner had Rodimus reclaimed the ''Lost Light'' did a massive tear in the Warren open above the moon. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Though everyone was quick to board the ship, the gravity of the rift proved too much for the engines, the ''Lost Light'' being dragged through to the [[Benzene Cluster]] where the found five copies of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the group was taken prisoner by the forces of the Grand Architect and duped into a cell. When [[Froid]] joined them, he revealed the five planets were an upscaled [[God Gun]] capable of piercing the barrier between universes. After it had done just that, Megatron emerged in the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]'' from the Functionist Universe. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

[[File:ReturnOfTheKing MegatronTreatsDrift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|"You don't respect those people very much, Drift, because you're young and arrogant. But I don't respect them much either, because I'm old and wise."]]
Following close behind him was the Functionist Universe's version of Cybertron, now transformed into a robot mode in Primus' likeness. As the fleets of the Functionists and the Architect went to war, Megatron tried to free the group with a hull breach only for Drift to be critically wounded when the Architect's guards arrived, falling victim to a [[zero point]] only to be healed by Megatron, who praised the turncoat for his defection. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After everyone had reconvened aboard the ''Lost Light'', with the news that ''Rung'' was the real Primus, everyone hit on the idea to use twelve duplicates of the Matrix of Leadership, opened at Cybertron's twelve hot spots, to overwhelm Vector Sigma and destroy the Functionist Council. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

[[File:ASparkAmongEmbers RatchetOpensMatrix.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9]]
Acting as Ratchet's bodyguard, Drift was sent to [[Vespertine Blue]], holding off the [[Functionary|Functionaries]] until Ratchet, after a rousing speech from Rodimus, managed to open the Matrix.
{{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

New Cybertron, as it came to be known, was soon visited by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] who decided to decommission the Lost Light so its quantum engines could be used to double the planet's energon reserves but allowed the crew the luxury of a victory lap. Before jumping back home however, the crew decided to recreate the initial malfunctioning launch and then shunt their duplicates into a parallel universe, thereby ensuring their adventures would never end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron. While having a last drink, Drift and Ratchet theorized that Drift's vision had been the result of the telepaths sending him their experiences through the Warren before Rodimus gave Drift and Ratchet his blessing for their future. The touching moment was ruined when construction cranes began disassembling the ship.

[[File:LL25 DriftRatchetFuneral.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Over the following years, Drift and Ratchet would become [[Conjunx Endura]] and had many happy years together before Ratchet's old age caught up with him and he passed. Arranging a funeral at [[Rivets Field]], Drift ensured that Whirl could attend and gifted him Ratchet's hands. Though touched Whirl returned them, stating that he was not broken and didn't need fixing. After the service ended, Rodimus turned up, Drift recognizing that his friend had been drinking. Once Rodimus had placed Megatron's withered Rodimus Star on Ratchet's tomb, he prepared to return to the ''[[Exitus]]''. Before he left, Drift asked if he'd ever thought about the recreated accident. Deciding it was best to live in a state of never knowing if the gamble had worked, Rodimus and Drift promised to keep in touch before they went their separate ways once again.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate ''Lost Light'' materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[File:IAmOptimusPrime-Drift.jpg|thumb||left|He makes it so hard to like him and then he does this. So confused!]]
Drift was [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s friend and always let his actions speak louder than words. When the Autobots arrived on Earth, he hid himself in a lake. Upon Optimus's order, he transformed into his car mode to roll out. Later, when the Decepticons attacked, he pushed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] over a tripwire held by some of the Autobots' [[human|human allies]]. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}

===''United''===
[[File:FierceFightingOnPlanetNebulos DriftDefendsCity.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|MY KUNG FU CURES ME!!!]]
A [[nano-virus]] infected the population of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] bar the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s. The former Decepticon Drift was able to force off, or at least hold off, the effects of the nano-virus, so he was charged with guarding the city unaided while the other immune Autobots left to retrieve a cure from [[Nebulos]]. When [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] returned with the anti-virus, Drift was in attendance when Optimus Prime praised the Targetmaster. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}
{{--}}

===IDW ''Angry Birds'' Transformers comic===
[[File:ABTF1 Drift.jpg|thumb|left|"Wait, this ''is'' a movie universe story, right?"]]
Drift was aboard Optimus Prime's ship transporting the [[AllSpark]] when it came under Decepticon attack. He and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] tried to stop [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as the Air Commander chased [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], but Starscream slipped straight past them. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}

===Drift Black Ver.===
====Train Wars====
[[File:TrainWars Drift.jpg|thumb|right||G1 body, movie colors!]]
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit a black-colored Drift and other inter-dimensional warriors. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Drift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Drift was returned home by the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] cheered on The Fallen in the battle against Drift and his heroic comrades. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}

===''Kre-O'' comic===
[[File:Drift_IDW_Kre-O_Character_Image.jpg|left|thumb|50px]]

Drift attended [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]'s {{w|hanami}}. {{Storylink|Soundwave's Trap? Stop Operation Brainwash Humanity!}}

===''Kre-O'' cartoon===
Drift fought with [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]] over the affections of a potential car buyer. {{storylink|Kre-O Cars}}
{{--}}

===''Q-Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Tomoaki Maeno]] (Japanese)}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Road to Winning a New Fanbase}}}}

===''Adventure'' bios===
When [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from [[Earth]], he encountered a Transformer named Drift who was similar to, but not, the [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] he knew. To gain a better understanding of what was going on, Jazz fought the stranger. {{storylink|#Adventure|TAV VS05 bio}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
Deadlock was a member of the [[Decepticon|Ascenticons]] who received the movement's new insignia from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part One}}

===Precursor World===
In [[Magna Convoy]]'s reassembled [[Primus Vanguard]], a [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Drift inherited [[White Gallant Convoy]]'s position as leader of the [[White Order]]. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale|Finale}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Legends''===
After falling out with his commanding officer, the Decepticon Deadlock found himself on an unfamiliar planet. He encountered the [[Circle of Light]], who helped him defeat [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and some local miscreants, and as a result Deadlock changed his name to Drift and joined up with the Circle in their journey to find a peaceful home. {{storylink|Circle of Light (Legends)|Circle of Light}}

At some point Drift joined the Autobot army. Catching wind of a [[Quintesson]] plot to disrupt the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]], Drift teamed up with [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] to enter the games as a team, and succeeded in uncovering and stopping [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Galactic Games}}

Drift and his team had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding, and they made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Drift}}
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Private Deadlock}}
Drift appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. Deadlock also appears in Season 8 as Private Deadlock. They are portrayed by Bomb. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsDrift.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Wow!!! Sugoi!!! ''Kickasseru''!!! 両親が私を愛してくれませんか!!!]]
Drift participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Rare character that could be recruited by collecting 90 units of Cybermetal, 45 units of Transmetal, and 25 support cores. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:TransformersEarthWarsDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Ryūjin no ken o Kurae.... wait. Wrong game. Whoops.]]

{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Out of Control}}
Optimus told Drift to just observe and not engage.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Double-Crossed}}

Drift came in response when Optimus and Megatron's truce at the movies went _____ and freaked out the cinemagoers. [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] came in tow and started taunting him. Drift retorted he would prefer to play his director's cut. He then taunted if Barricade was ready for his closeup with all the cellphone cameras around. Drift then said to catch him if he can. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Direct the Dialogue 2}}

When Optimus learned that the Decepticons were trawling alternate realities for reinforcements, he decided he needed someone with stealth and total commitment to the mission, and commanded Hot Rod to summon drift, in spite of his mistrust. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}} Drift was _____ that the Autobots still mistrust him behind the mask of acceptance. Just then Grimlock told him Optimus wanted him for a secret mission, and Hot Rod explained that this was his shot to prove his allegiance.

Optimus informed him on the Decepticon's' multi-universal recruitment drive. Drift asked why they sent one asset instead of an army, and Perceptor explained because of the massive energy expenditure needed to penetrate the Multiversal Membrane, solo is the only option. Drift followed Barricade to an alternate universe with endless fighting. Barricade taunted him before fighting him head-on. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Outlaws}}

Drift tried to prevent Barricade from tagging an Autobot when they were suddenly bombarded with missiles. He remarked [[Live-action film series|nothing makes sense and he's losing the plot]]. Barricade tagged his cross-dimensional beacon on the universe's Lockdown, but nothing happened. As if a [[Shroud|god-like force]] was making the alternate universe untouchable. Just then Hun-Gurrr rammed into Barricade, much to Drift's surprise, and the two 'cons teleported to another universe. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Critcial Mass}}

Drift arrived in [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a garish universe]] too late to stop Barricade and Hun-Gurrr from departing, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)|the local Optimus Prime]] appeared and commanded him to identify himself. Drift subsequently asked Laser Optimus for help against the 'Cons, to which the heroic [[Laser Rod]] agreed. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Worlds Collide}}

*'''Class''': Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating''' 2 star
*'''Weapons:''' Drift leaps on a target and then attacks with his swords.
*'''Ability: Essence Theft:''' Drift rushes at a target for a draining strike, and heals him for double the amount of damage inflicted.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:drift Drift at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{charstubgame|Fill in the Blanks}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Drift was a new Autobot recruit who enjoyed patrolling [[Tokyo]]. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}

==Toys==
===''Generations''===
[[File:Generations Drift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Forgive me master, i must go all out.... just this once...]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Drift transforms into a cross between a {{w|Nissan Silvia#S15|Nissan Silvia S15}} and a {{w|Mitsubishi FTO}}. In [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Drift's two shorter "dual swords" store inside his doors (which double as his hip sheaths during [[robot mode]]), while the larger sword stores in a set of grooves on the underside of his vehicle (also used in robot mode). It can also be stored (in robot mode) in the doors where the windows fold up. Behind his windshield kibble is his pre-Earth chest design, in a nod to the form Drift had been seen in almost exclusively at the time of the toy's unveiling. Due to his ball jointed wrists, Drift is one of the few Transformers figures that can hold a sword with a two-handed grip. Left unmentioned in the instructions is that the clip that holds his large sword is on a small concealed arm that allows the sword to move away from his back and out of the way of his legs and shoulders. Drift's swords are made from a kid-friendly flexible material, and therefore care must be taken to avoid warping. His larger sword in particular is prone to warping out of shape if left stored underneath his car mode, as the soft plastic will eventually conform against the tension holding it in place. His hand holes are slightly larger than 5 mm, but taper toward the bottom.

:While Drift's Earth mode designs showed him sporting the katakana ドリフト (''Dorifuto'') on his car doors, the toy instead sports the kanji 侍 (''samurai''). The large sword sports the kanji 天下無双 (''tenka musō'', "peerless under heaven", or just "peerless" if you're not feeling idiomatic. It can also mean "armed under providence").

:Drift's mold was [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generations|Blurr]] and was [[redeco]]ed, with Blurr's pistols also being included, into [[Drift (SG)#Toys|''Shattered Glass'' Drift]]. It was separately redecoed into the ''[[Cloud]]'' release of [[Deadlock (Cloud)#Toys|Deadlock]], whose color scheme was based off ''this'' Drift's past Decepticon self.

:When his eyes are lit up, he has two visible pupils that follow you when you turn him. Freaky.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Drift/drift.htm More information on Autobot Drift at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United AutobotDrift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I am the white void, I am the cold steel, I am the just sword, with blade in hand I shall reap the sins of this world and cleanse it in the fires of destruction! I am Drift, the end has come!]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-08'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers United]]'' toys, the [[TakaraTomy]] release of "Autobot Drift" is cast in a brighter white plastic, a cooler gray, and features more paint applications in vehicle mode, and on his head, arms and chest to make him more accurate to his comic book appearances. The light red of the Hasbro version is now more crimson in color and the sword's gray is slightly altered from the Hasbro release.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of Extinction''===
[[File:AOEGenerationstoy-DeluxeDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Sensei!"]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two daggers, two swords
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AD23'''
{{note|''Age of Extinction'' [[Drift (AOE)#Age of Extinction|Drift]] was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Drift in the IDW Angry Birds comic.}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Deluxe Class toys, this figure of Drift features a more complex transformation and a much more [[Articulation|articulated]] and proportionate robot mode. He comes with two daggers and two swords, all of which he can wield via [[5 mm post]]. All four of his weapons can store on his roof/back in various ways in robot mode, while in vehicle mode his daggers store beneath the roof and his swords store on the underside of the car.

:A variant of Drift that apparently shipped with [[wave]] 2.5 (which also included [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Generations|Lockdown]]) adds black [[paint operation]]s to the front vents. The two versions can be distinguished by the manufacturing date codes stamped into their cardbacks.<ref name="delvariant">[http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/09/age-of-extinction-drift-variant/ Age of Extinction Drift Variant] at The Allspark.</ref>
{{--}}

===''Q-Transformers''===
[[File:QTransformers Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Are you sure this is the guy who's supposed to flip out and kill sick people?]]
*'''Drift''' ([[June 27]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-22'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Drift is a redeco and retool of [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Q-Transformers|QT-12 Sunstreaker]], transforming into a [[super deformed]] Mazda RX-7 FD3S (though as a Sunstreaker redeco, his feet are sculpted to resemble the hood of a Lamborghini Countach). His head features some inspiration from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s design, namely the golden crest and samurai helmet neckguard.
{{--}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|KreonTripleChanger}}
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Kreon Triple Changer, <s>2015</s>)
**''Accessories'': 2 swords, Slipstream & Jetstorm Kreons

:Kreon Triple Changer Autobot Drift mooshes all the incarnations of Drift into one form! This built-up Kreon transforms from robot to sportscar to helicopter, ''without'' needing to be disassmebled. His general appearance is based on Generation 1 Drift, his altmodes come from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]], and of course his micro-Kreon Mini-Con partners [[Slipstream (RID)#Kre-O|Slipstream]] and [[Jetstorm (RID)#Kre-O|Jetstorm]] hail from [[Drift (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Drift]].

:Drift (along with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#KreonTripleChanger|Blitzwing]]) was shown at [[Toy Fair 2015]], but no accounts of it seeing release in any market have ever surfaced.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===''Adventure''===
[[File:TAVVS05-Warrior-Class-Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember when you all hated me?]]
*'''Drift Origin Mode & Jazz Battle Mode''' (Warrior Class 2-pack, 2015-[[November 14|11-14]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV VS05'''
**''Accessories'': Longsword, short sword

:Packaged with a retooled [[Jazz (WFC)#Adventure|Jazz]], ''Adventure'' "Drift Origin Mode" is a redeco/retool of [[Drift (RID)#Warrior|the first Warrior Class Drift]], featuring a new head and deco that evokes Drift's IDW design. Drift Origin Mode transforms from a samurai robot into a futuristic white car that appears to be a cross between [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s Bugatti Veyron alternate mode and a Gumpert Apollo. In robot mode, his two swords can be stored on his left hip. In car mode, they store on his underside by using the tabs on his legs with the slots in the sword handles.

:Drift Origin Mode features a scannable badge. While it was accessible in-package, this is covered up by a "dummy sticker" to prevent scanning without taking it off. Scanning the real sticker unlocks this Drift in the Transformers Chronicle checklist app.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Flame Toys===
====Kuro Kara Kuri====
[[File:FlameToysDrift.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Drift''' (December 2017)
**''Accessories'': Great Sword, Great Sword scabbard, 2 small swords, 2 small scabbards, 2 cape parts, 3 faces, 14 hands, helmet armor (exclusive)

:Produced by [[Flame Toys]] as part of their ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' line, Drift is a detailed non-transforming action figure featuring [[die-cast]] parts and LEDs in his head, chest, shoulders and legs. He comes with a selection of alternate hands, three faces with different expressions (stoic, snarling and shouting), his Great Sword, two smaller swords, and a tattered cape based on the one worn by [[Wing (IDW)|Wing]] in [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]]. The Great Sword features a gimmick where pushing in the handle transforms the hilt, causing it to splay out into a crossguard and changing the gem's color from white to blue. If purchased via D4toys.com, SEN-TI-DEN Hong Kong, or events attended by Flame Toys, Drift also includes additional samurai-inspired helmet armor that can be displayed with or without a visor.
{{--}}

====Furai Model====
*'''Drift''' (December 2019)

:Part of the ''Furai Model'' line, this Drift is a non-transforming model kit, vastly less expensive than the above Kuro Kara Kuri figure. It features plastic parts and some polycap components, as well as some stickers. Glue is not required but recommended on all of the model's sword sheaths, as they come apart quite easily. This model has far fewer accessories than the Kuro Kara Kuri figure, only coming with two regular swords and one great sword.

:If one chooses, the kit can be panel-lined and touched-up with several panel-lining and paint markers (water/acrylic-based markers are recommended, as alcohol-based markers like ''Gundam Markers'' can potentially damage the ABS plastic). If one desires; the kit's pieces, aside from the translucent parts, can be fully coated with spray paints to recreate the finished sample seen in the stock photos.

:A common feature in mecha model kits is an abundance of spare parts in different colors that will be left over after assembly. These are present purely for the ease of manufacture, but one could substitute them for the used components if so desired.
{{--}}

===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W1Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T13/T40'''
**''Stars: ''8
:Based on Drift's time as a Decepticon, '''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The artwork on the card is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile card game, with line-art for both Bot and Alt-mode by [[Dan Khanna]].
{{-}}
[[File:W4Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T52'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is one of 52 character cards released in Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is a member of the [[Mercenary]] faction introduced in the set.

:The card features original artwork, with Bot Mode line-art by [[Andrew Griffith]].
{{--}}
===e-HOBBY===
====''Transformers Character Card''====
[[File:Transformers Character Card Deadlock and Drift.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Drift & Deadlock Set''' ([[August 29]], [[2022]])
**''ID number:'' '''21 & 22'''

:Released as part of the fourth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of Drift and [[Transformers Cloud|''Cloud'']] [[Deadlock (Cloud)|Deadlock]] along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#21|Translation of Drift's Transformers Character Card]]''
{{-}}

====Rubber strap series====
[[File:E Hobby rubber keychain Drift.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Drift & Deadlock & Grand Scourge Set''' ([[June]] [[2023]])

:Released as part of the second wave of an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive series, this trio of rubber keychains depict super-deformed art of Drift, ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Deadlock (Cloud)|Deadlock]] and [[Grand Scourge]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
*Drift was created because [[Shane McCarthy]] wanted to introduce both a character element not seen elsewhere and an Autobot drift racer.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I wanted a character in AHM that had a particular element to him that I didn't see readily available elsewhere and secondly because, frankly, I thought it would be a great idea for Hasbro to have an Autobot Drift racer.|link=http://www.smactalk.com.au/?p=101|name=Shane McCarthy|site=Smac Talk|defunct=yes}}</ref> He later said he wanted to show what'd happen if a former Decepticon became an Autobot.<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://moonbase2.libsyn.com/the-moonbase-2-presents-an-interview-with-shane-mc-carthy-|name=Shane McCarthy|site=Moonbase 2|year=2009|month=06|day=07}}</ref> Drift's Japanese overtones are meant to be a tip of the hat "to the country that gave birth to [''Transformers'']."<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18585|defunct=yes|site=Comic Book Resources|month=10|day=27|year=2008|name=Shane McCarthy}}</ref>
*Drift's name is derived from the Japanese driving technique of "{{w|Drifting (motorsport)|drifting}}," rendered in Japanese as ドリフト走行 (''dorifuto sōkō'').
*Discarded [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-sketches-93573360 body designs] and [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-head-sketches-93574266 head designs] for Drift can be found on [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com Guido Guidi's DeviantArt page.]
*[[IDW Publishing]] initially claimed that Drift had been solicited by [[Hasbro]] to receive a toy in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line. This may have been premature, as it was followed several months later with a denial, albeit from Hasbro's Australian offices.<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3438|site=Ozformers|name=Hasbro Australia|quote=No, there is no character named Autobot Drift or any toy designed after the comic character coming out in our 25th Anniversary or any other Transformers line.|year=2009|month=02|day=04}}</ref> This was rebutted by IDW editor [[Chris Ryall]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2009, mildly denied in the March 2009 Hasbro Q&A for Seibertron.com,<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-answers-seibertrons-questions/15360|name=Hasbro|site=Seibertron.com|quote=Every year as we develop our toy line, we try to fit in characters that make sense for the brand. With that said, every character, new and old, are always up for disussion. We certainly would love to make a toy after IDW's Drift and will do our best ot fit him into the line at the right time.|year=2009|month=03|day=10}}</ref> and finally acknowledged by Hasbro at [[BotCon 2009]] when early design sketches were unveiled for Drift's toy. The toy itself was first shown at [[Toy Fair 2010]].
*As may be surmised from this page's captions, the large amount of hype surrounding Drift's initial introduction—along with perceptions that he was little more than a stereotypical badass fan-created character with Japanese samurai/ninja stereotypes added in for maximum awesomeness—led to a considerable backlash against the character when he was first announced. The hype included not only his own ''Spotlight'' issue, followed later by a four-issue mini-series, but also an appearance in "[[I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime]]", a book intended to advertise the ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' toys... whose ranks don't actually include a Drift figure. The character's actual appearances in fiction, however, have not spawned nearly as much vitriol, and the later (re)interpretation by author [[James Roberts]] actually resulted in many a fan changing their opinion of the character.
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Black Drift.jpg|thumb|I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING!]]
*A mock-up of a black redeco of ''Generations'' Drift in colours based on his [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' counterpart]] appeared in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 1]]'' as one of ten potential exclusives for Vol. 2. This "Autobot Drift Black Ver." (placeholder name) didn't win the [[Fan polls#Generations Magazine Exclusive Character Popularity Vote|poll]] to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, ending up in fourth place with 12.7% of the votes.<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>
*Roberts has said "there's different facets" to Drift and his environment has an impact on how he presents himself.<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/|site=Women Write About Comics|name=James Roberts|year=2015|month=02|day=26}}</ref> Drift himself says in [[Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|''Empire of Stone'' #3]] that he dives into new personas, both his brooding loner and his hippie ones, to cover up the parts of himself that he doesn't like.
*James Roberts stated that IDW Drift is forged and from [[Rodion]].<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/justroddythings/status/887913857641009152|quote=So, if Drift and Quark are both "of Rodion", that makes them both forged from Rodion's hotspot, am I right? So same age?|name=justroddythings|site=Twitter|year=2017|month=07|day=20}} {{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/887930876348305408|quote=Unless the hot spot flared twice, which is rare but possible, you're right.|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2017|month=07|day=20}}</ref>
*He is a favorite of voice actor [[Eric Bauza]], which gave him a chance to voice [[Drift (RID)|a different Drift]].
*Drift's appearance in the [[Soundwave's Trap? Stop Operation Brainwash Humanity!|''Kre-O'' comic]] uses existing ''Kre-O'' pieces for his design, sporting the [[Prowl (Kre-O)|Prowl]]/[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] helmet and a katana-style sword on his back.
*In ''Earth Wars'', Drift has "Penance" and "Vengeance" written in [[Alphabet#Decepticon script|Decepticon script]] on one of his swords; the other has "Forgive" written in [[Alphabet#Autobot script|Autobot script]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drift''' (ドリフト ''Dorifuto''), '''Deadlock''' (デッドロック ''Deddorokku'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Piuji''' (飄移, "Drift")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Piāoyí''' (China, 漂移, "Drift")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Primus Vanguard}}

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:White Order]]

Drift (G1)

2024-07-26T07:13:07Z

SideswipeLambor:

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|ascenticon|primusvanguard|mercenary}}
{{disambigm|Drift (disambiguation)|Deadlock (disambiguation)}}
{{featured}}
:''Drift is an [[Autobot]] and former [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:AHM 06 CoverA.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|While you were out partying, I studied THE BLADE.]]
'''Drift''' was not always an Autobot. In fact, he slaughtered quite a few when he was known as the Decepticon '''Deadlock'''. But Deadlock's eyes were opened to what the Transformers' war had become when he stumbled across a lost faction of neutral Transformers long since forgotten. He discarded his ruthless ways, abandoned his guns for swords, and changed his name and appearance.

When Drift returned to the Transformer war to make right what he put wrong, he was a bot of few words and disciplined action. He since went on to be an enthusiastic spiritualist and a self-punishing crusader, all in an attempt to get away from the nasty parts of his personality that are still lurking within him. It doesn't matter what his personality is because with his Decepticon past, Drift isn't well-liked or trusted by [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|a few]] of the Autobots and [[Hellbat (G1)|some of]] the Decepticons think he's just ''lying'' about having changed. This hits Drift more than you might think because at the end of the day, despite his loner attitude, Drift ''really'' just wants to be part of something.

In addition to the two swords kept in his hip scabbards, Drift carries a legendary [[Great Sword]]. An ancient weapon that predates modern civilization, the Great Sword draws upon the [[spark]] energy of its bearer, and as such must only be used in the most dire of circumstances.

{{quote|We're going about this the wrong way, '''all''' of us! After countless centuries of fighting ... the Autobots are a '''step''' away from what we were when all this '''started.''' And us—the Decepticons have become something '''worse''' than any of us could have '''imagined'''.|Drift explains his new perception of the war to his [[Turmoil|former commander]]|"[[Spotlight: Drift]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[All Hail Megatron issue 5|''All Hail Megatron'' #5]]}}

[[File:Drift2-renamed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"Eh....Inferno, tell to Death Blade that if he calling me that again, his name will become DEATH BOT!"]]
Drift was originally a homeless Cybertronian, living on the streets and stealing energon to survive. The hopeless 'bot was befriended by [[Gasket]] {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} but otherwise had no one. During one [[circuit booster|drug trip]] in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]], he was assaulted by [[Sonic (IDW)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]], who were abducting homeless people for money. Drift was rescued by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], who brought him to [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]'s secret clinic in [[Rodion]]. Ratchet saved Drift's life, and told the young robot that he could achieve great things in his life if he tried— he could just ''tell'' Drift was destined for something special. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

Drift would soon learn what that was, after Gasket was killed by Autobot law enforcement after trying to stop them from executing a thief. Drift exploded with rage, grabbed the nearest gun and killed them all. His knack for violence attracted the attention of the Cybertronian underground, who trained Drift as a killer. Amongst this group, Drift realized the level of corruption in the [[Senate]], and a recruitment rally held by [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] drew Drift in with his talk of equality. Megatron singled Drift out of the crowd, claiming to have heard great things of him, and asked him to join the Decepticons to fight for a better Cybertron. Drift agreed and, after being was hailed by the crowd, was renamed Deadlock by Megatron. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}} Drift rose to become the second-in-command of [[Turmoil]], garnering a reputation as a vicious and merciless fighter. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

During their time with [[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron]], Turmoil and Deadlock crashed on a desert world and investigated a nearby stone fortress to find a way out. The two of them would go on to massacre the inhabitants before leaving, though not before Deadlock recorded the presence of a Stone Army on the planet. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}}

[[File:Drift1-Deadlock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Deadlock prefers to pose so his legs don't block any of the action.]]
Much later, on the planet [[Dabola]], Deadlock led a battalion against an Autobot squadron. The [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Autobots' leader]] called a retreat, and Deadlock's team celebrated. This was spoiled when [[Not Carnivac|one of the soldiers]] pointed out that Deadlock had been ordered to merely observe, and once again had disobeyed orders. When the soldier threatened to inform Turmoil of Deadlock's disobedience, Deadlock killed him. Claiming Turmoil was too cautious and that it was time for new leadership, he called for the other soldiers to follow him, but they summarily captured him and brought him to Turmoil. Turmoil used a stasis lock to trap him in [[robot mode]] and attempted to execute him. Deadlock managed to escape, and after initiating an emergency protocol to cover his escape, stole an escape pod and departed the ship.

Deadlock crashed on an unknown planet. After scaling some, he found a massive structure, but before he could explore, a mysterious cloaked figure appeared, named [[Wing (IDW)|Wing]]. Wing offered a deal: help him free the slaves, and he would find Deadlock a ship. Deadlock, introducing himself as "Drift," agreed, but first Drift said he needed guns. Together, they jumped some guards and stole their weapons, however a stray blast stripped Wing of his cloak, revealing him to be Cybertronian. Once they jumped into the complex, Drift automatically fled for the ship, abandoning Wing. Despite this betrayal, when Drift was attacked and nearly killed by one the slavers, Wing brought Drift back with him to a new [[Crystal City]], where he was repaired. {{storylink|Drift issue 1|Drift #1}}

[[File:Drift1-rebuilt.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"We were okay with your old legs. Rest had to go."]]
Wing explained that they were the [[Circle of Light]], a group of Cybertronian scholars and scientists who abandoned the planet during the early days of the war in order to find peace and preserve Cybertron's culture. Wing and Drift were taken to a meeting with Crystal City's leader, [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]. While Drift waited outside, Wing was admonished for bringing a corrupting influence to the city. He was ordered to keep Drift with him at all times. Afterward, Wing brought Drift to an empty room, discarded his swords and asked him what the Decepticon symbol stood for. Drift replied it meant strength, power and conviction, and the belief in the survival of the strongest. Wing offered Drift a chance to earn his freedom by defeating him without guns in combat, but Drift never succeeded. Drift grumbled that he'd never learned to fight without projectile weaponry.

Weeks later, Wing was still dominating Drift. Over time, Drift admitted that Crystal City held everything Drift had ever wanted, while the Decepticons had lost sight of this goal some time ago. Their sparring was interrupted by a summons from Dai Atlas. When they arrived in the control room, he informed them that they had received a coded signal and he thought Drift might be able to translate. Though Drift claimed he could not understand it, that night he snuck out of the city and drove far into the desert. There he met with the slavers, who had used a Decepticon code to offer Drift a deal. The code had been obtained from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], a Decepticon sent by Megatron. The deal was simple: hand over the location of the Circle of Light or die. {{storylink|Drift issue 2|Drift #2}}

[[File:Drift4-notdoneyet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Man, I bet those dumb G2 guys wish they had this kind of endurance.]]
Lockdown reminded "Deadlock" of his high-standing in the Decepticon army. Megatron held Deadlock in high esteem, and by guarding these Transformers Drift stood to lose that. Meanwhile, the head slaver, [[Braid]], required Cybertronian bodies to experiment on, and were willing to take captives from the neutral camp in lieu of Deadlock, in payment for the property he'd damaged earlier. After agreeing to lead the neutral Transformers into an ambush, Drift stumbled back to Crystal City, where he informed the Circle of Light about the pact he'd made with Lockdown and the slavers. Drift argued that they should fight their attackers to preserve their freedom and their way of life, but Dai Atlas sharply disagreed. He would have no fighting at all, even to preserve his own life, and blamed Drift for ruining their civilization. The others did not agree, and supported Drift. A small number of them offered to help fight the slavers while keeping the true number of their population unknown. As they reached the surface with a hastily constructed craft to make it appear as if the Circle of Light had recently crashed there, Drift revealed himself to have been rebuilt head-to-toe to match his new colleagues. With a sword mounted on each hip, Drift announced he was ready. {{storylink|Drift issue 3|Drift #3}}

Soon, Lockdown and the slavers were upon them. After slaying a few of the slavers, Drift realized that he was past the point of no return. Lockdown realized this as well, and asked the former Decepticon why he'd given it all away so easily. "What I've always wanted... the promise of a better Cybertron." But their sparring was interrupted by the death of Wing. Enraged, Drift jumped Braid, Wing's murderer, but he did not accomplish much. He was not as agile a fighter as his late friend, and Braid easily defeated him.

Before the killing blow could be delivered, Crystal City in its entirety rose from the ground, as Wing's death had spurred Dai Atlas into action. With the entirety of the population now fighting the slavers, the tide was quickly turned. Despite his injuries, Drift slew Braid with his Great Sword, while Lockdown, startled at Drift's transformation, cut his losses and left. Though the Circle of Light asked Drift to stay with them, Drift reminded them that he'd promised Wing to return the freed slaves to their homes. Drift was given Wing's Great Sword and given their blessing. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift Deadlockisdead.jpg|left|thumb|He's your horrible fancharacter.]]
Some time after leaving Crystal City and returning the slaves, Drift set off to make a difference in the Autobot/Decepticon Civil War. First, he attempted to free a group of Autobots held captive on the ship he'd previously served aboard. Upon entering Turmoil's ship, his attempt at stealth was successful until the [[Wreckers]] arrived and blasted their way aboard. Jumping into the battle to assist them, he piqued the interest of a few Autobots. [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] was injured as Turmoil entered the battle and, recognizing Drift's voice as that of his former lieutenant, attempted to destroy him. However, his attack only resulted in knocking Drift and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]] to another room. The two quickly worked together to program the ship to overload. In his final confrontation with Turmoil, Drift stated his intention was to help, not kill, and left to rescue Perceptor before the ship blew up.

After his arrival on the Autobot ship, Kup invited Drift to join his new unit as an Autobot. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}}

[[File:SpotlightDrift-car.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
Now a crew member of the spacecraft ''[[Trion]]'', Drift got to know his new teammate [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] over many friendly games of [[Go (game)|Go]]. Perceptor felt he owed a debt to Drift for saving his life, and so devoted much of his time to upgrading himself for more combat-oriented tasks. While Kup discouraged this, Drift stoically accepted Perceptor's new ambitions. {{storylink|Lost & Found}}

They were soon baited into a Decepticon ambush over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The ''Trion''{{'}}s command codes were hacked due to their being sold to the Decepticons by an Autobot traitor, and, left defenseless, it was forced to crash-land on the desolate landscape of the planet. Eventually, the crew were found by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s unit, who unfortunately proved to be ''also'' stranded. When [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] was revealed by [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] to have been standing invisibly among them, Drift was the only one who didn't appear surprised. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5|All Hail Megatron #5}}

[[File:Allhailmegatron6-omgdriftomg.jpg|left|thumb|Seriously, you made this guy up when you were eight.]]
When an advance scout of the [[Insecticon swarm]] discovered the Autobots' base camp, Drift was dispatched to take care of it. Drift stood stock-still as the creature walked up to him, greeting it with a simple, smirking "hello" as the monstrous beast snarled in his face. Finally, he beheaded the scout with a single wave of his sword. A second creature tried to attack Drift from behind, but the smirking Autobot merely tilted his head slightly, allowing Perceptor to kill the beast with some precision sniping. [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] thought the incident was the coolest thing ever. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}}

After Sunstreaker revealed to [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] that he was the traitor, an army of the Swarm came after them. Drift saved Ironhide while Sunstreaker blew up a bridge, killing himself and the Swarm army. Later, Drift visited Ironhide and claimed that the Decepticons had access to the Autobots' systems in a way that Sunstreaker couldn't possibly have. Ironhide asked if this meant there was a second traitor, but Drift replied that there was simply more to the situation than they knew. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}}

When Mirage was showing some doubt in the Autobot cause, it was Drift who said that, now more than ever, the Autobots should continue being who they are. [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] insinuated that Drift had no right to say something like that, which started an argument that was only stopped by the return of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}

[[File:Thundercracker Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Another of your ill-timed jokes, Drift??" {{-}}
"... You and I are enemies now."]]
Drift took part in the battle against the Swarm and joined the others in escaping Cybertron in Omega Supreme. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}. On Earth, he battled the Decepticons, and when [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] volunteered to divert the humans' nuclear bomb, Drift attempted to congratulate his former comrade on seeing the light. Thundercracker called him a traitor, slapping Drift's hand away and claiming he was merely following the Decepticons' ''true'' ideal. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

At some point Drift traveled to [[Japan]] and did some drift racing all by himself. {{storylink|Drift issue 4|Drift #4}}

[[File:Drift Drift4drifting.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|The Fast and the Furious: ''Tokyo Me'']]
Two years later, Drift was still with the Autobots, hiding on Earth. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} After Optimus Prime left the Autobots, Drift decided to stay with the larger group, rather than leave with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and his fellow defectors. Drift celebrated Bumblebee's election with numerous other Autobots. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}}

Drift was among the Autobots who confronted [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and his troops when they crashed their ship in [[Las Vegas]], bringing with them a [[zombie]] invasion. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 1|Infestation #1}} The Autobots and Decepticons worked together to banish the zombies to the [[Dead Universe]], though Drift himself really just stood silently in the background the whole time. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|Infestation #2}}

Drift listened to [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] tell tales of, presumably, his time in space and accompanied Optimus Prime and many others to Cybertron aboard [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme's]] rocket form. {{storylink|Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|Orphans of the Helix}} Along the way, he and many others tried to listen in on a conversation between Optimus Prime and a captive Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Later, Drift accompanied Optimus, Hot Rod, Ironhide, Sunstreaker, and Cliffjumper to Cybertron to confront Galvatron and his army. After a brief skirmish with Galvatron's forces, the landing party returned to the Autobot landing zone. As Drift pointed out that maybe Galvatron was telling the truth and he had been assembling his army for a reason, the Autobots were bathed in a red light... {{storylink| Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}} which turned out to be a blast from the orbiting space station [[Kimia Facility|Kimia]], recently commandeered by Galvatron's forces. Optimus Prime handed out orders to combat this new threat, telling Drift and Sunstreaker to establish a base of operations. After the threat of Kimia had ended, Omega Supreme's rocket landed at this base-camp and Rodimus and Drift set out after Optimus Prime and Ironhide, who had left to locate Galvatron. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

[[File:Drift Chaos Part3 Kings.jpg|right||thumb|Thanks to the magical power of [[The Sound of Breaking Glass#Continuity notes|retcon]]... that is the wrong sword.]]
At the crater that Kimia's main weapon had blown into the surface of the planet, Drift accompanied Optimus and the others underground. The Autobots finally intercepted Galvatron and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and Optimus Prime demanded their surrender. Galvatron claimed that the core of Cybertron had to be destroyed to save the universe, revealing the glowing [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]] within his chest. At this, Drift began spouting gibberish and attacking his comrades in a maddened state, allowing for Galvatron and Jhiaxus to escape. The others attempted to restrain him, but Drift summoned what free will he had left and impaled himself on one of his own blades, much to Ironhide's horror. {{storylink| Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} While Drift survived this, Ironhide told Prime that they'd have to evacuate him immediately for medical attention. {{storylink|Chaos Part Four: Genesis|Genesis}}

[[File:TDOOP-Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
After recovering, Drift's near-death experience had reawakened his spiritual side. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} Optimus Prime's return to Autobot camp three weeks later brought the discovery of a map inscribed inside the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Drift was consumed with the idea that the map gave directions to [[Cyberutopia]], the home of the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. Despite [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]'s insistence that the Knights of Cybertron never existed, Drift maintained that he had heard all about the Knights of Cybertron from Dai Atlas, and that the stories were true. Drift's passion for this discovery inspired Rodimus to assemble a team to leave the planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

At some point, Drift shed his Earth mode and took a more sleek, Cybertronian form for himself. Rodimus tasked himself with recruiting as many Autobots as he could to take off-planet and find the Knights of Cybertron. He was very good at working a crowd, though admittedly Drift wrote all of his speeches. The guy became the nominal third-in-command because, or so Ratchet said, he told Rodimus what he wanted to hear. Ratchet, older and grumpier than the pre-war days, was on the same ship as Drift and ''really'' had it in for him for everything the 'bot he'd saved had done with the life he'd given him. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:TwentyPlusOne LostLightNamed.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Drift himself found a ship for the quest, purchasing the [[Lost Light|U1]] with the help of [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] and [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] for ''one billion'' [[Shanix]] from a group of [[Mortilus]]-worshipping NAILs during the [[Festival of Lost Light]], from which the ship got it's new name, the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Before departing, Rodimus and Drift met with Prowl in his office. Prowl asked Rodimus to bring the captive and near-comatose [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] along on the journey, as part of a plan to create [[Phase Sixer]]s for the Autobots. While Drift strongly advised against this course of action, Rodimus was pressured into it by Prowl. Aside from [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] and the [[Duobot]]s, Overlord's presence on board was kept secret from the rest of the crew. {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

After boarding their new craft, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Drift had counted 208 total Autobots on board. (He also complimented Rodimus's latest speech.) Drift asked why [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] appeared displeased (more than usual) with the crew, and Ultra Magnus revealed that he felt most of them were practically criminals. (Drift himself was under high suspicion, though Ultra Magnus didn't say this out loud.) As launch was underway, Drift continued to act as Rodimus's right-hand man, and moments before takeoff, Drift brought to his attention the "[[Whirl (G1)|weapon of mass destruction]]" [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] had apparently brought on board. Something went wrong during takeoff, and the ship [[Quantum generator|quantum jump]]ed before it was ready, placing the ship somewhere random in space, just over a planet. A tear in the hull was expelling Autobots into space, and as the ship stabilized, Drift named off the Autobots they'd lost. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

[[File:Drift MTMTE2 positiveenergy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.90]]
As recovery efforts were undertaken, Drift radioed Ratchet a status update and also to tell the medical officer to make sure the medibay was "buzzing with positive energy" so those injured were "guaranteed a speedy recovery!". After he had signed off, Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] shared their annoyance with Drift's new attitude and...''interesting'' theories about the Knights of Cybertron. Later, when Rodimus was deciding how to address the crew about their current situation, Drift cheerfully suggested he focus on the positive. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

After a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] had thought to have been let loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', Drift accompanied Rodimus' hand-picked team to investigate. As they examined the creature's [[Shock (G1)|first victim]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] confirmed that it was indeed a Sparkeater and Drift opined that this was a dark omen and that they were being "punished" for the horrific things that must have happened on the ship before it came into their possession, much to Ratchet's skepticism.

While the others searched for the creature, Rodimus and Drift tried to figure out how the previous owners of the ''Lost Light'' kept the Sparkeater contained. They figured out that the Sparkeater had been trapped in the engine rooms and fed [[turbofox]]es to keep it docile. After the Sparkeater made its way back to the engine rooms, chasing [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], Drift helped Rodimus put his plan to kill the creature into action. Utilizing a second quantum jump, Rodimus managed to stuff the Sparkeater into the ship's engine block, where it died after being fused into the mechanism. Drift was awed by Rodimus' quick-thinking and ingenuity. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

At the "Grand Secret Opening" of [[Swerve's]], Drift shared a drink with Pipes. When the smaller 'bot let on that he was looking for a relationship, Drift offered to introduce him to the similarly diminutive [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]... unaware that Tailgate's future self was invisibly listening in via a 'magic window' in time. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

[[File:Drift killsDent LifeAfterBigBang.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|The only thing I know for real... THERE WILL BE BLOOD- SHED!!!.]]
Drift accompanied Ratchet and Pipes on an investigation of the remote medical facility [[Delphi]]. Drift was subjected to repeated verbal barbs from Ratchet along the way, despite his efforts to get along with the medic. Once they had finally reached Delphi, Pipes impulsively rammed through a door that had the universal "plague" symbol on it. They found themselves in a morgue full of Transformers that had died from a mysterious "[[Red Rust]]" virus. When Drift noticed a [[Dent|shambling, disease-ridden Transformer]] approaching Pipes from behind, he sprung into action and dismembered the poor soul, much to Ratchet's outrage.

[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] showed up and explained the situation to them, how five days ago, a mysterious explosion had heralded the outbreak of this rust plague. [[Ambulon]] brought them to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who had been accidentally locked in a quarantine room when the explosion went off. Suddenly, Pipes began showcasing the symptoms of the virus and staggered toward them, disoriented and terrified. Pipes began vomiting and leaking from his optics, cornering Drift. Ratchet freed Pharma from the quarantine while telling Drift to non-fatally disable Pipes. Drift managed to slip behind his diseased comrade and knock him out with a blow to the head. Ratchet brought Pipes to the emergency ward, seeking to tend to him. By that time, Drift began to exhibit the symptoms as well, assuming he'd been infected by Pipes. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

[[File:Drift Sparkles Post Hoc.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.6|I sparkle because I'm too beautiful for everything.]]
While being tended to by Ratchet, Drift recalled the [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|time in Rodion before the war]] when the Autobot medic had also been trying to save his life. Drift asked Ratchet to put him out of his misery in the event that the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] showed up, despite having earlier claimed that he wasn't afraid of them. When Pharma was revealed as a traitor, Ratchet had a confrontation with his former friend on Delphi's roof. The stricken Drift made his way up there and managed to save Ratchet from being shot in the back by chopping off Pharma's hands. With Ratchet having obtained a vaccine for the Red Rust virus from Pharma, Drift and the other victims were soon cured. Drift returned to the ''Lost Light'' along with the survivors. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

After the ''Lost Light'' was impacted by a discarded thumb from Metroplex, and was subsequently repaired, Drift attended an award ceremony honoring Brainstorm, Chromedome, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] for their part in saving the ship. He chatted with Rodimus during the celebration, until Whirl and Trailbreaker drew Rodimus's attention. Later, Drift along with nearly everyone on board of the ''Lost Light'' were frozen in place due to one of Brainstorm's experimental weapons accidentally going off. After he recovered, he was awarded a Rodimus Star "for exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}}

Drift reported to Rodimus and Ultra Magnus that [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] had locked himself in Rung's office. He was the first to notice both when Rung stared at the camera, and when he tapped on his model of the Ark. After the hostage situation had been resolved, Drift complimented Rodimus on the eulogy he gave for the gravely-injured Rung, even though he hadn't written that particular speech. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Drift Theophany MTMTEAnnual.jpg|thumb|right||A fabulous secret [[Titan (group)|Titan]] was revealed to Drift the day he held aloft his magic sword and said...]]
En route to [[Theophany]], Drift helped Rodimus prepare for Tailgate's [[Act of Affiliation]] ceremony, and politely pointed out his overuse of the phrase "[['Til all are one]]". When Ultra Magnus interrupted and expressed concern over a lack of radio contact with the Circle Of Light, Drift argued that they knew how to take care of themselves. Later at the ceremony, Rodimus inscribed a message in [[Cybertronian language|Old Cybertronian]] on Tailgate's chest instead of branding him with the Autobot sigil. Drift supposed that it was caused by some sort of possession, which was quickly dismissed by Ratchet as "complete and utter guff".

The ceremony was further interrupted by the arrival of the [[Galactic Council]]'s ship, ''[[The Benign Intervention]]''. Its [[K'gard|captain]] informed them that Theophany was deserted, much to Drift's disbelief. After some red-tape wrangling from Ultra Magnus, Drift and a group of others were allowed to teleport to the planet's surface, where they found Crystal City ruined and abandoned. Confused and agitated, a despairing Drift snapped at [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] and decked Whirl after the latter mocked him. He attempted to call out to any of the denizens of Crystal City, but when there was no response, Drift drove one of his swords into the ground in frustration. The ground gave way and sent the Autobots plunging underground, where they found [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], a slumbering [[Titan (group)|Titan]]. This discovery led [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] to share his [[Guiding Hand|myth of creation]], which triggered a theological debate between Drift and Ratchet, culminating in Drift pulling his sword on Ratchet. Rodimus took Drift for a walk to cool him down, where Drift reaffirmed his faith in Rodimus.

After Chromedome's mnemosurgery reawakened the Titan and made it fire its eye-beams at the ''Benign Intervention'', Drift was among those dispatched to fight off the Galactic Council's troops. The Titan eventually teleported Drift and the others back onto the ''Lost Light'', which then quantum-jumped to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

A few days later, Drift and other crew members aided Rewind in helping heal Rung's dormant mind by telling his part in a story of past events. Drift elaborated on the time in Rodion when he was rescued by Orion Pax and treated by Ratchet, being sure to antagonize Ratchet by claiming he had uttered religious praises during that time. All the while, he was being pestered by calls from Rodimus, who finally ordered Drift to meet him in the oil reservoir. Drift arrived there just in time to see [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] recover Red Alert's headless body from the reservoir. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}}

[[File:Ultra Magnus-Cyclonus-Rodimus and Drift.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95|Of ''course'' Drift wants to get at the ''{{w|oni}}''-looking guy...]]
After the suspected assailant Cyclonus was sent to their makeshift interrogation room, Drift conducted a very hostile interrogation, pointing his sword at Cyclonus in a threatening manner. (Ultra Magnus later suggested Drift's overly enthusiastic interrogation was an unfortunate attempt to impress Rodimus.) The attempt didn't work, as Cyclonus quickly swatted the sword away and smashed Drift into a table. Rodimus and Ultra Magnus were forced to intervene and break the two of them up. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} First Aid soon discerned that Red Alert's "accident" was actually a suicide attempt, and Ultra Magnus suggested that the troubled security chief should be left in stasis until they could revive him in a less stressful environment. Rodimus railed against this, but when Drift agreed with Magnus, he sadly acquiesced. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

The crew of the ''Lost Light'' intervened on [[Temptoria]], where a group of Decepticons had invaded and subjugated the local populace. A fierce battle erupted on the planet's surface, in which Drift cut down [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]] and [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]. He also interrupted Rodimus' battle with [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snap Trap]], shoving a sword through the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]'s face. Rodimus chided him for butting in, but Drift protested that "the ones with swords" were his to fight. In the aftermath of the fight, Drift<ref>{{citesocial|quote='Twas Drift.|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/309434563879383040|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2013|month=03|day=06}}</ref> visited Chromedome's room to make a proposal. {{storylink|Before & After}} He and Brainstorm revealed to Chromedome that Overlord was aboard, hidden in a specially-constructed room beneath the ship, and the [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] agreed to interface with the dormant Phase-Sixer to learn the secret of his power. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

[[File:Aquafend swerve drift cybertronian homesick blues.jpg|thumb|right|“I don't even want you to nod, that's how much you annoy me. Just freeze and shut up.”
]]
Drift was teaching Rodimus how to use a sword, forging a deeper friendship with his captain, when a possible security situation interrupted. However, it merely turned out to be Cyclonus singing loudly to Tailgate. Swerve asked Drift if he wanted to be ''his'' roommate but Drift, claiming to prefer solitude, declined. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} Drift was among those interviewed by Rewind for his documentary on life aboard the ''Lost Light''. When [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] arrived on the ship seeking aid, Rodimus trotted Drift out as an accomplishment of his, claiming he had "rehabilitated" the ex-Decepticon. Drift was puzzled by Rodimus' claims, but impressed by Thunderclash, who greeted him respectfully and in accordance with his religious beliefs. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

[[File:Drift Overlord UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|This can only end well!]]
During a mnemosurgery session, Chromedome was outsmarted by Overlord, who obtained from the Autobot's memory the security codes to his cell that Drift provided. Drift was one of the first Autobots to fight the escaped Overlord outside of the medibay, urging Ratchet to lock himself in. But Ratchet chose to stand with his "friend" and sealed them outside the room. By the time reinforcements arrived, Overlord had severed both of Drift's legs and badly beaten Ratchet. Drift radioed the ship's brig to release Fortress Maximus, but not before his Great Sword was used by Overlord to mortally-wound Ultra Magnus. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

After Overlord had been jettisoned from the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus announced an inquiry to be held, knowing full well who was responsible for the Phase Sixer's presence on the ship. Drift offered to take full blame for the incident, protecting the identities of the other conspirators. He explained to Rodimus that he had a vision back on Cybertron, after he had impaled himself outside of Vector Sigma's chamber. Drift felt sure that Rodimus was essential to finding the Knights of Cybertron and couldn't let him out himself as having knowledge of the Overlord conspiracy. A hesitant and sorrowful Rodimus agreed and "furiously" stripped Drift of his Autobot symbol, exiling him from the ship. As he walked towards [[Drift's shuttle|the shuttle]] prepared for him, Drift was knocked down by a piece of debris hurled by an angry crew member. Ratchet helped him up, and Drift departed the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}}

[[File:mtmte39 tarn sees drift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Oi oi OI! Are you looking at me bird?!]]

Eighteen months from the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch, the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] had listed Drift as deceased. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} The deceased Drift was actually part of a quantum duplicated ''Lost Light'' created by the initial accident at launch. When the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] arrived there to kill Overlord, the presence of Drift—another one on their List—caused them to go on a massive kill spree. Drift died first, killed along with Ratchet and Hound by [[Helex (G1)|Helex]]. When Megatron later found their corpses an inspection of Drift allowed him to determine who had attacked the ship. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

[[File:Empire of Stone 2 Drift Ratchet where is this coming from.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|"You look terrible." "Thank you." "So you agree? You think you look terrible?"]]

Meanwhile, the original Drift was defending planets across the outer rim from rogue Decepticons. He'd been left battered by all the fighting, fights made harder as he'd promised to never kill again, but was neglecting to get himself repaired. While handing [[Grit]] over to the [[Galactic Council]], he ran into Ratchet: all of the truth of Drift's departure had come out now and the medic had come to take him home. Drift refused. Ratchet stubbornly stuck with him while he tracked down the main Decepticon army—right to the desert planet he'd discovered centuries ago. Both Autobots and Grit were shot down by the army and Drift found himself defending Grit from being killed for suspected treason.

The leader of the army turned out to be Drift's old boss Gigatron {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 1|Empire of Stone #1}} who was ignoring the war had ended and was trying to find the Stone Army "Deadlock" had mentioned before. Drift, who knew the army wasn't hidden in the first place, refused until Ratchet's life was threatened and the three bots ended up in the cells. Ratchet's plan to get out was for Drift to pretend to be injured so the guard would open the cell—it was a ''very'' lame attempt but luckily the guard was a friend of Grit. As the robots escaped, Drift tried and failed to get Grit not to kill [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]] for slighting him: the Decepticon said he was sure in himself and his path in life, and didn't want the man projecting his own issues onto him. The Autobots carried on and found Gigatron hadn't found the army because Hellbat was hiding it from him {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 2|Empire of Stone #2}} so he could use them himself to ''kill everything'', having decided to embrace the only thing he believed the Transformers were any good at. When Drift protested that he'd vowed never to kill again, Hellbat sneered and pointed to all the dead monks "Deadlock" had killed years ago.

[[File:Empire of Stone 4 Drift Gigatron FASTBALL SPECIAL.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|SUPERMAN WHEEEEE]]
A battle broke out and Drift found himself fought to a standstill by [[Vanquish]] before Hellbat activated the Stone Army. Rather than alert Cybertron, Drift felt they had to stop the army here and now and he turned to Gigatron for aid. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|Empire of Stone #3}} Together, the Autobots and Decepticons tore through the golems. Drift took the fight to Hellbat (after Gigatron used "[[Fastball Special|maneuver seven]]", ''throwing'' Drift at Hellbat) and was goaded into killing him. Instead, the Autobot ripped the Stone Army's control device from him... at which point Gigatron went for him and no amount of reasoning could get Gigatron to stand down. Forced to defend himself, Drift dropped the device and Hellbat retrieved it.

Gigatron and Hellbat would kill each other, taking the Stone Army with them, while Drift and Ratchet escaped. When the medic again tried to get Drift back to the ''Lost Light'', the swordsman said he'd spent his whole life struggling to belong to ''something'' but only ever joined as a killer, and the Hellbat affair just reiterated that he didn't want to live a life where all he could offer was death. Ratchet rephrased the offer: instead of coming back as an Autobot, he should come back as his ''friend''. {{storylink|Drift - Empire of Stone issue 4|Empire of Stone #4}}

[[File:YourFierceTears-RatchetDrift.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
The two Autobots upgraded their bodies over the course of their adventures and Drift began sporting a facial tattoo in honour of the deceased Dai Atlas.<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/716702702416355328|name=Alex Milne|site=Twitter|day=03|month=04|year=2016|quote=it's was done to honor Dai Atlas.}}</ref> They eventually ran back into the ''Lost Light'' crew, or some of them, after a mutiny had stranded Megatron, Rodimus, and their assumed loyalists on [[Necroworld|the Necrobot's planet]] and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] had put out a call for help. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} In a blaze of action, they saved the robot [[Ten]] from a Decepticon mauling! {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 2: The Sun in Flight|The Sun in Flight}} They very quickly found the Decepticons were a bigger deal than most of their foes and were nearly overrun until Drift spotted how [[Kaon (G1)|Kaon]] of the D.J.D. was ''really'' protective of "the Pet", a '[[domestication|domesticated]]' beast-mode Transformer. Drift swiftly took "the Pet" hostage, giving them a chance to escape to the Autobot's fortress.

[[File:YourFierceTears DriftRodimusReconcile.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8|“Did you win your sword fight?" {{-}}
"Of course I won the fragging sword fight, I'm the greatest sword fighter in the world."]]
There, Rodimus and Drift had a long overdue discussion. Drift wanted to know ''why'' Rodimus hadn't come looking for him after revealing the truth to the crew, and Rodimus admitted it was out of fear he would hate him. Drift accepted Rodimus's sincere apology—Rodimus pleaded that he ignore his words and focus on his aura, eye colour, or any means Drift had claimed he could 'see', which Drift just smiled at—but doubted his belief that they can all make it out of their present situation alive. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} Indeed, Drift even arranged it with Rewind that everyone could record their last wishes and how they wanted their bodies disposed of, to broadcast into space as an act of catharsis and closure. He witnessed very little catharsis when Chromedome almost died trying [[mnemosurgery]] on "the Pet" in front of him and, when the "Pet" was revealed by Rewind to be ''the lost [[Dominus Ambus]]'', he had his sword stolen by Rewind to kill Ambus before Chromedome could die.

When sunrise came, the Decepticons attacked. Rodimus embraced Drift and the others and thanked them for travelling with him, before the group charged into battle. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} Drift and the crew survived for some time in fight with the hundreds of Decepticons thanks to the temporary [[Outlier (group)|outlier]] powers they cooked up, but soon they began to tire. When Megatron finally took to the field of battle, the others retreated back to the fortress. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} Drift was present as the DJD were brought down and the Disappeared released from stasis under the Necrobot's citadel. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}

[[File:SomeOtherCybertron DriftVision.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|left]]
Drift had succeeded in getting Rodimus to convert to [[Spectralism]], but he was concerned about the ramifications of Rodimus's new paint job, signifying the severity of his intentions towards Getaway. Also, Drift experienced a curious vision when he touched one of the newly awakened Disappeared named [[Anode]]. He saw [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], [[Worldsweeper]]s of the [[Phantom Fleet]], and crystals that rained from the sky as [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] emerged from threadbare space, all surrounded by the words "Prepare. Confront. Repel." over and over again.

[[File:BadMoonRising-DriftVsFunctionaries.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
...so anyway, Brainstorm constructed a teleportation "den" to send some of the group back to Cybertron to find transport for the rest of them. When they arrived, however, Cybertron was undeniably changed. Rewind soon recognized it as the [[Functionist Universe]], the alternate history that overlapped on his database when Brainstorm used his time case. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|Some Other Cybertron}} [[Twelve-of-Twelve]] captured Drift and the others as suspected members of the revolutionary [[Anti-Vocationist League]]. The real AVL arrived and caused a distraction for the crew to escape. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie|Anomie}} Drift and his friends were matter transported to "Cyberutopia", the sanctuary city of [[Kalis|Adaptica]] ruled by the rogue Functionist [[Nine-of-Twelve]]. They learned that in this reality Rung was hailed by the AVL as the "Useless One" for his alt mode that apparently stood in defiance of Primus and Functionism. Unfortunately, the Functionist Council chose that day to reveal they had discovered Rung's true use as a mining tank, allowing them to access [[Vector Sigma]] which had been sealed off by the Senate millennia ago. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Drift and the others traveled to Vector Sigma to confront the Council and rescue Rung. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 4: Bad Moon Rising|Bad Moon Rising}} They succeeded and stole the Council's flying base, the Cog, to make their way back to Cyberutopia. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 5: Modes of Production|Modes of Production}} With the help of teleport technology in a weaponized Luna-2 and wand-tech Brainstorm recovered from [[Killmaster]] on Necroworld, they transported the entire world back from the Functionist Universe to their original one. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Sardines DriftRatchetRight.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
The crew prepared to continue their quest for the real Cyberutopia, and for revenge on Getaway and the mutineers. A Decepticon corpse named [[Skip]] was modified and mass-displaced to form a passable space craft, and so Drift and the others pressed on. {{storylink|After Megatron (A Dissolution Epilogue)|After Megatron}}

As they sailed through space, Drift noted that Ratchet's colour looked different before the doctor returned, having inexplicably succumbed to [[aggressive depigmentation]], with Drift noting that his aura had disappeared.{{storylink|Sardines}} All of a sudden, Skip's mass displacement wore off. To survive, Ten directed the engineers on how to access the [[Warren]] so they could reach a [[Mederi]] facility. Mid-transit however, the crew was forced to abandon ship, their bodies being ravaged by the effects of super-compressed space. Emerging in the orbit of the original Mederi, the moon repaired them and led them to believe that they'd gone to the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]].{{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:TheGodWar DriftSummoned.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.7]]
Drift was giddy at coming to the promised land, dreaming about Ratchet's face when he and the doctor next met, {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} before he was summoned, along with Ratchet and Magnus, before the [[Guiding Hand]] at Rodimus' request. Despite Rodimus' pleas, the deities rejected their desire for resurrection and returned them to the Afterspark's landing. After Magnus had driven off, the remaining three explored a temple, driven on by Ratchet's claims of writing that only he could see before they found a ward of organics hooked up to a pillar of "trapped light". As the organics began chanting, Omega Guardians emerged from the darkness. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}}

When Magnus returned, the quartet quickly defeated the Guardians before Ratchet shattered the pillar, revealing Mederi to them. Accessing the computers, Drift found that the moon was a euthanasia clinic before Nautica arrived with the [[Scavengers (G1)|Scavengers]] and [[Axe (G1)|Axe]]'s corpse. At Rodimus' command, Drift then plotted a course from Cybertron to Mederi, revealing that the moon was Cyberutopia, the Knights having fallen victim to the same trap that nearly claimed their lives. With everything over and done with, the group prepared to leave before [[Sparkeater (creature)|sparkeaters]] formed out of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew descended from the skies. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

[[File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|left|Definitely not street-legal...]]
Though the group quickly rolled out, [[Wipe-Out's ship]] soon arrived, bearing allies and weapons. After the ''Lost Light'' made itself known, Drift boarded the Q-Ship to steal back the larger craft only to wound up caught in Getaway's trap, the shuttle bay being flooded with the contents of the oil reservoir and its [[scraplet]] horde. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|A Dance Before Dying}} Fortunately, Whirl's domesticated scraplets counted amongst the horde and the Wrecker was quickly able to tame the predators and release them. No sooner had Rodimus reclaimed the ''Lost Light'' did a massive tear in the Warren open above the moon. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}}

Though everyone was quick to board the ship, the gravity of the rift proved too much for the engines, the ''Lost Light'' being dragged through to the [[Benzene Cluster]] where the found five copies of Cybertron. Touching down on one, the group was taken prisoner by the forces of the Grand Architect and duped into a cell. When [[Froid]] joined them, he revealed the five planets were an upscaled [[God Gun]] capable of piercing the barrier between universes. After it had done just that, Megatron emerged in the ''[[Last Light (ship)|Last Light]]'' from the Functionist Universe. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 3): Farsickness|Farsickness}}

[[File:ReturnOfTheKing MegatronTreatsDrift.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|"You don't respect those people very much, Drift, because you're young and arrogant. But I don't respect them much either, because I'm old and wise."]]
Following close behind him was the Functionist Universe's version of Cybertron, now transformed into a robot mode in Primus' likeness. As the fleets of the Functionists and the Architect went to war, Megatron tried to free the group with a hull breach only for Drift to be critically wounded when the Architect's guards arrived, falling victim to a [[zero point]] only to be healed by Megatron, who praised the turncoat for his defection. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 4): The Return of the King|The Return of the King}} After everyone had reconvened aboard the ''Lost Light'', with the news that ''Rung'' was the real Primus, everyone hit on the idea to use twelve duplicates of the Matrix of Leadership, opened at Cybertron's twelve hot spots, to overwhelm Vector Sigma and destroy the Functionist Council. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 5): The Unremembering|The Unremembering}}

[[File:ASparkAmongEmbers RatchetOpensMatrix.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9]]
Acting as Ratchet's bodyguard, Drift was sent to [[Vespertine Blue]], holding off the [[Functionary|Functionaries]] until Ratchet, after a rousing speech from Rodimus, managed to open the Matrix.
{{storylink|Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|A Spark Among Embers}}

New Cybertron, as it came to be known, was soon visited by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] who decided to decommission the Lost Light so its quantum engines could be used to double the planet's energon reserves but allowed the crew the luxury of a victory lap. Before jumping back home however, the crew decided to recreate the initial malfunctioning launch and then shunt their duplicates into a parallel universe, thereby ensuring their adventures would never end. When the time came however, the ship simply wound up back on Cybertron. While having a last drink, Drift and Ratchet theorized that Drift's vision had been the result of the telepaths sending him their experiences through the Warren before Rodimus gave Drift and Ratchet his blessing for their future. The touching moment was ruined when construction cranes began disassembling the ship.

[[File:LL25 DriftRatchetFuneral.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
Over the following years, Drift and Ratchet would become [[Conjunx Endura]] and had many happy years together before Ratchet's old age caught up with him and he passed. Arranging a funeral at [[Rivets Field]], Drift ensured that Whirl could attend and gifted him Ratchet's hands. Though touched Whirl returned them, stating that he was not broken and didn't need fixing. After the service ended, Rodimus turned up, Drift recognizing that his friend had been drinking. Once Rodimus had placed Megatron's withered Rodimus Star on Ratchet's tomb, he prepared to return to the ''[[Exitus]]''. Before he left, Drift asked if he'd ever thought about the recreated accident. Deciding it was best to live in a state of never knowing if the gamble had worked, Rodimus and Drift promised to keep in touch before they went their separate ways once again.

And far away, in some distant corner of the multiverse, the duplicate ''Lost Light'' materialized, ready to set sail for an infinity of new adventures. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[File:IAmOptimusPrime-Drift.jpg|thumb||left|He makes it so hard to like him and then he does this. So confused!]]
Drift was [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s friend and always let his actions speak louder than words. When the Autobots arrived on Earth, he hid himself in a lake. Upon Optimus's order, he transformed into his car mode to roll out. Later, when the Decepticons attacked, he pushed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] over a tripwire held by some of the Autobots' [[human|human allies]]. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}

===''United''===
[[File:FierceFightingOnPlanetNebulos DriftDefendsCity.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.9|MY KUNG FU CURES ME!!!]]
A [[nano-virus]] infected the population of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] bar the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s. The former Decepticon Drift was able to force off, or at least hold off, the effects of the nano-virus, so he was charged with guarding the city unaided while the other immune Autobots left to retrieve a cure from [[Nebulos]]. When [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] returned with the anti-virus, Drift was in attendance when Optimus Prime praised the Targetmaster. {{storylink|The Fierce Fighting on Planet Nebulos}}
{{--}}

===IDW ''Angry Birds'' Transformers comic===
[[File:ABTF1 Drift.jpg|thumb|left|"Wait, this ''is'' a movie universe story, right?"]]
Drift was aboard Optimus Prime's ship transporting the [[AllSpark]] when it came under Decepticon attack. He and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] tried to stop [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] as the Air Commander chased [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], but Starscream slipped straight past them. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers issue 1|Angry Birds Transformers #1}}

===Drift Black Ver.===
====Train Wars====
[[File:TrainWars Drift.jpg|thumb|right||G1 body, movie colors!]]
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit a black-colored Drift and other inter-dimensional warriors. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Drift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Drift was returned home by the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] cheered on The Fallen in the battle against Drift and his heroic comrades. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}

===''Kre-O'' comic===
[[File:Drift_IDW_Kre-O_Character_Image.jpg|left|thumb|50px]]

Drift attended [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]'s {{w|hanami}}. {{Storylink|Soundwave's Trap? Stop Operation Brainwash Humanity!}}

===''Kre-O'' cartoon===
Drift fought with [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Bumblebee]] over the affections of a potential car buyer. {{storylink|Kre-O Cars}}
{{--}}

===''Q-Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Tomoaki Maeno]] (Japanese)}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Road to Winning a New Fanbase}}}}

===''Adventure'' bios===
When [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from [[Earth]], he encountered a Transformer named Drift who was similar to, but not, the [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] he knew. To gain a better understanding of what was going on, Jazz fought the stranger. {{storylink|#Adventure|TAV VS05 bio}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
Deadlock was a member of the [[Decepticon|Ascenticons]] who received the movement's new insignia from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part One}}

===Precursor World===
In [[Magna Convoy]]'s reassembled [[Primus Vanguard]], a [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Drift inherited [[White Gallant Convoy]]'s position as leader of the [[White Order]]. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale|Finale}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Legends''===
After falling out with his commanding officer, the Decepticon Deadlock found himself on an unfamiliar planet. He encountered the [[Circle of Light]], who helped him defeat [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] and some local miscreants, and as a result Deadlock changed his name to Drift and joined up with the Circle in their journey to find a peaceful home. {{storylink|Circle of Light (Legends)|Circle of Light}}

At some point Drift joined the Autobot army. Catching wind of a [[Quintesson]] plot to disrupt the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]], Drift teamed up with [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] to enter the games as a team, and succeeded in uncovering and stopping [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]. {{storylink|The Galactic Games}}

Drift and his team had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding, and they made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Drift}}
{{main|Bomb (AB)#As Private Deadlock}}
Drift appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. Deadlock also appears in Season 8 as Private Deadlock. They are portrayed by Bomb. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsDrift.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Wow!!! Sugoi!!! ''Kickasseru''!!! 両親が私を愛してくれませんか!!!]]
Drift participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Rare character that could be recruited by collecting 90 units of Cybermetal, 45 units of Transmetal, and 25 support cores. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Frontiers''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Frontiers}}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:TransformersEarthWarsDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Ryūjin no ken o Kurae.... wait. Wrong game. Whoops.]]

{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Out of Control}}
Optimus told Drift to just observe and not engage.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Double-Crossed}}

Drift came in response when Optimus and Megatron's truce at the movies went _____ and freaked out the cinemagoers. [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]] came in tow and started taunting him. Drift retorted he would prefer to play his director's cut. He then taunted if Barricade was ready for his closeup with all the cellphone cameras around. Drift then said to catch him if he can. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Direct the Dialogue 2}}

When Optimus learned that the Decepticons were trawling alternate realities for reinforcements, he decided he needed someone with stealth and total commitment to the mission, and commanded Hot Rod to summon drift, in spite of his mistrust. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}} Drift was _____ that the Autobots still mistrust him behind the mask of acceptance. Just then Grimlock told him Optimus wanted him for a secret mission, and Hot Rod explained that this was his shot to prove his allegiance.

Optimus informed him on the Decepticon's' multi-universal recruitment drive. Drift asked why they sent one asset instead of an army, and Perceptor explained because of the massive energy expenditure needed to penetrate the Multiversal Membrane, solo is the only option. Drift followed Barricade to an alternate universe with endless fighting. Barricade taunted him before fighting him head-on. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Outlaws}}

Drift tried to prevent Barricade from tagging an Autobot when they were suddenly bombarded with missiles. He remarked [[Live-action film series|nothing makes sense and he's losing the plot]]. Barricade tagged his cross-dimensional beacon on the universe's Lockdown, but nothing happened. As if a [[Shroud|god-like force]] was making the alternate universe untouchable. Just then Hun-Gurrr rammed into Barricade, much to Drift's surprise, and the two 'cons teleported to another universe. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Critcial Mass}}

Drift arrived in [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a garish universe]] too late to stop Barricade and Hun-Gurrr from departing, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)|the local Optimus Prime]] appeared and commanded him to identify himself. Drift subsequently asked Laser Optimus for help against the 'Cons, to which the heroic [[Laser Rod]] agreed. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Worlds Collide}}

*'''Class''': Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating''' 2 star
*'''Weapons:''' Drift leaps on a target and then attacks with his swords.
*'''Ability: Essence Theft:''' Drift rushes at a target for a draining strike, and heals him for double the amount of damage inflicted.
**'''Cost:''' 4 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:drift Drift at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{charstubgame|Fill in the Blanks}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Drift was a new Autobot recruit who enjoyed patrolling [[Tokyo]]. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}

==Toys==
===''Generations''===
[[File:Generations Drift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Forgive me master, i must go all out.... just this once...]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Drift transforms into a cross between a {{w|Nissan Silvia#S15|Nissan Silvia S15}} and a {{w|Mitsubishi FTO}}. In [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Drift's two shorter "dual swords" store inside his doors (which double as his hip sheaths during [[robot mode]]), while the larger sword stores in a set of grooves on the underside of his vehicle (also used in robot mode). It can also be stored (in robot mode) in the doors where the windows fold up. Behind his windshield kibble is his pre-Earth chest design, in a nod to the form Drift had been seen in almost exclusively at the time of the toy's unveiling. Due to his ball jointed wrists, Drift is one of the few Transformers figures that can hold a sword with a two-handed grip. Left unmentioned in the instructions is that the clip that holds his large sword is on a small concealed arm that allows the sword to move away from his back and out of the way of his legs and shoulders. Drift's swords are made from a kid-friendly flexible material, and therefore care must be taken to avoid warping. His larger sword in particular is prone to warping out of shape if left stored underneath his car mode, as the soft plastic will eventually conform against the tension holding it in place. His hand holes are slightly larger than 5 mm, but taper toward the bottom.

:While Drift's Earth mode designs showed him sporting the katakana ドリフト (''Dorifuto'') on his car doors, the toy instead sports the kanji 侍 (''samurai''). The large sword sports the kanji 天下無双 (''tenka musō'', "peerless under heaven", or just "peerless" if you're not feeling idiomatic. It can also mean "armed under providence").

:Drift's mold was [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Blurr (G1)/toys#Generations|Blurr]] and was [[redeco]]ed, with Blurr's pistols also being included, into [[Drift (SG)#Toys|''Shattered Glass'' Drift]]. It was separately redecoed into the ''[[Cloud]]'' release of [[Deadlock (Cloud)#Toys|Deadlock]], whose color scheme was based off ''this'' Drift's past Decepticon self.

:When his eyes are lit up, he has two visible pupils that follow you when you turn him. Freaky.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2010/Autobot/Drift/drift.htm More information on Autobot Drift at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United AutobotDrift toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I am the white void, I am the cold steel, I am the just sword, with blade in hand I shall reap the sins of this world and cleanse it in the fires of destruction! I am Drift, the end has come!]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-08'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right "dual swords", greatsword

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers United]]'' toys, the [[TakaraTomy]] release of "Autobot Drift" is cast in a brighter white plastic, a cooler gray, and features more paint applications in vehicle mode, and on his head, arms and chest to make him more accurate to his comic book appearances. The light red of the Hasbro version is now more crimson in color and the sword's gray is slightly altered from the Hasbro release.
{{GenerationsDriftMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of Extinction''===
[[File:AOEGenerationstoy-DeluxeDrift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Sensei!"]]
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Deluxe Class, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two daggers, two swords
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''AD23'''
{{note|''Age of Extinction'' [[Drift (AOE)#Age of Extinction|Drift]] was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Drift in the IDW Angry Birds comic.}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' Deluxe Class toys, this figure of Drift features a more complex transformation and a much more [[Articulation|articulated]] and proportionate robot mode. He comes with two daggers and two swords, all of which he can wield via [[5 mm post]]. All four of his weapons can store on his roof/back in various ways in robot mode, while in vehicle mode his daggers store beneath the roof and his swords store on the underside of the car.

:A variant of Drift that apparently shipped with [[wave]] 2.5 (which also included [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Generations|Lockdown]]) adds black [[paint operation]]s to the front vents. The two versions can be distinguished by the manufacturing date codes stamped into their cardbacks.<ref name="delvariant">[http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/09/age-of-extinction-drift-variant/ Age of Extinction Drift Variant] at The Allspark.</ref>
{{--}}

===''Q-Transformers''===
[[File:QTransformers Drift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Are you sure this is the guy who's supposed to flip out and kill sick people?]]
*'''Drift''' ([[June 27]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-22'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Drift is a redeco and retool of [[Sunstreaker (G1)#Q-Transformers|QT-12 Sunstreaker]], transforming into a [[super deformed]] Mazda RX-7 FD3S (though as a Sunstreaker redeco, his feet are sculpted to resemble the hood of a Lamborghini Countach). His head features some inspiration from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s design, namely the golden crest and samurai helmet neckguard.
{{--}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|KreonTripleChanger}}
*'''Autobot Drift''' (Kreon Triple Changer, <s>2015</s>)
**''Accessories'': 2 swords, Slipstream & Jetstorm Kreons

:Kreon Triple Changer Autobot Drift mooshes all the incarnations of Drift into one form! This built-up Kreon transforms from robot to sportscar to helicopter, ''without'' needing to be disassmebled. His general appearance is based on Generation 1 Drift, his altmodes come from [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]], and of course his micro-Kreon Mini-Con partners [[Slipstream (RID)#Kre-O|Slipstream]] and [[Jetstorm (RID)#Kre-O|Jetstorm]] hail from [[Drift (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Drift]].

:Drift (along with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#KreonTripleChanger|Blitzwing]]) was shown at [[Toy Fair 2015]], but no accounts of it seeing release in any market have ever surfaced.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===''Adventure''===
[[File:TAVVS05-Warrior-Class-Drift.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember when you all hated me?]]
*'''Drift Origin Mode & Jazz Battle Mode''' (Warrior Class 2-pack, 2015-[[November 14|11-14]])
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV VS05'''
**''Accessories'': Longsword, short sword

:Packaged with a retooled [[Jazz (WFC)#Adventure|Jazz]], ''Adventure'' "Drift Origin Mode" is a redeco/retool of [[Drift (RID)#Warrior|the first Warrior Class Drift]], featuring a new head and deco that evokes Drift's IDW design. Drift Origin Mode transforms from a samurai robot into a futuristic white car that appears to be a cross between [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' Drift]]'s Bugatti Veyron alternate mode and a Gumpert Apollo. In robot mode, his two swords can be stored on his left hip. In car mode, they store on his underside by using the tabs on his legs with the slots in the sword handles.

:Drift Origin Mode features a scannable badge. While it was accessible in-package, this is covered up by a "dummy sticker" to prevent scanning without taking it off. Scanning the real sticker unlocks this Drift in the Transformers Chronicle checklist app.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Flame Toys===
====Kuro Kara Kuri====
[[File:FlameToysDrift.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Drift''' (December 2017)
**''Accessories'': Great Sword, Great Sword scabbard, 2 small swords, 2 small scabbards, 2 cape parts, 3 faces, 14 hands, helmet armor (exclusive)

:Produced by [[Flame Toys]] as part of their ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' line, Drift is a detailed non-transforming action figure featuring [[die-cast]] parts and LEDs in his head, chest, shoulders and legs. He comes with a selection of alternate hands, three faces with different expressions (stoic, snarling and shouting), his Great Sword, two smaller swords, and a tattered cape based on the one worn by [[Wing (IDW)|Wing]] in [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]]. The Great Sword features a gimmick where pushing in the handle transforms the hilt, causing it to splay out into a crossguard and changing the gem's color from white to blue. If purchased via D4toys.com, SEN-TI-DEN Hong Kong, or events attended by Flame Toys, Drift also includes additional samurai-inspired helmet armor that can be displayed with or without a visor.
{{--}}

====Furai Model====
*'''Drift''' (December 2019)

:Part of the ''Furai Model'' line, this Drift is a non-transforming model kit, vastly less expensive than the above Kuro Kara Kuri figure. It features plastic parts and some polycap components, as well as some stickers. Glue is not required but recommended on all of the model's sword sheaths, as they come apart quite easily. This model has far fewer accessories than the Kuro Kara Kuri figure, only coming with two regular swords and one great sword.

:If one chooses, the kit can be panel-lined and touched-up with several panel-lining and paint markers (water/acrylic-based markers are recommended, as alcohol-based markers like ''Gundam Markers'' can potentially damage the ABS plastic). If one desires; the kit's pieces, aside from the translucent parts, can be fully coated with spray paints to recreate the finished sample seen in the stock photos.

:A common feature in mecha model kits is an abundance of spare parts in different colors that will be left over after assembly. These are present purely for the ease of manufacture, but one could substitute them for the used components if so desired.
{{--}}

===Transformers Trading Card Game===
[[File:W1Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T13/T40'''
**''Stars: ''8
:Based on Drift's time as a Decepticon, '''Deadlock, Bounty Hunter''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The artwork on the card is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile card game, with line-art for both Bot and Alt-mode by [[Dan Khanna]].
{{-}}
[[File:W4Deadlock.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T52'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is one of 52 character cards released in Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, Deadlock, Soldier of Fortune is a member of the [[Mercenary]] faction introduced in the set.

:The card features original artwork, with Bot Mode line-art by [[Andrew Griffith]].
{{--}}
===e-HOBBY===
====''Transformers Character Card''====
[[File:Transformers Character Card Deadlock and Drift.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Drift & Deadlock Set''' ([[August 29]], [[2022]])
**''ID number:'' '''21 & 22'''

:Released as part of the fourth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of Drift and [[Transformers Cloud|''Cloud'']] [[Deadlock (Cloud)|Deadlock]] along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#21|Translation of Drift's Transformers Character Card]]''
{{-}}

====Rubber strap series====
[[File:E Hobby rubber keychain Drift.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Drift & Deadlock & Grand Scourge Set''' ([[June]] [[2023]])

:Released as part of the second wave of an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive series, this trio of rubber keychains depict super-deformed art of Drift, ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Deadlock (Cloud)|Deadlock]] and [[Grand Scourge]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
*Drift was created because [[Shane McCarthy]] wanted to introduce both a character element not seen elsewhere and an Autobot drift racer.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I wanted a character in AHM that had a particular element to him that I didn't see readily available elsewhere and secondly because, frankly, I thought it would be a great idea for Hasbro to have an Autobot Drift racer.|link=http://www.smactalk.com.au/?p=101|name=Shane McCarthy|site=Smac Talk|defunct=yes}}</ref> He later said he wanted to show what'd happen if a former Decepticon became an Autobot.<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://moonbase2.libsyn.com/the-moonbase-2-presents-an-interview-with-shane-mc-carthy-|name=Shane McCarthy|site=Moonbase 2|year=2009|month=06|day=07}}</ref> Drift's Japanese overtones are meant to be a tip of the hat "to the country that gave birth to [''Transformers'']."<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18585|defunct=yes|site=Comic Book Resources|month=10|day=27|year=2008|name=Shane McCarthy}}</ref>
*Drift's name is derived from the Japanese driving technique of "{{w|Drifting (motorsport)|drifting}}," rendered in Japanese as ドリフト走行 (''dorifuto sōkō'').
*Discarded [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-sketches-93573360 body designs] and [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com/art/DRIFT-early-head-sketches-93574266 head designs] for Drift can be found on [http://guidoarts.deviantart.com Guido Guidi's DeviantArt page.]
*[[IDW Publishing]] initially claimed that Drift had been solicited by [[Hasbro]] to receive a toy in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line. This may have been premature, as it was followed several months later with a denial, albeit from Hasbro's Australian offices.<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3438|site=Ozformers|name=Hasbro Australia|quote=No, there is no character named Autobot Drift or any toy designed after the comic character coming out in our 25th Anniversary or any other Transformers line.|year=2009|month=02|day=04}}</ref> This was rebutted by IDW editor [[Chris Ryall]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2009, mildly denied in the March 2009 Hasbro Q&A for Seibertron.com,<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-answers-seibertrons-questions/15360|name=Hasbro|site=Seibertron.com|quote=Every year as we develop our toy line, we try to fit in characters that make sense for the brand. With that said, every character, new and old, are always up for disussion. We certainly would love to make a toy after IDW's Drift and will do our best ot fit him into the line at the right time.|year=2009|month=03|day=10}}</ref> and finally acknowledged by Hasbro at [[BotCon 2009]] when early design sketches were unveiled for Drift's toy. The toy itself was first shown at [[Toy Fair 2010]].
*As may be surmised from this page's captions, the large amount of hype surrounding Drift's initial introduction—along with perceptions that he was little more than a stereotypical badass fan-created character with Japanese samurai/ninja stereotypes added in for maximum awesomeness—led to a considerable backlash against the character when he was first announced. The hype included not only his own ''Spotlight'' issue, followed later by a four-issue mini-series, but also an appearance in "[[I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime]]", a book intended to advertise the ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' toys... whose ranks don't actually include a Drift figure. The character's actual appearances in fiction, however, have not spawned nearly as much vitriol, and the later (re)interpretation by author [[James Roberts]] actually resulted in many a fan changing their opinion of the character.
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Black Drift.jpg|thumb|I AM THE STORM THAT IS APPROACHING!]]
*A mock-up of a black redeco of ''Generations'' Drift in colours based on his [[Drift (AOE)|''Age of Extinction'' counterpart]] appeared in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 1]]'' as one of ten potential exclusives for Vol. 2. This "Autobot Drift Black Ver." (placeholder name) didn't win the [[Fan polls#Generations Magazine Exclusive Character Popularity Vote|poll]] to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, ending up in fourth place with 12.7% of the votes.<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>
*Roberts has said "there's different facets" to Drift and his environment has an impact on how he presents himself.<ref>{{citesocial|link=http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/2015/02/26/james-roberts-on-idws-transformers-more-that-meets-the-eye/|site=Women Write About Comics|name=James Roberts|year=2015|month=02|day=26}}</ref> Drift himself says in [[Drift - Empire of Stone issue 3|''Empire of Stone'' #3]] that he dives into new personas, both his brooding loner and his hippie ones, to cover up the parts of himself that he doesn't like.
*James Roberts stated that IDW Drift is forged and from [[Rodion]].<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/justroddythings/status/887913857641009152|quote=So, if Drift and Quark are both "of Rodion", that makes them both forged from Rodion's hotspot, am I right? So same age?|name=justroddythings|site=Twitter|year=2017|month=07|day=20}} {{citesocial|link=https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/887930876348305408|quote=Unless the hot spot flared twice, which is rare but possible, you're right.|name=James Roberts|site=Twitter|year=2017|month=07|day=20}}</ref>
*He is a favorite of voice actor [[Eric Bauza]], which gave him a chance to voice [[Drift (RID)|a different Drift]].
*Drift's appearance in the [[Soundwave's Trap? Stop Operation Brainwash Humanity!|''Kre-O'' comic]] uses existing ''Kre-O'' pieces for his design, sporting the [[Prowl (Kre-O)|Prowl]]/[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] helmet and a katana-style sword on his back.
*In ''Earth Wars'', Drift has "Penance" and "Vengeance" written in [[Alphabet#Decepticon script|Decepticon script]] on one of his swords; the other has "Forgive" written in [[Alphabet#Autobot script|Autobot script]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Drift''' (ドリフト ''Dorifuto''), '''Deadlock''' (デッドロック ''Deddorokku'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Piuji''' (飄移, "Drift")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Piāoyí''' (China, 漂移, "Drift")

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Primus Vanguard}}

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:White Order]]

Topspin (DOTM)

2024-07-26T06:53:16Z

SideswipeLambor:

{{factions|autobot|wreckers|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Topspin}}
:''Topspin is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[movie continuity family]].''

[[File:Topspin-dotm-nizzi-production.jpg|right|thumb|400px|YOU DON'T DESERVE TO KNOW MY NAME!]]

If it doesn't result in at least a few dings and scraped paint, '''Topspin''' isn't interested. To him, buckled and burnt armor are signs of a life well-led. As one of the [[Wreckers]], he's proud of being one tough bot, and is more than happy to wear the scars to prove it. He is sometimes called '''Volleybot'''.

==Fiction==
===Movies===
====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
[[File:DOTM-Topspinchicago.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Spy's sappin mah sentry!]]

Topspin, Leadfoot, and Roadbuster - collectively called the [[Wreckers]] by [[Charlotte Mearing]] - had arrived with the second wave of Autobots aboard their ship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]''. Rarely allowed out of the [[NASA]] base because of their attitude, they would spend most of their time repairing their ship with help from some human engineers, notably [[Robert Epps]].

When [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] announced that all other Autobots were to be exiled or the [[Earth]] would face the wrath of hundreds of Decepticons, the three were tasked with preparing their ship for launch. They accompanied [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and the others aboard as it lifted into the atmosphere, where it was promptly targeted and blown to smithereens by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], seemingly killing everyone aboard. Despite the loss, the Autobots' human allies planned to launch an incursion into Decepticon-held [[Chicago]].

[[File:TopspinDaytona500trailer.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Talkin'boutthattheredangol'"Wreck'nRule!"man..."]]

Fortunately for the humans, the Autobots hadn't actually boarded the ship - rather, they'd staged their deaths in order to keep the Decepticons from following up on their global threat. Topspin and the other Wreckers swung into action immediately, rescuing Epps, [[Sam Witwicky]], and a group of soldiers from a [[Orbital Assault Carrier|Decepticon fighter]] and executing the pilot before heading into the battle zone.

While the Autobots were scouting a route to the building containing Sentinel's [[Space bridge]] pillars, [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his pet [[Driller]] were able to separate Optimus from his weapons trailer. Optimus ordered Topspin and the other Wreckers to create a distraction so that he could retrieve it; they were successful in drawing the Decepticon's attention by peppering him with automatic fire in their armored racecar modes. When forced to retreat, they unknowingly left behind [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], who had hitched a ride with them. When Optimus became entangled in a construction site's exposed cables, the Wreckers managed to free him before rejoining the battle. They were later seen fighting against [[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]. Following Optimus's execution of the enemy leaders, Topspin stood with the other survivors, accepting that Cybertron was gone forever and that Earth was their new home. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

{{note|Topspin’s involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the novels "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]," and "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]," the comic mini-series "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]," and the storybooks "[[Optimus Prime's Friends and Foes]]" and "[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Mix & Match]]."}}

====''Age of Extinction'' film====
After the battle for Chicago, [[Harold Attinger]]'s "[[Cemetery Wind]]" began hunting down the Autobots in addition to the remaining Decepticons on Earth. Topspin received a message from Optimus Prime, instructing all Autobots to flee for their lives.

Five years later, Optimus questioned Topspin's absence, to which [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] replied that it was uncertain if anyone else evaded Cemetery Wind. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

====''The Last Knight'' film====
[[File:TLK-Volleybot-waits-to-play-volleyball.jpeg|thumb|300px|Change, change, change!]]
{{Voiceactor|[[Steven Barr]] (credited as "Volleybot")|[[Zhang Yaohan]] (Chinese), [[Raymundo Armijo]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}

Over 5 years after the Chicago war, Topspin (now sporting a [[Facial hair|beard]]) was among several Autobots that were granted asylum in [[Cuba]] by [[Raúl Castro|Castro]]. He constantly pestered [[Seymour Simmons]] to play volleyball with him; at one point, he had been badgering Simmons during an important phone call with [[Edmund Burton|someone]], which led to visible annoyance. Still, once the call was over, Simmons went to the beach with him. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}
{{-}}

===''The Creation Revoltech!''===
[[File:Creation Revoltech Wreckers.jpg|thumb|right]]
Topspin and the other Wreckers cheered Optimus Prime on when he used the power of the [[Revoltech Unit]] to send [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] packing. {{storylink|The Creation Revoltech!}}
{{-}}

===''BeCool'' shorts===
'''Blue Sports Car''' (青のスポーツカー ''Ao no Supōtsu Kā'') was part of the audience of ''Quiz! BeCool''. {{storylink|The Story of Quiz! BeCool}}

==Games==
===''MechTech Weapons Challenge''===
Bumblebee could use Topspin's combat claw to aid him in his missions to retrieve MechTech weapons technology stolen by the Decepticons. {{storylink|MechTech Weapons Challenge}}

===''Bot Shots Battle Game!''===
[[File:Bsbg-topspin.jpg|thumb|Eyyyyyyy!]]
Topspin participated in numerous one-on-one matches against other Autobots and Decepticons, using his fists, his sword, or his gun to defeat his opponents. Sometimes, he even faced off against himself! {{storylink|Bot Shots Battle Game!}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Dark of the Moon''===
====''Cyberverse''====
[[File:DOTM_Cyberverse_Topspin_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Transforms from NASCAR racer to bemulleted, Razorblade-sporting NASCAR fan.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' (Cyberverse Legion Class, [[2011]])}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''1'''
:*''Number:'' '''004'''
:*''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV10'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

: Part of the first wave of [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] toys, Topspin is a [[Legends Class (2005)|Legion-scale]] figure that transforms into a [[NASCAR]] {{w|Chevrolet Impala#NASCAR Sprint Cup|Sprint Cup Chevy Impala}} stock car, specifically {{w|Jimmie Johnson}}'s Lowes and Kobalt sponsored #48 car. Like the other NASCAR-based ''DOTM'' toys, both versions of Topspin lack the multiple small "contingency" sponsor decals found on a full-sized NASCAR racer.

: He's a [[shellformer]] with a two-step transformation and as a consequence, his robot mode is very small compared to the Legion Class toys of his two fellow Wreckers. In addition, unlike the his two fellow Wreckers, his vehicle mode is an unchanged version of the real-life stock car he's based on, even though the movie depicted all three Wreckers with their weapons permanently exposed in vehicle mode. Thus, he stands out next to Leadfoot and Roadbuster in ''both'' modes.

:The [[stock photography|stock photos]] depicted on his [[packaging]] (see also the image to the left), which feature a hand-painted [[prototype]], show him with his forearms/hands swapped compared to the final toy: In the stock photos, it's the ''right'' hand that's an articulated claw while the ''left'' hand is sculpted to hold Cyberverse weapons or clip onto [[C joint]] bars, whereas the respective arms can be found on the opposite sides on the final toy. The [[instructions]], which depict an ''unpainted'' resin prototype, match up with the final toy, thus implying that the prototype used for the stock photos was [[misassembly|misassembled]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/LegTopspin/topspin.htm More information on Cyberverse Topspin at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Deluxe}}

====Deluxe Class====
[[File:DOTM_Deluxe_Topspin.jpg|thumb|300px|Well no wonder he's won five championships in a row. Look at that thing.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' (MechTech Deluxe Class, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Japanese ID number:'' '''DA10'''
:*''Accessories:'' MechTech blaster/combat claw, two small guns, two large guns
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] and [[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxes, Topspin transforms into a heavily modified version of the same #48 Sprint Cup car as the Cyberverse Legion toy, with two sets of two differently-sized removable guns mounted onto [[5 mm post|5 mm post holes]] on the roof and sides of the vehicle. As part of the [[MechTech]] series, he has a blaster that converts into a "combat claw", and this weapon, as well as his four removable guns, can be used by other ''Dark of the Moon'' MechTech toys or any other ''Transformers'' toy with 5 mm post holes. The back halves of his vehicle mode can be folded back together into a more compact kibble backpack.

:Though he has prominent claws on his arms, Topspin does have fists sculpted onto his forearms.

:The Japanese release comes packed with a character card and an accompanying transparent plastic card of his MechTech weapon for the MechTech Wars online game.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Topspin/topspin.htm More information on Deluxe Topspin at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AutobotArmor}}
[[File:DOTM_Deluxe_Autobot_Armor_Topspin.JPG|thumb|300px|After much consideration, Topspin joins [[X-Men|X-Force]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Armor Topspin''' (MechTech Deluxe Class, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Japanese ID Number:''
:*''Accessories:'' MechTech blaster/combat claw, two small guns, two large guns

: A [[redeco]] of the Deluxe Topspin, "Armor Topspin" now is cast in light gray, gunmetal, and black, and has Kobalt Tools as his primary sponsor instead of Lowe's. He does, however, have Lowe's and Spring logos on his body. His MechTech weapon has now been redecoed to be completely black.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/ArmorTopspin/topspin.htm More information on Autobot Armor Topspin at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AutobotRacers}}
[[File:DOTMAutobotTeamRacers.jpg|thumb|300px|DAYTONA, LET'S GO AWAY!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Team Racers''' ([[Target]] [[exclusive]] MechTech Deluxe Class 2-pack, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' MechTech blaster/combat claw, two small guns, two large guns

:This two-pack was originally represented at the [[BotCon 2011]] Hasbro slide show by stock photography of an unaltered deluxe Topspin (as a new character named Twin Twist) and, uh, ''Human Alliance'' Leadfoot. It has since been announced to be canceled along with some of the other US releases. A later [[eBay]] auction of this unreleased two-pack revealed that [[Leadfoot (DOTM)#AutobotRacers|Leadfoot]] (now the Deluxe Class toy) would have come with an completely unaltered Topspin figure (instead of Twin Twist), while Leadfoot himself would have featured his sponsor logos, such as the bullseye logo on his gut.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=87087 Thread about eBay auction of Target-exclusive "Autobot Team Racers" two-pack]</ref>

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}{{anchor|DOTMActivators}}

====Robo Power====
[[File:DOTM_Activators_Topspin.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"I ain't go no fingers!"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' (Activators, 2011)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Lenny Panzica]] (Hasbro)}}

:Released as part of the [[Robo Power]] subline of Activators, Topspin features a one-step transformation: squeezing down on his orange exhaust pipes will cause him to transform into robot mode, and squeezing down again on them will transform him right back into vehicle mode. Topspin features articulation at his shoulders, and has both pincers and hands molded onto his arms. Although he has his NASCAR logos in place (including the Lowe's and Sprint Cup logos), his windows are unpainted.

:Topspin was released in an open package that allowed children to touch him. Transformation was prevented by way of twist ties and a plastic tray.
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:Bot_Shots_Topspin.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"That's what we tell ourselves, isn't it Boomhauer.."]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' ([[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Series'': '''1'''
:*''Number'': '''B011'''
:**''Fist strength'': '''660'''
:**''Blaster strength'': '''470'''
:**''Sword strength'': '''490'''

:Released as part of the third wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'', Topspin transforms into a weaponized stock car. Topspin's main car body, arms and legs are also used by ''Bot Shots'' [[Barricade (Movie)/toys|Barricade]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]].

:This mold was also used to make [[Wildrider (G1)|Brake-Neck]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/BSTopspin/topspin.htm More information on Topspin at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''BeCool''===
[[File:BotShots_BeCool_BlueSportsCarTopspin.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Blue Sports Car (Topspin)''' (2012)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''B09'''

:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "Blue Sports Car" is practically identical to the ''Bot Shots'' Topspin toy, the only difference being that his stickers don't depict power levels but instead drawings of his vehicle mode, a couple of tires and a gas pump.
{{-}}

===''Movie Edition''===
[[File:TTC-toy Topspin.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' (Tiny Turbo Changer, [[2020]])}}</ul>
:*''Series'': '''5'''
:*''ID code'': '''C'''

: Released in series 5 of the ''Movie Edition [[Tiny Turbo Changers]]'', "Autobot Topspin" is a small, minimally-painted soft-plastic figure that transforms from armored stock car to robot in just a few short steps. Since his hands are big clamps, he has two small post holes sculpted on his wrists so he can still hold 3 mm weapons like many other Tiny Turbo Changers.

: He comes in a [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] bag, 2 per case of 24 figures; luckily, the ID code indicating the figure inside is stamped into the lower-right corner of the back of the bag.

: Series 5 only ''barely'' made it to retail. Very few retailers and virtually no online outlets offered this Series, and the few places they could be found, like [[Target]], apparently got very very few of them.
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:Studio-Series-63-Deluxe-Topsin.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|For screen-accuracy for ''The Last Knight'', replace his head with Leadfoot's.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Topspin''' (Deluxe Class, 2020)}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''63'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-56'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[September 26]], 2020
:*''Accessories'': Left & right machineguns, two clamps, "Battle of [[Chicago]]" backdrop (1st version)

: Part of the tenth wave of ''[[Studio Series]]'' Deluxes, this iteration of Topspin is heavily accurate to his appearance in ''Dark of Moon'', transforming into a heavily-armored version of {{w|Jimmie Johnson}}'s #48 [[NASCAR]] {{w|Chevrolet Impala#NASCAR Sprint Cup|Sprint Cup Chevy Impala}} stock car, albeit without the Lowe's/Kobalt logos (as Lowe's had stopped sponsoring Johnson after his disastrous 2018 season, the first where he went winless). Just like his fellow teammates, his wheels feature "ULTRA" and "WRECKERS" labels. In robot mode, his clamp accessories are designed to peg neatly just behind his wrists, and while the machineguns cannot peg on the underside of his forearms (where they go on the movie model) you can at least get close by pegging them into the holes on the clamps. In vehicle mode, the machineguns go just behind his doors and the clamps store on his car-mode underside. He also includes a cardboard backdrop display depicting a war-torn Chicago.

: Although this figure is mostly a brand new mold, he shares some parts with his fellow ''Studio Series'' [[Roadbuster (DOTM)#Studio Series|Roadbuster]]: his elbows, hands, rear wheels and double-ended shoulder kibble joints are the exact same molded pieces, just in different colored plastics.

: His guns (including the top two on the roof of the car that aren't removable) and clamps are cast in ''very'' soft plastic and may be deformed right out of the package. They can be brought back to intended shape by dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds or applying a little bit of heat with a hairdryer.

: The tips of all four of Topspin's guns are compatible with blast effect pieces from any of the figures released in the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' toylines.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Speed Stars''===
====Mini-Vehicles====
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' (2011)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Stealth Force'''
:*''Number:'' '''3 of 5'''

:A repaint of the concurrently released Leadfoot from the same line, Topspin is a weaponized NASCAR stock car with a newly molded relief sculpture of his robot mode on the vehicle underside. Topspin's ''[[Speed Stars]]'' toy and packaging art are strange. It uses [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]'s vehicle mode for the most part, with the minor alteration of Topspin's hood armour, and of course, the Jimmie Johnson Lowes sponsored #48 car deco.

:As with other Speed Star vehicles, the figure displayed on the back of Topspin's card has several color variations compared to the final product, such that the figure on the cardback is much brighter in several regards:

:*The cardback depicts greyish weapons being mounted on the vehicles, while the final product mounts weapons that are almost black.

:*The cardback depicts a bright blue and an equally bright red, while the final product uses duller shades. The result is that while the robot mode on the final figure is almost the same color as the black backing, the robot mode on the cardback is clearly visible.

:*The cardback depicts white paint on the lip of the car, which is clearly visible above his head in robot mode; this strip is absent on the final product.

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====''Stealth Force''====
[[File:DOTM_StealthForce_Topspin.jpg|thumb|300px|Of course it's stealthy, he's {{w|Dazzle camouflage|dazzle-painted}}!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Autobot Topspin''' (Basic, 2011)}}</ul>

: ''[[Stealth Force]]'' Topspin is a non-transforming (to a robot, that is) stock car. Instead, he features an [[attack mode]] of sorts, wherein pulling or pushing his spoiler will deploy/retract various weapons from his rear wheels, running boards/door halves, side windows, front wheels, and hood. He uses [[Sticker|decal]]s for the "LOWE'S" marking on his trunk, and for the small sponsor markings near his front wheels.
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==Notes==
*Like his fellow Wreckers, Topspin appears to be patterned after a sunglasses-wearing, big chinned, {{w|Mullet (haircut)|majestically mulleted}} NASCAR fan stereotype.
*According to a profile during FOX's coverage of the 2011 Daytona 500, the real-world Topspin prop car has 510 horsepower and a 11:1 compression ratio. The real NASCAR #48 has 850 horsepower and a 12:1 compression ratio.
*As part of the promotion for ''Dark of the Moon'', the film prop versions of Topspin, [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], and [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]] made appearances at the [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]]. They appeared both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.
[[File:DOTM-Topspin-Tempest-protoform-concept-art.jpg|thumb|What the ..!? Is he holding a XENOMORPH!?|290px]]
**As an aside, FOX commentator Mike Joy referred to Topspin as "Wrecker", which is the name of his team, not the character's actual name.
*Early working names for him included '''Tempest''' and '''Warpath'''.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
* In January 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wreckers]], who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown. Considering Topspin never spoke in the film, it's possible his voice would have been provided by Faggerbakke had he been in the film.
**Since then, Topspin was the only one of the three Wreckers (and for that matter, the only new Autobot in the third film) not to have any spoken lines. That is eventually fixed six years later in ''The Last Knight'', where he speaks in a Southern accent.
*Despite showing kibble based on {{w|Jimmie Johnson}}'s Lowe's sponsored Chevrolet Impala SS, his concept art shows him with the headlights of a Toyota Camry.
* Concept art was produced of Topspin's [[protoform]] stage, but ultimately never made its way into the film proper.
*In ''The Last Knight'', Topspin somewhat inexplicably sports Leadfoot's head. This may be because, as Topspin had no dialogue in ''Dark of the Moon'', his own head model had never been rigged to speak, but this is purely conjectural.
**When the film was released, it was unclear whether or not "Volleybot" was meant to actually be a new character or Topspin. A later Transformers Fan Favorite poll held on the Transformers Movie web site credited Topspin as appearing in both ''Dark of the Moon'' and ''The Last Knight'', along with using a picture of Volleybot as his mug shot, confirming that Volleybot is in fact Topspin.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/official-confirmation-that-volleybot-is-topspin.1122432/]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Topspin''' (トップスピン ''Toppusupin'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shàngxuàn''' (China, 上旋, "Topspin")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Studio Series Autobots]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Autobots]]
[[Category:Wreckers]]